Chapter 355 - 354: Discussion

Chapter 355: Chapter 354: Discussion

"Why the sudden reassignment to Lindong?" Lian Family tightened her grip on the teacup.

Mu Yuanmou sat down by the table and said, "Military reassignment is a significant matter. They’ve probably been discussing it in the Imperial Study Room for some time. Lian Xiao has been keeping it a secret. If you hadn’t asked today, we wouldn’t have known until the official document arrived."

Mu Liancheng’s face was somber.

Lian Family turned her head slightly and asked Mu Yuanmou, "Do you mean that Lian Xiao is deliberately keeping it from us?"

"Perhaps it’s not to be publicized before the decree, or maybe it’s intentional," Mu Yuanmou replied coldly, his gaze dark and brooding.

Lian Family snorted, "I think it’s Lian Xiao’s wife stirring up trouble behind the scenes. She’s guarding against us."

Mu Yuanmou remained noncommittal.

Mu Lianhui turned a page of her book and said while reading, "What have you done, Mother, that Yunluo noticed and felt the need to guard against you?"

Lian Family abruptly turned her head, gritting her teeth, "Guarding against ’us’? Aren’t you part of it too? What I’ve done, I don’t know if Lian Xiao’s wife has noticed. But what you’ve done, she sees clearly. Hui’er, have you slipped up, and now it’s our fault?"

"You’re talking about me?" Mu Lianhui scoffed, "My little antics wouldn’t make Yunluo this vigilant. It’s Mother who should be worried; with household management in Yunluo’s hands, the Xi Family’s steward in the main kitchen won’t spill secrets, right?"

Lian Family was about to speak but was interrupted by Mu Yuanmou.

He glanced lightly at Mu Lianhui, "Don’t talk nonsense. If the Xi Family’s already leaked information, there’d be some sign in Baijie Hall."

Lian Family shared this thought and quickly nodded in agreement.

"Maybe Yunluo knows everything," Mu Lianhui sneered, turning her back to her parents and brother, continuing her ghost storybook, "Believe it or not."

This attitude made Lian Family’s heart churn with anger.

Mu Yuanmou scolded Lian Family softly, "You shouldn’t let her read those ghost stories. She’s become so peculiar. Where’s the semblance of a young lady appropriate for marriage now? The nonsense spouted by street fortune tellers makes more sense than her."

Lian Family didn’t dare oppose Mu Yuanmou and instead tried to persuade Mu Lianhui patiently.

Mu Lianhui was engrossed in her book. Seeing Lian Family forbid her, she got off the couch with a stern face, slipping on her shoes, "I didn’t want to come in the first place. You insisted on me, and now you don’t like what I say. I’ll go back; you discuss among yourselves."

Mu Lianhui said this and left with her book in her arms.

Lian Family reached to pull her back but, receiving a glance from Mu Yuanmou, awkwardly withdrew her hand.

Mu Yuanmou ignored Mu Lianhui and spoke softly to Mu Liancheng instead, "Shanyu Pass, the Holy Emperor mobilizes troops, it won’t just be for defense."

Outside Shanyu Pass is desert, not even the Dazi would invade. It’s unnecessary to heavily guard it.

The Holy Emperor must have other plans.

Military matters were beyond Lian Family’s understanding as she silently poured tea for Mu Yuanmou and Mu Liancheng and listened.

Mu Liancheng pondered, "Could it be a strategic alternative?

The Dazi often harass the Northern Border but gain nothing. If they’re desperate enough, they might attack Shanyu Pass.

If Shanyu Pass falls and the Dazi march eastward, they could easily capture the whole of Lindong."

Mu Yuanmou frowned, drumming his fingers on the table, "The terrain of Shanyu Pass is complex, with the desert acting as a natural barrier. Would the Dazi take such a risk? They might suffer losses in the desert before reaching Shanyu Pass."

Mu Liancheng carefully considered, "High risk, high reward."

Such a bold, decisive approach differed greatly from Mu Yuanmou’s nature, making him laugh coldly.

After the laugh, a thought came to him, and he pressed his lips firmly, "High risk, high reward—you mentioning this reminds me of the idea of launching an assault on Ancient Meili from Shanyu Pass."

Mu Liancheng was taken aback, his eyes widening, "Across the desert? Whether Ah Shao has the courage is one thing, but where would he find someone capable of leading troops through the desert?"

Mu Yuanmou stood, brushing off his tunic lightly, "Who knows?"

Mu Liancheng and Lian Family exchanged a glance.

When Mu Liancheng returned to Shangxin Courtyard, Jiang Yunuan was packing luggage.

Mu Liancheng took Sister Niang into his arms from Mrs. Liu Menghai, his brows lightening with a fond smile as he played with his daughter’s tiny hands and hummed a tune.

Sister Niang babbled incoherently.

Jiang Yunuan handed the remaining tasks to the maid and approached Mu Liancheng, "Are you really leaving right after the Shangyuan Festival?"

Mu Liancheng nodded with a smile, "It’s better to be home sooner. I’m worried about Ay being alone in the Northern Border."

Jiang Yunuan lowered her eyes.

Mu Lianyu, that fool, if left unchecked, would likely cause trouble again, certainly not something that could be handled privately at home.

"Will your third uncle accompany you?" Jiang Yunuan asked.

At the mention of Mu Lianxiao, Mu Liancheng’s smile stiffened, "The Holy Emperor wants him reassigned to Lindong."

Jiang Yunuan was momentarily stunned.

"Anuan, he is he, and I am myself. Regardless of what Ah Shao does, I only know that I should charge against the Dazi and earn military merits," Mu Liancheng said.

Jiang Yunuan smiled a little, "I’ve packed some belongings, see if anything’s missing."

The next morning in Baijie Hall, Mu Liancheng discussed his intention to return early with Madam Wu.

Madam Wu patted his shoulder, "It’s fine. You go ahead. Your wife and Sister Niang will be well cared for at home."

"Ah Shao says he’s being reassigned to Lindong." Mu Liancheng said this, carefully watching Madam Wu’s expression.

Madam Wu didn’t show the slightest surprise.

Mu Liancheng gritted his teeth secretly, realizing Mu Lianxiao must have already informed Madam Wu.

Did he really keep it from the entire branch of the second family?

Years of preparation and planning vanished overnight, leaving Mu Liancheng feeling frustrated.

But remembering Mu Yuanmou’s words, Mu Liancheng took a deep breath.

Since it all came to nothing, there’s no need to dwell on it. Failure to succeed doesn’t equate to failure overall. They still have a chance to continue their chosen path.

From the beginning, this path was arduous, and now it’s just a bit more challenging.

With the Shangyuan Festival approaching, shopfronts began to hang different types of lanterns.

Mu Lianxiao returned to the manor from the palace, his spirits lifted by the bustling scene on the street.

An artisan was crafting lanterns under the willow trees by the riverbank, with eight or nine lanterns placed at his feet.

Mu Lianxiao took a few extra glances.

Yun Qi smiled and asked, "Master, would you like to take a few lanterns back? Hang them in Shaohui Garden, and I’m sure the lady will love them."

Mu Lianxiao raised an eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance, "No need."

Yun Qi assumed Mu Lianxiao would agree and was already reaching for his money pouch, surprised, he looked up.

Mu Lianxiao with a smile said, "Go to the teahouse at the East Street entrance and reserve a private room."