Chapter 872

Rongguo Mansion, Fengjie Courtyard.

Wang Xifeng noticed Ping’er’s cheeks flushed, her bright eyes fixed rigidly on the gift list, her expression oddly peculiar.

She laughed: “Ping’er, what’s that face for? Lost silver or dropped a money pouch? Is there something wrong with this gift list?”

Ping’er snapped back to herself and said: “Nothing’s wrong—I was just lost in thought. The Xia family’s seasonal gifts are truly thoughtful…”

Though she saw through the truth, even though Wang Xifeng was the person closest to her besides Jia Cong, she dared not reveal a single word.

Since Second Master Lian was exiled to Liaodong, Second Mistress had been raising First Daughter alone, effectively a living widow, her days painfully dull.

Hence her usual chatter and laughter, her love for gossip and spectacle, her eagerness to stir up trouble—if she found out that Bao Second Mistress harbored such thoughts…

Moreover, after Second Master Lian’s downfall, Second Madam had expected the Second Branch to inherit the title, and had treated Second Mistress with constant coldness and humiliation; Second Mistress had thus nursed a deep grudge.

The two had long been at odds; whenever Second Madam visited the Western Mansion, Second Mistress nearly swept her out with a broom, and she held no fondness for Second Master Bao.

Last time she found the sachet in the side room, Second Mistress couldn’t wait till nightfall—she found an excuse to drive Second Master Bao out of the Western Mansion. How deeply she resented the Second Branch.

If she learned that the Second Branch’s daughter-in-law was secretly doing something so outrageous, Ping’er could swear Wang Xifeng would be overjoyed, pouring oil on the fire…

Even if she cared for Third Master’s reputation, she’d still delight in chaos, her mouth wide open with gossip, inevitably spreading rumors.

When Second Madam and Bao Yu lost face, that might be bearable—but if such scandal erupted within the inner quarters, Third Master’s name would be tainted.

He’s a Hanlin official; even if he did nothing wrong, the gossip would stick, and that could ruin his future.

Facing Wang Xifeng’s probing gaze, Ping’er dared not reveal a word—once she stirred up Wang Xifeng’s curiosity, disaster would follow…

Wu’er lived side by side with Ping’er; Wang Xifeng noticed Wu’er’s odd expression, and Wu’er could see Wang Xifeng’s too.

She laughed: “This gift list is so intriguing it makes you stare? Let me see what’s so special.”

Saying this, she casually snatched the list from Wu’er’s hand, unfurled it without care—but after glancing at it twice, she quietly closed it again.

She remarked offhandedly: “The Xia family’s etiquette is properly measured—they are, after all, a prominent household.”

Then she placed the list back on the small table, bent over her household accounts, showing no sign of disturbance.

Wang Xifeng didn’t notice anything amiss and told Lin Zhixiao’s wife: “This reply gift is well prepared—send it to the Xia family as is. That matter’s settled.”

Ping’er returned First Daughter to the wet nurse and rose to say: “Third Master asked Second Miss to prepare the reply gift. I saw what Lin Meimei arranged.”

“I’ll go tell Second Miss, so she has something to reference.”

As Ping’er reached the door, Wu’er put down her ledger and said: “I’ve been sitting too long—I’ll come with you, stretch my legs.”

Wang Xifeng watched the two girls dash out like a gust of wind and couldn’t help laughing and scolding: “Two little devils—always sneaking off to slack off when they get the chance.”

Suddenly, a thought struck her—something felt off. She turned to the gift list on the table and picked it up to examine it.

But Wang Xifeng knew nothing of the truth; Xia’s gift list was perfectly ordinary—no trace of irregularity could be seen.

Wang Xifeng muttered: “This list has nothing strange. Why did those two girls rush to look at it? Acting so mysterious… what’s going on?”

…

In the covered corridor of Rongguo Mansion’s inner courtyard, once past Fengjie Courtyard, Ping’er said: “You saw something wrong with this gift list too.”

Wu’er’s expression was strange: “Third Master didn’t come home last night. The Eastern Mansion received the Xia family’s gifts—Qingwen made it clear. Who among us didn’t hear?”

Ping’er said: “This matter could be big or small. Before she’s even entered the door, she’s already doing this. Fortunately, Second Master Bao moved to the Eastern Courtyard.”

If he’d still been in the Western Mansion, after their wedding, something would’ve inevitably happened—and everyone would lose face.

We must find a chance to tell Third Master, so he stays alert daily—don’t let himself be tricked by accident.”

Wu’er bit back a smile: “This isn’t anything good—no need to tell Third Master. If he has no such thoughts, hearing it will only annoy him.”

If he does have such thoughts, won’t it stir his desires? Besides, Bao Second Mistress is quite beautiful…”

“You used to be sharp—how have you become so foolish now? Third Master must’ve worn you out, and now you’re addled.”

Ping’er’s face flushed crimson at Wu’er’s teasing. She snapped: “Look at yourself—when did you turn into a jealous wife?”

“A fur-lined jacket hasn’t even been mentioned yet, and you’re already guarding against Third Master taking a woman. Acting all high and mighty in front of me, like you’ve never been worn out by him.”

