The predicament in Liulin County was dramatically resolved when Liu Bapi "suddenly repented," voluntarily returned the land, and donated funds to repair the canal. The displaced people regained their hope and were deeply grateful to "Lady Huimin." Zhou Bingkun's attempt to steal a chicken backfired; not only did he fail to obstruct the land redistribution, but he also exposed himself and was severely reprimanded by Xin Shouye for "lax governance and condoning the powerful," ruining his reputation.
When the news reached the capital, Xin Jiuwei listened to You Ye's detailed report in the West Garden Council Hall, and a relieved smile finally appeared on her lips. Her brother-in-law, Qi Huaihe, had indeed not disappointed her! This method of leveraging external forces and achieving great results with minimal effort demonstrated a masterful application of both business acumen and political wisdom.
"Brother-in-law is truly talented," Xin Jiuwei praised sincerely, then her gaze sharpened. "However, what's the progress on the investigation into those in the capital who are colluding with the Liu family?"
Lin Jingshu happened to enter and, upon hearing this, interjected, "It's been investigated! It's Wang Mingyuan, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. This man is a protégé of Xue Chongyi and related to the Liu family by marriage. The Liu family gives him a considerable amount of money every year, and he also provides protection for the Liu family's business in the capital. He may not have directly instigated the forced seizure of land in Liulin County, but he was definitely aware of it and tacitly approved and condoned it!"
“Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices…” Xin Jiuwei tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, making a crisp sound. A minor official, yet holding a crucial position in supplying the palace. She looked at Mr. Qin: “Mr. Qin, is this Vice Minister Wang’s ‘Guanglu’ (a high-ranking official position) clean enough?”
Mr. Qin understood and immediately pulled out a prepared file: "Madam, this man is greedy and despicable by nature. When the Court of Imperial Sacrifices procures food for the palace, he often inflates prices and uses inferior goods. The origin of his family's farmland is also unclear, and the time and place of several unaccounted-for sums of money in the Xue family embezzlement case are quite consistent. The evidence... is 70% complete."
"Seventy percent is enough," Xin Jiuwei said calmly. "Organize the evidence and anonymously submit it to Lord Zhou Zhengqing of the Censorate. Lord Zhou is upright and incorruptible, and has recently made a contribution by impeaching the Xue family, so he is currently favored by the Emperor. He knows what to do."
Without a sound, yet another pawn attempting to obstruct the new policies was effortlessly eliminated by Xin Jiuwei. Those forces secretly lurking in the capital all felt a chill run down their spines. This wise and intelligent lady not only possessed great ambition, but her methods were also subtly ruthless and decisive! She was not to be trifled with.
The land redistribution pilot program in Yingzhou, under the strong leadership of Qi Huaihe and the vigorous promotion of Xin Shouye, though still facing setbacks, finally began to get on the right track. Displaced people received land and, with the support of the government and the Qi family business, began spring planting. Newly dredged ditches flowed with clear, cool water, nourishing the parched land and the long-desperate hearts of the disaster victims. Seeds of hope tenaciously took root and sprouted on the land of Yingzhou.
However, Tongguan at this time presented a completely different scene.
The smoke of the great battle had dissipated, leaving behind a devastated fortress and soldiers in dire need of rest. Xiao Xun did not rush to pursue the fleeing remnants of the Rong and Di tribes, but instead remained at Tongguan, reorganizing his troops, comforting the wounded and the dead, and sending out elite cavalry to clear the battlefield and reinforce the defenses.
Inside the central command tent, however, the atmosphere was somewhat subtle.
Xin Yunzhou knelt on one knee, his armor still on, his body still faintly reeking of blood and medicine. Before him sat Xiao Xun, calmly seated behind his desk.
"Your Highness, this humble general begs for forgiveness!" Xin Yunzhou's voice was hoarse but firm. "This humble general failed to discipline his troops properly, resulting in spies infiltrating the camp and nearly leaking military secrets! Moreover... even more so, Miss Xin Kui was seriously injured while saving this humble general! This humble general cannot shirk his responsibility, please punish me, Your Highness!"
Several high-ranking officers were also present in the tent, and upon hearing this, they all held their breath. The story of Xin Kui shielding Xin Yunzhou from a deadly poisoned arrow had already spread throughout the camp, and everyone admired his loyalty and bravery. However, military discipline is military discipline; the commander-in-chief's inability to adequately protect him was indeed a serious offense.
Xiao Xun's gaze fell on Xin Yunzhou, unfathomable. He spoke slowly, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "Regarding the spy, you detected and eliminated him in time, preventing a major disaster. Your merits and demerits cancel each other out. As for Xin Kui..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over Xin Yunzhou's taut jawline, "She was not a soldier under your command; her actions were loyal and righteous. How could she be implicated? It is you who..."
Xiao Xun abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming stern: "As the commander-in-chief, it is certainly brave to charge into battle, but you must also consider your own safety! If you put yourself in danger for the sake of your courage, what will become of the soldiers and their families waiting anxiously at home?!" The last sentence carried a subtle but perceptible warning.
Xin Yunzhou trembled, his head bowed even lower: "This humble general... knows his mistake! Thank you for your admonition, Your Highness!"
"Rise," Xiao Xun said, his tone softening slightly. "Considering your merit in defeating the enemy, this offense will be temporarily forgotten. Issue an order to promote Xin Yunzhou to General of the Valiant Cavalry, appointing him as the deputy general of Tongguan, to assist me in reorganizing the army and strengthening military capabilities! Furthermore, Xin Kui has rendered meritorious service in rescuing the commander-in-chief; he is hereby awarded one hundred taels of gold and ten bolts of brocade, and is permitted... to enter the Valiant Cavalry General's residence to recuperate." The last sentence carried a hint of deeper meaning.
The generals in the tent exchanged glances, understanding each other perfectly. With His Highness's arrangement… Miss Xin Kui is likely to rise to a very high position.
Xin Yunzhou looked up abruptly, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, quickly replaced by a complex mix of emotions: gratitude, relief, and a touch of indescribable excitement. He clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice resounding, "This humble general... thanks Your Highness for your grace!"
Xin Kui's injuries healed quickly under the meticulous treatment of the military doctor and the almost constant care of Xin Yunzhou. Although the poisoned arrow was dangerous, the timely treatment and Xin Kui's special constitution meant that her life was no longer in danger. However, she was left with a deep scar on her left shoulder that exposed the bone, and her left arm could not be used for the time being.
She was placed in the quietest and most comfortable courtyard within Marshal Xin Yunzhou's mansion. That afternoon, the sun shone brightly. Xin Kui sat leaning against the soft couch by the window, her face still pale, but her spirits much better. She was clumsily trying to pour herself some water with her right hand when a large, calloused hand reached out and steadily took the teapot.
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