Chapter 147 Extra Chapter: Events in the Capital

In early July, the emperor won a great victory and returned to the capital.

The victorious army returned through Andingmen Gate. Lin Daiyu had booked an entire floor several days in advance, and reserved it for three whole days.

“If it were anyone else, they would definitely choose an auspicious time to enter the capital, but this time it is the emperor who is going on the expedition, and I suppose no one would dare to make His Majesty wait outside the city gate all night.”

As expected, unlike Mu Chuan's return to the capital and the previous hostage's arrival in the capital, where they waited all night and entered the capital in the morning, His Majesty only rested briefly this time and entered the capital at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM).

Lin Daiyu sat on the third-floor terrace and got a clear view.

Although it was somewhat disrespectful, no one knew in her heart that her husband, General Mu Chuan, was much taller and more imposing than the previous emperor.

Third Brother is so handsome.

He must have taken good care of himself this time, unlike last time when he looked like he was in his forties.

Lin Daiyu pouted, her cheeks flushed, her mind wandering. Although he had been gone for more than four months, seeing him made all those days seem sweet again.

There is one regrettable thing: His Majesty was walking ahead this time, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards had given prior instructions that nothing should be thrown down—not handkerchiefs, not purses, and certainly not undergarments.

Honestly, who would throw their undergarments down there?

Lin Daiyu tucked the small bundle in her hand further inside, inside which was the oversized undergarment she had made herself, the one her third brother had worn.

Ugh, I wonder who cleaned it up. I'll deduct her pay for the month when we get back.

After the army passed, Lin Daiyu also got off and boarded the carriage. Although she was thinking of going home to wait for her brother, and then ordering hot water and food so that her third brother could rest well as soon as he returned, for some reason, what came out of her mouth was: "Go to Donghua Gate".

The carriage started clattering again. Lin Daiyu thought to herself: The servants in the house are all very considerate. My third brother is coming back today. Besides, I gave him instructions when I left this morning. Why do I need to keep an eye on him?

Besides, His Majesty is always considerate, so he would never have the trouble of traveling long distances and having his third brother serve him in the palace.

—Why did she come up with so many excuses?

Lin Daiyu coughed again and chuckled, "I just want to make sure that when Third Brother comes back, the first person he sees is me."

As Lin Daiyu had expected, after the brief ceremony, the emperor released his entourage to go home, and Mu Chuan saw his carriage as soon as he stepped out of the Donghua Gate.

He walked over in two steps. Although there were servants around, none of them took the initiative to lift the curtain for him. He knew that his wife, whom he had not seen for four months and who made him miss her madly, was in the carriage.

Mu Chuan gently stepped onto the carriage shaft, but unfortunately, although he made no sound, his weight made quite a commotion.

The curtain was lifted, and Mu Chuan saw Lin Daiyu sitting inside, her face hidden by a round fan, revealing only her two smiling eyes, which, even inside the carriage, were so bright that they attracted everyone's attention.

"You're disfigured?" Mu Chuan asked deliberately after a moment of silence.

"Third Brother, you're so annoying." Lin Daiyu put down her fan, pointed to her face, and said with dissatisfaction, "You think I'm ugly?"

Mu Chuan smoothly sat down next to her, casually reaching out to cup her face, and said seriously, "Let me take a closer look."

When their eyes met, Lin Daiyu, who was already somewhat shy, wanted to turn her head away even more.

"It's too hot."

Mu Chuan leaned over and kissed her on the cheek: "Not bad. It's clear you've taken good care of yourself these past few months. You're so fragrant, smooth, soft, and tender."

Lin Daiyu was amused by him, and her shyness vanished without a trace, replaced by a surge of longing. She leaned against Mu Chuan and placed her hand on his chest: "Let me see if you've taken good care of yourself these past few months."

The carriage returned to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence. After exchanging a few words with his parents, Mu Chuan went back to the main courtyard to wash up.

He was soaking in a large wooden tub, while Lin Daiyu sat on the edge of the tub, holding a plate and feeding him watermelon with a small fork.

"Look at my body, I haven't had a single scar treated, so you can rest assured now, right?"

Lin Daiyu chuckled twice: "I asked them to stew winter melon and salted pork, and also roast a rabbit, as well as some seasonal fresh vegetables. What else would you like to eat?"

As Lin Daiyu spoke, she placed the plate on the table, pulled up her sleeve with one hand, and put the other hand into the water: "Even though it's the hottest time, don't soak in cold water. Let me touch the water to see if it's still warm."

She swam around in the water a couple of times, then Mu Chuan grabbed her hand, and the next moment, she was sitting in Mu Chuan's lap.

