Chapter 069 Lin Baozhen Sends a Dog

Chapter 069 Lin Baozhen Sends a Dog

The charcoal brazier was removed from the room where Xiao Bai stayed. After taking some medicine, Xiao Bai improved significantly that night.

Jian He sighed with relief, but the old lady shook her head and said, "Her temper is still so impetuous. If anything had happened to Xiao Bai, how would you face Yuqing in the future?"

Jian He replied, "Mother, it's my fault."

Jian He promptly admitted his mistake and discussed dog care for a long time with the eunuch.

The eunuch, having received respect and rewards from the General, was more than willing to share all he knew, even explaining how to identify the common "ten-day dogs" sold by merchants.

"These dogs can usually be identified by a red line on their paws. When bought, they look fine, but after ten days, they become ill. To treat them, one must buy special medicine from the seller, which needs to be administered for a year before the dog recovers."

Jian He listened patiently for nearly an hour before heading to the martial arts field for practice.

In the cold winter, Jian He worked up such a sweat that his clothes were drenched. He changed into fresh attire and attended a banquet for military officers in the evening.

Dinner was once again at Tenglong Pavilion.

Jian He sat in the main seat, with the former Minister of War seated to his left. The current Minister of War's seat had moved to the right, while Wei Wuhou now occupied the left side.

Wei Wuhou could sit in this position for only one reason: he was related to Concubine Chen.

He Lanting had a terrible impression of Lin Baozhen but remained cordial with Wei Wuhou. Her cousin was a man who understood propriety and held significant military power. If He Lanting wanted to secure a child and elevate that child to the highest position, she needed the support of military officers, and Wei Wuhou was her choice.

After His Majesty bestowed the title of Concubine Chen, everyone began to fawn over Wei Wuhou, allowing Xie Yuan, who had previously been embarrassed by the failed marriage proposal, to regain his confidence.

Xie Jingzhi was also brought along by Xie Yuan.

Jian He felt sorry for Wei Wuhou's adopted son, who seemed out of place and clearly had no interest in military affairs. Despite this, he was brought along anyway.

Out of kindness, Jian He offered to have a drink with Xie Jingzhi. Xie Jingzhi did drink, but his expression was grim, as if Jian He was forcing him. Jian He shook his head inwardly; he had merely noticed Xie Jingzhi's young age and lack of conversation at the table, and his offer was not appreciated.

Jian He picked up a thin slice of beef. The beef at Tenglong Pavilion was well-prepared, and although the owner had given him the secret recipe, he could never replicate its taste.

Having practiced martial arts in the afternoon, Jian He was hungry and ate heartily.

Xie Yuan watched Jian He quietly eating meat, thinking that Jian He could only enjoy this kind of meat, not the pleasures of the flesh.

Jian He was a few years younger than Xie Yuan but remained unmarried. Xie Yuan had been in the same situation but now had a young wife in her teens, giving him a sense of superiority.

"General Jian, I heard that your grandfather and grandmother have returned to the capital. This is a good opportunity to introduce you to some noble ladies and get married soon."

Many eyes lit up at the prospect. The Jian family had a good reputation, being a scholarly lineage that did not take concubines. Jian He himself was capable and a high-ranking official in the court.

Seeing the eager looks, Jian He felt a chill down his spine. "No need, no need. I'm only staying in the capital temporarily and will return later. I don't want to burden any woman with me, especially when Wei Wuhou should consider his own matters."

Everyone laughed.

Confused, Jian He heard Xie Jingzhi say, "General Jian, my father has already married on October 10th."

Jian He had heard about Wei Wuhou's reasons for not marrying, citing some astrological incompatibility. He thought it was a good excuse and had considered using it himself, but his parents never pressured him, so he didn't need a reason.

Hearing about Wei Wuhou's marriage, Jian He stood up and said, "Congratulations! A toast is in order."

Xie Yuan smiled and drank the toast with a spring in his step.

The Minister of War smiled and said, "Our Wei Wuhou is not just married; his new wife is very young, barely in her teens, like a flower on a branch. Our Lord Marquis truly has great skill."

"The lady Wei Wuhou married is the eldest daughter of the Minister of Rites... No, the Chief of the Board of Ceremonies."

"Lord Xie truly has good fortune. I've heard that this marriage wasn't initiated by the Lord Marquis but rather proposed by Miss Lin herself, who admired his demeanor."

"I remarried after losing my wife, yet my status doesn't compare to Wei Wuhou's. Therefore, General Jian, one toast isn't enough; three toasts are required."

Jian He readily agreed, "I'll offer another bowl of wine!"

Lin Baozhen sometimes caused trouble for Xie Yuan, but more often, especially during banquets, having such a beautiful wife made others envy him.

Thus, Xie Yuan drank a bowl of wine with gusto.

Only Xie Jingzhi looked somewhat dejected. He disliked hearing Lin Baozhen mentioned, believing she deserved to be cherished as her name suggested.

Surrounded by adults, even his father was laughing and drinking. What could he do?

Xie Jingzhi ate silently.

/

After finishing his meal, Jian He decided not to take a carriage but rode his horse away.

Known for his good tolerance, he sweated off most of his intoxication, reducing his eight-tenths drunkenness to five-tenths.

Unexpectedly, he was stopped by Xie Jingzhi, who had left the banquet early and waited for him here.

Xie Jingzhi raised an eyebrow and asked, "What advice does Lord Xie have?"

"Please follow me," Xie Jingzhi said, "My mother wishes to see you."

Jian He knew about Lin Baozhen and had learned another fact: her sister Lin Yingxue had married Fu Jiaze. He had a favorable impression of Lin Yingxue and was willing to meet Lin Baozhen.

Lin Baozhen carried a basket and bowed gracefully to Jian He, "Greetings, General Jian."

Standing in the dark alley, Jian He felt a strange sensation. Before meeting Lin Baozhen, hearing Xie Jingzhi call her mother didn't bother him much. But now, seeing Lin Baozhen and imagining Xie Jingzhi calling her mother felt odd.

Their ages should be similar. How could Xie Jingzhi call such a woman mother? Moreover, why didn't Lin Baozhen approach him through Wei Wuhou instead of Xie Jingzhi?

His remaining five-tenths of intoxication dwindled to three-tenths under these thoughts.

"What is it, Lady Marquis?" Jian He's voice was cold and distant.

Lin Baozhen didn't notice Jian He's coldness, assuming it was just his nature. She looked up at Jian He, thinking that although he held a high position and was younger than Wei Wuhou, he was not as handsome as Xie Yuan.

"I noticed you brought a dog when General Jian entered the city." Lin Baozhen's smile was sweet and clear. "I heard that dog isn't doing well. I have a little white puppy here that I'd like to give to the general."

Lin Baozhen lifted the lid of the basket in her hands, revealing an adorable little white dog with a small tuft tied by a red ribbon on its forehead. The dog was sticking out its tongue, looking very cute.