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Su Li, accompanied by Si Qin and Zhi Shu, arrived at Jin Chao Zui.
Jin Chao Zui still exuded an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Occasionally, a scholar or two would engage in high-minded discourse, vehemently cursing the Southern Frontier for their unethical conduct. To wage war and actually use common folk as sacrificial blades an entire city of them!
Su Li stood listening for a moment before Mo Hua emerged from within.
"Miss, you're here?"
Su Li nodded. "I'm looking for Xu Mubai."
"Young Master Xu is in the accounting room on the second floor. This servant will lead the way."
When Su Li reached the accounting room, Xu Mubai immediately paid his respects upon seeing her enter.
"Miss, you've arrived?"
"Mubai, you've heard the army is departing tomorrow, haven't you?" Su Li walked over and sat down, asking.
Xu Mubai nodded. "Mubai has heard. The matters Miss entrusted to me a few days ago have already been relayed. I believe we'll have news soon."
Su Li said, "We can increase the price, but the speed must be swift."
"Miss, a round trip from Tianqi to Northern Flame takes at least half a month. I'm worried it might be too late," Xu Mubai said with concern.
Su Li thought for a moment. "Once purchased, have the merchant caravan deliver them directly to Shuiyong City."
Xu Mubai frowned. "Miss, buying horses and weapons is already dangerous. You want them delivered to the battlefield? They are merchant caravans, not armies. I fear they won't agree."
Su Li conceded that he had a point. "Then have them acquire what we need as quickly as possible; I'll find someone to deliver them myself."
"Understood, Miss."
Su Li then led her two maids towards Xinglin Tang.
The two maids looked at their young mistress.
"Miss, those who say you're a merchant woman who loves money should really see where our Miss's silver is being spent!" Zhi Shu proudly stated. In this period, money had flowed like water, yet their mistress hadn't even blinked.
Su Li calmly said, "Let them say what they will. So long as I have a clear conscience, it's fine." Though some spoke well of her, there were naturally dissenting voices as well.
Upon reaching Xinglin Tang, Doctor Changchun happened to be there.
"Miss, the medicinal list you provided a few days ago, I'm already preparing it. In a few more days at most, everything should be acquired."
Doctor Changchun had gasped when he saw the list and the quantities of medicine. The list was entirely composed of remedies for knife wounds and arrow wounds, and the quantities were enormous. It was only today, when news of the war broke, that Doctor Changchun guessed her intentions, and he couldn't help but feel admiration. He had thought he was doing well enough, but compared to this young woman in her teens, he was far behind.
Su Li nodded. "Add more remedies for colds. You can collect them from trading houses. If the silver isn't enough, go find Xu Mubai."
Doctor Changchun chuckled. "Understood, Miss. The bandages you listed last are no problem, but the mandrake, an ingredient for the anesthetic powder, might be difficult to find."
Su Li smiled. "That's alright. I have mandrake planted on my estate. It should be ready for harvest in half a month at most."
"That's good, that's good."
After settling everything, Su Li boarded her carriage and returned to the residence.
Upon returning to her room, she rested for a while, then headed towards the main courtyard.
Su Li held Brother Yu for a bit, then handed him over to the wet nurse before accompanying Su Mu for dinner.
"Oh, your father hasn't been home for dinner for over half a month straight. Will his body hold up like this?"
"Mother, don't worry. Your daughter has checked on Father; he's just a little tired, nothing else. Once the army departs, he can finally get some proper rest," Su Li comforted her.
Su Mu sighed. "I know your father carries a great responsibility, but I just hope all of you are well."
After a while, Su Mu had little appetite. She looked at the table laden with food and said, "Some people, I don't know what they're thinking. They have perfectly good peaceful days, yet they insist on stirring up trouble."
Su Li agreed with that sentiment, but some ambitions of those in power were beyond their comprehension.
"Your and Prince Jing's wedding date is almost here. It was supposed to be a momentous joyous occasion, but look at the trouble now."
Thinking of this, Su Mu found it hard to swallow. Her own son-in-law was going to the battlefield, the battlefield! That was a place where swords and blades had no eyes. What if...
Su Li fell silent, also finding the matter rather vexing. She knew Jun Mo's capabilities, but there was always a chance for the unexpected.
Su Mu looked at her daughter and smiled. "Look at me, always worrying needlessly. Li'er, it's nothing. Zi Yan is capable, and you have your maternal uncle and so many generals there. It'll be fine."
