Chapter 320: Chapter 310 Golden Branch
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin both didn’t want Fengyu to know about the court’s military plans. The Second Young Master likely hadn’t sent word to the West Continent, but Fengyu had already keenly discerned the court’s true intentions.
Lin Xiao said, "The court fears Ningzhou will occupy the Twelve Provinces and wants to strike first. The Second Young Master and the Prince are negotiating; they may not launch an attack yet. The Prince is stationed in Jiaozhou, and Zhongzhou wouldn’t dare advance rashly."
Jiaozhou serves as a buffer zone between the Twelve Provinces and Zhongzhou. If Zhongzhou is to mobilize troops, it must pass through Jiaozhou—unless it advances from Salt City. However, that area is Ningzhou Iron Cavalry territory, and Fang Chuning wouldn’t provoke conflict with the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry. If the court indeed decides to attack the Twelve Provinces, it would be reasonable. The Twelve Provinces haven’t declared a secession from Yanyang, nor have they publicly announced allegiance to Ningzhou. Fengyu, as Xie Xun’s fiancée and a promulgator of Ningzhou’s new policies in the West Continent, makes their intentions obvious to anyone who understands the situation.
Xie Xun taking control of the Twelve Provinces is merely a matter of time.
The court will not sit idly by while the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry grows ever stronger. They will surely act to subdue the Twelve Provinces, either by severing trade routes or deploying troops. The Twelve Provinces are still under Yanyang’s jurisdiction for now.
"How long has Xie Xun been in Jiaozhou?"
"He went half a month ago with seventy thousand men," Lin Xiao said. "That’s why we must complete the construction of Liangma Road as soon as possible. If war breaks out, the provinces cannot rely on Lanning’s grain routes. The Twelve Provinces are not yet united in ambition; we must establish our own grain supply routes."
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin had been personally appointed by Xie Xun to the key position of Grain Escort Officer—a critical role in wartime—which he entrusted only to those he deeply trusted. Xie Xun had profound confidence in the brothers who had followed him out of the Kyoto Capital Guard.
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin had also integrated the entire Kyoto Capital Guard into the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry. Though several seasoned Ningzhou generals voiced objections to Lin Xiao’s appointment, Xie Xun dismissed their concerns with his decisive leadership.
Zhang Boxin said, "It’s not certain that war will break out. Don’t worry."
"War is inevitable," Fengyu frowned. "But it shouldn’t be at this time."
The timing was off!
During peace negotiations, she’d overheard her father and mother mention that Sannan was mobilizing troops. If Yuwen Jing dared to move Jiangnan’s garrison to Zhongzhou, Sannan would dare test their defenses with an attack. When the Grand Marshal arrived, would he reinforce Jiangnan or bolster Zhongzhou? With such limited manpower, if Yuwen Jing wanted to face Ningzhou in a decisive battle, he would have to rally the nation’s entire military strength for a swift engagement.
Xie Jue would never allow them a quick victory; he’d drag the conflict out until they were worn down.
"Today is your birthday. Forget about the war. Just focus on developing commerce and trade here in the rear. The Prince and the Second Young Master will handle the front lines; you don’t need to worry!" Lin Xiao consoled her, his heart aching for her.
The current situation is not something that one person can alter.
Storm clouds gather in an instant; no one can predict what comes next.
"Exactly, exactly, Third Miss! Just make sure the meat keeps coming. The fighting is men’s business." Zhang Boxin, ever cheerful, dispelled some of Fengyu’s concern. Laughing, they shared another drink, and she asked Qiuxiang to bring out a few more dishes of meat.
The Iron Cavalry soldiers brought by Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin also dove eagerly into their feast. After several rounds of drinks, someone joked about wanting to follow Third Miss and enjoy her hospitality. Fengyu laughed and asked, "So, would you follow me?"
"I’d rather follow the Prince!" Zhang Boxin chuckled. "I left the Capital City because I couldn’t stand Yuwen Jing’s cruelty and felt bitter over the tragedy that befell the Marquis Mansion. But I also have personal ambitions—my goal is to rise to greatness and trample Zhang Bolan and my father underfoot to vent my frustrations."
He wasn’t motivated by lofty ideals, but this burning desire kept him steadfastly loyal to Xie Xun—only Xie Xun could help him realize his ambitions.
Even though Lin Xiao had feelings for Fengyu and hoped to see her daily without overstepping boundaries, he knew that if he had to choose, he too would follow Xie Xun to seize the land rather than stay behind.
Young men are always fueled by their dreams of heroism.
After drinking and dining their fill, Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin didn’t linger. Chunlu and Qiuxiang packed dozens of roast chickens for them to bring to their brothers, and Nuanyang escorted them to the city gates.
Fengyu felt bittersweet, wishing them success in their aspirations.
Since Xie Xun was in Jiaozhou, she had no intention of disturbing him. He must have his reasons; they would meet at the end of the month, so there was no rush.
"Miss, what did the Prince send as a gift?"
"I don’t know yet!"
The sandalwood box had intricate carvings. Fengyu thought it was probably jewelry—gift-giving often catered to one’s preferences, and everyone knew she had a fondness for gold and silver treasures.
It was an extraordinarily unique gift.
A translucent, pure white jade carved into the shape of a leaf, delicate and smooth, with a radiant luster. Resting on the jade leaf was a lifelike golden cicada, its exquisite craftsmanship linking the gold and jade together in perfection.
Gold branches and jade leaves—a symbol of preciousness.
Along with the gift was a personal letter written by Xie Xun himself.