Why Does Mr. Xie Favor Me? Chapter 22

Chapter 22 Plum Blossoms and Spring Cold

Big win!

The good news was delivered to Gu Zang, and the government and the public were cheered. The palace immediately issued a decree, “Shang Shu Zuo Pu shot Xie Heng, and the ban will be lifted from now on. The official will be reinstated and return to the court to discuss politics. Xu Shuhuai has made great contributions to assisting in the management of grain and grass, and he will immediately resume his duties as chief agricultural officer. Most of the grain and grass robbed in Black Wind Valley have been recovered, and the stolen goods hidden in the Wang family’s villa were confiscated. Those involved were handed over to the three departments for review.”

When the news came, the old plum tree in the courtyard of the Xie Mansion was blooming with the first cluster of buds this spring. It was blooming tremblingly in the cold wind, and the few light red spots reflected the blue-grey sky, which was particularly eye-catching.

Xie Heng stood in the corridor. After listening to Uncle Cheng’s report, there was not much joy on his face. He only nodded slightly, but looked beyond the courtyard wall to the northern sky.

Today he changed into a dark purple official uniform, tied a jade belt around his waist, and meticulously tied up his hair in a bun, returning to his usual graceful and cool appearance.

But upon closer inspection, the green shadow under his eyes has not disappeared, and his jawline is thinner and sharper than before the confinement.

“Prepare your car and enter the palace to thank you.”He turned around and ordered, still walking calmly, but the fingertips in his sleeves were slightly curled.

The news about Xiao Jue finally came.

At the same time, in the study in the backyard of the Xu Mansion, Xu Shuhuai was lazily leaning on the couch, playing with the official seal and confession documents that had just been delivered.

The green uniform was loosely draped, with the collar slightly open, revealing a thin collarbone.There was a usual casual smile on his face, but a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

“The Wang family behaved well this time. Before the trial started, the Third Division took the initiative to donate 30,000 shi of food as military supplies, saying it was to make up for it.”

The confidant who came to deliver the message whispered, “Wang Yu submitted a medical report this morning, saying that the old illness has recurred and that he will have to rest for several months.”

Xu Shuhuai sneered, “The old disease has returned?I’m afraid that your Majesty will investigate thoroughly in anger and expose all the Wang family’s activities in the north.”

He threw the official seal on the case and made a dull sound, “But it’s okay, if he is willing to take this step back, the court can be quiet for the time being.How about Xiao Jue’s side?”

“After General Xiao’s surprise attack on Yelangtun, he reorganized the northern camp and executed seven people including Li Zhi who had deducted military pay and resold military supplies, and the rest were dealt with according to the severity of their crimes.Now that the morale of the camp has been greatly improved, General Xiao is planning the next move.”

Xu Shuhuai sat up straight, with a real smile in his eyes: “As expected of Xiao Jue, his movements are fast enough.”

He paused and said, “Thank you Pushe for returning to court today. His Majesty will probably ask about the preparation of food and fodder for the follow-up of the Northern Expedition. You go prepare the carriages and horses. It’s time for me to enter the palace.””

The confidant retreated, Xu Shuhuai stood up and walked to the window, opening a gap. The cold wind immediately poured in, blowing away the warmth and incense in the room.

He looked in the direction of Xie’s Mansion, his gaze deepened, and then he closed the window, suppressed all the frivolous expressions, and put on the serious face that belonged to a great Sinong.

In the Xuanshi Hall, the charcoal fire burned extremely brightly, dispelling the chill of early spring in the hall.The emperor was sitting behind the Imperial Case, looking at the Northern Territory Military Report in his hand, with a rare smile on his face: “Xiao Jue killed three hundred enemies in this battle, captured countless grain, grass and weapons, and none of our troops was killed.Good, very good.”

Xie Heng stood before His Highness, lowered his eyes and said: “This is the result of His Majesty’s divine power and the sacrifice of the soldiers.”

“Thank you, you don’t have to be too modest.”The emperor put down the military report, his eyes fell on Xie Heng, with scrutiny and some complicated emotions, “If the food and grass were robbed this time, if you and Xu Shuhuai hadn’t secretly planned it and found out the mastermind behind it, I’m afraid the Northern Expedition would have been hindered.I have decreed that Official Xu Shuhuai be reinstated and the affairs of the Wang family be handed over to the Third Division for impartial trial.”

“Your Majesty is wise.”Xie Heng bowed.

