Chapter 33: The Empress Who Disturbs the Matchmaking

The princesses were beautiful and kind-hearted, simply stopping a drunken troublemaker.

The cousin was dragged away by the imperial guards, allowing the wedding procession to continue smoothly, and Shui Yue Rong and Ling Jibai had their wedding without further disruptions.

In comparison, the Duke of Dingguo’s wife’s failure to bring the cousin back, let him be beaten, and face scolding from his mother-in-law, became a minor concern. As long as the children were well, the reprimand was inconsequential.

After attending the wedding banquet, Li Ning’an headed to her residence provided by Yan Ziqi.

Every day, she wrote a letter to Yan Ziqi and sent it through the post station.

At this moment, Yan Ziqi had just arrived at the border camp. After reading the emperor’s edict to Tong Linian, he sat at the end of the tent.

Yan Ziqi was indifferent to this situation.

Even with his father’s prestigious reputation, he had no real authority and could only sit quietly in the corner.

Ling Jibai had married and returned to the capital, while General Ge was still trapped in the mountains.

The current news was that although trapped and unable to break out, he was still alive. He might be able to hold out for another three to five days at most.

The Iron Cavalry soldiers were anxious, but only Tong Linian could make decisions.

Anyone who dared to privately lead troops to rescue would be labeled as a rebel.

So everyone was on edge.

Tong Linian was genuinely injured and had to be carried to the camp tent.

The emperor had even sent Yan Ziqi to him.

Was this a sign of dissatisfaction with the Tong family, intending to replace the commander with Yan Ziqi?

Or was it to balance power and prevent the Tong family from becoming too dominant?

Tong Linian said, “Since Young Master Yan has arrived, why not share your thoughts on what we should do first?”

General Tong had always controlled the Iron Cavalry through suppression.

Therefore, Tong Linian was reluctant to let the Iron Cavalry gain prominence after his failure.

He was waiting for the emperor’s decision regardless of anyone’s opinions.

As for his father, it was believed that the Second Prince of Northern Yue still had some use and would not be hostile to his father.

He had gained a reputation for being unfilial, which allowed the Tong family to subtly manipulate the narrative, claiming that the border was harsh and Northern Yue treacherous.

Yan Ziqi arrived in travel-worn condition and, without resting, immediately joined the discussion in the main tent.

Everyone looked at him, considering he was the son of the Duke of Xiang, and thought he might prioritize General Tong.

Yan Ziqi proposed, “We should first rescue General Ge.”

Tong Linian snorted, and a subordinate who had sided with the Tong family said, “Do you think that because your father was once the commander, you are naturally aligned with the Iron Cavalry and disregard General Tong’s life? How many more days can they hold out? General Tong is in the enemy camp.”

Yan Ziqi replied, “Naturally, I should be close to the Iron Cavalry. General Ge is also my uncle.”

“But General Ge has been in the army for many years, and those present should know.”

“He is an old veteran. If we don’t rescue him, wouldn’t it chill the morale of those below?”

“Do you think that they can be sent to fight without regard for their own safety?”

Another person said, “Young Master Yan seems confident and has already considered a strategy. No one would abandon their own people, but priorities must be set.”

Yan Ziqi leaned back in his chair, giving off an impression of casual ease.

Yet his words were well-considered.

Some supported him, believing that rescuing General Ge and others was important.

“Although General Tong is in the enemy camp, Northern Yue does not want to negotiate peace, so he should still be safe.”

Another person said, “It’s said that to catch the thief, you must first catch the king. General Tong, as the commander, has been captured. Should we not care at all?”

Supporters of Yan Ziqi rolled their eyes inwardly. When the rescue was proposed, no one spoke up. Now, they felt the need to rescue, but had forgotten about General Ge and others.

Each time, they fell just short.

This shortcoming led to ridicule.

Yan Ziqi looked at the other side, and with every word he spoke, he cast a sly glance at Tong Linian.

Yan Ziqi smiled—a mocking smile.

“Tong Linian, you, the great filial son, don’t even think of taking care of your own father, so why should I?”

“Since the emperor wants you to listen to me, then do so.”

“Regarding what this vice-general said, given that the enemy is in the Northern Yue camp, how many troops do you think we should mobilize for the rescue?”

The vice-general stammered, then said, “Since the emperor sent you, how can you say such things? Are you trying to sow discord among the troops?”

Yan Ziqi looked at him. Everyone in the capital knew he was a dandy, and his overly serious attitude now seemed to undermine the persona he had previously cultivated. Naturally, he had to say a few words about Tong Linian.

Tong Linian stepped in to mediate, “The emperor trusts Young Master Yan, which is why he was sent here. How about we provide you with a thousand elite soldiers?”

“I believe you will not disappoint the emperor’s expectations.”

Despite Yan Ziqi having the final say, in this vast realm, he could not truly have the final authority.

A thousand soldiers would be sent to rescue General Ge and his men trapped in the mountains.

Meanwhile, surrounding them were fifty thousand soldiers.

And they were well-fed and well-rested.

On the other hand, General Ge’s men had to forage for food and water in the mountains.

Tong Linian’s actions were clearly obstructive, but Yan Ziqi could not refute him.

This was his chance to prove himself.

The internal conflict at the border was underway.

But this had not yet affected the capital. Li Ning’an finished her letter, and with nothing pressing, decided to take a stroll around the Manxuan Building.

She changed into men’s clothing and went to Manxuan Building with Xing’e.

Because Nie Rou’s cooking was excellent, many guests frequented Manxuan Building.

In the afternoon, there were still many patrons, so Li Ning’an stayed in the bamboo hut.

Nie Rou knew the princess was coming, so she finished her tasks and headed to the bamboo hut.

Although other family members were still in the princess’s villa, it was already much better than the penal colony.

She received a monthly salary, and her family in the villa also had a monthly stipend.

However, the princess not staying in the villa meant that even her grandfather, a chef, had no chance to showcase his skills.

Nie Rou felt quite embarrassed.

When Nie Rou arrived, Li Ning’an was sitting by the window, lost in thought.

“You’re here.”

She was dressed in a crescent-moon robe with a small mustache, which looked somewhat endearing.

“Princess.” Nie Rou saluted respectfully.

“Hmm, I saw a shop opened next door. Do you know what it’s for?”

Nie Rou did know, “It’s a rouge shop, opening tomorrow.”

She was very grateful to the princess and took great care in the matters concerning Manxuan Building.

Next door was a shop run by a woman in her forties who had bought it half a month ago and had been renovating it since.

The shop was opening tomorrow, and it was said to have been brought to the capital from somewhere else, attracting much anticipation.

As it was a neighboring shop, they had sent some rouge over.

Nie Rou spent her days in the kitchen and had little interest in dressing up, so she had declined the gift.

Li Ning’an propped her head with her hand, sitting on the soft couch.

A rouge shop.

In her past life, did Fu Minglang open a similar shop?

Li Ning’an couldn’t quite remember.

She also enjoyed dressing up and planned to visit the shop tomorrow.

Of course, she couldn’t go in her current state.

After inquiring about the situation at Manxuan Building, Li Ning’an returned to the palace.

Dinner was again at Weiyang Palace, and the palace maids serving the empress had become accustomed to it.

Princess Ning’an was increasingly filial.

If it weren’t for the Ninth Prince having studies, he would likely stay in Weiyang Palace to accompany the empress.

Recently, it was indeed the empress’s happiest time.

But she was still considering Ziqi’s marriage.

The eldest daughter of the Minister of Justice was quite a good match.

“Ning’an, what do you think of Lady Qiu?”