"Song, you… tell Mother, can that Xiao Shen fulfill his duties as a husband?"
Mother Ji chose her words carefully. She didn't want to be too blunt with her daughter, so she spoke euphemistically, "Song, dear, I just want to know… are you and Xiao Shen getting along well? Is he attentive to you? The bond between a husband and wife has many facets. If there's anything at all that's making you unhappy, you mustn't keep it to yourself. You have to tell me."
Hearing her mother's words, Ji Xiaosong was taken aback for a moment. Then, understanding the deeper meaning, a blush crept up her face. She chided gently, "Mother, don't you worry about these things. My husband treats me wonderfully. We get along very harmoniously, especially..."
Mother Ji understood what was left unsaid.
Seeing her daughter's bashful expression, she breathed a sigh of relief. She clasped her daughter's hand and said, "Song, dear, hearing you say that sets my mind at ease. After the homecoming banquet today, General Xiao will have to attend court tomorrow. Last night, I heard from your father that the Imperial Family intends to send him to the Northern Land to suppress the rebellious Prince Qi."
"A rebellion? The country is stable and all is at peace. Why would Prince Qi, living a comfortable life in the Northern Land, suddenly decide to rebel?"
'Ji Xiaosong wasn't sure if this had happened in her past life.'
'At that time, her past self had just married into the Song Family, and her life had been difficult.'
'Moreover, she didn't know much about Xiao Shen back then, only that he had died young. She'd heard he was severely injured in an accident while suppressing a rebellion, which led to his early death.'
'But when did he die?'
'Ji Xiaosong tried to recall the details, but she couldn't remember the exact time.'
'For the first three years of her marriage, Madam Song had kept her past self confined under the pretext of training her in household management. In reality, it was to prevent her from having too much contact with the outside world, lest the Ji family discover that something was wrong.'
'By the time she had a chance to move about more freely, she never heard exactly when Xiao Shen had died in her past life—only that by then, he was already gone.'
'This meant that the Xiao Shen of her past life had died within those three years.'
"Though the country is at peace now, Prince Qi has been building his power in the Northern Land for years, and his influence has grown strong. He's been incited by the small, conquered states on his borders. They've promised him great rewards, fanning his ambitions until he's no longer willing to submit to the court's authority. He's plotting to declare himself king, expand his territory, and now, he's finally rebelled," Mother Ji said, her brow furrowed with worry.
"But Chen Country has more than one General. Why must my husband be the one to suppress a rebellion by a border Prince?"
Mother Ji, however, had heard some news that Ji Xiaosong was not privy to.
"This proposal was presented to His Majesty by the Second Prince. The Second Prince once held the position of Minister of Public Works, while the Song Family's third uncle was the Minister of the Ministry of Industry at the time. Because of this connection, the Song family's uncle naturally sided with the Second Prince. I'm telling you this today so you can also make some preparations."
"Has His Majesty agreed?"
"There's been no word yet. When we go to the front courtyard for lunch later, your father will likely mention it."
"Mother, I'm sure my husband will also tell me about this. Today is our homecoming visit, and we'll be returning after lunch. If there's any news from His Majesty, I will send someone to inform you and Father."
Mother Ji nodded slightly and added a warning, "Song, dear, going to suppress this rebellion will be incredibly dangerous. While you're at the mansion, you must also look out for General Xiao's interests, manage the household well, and don't give him anything to worry about back home. If you need any help from our family, don't hesitate to ask. Your father and your brothers will do everything they can to support you."
"I understand, Mother. I will hold down the fort here so my husband can go to war with peace of mind. It's just... I'm also worried. If Prince Qi dares to rebel, he must have some backing. I can only imagine the hardships and dangers my husband will face on this campaign."
"You shouldn't worry too much. General Xiao is brave, a brilliant fighter, and full of strategies. He will certainly return in triumph."
The mother and daughter chatted for a while longer before heading to the front courtyard together.
