Returning home at night
Although Lin Xu could sense that Liao Yan seemed to have something on her mind, those emotions seemed to disappear quickly. She thought for a moment, then said earnestly:
"The last time my cousin was wrongfully imprisoned, we were very grateful for the princess's concern and help. Now that the case is closed, it was a close call. We, the Liang family, will never forget the princess's great kindness and will repay it in the future."
Liao Yan remained silent. She was trapped at home at the time and couldn't really offer any help; it was Lin Xu who was out there making all the effort. Fortunately, the outcome was good. No matter how intelligent Lin Xu was, she was still just a powerless woman. She must have been frantic with worry then, and who knows how much she sacrificed behind the scenes to finally get him safely out of prison.
If I really have to admit it, what right do I have to blame her?
Lin Xu, unaware of Liao Yan's turbulent thoughts, continued, "After all, my cousin was unjustly wronged back then, and he can't forget it. I heard that my cousin has decided to join the army again soon, to follow Generals He Qijiang and Zhao Qiang south to pacify the Western Barbarians."
Liao Yan nodded. She had heard about this as well. The Western Regions had been in turmoil for years, and several small countries bordering Dayu were always harboring treacherous intentions, repeatedly launching attacks.
The old leader of the Nine Clouds and Nine Tribes had just passed away before the New Year. The newly appointed leader was said to be the old leader's younger brother, but he was ruthless and cruel. He not only killed the old leader's three sons with his own hands, but also forcibly took the old leader's wife. Now that the new leader has taken the throne, he is eager to show his strength to his people.
Since the beginning of the year, the nine tribes of Yunji have repeatedly caused trouble on the border, massacring several villages in Dayu. The border people have been displaced, and the Dayu court has reached its limit of tolerance.
"...The rebellion in the Western Regions must be quelled, but I heard that General He's old illness has flared up again recently, and he is in so much pain that he can't even get out of bed. So the commander may have to be replaced again."
I heard about Liao Yan's matter a few days ago when I accompanied my mother to the palace. The emperor and my mother were siblings, born of the same mother. He usually respected his elder sister very much and often discussed political matters without any reservations.
My mother has always been a woman of great wisdom and strategy. Even when the late emperor was alive, he praised her, saying that she "has strategies for pacifying the borders and plans for securing the country. She is truly worthy of being my eldest daughter." My mother has always been very dissatisfied with Zhao Xiang’s proposal to end the war and make peace. She even retorted with a few words on the spot.
At that time, Liao Yan was sitting behind the beaded curtain, drinking tea with the Empress, when he heard the then Vice Minister of the Chancellery, the white-bearded Minister Pei, sigh softly, "The world is in turmoil today, and the court has few capable men. General He is still unwell, and it is difficult to find a commander in the army. If we hastily send troops, I'm afraid..."
This group of civil officials, led by Zhao Zhongda, were only good at impeaching other officials; when it came to matters of deploying troops on the battlefield, they always used the excuse of an empty treasury. Now that He Qijiang had suddenly fallen ill, it gave Zhao and his cronies a new excuse.
Seeing Liao Yan's face darken instantly, Lin Xu guessed that her displeasure might be related to this matter. She glanced around discreetly; the area was deserted and desolate. The ministers who had come out for some fresh air earlier and were standing in the opposite corridor had all returned.
Given Princess Kunrou's heroic and valiant deeds in her youth, this matter must be decided by the pro-war faction, who want to send troops to wipe out Yunji's nine tribes without leaving a single survivor.
Lin Xu thought for a moment and then said, "Back in the day, when Emperor Taizong of Tang was fighting the enemy, Cheng Yaojin was seriously injured and had not yet recovered. Li Jing led the troops to fight, which led to a legendary tale of invincibility... It is indeed a pity that General He is sick now, but I have heard that the former deputy general Zhao also climbed up from the 14th Division and was also a rigorous and brave talent."
It would be far too frivolous to cancel the expedition simply because the commander-in-chief is unwell.
Moreover, at that time, when Liang Zhengyuan was in trouble and the case was very difficult, Zhao Qiang, as the deputy general, went to the government office to speak on Liang Zhengyuan's behalf. This shows that he was upright and valued talent. He was also a member of the 14th Division, which was the most valiant and skilled in battle and had never been defeated. He was definitely capable of doing the job.
Lin Xu spoke softly, and his voice quickly drifted away in the cool evening breeze, disappearing from sight.
Liao Yan smiled at Lin Xu, bathed in the light from the glass palace lanterns.
No wonder Dr. Fu Sheng of Zhiqiong Hall still speaks highly of Lin Xu. Such intelligence, quick wit, and ability to assess situations naturally set her apart from ordinary young ladies who only learn embroidery. Moreover, in matters of great importance, Lin Xu always shares his thoughts… However, now is clearly not the time for a long discussion.
Liao Yan nodded and said gently:
"Dou Yanxun has now been promoted. Although Laining County is somewhat poor, the local people are still very honest and simple. Before you set off, come to my residence for tea."
As Dou Yanxun's wife, she would naturally accompany him to his new post in Laining County. Upon hearing this, Lin Xu couldn't help but smile. Such frankness was truly Liao Yan's nature. "Then thank you for the invitation, Princess."
When they returned to their seats, the banquet was already almost over.
Dou Zhen looked very nervous and couldn't help but glance at her worriedly. Lin Xu smiled apologetically; she hadn't expected going out would take so long. Several graceful dancers, each holding a pipa, danced swaying in the hall, their sleeves billowing, their graceful figures as beautiful as flowing wind and falling snow.
