Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Jingzhe and Guyu came to attend to Shen Miao as she awoke. Upon entering the room, they saw Shen Miao sleeping on the couch, but her blanket had mysteriously disappeared, replaced by a fox fur coat covering her body.

Both maids were shocked. When they had left yesterday, everything was fine, and there certainly hadn’t been any fox fur coat. Where had it come from? Jingzhe woke Shen Miao, who, upon awakening, looked at the fox fur with confusion.

The plum blossom wine had a strong aftertaste, but as the farmer’s wife had said, she didn’t feel dizzy the next morning. Though her head wasn’t spinning, she couldn’t remember anything that had happened the previous night. She couldn’t even recall why she had insisted on staying alone in this room.

Guyu held up the snow-white fox fur and asked, “Miss, where did this fox fur come from?”

Shen Miao took the fur and shook her head.

“Miss, all your clothing boxes are here. Did you perhaps take it out yourself when you were drunk?” Jingzhe tentatively asked, “Though it seems like I’ve never seen this fox fur before.”

Neither maid suspected anything untoward, since Shen Miao was safe and sound, guards had been posted outside all night, and nothing untoward had occurred. It was just that the appearance of the fox fur was mysterious. Shen Miao said, “Take it out and ask the farmers if it belongs to them.”

When they asked the farmer, he immediately shook his head and said, “We don’t have such fine fox fur in our home. The young miss must be mistaken.”

Shen Qiu examined the fur coat and remarked, “This fox fur doesn’t look ordinary. Sister, where did you get this? It must be worth quite a bit of silver. The craftsmanship looks exquisite, though the tailoring isn’t perfect—it seems too large for you.”

Shen Miao took back the fox fur cape, puzzled in her heart. She truly couldn’t remember ever owning such a cape. However, hearing Shen Qiu say it was worth a considerable amount of silver, she naturally kept it, smoothly lying: “Now that you mention it, I remember. I think I bought it in the capital. Jingzhe, put it away.”

Jingzhe had been desperately trying to remember when Shen Miao might have purchased the cape. Hearing her mistress’s explanation, she didn’t dwell on it further and immediately responded with a “Yes,” storing the cape in the trunk. Shen Miao shook her head. Regardless of where the cape had come from, as they journeyed to Xiaochun City, they would likely need money in many places. Now that Shen Xin was not as wealthy as before, if a day came when they were truly in financial straits, she could exchange this cape for a decent sum of silver. With this thought, all her jumbled suspicions became irrelevant.

Time always passed exceptionally quickly.

Different mindsets led to different perceptions of the scenery. Though the journey to Xiaochun City was filled with mountains and winding rivers, bumpy and muddy roads, and despite the dusty travel, Shen Miao never once complained of fatigue. The soldiers from the Shen family’s former army, once considered burdens, had grown closer to Shen Xin’s remaining loyal followers through their shared hardships along the way.

Having left the capital in February at the beginning of spring, they finally arrived at Xiaochun City in early August.

Xiaochun City was situated on the frontier of the Ming Qi, a small city where the highest-ranking official was General Luo Sui, the military garrison commander. For years, Luo Sui had protected the people of Xiaochun City, allowing them to live in peace and prosperity. However, because of the great distance from the capital, everyone knew such a post was hardly considered a desirable assignment. Additionally, over the years, the Luo family’s army had largely disbanded, leaving the Luo family with only some local renown in Xiaochun City.

When the city gate guards saw Luo Xuenyan take out the Luo family’s token from her bosom, they immediately showed great respect and sent someone to notify the Luo family. Xiaochun City was small, and as Shen’s family entered with their entourage, they immediately drew the attention of the local people, who eagerly came forward to inquire. Upon learning that it was the Luo family’s married daughter returning with her family, a commotion of excitement erupted.

Jingzhe quietly lifted the carriage curtain to peek outside and said to Shen Miao, “Miss, this is Xiaochun City.”

Shen Miao took a glance outside.