"Third brother, you're so annoying! I haven't even taken my clothes off yet—no, my clothes are all wet."

Mu Chuan chuckled twice and whispered in her ear, "It's the same whether you take it off now or not."

After washing up and having a satisfying meal, it was already dark.

The two went up to the large terrace on the second floor of the main house, nestled in a large rocking chair, and chatted idly.

"His Majesty was confident and commanded well. He immediately unleashed a volley of arrows, followed by a charge led by my cavalry. By the time the infantry entered the fray, there were hardly any survivors. The four great overlords of the grasslands, with their fastest horses, longest-range bows, and sharpest arrows, were utterly powerless to resist."

Lin Daiyu hummed in agreement twice.

Mu Chuan continued, "This formation was originally designed to deal with the Northern Li people. Everyone there has their life on the chieftain's side. If the chieftain doesn't order a retreat, even if you're riddled with arrows, no one dares to back down—"

Lin Daiyu was already a little confused, and upon hearing this, she laughed twice: "If you're already like a hedgehog, how can you retreat?"

Mu Chuan said regretfully, "The northern barbarians are too arrogant and are better suited to the encirclement formation of luring the enemy deep into their territory."

He was away for more than four months, and strictly speaking, he only fought one battle. That was the first time the northern barbarians heard that the emperor was personally leading an expedition, and they wanted to capture the emperor for a big event. They gathered several tribes to attack together, but they were terrified after just one charge, and afterwards... it was not much different from a trip.

Mu Chuan dared to think these words, but he couldn't say them aloud. Just thinking about the emperor's embarrassed expression when he realized something was wrong made Mu Chuan find it quite amusing. He chuckled twice, but didn't see Lin Daiyu react at all.

Mu Chuan turned his head; his wife was already asleep with her head resting against his shoulder.

"You're just going to sleep like that? No way, I just got back, don't you want to talk to me for a bit?" Mu Chuan smiled and gently scratched her waist.

Lin Daiyu hummed in response, mumbled something, and her eyes rolled twice beneath her eyelids, but she still didn't wake up.

She looked quite pretty, and Mu Chuan deliberately said, "Even though it's summer, it's not good to sleep outdoors, is it? Good Daiyu, wake up, let's go back to sleep."

Two more soft moans escaped his lips. Mu Chuan sighed regretfully, got up, and carried the person back into the house: "We didn't do anything, why are you so tired?"

The emperor was washing up, but he couldn't fall asleep. He wasn't tired at all, and he even felt a little depressed.

As he was lost in thought, a eunuch outside announced, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has arrived."

The emperor hurriedly put on his robe and came out, only to see his father looking at the red coral on the table, a gift from Qiao Yue.

"Father," the emperor called softly.

The retired emperor then came to his senses: "When I abdicated, I said I would never come again—"

However, now that his inner conflict has been resolved and he has been overseeing the country for several months, the retired emperor even feels that being emperor is too tiring. Now he is open and honest and feels that there is no place in the palace that he cannot go.

"I thought you would come to ask me for some advice. But I waited and waited and you still didn't come."

The emperor led the retired emperor to sit down, then dismissed the eunuchs and palace maids, before sighing, "I—acted impulsively."

The retired emperor raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Since the emperor had spoken, the most difficult first step was over, and the rest would naturally follow.

"I... The grasslands are vast and suitable for charging, as stated in military texts. Qiao Yue also said that the northern barbarians are arrogant and think that nothing can stop their iron cavalry, so naturally I will teach them a lesson."

The Emperor Emeritus raised an eyebrow again. He could explain so much? Heh.

"Besides, the northern barbarians come to my Great Wei every year to raid our territory and commit all sorts of evil deeds. How can I let them get away with this?"

"Military strategies also mention the importance of a show of force, and there are also sayings like 'the beginning is always the hardest,' and 'a good start ensures everything goes smoothly.'"

The explanation was still being given. The retired emperor remained silent, simply waiting quietly.

The emperor, a man well-versed in literature, spoke for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn before finally running out of words.

He sighed deeply: "It was indeed a great start. Three rounds of arrows were fired simultaneously. Qiao Yue led the cavalry in a charge, but the infantry didn't even get a head, let alone me."

The emperor slapped his thigh in frustration: "I spent two months on the grasslands and killed more sheep than the northern barbarians!"

The Emperor Emeritus chuckled: "You know it yourself, so I won't say anything more."

The emperor looked somewhat dejected: "General Qi did indeed say that we should launch a small-scale attack first, and Qiao Yue also said that we should lure the enemy deeper into our territory. Alas, I was indeed... hasty."

The retired emperor comforted him, saying, "You are still better than Zhao Kuo, who only knew how to talk about war on paper."

