At the camp gate, the commander led several capable men to personally welcome the government officials who came to express their condolences to the triumphant army.
"Master Ji!" Song Jikun smiled broadly, strode with his head held high, clasped his fists and said loudly, "I am sorry for not welcoming you, my distinguished guest. I am so rude and disrespectful."
"General Song, long time no see." Ji Xuelian returned the greeting happily.
After the leaders of both sides exchanged greetings, the rest of the people exchanged greetings and pleasantries.
After a moment, it was Jiang Yushu's turn. She withdrew her gaze from her husband and bowed her head. "General."
"County Magistrate Jiang." Song Jikun beamed. He glanced at Guo Honglei and said with emotion, "Well, today, I can finally tell you with certainty: Guo Honglei has returned safely! Honglei, quickly tell the county magistrate how she is. She was so worried about you while you were away."
"Hahaha~" Everyone present knew that Jiang and Guo were husband and wife, and they all burst into laughter. Even Pei Wenfeng's mouth curled up slightly.
"Yes." Guo Honglei smiled, looked at her, said nothing, and clasped his fists seriously.
Jiang Yushu was already used to being teased. Her eyes were smiling, but her face was tense and she returned the greeting in a very proper manner.
"Hey, look, a couple is bowing to each other!" Tong Jing was naturally outspoken and muttered behind his colleague.
It was quiet all around, and everyone heard some joking muttering, and then there was another burst of laughter.
Jiang Yushu was caught off guard, unable to respond, and struggled awkwardly. Guo Honglei stepped aside to block his wife, waving his hand to stop his colleagues from making a fuss. He said helplessly, "What are we bowing to? We already bowed to each other when we got married."
Pei Wenfeng kept smiling, but his hands hidden in the sleeves of his wide official robes involuntarily clenched into fists for a moment.
"Okay, don't scare the guests." Song Jikun gave an order, and the laughter and discussion quickly disappeared.
Ji Xuelian was gracious and kind, praising him highly. "Our general has won another victory. I heard that he's wiped out several tribes of the Northern Qi. This is cause for celebration, truly cause for celebration! I happened to be in Tuning, and I came here to congratulate you. The general commands with skill, repeatedly defeating the enemy. I truly admire him."
Song Jikun had a slight acquaintance with the prefect, and was familiar and enthusiastic. He modestly said, "No, it's not. You're being too kind, Prefect. I don't deserve it. In fact, this victory was entirely due to the concerted efforts of everyone, from top to bottom. I simply did my duty."
"General, you're too modest!" Ji Xuelian turned around, raised his hand, and gestured towards the sheep, wine cart, and other gifts. He smiled and said, "Victory is a great joy, and we should celebrate. These are small tokens of respect from the government, county government, and local gentry and merchants. Please accept them."
As soon as the prefect finished speaking, the clerk respectfully presented several lists of gifts without any instructions.
This gesture from the government and the people was a commendation for the army, a rare honor. Song Jikun, beaming with joy, solemnly clasped his fists and loudly thanked them: "Ah, I'm truly sorry for the expense of the government and the people! Since this is a reward for the entire army, I, Song, will accept the gift on behalf of all the soldiers. Thank you very much!" He then gestured to his attendants to take the gift list.
Ji Xuelian said happily, "It would be better if you accept it!"
"Please, everyone, please come into the camp and have some tea." Song Jikun greeted the prefect while instructing his subordinates to count the gifts and said in a bold tone:
"Quick, prepare the banquet. Today, we are going to have a drink with these gentlemen!"
"Yes!" The personal guards bustled around, leading the officials to the living room.
Jiang Yushu deliberately slowed down her pace. Guo Honglei understood and walked slowly with her, talking softly:
"What's going on?"
"What's going on?" Guo Honglei was really confused for a moment.
Jiang Yushu turned her head and looked at his left forehead: the wound was not bandaged, most of it had scabbed over, it was nearly two inches long, and was bleeding slightly, which was shocking.
