Mu Mingtang was still standing in the same spot, looking in the direction that Hsieh Hyun-chen had left. She couldn't bear to look away. The young daughters-in-law of the Xu family turned their faces away to wipe their tears. Old Lady Xu sighed and said, "It's windy outside, please come back."
After Hsieh Hyun-chen left, Mu Mingtang temporarily stayed with the Xu family. Life in the Xu family was indeed very lively. Mu Mingtang had people coming over to play with her every morning until she went to bed at night. Her schedule was endless. The Xu family had many sons and married women from all over the world. Most of these women were daughters of military families. Although some were gentle and some were candid, they didn't have any romantic thoughts. It was very comfortable to get along with them.
The unmarried daughters of the Xu family also liked to come to Mu Mingtang. Mu Mingtang had been trained by the Jiang family and had been a princess in Dongjing for two years. Her experience was far from what these girls who grew up in Zhongshan could compare to. Sometimes she would teach the Xu family's daughters embroidery or writing. When their mothers found out, they would thank her even more.
Eldest Madam Xu was just like that. When Mu Mingtang heard Eldest Madam Xu thanking her so earnestly, she was surprised for a moment. Then, she smiled and said, "Eldest Madam, you're too serious. I can't help you with anything else. Teaching Sixth Young Lady embroidery is just a small matter."
"It's a small matter for princess, but for me, it's a big favor." Old Lady Xu's expression was still very serious. She said, "Sixth Young Lady is about to discuss marriage. I won't hide it from princess. For a military family like ours, it's very troublesome for a daughter to discuss marriage. Civil officials don't like them, and if they marry into a military family, I'm really distressed. This is just the beginning. The Northern Tribes have broken the agreement and there will be war in the next few years. My father and brother are both military people. After I married, the Xu family has been in the military for generations. These years, my mother and husband have been very good to me. The sisters-in-law are easy to get along with. Logically speaking, I shouldn't be dissatisfied. But every morning when they go out on patrol, I'm scared. I'm afraid that one night, I won't be able to see my husband and son. "
Mu Mingtang heard a sigh. She understood this feeling very well. The Xu family's life was very warm, and the Xu family treated her very well. They were afraid that she would feel uncomfortable alone, so they tried to make her happy. However, Mu Mingtang's heart was never truly at peace.
Every day, she couldn't help but wonder where Hsieh Hyun-chen had gone and whether he was in danger. Whenever there was a slight change in the weather, she would be scared witless. Mu Mingtang understood Madam Xu's feelings very well. He also understood Madam Xu's feelings of not wanting her daughter to marry a soldier.
However, there was a clear distinction between civil and military officials. Zhu Yanghong was promoted to the Bureau of Military Affairs and formally entered the center of the imperial court. His daughter still could not find a decent marriage in the capital. The Xu family was still in Zhongshan, so it was easy to imagine how difficult it would be to discuss marriage.
Mu Mingtang could only sigh and comfort her, "Sixth Young Lady is still young. Don't worry, Auntie. Take your time. Maybe fate will come."
How could Madam Xu not know that Mu Mingtang was trying to comfort her? She sighed and said, "I hope so."
Madam Xu's expression became serious and said, "Sixth Young Lady grew up in Zhongshan. Everyone outside gave in to her for the sake of the Xu family. Her family was full of boys, and her uncles and brothers also spoiled her. They spoiled her like a monkey. I wanted to take care of her a few times, but I am not proficient in literature. I want to, but I can't. If Princess doesn't mind wasting time and is willing to teach her, this concubine will be very grateful. In the future, no matter what Princess needs, just ask. This concubine will not refuse. "
"Auntie is too serious." Mu Mingtang quickly declined. She also sighed slightly and said, "I am not good at literature. I am far inferior to the Prince and the other young ladies of the officials' families. Since Auntie doesn't mind, you can let Sixth Young Lady come to me in the future. As long as it is something I know how to do, I will not hold back and do my best. "
Madam Xu heard this and got up to bow, "Thank you, Princess!"
Mu Mingtang quickly stopped her, "Madam Xu, you can't. Please get up."
The maids also came forward to pull Madam Xu, but Madam Xu insisted on bowing and said to Mu Mingtang, "Thank you, Princess. I will never forget Princess's kindness. "
"Madam Xu, what are you saying? I am now living in the Xu family. Old Madam Xu and the other wives are very good to me. I should be grateful to you. The Prince also praises the Xu family very much. He said that the Xu family of Zhongshan is full of heroes and is a model for the world. "
Madam Xu didn't know if this was true or not, but when she heard it from Mu Mingtang, she couldn't help but smile, "It is an honor to be praised by Prince Qiyang. When I go back and let my boys hear it, they will be so happy that they can tear the roof off. "
After Madam Xu finished speaking, she was startled, "Oh, look at me. I always forget. It should be An Wang. "
"It's okay." Mu Mingtang didn't care much about titles. An Wang was given by the Emperor, but Qiyang was given by Hsieh Hyun-chen himself. He became famous in the battle of Qiyang, so the title of Qiyang had the meaning of military exploits.
