Inside the Jing Prince's manor, Ling Mohan stared at Chu Chenyi opposite him with a grim expression, his mood at its lowest.
"Don't look at me like that," Chu Chenyi said sheepishly, a chill running down his spine under Ling Mohan's gaze.
"I argued my case as best as I could. It's already a miracle we managed to retrieve it. All that's left is for you to make the trip."
Was he really going to act so aggrieved just because he had to escort the Xi Liang princess's dowry? It was as if someone owed him money.
Ling Mohan's dark eyes glinted with a terrifying light, his thin lips parting to utter words filled with rage, "Why didn't you take this task upon yourself?"
"My contention with Chu Yanxi over this matter already annoyed His Majesty. If I were to also obstruct this task, His Majesty would surely believe I intended to use this opportunity to negotiate with Xi Liang. After much consideration, I believe you are the most suitable for this mission. Your Ling family has served Eastern Chu with distinction for generations, and your grandfather, Old Master Ling, was instrumental in Emperor Wu's ascension."
There was no other choice. His dispute with Chu Yanxi had already displeased His Majesty.
After much deliberation, Ling Mohan was indeed the most suitable person to oversee this matter. Considering the Ling family's history of guarding the border and countless battles with Xi Liang, recommending Ling Mohan for this task would avoid any suspicion of disloyalty.
Furthermore, if Chu Yanxi or Xi Liang truly intended to cause trouble during the dowry escort, he couldn't trust anyone else with it.
"Prince Jing certainly has thorough considerations. Your explanation is flawless, truly impeccable."
Chu Chenyi lightly fanned himself, concealing a triumphant smile at the corner of his lips.
He had anticipated Ling Mohan coming to demand an explanation upon receiving the imperial decree. He had spent considerable time crafting this perfectly flawless narrative.
Ling Mohan's hand gripping the teacup tightened abruptly, the veins on his hand bulging with engorged blood.
He never would have imagined receiving such an imperial decree. He had merely missed one day of court, and this had happened. All of it was thanks to Chu Chenyi.
Well done. To dare to scheme against him like this. After so many years, this was the first time he had fallen into someone's trap. He would remember this.
With a slight exertion of force, he crushed the teacup into pieces and stood up. "I will depart for the border tomorrow to escort the dowry. I entrust the matters in the capital to Prince Jing's care. Be mindful, lest you don't even realize when your lair has been kicked in."
"I will indeed pay close attention and ensure General Ling has no worries. To avoid suspicion, I will not see you off tomorrow."
He was currently in the spotlight, every action attracting attention. It was best for him to act with more discretion.
Ling Mohan snorted coldly and left without a backward glance, making no further stops.
Chu Chenyi shook his head and sighed. "Still the same ill-tempered fellow. After plotting against Ling Mohan this time, given his personality, he will surely hold a grudge. I'll have to be more careful in the future."
...
Ling Mohan returned home in a foul mood, his face sullen even when seeing his two children. This attitude immediately angered Feng Jin.
"Whatever troubles you have, keep them to yourself. You are not to show such a face when looking at the children."
Da Bao and Er Bao were known for their cleverness. Seeing Ling Mohan being scolded, they immediately burst into giggles.
"His Majesty is asking you to go to the border tomorrow. Aren't you going to pack your things?"
Feng Jin still remembered the contents of the imperial decree. She couldn't fathom Emperor Xuanwen's choice. With so many civil and military officials, why choose Ling Mohan? And was Chu Chenyi that idle?
"Lu Shi has already handled everything." In the past, whenever he went on campaign, Lu Shi would meticulously organize all his belongings. He was truly grateful for Lu Shi's diligence in this regard.
"How long will you be gone this time?"
"The wedding date is set for the sixteenth of next month. Traveling at top speed, I need to return within ten days."
Calculating the time, he had to return within ten days. Delaying the wedding and being caught in trouble would be a hassle.
News of Xi Liang transporting the dowry had already spread like wildfire. Bandits and brigands along the route had taken notice. The journey would likely not be simple, filled with countless unknown dangers.
But what worried Ling Mohan even more was the situation in the capital. The Xi Liang envoys were all staying in the capital.
Bai Li Xi harbored malicious intentions, and with Chu Yanxi colluding with him, his departure from the capital was tantamount to handing them an opportunity.
With Chu Chenyi holding the reins in the capital, he was truly unable to put his mind at ease, nor for Feng Jin and the children.
"I'll accompany you."
Feng Jin, understanding his concerns, directly stated her intention.
"This journey will be perilous, and besides, the two children need your care. I will leave all the hidden guards with you; there will be no danger."
Before he left, he had to make every preparation possible so that he could depart with peace of mind.
"The capital is the most dangerous place. I feel more at ease by your side. The children are older now; why not bring them along? Absolutely nothing will happen."
Only by staying by Ling Mohan's side would she feel the safest. She knew this man would never let her get hurt. Rather than staying behind, she preferred to go.
The two children were also a bit older now. She could bring along an extra wet nurse to help care for them. It was only ten days; nothing would happen.
Ling Mohan hesitated for a long while before finally nodding in agreement. "Alright, but you must listen to me. No reckless behavior."
"I know."
Feng Jin naturally understood the dangers of this journey and nodded solemnly, promising not to act recklessly.
After packing the children's belongings, Feng Jin went to Ling Wan's room.
"Eldest sister-in-law, why are you here so late?"
Upon hearing the knock, Ling Wan hastily threw on an outer garment and rushed to open the door. Seeing Feng Jin, she was surprised and quickly stepped aside to let her in.
"Eldest sister-in-law, why are you here at this hour? Is something the matter?"
Her arrival at this late hour made Ling Wan feel uneasy, as if something bad were about to happen, and she instantly grew nervous.
"It's nothing major. I just want to teach you the acupuncture technique for Sheng Xu Bai again."
Feng Jin reiterated the acupoint manipulation and techniques to Ling Wan. "Have you memorized it all?"
"I have, eldest sister-in-law." Ling Wan nodded. She had already performed acupuncture on Sheng Xu Bai several times and had it down pat. She was merely reinforcing her understanding.
"This is a different prescription. After Sheng Xu Bai has taken the previous prescription for ten days, have him drink this one. A total of twenty days."
Ling Wan reached out and took the prescription. "Eldest sister-in-law, he's only been on that prescription for four days. Perhaps you could examine Sheng Xu Bai again in a couple of days before giving me the new prescription?"
"It's the same thing. Just follow the prescription and take the medicine."