My Husband is a Drama King [Book Transmigration] 81

Chapter 81: Departure (No Protagonist Plot)

Xiao Ding had not yet had his dinner when he reached the city gate. His wife was waiting for him in the room. Seeing him return, she quickly had him sit down to warm himself by the fire.

“Husband, what would you like to eat?” Madam Xiao asked. She saw that he looked tired, and there was still a red mark on his face that had not faded. She did not ask.

There were very few people who could hit her husband. He had not been beaten at home, so it must have been outside. And it was a slap. She had a guess.

Xiao Ding had no appetite. He said, “Just make me a bowl of plain noodle soup.”

Madam Xiao smiled. “You’ve traveled day and night from Yongzhou just for a bowl of plain noodle soup? Although you said not to have a welcome-back feast for you, you should at least have a bowl of shredded pork noodles. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make it refreshing, with more sour radish to whet your appetite. And a pot of distilled wine?”

Xiao Ding’s heart warmed. He felt as if the chill in his body had been drawn out, and a warm current had been injected. He agreed readily.

Madam Xiao pushed open the door and personally went to the small kitchen to make him noodles.

The wind and snow outside were getting heavier. Xiao Ding pushed open the door, and a gust of cold air rushed in. He saw the early plum blossoms dotting the branches, looking bright red through the soft light.

He did not put on his cape. He saw a footprint on the ground. He stepped on it, covering the small marks in the snow. Following the footprints, he made a crunching sound in the snow. Xiao Ding reached the small kitchen.

The small kitchen was lit, which reminded him of the days at the border. At that time, in the winter, he had just returned from a patrol at night. He had already had dinner, but he had caught a cold from riding back and was a little hungry.

Madam Xiao had smiled and said, “Where am I going to get you something to eat at this hour? I’d have to go to town to buy it. By the time I get back, the food will be cold. I can make some noodles. I’ll make a bowl for you, husband.”

Xiao Ding was starving and was not picky. “Anything to eat is fine. It would be even better if there was some distilled wine.”

If he had had his attendant wake up the cook, the cook would have had to obey him, but Xiao Ding still felt that it was not good to wake him up from his sleep, so he did not bother.

Madam Xiao: “There’s no distilled wine. You can just have some hot tea, husband.”

General Xiao did not allow them to drink in the army camp. They could only drink at celebration banquets. Xiao Ding and Xiao An had no wine, but Xiao Bang had hidden some.

He had a sudden idea and went to his third brother’s tent to steal some. He didn’t manage to, but he had woken up Xiao Bang.

This time, Xiao Bang had also ordered a bowl of noodles and had offered his fine wine.

Xiao An had come back from another patrol and had heard the noise here. The three brothers had met in the kitchen.

Xiao An put down his long spear. “I thought the kitchen was being robbed. It turns out it’s you, Elder Brother and Third Brother.”

Madam Xiao’s voice came from inside the kitchen. “Second Brother, would you like a bowl of noodles?”

Xiao An put down his long spear and sat down with a flourish. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Xiao Bang placed the fine wine on the table. Xiao An was tempted. He secretly glanced at Xiao Ding, sat down obediently, and ignored Xiao Bang’s winks.

Xiao Bang: “If it weren’t for my fine wine, what would you two do? Now you know my good points.”

Xiao Ding glanced at Xiao Bang, who immediately lowered his head timidly and did not dare to be arrogant anymore.

It was snowing, and the tables and chairs in the kitchen seemed small. The three brothers’ legs could not be stretched out, and they were all curled up.

Xiao An said, “Elder Brother, you’re patrolling the north. Is there any movement from the barbarians?”

Xiao Ding: “No. They’ll be quiet for a while and then launch a sneak attack. It’s like this every year.”

Xiao An smiled, full of spirit. “If they launch a sneak attack this time, I’ll kill more of them than you, Elder Brother.”

Xiao Ding: “Then we’ll have to see how good your martial arts are.”

Xiao Bang usually did not participate in such topics. He opened the clay seal and poured wine for his two elder brothers.

