Chapter 124

When Jiang Xiurun heard the news of the deaths of Shen Yong and his son, she was genuinely shocked for a while.

Liu Pei had mistakenly killed Shen Yong and his son, causing the relationship between the states of Bo and Liang to deteriorate ahead of time—something that had not happened in her previous life.

As a result, the Shen family’s influence was greatly weakened.

Empress Shen, under the pressure of new concubines in the harem, would find it difficult to regain her former power.

Whether Liu Pei would annex the state of Liang earlier than expected remained uncertain.

Jiang Xiurun knew she needed to speed up her plans.

She had to use the state of Bo to facilitate her and her brother’s early return to their homeland.

This was the only legitimate way for her to leave the state of Qi openly.

As for the conflict between Feng Liwu and his younger brother Feng Wu, it had already been resolved.

With the strong support of the Wei and Meng families, Feng Liwu had finally secured the commander’s seal to lead the expedition against the northern barbarians.

However, Feng Wu, backed by the imperial faction, had taken control of the crucial task of transporting military supplies.

Standing in the court, Jiang Xiurun couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh when she heard about this arrangement.

It was as if Feng Liwu had placed his own neck in Feng Wu’s hands.

If things took a turn for the worse, Feng Wu could simply tighten his grip, and Feng Liwu and his army would face the risk of running out of supplies at any moment.

However, Jiang Xiurun also knew that a man like Feng Liwu, who was deeply engrossed in the pursuit of power, would surely find a way to extricate himself from this predicament.

Just before Feng Liwu was to set off as the commander, his marriage to Yang Ruxu was also put on the agenda.

Jiang Xiurun learned of this news from Ji Binglin.

Because their offices were close, Ji Binglin often came to Jiang Xiurun’s place for lunch.

It wasn’t just him; Dou Siwu, who had ulterior motives, also frequented her place.

Occasionally, when they weren’t too busy, a few familiar classmates would also come by to relax and chat.

Today, the food at Jiang Xiurun’s place was personally delivered by the steward of the Crown Prince’s residence, packed in a food box.

It was far superior to the steamed buns and stews from the government office.

When Ji Binglin and Dou Siwu heard that there was a feast to satisfy their stomachs, they showed up uninvited once again.

Ji Binglin, who worked in the important Ministry of Justice, was always well-informed.

When he asked if the Crown Prince’s residence was preparing to welcome Yang Ruxu after the Crown Prince returned from his expedition to the front lines, Jiang Xiurun was momentarily stunned.

Seeing that Jiang Xiurun was unaware, Ji Binglin scratched his head and said, “The whole capital knows the date. How could you not know?”

Jiang Xiurun remained silent for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, “Whether I know or not isn’t important. I just need to prepare a generous gift. Why would I need to know in advance?”

Ji Binglin glanced at Jiang Xiurun, seemingly understanding why his friend seemed downcast.

He tried to console her, “Miss Yang is virtuous and kind. Even if she becomes the Crown Prince’s principal wife, she will surely treat the other concubines well. Brother, don’t worry about your sister. The Crown Prince’s residence isn’t like the homes of other nobles, where the distinction between the principal wife and concubines is so rigid. His Highness will eventually inherit the throne, and by then, your sister will at least be a noble consort. Any children she bears will be princes. What difference does it make?”

Qian’er, who was serving Jiang Xiurun soup, overheard Ji Binglin’s words and couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “Men in this world are all the same, coaxing women into becoming concubines.”

Dou Siwu, who heard Qian’er’s muttering, immediately took the ladle from her hand and eagerly served the soup himself, saying, “Qian’er, how can you speak to Lord Ji like that? Besides, not all men are like the Crown Prince. For example, I would only marry one woman.”

Qian’er wasn’t impressed.

She snorted and said, “At first, one is enough, but later it’s never enough. What’s most hateful is that one man thinks he can occupy multiple ‘toilets,’ as if only his ‘manure’ can nourish the flowers…”

Qian’er’s crude village slang suddenly stopped because she saw the Crown Prince walking into the hall of the Ministry of Agriculture with a dark expression.

Jiang Xiurun, seeing his expression, guessed that he had heard Qian’er’s words.