“That night you went out to dump water, passed by the main house corridor—I heard you moaning…”

Wu’er’s face turned bright red with shame and anger: “You dare say that—I won’t let you off! I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

She lunged for Ping’er’s waist; Ping’er giggled and darted away, Wu’er chasing after her in quick, light steps.

Two slender, graceful figures darted and laughed through the covered corridor, radiating a secret, intoxicating spring charm…

After running a stretch, Ping’er panted heavily, too breathless to run further. She laughed: “Still chasing me? Someone might hear—won’t you let me off?”

Wu’er grabbed her waist and grunted: “I’ll spare you this time. Next time, I’ll go dump water at midnight—you better watch out, I’ll catch you red-handed.”

Ping’er pinched Wu’er’s cheek, blushing: “Actually, you’re overthinking. After you went to bed last night, I spoke a little longer with Third Master.”

“Third Master doesn’t like Bao Second Mistress—he seems genuinely repulsed by her. I don’t know why.”

“He even casually gave that black fox fur-lined jacket to Qingwen. If he had any such thoughts, he’d never treat it so carelessly.”

Wu’er said: “Then this is best. Third Master has no shortage of women—aren’t we enough for him? Why stir up a hornet’s nest and ruin reputations?”

Ping’er held back her smile, letting Wu’er continue.

Wu’er went on: “But we don’t need to tell Third Master. He’s sharp enough—he must already know what we’ve noticed.”

Telling him would be pointless. Besides, in a grand household, such matters are deeply taboo—if we spoke openly, Third Master would feel uncomfortable. Better to pretend ignorance.”

“But Qingwen must be warned privately—she’s a firecracker. Don’t let her wear that black fox fur jacket out.”

“Otherwise, she might accidentally spark gossip. Just keep it hidden at the bottom of her trunk.”

“Since we’ve seen through the truth, we just need to help Third Master stay alert—keep the Second Branch away from him. Isn’t that right?”

Ping’er smiled: “Your plan is sound. We’ll all help protect Third Master—no woman at all. Let him dote only on you.”

“You’ve thought this out so carefully—it’s classic jealous-wife tactics.”

No sooner had Ping’er finished than she laughed and bolted away—before Wu’er could chase her, she was already gone…

…

Divine Capital, outskirts of Dongcheng, Firearm Workshop.

That morning, as dawn broke, many heavily laden carts lined up and rolled out of the workshop, escorted by elite imperial troops, heading toward the northern city gate.

Last night, Jia Cong had finalized the city garrison location; Liu Shizhen, per his orders, had already organized the equipment, materials, personnel, and stored firearms.

At the first hour of the morning, the firearm workshop began its relocation—its pace was swift.

Even though the details of the relocation didn’t require Jia Cong, as workshop director, to handle everything personally,

he arrived early to supervise the progress, waiting until the first batch of firearms and equipment was loaded and dispatched.

Watching the convoy head toward the northern gate, he gazed at the empty outskirts of Dongcheng, the surrounding mountains and terrain, his brow thoughtful.

Suddenly he turned his horse and galloped toward a nearby slope; behind him, over a dozen swift horses followed closely.

These riders all wore Shenzhi Camp uniforms, each carrying a long-barreled firelock on their backs—Jia Cong’s personal guards, selected from six thousand elite troops.

He was about to lead troops into battle; he needed loyal, capable men—collecting battlefield intelligence, delivering orders, guarding his safety—all indispensable.

Among these guards were familiar faces who had once accompanied him to Jin Ling to handle the Jinling Garrison case—Jiang Xiao Liu, Yu Xiuzhu, and others…

These men had followed him into battle in Liaodong, originally under Wei Yongzhou and Guo Zhi’s command, had fought alongside him multiple times, and were trustworthy.

Jia Cong had been able to quickly select elite troops from the Divine Capital garrison largely thanks to their aid; thus, these men were naturally included among his personal guards.

When the group reached the slope’s crest, Jia Cong took out his brass telescope and, seated on his saddle, scanned the surroundings.

Beside him, Jiang Xiao Liu asked: “My Lord, is something amiss here?”

Jia Cong said: “When we built the workshop on the city outskirts, it was because land within the city was priceless, while the outskirts allowed us to claim space for future expansion.”

“This location was midway between the northern and eastern gates, surrounded by flat terrain with no obstructions—ideal for swift transport of carts and horses. All these were advantages.”

“But now, with war looming, these advantages have become weaknesses. If the conflict drags on, refugees from the north will flood the outskirts.”

“If any unforeseen incident occurs, the workshop will be highly vulnerable—even with a thousand imperial troops guarding it, we cannot guarantee safety.”

“Fortunately, we completed the relocation before our campaign. Otherwise, departing for battle, we’d have been burdened by this rear vulnerability.”

“The success or failure of this Shenzhi Camp campaign hinges on the workshop’s ability to supply firearms…”

As Jia Cong spoke, his telescope swept back and forth—suddenly, a gentle wooded slope on the eastern outskirts caught his eye.

That grove, with scattered spring trees, stood unnaturally lush against the barren outskirts.