Chapter 1705: Waiting for Our Good News

 Chapter 256.2: Selling Miseries for the Grand General (Part Two)

The evening wind swept past the encampment, carrying the faint chill of early winter. Inside the tent, the light from the oil lamp cast warm reflections upon the bronze utensils, mingling with the faint fragrance of tea.

Ah Zhi and Ah Che were tidying the space quietly when Yuan Xiang, full of liveliness, sat straight across from Chang Suining, his expression as bright as if he were about to announce some great success.

“...The Grand General said that if Young Miss asks after him,” Yuan Xiang declared proudly, “then I should tell you—he is perfectly fine!”

Chang Suining paused mid-motion, her brows slightly lifted, the corners of her lips pressing into an almost helpless line. “Perfectly fine?” she repeated, doubtful. “What does that mean—‘perfectly fine’? Is he truly well, or pretending to be so?”

“Ah, well... truly fine, but not entirely fine,” Yuan Xiang admitted, scratching his head with a sheepish grin.

As he spoke, he recalled how the Chief Dai had once tried to persuade the Grand General to speak less heroically in his letters. “A man should sometimes show a little frailty,” Dai had said, “else the lady will never pity you. Being too steadfast leaves no room for tenderness.”

So now, tasked with “selling miseries,” Yuan Xiang cleared his throat solemnly and began to recount, in great detail, the supposed tribulations of his revered commander.

He described how the Grand General often stayed up through the night drafting military orders and reviewing defense maps by candlelight until dawn, how the freezing winds of the northern frontier had grown so bitter that ink would freeze in the inkstone, yet the Grand General still rode the snowy fields daily to oversee drills personally.

“Just last month,” Yuan Xiang went on dramatically, “a patrol discovered traces of Northern Di troops near the border. The Grand General led a team to investigate himself. On the way back, a blizzard fell without warning, blocking the return path. We had no shelter in sight—only an abandoned cave to hide in. But, as fate would have it, a wild bear had taken refuge there first.”

At that, he lowered his voice, eyes widening for effect. “The beast was enormous—bigger than two horses combined! It lunged at us without warning, and the Grand General fought it head-on with only his saber! In the end, he slew the beast but took a deep wound across his arm. When we returned to camp days later, the Physician said the injury could have cost him his life!”

By the time Yuan Xiang finished his tale, even Ah Che and Xi’er were listening wide-eyed, their tea forgotten.

Chang Suining rested her chin on her hand, her eyes narrowing in quiet thought.

“Remarkable indeed,” she murmured at last.

For a moment, Yuan Xiang straightened with satisfaction—until her tone shifted, curious and musing. “Though, if it were me back then... perhaps I might have managed it too. But I’ve never slain a bear before, so I cannot say for certain.”

The poor soldier nearly coughed blood on the spot.

So much for sympathy—her fighting spirit had been roused instead!

He stared at her for a long moment, unsure whether to laugh or weep. Perhaps he had made the tale too vivid, and instead of stirring compassion, he had awakened a sense of competition.

As he wallowed in silent despair, Chang Suining’s calm voice broke through again, steady and clear. “Even so,” she said, “the Grand General must take care of his health. At such a critical time, should he fall ill, who else could hold the northern frontier?”

Yuan Xiang blinked, then exhaled in relief.

It was not the tender concern he had been ordered to provoke, but it was concern nonetheless—and for his commander, that was victory enough.

Composing himself quickly, he beamed. “Yes, yes, Young Miss speaks truly! I shall faithfully convey your words to the Grand General!”

Chang Suining inclined her head. “And when do you intend to return north?”

“Our mission here is complete,” Yuan Xiang replied. “The troops we escorted will set out for the northern border by tomorrow.”

She regarded him thoughtfully. “And you?”

He grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Before I left, the Grand General said—if the situation allows, I should stay behind to assist Young Miss!”

Then, as though to prove his worth, he began listing his qualifications with boyish enthusiasm.

“...I’ve served under the Grand General for many years. Whether on the battlefield or in the camp, I know every task inside and out! Even if I can’t be of much help, I can at least run errands for you, Young Miss!”

Truthfully, he would be more than happy to stay.

