Imperial Palace Pilgrimage Hall
This morning, at court, the Song Emperor sat on the dragon throne, surveying the courtiers with a majestic gaze. His voice, like a resounding bell, echoed through the halls: "This morning, at court, I will call upon my troops and generals to prepare for the attack on the Kingdom of Dong and Jin!"
Upon hearing this, all the ministers knelt on the ground and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Afterward, the ministers engaged in a heated discussion that lasted two hours. They deliberated in depth on crucial issues such as the route of attack, the number of troops, and the leadership. After much debate, they finally settled on the military deployment.
The Song Emperor acted decisively and issued an edict: "A 200,000-man army. In the center, Xu Haifeng, Marquis of Cheng'en, will lead 100,000 troops. Zhan Jue, the left vanguard, will lead 50,000 troops. Jiang Zhixu, the right vanguard, will lead 50,000 troops. All three armies will attack the Kingdom of Dongjin!"
"The Crown Prince, Prince Jin, is in charge of the capital, with Su Cifu and Grand Tutor Gong assisting."
As soon as the decree was issued, all the ministers responded. The Song emperor decided to lead the army in person to boost morale. He ordered the troops to set out the next day, heading straight for Donglin Pass and deploying them at the border between the two countries.
After the morning court session, the ministers dispersed, each busy with their own military affairs. The entire palace was filled with a tense atmosphere.
In the harem, the Empress paced anxiously in Fengyi Palace. She knew that this personal expedition was fraught with risk. The slightest misstep could lead the Emperor to disaster. If anything happened to the Emperor, the harem would be plunged into chaos.
The Empress forced herself to remain calm, ordering the preparations for the Emperor's expedition while secretly praying for his safe return. She knew she shouldered the responsibility of the harem and needed to maintain stability at all costs.
At this time, the news quickly spread back to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. When Jin Linlin learned that Jiang Zhixu would serve as the right vanguard, leading an army of 50,000, she felt proud of him but also worried.
She immediately started to prepare Jiang Zhixu's luggage, and arranged all the items he needed for the expedition, such as clothes, dry food, weapons, etc. in an orderly manner.
When Jiang Zhixu returned home, Jin Linlin had almost finished her work in the front yard.
As soon as she saw Jiang Zhixu, Jin Linlin immediately took his hand and walked to the luggage and said:
"These are the luggage I prepared for you. When you go to Dong Jinguo, you must be careful of their poisonous insects. I have prepared a few extra 'poison-absorbing incense' for you, and this small sachet contains 'Lingxi Detoxification Pills'. You must carry them with you." As she said that, Jin Linlin hung the small sachet around his neck.
"I've already informed Xia Heng and Zisong. One is good at strategy, and the other is proficient in medicine. They will definitely be able to help you. I also wrote to my father about this matter and asked him to let Su Ci Fu take full charge of logistics. He has a grudge against you. If he makes things difficult for you with food and fodder, you can go to the Jin's Grain Store in Donglinguan and reveal your identity. They will help you."
Jiang Zhixu looked at his wife who kept nagging him, and his heart felt as sweet as melted sugar. He gently hugged Jin Linlin:
"I know. Thank you for preparing everything for me. I will definitely come back safely." Jiang Zhixu rubbed her neck affectionately.
Jin Linlin glared at him angrily:
"It's already this late, and you're still like this. By the way, take all the secret guards with you. Don't worry about home. Third brother also has secret guards with him. Add to that the ones trained by Jialiu recently, and there are enough for the family. Don't refuse." She looked so strong, as if Jiang Zhixu had to listen to her.
Jiang Zhixu nodded obediently:
"Okay, ma'am. By the way, I have to leave now. I'm going to inspect the troops tonight and won't be back tonight."
Jin Linlin's eyes were slightly red, and she tried hard not to let the tears fall: "Then you... must take good care of yourself."
Jiang Zhixu gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes: "Wait until I return victorious." As soon as he finished speaking, he turned around and prepared to leave.
At this time, Jiang Shuyan and Cao Jiao also arrived at the front yard. Jiang Zhixu glanced at Jiang Shuyan:
"I'm not at home, you have to take good care of the house and don't let your sister-in-law worry about it."
Jiang Shuyan nodded heavily: "Don't worry, brother, I'm at home."
Cao Jiao also stepped forward and said softly, "Second brother, you must return safely from this trip."
Jiang Zhixu agreed with a smile and strode away.
Jin Linlin watched him walk away, her heart filled with worry. At this moment, Jiang Shuyan stepped forward and said:
"Sister-in-law, big brother is a lucky man and will definitely return victorious." Jin Linlin forced a smile and nodded.
At the same time, Zhan Jue said goodbye to his family, rode on horseback to meet Jiang Zhixu, and headed straight for the military camp out of the city.
After Zhan Jue and Jiang Zhixu arrived at the military camp, they quickly began to reorganize the troops. They set an example by strictly requiring the soldiers to abide by military discipline and be well-trained, and then marched to both sides of Dong Jinguo.
At the same time, the Song Emperor personally led a mighty army, which left the capital like a giant dragon and marched towards Donglin Pass. Wherever the army passed, dust flew up, and the momentum was magnificent.
January's weather grew increasingly cold, and the first snow fell thickly, blanketing the earth in a blanket of silver. The army had been on the march for nearly two weeks, and the Empress's condition was only getting worse, a cause of great concern.
In the Duke Zhenguo's Mansion, Cao Jiao's belly also swelled up like a balloon. Her baby was already seven months old.
Aunt Zi is very experienced and asserted that Cao Jiao is pregnant with twins. This good news makes Jiang Shuyan and his wife ecstatic.
In order to allow Cao Jiao to rest assured and take care of her pregnancy, Jin Linlin took the initiative to take over the power of housekeeper and managed the household affairs in an orderly manner.
She also prepared a midwife and a wet nurse in advance in case she couldn't find a suitable candidate.
As the Chinese New Year is approaching, the maids and servants in Zhiyuanju are shuttling back and forth.
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