There was complete silence in the general's tent.
Almost in public, Jiang Yushu felt more and more uneasy, fearing that she might inadvertently damage her husband's reputation.
She carefully considered her words, stared at the questioner, and asked in surprise, "It's just digging a canal. Do you think it's 'strange'?"
"this--"
Tong Jing choked, his short mustache twitching. He asked with a forced smile, "Isn't that unusual? Madam Guo, although you're a court lady, don't your duties include building river bridges? You're in charge of military supplies and grain storage, yet you suddenly proposed to Magistrate Sun the 'diversion of the Runhe River for irrigation'? It's quite puzzling."
Song Jikun, who was at the head of the group, sipped his tea leisurely, tacitly allowing his subordinates' questions to cross his mind, as if he was just listening to a casual conversation.
Most of the others, cautious and cautious, watched quietly, fearing any possible taint of scandal. However, several close personal friends of Tong Jing chimed in, chiming in and saying, "This is truly surprising."
"I heard that Mrs. Guo made a special trip to Tuning to visit her relatives, and she didn't forget her official duties even when she was resting. It's really admirable."
"Why are you talking about 'digging a canal' for no reason? Did someone mention it beforehand?"
…
Guo Honglei's eyes were piercing with anger, and he said in a deep voice: "Captain Tong——"
Jiang Yushu quickly raised her hand to stop him, then examined the questioner and asked calmly, "Captain Tong?"
"Ahem." Guarding the border was tough. The barracks were filled with men, and it was rare to see women. Tong Jing straightened his back involuntarily as the beauty stared at him.
Jiang Yushu quickly considered her words, calmly stating, "Captain Tong is right. I am indeed in charge of the military granaries, but my father has served in the Ministry of Works for over ten years. The Ministry is responsible for civil engineering, water conservancy, and equipment manufacturing throughout the country. He's been busy with official duties, and I've seen and heard about it every day, year after year. So, I don't find 'canal excavation' strange at all. Before I got married, I heard about it often; it was a common occurrence."
Tong Jing opened his mouth, speechless. He stole a glance at the general in charge and asked, "Oh?"
"Everyone here has probably heard of the Dunan Grand Canal. It took the entire nation five years of financial, material, and human resources to complete. My father was one of the leaders, and for five years, he was always busy supervising the canal's digging or on his way to it. As a result, everyone in my family has long been accustomed to it, and no one finds it surprising."
Tong Jing hesitated, unable to refute, and laughed dryly, "Huh? Hahahaha, is that really the case?"
"That's right." Jiang Yushu said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Guo Honglei's jaw tightened, his tone flat as he spoke calmly, "Every word my wife said is true. If Captain Tong doesn't believe me, feel free to check. If you have any further questions, please raise them immediately."
Immediately, several military officers who were usually on good terms with him chimed in, praising or shouting, "Mrs. Guo is the daughter of the Minister of Works, a lady from a noble family, so of course she's more knowledgeable than the average woman."
"No wonder."
“I admire you so much!”
"The only female official in the court must have something extraordinary about her."
"She's been exposed to it since she was a child and is familiar with river conservancy. What's so strange about that?"
…
Jiang Yushu said modestly, "No, I don't know anything about river conservancy. I only know a little bit about it. You're all flattering me."
"Hahaha, so it's a family secret." Song Jikun smiled and said slowly, "This is the saying 'like father, like daughter'. Others can only envy."
When the general spoke, his subordinates couldn't help but echo him. Suddenly, there was laughter in the hall.
Jiang Yushu did not dare to relax, observing the expressions of the people and gradually understood. She thought to herself: Everyone in the room is led by General Song, but after careful observation, they can be seen to be divided into three factions:
He was a man of few words, sitting quietly and protecting himself;
The other faction supported Captain Tong more and echoed his words and deeds;
There is another group that is closer to Guo Honglei. They not only help him, but also support his wife.
In this way, Jiang Yushu had a clear mind and decisively moved towards the help and brought reinforcements to "fight the enemy."