Partly, it was for the Grand General’s sake—someone had to safeguard his interests, or at least make his presence known in spirit.

But partly, it was also selfish. Whenever the Grand General involved himself with the affairs of the Chang family, Yuan Xiang always ended up being sent back and forth between north and south like a courier of fate. If he could stay, his legs might finally rest.

He clasped his hands before him, adopting the most obedient expression he could muster.

“Of course, it all depends on Young Miss’s wishes,” he said earnestly. “If you would have me stay, I shall stay. If you would have me return, I shall return!”

In collection

 Chapter 892: The Stupid Spare Tire (2)  

When Master Liu received the news, he took a leave from the academy and hurried back home. Upon learning that the troublemaking Du family had been dealt with by Mo Yan, he breathed a long sigh of relief. He deeply bowed to Mo Yan in gratitude for solving the issue.  

After putting the Du family matter behind, the Liu family was overjoyed to hear that Mo Qingze had topped the imperial examination. The three of them eagerly congratulated Mo Yan and insisted that she and her sisters stay for lunch and dinner before going to pick up Mo Qingze.  

Unable to refuse, Mo Yan and her sisters stayed.  

After lunch, the younger ones were taken by Madam Liu to the guest rooms to rest. Mo Yan followed Liu Tinglan to her bedroom. The two lay in bed, unable to sleep, and began chatting. However, neither wanted to bring up the Du family again, silently agreeing to avoid that topic.  

"By the way, since Uncle Mo will be granted an official position, it will be inconvenient for him to travel back and forth from Liuyang Village. Do you plan on moving into the city?" Liu Tinglan asked, her fingers playfully tracing Mo Yan's delicate, smooth hand, her voice full of hope. If Mo Yan moved to the city, they'd have more opportunities to meet and could play together every day.  

Mo Yan smiled knowingly, shaking her head. "My father has topped the imperial exam, and I suspect the Emperor will grant him a position in the Scholar's Residence. He’ll live there, but I’ll remain in Liuyang Village."  

The farm, orchard, herb fields, and winery all require attention. The Six Beasts wouldn’t like being confined, and Mo Yan herself enjoys the atmosphere of Liuyang Village more. She has no desire to move into the city. No matter how splendid the Scholar’s Residence is, Liuyang Village is truly their home.  

Liu Tinglan understood her friend's dilemma but still felt disappointed. "Sigh, I was hoping you'd move into the city so we could be companions. Without you, my days are so boring!"  

Knowing that her friend was trapped at home by Madam Liu’s teachings, Mo Yan could only comfort her. "Then you’d better learn everything your mother taught you. That way, she’ll let you go out and play."  

As soon as the topic came up, Liu Tinglan let out a wail, pulling the blanket over herself and burying her face. With a muffled voice, she complained, "My mother wishes I’d learn everything. I don’t mind embroidery, and my cooking skills are decent, but managing the household and dealing with all those social niceties are a real headache. It’s making me not want to get married at all…"  

"Haha, would you dare say that in front of Brother Shen?" Mo Yan laughed, teasing her.  

Liu Tinglan’s complaint reminded Mo Yan of women from her past life who had insisted on remaining single, convinced that they could manage everything themselves. With time, many had become stronger, handling both domestic chores and professional responsibilities, effectively living as "female warriors." Eventually, they believed they no longer needed men and chose to live carefree single lives.  

If not for meeting someone in this life, Mo Yan might have had similar thoughts. Now, she realized how lucky she had been.  

Seeing the happy smile on her friend’s face, Liu Tinglan understood exactly what Mo Yan was thinking. For a moment, her eyes turned green with envy. She reached out and pinched her friend's smooth face. "Except for embroidery, you’re good at everything else! You don’t even need to learn. Ahh, I’m so jealous!"  

Mo Yan let her do as she pleased, laughing as she teased, "It’s just my natural intelligence. You can’t envy me for it."  

Liu Tinglan heard this and let out a cry before pouncing on Mo Yan, pinning her down and tickling her mercilessly.  

The two women laughed and played, their voices spilling into the hallway. Master and Madam Liu could only helplessly ignore it, letting the girls have their fun.  