Just as Mother Ji predicted, Xiao Shen brought up the matter of the court wanting to send him to suppress the rebellion during lunch, and worried expressions appeared on everyone's faces.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please do not worry. I first went to the battlefield at seven years old, and many small border states have fallen at my hand. A mere rebellion by a vassal prince within our own country is nothing to be afraid of. You need not be overly concerned."
Mr. Ji took a sip of clear wine and nodded gravely.
"That's true. You're a military general. If the country had no wars, the civil servants would inevitably try to suppress you. Whether you end up going to the battlefield or not, I trust the Imperial Family has made their decision, and we also trust in your abilities. For so many years, the Imperial Family has placed deep trust in the Xiao family. I believe you are worthy of that trust."
The current Emperor was a magnanimous and strategic ruler, and many loyal officials were willing to place their complete trust in him.
Xiao Shen stood up, clasped his hands, and gave a deep bow to the Ji family, his expression solemn and sincere.
"If I am deployed to the Northern Land to suppress the rebellion, my wife will be left at home alone. At that time, I'm afraid I must trouble you, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, and my three brothers-in-law, to look after her."
Mr. Ji quickly put down his wine cup, stepped forward to help Xiao Shen up, and patted his shoulder firmly, his gaze filled with trust and resolve.
"Son-in-law, you go and focus on quelling the rebellion. Do not worry about things at home. Song is with us; she won't suffer the slightest grievance. The Ji family will protect her completely. You can go and display your prowess on the battlefield with a clear mind. Return victorious soon and be reunited with Song."
In truth, everyone understood that His Majesty had not immediately approved the Second Prince's proposal simply because he wanted to wait until after Xiao Shen's wedding to make a decision.
Since this was the case, they assumed the situation in the Northern Land was still manageable. However, it was almost certain that Xiao Shen would still have to go to the front lines; otherwise, word of this would not have been allowed to reach the Ji family beforehand.
After lunch, Xiao Shen was the first to rise. He clasped his hands in a salute to the Ji family and said in a clear voice, "Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, my wife and I have imposed on you for long enough. It is time for us to return to our own mansion. After I return from suppressing the rebellion, I will bring my wife to visit again."
Ji Xiaosong and Xiao Shen walked out of the Ji Mansion together and boarded their carriage.
"Husband, if you really are going to the Northern Land to suppress the rebellion, can I go with you?"
Xiao Shen was taken aback for a moment, then gently took Ji Xiaosong's hand. "My wife, the campaign to suppress the rebellion is on a perilous battlefield. Swords and spears have no eyes. How could I let you put yourself in such danger? As a military general, it is my duty to protect our home and defend the country. Your living a safe and peaceful life behind the lines is the greatest support you can give me. You only need to guard our home for me at the mansion and wait for my triumphant return."
'That's not going to work. What if Xiao Shen really gets plotted against and killed?'
'I haven't even gotten pregnant yet!'
'Even if I did get pregnant, without a father to protect us, there would be countless people eager to devour both mother and child.'
'But looking at Xiao Shen's determined gaze, she knew her plan probably wouldn't work.'
'Ji Xiaosong wasn't afraid of the battlefield. Even if there were assassination attempts, she was confident she could evade them.'
'If she could go with Xiao Shen, she was certain she could protect him.'
'Since asking directly would only get her refused, she'd just have to go in secret.'
"Then... that's fine, I suppose. It was only because my heart is tied to yours and I was worried for your safety that I was overcome with emotion for a moment. I lost my composure and spoke out of turn."
Xiao Shen pulled Ji Xiaosong gently into his embrace, his right hand slowly stroking her hair. The movement was gentle and soothing, as if calming a startled fawn.
He rested his chin lightly on the top of Ji Xiaosong's head and said softly, "My wife, do not be afraid. I will return safely to spend the rest of my life with you. To me, you are the most precious person in this world. I would never leave you behind so easily."
"Of course, I believe you."
「The next day.」
After the morning court session was dismissed, the Emperor, as expected, summoned Xiao Shen alone to an audience in the rear hall.