Xiao Ding took a bowl of strong wine and drank it down. His body immediately warmed up, dispelling the chill. Xiao An also finished his wine, and his body also warmed up. Only Xiao Bang was drinking slowly, one mouthful at a time.

Xiao Ding couldn’t stand his pretentious manner and looked away. Out of sight, out of mind. Xiao Bang was drinking by himself. He had already taken out his chopsticks and was waiting for his sister-in-law’s noodles.

Madam Xiao had stir-fried some meat with sour radish and had added a lot of vegetables. After the noodles were ready, she sprinkled some scallions on top.

The three brothers had a large appetite. Madam Xiao had cooked a large bowl for each of them. She brought them out on a tray and placed them in front of them.

“You can eat. I’ll go back first. After you’re done, you can just leave the bowls and chopsticks in the kitchen. Someone will come and wash them later,” Madam Xiao could not stand the cold. Besides, the three brothers were eating here. They would probably chat for a while. She still wanted to go back to her room to warm herself by the fire.

Xiao Ding: “Alright. Thank you for your hard work.”

Madam Xiao smiled faintly and left. “Enjoy your meal.”

The noodles were full of fragrance. The soup had a golden sheen of oil. The noodles were hand-pulled, each strand distinct. The shredded meat was evenly spread on top, the outer skin a little stir-fried and crispy. The green vegetables were a garnish on the side, and the sour radish had a faint sour smell, which made one’s mouth water.

“So fragrant,” Xiao Bang said, and took a mouthful of noodles. Then he went to get some shredded meat and sour radish.

“Sister-in-law’s cooking is so good. The noodles are chewy, and the shredded meat is flavorful. I haven’t had such delicious noodles in a long time,” Xiao Bang wanted to cry.

The noodles he ate in the army camp were all from a large pot. All the ingredients were mixed together. Xiao Bang found them tasteless.

Xiao An took his chopsticks and ate half of it.

Xiao Ding was still eating his noodles unhurriedly. Xiao Bang was jealous. His elder brother probably had such delicious noodles every day.

“Have a drink,” Xiao Bang said, and diligently poured wine for his two elder brothers.

The three brothers clinked their wine cups and drank it all in one gulp.

Xiao An: “Elder Brother, when will we drive the barbarians back to their hometown? We can also go back to pay our respects to our ancestors.”

Ever since he had come to the border, Xiao An’s memory of his hometown had become a bit hazy. He only remembered a pair of gentle hands. It was a pity that his mother had already died of illness. In his memory, their family had lived a very peaceful and warm life in Jiangzhou.

He also missed his younger brother a little. He didn’t know how Yurong was doing in the capital. The border was short of supplies. The hairpins and fabric he bought were not as good as in the capital. As his elder brothers, they couldn’t buy anything for him and send it back.

The border had wind and snow, extreme heat, sandstorms, barbarians, and danger. It just didn’t have the gentle waters and beautiful jewelry that ge’ers liked.

“It will be a long time before we can go home to pay our respects to our ancestors,” Xiao Ding said.

Xiao An lowered his head and finished his noodles, even drinking the soup. He poured another cup of wine.

After the three brothers had finished, they put the bowls and chopsticks in the kitchen. As for the wine jar, they had Xiao Bang take it back. After all, if it were to be discovered, it would be his fault, and it would have nothing to do with him and his elder brother.

Xiao Bang timidly hugged the wine jar and went back to his tent.

“They’re all bullying me. There’s still a younger one at home,” Xiao Bang thought of Xiao Yurong. Forget it. He couldn’t go and bully the ge’er in his family. And with Yurong’s personality, he wouldn’t be able to bully him. Instead, he, the third brother, would be bullied.

Xiao Bang hugged the wine jar and cried himself to sleep.

.

“Husband, why are you here? The noodles are just ready,” Madam Xiao said, and brought them out. She also had someone bring some distilled wine.

“You can go and rest, wife. I’ll be by myself for a while.”

Madam Xiao agreed readily.

After she had left, Xiao Ding lowered his eyes and sat down. This small kitchen was much more exquisite than the one at the border. He took a mouthful of noodles. It was the same familiar taste, but this time, he was the only one eating here.

