Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1310: The Imperial Decree Issued

A brief moment passed, and he retracted his gaze, inquiring, "You still haven't had breakfast, have you? I'll take you home for a meal."

She arrived quite early; it was only natural she'd be on an empty stomach.

As for clearing the snow and mending the livestock shed, those were tasks he could delegate to Feng Jin and the others.

You An, San An, and Si An were individuals he kept in the shadows, only surfacing in public when absolutely necessary.

Gu Jinli offered a nod and placed her hand in his.

Qin San Lang's lips curved into a smile as he gently placed her hand within the warmth of his sleeve. Retrieving an oil-paper umbrella from its hook by the door, he led her toward the Gu family residence.

Upon their arrival at the main hall, it wasn't surprising to find that Grandpa Qin had already departed.

Gu Jinli noticed and blinked at him, mentioning, "Grandpa Qin left not long after I arrived."

It was Grandpa Qin's usual tactic, leaving them ample time for private conversation.

Qin San Lang remarked, "Grandpa has invested considerable effort in both myself and my second brother."

Considering Grandpa's considerable achievements and esteemed status, had he not been invested in them, he would still be the venerable General He, enjoying a leisurely retirement in the capital.

The mention of Qin Er Lang caused Gu Jinli to halt abruptly. She looked up at him, her voice tinged with hesitation as she asked, "Do you think I should inform Hui Niang that your second brother is not dead?"

Qin San Lang's brow furrowed as he heard her words. "Has Luo Huiniang still not let go of second brother?"

In the past, Luo Huiniang had harbored feelings for second brother after he had saved her life. Through the years, she had faithfully visited his tomb annually to pay her respects.

Gu Jinli affirmed with a nod, "Yes, ever since our engagement, Aunt Luo has been actively seeking suitable matches for Hui Niang. Hui Niang has strongly resisted these attempts, and during sleepovers at my place, she would often call out your second brother's name in her dreams."

Qin San Lang pondered for a moment before concluding, "Xiao Yu should tell her. Otherwise, you will carry this guilt for a lifetime."

Xiao Yu, being a somewhat reserved individual with few friends, considered Luo Huiniang her sole close confidante. If she were to keep this secret from Luo Huiniang perpetually, Xiao Yu herself would be burdened by it throughout her life. His desire was for her happiness.

Gu Jinli expressed surprise, inquiring, "Can she truly say it? Won't that affect you?"

Qin San Lang chuckled warmly, responding, "Just tell her that second brother is alive. Nothing more is needed. It will be alright. As for my second brother, if he becomes angry later, I will handle it. Xiao Yu need not trouble herself with it."

But...

"You must tell Luo Huiniang that second brother will not favor her. Even if she were to wait for him, his return would be met with a fruitless endeavor," Qin San Lang stated, meeting Gu Jinli's gaze. "Second brother once had a fiancée, a lady of noble birth from Duke Ying's Mansion, and he places great importance on the support provided by his wife's family. It is simply impossible for him to marry Luo Huiniang... To put it bluntly, even if he were to take a concubine, second brother would not choose Luo Huiniang; his preference would be for ladies from influential families."

Second brother's objective was to wed a noble lady to bolster his quest for vengeance. He intended to take women from wealthy families as concubines, leveraging their finances to support his military ambitions.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinli let out a curse, exclaiming, "Your second brother is such a scoundrel!"

Then, she softly added, "Your 'fake' second brother is a scoundrel."

Having spent years with her, Qin San Lang understood the implication of the word "scoundrel." He nodded and chuckled, "Indeed, a true scoundrel."

Xiao Yu had once commented that if one lacked something, they ought to strive for it themselves. What character did a man possess who schemed for his wife's family influence and Silver for his own advancement?

A scoundrel, an incorrigible scoundrel, beyond redemption!

"However, I will not be a scoundrel." Qin San Lang seized the moment to pledge his devotion. Indeed, upon hearing this, his Xiao Yu laughed, stifling a slight smile. Feigning a stern expression, she declared, "Let's wait and see. If you ever turn into a scoundrel, I will divorce you!"

