361: Chapter 228: Righteous Army Staff Officer 361: Chapter 228: Righteous Army Staff Officer Ran Yan finished writing the gift list and handed it to the butler before turning her eyes towards the approaching visitor.
The visitor was an elderly man over seventy years old, clad in a gray-brown cross-collared robe that hung loosely on his gaunt fra, draped with a light gray cloak, his back slightly hunched, leaning on a pear wood cane.
His hair was sparsely white, neatly tied at the top of his head with a sandalwood hairpin inserted.
Despite his faltering steps, his scholarly elegance was apparent, indicating that he was unquestionably a man of great learning.
“It’s Master Feng Chengsu’s copy.
May I know who you are?” Ran Yan observed the elder’s pale complexion, the slightly swollen face on a skeletal fra indicating that he was not in good health.
The old man let out a sigh, his hoarse voice carrying the characteristic tremble of old age, “This humble one’s surna is Yu.”
The na Yu Shixian imdiately surfaced in Ran Yan’s mind, reminding her of Huai Yin, who had t his end in a raging fire — this was his close uncle.
Yu Shixian, in his lifeti, had a great fondness for the works of the Two Wangs, always trying by all ans to borrow the originals to study whenever he heard of any.
His own accomplishnts in calligraphy were extraordinary, and his own written copies were coveted collectibles for everyone.
Naturally, he had a lot of interest in Feng Chengsu’s imitations.
“Master Yu, why have you co yourself?” Zheng Lady Zheng had just extricated herself from making pleasantries with a group of court officials, and upon seeing Yu Shixian, her face showed surprise, followed swiftly by a respectful bow.
Yu Shixian nodded, slightly lifting his hand to indicate that excess formalities were unnecessary, “How could I not co when it’s Madam Li’s grand birthday celebration?”
The great number of distinguished court officials who ca to congratulate on the Lady’s birthday was not due to the Zheng Rentai’s influence alone.
Madam Li was born into the prestigious Li family from Longxi, the seventh branch, and her background was illustrious.
She was involved in the uprising at the end of the Sui Dynasty, acting in a role similar to a military think tank among the troops of Princess Pingyang.
Her wisdom and breadth of view were certainly not sothing ordinary won could compare with.
Moreover, Madam Li was a person who greatly valued etiquette and was well-versed in poetry, capable of writing literary works, and her skill in chess was also profound, so it was natural for both civil servants and military officers to show her respect.
With the assistance of Zheng Rentai, Yu Shixian took a few steps before suddenly recalling the young lady he had just spoken with, who remained calm and composed throughout their conversation.
He turned back to find her quietly watching him leave and couldn’t help but ask, “Whose wife are you?”
Yu Shixian’s question, though spoken softly, caught the attention of the assembled officials.
They weren’t particularly interested in a young lady, since, despite her composure and beauty, one would not expect these experienced officials to pay her special regard.
But the normally reserved and ascetic Yu Shixian had taken an interest in this matter, and they couldn’t help but be curious.
Ran Yan knelt in a curtsey and replied, “I am Ran Yan, the seventeenth daughter of the Ran family of Suzhou.”
Yu Shixian noted her politeness, yet the calm and still depths of her dark eyes were undisturbed.
He humd in acknowledgnt, saying, “Jiangnan is indeed a beautiful place…”
Yu Shixian had visited Jiangnan several tis, each ti returning with new rewards.
Were it not for his inability to travel any longer, he might have planned another visit.
Zheng Rentai supported Yu Shixian as they continued toward the banquet hall in the west courtyard.
Ran Yan stood up and passed the calligraphy she was holding to the butler.
This brief mont of commotion quickly subdued, and while so gave Ran Yan a few more glances, apart from noting her composure, they found nothing else particularly remarkable about her.
As for her beauty, Chang’an always had no shortage of beautiful won, and having seen many, they wouldn’t take much note of one more.
Having delivered the gifts, Ran Yan left with Ran Yun.
Xiao Song, in the presence of so many, did not co forward to chat but, like the other officials, presented his gift and then joined his colleagues en route to the banquet hall.
“Sister Seventeen, you really are bold, my legs were shaking just watching you,” whispered Ran Yun.
Ran Yan’s lips curved slightly, and she retreated with her into a small path, planning to wait for the court officials to pass.
Then they could easily slip into the banquet while Madam Li was engaged in exchanging pleasantries with the guests.
Ran Yan, curious about the spectacle, inquired about Lady Li.
Ran Yun, full of admiration for Ran Yan, started to spill all she knew about Lady Li as they walked.
Li Xiuning, the commander-in-chief of the rebel forces at the end of the Sui Dynasty, was a military genius.
The Sui general Qu Tutong had suffered several heavy defeats at her hands.
During the battles in Webei, Li Shimin had largely relied on the support from Princess Pingyang and the female troops to consistently defeat the enemy.
When they attacked Chang’an, Li Yuan’s main forces crossed the Yellow River into Guanzhong.
Princess Pingyang selected over ten thousand elite soldiers to join Li Shimin by the northern bank of the Wei River, launching a pincer attack.
Each of them led one army with separate tented courts, and Lady Li was a mber of the rebel tented court.
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