The Little Lucky Girl.

Chapter 219: Peace in the North

After a month of bitter fighting, Murong Ye led the Dafeng army, using gunpowder, and finally successfully drove the Tartars back five hundred miles. No more Tartar cavalry rampaged through the lands of Beiguan. The people emerged from their homes, watching the retreating enemy, tears welling in their eyes, a sense of relief and joy at having survived. On the city walls, the soldiers, though exhausted, stood tall, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight like a triumphant victory. From then on, peace was restored to Beiguan, trade gradually resumed, and the streets once again echoed with the laughter of children. But the army remained relentless, knowing that only by continuously strengthening their defenses could they ensure the long-term stability of this land!

Su Qing finally returned home, returning to Sujia Village after a long absence. The village, now no longer tranquil and pristine, was now brimming with life and energy. Su Qing's third brother, now a prominent figure in the village, had relocated his movable type printing factory to Sujia Village, ingeniously combining movable type printing with papermaking to expand the business.

In Su Qing's workshop, artisans toiled day and night. The third brother personally oversaw every step, from material selection to production, striving for perfection. In the movable type printing workshop, neat rows of typefaces were arranged in an orderly fashion. The books and classics printed were not only legible but also beautifully laid out, earning them the admiration of scholars and academia, with orders pouring in. In the papermaking workshop, pristine white paper churned out like water, its texture soft and tough, ideal for both writing and painting. It was sold throughout the country, bringing rich profits to Sujia Village.

Su Qing watched her third brother's busy yet determined figure, her heart filled with admiration and comfort. She decided to work with him to further expand and strengthen the family business. They discussed recruiting more craftsmen, expanding the workshop, and refining the craftsmanship to increase production efficiency. They also discussed expanding the village school, so that all children could learn to read and write, passing on knowledge and skills. This would make Sujia Village a renowned place of culture and craftsmanship, ensuring that Sujia Village's glory would endure for generations to come, a legacy to be recorded in history.

Su Qing returned to the Su family home, and five days passed leisurely. During these five days, Su Qing spent time with his family, collected herbs in the mountains, and discussed new strategies for printing and papermaking with his third brother. His heart was filled with a long-lost peace and comfort.

That afternoon, a carrier pigeon fluttered in and landed on Su Qing's windowsill. Su Qing untied the letter tube from the pigeon's leg and unfolded the envelope. It was a letter from Dongfang Ze, the Emperor of Donglin. "Qingbao, please smile!" The familiar handwriting caught his eye, and it was as if Dongfang Ze's gentle voice were echoing in his ears. A complex mix of emotions flashed across Su Qing's eyes: surprise, joy, and a hint of indescribable panic.

In the letter, Dongfang Ze expressed his longing for Su Qing and recounted the recent changes in the Donglin Kingdom. Despite undercurrents at court, he, with the assistance of loyal ministers and capable generals, had gradually stabilized his position. On the border, extensive construction projects were underway to strengthen city defenses and stockpile provisions to prevent enemy attacks. He expressed his longing to share the splendor of Donglin with Su Qing, a sight even more precious after the ravages of war. He hoped Su Qing would be there to witness the nation's reconstruction and prosperity with him.

After reading, Su Qing fell into deep thought. She was well aware of Dongfang Ze's deep affection for her, yet a chasm remained within her heart that was difficult to bridge. Su Qing slowly rose and walked to the window, gazing at the tranquil countryside of Sujia Village, a mixture of emotions welling up in her heart. She understood that while she harbored deep affection and respect for Dongfang Ze, it was not a romantic relationship. They had been through so much together, supporting each other through thick and thin, like family. And in Su Qing's heart, this bond of kinship was more precious and stable than even love itself.

She couldn't accept his affection, wishing only that they could call each other brother and sister. Su Qing knew that such a decision might cause Dongfang Ze pain, but a short pain was better than a long one. She picked up her pen and wrote beautifully on the letter: "Brother Ze, I appreciate your deep affection, but I regard you as a brother, and this is not a romantic relationship. I hope you will find a good partner in the future, and we can compose a love song together." After writing, Su Qing carefully sealed the letter and sent it to the Donglin Palace through the channels of Youlan Pavilion.

