After Qiaolian arrived, Jiang Segu briefly explained that Gu Songhan had gone to Shunde to help.
"...Since you are acquainted with General Gu, please deliver some gifts of thanks for me!"
Qiaolian was surprised that Jiang Segu not only did not punish her, but also continued to entrust her with tasks. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she choked up, vowing never to deceive Jiang Segu again.
Jiang Segu said he believed her, and also told her not to be deceived by others' appearances, and to keep her mouth shut, saying what should be said and not saying what shouldn't be said!
Qiaohe, who had been smug for two days, saw that Jiang Segu had once again assigned the task of going out to Qiaolian. She squatted in the corner of the courtyard, pondering to herself: What did I do wrong? The young lady just wouldn't let me go out!
Qiaolian did not rush to prepare gifts. Instead, she went to see Changping and asked if Gu Songhan was injured and if he had rested on the way. Then she went to the storeroom to prepare some nourishing foods such as bird's nest, and went to the kitchen to get some food before going to the neighboring house.
This time, however, she didn't even get through the front door, let alone the back door.
So she returned to the Marquis's residence and reported the matter.
"...I wonder if something has happened? Perhaps I should go to Yongxiang East Alley?"
Jiang Segu paused for a moment, then said, "Qiaohe, take off your clothes!"
"ah?"
Fifteen minutes later, Jiang Segu and Qiaohe, disguised as maids, left through the back gate of the Marquis's residence...
They hired a carriage and headed towards Yongxiang East Lane.
However, halfway there, they encountered the Northwest Army entering the city and were blocked at the alley entrance, unable to go in or out.
Fearing that she would waste time and let her mother know that she had sneaked out of the manor, Jiang Segu decided to abandon the carriage and walk.
There were so many people eager to catch a glimpse of the Northwest Army that the two women were like small fish swimming upstream, being forcefully pushed by the crowd. In the end, they had no choice but to follow the flow of people towards Xizhimen.
I heard a lot of gossip about the Northwest Army along the way.
Most people praised General Weiyuan's outstanding military achievements, while many others speculated whether he would finally lay down his armor...
Some even speculated that after General Weiyuan laid down his armor, who could replace him in guarding the Northwest?
As a deep and solemn bugle call sounded, the earth-shaking sound of horses' hooves came from afar. Each hoove seemed to pound on everyone's hearts, making them feel dizzy and eager to see the military formation.
The mighty army, with its ironclad weapons and golden horses, stormed into everyone's sight with its domineering aggression. Even Jiangse Valley, who had never been to the Northwest battlefield, could instantly feel the overwhelming image of a blood-soaked battlefield!
At the head of the army was an old man on horseback, but his figure was not hunched over at all; on the contrary, he was as straight as a sword and exuded the domineering aura of a tyrant.
This must be the General Weiyuan that everyone is praising!
He was followed by a heavily armored man with a sword on his left, right, and rear, each wearing a helmet with a plume.
Jiang Segu couldn't see the person on the right clearly because General Weiyuan was blocking his view.
The man on the left is handsome and dashing, with a serious and aloof expression and an upright and vigorous posture. His black gold armor gleams with a cold and hard light in the sunlight, making him look imposing.
Jiang Segu's heart pounded with anxiety as he watched.
She recognized this man; he had barged into her boudoir just two days ago and appeared quite embarrassed in front of her, a stark contrast to the dashing figure on horseback.
Even after the army had left, Jiangse Valley was still in shock.
Not only her, but also Qiaolian was like that.
Since the person she was looking for was on their way to the capital, there was no need for her to go to Yongxiang East Alley anymore. Therefore, Jiang Segu hurriedly returned to the manor with Qiaolian...
***
The Imperial Palace.
It should have been the time for the morning court session, but the emperor left the court officials in the Fengtian Hall and had a private conversation with General Weiyuan alone in the Yangxin Hall.
Between the emperor and his ministers, they first reminisced about the perilous journey to the throne and the difficulty of maintaining the empire, and then spoke of the current prosperity and peace throughout the land.
The details of the sentiments expressed are too numerous to recount.
Having finished the old story, it's time to talk about recent events!
Emperor Xuanzong did not talk about politics, but instead talked about some interesting things in the capital. As he talked, he brought up the entanglement between Jiang Segu and Song Yuhui.
"...My dear minister, guess who testified for the young lady of the Marquis of Changping's household?"
General Weiyuan bowed his head and replied that he did not know!
"I think I overheard something about a young man surnamed Gu. Later, rumors spread throughout the capital, all targeting the Song family! The Song family sent people to investigate the source of the rumors, but they never found the person!"
General Weiyuan cursed Gu Songhan in his heart, for causing trouble as soon as he entered the capital!
"Your Majesty is wise. The entire Song family is loyal to Your Majesty, and Grand Tutor Song has rendered meritorious service in assisting Your Majesty. Now that he has suffered such humiliation, we beg Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter and restore the innocence of Grand Tutor Song and the Song family!"
Emperor Xuanzong narrowed his eyes, remained silent for a long time, and then laughed heartily, "Even so, why don't you investigate and see who is causing trouble for the Song family?"
"Your Majesty, I am old and have come to the capital for two reasons. First, to report to Your Majesty on the situation in the Northwest over the years. Second, to request permission to resign and hope that Your Majesty will grant me permission to return to Huizhou to retire."
"Do you have anyone in mind to recommend?"
General Weiyuan sighed. He had originally intended for Gu Songhan to succeed him, but he couldn't fathom the Emperor's intentions.
"In recent years, under the wise leadership of His Majesty, our country has enjoyed peace and prosperity, and our national strength has greatly increased. The Tatar barbarians dare not invade. Therefore, whoever succeeds me in guarding the northwest, I believe they can ensure peace and tranquility!"
Emperor Xuanzong was delighted. "I love what you say, my dear minister! Please go and rest in the side hall first. We will discuss the matter of rewarding the soldiers after I have finished court!"
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty!"
Led by the eunuchs of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, General Weiyuan led the two people outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation to a side hall!
After the eunuch left, General Weiyuan raised his hand and struck Gu Songhan.
"You scoundrel! You always seemed so composed, how come you've become so clueless since arriving in the capital! What grudge does the Song family hold against you that you're inciting the people to spread rumors?"
"This humble general has nothing to say. Please, General, deal with me according to military law!"
General Weiyuan was so angry at his stubbornness that he almost had a stroke!
"Get out! Get the hell out of here!"
"General, this is the imperial palace. I do not have a palace exit token and cannot leave. Please grant me a palace exit token!"
"You little brat, you probably think I've lived too long and you're just trying to drive me crazy! You want to leave the palace? I want to too! But who's going to give me the exit permit? You just stay put! I'll deal with you later!"
Gu Songhan had been very impatient ever since he entered the city with the army.
He saw the little girl when the army entered the city!
The little girl was dressed as a maid, clearly having sneaked out!
She's probably still sick, so where is she dressed like that?
Could it be that they heard the army had entered the city and came looking for that fellow named Rong Ding!
The thought that the young girl was dragging her sick body around, all for another man, made Gu Songhan even more anxious!
We must find a way to leave the palace!
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