Chapter 072: Please Take

After Wei Ba’s last return, when he stunned the entire family with his sudden aura of command, the shockwaves did not fade after his departure. On the contrary, as news after news arrived, his name rang ever louder within the Wei household, gradually becoming an undeniable presence.

After besting Yang Yi and securing a decisive victory in the struggle between the Wei and Yang families, Lady Zhang, the matron of the house, ordered that the long-vacant rooms above the study be tidied up for Madam Deng’s use. All the furnishings were newly arranged, matching the standards of Lady Zhang’s own chambers. For Madam Deng, it was as if she had ascended in a single bound, becoming the second-in-command of the Wei family—just beneath the lady of the house and above all others. She was so elated that she could hardly believe her eyes; several times, waking in the night, she thought herself still dreaming.

Now, not only did she reside in fine quarters, but every aspect of her daily treatment had improved markedly. Delicacies, silks, and all manner of cosmetics she had never dared imagine were sent to her in an endless stream. Within a few short months, she felt utterly transformed. No longer required to labor at rough tasks, the calluses lingered on her hands, but her skin was gradually turning fair and smooth, and the wrinkles etched by years of toil were noticeably fading, making her seem ten years younger.

The only regret of living in the back residence was the loneliness. Though she had risen so high, Madam Deng dared not expect to become intimate friends with Lady Zhang. With Lady Zhang’s permission, however, Madam Li and Lan’er could often visit to keep her company. Naturally, Madam Deng quietly shared some of her newfound benefits with Madam Li, so that even Madam Li began to enjoy newfound respect among the servants.

Moved to tears by her happiness, Madam Deng recounted her fortune. Wei Ba felt both joy and bitterness. He had devoted himself to martial training in Mianyang, worrying over the family’s fate years hence, never expecting that his efforts would bear fruit so soon.

"Don't cry, don't cry. The good days have only just begun; this is just the start," Wei Ba soothed, patting his mother’s back.

Little Lan’er, with the air of a grown-up, also tried to comfort Madam Deng. Madam Li, her eyes shining with envy, was happy for her friend but anxious for her own future. She had no son, only a daughter. Though Lan’er was clever, how could a girl ever be as useful as a man? The thought brought tears to Madam Li’s eyes. Seeing her cry, Madam Deng felt embarrassed and began to console her in turn. The two women alternated between laughter and tears, eventually leaving Wei Ba somewhat at a loss and turning to amuse little Lan’er instead.

"Lan’er, where’s the sachet you were embroidering for your big brother? Let me see it," Wei Ba teased, waggling his eyebrows.

"Hee hee, you can’t have it," Lan’er blushed, hiding the sachet behind her back. "It’s not finished yet. I’ll show you once it’s done."

"You’ll have to hurry then. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning."

"So soon?" Madam Deng exclaimed in alarm. "Has something happened?"

"It’s nothing," Wei Ba replied. "I’m now an adjutant at the Prime Minister’s residence, assigned to accompany the Prime Minister’s son, Captain Zhuge, to Xicheng."

"To the battlefield?" Madam Deng paled. "Son, your body is so frail—how can you go to war?"

Wei Ba gave a wry smile and raised his sturdy arm. "Mother, do you still think I’m weak?"

Madam Deng looked him up and down, finally realizing he was no longer the sickly child he once was, but a man no less robust than his father, Wei Yan. She touched her son’s solid arm, wanting to laugh but unable to. Madam Li seized her hand, smiling, "Sister, haven’t you noticed? Young Master Ba is utterly changed. He’s an official now, following the Prime Minister’s son to earn merit. In the future, he could be ennobled. I truly envy you—soon you’ll be the mother of a lord."

"Whatever blessings come my way, you and Lan’er will share in them," Madam Deng replied with a laugh, though worry quickly crept back into her tone. "But you must be careful, son. We of the Wei family are born to the sword, and battle is our lot, but blades know no mercy. Don’t be reckless, do you hear? If you were to be wounded, even if I were granted a title, I could never be at peace." She wiped her tears away.

Wei Ba’s heart softened, and he nodded quickly. "I understand, Mother."

"Good. Since you’re leaving early tomorrow, don’t spend the night chatting with me. Eat and go to bed early. I’ve prepared your room—the bedding, the mattress, everything is new, sewn with my own hands. You’ll sleep well, I promise."

As she spoke, Madam Deng led Wei Ba to see his room. He gazed at the brand-new furniture and bedding, imagining the countless days and nights his mother had spent preparing everything, how many times she must have sat at the bedside, stroking the silken covers, waiting for him to return. His nose tingled. "Mother, I have something to do. I must see Lady Zhang before I rest."

