Chapter 396: The General Is In Charge
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The servants in the royal study knelt on the ground.
Defu knew that the Emperor’s anger was definitely not directed at the Marquis of Wanning.
It made him all the more curious about what the Marquis had reported. What could possibly make the Emperor so angry?
“Come. Prepare my brush and ink.”
“Yes.”
When Emperor Zhao Qian raised his brush, he was silent for a long time before he finally wrote: “The general is in charge and does not need to wait for the Emperor’s orders. I bestowed the general full authority to deal with all matters under your jurisdiction. When you give the order, you can kill those above your level. No reporting is required.”
Defu took a glance at the contents.
His heart skipped a beat.
How much power did the Emperor plan to give?
And what was written on that torn secret letter?
As he was tidying up, he put the pieces of paper together. After reading a little of its content, he immediately put the letter in the brazier and burned it.
No wonder the Emperor was so angry.
It turned out that Princess Zhen Ling was being mistreated in Gourong.
Emperor Zhao Qian desperately needed a powerful army. No matter who came together to go against him at this time, he would undoubtedly be courting death.
Emperor Zhao Qian was not only giving away this great power,
Many rewards were sent to Sanzhou Town.
Emperor Zhao Qian then sent people to the brothels. Those caught there, regardless of their official positions, were all demoted. For a time, the capital was in a state of panic, and everyone was in danger.
Those officials and lords did not dare to step foot into the brothels ever again.
They were all trying to find out what was going on. Why was the Emperor so angry all of a sudden?
Back in Sanzhou Town,
After Heng Yi’s order went down, the soldiers didn’t take it seriously at first.
There were two daring men who had some money to spare and went there to have fun. They were immediately caught by Heng Yi’s men and beaten to half to death. After that, they were kicked out of the barracks. It left the other soldiers dumbstruck.
On the opposite side of the brothel, five shops were being renovated. They said that they wanted to open an elegant and unique tea house.
There were more opera stages, martial arts training grounds, and teachers in the barracks.
Various competitions were held and various rewards were given out.
As long as you have the ability and dare to compete, you could win back all kinds of rewards.
Daggers, long swords, knives, slingshots, food, silver, toys with…
This was one of the ways to channel the pent-up anger and energy these soldiers had.
And it was very effective.
One soldier was courageous enough and wanted to challenge Heng Yi.
Heng Yi was very strong, and he fought him twice.
“Although I was defeated, it was still a glorious match.”
This soldier was quite open-minded.
Heng Yi patted him on the shoulder and praised, “The younger generation is formidable.”
Even this sentence was enough to inspire people.
After all, he was the leader of the camp and also the Marquis. To ordinary soldiers, he was an existence that was beyond their reach.
The Gong Prince’s brothel had a very bad business.
Heng Yi had clearly expressed his opinions on the establishment. Those wealthy merchants wanted to go and have a taste, but none dared to go.
On the eighteenth day, Li Zhao, Han Chi, and the others finally arrived.
Han Qiao looked at her three daughters who had grown taller and felt particularly emotional.
“Mother,”
Han Qiao gently hugged them into her arms.
“It’s good that you’re all here. It’s quite cold outside, let’s go in.”
Then she went to hold Madam Jun’s hand again, “You have worked hard to take care of them these days.”
Madam Jun smiled gently, “They are all well-behaved and very sensible children. I don’t need to bother them at all. You don’t have to be so formal.”
“Let’s go in. It’s too cold outside,” Han Qiao laughed.
Han Chi led Li Mi forward, “Mother.”
Both husband and wife have light in their eyes and love for each other.
Han Qiao smiled and patted Han Chi’s arm, “You’ve grown taller. You’re a man now.”
He also had the posture of a responsible older brother.
Han Qiao also visited the house next door. It wasn’t luxurious, but everything was tidied up properly and it gave a very warm feel.
The group of people entered the hall.
He Cheng and Ah-Yao have already rushed over. They hadn’t seen their elder siblings for several months, but He Cheng still recognized his brother and sisters.
So when they called out to him, Ah-Yao tilted his head and thought for a while, before he greeted them too.
Han Chi patted the heads of his two younger brothers.
Sun Xiu pulled Ah-Yao over and hugged him.
“Sister!” Ah-Yao greeted obediently.
“Oh my. Did you miss me?” Sun Xiu asked with a smile.
Sun Yi and Sun Ke also went to greet Ah-Yao.
There was still a slight difference in how they treated their biological brother.
The three children wondered about this topic themselves. They realized they couldn’t treat everyone equally.
As long as it did not bring any conflict, it was alright. If they had to choose, they would definitely choose their own brother by blood without hesitation.
“Elder Sister!”
Sun Ke took out a purse, took out the candy inside, and stuffed it into Ah-Yao’s mouth.
“Candy?” Ah-Yao asked.
“Yep.”
After swallowing it, Ayao said happily, “So sweet!”
Mother doesn’t give him too much candy.
He Cheng also came over, and Sun Ke immediately gave him one.
He Cheng narrowed his eyes at the sweetness.
Han Qiao looked at the brothers and sisters who got along well with her heart full. Soon, they went to play together.
As expected, people still had to live together to form a deep bond.
