The dead general was kidnapped by his husband and taken to farm.

Chapter 165 Doubt

Ji Yinghuai nodded in understanding.

Given the importance the emperor attaches to him, Jiang Wenjing will definitely not just stay in Qingping County as an official, but will return to the capital.

Just now, he saw how much Jiang Wenjing valued Jiang Shian, and he would definitely not feel at ease letting his own brother continue doing business in the countryside.

What about Jiang Shian?

Will you choose to go back with Jiang Wenjing and live a life of wealth and glory, or stay in the countryside and live a free and happy life in your own world?

Ji Yinghuai has his own selfish motives. Although the capital city may seem prosperous, people’s hearts are unpredictable and full of conspiracies and tricks.

Although Jiang Shian is smart, he is too naive, and returning to the capital is not a good choice.

And he didn't want to go back even more. There was nothing worth staying in the capital. He now preferred the freedom of the countryside.

Living with a young boy, two people in one room, with three meals a day available and free and easy, is even more exciting.

Lin Leke didn't know what the King of Zhanbei was thinking, so he continued, "I estimate that I can stay here for a month, and then it will be the New Year soon. Is your Highness planning to return to the capital this year?"

Ji Yinghuai shook his head and didn't want to say more.

Just then, the door creaked open.

"Brother Ying Huai, my brother wants to discuss something with you." Jiang Shian stood at the door and spoke obediently.

Ji Yinghuai's expression improved instantly, especially when he heard the word "brother" from the boy, his mood turned from gloomy to bright.

He thought that no matter what decision Jiang Shian made, he would definitely lure him back, and he would take care of everything from doing business to hunting in the mountains.

Jiang Shian looked at Lin Le, not knowing how to address him.

Lin Le noticed his gaze, took a step forward, and said with a bright smile: "My name is Lin Le, I am your eldest brother's savior, and your future sister-in-law."

"Cough!" Jiang Shian widened his eyes, coughed, looked at Lin Le, then turned back to look at Jiang Wenjing who suddenly became tense in the room.

He laughed and said, "Well, hello, Mr. Lin."

Oh, isn’t it said that people in ancient times were more reserved?

However, Jiang Wenjing did not refute. Does this mean that these two people have a chance?

Jiang Shian had a gossipy look on his face and pulled Ji Yinghuai inside.

Everyone here knew about their relationship anyway, so he didn't need to be secretive. He had just noticed that the man didn't look well, so he had to comfort him now.

The coldness on Ji Yinghuai faded away. He reached out and rubbed Jiang Shian's head, then pulled him to sit down at the table.

Ji Yinghuai and the others were probably discussing matters related to bandit suppression. Jiang Shian hesitated, wondering if it would be inappropriate for him to be present.

Just as he was about to stand up, Ji Yinghuai pulled him back to sit on the stool.

"Nothing, there's no need to be shy about it just because we're alone."

Jiang Wenjing nodded.

"Oh, okay then." Jiang Shian sat down.

So, Ji Yinghuai and Jiang Wenjing discussed the next steps to suppress the bandits.

Jiang Shian and Lin Le just sat on the stools and listened without interrupting.

Although they are just a group of ordinary bandits, they have the geographical advantage. It will not be easy to attack them by force, and there will be casualties among the soldiers.

These soldiers are used to fight the enemy. We cannot lose them here. We can only defeat them by wits.

Fortunately, Ji Yinghuai had arranged for shadow guards to arrive at the mountain village early in the morning, and they have already figured out the terrain of the village over the past few days.

Ji Yinghuai took out a topographic map and placed it on the table, pointing to the slightly steep cliff on the back of the mountain in the map: "The defense here is the weakest. It takes some effort to climb up the cliff, but from here, we can find out the layout and defense of the mountain stronghold in advance. I think there are some soldiers with better skills among the soldiers sent here, so we can send a team up from here."