"Of course, of course. These are all her ladyship’s gifts—you should thank her." Madam Deng nodded repeatedly, then turned to fix his headpiece, standing on tiptoe and stretching her arms to reach, for Wei Ba was now so much taller than she. Seeing her struggle, Wei Ba lifted his robes and knelt before his mother.

Madam Deng was stunned, and in that instant, tears streamed down her cheeks. She threw her arms around Wei Ba, weeping uncontrollably. Madam Li and Lan’er, witnessing the scene, were moved to tears themselves, their gazes full of envy and joy for Madam Deng and her son.

After spending some time with his mother, Wei Ba washed his face and hurried to the small building in the west to seek an audience with Lady Zhang.

As he arrived and stood below the building, he heard footsteps on the stairs. The maid Huan’er descended gracefully, and upon seeing Wei Ba, her eyes lit up with surprise. He seemed to have grown even taller, towering over her by a full head; more importantly, he was now sturdy and strong, with not a trace of his former frailty. Simply standing there, he exuded the dignity of a true man. Yet, compared to the muscular Wei Feng, Wei Ba possessed a scholarly air—his physique not so exaggerated, but radiant with a masculine grace.

"Young Master Ba?" Huan’er asked, uncertain.

"Huan’er, is the lady in? I have something to report," Wei Ba replied.

Startled, Huan’er realized her own lapse, a flush rising to her cheeks. "The lady is upstairs. Follow me," she said quickly.

As Huan’er led the way up the stairs, Wei Ba’s gaze was unwittingly drawn to her shapely figure. Huan’er, not hearing his footsteps, glanced back and caught his fixed stare, immediately understanding what had distracted him. Annoyed yet flustered, she covered her lips with her hand and coughed softly. "Young Master Ba, please come upstairs."

"Oh! Yes!" Embarrassed, Wei Ba lowered his head and followed closely. Though he knew it was improper, his eyes still wandered toward her swaying figure. Sensing his gaze, Huan’er consciously minimized her movements, making her walk appear somewhat awkward. Noticing this, Wei Ba realized what she was thinking and felt even more abashed.

Ah, the stirrings of youth—he was still defenseless before feminine beauty.

Lady Zhang sat on a couch by the window, her face turned toward the green bamboo outside, serene and composed. Hearing Wei Ba’s footsteps at the door, she turned and smiled faintly. "Ziyu, you’ve returned?"

Wei Ba knew that, although Lady Zhang rarely left her chambers, little within the camp escaped her notice. Hearing her call him by his courtesy name, he quickly stepped forward and saluted. "Greetings, Mother."

"Sit down. Huan’er, prepare some refreshments. Ziyu has just returned and must be hungry."

Huan’er acknowledged and withdrew to arrange for food. Lady Zhang chatted with Wei Ba about inconsequential matters, making no mention of his mother Deng in the east wing. She might not bring it up, but Wei Ba could not let it go unaddressed and bowed to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Mother, for your kindness."

"We are all one family—it is only right," Lady Zhang replied softly. "You men fight in the world outside. We women can only do our best to keep the household in order, so that you may be at ease in your duties."

Wei Ba smiled. "Mother speaks truly. However, I hurried back today precisely because there are matters weighing on my mind—matters I must seek your guidance for."

"Oh? What could be so grave that neither you nor your father nor your brothers can resolve it, and you must turn to a woman for help?" Though she spoke lightly, with a hint of jest, Lady Zhang unconsciously straightened, her manner becoming more solemn. Even Huan’er, seeing her seriousness, grew nervous.

Wei Ba took a sip of water, gathered his thoughts, and recounted the events of the past few months. At last, he said, "If I am not mistaken, Father’s plan for a surprise attack through Ziwu Valley has already been rejected by the Prime Minister."

Lady Zhang’s eyes narrowed slightly. "A rejected plan is not the end of the world. What truly worries me is your father’s inability to hold his tongue."

Wei Ba remained silent, inwardly impressed. He knew his return had been the right decision. After living with his father for months, he understood the man’s temper well. Despite current successes, in his father’s eyes, he would always be the impetuous youth—daring to offer advice? A beating would be his only reward. To persuade his father by himself was nearly impossible. The only one who might succeed was Lady Zhang.

Lady Zhang furrowed her brow and pondered for a long moment. "Your father respects me and often follows my counsel, yet his temperament is innate. We have been married so many years, and even Feng has grown so tall, but has he ever changed? Ziyu, I fear you may be disappointed."