Chapter 57 Chapter 57...
On the fifth day of the ninth month, men from Ningzhou stormed into the Ningdong army's camp. Their faces were ashen, and they looked extremely unwell.
In the council chamber, the two met Ji Yujing.
"General."
Ji and Jingguan looked at each other with cold expressions and asked, "Wu Wengan is in trouble?"
The two Ningzhou soldiers were astonished.
"How did the general guess that?"
Ji Yujing's lips curled up slightly, forming a delicate smile.
But this smile had nothing to do with pleasure; it was simply a feeling that the royal family was absurd. To achieve their goals, they were willing to kill innocent descendants of military families.
Ji Yujing didn't answer, but only asked, "How is he?"
A soldier: "One strike to kill."
Ji Yujing: "Have the knife and the wound been examined?"
"It has been carefully examined." The soldier took out the relevant documents for Ji Yujing to review.
An ordinary knife; during the downpour, there were no eyewitnesses other than the attendants.
Even the shoe prints were washed away by the rain, leaving no trace.
After Ji Yujing finished reading, he said to the two soldiers, "Go get something to eat, rest for a bit, and then go back."
"promise."
After the two soldiers left, Xu Xian spoke up.
"They even dared to kill Wu Tingshan's eldest son, who is he?"
"Could they be targeting our Ningdong Army?"
Ningzhou belongs to Lingdong.
Although this matter has nothing to do with their Ningdong Army, no one can guarantee that Wu Tingshan will hold a grudge against them because of it.
"How vicious."
“I heard that Wu Wengan has been performing his duties very diligently since he went to Ningzhou.”
After he finished speaking, the council chamber fell silent.
After a while, Ji Yujing finally spoke, "No need to guess, this is all to incite Wu Tingshan's hatred towards Lingdong."
If he wasn't mistaken, an imperial edict would arrive in Lingdong soon.
He dispatched the Ningdong Army to attack the west.
Outside Lingdong and Tianyun City, two barbaric and cruel foreign tribes are eyeing Xun Kingdom covetously. However, the royal family, due to personal hatred, has instigated an internal power struggle between the two factions.
OK.
OK.
At that moment, Ji Yujing was utterly disillusioned with the Song family's imperial power.
His patience was eventually worn down.
"Xu Xian".
Xu Xian stood up and stepped forward, saying, "Your subordinate is here."
As he answered, a small flame seemed to ignite in the depths of his eyes, gleaming with an unusual light. He knew that the Ningdong Army was about to march out of Lingdong.
Ji Yujing: "You personally lead the troops to drive all the people from the palace out of Lingdong. Anyone who resists, kill them on the spot."
Upon hearing this, not only Xu Xian, but even Ning Luoji, who had mentioned dealing with these people, showed surprise in his eyes.
"What about Madam..."
Ji Yujing: "Go around her."
"Do whatever it takes. If Dai Dai comes forward, refuse outright."
Xu Xian: "..."
Boss must be possessed by a ghost today.
Are you not afraid of upsetting your wife by being so resolute?
Seeing his blank expression, Ji Yujing asked, "Any more questions?"
Xu Xian: "No."
"This humble general will go immediately."
After Xu Xian left, Ji Yujing spoke to Elder Yu Yong and Hua Wenhuai,
"Be prepared for a tough two-month battle."
Hua Wenhuai was alarmed. "Even if we're going to fight, the royal family should allocate special funds."
Ji Yujing smiled, "Uncle Huai, do you think they will?"
"Emperor Taining wanted the various factions to fight amongst themselves, and then he would clean up the mess after they were done."
"Now it's Lingdong and Tianyun City, then the south, the northwest, and the far north. All the forces he feels are threatening must die."
Ji Yujing had long anticipated this day, but he didn't expect it to come so soon.
If he and Dai Dai had been given a year or two more, Lingdong's chances of winning would have increased significantly, and the Ningdong army soldiers wouldn't have had to work so hard.
Unfortunately, no one gave them that opportunity.
Every day at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), it was Lin Qingdai's afternoon rest time.
That day, due to business matters at the trading company, she had lunch and it was nearly 11 PM. By the time she lay down on the bed, it was already mid-11 PM.
Before going to sleep, she said to Mingqian, "I'll only sleep for half an hour tonight."
Mingqian: "Then this servant will wake Miss up in half an hour."
"Um."
"When I woke up, I wanted to drink some pear soup because my throat felt dry."
"Yes, I will prepare it."