Su Li shook her head, burying her worries deep inside, and smiled. "Your daughter isn't worried."
After dinner, she played with Brother Yu for a bit, then returned to her own courtyard.
After washing up, she dismissed her maids.
When Jun Mo arrived, he found her practicing calligraphy.
"Li'er, are you waiting for me?"
Su Li put down her brush, looked at him, and softly said, "Mm, I knew you'd come tonight."
She would practice calligraphy when her heart was restless.
Jun Mo walked over and embraced her. "Are you worried?"
Su Li wrapped her arms around his waist and nodded gently.
Jun Mo sensed her unease. He gently stroked her back and said, "Don't worry. Do you not trust me?"
"I know you're capable, but Liang Xuanting is no pushover. You aren't as ruthless as he is," Su Li said, her voice muffled against him.
"Li'er, wait for me to return victorious in the capital and marry you, hmm?" Jun Mo pulled her out of his embrace and looked at her seriously.
Su Li nodded. "You must be careful. I'll wait for you to come back and marry me."
Seeing the threads of affection in her eyes, Jun Mo slowly lowered his head and covered her red lips with his own.
Su Li froze for a moment. Thinking of his departure early tomorrow, she slowly closed her eyes. Her hands wrapped around his neck, slowly responding.
Jun Mo's eyes surged with dark waves; this was her first time actively responding. His left palm suddenly cupped the back of her head, and his right arm encircled her slender waist. A thousand words drowned in their passionate kiss, as he greedily imbibed her essence.
After a long while, when Su Li felt it difficult to breathe, he released her.
Su Li leaned against his chest, her small hand clutching the front of his robe.
After a while, as they both composed themselves somewhat, Jun Mo led her to sit by the table.
"Li'er, rest assured. I will take care of myself for your sake. The way I leave is the way I'll return," Jun Mo repeatedly promised, only to smooth her slightly furrowed brows.
Su Li nodded. "Good, I believe you."
"Oh, right, I had a merchant caravan go to Northern Flame to buy a batch of excellent weapons and horses. I thought to have them delivered directly to Shuiyong City then, but the caravan might not dare to. You can send people to meet them."
Jun Mo was surprised. "Li'er is truly extravagant! That's no problem; just leave it to me."
Su Li added, "My father has prepared all the provisions, but there's a shortage of medicinal supplies. I'm also arranging for the medicines here. Once the army reaches Shuiyong City, these will also be sent there quickly."
Jun Mo embraced her, sighing, "Li'er."
How incredibly fortunate was he, Jun Mo, to possess such a wonderful woman.
"What I'm doing isn't just for you; it's for the common people too. You must avenge the people of Shuiyong City, and use Liang Xuanting's life as their sacrifice!"
"I will. The Southern Frontier deserves to die, and the Liang Shao father and son deserve death even more!"
To choose this critical juncture to invade, and even massacre an entire city! If he didn't take the dog heads of Liang Xuanting and Liang Shao, how could he ever swallow this anger!
"Are your clothes packed properly? Also, your cold affliction isn't fully cured yet; you must be careful."
"Have you found that Thousand-Layer Frost? A year is almost up, you..."
"Li'er, I'll be fine. I have Shadow Guards by my side, and Old Dai too. Just rest easy and wait for me to return."
Su Li nodded, suppressing her worries.
Jun Mo said, "I'll also leave Mo Yu with you, lest you encounter danger and Mo Yun alone can't handle it."
Su Li refused. "There's no need. What danger could I face in the capital? Take him with you for an extra layer of protection."
"Be good and listen. I have many Shadow Guards with me."
Su Li nodded in agreement, then suddenly said, "Oh, wait."
She walked into the inner room and reappeared with a small wooden box in her hand.
Su Li handed the wooden box to him.
Jun Mo took it and opened it, revealing an assortment of small porcelain bottles. Each had a paper label with a corresponding name and instructions for use.
"These are things I've prepared for your self-defense over the past few days. There are wound medicines and various other remedies. Although poisons and sedatives might not be used on the battlefield, it's better to be prepared than sorry," Su Li explained.
Jun Mo closed the box and stepped forward to embrace her.
Su Li still wanted to say more, but her lips were claimed once again.
A myriad of unspoken farewells, all conveyed in that embrace.
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