After seeing Cao Dejiang off, Xiao Yan turned to find Gu Helian trailing him closely, his face long and sour as if someone owed him a fortune in silver.
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. “Master Gu, why haven’t you left yet?”
Gu Helian sneered. “When I’m useful, I’m ‘Uncle.’ When I’m not, I’m ‘Master Gu.’ You flip faces faster than a book…”
Xiao Yan looked at him. “What’s Master Gu talking about? I was just thinking that since Tangning and I are now betrothed, though the news hasn’t spread yet, Aunt likely doesn’t know about the imperial marriage decree. Don’t you need to discuss with her about proposing and sending betrothal gifts?”
Gu Helian’s grumbling stopped abruptly.
“And with Tangning’s parents long gone and no elders on my side, someone needs to assist Aunt on the day of the send-off.”
Xiao Yan sighed lightly. “When a young lady is sent off to marry, it’s usually her father or brother who carries her out. Unfortunately, Tangning doesn’t have a proper uncle or anyone like that…”
“Who says she doesn’t?”
*I’m right here!*
Gu Helian’s mind sparked, his face practically screaming “I’m her uncle!” A wide grin spread across his face, erasing all traces of his earlier displeasure.
Beaming, Gu Helian slapped Xiao Yan’s shoulder heartily. “Good nephew-in-law, your uncle remembers your kindness. I’ll send you two extra boxes of gold later!”
As he strode toward the exit, he was already plotting how to win over Rong Yue while loudly calling out, “Mufeng, Mufeng, where the hell are you?”
Mufeng, standing nearby and completely ignored: “…”
He gripped the gold ingot in his sleeve, squeezing it out of shape.
Seeing him, Gu Helian urged, “Hurry up, let’s go! Get the carriage ready, we’re heading to the Rong residence!”
Mufeng didn’t budge.
Gu Helian took a few steps, then turned to see him still rooted in place. Grabbing something at random, he tossed it at him. “What are you standing there for? Move!”
Mufeng caught the fine mutton-fat jade, tucked it into his chest, and forced a smile.
*Don’t get mad, don’t get mad. The big spender has gold.*
*He’s the best master in the world. I’m not mad…*
Mufeng stepped forward. “Master, slow down. Watch the steps.”
…
Watching Gu Helian bustle off in a whirlwind, Xiao Yan shook his head and headed back.
Seeing Canglang following, he asked, “Where’s Tangning?”
Canglang replied, “I saw her heading to the back courtyard earlier.”
As Xiao Yan led Canglang along the corridor toward the back, they spotted Hang Li in the distance, looking travel-worn as he hurried back.
“Supervisor…” Hang Li began, then corrected himself upon remembering Xiao Yan’s new title. “Master.”
Xiao Yan asked, “Just back from outside?”
“Yes, I went to the trade guild and spoke with some northwest merchants. They know things even the military doesn’t.”
Hang Li gave a brief report, and Xiao Yan listened quietly.
When he finished, Xiao Yan said, “Sounds like you’ve got everything prepared?”
Hang Li nodded. “The gold for the northwest is already loaded onto carts outside the city. I handpicked the escorts, many are battle-hardened men who’ve seen blood and killed. They won’t fall short of the military’s standards.”
“Though I’ve never been to the northwest, I’ve been studying the situation there these past few days. I’ve also read all the letters Tu Bai sent back, so I have a general understanding of the northwest’s factions.”
“Rest assured, Master. I’ll act with utmost caution.”
Xiao Yan noted his clear and organized response, clearly well-prepared. “You were so set on staying in the capital before. Why the sudden urge to go out?”
Hang Li lowered his gaze. “I’ve found something I want.”
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “If you’ve found something you want, then reach for it.”
“This trip to the northwest with Fu Yue and the others won’t be smooth. Once you’re in Linping, don’t act rashly. First, get a clear grasp of the situation within the Dragon Court Guards.”
“If Fu Yue and Guo Linyi show no signs of disloyalty, there’s no need to move against them. Just find a way to secure the Shang family’s share of military power and keep them in check.”
“But if they harbor ambitions like Shang Qin and refuse to aid the northwest’s war efforts, then find a way to eliminate them. During the Beiling conflict, the Fengcheng border must have no hidden threats.”
Xiao Yan’s eyes were sharp. “I’m giving you half of the Dragon Jade Token and a letter to Di Shuangcheng. If you encounter unsolvable issues in the northwest, seek him out, he’ll lend you a hand. But remember, if you want to establish yourself in the military, you must rely on your own abilities.”
“The military is different from the outside world. Soldiers only respect merit. Di Shuangcheng has his hands full with the Zhenan Army and Luoyan Pass; he can’t help you much. To win over the Dragon Court Guards and establish yourself in the northwest, you need to earn the respect of those under you through your own capabilities.”
“Otherwise, no matter how strong your backing, whether it’s Di Shuangcheng paving the way or me supporting you from behind, you won’t win their loyalty.”
Hang Li touched the half of the Dragon Jade Token tucked close to his chest, his expression solemn.
“I understand. Since I’m going to the northwest, I’ll abide by military rules and ensure no one questions the Master's judgment in choosing me.”
Xiao Yan patted his shoulder.
The corridor led to the back courtyard of the Tang residence. As they passed through the floral archway, Xiao Yan had intended to send Canglang to fetch something he’d prepared for Hang Li to take to the northwest.
But after just a few steps, they spotted Tangning and Hua Wu hiding behind a pillar, peeking out.
Tangning clung to the pillar, half her head visible.
Hua Wu mimicked her, standing on tiptoe to sneak glances toward the opposite side.
Following their gaze, they saw Xue Ru under the eaves across the way, holding two account books, being cornered by Di Tao. Di Tao was grinning brightly, chattering away to her.
From a distance, it was hard to hear what they were saying, but Di Tao’s joyful expression was clear.
“My lady, why does it seem like Young General Di likes Miss Ru? Every time he comes to our residence, he finds a million excuses to talk to her. I even saw him climbing our courtyard wall a few times. Last time, he trampled Old He’s flowers and nearly got bitten by the dog…”
Tangning’s eyes widened. “When did this happen?”
“Not long ago. Old He’s dog is fierce, Young General Di’s pants were torn halfway off.”
Hua Wu peeked at Di Tao prattling on while Xue Ru responded with gentle, polite smiles. She shook her head.
“I don’t think Young General Di’s any good. What kind of suitor gets chased around the courtyard by a dog? I think Miss Ru would be better matched with someone from the academy.”
Tangning was surprised. “The academy?”
Hua Wu whispered, “Yes! Lots of students at the academy like Miss Ru. They’re always sneaking glances at her. Even that Li Chi, the one Master Tong favors, likes her. He’s gone out of his way to annotate ancient texts for her and explain lessons to her.”
Tangning was astonished. Of course, she knew Li Chi, the top student in Rongsheng Academy’s first exam, highly talented and good-looking, though cold and reserved, rarely smiling.
Li Chi came from a poor family but had an unyielding spirit. Not only did Master Tong hold him in high regard, but even Shi Chang’an treated him differently.
The last time they were in the same room, Li Chi had been polite but distant with her. To think such a cold, aloof person liked Xue Ru and even took the initiative to annotate texts and explain lessons for her…
Tangning’s eyes widened in realization: My little Ru, you’re something else!================
You can read ahead to chapterr 770 (100+ extra chapters) here
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