Yao Suran was sullen, perhaps finding it boring, and turned her head to chat idly with Song Jiaoling. Song Jiaoling remained very quiet throughout, and when speaking to Yao Suran, she only answered cautiously with a somewhat apprehensive expression after being asked a question or two.
Lin Xu silently drank the last cup of tea and then prepared to leave with the others.
Through the screen and amidst the rustling of robes and the glittering shadows of hairpins, she glanced at the Third Prince, whose face beamed with joy. He stood in the hall with his hands behind his back, nodding to the ministers who had come to offer their congratulations. Perhaps he had drunk some wine, for his usually handsome and resolute expression appeared somewhat hazy.
Standing beside the Third Prince was a boy who was no taller than him, also dressed in fine clothes and wearing a jade crown. Lin Xu was stunned for a long time before realizing that it was the Ninth Prince, who was very young, timid and quiet in the school.
The Ninth Prince seemed to have grown much taller; he must have just celebrated his ninth birthday. He tilted his head slightly as he spoke to the Third Prince, his profile fair and gentle, bathed in soft light. Lin Xu watched from afar, and for some reason, felt that the Ninth Prince seemed quite different from the boy who used to stutter.
Dou Zhen stepped forward and took her arm. The two of them were naturally going back to the mansion together. After walking a few steps, Lin Xu saw Lin Fu in the distance through the crowd.
People are in high spirits when they have a happy occasion. The father was wearing a dark blue robe with distinct pleats, and he seemed to have gained some weight compared to before. However, the silver in his temples seemed even more dazzling in the lamplight. Lin Xu saw this and couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.
The father also walked out, accompanied by a servant from the manor. He saw Lin Xu, his eyes lit up, and he quickened his pace to walk towards her.
"Father." After not seeing him for several months, even though Lin Xu had known he would run into his father today, he was still overjoyed to see him now. Dou Zhen, standing beside Lin Xu, also curtsied to Lin Fu. After the greeting, she and the two maids who accompanied her got into the sedan chair first.
"I haven't been able to congratulate Father in person yet, but I heard that Mother is already several months pregnant."
Lin Fu had only had one child, Lin Xu, for many years. After the birth of Rong Ge'er last year, he was now expecting another child, and this time it was his legal wife who was pregnant. Naturally, he was overjoyed. Upon hearing this, Lin Fu smiled, but the smile quickly turned bitter:
"...My son, do you blame your father in your heart?"
Lin Xu was taken aback.
Lin Fu continued, "Before, my heart was only for Shuangyu. Even though she has been gone for a long time, I have never been able to forget her. And you are the only memory Shuangyu left me before she died... Now, I feel guilty..."
The usually calm and composed man, who was clearly middle-aged, suddenly had tears welling up in his eyes. Lin Xu couldn't bear to see his father like this, and his heart ached as well. He could only hurriedly smile and gently comfort him, "You have kept vigil for Mother for eight whole years. If Mother knew this in the afterlife, she would understand Father."
As more and more people began to leave, it became inappropriate to continue their private conversation on the steps. Lin Fu quickly suppressed the tears welling in his eyes and could only look at his daughter, who was now remarkably composed and gentle, and offer her some words of advice with considerable emotion:
"The Dou family has a bright future now, and your husbands, like you, are also doing well. This is certainly a good thing. However, you still need to be very careful. The higher you go, the more difficult things tend to become. If you have any worries, you can talk to your father. Don't suffer in silence."
"Father, rest assured. I have my own plans. It is getting late today, so Father should return home first and take care of Mother's health. After some time, I will personally return home to visit Father and the baby in Mother's womb."
Lin Fu nodded reluctantly. The night was deep, and a cool evening breeze carried the scent of sandalwood from inside the hall. They stood on the steps, with only the lamps in the Xianqing Hall behind them still shining brightly.
The father and daughter bid each other a reluctant farewell. Lin Xu thought for a moment, and realized that there was still some time before they packed their bags and went to Laining. When they returned to the Lin residence, they would naturally have many opportunities to catch up with their father and Gao Youyi. The melancholy in her heart dissipated somewhat.
.
She and Dou Zhen rode in a carriage back to the mansion. By the time they arrived home, it was nearly 9 PM. Dou Huaisheng, who was temporarily acting as the Minister of Personnel, stayed behind with several other close officials to continue the banquet. After a long day of work, Lin Xu felt exhausted. Granny Qin had already prepared hot soup, so after a simple bath, she prepared to rest.
After washing with warm water, Lin Xu felt much more refreshed. She changed into a plain cotton undergarment and came out of the clean room. Candles were still lit in the inner room, casting a soft glow through the gauze curtains. Lin Xu pulled her clothes closer and saw a figure behind the curtains.
Dou Yanxun lay on the bed, seemingly fast asleep. A few rays of gentle moonlight shone through the window lattice, outlining his silhouette.
The man, usually so carefree, now had his eyes closed, his jawline sharply defined, and his nose high and straight. Through the gauze curtain, one could almost see his chest rising and falling gently, carrying a sense of peaceful slumber.
Rongwei and Qingmo, who were attending to him, had already left. Lin Xu didn't want to wake him, so she was extra quiet. He was sleeping on the outside, so she carefully sat down at the foot of the bed.
Her waist-length black hair wasn't completely dry yet, so Lin Xu gathered it up in front of her shoulder with one hand. Just as she was about to move further in, she suddenly noticed that the candle flame on the three-legged lotus petal bronze candlestick near the bed trembled slightly.
At the same time, a faint, indistinct voice rang out.
"Have you been drinking?"
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