After a long time, the "culprit" who caused her to sit in the camp "on trial", the Magistrate of Tuning County, Sun Jie, slowly woke up from his dream of getting promoted and getting rich. He gradually realized that something was wrong. Suspicious and uneasy, he was afraid of offending her. After thinking it over again and again, he sighed:
"Alas, it's all my fault for being incompetent. I've caused trouble for Special Envoy Jiang, asking for his advice on our county's drought problem. Fortunately, the Special Envoy has a brilliant plan, and even more fortunately, the General agrees. I hope everything goes smoothly and that the Run River can be diverted to Tuning soon, so that the people no longer have to worry about irrigation!"
Jiang Yushu was initially annoyed, but when she heard the other party actively helping her explain, her annoyance gradually subsided. She said frankly, "Master Sun, thank you for your compliments. I don't know the specific details of the excavation, so it's all up to you."
Sun Jie wanted to make amends and quickly flattered, "Hey, why be so modest? No matter how 'clueless' you are, you still know more than me. I am the real 'clueless'!"
Seeing this, Guo Honglei's expression softened slightly. He reminded loudly, "We'll discuss the specific measures later. My wife is only here to visit relatives. She will have to return to Xicang after the New Year. Her office is not in Yongzhou."
Jiang Yushu nodded and smiled apologetically, "Yes, I'm sorry I can't keep Tu Ning for long."
"Haha, doesn't that mean we're missing out on some support? What a shame." Tong Jing chuckled. Just as he opened his mouth, he caught sight of Song Jikun, who was sitting at the top of the table, with his eyelids drooping. Startled, he quickly swallowed back his harsh words and said, "If we divert the Run River to Tuning, there won't be any worries about water for the crops. Then, we'll be able to harvest several more dan of grain. It will be a happy event for the people, the government, and Xiping Granary. Everyone will be happy."
Sun Jie couldn't help but exclaim, "Yes, everyone is happy!"
"Since this is a good deed for the benefit of the people, Lord Jiang cannot be absent."
Song Jikun was cheerful, but his tone brooked no room for argument. He urged, "Gather the wisdom of all parties and learn from their strengths. While you have time, give it serious thought. If you have any clever ideas, don't hide them. Be sure to speak them out. Let's all work together to do something truly good for the people of Tuning!"
The military officers echoed one after another, some nodded in agreement, and some took the opportunity to compliment him.
Jiang Yushu couldn't think of a reason to refuse, so she gritted her teeth and praised, "General, you are right."
The next moment
Two soldiers approached, one holding a tray while the other filled the tea.
Jiang Yushu had already finished her cup, and under the warmth of the charcoal basin and the hot tea, her whole body relaxed, no longer numb and stiff. Then, when the boiling tea was poured into the thin porcelain cup, the cup suddenly became hot, burning her fingers.
But she was sitting alone at the table, with neither a tea tray nor a tea table, and nowhere to put the boiling tea!
Guo Honglei had been paying attention to his wife. He noticed that she frowned, shifted the teacup from her left hand to her right, blinked, and then shifted it back to her right hand. He understood and immediately leaned forward, extending his arm and whispered, "Give it to me."
Seeing the coffee table next to him, Jiang Yushu handed it to him without hesitation and said softly, "It's hot."
"Are you burned?" Guo Honglei held the teacup steadily. Having practiced martial arts since childhood and served in the military for several years, his knuckles were covered in calluses, so he didn't feel the heat at all.
"It's okay." Even so, she rubbed her red and swollen fingertips and urged, "Put it on the coffee table, don't hold it."
Guo Honglei did as he was told and asked, "Have you had lunch?"
She leaned forward unconsciously, "You called me to the barracks so suddenly, I thought something happened to you, how could I have time for lunch!"
Guo Honglei sighed helplessly, his pity evident in his words.
The others were chatting and laughing, but secretly they all pricked up their ears, curiously listening to the couple's whispers.
Song Jikun, with his sharp ears, asked nonchalantly, "Oh, I almost forgot! Lord Jiang rushed here from the city, so I guess he hasn't had lunch yet?"
Jiang Yushu sat up straight, calmly and shook her head.