Xiaochun City wasn’t as awful as the noble ladies in the capital had described. Though a small frontier town, it appeared lively. The sandstorms were a bit strong, which caused the local women to have slightly darker complexions than the capital’s ladies, less delicate. Perhaps due to the open-minded local customs, the people were all spirited and lively, somewhat mischievous, giving a vibrant impression. Shops and vendors lined the streets; the place was not materially deprived.

Jingzhe, looking around, grew increasingly pleased, her earlier apprehension completely gone. “Miss, Xiaochun City isn’t much different from the capital!”

“Does Jiaojiao like it here?” Luo Xuenyan asked anxiously. Her greatest fear was that Shen Miao wouldn’t adapt to living here. Luo Xuenyan, having grown up in Xiaochun City, naturally had no issues. Shen Qiu and Shen Xin, as military officers who had spent time on battlefields, wouldn’t complain either. It was only her delicately raised daughter who concerned her.

Shen Miao smiled, “This place is quite nice.”

Luo Xuenyan finally relaxed and smiled, “We’re going to your maternal grandfather’s home now. You haven’t met your grandfather since you were old enough to remember. You also have two uncles, three male cousins, and one female cousin. They’re all good people, and once we arrive, they’ll surely adore you.”

Madam Luo had died early, and Luo Sui had remained unmarried for many years. The Luo family had three siblings, with Luo Xuenyan being the youngest sister. When Shen Miao was born, the Luo family members had traveled a long distance to the capital to see her once. Since then, due to Xiaochun City being too far and their inability to leave, Shen Miao had never met her Luo family relatives. In her previous life, Shen Miao’s impression of the Luo family remained vague. Now, hearing Luo Xuenyan speak of them, she simply smiled.

At this moment, a crowd had already gathered in front of the Luo family residence. There were curious townspeople, as well as members of the Luo family themselves.

Luo Sui stood at the front, with two middle-aged couples behind him, and three young men and a young woman lined up behind the couples. The young men all had dignified features and imposing presences. Though still young, they already had the demeanor of tiger generals. The young woman had a healthy tan complexion, almond eyes, and a diamond-shaped mouth, clearly someone with a fiery personality. She tugged at the arm of the young man next to her and asked, “Big Brother, what kind of person do you think our cousin is?”

The young man she was pulling had a good temper and gently replied, “She should be a fine person.”

“What do you mean by ‘fine’? Can’t you be more specific?” The young woman persisted. “Is she beautiful? Looking at those young ladies who come to our Xiaochun City from the capital, each one is extremely beautiful, but their personalities are so delicate and annoying. Besides, didn’t that official’s daughter who visited Xiaochun City last year say she knew our cousin?” She lowered her voice, though her crisp voice could still be heard: “I heard our cousin doesn’t have a good reputation in the capital.”

“Tang’er!” A stern voice interrupted the young woman’s words. It was Luo Sui who had spoken, glaring fiercely at the girl called Tang’er. The young woman quickly stood up straight, stuck out her tongue, and fell silent.

Though she had stopped talking, another young man, slightly younger and seemingly more lively, came over and tugged at Tang’er’s hand, saying, “Grandfather is just playing favorites. Our cousin hasn’t even arrived yet, and he’s already protecting her. I want to see what kind of person this cousin is.”

Shen Xin had spent years fighting in the northwest, and his route to the northwestern frontier passed through Xiaochun City, so he visited every year. Shen Qiu was also acquainted with the Luo family. If there was anyone in the Luo family who was most curious, it would be Shen Miao, whom they had not seen since her birth. The world is vast, yet also small; occasionally, officials who were demoted or passing through would visit Xiaochun City, bringing rumors from the capital. Through such exchanges, the kind of person Shen Miao was—the rumors of the incompetent eldest daughter—had become infamous even in Xiaochun City.

Seeing is believing, and today they would finally meet her. With so many townsfolk gathered outside, those eager to see what Shen Miao looked like probably made up the majority.