[End of Chapter] 

 Chapter 891: The Stupid Spare Tire (1)  

The title of "County Princess" truly carried weight. The officials at the yamen arrived even faster than expected. In less than an hour, they had arrived. The Jingzhao Yin, thinking that there was indeed a threat against the safety of County Princess, had dispatched half of his officers to assist.  

However, when they saw the Du family, covered in fear, and the two Du family men lying on the ground, bloodied and unconscious, the officers were momentarily stunned. They exchanged glances before concluding that the enemies who had meant harm to County Princess had fled, and that the three people on the ground had been injured while bravely protecting her.  

But the next moment, Mo Yan’s cruel words shattered their assumptions: “These people have trespassed against this County Princess and intended to harm me. Take them all back to the yamen. Deal with them however you see fit. I trust that you, my esteemed officers, will handle the matter fairly.”  

When Mo Yan said "fairly," she deliberately emphasized the tone.  

The officers, hearing this, exchanged looks and, with expressions of disbelief, stared at Mo Yan. How could such "criminals" have injured themselves so badly?  

Mo Yan coughed dryly, raised her hand to point at Wei Mama, who was sitting in a chair, unable to stand due to the beating from Du Laizi, and then pointed to the Du family men on the floor. Without changing her expression, she said, "At first, they didn’t know my identity and tried to harm me. Luckily, Wei Mama fought with all her strength to protect me, and I am unharmed. After I revealed my identity, these three criminals, fearing I would hold them accountable, deliberately injured two of their sons with the tea table, while the father pretended to fall and purposely bumped into the tea table, attempting to frame me and force me to let them go. Tell me, who here could have hurt them like this? Do you doubt me?"  

The officers quickly answered, "We do not dare!" They immediately bowed, even though they suspected something was off, but they dared not question the County Princess personally appointed by the Emperor.  

Moreover, the Du family had over ten people, and three strong men. Could a single woman like County Princess really have beaten three large men like this? If a young girl was this strong, did they even need to fight for their lives?  

The Du family, clutching at their last hope, knelt before the officers, crying and desperately trying to reveal the truth, even loudly accusing Mo Yan of lying. They begged the officers to help and release their innocent family.  

Mo Yan didn’t stop them from making their final plea. She coldly watched as they tried to clear their names.  

The officers were no fools. Why would they risk offending someone of such high status, like County Princess, just for a few commoners? Even if the Du family had been wronged, they should go to the yamen to file a grievance. Their job was simply to arrest people; the rest was up to their superiors to decide. If they meddled in matters beyond their responsibility, they would be overstepping their bounds.  

Thus, the Du family was swiftly taken away by the officers, tied up like livestock, their mouths gagged with torn cloth provided by the Liu family. Even the elderly couple wasn’t spared, although the officers were careful with them due to their frailty.  

As for the Du family father and son, who had collapsed unconscious on the ground, they were also bound and carried away. Mo Yan didn’t know or care how severe their injuries were or if they would receive medical attention. The anger she had been holding inside was greatly alleviated with their departure.  

Because of the arrival of the officers and the Du family’s wailing, a crowd had gathered in front of the Liu household. Upon hearing that the Du family had offended County Princess and had been arrested, the onlookers felt a twinge of regret. After all, County Princess was so far out of their reach that they were more interested in hearing gossip about the Liu family.  

Thus, with Mo Yan’s intervention, both through violence and her noble status, the crisis facing the Liu family was smoothly resolved. The Liu family mother and daughter were filled with gratitude and didn’t know how to thank her. They could only express their thanks over and over again, which only made Mo Yan feel somewhat embarrassed.  

[End of Chapter]  

 Chapter 1704: Young Master He's Second Cousin

 In the moment Shu Yu caught sight of a figure, her left hand instinctively grasped her right wrist.

 Chapter 256.1: Selling Miseries for the Grand General (Part One)

Inside the military tent, Chang Kuo and General Xiao were both present.

Chang Kuo reported to Chang Suining on the general progress of the investigation concerning Li Yi’s associates. He concluded, “For now, no other spies embedded within the army have been discovered…”

The “other spies” referred, of course, to those planted by the Prince of Rong’s Manor.

