Free Web NovelChapter 2352: Chapter 2327: Inquiries
The officials at Honglu Temple watched as they took out several boxes from inside and opened them for inspection, revealing either gemstones or spices inside.
He couldn’t help but open his mouth wide in surprise.
After distributing the items, Assistant General Nie ordered people to pile the boxes onto a carriage to take away. Those that couldn’t be piled were carried, and everyone planned to return to the camp like this.
For some reason, Manbao felt a little uneasy looking at them, so she stopped them and said, "There are still many of our ox carts over at the post station. Borrow one from us."
Upon hearing this, Assistant General Nie happily thanked Manbao on behalf of his brothers.
Manbao said, "Remember to return it to me later."
Just as Yin Huo was about to get on the carriage to leave, he suddenly turned back and said, "That carriage belongs to my family, and you need to return it to us."
Assistant General Nie: "...Yes."
So, everyone shook hands in farewell at the gate of Honglu Temple and turned to head home.
Liu Huan felt very anxious. He kept feeling that waiting for him at home would be chastisement, so he was reluctant to ride a horse and instead tightly held onto Jiyu’s hand, asking, "Grandfather really won’t hit me?"
Jiyu was also worried but comforted him, saying, "Don’t worry, didn’t Young Master Bai say that? He specially sent Steward Li to escort us back so that Steward Li could praise you. Even if the old master is angry, hearing Steward Li praise you will make it hard for him to act on his anger, especially with Old Madam there too."
Only then did Liu Huan feel somewhat relieved.
Yin Huo, who was temporarily traveling the same road with Liu Huan, was also rarely somewhat nervous, but it wasn’t out of fear—it was out of excitement.
This was the first time he had been away from home for so long, and this time he brought gifts for everyone upon returning.
Just thinking about it made it hard for him to suppress a slight smile.
Manbao and the others rushed back home directly, with no one having informed Old Zhou and the others yet, so the Zhou Family was very quiet. When the side gate was knocked, Zhou Sanlang, being nearby, went to open it and was surprised to see Manbao outside, and then immediately delighted.
Manbao was equally pleasantly surprised to see Zhou Sanlang, exclaiming, "Third Brother, when did you come to the capital?"
Zhou Sanlang laughed so hard his eyes nearly disappeared, "I came up in October. Your Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law went back, saying Erya’s wedding was over, and Second Son has been betrothed too. Dad and Mom had me and Third Sister-in-law bring Fifth Son to Beijing, firstly to look at potential matches for Fourth Son, and secondly to send Fifth Son here to study."
Zhou Sanlang quickly opened the door and ushered them inside while shouting to the interior, "Dad, Mom, Manbao is back——"
Bai Shan looked around and asked, "Third Brother Zhou, where’s the gatekeeper?"
Zhou Sanlang grinned, "It’s been really cold these days, and not many people are visiting. Right now, they’ve gone to eat and warm up by the fire. We live close enough to hear if someone knocks at the door."
Bai Shan chuckled, nodded, and helped him dismantle the threshold to let the carriage inside. Mr. Zhuang, having rushed without much rest, was quite tired, so Bai Shan instructed the ten maids, who didn’t know what to do, "You all take down the gentlemen’s luggage. Someone will lead you down soon to attend to his washing and dining."
Old Zhou and the others hurried over upon hearing the news, looking at them with delight.
Manbao ran up to embrace Ms.Qian and Junior Ms.Qian. With such lively activity here, finally, some servants came to check the situation.
Immediately, servants stepped forward to assist them with unloading their things, also going to notify Old Madam Liu, and rushed to the kitchen to boil water and prepare meals, creating a lively atmosphere.
Old Zhou shook hands with Mr. Zhuang, expressing gratitude, "This journey has certainly been tiring for you, sir."
Old Madam Liu arrived as well, full of delight, "Why didn’t you inform anyone in advance about your return so we could send people to pick you up?"
