The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 374 - 214_3

Yes, that’s right. Although I’ve never met them, from my elder sister’s letters, I know the Xia family treats her and Panpan very well, so Xia Guangcheng’s identity as a son-in-law is naturally recognized by the Xiao family.

"Indeed, I’ve heard that the Emperor appointed General Lou, but General Lou was startled by a horse on his way back to the mansion, fell off and broke his ribs. In the end, it was General Xia who volunteered to go to Shu City to quell the unrest."

"Startled?"

Chun Nuan almost burst out laughing at this excuse—a military officer startled by a horse would fall from a carriage and break his ribs?

It’s the funniest joke she’s ever heard!

If everyone were as skilled as him and could still become generals, then the borders of Great Xia wouldn’t need defending and enemies could simply march unimpeded!

"Shu City is a long journey from the Capital, and the area is mountainous with perilous roads unfamiliar to outsiders, making ambushes most likely. Hence, it’s no easy task to suppress the unrest."

Zhao Minghua felt that Xia Guangcheng was being a bit reckless in volunteering; he was unaware of how difficult the paths in Shu City could be.

The road to Shu is difficult, like ascending the heavens!

The rebels are all locals and familiar with the terrain, moving as if on flat ground, with any random mountain potentially hosting an ambush.

Previously stationed at the border, Xia Guangcheng didn’t understand these complexities, yet here he is, courageously heading to Shu City to quell the unrest, though his actions don’t warrant praise.

Even the old foxes at court can’t be ignorant of the issues Chun Nuan could foresee.

Xiao Chunyu felt worried but secretly delighted when hearing that the General was heading to Shu City.

As she helped pack Xia Guangcheng’s luggage, she advised him.

"Rest assured, I will certainly return safely."

Xia Guangcheng truly couldn’t bear to leave his beloved wife, but what could he do?

That old fox from the Lou family cunningly devised this ploy, willing to sacrifice a rib to avoid heading to Shu City.

If he didn’t step forward, the Emperor would appoint him anyway. So, rather than waiting, it’s better to earn a good reputation.

Besides, Xia Guangcheng wasn’t someone to shy away from danger; just a small rebellion—he would certainly tackle it!

"General..."

Xiao Chunyu hesitated.

"Don’t worry. Since I’ll be in Shu City, I’ll visit my mother-in-law."

"General..."

Xiao Chunyu listened with tears in her eyes!

Yes, she simply wanted Xia Guangcheng to visit her mother and family.

Even though Nuannuan’s letters always conveyed joyful news, saying everything at home was fine.

But withholding the bad and only sharing the good news was their tradition.

Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once—the ears are deceived, but the eyes are truthful. She desperately wanted someone to see her family firsthand and relay their true situation.

"Don’t cry; tears can harm your eyes."

Xia Guangcheng truly couldn’t bear leaving her: "During the days I’m not at the mansion, you must be cautious, and I’ll assign someone to protect Nuannuan when she goes out. You, your mother, and our son should minimize outings as much as possible..."

It was inevitable that Panpan might be summoned to the palace by the Empress or Crown Prince periodically.

Of course, adequate security was provided in the palace, and Xia Guangcheng knew Panpan was Chunyu’s lifeline, hence he arranged for Hidden Guards to follow her.

The reason to limit outings for his mother and Chunyu was the current unstable situation, with unpredictable human nature; no one could foresee what might occur.

As long as they stayed within the mansion, there wouldn’t be any issues.

The people at the General Mansion were very trustworthy, ensuring peace of mind.

If they left the mansion, who knows who might be watching them, and he wouldn’t be able to intervene, which could result in irreversible consequences causing deep regret.

"You all are my Achilles’ heel."

"Yes, I know, and mother also mentioned that once you depart for the expedition, our General Mansion will close its doors to visitors."

Nobody will be provoked, and no banquets, large or small, will be attended.

"That’s for the best."

The next day, at the hour of the Tiger, Xia Guangcheng led thirty thousand troops to Shu City to quell the rebellion.

Outside the city gates, his mother and wife bid farewell with tears streaming down. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Xia Guangcheng glanced back towards the direction of the Capital and silently vowed: he would swiftly suppress the rebellion and return to the Capital soon.

"Has the army set out?"

In Lou Mansion, General Lou asked from his bed.

"Yes, father, they’ve set out."

"Haha, such a young brat, thinking he’s capable of handling things. This time, going to Shu City is like a sheep entering a tiger’s den, believing it’s for accomplishments? Haha, I let him tackle that tough bone."

"Father is truly wise."

General Lou’s son admired his father deeply.

"Son, to survive at court, without ten or eight cunning tricks, you’ll end up being devoured completely," General Lou said. "I gave my all for this rib... it hurts so much."

"Father, I’ll go get the Imperial Physician."

"Go ahead. Alas, these Imperial Physicians are useless; only Doctor Xiao was skilled—such an injury would heal with one prescription from him."

"Sadly, Doctor Xiao died unjustly."

"He wasn’t clever enough," General Lou said. "He deserved it."

Nobody beats reminiscing while disparaging.