Planning

Chapter 125 Planning (Bonus chapter for Wenzhou Pikachu CT Alliance Leader)

In July, the cicadas chirped incessantly, and the sweltering heat surged like waves. Yang Can followed the maid leading the way through the grapevines laden with green grapes, and even the breeze under the eaves carried a hint of dampness.

The dense vines filtered out the scorching sun, leaving only dappled patterns of light and shadow on the blue bricks.

Suo Chanzhi leaned against the soft couch covered with an ice-patterned mat, her light blue silk skirt loosely covering her swollen belly. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep, her slender fingers holding a plain dough fan, fanning herself idly.

Yang Can stopped by the pillar and silently waved to the little maid.

Now that he and Suo Chanzhi are in charge of the affairs of the main branch, their prestige is growing day by day. Even with such an "improper" order, the little maid dared not hesitate for a moment. She immediately knelt down, curtsied, and tiptoed away quietly.

Yang Can walked lightly, his boots making almost no sound as they stepped over the blue bricks.

He slowly squatted down beside the soft couch, his gaze first falling on Suo Chanzhi's protruding belly, his eyes instantly filled with a tenderness that could melt into water.

As Suo Chanzhi drifted off to sleep, the fan in her hand was suddenly and gently snatched away. The next second, a cool breeze brushed against her cheek. Her eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, meeting Yang Can's smiling gaze.

Yang Can half-squatted in front of the couch, his gaze meeting hers, his eyes filled with the sparse light filtering in from the corridor.

"You're back?" Suo Chanzhi smiled sweetly and lazily raised her hand. Although she was pregnant, she was not yet twenty and still occasionally revealed the naivety of a young girl.

"The autumn harvest is almost over. Next, we need to hold a banquet to thank the farmers, and we also need to organize an autumn hunt for the troops. We also need to come back and finalize the matter of rewarding those who have made contributions."

Yang Can held the round fan between his fingertips and gently fanned her, his voice very low: "You should frequently consult with the clan leader and report your movements to him. That way, he will trust me more."

Although Yu Xinglong naturally took over the position of clan leader because of his status as the eldest son of the Yu family, he was born with a weak body and would get sick even when the temperature changed with the seasons.

His temperament was much weaker than that of his second brother, Yu Huanhu, so some people in the clan paid lip service to him but did not take him seriously.

Since the death of the eldest son, Yu Chengye, the eldest branch of the family has been without an heir for a time. The clansmen, seeing the current combination of "a sick and weak old clan leader + a young heir", have even lost some of their superficial respect.

Yu Xinglong was well aware of this, but now Yang Can was "reporting everything." Even though he could see that Yang Can was putting on an act to curry favor, he was happy to accept this "respect." After all, fewer and fewer people were willing to bow down to him.

This "willingness" will ultimately translate into tangible rewards for Yang Can.

Suo Chanzhi sighed softly: "When I came up with the idea of ​​the 'Feast to Reward Farmers,' I was hoping to personally host the banquet at Feng'an Village. That way, I could meet you in private. Who knew that when the time actually came, I would find that my body was too heavy to go down the mountain."

Yang Can chuckled and said, "If you don't go to Feng'an Village, does that mean we won't have a chance to meet in private?"

Suo Chanzhi suddenly remembered that absurd "Three Variations on Plum Blossom," and her ears turned red. She playfully slapped him lightly. The slap landed squarely on Yang Can's palm, and he grasped her soft hand.

“Li Youcai has been promoted to Foreign Affairs Steward and has already moved to Tianshui City.” Yang Can held her hand, his fingertips gently stroking the gold bracelet on her wrist: “I plan to connect his house with my courtyard, and add a few more side rooms to make it a large courtyard that is connected together.”

Suo Chanzhi leaned lazily against the soft couch, her tone tinged with indulgence: "Even if you want to build a heavenly palace, I won't stop you. Just go ahead and do it."

“Not only that.” Yang Can changed the subject, looking at the stream that ran through the back of the house outside the corridor: “I also want to divert some water from that stream into my yard, build a small pond, build a few artificial hills, and plant some weeping willows and lotus flowers.”

