Chapter 449: Number One Idol

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Grandma Chu and Li Qingyu headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for their large family of over ten members.

Grandpa Chu and Chu Rong went to the drying ground to sun-dry the grains. While they couldn’t help much with business matters, they were highly skilled in handling farm work.

Soon, the rest of the family members began to wake up one after another.

Chu Qingzhi, listening to the commotion, thought to herself about how hardworking everyone was, getting up before 5 a.m.

Tang Jinghong also got up and upon stepping outside, was surprised to see an unexpected visitor – Tang Shan.

Before Tang Jinghong could speak, Tang Shan approached him excitedly, looking at him as if he were a treasure, and asked, “Are you now a general?”

He never dreamed that he would have a son who was a general. It seemed like a blessing from heaven.

Tang Jinghong’s frown was almost imperceptible. He was aware of his exposed identity. He wasn’t surprised that Tang Shan came to inquire but felt somewhat annoyed.

“What do you want?” he asked coldly.

“Nothing, nothing. I came to ask you to come home for breakfast. You haven’t been home for several months,” Tang Shan said, attempting to mend their strained relationship but also feeling resentful that Tang Jinghong, as a son, made him, the father, take the initiative to come.

Tang Jinghong declined indifferently, “No need, my future mother-in-law has prepared my breakfast.” He then walked past Tang Shan.

Seeing Tang Jinghong like this, Tang Shan wanted to flare up. He had already lowered his head, but Tang Jinghong was still ignoring him. He couldn’t help but panic. “Tang Jinghong, I’m your father.”

Tang Jinghong turned a deaf ear and continued walking.

Tang Shan, wanting to scold Tang Jinghong for his attitude, was about to speak when a loud crash diverted his attention…

His kitchen had collapsed!

A moment later, Zhang Xiujin’s scream pierced the air, alerting the entire village.

Tang Shan hurried back home to find Zhang Xiujin crouching and holding her head. The kitchen bricks and tiles had fallen just an inch behind her, narrowly missing her.

When she saw Tang Shan return from outside, she immediately turned her fear into anger and roared, “Tang Shan, are you trying to kill me? I told you not to look for Tang Jinghong. Don’t look for him. Are you deaf? Will you only be happy if I’m dead?”

Tang Shan’s head buzzed from the roar. Zhang Xiuqin told him not to look for Tang Jinghong. He didn’t take it to heart, but he didn’t expect the kitchen to collapse.

Now, he had no choice but to focus on repairing the kitchen.

Unable to endure the scolding any longer, Tang Shan conceded, “Stop yelling. I won’t seek him out anymore!”

Zhang Xiuqin still had a lingering fear. After scolding him, she finally felt better. “Hurry up and repair the kitchen. Otherwise, you’ll go hungry!”

Tang Shan immediately set to work on the repairs.

Zhang Xiujin glanced at her own dilapidated tile house and then at Tang Jinghong’s bungalow, snorting disdainfully, thinking to herself that she didn’t need to seek Tang Jinghong’s help to build a bungalow of her own.

Standing at the entrance of Chu Qingzhi’s house, Tang Jinghong watched the dust billowing from the collapsed kitchen at Tang Shan’s house, barely containing his laughter.

Chu Haodong, the village elder’s grandson, approached him. Around Tang Jinghong’s age but already a father to a seven-year-old, he admired Tang Jinghong’s composed and authoritative presence. “Jinghong, my grandfather would like to see you,” he said.

“Alright.” After informing Chu Qingzhi, Tang Jinghong followed Chu Haodong to his house.

Upon Tang Jinghong’s arrival, all members of the village elder came out to greet him. The courtyard soon filled with people.

The village elder, sitting in the courtyard enjoying his morning tea, greeted Tang Jinghong with a kind smile, inviting him to sit. “Jinghong, come sit here with me.”

Tang Jinghong walked over and sat beside the village elder. “Elder, what’s the matter?”

The village elder looked at Tang Jinghong intently and smiled. “Nothing else. I just want to ask you, are you really a general?”

Everyone instantly focused their attention and pricked up their ears to listen to the answer.

Tang Jinghong said, “Yes.”

The village elder’s eyes brightened as he intensely scrutinized Tang Jinghong, “What rank? What position?”

Tang Jinghong said calmly, “The National General, first rank.”

The village elder stood up excitedly. “Blessed by the heavens, our ancestors have truly graced us. Our Chu village has produced a first-rank general. First-rank, in the entire Daling Dynasty, there are only about a dozen. Jinghong, you have brought immense honor and glory to our ancestors!”

The village elder muttered agitatedly, “Go and inform the village chief. Three days later, open the ancestral hall and worship the ancestors.”

To them, the birth of a first-rank official in the village was a huge matter. They had to worship their ancestors and pray for their blessings to continue their glory.

Chu Haodong hurriedly replied, “Grandpa, I’ll go right away.” As he spoke, he ran out the door.

The village chief, upon hearing the news, quickly arrived at the village elder’s house, shared a few words with Tang Jinghong, and left excitedly.

The village elder sat on the chair again and asked Tang Jinghong about his experiences over the years.

Tang Jinghong briefly explained that the past ten years had not been good. It was almost filled with killing and death. It had only gotten better in the past two years.

When the village elder heard this, he wiped his tears. “It’s been hard on you, child.”

Tang Jinghong smiled, “Hardship is all in the past now.”

The village elder said confidently, “With you around, the Daling Dynasty will definitely be peaceful.”

In the past ten years of war, no one had had a good time. They had only been able to live because they were near the capital. It was said that killing was a common scene at the border. There were even bandits who burned, killed, and plundered.

Tang Jinghong said humbly, “I’ll do my best.”

Chu Xuyuan ran over, panting. “Brother Jinghong, it’s time to eat.”

Tang Jinghong stood up. “Grandpa, I’ll leave first.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

On their way back, Chu Xuyuan looked up to Tang Jinghong with admiration, seeing him as his first idol.

Tang Jinghong, sensing Chu Xuyuan’s gaze, asked, “What’s the matter?

Chu Xuyuan expressed his admiration and aspirations, “Brother Jinghong, when I grow up, I want to be a general like you.”

Tang Jinghong, ruffling Chu Xuyuan’s hair, offered to teach him military strategies and tactics, “If you’re serious, I can teach you everything I know.”

Chu Xuyuan, smiling broadly, declared, “Then I’ll consider you my master.”

Tang Jinghong replied, “As long as you’re serious about learning.”

Chu Xuyuan said firmly, “I will.”

Tang Jinghong smiled. Xuyuan was a good seedling. If he was nurtured well, he might really become a general and a successor of his..

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