Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 405: Learning Prince Huai’s Military Movements
"What’s he struggling for? He’s never short of women around him." Xia Zhining gave Chen Mo a light glare, then said, "Do you know how hard it has been for my sister during her pregnancy? Especially these last few months, she hasn’t been able to eat well or sleep well and has been worrying about you—yet you..."
"Zhining..."
Xia Zhining wanted to speak up for her sister, but Xia Zhiqing seeing her younger sister continue talking non-stop quickly interrupted her.
"Zhining is right. I’ve spent too little time with you all. This time, I shouldn’t be going out again. I want to stay here, watch our child be born."
Saying this, Chen Mo pulled Xia Zhiqing into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her forehead.
Xia Zhiqing’s face flushed red, "We’re still... outside."
"Husband, sisters, let’s go inside to talk." Wu Mi spoke up at the right moment.
Chen Mo personally assisted Xia Zhiqing into the mansion.
After entering the mansion, although Chu Juan did not offer tea to all the women, she still poured a cup for Wu Mi and paid her respects since Wu Mi was the main wife; only with her acknowledgment would Chu Juan’s relationship with Chen Mo be truly valid.
Having not seen each other for a long time, Chen Mo naturally needed first to have a good chat with the women, and also listen to the words of longing from them.
Afterwards, Xia Zhiqing held Chen Mo’s hand, nestled her head against his chest, and lifted her bright and graceful face, with a voice filled with a touch of tenderness, "Husband, tell us about your time in Huai State."
Chen Mo began to speak slowly, of course omitting certain unpleasant details.
When mentioning Chu Juan, Chen Mo specifically said, "This time Juan’Er came from Huai State and personally prepared silk for you all, saying it’s for you, her elder sisters, to make clothes. Later, you should each pick a pattern; six rolls per person, these are top-quality silks from Jiangnan, smooth and delicate."
The women were slightly stunned, and a hint of bewilderment appeared in Chu Juan’s eyes, as if saying, "How come I didn’t know about this?"
However, she also understood that Chen Mo was doing this for her benefit; he was looking after her.
But what she didn’t know was these things, saying they were hers, was not overstated.
Wu Mi chuckled lightly and said, "Juan’Er, sister-in-law has a heart."
Then, she looked towards Han Anniang, "An Niang, you choose first."
Having been together for a period of time, Wu Mi knew Han Anniang was the husband’s sister-in-law before, and understood her situation, knowing how important Han Anniang was to her husband, so she treated Han Anniang with respect.
"How can this be, it should be sister first." Han Anniang also respected Wu Mi.
Although among the women in the backyard, her background was the lowest, but often, the lower the origin, the more one understands rank.
...
Wuguan.
The autumn wind whistled, in the government office within the city, Geng Songfu was busy processing the documents submitted by various counties.
According to the previously established rules, each county in Huai State must submit major events and unresolved matters in document form to Wuguan each month.
If there are no major events or unresolved matters, there is no need to report, but every five months, local officials must come to Wuguan for an account. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
However, such matters, Geng Songfu had handled many during his time in Qingzhou, now dealing with them with ease.
Lastly, he collated these matters comprehensively and reported to Chen Mo.
Firstly, this time Huai State recruited 7,000 new soldiers.
Among them were 32 Lower-Grade Martial Artists.
Secondly, as they say, time reveals a person’s heart.
Previously, the over 30,000 captured defectors now showed signs of integrating into the Chen Army.
To these defectors, few were loyal to Prince Huai, the truly loyal ones had courageously perished at the moment Chen Mo invaded Wuguan.
Thus, in their hearts, serving whom doesn’t matter.
Chen Mo treated these defectors quite well, did not make things difficult for their families, even organized family reunions.
Over time, they felt it seemed not bad to follow Chen Mo.
If these over 30,000 defectors really returned to allegiance, then the rumor of Chen Mo owning an army of 100,000 would indeed become true.
And when that time came, the outside world would start spreading rumors of Chen Mo having 200,000 troops.
Just then, the Inspector reported.
"Lord, our scouts sent to Fengzhou report that Prince Huai dispatched Grand General Chu Ce to lead troops away from Fengzhou."
Chen Mo established the Inspector not merely for military discipline inspection but also for intelligence gathering tasks.
Previously, when Chen Mo defeated Chu Ce in Huainan, he took the opportunity to embed his men among the retreating defeated troops.
Though later, due to the family letters incident, Prince Huai eradicated a batch of embedded spies, it was not entirely cleared.
These embedded people, like undercover agents, did not know each other’s identities, so even if one got exposed, it would not implicate others.
Upon hearing this, Geng Songfu’s eyes focused, he immediately stopped his work, looked up and asked, "Where did they go after leaving Fengzhou?"
"Subordinate does not know, too many of our embedded scouts in Fengzhou lost contact, this piece of news was difficult to transmit back; only known direction is West River." The Inspector’s person responded.
"West River?"
Geng Songfu immediately requested for the map, and summoned Liu Ji.
After all, Liu Ji once served as Prince Huai’s staff officer, likely understanding Prince Huai’s intentions.
Indeed, Liu Ji arrived shortly, based on the information and the map, he voiced his speculation: "Western River Land, that area falls under King Chong and Liang Family’s influence, Chu Ce leading troops to Western River Land definitely won’t be to fight King Chong, Xiliang is too far away, the only possibility is heading to Longyou."
Liu Ji pointed his finger at Longyou’s location on the map, "The current situation in Longyou, though I’m not clear, with Seven Western Rong Countries invading, war must be highly intense. Whether King Chong or Yuezhi Clan sought aid from Prince Huai, or Prince Huai initiated an expedition, it’s the best route for Prince Huai presently."
Geng Songfu nodded, with Jiangnan sealed off, if Prince Huai isn’t a fool, he’s surely finding a breakthrough method.
And launching troops to Longyou is a breakthrough point.
Once Longyou’s issue is resolved, Prince Huai’s whole gameboard can thrive.
"If Prince Huai initiates the expedition, then this move is truly bold." Geng Songfu couldn’t help but admire Prince Huai’s daring.
"This is definitely not Prince Huai’s idea, it must be Diwu Fusheng’s suggestion." Liu Ji understood Prince Huai, if initiating an expedition, it absolutely wasn’t his idea.
"Lord Geng, since Prince Huai sent troops to Longyou, then Fengzhou’s military strength must be weak, Lord could have the Marquis dispatch troops to attack Fengzhou." Liu Ji proposed.
"Now fearing it’s not possible. The Marquis is not in Huai State, and the Marquis promised the Four Guard Warriors that during this period, they could return home to visit family." Geng Songfu shook his head, said.
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