Zhang Zhong's face turned ashen.

Back then, thanks to the Empress's generous reward, so many White Lotus Sect members were captured in a whirlwind across Bazhou.

Now, how come the government troops can't capture the Liu brothers, Liu Liu and Liu Qi?

The only problem is that the internal office was dissolved, and he didn't have any manpower available for the time being.

Zhang Zhong returned to the capital to report, but Lu Xingjian did not have time to see him.

...

"All matters in the capital are now entrusted to you." Lu Xingjian's eyes were deep.

Su Wanwan hugged his waist and asked, "Can we not go?"

Swords and blades have no eyes.

Moreover, this is a major conflict between the left and right wings of the Northern Yuan.

He shouldn't have gone by himself.

Lu Xingjian gently stroked her back: "Don't be afraid."

“You’re familiar with Yang Ting, and Yang Yiqing is also your uncle. With their help, you can handle it.”

"With the Duke of England and Admiral Zhang Yong in the Beijing Army, you don't need to worry."

Su Wanwan's feelings were extremely complicated.

Of all the emperors throughout history, only Emperor Taizong loved to personally go to the frontier to command battles as much as he did.

He has improved since then; now he tells her where he is going.

"Wait for me to come back."

"What about Yan-ge'er?" Su Wanwan asked with difficulty.

Lu Xingjian frowned.

His complexion looked rather unpleasant.

To grant Yan Ge'er a formal princely status, this matter will likely require a serious discussion with the civil officials.

With Liu Jin just fallen from power, the court was unstable and in turmoil, making it an unfavorable time.

"Let's talk about it after the New Year."

"Then, come back soon." Su Wanwan had no choice but to compromise.

Fortunately, it's already the twelfth lunar month. On the first day of the first lunar month, the emperor must appear to worship his ancestors and meet with his ministers.

I have to come back no matter what.

Yan Ge'er stood timidly at the door and asked, "Where is Father going?"

Lu Xingjian walked over and picked up Yan Ge'er, saying, "Daddy's going to fight the bad guys."

"Can you take me with you?" Yan Ge'er asked his father with wide eyes.

Lu Xingjian: "..."

Su Wanwan: "..."

Lu Xingjian smiled and patted Yan Ge'er's head: "You little rascal, you've got potential."

"The place Father is going to is very cold and dangerous."

"You're too young to go."

"When you grow up a bit, Daddy will take you to fight the bad guys!"

Su Wanwan scolded, "Why is it all about fighting bad guys all day long? At his age, he should be eating and sleeping well to grow, and learning knowledge and skills."

Lu Xingjian pulled Su Wanwan into his arms. "Your mother is right."

"You have to grow as tall and strong as Dad before you can fight bad guys, understand?"

Yan Ge'er nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

Lu Xingjian gently touched Yan Ge'er's forehead with his own:

"With Dad not home, you're the man of the house. Eat well, sleep well, and protect your mother."

Yan Ge'er looked at Su Wanwan.

Seeing his mother smiling at him, he felt a surge of pride and said, "I understand!"

Sunlight streamed through the roof tiles and fell on the three people, casting their shadows on the ground.

Dust was flying around inside the beam of light.

Everything was so warm and beautiful.

As they parted, Lu Xingjian wouldn't let her leave Kunning Palace. Holding her hand, he paused for a moment and then said:

"Xiao Bin returned to Beijing a while ago."

Su Wanwan raised an eyebrow. "Oh."

My heart skipped a beat.

Lu Xingjian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "It was the time when we sent Prince Anhua back to the capital."

He was a little embarrassed to say it: "He is indeed capable."

"Later, he returned to Ningxia to help stabilize the situation."

"After the New Year, I will transfer him back to Weizhou Garrison."

Su Wanwan's expression remained unchanged: "Mm."

She dared not show any sign of anything unusual.

They were terrified that the military merits Xiao Bin had fought so hard for would be squandered by the emperor's suspicion and jealousy.

Lu Xingjian carefully examined the expression on her face, pinched her cheek, and turned to leave.

He and Wanwan have been married for almost three years.

These past few years have been turbulent, and we've gone through hardships together.

He finally felt much more at ease, and his resentment towards Xiao Bin also dissipated considerably.

...

Su Wanwan sat in the living room for a long time, lost in thought.

A palace servant rushed in to report: "The Duchess of Yansheng returned to the capital to visit her parents, but was assaulted and murdered by bandits at the Bazhou post station!"

Su Wanwan didn't react for a while, "The Lady of the Duke of Yansheng?"

The palace maid nodded eagerly, her expression tense: "It is the eldest daughter of Chief Minister Li."

Su Wanwan's expression changed.

The palace servants became even more nervous, their mouths feeling dry.

"Grand Secretary Li has few children. Of his several children, only this one direct descendant remains. I'm afraid he won't be able to withstand this blow. Your Majesty, you should comfort him as soon as possible."

Su Wanwan frowned. "Do you know who the robbers who harmed them are? Have they been arrested?"

"They say it's a group of bandits, led by Liu Qi. The one who committed the murder was named Yang Hu, who was a fellow disciple of Liu Qi's elder brother..."

Upon hearing the name "Liu Qi," Su Wanwan felt her vision go black.

Although Liu Qi was a carefree and unruly man, he was of decent character and had never committed such a heinous act as raping and murdering a woman.

Liu Qi is her man.

She and Li Dongqian had a previous feud because of Li Zhaoxian's matter.

If this feud of raping and murdering one's daughter is added to the mix, I'm afraid the grudge will never be resolved!

She quickly gave the order.

On the one hand, they sent people to comfort and offer sacrifices to the wife of the Duke of Yansheng.

On the other hand, he ordered people to quickly find Liu Qi and others and arrest the murderer Yang Hu and others.

...

At this moment, the home of Grand Secretary Li Dongqian was filled with wails.

Upon hearing the devastating news, Li Dongqian's mother, Madam Ma, fainted immediately.

His wife, Madam Zhu, stood there stunned, not shedding a single tear.

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