"I'm sorry for the neglect. There are mostly rough people in the army. Please don't laugh at my impoliteness, distinguished guest." Song Jikun always treated her politely, seemingly speaking casually, but also seemed to be an implicit apology, which was hard to understand.
Jiang Yushu was dignified and calm. "You're being too polite. Where are these 'rough people'? I only saw brave and straightforward soldiers."
Song Jikun was startled, then nodded with a smile and ordered, "Come here, prepare lunch for the guests immediately."
"Yes!" The personal guards responded.
After running around for half a day in the dead of winter, Jiang Yushu felt a little hungry. She stood up and thanked him, "Thank you, General."
"You're welcome. Go have your meal first." Song Jikun waved his hand kindly.
Unfamiliar with the place, Jiang Yushu subconsciously looked at Guo Honglei. The latter wanted to accompany her, but heard the order from his superior:
"Honglei, stay. Don't worry, once the real business is settled, you will be responsible for escorting Lord Jiang back to the city." Song Jikun looked serious on the surface, but there was a playful look in his eyes.
As soon as these words came out, a group of men burst into laughter, some staggering, some clapping their hands, some slapping their legs. Some of the men who were on good terms with Guo Honglei even winked at him.
Jiang Yushu's face suddenly turned red, she lowered her eyes, and held on in embarrassment.
"Yes, sir." Guo Honglei remained calm, stood up to protect her and sent her out.
After a while, outside the door
Guo Honglei whispered, "Go to my barracks, have lunch first, then rest for a while. We'll go back to the city together later."
"Yeah." There were so many people coming and going that it was inconvenient to ask, so Jiang Yushu nodded obediently.
Immediately, Guo Honglei called out, "Changxing?"
"exist!"
In the wind and snow, two men in military uniforms covered in snow rushed forward. The taller one bowed and said respectfully, "I pay my respects to the madam!"
The fat man's double chin trembled, and he said respectfully, "I also pay my respects to the madam."
Jiang Yushu was surprised and delighted, and stared at him intently. "Changxing? Aren't you in Heqinwei? When, and why did you come to Tuning?"
"I've been here for over a month," Peng Changxing explained. "Although Heqin is very kind, I've followed the young master for ten years and am not used to being apart. So I asked to be transferred to Tuning and continue to follow the young master."
Jiang Yushu was surprised. "Then, what about Changrong and Lin Qin?"
"Changrong also wanted to come, but because my parents are at the farm in the mansion, I asked him to stay and take care of them. As for Lin Qin, he just got married not long ago. He will probably come over at the end of March after the New Year." Peng Changxing grinned.
Jiang Yushu didn't know what to say, "You, you——"
"Hmph, you're so stupid! You've given up your peaceful and leisurely life to come here and suffer!" Guo Honglei said with disdain, but his eyes were full of smiles. He said gently, "My wife hasn't had lunch yet. Hurry and send her to my barracks to get out of the wind."
"yes!"
Immediately, Guo Honglei returned to the general's tent, while Jiang Yushu and his party went to the barracks.
Soon after, the barracks
The room was square, with a wide-open door, and was neat and clean. A screen divided it into two parts: a study in the front and a bedroom in the back.
"Young Master, do you usually live in this room?" Zou Gui and Lao Meng, the two servants who followed him into the military camp, looked around.
Peng Changxing nodded, "Only look, no touching allowed."
"Know!"
The charcoal pot burned bright red. A bowl of noodles and a plate of dumplings sat on the table, steaming and fragrant. Jiang Yushu washed her hands with warm water and picked up her chopsticks. "Xiao Zou, Lao Meng, have you two had lunch?"
"I've eaten. Brother Peng took us to eat together. Wow, it was so crowded and very lively!" Zou Gui was inexplicably excited.
Jiang Yushu put the noodles into a small bowl and started eating lunch. "That's good."
A moment later, the soldier with a double chin came with a charcoal basin and asked politely, "Madam, where do you think I should put it?"
Jiang Yushu raised her hand and pointed to the table, "There."
"yes."
Jiang Yushu suddenly remembered something and quickly put down her chopsticks. "There are rules for various items in the army. Mei Tianfu, is it proper for you to bring an extra charcoal basin?"
