Chapter 1267 - 314: Sword Saint Leaves the City

Chapter 1267: Chapter 314: Sword Saint Leaves the City

"Sister, this expense requires special approval."

Yuexin placed a document in front of Siniang’s desk.

Siniang was applying essential balm to her forehead. Her wound had healed, and she was hoping to start her plan to have a baby once my lord returned;

However, my lord brought news of a campaign against Chu upon his return. Thus, she as the head steward was immediately overwhelmed with tasks.

Each matter and piece of work required her attention, with countless responsibilities passing under her gaze.

Ultimately, these were family affairs. Even if others had the ability to oversee the big picture, she wouldn’t trust entrusting years of hard-earned foundations to an outsider.

Honestly, Siniang was somewhat envious of that rascal Xue Three, who still hadn’t returned from Liang State. Was he truly going to become a regional general in Liang?

Or perhaps marry a princess and return home in glory?

After applying the essential balm, Siniang reached for the document.

It listed specially made armor, leather armors, and short blades.

Currently, the Snow Sea pass’s forge was operating day and night, hoping to provide more armors and create sharper weapons for soldiers before the battle commenced. The specially made smaller-sized leather armors and short blades took considerable effort and could easily disrupt the forge’s schedule.

Yuexin explained from the side, "Sister, these are for the Righteousness Camp."

Righteousness Camp, known as the Camp of Righteous Sons, had a tradition since Shengle City. If a soldier died without family or relatives, their death pension would be donated to the school, raising an orphan.

This orphan would take the deceased’s surname, fulfilling the debt of raising them by continuing their family name.

Over the years, continuous warfare in Jin land had left people displaced and orphans plenty, especially after establishing order in Shengle City and transferring to Snow Sea pass, the Righteousness Camp had grown to nearly eight hundred members.

But...

Siniang frowned slightly and said:

"They’re all just adolescents."

Adolescents, referring to those no longer children but not yet young adults;

Siniang felt sending them to battle seemed premature.

Yuexin spoke, "My husband believes they represent our Earl’s Mansion’s future, and this grand battle should let them experience the world."

Righteousness Camp could be regarded as the purest reserve force. These children were orphans raised by the pensions of the fallen soldiers and Earl’s Mansion.

In their lives, without family burdens, all that remains is the purest loyalty.

Siniang understood that according to the Blindman’s taste, the Righteousness Camp was his favorite place.

Since the Blindman insisted so firmly, Siniang had no reason to refuse. The overlords had an understanding which included my lord: as long as it didn’t affect the big picture, their whims were unrestricted.

"Alright, I approve."

......

In the small courtyard next to the Earl’s Mansion.

The Sword Saint was feeding chickens. The proud old hen strutted confidently, walking, bowing its head, pecking, then lifting its head to survey the surroundings, and again bowing to peck.

This manner of eating was reminiscent of unmarried young ladies from noble families.

Meanwhile, in the corner, a duck curled up timidly, visibly melancholic.

Liu Dahu returned, saw the Sword Saint, and called out;

"Father."

Liu Dahu was the Sword Saint’s adopted son, but he never hesitated to call him "Father."

The Sword Saint asked, puzzled, "Isn’t school still ongoing at this hour?"

Going to the school was part of Liu Dahu’s daily duties.

At the school in Snow Sea pass, they generally didn’t teach moral essays but focused on learning characters and arithmetic. Upon reaching a certain age, they could choose between joining the army or entering a workshop.

After a brief adjustment period, joining the army offered rapid promotion prospects, while going to a workshop could lead quickly to a foreman position.

No matter which path they chose on Snow Sea pass’s territory, it meant rapid improvement in standards of family life.

Of course, most children at the school chose the military route, partly influenced by their mentor Lord Pingye, and because once they became household figures, they were essentially part of Earl’s Mansion. They might not understand "political privileges," but they and their parents knew that becoming a household figure was tantamount to enjoying "imperial grain."

"Father, I have something to tell you."

Liu Dahu took the initiative to approach the Sword Saint.

"Speak."

The Sword Saint found a stool, sat down, attentively listening to his child speak with him.

Having grown up without genuine familial care, the Sword Saint and his brother relied on each other until he gained a mentor, picked up a sword, and achieved success.

Precisely due to his own lack, he hoped the next generation wouldn’t have such regrets.

"Father, the school is taking registrations, and I want to join Righteousness Camp to go to war against Chu Slaves."

The Sword Saint, a bit surprised, said, "You’re still young."

"Father, I’m not young anymore. In school wrestling matches, no one can beat me! Even that wolf cub’s strength isn’t as great as mine unless he tricks."

Due to the Sword Saint’s standards, Liu Dahu was well-fed daily. As the saying goes, adolescents consume their parents’ resources, yet in this household, Liu Dahu had meat at every meal.

This kind of lifestyle could be wasteful, but the Sword Saint insisted on it, and neither his wife nor mother-in-law found it convenient to object, because the care was directed at the Liu family’s child — what more could they say?