Feeling somewhat tired, Lin Qingdai fell asleep after lying down for a short while.
But less than fifteen minutes after I fell asleep, a commotion arose outside the courtyard.
Is Madam in?
"Miss Mingyue..."
Mingqian frowned, clearly a little unhappy.
"Sis, I'm going out to take a look."
Mingyue shared the same thought, "Let's go."
Mingqian strode out of the courtyard. As soon as she stepped outside, she saw several old nannies who had come with her young mistress.
"Do the maids have something to say?"
"Miss is taking a nap. Let's go somewhere further away to talk."
The old women refused to budge an inch, and the leader, Granny Qiu, pleaded urgently, "Miss Mingqian, please help us!"
Mingqian: "What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"
Granny Qiu: "General Xu of the Ningdong Army has brought his troops here to drive us all out of Lingdong."
Another old woman, Li, said, "She's very fierce. She confronted Chief Min at the door."
The leader Min mentioned by Granny Li is Min Yu'an, the leader of the Silver Shield Army who came to Lingdong with Lin Qingdai.
Mingqian: "..."
"What did you do to offend the son-in-law?"
In Mingqian's eyes, Ji Yujing was indifferent to them, his servants, but this indifference had nothing to do with disdain.
That's just his personality.
Even a normal person wouldn't be overly enthusiastic towards someone they don't know well, right? And in dealing with people, one should be fair and measured.
He would never have made such a resolute decision unless something bad had happened.
"We don't have any!"
"No, there really isn't."
Mingqian didn't believe it, but things had come to this point, and it wouldn't be good for Miss not to show up.
These people were, after all, bestowed upon us by the emperor. To drive them away would be a slap in the face to the emperor.
Mingqian: "You all go to Chief Min first, I'll go talk to Miss."
Mingqian truly felt sorry for her young mistress: "She can't even have a peaceful afternoon nap."
After saying that, she turned around and went back into the courtyard.
When Mingqian entered the dormitory, her face seemed to be covered with a layer of icy mist, her coldness was very striking.
Mingyue noticed this and asked, "What's wrong?"
Mingqian: "The son-in-law wants to drive Min Yu'an and the others out of Lingdong."
"Troops have been dispatched, and General Xu has come in person."
Upon hearing this, Mingyue was startled. She immediately went to the bedside and gently woke Lin Qingdai.
Lin Qingdai had just woken up, still feeling groggy.
"Half an hour has passed?"
Mingyue: "No."
He then went on to explain in detail what was happening outside.
After listening, Lin Qingdai remained silent for a moment before saying to Mingyue, "I'll go out and take a look."
After a flurry of activity, Lin Qingdai left her bedroom, followed closely by Mingqian and Mingyue.
Upon arriving at the house, Xu Xian and Min Yu'an confronted each other, their expressions tense and ready to fight.
"lady."
"Miss."
The two groups, with their different stances, addressed Lin Qingdai differently.
Lin Qingdai nodded slightly, which was considered a greeting.
At this moment, her small face was bright and cold, revealing no emotion.
"Why did the general expel my entourage from Lingdong?"
"My entourage."
These six simple words are enough to express my stance.
Xu Xian's heart trembled, but the female doctor and the old nanny behind Lin Qingdai were overjoyed. In Lingdong, there was plenty of money, little trouble, and no need to live in fear.
If they could, they would not want to leave Lingdong.
Now that Miss Lin is on their side, her chances of staying have greatly increased.
However, the result was not as smooth as they had imagined.
Xu Xian: "The general said that if the lady comes forward, he should refuse directly."
"But please don't blame the general, madam. Wu Wengan, the second son of Wu Tingshan, the garrison commander of the west, died in Ningzhou with a single blow."
“In recent years, people entering and leaving Lingdong have been subject to strict control, except for these people…”
As he spoke, Xu Xian raised his sword hilt and pointed it at Min Yu'an.
Lin Qingdai: "General, do you suspect they killed Wu Wengan? Do you have any evidence?"
Xu Xian suddenly shouted, "In Lingdong, General Ji is a god; whatever he says goes."
When Xu Xian said this, his face was extremely cold and filled with hostility.
It was as if he would kill Lin Qingdai along with Ji Yujing if she questioned Ji Yujing's decision again.
Mingqian couldn't stand it, so she charged forward, looking like she was ready to fight Xu Xian.
Mingyue reached out and stopped her.
Mingqian wanted to say something, but before she could open her mouth, Lin Qingdai suddenly laughed.
