Du Gu Liang was already sweating profusely, begging for mercy incessantly.
The verdict was ultimately delivered. Du Gu Liang could only thank the Emperor for his grace and leave in haste.
Wang Cang Hai watched Du Gu Liang's retreating back, then exchanged a look with Xiao Qing. Both could see the helplessness in each other's eyes.
Du Gu Liang's second brother, Marquis Wan Ling and Minister of War, Du Gu Qun, also held considerable prestige in the court.
Xiao Qing dared not arbitrarily execute ministers for fear of shaking the court.
"General Tian fought to his death for the peace of the nation. I cannot act impulsively," Xiao Qing sighed. "After the tests at the Liang residence are completed, we will vigorously promote the curved-shaft plow. The southeast is facing famine this year, with refugees even migrating to the capital. If the people's grain problem cannot be solved, I will be ashamed of the people and ashamed of General Tian."
Wang Cang Hai and Huang Xing said in unison, "Your subjects will do their utmost and wish to share Your Majesty's worries!"
This year, with the ascension of the new Emperor coinciding with natural and man-made disasters across the land, the barbarians seized the opportunity. Had General Tian not stepped forward, the empire would have been in danger!
It was said that even the proud three thousand swordsmen at the foot of Mount Tian Shan, the Saint of Medicine Mu Xue Qin, and the Saint of Zither, Qin Wan, were moved to hear of General Tian's demise!
The Sword Saint and the Zither Saint had even sent elegies from afar!
Xiao Qing turned his head to look at the portrait of General Tian on the wall, his heart overcome with sorrow.
"Now that the barbarians are severely weakened, I must govern the country well and absolutely not allow Da Qian to face disaster again. Because if disaster strikes again, there will be no more General Tian..."
Not only Wang Cang Hai and Huang Xing, but even Ning Xue Jun's eyes glistened with tears.
Only Xiao Qing, biting his lower lip, turned to stare blankly at his desk.
On the desk lay the poem "Man Jiang Hong" he had written with his left hand.
Looking at the poem and recalling Liang Xiao's cheerful demeanor, Xiao Qing finally calmed his grief, replaced by immense courage.
At least he was still here. As long as he was here, Da Qian had a future, and he would not feel despair!
In the afternoon, Liang Xiao was resting on his bed. Yue Lian brought Ning Xue Jun to visit.
Ning Xue Jun solemnly handed Liang Xiao a hundred silver notes: "This is ten thousand taels prepared by Minister Qin. Please accept it, Second Young Master Liang!"
Liang Xiao asked doubtfully, "Wasn't it from His Majesty?"
Ning Xue Jun had already prepared her explanation and replied, "Minister Qin has advanced it. After all, you wish to maintain a low profile and fear His Majesty will trouble you. Just accept it with peace of mind."
After speaking, Ning Xue Jun couldn't help but find it amusing, imagining in her mind what Liang Xiao would look like when he met the Emperor.
Liang Xiao praised him with satisfaction, "As expected, my little Shuang Zi is sensible!"
Little Shuang Zi?
A hint of inexplicable amusement appeared in Ning Xue Jun's eyes.
He did not yet know how "vindictive" his master truly was.
He did not know that he had provoked the person he should not have provoked and would never escape in this lifetime.
Yue Lian saw Ning Xue Jun off. Liang Xiao watched Ning Xue Jun's retreating figure, his expression gradually growing serious and thoughtful.
This woman and Ding Wu Yi possessed incredibly steady steps and auras, with sharp gazes. They were undoubtedly top-tier experts!
"Little Shuang Zi, oh little Shuang Zi... I heard that Princess Ning Shuang also has 'Shuang' as her given name. Could it be such a coincidence?"
When Yue Lian returned and saw Liang Xiao smiling, she couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, what happy thoughts are you having?"
Liang Xiao chuckled, "I'm wondering if I should scratch him on the chest next time little Shuang Zi comes over."
Yue Lian quickly reminded him, "That Eunuch Qin has status. Although he is your sworn brother, you still shouldn't act so recklessly..."