Chang Suining had already reminded Chang Kuo to pay close attention to possible spies sent by the Prince of Rong.

To her, the current lack of discovery did not mean they did not exist — it merely meant those spies were hiding extremely well, with remarkable cunning.

Before Wei Shuyi and General Xiao, she only nodded slightly. The investigation must continue, and so it would.

While Chang Kuo and Wei Shuyi conversed, Chang Suining sat quietly, her thoughts drifting to Fan Ou.

From what Li Lu had said earlier, Fan Ou once maintained communication with someone in Li Yi’s army — that was why Li Lu was so familiar with military matters. Therefore, Fan Ou must know exactly which men served as their spies.

However, the man’s mouth was tight as iron. Extracting any information from him would not be easy.

Chang Suining’s mind flashed with interrogation methods — which would be most fitting for Fan Ou? Perhaps, if necessary, she could even devise one tailored just for him.

In any case, this man’s silence was far too valuable to leave unbroken, and she was determined to pry open his lips.

Resting her chin in her palm, she appeared lost in thought — yet no one could have guessed that behind that delicate face, her mind was filled with blood-stained, ruthless, and deceitful methods of interrogation.

It was not until a soldier entered, bearing trays of fragrant dishes, that her attention returned to the present.

Chang Kuo and Wei Shuyi, along with General Xiao, had been busy until now, and only then found time to eat.

Though Chang Suining had dined an hour ago with Ah Dian, she didn’t decline to eat again. It had been an hour, after all, and sharing a late-night meal with her father was only proper.

And tonight’s meal was unexpectedly fine — it was said to have been seized from Li Yi’s private stores.

During the meal, Chang Kuo raised his cup to toast Wei Shuyi and General Xiao. Wei Shuyi, calm and composed, merely lifted his cup modestly; but General Xiao grew flustered, lowering his cup so far it was nearly touching the ground.

Chang Kuo laughed heartily. “General Xiao, are you drinking with me or worshipping the Earth God?”

Xiao Min flushed crimson and smiled awkwardly, visibly uncomfortable.

Chang Kuo said kindly, “Since we dine together, we are brothers-in-arms. There’s no need to be so restrained.”

Xiao Min quickly agreed, easing slightly — but the ease did not last. After the meal, one act from Chang Kuo made him nervous again.

Chang Kuo summoned the Command Seal and Military Token, and handed them to him.

“This…” Xiao Min’s expression shifted several times. He instinctively turned toward Wei Shuyi. “Perhaps this should be discussed further.”

Chang Kuo waved dismissively. “The Holy Emperor appointed you as Commander. You need only do your duty — what is there to discuss?”

“General Chang may not know,” Xiao Min said earnestly, “I was originally appointed only as a stopgap — Her Majesty assumed at the time that Grand General Chang’s campaign to Hezhou might not end well… I have little seniority, and with Grand General Chang here, I dare not assume command.”

Moreover, it was not he who ended the rebellion. He lacked the prestige to lead the army.

To accept the seal so shamelessly would make him uneasy and undeserving.

“The decree is here,” Chang Kuo said plainly. “Would you have me defy it? Follow the rules, General. As long as you are not another Li Yi, I’ll have no quarrel with you.”

Blunt though the words were, they carried a strange reassurance.

Xiao Min gave an awkward smile. “Grand General Chang jests too heavily…”

The Holy Emperor had chosen him to quell the chaos — perhaps not as the most brilliant option, but certainly a deliberate one. Xiao Min was no fool; he had neither the ambition nor the means to become another Li Yi.

Watching the upright, open-hearted veteran before him, Wei Shuyi smiled. “Grand General Chang is right. Since this appointment comes from the Holy Emperor, General Xiao should accept it for now. When we return to the capital, I shall report all merits faithfully. If Her Majesty deems fit to reassign command, it can be reconsidered then.”

It was a tactful statement, leaving room for both duty and future adjustment.

Xiao Min looked at the command seal, still uncertain.

After watching silently for a while, Chang Suining finally spoke, smiling. “General Xiao, you may accept it with ease. The seal does not bite.”