"We've only been married for three months, and General Ji is already turning his wrath on me, is that it?"
"What if I insist on keeping these people?"
Xu Xian: "Then please don't blame me for being impolite, Madam."
"Guards, seal off the Lin residence. From today onwards, the lady is not allowed to leave the house without the general's written order."
"Madam, it's best not to cause any unnecessary casualties."
"you……"
Lin Qingdai was so angry that she was speechless.
It took a while for the sound to return.
"You, Ji Yujing, are something else."
"Tell him that he can do whatever he wants, just don't regret it later."
Having said that, he turned to look at Min Yu'an.
"Let's go back."
"Avoid unnecessary casualties."
Seeing this situation, Min Yu'an knew that Ji Yujing was determined to drive them out of Lingdong.
If they don't leave, they're all going to die here. He'd heard all about how crazy that man was back in the capital.
"Take care, Miss. We hope to meet again in the capital."
Lin Qingdai seemed furious. After speaking with Min Yu'an, she went straight back into the house.
As he stepped over the threshold, he said, "Seal the door. If Ji Yujing comes, tell him to get lost."
There were many servants, but none dared to answer.
They wanted to stop them, but who could?
Lin Qingdai stormed into the room in a huff.
Behind her, Mingyue had a cold face, while Mingqian was burning with anger and her face was flushed.
She really wanted to rush to the military camp and fight Ji Yujing.
Whether we can win or not is another matter.
Unexpectedly...
After Lin Qingdai sat down at the small table, her expression softened. She even looked at Ming Qian and asked softly, "Ming Qian, is my pear soup ready?"
Mingqian: "..."
She hadn't even gone to the kitchen to tell them about it yet. "Not yet, I'll go right away."
"I can run very fast, I'll be right back."
"Um."
Mingqian kept her word, and in the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, a bowl of pear soup was placed in front of Lin Qingdai.
It's very hot; I need to wait for it to cool down.
There were some things Mingqian couldn't hold back any longer.
"Miss, you're not angry anymore?"
"Young master, you've gone too far! How could you be so harsh on young lady?"
Lin Qingdai smiled lightly, "I was just kidding them."
Mingqian: "?"
Mingyue understood in an instant, and felt a great weight lifted from her heart.
"Who are you kidding? Min Yu-an and the others?"
Lin Qingdai gave a soft "hmm".
"Our parents are still in the capital; we can't make things difficult for them. But Min Yu'an and the others can't stay in Lingdong for long."
"They might not have killed Wu Wengan this time, but who can guarantee it won't happen next time?"
They are loyal only to His Majesty.
His Majesty is becoming increasingly insane.
No, or rather, it's more accurate to say that everyone in the capital has gone mad.
Uncle, did you kill Wu Wen?
Or is it the eldest prince?
Unable to kill those who deserved to die, they turned their knives on the most innocent people.
Of the entire Wu family, the kindest one is probably Wu Wengan.
She had read his poems.
From those words, she was certain he was a man with a light in his eyes. Such a man was pure and proud, and would never do anything underhanded.
After this explanation, Mingqian understood most of it. "Should we talk to the young master? What if he thinks that Miss is angry and is going to go crazy again?"
Mingqian thought of the courtyard gate that had been shattered into pieces and felt that it was very necessary.
Lin Qingdai: "Do you think he's like you? So naive."
Mingyue couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Mingqian was a little annoyed. "How am I stupid?"
Mingyue: "I think I'm not only stupid, but really stupid."
Mingqian: "..."
Mingyue: "This whole thing was started by the general, and the young lady was just playing along."
"The son-in-law is definitely coming home tonight, just wait and see."
Mingqian didn't believe it. "Fine, we'll wait. Who's afraid of who?"
Seeing the two sisters bickering, Lin Qingdai felt somewhat relieved of the depression she had felt over Wu Wengan's death.
At night, Ji and Jing climbed over the wall into the Lin residence.
In the shadows, Mingqian and Mingyue witnessed everything. They deliberately concealed their presence until the shadowy figure disappeared into the room.
"So? Do you submit?"
Mingqian was truly convinced. "I'm convinced."
However, she had a new question: "Why is my son-in-law, a commander on one side, climbing over the wall?"
"This is the behavior of a womanizer."
Mingyue almost died laughing at her silly younger sister, "That's his wife."
"If it were any other woman in the room, he would be a notorious womanizer."
