Chapter 728

Chapter 735 Goodwill (Part 1)

Four hundred thousand troops were deployed from Shandong and Shanxi... Although Xu Lingyi was at home, he had been closely following court matters. He hadn't heard about this, indicating it was a decision the Emperor had just made.

Changing commanders mid-campaign...

After a moment of thought, he asked Prince Yong, "How is the current state of the war? Who proposed sending Ouyang Ming?"

Xuantong City was breached, and Fan Weigang's whereabouts were unknown.

Unknown was still acceptable—death could atone for his failure.

The fear was that he might still be alive, and if held accountable later, his family would suffer.

"Regional Commander Zhao Nuo of Datong is holding off the Tartars at Datong and urgently requested reinforcements. The Emperor then sent Ouyang Ming," Prince Yong said with a smile. "Minister Lu of the Ministry of War personally went to Tongzhou to oversee grain and fodder transportation. I’ve also spoken to Minister Lu about Jin Ge’er’s matter." "This is a sure victory—the commanders of the Five Military Commissions must be competing to go, right?" Xu Lingyi said with a laugh. "If we get involved too, it might invite gossip." He then turned back to the war. "Do you know who has been appointed as the lieutenant general?"

"It seems several lieutenant generals from Shandong and Henan have been transferred." Prince Yong had arrived in high spirits but, seeing Xu Lingyi genuinely uninterested, left disappointed. After exchanging a few perfunctory words, he awkwardly took his leave.

Xu Lingyi sat alone in the room for a long time.

Ouyang Ming appointed as the General of the Western Pacification... He had always served in the Imperial Guard, and his loyalty was unquestionable. But war was not about loyalty. Fan Weigang had once been the previous emperor’s guard and was appointed Regional Commander of Xuantong due to his loyalty... Who knew what had become of him now?

He stood before the "Map of the Nine Provinces," his expression somber.

Lady Eleven was lost in thought.

Prince Yong hadn’t stayed for a meal. Calculating the time, he should have taken his leave by now.

She sent Leng Xiang to inquire.

Han Xiao came in to report, "Madam, Wan Yizong’s wife and Chang Jiuhe’s wife have settled in and are here to kowtow to you!" "Let them in." Upon hearing the news of Xuantong’s fall, Lady Eleven had immediately sent Wan Daxian to bring Wan Yizong’s family from the orchard and Chang Jiuhe’s family from the farmstead to the residence at Goldfish Lane. She feared the Tartars might reach Yanjing and the two families would be unable to escape in time, caught in the crossfire.

"Madam, you are kind-hearted, a compassionate savior in our time of suffering." Even days later, Wan Yizong’s wife and Chang Jiuhe’s wife still looked pale and trembled as they spoke of the event. "If you hadn’t told us to leave behind what we couldn’t carry and rush into the city before the gates closed, we wouldn’t be able to enter now even if we wanted to!"

Lady Eleven was surprised.

Chang Jiuhe’s wife hurriedly explained, "After Xuantong fell, many people fled to Yanjing. Now that everyone knows, they’re also rushing into the city. The Five City Military and Police Office officers are driving refugees away from the city gates every day. Anyone dressed in ragged or humble clothing is barred from entering. Some have no choice but to head to Shandong or Henan—I’ve heard there are thousands upon thousands. They’ve even stripped the bark off trees along the road to eat." Wan Yizong’s wife also sighed, "Our man sits under the eaves every day smoking, saying if your letter had arrived any later, we wouldn’t have made it into the city either." She added, "Madam, they won’t really attack here, will they? This is the foot of the Son of Heaven!"

Lady Eleven wasn’t sure either.

If even Xu Lingyi couldn’t protect her, families like Wan Yizong’s and Chang Jiuhe’s would have even less security.

"Probably not," she said vaguely. "In any case, as long as I am here, you will be taken care of." Reassured, the two women thanked her repeatedly. Lady Eleven chatted with them for a while until Han Xiao returned and stood silently to the side. Sensing Lady Eleven had matters to attend to, they respectfully kowtowed and excused themselves.

"Madam, Prince Yong has left. The Marquis is alone in his study," Han Xiao reported with a curtsey, hinting subtly, "He instructed Deng Hua to admit no one." Lady Eleven nodded and only asked Xu Lingyi when he returned to their room, "What did Prince Yong come for?"

"Nothing important," Xu Lingyi said lightly. "We discussed the war."

He didn’t elaborate further.

Lady Eleven didn’t press.

She tenderly attended to him as he rested.

In the middle of the night, Xu Lingyi held her in his arms. Unlike his usual gentle affection, there was an urgency and restlessness in his embrace, as if he couldn’t bear to let go for even a moment, afraid she might slip away.

Lady Eleven was swept up in the intensity, her body quickly heating like boiling water. But as wave after wave of passion washed over her, she gradually struggled to keep pace. Eventually, she could only endure, beginning to understand inwardly.

It seemed he was using this moment to prove something. Unable to bring herself to chide him, she instead relaxed her body, letting him have his way... Only when she began to feel faint did Xu Lingyi realize something was wrong. He quickly stopped and held Lady Eleven, whose eyes and brows had stiffened with tension. "Mo Yan, Mo Yan," he called, his voice anxious and uneasy.

Lady Eleven caught her breath.

Lord Xu had been uncharacteristically agitated these days.

There must be something troubling him deeply that he couldn't let go of but also couldn't share with those around him.

Remembering how calmly he had arranged family matters when the previous emperor summoned him to the palace for the last time, she felt a welling tenderness and couldn't help but gently stroke his back to comfort him.