Jiang Wenjing nodded and looked at Ji Yinghuai with admiration in his eyes. He was worthy of being the famous King of Zhanbei.

He looked at the west side of the topographic map, which was full of densely packed houses. "The bandits are scattered around the mountain stronghold, except for these women and children. Although they have a close relationship with these bandits, many of them were abducted and had no choice."

"..."

The two of them talked for two hours.

Jiang Shian's stomach had been growling with hunger for a long time. Seeing that they had finally come to an agreement, he quickly stood up and asked Butler Qian to serve the food quickly.

"Brother, you can go to the study to discuss the rest later. Let's eat first. We haven't even had dinner yet when we got back."

Lin Le nodded, too hungry to speak: "Yeah, if I don't eat, I'm going to starve to death."

Jiang Wenjing and Ji Yinghuai both looked a little embarrassed. It was a rare opportunity to meet someone with whom they could chat and who shared similar ideas, so they inevitably forgot about the time and ignored the two people sitting next to them.

"Sorry, I forgot the time." Jiang Wenjing spoke first.

"I know you are discussing serious matters, young master. I have asked the kitchen to prepare the food so you can eat it as soon as it is served." Butler Qian walked in and said with a smile.

Behind him, servants came in as usual, carrying dishes.

Butler Qian looked at everyone in the room and his eyes suddenly turned red.

Only the master and mistress are missing. However, now both young masters have someone they love, so it doesn't seem lonely sitting in the room.

Jiang Shian held a spoon in his hand and poured himself and Ji Yinghuai a bowl of ginger soup, looking towards the door: "Uncle Qian, where is Brother Sijing? I didn't see him this morning. Brother Sijing must be happy that Big Brother is back. We haven't been together for a long time. Let's sit down and eat together."

"Oh, him. He went to the front military camp to help. This kid has wanted to be a soldier since he was young. Now he has a rare opportunity, so he takes a few maids to prepare breakfast for the soldiers and see the world at the same time." Steward Qian said as he personally brought the dishes to the table.

There are cooks accompanying each other in the military camp, but it is rare for these soldiers to come to the county town, so Steward Qian gave instructions early in the morning to find a few skilled cooks so that the soldiers can also taste the special dishes here.

Even Yingmo, who usually followed Ji Yinghuai, ran away with the brothers he knew when he heard that they were going to eat from the same pot.

After the dishes were served, Jiang Shian and Butler Qian sat down to eat together.

Butler Qian quickly waved his hands and said it was against the rules.

Jiang Wenjing waved his hand and told him and the servants in the room to go have dinner and not to worry about this place for the time being.

After Butler Qian responded, he ordered his servants to add two more stoves in the room, and then he led his men out.

The table was full, and many of the dishes were ones that Lin Le had never seen in the capital.

He sighed as he ate, and occasionally exchanged a few words with Jiang Shian about which dish tasted better.

The two of them got along quite well and there was no awkwardness while they ate and talked.

In comparison, the brothers Jiang Shian and Jiang Wenjing are relatively silent.

Whenever Jiang Shian eats something delicious, he will pick up some with his chopsticks and give it to Ji Yinghuai, asking him to eat more.

But when talking to Jiang Wenjing, his tone was inexplicably more polite.

"Brother, this dish is pretty good, you should try it."

"Yeah." Jiang Wenjing nodded and picked up the dish that Jiang Shian had just mentioned with his chopsticks: "It's good. I remember you loved Dongpo pork the most. Why didn't you make it today?"

Jiang Shian paused for a moment, remained silent for a while, and could not find any relevant scenes in his memory, so he could only respond vaguely: "There are enough dishes, tell the kitchen to make them tonight."

"Ah."

When Jiang Wenjing heard this answer, his eyes darkened, and he looked at Jiang Shian with a scrutinizing look.

No one at the table noticed this episode except Ji Yinghuai. He lowered his eyes and glanced calmly at Jiang Wenjing sitting opposite him. What was he doubting?