"It seems they’re determined to force the master into dealing with these bandits this time," Ling Feng said in a deep voice.
Marquis Mu Houchu tapped lightly on the table with his fingertips. This was a habit Ji Xinhe had every time he was deep in thought. That was the nature of a couple’s life, where each could influence, and slowly take on, the other’s habits.
"Leng Zhuo boldly took the fight to the bandits this time. His fate is certain to be fraught with danger. If the Great Prince encounters danger in Yu State, the master will have to wade into this mess. After all, if the Great Prince were to die in Yu State, and the master didn’t do anything or even attempted a rescue, I fear there would immediately be calls of impeachment against the master in the Imperial Court. Some might even accuse him of intentionally killing the Great Prince."
Mu Houchu’s eyes deepened, and after a moment, he gave his desk one final tap, then calmly said, "If they’re out to get me, there’s nowhere to hide."
From the moment Leng Zhuo dwelt here for two months without leaving, Mu Houchu realized that the Emperor was enforcing a huge command this time, and would not back down until he was drawn into the matter. Leng Zhuo was for the emperor the first pawn played; Mu Houchu had no choice.
"So the master intends to..."
"Don’t tell the madam about this for now. We’ll see how things play out," Mu Houchu commanded coldly.
"Understood!" Ling Feng responded immediately with his fist clenched.
By the time Mu Houchu returned to the room, Xin He had already finished her bird’s nest porridge and was lying on the soft couch, touching her swollen belly and chatting with Ah Guai. She liked this peaceful interaction more and more. The doctor said the baby could arrive early next month. She had mixed feelings about it. This ’goods’, which had been in her stomach for more than half a year, was about to be delivered. She couldn’t even begin to imagine it.
"Why aren’t you sleeping yet?" Mu Houchu sat down next to her, speaking softly.
"It’s still early. I was thinking about whether to read the Four Books and Five Classics. I heard from someone that early childhood education is very important," Xin He said seriously.
Used to her random new ideas, Mu Houchu just smiled and replied, "Reading them is good. Either way, you’ll fall asleep as you read."
Ji Xinhe glared at him, her teeth grinding, "Mu Houchu!"
"Honey, our Ah Guai is sure to be exceptionally smart, right? Even without reading the Four Books and Five Classics, he will be very intelligent, like his mother."
Xin He huffed and rolled onto the bed: "What happened just now?"
Mu Houchu lowered his gaze slightly and softly said, "It’s nothing. Go to sleep."
——
Mu Houchu had generally guessed what might happen. He hoped he could put it off for a while, at least until after Xin He had delivered the baby safely.
But while he wished to delay, others might not be so patient.
Just three days later, the Great Prince’s men, ignoring all obstacles, rushed through the gates of the Mu Mansion.
Ji Xinhe was learning from Shulan how to make a baby’s bib for Ah Guai, when she heard the commotion outside. Surprised, she almost pricked her hand with the needle.
"What’s the matter? Who’s here?" Xin He hastily asked.
"Don’t worry, madam. I’ll go and see," Shulan stood up immediately and left.
Outside, a group of guards kneeled in the courtyard, their bodies riddled with wounds. They clenched their fists and said, "The Great Prince has marched alone into the enemy’s stronghold and is now surrounded. The bandits are cunning and hold the geographical advantage; we can’t defeat them. Despite our fierce resistance over the past three days, the situation has only gotten worse. The Great Prince is in grave danger and can’t retreat. We urgently request Prince Pingyang’s support!"
Ling Feng’s face had turned icy cold, his gaze on the guards heavy with latent killing intent.
At this point, Mu Houchu had no choice but to go. The Great Prince was in danger in Yu State’s territory. If Mu Houchu still did nothing incoming prince’s aid, Emperor would be able to seize the opportunity to take action against him.
Who would have thought that the old emperor would be so cruel! He was willing to use and even discard his own son to accomplish his goals.
Mu Houchu’s eyes were deep and quiet, but he said nothing.
His silence left the guards kneeling on the ground even more afraid to speak or lift their heads. The oppressive atmosphere made it hard for them to breathe. They were unease, their hearts pounding, struggling to keep their composure.
After a while, Mu Houchu’s thin lips parted, his voice clear and cold, "Alright."
This one word "alright" set the guards’ hearts pounding even harder. They glanced at Marquis Mu uneasily, "When will Prince Pingyang plan to leave?"
Mu Houchu gave them a cold look, then turned and went inside.
Realizing they’d overstepped, the guards promptly fell silent, respectfully waiting outside.
When Mu Houchu entered the room, he saw Ji Xinhe standing in the doorway.
Seeing her, his heart seemed to get a tug. His usually cold face now showed complex emotions. He hadn’t figured out how to tell her, yet the reality was already in front of him.
He was always decisive, knowing that hesitating would only worsen things. However, when it came to her, he was never decisive.
"Xin He..." After long silence, Mu Houchu finally spoke.
But Xin He held his hand, looked up at him steadfastly and said softly, "I’ll be waiting for you."
A look of surprise passed over Mu Houchu’s face, "You."
The grip on his hand tightened, and her eyes were filled with resolve. "Mu Houchu, I’ve told you, I trust you with my life. You must earn this trust. You said you wouldn’t let anything happen to you, so I trust you will come back safely. I’ll be waiting for you at home."
She knew everything.
Mu Houchu managed a wry smile. He should have known that it was impossible to conceal everything from someone as intelligent as her.
He had expected her to be upset or distressed, which would affect her emotions. He was worried about her emotional fluctuation would affect the baby and her health, especially since she would give birth next month.
But in reality, she was much stronger than he thought.
Mu Houchu pulled her into his arms and gently rubbed his chin against her head, "I will be fine."
"Don’t worry about me, and don’t miss me, because I will always be waiting for you to come home. You should be careful on this trip and don’t make me wait too long. Okay?" Xin He’s voice was muffled. Even the strongest of women couldn’t hide the bitterness in their hearts.
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