Although the existence of ghosts and gods is not credible, the various mysterious and unpredictable methods make one unable to help but be suspicious.
“Daughter,” Old Mrs. Jiang said, somewhat unaccustomed to facing so many powerful people, “can’t I go with you?”
His voice was very soft and he seemed a little nervous. While speaking, he cautiously glanced around and subtly observed everyone.
Seeing this, Jiang Nuan wanted to laugh; it was rare to encounter an old lady so cowardly.
"Bloody occasions are not suitable for Mother. You should rest first. I'll take you around the capital later."
"Then... okay."
The old lady was still a little worried, but she knew she couldn't embarrass her daughter in front of so many people.
Although unwilling, they were exceptionally compliant.
Jiang Nuan liked the old lady's personality.
They have a bad temper and many ideas, but they are not stubborn.
Most importantly, she truly cares for herself.
Even if she disagrees with my idea, she will compromise and back down if I insist.
She has a sharp tongue but a kind heart.
On the surface, they appear strong and intimidating, but in reality, they are nothing more than a paper tiger, easily broken with a single poke.
Of course, Jiang Nuan also understood that these privileges were only for her.
Thinking of this, she turned her head and asked, "Qi Yong, is the Lady Protector's Mansion ready?"
“It’s all built, all the equipment is ready, and all the servants in the manor are ready,” Qi Yong paused, then hesitated before speaking, “However, Madam is currently in the eye of the storm, so it would be best if the old lady did not move in.”
What Qi Yong didn't say was that if the two newly built courtyards hadn't been guarded by people, they would have been splattered with all sorts of filth by the irrational people long ago.
"They were able to break in and assault people?"
“Of course not,” Qi Yong shook his head. “The entire courtyard is heavily guarded; how could ordinary people possibly get in?”
They won people's hearts and did so many things.
Now that the house is built, and all ninety-nine steps have been taken, wouldn't all our previous efforts be wasted if we didn't take the last step?
“Since those people can’t break in, I’ll stay at the Lady Protector’s Mansion,” the old lady said clearly. “No matter how good other places are, none of them are as comfortable as my own home.”
"As long as you're happy."
Qi Yong didn't try to persuade them, but waved his hand and had someone send them back.
Huang Xiaoliu stayed at the old lady's insistence.
Everyone rode their warhorses with imposing grandeur, except for Jiang Nuan, who led the way, riding a bull like a lone warrior guarding the pass.
Although he didn't show it on his face, he was incredibly embarrassed inside.
"When Lao Tzu attained enlightenment, he also rode an ox. In fact, oxen are not much different from horses."
An San followed and overheard this, almost bursting into laughter.
After clearing his throat, he explained, "Madam, His Majesty has instructed me to explain the specific arrangements to you."
“Hmm,” Jiang Nuan unconsciously put on airs upon seeing An San, her expression calm and composed. “Go ahead and speak, I’m listening.”
"The purpose of this trip is the northern suburbs," An San said, his face hardening as he immediately took out a map. "The place we're going to is Wolf Mountain in the northern suburbs. The terrain there is very special. The entrance is extremely narrow, but the inside is flat and spacious. It was cleared by aristocratic families and used to store grain."
There are about three thousand able-bodied men inside, all newly recruited; they're a rabble and nothing to worry about.
As he spoke, he pointed to a small black dot, "The key point is this mountain on the side, which is only three miles away from Qianziying. General Wang has already led his men to guard it, preparing to launch a surprise attack from the left to preemptively strike and prevent Qianziying from joining forces with these strong men to destroy the grain. We will now go and meet up with General Wang."
Jiang Nuan stared intently at the various black lines and dots, her eyes becoming resentful.
This map is really abstract.
Even though Mingming and Ansan explained it in great detail and pointed out the specific locations, she still couldn't understand it at all.
“No need for so much introduction,” Jiang Nuan changed the subject. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”
"There are no requirements. Madam only needs to stay by His Majesty's side and act according to circumstances."
An San understood that his wife's presence was more like a way to keep things under control.
His Majesty has been planning this matter for nearly two months, taking all aspects into consideration, so the probability of any unexpected events is not high.
With this mysterious and enigmatic fairy in the presence of the lady, it's sure to be even more inspiring.
"Understood. Don't worry, I won't do anything reckless."
She's good at just playing a minor role.
However, I still feel uneasy; I hope she's just overthinking it.
Upon hearing this, An San stopped talking and followed closely behind Jiang Nuan, hurrying on their way.
A short while later, the group arrived at the northern suburbs and met General Wang, who was dressed in armor.
"This humble general pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities, please rise," Ji Xuan said, then introduced, "Minister Wang, this is the Lady Protector of the Nation, who has come all the way from southern Henan."
After subtly sizing the man up, Wang Qi quickly bowed and said, "This humble general greets you..."
“General, there’s no need for such formalities.” Before Wang Qi could finish speaking, Jiang Nuan interrupted, “Business is important, there’s no need to be so concerned with empty formalities.”
"Madam Xie is understanding."
General Wang stood up without refusing the kind offer.
Even a military general who can reach the position of Grand General cannot be a brainless brute. From Ji Xuan's ambiguous introduction alone, one can already sense the special nature of the Lady Protector of the Nation.
"Minister Wang, how is the situation?"
"There has been no unusual activity from the Thousand Character Battalion for the time being. I have already sent Vice General Cheng with my military orders to the Thousand Character Battalion to probe their movements. If nothing unexpected happens, they should be back soon."
Wang Qi did not believe that Qin Chun would dare to rebel.
This is a heinous crime that could implicate nine generations of one's family; there's no need to sacrifice your entire clan for someone else.
"Wouldn't that alert the enemy?" Qi Yong strongly disagreed.
If he is to come, send secret guards to investigate. If he has ulterior motives, first try to create chaos within the organization, and then take advantage of the confusion.
It requires mental effort but saves time and energy, and is very effective, saving manpower and resources.
Upon hearing this, Wang Qi pursed his lips and said, "Eunuch Qi, the soldiers of the Thousand Character Battalion have risked their lives for the Great Zhou for so many years. They are not enemies."
As a military general, no one understood the dangers better than him.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan immediately realized she was in trouble and instinctively turned her gaze to Ji Xuan.
Sure enough, his face darkened as well.
Qi Yong was furious at these words and cursed Wang Qi in his heart for being brainless.
"General Wang, you should know that on the battlefield, there are only enemies, not brothers."
"Don't worry, Eunuch Qi," Wang Qi said dismissively. "I'm not that brainless. The military order only told them to stay at their post and wait for orders. It didn't say anything else."
Hearing this, Jiang Nuan became somewhat worried.
She sensed that the old general was somewhat confused.
"Stubborn to the end, I'm too lazy to talk to you."
Qi Yong blushed with anger, stomped his foot, and went to find the guards, preparing to send them to check the situation.
Ji Xuan was in a bad mood.
He had clearly made arrangements, but Wang Qi took it upon himself to act and disrupt the plan.
This old general, who has a distinguished record of military exploits and has weathered decades of trials and tribulations, has made a foolish mistake today, which is both disappointing and infuriating.
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