Uncle Zhong was fine. The Empress’s movements could also be seen in the reports. But Mu Mianhong, in order to train the fifty thousand troops, was hidden in deep mountains, hills, gorges, and wilderness, almost isolated from the world.
She must miss her very much.
“I didn’t guess. What’s there to guess about?” Xiao Man huffed. “The court sent an edict to the border commandery. The border army will soon send someone to the capital. Zhong Changrong might come himself. Whatever you want to ask, just ask face to face.”
Chu Zhao of course knew about this. It had been discussed in court, and she had personally reviewed that edict.
A’Le asked Chu Zhao nervously and excitedly: “Miss, will Uncle Zhong come himself?”
Chu Zhao laughed: “How could Uncle Zhong come? He can’t leave.”
A’Le asked again: “Then—will A’Jiu come? A’Jiu follows Uncle Zhong. Uncle Zhong could let him come in his place.”
A’Jiu. Chu Zhao hesitated, then nodded and shook her head: “I don’t know.”
A’Le said: “Miss, you should directly request the Grand Tutor to name him to come.”
Chu Zhao shook her head: “That won’t do. He must decide this himself. We can’t force him to come.” She put down the memorial in her hand, looking at the bright palace lamp. “Besides, A’Jiu really likes the border army.”
In the border commandery, he was A’Jiu, not Xie Yanlai.
To him, this capital was a cage. Better not to come.
“Don’t worry. When Uncle Zhong receives the edict, he’ll arrange everything well,” Chu Zhao said with a smile. “Just wait to hear Uncle Zhong’s words in court.”
A’Le nodded and sat down across from Chu Zhao.
“Uncle Zhong won’t come, and A’Jiu may not either,” she said, reaching out to grind ink. “Miss, you should still write a letter today. That way, when you hear Uncle Zhong speak in court, Uncle Zhong can also hear you speak from the border commandery.”
Chu Zhao smiled and nodded: “Good. I’ll write two letters tonight—three letters.” As she spoke, she spread out letter paper, lifted her brush, and dipped it in ink.
Xiao Man didn’t come over, but instead walked several steps outside, vigilantly surveying the surroundings. However, the corners of her mouth curved upward in a smile. Among two or three letters, there would always be one for Auntie.
……
……
Deep in the night, after washing up, Xie Yanfang was also writing something.
“Young Master.” Du Qi pushed the door open, followed by Seventh Master Xie. “News from Yunzhong Commandery says Xie Yanlai will come as the border army’s military envoy to have an audience at court.”
Xie Yanfang looked up, made a sound of acknowledgment, his expression showing no particular change. But Seventh Master Xie’s face was already ashen with anger.
“Didn’t our people there tell him?” he said hatefully. “We sent so many people there—are they all idiots?”
Xie Yanfang smiled: “Seventh Uncle, you’re not unaware—when has he ever listened?”
Seventh Master Xie of course also knew this, saying coldly: “It was fine if he didn’t listen before. But this time, if he affects our plans, let him never have to listen to anyone speak again—let him die on the road. He’s of no use anyway.”
Xie Yanfang held his brush, pondering: “Die on the road? Let me think about the pros and cons.”