Although he lost a little of his handsomeness, he had gained a lot of fortitude and majesty. He was tall and steady, and the ordinary soldiers dared not look him in the eye.
She frowned in pain and asked softly, "The wound is bleeding, why don't you bandage it?"
Guo Honglei said nonchalantly, "It's just a flesh wound. It will heal soon. It won't matter if it's not bandaged."
"Hey, you knew the government would be sending condolences today, so why are you wearing casual clothes? Is there...some reason?"
Guo Honglei looked down at his clothes and praised, "Madam, you are so smart that you even asked such a question."
The couple followed their companions. Jiang Yushu whispered, "There's a whole group of soldiers in uniform, and you're the only one wearing casual clothes. You're different! I spotted you from a long way off!"
Guo Honglei remained calm and composed, praising her, "Madam, you really have an excellent eye."
"Don't interrupt! Tell me, what happened?"
"I've been suspended."
"What?" Jiang Yushu stopped in surprise, her eyes wide open, and asked anxiously, "Why? Who, who did it? Who exactly?"
Seeing his wife stuttering anxiously, Guo Honglei briefly explained, "It's the same as you were back then: I've been impeached, and the imperial court has sent an imperial envoy to investigate. They've already interrogated me and ordered me to be suspended pending further action. The imperial envoy hasn't left the camp yet, so to avoid embarrassing the general, I have to change into civilian clothes, as my military uniform is inscribed with my rank."
"For what reason?"
"Colluding with foreign enemies."
"Outrageous! This is sheer nonsense!" Jiang Yushu gritted her teeth, instantly seething with rage. "Whoever wants to accuse someone of something will find a pretext. Who is so vicious? They slander the soldiers guarding the border without any evidence! I've heard some rumors before, but with the repeated reports of victory, they slowly died down. I never expected someone would use them to slander you."
Guo Honglei held her shoulders and gently pushed her forward. "Don't be angry, let's talk while we walk."
"How can I not be angry when you are slandered by such a villain?" Jiang Yushu took a deep breath and her face changed. The joy she had when she came here disappeared without a trace. She thought to herself: The government is consoling and rewarding the victorious army on the day of celebration, but as a meritorious official, you cannot wear the military uniform that represents your status and are forced to change into casual clothes.
For the generals, this was a great insult and grievance.
"This is a false charge, it's ridiculous!" The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and the more she felt sorry for him, her heartache was beyond words.
Guo Honglei turned his head and saw her eyes were red. He was startled for a moment and quickly whispered to comfort her: "It's okay, I know what's going on. You——"
At this moment, the colleague in front turned around and shouted, "Honglei, the general is looking for you."
Tong Jing took a few steps back and teased with a smile: "Is it appropriate for a couple to have a private conversation in public?"
Jiang Yushu lowered her head to calm herself down, then raised it again, quickly regaining her composure. She pushed him and said, "The general is calling you, go and take a look."
"We'll talk later." Guo Honglei motioned her to follow him and strode towards the commander.
In a blink of an eye, in front of the government officials, Song Jikun patted Guo Honglei's arm, pulled him to his side, and proudly talked about the hardships of the battle as they walked.
Jiang Yushu followed him, listening to him talking and laughing calmly, gazing at his always straight back, feeling both distressed and admiring. At the same time, she racked her brains to think of a way to deal with his suspension.
Pei Wenfeng glanced at him and asked in a low voice, "I heard that Guo Honglei was impeached. Is it okay?"
"It's a bit troublesome." She said solemnly, "The imperial envoy has issued a suspension order, and he is awaiting the court's decision."
Pei Wenfeng consoled him, "When you're in the officialdom, you're bound to run into trouble. You have to stay calm and adapt to the situation."
"I understand." Jiang Yushu cheered up. After lunch, the government officials visited the wounded soldiers and asked to leave in the evening because she was not good at drinking and Ji Xuelian was old and could not handle two meals of wine in one day.
The sun was setting in the west and gusts of wind were blowing from the mountain pass.
