All nine are back.

Today, the children at the private school eagerly wished for time to pass quickly so they could return home sooner.

When the school finally let out, Wei Guangde and several other children dashed out with their backpacks, not looking back for even a moment, unwilling to stay any longer in the schoolhouse.

To be honest, their behavior left Master Sun quite disappointed. It seemed these children had no real dedication to their studies.

In this era, most scholars still adhered to the ideal of "ignoring worldly affairs, focusing solely on the classic texts," so Master Sun was unaware of the recent events. He only noticed that the children from the military households seemed unusually lively today, as if something joyful had occurred.

Wei Guangde and the others hurried out of the school and quickly left the town. By this time, they were somewhat tired and slowed to a jog, continuing steadily toward home.

Not far from the town, they entered the military garrison’s farming district. A few days ago, the fields had been quiet and deserted, but now they saw several farmers at work.

Seeing this scene, Wei Guangde and his companions quickly recognized the men in the fields as soldiers from the garrison’s households. These men had gone off to battle but were now back, tending to their land.

During the mid-Ming period, common folk were simple and earnest. Even by the late Ming, they remained hardworking and enduring, willing to suffer hardship as long as they had food to eat.

These soldiers must have returned just today. Whether it was at noon or in the afternoon, Wei Guangde couldn’t tell, as he hadn’t seen anyone on the way to school that morning.

Despite being away for many days, the soldiers had not taken time to rest upon returning but immediately resumed working in the fields. After all, they had left in such a hurry that much of their farming remained unfinished.

When the children ran over, the men in the fields waved at them. The garrison was small and tight-knit; everyone knew each other.

After inquiring, they learned the soldiers had arrived home after noon. They had disembarked the previous night at Pengze Wharf but, due to late hours, didn’t travel through the night. Instead, they rested for one evening before setting out again.

Waving goodbye, Wei Guangde and the others jogged toward the garrison. Soon, they spotted the fort, and on the river nearby, two patrol boats that had been docked for several days were now cruising the waters. Tonight, there would be fresh fish to eat.

Entering the fort’s gate, the children parted ways to head home. In good spirits today, Wei Guangde even smiled in return when one of the soldiers guarding the large estate’s entrance greeted him.

He dashed inside, where the courtyard was already bustling with people, sweeping away the previous loneliness.

Outside the main hall, Wei Guangde heard the voice of his father.

"...The warehouse, that’s good. Everyone has been away so long; if there’s no other work, then let’s disperse for now and rest for a few days."

Inside the hall, other voices spoke. Wei Guangde recognized them—though muffled and noisy, they belonged to the fort’s senior and junior officers.

Sure enough, after a few moments, Zhang Dayong and several other officers emerged from the hall. Seeing Wei Guangde standing outside, they teased him playfully before leaving.

Some of the officers hurried off, and upon seeing Wei Guangde, they knew their own sons had returned.

In this year, family was deeply valued; kinship was paramount.

Having been away for many days, these seemingly rough soldiers actually longed for home.

This time, however, they had brought back considerable supplies, so they first arranged for the goods to be moved into the warehouse and began attending to other garrison affairs. The delayed river patrol and fishing duties had to be resumed soon; otherwise, there would be no fish tonight.

As for the rank-and-file soldiers without assignments, they naturally returned to work their own fields—the very men Wei Guangde had encountered earlier.

For these soldiers, they did not expect a generous annual grain allowance. Everything depended on their own hands, digging food from the earth.

For the troops stationed at Benshan Fort, having a good commander like Wei Baiju was a blessing. After a year of service, they at least had enough to eat—never full, but never starving—just barely getting by.

At year’s end, they might even receive a little silver as New Year’s pay.

The fort’s location was advantageous, situated along the Yangtze River. From time to time, they could catch some fish, far better off than soldiers in other garrisons.

In truth, the entire defense zone of Jiujiang was well positioned.

As the name implies, the region was dense with waterways, and rivers were always nearby the garrisons.

However, those relying on smaller rivers were not allocated fishing boats—or rather, patrol boats, which were military assets.

The garrisons near the Yangtze and Poyang Lake were assigned several boats for river patrols and fishing, making their lives much easier than others.

After the officers left, Wei Guangde entered the hall and saw his father seated behind the desk. Warmly, he greeted, “Father, you’re back.”

Though a simple phrase, Wei Guangde felt it was right to express his filial longing.

“I’m back,” Wei Meng replied with a smile.

Looking at his youngest son entering, Wei Meng’s face was bright with happiness.

“While I was away these days, did you listen to your mother and elder brother?”

Wei Guangde nodded quickly, like a chick pecking rice. Though he wanted to ask how his father’s journey had been, it seemed not the right time.

Besides the two of them, Wei Wencai also stood nearby, overhearing their exchange and then chiming in, “Since you left a few days ago, this kid hasn’t practiced his calligraphy at home. Haha...”

Is it really proper to tattle in front of others?

Hearing his elder brother mention this, Wei Guangde felt a bit embarrassed.

“But yesterday, didn’t you see your father’s fleet return? Only then did this kid settle down and practiced some after dinner.”

After laughing, Wei Wencai continued, “We worried about you.”

Wei Meng stroked his beard—Ming people seemed fond of beards; both Wei’s father and Master Sun at the school had them.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde unconsciously reached to touch his own smooth chin.

“Seeing everything at home in order, I’m at ease now. By the way, go check if the boats have returned; have them fish more. Every family here in the fort deserves some fish today—they’ve all been away, weary and anxious.”

Wei Meng cared for his soldiers, immediately arranging for the sailors to go fishing—a habit, perhaps.

They say you live off the mountain you lean on and the water you rely on. Living by the Yangtze, it was natural to turn to the river.

Wei Wencai agreed and left, while Wei Guangde hopped to the desk, eager to hear about his father’s recent experiences.