When Old Master Meng Zishan heard that his grandson was looking for him, he was somewhat surprised. Usually, this grandson of his wasn't exactly eager to see the old man.
Meng Wulang, upon meeting his grandfather, hesitated again, unsure how to broach the subject.
Meng Zishan was genuinely curious now: "If you have something to say, just say it. Fidgeting like that—what kind of figure do you cut?"
Meng Wulang scratched his head: "Well, I'm just not sure if I should say it."
Meng Zishan furrowed his brow slightly and returned his gaze to his book: "Out of money? Then go ask your father. I've got none."
Meng Wulang: "..."
He felt his grandfather must have some misunderstanding about him. How could he possibly be that kind of person?
He gave an awkward laugh: "No, that's not it. Today I ran into Young Master Wei. He... he asked if I had any news of Eldest Brother."
Meng Zishan's gaze sharpened, and he looked up: "Go on."
Meng Wulang's expression turned serious: "His demeanor seemed off. It's very possible he already has news of Eldest Miss Wei."
He was about the same age as Wei Qinghuai. Although the two families hadn't interacted frequently in the past, the two of them had grown up together somewhat, and especially after arriving in Ying County, they spent a lot of time together and had a fair understanding of each other.
Given his Eldest Brother's recklessness when it came to matters of the heart, he might well have been with Eldest Miss Wei when Dingyang fell.
News of Eldest Miss Wei might also mean news of his Eldest Brother.
"What you're saying is—he asked you about your brother's news as a way of testing you?" Meng Zishan frowned.
Meng Wulang nodded, then shook his head: "I'm not sure either. That's why I came to discuss it with you, Grandfather."
In truth, the whole family had largely assumed that Eldest Brother was most likely gone, and Grandfather and their parents had grieved for a long time over it.
Meng Zishan thought for a moment and said: "Have your mother come over. I have something to tell her."
After Meng Wulang left, Meng Zishan continued looking at his book, but his eyes didn't move.
Eldest Miss Wei—he had been quite satisfied with that girl. Back then, the two families had intended to form a marriage alliance. It was never stated outright, but it was an unspoken mutual understanding.
So the two young people had plenty of contact, and neither family interfered.
But then, in the blink of an eye, the Wei family sent their daughter into the palace, and his own cherished eldest grandson followed her into the palace as well, all to guard what he called his "love."
He had nearly vomited blood at the time. The marriage hadn't come to pass, and he'd lost his eldest grandson into the bargain.
The Meng family was an official household, but only minor officials. The highest achievement came from his own father, who had reached the rank of General of the Martial Guard.
Unfortunately, each generation after that declined. After his father passed away, the family gradually fell into obscurity.
Fortunately, this generation produced Meng Chong, who had the spirit of their ancestors, resolved to join the military and restore the family's honor.
Who would have thought that this eldest grandson of his would turn out to be such a lovesick fool, disregarding family, parents, and his own future for the sake of a woman.
Meng Zishan let out another sigh.
Even though Meng Chong eventually rose to the position of captain of the guards, the Meng family didn't dare claim any credit for it. They didn't even go to Dingyang, staying in their hometown all along.
He knew very well why his grandson had entered the palace—to covet the emperor's concubine. If discovered, extermination of the entire clan would be the least of it.
For so many years, the whole family had lived in constant fear, as if treading on thin ice.
He felt an indescribable disappointment toward this grandson he'd once had such high hopes for.
After that incident, he decided that Wei Heng, who had sent his daughter into the palace, was not someone worth associating with.
Old Master Wei, whom he had been close to, had passed away years ago, and the two families gradually drifted apart.
But years had passed, and everything had changed.
After arriving in Ying County, when Wei Heng died, leaving behind Liu Lanniang and her orphaned children, he was ultimately moved by compassion, and the two families slowly resumed their acquaintance.
The Meng family now had no power or influence, but at least they had many family members, enough to offer some measure of support.