While the young woman and young man were whispering, a convoy of carriages slowly approached, led by Shen Xin, Shen Qiu, and others on horseback, followed by a group of soldiers.

“Father.” Shen Xin dismounted, and Shen Qiu quickly followed, running to Luo Sui with a smile. “Grandfather.”

Luo Sui’s gaze swept over the father and son briefly before turning to the carriage. Having seen much of the world, what Luo Sui most wanted to see was his granddaughter.

A smiling, slightly plump woman said warmly, “Sister-in-law and Jiaojiao should be in the carriage, right? They must be tired after such a long journey.”

Just as she finished speaking, the carriage curtain was lifted, and Jingzhe and Guyu helped Luo Xuenyan step down. Luo Xuenyan then reached into the carriage, helping a young girl descend.

The young girl bent down to exit the carriage, then raised her head, revealing a delicately pretty face. As she turned her head, Luo Xuenyan took her hand and led her forward, saying, “Jiaojiao, we’re home.”

The young woman called Tang’er opened her mouth but said nothing.

Xiaochun City was dusty and dry, causing the local girls to have darker complexions. Fair skin was rare, let alone a girl as fair and radiant as Shen Miao. The young girl’s features were exceptionally refined, and her snow-white skin made her appear like a painting. Jet-black eyebrows, dark eyes, a small nose, and rosy lips.

What surprised people most, however, was her bearing. Though held by Luo Xuenyan’s hand and appearing delicately noble, rather than seeming weak like a fragile flower against Luo Xuenyan’s valiant presence, she was instead accentuated as more dignified and noble, as if she were the dominant one.

The surrounding townspeople and Luo family members were somewhat stunned.

When judging people by their bearing, appearance is important, but for women, temperament is primary, with beauty secondary. This Shen family young miss’s temperament was more captivating than her beauty.

Step by step, she followed Luo Xuenyan forward until they reached Luo Sui. Luo Sui was tall with deep-set eyes and a prominent nose. Compared to Shen Xin’s roughness, he appeared more stern and unapproachable. He frowned as he stared at Shen Miao. With such a cold demeanor, a timid girl would likely be frightened to tears. Shen Miao, looking like a delicate young lady from the capital, was expected by everyone to be terrified. Tang’er and the young man beside her raised the corners of their mouths, anticipating the spectacle.

Shen Miao raised her head, meeting Luo Sui’s gaze. Her expression was composed, her posture supple, clearly undisturbed by Luo Sui’s reaction. Her gaze was calm, and she even smiled slightly, with the attitude of a superior addressing a subordinate, causing Luo Sui to be momentarily stunned.

The attitude of a superior to a subordinate?

The Luo family was like the lord of Xiaochun City—who could be superior to them?

After his momentary surprise, Luo Sui suddenly burst into laughter. His laughter startled everyone around who had been tense. Luo Sui patted Shen Miao’s head and asked in a booming voice, “Girl, why don’t you call me?”

“Grandfather,” Shen Miao responded docilely.

Only then did Luo Xuenyan breathe a sigh of relief. Luo Sui was different from Shen Xin. While Shen Xin doted on Shen Miao to the heavens, Luo Sui had always been a strict father. Even she had been wary of Luo Sui as a child. Though Luo Sui was older now and not as stern as before, his habit of intimidating young girls remained unchanged. She had feared that Shen Miao would be frightened, but thankfully, Shen Miao didn’t react strongly. Secretly, Luo Xuenyan felt proud.

Shen Miao’s attitude relieved Luo Xuenyan, while surprising those around them. It seemed that young ladies from the capital weren’t all just delicate flowers who only knew how to weep and live in luxury; this one appeared to have some courage. Tang’er, unwilling to concede, whispered to the younger boy, “She must be pretending not to be afraid.”

The eldest and most good-natured young man, however, thoughtfully looked at Shen Miao without saying a word.

Luo Xuenyan pulled Shen Miao forward to introduce her. Besides Luo Sui, the Luo family had two sons, Shen Miao’s two uncles, Luo Lianying and Luo Liantai.