To prevent him from punishing Qian’er, she quickly stepped forward to greet him, “Your Highness, what brings you here? Have you had lunch yet? The steward has prepared your favorite garlic pork knuckle. Would you like to have some to tide you over?”

Of course, the food box contained his favorite dishes—he had personally instructed the steward to prepare them.

These past few days had been busy, and he hadn’t had the chance to eat with Jiang Xiurun.

He had planned to visit her office today to have lunch together.

On one hand, it would help him relax his tense nerves, and on the other, he could discreetly ask Jiang Xiurun’s Ministry of Agriculture to prepare additional emergency supplies and provisions to guard against Feng Wu’s schemes.

But before he could even enter the hall, he overheard Ji Binglin and the others talking.

Ji Binglin, as always, was mature and steady, and his words echoed Feng Liwu’s own thoughts.

Feng Liwu had always been too lazy to bother with the affairs of his residence, preferring to keep things simple.

But when it came to taking a principal wife this time, he had indeed considered Jiang Xiurun’s feelings for a long time.

It had been a year since he had taken her into his residence, but she still hadn’t shown any signs of pregnancy.

Feng Liwu didn’t want to pressure her, fearing it would make her anxious.

However, as the heir to the throne, how could he remain childless?

This wasn’t just a personal matter—it was a matter of state.

Moreover, Jiang Xiurun wasn’t suited to staying within the confines of the residence.

The position of principal wife wasn’t something a hostage princess from a weak state like her could handle.

Feng Liwu believed that Jiang Xiurun should understand this without him having to explain it to her.

But the matter of marrying Yang Ruxu wasn’t a joyous occasion either.

It was merely a way to consolidate power and appease the noble families.

Therefore, Feng Liwu hadn’t even bothered to mention it to Jiang Xiurun.

He hadn’t expected that a crude maid would use it to mock him today.

Feng Liwu inwardly snorted, thinking that Jiang Xiurun had spoiled the ugly maid too much, allowing her to become increasingly unruly.

Seeing Feng Liwu’s expression, Jiang Xiurun immediately signaled Qian’er to leave.

Ji Binglin and Dou Siwu, being tactful, also made excuses to leave as soon as they saw the Crown Prince arrive.

Thus, only Feng Liwu and Jiang Xiurun remained in the hall.

The two sat in silence, eating together.

It was only in this silence that Feng Liwu suddenly realized that it had been a long time since he had seen Jiang Xiurun’s bright, charming smile and her playful banter, showing off her cleverness in front of him.

Feng Liwu had never been one to engage in romantic talk with women, nor did he possess Feng Wu’s smooth-talking skills.

He believed that he had already done his best to show Jiang Xiurun affection.

He had given her everything she wanted, even allowing her to become an official—something that was considered absurd.

Moreover, in their relationship, it was usually her who tried to please him.

If the roles were reversed, Feng Liwu had almost no experience.

Thus, when Jiang Xiurun remained silent, the only sounds in the room were the clinking of bowls and chopsticks, which grated on the ears and stomach, ruining the appetite.

Finally, Feng Liwu put down his chopsticks with a loud clatter and said, “Are you angry? I didn’t deliberately hide this from you. You already knew why I was marrying Yang Ruxu, didn’t you?”

Jiang Xiurun looked up calmly and said, “Your Highness, what are you talking about? I was just thinking about the detailed list of supplies you sent over today… I was distracted and didn’t hear you clearly.”

Jiang Xiurun didn’t show the usual jealous expression of a woman from the inner chambers, so Feng Liwu couldn’t continue the conversation.

He simply sighed in relief and said, “If it’s too difficult for you, you don’t have to do it. I’ll find another way.”

Jiang Xiurun unrolled a scroll beside her, which was a map of various states marked with red dots.

“Your Highness, please look. The red dots indicate the major grain-producing regions of each state. This year, Qi’s grain harvest has been poor, largely due to Liang’s high-priced grain purchases. If the Second Prince causes trouble, transporting grain from within our territory would be problematic. Instead, we should purchase grain reserves from states near the northern barbarians to solve the immediate crisis.”

In fact, Feng Liwu had also considered this method.

However, he was worried that purchasing too many supplies would arouse suspicion among the states and lead to complications.

