Chapter 1678: Admitting Fault
Chapter 1678: Chapter 1678: Admitting Fault
"Sister-in-law Zhang is right; we really should be leaving," Xie Cheng said, covering his awkwardness before taking Ji Zhenniang’s hand and approaching Gu Jinli: "Dear sister-in-law, we’ll have to trouble you to take care of Zhenniang again. She’s timid and easily scared, so I’d ask you to look after her."
He continued: "Zhenniang has a bad temper, and if she offends you, don’t hesitate to discipline her as you see fit, no need to worry about saving face for me. When I return, I’ll definitely prepare a gift to thank you for taking care of Zhenniang."
During the siege of Xing’an Prefecture, it was thanks to Sister-in-law Qin and Old Madam Gao that Zhenniang and the other womenfolk remained safe and sound.
Especially Zhenniang, although often scolded by Sister-in-law Qin, she was the most well-protected among them. Even during the days of siege and the outbreak of poisonous insect disease, she lived more comfortably than others.
Upon hearing this, Ji Zhenniang protested, tugging at Xie Cheng’s hand, and complaining, "Husband, you say that, and by the time you return, she would have knocked a few of my teeth out."
Gu Xiaoyu is rather terrifying when she hits, as Company Commander Jin’s beloved concubine experienced terribly!
Xie Cheng gently admonished Ji Zhenniang: "Zhenniang, why are you saying such offensive things again? We agreed you would be sensible and hold your tongue. How quickly have you relapsed. Besides, you said it yourself, it’s all thanks to Sister-in-law Qin that you’re safe."
Ji Zhenniang pouted, "It’s my fault... but she is really frightening when she’s fierce."
Mrs. Han chuckled: "Dear sister-in-law Xie, even though Sister-in-law Qin is fierce at times, she only harshly deals with evil men. She’s excellent to us. Besides, being a few years younger than us, if she’s not a bit fierce, how could she manage to keep people in line?"
With that, she gently pushed Sister Yu.
Sister Yu, being very clever, ran over and held Ji Zhenniang’s hand: "Aunt Xie, don’t be afraid. Aunt Qin is not fierce to us. If Aunt Xie really fears, Sister Yu will protect you and keep Aunt Qin from being too fierce."
Ji Zhenniang, fond of children, unable to resist cute ones, hugged Sister Yu at her words: "Oh, our Sister Yu is indeed so good. Aunt Xie hasn’t doted on you in vain."
She also added: "Don’t worry about Aunt Xie, Sister Yu. Aunt Xie is just playfully teasing Uncle Xie, not really afraid of Gu Xiaoyu."
Uh, teasing?
On hearing this, not just outsiders like Gu Jinli, even Xie Cheng’s face reddened, exasperatedly calling out, "Zhenniang..."
How could such words be spoken to children, this wasn’t saving face.
Ji Zhenniang looked up at him, seeing his indescribable facial expression, anxiously asked, "Husband, what’s wrong? Is the wound hurting again?"
As she spoke, she began to cry: "I told you to stay, but you wouldn’t listen. Now look, the wound is hurting again? Better to not go; if the wound worsens and you die halfway, what should I do?"
Gu Jinli face-palmed hearing this: "Ji Zhenniang, what mouthwash of poison have you used? Can’t you speak any pleasant words?"
As Brother Qin said, although Xie Cheng and these Company Commanders and Chief Commanders were injured, none were seriously wounded. They could recover strength after one or two days of recuperation and continue on their way.
Xie Cheng was bemused yet quickly comforted Ji Zhenniang: "Zhenniang, don’t cry. It’s just a minor wound. The day we entered the city nearly fainting was from exhaustion, but now there’s no problem."
"Really?" Ji Zhenniang wasn’t reassured: "Let’s just get a doctor to check you. If the injury is serious, you could stay, no need to go."
???
Gu Jinli heard this, speechless, ignored Ji Zhenniang, and called Mrs. Han and the others: "Sister-in-law Zhang, let’s go first."
Continuing the squabble with Ji Zhenniang would make Brother Qin and the others late.
Mrs. Han nodded with a smile. The couple each held a child’s hand, heading towards the front yard.
Seeing this, Ji Zhenniang was anxious, shouting after them: "Wait for us!"
Wait for you?
Sorry, your romance drama just started, and we can’t afford to wait, so we’re taking the lead.
Ji Zhenniang saw they did not stop but quickened their steps, stamping her foot in rage, almost crying, and complained to Xie Cheng: "Husband, look, you haven’t even left, yet Gu Xiaoyu’s already upsetting me!"
She then quickly pulled him along: "Hurry up, or else you’ll have to go alone."
Xie Cheng found it amusing as she pulled him forward.
Upon arriving at the front yard, Guo Daming and other Company Commanders, Chief Commanders, and soldiers were already lined up in formation.
Chief Commander Tang observed them coming along with their families and laughed, saying to Qin San Lang: "Everyone’s here except Brother Niu."
With Vice General Fang having his leg severed during the bandit attack that night and unable to come to the Northwest to resist Kangrong, Chief Commander Tang and Chief Commander Lao followed Qin San Lang with the remaining Yongtai Prefecture troops, now habitually reporting everything to Qin San Lang.
"Alright." Qin San Lang nodded, adding: "Let’s wait a bit; Company Commander Niu should be arriving soon."
Upon hearing this, Chief Commander Tang bowed and continued watching over the soldiers.
Company Commander Jin had been speaking with Company Commanders Hu, Cao, and Liu but hesitated briefly, bracing himself before approaching Qin San Lang and his wife, cupping his hands: "Company Commander Qin, Mrs. Qin, Ms. Xiao Ji has been dealt with... It was my oversight, nearly letting that vile woman harm the relatives, truly my fault."
He could never have imagined Ms. Xiao Ji, a widow concubine, would dare to risk the lives of all the soldiers’ families, merely to force Mrs. Qin Gu and the others to treat her as the Company Commander’s wife. Nearly endangering everyone, she almost jeopardized his Jin family.
Gu Jinli remained silent as Qin San Lang sternly said: "Company Commander Jin, I don’t wish to involve myself in your household affairs, but your concubine this time nearly harmed our families, daring to scheme against my wife. The battle is urgent now, and I have no time to hold this against you. Consider it a warning, but should it happen again, don’t blame me for handling it officially."
He continued: "From now on, take care of your soldiers’ families yourself. My wife is very busy and has no time to take care of warriors’ families from other camps."
Upon hearing about Ms. Xiao Ji’s actions, Qin San Lang was infuriated, considering sending someone to secretly kill Ms. Xiao Ji.
Gu Jinli stopped him, saying she had already avenged herself and, given the current battle’s urgency, it wouldn’t be wise to ruin his unity-building efforts for a concubine.
Only then did Qin San Lang resist the urge.
Company Commander Jin, extremely anxious, realizing the chaos in the Northwest, knew that if Mrs. Qin Gu didn’t help him take care of his soldiers’ families, those families might not survive.
Realizing his mistake, he dared not make a scene, only lowered his head in acknowledgment: "Thank you, Company Commander Qin, for not pursuing it... Rest assured, the soldiers’ families will be managed by Housekeeper Zhong and his wife. However..."
Company Commander Jin pleaded: "With the spread of poisonous insects inside and outside the city, if the families contract poisonous insect disease, I’d ask Mrs. Qin to provide some insect attractant for treatment."
He quickly added: "Rest assured, I know the insect attractant is precious, and I’ll pay silver for it, not take it for free."