"Indeed," Ms.Qian nodded, tapping Manbao’s head, "You all, too naughty, today gave us quite a fright."
Bai Erlang stood alone nearby, squeezing his way in to ask, "Great Aunt, isn’t my eldest brother here?"
Old Madam Liu just laughed and replied, "Your sister-in-law’s brother has come to the capital to take exams and is temporarily living with your elder brother. Today, your elder brother accompanied your sister-in-law back home for New Year’s greetings, so they’ll probably return after dining."
She reached out to pat Bai Erlang’s head, smiling, "You’ve grown quite tanned after this outing."
Upon hearing this, Bai Erlang immediately became aggrieved, "Great Aunt, the desert sun is fierce."
He looked around then pointed at Bai Shan, saying, "Except him, who never tans no matter how harsh the sun is, all of us got a bit tanned, even Yin Huo, who often sat in the carriage, is darker."
Yin Huo indeed had a tan, not only darker but also looking much more spirited. Upon returning home, not only did Lord Yin nod approvingly, but Old Madam Yin also felt gratified, holding his hand and asking, "Did you suffer during this journey?"
Yin Huo smiled and replied, "No, everything was well-arranged along the way."
This statement was just to comfort Old Madam Yin, as Yin Li was aware that they’d encountered horse bandits and Tubo soldiers along the route.
After they finished eating, father and son sat down to talk, and Yin Li asked him detailed questions about his journey, then said, "I asked General Ashina when he returned; was it true that you all nearly died from horse bandit attacks in the desert?"
Yin Huo said, "Assistant General Nie and his men risked their lives to protect us, and we merely suffered some fright. Junior General Guo swiftly brought troops to rescue us."
Yin Li nodded, "I owe a debt of gratitude to the Guo Family father and son. Were the attackers you mentioned remnants of the former Xue Yantuo?"
Yin Huo hesitated for a moment before nodding, "Both the leaders are now serving under General Ashina."
Yin Li just smiled and said, "General Ashina mentioned that Bai Shan had discussed with him that while Jin Kui’an is brave, he lacks strategy. He is ruthless and solely focused on gain, with a penchant for women and wealth, so you must be especially cautious in using him."
Yin Huo smiled slightly and stated, "This is not only Bai Shan’s perspective but also mine."
Originally, Jin Kui’an and Erge were supposed to remain in the Anxi army, but after Bai Shan met with Administrator Chai, he approached General Ashina, advising that keeping these two in the Anxi army could do more harm than good. General Ashina also felt that Administrator Chai could not suppress Erge and Jin Kui’an.
Especially Jin Kui’an, who is strong in combat but refused to comply with education. If Administrator Chai had the ability, it would be fine, as he could suppress him, but Administrator Chai evidently lacks the competence of General Guo. Keeping Jin Kui’an might lead him to create unrest within the army. Once the two engaged in conflict incapable of mutual suppression, Jin Kui’an would likely have no mental hindrances in rebelling.
Therefore, Bai Shan, after consideration, approached General Ashina to advise him.
General Ashina then promoted Jin Kui’an to his side for his merit in assaulting the Kucha Wang City, directly having his subordinate take him back to Lanzhou.
As for Erge, he was brought up by the way.
Yin Li was not a petty person; since Jin Kui’an had achieved merit, he wouldn’t act prematurely until the latter made a mistake himself. But if the other party committed wrong...
Yin Li coldly chuckled inwardly.
Yin Huo breathed a sigh of relief, asking, "Father, since we are delayed in returning, is the Emperor very angry?"
Yin Li looked at him and answered, "The victory in the West pleased the Emperor enough. Although you were part of the envoy, you weren’t in charge, so you don’t have to worry about this. Just rest well; the Emperor might summon you in a few days."
However, in reality, the Emperor had already sent people to fetch all five of them early the following morning, bringing them to the palace for a reprimand.