Although Qiyang was only a Commandery Prince and An Wang was a Prince, and there was a difference of one level, Hsieh Hyun-chen himself preferred the title of Qiyang.
Madam Xu didn't dwell on this topic anymore. She felt apologetic and said, "Taking care of children is a waste of time and energy. Princess is so kind, it really makes me feel bad. I don't know if there is anything the Princess needs me to do. Please tell me directly. "
Mu Mingtang thought for a while and really thought of something, "Madam Xu, do you know how to ride a horse? I have always wanted to learn how to ride a horse. When we were negotiating for peace, I had the idea of learning how to ride a horse with the Princess of the Tayan tribe. Later, it was left undecided, so riding a horse has been delayed. "
Madam Xu was startled when she heard this. She laughed heartily, "What's so difficult about that? Princess, you have asked the right person. Our family is not good at other things, but we have a lot of swords and spears. My body has aged these past few years, so I can't compare to the young people. However, the other sisters-in-law are all experts. Third sisters-in-law is good with the whip. Fifth sisters-in-law's family has been practicing spears for generations. When it comes to spears, sometimes even fifth brother can't beat her. Sixth sisters-in-law is an expert at archery. Even Fourth sisters-in-law, who has a weak body, has no problem getting on a horse. If the Princess doesn't mind Sixth Niang's impatience, she can also watch the horse for the Princess. "
Mu Mingtang was surprised. So she was the weakest person present? Even Madam Xu, who looked the weakest, could draw a bow and shoot an arrow.
Mu Mingtang was a little sad. She couldn't compare to Hsieh Hyun-chen in both civil and martial arts, but she was also crushed by everyone in the Xu family. She endured the sadness and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble. I don't know anything. If any of you have time, please give me a few pointers. "
Mu Mingtang's original intention was not to make a big fuss, so as not to cause trouble for the Xu family. However, she didn't expect that the next day, all the wives of the Xu family came to teach her how to ride a horse.
Mu Mingtang was surrounded by everyone. Her whole body stiffened as she was helped onto the horse. The warm-hearted wives surrounded her and pointed out where her posture was wrong and what skills she should use. Later, Old Madam Xu heard the commotion and came out with her walking stick to see her.
Mu Mingtang was extremely embarrassed. She didn't know how to move her hands and feet. After struggling for a long time, she didn't even dare to ride the horse.
Later, the impatient Madam Xu became anxious and took out her own horse to demonstrate to Mu Mingtang. Mu Mingtang worked very hard to learn and was finally able to walk two steps on her own.
Mu Mingtang's back was sore after a day of hard work, but at least she learned something. The next day, she went to learn how to ride a horse again. She was trying to get on a horse by herself when she suddenly heard movement outside.
Mu Mingtang looked back and asked, "Who's here?"
Madam Xu didn't even look back and said carelessly, "Who cares. It's the same people who come and go at the border."
On the other hand, the frail Madam Xu sent a servant to ask. After a while, the servant came back. Madam Xu followed behind her with a serious expression.
Mu Mingtang saw Madam Xu's expression and knew that something had happened. She immediately got off the horse and asked, "What's wrong?"
Madam Xu and Madam Xu also came over, "Sister-in-law, what's wrong?"
Madam Xu's face was gloomy. She said in a low voice, "Princess, someone from the imperial court is here."
Mu Mingtang was stunned when she heard the news. She immediately reacted, "Is it because of the Prince, or me?"
Madam Xu thought that she was indeed from Dongjing. Her reaction was fast. She sighed and said, "I don't know. Right now, the imperial court's messenger is still in front talking to father and Dalang. Mother saw that other than the imperial court's messenger, there were also two Northern Tribes people. She was afraid that something would go wrong, so she sent me to inform you and bring you to the back to hide. "
Mu Mingtang understood the severity of the matter. She nodded and said, "I understand. Thank you, Madam Xu. "
Madam Xu and Madam Xu hurriedly left with Mu Mingtang. They sat in the house and closed the doors and windows. Then, they called a few servants who knew martial arts. After a while, Madam Xu sent a servant to deliver a message to Mu Mingtang, "Princess, Madam Xu, Madam Xu, and Madam Xu."
Madam Xu asked, "What did the imperial court's messenger say?"
