After saying this, he explained in detail how the two of them led the men in black to fight the grain-grabbing team, resulting in the deaths and injuries of most of the grain-grabbing team, and how one of the men in black "coincidentally" returned to Xindu to report to his master.
Everyone listened as if on a rollercoaster, their hearts pounding with anxiety.
"You rascal, you really are..." Li Lao Er wanted to say something, but the words caught in his throat, and he didn't know whether to praise or criticize.
This was certainly a brilliant move; when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits.
With no more grain-grabbing teams spying and causing trouble in Jiangbei, things will naturally be much more convenient.
Moreover, the man in black going back to complain would also make the master behind the grain-grabbing team wary and teach them a lesson, which is really killing two birds with one stone.
However, this matter is too risky; if one operation is not done properly, one could easily be attacked from both sides.
"Yayama, it's fine if you're young and like adventure, but why is he following suit? Don't do this again next time, safety should always be the priority."
Li Lao Er finally managed to utter a couple of questions, then asked, "Have the stored grain and medicine been sent to the Northern Expeditionary Army?"
"It's been sent, and Uncle Shan personally escorted it. Unfortunately, the grain that was previously hidden in Jiangbei is still not much; it's only enough for the Northern Expeditionary Army to consume for half a month."
"Fortunately, the Marquis has already launched the decisive battle. If nothing unexpected happens, the war will be over in half a month."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, their expressions softening considerably.
Li Lao Er stood up again, "I'm going to see Mr. Wen and also the Liu family to let them know."
"Although a general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders to some extent, as opportunities for war wait for no one, we must still guard against anyone using this matter to stir up trouble!"
Jia Huan also stood up and said, "I'm going back to the restaurant too. If I hear any news there, I'll have someone relay it to me immediately."
With that, the father and son went out.
Wan'er glanced at Mu Xu and her sister-in-law, then made up an excuse, "I'm going to see Yuan Yuan."
After saying that, she stepped aside, giving the young couple some space.
With none of the elders in the family around, she, as the sister-in-law, wished she could transform into a mother hen and protect her sister-in-law from all sides.
Before, when her sister-in-law was in the palace, she had no choice but to live in constant fear.
But now that her sister-in-law has returned home, she wants to take care of her sister-in-law in every possible way.
The other day in Baiyun, the Third Princess and her sister-in-law almost had a falling out because of that Prince Lu, and she knew about seven or eight parts of the story.
I thought the matter was over and the two friends would get over it.
Who would have thought that the Empress would pass away, and to such a tragic end.
The third princess has suffered a series of blows; she is truly pitiful.
Given her sister-in-law's kindness, even if it wasn't her fault, she would probably still feel incredibly guilty.
As her sister-in-law, it's difficult for her to persuade me, and she can't persuade me anyway.
Fortunately, Mu Xu returned.
Let's leave this important task to my future brother-in-law!
Mu Xu got up to see his sister-in-law out, and when she gave him a wink, he guessed what was going on.
Once everyone was out of the house, he took out a straw cage from his pocket.
The cage was only the size of a child's fist, and the golden straw stalks were split into thin strips and woven into the shape of a small pagoda. It was really exquisite and cute.
“I didn’t have a chance to buy you a gift this time. I traded this cricket cage with a steamed bun to a naughty boy when I passed through a village. You can play with it for now, and when I have time, I’ll catch a cricket and put it in to sing.”
Jiayin accepted the straw cage and loved it very much.
It's not just because the cage is exquisite, but also because of the thoughtfulness of being remembered at all times.
"It's so beautiful, the craftsmanship is amazing!"
She praised it a couple of times, then added, "No need to catch grasshoppers anymore, it'll be too noisy at night. I'll put some spices in the basket and hang them by the bed curtains tonight."
"Alright, here's your gift. Do with it however you like." Mu Xu took the opportunity to shake Jia Yin's hand and asked, "Have you been bullied at home these past few days? Tell me, I'm back, I'll get revenge for you!"
Jiayin felt a pang of sadness, and her expression immediately turned melancholy.
She rummaged through the cricket cage and said softly, "No one is bullying me. It's just that I've had too many things going on lately, and I feel helpless and a bit upset."
Mu Xu felt sorry for him and, after thinking for a moment, said, "Come with me, let's go for a walk."
After saying that, he asked Shui Ling to prepare a few things.
Jiayin hesitated for a moment and advised, "You just got back, you must be exhausted. Let's talk about it after we eat."
Mu Xu insisted, and soon the two of them led their horses out of the Earl's mansion, without even taking Shui Ling and Shui Yun with them.
It's almost noon now, the hottest time of the day.
Apart from a few listless old soldiers, there were no other vehicles or horses at the city gate.
The two successfully left the city. Mu Xu jumped onto the horse, held Jia Yin in his arms, and with a flick of the whip, the horse neighed and galloped away.
The wind blowing in her face lifted the veil on Jiayin's head, making her squint, but also bringing her a sense of coolness.
She couldn't help but stretch out her arms, as if flying against the wind.
Most of the restlessness and unease that had been weighing on my heart have flown away with the wind!
Mu Xu had one arm around her waist and the other holding the horse's reins, his smile radiant.
Under the blazing summer sun, on a dusty country road, a rider and two people speed by, carefree and unrestrained!
After running for half an hour, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain. Mu Xu tied up the horse and let it graze freely.
He moved the basket from his back to the front, and then, without giving Jiayin a chance to refuse, carried her up the mountain.
The mountain is not high, but the vegetation is surprisingly lush. Fortunately, there is a path through the forest that leads all the way to the top of the mountain.
The mountaintop is relatively flat, with two huge rocks facing south, one standing upright and the other lying flat.
The upright boulder casts its shadow perfectly over the lying companion, creating an excellent spot for cooling off and enjoying the view.
Jiayin was amazed. She jumped onto the flat boulder and excitedly walked around. It was almost as good as the kang (heated brick bed) at home.
Mu Xu took out several peaches, golden fruits, a bag of pastries, a roast chicken, and a pot of water from his basket.
He gestured for Jiayin to sit down, saying, "Let's have something to eat; this is a perfect spot for a picnic."
Jiayin excitedly stepped forward and chose a golden fruit.
Mu Xu drew a dagger from his lower back and swiftly slashed it.
Jiayin took it, took a big bite, and found it sweet and refreshing. Looking down at the village and farmland below the mountain, as well as the distant mountains, she felt a sense of relief and joy.
It seemed that all my frustrations had completely dissipated amidst such beautiful scenery and delicious food.
"Brother Mu, when did you discover this wonderful place?"
"It's been a while. I originally planned to bring you here, but I haven't had the time." Mu Xu was probably very hungry. He dismantled the roast chicken, left two thighs for Jiayin, and then ate it heartily, his eyes squinting with happiness.
Jiayin felt sorry for him, having been traveling around so much. He had just arrived home and was already taking care of her feelings, without a moment's rest, so she took her out to relax.
"I'm sorry to have troubled you. I'll cook you lots of delicious food when we get home!"
Mu Xu laughed even harder upon hearing this, and replied, "Why are you being so polite with me? All the suffering and trouble you've endured is for our family."
Jiayin smiled too, "Yes, for our family."
The two happily shared the food, and when they were full, they lay down on the boulder to cool off, enjoy the breeze, and chat.
There were some things Jiayin couldn't tell her family, but she didn't hide them from Mu Xu.
From discovering Lu Zong's intentions, to concealing them from the Third Princess, to the truth being exposed, and finally the Empress's death, the Third Princess's transformation.
She poured out all her anger, embarrassment, guilt, and worry.
Two updates today!
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