From then on, Su Qing returned entirely to Sujia Village. Together with her third brother, she devoted herself to the business of movable type printing and papermaking. In the workshop, she personally demonstrated new typesetting techniques, her focused expression and nimble hands seemingly weaving the future of Sujia Village. Over time, Sujia Village prospered under their management, and Su Qing's name became a village legend, celebrated for her steadfast devotion to her family and her hometown. Her past with Dongfang Ze became a story, a memory buried deep in her heart, occasionally glimmering in the quiet night sky, a faint, yet enduring, memory. But that's all for later!

In the blink of an eye, the New Year was approaching. This was Su Qing's first year at the Su family after his rebirth, a year of extraordinary significance. All the shops and workshops in the Su family closed ten days early. As soon as the news spread, the entire Su family was immersed in a joyous atmosphere.

Su Qing stood in the courtyard, directing the servants to carry the New Year gifts. Her third brother was nearby, checking the roster to ensure that no craftsmen or employees were left out. "Little sister, do you think these numbers are correct? We put a lot of thought into preparing the New Year gifts and bonuses this year," the third brother asked with a smile. Su Qing took a closer look and nodded. "Third brother, I think it's all right. Everyone has worked hard this year, and we must make sure they have a good New Year."

At this time, an old craftsman from the movable type printing factory came over and said with gratitude on his face, "Third Young Master, Miss Su, how can we repay your great kindness? This year, working for the Su family, we have enough food to eat, warm clothes to wear, and good wages. Now, there are such generous annual gifts and bonuses. We are truly honored to have met such noble people." Su Qing smiled and replied, "Uncle Li, your words are too formal. You have superb skills and have contributed a lot to the Su family. This is all you deserve."

On the day of the New Year's gift distribution, the courtyard was bustling with activity. Everyone lined up, their faces beaming with smiles so bright they barely showed their teeth. After receiving his gift, a young man excitedly said to his companions, "This year is truly wonderful! I'm going to buy some new clothes for my parents and have a good New Year's Eve dinner." Another man chimed in, "Yes, working for the Su family will surely bring prosperity to our lives."

Su Qing looked at the scene in front of her, her heart filled with relief. She knew that the prosperity of the Su family was inseparable from these hardworking people, and she also wanted to use her own strength to make the Su family continue to prosper in the future and let everyone related to the Su family live a good life. The third brother walked up to her and said softly: "Little sister, seeing everyone so happy, I feel that our efforts are worth it." Su Qing nodded firmly: "Third brother, we will do more in the future."

"Yes, little sister!"

The day after the workers distributed their New Year gifts, Su Qing got up early and went to find his third brother. He said, "Third brother, we need to buy some more New Year's goods for the family! The New Year is approaching, and we need to decorate the house nicely and buy some new things for the family."

The third brother put down the account book in his hand, looked up and smiled, "Yes, little sister! Let's go to the county town today! I was thinking about that too. The county town has a wide variety of goods, and we will definitely be able to buy all the New Year's goods."

"Okay, third brother!" Su Qing responded happily.

After packing up a bit, the brother and sister boarded the carriage and headed for the county town. Along the way, Su Qing lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the scenery along the way. She had walked this road countless times, but she rarely stopped to appreciate the scenery along the way. The third brother looked at his younger sister's cheerful appearance and couldn't help but smile even more.

Soon, the carriage pulled into the county town. The city was decorated with lights and bustling with activity, the air permeated with the New Year's atmosphere. Su Qing excitedly got off the carriage, and her third brother hurried after her, saying, "Little sister, there are so many people here, don't get separated." Su Qing nodded in agreement.

They first came to the cloth shop. Su Qing carefully selected the fabrics, gently stroked the silk with her fingers, and said to her third brother, "Third brother, this blue brocade will be great for making a new dress for father. And this cotton cloth is very suitable for making clothes for mother and aunt." The third brother nodded in agreement and asked the clerk to pack the fabrics one by one.

Then they walked into the grocery store, which was filled with a dazzling array of New Year goods. Su Qing's eyes lit up, and he picked up a pair of exquisite red lanterns and said, "Third brother, these lanterns will definitely add a lot of joy to our front door if hung in front of it." The third brother smiled and agreed, and picked out some firecrackers, spring couplets, and blessing characters.

After buying many things, Su Qing's stomach started to growl. The third brother smiled dotingly and said, "Little sister, come on, I'll treat you to dinner!"

"Third brother, let's eat wontons! I haven't eaten wontons from a snack stand in a long time!"

"Okay!" Su Sanlang's eyes were full of doting for his sister!

They came to a snack stand and tasted steaming wontons. After eating and drinking their fill, the two returned to Sujia Village with a full bag of New Year's goods, feeling satisfied.