IDWBE -Chapter 229 Father-in-Law

“General Bao is being a bit too cautious.”

Cao Xiaohuan shook her head helplessly.

Bao Kui glanced at the two constables behind her and said with a smile, “Some people just won’t do—send them away. No point wasting time. What Sanhe wants are elite men.”

Cao Xiaohuan laughed. “Just because they’re not ready now doesn’t mean they won’t be later. I remember Miss Mingyue said—you never know which cloud will rain. Why decide so early?”

Bao Kui smiled and said nothing more.

The two of them led the patrol around the city, weaving through streets and alleys, and didn’t return to the office until dawn.

Nothing happened overnight.

Zhou Jiuling was practicing martial arts in the courtyard. Seeing them, he cupped his hands and said, “Thank you both for your hard work.”

Bao Kui cupped his hands in return. “Hard work? We serve Lord He, that’s all.”

Previously, He Jixiang had repeatedly emphasized: one could dislike Zhou Jiuling or disagree with his decisions, but outwardly, respect must always be shown.

Zhou Jiuling said, “General Bao speaks wisely.”

Bao Kui said, “Sir, if you need anything, just command it. I will not refuse.”

“General Bao,” Zhou Jiuling smiled, “I have a favor to ask. According to Lord He’s instructions, Yuezhou must speed up the planting of potatoes and sweet potatoes to ensure the people don’t go hungry in winter. I plan to travel to Xiluo City and Baiyang City to inspect and encourage the farmers. The roads along the way are not very safe. I hope General Bao can assign some men to escort me.”

He could only rely on the office’s constables, but their skills were poor. If something happened—out of the tiger’s den and into the wolf’s nest—there would be no chance for complaint.

He wanted Bao Kui to select capable men from the army to escort him, easing his worries.

Of course, if it weren’t for He Qi pressing him, he would have preferred to stay inside the office gates all day—safe!

Bao Kui smiled. “No big deal, Yu San.”

“Sir!”

A burly man responded.

Bao Kui said, “You heard Lord Zhou. Take fifty men and follow him closely. Ensure Lord Zhou’s safety. If anything happens, return with your heads.”

Yu San shouted, “Yes, sir!”

Bao Kui nodded, yawned, and went back to sleep in the rear office.

Zhou Jiuling smiled at Yu San. “Much appreciated, young man.”

He knew Yu San was at peak seventh rank—his escort would ensure a worry-free journey.

Yu San said expressionlessly, “Sir, it is my honor to serve you.”

Yams had just been planted in Yuezhou, while Baiyun City was already harvesting them.

According to the administrative office, each household must yield at least 500 jin.

Many were reluctant to use their own fertile land, so they planted in hillsides, riverbanks, and forests, squeezing in wherever they could.

Unexpectedly, the yield was impressive.

Even Sun Yi—Sun Chongde, chief instructor of fifty thousand troops and militia—was pulled home by his mother to harvest yams.

Tomorrow was the final day to submit public grain. If delayed, the office would fine fifty copper coins.

“Submitting public grain is just a hundred jin of yams,” Sun Chongde complained while digging, “you’ve probably already harvested a thousand jin earlier. Why rush?”

His mother snapped, “All of that went to your old father-in-law.”

“Father-in-law?”

Sun Chongde looked bewildered. He wasn’t married—where did a father-in-law come from?

But seeing his mother’s serious expression, he wondered if he’d forgotten or slept through his wedding.

“General Butcher,” Sun Du laughed, “he’s a supplier. He owes 1,500 jin of yams or potatoes. This year he planted nothing, so now he’s stunned. Not only will he be fined, but he’ll lose supplier status. He’s anxious and can’t even find money to buy.”

Sun Chongde asked, “How did General Butcher become my old father-in-law?”

He knew General Butcher well! This rascal scolded like he was scolding his grandson. But the butcher was closer to pork merchants—after all, they were old neighbors.

Grandmother Sun said, “His daughter Jiang Zhen is a good girl. I’ve noticed her for a long time.”

“Wait, did she agree?”

Sun Chongde laughed awkwardly. “So now he’s my father-in-law?”

Grandmother Sun said, “It’s uncertain. Liu Duo also proposed—his family wealth is greater. But General Butcher didn’t refuse. That’s better than anything. You need to work on it yourself. You see her often at the office—be diligent.”

Sun Xia chuckled, “Brother, I also like Sister Jiang Zhen. She’d make the best wife for me.”

“What’s that got to do with you? Stay out of it,”

Sun Chongde stuck his shovel in the dirt. “Mind your own business.”

He and Jiang Zhen saw each other often—awkward enough.

“Hey, you come back!”

No matter how much Grandmother called, Sun Yi didn’t look back.

The sun was hot.

General Butcher had sold all his meat early. Now he sat in a chair with a teapot, humming a tune.

He truly had a good daughter; many suitors were almost wearing out his doorstep.

Yet, he still favored the Liu and Sun families. Liu had wealth; Sun’s son was capable—a military instructor commanding tens of thousands of troops. That would be impressive.

He remained undecided between the two.

He turned to his wife. “Which of the two families do you think is better?”

His wife tossed a rag at his face. “Stop dreaming. I told you not to send her to the school. You didn’t listen. Now she has her own mind and won’t listen to anything. Which family you choose won’t matter.”

His daughter was now a constable—nobody could force her.

“That’s true,” General Butcher frowned, “Maybe you should visit the female prison tomorrow? Men should marry, women should wed. Delaying will make a joke.”

His wife said, “Why don’t you go?”

He smiled awkwardly. “She must see me first. You know she looks at me like an enemy. What did I do wrong? My heart… it’s cold.”

He had visited the female prison countless times. His daughter refused to meet him. Even occasionally on the street, she ignored him.

When he tried to chase her, she had just reached fourth rank in martial arts—fast legs. He couldn’t catch her.

“That’s your own fault,” His wife laughed. “Before, all the suitors you sent were useless—none worthy.”

Sun Du smirked. That was because he hadn’t shown his worth yet.