Chapter 414 - 413: Setting Sail

Chapter 414: Chapter 413: Setting Sail

Everyone shared some concern for the Yan Family and cast a few glances at Du Yunluo.

The ladies who paid attention to the affairs within the government office, hoping to speak well of their husbands in front of the Yang Family, had already familiarized themselves with Du Yunluo’s husband’s family over the past year;

Those who didn’t care about such matters wouldn’t inquire about Du Yunluo’s identity at this moment. After exchanging greetings, they ended the conversation.

A woman from the Changping Marquis Mansion added a few silver ingots to the offering, bowed, and said, "Madam knows you must be quite tied up recently. Grandma’s health is paramount. Once autumn arrives and everything settles at the mansion, Madam would like to invite you to admire the chrysanthemums together."

The Yang Family smiled and said, "When the time comes, I will thicken my face and disturb Madam. Speaking of which, last year’s chrysanthemum feast at the estate left a truly unforgettable taste."

Although the Yan Family’s childbirth was not hazardous, it did affect her blood vigor. So she took this opportunity to take a good rest during her confinement.

There were three little ones in the mansion, bustling with liveliness every day.

Brother Duan had outgrown the age where a single move would make him cry, and remembered Du Yunluo’s words that, as a brother, he shouldn’t cry frivolously.

But Brother Yan and the little sister were still young. Often when one of them pouted, the other would burst into tears.

Half a month later, a letter arrived at the government office from Linggu.

Du Yunru was pregnant.

The Yang Family was delighted and shared the good news with Du Yunluo.

Du Yunluo also felt happy for her elder sister. According to her past life experiences, Du Yunru’s next two children should both be sons.

Jiuxi, as usual, went to deliver the family letter at Shanyu Pass.

During the scorching summer, after rushing to Shanyu Pass, he gulped down two large jars of water.

Mu Lianxiao returned from a defense rotation, completely drenched.

Jiuxi handed over the letter respectfully, stating, "Sir, Madam has already moved to the government office. Grandma Du has a new little sister." ℯℯ𝘭.

Mu Lianxiao nodded, but before he could read the letter, General Huang summoned him again.

He had no choice but to put the letter aside and hurriedly attend the meeting.

General Huang and Huang Yun were standing in front of a map, whispering about something.

Mu Lianxiao cupped his hands in salute.

General Huang spoke in a low voice, "That Jia De truly has patience."

Since arriving at Shanyu Pass, Jia De had yet to rush about the surprise attack. According to him, the day’s heat during this season was too draining. If they were to march quickly, the soldiers would be too exhausted, and perhaps half would be lost before reaching Ancient Meili.

General Huang provoked him, stating that the garrison here was brave and battle-hardened, not easily undermined.

Yet Jia De countered, asking if the soldiers could endure, would the horses bear it?

This stumped General Huang.

A surprise attack values swiftness, with warhorses galloping at full tilt; it’s challenging to persist under such temperatures.

Even if they managed to reach, would they have enough energy left to battle the Dazi?

Jia De’s consideration for the garrison’s situation meant General Huang wasn’t rushing him, allowing him to observe Shanyu Pass’s defenses while assigning trusted individuals to keep watch on him.

Outside, the personal guards announced, and Li Gao strode in, saluting the three of them.

"Li Gao, these past days you’ve been in contact with Jia De. What do you think?" General Huang asked.

Li Gao furrowed his brow, stating, "General, I didn’t have dealings with him back in the day, only saw Jia the leader from afar.

After all these years, judging by appearance alone, he truly resembles what I recall of Jia the leader.

Following your instructions, I mentioned that I was also from the Yangwei Escort Agency. He was very enthusiastic and would invite me for drinks as long as I was off duty.

I talked about many things related to the escort agency. He seemed to understand them well.

He joined the agency long before I did and shared many stories I had only heard through rumors, mostly aligning with what I knew.

There were some discrepancies, but he sounded so plausible; I might have remembered or heard wrong.

I believe he is Jia the leader."

General Huang nodded.

Li Gao continued, "He asked about the defense matters as you suggested, and I replied with what you taught me."

When Li Gao departed, Mu Lianxiao and the Huang Family exchanged a glance.

From this viewpoint, whether Jia De was genuine or not, he certainly had backing.

Otherwise, his interest in the defense wouldn’t be this pronounced.

"He won’t be able to hold his composure for long." Mu Lianxiao smirked.

Jia De would soon realize that his scrutiny over Shanyu Pass’s defenses had aroused General Huang’s slight suspicion. To avoid further complications and returning empty-handed, Jia De would have to make a move.

Sure enough, within two or three days, Jia De came to find Mu Lianxiao.

"I won’t lie to the Princely Heir. I’m a bit anxious," Jia De rubbed his hands, giving a wry smile. "I haven’t entered the Great Desert in seven or eight years.

Back then, traversing outside the pass mostly followed the route from the Northern Border, crossing the grasslands, then detouring through the desert, a path I’m more familiar with.

Directly heading from Shanyu Pass to Ancient Meili, I’ve only taken twice.

This surprise attack rests the lives of many soldiers upon my shoulders. Frankly, I’m not entirely confident."

"I’ve heard the desert’s conditions can change daily," said Mu Lianxiao, noticing Jia De’s nod. He continued, "After seven or eight years, for Jia the leader to have such concerns is quite natural.

How about scouting the route? Not too far, just about a day’s journey. Using the stars for navigation, with your skills, I’m sure returning wouldn’t be difficult."

Jia De took a deep breath, pondering, "The Great Desert is changeable, but some features remain constant. I could take a look, recalling the path to Ancient Meili in the process.

Even if not successful, within a day’s travel, I’m confident I can return to Shanyu Pass."

Mu Lianxiao laughed loudly, "In that case, I’ll discuss with General Huang to let the soldiers come along, to get accustomed to maneuvering in the desert."

Jia De furrowed his brow, "Would General Huang agree? Here at Shanyu Pass, the Princely Heir is the Deputy General. Ultimately, it’s up to you."

"Rest assured about that." Mu Lianxiao replied.

After seeing Jia De off, Mu Lianxiao went to visit General Huang’s residence.

As he walked, he pondered that Jia De indeed had intentions, not forgetting to sow discord between him and General Huang under such circumstances.

General Huang paced back and forth in the room, smirking coldly, "The fox’s tail is finally showing."

"I’ll personally lead the troops. If his backers are the Changping Marquis Mansion, their target is me." Mu Lianxiao said deeply.

General Huang nodded, his eyes fixed intently on the map, "I’ll have Huang Yun bring reinforcements to support you."

"Then, this Shanyu Pass..." Mu Lianxiao walked beside General Huang, extending his hand to point at the pass on the map.

General Huang’s eyes sharpened, his gaze piercing, "If he dares to lure the tiger out of the mountain, he better be capable of wiping out Shanyu Pass with blood!"

Judging by the situation, the Changping Marquis’s priority was to silence Mu Lianxiao, making him vanish in the desert, framing it on bandits or the Dazi.

As long as Jia De’s mission doesn’t fail, the Changping Marquis won’t attack Shanyu Pass.

Otherwise, whether or not they succeed in capturing Shanyu Pass, the Changping Marquis would essentially be openly rebelling.

And the Changping Marquis Mansion wasn’t fully prepared for a rebellion yet.

Only if Jia De failed would the Changping Marquis decide to fight to the death.

Instead of targeting Shanyu Pass, the Changping Marquis would likely aim for Xuancheng.

After all, Shanyu Pass is garrisoned by General Huang, making it easy to defend and hard to attack.