Liu Lanniang hadn't expected Meng family's matriarch, Chen Zuilan, to suddenly pay a visit. She quickly went out to greet her.
"What wind blew you over here?" she said with a smile.
Chen Zuilan took her arm: "Can't I come see you without a reason? Let's just talk for a while."
She had been summoned by her father-in-law today and learned that Wei Qingran might have been located—which meant her son might also have been found.
She couldn't sit still after that. She rushed over to the Wei residence. She asked for nothing else—just wanted her son to be alive.
The two of them walked arm in arm into the back courtyard.
Seeing Chen Zuilan hesitate, about to speak yet stopping, Liu Lanniang's heart jumped: "What's wrong?"
Chen Zuilan bit her lip and forced a smile: "I want to share some private words with you."
Liu Lanniang's arm paused slightly in hers, but quickly recovered. She waved her hand to dismiss the maidservants.
Chen Zuilan's eyes were slightly red, her expression solemn: "Lanniang, be honest with me. Is there news of Ah Ran?"
Liu Lanniang pressed her lips together, not knowing for the moment how to respond.
Chen Zuilan gripped her hand tightly: "I'm not asking for anything else. I just want to know—is my son all right?"
Tears fell, landing on Liu Lanniang's hand, scalding her heart so it trembled. In truth, it was the Wei family that had wronged the Meng family.
She hesitated a moment, then nodded: "There is indeed news of Ah Ran. But I don't know where she is right now."
Chen Zuilan's face lit up: "Did she mention my A Chong?"
Liu Lanniang shook her head: "She said nothing."
Chen Zuilan grew anxious: "Then how did you come by news of Ah Ran?"
Liu Lanniang remained firm this time: "Don't ask. As for your eldest son, I'll do my best to make inquiries. As soon as I have any word, I'll let you know as quickly as I can."
The Meng Chong they were talking about, at that very moment, had joined the Jinyang Army and was doing physical training.
His injuries had been quite severe, and he'd needed a long period of recovery, not fully healed until winter set in. This time, without hesitation, he'd enlisted.
Anyone entering the Jinyang Army basically had to start as a common soldier.
Of course, for those with ability and a foundation, it was still easy to stand out. He quickly became a squad leader.
In the military, one could rise not only through combat merits—outstanding performance in training and superior martial skill could also earn promotion.
Take Hua Ruo, for example. She was already a platoon leader.
Her promotions came as easily as drinking water. Within little more than a month of joining the army, she'd jumped two whole ranks.
Her Blood-Tang Twin Moons had been modified by the weapons workshop to be even stronger, enhancing her combat power.
At Gefeng Weapons Workshop, Jiang Jin took the Dragon-Fury Crossbow that Yun Ci handed to her.
With a click, she removed the bolt magazine: "How many bolts does it hold?"
Yun Ci said with a smile: "The magazine holds twelve bolts."
Jiang Jin attached the magazine, then removed it again, testing it several times. She nodded with satisfaction—the magazine exchange speed was quick.
"Have you tested the range and accuracy?" she asked.
Yun Ci replied: "Yes. The range is about the same as the Dragon-Plume Crossbow, but the accuracy is still a bit off. We're working on adjusting it."
Jiang Jin looked at the arrowhead and pointed out: "This type of arrowhead is heavier. It might be the cause. Try raising the bolt track a bit."
Yun Ci's eyes brightened: "Alright, I'll have them try that."
Jiang Jin nodded, took out a bolt and examined it: "Have you tested the bolt's striking power?"
Yun Ci suggested: "Why don't you try it yourself?"
Jiang Jin smiled: "Let's go to the shooting range."
The weapons workshop had its own shooting range, though it was small—the farthest distance was only about twenty meters. To truly test range and accuracy, one generally had to go to Gesi Mountain.
Jiang Jin raised the Dragon-Fury Crossbow in her hand, aimed at a wooden post twenty meters away, and pulled the trigger.
