189: Chapter 0189 Everything Goes Wrong

"That's right. Young couples in Yangquan all go up to pay their respects. It's said that you can even pray for children there! It's incredibly effective!"

Xie Juner suggested, "Besides, if you and Lin Xiao participate in such a folk festival, it would be even better for winning over the hearts of the people."

Su Wansha's eyes flickered; she was naturally tempted.

But upon closer thought, when it came to a married couple going to pray for blessings, it would never be her turn.

"The General is very busy every day, so let's just leave such things to fate."

Xie Juner let out an "Oh," while muttering to herself, even if he's busy, surely he has time to accompany his wife to burn some incense?

However, could it be that Su Wansha isn't that favored?

After all, the one most in the spotlight recently is Mu Wanying, who revitalized the Golden Scale Guard.

At this thought, Xie Juner didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

That evening, Su Wansha returned to the Generals Mansion, where Xiao Qingxuan and the other women were having tea, melon seeds, and snacks with Lin Xiao.

They seemed to be discussing something, with thoughtful expressions on their faces.

"Husband, Qingxuan, what are you all chatting about?"

Xiao Qingxuan greeted her with a smile, "You're back. You've worked hard. Come and have some candied chestnuts."

"Then I won't stand on ceremony," Su Wansha said, sitting down and picking one up to peel.

"We were just discussing whether the news of Prince Bai's serious illness is true or false," Mu Wanying said.

"Prince Bai is seriously ill?" Su Wansha asked in surprise, "What happened?"

"According to news from Yong Province, Prince Bai hasn't left his estate for nearly half a month," Leng Bingyan said. "They say he has called in many famous doctors and is sending people to scour for high-quality medicinal herbs."

"There are rumors that Prince Bai was so angered by that manifesto that he coughed up blood incessantly and suffered severe damage to his vitality."

Mu Wanying shook her head, "I don't believe it anyway. In war, there is no such thing as deception; he is likely feigning weakness to lure us into continuing our attack on Sha Prefecture."

"Then he is overthinking it," Lin Xiao laughed. "It's the middle of winter, and we still need to take Yicheng and Fushan."

"The cement roads within Cang Province haven't even been finished yet, and each commandery needs to handle urban construction. There's too much to do; we don't have time to attack Sha Prefecture."

In fact, even after the New Year, they still had to host the World's First Wine Festival in the spring, as well as the spring plowing.

Lin Xiao even planned to reorganize the tea industry. The tea in this world was still made using the steaming process, which left it with a grassy taste.

Once the new tea arrives next year, he would directly improve it into pan-fried tea. Wouldn't that create "Northern Tea"?

Now that Cang Province had a population of several hundred thousand, the quality and quantity were definitely sufficient.

Lin Xiao was in no hurry to expand; instead, he planned to advance steadily. Troops should be elite, not numerous!

"Husband's words are perfectly correct. Although we didn't suffer many losses in capturing Yangquan this time, there is still a severe shortage of manpower in various places."

Xiao Qingxuan analyzed earnestly, "I also feel that we should slow down our pace and at least replenish the Militia by fifty thousand."

"My dear, it's late at night, let's put official business aside for now," Lin Xiao smiled. "I heard from the officials below that Xishan Temple here will be very effective tomorrow, as it is the first day of Goddess Houtu's return to the palace."

"Couples from all over Yangquan Commandery will go to burn incense to pray for a lifetime together, and for Wubing and Wuzai."

"I intend to take you all to pray for blessings. After all, I have been very busy, and I have wronged you all."

Lin Xiao had always felt that his greatest debt to his women was "time." There were too few opportunities to spend romantic moments with them.

Upon hearing this, the women were naturally delighted. Lin Xiao wasn't just busy; often, they wouldn't see him for days at a time, and they were always worried!

But soon, Leng Bingyan said, "Husband, for worshipping Goddess Houtu, you and Qingxuan should go."

"This sort of thing requires a married couple who has performed the wedding rites; otherwise, it won't be effective if it doesn't follow proper etiquette." Mu Wanying also felt it wasn't appropriate.

"That's right. As long as you keep us in your heart, Husband, we will consider it as having worshipped."

Su Wansha had long known this would happen and didn't feel jealous, because Xiao Qingxuan had indeed worked hard and contributed significantly; the key was that what she did was truly irreplaceable by anyone else.

