Inside the Jing Prince's mansion, Ling Mohan's face was gloomy as he looked at Chu Chenyi opposite him, his mood at an all-time low.
"Don't look at me like that," Chu Chenyi said sheepishly. Ling Mohan's gaze sent a chill down his spine.
"I argued the case as best as I could, and it's a stroke of luck that I managed to secure it. It's just that you'll have to undertake the journey."
Was it really necessary for him to look so profoundly distressed just because he had to escort the Xiliang Princess's dowry? It was as if someone owed him money.
Ling Mohan's dark, sinister eyes emitted a terrifying gleam, and his thin lips spat out words filled with rage: "Why didn't you take this task upon yourself?"
"My contention with Chu Yanxi over this matter already displeased His Majesty. If I were to refuse this assignment, His Majesty would surely think I intended to use this opportunity to negotiate with Xiliang. After careful consideration, I believe it is most suitable for you to handle this. Your Ling family has served Eastern Chu with distinction for generations, and your grandfather, Old Master Ling, was instrumental in supporting the ascension of Emperor Wu, the Loyal and Valiant."
This was unavoidable; his dispute with Chu Yanxi had already put His Majesty in a foul mood.
After much deliberation, it was most appropriate for Ling Mohan to oversee this matter, as the Ling family had guarded the border and fought numerous battles with Xiliang. Recommending Ling Mohan for this task would prevent anyone from suspecting him of disloyalty.
Furthermore, if Chu Yanxi and Xiliang truly intended to cause trouble during the transportation of the dowry, he could not trust anyone else with the responsibility.
"Prince Jing's considerations are indeed thorough. Your explanation is flawless, truly comprehensive."
Chu Chenyi lightly fanned himself, concealing a hint of triumphant laughter at the corner of his lips.
He had anticipated that Ling Mohan would come to demand an explanation upon receiving the imperial decree. He had spent a considerable amount of time crafting this perfectly flawless response.
Ling Mohan's hand, gripping the teacup, tightened abruptly, the veins on the back of his hand bulging with blood.
He had never imagined he would receive such an imperial decree. All this had happened simply because he had missed a single day of court, and it was all thanks to Chu Chenyi.
Well done, daring to set him up like this. It had been so many years, and this was the first time he had fallen into someone's trap. He would remember this.
With a slight increase in force, he crushed the teacup. Ling Mohan stood up, "I will set off for the border to escort the dowry tomorrow. I shall trouble Prince Jing to pay close attention to matters in the capital. Do not be caught unaware even when your nest has been kicked."
"I will certainly pay attention and will not allow General Ling to have any concerns. To avoid suspicion, I shall not bid farewell to General Ling tomorrow."
He was currently in the spotlight, and every move he made would attract attention. It was best for him to act with more discretion.
Ling Mohan snorted coldly and left without looking back, making no pause.
Chu Chenyi shook his head and sighed. He still had his usual bad temper. Having designed this scheme against Ling Mohan this time, given his personality, he would surely hold a grudge. He would need to be more careful in the future.
...
Upon his return to the Ling mansion, Ling Mohan was in a foul mood, even wearing a dejected expression while looking at their two children. This attitude directly angered Feng Jin.
"Put away whatever troubles you have. You are not allowed to show such an expression when looking at the children."
Da Bao and Er Bao were renowned for their intelligence. Seeing Ling Mohan being scolded, they immediately burst into giggles.
"His Majesty wants 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 was exasperated with Emperor Xuanwen. With so many civil and military officials, why choose Ling Mohan? And was Chu Chenyi truly that idle?
"Lu Shi has already taken care of everything." In the past, whenever he went on campaign, Lu Shi would meticulously pack all the necessary items. He was 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 full speed, I must return within ten days."
Calculating the time, he had to return within ten days. Delaying the wedding and giving them leverage would be troublesome.
News of the Xiliang dowry transportation had spread like wildfire. Bandits and brigands along the route had also set their sights on it. This journey would likely not be simple, filled with countless unknown dangers.
However, what concerned Ling Mohan even more was the situation in the capital. All the Xiliang envoys remained in the capital.
Baili Xi harbored treacherous intentions, and with Chu Yanxi colluding with him, his departure from the capital was tantamount to giving them an opportunity.
With Chu Chenyi holding the fort in the capital, he was truly uneasy, as were Feng Jin and the children.
"I'll go with you."
Feng Jin knew his concerns and directly stated her intention.
"The journey will not be without its dangers, and the two children also require your care. I will leave all the secret guards with you; there will be no danger."
Before he left, he had to make thorough preparations to be able to leave with peace of mind.
"The capital is the most dangerous place. I feel more at ease by your side. The two children are older now; let's take them along. Nothing will happen."
She felt safest only when by Ling Mohan's side. She knew this man would never let her get hurt. Rather than staying behind, she would rather go with him.
The two children were also a bit older. When they left, they would bring along a wet nurse to help care for them. It was only for ten days; nothing would happen.
Ling Mohan hesitated for a long moment before agreeing, "Alright, but you must listen to me and not act rashly."
"I understand."
Feng Jin naturally knew the dangers of this trip and nodded solemnly, promising not to act rashly.
After packing the children's belongings, Feng Jin went to Ling Wan's room.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, why are you here so late?"
Hearing the knock, Ling Wan hurriedly put on an outer garment and opened the door. Seeing Feng Jin, she was startled 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 hour made Ling Wan feel that something bad was about to happen, and she immediately became nervous.
"It's nothing major. I'm just teaching you the acupuncture technique for Sheng Xubai again."
Feng Jin taught Ling Wan the acupoint techniques one by one: "Have you memorized it all?"
"I have, Eldest Sister-in-law." Ling Wan nodded. She had already administered acupuncture to Sheng Xubai several times, so she had it memorized by heart. Now, she was merely consolidating it.
"This is another prescription. After Sheng Xubai has taken the previous prescription for ten days, he should continue with this one for a total of twenty days."
Ling Wan took the prescription: "Eldest Sister-in-law, that prescription has only been taken for four days. Why don't you examine Sheng Xubai again in a couple of days and then give me the prescription?"
"They are the same prescriptions. Just follow the medicinal formula and drink it."