Chapter 1081: Beyond the Realm, One Obeys No Command!

eward and servants, grinning broadly, bid farewell to everyone and then returned home laden with goods.The villagers were exhausted. One by one, they grabbed a fruit and sat under the big tree at the...The Lord ripped the paper into shreds, then burned it to ash on a candle flame before replying, "Since there's nothing in the official document, we shouldn't publicize this for now. Besides you and me, no one else is to be told."

“Yes...Lord Marquis,” Li Laosi was still a little dazed, muttering in a low voice, “Gully Mr. Jiang That…didn’t Gully used to be an orphan taken in by Mr. Jiang And he even manages for Fu Niuer, overseeing all those branches from all over the place…”

The Lord was also anxious, pacing back and forth in his tent.

Such a big event happened, and he just wasn't in Xin Du. What if his family couldn't handle it well What seemed like a great blessing to outsiders might turn into a catastrophe that destroys the entire family.

But it's too late now, worrying won't help, he can't rush back right away.

"All we can hope for is that the prince is someone who values his reputation; at the very least, for the sake of a good name, he won't readily act against the Li family."

And the Li family would best be cautious and thorough in their actions, remaining uninvolved, to ensure their safety.

The fear is that after the prince's enthronement, the selection of a consort will also end, and that person who had "other" plans regarding the northern campaign... Let me know if you'd like me to translate any more text!

By then, the Li family had learned of the news and were too late to discuss it with him. In their attempt to protect the Northern Expeditionary Army, they did something that angered the one in power, ultimately leading to their failure.

Now that person's mind is on balancing the court and supporting the crown prince. The next half month is our only chance, we must make a quick decision!

The lord's expression turned colder, his whole body emanating killing intent. "Tell Ye Shan to send a message home and request another batch of grain. We must strike at the border in one fell swoop!"

"Alright, I'll go find Ye Shan right away. That kid Mu Xu is capable. After the last incident with the grain being destroyed, he and his family started making preparations behind the scenes." Li Laosi replied excitedly, his words hinting at his satisfaction with Mu Xu.

The Marquis, thinking of Mu Xu, also thought of his daughter, and his expression softened. He replied, "You weren't happy with Mu Xu before, now that you look at him favorably"

Li Laosi coughed twice and said with a hard mouth, "Who is satisfied with him Fu Niu'er is the best daughter in the world, no boy deserves her. However, Mu Xu this kid is better than the others, at least he has blood and ability, he is useful."

The Lord Marquis didn't engage in a verbal duel with him. He lifted the curtain and left the tent, intending to return to the next one over.

No, Jiang Cheng walked straight towards him and asked, “Lord Huaisang, is there something wrong at home”

The Lord shook his head and didn't say much.

Jiang Cheng then said, "Everyone is still discussing it and some are getting angry. The lord should persuade them, who knows if anyone has connections with the Xin Du side and word reaches...that person's ears, it could easily cause trouble."

The Marquis patted his shoulder, "I understand. Come in and talk."

Jiang Cheng lowered his head and, together with the Marquis, entered the main tent. Li Lao Si, however, turned and walked into the darkness.

As expected, all the generals were still gossiping, every word filled with discontent towards the court.

The emperor and his officials in the new capital lived only for pleasure, making decisions on a whim, demanding them to be carried out.

He didn't care at all whether the decision was suitable for the current situation or if it would lead to a disastrous defeat of the Northern Expeditionary Army, resulting in countless deaths.

It's infuriating!

Seeing that the Marquis had returned, some people were anxious and still tried to persuade the Marquis for a few words.

As a result, the Marquis spoke, "When out in the field, military orders are not always obeyed. This Marquis will submit another letter to the Emperor explaining the battlefield situation. As for now… full attack, swift victory! We strive to drive the barbarians out of the border within half a month and thoroughly reclaim the Heavenly Martial mountains and rivers!"

All the generals were stunned for a moment, then they all became excited and responded in unison, "Yes, Lord Hou."

Jiang Cheng hesitated for a moment and asked, "Lord Huaisang, the third batch of grain hasn't arrived yet. Should we wait a few days"

This reminded the generals, and they all frowned.

