[COMPLETE] Transmigrated Author: The Quiet Plum

Chapter 4: Troubles and Goodbyes

Huo Ai was situated in the northernmost part of the continent, angling a little to the northeast.

Their land's name would inspire curiosity and mystique.

To go to this country, one would have to pass the deadly mountains of the North that were so cold for ordinary men.

Despite living in such harsh conditions, the people of Huo Ai would fiercely defend their lands. Nations of the South have changed dynasties or had taken each other's provinces and states. But Huo Ai remained as steady as a celestial mountain.

A number of cartographers would claim that Huo Ai had the biggest territory among the five empires. The rest would argue that it was Han.

But this wouldn't be confirmed unless one would go and inspect the kingdom in its entirety. A feat that was impossible to do because their imperial government imposed strict laws on entering and leaving the borders.

This accounted for the colorful tales regarding this country.

There were stories that the people of Huo Ai practiced eating one another's flesh just to survive the freezing weather all year-round.

But some legends also told of the unending riches of the land. The people were said to live without having to think of mundane problems at all.

The traditions of serving the god and mythical empress, Cai Xie, were practiced here even now despite the spread of Confucianism and Buddhism.

>彩 - cǎi - bright color 諧 - xié – harmonious<

Stories were told that those who showed disrespect to Cai Xie would be killed on the spot. And that children and maidens were sacrificed annually just to appease the goddess.

There were many other stories that sang of the cruel ways of the Huo Ai people.

Sometimes, one would hear these stories being told in tea houses or being sung by actors of the opera. Mothers would even scare their children now and again with the name of these barbaric people.

They were viewed as monsters of some sort because their gates weren't open to everybody. What the people couldn't touch or see, they would fear and despise.

Duke Li was aware of the aversion towards his land's people. In fact, it was one of the reasons why he should be more careful.

He knew the dignitaries of the congregation would be wary of anyone coming from Huo Ai. It wasn't an exaggeration that any wrong movement from him could cause a war.

The other four empires against them.

A cruel smile graced his lips.

The Imperial City was seeking chaos by sending the fifth.

---

That day, a carriage arrived to fetch the Hong husband and wife.

The family of four walked out of their fu.

>府 - fǔ - official residence/mansion<

"You only need to do your usual routine while we're gone. A'Chun, listen to Fong momo. She'll teach you all the things you need to know. Understand?" Hong Shu Cao reminded for who knew how many times.

>A/N: 嬤嬤 - mó mo -(dialect) elderly lady/wet nurse<

Hong Chun gave a soft smile, "Don't worry, all this daughter really needs to do is to make sure Xiao Ting is studying and... for me to learn a few tricks from Fong momo. You two should take care. Go, enjoy the flowers and rivers of Mei Le!"

"Oh and don't forget to take home goodies!" The younger brother prompted in all seriousness.

"Aiya, it's so nice to have a magnanimous daughter. Xiao Ting, all you think about is what you'll get!" Father Hong hit the back of his son's head.

"Yes!" The young man saluted while scratching his head. "You don't have to worry, Father. No one can get close to jiejie under my watch!"

>姐姐 - jiě jie - older sister<

"Good, our son's reliable too!" Yi-shi clapped.

"Alright, alright. Our carriage is waiting." Father Hong ushered his wife.

The two siblings watched their parents board the carriage and waved at them as it was starting to move. Their parents waved back shouting more reminders which made Hong Chun laugh.

She felt like a kid who was being left home alone for the first time but she also couldn't help but feel warm inside.

"A'Chun..."

"Yes, Fong momo?" Hong Chun automatically replied.

In this house, it was rare to hear the older servants call the two children as young miss or young master.

It might be because of Hong father's humble origins or it was just because the rules in this house were more lax than other officials' residences.

"You know that the servants all go home when the day's over but now that the master and madam are out, we can't leave you two alo-"

"What's Fong momo talking about? It's fine to keep the existing schedule. We still have Old Shang here."

"But-"

"No buts! Jiejie's right, all of you have your families too. Sometimes, Father's even a little stingy with your salary. Now that they're not here, it's okay to slack a little bit."

"Xiao Ting, are you slandering your own father?" Hong Chun teased.

"What?" Hong Ting also realized the slip of his tongue. "No! I'm just telling Fong momo to take it easy."

Hong Chun rolled her eyes. The parents were gone for a few minutes and this brat already betrayed them.

"Fine! Let's go in, help me cook dinner."

Hong Chun hauled his brother inside and Fong momo could only shake her head. The heavens blessed them with good lords.

How she wished the Master would quickly advance in rank.

Hong Shu Cao was a standard fifth-ranked official but he didn't have a backing of a big aristocratic family so the salary he was receiving was just enough for his family.

They couldn't afford to have stay-in servants who would serve the family for the rest of their lives. All the servants in the Hong residence were hired hands and had their own homes on the outskirts of the capital.

Hong Chun knew this too. She refused the nurse's advice so she could say that she was magnanimous.

Also, she didn't like seeing too many people all the time.

If it was possible, she didn't want humans within ten feet radius around her.

It was a plus that the Hong husband and wife raised their children to know how to take care of themselves even without servants. So she was confident they'd do well.

Besides, it was only for a few weeks.

---

I doubt if middle-ranking officials were given residences in the real ancient chinese era but here, the social system allows for the standard ranks to have an official residence. Of course, the size and grandiose is according to the rank.