Chapter 37: What is the relationship between Chapter 36 and the daughter-in-law? Chapter 37: What is the relationship between Chapter 36 and the daughter-in-law? “I’m wondering if I could bring some people with me?” Yang Zhenshan asked.
“You can. Two General Flags, ten small flags, you are free to arrange that. After entering the garrison, there will be no change in household registration; military registration will be held at Left Camp.”
Zhou Lan paused, feeling that she should explain her plans to Yang Zhenshan thoroughly.
“Appointing you as garrison commander is just a trial. If you do well, I will invite you to join the Left Camp.”
“The garrison I’ve arranged for you is Linguan Castle, located on the west side of Chongshan Pass, less than ten miles from the Pass.”
“That is an abandoned fort, deserted as early as ten years ago. You will need to rebuild it after arrival, and as for the military households in the fort, I have already had people recruited.”
“The recent incursion by the northern barbarians has brought disaster to many people on the border. We will incorporate them into the military households to fill the vacancies in the garrison.”
After listening, Yang Zhenshan nodded; this was good news.
A new garrison meant a fresh start, with fewer vested interests involved, which was more conducive to his control.
Moreover, he could bring a dozen people with him, which was even more advantageous for him.
Zhou Lan’s arrangements were very thoughtful, especially the part about not changing the household registration.
The villagers of Yang Family Village were all farming households, whereas the soldiers in the garrison were military households. Compared to the two, farming households were much better off than military households. If the villagers from Yang Family Village had to change their registration, it’s likely they wouldn’t want to go.
“The General has been very thorough with her consideration; I am deeply grateful!” Yang Zhenshan stood up and bowed his thanks.
Zhou Lan also stood up, “Then it’s settled. Half a month might be a bit rushed, let’s make it a month. I hope to see Mr. Zhengshan at Chongshan Pass in a month!”
Having said that, she took her leave.
Yang Zhenshan escorted her out of Yang Family Village, remaining at the entrance until he could no longer see their figures before withdrawing his gaze.
“What did the General talk to you about?”
Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Yang Zhengxiang asked.
“She invited me back to Chongshan Pass!” Yang Zhenshan said with a slight smile.
“Back to Chongshan Pass?” Yang Zhengxiang was puzzled, not understanding what he meant.
“A Trial Hundred Households, garrison commander, now I have an official position!” said Yang Zhenshan.
It took Yang Zhengxiang a while to grasp the situation, before his face beamed with joy.
“Really?”
“Absolutely certain!”
“Ha ha~~ That’s great, that’s fantastic!” Yang Zhengxiang, stroking his beard, laughed heartily.
“No, this moment calls for paying homage to our ancestors, I must go back and prepare for the ancestral worship!”
His voice shook with excitement.
The Yang family had produced an official, even if just a Trial Hundred Households, it was still an occasion worth celebrating.
In fact, ancestors of the Yang family had also held military appointments, including a Deputy Thousand Households, otherwise the Yang family would not have settled in Anning County, nor would there have been a Martial Arts legacy.
Unfortunately, the Yang family had since failed to produce any noteworthy individuals, until now when someone from the Yang family had become an official again.
Naturally, Yang Zhengxiang was overjoyed.
“Wait, I have something to discuss with the Clan Leader!”
Yang Zhenshan quickly stopped him and broadly relayed his conversation with Zhou Lan, especially about bringing people to Chongshan Pass.
He needed to have the support of the Clan Leader, Yang Zhengxiang, if he was to bring people to Chongshan Pass.
Upon hearing this, Yang Zhengxiang was even more thrilled, so much so that he nearly fainted with joy.
Two General Flags, ten small flags.
These were all official positions with ranks, albeit the lowest in the military, but they were still ranked nonetheless.
At this moment, he finally understood a saying.
“When one man attains the Dao, his poultry and dogs ascend to heaven.”
Yang Zhenshan, just by becoming a Trial Hundred Households, had led the Yang family to produce over a dozen low-ranking military officers.
“Do you have someone in mind?”
After finally calming his excitement, Yang Zhengxiang asked.