Luo Lianying’s wife was Madam Yu, a gentle and kind woman. They had two sons, Luo Ling and Luo Sa.

Shen Miao’s second uncle, Luo Liantai’s wife, was Madam Ma, whose family was in business, a clever and spirited woman. They had a pair of siblings: the sister named Luo Tang and the brother named Luo Qian.

Luo Ling was Shen Miao’s eldest cousin, now eighteen years old. He had a gentle and kind temperament, just like Madam Yu, greeting her politely when they met—a very considerate person. Her second cousin, Luo Sa, seventeen, was Luo Ling’s biological brother but seemed to have a violent temperament. Looking at Shen Miao, he snorted coldly and mockingly asked, “Can a young lady from the capital endure Xiaochun City’s dust and sand?” He received a hard kick from Luo Lianying for this comment.

Luo Tang, now sixteen, also looked at Shen Miao somewhat skeptically, her attitude not particularly warm, though more curious than anything. Luo Tang’s brother, the same age as Shen Miao, scrutinized her up and down with his round face, appearing somewhat critical.

After greeting this circle of Luo family members and getting to know them, Luo Sui finally allowed Luo Xuenyan to lead them to the estate.

The Luo residence housed a large family living together, all harmonious and affectionate with each other. The Shen family was accommodated in the courtyard where Luo Xuenyan had lived before her marriage, which was spacious enough. While servants went to prepare the rooms, everyone gathered in the main hall to talk.

After the initial excitement subsided, the conversation turned to serious matters. The Luo family was different from the Shen family. When the Shen family was in the capital, Shen Gui and Shen Wan pursued careers as civil officials, different from Shen Xin’s path, so they naturally wouldn’t discuss court affairs. Moreover, not being blood relatives, separated by marriage, such private matters wouldn’t be discussed. The Luo family was different—they were all one family. Not only could Luo Lianying and Luo Liantai listen, but also young Luo Ling and the others, and even the women could participate. Now that Shen Xin’s family had arrived, they would naturally listen as well.

“Yan’er, now that you’ve returned to Xiaochun City, what are your plans for the future?” Luo Sui asked.

The matter of Shen Xin losing his tiger tally and retreating to Xiaochun City had been communicated through a letter earlier. But at that time, the distance was too great for proper consultation. Now that they were face to face, it was time to discuss it.

Luo Xuenyan smiled and said, “Father, why do you ask? Since we’ve come to Xiaochun City, we naturally intend to live here peacefully.” Regarding the revival of the Luo family army, Luo Xuenyan and Shen Xin still weren’t sure how to broach the subject with Luo Sui. With his stubborn character, it would likely require some persuasion.

“Third Sister,” Luo Lianying spoke up. He glanced at Shen Xin, hesitated, but still asked, “Has the Shen family army been confiscated with no hope of recovery?”

As military officers, they better understood what an army meant to a commander. Shen Xin had spent so many years in military service; suddenly asking him to become an ordinary idle person would be difficult. If it were them, they too would be indignant.

Shen Xin cupped his hands and said, “Brother, rather than complain, it’s better to accept things as they are. Xiaochun City is quite nice, and I’d like to spend some time in the place where Xuenyan grew up.”

Hearing this, Luo Sui gave Shen Xin a few more glances, his stern expression softening somewhat, and said, “It’s remarkable that you’ve changed your temperament.”

Everyone knew Shen Xin’s impulsive, straightforward personality, so hearing such a peaceful statement was indeed unexpected.

Shen Miao, observing the varied expressions of the Luo family members, suddenly asked, “Grandfather, I’ve heard that Turks are near Xiaochun City’s borders?”

With this question, a sudden silence fell over the room.

After a moment, Madam Ma responded. With her straightforward personality, she smiled and said, “Jiaojiao, don’t be afraid. Those Turks are all outside the city and don’t dare come in. Even if they did, our Luo family’s soldiers could drive them away. We’ve been safe for many years; there’s nothing to fear.”