Xiao Ding opened the distilled wine and took a large gulp. The strong wine was fiery in his throat. After he had finished the noodles and the wine, he put the bowls and chopsticks in the small kitchen.

The wind and snow had not stopped. The fine snow fell on his shoulders. Xiao Ding looked up, and the snowflakes landed on his eyelashes.

He returned to his room and waited for the morning court.

The winter nights seemed very long. After Xiao Ding had made his decision, he had a good sleep. The next day, he got up as usual and went to the morning court.

Xiao Ding was calm and composed as he talked with the colleagues he met on the street.

Song Changxu had bought some fried dough sticks outside today. He shrunk his neck and ate them, and also drank a mouthful of soy milk.

He sensed that someone was looking at him. He looked up but didn’t know who it was.

He quickly finished the fried dough sticks and soy milk and entered the imperial palace.

When he entered the Jinluan Hall, Song Changxu stood behind Assistant Minister Su.

Laifu: “If you have something to report, report it. If not, the court is dismissed.”

Xie Yiyuan took a step forward. “Your Majesty, thirty private salt smugglers have been caught. The salt tax this month has increased by two hundred thousand.”

Emperor Pingjing’s eyes were full of praise. “You’ve done well, Minister Xie.”

Hearing the emperor’s praise, Xie Yiyuan felt as if he were floating. He retreated with satisfaction.

Liu Wangsheng talked about some old issues.

After he had finished, Xiao Ding took a step forward and presented a memorial. “Your Majesty, I have something to report.”

Laifu took the memorial and presented it to Emperor Pingjing.

After he had read it, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Xiao Ding knelt down and said, “I wish to resign and go home. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request.”

As soon as these words were spoken, a huge uproar was caused in the Jinluan Hall. Xiao Ding was not yet thirty, at the prime of his life. He was going to resign and go home.

The officials below whispered. General Xiao’s face was ashen.

Song Changxu looked up at Xiao Ding. So decisive.

Xiao Ding repeated, “I wish to resign and go home. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request.”

General Xiao couldn’t help but step forward and say, “Your Majesty, Xiao Ding is muddle-headed today. He has no such intention.”

Xiao Ding had outstanding military merits at the border and was the eldest son of the direct line of the Xiao family. He had a boundless future at such a young age. Why would he want to resign and go home?

Emperor Pingjing raised his hand and suppressed the voices below. “Don’t joke, Minister Xiao. You should not resign and go home.”

Xiao Ding: “Your Majesty, I have experienced life and death at the border. I can no longer adapt to the capital. I wish to resign and go home to recuperate.”

Emperor Pingjing met Xiao Ding’s gaze. His heart stirred. Hearing his words, it seemed that he was not playing hard to get, but was sincere.

“Are you sure? You won’t regret it?” Emperor Pingjing asked again.

Xiao Ding had no unwillingness in his heart. He said, “I’ve thought it over. I used to be in Jiangzhou. After I went to the border, I have not been back to pay my respects to my ancestors. This time, let me go back to my hometown to pay my respects and take care of my ancestors. In the future, I will be buried in Jiangzhou.”

Hearing this, Emperor Pingjing was a little moved. Xiao Ding was his eldest cousin. When he was young, he was indeed like a little adult. He had gone to the border at the age of ten and had never come back.

“Alright, I will grant your request.”

Xiao Ding knelt on the ground and kowtowed heavily. “Thank you for your fulfillment, Your Majesty.”

After the court session was over, there was still a lot of discussion outside the Jinluan Hall. General Xiao still had his face and did not discipline Xiao Ding in front of outsiders, thinking of doing it when they got back to their residence.

Xiao Ding was oblivious and went to hand over his duties, then took his things and went home. When he returned home, he was a little hesitant in front of Madam Xiao.

“Husband, why are you back so early?”

“I’ve resigned.”

Madam Xiao answered, “Alright, then I’ll pack our things and go home. Actually, it’s good to resign. I haven’t been to Jiangzhou yet.”

“You won’t blame me?”

“What’s there to blame? It’s good to step down now, better than being driven down in the future. Ever since we’ve come to the capital, you haven’t been sleeping well, husband. I guess you’re worried about something. Seeing that my father has changed in the capital, I think this is the best now.”

