General, Your Wife Is Requesting Your Return Home For Farming Chapter 1471: Jealousy and Madness
Previously on General, Your Wife Is Requesting Your Return Home For Farming...
Chapter 1471: Jealousy and Madness
Editor: Atlas Studios
Xiao Zhonghua had no reservations about including Su Xuan in the mission. In reality, it was exactly what he had hoped for.
"However, Su Xuan has made it clear that he wishes to avoid court politics. Considering he is my brother-in-law, I cannot simply use my imperial authority to force his hand."
While he might pressure other relatives, he could not bring himself to do so when it involved his own sister's husband.
Wei Ting proposed a solution, "Shall I inform him that it is your personal oral order?"
After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Zhonghua gave a nod. "If he remains stubborn and refuses, you can just claim that you forged the imperial edict."
Wei Ting found himself at a loss for words.
"Your Majesty," Wei Ting remarked, "could you perhaps show a bit more backbone?"
With a weary sigh, Xiao Zhonghua admitted, "I simply cannot risk upsetting my sister."
It was rare for him to drop the formal "I" when speaking with Wei Ting, yet here he was, admitting his lack of resolve where his sister was concerned.
Noticing Wei Ting's silence, Xiao Zhonghua shifted his gaze toward him. "Surely you aren't planning to defy the decree as well?"
He was wary of offending his sister, but then there was Su Xiaoxiao…
As he looked at Su Xiaoxiao, he saw the shadows of Qin Canglan, Wei Xu, the Hundred Flowers Palace, and the Assassin Alliance looming behind her.
He clenched his teeth in frustration.
This woman was certainly not someone to be trifled with either.
"I wouldn't dare," Wei Ting replied.
He maintained a level of outward respect for Xiao Zhonghua, at least for the sake of appearances.
Su Xiaoxiao clasped her hands in a respectful salute and said, "Your Majesty, if there is nothing further, we shall depart!"
Xiao Zhonghua’s lip twitched slightly. He had nearly forgotten the time this girl had effectively "hijacked" a portion of the Crimson Shadow Army.
That memory was particularly irritating.
Fortunately, Xiao Zhonghua lacked a suspicious nature and did not live in fear of his subordinates.
The previous emperor had been consumed by paranoia, and Xiao Zhonghua had vowed to never follow down that path of madness.
Once they exited the palace, Wei Ting immediately gave orders to the driver to head toward the estate of the Marquis of Zhenbei.
"Are you truly planning to deliver the Emperor's oral order?" Su Xiaoxiao inquired.
"Indeed," Wei Ting confirmed.
Su Xiaoxiao noted his casual demeanor and sensed he was brewing some sort of mischief. She warned him, "Don't go looking for trouble. You aren't a match for the Head of the Secret Service."
Wei Ting’s expression soured. "Do you honestly think I am inferior to a man plagued by illness?"
Su Xiaoxiao gave a small snort. "He might have been an invalid once, but he has fully recovered. He is incredibly formidable now."
Wei Ting’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Fatty Su, praising another man in front of your husband? Perhaps I was too gentle with you last night?"
"Yes..."
Su Xiaoxiao answered instinctively before the meaning of his words fully registered. Her face flushed as the realization hit her.
Last night… his strength…
A shiver ran through her as she snapped out of her daze, shaking her head vigorously. "No, no, no!"
"Too late! We're going home!"
At Wei Ting’s command, the driver whipped the horses and turned the carriage back toward the Wei residence.
Earlier that morning, the children—Wei Xiaobao, Dahu, Erhu, and Xiaohu—had all been dropped off at Wei Qing's courtyard.
Wei Qing stared at the four children lined up before him, then looked at the young Ghostfear who had just been delivered by his brother. He felt a massive headache forming.
Could these parents not manage their own children for once? Why must they be dumped at my door every time? Do I look like I’m running a school here?
Little Wei Qing, currently being held by his father, looked up. "Dad, are you sending me to Uncle again?"
Wei Qing shut his eyes. He had been too slow to escape!
Adopting a stern expression to maintain his dignity as an Elder, Wei Qing addressed the group. "Listen well. Today, it is your responsibility to look after Brother Yuan Bao. You are stay out of this room."
Little Ghostfear immediately chirped, "Little Brother Yuan Bao."
Little Wei Qing patted the boy's head. "You must call me Elder Brother."
