Chapter 999: A Deck of Cards Decides Life and Death!

that side of the wharf was at least seventy or eighty miles away. It would take at least a day's journey to get there, and it wasn't something you could just go to on a whim.Everyone ate and discusse...The Marquis also smiled and nodded, having already arranged for people to investigate Jinchuan City, which was two hundred miles away. There were two thousand barbarians stationed there.

Last year, the Manchus drove out the remaining people and planted thousands of mu of grain, harvesting a considerable amount of food. In addition, there were several thousand cattle and sheep.

If there was no good countermeasure in Xindu, he planned to lead his troops to attack Jincheng.

Of course, inevitably, a strong attack will result in heavy casualties.

Therefore, unless it was absolutely necessary, he would not give the order.

As the parent of each and every soldier, he would not want to lose a single one. He hoped to bring all his soldiers back to Jiangnan safely.

"Order the outposts not to venture too deep into Jin Guan City's territory. Wait for the main army to slowly press forward, then discuss a plan," the Marquis ordered. "We could also send news of our food shortage to the barbarians, luring them out of the city."

"Yes, that's a good idea!" Li Laosì's eyes lit up. He was about to accept the task when he suddenly changed his mind.

"My Lord, although this second batch of grain has successfully crossed the river, it will still take another half month to reach us. Who knows if those behind us will make another move."

"I want to take some people to intercept them, and if we can catch their tail, that would be even better."

The Lord pondered for a moment, and replied, "Well, the news about the second batch of grain being on its way is to be kept secret for now. We'll wait until it arrives safely and then discuss everything."

"You take five hundred men to meet the grain convoy. I will say you went to seize the barbarians' food supplies."

"Time waits for no man, I'll gather my troops and set out immediately." Li Laosi couldn't contain his excitement. Seeing the Marquis didn't object, he turned and left the tent.

Just then, Jiang Cheng came over from afar and walked face to face with him, asking, "What are you doing Why are you so happy"

"Haha, the Marquis has me take people out for a spin! I'm going to find a way to snatch the barbarians' food!" Li Laosi patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "You remember to take care of the Marquis, I'm going to kill enemies!"

Having said that, he left in a hurry.

Jiang Cheng was exasperated, a mixture of amusement and disbelief tugging at his lips as he rubbed his numb shoulders. "This one," he said, shaking his head, "the moment he steps onto the battlefield, he's like he's been injected with chicken blood."

Without speaking of Jiangbei Grand Camp, let's just say that on the Xin Du side, military rations were transported smoothly. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Besides Li Lao'er, we must also keep an eye on the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Household in each state as they collect grain, so that it is not indefinitely delayed. The rest can take a break.

The Emperor even hosted a flower viewing banquet for the Noble Consort, it was quite lively.

At the banquet, the Noble Consort held the Second Prince and stole the show. All the titled ladies and noblewomen showered them with compliments and presented many gifts.

Before, Jia Yin and the Third Princess went to the Imperial Study several times but never saw the Emperor. The Third Princess became angry and refused to go again after being shut out.

Jiayin thought that the Ministry of War hadn't found the culprit who destroyed the military rations, and the emperor didn't urge them either. Instead, he focused all his attention on women, and she wasn't happy about it.

So, a sprinkle of pollen in the tea water, and both she and the Third Princess broke out in rashes.

The Empress's flower viewing party is definitely a no-go!

The two of them nestled in Zilan Palace, eating fruit and swinging on a swing.

Two days later, the Empress's flower viewing banquet was over and their rashes had cleared up.

The imperial physicians were baffled, unsure of the cause of this rash. It appeared suddenly and disappeared even faster, leaving them with no other explanation than... the heat of summer!

Jia Yin missed her family, and just then Mu Xu brought news from outside. Bao Zhu's birthday was coming up, so they sent someone to the Earl's mansion with an invitation, asking if she could get together.

Jia Yin felt a little guilty. She had really been neglecting her younger sister lately.

So, she rummaged through the space for a long time and found a pair of rabbit lamps.

The rarest white clouds from the south were made into rabbit fur, with emerald bamboo for bones, gold thread embroidery, and ruby inlay for the eyes. It was truly exquisitely adorable.

If it were hung outside Baozhu's bed curtain at night, she would surely love it.

The Third Princess also felt stifled in the palace. She called Caicun and found a pair of jade ruyi ornaments to put in boxes, preparing to go to Jia's house to play with Jiayin.

