Chapter 730

Chapter 737 Good Intentions (Part 2)

Xu Lingxiao nodded approvingly, “...You and Jie Geer should handle this matter together.”

Xu Sizhun replied respectfully, “Yes.”

Ting Geer, seeing the adults had finished speaking, ran over to Eleven Niang with a grin, “Grandmother, when is Sixth Uncle returning?” Hearing him mention Jin Geer, Eleven Niang’s eyes grew sad. She managed a gentle smile, “Does Ting Geer miss Sixth Uncle?”

Ting Geer nodded with a smile, “Seventh Uncle said if Sixth Uncle were home, they could go to Datong together.” He hopped excitedly, “Grandmother, grandmother, when I grow up, I want to go to Datong with Sixth Uncle and Seventh Uncle too!”

Eleven Niang smiled and scooped Ting Geer into her arms, “Our Ting Geer is so well-behaved!”

Just then, Xu Sijie and Yingniang arrived with Zhuang Geer.

Zhuang Geer watched enviously at Ting Geer in Eleven Niang’s embrace.

Eleven Niang noticed and smiled, beckoning him over.

Zhuang Geer immediately ran over. The two brothers held hands, beaming with joy.

Xu Lingyi had already instructed Xu Sijie to follow Xu Sizhun to close the rice shops and added, “...Send a few guards over, in case there’s a rush on grain!”

Xu Sizhun mused, “Should we post a notice explaining that because the city is sealed off, rice cannot be transported in, and the shops have no rice to sell? If people know this is why the shops are closing, they won’t try to rush them. That way, we wouldn’t need to send guards...” He hesitated, “I’m worried we might not have enough manpower at home...”

“No!” Xu Lingyi immediately countered, “That could cause panic. Better to send more guards. As for the household guards, I’ll discuss it with Steward Bai.” While the father and son discussed household matters, the women listened quietly nearby. Once everything was arranged, Xu Lingyi stood up, and everyone followed him to the Elder Madam’s quarters.

The Elder Madam was in the prayer room and still carried a faint scent of sandalwood when she emerged.

“You’ve already been to pray so early?” Xu Lingyi said with a smile.

“With all the chaos outside, who knows when those Tartars will be defeated.” The elderly lady looked weary, supported by Second Madam as she sat on the large *kang* by the window. “I offered more incense to the Bodhisattva, praying for General Ouyang’s swift victory and early return, so peace may be restored to the world!”

Xu Lingyi had brought the Elder Madam and the others back immediately upon learning of the fall of Xuantong City.

“Mother, there’s no need to worry too much,” Xu Lingyi said soothingly, taking a teacup from a maid and handing it to the Elder Madam. “With four hundred thousand troops, news of victory from Datong will come soon.” He then shifted the topic, telling the Elder Madam about Xu Sizhun’s idea to close the family’s two rice shops.

The Elder Madam gazed affectionately at Xu Sizhun and nodded slightly, “This is the bearing of a heir.” She then glanced at the others in the room and admonished, “Remember, never compete with the common people for profit—it will only breed resentment!”

Everyone bowed and replied, “Yes.”

Xu Lingkuan and Fifth Madam arrived with Shen Geer and Cheng Geer.

After paying respects to the Elder Madam, everyone exchanged greetings. When they turned back, they found the Elder Madam had nodded off while sitting there, and they quickly fell silent.

Second Madam gently shook the Elder Madam, “Mother, if you’re tired, why not rest in your room?”

The Elder Madam looked up somewhat dazedly at everyone, “Why have you all stopped talking?”

Xu Lingyi shot Xu Lingkuan a look and said with a smile, “We have matters to attend to in the outer courtyard and were just about to take our leave.”

“Oh!” the Elder Madam nodded, “Then go attend to your duties.” She then instructed Second Madam, “Bring out the Diamond Sutra. Let’s continue copying from where we left off yesterday.”

Second Madam replied with a smile, and the others rose to leave.

Before they had even left the courtyard, Xu Lingkuan took Xu Lingyi aside, “Fourth Brother, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Xu Lingyi thought for a moment, “Let’s go to the study.” Xu Lingkuan nodded and followed Xu Lingyi.

After exchanging a few words with Fifth Madam, Eleven Niang also went her separate way.

Jiang Shi supported Eleven Mother: "Mother, your complexion doesn't look so good. Should we call a doctor to examine you?"

Yingniang walked ahead with a smile with two children. Hearing this, she turned around and looked at Eleven Mother: "Mother, are you still not fully recovered? Fourth Daughter-in-law is right, we should call a doctor to take a look."

"No need!" Eleven Mother said, having had two sleepless nights in a row and worrying about Jin Geer, no wonder her complexion was poor. "I just need some rest!" She then said to Jiang Shi, "You go handle matters in the reception hall. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, come ask me!" Seeing her firm attitude, the two didn’t press further. They attended to Eleven Mother as she rested, then Jiang Shi went to the reception hall to handle the household duties, while Yingniang took the two children to play in the main courtyard, ready to be called if Eleven Mother needed anything.

Eleven Mother lay with her eyes closed, not a sound to be heard. Though exhausted, she couldn’t fall asleep, her mind filled with thoughts of Jin Geer.

If it really came to that, what position would Gong Dongning assign to Jin Geer? Would he keep him safely in the rear to protect his life? Or, like Prince Yong, see it as an opportunity and send Jin Geer to charge at the front to earn military merits, securing honors for his family?

Though she had never met Gong Dongning, based on Lord Xu’s descriptions, he was likely the type who would prefer to die in battle—that would be terrible... He would probably assign Jin Geer to battle...

