Chapter 184 – Life Without Yearning (3)
As if clearing the fog and stepping out of a dead end, Jiang Pengji felt that many things became clear.
Indeed, the two eras were vastly different, yet human hearts were always similar; she had been stuck in a rut before.
Lost in thought, Xu Ke suddenly smiled and dared to tease her, “Surprising, even the Young Master has things unknown to her.”
Jiang Pengji didn’t feel offended at all. After all, no one is perfect; speaking of flaws, she had her share of small issues—nothing to deny.
“Nobody is omniscient. It’s completely normal that I’m unfamiliar with these things, or even mistaken,” Jiang Pengji said, looking at Xu Ke with her clear and bright eyes. “For example, Xiaoyu often studies late into the night just to grasp what he doesn’t understand, doesn’t he?”
Xu Ke almost choked on his own spit. How could this even compare?
If it weren’t for her very strong and brilliant demeanor, making her seem like the all-knowing type, he wouldn’t have teased her like that.
However, it was rare for someone like Jiang Pengji to recognize her shortcomings so clearly and not mind others’ teasing. It was a significant advantage for her.
Who hasn’t seen how a prominent minister from the previous dynasty, a well-known Chancellor and a mentor to the Emperor, ended up being ruthlessly executed by the Emperor’s only son?
That Chancellor merely fulfilled the late Emperor’s wishes dutifully and ended up brutally murdered.
The higher the position, the less willing people are to let others focus on their weaknesses.
Some think of it as frank advice, while others see it as harsh words, but ultimately it varies from person to person.
If the leader one serves has a broad mind and welcomes good advice, they can logically heed the suggestions from their subordinates and correct their mistakes.
But if the leader is narrow-minded and can’t tolerate even a single bad word, even if they don’t show it on the spot, they will keep a mental note and create an atmosphere of anxiety among their subordinates. Such a leader wouldn’t garner many loyal ministers and warriors willing to sacrifice their lives.
Thus, Jiang Pengji’s ease in acknowledging her imperfections made Xu Ke feel deeply moved.
Xu Ke was secretly touched, yet Jiang Pengji couldn’t sense the cuteness in the moment.
At this time, Meng Hunyun had already settled the remaining brothers and looked quite pleased.
He inspected the clean and dry dormitory, where every bed had good bedding that felt warm without a hint of dampness.
Meng Hunyun was very satisfied with this treatment.
There weren’t many tenant farmers on the ranch, and most rooms were vacant, only occasionally storing some items. After tidying up a bit and drying the indoor moisture, they were ready for people to stay. Xu Ke considered the need to accommodate more troops and specifically prepared an extra large room, perfect for the situation.
As for Meng Hunyun, his quarters had already been arranged by the ranch’s house maid, so he should have a place to sleep tonight.
“Thank you, Young Master!”
Upon approaching, Meng Hunyun gave a deep bow, but before he could kneel down, she swiftly stopped him.
“This is only to be expected. Since you’ve chosen to follow me, I must at least ensure your basic living conditions,” Jiang Pengji replied flatly, gesturing for Meng Hunyun to sit. “For the transfer of troops, just ask Xiaoyu directly. I’ll occasionally visit the farm. If there are any shortages, just let me know. In a few days, things may get rough; make sure to be cautious.”
Meng Hunyun understood what Jiang Pengji meant by ‘rough.’ The Meng Clan surely knew about Meng Liang being ‘kidnapped’ and would definitely blow up.
“By the way, when I return to the residence, I will send my personal maidservant to stay with you.”
Jiang Pengji suddenly said this, and Xu Ke, who was sipping tea and enjoying the show, almost choked.
Meng Hunyun was even more at a loss, turning red and pale, stammering, “Young Master’s good intentions are appreciated, but my late wife’s mourning period has not yet passed. I truly cannot accept the… personal maidservant beside the Young Master… Moreover, I have no thoughts of remarrying…”
Jiang Pengji looked utterly confused, glancing between Meng Hunyun and Xu Ke, her lips twitching.
Then she raised an eyebrow and quipped, “Why are you both so dirty-minded?”
What kind of sleazy things are running through your heads?
Neither of them understood what she meant by ‘dirty,’ and Xu Ke, unintentionally dragged into this, felt wronged. What did he do wrong?
Before they could respond, Jiang Pengji explained, “My personal maidservant is coming to train martial arts with us. What did you think?”
Uh… Meng Hunyun and Xu Ke blinked in surprise and then silently bowed their heads.
Xu Ke was fine; he knew his Young Master wasn’t exactly conventional.
But Meng Hunyun regretted his earlier thoughts. He actually forgot that the Young Master was only twelve!
According to aristocratic customs, he probably didn’t even have anyone in his room.
Meng Liang sleeping with flowers at eleven was an exception and shouldn’t be used to judge other noble youths.
He figured the little Young Master probably didn’t even realize how misleading his previous comments might have been.
Thus, a somewhat awkward atmosphere settled between them.
Meng Hunyun coughed lightly a couple of times. He couldn’t just say he misunderstood the Young Master intended to bestow his personal maidservant upon him.
However… that didn’t feel right either. What on earth was it supposed to mean sending a maidservant to the farm while following troops to train?
Jiang Pengji had her own plans. She didn’t have much time to teach Nong Qin, or rather, she didn’t have the patience for teaching.
Some basic physical training could allow Nong Qin to learn alongside the troops. Meng Hunyun was a reliable person; with him watching over, Nong Qin wouldn’t get taken advantage of, and she could receive extra training from Jiang Pengji now and then. Before long, she’d be able to beat the troops’ bottom-tier fighters.
Anyone with ulterior motives better get ready to have their family jewels kicked to kingdom come.
“My maidservant likes weapons and martial arts and being cooped up inside all day is way too boring. If she enjoys it, training in martial arts works well to prevent her from being bullied after marrying later,” Jiang Pengji said earnestly. “What do you think?”
Meng Hunyun and Xu Ke were both baffled. What could they possibly say?
Wasn’t it more logical for the Young Master to ensure her maidservant learns the proper ways of marriage and home management instead of letting her train in martial arts?
What was she up to?!
If family disagreements arose, would it be settled with a punch?
Xu Ke’s expression was one of wonder as if he had just opened the door to a new world, while Meng Hunyun remarked, “Young Master’s approach is truly good!”
As a father himself, he knew the pain of losing a daughter to cruelty. If she could grow up safely, in a few years, it would be time for marriage discussions.
From a father’s perspective, he certainly couldn’t bear to see his daughter bullied.
Thus, although the Young Master’s thinking was a bit offbeat, he still supported it.
Xu Ke looked at Meng Hunyun in shock, feeling like he had become an outcast being rejected by the two.
“But…” Xu Ke hesitated, “isn’t this a bit inappropriate? After all, the troops are all male. What if it damages the reputation of the Young Master’s maidservant?”
Jiang Pengji didn’t speak, but Meng Hunyun grimly replied, “In the previous dynasty, there were female generals among those who opened the country. What’s wrong with women practicing martial arts?”
Xu Ke: “…”
It was two against one. Fine, he would obediently shut up.
