"Recapture Helan Mountain!"
The calls from all over the country grew louder and louder. Some citizens even went to the local prefect's yamen to petition, hoping that the prefect would pass their requests to the capital and the northern frontier.
At this time, the three major aristocratic families in the capital were in a frantic mess.
Liang Xiao's bookshop had begun to increase its printing volume again, and large quantities of white sugar were being transported from the capital and sugarcane-producing areas to all parts of the country, encroaching on the Duanmu family's business.
The He family's restaurants in the capital and Yanzhou were almost being squeezed out of business by Liang Feng's restaurants. Moreover, since the capital was under the Emperor's nose and the northern frontier had Liang Xiao and Lu Yi, they did not dare to act rashly against Liang Feng's restaurants and could only wait for their demise.
The people of the capital increasingly preferred to eat hot pot at the Liang family's restaurants, attracted by the novelty, low price, and convenience!
However, what truly kept Du Guqun and others awake at night was the military exploits of the northern frontier soldiers.
How were these merits to be recorded?
Mu Hong, the head of the Directorate of Weaponry, was a fourth-rank official. He might be promoted to third rank, and then it might be their people whose official positions were squeezed out...
Liang Xiao's own merits were even more exaggerated...
In a secret chamber, Zuo Wushang, with his brow furrowed, looked at a secret letter on the table and rushed to the Liang residence.
After Liang Xiao set off for the capital, Christine did not neglect Sophia. Every day, under the protection of Buti and Liang Mingyu, she accompanied Sophia, talking with her.
"Is Lord An Guo really that capable..."
Sophia murmured, her eyes distant.
Christine and the other two exchanged glances, remaining silent.
Did she also begin to admire and worship Liang Xiao?
Facing her own elder sister, Christine gave Sophia a rough account of the great victory in Yanzhou.
"He is the guardian deity of the Great Gan Dynasty, isn't he..." Sophia murmured, her face flushed.
"Naturally," Christine replied with pride.
Sophia lowered her head shyly, occasionally giggling.
At that moment, a guard's announcement came from outside: "Second Young Madam, Mr. Liang Ke is here to see you!"
Christine was startled and immediately received Zuo Wushang.
After a brief greeting to everyone, Zuo Wushang observed Sophia.
Christine did not understand but dared not interrupt.
After a long while, Zuo Wushang introduced himself to Sophia and then asked, "Miss Sophia, did you escape to Great Gan from the Guishuang Dynasty?"
Hearing this, Sophia's pupils contracted. She clutched her head and pleaded, "Yes... please don't burn me..."
Zuo Wushang fell silent.
Buti whispered, "The Guishuang Dynasty has given her unpleasant memories. Please try not to bring it up."
Zuo Wushang nodded helplessly and gave Liang Mingyu a look.
Liang Mingyu understood and led everyone out of the room.
Seeing that there were no outsiders around, Zuo Wushang cautioned, "Madam, although it may be somewhat presumptuous, I must still remind you to remain vigilant. Even though she is your own sister, you cannot disclose any confidential matters to her."
Christine nodded, "My husband also warned me. I usually only chat with my sister about trivial matters."
Only then did Zuo Wushang feel at ease. He paused, then sighed, "Actually, someone secretly reminded me. The letter only said, 'You must be wary of the woman who is approaching Christine.'"
"Who is it?" Christine asked curiously.
Zuo Wushang looked embarrassed, "It's my niece, but she asked me not to tell Lord Marquis, fearing that the Marquis would know she was in Yanzhou. But sometimes, alas, I can't control my mouth. It's not a problem to tell you if I don't tell the Marquis..."
Christine knew Zuo Wushang's identity and immediately understood, nodding with a smile.
Regarding that "Lin'er," they, as sisters, had also discussed her in private, but they dared not trouble Liang Xiao.
After all, that young lady was also a dangerous person.
"Lord An Guo has been ordered back to the capital to report his victory!"
News spread, and the people of the capital rejoiced, eagerly awaiting Liang Xiao's return.
But Liang Xiao had already quietly entered the capital. After paying his respects to his elders, he proceeded to the imperial palace.