Although it sounded sarcastic, the emperor decided to take it as a consolation: "The grasslands are indeed vast, and riding a fast horse is very pleasant. I also like the grasslands very much, and I like hunting even more. It's much better than the hunting grounds in the outskirts of the capital, where the prey is drugged before being brought up, which is quite boring."

The emperor reminisced about his trip to the grasslands, and finally concluded with anticipation, "What a pity! I originally wanted to promote Qiao Yue again, and save up some more provisions for a few more years, because I wanted to personally lead an expedition!"

When the emperor personally led an expedition, the battle reports were naturally lavish and detailed, and each person received a reward upon their return. However, these rewards were mostly gold and silver, with promotions being the least common. Those who knew the inside story had nothing to say, while those who knew nothing at all were also delighted to see the gold and silver. The most dangerous people were those who only had a vague understanding, like Sun Shaozu, who tossed and turned for half a month before summoning Siqi.

“Go to the Marquis of Zhongyong’s residence and deliver some things, and take a look around while you’re at it.” Sun Shaozu hesitated for a moment. “Logically speaking, this shouldn’t be the reward. I wonder if he has fallen out of favor or if his merits have overshadowed the master? If his merits have overshadowed the master, then the credit should be distributed. Since I am his brother-in-law, he should think of me as well.”

Regardless of what Siqi was thinking or how troubled she was, she didn't show it on her face at all.

"Don't worry, sir, I'll go first thing tomorrow morning. It's almost August, and it's time to eat duck for autumn nourishment. I'll also bring some Solomon's seal, yam, and other things."

Sun Shaozu trusted Siqi to handle things. This maid was so shrewd that she didn't seem like she came from the Jia family, and even few in his Sun family could compare to her.

Sun Shaozu nodded, glanced at her, and said, "You're too thin. I remember last winter, you caught a cold and it took you almost two months to recover. I told the kitchen to prepare some nourishing food for you. Be careful this year and don't get sick."

Siqi thanked her generously and went out to prepare her things.

When she went to the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, she naturally couldn't see either Mu Chuan or Lin Daiyu, and of course, neither of them was there.

Mu Chuan was still on holiday, and it also happened to be the first anniversary of their marriage, so the two of them went into the mountains to "relax".

However, Siqi could still sit anywhere in the gatehouse, and meals were provided.

When Siqi returned, she told Sun Shaozu, "It doesn't look like it. Everything over there is normal. Lunch is as elaborate as before, with seasonal side dishes. They've already started decorating the courtyard with things for the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Although she didn't enter the courtyard, Siqi saw the car delivering chrysanthemums; she simply told Sun Shaozu in a different way.

Sun Shaozu has been quite troubled these past few days. He's getting older every year, and if things continue like this, he'll only be a wealthy man with a nominal title.

He waved for Siqi to leave.

As soon as Siqi returned, she went to pay her respects to Sun Shaozu. After washing her hands and changing into clean clothes, she saw Lianhua'er from Yingchun's room come to find her.

"Sister, Madam is calling for you." Lianhua said in a low voice, "This morning, Madam paid her respects to Master but didn't receive a kind look. Later, Granny Fang closed the door and said something to Madam. Madam wants you to go there as soon as you get back."

"I understand," Siqi said, then pointed to the pastry box on the table, "You should try some pastries from the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence."

Lianhua picked out two pastries and waited for Siqi to finish packing before going over with her.

Siqi went in to pay her respects, and Yingchun gave a faint "hmm" and then winked, signaling all the maids and servants serving in the room to leave.

“I’m telling you, you should also try to persuade your master,” Yingchun said with a hint of resentment. “He’s a womanizer, a gambler, and an alcoholic. How can that be the behavior of a decent person? I told him, but he wouldn’t listen. He even scolded me for being nosy and accused me of being jealous. Since you’re the person he loves most, you should try to persuade him. He should listen to you.”

Siqi frowned, her temper flaring up instantly.

"Which arrogant and incompetent fool has been gossiping in front of Madam this time?"

Yingchun remained silent. If it were before, Siqi would have felt wronged, but she already knew that Yingchun was useless, so she said without any politeness, "I advise Madam to save her mind. Let Master do whatever he wants. This huge family business belongs to others, why should it be managed by others? Master is not proper, as if Madam comes from a proper family."

Yingchun stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

"The master is lecherous and a drunkard, has Madam tried to dissuade him?" Siqi sneered. "The first wife is greedy and stingy, has Madam tried to dissuade her? The second master is lecherous, just look at the two wives of Bao Er, everyone in the manor knows that, has Madam ever tried to dissuade him—"

"They are elders, how could I—"

Yingchun interrupted Siqi, and Siqi didn't hold back either, her voice becoming increasingly stern: "And the madam's wet nurse. Tsk tsk, stealing, gambling, drinking, have you ever said a harsh word to her? She stole your hairpin to gamble, I was there that day, what did you say? You said to just consider it lost."

