Splendid Twins

As the New Year approaches, the streets are filled with a festive atmosphere. Every household hangs up red lanterns, the streets are bustling with people, and children are wearing new clothes and holding candies, with happy smiles on their faces.

Si Yao was helping Liu Niang fry fruit in the kitchen. In the yard, Si Lao Er and Lu Yuan were making lanterns. As they were chatting, there was a loud and close sound of gongs outside. "Dangdangdangdang!"

Si Lao Er was startled, and Liu Niang hurried out of the kitchen:

"What happened?"

"I'm afraid the village chief has something to tell you. Let's go to the ancestral hall and take a look."

Si Yao closed the door and the four of them walked towards the ancestral hall together. The villagers also looked confused and went there in groups of three or four.

When they arrived at the entrance of the ancestral hall, they saw two yamen runners with swords standing there with dignified faces. The village chief had a melancholy expression. He waited until almost everyone had arrived before he took two steps forward and waved his hand:

"Everyone, be quiet! Because the Western Rong barbarians have killed countless of our Great Yue soldiers, the court has issued a conscription document. Let the two officials explain the situation to you."

The two yamen runners stepped forward with their authority and swept their sharp eyes through the crowd. The villagers who were chattering just now instantly quieted down. One of the yamen runners spoke up:

"The Western Rong have repeatedly attacked our northern border. As common people, we have the responsibility to defend our country. Every household must send one male between the ages of fifteen and fifty. If there are no males or those who are under the age limit, they can pay five taels of silver to take their place. All of you must gather at the county government office in three days!"

"Anyone who dares to shirk responsibility or conceal the truth will be charged with treason!"

When these words were spoken, the villagers were all panicked. It was almost the New Year and they were recruiting soldiers now?

Some people have already started to cry. Their families all rely on their men to work and earn money. Now that they have gone to war, who will take care of the family? A woman's suppressed sobs led to a group of women wiping their tears. The yamen runner turned away indifferently after saying this. The village chief didn't care about anything else and just said loudly:

"I will not repeat myself now that you have heard it clearly. I know exactly what is going on with each family, so don't try to play tricks on me. Those who have money should come and pay, and those who don't should pack their bags and gather at the village entrance in the morning three days from now!"

After saying that, he hurried home. His grandson Dazhu also met the requirements, so he simply cooked the meat that was saved for the New Year and asked his wife to sew a thick coat for the child...

The lively atmosphere of the entire Sijia Village suddenly became solemn and silent. The villagers' original laughter and lively scenes had disappeared, replaced by silence and heaviness.

Some people gathered together to discuss countermeasures, while others silently prepared to leave, and everyone's mood became heavy and complicated.

Si Yao was afraid that Liu Niang would cry again, so she looked at her specially. Unexpectedly, Liu Niang walked back calmly. Si Yao couldn't help but speak:

"Mom, if you feel uncomfortable, just say it."

Liu Niang shook her head: "If others go, your brother will go. Besides, I have two sons. Those families who only rely on one son will suffer more."

Si Lao Er echoed beside him:

"Your mother is right. We have two brothers like you. We are afraid of the swords on the battlefield..."

Lu Yuan walked beside him, glancing at the mountains not far away. Si Yao seemed to have noticed something and looked at him:

"how about you?"

Si Lao Er's expression changed: "Yes, Lu Yuan, what are you preparing for? Normally, if you haven't recovered, you don't have to go, but now..."

Even if he wanted to conceal it, he didn't dare to do so. He didn't even talk about how serious the crime of treason was.

"It just so happens that I have hidden a few taels of silver over the years, so I'll just pay it in to get a spot."

Lu Yuan said indifferently. When he joined the army, he changed his last name and started from the bottom of the military camp. The hardships along the way are still vivid in his mind. Now that he is in Dai Viet, he doesn't need to get involved in this mess again. Besides, his subordinates are probably on their way...

Liu Niang was still in a heavy mood. She returned home and sighed as she looked at the lanterns that had not yet been woven.

"Then you go and bring them back?"

Si Lao Er nodded, his tone a little tangled:

"Who of his two brothers is going?"

"I go!"

Si Yang actually pushed the door open, followed by Si Qing and Si Yu. Liu Niang and Si Lao Er were stunned, but Si Yao was expecting this:

"Brother, you are back."

Si Yang had an excited expression:

"When our academy received the conscription documents, we suspended our studies. I discussed it with my eldest brother and decided that I would join the army."

"You, you are still young..."

Liu Niang is worried about her youngest son. He is erratic and unstable, and going to the battlefield is no joke!

"Mom, don't worry about me. My brother and I have discussed it seriously. Our family is supported by Yaoyao alone. Besides, I am not as smart as my brother. I am very satisfied that I can learn to read and learn some principles of life these days. I promise to take good care of myself."

After Si Yang finished speaking, Liu Niang looked at Si Qing. Her eldest son was unusually calm. She turned her head and looked at Si Yao and Si Lao Er. She felt extremely heavy in her heart:

"You are all good kids. Now that you have decided, go ahead. When you get to the military camp, be obedient and study hard. When you have time, write to your big brother or Yaoyao."

Si Lao Er also said:

"Si Yang, since you have decided to go, no matter how your elder brother goes in the future, you can't talk about today. Si Qing, you can't talk about it either. It's just a personal choice."

Si Qing first glanced at Si Yao, then said to Si Yang calmly and firmly:

"A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. No matter if I am unknown or famous, I am grateful for standing up for me. This journey is full of dangers, so please take care."

Si Yang smiled and put his big hand around his brother:

"I'm not as smart as you, but it's a good coincidence that one of us is a scholar and the other is a warrior, so we can create a good brotherly story."

Si Qing looked helpless: "Be more careful, you will definitely worry when you go there, come on, I will explain it to you in detail..."

The two brothers returned to the study, and Si Yao comforted Liu Niang softly:

"Mom, there's nothing we can do about it. Think positively. My second brother is strong and accurate. He might be able to accomplish something on his own if he goes there."

"Mother doesn't care about these things, she just can't bear to part with him."

"Okay, there are many people who are reluctant to give up. Cook all the meat and other things at home. Tonight will be the New Year's Day."

Si Lao Er waved his hand, he is the head of the family.

"Okay, I'll get ready now."

Liu Niang turned and went to the kitchen. Si Yao looked at Si Yu and smiled:

"Why are you back too?"

Si Yu pulled her sleeve and whispered, "I am also worried about my second brother, sister, will Brother Dahu..."

Si Yao understood Si Yu's concerns and patted his shoulder:

"Don't worry, your brother Dahu will take care of it."

Wang Dahu made a lot of money selling sausages these days, and even Liu Niang got a few taels of silver.

When the news of conscription came out, the originally lively and festive New Year atmosphere was instantly shrouded in gloom. All the excitement stopped overnight, and every family was immersed in the sadness and worry of separation.