At night, in the West Palace villa, Xiao Qing, dressed in red, held Liang Xiao tightly, her face full of pride, and pouted incessantly.
Her beloved had finally returned!
Ning Xuejun, being considerate, closed the door for them and waited outside with the female physician Yuan Jin, eavesdropping.
"General Tian, Lord An Guo is so amazing! I'm almost fainting~"
Listening to Xiao Qing's babbling, Liang Xiao, wiping the lipstick marks from his face, embraced her with a smile, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Shuang'er is becoming stronger and stronger."
Xiao Qing, nestled in his arms, hummed, "Naturally! I... I am already a woman now... it's all because of you!"
Hearing this, Liang Xiao coughed tactfully, completely at a loss for words.
"Did Sister Qin Wan and the others really get pregnant last night?" Xiao Qing mumbled.
Liang Xiao nodded, "They all are."
"Then has Xiao Xun not gotten pregnant yet?" Xiao Qing asked timidly, hoping to find a fellow sufferer and seek some solace for her soul.
Liang Xiao replied without hesitation, "I haven't consummated my marriage with her yet..."
Hearing this, Xiao Qing's breathing hitched. She calmed down, stood still, and pulled Liang Xiao's arm, walking to the bedside and looking at him affectionately.
Liang Xiao gently lifted Xiao Qing's chin, about to kiss her.
"Hmph! So only Shuang'er hasn't gotten pregnant, you scoundrel!!"
The resentment that had been accumulating for a long time finally erupted, as if transforming into an immense power. Xiao Qing pushed Liang Xiao onto the bed.
Deep in the night, under the covers.
"Husband, my dear~ Shuang'er knows she was wrong..." Xiao Qing said coquettishly.
Liang Xiao couldn't help but sigh, his shameless expression completely exposed, "I really don't know what to do with you."
Xiao Qing's face turned red, and she chided, "Brother Xiao is always so shameless."
Liang Xiao looked innocent, "It's not just one or two days since I became shameless; you know that already."
Xiao Qing: "..."
Liang Xiao embraced the resentful Xiao Qing, his face full of apology.
He knew very well Xiao Qing's fear of the imperial lineage being severed.
But he had truly done his best...
Wang Canghai and the others had already taken on a considerable amount of administrative duties for Xiao Qing, but many matters still required the Emperor's decision, and Xiao Qing was not idle enough.
"Brother Xiao, if Shuang'er really cannot conceive, can we secretly choose one of Sister Qin Wan's children to be the Crown Prince?" Xiao Qing whispered.
Liang Xiao said with a serious expression, "There will be! Big strong boys and beautiful daughters, all will be there!"
"You said it. If not, I'll bite you..." Xiao Qing said, gently biting Liang Xiao's shoulder before hugging him tightly with affection.
She had also summoned her beloved to the capital out of selfish reasons.
The reality before her was that her fertility might be an issue.
Upon learning that the northern frontier intended to recapture Helan Mountain and even water their horses in the Han Sea, she worried that she would not see Liang Xiao for another year or two.
If Liang Xiao were to be constantly on campaign in the future, having a child with him would at least prevent her from falling ill from longing.
Liang Xiao said earnestly, "It will happen! I will also recapture Helan Mountain and water my horses in the Han Sea at an early date, to console the fallen heroes and return to the capital to accompany Shuang'er soon!"
Towards the end, Liang Xiao held Xiao Qing even tighter, his face full of heartache.
Although they were all equally important to him, he had to admit that Xiao Qing made him feel the most heartache, as she had suffered the most and endured the most fear and worry.
Only then did Xiao Qing smile radiantly, "Forever~"
That night, Liang Xiao did not work late. Instead, he held Xiao Qing, coaxing her to sleep.
Unlike the affectionate exchange between the young couple, the head of the Duanmu family, Duanmu Chao, and the Minister of Revenue, Ouyang Ji, were already gray-haired and haggard.
Ouyang family's steward reported, "My Lord! News is coming in from all over the country that Liang Xiao's bookshop has started printing books wildly again. I fear this round will add another two to three million taels invested..."