Mu Mingtang, Madam Xu, and Madam Xu stared at the servant. The servant sighed and said, "The messenger said that the Emperor had agreed to give the Northern Tribes five million taels of gold and fifty million taels of silver. In the end, the Yelv Yan still refused to withdraw their troops. The Emperor had no choice but to agree to the Yelv Yan's request to cede Taiyuan, Hejian, and Zhongshan to the Northern Tribes. He also removed Prince An, Hsieh Hyun-chen's military power."
"What!" Everyone in the house stood up in shock. Mu Mingtang was shocked when she heard about ceding three towns. "Didn't we follow the Yelv Yan's request and let the East Dan King go? Why didn't he withdraw his troops according to the agreement? Why did he ask the imperial court to cede three towns? "
The servant sighed and said, "I don't know either. The old general and the Langjuns in the front hall have already quarreled with the messenger. Madam Xu was afraid that the Princess would wait for too long, so she asked me to inform the Princess so that she could be prepared. "
Mu Mingtang suddenly realized, "No, if we cede Zhongshan Town to the Northern Tribes, won't I be exposed?"
Madam Xu also realized that Hsieh Hyun-chen had left Zhending Prefecture. The Yelv Yan guessed that Mu Mingtang was no longer in Zhending. He was most likely in Zhongshan and Hejian. Therefore, the Yelv Yan asked for these three places. Taiyuan resisted for a long time, and the Yelv Yan hated Taiyuan. Mu Mingtang was hidden in Zhongshan and Hejian. Once these three places fell into the hands of the Yelv Yan, the northern part of the Ye Dynasty would have no protection. It would be exposed to the iron hooves of the Northern Tribes. Not only that, the Yelv Yan could use Mu Mingtang to threaten Hsieh Hyun-chen and take revenge on the East Dan King.
Everyone looked at each other and felt a chill run down their spine. Xu Wuniang was impatient. She walked out without saying anything and said, "Bring me my gun. I'll kill those bastards!"
"Stop her!" Old Madam Xu immediately ordered people to stop Xu Wuniang. Xu Wuniang struggled hard and scolded, "This group of bastards, we've been risking our lives to protect this land, but they've just given Zhongshan to the Northern Tribes. If Zhongshan falls into the hands of the Northern Tribes, how can the people and civilians survive? I'll kill these traitors! "
Xu Wuniang was strong and the servants could not stop her. Madam Xu shouted, "Fifth Sister-in-law, those are the imperial envoys. Are you rebelling?"
Xu Wuniang was calmed down by this shout. She could not help but cry, "Then what should we do? Are we going to watch Zhongshan fall into the hands of the Northern Tribes? Are we going to watch Wulang's hard work be destroyed?"
Everyone else in the room also cried. Mu Mingtang was sad. They had been risking their lives here, but they did not know that the imperial court had already ceded them to the enemy.
While they were still crying, a maidservant suddenly stumbled in from outside. "Princess Consort, please leave quickly. The two Northern Tribes insisted that they wanted to familiarize themselves with the terrain and brought the imperial envoys to the back to search. "
Mu Mingtang was shocked. She knew that they were coming for her. Everyone panicked. The servant hurriedly asked, "Princess, what should we do? Should we leave? "
"Why should we leave?" Mu Mingtang's face darkened and said, "They dared to search in the back courtyard. How can there not be people guarding outside? If we leave, we will be walking right into their trap. "
"Then what should we do? The back courtyard is only so big. Where can we hide? "
Mu Mingtang was also at a loss. That's right, she could not leave or hide. Where else could she go?
Xu Wuniang heard this and immediately asked someone to bring her a gun. She said, "Since His Highness allowed Princess to stay in the Xu family, it means that he trusts us. Even if I die here today, I will not let the Northern Tribes pass through this door. "
Xu Siniang, who had always been weak, heard this and also asked someone to bring her a weapon. Madam Xu sighed and patted Mu Mingtang's hand, saying, "Princess, don't worry. Zhongshan is still the Xu family's territory. If the imperial court gives up land for peace, the Xu family will not let it happen. "
They closed the door. Although the house was full of women, they all had weapons in their hands. Xu Wuniang leaned against the door and listened to the commotion outside. She only heard a few people barging into the back courtyard, followed by many others. She could faintly hear Old General Xu's voice, "Imperial Envoy, this is where my wife and daughter-in-law live. It is inconvenient for all of us to live here. Please do not intrude."
However, Old General Xu's words did not change. In the end, Xu Qilang could not take it anymore and said angrily, "You are going too far. Do you really think that there are no men in the Xu family?"
Xu Qilang was young and hot-blooded. He was always scolded by his father and brother. However, this time, Xu Qilang shouted at the imperial envoy. No one stopped him. The atmosphere outside was tense. Finally, a voice sounded, "My two brave warriors, please do not be angry. The Xu family has disrespected you. I will teach them a lesson."