A large open space was cleared in the training ground of the camp, and the soldiers were busy and enthusiastic: moving firewood, building a bonfire, slaughtering sheep for cooking, and arranging jars of wine neatly... After nightfall, a grand celebration banquet will be held.
Camp gate
"Master Ji, be careful."
Ji Xuelian was helped onto the carriage and turned to offer encouragement: "I have been impeached three times, suspended from office, demoted, and so on. As an official, as long as you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear! Young man, do not lose heart. I believe that the emperor will make a wise judgment. You should take this opportunity to rest and heal your wounds."
As time passed, Pei Wenfeng gradually stopped hating his rival and said, "Take care of yourself. As long as you are still alive, you will have plenty of opportunities to serve the court in the future."
Guo Honglei nodded and clasped his fists in thanks, "Thank you both for your guidance. Don't worry, I won't be devastated."
"Well, that's right."
After a few words, the officials from the government office got on the carriage one after another.
Guo Honglei walked back quickly and reached out to support his wife, but was rejected.
"No, I can go up by myself. You have several injuries that haven't healed yet, so it's best to rest for a while." Jiang Yushu tilted her head to look inside the camp gate and asked worriedly, "Do the injured people need to drink at the celebration banquet tonight?"
Guo Honglei smiled and said, "It's a celebration banquet after all. Anyone who can move around needs to have a few drinks."
"You are injured, so you must drink less."
"Hmm."
Peng Changrong leaned forward and said, "Don't worry, Madam. Someone will help Second Master block the wine."
"Ahem," Peng Changxing limped closer, nervously saying, "I definitely didn't mean to ignore Fourth Master on the street that day. I simply didn't dare disobey military orders. Please, Madam, tell Fourth Master that I'll apologize in person in two days!"
Guo Honglei said with a stern face, "If you dare to leak the secret again next time, I'm afraid I can't protect you."
"I dare not, I dare not anymore." Peng Changxing said with a bitter face, "Thank goodness you interceded for me, otherwise I would have to pay my salary."
Jiang Yushu said hurriedly: "Actually, Changxing can't be blamed. It's all my fault for being anxious that day and forcing him to reveal your situation."
"A country has its laws, and an army has its regulations. He leaked secrets without authorization and couldn't stand up to interrogation when he returned to the camp. It would be a good lesson for him to receive a beating." Guo Honglei urged, "It's getting late. You should set off quickly. I'll come find you once I finish what I'm doing. Also, tell Hongxuan to wait patiently. I need to talk to him."
"Um."
Peng Changrong said excitedly, "Hehehe, tomorrow at the earliest, or the day after tomorrow at the latest, I'll go back to see Cui'er and the child."
Jiang Yushu got into the car and replied with a smile: "Okay, it depends on your arrangements. I can come back anytime! I'll go back first."
"Madam, take care."
"Be careful on your way."
"Go." Guo Honglei watched his wife leave. She was wearing a half-new dark blue robe, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. The wound on her left forehead did not hide her beauty. She was like a jade tree in the wind, handsome and elegant.
Three days later, the county government office
Jiang Yushu flipped through the list, pondering carefully. She felt a bit overwhelmed with choice, and said seriously, "For the county government, both the Chief Clerk and the Dianshi positions are crucial, and we must select the most suitable individuals to fill them. I already have a few candidates, and I'll observe them and make a decision by the end of the month. In the meantime, if you think there are more suitable candidates, please feel free to recommend them."
All the petty officials responded "yes". Some wanted to take the opportunity to get promoted, some tried to recommend, and some stayed out of it. They all had different thoughts.
County Magistrate Huang Yichun suggested, "Regarding the position of Chief Clerk, I think Yang Han from the Lifang Office is a good choice. He—"
"Bang~" A sudden loud noise interrupted the officials' discussion.
Everyone was startled and turned around in confusion: Guo Hongxuan was leaning against the door, panting and sweating profusely.
Jiang Yushu calmed down and asked in surprise, "Hongxuan, what happened?"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Guo Hongxuan refused to admit that he was afraid. He forced a smile and feigned happiness, saying, "Haha, good news! My second brother is back."
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