Chapter 241: Each a Formidable Force

Chapter 241: Each a Formidable Force

Cuiyun exited and soon returned, accompanying a tall man in his twenties, clad in a brocaded robe. Once Cuiyun left, the man saluted Tang Shuyi with a fist, "This humble officer, Bai Xiangchen, pays his respects to the Lady of the Marquis."

Tang Shuyi regarded him with curiosity, "And you are?"

"I am a trusted subordinate of Marquis Hou," Bai Xiangchen said, "The Marquis sent me with 500 elite troops from the northwest to protect the lady and the young miss. I arrived a few days ago but had no opportunity to present myself."

As he spoke, he produced a letter and handed it to Tang Shuyi, "This is a letter from the Marquis for you."

Taking the letter, Tang Shuyi asked, "Do you know Lu Zhiguo?"

"I do. Lu Zhiguo is also a confidant of the Marquis, but we act independently. He is unaware that I have been ordered to return to the capital with troops," Bai Xiangchen explained.

Tang Shuyi had to admit that Xiao Huai was cautious in his dealings. Noble families in the capital could employ guards, but not private armies, especially troops sent from the northwest like Xiao Huai’s, which had to remain a secret. Moreover, with the emperor's spies likely watching Marquis Yongning's residence, Bai Xiangchen's decision not to visit directly was prudent.

Tearing open the envelope, she unfolded the letter, recognizing the firm and vigorous handwriting. It read:

"My lady, the emperor has long been wary of me. Should I return victorious from the campaign against Rouli, he will surely seek to eliminate me. I will bring Yuchen and Yuming to the northwest, but my primary concern is for you and Yuzhu’s safety. Thus, I have sent 500 elite troops to protect you both. Bai Xiangchen and I are sworn brothers; he is trustworthy. You may command him and the soldiers as you see fit.

"Additionally, be wary of the Grand Tutor and the Crown Prince. Three years ago, the spy emerged from the Grand Tutor’s residence. Two concubines in our household are enemy spies, planted to frame me; you may dispose of them. Be cautious around the Crown Prince’s faction; do not act rashly, and wait for my return."

"In my absence from the capital, should you encounter any difficulties, seek out Xie Liu. The Xie family will lend you their full support."

Signed, Xiao Huai.

Tang Shuyi closed the letter and returned it to its envelope.

Xiao Huai’s mention of a spy from the Grand Tutor's residence did not surprise Tang Shuyi. When she learned that two of Xiao Huai’s concubines were spies, she suspected that the real traitors were aligned with the Crown Prince.

Initially, the wife of General Wuwei, one of Xiao Huai’s subordinates, inadvertently mentioned that Xiao Huai’s concubines had been under surveillance in the northwest. Tang Shuyi suspected they might be spies and subsequently interrogated them.

Indeed, the women were agents of General Lu from Rouli, sold after the deaths of their grandparents and purchased by one of Xiao Huai’s men, Cheng Yuquan. Later, Cheng Yuquan traded them for horses with Xiao Huai.

However, Xiao Huai never touched them and had them closely watched. After Xiao Huai’s death, a man named Su Bingcang sent them back to the capital. Investigations linked Su Bingcang to the Second Prince, directing all suspicion towards his household.

But Tang Shuyi felt that the Second Prince was a scapegoat; he lacked both motive and capability to collude with the enemy. She suspected the Crown Prince but lacked evidence.

Now, with Xiao Huai’s words, if one were to investigate the relationships between Cheng Yuquan, Su Bingcang, and the Crown Prince’s faction, something might come to light.

However, Xiao Huai’s warning suggested he already had evidence. She resolved not to act hastily and alert the enemy.

Tang Shuyi invited Bai Xiangchen to sit and inquired about the northwest. Although she largely believed him to be Xiao Huai's confidant, caution remained paramount.

