Chapter 345 - 334: Courage

Chapter 345: Chapter 334: Courage

In Baijie Hall, Banqiao had just set the table.

Mrs. Zhou helped Madam Wu sit by the table.

Madam Wu smiled and said, "This morning, Lian Cheng came to pay his respects, and I noticed he has become much steadier and more capable.

Lian Xiao has gone to the palace, hasn’t he? It’s already noon; he should be back soon.

Let’s wait a bit longer; perhaps the two of them will join us for a meal."

Mrs. Zhou nodded, and before she could speak, voices were heard from outside offering greetings.

She pursed her lips and smiled: "You see, speaking of Cao Cao, and he arrives."

Madam Wu laughed heartily.

Du Yunluo entered the main room following Mu Lianxiao, took off her snow jacket, and stood by the brazier to ward off the cold before heading to the West Warm Pavilion.

Banqiao lifted the curtain with a sweet greeting.

Mu Lianxiao stepped forward and knelt before Madam Wu and Mrs. Zhou, kowtowing three times.

Madam Wu’s eyes were slightly red, and she nodded repeatedly, while Mrs. Zhou held back tears, asking Du Yunluo to help Mu Lianxiao up.

In recent years, Mu Lianxiao had often left the capital, assisting the Holy Emperor, which Madam Wu and the Lian Family got used to, though there was a difference between running errands and going to war.

Madam Wu held Mu Lianxiao’s hand and said, "You look quite spirited."

Mu Lianxiao smiled and responded, "Grandmother, rest assured, we haven’t been slacking or idling at the Northern Border."

Madam Wu gave Mu Lianxiao a sidelong glance, knowing neither Mu Lianxiao nor Mu Liancheng would slack off, unlike Mu Lianyu...

Mu Lianyu hadn’t returned to the capital, and Madam Wu wouldn’t let him come back, instead assigning him to guard the border. He would only be recalled when his head was clear and discerning.

She wanted to inquire about Mu Lianyu’s situation, but was hesitant that Mu Lianxiao might ask why Mu Lianyu suddenly went to the border, so she decided to hold back.

"The food will get cold, let’s sit and eat," Madam Wu said.

Discussing such troubling matters would ruin her appetite.

Since they didn’t know Mu Lianxiao and Du Yunluo would dine in Baijie Hall, the dishes were simple, but having just had Laba porridge, neither was hungry.

After the meal, Madam Wu asked, "What did the Holy Emperor say to you in the palace?"

Mu Lianxiao composed himself and answered respectfully, "He spoke about the military situation at the Northern Border. This battle might last for several years."

Du Yunluo nodded quietly.

In her memory, this war stretched on for years, settling down some eight or nine years later.

Mu Lianxiao died young, but Mu Liancheng and Mu Lianyu were both acclaimed for their military accomplishments, and by the 30th year of Yong’an, Mu Liancheng became Dingyuan Marquis.

This nearly ten-year war changed her fate.

Madam Wu smiled bitterly: "It’s a cycle.

It used to be the same; after a few years of fighting, when the Dazi couldn’t withstand it, they retreated to the grasslands and deserts, not invading again.

Our army knew little about the deeper areas of the grasslands and deserts, unable to track the Dazi. To launch a hasty campaign could be risky, lengthening the frontline and potentially losing everything, missing even a chance to root them out.

When the Dazi recuperated for a few years and saw our prosperous border towns, they came to raid and harass.

This back and forth suffering always fell upon the common people at the border."

Madam Wu had once guarded the Northern Border alongside the Old Marquis, knew the Dazi’s capabilities, and had personally experienced their attacks on towns.

"If we could strike at the root, we might not promise perpetual peace, but at least ten or twenty years of tranquility," Mu Lianxiao remarked.

Mrs. Zhou smiled gently, a glint of sadness in her eyes, yet mostly comforting.

Madam Wu turned to look at Mrs. Zhou and sighed, "After all, they are father and son."

"Indeed," Mrs. Zhou nodded, softly saying, "Your father often talked about striking at the root, planning to launch a surprise attack on Ancient Meili City."

Ancient Meili City is the Dazi’s stronghold; out of the Northwest Pass lies the desert instead of grasslands.

The desert is unpredictable; if one could traverse it and take Ancient Meili City, the threat of Dazi invasions could end.

Unfortunately, the route from the pass to Ancient Meili City is too difficult to master.

"If there were a good guide, Yuan Ce would surely lead a cavalry surprise attack," Madam Wu said.

Recalling her eldest son filled the Old Madam with nostalgia.

The Dingyuan Marquis Mansion had invested so much in the wars at the Northern Border; achieving a decisive victory could make the Dazi unstable in their own backyard, ensuring peace for the borders. If the ancestors knew of such pride, they’d be proud of their descendants.

Taking a deep breath, Madam Wu remarked, "Striking at the root is no easy task..."

Mu Lianxiao solemnly replied, "Grandson understands."

Du Yunluo twisted the silk handkerchief in her hand, her eyes fixed on Mu Lianxiao.

She knew Mu Lianxiao’s character well; he was not one to fear death. His service at the Northern Border wasn’t to idle but to protect the land, never to sully the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion’s name.

If there were a chance to keep the Dazi at bay for ten or twenty years, Mu Lianxiao would certainly take it.

The four conversed a while longer, and when Madam Wu grew tired, she took an afternoon nap.

After seeing Mrs. Zhou back to Jingshui Hall, Mu Lianxiao and Du Yunluo leisurely returned to Shaohui Garden.

Breathing in, they caught the scent of the winter plums blooming in the garden, a cold yet elegant fragrance that lingered.

Du Yunluo was still pondering their previous conversation, somewhat distracted.

Mu Lianxiao noticed and squeezed her palm.

Back at Shaohui Garden, Mu Lianxiao gestured to the maids to leave and softly asked, "Are you worried?"

Du Yunluo turned her gaze toward him, meeting his bright, lively eyes, and her heart skipped a beat.

After deliberating, Du Yunluo slowly spoke: "Concerned, yes, but this is war.

Whether it’s an assault or defense, casualties are inevitable.

The priority is to take care of yourself, even if on the front line, to win the battle and come back."

An inherited title without military merit, how could it not decline?

Mu Lianxiao is courageous and determined, qualities that Du Yunluo cherished in him.

If she restrained him from leading charges, from achieving service, what difference would she have from her past self?

Du Yunluo smiled with her eyes curved, saying, "The Princely Heir I admire has always been a brave man."

The sudden confession left Mu Lianxiao momentarily stunned.

The word "admire" stirred his heart, warming him entirely.

Eyes filled with laughter, Mu Lianxiao picked up Du Yunluo, and amid her startled cries, pressed her onto the bed.

Soft, lingering kisses landed on her forehead and ears, Du Yunluo pushed him away, coyly saying, "But it’s just midday."

Mu Lianxiao sat up, bent down to hold her delicate feet, and took off her shoes: "Just the right time for a nap."

How would a nap be possible?

Du Yunluo did not believe him, softly huffing, "It’s clearly daytime revelry."

A flush crept up Mu Lianxiao’s ears as he lowered the curtains, pulling Du Yunluo close as they rolled deeper into the bed: "As you said, this is ’courageous.’"