Chapter 549 - 549: Su Qingzhi’s Caution
Defeated in the battle, there was no regret to speak of.
“Is General entering the city today?” Su Wei asked a crucial question.
Returning to the capital with over ten thousand troops was no trivial matter. If delayed, it might lead to criticism.
“You go into the palace alone, pay respects to the emperor, and see his attitude.” Su Qingzhi held his waist knife, his eyes cautious.
Sending Su Wei ahead, Su Qingzhi’s heart felt heavy. He feared that Chu Yihan had other intentions and was more afraid of the potential conflict between him and the emperor. Thus, he hesitated to enter the city easily.
Su Yingxue, waiting in the mansion all day, didn’t receive Su Qingzhi’s return. The messenger she sent from the Marquis’s Manor reported, “Miss, the Old General, and the troops are outside the city but haven’t entered.”
“Why haven’t they entered?” Su Yingxue’s beautiful face showed a trace of anxiety.
“I don’t know,” the messenger replied.
Su Yingxue waved her hand, dismissing him.
“Maybe Master has other arrangements. Miss, please be patient,” Zhilan softly advised. “This servant is a bit worried about Miss Han. Since she returned to the Regional Prince’s Mansion, there has been no news all day. We don’t know how her wound is.”
Su Yingxue was also worried. However, she understood the situation. Su Han chose to return to the Regional Prince’s Mansion, and no one forced her. She must have thought it through before going back.
“But it’s a pity. Cousin’s health is weak. If she doesn’t get proper rest, it may be even harder for her to recover in the future.”
Su Yingxue had considered attacking the Regional Prince’s Mansion again, but it wouldn’t be good for Su Han. Not everyone could make others fear them even after being beaten.
So, she patiently waited for her grandfather’s return.
Su Qingzhi, receiving Chu Mingyuan’s order, reorganized the army outside the city. He did not need to bring the troops back to the city, returning alone was sufficient.
Chu Mingyuan’s edict also mentioned a welcoming banquet and a nationwide celebration. However, Su Qingzhi declined, writing a letter to Chu Mingyuan and asking Su Wei to deliver it.
“No need for the welcoming banquet. I should return directly to the manor,” Su Qingzhi sighed in relief.
Su Wei chuckled, “The emperor is not as considerate as the Ninth Prince. He knows you don’t care about superficial courtesies. You only want to reunite with your family.”
Chu Yihan had been helping him handle miscellaneous matters since the border, allowing him to return home sooner.
Su Qingzhi thanked him but remained cautious, “The Ninth Prince is cold and heartless, unfathomable. Although I entrusted him with a task before the expedition, his recent actions are strange. I have to be careful.”
He would be as careful as possible.
The next day, Su Qingzhi left a few deputies and returned to the city with Su Wei.
Su Wei hadn’t seen the bustling Jiang Du City for a long time, and he was very emotional. He saw that many people were coming and going on Vermilion Bird Street, and there was a long line. It was a clinic.
He commented, “General, look! There are many clinics in Jiang Du City. 1 haven’t seen so many people queuing up for medical treatment in years.”
Su Qingzhi nodded. This sight reminded him of a past event.
In the past, he supported Long Shuli to establish a clinic. Once opened, the clinic drew long queues of patients seeking Long Shuli’s treatment. At that time, Long Shuli didn’t even have time to go home for meals..