With a crisp "bang", the charcoal basin fell to the ground.
Everyone was startled. Peng Changxing came to his senses and scolded, "What's wrong with you? You're so clumsy. You scared the lady!"
Jiang Yushu didn't care, "It's okay."
Mei Tianfu fell to his knees, looking up in shock, and stammered, "Madam, how do you know my name?"
I can still vividly remember you jumping into the river to commit suicide, writhing and wailing... Jiang Yushu cleared her throat. "Well, when Honglei led his men to Yongzhou City to recruit soldiers, he sent you to the stage to lobby. I saw that you were good at speaking, so I remembered it."
"What's the fuss? Madam has a great memory!" Peng Changxing moved the charcoal brazier a little straighter.
Mei Tianfu was very proud, his face beaming, "Hehe, madam, you are too kind. I am actually very stupid, hehehe."
Jiang Yushu suppressed her laughter and said, "Get up."
"Thank you, Madam!"
Jiang Yushu was so hungry that she couldn't swallow any more after eating only a small bowl of noodles and put down her chopsticks.
Mei Tianfu couldn't help but stare at an untouched dumpling and swallowed.
Jiang Yushu noticed it and pushed the food away, "These are all clean. If you don't mind, then-"
"I don't mind, I don't mind!"
"Of course I don't mind. Thank you for the reward, madam." Mei Tianfu was very happy and ate with relish.
Jiang Yushu laughed in silence and thought to herself: He is the son of a wealthy businessman. He was desperate before being exiled, but he is able to bend and stretch after being exiled. He is considered capable, so Honglei is willing to take him with him.
The servant served tea. Jiang Yushu drank it while looking at the outer room. She wanted to go around the screen and take a look in the inner room, but it was inconvenient because there were outsiders present.
"Let's go out and get some fresh air!" Zou Gui and Lao Meng were in high spirits and were willing to guard the gate, taking the opportunity to observe the soldiers coming and going.
Jiang Yushu drank a cup of tea and asked casually, "Just now in the meeting room, there was a very talkative Captain Tong. I wonder where he is from?"
Peng Changxing frowned for a moment. Mei Tianfu had just finished eating, wiped his mouth, and blurted out, "Tsk, he's not only a fellow townsman of the general, but also an old subordinate, a direct descendant of the Southern Faction."
"Direct descendant?" Jiang Yushu was stunned.
"Of course we are! We are from the Northern faction. We are not the general's biological children, but his adopted children."
Mei Tianfu was delighted that his eloquence was appreciated, and he also took the opportunity to curry favor with his wife, whispering, "I heard that he served under General Song right after he joined the army, and was gradually promoted to the rank of captain. He relies on his seniority and is always competitive, always trying to pick a fight with our captain."
When Jiang Yushu heard about this for the first time, she hurriedly asked, "Has it always been like this?"
"It has always been like this, and it has become even more so recently."
Jiang Yushu held the teacup and forgot to drink it. "Why?"
Peng Changxing wanted to stop Mei Tianfu, but he was also frustrated and resentful. He revealed, "At the end of October, the Northern Qi launched a surprise attack. During the battle, the deputy commander was unfortunately killed. As a result, the position of deputy commander became vacant. General Song has decided to select the most capable one among his subordinates to fill the position."
"Captain Tong thinks very highly of himself. He probably dreams of getting promoted and regards the captain as a thorn in his side. When he gets anxious, his face becomes ugly." Mei Tianfu curled his lips in disdain.
Peng Changxing sneered, "Humph, he's been eating for more than ten years in vain. In terms of strength, he can't compare to you, young master!"
Jiang Yushu opened her eyes wide, her heart ached as she listened attentively.
"Madam, you don't know," Mei Tianfu said angrily, his back to the door, "Captain Tong is really too much! Alas, last time, he actually—"
"Mei Tianfu!"
Guo Honglei stood at the door, frowning unhappily.
The author has something to say: Little angels, happy Mooncake Festival (*＾▽＾*)
I was watching the moon while I wrote a long chapter. I almost couldn't stop (〃'▽'〃)
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