CHAPTER 353: CHAPTER 350: THIS GUY HAS A GOOD EYE

The court has dispatched additional troops to the Eight States, and Du Zhuo can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Although he is the Military Governor, he only guards Sui State and Yinzhou. Before attacking the Eight States, the court allocated him twenty thousand troops, but the war has cost dearly. Now, there are too many checkpoints needing manpower, and spreading resources thin has become a challenge. While waiting for reinforcements, he feared something might go wrong.

Now, things are better, and he has managed not to fail his mission.

Only after relaxing slightly did Du Zhuo immediately set off for Dai State, hoping to see what Song Xian needed there. This battle has placed too much burden on Song Xian, and whenever Du Zhuo remembers it, he feels somewhat indebted.

Forget it.

Back in the Capital City, Song Xian wandered with him. The matter of pledging allegiance to Prince Guangyang was dismissed.

During their stroll in the Capital, it wasn’t Song Xian drawing attention; he did it for the grand strategy, ensuring the Emperor’s peace of mind.

As for when the Emperor mentioned Prince Guangyang... perhaps at that time, Song Xian didn’t know that Prince Guangyang really had descendants hidden in his guarded place, the Chen Family Village in Zhenzhou.

Besides, Prince Guangyang was a person of integrity and unparalleled loyalty. He had always admired him. After capturing Taiyuan Prefecture, he learned more of Prince Guangyang’s history, enhancing his reverence.

Du Zhuo carefully convinced himself and swiftly rode to Dai State’s military camp.

Song Xian welcomed Du Zhuo into the Central Army Tent.

Du Zhuo urgently asked, "How are the Liao people? Any movement?"

Song Xian replied, "Since Xiao Xingzong was imprisoned, they have sent two envoys with letters, which I have already sent to the Capital."

Du Zhuo nodded, "It seems Empress Dowager Xiao is attempting to bring back that Third Prince."

After finishing, Du Zhuo asked, "How do you plan? Exchanging the Third Prince for Xiao Xingzong?"

Song Xian responded, "At present, neither country wishes for war. Capturing the Third Prince was aimed at dealing with Xiao Xingzong, but merely exchanging Xiao Xingzong is not enough."

Du Zhuo listened intently to Song Xian’s words.

Song Xian said, "I also want to open a market. The Eight States are in their current state because of Gao Yu’s incompetence and the calamity brought by the Liao people. Opening a market for trade could help compensate the people of the Eight States."

Opening a market could allow the court to control most trade. Even if a small portion benefits the Eight States, it would still be beneficial.

Du Zhuo said, "The Liao people’s furs and horses are excellent. The court would never relinquish horses, but the furs... are you thinking about producing woven goods?"

Song Xian nodded.

Du Zhuo continued, "The Eight States lack looms, right? When the market opens for fur trading, could preparations even be made in time?"

"In time," Song Xian said, "Someone will arrange for these."

Du Zhuo looked at Song Xian. Could the reference to "someone" be any clearer? Isn’t it just the Chen Family Village involved in making woven goods and thread tassels?

Currently, Miss Xie is no longer the same as before. Once the Emperor investigates thoroughly, would Song Xian still need Prince Guangyang’s granddaughter to assist him?

Chang An watching from the side couldn’t help but sigh secretly. Ever since Master and Miss Xie got engaged, his ears were nearly calloused.

Seeing no one else around, Du Zhuo lowered his voice, "If you mean that Miss Xie from Chen Family Village, aren’t you afraid she’ll..."

Before Du Zhuo could finish, he noticed Song Xian’s smiling eyes, sweeping away his usual indifference and solemnity. He couldn’t help but be stunned. Why was Song Xian’s smile so unnerving?

Du Zhuo’s back bristled with alertness, wanting to immediately turn around and leave Dai State.

Song Xian said, "I haven’t mentioned to Brother Du that a few days ago, my family elder helped arrange my marriage. Once our duties are completed, I hope Brother Du can visit Zhenzhou for a drink."