Qin San Lang's laughter echoed as he continued walking, his hand clasped with hers.

Along the way, Gu Jinli remarked, "Upon my return, I shall begin organizing the accounts. I will sort out the businesses under my name and select those that can be utilized for the Northwest."

Qin San Lang felt the urge to tell her there was no need to rush. The Emperor's orders to mobilize troops had not yet arrived; perhaps he would not even need to venture to the Northwest. However, after careful consideration, he ultimately refrained from voicing his thoughts.

In the end, they both shared the same apprehension. Since they had already foreseen this, and Xiao Yu had decided to accompany him to the Northwest, it was prudent to utilize the remaining time to meticulously prepare all that was necessary, thus avoiding any last-minute chaos.

Clomp, clomp, clomp… Before they even reached Gu Jinli's residence, the sound of urgent hoofbeats echoed through the air. Qin San Lang quickly pulled Gu Jinli closer, his gaze fixed ahead. He recognized the rider as a Reconnaissance Soldier from the Prefecture garrison, speeding towards them. In the distance, Wang Yongfu could also be seen rushing in their direction.

Wang Yongfu diligently maintained guards at the village's edge, allowing only trusted individuals to pass while ensuring the families' safety under his watch.

"A scout from the Prefecture garrison. Xiao Yu, you wait here. I’ll go see." Qin San Lang informed Gu Jinli, releasing her hand as he swiftly approached the newcomer. He called out, "Ah Yu, what brings you here? Did General Guo send word?"

It certainly must be something significant and time-sensitive, otherwise, a scout from the Prefecture garrison wouldn't be directly visiting the village.

Ah Yu quickly reined in his horse, dismounted, clasped his fists in a salute to Qin San Lang, and announced, "Reporting, Company Commander Qin. An imperial edict has arrived from the capital. The General requires your immediate presence at the camp."

He then presented the command and the letter to Qin San Lang, stating, "Here are General Guo’s orders and your personal letter."

While all Company Commanders within the Military Office would receive the general command, Guo specifically sent a letter only to Qin San Lang, underscoring the high regard the General held for him.

Accepting the command and the letter, Qin San Lang quickly scanned the contents, his expression darkening... As he feared, Emperor Jingyuan not only intended to implement a large-scale conscription but also to transfer a majority of soldiers from the Southern counties' Military Offices to the Northwest Army for an offensive against Da Rong.

No, the objective had shifted from offense to defense!

The Rong forces had achieved significant victories and would undoubtedly press their advantage. With the Northwest Army already weakened by the loss of two cities, it was in no condition to withstand the formidable Rong Army. An urgent transfer of troops and conscription of soldiers from the south was necessary to counter the Rong invasion.

Qin San Lang composed himself, carefully tucking the letter away. He instructed Ah Yu, "Go with Uncle Wang for breakfast at the workshop. We will depart for the Prefecture in two hours."

"Yes, thank you for your consideration, Company Commander Qin!" Ah Yu beamed, delighted. Each time he delivered a letter to Company Commander Qin at Da Feng Village, he got to visit the workshop and enjoy its good food, a privilege envied by others in the camp.

Wang Yongfu bowed, saying, "This way, Military Officer."

He then led Ah Yu away.

Once Ah Yu had departed, Gu Jinli opened her umbrella and stepped forward, inquiring, "So, the journey to the Northwest is confirmed?"

She had anticipated a delay of at least a few days before the Emperor's order would arrive, making its arrival today a clear indication of the Emperor's urgent need to mobilize troops to the Northwest.

Qin San Lang nodded. "Indeed. General Guo’s letter states that the Emperor intends to transfer seventy percent of the veteran soldiers from various Military Offices to the Northwest to repel the Rong people. Following this, new soldiers will be conscripted, with the first batch to depart for the Northwest before the end of the year, and further reinforcements after the New Year, depending on the situation."

He glanced at Gu Jinli and added, "We veteran soldiers must depart earlier than the new recruits. We are to set off for the Northwest at dawn on November 20th. Any late departure will be subject to punishment."