"Your Excellency Grand Marshal, I am both honored and surprised," Li Yao spoke confidently, "but I made a vow at my child's father's grave that I would never remarry in this lifetime. So, I'm afraid I must decline your kind intentions."
Upon hearing her words, Grand Marshal Xu's expression relaxed as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
However, for some reason, there was a profound sense of loss hidden in his heart.
Ever since he witnessed Li Yao personally slay Hu Can, her valiant and elegant figure had been indelibly etched in his mind.
But alas, a brute desires while a beauty remains indifferent.
"I have been presumptuous," Grand Marshal Xu's gaze turned desolate as he clasped his hands, "then I shall return to the capital."
"Wait a moment."
Grand Marshal Xu halted his steps, his heart involuntarily racing.
"Grand Marshal Xu," Li Yao said, "if you visit my He Wan village, we may not have another chance to meet. So, allow me to present you with a small gift."
As she spoke, Li Yao produced a little booklet.
Grand Marshal Xu accepted it and found that it contained detailed methods for refining various types of high-quality steel, along with illustrations of the smelting furnaces.
"Madam Li, what is this...?"
"I am but a common woman and cannot assist with affairs of the state," Li Yao replied, "but since I am a citizen of Daling Country, there are some matters within my capabilities that I will not refuse. This is a compilation of refined steelmaking techniques, which can provide our Daling soldiers with superior weapons and armor. I hope that with these resources, Grand Marshal Xu can lead our troops to pacify the border and bring a few days of peace to the people of Daling."
Grand Marshal Xu's emotions became so stirred that he could hardly speak.
He had stayed in He Wan village for so long, and wasn't this one of his primary objectives?
He had thought it unattainable, yet it came so easily at the final moment.
"Madam Li's concern for the nation is truly a blessing for our Daling Country! After I return to the capital, I will report to His Majesty and propose to reward and honor Madam Li."
"There's no need," Li Yao smiled, "By the way, I wonder if the military has any interest in purchasing the bicycles and tricycles produced in our village?"
"Buy? We must buy!"
Grand Marshal Xu felt delighted.
These items were more efficient than cattle and horses for logistics transportation. Since he had accepted Li Yao's gift, it was only natural to reciprocate her kindness.
He immediately placed an order for three thousand vehicles on the spot.
With this order, the villagers of He Wan would be busy for at least half a year.
Upon learning of this situation, the villagers expressed their gratitude to Grand Marshal Xu and spontaneously gathered a large number of fruits and vegetables from their fields, filling an entire carriage.
Wang San'er also felt reluctant to part ways, but as a soldier, he had to protect his home and defend his country, destined to face the conflict between loyalty and filial piety.
This time, he had also made contributions and gained the admiration of Grand Marshal Xu, who accepted him as a personal guard.
Li Yao still had some concerns about this. Although she had been teaching him martial arts all along, Wang San'er was young and had only studied for a short time, in her view, he possessed only rudimentary skills.
As they were about to embark on a campaign to the northern border with Grand Marshal Xu, she had Xia Xian make him a set of armor several days in advance. It was made from the finest materials, and she also modified the thick iron rod into a Tang sword, more suitable for cleaving.
It must be said that when Wang San'er donned the armor, he had a somewhat imposing appearance.
Unfortunately, she couldn't remember much about "The Art of War" or "The Thirty-Six Stratagems." Otherwise, she could have translated them into vernacular Chinese for him to study, which might have been useful.
"Mother, let's set off now."
"Make sure you study the military strategies I gave you and practice every morning and evening without fail."
"I understand, Mother!"
"Lady Li, rest assured," Grand Marshal Xu said, "I will take good care of Wang San and ensure that he doesn't get into any dangerous situations."
"Marshal, you're mistaken," Li Yao said. "As a soldier, Wang San should naturally go into battle and kill the enemy. If he hides under your protection, how can he grow?"
Grand Marshal Xu was stunned by Li Yao's understanding of the matter.
That's great! As long as Li Yao can let go, Wang San is destined to become a brave general.
Grand Marshal Xu left, and the villagers of He Wan village began to get busy, but Li Yao still couldn't find peace.
After all, the Ninth Prince was still here. How could she find peace?
Li Yao had now become a seventh-rank noblewoman.
Having an official status was like an additional layer of restraint, and Li Yao didn't like this kind of restriction.
The Ninth Prince was fine. She had gotten used to ordering him around like a son.
On the other hand, the County Magistrate, Song, seemed a bit restrained.
Unfortunately, County Magistrate Song now liked to come to the village to discuss matters, or make excuses to see his son, Song Zhe, and would come to the village every few days.
If it weren't for the County Magistrate's wife accompanying him each time, Li Yao would have suspected that he had other intentions.
"Mother, we're done with school!"
As evening approached, Wang Er, the Ninth Prince, and Song Zhe returned home under the setting sun.
Now the three boys went to school and came back together every day. They were very diligent in their studies, and with the addition of a few knowledgeable teachers sent by the Emperor from the capital city, their progress was remarkable. They might even take the Autumn Examination this year.
Of course, the Ninth Prince didn't need to take the exam, and Song Zhe definitely wouldn't pass. Only Wang Er had the possibility of trying.
He was looking forward to it and worked hard, staying up late every night to read.
Mosquitoes were becoming more numerous this season, but luckily, Du Xiao Hui tirelessly helped drive them away.
Li Yao didn't plan to interfere with the relationship between Wang Er and Du Xiao Hui. It all depended on Wang Er's wishes. If he thought Du Xiao Hui was good, they would consider marriage in the future.
As for the disparity in social status, Li Yao didn't think it was important at all.
What mattered was mutual affection and growing old together.
...
In the blink of an eye, early summer arrived, and each day became hotter than the last.
After more than a month of recuperation, Liu Yuan had almost recovered his health.
During this period, he entrusted his business to his family members to take care of, but he couldn't rest assured. So today, he decided to personally handle it.
"Lady Li, thanks to your care during this time, I have been able to recover so quickly."
"You're welcome. You suffered unjustly this time, and it was all because of me. It's only right that I have someone take care of you for a while."
Hearing her words, Liu Yuan felt delighted.
He had indeed suffered a lot, with his whole body covered in wounds. But because of that, he had gained Li Yao's trust even more.
Li Yao has now become a seventh-grade concubine and is destined for further promotion in the future, which will undoubtedly bring even greater prosperity to his business.
So, what does it matter if he encounters a little trouble?
"Oh, by the way," Li Yao asked, "next time you come, could you help me purchase some saltpeter? The weather is getting hotter, and I happen to be someone who dislikes heat. I want to make some ice."
"Sure, how much do you need?"
"Buy a little more, it will come in handy later. And remember, the purity must be the highest."