Chapter 377: Breaking it Down

The Yan brothers were also thinking about their family.

Yan Huaiwen, after a busy day, came to the backyard at night seeking an audience. After discussing official matters with the master, he pulled his younger brother aside and mentioned that he wanted Yan Xiangheng to return to the village the next day.

Yan Lao’er glanced at the room where the teacher was, showing a bit of reluctance in his expression.

“I want to go back and take a look too,” he muttered softly.

He missed his wife, their eldest child, and their unborn second child.

Yan Huaiwen spoke gently, “The master has just started to recover. He can’t be left unattended right now. Once he’s better, you can return home for a short stay. I’ll request leave on your behalf, how does that sound?”

“What about Heng’er?” Yan Lao’er asked.

“Heng’er will continue to study at the County School,” Yan Huaiwen replied.

Yan Lao’er felt a bit sorry for his eldest nephew. “Brother, given the situation in Crouching Tiger now, let my nephew come to my place. Studying at home would be the same.”

“Heng’er needs experience. The Government Office is short on staff right now, and he can stay as an extra hand. I’ll have to visit Gufeng myself to see things through. Once everything is settled, I’ll assist you in preparing your apprenticeship ceremony. Magistrate Tian accepted only you as his disciple. Without heirs, serving him in his old age is your duty. Knowing your nature, I’m not worried.”

Yan Huaiwen paused and spoke softly, “Tianyou, you must be vigilant and not too naive. Just like the recent fall of the city, we don’t know how the families of the Second and Third Masters feel. Such empty fame means nothing. I wish for your peace above all. If you face difficulties with Magistrate Tian, you must inform me. Never wrong yourself; I will support you in all matters.”

Yan Lao’er nodded vigorously, deeply moved.

His elder brother wished for him to grow under the master’s guidance but also feared he might endure hardship as a disciple. Yan Lao’er truly felt this mix of affection and concern.

Yan Yu was led to the backyard of the Government Office.

Upon entering, she immediately saw her father and uncle standing together.

Yan Yu dashed over, hugging her father and looking up with a teary face. “Dad, why haven’t you come home? Mom and I were worried sick!”

“Nothing’s wrong with Dad. Look, I’m fine…” Yan Lao’er quickly comforted his daughter.

Yan Yu held back her tears. “Fine? You’re trying to fool me. I saw what it’s like outside!”

She hadn’t known about the fall of Crouching Tiger City until she arrived. Despite the cleanup, the bodies piled outside the city gates, the blood not yet washed away on the streets, and the wounded gathering outside the Government Office all attested to the fierce battle fought there.

Compared to the relatively safe Xiao’an Village, Crouching Tiger City was a true battleground.

Her father was in great danger indeed.

“They’re all past now, tell me, how is everyone at home…?”

Yan Huaiwen noted the person following his niece and recognized them as someone from the Heir Apparent’s entourage, frowning slightly.

“Xiao Er, did the Heir Apparent go to the village?” Yan Huaiwen asked.

Yan Yu sniffed, aware of the pressing matters.

She quickly pulled her uncle and father aside, recounting the tale of Xiao’an Village repelling hundreds of Northern Rong attackers and the Heir Apparent’s visit and return.

Yan Lao’er was dumbfounded, his lips trembling.

“You… you said you killed over five hundred Northern Rong? Oh heavens! Are you trying to scare your father to death? Yan Yu, tell your father the truth… how did you do it? How did you manage that?!”

What he really wanted to ask was if she had participated in the fight directly. But conscious of his brother’s presence and others nearby, he lowered his voice and changed his wording.

Inside, he felt both anger and fear.

“How else could we kill? With the Arrow Tower, we shot them down!” Yan Yu downplayed the details.

Yan Huaiwen had only just become aware that Xiao’an Village had repelled an attack before he brought reinforcements from Gufeng. Given the urgency, he hadn’t asked for details at the time, but now he realized how critical the situation had been.

He silently considered their narrow escape.

Glancing at the escort from the Heir Apparent, he said, “I’ll go discuss with the Master. Tianyou, go get Heng’er to keep watch here. We’ll return home later.”

Yan Lao’er, confused but eager, went to find his nephew to take over.

Despite his lingering anger, the thought of going home made him happy!

…

Yan Huaiwen and his company returned quickly.

They headed straight into the village, making their way to the large stone at the center.

The villagers gathered around, supposedly to discuss matters, but it was merely to repeat the words of the Heir to Prince Ying.

Village Chief Luo asked if anyone had any opinions. No one responded.

He asked if anyone was interested in joining the military as an officer. Again, no one spoke up.

The Heir to Prince Ying watched from the side, growing anxious.

Hearing the sound of hooves approaching from outside the village, he immediately stood up and looked around.

When he saw the return of the Yan brothers, a smile appeared on the Heir to Prince Ying’s face.

After greeting each other, Yan Huaiwen quickly communicated with the Heir, and they reached a consensus regarding the petition.

This plan was beneficial to both Crouching Tiger and Xiao’an Village.

Yan Lao’er waved to the villagers.

The group quickly gathered around.

“Tell me, what are you all thinking? Is anyone considering becoming an officer?” Yan Lao’er asked in a low voice.

“Yan Lao’er, we’re not sure. Do you think it’s a good idea to take this officer position? It’s not like a Scholar’s official role, right?”

Yan Lao’er replied, “Of course not. My older brother has a position in the Crouching Tiger City’s government office, but what the Heir speaks of here involves joining the military.

We’ll safeguard some of our people as Squad Leaders^[1]. A Squad Leader is a small official managing ten people. According to what the Heir’s people say, if you do well as a Squad Leader, it’ll be easy to rise further. Our village’s contributions aren’t small, possibly enough to become a Platoon Commander^[2]. A Platoon Commander oversees around fifty people, quite a significant position.

However, you must train in the military and learn to read. Start as a Squad Leader, and once you’ve gained more skills, one can be chosen to be a Platoon Commander.

Currently, Crouching Tiger’s city guard needs more people, and my older brother mentioned that most likely, they’ll be assigned to the city guard.

My brother also said that a Squad Leader is of the seventh official rank^[3], and a Platoon Commander is a true seventh rank. The great officials of Crouching Tiger City are seventh rank, and their salaries are the same, though military officials are slightly lower than civil ones…

But all that is in the future. Let’s focus on the present. Let me explain the benefits to you: becoming an officer comes with a salary; you’re no longer a commoner but an official, changing your family’s status. Joining the military also means your children will have prospects in the military.

As for the downsides, I’m sure you’ve considered them. Soldiers put their lives on the line, especially here in Crouching Tiger, right next to the Northern Rong. Future battles and killings are inevitable.

Think it through carefully, discuss it with your families, and make a decision soon. Once names are submitted, they can’t be changed, so consider it carefully!”

After hearing this explanation, the villagers of Xiao’an Village finally started to stir.

Breaking it down and explaining it thoroughly could only be done by Yan Lao’er.

(End of Chapter)