Chapter 489 - 259 Good News_1
Hua Qiang’s errand was assigned by Prince Ning, who had him deliver a letter to Princess Ning and then make a return trip to the Qian family in Ji’an Province.
Hua Qiang brought a package of items and more than a dozen letters. Among them, a few were written by Qian Manjiang; there was one for each member of his family, as well as letters for Old man Qian, his spouse, and Qian Manxia. Another four letters were written by Liang Jinzhao: two were for the siblings Qian Yixiu and Qian Yijin, while the other two were for him to pass along to the Old Monk and Little Monk. There was also one unexpected letter from Li Shuanzi to Qian Mandua.
Hua Qiang said that Li Shuanzi was now working under Liang Jinzhao as an official of the eighth rank—Cannon Leader. A cannon crew comprised eight men, and the Cannon Leader was in charge of them. He was the only one among the villagers who had joined the military and risen to an official rank.
It was said that Li Shuanzi received a letter from home right before a battle. When he read about his wife and children being bullied by his own mother and brother and recalled how his brother had conspired with outsiders to swindle the money that the Yue family had contributed for his conscription fee, he was seething with rage and had no outlet for his fury. Coincidentally, battle ensued at that moment, and he unleashed all his pent-up anger on the enemy. He fought like a cornered beast, charging into the enemy’s ranks with bloodshot eyes, killing relentlessly and incidentally saving a superior officer.
Because of this battle, Li Shuanzi was promoted to a junior commander of the ninth rank.
Later, when Pili Camp arrived at the frontlines, Qian Manjiang introduced Li Shuanzi to Liang Jinzhao. This served both personal and professional interests: personally, because Li Shuanzi was his relative and as a artillerist, he could avoid facing the enemy directly; professionally, because Li Shuanzi had a unique skill, which was his exceptional accuracy in hitting targets. At that time, cannons weren’t equipped with sights, and aiming relied mainly on the individual’s judgment. Li Shuanzi’s natural laziness and poverty led him to sometimes throw stones at birds when he craved meat, or catch fish in the creek, inadvertently honing his accuracy in the process.
Ever since Li Shuanzi became an official, he worked even harder, and his performance in Pili Camp was outstanding. Several months later, he was promoted to Cannon Leader of the eighth rank.
The whole family was overjoyed for Li Shuanzi and Qian Mandua.
They also asked Hua Qiang about his injuries. Hua Qiang explained that Qian Manjiang was once accompanying Prince Ning on an inspection of a city when they encountered a small band of enemy combatants determined to assassinate them on the road. Prince Ning was unharmed, but the majority of their group was wounded. Qian Manjiang even took a sword blow for Prince Ning and injured his arm.
"You needn’t worry; General Qian’s injuries have all healed." Hua Qiang assured.