These words made Suo Chanzhi's lazy gaze become more serious: "You have to say this? But you've been spending a lot lately, and you're not making ends meet. How much money are you short? I'll take it from your dowry and not go through the eldest son's family's accounts, so no one will know."

Yang Can was taken aback, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. Suo Chanzhi's heart was finally leaning towards him, little by little.

Yang Can said softly, "I was thinking that if the environment is improved, it will be more convenient for you to visit the children in the future. Of course, the children can also go to the back house from time to time."

Suo Chanzhi longed for such a beautiful scene, but suddenly realized that the child would not be legally recognized by her, so how could she see him often?
Suo Chanzhi's mood immediately plummeted. She tightened her grip on Yang Can's hand and suddenly whispered, "If I give birth to a daughter, let's not fight over it, okay?"

Suo Chanzhi withdrew her hand, her fingertips gently stroking her lower abdomen, a soft light appearing in her eyes.

She knew that if she gave birth to a boy, the eldest branch of the family would have an heir, and this "struggle" would have to continue with gritted teeth. Even if she didn't fight for the position of heir, she would still have to fight for a position that no one would dare to underestimate, just like Yu Huanhu.

If you show weakness and back down, the best outcome is that you turn the child into a clown like Leopard Third Master. Worse still, the child becomes a target from the moment they are born; if you don't fight back, you die.

If she has a daughter, then it won't matter, right? Then there's no need to "switcheroo" and bring in a son; her daughter can stay by her side. The only cost is that the eldest son's lineage will die out, and the existing wealth and power will have to be gradually relinquished.

But the thought that otherwise, her own flesh and blood would be separated by a layer of "switching" and even holding her in her own hands would become a luxury made Suo Chanzhi's heart ache as if it were being pricked by needles.

As my belly grew heavier day by day and the day of delivery drew closer, my determination to become a mother grew stronger and stronger.

Yang Can was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, and then an irrepressible joy welled up in his eyes.

The child in her womb already weighed more in Suo Chanzhi's heart than her responsibility to her family, which was good!
When her heart leans towards blood ties, then the weight of him, the child's biological father, will naturally be heavier in Suo Chanzhi's heart.

Wasn't he worried before that if something happened, Suo Chanzhi would still stand against him and his family?

But... Suo Chanzhi's plan to give up is doomed.

Yang Can gently shook his head.

Seeing him shake his head, Suo Chanzhi's eyes flashed with a hint of anger: "You have already established yourself firmly in front of the clan leader. Even if the eldest branch is disbanded, it won't hinder your future. He will still value you!"

Suo Chanzhi's tone became more urgent, thinking that Yang Can was greedy for power and unwilling to give up his current position.

Yang Can smiled. He was afraid that Suo Chanzhi would become a cold, impersonal political machine. Her concern, tinged with reproach, made him feel more at ease.

“I know.” Yang Can gently held her hand, his fingertips brushing against her knuckles: “But have you thought about it? If you give birth to a daughter, the eldest son’s line will end, and the existing property rights will be gradually divided up.”

Suo Chanzhi said, "So what? The Yu family will not skimp on my and my child's food and supplies. Even if the Yu family doesn't provide, my dowry will be enough to ensure my child's well-being."

Yang Can ignored her words and continued, "You have a generous dowry, and you don't care about 'living off your family's wealth, fine! Then, this child will grow up day by day..."

Yang Can fell into his own thoughts, beginning to transform into a doting father, and worriedly considered things far into the future.

Yang Can said, "When she grows up, it will be time to discuss marriage. Our daughter has no right to choose who she likes. Whoever is best for the family to marry her off to will be arranged by the family. You have no say in it, because at that time you will have no influence over the head of the clan, and I cannot say anything."

Suo Chanzhi was stunned. As her belly grew bigger day by day, she kept thinking about the pain of not being able to breastfeed her or take care of her day and night if she gave birth to a daughter. But... Yang Can was thinking about more than ten years into the future.

Yang Can said, "The family she marries must be a prominent family that the Yu family looks up to. But how could such a family allow the eldest son of the main branch to marry a girl who has no family support? When she marries, her husband will most likely be a member of a collateral branch and will have no influence in his family. What status can she, a wife with no roots, have?"

Suo Chanzhi's expression gradually changed. She suddenly thought of herself. Did she have a choice in whom she would marry?