“Follow-up financing for the Northern Expedition of grain and grass still needs to be stepped up.The emperor tapped his finger on the imperial case and said, “It’s extremely cold in the north and it’s difficult for soldiers to fight.”Now that Xu Shuhuai has been reinstated, he will fully supervise the matter, with Qing acting as the central coordinator.As for Xiao Jue…”

He paused, “When he conquers another city, I will formally issue a decree to restore his general rank and reward him based on his merits.”

This was a promise. As long as Xiao Jue made another military exploit, the previous stigma associated with Wang Zhaoruo would be completely wiped away.

Xie Heng felt slightly relieved, but it didn’t show on his face. He only said solemnly: “On behalf of General Xiao, I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness.”

At this time, the chamberlain announced that Xu Shuhuai was here to see him. The emperor nodded, and Xu Shuhuai walked into the palace wearing a new official uniform. His posture was dignified, not at all like his usual casual appearance.

After his visit, the emperor asked about the progress of the grain and fodder preparations. He analyzed the details in the note, detailing the amount of grain and fodder that had been allocated and the follow-up plans for the batches in transit. The words were clear and the data was detailed. Even Xie Heng nodded secretly.

The emperor looked at him with a smile but not a smile: “Xu Qing performed meritorious service this time and acted in a very orderly manner.But I heard that on that day in Black Wind Valley, you made a spontaneous investigation and did not ask for instructions?”

Xu Shuhuai’s expression remained unchanged and he said calmly: “Although I was staying at home at that time, my heart was focused on the Northern Expedition, and I was troubled day and night.I occasionally got a clue, but I was afraid that things would change if I were too late, so I took the liberty of going ahead.If there is any transgression, please punish him.”

The emperor waved his hand: “That’s all, I’m very pleased that you and Xie Qing have a tacit understanding of cooperation this time.”

He looked at the two of them and said, “The Northern Expedition is a major plan for the country. I hope you and I will work together and don’t let me down.”

They both bowed and said, “I will do my best.”

It was already afternoon when we exited Xuanshi Hall, and the wind blew through the palace walls and made people’s clothes fly.Xie Heng and Xu Shuhuai walked side by side, followed by their respective entourages, and no one said anything for a while.

When he reached the palace gate, Xu Shuhuai suddenly stopped and looked sideways at Xie Heng: “Pushe, do you want to go back to the palace?The good news came today, and the young lady must be happy too.”

Xie Heng glanced at him and saw a little discomfort hidden in his eyes. He understood in his heart, but said calmly on his face: “Xu Da Sinong is interested, so we might as well go with him.The details of grain and grass dispatching still need to be cleared up with Nan Qiao.”

Xu Shuhuai’s eyes brightened slightly, and the corners of his lips raised a smile: “I invite you, I dare not obey.”

In the Nuan Pavilion of the Xie Mansion, Xie Nanqiao was lost in thought over several newly delivered volumes of the Northern Territory Army Report.

The fire in the charcoal basin crackled, but she felt her fingertips were cold, and she subconsciously clenched the white jade in her sleeve.

There were only a few words about Xiao Jue in the victory report, “General Xiao personally led an elite night attack on Yelangtun, taking the lead. His left arm was injured, but fortunately he was not seriously injured.”

“Lady.”The maid interrupted her thoughts softly, “Master Lang has returned to his residence, and Xu Da Sinong has also come with him. He is now going to the study and asked the young master to come over.”

Xie Nanqiao came back to his senses, calmed down his expression, carefully put away his calculations, stood up and straightened his clothes.

The girl’s beautiful face was reflected in the mirror. Her eyes were a little tired, but her eyes were clear.She took a deep breath and opened the door to the Nuan Pavilion.

The cold wind blew against her face, and she shivered. The servants had lit lanterns in the corridor, and the dim light filled the courtyard with warmth.

She quickened her pace, her pale pink skirt gently brushing against the bluestone ground.

In the study, Xie Heng and Xu Shuhuai were sitting opposite each other drinking tea. When he saw her coming in, Xu Shuhuai’s eyes lit up, and then he returned to his casual look, but the smile in his eyes did not diminish.

Xie Heng looked gentle and motioned for her to sit down: “Here are the military reports and food list newly sent from the north. Come and take a look.”

Xie Nanqiao took it, his eyes first fell on the military newspaper, and he hurriedly scanned the records about the deployment of troops and captured materials, and finally raised his eyes to look at his brother: “Does the food and grass list need to calculate the subsequent dispatch costs?”

