Reborn Together: The General and I Reach for Power-Chapter 460 - 457: Good News

"Old Madam."

Old Mrs. Chen walked past the government office and happened to see Qu Chengmei.

Qu Chengmei stepped forward to greet Old Mrs. Chen. Although Old Mrs. Chen held a noble title, she had long insisted that everything stay the same; otherwise, she felt uncomfortable.

Qu Chengmei said, "Did you not just return from Dai State? The journey must have been exhausting; why not take a good rest?"

Old Mrs. Chen waved her hand: "I was sitting in the carriage the whole time, not needing to walk, so how could I be tired? I’ve been away for a long time, so I just thought I’d come into town and have a look."

Qu Chengmei sighed: "Northward, Zhenzhou and Zhaozhou are still fine, but southwest from Qingzhou to Jingzhao Prefecture and Hezhong Prefecture are Prince Lu’s troops. Previously, we received battle reports that Prince Lu has already reached Shanzhou, heading towards the Capital City."

Old Mrs. Chen said, "What about the court’s troops?"

Qu Chengmei said, "The Emperor ordered people to bring troops to block them, only then did Prince Lu’s forces not continue eastward. The court ordered the northern troops to move to Ze State."

Hearing this, Old Mrs. Chen hurriedly asked, "Are they planning to send Xian?"

Qu Chengmei nodded: "That’s what the court intends."

Old Mrs. Chen frowned: "He has just gone to Yuezhou, surely he can’t not even be allowed to return home before being immediately dispatched with troops to confront Prince Lu?"

Qu Chengmei replied gently: "Please don’t worry, there’s nothing certain about this matter; it still needs further discussion in the court."

Thinking of the Emperor, Old Mrs. Chen felt vexed, planning to vent her frustrations to the Kitchen God at night. The Emperor, she thought, was always scheming and calculating. If it were an ordinary household, it would be just a matter of domestic turmoil, but he had to sit on the throne as the Emperor.

The people of Daqi were surely unfortunate to be under his rule. Were it not for him, would she need to watch her money all the time? If everyone lacked for nothing, she wouldn’t have to save silver coins.

"Go attend to your duties," Old Mrs. Chen said, "I won’t disturb you anymore; I still need to visit my in-law, the old lady."

Mrs. Gao bowed to Qu Chengmei.

Qu Chengmei watched Old Mrs. Chen’s back. Despite her old clothes and worn shoes from the long journey, her vigor was undiminished.

Such an old lady was truly admirable, and thinking this, Qu Chengmei respectfully bowed to Old Mrs. Chen’s departing figure.

Old Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Gao, carrying some items, went to the Song Family.

Old Mrs. Song came out from the courtyard, grabbing Old Mrs. Chen’s hand: "If you had been a moment later, I would have left for the Chen Family Village."

Having been separated for so long, the two had much to say. Just as Old Mrs. Chen was about to speak, she saw Song Qizheng coming out.

Old Mrs. Chen smiled and said, "The National Guardian General is at home!"

Song Qizheng came forward to salute: "Old Madam, please come to the main room; I’ll have someone serve tea."

Mrs. Gao also hurriedly greeted Song Qizheng.

Everyone proceeded to the main room to sit down, and Song Qizheng inquired about Old Mrs. Chen’s health and brought up matters regarding the eight states.

"Everything is good," Old Mrs. Chen said, "The flower felt made in the eight states is truly beautiful. We originally crafted these flower felts first, but now the designs in Dai State are more varied, and we have to learn from them. However, no herbs can compete with those in Zhenzhou; whether it’s cultivated or identified, Zhenzhou is unmatched."

Just like Zhaozhou has the most blacksmiths, each state has its specialties.

The paper workshops are common to all; pink wax paper and flower paper, over time, have developed their unique characteristics.

This outcome is because the granddaughter was not secretive.

Song Qizheng nodded: "That’s good, when Song Xian returns, he’ll need to oversee Dingzhou and Qi State."

Old Mrs. Chen was somewhat surprised: "Is the General going away?"

Song Qizheng said: "The court ordered the northern troops to Ze State to encircle and suppress Prince Lu. I’ve submitted a memorial volunteering to go, so henceforth, northern affairs will be entrusted to Song Xian and Liangchen."

Old Mrs. Chen understood Song Qizheng’s intention. Fighting Prince Lu alongside the court, the concern is not the difficulty of the war but rather the backroom schemes. Thinking of the Emperor’s tactics against Prince Guangyang, one can’t help but be wary.

After chatting for a while, Song Qizheng stood up to take his leave, needing to return to Dingzhou for some arrangements.

After Song Qizheng left, Old Mrs. Chen said: "After all, a parent still worries about their child."

Old Mrs. Song snorted coldly: "He brought this on himself; let him slowly redeem his wrongs. Even if Xian never forgives him, I won’t speak a good word for him."

There are no eternal grudges between father and son. Song Qizheng’s greatest mistake was not treating Song Xian’s birth mother well, believing rumors, and letting her bear the burden of injustice.

Although he fell into Xiao Xingzong’s trap, a different person might not have; ultimately, it stemmed from his own nature, leading him down this path.

After a long pause, Old Mrs. Song said: "He wasn’t like this when he was with me; I don’t know when he changed. Perhaps the outside world overwhelmed him. Now that he’s come to his senses and seeks his family again, how simple is that?"

Old Mrs. Chen didn’t know how to console her. After all, this was a family matter for the Song Family; they were not Xian and had not experienced those events, so they had no standing to intervene.

Old Mrs. Song waved her hand: "Let’s not talk about these distressing things; let’s discuss happy matters."

Old Mrs. Chen looked at Old Mrs. Song: "What happy matters?"

Old Mrs. Song smiled and said: "Things are going smoothly for Liangchen in Yuezhou; isn’t that good news?"

Old Mrs. Chen’s heart stirred: "You must be hiding something intentionally."

"It’s not my place to say," Old Mrs. Song said, "Wait a while for the children to return, and you’ll know. They just gave me a heads up to prepare you."

What could be the good news? Old Mrs. Chen pondered and opened her eyes wide involuntarily: "Could it be... are we expecting a new addition to the family?"

Mrs. Gao also caught on; could it be that Liangchen was pregnant? The couple had been married for some time, so it was quite possible.

Old Mrs. Song laughed: "It’s also that, and not exactly that. Just wait a while longer; about half an hour should do."

Old Mrs. Chen said: "You’re joining in their antics too."

Old Mrs. Song pretended to nod seriously: "I am not at liberty to speak; otherwise, I would have told you first, my old sister."

Judging from Old Mrs. Song’s expression, Old Mrs. Chen knew it wasn’t a simple matter, but she couldn’t figure it out.

As the group chatted, the time passed quickly. After two cups of tea, the steward came to report: "Old Master Xie and the others are here together."

Old Mrs. Song smiled at Old Mrs. Chen: "It’s fortunate you came; now Shao Yuan and the others are here to visit, and I can join in the good fortune with you."

Footsteps were heard outside, and Old Mrs. Song first saw Xie Shao Yuan. She was about to look behind him for her granddaughter, but then someone stepped out from behind Xie Shao Yuan.

Old Mrs. Chen’s smile immediately froze. She looked carefully at the person, and unconsciously stood up and walked out, with Mrs. Gao hurrying forward to support her.

The two looked at each other for a long time before Yang Shuyin stepped forward and knelt before Old Mrs. Chen.