Du Zhuo, not being a dull person, understood immediately, though the news left him stunned for a moment before he collected his thoughts: "You mean, you and Miss Xie."

Song Xian responded, "Thankfully, the elders of the Xie Family granted their permission, allowing this marriage to be arranged."

Du Zhuo was left speechless. When did Song Xian plan this? Before knowing Miss Xie’s identity, or after?

Song Xian said, "Last year during New Year’s, my grandmother went to the Chen Family Village, overcoming many obstacles. Grateful that Old Master Xie was willing to give his consent, otherwise, who knows how long this marriage would have been delayed."

From last New Year’s to now, hasn’t it almost been a year?

Du Zhuo pursed his lips. Song Xian meant that the elders of the Song Family had long been interested in Miss Xie, but the Chen Family Village continuously refused to agree.

Du Zhuo looked at Song Xian’s eyes. This fellow’s gaze was truly penetrating.

Song Xian continued, "Brother Du also knows that my smooth progress in Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou was thanks to the Chen Family Village’s help. Miss Xie is not only the sister of Chen Family Village, but also the sister of us in Zhenzhou."

Du Zhuo felt alarm bells ringing in his heart, familiar scenes from the Chen Family Village, familiar topics, reminiscent of that time in the Capital...

Du Zhuo regretted somewhat, having traveled tirelessly to Dai State, but he wasn’t here to listen to this.

He glanced at Song Xian, whose eyes were clear and frank: "Is there anything else Brother Du doesn’t know? I will slowly explain to Brother Du."

"No need," Du Zhuo said, "I understand completely."

Song Xian did not continue further: "Yesterday, the Official Medicine Bureau sent some finished medicine. Does Brother Du still have enough?"

Finished medicine is never too much; Du Zhuo nodded, "If you can spare me some from here, it would be much better. I don’t know why, but the medicine sent from Xingzhou is never as effective as the one from Zhenzhou..."

Du Zhuo wished to bite his tongue off; he had momentarily forgotten that the medicine from Zhenzhou was...

Song Xian said, "Our finished medicines were crafted by Mr. Xu from the Chen Family Village."

As they talked, Chang An retreated with his men.

Song Xian bowed to Du Zhuo, "There are some matters I would like to ask Brother Du for assistance with."

Du Zhuo understood immediately, "You are worried Miss Xie’s restoration of identity might encounter complications?"

Song Xian’s sincere gaze evoked the image of him fiercely leading troops into Taiyuan Prefecture.

That desperate endeavor was to bring troops to Dai State to rescue Miss Xie.

"Alright," Du Zhuo said, "I will report truthfully upon reaching the Capital."

Song Xian bowed again, "Restoring the name of the grandfather’s clan should be my duty. However, fearing Brother Du will reach the Capital before me, the Emperor might first inquire Brother Du. I am grateful to Brother Du for your efforts on my behalf."

Du Zhuo instinctively helped Song Xian up, about to express admiration for Prince Guangyang’s character. However, pondering Song Xian’s words, he realized Song Xian mentioned the grandfather? Prince Guangyang? Would Prince Guangyang below be aware who this boy is? Does this person know no shame?

"Since there’s nothing else, I won’t be staying overnight," Du Zhuo said, heading straight out, "I need to hurry back to pack for my return to the Capital to fulfill my duties."

...

In November, Du Zhuo and Song Xian went to the Capital one after the other to fulfill their duties.

Song Qizheng’s apology memorial was also sent to the Capital, announcing that his eldest son, Song Xian, was engaged to Xie Shao Yuan’s eldest daughter.

Du Zhuo, entrusted by the bipedal beast Song Xian, dutifully stood in the grand hall before the Emperor reporting, "Your humble servant heard from Song Xian that last year the Song Family intended to marry, but Miss Xie’s elders never granted their consent."