Shen Qiu, also thinking Shen Miao was frightened, gently reassured her, “Aunt is right, Jiaojiao, don’t be afraid.”

Shen Miao lowered her eyes. Xiaochun City was a small frontier town, and such places had always been harassed by nomadic tribes. The Turks to the east were one such group. These Turks were strong and sturdy, with powerful horses, making them formidable in battle. In a real confrontation, Ming Qi might even be at a disadvantage. However, because Xiaochun City was easy to defend and difficult to attack, combined with the Luo family’s longstanding reputation, these Turks didn’t dare to advance further, only causing minor disturbances at the borders. Every year from August to October, when the grasslands where the Turks lived became dry, they would enter Xiaochun City to steal supplies. These minor skirmishes were easily dealt with, and the residents, accustomed to this pattern, didn’t take it seriously.

But Shen Miao remembered that this very year, a significant event would occur in Xiaochun City.

She nodded, casually remarking, “Is the Luo family army as brave as Father’s Shen family army? If so, even if the Turks breached the city, they could be repelled.”

Luo Sui’s expression froze. Luo Lianying and Luo Liantai also looked uncomfortable, almost embarrassed. Without adversaries, the Luo family couldn’t bear the substantial expenses of maintaining troops. Additionally, Emperor Wenhui in the capital completely neglected Xiaochun City; over the years, the Luo family army had practically disbanded. Soldiers returned home to farm or went into business, and those remaining in the Luo family army were merely collecting wages. Apart from small deterrence operations against the Turks at the borders each year, they essentially did nothing. Comparing the Luo family army to the Shen family army was a slap in the face for the Luo family.

Luo Sa immediately flared up, glaring at Shen Miao angrily, “What do you mean?”

Luo Ling quickly pulled him back and looked at Shen Miao gently, “Second Brother’s words are harsh. Cousin, please don’t take offense.”

“Those from the capital are indeed different,” Luo Tang pouted. “We’ve lived here for years without incident, but as soon as cousin arrives, she’s afraid of this and that. Rest assured, the Turks won’t enter the city; it’s been this way for many years.”

Shen Miao smiled slightly, “What if they do enter the city?”

Luo Tang hadn’t expected Shen Miao to challenge her and was momentarily stunned.

Luo Sui, sitting in the high seat, didn’t speak. The Luo family’s way of educating young descendants was to let them debate among themselves; some lessons were best learned through personal exploration. The elders simply watched quietly from the sidelines. Shen Miao’s previous words were interesting, and since Luo Sui remained silent, neither Luo Lianying nor the others spoke up, leaving the young ones to continue the discussion.

“How could they possibly enter the city?” Luo Tang said frantically. “Those Turks only want some food and tools. Once October passes and the drought ends, they naturally stop their disturbances. Entering the city would mean war, which isn’t so easy!”

Shen Miao’s expression remained unchanged as she calmly said, “For over a decade, they’ve only wanted food and tools. Don’t you think that’s too easily satisfied?”

Everyone was startled.

Luo Qian, who was about the same age as Shen Miao, curiously asked, “Little cousin, what do you mean?”

“If it were me, I wouldn’t be so easily satisfied,” Shen Miao replied gently. “Having brave soldiers, strong horses, and grasslands to retreat to—all of these are far superior to the scattered soldiers and dilapidated weapons in Xiaochun City. Why not try to seize it? If they haven’t tried, perhaps it’s only because they’re unfamiliar with Xiaochun City’s layout. But after exploring for over a decade, in such a small city, even if they only came once a year and to one place each time, they could have mapped it out by now.” She tilted her head and smiled, “When two armies face off, if one side has everything ready but doesn’t attack, is it because they’ve adhered to rules established over many years, or because they must follow these rules? Who made these rules?”

For a long while, no one in the room spoke.

