CHAPTER 95: CHAPTER 93: MOBILIZING TROOPS

Chen Yongsheng led a group of young lads from the village into the mountains. As they reached the village entrance, they saw two figures running out; it was Xie Liangchen and Chen Zigeng.

The Wang Family Steward felt a surge of joy upon seeing them, yet maintained a guise of indifference. The master had said it would be best if Miss Xie also went along. The most formidable in Chen Family Village is this little girl, involving her would bring down Chen Family Village.

As the Wang Family Steward pondered, his glance fell upon the hunting bows slung over the siblings’ backs. His heart sank momentarily but then he quickly regained composure; they were just two kids, after all. What could they possibly do with hunting bows?

Chen Yongsheng frowned and tried to send Xie Liangchen and Chen Zigeng back: "Why are you going?"

Xie Liangchen reached out to adjust the fur hat on Chen Zigeng’s head. It was made by Mr. Dongli, who cherished Chen Zigeng, his closed-door disciple, and had given him the hat.

Before they set out, the siblings had squabbled over this hat for quite a while.

Xie Liangchen said to Chen Yongsheng, "Second Uncle, don’t worry. We’ve been to the mountains, Zigeng is excellent at recognizing roads, and we might be able to help."

Hearing this, Chen Yongsheng couldn’t say much else and instructed Xie Liangchen and Chen Zigeng: "Walk behind me and don’t wander off."

The siblings responded affirmatively, and Chen Zigeng held Xie Liangchen’s hand, hoping to share the warmth of the fur hat with his sister.

After the Chen Family Village group left, Old Mrs. Chen staggered back into the house and sat down, her heart filled with concern for her granddaughter and grandson.

Her heart was caught in her throat, she had to be cautious even with each breath. Old Mrs. Chen sighed deeply, questioning whether she should let Miss Chen do these things.

"The children have grown and can’t always hide behind you." Xu Tingzhen leaned back in the deck chair; despite the cold weather, she held the fan used in the Familiar Medicine Institute.

Old Mrs. Chen acknowledged the truth in Mr. Xu’s words.

Xu Tingzhen continued, "Regardless of the state of the world, learning more skills is always beneficial."

Old Mrs. Chen found comfort in her heart: "Mr. Xu, do have your meal!"

Xu Tingzhen shook her head: "I’m not hungry; let’s wait for Miss Chen to return and eat together."

Old Mrs. Chen looked at the elder who appeared at ease and had counseled her not to worry, finding it amusing. Wasn’t it clear she couldn’t eat out of worry?

Miss Chen is truly fortunate to have such a mentor.

...

Dingzhou Prefecture.

Song Qizheng stepped into the National Guardian General Mansion, and it seemed a layer of blood scent enveloped his official robe.

Hearing the news, Madam Rong hurried out to greet him, but was startled by Song Qizheng’s solemn demeanor.

"Master," Madam Rong cautiously approached, "What has happened?"

"Prepare a change of clothes for me," Song Qizheng ordered, "I’m going to Zhenzhou."

Madam Rong responded and hurried with Song Qizheng to the main house. They stood in the inner room as Madam Rong helped remove Song Qizheng’s official robe. Her hand came upon something wet at the waist, and upon looking down, her palm was covered with bright red bloodstains.

Madam Rong gasped softly: "What happened to you? Why is there blood?"

Madam Rong’s voice trembled slightly.

Song Qizheng furrowed his brow, pondering something as his gaze fell upon the bloodstain on Madam Rong’s hand, then he regained his focus: "We caught several Liao people sneaking in and interrogated them at the government office."

Madam Rong’s heart sank, and she couldn’t help but feel tense, eventually calming her breath to ask, "What... what Liao people?"

Song Qizheng replied, "They were transporting warhorses and furs into Daqi."

Madam Rong’s heart raced, her eyes fixed intently on Song Qizheng: "These items they transported... who were they for? Did the master extract anything from the interrogation?"

Song Qizheng’s face turned grim as he didn’t answer.

Madam Rong dreaded hearing any other news: "Why won’t the master speak?"

Song Qizheng closed his eyes, his resolute face revealing complex emotions. After a long exhale, he looked at Madam Rong again: "Handle the internal affairs well; don’t inquire about outside matters."

Once Madam Rong finished helping Song Qizheng dress, he picked up the long sword from the desk and swiftly left the National Guardian General Mansion with several household generals.

Madam Rong clasped tightly onto a handkerchief, stood still for a good while, finally awaiting the steward’s report: "Third Young Master instructed me to deliver a message to Madam. The Liao people caught by Master confessed; they have been secretly dealing with the eldest young master, exchanging horses and other items for medicine, tea leaves, and cloth.

Besides warhorses, they transported leather goods to Zhenzhou. Master is headed to Zhenzhou to catch them red-handed."

Madam Rong nodded upon hearing this; she had feared hearing other alarming news with the capture of Liao people, but now she could finally relax.

Madam Rong sat in a chair and took a sip of tea.

The refreshing aroma of the tea gradually soothed her mood. She had sensed the master’s anger earlier; if he managed to get hold of evidence against Song Xian, the master probably won’t go soft this time, right? She had been fooled by Min’s persuasion, considering letting "him" assist. "He" indeed sent someone, apparently a death warrior.

Once Song Xian is dealt with, she would sever ties with "him."

Just as Madam Rong caught a breath, she heard footsteps approaching, and Song Min hustled into the room.

Madam Rong watched Song Min: "Aren’t you going with your father to Zhenzhou?"

Song Min replied, "I’m going to catch up with Father now."

After saying this, Song Min paused, eyes fixed on Madam Rong: "The Commander’s Seal, Mother, have you obtained it?"

Madam Rong tensely responded, "Don’t act recklessly."

"Rest assured, Mother," Song Min assured, "Without the Emperor’s Commander’s Seal, troops can’t be deployed beyond defensive territories. If I stir up anything here, wouldn’t it still be at my Father’s command? Once he realizes this, he won’t blame Mother or me."

Madam Rong returned to the inner room and fetched a box: "The Commander’s Seal is always on your father. At home, there’s his token for mobilizing troops."

The token could mobilize only a small number of troops, but considering the manpower under Song Xian, it might just suffice.

Song Min reached out to accept the box: "Mother, wait at home for my good news."

Watching her son’s departing figure, Madam Rong felt increasingly anxious, hoping everything would proceed smoothly.

The distance from Dingzhou to Zhenzhou was still quite a bit.

Song Qizheng turned to Vice General Qiao beside him: "Did you inform personnel from there at Zhenzhou?"

Vice General Qiao responded: "Upon receiving the news, personnel were dispatched; they’re watching Zhenzhou’s movements. With people transporting goods, they’re likely to have spotted it, perhaps having detained them by the time we arrive, though..."

Vice General Qiao didn’t continue, but Song Qizheng understood; Zhenzhou was Song Xian’s territory, fearing Song Xian might get wind of this and intervene to cover up.

Song Qizheng spoke gravely: "If it truly is him... with charges of treason, I will not tolerate it."

Vice General Qiao dared not speak further as the group quickened their pace.

Dark clouds loomed across the sky, threatening to veil the entire heavens.