Chapter 998： A handful of cards determines life and death!

Chapter 998 A hand of cards determines life and death!

The Marquis also smiled and nodded. In the past few days, he had arranged for people to explore Jinguan City, two hundred miles away, where two thousand barbarians were stationed.

Last year, the barbarians drove out the remaining people, planted a thousand acres of crops, and harvested a lot of food, as well as thousands of cattle and sheep.

If there is no good response plan in Xindu, he plans to lead people to attack Jicheng.

Of course, it is inevitable that a strong attack will cause heavy casualties.

So, he would not give an order unless absolutely necessary.

They are all flesh and blood born and raised by their parents. He is reluctant to lose any of them, so it is best to bring all the soldiers back to Jiangnan.

“Tell the outposts not to go too far into the boundaries of Jinguan City, and wait until the army slowly presses forward, and then we can discuss a solution.” The Marquis ordered, “We can send the news about our lack of food to the barbarians to induce them to leave the city.”

“Yes, this is a good idea!” Li Laosi’s eyes lit up when he heard this. He was about to accept the task, but suddenly changed his mind.

“Master Marquis, although this second batch of grain has successfully crossed the river, it still has a journey of more than half a month before it reaches our place, and if we can’t protect it, the people behind it will take action.

"I want to take someone to pick it up. It would be better if I can catch the fox's tail."

The Marquis pondered for a moment and then responded, "Well, the news that the second batch of grain is on the way will be kept secret for the time being, and we will wait until it arrives successfully.

“If you take five hundred people to meet the grain transport team, I will say that you are looking for an opportunity to seize the barbarians’ grain.”

"Without further delay, I will order my troops and set off." Li Laosi couldn't hold himself back. Seeing that the Marquis had no objection, he turned around and left the tent.

Just as Jiang Cheng was coming from a distance, he walked across from him and asked, "What are you doing to be so happy?"

"Haha, the Marquis asked me to take people out for a walk. I have to find a way to seize the barbarians' food!" Li Laosi patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Remember to take care of the Marquis. I can go and kill him." Enemy!"

After saying that, he hurried away.

Jiang Cheng had no choice but to laugh or cry as he rubbed his numb shoulders, "This guy gets excited whenever he mentions going into battle to kill the enemy."

Let’s not talk about the Jiangbei camp, but here in Xindu, the military rations were transported smoothly, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

In addition to Li Laoer, the others also had to keep an eye on the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household Affairs to collect grain from various states to avoid being delayed indefinitely. Everyone else took a break.

Even the emperor held a flower-viewing banquet for the imperial concubine, which was very lively.

At the banquet, the imperial concubine stole the show by holding the second prince in her arms. The ladies and noble ladies from all the imperial families spoke highly of her and gave her many gifts.

Before, Jiayin and the third princess went to the imperial study several times but failed to see the emperor. The third princess lost her temper and refused to accept the rejection anymore.

Jiayin thought that the Ministry of War had not found out the murderer who destroyed the army rations, and the emperor did not urge him much. Instead, he focused on women, and she was not happy either.

So, a handful of pollen was dropped into the tea, and both she and the third princess got rashes on their faces.

Of course there is no need to go to the imperial concubine’s flower viewing party!

The two of them stayed in Zhilan Palace, eating fruits and playing on the swings.

Two days later, the concubine’s flower viewing party was over, and their rash was cured.

The imperial doctors were all confused. They didn’t know why the rash came and went away faster. In the end, it could only be attributed to... the summer heat!

Jiayin was thinking about home, and Mu Jue happened to bring news from outside. It was Baozhu's birthday, so he sent someone to leave a message at the Earl's Mansion, asking her if they could get together.

Jiayin feels a little guilty. She has really neglected this little sister recently.

So, she rummaged around in the space for a long time and found a pair of rabbit lanterns.

The rarest Baiyun gauze in the south is made into rabbit skin, green bamboo is used as the bone, gold thread embroiders the pattern, and rubies are inlaid with eyes. It is really exquisite and lovely.

She would definitely like it if it was hung outside Baozhu's bed tent at night.