Although it is summer now and horses can easily find grass to eat, tens of thousands of soldiers cannot survive on grass and leaves alone.

Moreover, the drought is so severe that it's hard to imagine finding grass or leaves if this continues.

The Marquis, however, promptly gave everyone a reassurance pill, "Rest assured, this Marquis has everything under control. I won't let the soldiers go hungry into battle. Now, all of you, prepare yourselves. We will break camp tomorrow and swiftly advance north!"

Everyone echoed in agreement once more, not one person questioning where the Marquis had replenished their grain supplies.

In the Northern Expeditionary Army, the Duke's word always carried more weight than imperial edicts!

The night was deep and oppressive, like an invisible beast glaring down at the world with hungry eyes, making one feel both stifled and fearful.

In the midst of the shattered golden sands, the young masters slept soundly.

Because the master was back, everyone felt a sense of purpose. These days, they worked with extra vigor.

If it were a normal year, this level of drought would have everyone worried, wishing they could reach heaven or descend to earth.

After all, food is the most important thing for people, and a shortage of grain is a matter of life and death.

But now they don't have to worry about it at all.

Since its opening, Onsen Valley has charged entrance fees in the form of food instead of silver.

Although the incoming grain supply is limited to just a few hundred kilograms per day.

But time goes by, and as days turn into years, the stored food just keeps piling up.

And the impoverished past has instilled in everyone a habit of prudence and thrift.

In the village, it's a tradition to sell last year's surplus grain only when spring arrives. They keep this year's harvest and last year's harvest as reserves.

This spring, things didn't look good, so the village head made the decision and Chen Liang never sold his grain.

For this, two more small granaries were built in the village, but they still couldn't hold it all.

Fortunately, the county princess came up with a plan and put the grain in a safe place.

So, drought is bothersome, yet within the acceptable range for the denizens of Broken Gold Beach.

Tianxin is the most merciful. This year has been a drought, but next year will definitely be better.

As the village head said, don't scare yourself. Just live through the present day.

In this village, people of all ages and genders would go to fetch water whenever they had free time. Even if they only carried one bucket per day, it was enough to ensure that the two fruit trees on the mountain were well-watered.

As the morning mist thinned in the mountains, orchards greener than anywhere else were revealed. Seeing this, villagers couldn't help but smile with pride.

After finishing her meal, Jia Yin had just arrived at the front yard when she was swarmed by Dah Hei and Er Hei.

These two loyal guards worked hard with Uncle Zhao and the others last night during their patrol.

Jia Yin secretly fed them a few fish cakes, affectionately patted their heads and instructed, “Don’t let the three discover you, be careful it scratches you. These are its favorite snacks!”

Dahu and Erhei don't know if they understood, wagging their tails crazily.

Just then, Wan'er happened to come over and couldn't help but laugh, "I wonder where Mu the guard found such a good dog. He's so well-behaved and obedient, he knows people very well too. He never bites anyone from our village, but he can tell outsiders apart with perfect accuracy."

After saying that, she ordered the maidservant to go to the kitchen and fetch food for Dahei and Erhei.

Jia Yin looked up at the sun and asked her sister-in-law, "Lao He and the others will be back in two days, and then we'll go to Big Brother's place."

"Sister-in-law, let's go into the city today for a stroll. Buy my elder brother some jade pendants and hairpins, and if there are any new books, buy more. My elder brother likes them. They would also be excellent gifts for friends or students."

After all, the southwest is too barren. These things are far less numerous and complete than what we have in our new capital.

Upon her return a few days ago, Wan'er had finished attending to all the trivial matters. Hearing her younger sister's invitation to go shopping, she was delighted and immediately agreed.

"Well, when Old Hei and his crew set off again, the fleet will also head south. Linlang and Coral are both pregnant, so I've chosen some good luck charms like lockets and necklaces for the babies."i Lao'er told his nephews to get pens and ink, and quickly listed out a tally.Jia Yin saw that there was nothing she could do to help, so she jumped down and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, I'm goi...