Thinking of this, Eleven Mother couldn’t sleep at all.

She simply sat up.

Han Xiao, who was waiting on her, immediately stepped forward and asked softly, "Madam, what do you need?"

She wanted her son safe and sound!

Eleven Mother silently thought to herself, never before had she hoped so fervently that Ouyang Ming would defeat those Tartars.

She couldn’t help but clasp her hands together and murmur, "May the Bodhisattva watch over us."

Han Xiao looked puzzled and asked softly, "Madam, what’s wrong with you?"

She hadn’t served Eleven Mother for long, but she could tell that Eleven Mother wasn’t particularly fond of Buddhist practices. At the very least, unlike other wealthy women, Eleven Mother didn’t have a Buddhist shrine or altar in her room, nor did she invite nuns to the house to discuss scriptures or chat in her spare time.

Hearing this, Eleven Mother threw off the covers and got up: "Han Xiao, go call Amber!"

Han Xiao didn’t dare delay and hurried off to fetch Amber.

"Amber," Eleven Mother said, "I want to go to Ciyuan Temple to offer incense. Go inform Steward Bai and see if it’s convenient."

A flicker of confusion passed through Amber’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She respectfully acknowledged the order and hurried to Steward Bai.

The atmosphere outside was on edge, but since it was Eleven Mother’s wish, Steward Bai naturally had to find a way to make it happen.

Early the next morning, Steward Bai sent the head of the guards to personally accompany Eleven Mother to Ciyuan Temple.

Ciyuan Temple was bustling with incense smoke, many women whispering prayers and kneeling on cushions for long periods. The temple attendant finally found an opportunity to usher Eleven Mother into the main hall.

"Please protect Jin Geer and keep him safe. If you can do this, I am willing to become your faithful believer from now on..." Eleven Mother closed her eyes and prayed devoutly.

But things still took an unsatisfactory turn.

Within a few days, reports from the front arrived. Ouyang Ming divided his forces into three routes: one to support Datong, one to subdue the Tartars who had captured Xuantong, and one stationed four hundred li from Yanjing. However, Xuantong remained under prolonged siege, and Datong suffered retreat after retreat, losing thirty percent of its troops.

The Emperor called Lord Xu into court.

Before noon, Eleven Mother got word.

The Ministry of War appointed Gong Dongning as Commander of the Right Military Governor's Office, and Ding Zhi as Vice Minister of War. Gong Dongning was excused from thanking the Emperor in person and was ordered to immediately lead the forces of the Right Military Governor's Office to garrison at Ganzhou, while Ding Zhi was to come to the capital to take up his appointment.

Eleven Mother stood there in a daze, speechless for a long time.

Lord Xu returned at noon.

Amber went out to meet him.

"My lord," her voice was even softer than usual, "the lady is unwell and is lying down in the inner chamber..." Before she could finish her sentence, Eleventh Miss's voice came from inside: "Has Lord Xu returned?"

Amber hesitated.

Lord Xu had already swept the curtain aside and stepped in. "I'm back!"

Eleventh Miss sat up briskly and dismissed the maids attending her.

"Are the people you sent still with Jin Geer?" The faint light filtering through the bed curtains made her skin appear as pale as snow, giving her a fragile look.

Lord Xu sat by the bed and instinctively took her hand. "They have been by his side all along," he added, "I have already sent word to them, instructing them to ensure Jin Geer's safety..."

"Master Pang isn’t enlisted in the military—can he still go along?" Eleventh Miss interrupted his attempt to comfort her with "Don’t worry..." His attempt to reassure her was cut short, and after a moment of hesitation, he replied, "I have arranged military registration for Master Pang, Huang Xiaomao, and Liu Erwu. With them by his side, Jin Geer will have people he can rely on." "Do you know where Gong Dongning has assigned Jin Geer?"

Lord Xu remained silent for a long while before whispering, "Gong Dongning is, after all, the commander of the three armies. There are some matters I cannot easily inquire about..."

Eleventh Miss nodded, asking no further questions, and lay back down briskly. "I’m rather tired and would like to rest for a while. If you have matters to attend to, my lord, please call for Amber." With that, she closed her eyes.

Lord Xu gazed at her delicate, slightly furrowed brow for a long time before letting out a deep sigh. He rose gently and left the inner chamber.

A single, glistening teardrop fell from the corner of Eleventh Miss’s eye.

Whether it was a case of biding their time or acting too soon, twenty days later, news arrived from Ganzhou: Gong Dongning’s Right Army had encountered an ambush by the Tartars near Liangzhou Garrison, still five hundred li (about 250 kilometers) from Ganzhou. The Right Army suffered over a thousand casualties, killed over five hundred enemy soldiers, captured more than a hundred Tartars, and seized over three hundred horses.

When the news came, everyone consciously overlooked the Right Army’s losses and instead focused on the "over five hundred enemy soldiers killed, more than a hundred Tartars captured, and over three hundred horses seized." This was especially precious in contrast to the loss of Datong.

The Emperor frequently summoned Lord Xu to the palace.

Not long after, another victory was reported from Ganzhou.

The Right Army had killed three thousand enemy soldiers, captured over two thousand Tartars, and seized more than a thousand horses.

Yanjing’s morale soared at the news, and Gong Dongning became the talk of the town.

Lord Xu grew even busier, sometimes even being required to stay in the palace. On the rare occasions the couple met, Eleventh Miss would always ask him, "Is there any news of Jin Geer?" "He’s doing well," Lord Xu would reply with a comforting smile. "Gong Dongning has kept him by his side. Jin Geer is now Gong Dongning’s personal guard!"