After that, he faced the Xu family and his voice became arrogant, "How dare you! You boorish warriors dare to disrespect the imperial envoy? The Emperor has personally issued a decree to hand over Zhongshan City to our ally, the Northern Tribes. Are you going to defy the decree? "
Old General Xu and the others did not speak. The silence in the courtyard was oppressive. Inside the house, Xu Wuniang quietly tightened her grip on her weapon. Mu Mingtang also unknowingly tightened his grip.
While the courtyard was in a stalemate, suddenly there was a commotion outside. Perhaps it was because it was too quiet, but the sound of horse hooves could be heard clearly by Mu Mingtang.
Mu Mingtang suddenly stood up, "Your Highness?"
The people in the courtyard also turned around. One of the Northern Tribes men did not even have time to react before his throat was slit. The imperial envoy was shocked by the sudden appearance of the horse and fell to the ground in a panic, "How dare you, Prince An! The Emperor has already issued a decree to remove all your military authority. "
Hsieh Hyun-chen rode his horse straight into the back courtyard, causing quite a commotion. Fortunately, the Xu family members all knew martial arts, so no one was injured. Hsieh Hyun-chen was originally rushing back to the capital with his men. However, halfway through, he received a decree to remove him from his post. Furthermore, the three towns in the north were also ceded to the Northern Tribes.
When Hsieh Hyun-chen heard this, he was so angry that he laughed out loud. After he finished laughing, he tore up the decree in front of the envoy and brought his men back to Zhongshan.
What was there to save? This kind of emperor deserved to be killed by outsiders. If they wanted to cede territory to him, they would have to see if he would allow it.
His men tacitly followed Hsieh Hyun-chen back. Strangely enough, they had come to rescue the capital. However, now that they had returned empty-handed, they left even faster than when they came out.
Fortunately, Hsieh Hyun-chen had shown his face once when he escorted Mu Mingtang to Zhongshan City. His face left a deep impression. Xu Silang, who was guarding the city, recognized him at a glance. Xu Silang personally opened the city gates to welcome Hsieh Hyun-chen into the city.
Hsieh Hyun-chen heard from Xu Silang that the imperial envoy and two Northern Tribes envoys had already entered the city. Without a word, he rushed straight to the Xu residence. When he entered, he did not even dismount from his horse. Instead, he rushed into the back courtyard and killed one of the Northern Tribes envoys.
The imperial envoy was so frightened by the sudden turn of events that his legs turned to jelly. Hsieh Hyun-chen was still riding on his horse. When he heard the imperial envoy's words, his lips curled into a smile. When he smiled, he was dazzling. However, this dazzling smile suddenly turned into a murderous aura. Hsieh Hyun-chen pointed his sword at the imperial envoy and said condescendingly, "When the general is outside, the monarch's orders cannot be obeyed. Even if I don't hand it over, what can you do? "
When Mu Mingtang heard Hsieh Hyun-chen's voice, she could no longer hold back. She pushed open the door and ran out. Even though there were so many people in the house, no one could stop her. When Hsieh Hyun-chen saw Mu Mingtang run out, he immediately retracted his murderous aura. He jumped down from his horse and hugged Mu Mingtang tightly. "I'm back."
Mu Mingtang did not expect their reunion to come so quickly. She also did not expect to meet under such circumstances. She hugged Hsieh Hyun-chen tightly. It was as if all her emotions had found an outlet. "Did you get hurt on the way here?"
"No." Hsieh Hyun-chen put Mu Mingtang down and gently tidied her hair. "I'm not lying to you this time. I really didn't."
After Hsieh Hyun-chen finished speaking, he did not even turn his head. He flipped his hand and threw a dagger, nailing another Northern Tribes man who tried to sneak away to the ground. The Northern Tribes man clutched his leg and wailed. He shouted in broken Chinese, "Your Ye Emperor has already ceded Zhongshan City to the War Tribes. This is now our territory!"
Hsieh Hyun-chen laughed coldly. He let go of Mu Mingtang and whispered to her, "Close your eyes."
Mu Mingtang subconsciously covered her eyes. Then, she heard Hsieh Hyun-chen pull out his sword and slowly walk towards the Northern Tribes man. "Whose territory this is has never been decided by you. I don't recognize this imperial edict. I refuse to hand it over. "
After he finished speaking, he pierced the man's throat. Hsieh Hyun-chen pulled out his sword. It was still dripping with the Northern Tribes man's blood. He pointed it straight at the imperial envoy. "I'll spare your life because you're from Ye Dynasty. Go back and tell Xie Rui that a good-for-nothing like him is not fit to be the ruler of Ye Dynasty. "
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