Mu Xu was silent for a moment, then looked up and said seriously, "Okay, I will definitely give you an answer when you return victorious."
After saying that, he left the study.
In the courtyard of the Earl's mansion, Jiayin leaned against the window, her fair hands cupping her face as she peered out.
But Mu Xu never showed up, and she got a little annoyed. She turned around and called to Shui Ling, "I'll write a letter. Go find Zheng Yi and have him deliver it to the Marquis's residence and bring back a reply."
Just as Shui Ling was about to respond, Mu Xu replied from outside the window, "No need, I'm back."
Having said that, he appeared at the window, about to jump in, but then, remembering that this was his home, he withdrew his arm.
"Brother Mu, where did you go? I need you to go and ask for me..." Jiayin hurriedly turned her head and almost bumped into the window frame, but luckily Mu Xu raised his hand to stop her.
Jiayin's forehead brushed against the back of his hand, and the instant warmth made her feel a little embarrassed.
Mu Xu withdrew his hand and smiled, "I just returned from the Marquis's residence. The Marquis went to the palace because the Emperor is going to launch an expedition ahead of schedule, and the departure date is set for six days from now."
Jiayin immediately widened her eyes, "How can this be! Those people in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue are all good-for-nothings. They always drag their feet and can't deliver supplies on time."
"Now that they've suddenly set off ahead of schedule, won't they have even more excuses? If the army is out there and supplies can't keep up, won't we be at a disadvantage?"
Mu Xu thought so too, but he couldn't say it out loud, otherwise Jia Yin would get even more anxious.
He advised, "The Marquis said that the army will bring more rations. Once we reach Jiangbei, we will continue to fight to sustain ourselves. If the barbarians have food, they won't go hungry."
Jiayin still looked unwell, but the tide had turned, and once the Emperor had made up his mind, there was no going back.
She quickly said, "Brother Mu, go and rest. We've left you a midnight snack in the kitchen. Eat it before you go to sleep."
After saying that, she closed the window, turned around and gave Shui Ling a few instructions, then turned off the lights and went into the space.
Over the past few years, she has accumulated quite a few things, like a mouse moving house.
Although it's impossible to give all of them to the Northern Expeditionary Army, it can at least help solve their rations for five or six days, giving them more room to maneuver.
For example, handmade noodles, if a soldier is paid two jin a day, then each person can carry ten jin.
Ten pounds of noodles were easy for either soldiers to carry or for warhorses to ride.
Whenever there's a break in the journey, a simple earthen stove can be set up, water can be boiled in a large pot, and a hot meal can be enjoyed.
Of course, if things were really inconvenient, she also stored a lot of sesame seed cakes. They were baked to be quite dry so they wouldn't spoil easily, and they were filled with vegetables and meat. Even while riding on horseback, she could just take a few bites and drink some water to last half a day...
In addition to these, there was also a large quantity of wound medicine.
Especially after Dr. Zhang figured out a new drug, her pharmaceutical workshop never stopped operating.
In addition, the upgraded version of the divine medicine she brewed with herbal ingredients from her spatial storage always ensured that the army suffered fewer unnecessary battle losses.
The remaining supplies aren't urgent; they can be sent along with the grain supplies later...
That night, Jiayin was busy in the space, making various plans with her little notebook.
I suddenly remembered that I was still missing some antidote pills and mosquito repellent sachets, so I quickly made some.
As a result, I got so busy that I forgot the time.
I got up early, and my family ate breakfast. When they noticed that Jiayin hadn't appeared, they assumed she was still in bed and didn't think much of it.
As a result, those who needed to do their errands did so, and those who needed to go out went out, leaving only Wan'er and Princess Aibei at home with a few children.
Wan'er noticed that the sun was high in the sky and became somewhat worried.
Just as she was about to visit her sister-in-law, Baozhu and the Third Princess came to visit together.
Now, we have no choice but to call Jiayin out to entertain the guests.
Shui Ling and Shui Yun were pacing anxiously in the living room, but they didn't dare to knock on the door of the inner room.
After all, her master had given instructions that no one should disturb her unless she came out.
Fortunately, Jiayin came out yawning a little while later.
Shui Ling and Shui Yun breathed a long sigh of relief and quickly stepped forward to serve.
"Princess, did you not sleep well? Your dark circles are so big. Would you like me to make you a calming soup tonight?"
Shuiyun, being meticulous, had already started planning to nourish her master's body.
Things have been quite busy at home lately. My husband has been putting in a lot of effort and cooking often, so he must be tired.
Jiayin waved her hand and asked, "Is something wrong at home? Why do you all look so anxious?"
Shui Ling, quick-witted, immediately replied, "It's the Third Princess and Miss Baozhu who have arrived. We were all worried because you hadn't come out."
"Baozhu and the Third Princess are here?" Jiayin immediately guessed what the two girls were thinking and couldn't help but laugh. "They probably aren't here to see me, but are curious about my Fourth Sister-in-law and have come to see something new."
After saying that, she wasn't in a hurry. She asked two people to find her a light and comfortable dress, and even had a bowl of seafood porridge before going to the front yard.
In the main courtyard's flower hall, Wan'er and Aibei were talking with the Third Princess and Baozhu.
Although the Third Princess and Baozhu frequently visited the house, and Wan'er was not unfamiliar with them, the Third Princess's status was too high, so Wan'er was still somewhat reserved.
She chatted casually with the two of them, making small talk, and asked with a smile, "Did the princess and Miss Baozhu make an appointment? Why did you come together?"
The Third Princess replied, "I was bored in the palace, and Jiayin wasn't going back either, so I decided to come out for a walk. I didn't expect to run into Baozhu at the street corner, so we came together."
Baozhu nodded, but her chubby face and big eyes kept looking at Queen Aibe, practically writing "curiosity" on her forehead.
The Third Princess, maintaining her airs, perhaps feeling that Baozhu was somewhat embarrassed, quietly kicked her.
Baozhu exclaimed in surprise, and blushed slightly when she saw everyone looking at her.
Fortunately, Jiayin walked in at that moment.
Today she changed into a light blue dress, with large lilies embroidered in silver thread on the hem. She wore a lily hairpin in her hair, and with the smile in her eyes, she looked refreshing, clean, and lively.
Upon entering the room, everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to its beauty.
Like a sea breeze, it dispelled all the sweltering heat.
Baozhu practically cheered as she rushed over, hugged Jiayin's waist, and exclaimed, "Sister Jiayin, why did you take so long to come out! I missed you so much!"
Jiayin tapped her and said reproachfully, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you haven't seen me in years! We were having snacks together just a few days ago!"
"Oh, I want to be with you every day; a day apart feels like three autumns!"
Baozhu didn't care about any of that. She was very good at using her coquettish skills, which she had practiced since childhood.
The Third Princess also missed Jiayin. After living and eating together for so long, the sudden separation made her feel that Zhilan Palace was empty and nothing looked right.
But right now, she couldn't bring herself to act cute and charming like Baozhu.
So she glanced at Baozhu and said, "Hugging and cuddling, what kind of behavior is that!"
Jiayin knew Baozhu's proud and arrogant temper all too well, so she pulled Baozhu down to sit and casually said to the Third Princess, "You've been clamoring for jujube cake for a long time. I had someone send you a plate yesterday. Did you eat it? I didn't bake many this time, so I can only share these with you. We'll bake more when we get back to the palace. Remember, when you have free time, go to your Uncle's small kitchen and steal some more candied dates."
Sure enough, the third princess immediately beamed and replied, "Don't worry, I guarantee I'll bring back a whole basketful. At worst, I'll just share a plate with Father."
Today's update is here!
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