That the Turks had no ambitions toward Xiaochun City, only stealing supplies due to shortages, was something everyone had taken for granted. But today, Shen Miao’s words, coming from a perspective they had never considered, awakened them as if from a dream.

Indeed, the Turks had everything. And people who have everything, why couldn’t they have ambitions? If the Turks wanted to take over Xiaochun City, how could the people of Xiaochun City resist?

Luo Sa’s expression gradually changed. He glanced at Shen Miao, and though his tone was still not good, it had softened considerably from his earlier anger. He asked, “So what are you trying to say?”

“I observe that the Luo family army isn’t as cohesive as the Shen family army,” Shen Miao said politely. But how could it merely be “not as cohesive”? It was clearly in disarray. Seeing the flash of pain in Luo Sui’s eyes, Shen Miao smiled slightly, “As a child, I often heard Mother speak of Grandfather’s heroic leadership of the Luo family army. Grandfather, have you never thought about restoring the Luo family army to its former glory?”

Restoring the Luo family army to its former glory?

The people in the room gasped, even Shen Xin and Luo Xuenyan looked at Shen Miao in disbelief.

Luo Qian and Luo Tang’s eyes lit up. Young people always yearn for limitless glory, and the scene Shen Miao described could at least greatly satisfy the vanity of these youths. Luo Ling and Luo Sa, being older, didn’t appear as eager, though a glimmer of hope did flash in Luo Sa’s eyes.

Luo Sui looked at Shen Miao for a while, then suddenly smiled, “You, little girl, have no small ambition. Remarkably, a place like the capital could nurture such a tough spirit.” His words showed considerable admiration for Shen Miao.

Luo Xuenyan and Shen Xin immediately felt proud. However, after just a moment, Luo Sui sighed, his tone ambiguous, “But, girl, restoring the Luo family army’s glory isn’t as simple as you say. Troops, horses, provisions—all require money. How can the Luo family afford it? Maintaining an army with no battlefield to employ it? Girl, would you have me exhaust all of the Luo family’s wealth on this?”

An army is maintained for a thousand days for use in a critical moment. But those soldiers were paid from the national treasury. For armies like the Luo family’s, far on the frontier, Emperor Wenhui could disregard Xiaochun City and naturally wouldn’t allocate funds. For the Luo family to bear the expenses of such an army themselves, without knowing whom to fight or engage in battle with, was indeed a dismal prospect.

“Troops are raised to gain fame. The court doesn’t give the Luo family money because the Luo family army isn’t prominent. But if the Luo family army becomes renowned and wins victories, even just to appease the various factions at court, His Majesty would voluntarily send money. As for enemies…” Shen Miao smiled slightly, “Far away there’s Qin and Daliang, nearby there are Turks and Huns. Ming Qi has never lacked adversaries. With superior military strength, we would naturally be dispatched to more distant battlefields. Grandfather, what do you think?”

Regardless of the content of her words, her casual analysis of various powers while smiling and tilting her head revealed astonishing ambition. Though appearing to be a pampered young lady from a noble background, she gave people the impression of a resilient woman who had fought her way up from the bottom.

Luo Sui suddenly became angry. He stood up, flicked his sleeve, and said coldly, “The matter of rebuilding the Luo family army need not be mentioned. I do not agree. Xuenyan, take them to rest. This matter should not be discussed again in the future.” With that, he left without looking at anyone in the hall.

Luo Sui’s anger seemed to come out of nowhere, and Luo Xuenyan was confused as well. Shen Qiu patted Shen Miao’s head, firmly taking her side, saying, “Well done, sister!”

Luo Sa glanced at them and whispered to Luo Ling, “This little cousin is no ordinary girl.”

Luo Ling smiled and said, “Perhaps so.”

Luo Tang pouted, “What’s so impressive about being glib? She even angered Grandfather.”

Luo Qian shook his head, his eyes gleaming as he stared at Shen Miao talking with Shen Qiu, “Not just glib, she’s also very beautiful. Sister, is she prettier than you?”

Luo Tang gave him a fierce glare.