Mingqian thought that made sense. "I think the young master is particularly unrestrained in front of the young lady. It's as if he doesn't see himself as a general. In front of the young lady, he is just himself."
"Sister, do you understand this feeling?"
Mingyue said softly, "I understand."
This is a good sign.
This shows that General Ji truly likes these young ladies.
And he trusted her.
When Ji Yujing returned to his dormitory, the familiar warm fragrance wafted into his nostrils.
It puts him at ease and makes him happy.
His wife sat quietly in a corner.
As soon as he entered, she looked over, and a soft light suddenly flickered in her calm eyes.
"Didn't I tell you not to go home? Didn't General Xu convey my message?"
She was clearly happy to see him, but her words were anything but pleasant.
Ji Yujing couldn't help but laugh, and continued to approach her without stopping.
“I brought it. But my wife is here, I can’t not come back.”
"If one day we really have a fight and I don't let you into the house, what will you do?"
Lin Qingdai was just curious.
Ji Yujing stopped close to her, bent down, and his thin lips touched her forehead. "We won't make a scene."
"I was just in case."
"There's no 'what if'."
"...General Ji, this kind of conversation is really boring."
Ji Yujing was amused by this, "If that day ever comes, I will come too."
"Lin Qingdai, don't even think about getting rid of me."
Ji Yujing thought that the girl in front of him was like a gift from God, so rare and precious that he would never have another one if he missed her.
He won't miss it, nor can he.
Having experienced the happiness of having her by my side, who would want to go through those dull and boring days?
Lin Qingdai was completely unaware of the obsession that had arisen in Ji Yujing's heart. She smiled and said, "Are you my little tail? I can't shake you off no matter what."
Ji Yujing wanted to kiss her, but she noticed and reached out to cover his lips, just about to touch them, "You're not allowed to kiss me since you haven't washed up."
"I want a kiss."
"No."
Ji Yujing suddenly made a move, picked the person up, and took the seat for himself.
In an instant, Lin Qingdai went from sitting on a stool to sitting in his lap, her arms locked tightly around him.
Now her clean clothes are dirty again.
"Ji Yujing, are you sick in the head?"
"Um."
"..."
At the end of the silence, Lin Qingdai laughed out loud, "You even accept being scolded, how stupid."
Ji Yujing didn't respond to that question. "Can we kiss now?"
Lin Qingdai: "Would you let me go if I didn't give you a kiss?"
Without hesitation, Ji Yujing replied, "No."
Lin Qingdai: "...Then what did you ask?"
"Pretentious but truly defeated..."
The gentle voice disappeared into the scorching heat.
Ji Yujing finally kissed the person he wanted to kiss.
When he heard his subordinates report on what had happened in front of the Lin residence, he felt a desire to kiss and possess her.
Why would there be a woman who understands him so well?
He didn't even need to show himself; she already understood his thoughts and put them into practice in a stunning way.
Even more fortunately, this woman was his wife.
They will share the same bed in life and the same lungs in death; they will be together forever, rightfully and legitimately.
The tide of passion came suddenly, and it surged forth in a torrent.
He was caught up in it and couldn't break free no matter what.
Only when he held her in his arms could his passion be relieved.
His kisses weren't forceful, but the heat of his breath penetrated deeper and deeper. Lin Qingdai felt her breathing becoming increasingly difficult; her swan-like neck arched back, and she instinctively wanted to escape.
Ji Yujing realized her intention and temporarily released her lips.
Her thin lips moved down, outlining soft curves through the fabric.
In an instant, the flower tip entered my mouth. The heat enveloped it, greedily grinding it.
"Ji Ci..."
"Let's go somewhere else."
Ji and Jing did not respond, which was unusual.
He kissed and bit, intently and unrestrainedly.
With one free hand, he reached into the warm, damp area, swirled it around, and then reluctantly pressed it down again.
In the end, I stepped back.
When love begins to penetrate to the bone, protecting her becomes an instinct.
Constrained by lust, he still remembered that he had just returned from outside and his hands were dirty, so he shouldn't touch her.
"Okay, let's go somewhere else."
Lin Qingdai breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to herself that General Ji was still a reasonable person.
This idea, however, lasted only a few dozen breaths.
Before she was thrown into a daze in the hot spring, she bit Ji Yujing's shoulder hard.
She knew he wouldn't feel pain, but she still bit him in anger.
She retracted all her previous positive comments about Ji and Jing.