Liang Xiao nodded slightly, "What you say has some truth. After all, my grandfather didn't even need to avoid the Emperor's taboos. It's not strange for little Shuang Zi to share a name with that troublesome princess."
Yue Lian quickly came over to massage Liang Xiao's shoulders and reminded him, "Young Master, the urgent matter is to rest well. I heard the eldest young master will be back soon. If he sees you looking dispirited, he'll likely scold you again!"
Liang Xiao smiled without speaking, and Yue Lian said no more.
Among the three young masters of the Liang family, she only called Liang Xiao "Young Master," as per his request.
And only Liang Xiao treated her like family.
In the main hall, Liang Qing was sitting opposite a handsome young man, drinking tea. Liang Yun sat obediently to the side, not daring to speak.
This young man bore some resemblance to Liang Yun, but his gaze was sharp, his expression solemn, and his broad shoulders and strong build exuded the demeanor of a renowned general.
Liang Feng, the eldest young master of the Liang family!
"Feng'er, why have you returned to request leave so late?" Liang Qing finally couldn't help but ask.
The Imperial Guards reported directly to two Shadow Guard commanders. Even as the Left General, he had no right to interfere.
Liang Feng sighed helplessly.
"It's all because of the barbarian infiltration into the capital. Our army secretly investigated and concluded that many barbarians and traitors are still lurking within the capital, waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble. We had no choice but to dispatch more personnel to patrol the entire city. Only today was I able to return to visit my family. General Tian and countless soldiers in Yan Province sacrificed their lives for the country. How can we quibble over such minor gains while defending the capital?"
Liang Qing also felt a sense of helplessness.
The barbarians had suffered a heavy blow in Yan Province and were unlikely to organize large-scale invasions again in the short term. They had instead focused their efforts on espionage.
With a population of a million in the capital, finding all the spies was an almost impossible task!
Liang Feng suddenly remembered something and said to Liang Yun, "Third brother, go and call the second brother."
"Eldest brother, I won't go. Let a servant go! Because of him, I've been repeatedly ostracized at the Imperial Academy!" Liang Yun said petulantly.
"Ostracized?" Liang Feng narrowed his eyes.
"He offended those imperial students and ruined Ouyang Sheng's future career, but he has Zhuo Ling Jun's protection. I don't!" Liang Yun said, growing more agitated.
Liang Feng said sternly, "Go and summon him."
Liang Yun no longer dared to disobey. He obediently got up and trotted out.
A moment later, Liang Yun ran back, his face flushed.
"Eldest brother, not only did he refuse to come, but he told you to go there yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Liang Feng's eyes turned cold, and he abruptly stood up.
Liang Qing also rose to follow, but Liang Feng stopped him: "Grandfather, you don't need to go. I'm just going to catch up with my second brother and see what kind of person he has become."
"Xiao'er is injured, and His Majesty has instructed that no one should disturb him," Liang Qing sighed.
Liang Feng's expression changed slightly, and he nodded, "I have my limits."
Yue Lian was peeking out from the doorway of Liang Xiao's room, her face filled with panic as she returned to sit by the bed.
A moment later, Yue Lian still felt uneasy and asked, "Young Master, is it really alright if we don't go over?"
Liang Xiao pouted, "It's not like we're doing anything important. Moving back and forth is too much trouble."
"But, haven't you and the eldest young master not seen each other for a year..." Yue Lian said worriedly.
"It's the same if he comes to see me," Liang Xiao said nonchalantly.
Just as Yue Lian was about to speak, a deep voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Second brother, you are truly becoming more disrespectful to your elders!"
The two looked towards the sound. Liang Feng had strode in from outside, followed by Liang Yun.
Seeing Liang Yun's expression of having his revenge, Liang Xiao instantly understood what was happening.
Liang Feng said sternly, "You refuse to come and see me, just to lie in bed? Alas, the Liang family is a family of generals. How could such a maverick like you have emerged?"