When Ying Xue led people out, Ran Sheng entered to report the arrangements for the spring hunt. He nodded to Ying Xue as a greeting, his gaze sweeping over the man beside her before returning.
"Commander, here are tomorrow's arrangements. The clearing of the hunting grounds and the guards are all our responsibility. His Majesty has also invited envoys from Yun Qi and Lan Yue to participate. The Yun Qi envoy will return to Yun Qi after the spring hunt. This hunt cannot afford any mistakes." Ran Sheng handed the troop deployment map to Xiao Man. "Commander, please take a look. Are these arrangements proper?"
Xiao Man's eyes fell on the unfolded deployment map, her expression unreadable. "Good, however, I will give you the detailed deployment map the night before the spring hunt. Have your subordinates stay on high alert."
"The night before the spring hunt, won't that be too late?"
"As you said, this hunt cannot afford any mistakes. Deciding the defense map too early makes it easy for people to find loopholes." Xiao Man's finger traced the deployment map. "Only by taking them by surprise can we achieve unexpected gains."
"Does the Commander mean someone will sabotage the spring hunt?"
Xiao Man glanced sideways at Ran Sheng. "This spring hunt involves more than just people from our Yusheng. There are also envoys from Lan Yue and Yun Qi. If something were to happen to the envoys from Lan Yue and Yun Qi during the hunt, what do you think the consequences would be?"
"Another war."
"Another war would be for the best. I'm worried that Lan Yue and Yun Qi might form an alliance in secret and intend to harm His Majesty during the spring hunt." Xiao Man's expression was grave. "Currently, King Qin is severely injured, and King Chu is frail. If His Majesty were to suddenly pass away, the empire of Yusheng might fall into turmoil."
Ran Sheng felt a chill run down his spine. "This is on Yusheng's territory. If they act so recklessly, do they think they can leave Yusheng alive?"
"What if they never intended to leave alive from the beginning?" Xiao Man retorted, looking at Ran Sheng.
"This..." Cold sweat beaded on Ran Sheng's forehead. "We must be on guard."
"Therefore, I must be cautious." Xiao Man patted Ran Sheng's shoulder. "The true troop deployment map will only be known to you and me then, precisely to prevent it from falling into the hands of those with ulterior motives and causing chaos. However, this troop deployment map of yours can be made known."
"Your subordinate understands. Your subordinate will attend to it immediately."
When Xiao Man returned to the General's mansion, she frowned upon seeing another plate of pastries on the table.
"Sent from the upper courtyard?"
"It was sent by Madam Xu. She said the Old Madam made it herself."
"She does have the leisure. Good, it's time I paid her a visit." Xiao Man, still in her military uniform, turned and headed towards the upper courtyard without even changing.
Seeing Xiao Man's expression, Yin Zhu looked worried. "Chu Xue, quickly follow your mistress. Absolutely persuade her. No matter how angry she gets, she cannot lay hands on the Old Madam, or their reputation will be ruined."
Chu Xue quickly followed. Although she also disliked the Old Madam, Yin Zhu was right. They couldn't let the Old Madam ruin their mistress's reputation.
When Xiao Man arrived at the upper courtyard, Old Madam Xiao was brewing tea. She was truly idle now, making two plates of pastries daily and brewing a pot of tea. She was enjoying a rare, peaceful old age.
"The Old Madam is in good spirits." Xiao Man entered from outside. The Old Madam looked at Xiao Man in her military uniform and had a momentary daze. Zhen'er was also so spirited and radiant in his youth.
"Just back from the military camp, right? Just in time, I've brewed some tea. Have a cup." Old Madam Xiao gestured for Xiao Man to sit opposite her. She unhurriedly poured Xiao Man a cup of tea and moved the pastries to Xiao Man's front. "I imagine you haven't tasted the pastries I sent over. Although I haven't cooked in many years, the taste may not compare to the imperial chefs in the palace, but it's still edible."
Xiao Man glanced at them, unmoved. "I have come today with a request."
Old Madam Xiao's expression remained calm, her face radiating a gentle smile. "We are family, there's no need for requests. Just tell me what you need."
"Tomorrow, please enter the palace to see the Empress Dowager."
Old Madam Xiao's expression flickered slightly. "See the Empress Dowager?"
Xiao Man nodded slowly. "The Empress Dowager is ill. As a close friend of the Empress Dowager's, it is only right for you to visit her. When you go, bring one of my maids with you."
Old Madam Xiao understood that Xiao Man would not ask her to visit the Empress Dowager for no reason, and to bring a maid with her. "What do you plan to do to the Empress Dowager?"
"Old Madam, that is not the way to put it. My maid knows some medicine and merely wishes to examine the Empress Dowager. However, fearing it might attract the attention of those in the palace, I have asked Old Madam to bring her in."
"Is your father's death related to the Empress Dowager?" Old Madam Xiao asked after a moment of silence. She had thought about it countless times, feeling that her son's death was not simple, yet Xiao Man refused to disclose any details. She could only guess based on Xiao Man's actions.
"Old Madam, don't overthink it. You are merely visiting the Empress Dowager as a close friend." Xiao Man said slowly. "After all, it is widely known that you have a good relationship with the Empress Dowager. Visiting at this time is only natural."
"Alright, I will have someone send a card to the palace later..."
"I have already sent someone with a card to the palace. The Empress Dowager has agreed and commanded Old Madam to enter the palace for an audience at a quarter past nine tomorrow." Xiao Man picked up the tea and smelled it. Its fragrance carried a hint of sweetness; this was Da Ruo sweet tea, a specialty of Cangzhou.
"Good, I will definitely be there on time tomorrow to pay my respects." Old Madam Xiao, seeing Xiao Man drink the tea, her face lit up with joy. She pushed the pastry plate closer to Xiao Man, her eyes full of anticipation, hoping she would try them.
Xiao Man picked up a piece of pastry, took a bite. It melted in her mouth, sweet but not cloying, leaving a faint fragrance on her lips and tongue. "Old Madam's pastry-making skills are as good as ever."
Old Madam Xiao's face broke into a wide smile upon hearing this. "Eat more if you like it."
Xiao Man put down the half-eaten pastry. "No, I don't like sweets."
The smile on Old Madam Xiao's face instantly vanished. She tried her best to compensate Xiao Man, but Xiao Man was unwilling to accept.
"Daughter, are you still blaming me?"
"Old Madam, you don't need to try so hard to appease me. My stance and yours are the same – to avenge Father. Old Madam, you don't need to feel guilty for what you've done in the past, because guilt is useless. I will not hate you, nor will I forgive you. For us, maintaining this distant-yet-not-too-distant relationship is enough."
After speaking, Xiao Man got up and left. Old Madam Xiao reached out, wanting to keep her for a while longer. The General's mansion was too desolate now; she had no one to talk to. She had finally managed to get Xiao Man to visit, but she left after only a few words.