“Exactly.”Xu Shuhuai took over and took out a more detailed account from his sleeve, “The grain and grass seized from Yelangtun can support the camp for about half a month, but Xiao Jue will continue to advance northward in the next step. The battle line will be lengthened, and the supply line will also need to be adjusted accordingly.These are three new supply routes proposed. Each has its own pros and cons, and the cost, time-consuming and risks need to be measured.”

As he spoke, he pushed the account in front of her and tapped a certain point with his fingertips: “This roundabout route along Hexi Road is the most hidden, but the cost is 40% higher.I want to hear your opinion.”

Xie Nanqiao looked at it carefully, and the charcoal pen quickly calculated on the plain silk.

The sky outside the window was getting dark, and the candles in the study were brightly lit, casting her focused profile on the window paper, her long eyelashes trembling gently like butterfly wings.

Xu Shuhuai looked at her and suddenly remembered the grievance and panic in her eyes when he climbed over the wall to deliver candy cakes that night.

Now, only a month later, the girl who was huddled by the waterside pavilion unconsciously twisting the dead lotus was able to sit here calmly and settle the accounts of major military and national affairs with him.

His heart moved slightly and he reached out to add hot tea for her, his movements natural.Xie Nanqiao subconsciously raised his head and looked into his smiling eyes. His face heated up slightly. He whispered a thank you in a low voice and quickly buried his head in the account book.

Xie Heng watched the interaction between the two, lowered his eyes and drank tea without saying a word.

For a long time, Xie Nanqiao stopped writing and pointed to one of the routes: “Although the cost of taking this route is high, there are three hidden stakes on our side for transit along the way, and it avoids the area where the North Korea has recently strengthened patrols.The other two seem convenient, but in fact they are too risky. Once intercepted, the losses will be immeasurable.”

Xu Shuhuai looked closely at her calculation process and nodded: “It’s consistent with what I thought.He raised his eyes to look at her, with undisguised approval in his eyes, “Young lady, you are as careful as your hair.””

Xie Nanqiao avoided his gaze and turned to his brother: “Brother, when will the follow-up food and grass from General Xiao be delivered?”

Xie Heng put down the tea cup and said, “The first batch will set off in three days. If everything goes well, they can reach the north within ten days.Your Majesty has promised that when Xiao Jue conquers another city, he will formally restore his general rank and reward him based on his merits.”

Another city.

Xie Nanqiao’s hands in his sleeves were slightly clenched, which meant more danger and more fighting.

“He will do it.”Xu Shuhuai suddenly spoke, his voice steady and determined, “Xiao Jue, the more desperate the situation, the more amazing his combat power is.The northern border was so corrupted that it only took him a few days to rectify the camp and conduct a night raid to seize food. There was no other person with such courage and ability in the whole court.”

He paused, looked at Xie Nanqiao, and softened his tone: “Young master, don’t worry too much, my servant and I will do our best to ensure the supply of food, grass and weapons in the rear, so that he won’t have any worries.”

Xie Nanqiao looked at his serious expression, and the tight string in his heart seemed to relax a little.She nodded lightly: “I believe in Brother A, and I also believe in Da Sinong.”

The smile in Xu Shuhuai’s eyes deepened, and the spring light shone in his eyes.

Outside the window, the night was already dark, and the sound of watch drums could be heard faintly in the distance. It was already the second watch.

Xie Heng stood up slowly: “That’s it for today.Nan Qiao, go back and rest, don’t get too distracted.”

He looked at Xu Shuhuai again, “Master Xu also returned home early. Tomorrow we will meet at court to discuss the follow-up strategy of the Northern Expedition.”

Xu Shuhuai stood up and saluted, but his eyes drifted to Xie Nanqiao.

She was lowering her head to sort out the account books, and a hosta in her bun swayed slightly, giving off a warm luster under the candlelight.

“Then I’ll take my leave.”He turned around and walked out with Uncle Cheng. When he reached the corridor, he suddenly turned back and whispered to Xie Nanqiao who had sent him out: “Is that a useful chip?”

Xie Nanqiao was startled, then took out the calculation chip from his sleeve, rubbed the warm jade with his fingertips, and whispered: “It’s easy to use.”

Xu Shuhuai smiled, this time the smile was real and warm, even his eyes were shining: “That’s good.He paused and said, “It’s cold. Come in quickly.””