Jiayin saw her to the door, and only then did she ask hesitantly, "Jiayin, um... your master is very skilled at diagnosis. Could... could he take a look at Brother Lu?"
Jiayin paused for a moment, then replied, "Of course! Brother Lu is a good friend of my elder brother, and now he's your future husband. From any perspective, our family should help out."
"But Princess, Brother Lu is a very opinionated man, and he is seriously injured. Would he be willing to have an outsider treat him?"
"I think you should still ask him to make sure he really needs it, and then have someone tell him. Otherwise, you might do something good but end up doing something wrong, which could also affect your relationship."
“Of course,” the Third Princess replied excitedly, “I’ll go see Brother Lu right now and ask him carefully.”
"Speaking of which, I should thank you for inviting me out to play. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been easy for me to leave the palace. My father and my elder brother, the Crown Prince, don't want me to come out!"
After exchanging a few more casual words, the Third Princess left in high spirits.
As Shui Ling watched the departing carriage, she asked, "Princess, should I go and say hello to Doctor Zhang?"
“No need,” Jiayin shook her head and replied, “Prince Lu will persuade the Third Princess that he will not ask Physician Zhang to make a house call.”
After saying that, she went back to the backyard.
Xu Xi and Mei Lan, who rarely get to go out, reluctantly bid farewell until dusk.
Jiayin brought them a lot of snacks and fruits, and Meilan's two half-sisters each received a portion separately.
The two girls were surprised and excited, and thanked her repeatedly.
You should know that when they went back with their elder sister, they only brought one item with them, which was absolutely to be left in the main courtyard. Don't even think about getting a single thing.
However, since each person received one portion, the First Madam, for the sake of the Mei family's reputation and fearing that the story would reach the ears of the Princess and become a laughingstock, would definitely allow them to keep their own portions.
In this way, their aunts and siblings could enjoy these rare fruits and snacks together...
After seeing all her girlfriends off, Jiayin returned to the old house.
Because Zheng He had sent the message back in advance, the kitchen was also busy frying and cooking.
Li Lao Er and Mr. Wen took Mu Xu with them as they got off the carriage. After washing up, they started eating.
Jiayin told her sister-in-law and then went to the study to eat with the elders and chat.
The six ministries were so busy with the ceremony of bestowing the title of Crown Prince and the selection of imperial concubines that everyone was running around like crazy.
Even those in sinecure positions like Li Lao Er and those who were "mouthpieces of the court" like Mr. Wen were not spared.
But both of them were just doing odd jobs and weren't in charge; they only had to do the work and didn't have to use their brains.
Jiayin poured wine for the elders, and after thinking for a moment, poured a glass of juice for Mu Xu as well.
Mu Xu smiled brightly, which made Jia Yin blush a little, and she secretly glared at him.
Seeing this, Li Lao Er smiled and said, "Let's get Xu Ge'er a new bar too. He's been working so hard these past few days. We have nothing to do tonight, so let's have a few drinks to relax."
Mr. Wen nodded in agreement, “Yes, thanks to the Marquis for keeping Xu Ge’er, communication between various places is much faster and smoother.”
Jia Yin had no choice but to take another wine cup and divide the wine into a pot for Mu Xu.
Li Lao Er raised his glass, clinked it with Mr. Wen and Mu Xu, drank it all in one gulp, and then sighed.
"I wonder what's going on in Jiangbei. They always say everything is fine. But we're so far from home, and we're fighting against the barbarians. How can everything be alright?"
"Let's wait and see what the Marquis decides. Most of the grain we've raised has already been secretly transported to Jiangbei. Even if the third batch of military rations from the imperial court is delayed, we can still supply the Northern Expeditionary Army in time. We can't let the soldiers fight on empty stomachs!"
Mr. Wen's expression also turned sour when this was mentioned.
But given the current political situation, everyone was focused on the Crown Prince and the selection of concubines, all wanting to grab a bigger slice of the pie during this period of political upheaval.
How many people still remember the soldiers who fought on the front lines?
Jiayin's eyes were also dim. She forced a smile, served food to everyone, and advised, "Godfather must have a plan in mind. Just do your best in everything. It depends on both the plan and fate."
Li Lao Er snapped out of his daze, feeling sorry for his niece who was only a teenager and yet had to go to such lengths, so he quickly agreed, "Yes, yes, do your best and leave the rest to fate. Never mind, we'll deal with the future later. Let's eat and drink our fill tonight."
Everyone laughed, chatting about the latest happenings in the city, and the dinner table became lively again...
At this time, it was also mealtime at the Zhengbei Army camp in Jiangbei.
The soldiers took off their armor, tore open their clothes, and each held a large earthenware bowl, huddled together chatting, laughing, eating, and drinking.
The bonfire burning in the distance illuminated their smiling faces, making them appear exceptionally radiant.
Inside the main tent, the generals, who had already eaten, gathered together, frowning at an official document.
One of the more boisterous lieutenants was the first to lose his temper and shouted, "What does the Ministry of War mean by this? I've worked myself to the bone, risked my life, and finally made it this far!"
We were just one step away from driving the barbarians to the border. And now they're telling us to stay put and wait for the right moment for a decisive battle? What are they thinking?
"That's right, we're over a thousand miles from Xindu! Just when we thought the time was right and sent our order to Xindu for instructions, the opportunity had already passed. Xindu thought the time was perfect, but by the time the order reached us, it was too late!"
Another general was also extremely frustrated. He punched his leg and said angrily, "This battle is truly humiliating! The court has never treated us like this before when we went on expeditions!"
A military officer who looked somewhat scholarly stopped his companion from continuing.
Over the past month, the imperial court has gained increasing control over the northern expeditionary force.
In the past, when going on a campaign, the Marquis made all the decisions from beginning to end. At most, official documents would only be sent when provisions and weapons needed to be replenished.
But now, in just seven or eight days, I've received two official documents.
It's like a strong man fighting with someone, and there's always someone on the side giving him random, inappropriate instructions.
As a result, the strong man is bound to be restricted and will inevitably gradually fall into a disadvantageous position!
But if you're not good at fighting, at most you'll just get a few punches and kicks.
But they are going to war, and a single decision can determine the lives of tens of thousands of people!
Silence fell over the tent for a moment, and everyone looked at the Marquis in the main seat.
The Marquis was looking at the map. The Northern Expeditionary Army had now advanced to 700 li north of the former capital.
Three hundred li further, and we can completely drive the barbarians out of the border.
When the border is repaired and strictly guarded, after three to five years, Tianwu will achieve a complete victory.
With the barbarians no longer having the strength to launch a major invasion, Tianwu was able to fully recover.
However, if they obeyed the imperial court's orders and stopped advancing at this time, this year's northern expedition would likely fail again.
If we wait until next year to plan a decisive battle again, who knows how many more changes will occur? Even the losses in food, supplies, and military equipment will be too much for the court to bear.
Given this year's drought, military supplies are a major problem.
Taking all factors into account, a decisive victory at the border is the best option...
Just then, Li Laosi walked in from outside and reported, "My lord, there is an urgent matter that requires your decision."
The Marquis understood, nodded to the others, and walked out.
The two entered the small tent next to them, and Li Laosi immediately took out a copper pipe. "My lord, news has come from home."
The Marquis quickly opened it, and Li Laosi couldn't help but lean over for a quick glance, only to gasp in shock at what he saw.
"This...how is this possible?!"
Two updates today!
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