“We don’t plan to go back this time,” Madam Madam Jun said.
Han Qiao agrees wholeheartedly, “I also miss the children very much, but there was no other way. If you want something, you have to be willing to give up something else. It is not easy to gain a foothold.”
“I know everything. That person is truly, as always, only capable of doing disgusting things.” Madam Jun echoed.
She thought of Miao Jiu, who looked at her from time to time in these few days. He was gentle but never overstepped his boundaries.
Madam Jun silently sighed to herself.
“These are two different things. Let’s not talk about these unpleasant things right now. The New Year is approaching. We’ll discuss this after the celebrations.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye on the courtyard next door. If there’s anything that doesn’t suit your taste, just get someone to tell me. If you need anything, just tell me. We’re in-laws now.”
Madam Jun smiled gently.
“I can rest assured that you’ll do your job spectacularly. You’re so busy, yet you still have to worry about these trivial things. Thank you for your hard work.”
Madam Jun then stood up to say goodbye.
She was planning to freshen up and take a nap in her new house.
Also, she wanted to inquire about the matter in Sanzhou Town.
“We should have dinner together tonight. Everyone is welcome to join,” Han Qiao said.
Madam Jun did not refuse.
She couldn’t refuse Han Qiao’s polite offer.
After sending Madam Jun off, Han Qiao took the children to their courtyard.
The children were busy taking their things to their courtyard to tidy up.
The three sisters were used to living in the same courtyard, and Han Qiao cleaned up one for them in Sanzhou Town.
When it was first built, she already planned where they would be staying.
Han Qiao let the three sisters go first.
He Cheng went with Han Chi. Boys would always share similar interests.
Han Qiao asked Duofu to stay.
She also asked about Duofu’s situation.
She hadn’t seen the small baby for several months, but one thing was for sure, the little girl looks much healthier and stronger now.
It was because the nanny took good care of her. The elder woman ate herbal dishes every day, which helped Duofu to recover.
“Nanny, you have worked hard. I heard that your husband and child also came with you, is that right?”
The nanny quickly responded, “Y-yes, Marchioness.”
“I understand. Take care of Duofu. I’ll arrange a job for your husband.”
The nanny quickly thanked her.
Duofu could recognize people’s faces now. After sitting in the carriage all the way, she was dizzy and did not want Han Qiao to carry her.
The nanny was a little scared, “Marchioness, the Fourth Young Lady is not like this usually. When you get familiar with her…”
The nanny knew very well that the Young Forth Lady was not Marchioness’ daughter, but was brought back from outside.
If she lost the Marchioness’ favor, the Fourth Young Lady’s situation in the residence would be very awkward.
“It’s okay. She’s still young. She’ll be fine when she’s older.” Han Qiao wouldn’t argue with a baby.
She also gave money to the nanny, the servant girl, and the old woman who served Duofu.
No matter what, she was still the Fourth Young Lady of the Marquis’ family. She had to have the dignity she deserved.
They headed to the small courtyard where she would live.
Duofu’s courtyard was not as big as that of the three sisters. After all, only one master lives in that courtyard, while the three sisters live together.
The courtyard gate was solemn. After entering through the main door, there were rooms on three sides. After you went through three doors, you would see a small hall, a study, a bathroom, a bedroom, and a wing room for the servant girls. It was spacious and bright.
Sun Xiu held Ah-Yao in her arms as she entered the new courtyard. She instantly fell in love with the place as soon as walked through the gates.
Sun Yi was already a reserved young lady. Even if she liked something, she would just take a few more glances. But entering this courtyard, her eyes were particularly bright.
Sun Ke ran to every room and inspected every inch of it. Then ran out, “Eldest Sister, Second Sister, I really like every room!”
“Then you can stay in whichever room you want. You can also sleep with us at night.” Sun Xiu said, carrying Ah-Yao into the middle room.
The furnishings in the room were elegant and unique. There were soft light pink cushions tied to the stools. It was her favorite color.
She put Ah-Yao down and took Ah Yao’s hand to look around.
The bed in the room was very big. There was a thick mattress, a thick quilt, a pink bed curtain, a light pink bed mattress, and a quilt cover embroidered with lotus flowers and a lotus petal on the pillow.
She liked pink, lotus, and elegance.
Mother knew and remembered everything she liked, and silently arranged it for her.
Her personal chamber was filled with newly bought calligraphy essentials.
Some bookshelves were filled with books that she had told her mother about in passing on their letters.
Sun Xiu’s eyes instantly turned red.
“Sister…” Sun Yi whispered.
“Let’s go and see your room.” Sun Xiu choked up.
Sun Yi was stunned.
She then hurried to the other room.
She liked soft green and bamboo.
The room was decorated with a light green gauze curtain, sky green bed curtains, and dark green mattresses were used.
The vase ornaments were decorated with bamboo.
Even her writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper mostly had bamboo motifs.
The benches and chairs were also made of bamboo.
Sun Yi suddenly understood why the elder sister choked up.
When their mother left Chenzhou City, she brought their Ah-Yao along. They could understand the reason, after all, their youngest brother was still young. He was also their mother’s biological son with Father.
However, they were still jealous that Mother had also brought He Cheng along..