If the Suo family weren't more powerful than the Yu family, and if the Yu family weren't seeking favors from the Suo family, how could she, a daughter who wasn't born of the main wife, possibly marry the eldest son of the Yu family? Most likely... she would be married off by her family to a younger version of the Third Master Leopard, right?
Yang Can continued to speculate on the future: "Even if she is lucky enough to meet a considerate husband, he is not important in his family. As a newlywed, she will become even less important because she has no one to support her in her own family. Can we guarantee that her in-laws, sisters-in-law, and other relatives are all kind-hearted and gentle women?"

Yang Can sighed bitterly, "When she suffers injustice, you might not even hear the news here, and I won't even have a reason to intervene. I can only watch helplessly."

Suo Chanzhi's face gradually paled, and Yang Can said helplessly, "What about the Suo family? Granny Tu has already informed the Suo family of the 'switching the dragon for the phoenix' plan. If we suddenly stop competing, will the Suo family tolerate a daughter like you who 'ruined the plan'?"

"Then... then what should we do?" Suo Chanzhi finally understood that "not fighting" was not a suitable way out for her, but rather a path that could lead to countless regrets in the future.

"Proceed according to the original plan."

Yang Can's tone became firm: "As long as the eldest branch of the family is alive, your position is secure. As for our daughter, I will make her Qingmei's daughter. Qingmei's child is my child, and I can openly love and protect her. You and Qingmei are like sisters, treat the child as your own, and visit her often. Who can say anything against that?"

He looked at Suo Chanzhi's eyes, which were gradually brightening, and continued, "In the future, the baby boy and the daughter we exchanged will grow up together, childhood sweethearts. If they like each other, that would be the best."

Even if they're just like siblings, it's still better than letting our daughter become a tool for a political marriage. Only when you've secured your position as the eldest daughter-in-law, and have power and influence, can you truly pave a stable and happy path for her.

Yes, Suo Chanzhi thought. With Qingmei as a cover, she could still see her beloved daughter often. And she needed to secure her position as the eldest son's wife, becoming a powerful and influential one, in order to pave a happy path for her own daughter.

At the very least, a daughter should be able to make her own choice when it comes to men, just like... back on the Dry Bone Beach, with three hundred brave men, I could choose whoever I wanted.

……

During the autumn harvest season, Feng'an Fort is filled with the aroma of roasted millet even in the morning mist, and everyone walks a little faster than usual.

Farmers had to harvest the last wheat before the sun blazed down, and the accountant had to verify the harvest figures.

Even the old women at the stove have to prepare the rice for lunch in advance so that people who go to the fields can have a hot meal when they return.

At dawn, the sky was still shrouded in darkness, with a few remaining stars hanging on the eaves of the courtyard. However, the paper windows of Li Damu's residence lit up first.

The dim candlelight shone through the window lattice, casting flickering shadows on the bluestone slabs, revealing Xiao Tan's figure as she quietly tidied up the account books.

Just as Li Damu sat up, supporting himself on the edge of the couch, a neatly folded blue cloth robe was handed to him.

The fabric still carried the dry scent of starching, and the cuffs had been mended by Xiao Tan with stitches so fine they were almost invisible.

"Master, please sit down and rest for a while. The millet porridge on the stove is still warm. I'll go and get it for you right away."

Xiao Tan's voice was soft and gentle. When she saw Li Damu drowsily hum "Mmm," she turned around, lifted the curtain, and went out.

Li Damu slipped off his shoes and casually pulled out a ledger from the ones Xiao Tan had just tidied up.

The pages of this ledger were worn and curled up from being turned so many times, and there were even a few old ink stains on the corners.

This is the village's "green register," which records in detail which plots of land were planted with millet and which with buckwheat in the spring, the acreage, and the estimated yield.

Li Damu's fingertip paused on the line "Ten mu of millet on the west slope," his fingertip stroking the paper as he began to calculate in his mind:
Today we need to go to the west slope to check the harvest, then go to the south field to see the newly harvested beans, and in the evening we'll calculate the expenses for the "Feast to Reward Farmers".

A moment later, Xiao Tan came in carrying a food tray.

