The situation in Xindu may seem calm, but the success or failure of the northern expedition is uncertain, and there will definitely be significant changes.

As the elder brother, how could Li Zhensheng possibly hide away in Quanzhou to avoid peace and quiet at such a time?

For the past few months, he has been preparing for his family's ultimate escape route.

Moreover, because his escape route was at sea, it took a great deal of his energy...

Now that his nephews are back and he has help, he can finally catch his breath.

I just hope we'll never need this fallback plan...

As the Golden Buddha Kingdom's fleet departed, the envoys from the other countries also returned to their respective kingdoms, carrying large quantities of goods and information about the strength and prosperity of Tianwu.

The Quanzhou wharf was much quieter for a while, and everyone was still a little unaccustomed to it.

But soon, news of Li Jia'an's engagement to the eldest granddaughter of the Tang family spread, becoming the new topic of conversation on the streets.

Li Jia'an was known to the people of Quanzhou because he brought back an envoy team.

But compared to Li Jiaxi, who married the Queen, he is much more low-key.

Now, after a trip to Xindu, they've suddenly become a rising star.

At such a young age, he not only became the second-in-command of the Foreign Affairs Department, but he's also going to be the son-in-law of the Tang family.

Some people were jealous and envious, and deliberately sought out an opportunity to see what Li Jia'an looked like. After returning, they remained silent.

It has to be said that the Li family is truly blessed by heaven. Despite being from a farming family, their children are all exceptionally good-looking.

Li Jia'an wasn't a stunningly handsome man, but he was tall, with a straight back, and regular features, especially his eyes, which were extremely clear and honest. Coupled with the ever-present smile, he gave off a warm and welcoming aura.

No one can bring themselves to speak ill of him...

Of course, there are still some oddballs. After all, the title of son-in-law of the Tang family is too tempting. Many family members in Quanzhou have been eyeing it. They would definitely not want to have their prize snatched away.

Finally, the fact that Li Jia'an was Princess Kangle's older brother became the best weakness to attack.

What do you mean Li Jia'an is incompetent and immoral? It was Princess Kangle who got this job in the Foreign Affairs Department for her own brother because of the Emperor's favor.

What kind of despicable methods did Li Jia'an use? He took advantage of the good relationship between the two families to seduce Miss Tang and then forced the Tang family to agree to the engagement.

In short, the gossip spread like wildfire, and things were getting increasingly chaotic.

The Li family was furious when they found out.

But before they could react, Old Madam Tang made her move.

This old lady is the daughter of a military family; she has a fiery temper and her methods are direct and effective.

She personally led the palace guards to arrest the wealthy young men who had initially spread the rumors, tied them up on the commercial street, and stripped them down to their underpants.

Then she took a whip and lashed them until they screamed and howled.

The entire population of Quanzhou was eager to see the spectacle, even more so than when the envoys from the Eight Kingdoms arrived!

"I gave you all a mouth, and all you do is spew filth! How dare you slander our Tang family's daughter and son-in-law!"

Old Madam Tang had her white hair combed into a neat bun, wore a bright red dress, and had wide, phoenix eyes. She brandished a golden whip in her hand, looking absolutely stunning!

The young men were both pained and ashamed, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

At this point, it was too late for them to regret it; they could only hope that their elders would come to their rescue.

Unfortunately, they are clearly going to be disappointed.

Their grandfathers or maternal grandfathers came, but they stood next to Old Madam Tang with forced smiles, not daring to stop her at all.

Not only were the young men stunned, but the onlookers were also amazed.

However, some elderly people quietly explained things to the group.

"You don't know, when Madam Tang was young, she was dressed in red and rode a white horse, and she was a heroic woman who killed pirates! Almost all the young men in Quanzhou admired her and wanted to marry her."

"But in the end, General Tang won the heart of his beauty, and I wonder how many people got drunk and cried their eyes out."

"These people in front of me were all admirers back then. Now that their descendants have angered Old Madam Tang, they dare not come to her aid."

"Maybe I'll have to give these kids another beating when I get home!"

Everyone suddenly realized what was going on, and the fire of gossip in their eyes burned even brighter...

Old Mrs. Tang was getting on in years, and she got tired after smoking for a while.

Madam Tang was clever; she had sent someone to the Li family to invite Old Madam Li long ago. Now was the perfect time to use this opportunity to help her mother-in-law "step down."

So the guards pushed through the crowd, and Old Lady Li, supported by Tao Hongying's arm, walked in.

"Little sister, what's wrong with you? Why are you so angry?" Grandma Li joked. "I'm already old, and my face is full of wrinkles like furrows. You're so angry, you look even older than me!"

Sure enough, Old Madam Tang threw down the whip in her hand, pulled her aside, and replied, "It's all because of these little beasts, thinking our Tang family is easy to bully. They dare to make up all sorts of filthy things! If we don't teach them a lesson, our Tang family will be treated like dough to be molded at will."

Grandma Li advised, "They're just some kids, talking nonsense. Why bother arguing with them? Besides, they insulted my son too, but let them insult him."

“My son An’er still goes on his errands every day, gets engaged, and is waiting to marry your precious granddaughter!”

"Just teach these kids a lesson, let them remember. If we hold a grudge against them, we'll all lose face!"

The old lady Tang was amused and turned around to glare at the boys.

The boys were covered in bloody welts from the beating. The injuries weren't serious, but they hurt a lot, and they had thoroughly lost face.

She felt a little better and said, "Alright, I'll let them off this time."

After saying that, she turned to look at the elders of the young men and the surrounding people, and said loudly, "Our Tang family and the Li family are getting married because I have taken a liking to the young man from the Li family! I would not feel at ease no matter which family my precious granddaughter marries, but I would be happy only if she is sent to the Li family, this blessed place."

"I fought tooth and nail to get this marriage! If I ever hear anyone say a bad word about it again, don't blame me for breaking down your door! Anyone who doesn't believe me, just try me!"

Everyone shrank back, forcing a dry laugh and daring not to speak.

Grandma Li was naturally pleased to hear her defend her grandson and pulled her outside.

"Your temper is so straightforward and fiery. If my little granddaughter were here, she'd probably become your best friend despite the age difference! She's the same way; she can't stand being wronged, and she'd settle a score on the spot if she had a grudge!"

"Really? Then you must let me meet your precious granddaughter sometime!" Old Madam Tang took Old Madam Li's arm, and the two chatted and laughed as they boarded the carriage. Tao Hongying and Madam Tang followed behind. The four of them, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, went to Baiyun Pavilion to eat freshly baked pastries.

With no excitement to be seen, the crowd quickly dispersed.

The injured boys hastily put on their clothes and were dragged home by their elders, who scolded them all the way...

In Xindu, as summer approaches, the weather is getting hotter every day.

Jiayin left the palace, intending to return to the Earl's mansion.

But halfway there, she remembered that she hadn't been to the Marquis's residence in a long time, so she turned away.

The head steward was busy with something, and Jiayin didn't see him at all when she entered the Marquis's residence.

Jiayin was very puzzled, so she asked the steward and found the granary in the backyard.

The head steward's brows were so furrowed they could trap a fly, but upon seeing Jiayin, he was like a lost child seeing a relative, and felt even more aggrieved.

Two updates today!