Little Ghostfear shook his head stubbornly. "No."
"If you want to learn from me, you must call me Elder Brother," Little Wei Qing insisted.
"Brother," Ghostfear replied.
"Elder Brother!" Wei Qing corrected.
"Aye," Ghostfear answered cheekily.
"Husband, are Dahu and the others here yet?"
Li Wan’s soft voice echoed from the corridor.
Wei Qing’s stern facade vanished instantly. He turned toward his wife with a warm, gentle smile. "Yes, Wanwan. I was just encouraging them to come play with Yuan Bao."
The following day, Su Xiaoxiao and Wei Ting arrived at the Marquis of Zhenbei's manor.
Having learned a painful lesson the previous day, Su Xiaoxiao was careful not to provoke Wei Ting with her words.
They first paid their respects to Su Yuan and Madam Tao. Ever since they had gained a daughter-in-law, the couple seemed much more cheerful.
To an outsider, it would look as though they had been blessed with a biological daughter in their later years rather than just a daughter-in-law.
Their relationship with Princess Hui An was surprisingly smooth.
The Princess spent very little time at her own manor, preferring the company of the Su family. She claimed the household was livelier and the food was far superior.
Despite having access to imperial chefs for years, she had grown bored of palace cuisine.
The Su family had hired a chef from Lingnan who prepared meals specifically for her daily.
Princess Hui An would eat in content silence. If Su Xuan didn't practically carry her home every night, she likely would have moved into the Marquis's estate permanently.
The usual friction between in-laws didn't exist between Madam Tao and Princess Hui An. After all, they shared the unique bond of having been caught looking at scandalous drawings together.
Upon hearing that the Emperor wanted Su Xuan to travel to Lingnan for a murder investigation, the two elders readily agreed on his behalf.
Su Yuan was a man of absolute loyalty. He wouldn't just send his son to investigate a case; he would do anything for the crown.
"Ahem."
Su Yuan cleared his throat loudly. "Tomorrow, I shall personally inform His Majesty. Su Xuan will depart for Lingnan."
Wei Ting asked with feigned innocence, "And if Su Xuan refuses?"
Su Yuan slammed his hand onto the table. "Absurd! Does he think he has a choice? Just because his grandfather and brother are away guarding the southern islands doesn't mean there is no one left to discipline him!"
The mention of the Old Marquis and Su Mo brought a wave of nostalgia to Su Xiaoxiao.
The Old Marquis had spent his life in the military and was determined to pass his legacy to his eldest grandson.
As the heir to the Marquis of Zhenbei, Su Mo carried the weight of leading the Su family navy and protecting the nation's borders.
Su Xiaoxiao felt a brief moment of sadness.
However, her mood quickly shifted as a realization struck her.
Since her grandfather and brother were stationed in the south, wouldn't they be able to visit them during the trip to Lingnan?
"Xiaoxiao, what is the matter? Why are you crying and laughing at the same time?"
Madam Tao took Su Xiaoxiao’s hand and checked her temperature, worried the girl might be falling ill.
Su Xiaoxiao leaned her head against Madam Tao’s shoulder, rubbing against her like a kitten. "Hehe, Auntie, I’m just so happy!"
Wei Ting gave a jealous snort. "Are you really that thrilled about Su Xuan going to Lingnan?"
Su Xiaoxiao grumbled, "Will you give it a rest!"
Wei Ting’s provocations had worked, as Su Yuan went off to "educate" his son, Su Xuan.
Su Xuan was utterly bewildered. "Father, why are you hitting me?"
Su Yuan shouted, "I’m hitting you so you remember who is in charge! You are going to Lingnan whether you like it or not!"
Su Xuan let out a sigh. "I never said I wouldn't go. My bags are already packed."
Su Yuan looked down and realized his son was telling the truth. Not only was he packed, but he had even prepared gifts for their grandfather and the others in the south.
Su Yuan blinked, feeling a bit guilty. "Ahem, Fourth Son, about that…"
Su Xuan sighed softly. "I understand, Father. Please, go back to Mother."
Su Yuan made a hasty exit.
The calm mask on Su Xuan's face finally cracked. With a flick of his wrist, the sword resting on the nearby rack flew into his hand.
Gripping the hilt, he stepped outside. He looked up at Wei Ting, who was lounging lazily on a tree branch with his hands behind his head, and spoke coldly:
"Wei Ting, let us fight."