The porridge in the white porcelain bowl was steaming, with a few grains of millet floating on top, and a sliced ​​salted egg placed next to it.

The egg yolks were oily and moist, they were double-yolk eggs that she had specially chosen, along with a dish of crisp pickled radish and a golden-brown baked flatbread, the sesame seeds sprinkled on it still glistening.

She gently placed the food plate on the table and thoughtfully handed the chopsticks to Li Damu.

Now, Xiao Tan is very fond of Mr. Li. If Mr. Li hadn't taken her in the first place, she would probably be sold off to someone else, just like Sang Zhi.

A few days ago, I heard from an old woman that Madam Zhang was going to sell off most of the maids in her household who had indentures, and Sangzhi's name was on that list.

Xiao Tan thought of how Sang Zhi was prettier than herself, and couldn't help but worry about Sang Zhi.

If it falls into the hands of a kind-hearted family, that would be fine, but if it happens to be a short-tempered master or a difficult mistress, then one might not even be able to eat a hot meal in peace.

Thinking this, her gaze towards Li Damu softened even more. Mr. Li treated her gently and was generous with his monthly allowance.

In her heart, Mr. Li had long been her pillar of support and support. Now she only hoped to give birth to a son or daughter for Mr. Li Damu, and she would try her best!
The sun at dawn finally climbed over the hillside, turning the fields a golden-red hue.

Li Damu hurriedly walked out, carrying his pen, ink, and the newly compiled "grain collection ledger."

Just as they reached the courtyard gate, Xiao Tan caught up with them carrying a cloth bag containing freshly baked meat pies, still warm from the stove fire, and a water pouch filled with cool water to quench their thirst.

"Master, look how rushed you are! You even forgot to bring any food!"

She stuffed the cloth bag into Li Damu's arms and earnestly instructed him, "The midday sun is scorching, sir. Be careful not to get heatstroke. Remember to wear a straw hat. If you get tired, find a tree to rest under for a while."

Li Damu squeezed the cloth bag, feeling its warmth, smiled and replied, "I know," before waving and heading towards the fields outside the village.

The fields were already a scene of bustling activity, with farmers bending over to harvest wheat, their figures rising and falling in the golden waves. The swishing sound of sickles cutting through the wheat stalks rose and fell, occasionally interspersed with shouts of encouragement.

"Accountant Li is here!"

"The millet on the west slope has all been harvested, and we're just waiting for you to come and count it!"

Li Damu, accompanied by two young farmhands, began inspecting the wheat fields at the east end, checking each plot one by one.

First, ask the farmer, "How much of this land was actually harvested?" Then watch the farmhands weigh the sacks of grain, and finally record the figures in the ledger by hand.

By the time he returned to the castle in the twilight, it was already dark.

At this point, he first had to go to the warehouse to check the total amount of grain received that day. He checked the accounts with Old Zhang, the warehouse manager, three times to make sure everything was correct before heading home.

At this moment, the lanterns in the fortress were lit, and the dim yellow light reflected on the bluestone road. Occasionally, the footsteps of villagers returning home and the laughter of children could be heard.

Back at his lodgings, Xiao Tan served him hot tea and then went to cook, while Li Damu laid out the accounts that he hadn't sorted out that day on the table and checked them one by one.

Then he took out a new ledger, which was used to calculate the expected expenses for the "Feast to Reward Farmers". He would send a portion of each expense to his young mistress, Qingmei.

He first listed the entire population of the village and the number of retainers from each farm who came for the autumn training on a piece of paper, and then calculated according to the number of people:
How much mutton and millet should we buy? How much firewood, oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar should we prepare?
Edamame and pickled vegetables, which the village already has, don't cost money, but alcohol and eggs have to be bought at the market; cooking utensils and tableware don't need to be bought new either, they can be borrowed from other villagers.

The abacus on the table was brought to him by Rena when she had it made by a craftsman. The ebony frame was polished to a shine, and Li Damu was becoming more and more skilled at using it. The "clattering" sound of the beads was particularly clear in the night.

He calculated it again and again until he was sure that all the numbers were correct. Then he wrote the results down on a separate piece of paper and gave it to his mistress the next day. His mistress would then arrange for someone to purchase and collect the items according to the list.

