Transmigrator Meets Reincarnator

Chapter 273: Preparations (2)

A moment later, Wenlan had actually changed into appropriate clothing and began to follow her on her jog.

Chu Lian couldnt understand what she was doing. She shot a questioning look at the silly girl.

Wenlan pursed her lips before replying, Third Young Madam, this servant will accompany you.

Chu Lian smiled and nodded.

When she felt that she had reached her limit, Chu Lian gradually slowed down and let Wenlan help her into the gym.

Eventually, Wenlans curiosity got the best of her. Third Young Madam, why did you suddenly think of jogging? Are you thinking of learning kungfu?

Chu Lian was taken aback. She took a moist towel from Xiyan to wipe the sweat on her forehead before turning to Wenlan. Initially, Chu Lian shook her head, but then she changed her mind and nodded instead. In the end, she could only verbally explain, Im only thinking of learning some basic moves to keep my body healthy and defend myself.

Chu Lians thoughts were usually out of the norm anyway, so Wenlan didnt think much of it. She paused before offering, Since Third Young Madam has such intentions, would Third Young Madam like this servant to teach you a few self-defence moves?

Chu Lian wanted to slap her leg in realisation. Aiyah, how could she have forgotten that Wenqing and Wenlan knew martial arts? Although she had learned a few self-defence moves in the modern world, how could that compare to Wenqing and Wenlans actual skills? With them as her teachers, although she might not be able to take on five people at once, she might at least have some ability to defend herself against some ruffians if needed.

Thus, the period when Chu Lian normally went to visit Matriarch He was converted into morning practice.

This continued on for quite a few days. Chu Lian would get up early in the morning before dawn and eat something light before jogging around her courtyard. Next, she would learn some basic moves from Wenqing and Wenlan in the gym. An hour later, she would have her breakfast before going to visit Matriarch He at Qingxi Hall.

Every day, a guard from Prince Jins Estate would come to the Jingan Estate to report some news about the northern border.

As Matriarch Hes expression turned ever more serious, He Changqi was out from dawn till dusk, listening for more information about the war.

The court was still at a loss of what to do.

Finally, the day came when Matriarch He could no longer sit still and do nothing. She patted Chu Lians hand and ordered Senior Servant Zhou to summon He Changqi.

Chu Lian observed her expression. Her eyes darted about in thought before she finally said, Grandmother, are you thinking of sending Eldest Brother to the northern border?

Matriarch He turned to look at Chu Lian in surprise. She hesitated for a moment before showing a bitter smile. So Lianer has come to the same conclusion as Grandmother. The court hasnt been able to think of a solution, but our He Family cant just sit back and do nothing. As long as theres still a shred of hope, I wont give up. Sanlang Sanlangs still so young! Hes only twenty!

There were already far too few descendants of House Jingan. They had been succeeded by a single son generation after generation, and it wasnt until He Changdis generation that they had finally gotten three male descendants. It was already a huge regret that Old Count Jingan had died on the battlefield.

Now, other than Dalang, the other sons were all in the military somehow. Sanlang had just gotten married not too long ago and he didnt have any sons to carry on his branch! How could Matriarch He bear to see that child sacrifice himself just like that?

Matriarch Hes old eyes turned red and teary. Chu Lian gulped before saying, Grandmother, let me go to the northern border!

The matriarchs tears hadnt even dripped out of her eyes yet; she was instantly frightened by Chu Lians words. As she stared at Chu Lian in shock, she said, Sanlangs wife, what are you saying?

Chu Lian looked at Matriarch He earnestly. Her almond-shaped eyes were shining brightly like the stars in the sky, filled with an indomitable spirit. She repeated her words once more. Grandmother, let me go to the northern border. Theres no better choice. Eldest Brother has to take care of the estate and he cant leave the capital. Furthermore, he has a job at court to do. My two nieces are still young, too. The men of our house are all out, so Eldest Brother cant leave now.

It was only now that Matriarch He realised that Chu Lian was serious. She couldnt react for a moment before she reached out to grasp Chu Lians hand, and in a heavy tone, she said, You cant! How can we let a young girl like you go off to a wasteland like the northern border?

Chu Lian had already expected Matriarch Hes protest. She replied with as gentle a tone as she could muster. Grandmother, youre an exceptional woman yourself. Didnt you follow Grandfather to Xinjiang when you were younger? Youre the one who knows the best how we women arent any less capable than the men! When the time comes, we can hold up our half of the sky! Furthermore, were not the ones who can decide whether Eldest Brother can leave the capital or not; its the Emperor!

Although Matriarch He hadnt been born into a military family, after getting married to Old Count Jingan, she had followed him to the border at Xinjiang.

Chu Lian had heard her mother-in-law Countess Jingan mention that Matriarch He had been extremely clever when she was younger and that she had been Old Count Jingans little strategist. Many times, when they had been fighting to death with the Xinjiang people, it was thanks to Matriarch Hes schemes that Old Count Jingan had achieved victory by the skin of his teeth.

Chu Lians words reminded Matriarch He of one thing.

The sons of the He Family were all stationed out of the estate. He Dalang hadnt taken a post in the capital purely out of consideration for the He Familys next generation; it was mostly due to the Emperors wishes.

Count Jingan was a general defending one of the countrys border and there was a law that stated that father and son couldnt be in the same army. If He Dalang wanted to succeed the family title and responsibilities, he would have to wait for Count Jingan to retire from Mingzhou. Furthermore, as the eldest son, the main reason that He Changqi had stayed behind in the capital was to act as a hostage to keep the Emperor reassured of their familys loyalty.

Since He Dalang had such a status, how could he leave the capital?