What appeared to be casual chit-chat was in fact a scrutinizing conversation. After being convinced of Bai Xiangchen’s loyalty, Tang Shuyi and he began discussing how best to deploy the 500 elite troops.

Tang Shuyi thought for a moment and instructed, "Five hundred elite troops, two hundred to enter the Marquis's estate. Disguise them as servants and infiltrate the household, five persons a day. The remaining three hundred will reside in the estate's annex on standby."

"My Lady thinks of everything," Bai Xiangchen remarked.

"Good, go back for now, and I will have someone contact you later," said Tang Shuyi.

Bai Xiangchen bowed his fist to Tang Shuyi in farewell and then, like any other guest, spent a generous amount of silver in the guildhall, enjoying himself before departing.

With this, Tang Shuyi felt much more at ease, having capable people at hand; if one day the despotic emperor took drastic actions, she and Yuzhu would have a fallback even if they had to flee.

However, fleeing was a last resort. Judging by Xiao Huai's intentions, he had no current plans to rebel. And as he would not rebel, the emperor would still need him to fight against the Roulai Kingdom. He likely wouldn't execute him or use her and Yuzhu to threaten Xiao Huai while he still needed him.

The showdown between Xiao Huai and the emperor would probably happen after the war.

………

The next day, Tang Shuyi had Steward Zhao go to liaise with Bai Xiangchen. In the evening, Steward Zhao returned, brimming with excitement.

After bowing to Tang Shuyi, he reported with excitement, "The 500 soldiers brought by Major Bai are now stationed at Nanxing Mountain, a hundred miles outside the city. Madam, when I saw those soldiers..."

Zhao Steward’s face turned red with exhilaration as he continued, "Each one of those soldiers is fierce and formidable. I even tested their mettle myself; they might not take on a hundred, but a dozen? Absolutely."

Having come from military ranks himself, he recognized at a glance that these soldiers were meticulously selected. This surely shows that the Marquis's regard for his lady remains unchanged!

Tang Shuyi, hearing this, was equally delighted. Having capable people on hand, she felt more grounded. She instructed, "Let them enter the estate and the auxiliary residence disguised as servants, five each day. All provisions for these days, especially food, should come from our farm outside the city, discreetly."

"I understand," the steward replied promptly.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "These coming days will be demanding for you, Steward Zhao."

Steward Zhao hastily replied, "It’s my duty."

After another bow, Zhao Steward took his leave, and Tang Shuyi exhaled a long sigh. In truth, Xiao Huai's existence was decidedly more advantageous than not for their three children.

Although his apparent resurrection from death brought a series of troubles, such troubles would be inevitable when Xiao Yuming took over the military power in the northwest; it was just a matter of time.

The strength of the imperial authority and noble families are inherently at odds. The royal family dreads the power of the courtiers, yet the courtiers all aspire to wield power and ensure their families' longevity. In the end, it comes down to who is more cunning.

Moreover, with Xiao Huai alive, Xiao Yuming's path to maturity will be much smoother.

For Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuzhu, Xiao Huai is their most significant support. With such a powerful father behind them, they can act with full confidence in any matter.

However, she suspects that her days of ease and comfort might not last much longer.

Lost in her thoughts, Cui Zhu approached, informing her that Xiao Chengming has arrived. Tang Shuyi headed to the main hall, and after exchanging greetings, she inquired, "Uncle, how have you been lately?"

Xiao Chengming hurriedly replied, "I'm well, thank you. There's just something I'd like to discuss with you."

Tang Shuyi could roughly guess what he intended to speak about - their recent arrival in the capital, the yet-to-be formalized acknowledgment of kinship, and the uncertainty about their future standing.

Initially, Tang Shuyi had planned to recognize their kinship formally upon their arrival, endow them with some wealth, and treat them as a side branch of the Marquis mansion. However, with Xiao Huai still alive, he remains their closest blood relative. Decisions would have to wait until his return.

She won't burden herself with unappreciated efforts.