Questions about Blossom

I'm currently on episode 5, so no spoilers please. I like the drama so far but I just have some confusions.

1. What are the conflicts between the ML and his father? The father was arguing with the ML's maternal uncle about defeating bandits that led to the delay of rations (I'm also confused about this too— was he in the wrong?)
2. Does the FL's book (Record of Truths) describe every person she meets as well as their endings? What does the book symbolize?
3. Idk if this is important but did the FL also grow up in her grandmother's estate in the past life? Was she also involved in ship and trading businesses?
4. Who is Miao Ansu? I believe she's the FL's cousin but I don't remember seeing her appear in the childhood arc.

Thanks!