As the year's end draws near, the fighting in the north grows ever more desperate. I fear many in the Northern…
As the year's end draws near, the fighting in the north grows ever more desperate. I fear many in the Northern Vow will not be able to return home this year. The General has drawn on his private funds and ordered me to prepare New Year gifts for those in the Northern Vow. I record them here.
General Wang Qing: one Khitan wolfskin cloak
The General has never cared for extravagance. By good fortune, several Khitan wolf pelts were taken a few days ago. They should make a serviceable cloak, and I think it will please him well enough.
Jiang Yan: one fine steel sword
This was specially ordered by the General. Jiang Yan's old sword is worn and ought to be replaced. That man does have a knack for courting trouble... no matter. The General said only that he hopes this sword may guard Jiang Yan for the rest of his life.
Ding Xiang: one thousand dan of millet
That girl spends money like water and is forever handing out porridge, thick enough to stand chopsticks in. One never knows the price of grain and firewood until one keeps house. Very well then, this time I shall indulge her and buy the full thousand dan. We shall see whether she still dares to call me a miser.
The Qi couple: two fine Khitan steeds
Much of the Northern Vow's silver and supplies has long depended on support from Ragehoof Hamlet. To send money at a time like this would hardly be fitting. Better instead to send them the two fine Khitan horses taken the other day.
Lie Yan: one gold longevity lock
Much in Qinghe depends on his keeping watch. I hear his daughter's hundredth day is close at hand. It is a pity there is no surplus left in the Northern Vow coffers, but I still have a little silver hidden away in Qinghe. It should be enough to commission a gold Peace Lock for the child.
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