What was wrong with her today? She actually couldn't control her emotions.

Lord Xu felt a pang of guilt, turned over, and lay beside her, but his breathing remained ragged and unsettled for a long while.

In the darkness, Lady Eleven gritted her teeth, straddled him, nibbled at his ear, and whispered, "I love this..." Her hand reached out to arouse him.

Lord Xu knew her body well and understood she was just humoring him. Though he felt guilty, his body responded involuntarily... After hesitating for a moment, he grasped her hand. "Mo Yan!" He kissed her cheek. "I'm fine..." His voice was strained, as if struggling.

Lady Eleven could feel his body growing even more aroused... so she simply yielded to the moment.

Lord Xu let out a low, guttural sound, unable to hold back any longer. He flipped over, pressed her down, and began moving rhythmically!

Fortunately, Lady Eleven's rare initiative acted like an aphrodisiac, quickly bringing him to climax.

Lady Eleven let out a long sigh of relief.

Lord Xu was reluctant to get up. After cuddling with her for a while, he finally carried her to the bathing room.

By the time they had cleaned up and returned to bed, the maids outside were already up and about.

"My lord, allow me to assist you."

There had been times in the past when they stayed up until dawn, but considering their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and the two consorts would come to pay their respects, they would usually rise first, greet the Matriarch, and then return to catch up on sleep.

This time, however, Lord Xu remained silent. Instead, he tightly wrapped his arms around Lady Eleven, who was about to get up, using actions to convey his answer.

"My lord..." Lady Eleven felt somewhat uneasy.

But Lord Xu covered her eyes with his large hand. "Sleep a little longer," he said. Then he added, "I'll stay with you."

His embrace was warm and cozy, and Lady Eleven was truly exhausted. As soon as she closed her eyes, drowsiness washed over her. Just then, Lord Xu whispered softly in her ear, "I'm here." Her eyelids grew too heavy to open, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when Amber called to her softly, "Madam, madam, please wake up. Princess Jiangdu is here!"

Lady Eleven sat up abruptly. "Where is Lord Xu?"

"Lord Xu has been summoned to the palace by the emperor!" Amber had already prepared her clothes and knew what worried her most. "I’ve told Fourth Young Mistress and Fifth Young Mistress that you caught a chill yesterday and have a headache, so they should come back in the evening to pay their respects." Lady Eleven nodded hurriedly and got up to get dressed.

Amber caught a glimpse of suck marks on her shoulders and lowered her head, suppressing a smile as she deftly helped her into her outer garment.

Princess Jiangdu grew impatient and called out as she entered the main room, "Auntie, Auntie!" Since Jin Geer left for Guizhou, Lady Eleven had gone from being "Lady Yongping" to "Auntie."

Lady Eleven’s hands were slightly weak, and she tried twice to pin up her hair without success. Amber stepped forward to help, but Princess Jiangdu had already burst in.

"Oh! Auntie, you’re not yet dressed and made up!" Princess Jiangdu was a little surprised but, being naturally forthright, didn’t feel awkward. She sat down beside Lady Eleven but was immediately captivated by a hair ornament in her dressing case.

"It’s so beautiful!" she exclaimed, holding it in her hand to admire.

The hair ornament was about the size of a baby’s palm, made with white shell petals shaped like a budding magnolia. The edges were adorned with strings of pale red coral and purple pearls, elegant in color yet exuding luxury—a stunning piece to behold.

This flower was a gift from Lord Xu. She had once thought it too large and heavy, worrying it might slip from her bun if worn carelessly. Now, she felt it was quite nice to hold and admire. Lady Eleven smiled softly and asked Princess Jiangdu, "What brings you here today?" She made no mention of the hair ornament.

Princess Jiangdu, having seen much of the world and being here on business, didn’t dwell on it. She casually placed the hairpin back into the dressing case and said seriously, "Aunt, did you know that the Third Prince came to visit yesterday?" Lady Eleven rose, leading Princess Jiangdu to sit on the large heated kang by the window, and replied with a smile, "I know."

"Then do you know why the Third Prince came?" Princess Jiangdu pressed.

Lady Eleven paused slightly. "I haven’t had the chance to discuss this with Lord Xu yet!"

Before her words fully settled, Princess Jiangdu exclaimed, "Oh dear!" and chided, "You really are something—so unconcerned about Jin Geer! Ouyang Ming is about to be appointed General Pingxi, commanding 400,000 troops to Datong to suppress the rebellion. The Third Prince kindly came to inform Uncle, suggesting that he have Jin Geer recalled from Guizhou to Yanjing to assist Minister Lu with overseeing supply logistics. Once Ouyang Ming achieves victory, given Jin Geer’s status, he could easily secure a marquisate or earldom." She continued urgently, "Aunt, this is a rare opportunity! Countless people both within and beyond Da Zhou are eyeing it. Even with the Third Prince’s involvement, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Yet Uncle declined, fearing gossip. The Third Prince was so furious he stomped around at home. It was only because the Third Princess rushed to tell me and asked me to persuade Uncle that I found out."

Lady Eleven felt a surge of joy upon hearing this.

She had never considered pitting her son against Xu Sizhun, but she still worried about his future. An opportunity to secure a clearer path for him naturally delighted her. However, as soon as this joy showed on her face, she quickly composed herself.

Could simply transporting supplies really lead to a marquisate or earldom? Since when does such a pie in the sky fall from the sky?

Her fear was that such military merits might be taken from those soldiers who truly fought bloody battles on the front lines but lacked connections.

Besides, Lord Xu also felt it was unworkable.