Chapter 148 Return to Qingzhou
Chapter 148 Return to Qingzhou
The atmosphere in the residence of General Nanzheng of Chujing was tense and solemn. General Nanzheng sat in the study, listening to his subordinates' reports with a gloomy face. When he learned that the second prince had captured a person alive and handed him over to General Yunhui, his face became extremely ugly.
"Idiots! This general has clearly ordered you not to act rashly, so why did you act on your own and even get caught alive?" General Nanzheng cursed angrily, anger and worry flashing in his eyes.
The men knelt down in fear and begged for mercy: "General, spare us! Before your order reached the brothers, they had already started, and we were unable to stop them."
General Nan Zheng took a deep breath and tried to control his emotions. He knew that losing his temper now would be useless and he had to take measures to solve this problem as soon as possible.
“In that case, immediately send someone to find out where those people are being held, and do everything we can to silence them.” General Nan Zheng said with a sullen face, his eyes revealing determination.
"Yes, I'll do it right away." The subordinate responded hastily and left quickly.
"Go away." General Nan Zheng waved his hand, his heart filled with anxiety. He knew that if General Yun Hui noticed anything, the consequences would be disastrous.
The Second Prince and Young Master Chen Xuan's team seemed much calmer along the way because they were escorted by General Yun Hui. This also made Su Lun and Gu Bei, who were secretly following them, feel a little relieved. At least they didn't need to be vigilant all the time and could relax their tense nerves a little.
After five days of traveling, the teams from both countries finally arrived outside Qingzhou City. Gu Ze had already sent people to wait here for a long time. When he learned that Master Chen Xuan and the Second Prince of Chu were about to arrive, he immediately came to greet them in person.
It was naturally impossible for all the soldiers led by General Yunhui to enter Qingzhou City. Everyone knew this. Therefore, Zhao Ziyuan decided to let General Yunhui set up camp outside the city and wait for Gu Ze to complete the handover of silver and goods. Afterwards, General Yunhui would escort the grain back to Da Chu. After all, the elite soldiers under General Yunhui were more powerful than the government soldiers of Licheng, and could better ensure the safety of grain transportation.
The Second Prince of Chu, Princess Qianying and Master Chenxuan arrived at the Qingzhou Governor's Mansion together, so there was no need to worry about safety. Su Lun and Gu Bei could finally relax a little.
"Brother Su, I am very familiar with this prefectural mansion. How about letting me take you around for a tour?" Gu Bei suggested enthusiastically.
Su Lun was a little surprised: "Oh? Brother Gu knows a lot about this place?"
Gu Bei laughed heartily: "The governor of Qingzhou is my elder brother. I once lived here for a while when I was at the border."
Su Lun nodded in sudden realization: "I see, but if it's convenient, I'd like to go visit Su Xi first."
"Indeed, I miss that kid too. How about this, the housekeeper may be busy right now, I will go find my sister-in-law to ask where Su Xi is."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Gu."
"Why be polite? Doesn't Su Xi also call me brother?" Gu Bei waved his hand casually.
"Then you guys rest here for a while, I'll go look for my sister-in-law." After saying that, he turned and left.
Gu Bei arrived at his sister-in-law's residence and found that the doorman sweeping outside the courtyard was new and did not recognize him. So he smiled and explained his identity to the doorman. The doorman looked at him doubtfully, but still politely said that he would inform him.
After a long while, a pair of cute little kids rushed out of the yard like cannonballs, shouting excitedly, "Third Uncle, Third Uncle..." Behind them, a group of servants shouted, "Master, Miss, run slower, be careful not to fall!"
Gu Bei quickly opened his arms and caught the two children steadily. He held them tightly in his arms, one in each hand, and then gently turned them around. In an instant, the children's silver bell-like laughter resounded throughout the yard.
Among them, the little boy blinked his big eyes and asked curiously: "Uncle San, why did you take so long to come to see us? I missed you so much!" The little boy's name is Gu Yunfei, he is Gu Ze's eldest son, and he is almost seven years old this year. The other little girl is Gu Ze's second daughter, named Gu Shuangshuang, who is five years old this year. Compared with their serious father, the two children like to get close to their uncle who is willing to play with them.
"Uncle San is a soldier and cannot go out casually. You two have grown so big. In another two years, Uncle San won't be able to carry you anymore." Gu Bei explained with a helpless smile.
"What should we do? Otherwise, Uncle San will hug me more now." Gu Shuangshuang answered naively.
"Okay, Uncle San will hold you." Gu Bei laughed heartily. He looked at Gu Shuangshuang and Gu Yunfei lovingly, his eyes full of love for the children.
"Third brother. It's really you. Why didn't you tell me in advance that you were coming? I could have prepared some of your favorite food. Don't stand outside. Come in and sit down." Gu Bei's sister-in-law came out in surprise and greeted him warmly.
Gu Bei's sister-in-law saw Gu Bei holding the two children, smiled and shook her head: "How old are you? You still need your uncle to hold you? Come down and walk by yourselves."
"No, Third Uncle said he wanted to hug me more." Gu Shuangshuang hugged Gu Bei's neck tightly and spoke unwillingly.
"Sister-in-law, it's okay. I'm used to training in the army, so holding them two is a piece of cake." Gu Bei smiled and comforted his sister-in-law.
The eldest sister-in-law shook her head and laughed: "You are the one who dotes on them the most..." She knew how much Gu Bei loved the children, so she didn't say anything more.
Gu Bei carried the two children into the house, and they sat together, enjoying the rare reunion moment.
After exchanging pleasantries, Gu Bei did not forget the purpose of his visit: "By the way, sister-in-law, has a boy named Su Xi come to your house these days?"
Madam Gu nodded and said, "Yes, the child stayed here for a day. Yesterday, my uncle came over and talked to your eldest brother. Your eldest brother has already sent someone to send the child back to the capital."
Gu Bei looked a little surprised: "Is that so."
Seeing this, Madam Gu asked doubtfully, "Third brother, is there anything wrong?"
Gu Bei waved his hands and smiled, "No, no, that's the younger brother of a friend of mine. My friend is a little worried, so he asked me to ask. Since he has returned to Beijing, there should be no problem. Sister-in-law, my friend is still waiting for news. I'll go find them first, and then I'll take my leave."
After saying that, Gu Bei turned around and prepared to leave. At this moment, his nephew and niece who had been standing by suddenly ran up and grabbed the corner of Gu Bei's clothes.
"Uncle San, I want to go with you."
"I also need to go."
Gu Bei looked at the two little guys and couldn't help laughing. He patted their heads, then turned to look at Mrs. Gu and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, why don't I take the children to say hello."
Mrs. Gu smiled softly and said to the two children, "Okay, you can follow your uncle, but don't be naughty. Don't cause trouble for your uncle."
"Don't worry, Mom. I will be good." Gu Yunfei patted his chest and promised like a little adult.
So, Gu Bei took the two little guys away. Along the way, the little guys jumped and followed Gu Bei, very excited.
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