Xue Zhongfu sighed softly, put down his chopsticks, and said gently, "Mother, I know what you're worried about. But this time, we're escorting the military pay, so our safety should be guaranteed. Furthermore, this is the trust and heavy responsibility placed in me by the Emperor, and I will do my utmost to fulfill this mission."
Xue Jiyan also quickly agreed, "Yes, mother, my second brother has always been steady and careful. He will definitely be able to overcome the danger and return safely."
As Hong Yingrong listened to her two sons' words, she felt a little comforted, although her worries were not completely dissipated.
She sighed softly and nodded. "I know you're all good kids. Zhongfu, you've always been sensible and steady. This mission is arduous, so you must be careful and always keep safety first."
Xue Zhongfu nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, mother. I will definitely remember your teachings."
After dinner, Xue Zhongfu returned to his courtyard and began to prepare for the transportation of military pay.
He was well aware of the importance of this mission, which not only concerned the safety of the Great Zhou, but also his personal future and destiny.
Therefore, he had to make all necessary preparations to ensure that the military pay could be safely delivered to the border.
Meanwhile, Xiao Gan was plotting in his own residence. His hatred for Xue Zhongfu grew stronger and stronger, and he decided to use this opportunity to transport the military pay to create some trouble for Xue Zhongfu.
He secretly contacted some gangs of thieves in the underworld, preparing to steal the military pay while it was being transported.
However, Xiao Gan's conspiracy did not escape the eyes of Emperor Li Longze.
Eunuch Chen Jin had been secretly following Xiao Gan's movements and reporting his every move to the emperor.
After learning of Xiao Gan's plot, Li Longze couldn't help but sneer, "This Xiao Gan is really too clever for his own good, thinking he can hide it from me. I want to see what tricks he can come up with."
…
Deep in the Linjiang Palace, the secret agent reported to Li Longjing in detail the information he had obtained from the palace of the king of a different surname, Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan was a wise man throughout his life, but he gave birth to such a stupid son who was blinded by lust. It's really astonishing." Li Longjing raised a hint of sarcasm at the corner of his mouth and smiled contemptuously.
Using gangs of thieves to create chaos and attempt to rob military pay is such a despicable act that no ordinary person would think of.
If Mr. Yan were here, he would probably laugh at its absurdity without mercy.
Li Longjing's eyes inadvertently swept across the sandalwood chair where Yan Boxi often sat in the conference room, and some thoughts arose in his mind.
Half a month ago, Yan Boxi had suggested to him that he go to the Ganzhou mine to personally supervise the manufacture of weapons and tiger talismans.
Li Longjing naturally agreed to this suggestion.
Seeing Li Longjing lost in thought, the spy cautiously probed, "Your Highness, do we need to take any action regarding Xiao Gan?"
Li Longjing came back to his senses, and a hint of cruelty flashed in his eyes.
"Find the gang of thieves he's colluding with and kill them all without mercy. Then replace them with our own people. Since he wants to put on a fake show, we'll go along with it and give him a taste of real power!"
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind it.
Li Longjing wanted Xiao Gan to suffer the consequences of his actions, like a dumb person swallowing bitter herbs, unable to express his suffering. Xiao Gan was definitely going to take the blame!
"Your Highness is wise!" The spy bowed and retreated sincerely, and immediately set about carrying out the matters instructed by Li Longjing.
At the same time, he secretly sent a pigeon letter to Yan Boxi, who was far away in Ganzhou, informing him of King Linjiang's temporary decision.
…
Xue Zhongfu was appointed as the deputy commander of the escort of official silver, and he was to set off to carry out the mission in just three days.
Even if the road is smooth and unobstructed, a round trip will take at least three months.
When this news reached Yong'an Palace, Princess Ning'an became anxious and restless, like an ant on a hot pan.
Although Concubine Shu had reluctantly accepted the marriage, her face did not show the joy of marrying off her daughter. Instead, she revealed an expression of helplessness as things had come to this point.
"Mother," Princess Ning'an pleaded, "Second Master Xue is about to depart to escort the official silver. He will be gone for several months. Mother, please favor your daughter once more and let me meet Second Master Xue."
She then added, "Don't worry, my daughter will abide by the rules and will never cause you any worries like last time."
Concubine Shu looked at her anxious and expectant daughter, and her heart softened. She knew her daughter's deep affection for Xue Zhongfu, and this separation was undoubtedly a severe test for her. However, as the eldest princess of the royal family, she had to face more responsibilities and rules.
"Alas," Concubine Shu sighed, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.
"Ning'an, since you are so insistent, how can I not understand your intentions?" Concubine Shu finally gave in. She sent someone to pass a message to the Marquis of Xingyuan's Mansion, asking the old lady Hong Yingrong and Xue Zhongfu to enter the palace to pay their respects.
Princess Ning'an's eyes flashed with joy when she heard this. She bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, mother."
Not long after, the Xingyuan Marquisate received a message from the palace. Although Hong Yingrong was a little surprised, she quickly understood Concubine Shu's intentions.
She felt both relieved and a little worried. She knew that this entry into the palace might be a rare opportunity for Xue Zhongfu and Princess Ning'an, but it might also bring some unknown troubles.
However, she did not show these concerns, but calmly gave orders to prepare for entering the palace.
Xue Zhongfu was also stunned when he heard the news, but he quickly regained his composure.
The next day, Hong Yingrong brought Xue Zhongfu into the palace. In Yong'an Palace, they met Princess Ning'an again.
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