Yingchun was speechless after being rebuked: "I can't control you anymore. Not only have you climbed up to a higher social class, but you also have to come back and embarrass me."

“I advise you, Madam, to continue living the way you always have. You could fool yourself before, so why can’t you now? Did you ever manage the household before? I was in charge of all the maids and household items in your room. You have no dowry, no land, no shops. Just stay in your room quietly. Master won’t skimp on your food, clothing, or other necessities. If that doesn’t work, you can learn from the Second Madam, eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures. Didn’t that work out?”

Yingchun lay on the bed and started crying.

Siqi felt a moment of weakness; she actually wanted to say that the master's womanizing, gambling, and drinking were not necessarily flaws.

He failed to get the job, so he needs to vent, right? If he doesn't vent on these things, is he going to come home and beat his wife?

Besides, even if he is a gambler, he only gambles at home and doesn't go out to cause trouble, which is already quite good.

Furthermore, his lustful and alcoholic nature will naturally take a toll on his health. After a few years of this, he will have squandered his ambitions and eventually just live a leisurely life.

Or... he might kill himself, then things would be even easier.

But they couldn't say this to the madam. The madam was easily swayed and lacked her own judgment; if it got out, none of them would have a good ending.

But now the madam doesn't like her, and she also looks down on the madam. If something really happens to the master, and someone stirs things up, the madam might sell her off.

Siqi thought about it and realized that she still had to rely on the next generation of the Sun family.

The master is over thirty years old and has both illegitimate sons and daughters, the eldest of whom is eight years old...

As Siqi pondered this, she went out of the room and saw Granny Fang standing furtively under the eaves, peeking out to eavesdrop.

Siqi said in a deep voice, "Granny Fang, the Madam thinks you are not serving well. From today onwards, you will serve outside."

"Impossible! How could Madam despise me? It must be you, you unfilial servant—"

"Are you telling me to tell the master to personally chase you away? I have no idea where the master would chase you away to."

Upon hearing the mention of Sun Shaozu, Granny Fang wilted. She responded dejectedly, but then turned away and continued to mutter curses at Siqi under her breath.

Siqi didn't care about that. She looked around and said, "Serve the madam well. If anyone is disloyal, the first time they will be sent to the outer courtyard. If it happens again, I will definitely report to the master and sell you off!"

After a chorus of "Yes!"s, Siqi was satisfied.

She spent almost a whole day at the gatehouse of the Marquis of Zhongyong's residence, and then came back to deal with this matter; it was almost dark by then.

Back inside, she realized she was starving, and her back was a little sore from a long day.

Siqi ordered the food, then stretched her back on the bed. Before the food arrived, Pan Youan returned.

"Don't overwork yourself." He sat on the edge of the bed and massaged Siqi's lower back.

Pan Youan was quite happy to be assigned to the Sun family as a maid. He loved Siqi very much and was gentle and indecisive, so he simply listened to Siqi's every word and lived comfortably.

"Have you made any progress on the matter I asked you to inquire about?"

Pan Youan hummed in agreement and sighed, "The Xue family's shop has reopened, but with a different sign. I used the excuse of needing to pawn something to inquire about it, and they said the owner is Miss Bao, who is... the mistress of Eunuch Chang of the Imperial Household Department."

Siqi sat up abruptly: "Miss Bao? Xue Baochai?"

"I only saw it from a distance, but it looks quite similar."

The Jia family broke up, and everyone went their separate ways. Only the Xue family remained in the capital. Siqi didn't know why she was so eager to know what would happen to the Xue family.

However, to get this kind of information, you can only ask your own people.

In just three or four months, the Xue family somehow managed to get Xue Pan released, but he had a broken leg and no one treated him. He was then imprisoned for a month or so, and even with his good health, he couldn't survive until summer.

Later, the Xue family's shop closed down, and the mother and daughter, along with Xiangling, disappeared without a trace. Unexpectedly...

Siqi sighed, thinking of the two You sisters next door, and then of Xing Xiuyan, Madam Xing's niece. However, the Xue family girl was different from both of them.

After a long pause, she sighed heavily: "Eat first! You should also drink some of the ginseng wine that the master gave you."

After the two sat down at the table, Siqi picked up her chopsticks, but stopped after taking only the first bite.

She then thought of Xue Baochai from the Grand View Garden, whose face always wore a proper smile, looking down at everyone, and who always had something to say to teach people.

Siqi said indignantly, "Master Bao is the real troublemaker!"