After dinner, a couple of cups of tea, and a quick wash, Li Damu loosened his outer robe and sprawled out on the couch.

The petite Xiao Tan obediently sat beside him and gently massaged his shoulders and thighs to relieve the soreness.

He was tired, but Li Damu closed his eyes and didn't complain at all.

Everyone could see that Steward Yang had a bright future ahead of him, and Li Damu was Yang Can's most capable accountant.

His future will not stop at the "accountant" stage; that's his motivation.

With this thought, Li Damu's fatigue vanished instantly, and he turned over and began working late into the night.

For whom are we working so hard? For whom are we busy?

He absolutely must have a son named Li Xiaomu!
……

The vast fields outside the village have lost their previous golden hue, and the exposed soil now has a moist, brownish-yellow hue.

Only the wildflowers along the field ridges are still blooming with all their might, their yellow flowers like scattered gold, their white flowers like falling snow, their red flowers like burning embers, and their purple flowers like crumpled silk, creating a vibrant and dazzling scene.

The last bundle of millet in the field was stored in the granary three days ago, and now the grain stacks in the threshing ground are taller than a person.

The old farmers, sleeves rolled up, circled the grain stacks, smiles beaming from ear to ear: "This harvest is the best we've seen in nearly ten years!"

The sound of horses' hooves grew louder and louder on the road leading out of the village.

The sergeant commanders and squad leaders, mounted on horseback, were dressed smartly, with black short jackets tied with red silk sashes, and swords at their waists, leading their soldiers.

The eight villages and four pastures that came for military training under the guise of the autumn hunt each selected two hundred elite troops. The troops were lined up neatly, and their steps were full of energy. No one wanted to be outdone by the other villages.

The drawbridge at Feng'an Fort had been lowered long ago, and the bluestone path had been swept clean, with not a single fallen leaf in sight.

Starting from the main hall of the Yang family mansion inside the fort, the banquet spread outwards, extending all the way to the open space outside the fort.

The earthenware bowls and basins were piled up on the long table, stretching as far as the eye could see. The sight was so spectacular that the newly arrived troop members couldn't help but stop and take a second look.

At this moment, many large pots of dishes have been served. The mutton, stewed until tender, is served in large earthenware bowls, sprinkled with chopped scallions, and a layer of oil floats on the milky white broth.

A large earthenware bowl was piled high with golden millet rice, each grain distinct, its aroma mingling with the scent of meat, making one's stomach rumble.

Dates, walnuts, and various dried fruits are packed in wicker baskets and placed on the corner of the table, serving as both appetizers and tempting treats for children.

The village women responsible for serving the dishes wore blue cloth aprons, which swept across the ground as they walked, their steps light and quick, as if they were walking on the wind.

They carried earthenware bowls and moved among the guests, the wildflowers tucked behind their ears swaying gently with their movements.

When a pretty, well-proportioned young woman walks by, several pairs of eyes will always secretly follow her around the table.

When choosing a wife, the farmers prefer women who are strong, capable, and fertile.

But when it comes to other people's wives, the prettier the better, the more they love to look at them.

Occasionally, someone couldn't help but whisper a few jokes, which made the young wife blush and raise her hand to slap him. He would then laugh like a big fool, not knowing what advantage he had gained.

"Deacon Yang has arrived!"

Someone shouted, and the noisy scene instantly fell silent.

Even the running and playing children stopped and stood obediently in place, more well-behaved than when they saw their own father.

Yang Can, dressed in a dark brocade robe with a leather belt with gilded buttons around his waist, walked over with an upright posture.

Kang Zhengyang and Leopard Head followed half a step behind him, one with a calm expression and the other with sharp eyes, both exuding an unambiguous aura.

Behind them, his adopted children, dressed neatly, followed timidly yet curiously, led by his young wife, Qingmei, their little faces full of earnestness, as if they were "about to see something big."

Yang Can steadily ascended the gate of Feng'an Fort.

The maple trees growing diagonally on the fortress wall were a vibrant red, their palm-sized leaves unfurling, a crimson expanse that looked like a red ribbon laid out before him.

At this moment, Feng'an Fortress, with him standing alone on the high ground, was the center of attention.