Xiao Ding held his wife’s hand tightly.

Madam Xiao had gone to pack their things. There was not much to pack, just to take some more money with them. In the future, when they were in Jiangzhou without an official position, those people would always look down on them. It was better to have more money.

Besides, her husband had resigned. There was still Yurong and her aunt in the court, and her mother’s family was also a military family and had some influence.

Xiao Ding went to find Xiao Bang. Xiao Bang had just gotten a beauty and was sleeping soundly. Hearing that his elder brother was in the courtyard, he quickly tidied himself up and came out.

“Elder Brother, why are you here?”

“I’ve already resigned. In a few days, I’ll be setting off for our hometown in Jiangzhou. Are you staying in the capital with our father, or are you coming back with me?”

Xiao Bang was stunned. “So suddenly. Why did you resign, Elder Brother? You have such a great future…”

“I’ll go back with you, Elder Brother,” Xiao Bang said, closing his mouth when he met Xiao Ding’s gaze.

It was a pity that he had only found one beauty these past few days. He would take her back to his hometown with him. Xiao Bang went back to his room, crossed his legs, and had someone pack his things.

The attendant asked, “Third Young Master, what should I pack?”

“Pack a few sets of daily clothes. And sell all the other things. It’ll be difficult for me to come back in the future. It’s good to sell them and take the bank notes with me. Otherwise, if I leave them at home, wouldn’t it be a bargain for my father?”

The attendant: “…”

Xiao Bang also took his private money. He still felt that it was not enough. When he went back to his hometown in Jiangzhou with his elder brother, the restrictions would definitely be stricter. He had to have enough money. His elder brother would definitely not want to use the money from the treasury, but he had to use more.

“By the way, I still have to go to the palace,” Xiao Bang said, and had his attendant settle the beauty. He took his token and went to the palace to find Xiao Yurong.

He didn’t dare to go to Empress Dowager Xiao. In her eyes, there was only Xiao Ding and Xiao An. He, this dandy, couldn’t even get into her eyes.

Hearing the attendant say that his third brother had come, Xiao Yurong quickly invited him in.

Xiao Bang greeted him.

“Xiping, you can take them out.”

Xiping answered and led the palace attendants of the Fengyang Palace out. Xiao Yurong had Xiao Bang sit down. After Xiao Ding had left last night, Xiao Yurong had something on his mind and had also gone back to the palace.

Today, he had had someone pay close attention to the affairs of the court. He had learned that his elder brother had indeed resigned and gone home, and that His Majesty had even agreed. His mind was blank.

Now that he had heard that Xiao Bang had come, he wanted to get some news from him.

Xiao Bang was completely baffled. “I don’t know either. My elder brother came back early in the morning and said that he had already resigned. He asked me to go with him or with my father. I chose to go with him.”

Xiao Yurong was speechless.

“Then why are you looking for me, Third Brother?”

He couldn’t have come just to chat.

“Your Highness, my elder brother and I are going back home. We have no status to rely on. What if those blind people shout at us? And what if they want to show off their power on us? Then you’ll be far away in the capital, and my elder brother and I will be bullied in Jiangzhou. If we want to write back, who knows if we’ll be in one piece?”

Xiao Bang lowered his head with a pitiful look.

“I’ve misspoken. I have no official position and cannot call myself ‘subject’.”

Xiao Yurong’s eyes narrowed, looking a little angry. “They dare!”

The symbol of the Phoenix Lord’s identity was the Phoenix Lord’s seal, the phoenix crown, the ceremonial book, and the hairpin.

Xiao Yurong took a nine-phoenix hairpin from his hair. Only the Phoenix Lord was worthy of using such a hairpin.

“Seeing this hairpin is like seeing me,” Xiao Yurong said, and handed it to Xiao Bang.

Xiao Bang had come for the Phoenix Lord’s token. With this hairpin, their Xiao family had a Phoenix Lord in the palace. Anyone who wanted to harm them would have to think twice.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Xiao Yurong stood up and handed a box to Xiao Bang. “The journey to Jiangzhou is long. Here are some gold and silver. You can take them with you, Third Brother. If anything unexpected happens, send a message to me.”