Her jest — light yet edged with meaning — made Xiao Min laugh. He finally took the seal with both hands. “Then I shall temporarily serve as Commander. Should I falter, I ask Grand General Chang to correct me.”

He then turned to the calm young lady seated nearby, speaking sincerely, “It was thanks to Young Miss Chang that Li Yi was slain. Though young and of gentle birth, your courage and resolve far surpass mine. I am truly in awe.”

His flattery, though transparent, was heartfelt.

And therein lay his hesitation: it was not just that he couldn’t compare to the father — he couldn’t even compare to the daughter. How could he possibly sit comfortably in the Commander’s seat?

At just over thirty, Xiao Min was of middling background and experience. He was skilled, yes, but not exceptional — and very aware of his limits.

Chang Kuo, however, saw no problem. It was a simple matter: the decree was explicit. He had no intention of rebelling. What was there to fight over?

Besides, a mere seal was nothing compared to the trust of the troops. After Li Yi’s treachery, the loyalty of the men meant far more than any token.

Chang Suining nodded to Xiao Min. “May our army unite as one, cleanse the realm of rebels, and restore peace to Jiangnan.”

Whether Xiao Min was truly capable remained to be seen, but since they would be working together, she offered goodwill.

Her words steadied Xiao Min’s heart further — and stirred something else within him, a faint sense of conviction.

Before coming here, he had thought only of completing his task. But now, before this father and daughter, the road ahead suddenly felt wide and bright.

To cleanse the realm of rebels and bring peace to the people — yes, that is what it means to be a general.

The group then sat to discuss affairs over tea, the atmosphere far more relaxed than during dinner.

…

The night deepened. Stars faded; dawn began to rise.

 Chapter 255.2: He Also Misses the One in Jiangnan

Wei Shuyi’s tone grew serious again. “That same advisor did reveal one crucial matter before dying—he said Li Yi managed to assassinate General He Wei only because he learned in advance of the Holy Emperor’s plan to appoint a new commander and who that replacement would be. Supposedly, he received a secret letter—but even Li Yi didn’t know who sent it.”

Chang Suining nodded; she had already heard this from Li Yi himself. “That means there’s a traitor within the capital—someone close to the throne.”

Otherwise, how could such classified information have leaked ahead of time?

Wei Shuyi looked at her sharply. “Do you have any suspects, Young Miss Chang?”

She shook her head. “I know little of court affairs, so I cannot guess. But as for who that traitor serves, I do have my suspicions.”

Wei Shuyi straightened slightly.

Seeing there were ears around, Chang Suining picked up a branch and wrote one character in the ash beside the fire—Rong.

“Prince Rong’s residence? Prince Rong? The Heir of Prince Rong?” Wei Shuyi murmured, eyes narrowing. “Why suspect them?”

“Because he told me himself that he has spies within Li Yi’s army,” Chang Suining said. “He therefore had the means to send a secret letter. Moreover, such a person—one who stirs trouble from the sidelines to reap the final benefit—acts very much like the man I know.”

The man she knew—Prince Rong’s heir?

Wei Shuyi thought of Li Lu, the frail and gentle youth whom most in court pitied, and found it hard to reconcile the two images.

He studied her quietly. She had said, ‘the man I know’—how did she know him, and how well?

“Of course, this is only my conjecture,” Chang Suining added calmly. “There’s no solid proof. Just proceed with caution.”

Wei Shuyi nodded. “Understood. I’ll report this to the Holy Emperor and take care in investigating.”

Chang Suining said no more. With the tip of the branch, she erased the word Rong from the ash.

Wei Shuyi watched her and smiled faintly. “Young Miss Chang truly holds the realm in her heart.”

“I had thought,” he continued softly, “that after what happened to your brother, you might have come to resent the throne.”

His tone was tactful. After all, that day in the Confucian Temple, she had stood in direct opposition to the Holy Emperor herself.

Yet now she was voluntarily warning him about Prince Rong’s faction, urging caution for the sake of the court.

But Chang Suining only replied, “The two are not in conflict.”

Wei Shuyi blinked. Did she mean that caring for the realm and disliking the throne were not contradictory?

“Just because I dislike something,” she said, “does not mean I must always oppose it.”