"It was my lack of consideration."

Lin Xiao could actually tell that the women were deliberately giving the opportunity to Xiao Qingxuan. After all, Xiao Qingxuan was always generous, and in such formal occasions, they naturally knew how to conduct themselves appropriately.

"Since the sisters say so, then Husband and I will go and pray for everyone's safety."

Xiao Qingxuan didn't stand on ceremony; after all, she was the first wife. There was nothing to argue about in such matters, and saying too much would only seem pretentious and hypocritical. Being magnanimous didn't mean yielding on everything.

The next day at dawn, Lin Xiao took Xiao Qingxuan and traveled by carriage to Xishan.

Lin Xiao was dressed in an elegant cyan robe, looking suave and dashing—one couldn't tell at all that he was an iron-blooded general.

Xiao Qingxuan wore a green dress with hibiscus patterns, paired with a white fox-fur cloak, looking pure and stunning.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Qingxuan leaned into her man's arms, gazing at the snowy scenery outside with a happy smile on her face.

Lin Xiao specifically told the driver to go slowly, as the whole day was a rare date for the two of them.

"My dear, it is shameful to say, but we have been married for half a year, and with all the campaigns, I have never accompanied you out for leisure."

Xiao Qingxuan said gently, "Husband, you need not blame yourself. In troubled times, just staying alive is not easy, and you have already done well enough."

"Besides, we are still young, and in the future, there will be plenty of time to travel and enjoy the scenery."

Lin Xiao nodded, "That is true..."

"Husband's literary talent is unparalleled in the world. If you were to see the landscapes of the South, I wonder how many peerless verses you could write," Xiao Qingxuan said with an expectant look.

"Writing poetry... better not. Whenever I write poetry, too many women pounce on me; how could I handle that?" Lin Xiao joked.

"They dare?" Xiao Qingxuan huffed. "I am no longer a weak woman who cannot even truss a chicken. When the time comes, one strike of the Cold Jade Palm and I will freeze them to death!"

Lin Xiao was stunned to see Xiao Qingxuan so spirited and lively in her speech. It was the first time he had seen his Empress wife reveal some of the playful nature of a young person.

Yes, come to think of it, she was only twenty-one after the New Year! In his world, she would still be a female college student! Her usual stability and grace were all forced upon her by the environment...

Xiao Qingxuan seemed to realize she had been a bit childish, her lovely face flushing red...

"I was just speaking casually; please don't take it seriously, Husband."

"It doesn't matter. My dear, you are so beautiful; no matter what you say or do, I love it!"

Hearing the sweet words, Xiao Qingxuan was overjoyed, "Husband..."

Soon, the temperature inside the carriage rose, and they only regretted having a driver—he was truly superfluous!

The road to Xishan was not close, and with the accumulated snow, it was even harder to traverse. After more than an hour, the two arrived at the foot of the mountain and began to walk up with many commoners.

Some commoners recognized Lin Xiao and shouted "Lin Xiao" in surprise, but they didn't dare to step forward to disturb him. Most would silently give way to let the two pass first.

"Could that be Lin Xiao's wife?"

"It must be. To worship the gods, it must be someone officially married; otherwise, it would be a great disrespect!"

"Good heavens... she is truly beautiful. I have never seen such a beautiful woman!"

"Keep your voice down! That is the General's wife!"

Most of the commoners' discussions actually reached their ears.

Lin Xiao was quite proud. Having a beautiful wife naturally gave him a lot of face, and the key was that he had traded a bun for her—how awesome was that!

Xiao Qingxuan was also very happy inside, appearing even more gentle, considerate, and submissive, holding Lin Xiao's hand the entire way.

She had been accustomed to being the center of attention since she was young, but that tense and grand atmosphere was completely different from the current relaxation, warmth, and joy! She preferred the latter!

At the foot of Xishan, some exquisite carriages arrived one after another; many high-ranking officials and nobles also came to pay their respects.

"Princess, slow down, the ground is slippery... You really, why bother joining in this excitement? You never came in previous years."

Xiao Die got out of the carriage and helped Xie Juner, who was wearing a red cloak with a white fur collar, step down.

"What do you know? It is precisely because I didn't come in previous years that everything has been going wrong lately."

Xie Juner got out of the carriage and looked up at the foggy Xishan.

"I hope Goddess Houtu can bless our Marquis Mansion."