The third princess also felt that the palace was stuffy, so she asked Caiyun to find a pair of koyu and put them in a box, and planned to go to Jia's house to play with Jiayin.

Everyone in the world has a pair of snobbish eyes. Although the Jia family loves Baozhu, they will definitely choose a good husband's family for Baozhu. But among the little sisters that Baozhu interacts with on a daily basis, if there is an extra princess, her future in-laws will take a good look at her.

So, Jiayin sent news to the Jia family in advance.

The Jia family was of course also happy, and they raised the standard of Baozhu's birthday banquet a lot.

On this day, Jiayin and the third princess left the palace in a carriage, turned to the white clouds, picked up a two-layered fruit cake, and then went to Jia's house.

Mrs. Jia Er and Baozhu are already waiting at the door.

Seeing Jiayin and the third princess get off the carriage, Baozhu rushed forward with a smile and hugged each other. He was extremely happy.

The third princess is used to being alone. Even the few friends she had before were not sincere and they were just perfunctory yes-men who agreed with her.

Otherwise, after she got close to Jiayin, she would not be so fond of Jiayin and defend him in every possible way. This is because true friends are so rare.

And Bao Zhu'er, this cheerful fat girl, is like a younger sister to her.

It is the most comfortable and happy to grab good news and snacks together.

So Mrs. Jia was startled, worried that her daughter might bump into the third princess, but the third princess had already hugged the treasure and asked her with a smile on her face what delicious food she had prepared!

The three little sisters happily arrived at Jia's garden pavilion. Xu Xi and Mei Lan were already there, and even the married Gu Qingqing was there.

Jiayin was so surprised that she stepped forward and shook Gu Qingqing's hand, "Sister Gu, it's been so long since I last saw you. How are you always?"

Gu Qingqing was also very excited, and she hugged back the good news with strength, but her response was a little reluctant, "Okay... everything is fine with me, I just miss you."

Jiayin saw that her expression was aggrieved and sentimental, and wanted to ask a few more questions, but felt that the occasion was not right.

Fortunately, Xu Xi and Mei Lan also exchanged greetings, and everyone was talking excitedly, so they missed it.

Mrs. Jia Er was a shrewd person. She gave space to the little girls to play, leaving only the capable mother-in-law and maids to serve.

 Delicious snacks and fruits were set out on the table, and tea and snacks were provided. The little sisters were blowing the summer wind and quickly laid out the playing cards, reliving the sticker contest that was an indispensable part of their party.

Mei Lan and Xu Xi have both decided to marry their in-laws early, and they will get married in a few months. This is the last free time for girls, so the two of them can play freely.

Laugh when you are happy, pout and roll up your sleeves when you are unhappy.

Led by them, the others also devoted themselves wholeheartedly and just played a handful of cards into the fierce "battle of life and death".

In the end, several people became note-takers, and even the good news did not escape them.

A few people looked at each other, all holding their bellies and laughing so hard they wanted to roll on the floor.

The maids and women outside the waterside pavilion had already lowered their heads and their shoulders were shaking like chaff.

But Baozhu did not forget that she was the owner after all. He summoned the maids to fetch warm water, took powder, and took care of everyone to wash their faces and put makeup again, and finally returned to the dignified and beautiful appearance of a noble lady.

Soon, the banquet was served again.

The girls gathered around. They didn’t take a few bites of the food, but poured half a jar of fruit wine into it.

Especially Gu Qingqing, drinking one cup after another non-stop.

Everyone started to raise their glasses together, but gradually they realized something was wrong.

Baozhu is still young and doesn't know what to do, so he looks to the good news as if asking for help.

Jiayin stepped forward and snatched Gu Qingqing's wine glass, then gave her a chicken drumstick and said with a smile, "Sister Gu, don't drink all the time. I remember you love chicken drumsticks the most, so I'll fill your belly first!"

"Baozhu is greedy. Her cook has been tortured by her for so many years and his cooking skills are excellent. How about a taste?"

 Gu Qing was stunned for a moment, and looked up to see the doubts on everyone's faces. She suddenly threw away the chicken legs, hugged the good news and cried loudly.

Two updates today~~

(End of this chapter)