All people have discerning eyes, and although the Jia family favors Baoyu, they will surely choose a good husband's family for him.

But if among the young ladies Baozhu usually interacted with, there were one more princess, it would also allow her future in-laws to look at her with higher regard.

Therefore, Jia Yin informed the Jia family beforehand.

The Jia family, of course, was delighted and raised the scale of Baoyu's birthday banquet considerably.

On this day, Jiayin and the Third Princess took a carriage out of the palace, detoured to Baiyun Pavilion to pick up a two-tiered fruit cake, and then went to the Jia family.

Jia Erfu and Bao Zhu were already waiting at the door.

Seeing Jia Yin and the Third Princess get out of the carriage, Baozhu laughed joyfully and rushed forward, hugging each of them one by one. She was so happy she couldn't contain herself.

The Third Princess was used to being lonely. Even when she had friends, they weren't sincere; they were just sycophants who went along with her.

Otherwise, even if she had gotten closer to Jia Yin later on, she wouldn't have loved Jia Yin so much and protected her in every way. It was because truly sincere friends are incredibly rare.

And Pearl, this cheerful little plump girl, was like a sister to her.

Together, let's grab the good sounds and snacks, it's the most carefree and happy.

So, Jia'erfu was startled. Worrying that her daughter had offended the Third Princess, she found the Third Princess already holding Baozhu with a smile, asking what delicious food she had prepared!

Three young ladies, full of joy and excitement, arrived at the garden pavilion in Jia's residence. Xu Xi and Mei Lan were already there, and even Gu Qingqing, who was married off, had come as well.

Jia Yin was overjoyed and stepped forward to shake Gu Qingqing's hand. "Gu elder sister, it's been so long! How have you been"

Gu Qingqing was also very excited, she squeezed Jia Yin's hand tightly, but her voice sounded a bit strained, "Good... I'm fine, I just miss you all."

Jia Yin saw that her expression was tinged with both grievance and reminiscence. She wanted to ask more questions, but felt the situation was inappropriate.

Luckily, Xu Xi and Mei Lan also opened their mouths to greet each other, and the lively conversation of everyone passed.

Mrs. Jia Er was a shrewd woman. She gave the space to the young girls to play, leaving only the capable housekeepers and maidservants to attend to them.

A table was laden with delicious snacks and fruits. Tea and refreshments were readily available. The young ladies, enjoying the summer breeze, swiftly laid out playing cards, ready to relive their reunion's inevitable highlight: a sticker-themed game of "Notes".

Mei Lan and Xu Xi had already arranged their marriages and would be getting married in a few months. As this was the last time they could enjoy their freedom as young women, the two of them let loose and had a blast.

When happy, she bursts into loud laughter; when unhappy, she pouts and crosses her arms.

Led by them, the rest of the people were also fully invested, managing to turn a simple game of cards into a fierce "battle for life and death."

In the end, everyone turned into paper figures, even Jia Yin wasn't spared.

Several people looked at each other, all holding their stomachs and laughing until they were rolling on the ground.

The maidservants and old women outside the pavilion were already lowering their heads, their shoulders shaking like chaff.

Even though she was a treasure, Baozhu hadn't forgotten that she was the mistress. She summoned her maid to bring warm water and rouge, taking care of everyone and washing their faces and putting on makeup again. Only then did they regain their dignified and beautiful appearance as noble ladies.

Soon, the banquet was served again.

The girls gathered together, having only eaten a few bites of food before downing half a jug of fruit wine.

Especially Gu Qingqing, she drank cup after cup without stopping.

At first, everyone joined in raising their glasses. But slowly, they realized something was wrong.

Little Baohua was too young to know what to do, she looked at Jiayin for help with pleading eyes.

Jia Yin stepped forward, snatched Gu Qingqing's wine glass, and stuffed a chicken leg into her hand. She smiled and said, "Gu elder sister, don't drink too much. I remember you love to eat chicken legs the most. Eat something first to fill your stomach!"

"The Pearl's got a big appetite, she's tormented her cook for so many years, but the man is extremely skilled. You should try it and see what you think"

Gu Qingqing was stunned, then looked up at the questioning faces of the crowd. Suddenly, she threw down the chicken leg, hugged Jiayin and burst into tears.

Today's two updates are here~~ clerk of King's Manor also chimed in, "That's right. Not to mention anything else, life here in Xin Cun has been getting better and better, all thanks to the County Lord's blessings. Everyone is hopi...