Jiang Wan looked surprised.
This coral was meticulously replicated by an old craftsman from the martial arts world, commissioned by Shixu at a high price. It is lifelike and a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
She hadn't expected that Jiang Linyuan would see through her so soon.
Jiang Wan did not deny it, and simply said, "I have my own purpose, but it's not convenient to say it now. I will explain it to you later."
"You..." Jiang Linyuan's beard trembled with anger, "Have you eaten bear liver and phoenix gall? You dare to do such a thing as deceiving the emperor! You are simply..."
A eunuch's voice came from behind, saying that the meal had been served and urging the two to take their seats.
“If Father is truly angry, then go and report your daughter.” Jiang Wan’s eyes flickered slightly. “Otherwise, come with me and finish this meal.”
Having said that, he turned and left.
Jiang Linyuan was furious and muttered under his breath, "What a stubborn temper."
"...just like your mother."
When he took his seat again, he had composed himself, as if nothing had happened, and spoke to Emperor Jingyuan with a smile.
Jiang Wan was finally relieved.
Halfway through the meal, a palace servant came to report that Pei Xuan had arrived.
The Empress was very pleased and ordered someone to add a pair of chopsticks.
Pei Xuan replied, "Your Majesty, I have important matters to discuss with you. Please move to the main hall."
He frowned slightly, his expression solemn. Emperor Jingyuan immediately took it seriously and said, "There are no outsiders here, so speak frankly."
After dismissing the palace servants, Pei Xuancai walked up to Emperor Jingyuan and whispered a few words in his ear.
"What!" Emperor Jingyuan's expression changed drastically. "This is impossible! How dare the people of Donglai launch a night attack on the capital!"
"When I came out of Lieutenant Li's residence, I ran into two suspicious-looking people. After questioning them, I found that they were actually from Donglai."
Pei Xuandao.
"The Donglai people are disguised, and it is unknown how many of them are in the capital. If they cooperate from within and without, they could catch the city defenses off guard."
Emperor Jingyuan could not hide his shock: "You mean... the Donglai tribe intends to rebel?"
Pei Xuan pondered for a moment: "Donglai is not strong enough. This action is more likely to be a provocation."
"But it's just speculation. Before entering the palace, I sent people to inform the Song family army, the patrol battalion, and the residences of several military officers to strengthen the defense of the city gates and investigate the enemy situation. There will be definite news later."
Jiang Wan sat to the side with her eyes lowered, secretly alarmed.
The Donglai people's surprise attack was all about speed, but Pei Xuan was able to detect something amiss from the slightest clues and seize the initiative.
In just a few words, he accurately pointed out the situation.
Perhaps Pei Xuan's existence is the reason why the Donglai people, despite their overwhelming force in the previous life, did not cause much actual damage.
Emperor Jingyuan remained silent for a long time, then suddenly flew into a rage and overturned the dining table in front of him.
"What a blatant act by the Donglai tribe! They've been subservient to Dayong for years, yet they dare to be so audacious in private!"
If they were to actually breach the city's defenses, what would become of his reputation as a monarch!
"Your Majesty, please calm down," Jiang Linyuan said. "We should hurry up and make arrangements, and not waste the initiative brought by His Highness the Crown Prince."
Emperor Jingyuan took a few deep breaths and nodded.
"That's right, order the Armory to open the armory and transport weapons to the patrol battalion and the Song family army stationed outside the city, quickly!"
"Summon General Chengping again and tell him to come to see me immediately!"
When Song Ziyu received the imperial decree to enter the palace, he was standing on the observation platform.
He had been keeping an eye on Bi Yuan recently, and as soon as he returned to the mansion today, he was summoned by Song Tingyue. Before the two could exchange more than a few words, they heard the news that the people of Donglai had attacked the capital.
Song Ziyu was about to leave when Song Tingyue caught up with him: "I know the people of Donglai well. If I go with you, we can definitely help."
So Song Ziyu took her to the military camp.
"General!"
A man rode swiftly from outside the camp; it was Mu Feng.
"My subordinates have scouted the surrounding area and found that within a hundred miles of the capital, there is only a group of merchants and travelers, and no one else. It seems that the people of Donglai have no reinforcements."
Song Yu, who was standing nearby, asked, "Merchants? What are they dressed like?"
"A camel-colored long gown, and a hat wrapped with rice dumplings on his head."
After thinking for a moment, Song Yu realized that, according to his account in the book, this description did not seem to be from Donglai.
Song Tingyue suddenly said, "That's right, they are very likely from Donglai!"
All the soldiers were taken aback.
Song Tingyue nodded firmly, as if she had thought of something: "Ziyu, if the Donglai people have any backup plans, the patrol camp and the stationed troops will not be enough. You should quickly go back to your residence, take the tiger tally, and go to the palace to report to His Majesty!"
Song Ziyu pulled her aside: "This is a very important matter. Are you sure?"
Song Tingyue chuckled softly: "In my opinion, those people are not from Donglai."
"Then why..."
"My silly brother!" Song Tingyue sighed. "If the Donglai people are just bluffing, the patrol battalion could have taken care of them. How could you possibly have earned merit? Do you still want your military power back?"
Song Ziyu frowned: "So, what does Sister mean?"
"Take the tiger tally now and report to His Majesty that a group of reinforcements from Donglai is approaching. Obtain the other tiger tally from His Majesty and go to Wucheng to mobilize troops. Once the enemy is wiped out, all the credit will be yours!"
"As for those merchants and ordinary people, as long as you say they are from Donglai, they are from Donglai."
Song Tingyue smiled faintly.
"After all, the dead can't talk."
The more Song Ziyu listened, the brighter her eyes became: "Sister is right! I'll go get the tiger tally right now and go to the palace!"
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