Xiao Bang was not coy. He took the box. He looked at Xiao Yurong seriously. “Yurong, all your brothers have left. You have to be well in the palace in the future.”

Xiao Yurong: “I am the Phoenix Lord. Who would dare to give me any trouble?”

Xiao Bang laughed. He took advantage of his height and presumptuously patted Xiao Yurong’s head.

After Xiao Bang had left, Xiao Yurong sat alone in the palace for a long time.

He had successfully come out of the palace. After work, General Xiao had had another fight with his elder brother. Xiao Bang thought that this matter had already been decided by His Majesty. It was impossible for him to take back his order, so no matter how his father made a scene, it was all in vain.

Xiao Bang went to sleep by himself.

Xiao Ding had indeed had a fight with General Xiao. General Xiao had cursed him, “You’ve ruined your own great future!”

Xiao Ding: “After I resign and go home, my second brother will also resign. Originally, I wouldn’t have had to resort to this, but my father is reluctant to part with his wealth and honor. We can only resign first and show our attitude to His Majesty.”

General Xiao was both guilty and furious. “You mean I’ve harmed you? Not only are you going to lose your future, but you’re also taking Xiao An with you. We’ve been suffering at the border day and night. We’ve finally made it, and you’re just handing over our military merits to others!”

Xiao Ding: “It was His Majesty’s order for us to guard the border. We are loyal to the monarch. Without the court’s grain and support, how could we have won the battle at the border? As for our military merits, if they can let the people of the Ningxing Dynasty live in peace, what are they? To settle the country and bring peace to the state, isn’t that the original intention of our father giving us our names?”

Xiao Ding cupped his hands. “It is you who have forgotten, Father!”

General Xiao met Xiao Ding’s young and stubborn appearance. For some reason, he did not dare to meet his gaze.

Seeing that General Xiao was about to leave, Xiao Ding said, “There is still a chance, Father.”

General Xiao: “Nonsense!”

Xiao Ding sat on a chair and suddenly felt a wave of fatigue. Why was his father unwilling to turn back?

Clearly, it was his father who had had them guard the border and be loyal to the country in the past.

A few days later, Xiao Ding was leaving the capital. His things were already packed. At the city gate, five or six friends were seeing him off. In the past, there had been many people around him. The ones who were left now were his true friends.

“Xiao Ding, you have to treat us well when we go to Jiangzhou in the future.”

“Xiao Ding, see you later. If anything happens, send me a letter. I’ll definitely help if I can.”

Xiao Ding drank the wine they had sent him. “See you later.”

Xiao Ding rode on horseback and left with his guards and family.

“It’s a pity that Young Master Xiao had such a great future…”

“To retreat bravely is also a good thing for their family,” an aristocratic son said.

Xiao Ding looked back at the capital one last time. He thought of the time when they had returned in triumph from the border. His Majesty had led a hundred officials to welcome them outside the city. How spirited they had been.

The banners were fluttering, the common people were cheering, the court ministers were envious, and they were of high rank and great power.

Xiao Ding suddenly smelled the blood and sand of the border again.

He turned around and held the reins tightly. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, young master.”

The line of carriages was on the road again. There was also a pavilion outside the city called the Farewell Pavilion, a saying of the literati. For military generals, just seeing them off at the city gate was enough.

Someone stopped the carriage. Laifu, in plain clothes, showed his token and requested to see Xiao Ding.

Seeing him, Xiao Ding’s eyes were filled with surprise and doubt. “What can I do for you, Eunuch Laifu?”

Laifu said with a smile, “Sir Xiao, a noble person is waiting in the pavilion to offer you a cup of wine. Please hurry, sir. Don’t let the noble person wait too long.”

Laifu was His Majesty’s personal eunuch. He was here. Could it be that in the pavilion was…

Xiao Ding did not dare to delay. “I’ll go right away.”

Xiao Ding dismounted and knelt in front of the pavilion. “I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Pingjing was in his casual clothes. He helped him up and held his hand to the pavilion.

“You’ve been wronged.”

***

Author’s Note:

Xiao Ding: [Crying]