After the commotion, Lin Qingdai was so exhausted that she didn't even want to move a finger. Fortunately, Ji Yujing was only domineering and forceful about that one thing; in reality, he was gentle and meticulous.
When Lin Qingdai returned to the bed, she was completely dry.
Before long, Ji Yujing lay down beside her. As soon as he lay down, Lin Qingdai turned to her side, her small face cold as she scolded him, "You barbarian, you don't even know how to cherish your own wife."
Today I was like a madman, doing it over and over again without any restraint.
Ji Yujing smiled, her voice as clear and bright as a gentle cloud or a cold mist, "If I didn't feel sorry for her, we'd be far from over by now."
"Don't believe me? Feel it!"
These words stirred up Lin Qingdai's memories.
He said something similar when he first returned from Dongshao Kingdom.
She actually touched it.
"No, thank you."
After saying that, he turned his back to him, clearly showing his cowardice.
I wanted to sleep, but even with my eyes closed, I couldn't fall asleep for a long time.
She gave up and turned to look at Ji Yujing.
That's the good thing about being married; when you can't sleep, you have someone to talk to, and you don't feel guilty at all.
"Will Wu Tingshan take his anger out on Lingdong after Wu Wengan's murder?"
Ji Yujing lay on his back, his gaze calm. "If he were calm enough, he certainly wouldn't blame Lingdong for this."
Yet, Wu Wengan, a man of white hair who outlived his son, remained a man who lived a life of peace and tranquility.
Ji Yujing didn't say what came next.
Lin Qingdai didn't need anything anymore; she nestled against Ji Yujing's chest.
"Are you worried about not having enough military funds to confront Wu Tingshan?"
Ji Yujing gently stroked her hair, "Nothing can be hidden from Miss Lin."
"Given His Majesty's current methods, I think he will want to settle things with a single war."
Therefore, he will most likely let the Ningdong Army resolve this battle on its own.
Lin Qingdai: "That's what I think too."
"Anything else?"
"Then ask me how to get military funding?"
A low, pleasant laugh escaped Ji Yujing's throat. He was once again certain that chatting with Miss Lin was the most interesting thing in the world.
"How does Miss Lin plan to obtain military funds?"
"If I help you, how will you thank me? Think of it yourself, don't ask me."
Ji Yujing: "Once this matter is settled, I will cook for my wife at home, starting on the 10th."
Do you like roast chicken?
“I also hid a few jars of wine in the mountains, which I also gave to my wife.”
What kind of wine?
"I'll keep the flavor a secret about what I brew."
Lin Qingdai narrowed her almond-shaped eyes, "What else are you hiding from me?"
Ji Yujing couldn't help but laugh.
After joking around for a while, Lin Qingdai told Ji Yujing her thoughts.
Do you know how the four great families of the capital got their name?
She only said one sentence, and Ji Yujing understood what she meant.
She wanted the powerful families in Lingdong, and even the wider region, to generously offer their assistance. Of course, it wouldn't be for nothing; they would be given protection to ensure the long-lasting prosperity of their families.
"Now that things have come to this, it doesn't matter whether we show our strength or not. The most important thing is to end this with minimal losses and as quickly as possible."
"When the general talks to them, remember to take me with you."
"What are your thoughts, Madam?"
“When they see me, they will know the benefits of working with you.”
If Ji and Jing succeed, their family could become the next Lin family.
“Dai Dai, you don’t need to go to this lengths for me.”
Once she starts to show her face, all his actions will be attributed to her.
He couldn't bear to leave the storm.
"My purpose here is not solely to help you."
She hoped that this chaotic situation would calm down quickly.
She hoped that all regions could be connected, traded with each other, and achieve common prosperity.
She hoped that insightful people like Wu Wengan could have a peaceful end, and that before that, they could live out their lives in the way they preferred.
She thought...
Lin Qingdai didn't say a word about what happened next, but Ji Yujing understood her thoughts.
His Dai Dai, her vision encompassed the entire world.
She possesses great wisdom, and therefore is exceptionally gentle and compassionate.
The following morning, Ji and Jing sent secret letters to various places in Lingdong.
Five days later, the leading families and gentry in Lingdong gathered in Jingning City.
The council chamber in the military camp was bright and solemn.
Ji Yujing sat in the main seat, with the second daughter of the Lin family sitting comfortably beside him, not an inch off the table.
All the key figures in the military were present, each with a powerful aura, but none could overshadow her brilliance.
She is aquamarine, the base color of the stars and the sea.
Gentle and radiant, her beauty is something no one can erase.
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