After hearing the Crown Prince’s concerns, Jiang Xiurun said, “Who said we have to purchase them in Qi’s name? Your Highness, please look. The state of Bo isn’t far from the northern barbarians. We can purchase the grain in Bo’s name… Now that Bo and Liang are at odds, it’s only natural for Bo to stockpile grain to guard against a surprise attack from Liang. No one would suspect anything.”

The news of General Shen Yong of Bo being killed had already spread among the states.

Therefore, Jiang Xiurun’s suggestion of using Bo as a cover was feasible.

After pondering for a while, Feng Liwu said, “Since you’ve already thought it through, go ahead and do it. If your father is willing to cooperate with me, I will certainly remember his kindness.”

Jiang Xiurun smiled and said, “If my father could hear Your Highness’s words, he would be overjoyed and willing to sacrifice everything for you.”

Even from thousands of miles away, Feng Liwu could imagine the obsequious expression of his distant father-in-law.

He was sure that the man wouldn’t refuse.

Thus, one of Feng Liwu’s backup plans was set in motion.

Jiang Xiurun even considered Feng Liwu’s cautious and suspicious nature.

Besides the preparations she had made, he surely had other secret plans in place.

To gather the grain reserves she had prepared, her correspondence with her father had increased significantly.

Of course, this was all done with Feng Liwu’s tacit approval, as the contents of their letters were always reported to him, and there was nothing inappropriate.

Moreover, Feng Liwu was certain that Jiang Xiurun had no intention of returning to Bo.

No matter how good her family was, it wasn’t her marital home.

After all, he was her lifelong support.

On the day the army set out, the entire capital lined the streets to see them off.

Many generals and soldiers had their armor adorned with talismans and coins given by their mothers and wives for protection.

After much thought, Jiang Xiurun quietly went to a Taoist temple to obtain a talisman and even personally forged a protective coin at a blacksmith’s shop.

The battlefield was a dangerous place, where swords and arrows had no eyes.

No matter what, she still hoped that he would return safely.

However, on the day of the send-off, when she, as Concubine Yao, was led by the steward to the city gate to wait, she saw from a distance that the Yang family’s carriage had already arrived.

Yang Ruxu was standing there, tears in her eyes, bidding farewell to the Crown Prince.

Jiang Xiurun noticed that Feng Liwu’s armor already had a red thread tied to it, and the talisman was likely tucked close to his heart.

Since they weren’t yet married, Yang Ruxu, upon seeing the Crown Prince’s favored concubine arrive, tactfully boarded her carriage and left without meeting her.

Feng Liwu strode over to Jiang Xiurun’s carriage, lifted her down, and stroked her hair, asking, “Do you have anything to say to me?”

As he spoke, his eyes glanced at her hands, checking if she was holding any talismans or protective charms.

However, Jiang Xiurun only reached up to adjust his helmet and said, “I’ve been so busy with the grain supplies that I haven’t even had time to sew a single stitch for you. I’ve truly failed in my duties as a woman. But I pray for your triumphant return, so that the Crown Prince’s residence can be filled with joy.”

Seeing that she hadn’t prepared anything, Feng Liwu’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment.

However, she was different from the women of the inner chambers, and she had been working tirelessly for the grain supplies.

How could he blame her for not being attentive enough?

Thus, he reminded her to eat on time and not to become too engrossed in her official duties, giving her countless instructions.

For a moment, it was hard to tell who was the one heading to the battlefield.

Finally, he mounted his horse and ordered the army to set off for the frontier.

Jiang Xiurun took out the talisman she had kept in her pouch, looked at it, and silently tied it to a nearby chariot that hadn’t yet departed.

Then she turned and left.

When the Crown Prince’s army finally reached the northern frontier after a long march, frequent reports of victories came from the front lines.

The conflict between the two princes also suddenly intensified, just as Jiang Xiurun had predicted.

As news of the Second Prince’s continuous defeats and inability to counter the Crown Prince’s advances kept coming, Emperor Duanqing’s mood visibly soured.

He knew that his capable eldest son was bound to conquer the three provinces, but this would only fatten his son’s coffers, bringing no benefit to him, the emperor.

The bitterness of watching someone else feast while he went hungry was not something an emperor’s pride could endure.

At this moment, an envoy from a small state, unaware of the situation, came to disturb the emperor’s peace—Ji Wujiang, the special envoy from the state of Bo, had arrived in Qi to seek an audience with Emperor Duanqing.