“Ming Zhi, Ming Wu will assume the role of General Flag, Chengze, Chengxu, and Qinwu will take the position of small flags. You choose the remaining seven!”
“Ming Hui should not go, as we will still need to rely on him in the family!”
Yang Zhenshan spoke with consideration.
Yang Mingzhi was his son, so naturally, he cared a little more for him.
Yang Mingwu was now a Martial Artist, extremely outstanding in martial prowess. He could leave others behind, but Yang Mingwu was indispensable.
Whereas Yang Minghui was Yang Zhengxiang’s eldest son, his age was somewhat advanced, nearing forty years old, and Yang Zhenshan wouldn’t spend too much Spiritual Spring Water to train him.
By comparison, he was more willing to cultivate Yang Chengze.
Yang Chengze was Yang Zhengxiang’s eldest grandson, as well as Yang Minghui’s eldest son. Bringing him along also served as an explanation to Yang Zhengxiang and Yang Minghui.
Yang Zhengxiang, however, didn’t care about these things. Instead, he asked, “What about Ming Cheng? Aren’t you taking Ming Cheng with you?”
“The family matters still require Ming Cheng to handle. I’m just heading to Chongshan Pass and I presume many things will be inconvenient. After I’ve settled there, I’ll then have him come over,” Yang Zhenshan said.
Yang Zhengxiang thought for a moment and then said, “Alright then! As long as you know what you’re doing.”
This was Yang Zhenshan’s family matter, so he refrained from commenting further.
After parting with Yang Zhengxiang, Yang Zhenshan returned home.
As soon as he stepped through the entrance, he heard someone making a fuss.
“This horse is mine, big brother and second brother, don’t fight me for it!”
Yang Zhenshan followed the noise and saw Yang Minghao protecting a sorrel warhorse as if guarding his own calf.
Zhou Lan had left him with four warhorses, and this sorrel warhorse was the tallest and most regal.
“Dad! Can I have this horse?”
Upon seeing Yang Zhenshan return, Yang Minghao eagerly approached to plead.
Yang Zhenshan glanced sideways at his foolish son, “Go play on your own, what does this have to do with you?”
“Ah!” Yang Minghao hadn’t expected Yang Zhenshan to say such a thing, and his excitement immediately turned into dismay.
“Dad, there are four horses, one for each person, wouldn’t that be perfect?”
However, Yang Zhenshan paid him no heed and approached the warhorses, carefully examining them.
Although he wasn’t skilled in horse appraisal, that was fine. He just needed to pick the tallest one.
Yang Zhenshan reached out to touch the sorrel warhorse and said softly, “From today on, your name will be Red Cloud.”
Red Cloud neighed in response and affectionately nuzzled Yang Zhenshan’s arm.
This one was certainly not shy of strangers.
Yang Zhenshan’s lips curved upwards, then he said, “Eldest and second, pick one each for yourselves. Send the remaining one to Ming Wu!”
“Dad!” Yang Minghao became anxious.
Yang Zhenshan looked at him helplessly and said, “I’ll buy you another one later.”
There were only four warhorses in total, and although Yang Minghao was his son, he still had to give one to Yang Mingwu.
Because Yang Mingwu was a Martial Artist, and also the General Flag under his command in the future, he definitely needed to take extra care of him.
As for Yang Minghao, the kid wasn’t even fifteen, just a boy, what use did he have for a horse?
Thinking of horse-riding!
Yang Zhenshan suddenly thought it might be time to arrange a marriage for Yang Minghao.
No, what did horses have to do with finding a wife?
Why did his thoughts jump to that?
Yang Zhenshan shook his head, casting out all those messy thoughts.
“I’ll find you a wife first!”
Indeed, it was time for Yang Minghao to be betrothed.
He had considered this matter before the new year, but it was postponed due to the invasion of the northern barbarians.
Now that he was heading to Chongshan Pass and likely wouldn’t be able to attend to this matter for a while, it would be better to take the opportunity now, while he had the time, to settle Yang Minghao’s marital affairs.