Indeed, she disliked the Holy Emperor, but she had never sought vengeance. In her eyes, she and the Holy Emperor were even—no debts, no favors owed.

Neither allies nor enemies.

If the turmoil in Jiangnan truly tied back to Prince Rong’s residence, she would act according to reason, not emotion.

Wei Shuyi looked at her through the shimmering firelight.

He remembered how earlier that day, she had spoken with anger for General He Wei’s unjust death—even though she had never known the man personally. Her indignation came purely from a soldier’s sense of righteousness.

He realized then that her actions were not driven by affection or resentment, but by an unshakable inner compass.

In that moment, gazing at her calm face illuminated by the fire, Wei Shuyi felt an unexpected humility. Beyond her figure, he seemed to glimpse a vast and brilliant expanse of stars—boundless, unreachable, yet somehow serene.

He had never felt so small, nor so sincerely moved.

Still smiling, he said softly, “It seems my thoughts were narrow indeed.”

“I’m narrow-minded too,” Chang Suining said lightly. “At times.”

Wei Shuyi chuckled. “Then you and I are birds of a feather, are we not?”

She gave him a sidelong look. “That sounded terribly forced.”

He laughed again, easily this time.

It was rare for him to sound awkward—but around her, it happened often.

Chang Suining then asked after Duan Shi’s wellbeing, and about Wei Miaoqing’s new position as Crown Princess.

Wei Shuyi smiled. “All is well. We’ll see how things unfold.”

Chang Suining nodded slightly, then asked, “But tell me, Lord Wei—how did you come to be the Imperial Envoy for this mission?”

She was asking whether it had truly been an imperial command or his own initiative.

Wei Shuyi’s lips curved faintly. “The Holy Emperor’s decree cannot be disobeyed.”

Just then, Deputy General Jin approached and saluted.

“The General requests the young lady and Lord Wei to come.”

Chang Suining tossed the branch aside and rose to her feet.

Wei Shuyi followed. As they walked, he asked in a low voice, “Do you think Li Yi might really have known some secret of Xu Zhengye’s?”

“If he had, he’d still be alive,” Chang Suining replied evenly. “But who knows—perhaps as a ghost, he’ll finally learn it.”

A chill ran down Wei Shuyi’s neck, and he glanced behind him instinctively.

He truly was afraid of ghosts—that was the one thing he inherited from his mother, Duan Shi.

Chang Suining thought with some amusement, One fears what one invites.

If he ever discovered what she really was, he might faint dead away.

But remembering how he never stopped prying for answers, she sighed inwardly—this man was hopelessly curious.

“Suppose,” Wei Shuyi said, shaking off his unease, “Li Yi really did know something. Then, by killing him, haven’t I helped you make a grave mistake?”

Chang Suining arched a brow. “Is Lord Wei trying to earn my gratitude?”

He smiled. “I wouldn’t dare.”

She ignored him. “Don’t worry. You won’t have to answer for anything. I’ll take back Yangzhou from Xu Zhengye myself.”

Her tone was calm, almost casual, as though discussing what to eat for supper.

Wei Shuyi couldn’t help but smile. “And why are you so confident, Young Miss Chang?”

“On the battlefield, confidence is half the victory.”

As she spoke, soldiers ahead lifted the curtain for her. She bent slightly and stepped into the tent.

Wei Shuyi lingered a moment longer, watching her figure disappear into the dim light. There was a quiet warmth in his gaze.

No one knew that he had lied just moments ago.

His journey south had not been a command from the throne—he had volunteered for it.

Because there was someone in Jiangnan he could not stop thinking about.

Now, seeing her safe, his heart eased... yet the haze of uncertainty within him only thickened.

In his mind, Ah Dian’s innocent voice echoed again—

“Just like the late Crown Prince, isn’t she?”

Wei Shuyi paused briefly, then stepped into the tent after her.

(Author’s Note: “Good evening, everyone. Later, I’ll post a bonus—fan art of Ning Ning made by Hua Hua! Feel free to check it out. Also... I was shocked to see the news tonight. I still remember the old ‘Haodi is so good’ TV ads from my childhood. Truly heartbroken.”)