In fact, each village was also holding a "Feast to Reward Farmers" at this time. The eldest son's family even sent a steward to attend. The heads of each village and ranch naturally had to stay behind to take charge of the overall situation, so Yang Can was the only one in charge here.

"Fellow villagers, brothers from the eight villages and four pastures!"

Yang Can spoke up. He knew that most of the people at the banquet only cared about the quality of the food on the table, so he only spoke about the important points and tried to be concise.

He first announced the amount of this year's harvest, and a cheer erupted from below. With hope for the future, who wouldn't be happy?

Looking at the lively scene below, Yang Can felt even more confident; this harvest was his "protective charm."

If he wasn't confident he could achieve similar results after taking over the Eight Villages and Four Shepherds, who would dare covet his position?

He then briefly talked about next year's plans: how many new high-rise dump trucks to build and how much new farmland to reclaim.

Although most local villagers tend to cultivate their existing land, the two newly built villages require extensive land reclamation, making the amount of reclaimed land quite impressive.

He also mentioned the newly added nomadic tribe: "The mutton in everyone's bowls today was bought from them, it's cheap."

Many people nodded in agreement with this statement, noting that Tianshui's natural environment is indeed excellent nowadays.

The distant mountains blocked the cold wind, and the snowmelt from the mountains and the Long River provided ample water. The forests were lush and the vegetation abundant.

Although the grassland is not very large, the Yu family can now support three ranches, so adding another nomadic tribe would not be a heavy burden.

However, due to the limited size of the grassland, it is difficult for them to expand their scale further.

After finishing his explanation, Yang Can's gaze fell upon the retainers outside the fortress:

"Fellow villagers, peaceful days don't fall from the sky. We work hard and hope for good weather, but all of this requires someone to protect us."

"We're not facing any trouble right now, not because there isn't any, but because we, the brave brothers of the garrison, are here, and trouble doesn't dare to come!"

Upon hearing this, the retainers of various villages standing solemnly outside the fortress immediately straightened their backs, their shoulders taut, and their faces beaming with pride.

"Deacon Yang! We brothers are here to protect the estate and our fellow villagers! No matter what trouble comes our way, just give the word, Deacon Yang, and we'll go through fire and water without hesitation!"

It was Leopard Head who shouted.

Once Leopard Head shouted, the atmosphere was set; what else was there to say?
If you don't express your opinion, how will you feel about eating and drinking later?
More than two thousand soldiers from the eight villages and four pastures shouted in unison, their voices shaking the maple leaves: "We will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

The "Twenty-Eight Righteous Men" behind Yang Can looked at their godfather with admiration. "Godfather is so majestic!"

"Good! Good!"

Yang Can smiled and nodded, then raised his hand to press down: "Then, everyone, let's drink to our hearts' content! Let the feast begin!"

At this command, the entire Feng'an Village instantly became bustling with activity, like a flood bursting its banks.

Some people were busy grabbing seats, but those sitting in the corners couldn't reach all the dishes.

Some children reached out and grabbed the dried fruit from the wicker basket, stuffing it into their mouths while also passing a couple to their friends.

Even the retainers who had been standing ramrod straight relaxed, patted each other on the shoulder, and found a place to sit down.

Yang Can said something else, but the noisy laughter drowned out his voice.

Even if someone wanted to listen, they could only see him open his mouth, but couldn't hear what he said.

Yang Can was currently pledging his loyalty, shouting loudly, "Everyone, eat and drink well!"
The martial arts practice begins tomorrow. Let's all show the might of our Yu clan!

For the sake of the clan leader, for the sake of the Yu family, for the sake of our homeland, train hard!

Unfortunately, the sound didn't travel very far.

The sounds of tables and chairs being moved, adults calling to children, children crying for their parents, and friends clinking bowls together created a chaotic and noisy cacophony.

However, Yang Can didn't mind at all. Looking at the lively scene below, he even smiled.

He raised his hand and waved to the people below. Seeing him wave, they became even less restrained. Since the steward had waved, what were they waiting for?

Open up!
As a result, apart from the elders of the village and the representatives of the craftsmen standing next to him, no one could hear Yang Can's words of loyalty clearly.

But no matter what, someone still heard it, right?
At least Wang the cobbler heard it; who knows how many other cobblers were inside.

(End of this chapter)