The eight brothers and Xiao Wanxue promptly attended to their respective preparations, while Yang Mengchen, accompanied by Sister Jin and others, arrived at the Wu family's residence.

Though the Wu family was somewhat reluctant to part, they supported Wu Lishan's resolute desire to join the military, and the entire family immediately busied themselves with preparing his travel pack.

After leaving the Wu family, Yang Mengchen instructed Sister Jin and the other four to return home first. She and Hai Tang then stealthily headed to the hinterland of the Dayang Mountain, where she introduced Hai Tang to the Elite Guards, allowing Hai Tang to take charge of directing them while she summoned Qi Ying to delegate some tasks.

Since the establishment of the Academy, the Yang family had ceased their post-dinner teachings of literacy and martial arts to the villagers. Those who wished to continue learning could attend the Academy's evening classes; as for martial arts, everyone had learned Tai Chi and could practice it at home. Therefore, after dinner, the Yang family gathered in the living room of Youran Courtyard.

The matter of the second brother going to the frontier had been kept secret from the family elders by the nine siblings. Now that the situation was pressing, Yang Mengchen had no choice but to inform the elders of the truth.

"What? Chengning is going to the border?" The faces of the elders, except for Yang Chaowu, changed suddenly.

Yang Chaowu had long hazarded a guess about his eldest son's thoughts and maintained composure upon hearing Jiujiu's words.

Old Master Yang and the others found it too abrupt, having no mental preparation at all. Moreover, the battlefield was unpredictable, and any mishap could lead to heartache.

Yang Mengchen nodded, "Prince said that Chengning has the making of a great commander. If he remains at home, it would merely bury his talent and abilities. Out of appreciation for talent, the Prince has thus allowed Chengning to gain experience and develop in the military camp."

The elders remained silent.

Shaking her head slightly to signal the anxious Yang Chengning to calm down, Yang Mengchen softly advised, "Chengning is literate and highly skilled in martial arts; he won't have any issues protecting himself in the military camp. Moreover, the Prince has arranged for someone to look after Chengning. Rest assured, he will be fine.

If he has the opportunity to earn military merits, he might even become a Great General and bring glory to our ancestors, right?"

Old Master Yang and the others still said nothing; they didn't wish for Chengning to bring glory to their ancestors as much as they wished for his safe return.

Reading the thoughts of the elders, Yang Mengchen raised her eyebrows and spoke earnestly, "I know you are worried for Chengning, but what you might not know is that although the Prince defeated the other three countries and brought temporary peace, those countries have always coveted Dong Chu and will surely wage war again.

When that time comes, the Imperial Court will definitely conscript a large number of soldiers. Our family cannot avoid providing troops. Wouldn't it be better for Chengning to go to the battlefield earlier? If war truly breaks out, Chengning will already be at the frontier.

The Government Office would naturally not require more people from us, and with Chengning's combat experience, his chances of survival would be greater. Wouldn't you agree?"

Even if they didn't understand national affairs, Old Master Yang and the others had heard Yang Chaowu say that the other three countries indeed wanted to swallow Dong Chu. If war really broke out, their family would inevitably need to supply troops. Besides, what Jiujiu said made sense: with early experience and martial arts skills, Chengning's chances of survival would indeed be higher.

"Alright, Chengning will leave the day after tomorrow; let's make the most of our time and prepare his pack thoroughly," Old Master Yang said with tear-rimmed eyes.

Wu Xuehua opened her mouth to speak but ended up nodding along with the others, just like they had.

Though Yang Chengning was thrilled his long-held aspiration was finally within reach, he couldn't help but feel guilty upon seeing his family's sorrowful faces.

Yang Mengchen shared the heavy mood, suddenly unsure whether encouraging her brothers to spread their wings was right or wrong.

That night, the Yang family members tossed and turned, struggling to fall asleep.

Ever since Zhang Meiju had stolen the family's silver and vanished, Butcher Zhang had a fierce quarrel with Madam Zhang Liao before heading to town and had not returned since. Madam Zhang Liao spent two days searching for him to no avail and eventually gave up.

But with no silver at home and her husband bringing no money back, they struggled to make ends meet. Every day, Madam Zhang Liao cursed her conscienceless eldest daughter at home, growing increasingly irritable and harsh. Any displeasure would result in her striking and scolding Zhang Meixing, making every day a fearful one for her.

The day after breakfast, Yang Chengrong accompanied Xiao Wan Xue back to her parental home, and Yang Mengchen took Pingping and Anan along.

After some casual family conversation, Yang Mengchen and Yang Chengrong followed Xiao Hongtao to the study. Xiao Hongtao personally handled Qi Ying's identity documents, and after they had breakfast and dinner at the Xiao family's home, put Pingping and Anan to bed, the siblings rode back home with Xiao Wan Xue in the carriage.

Xiao Hongtao was playing with his two sons when Wei Lin came in, "Master, a letter from Sir Fang." He handed over the letter that had just arrived to Xiao Hongtao.

Sir Fang was Xiao Hongtao's classmate and they shared a deep friendship. Over the years, they often exchanged letters, though these were always about mundane family matters and never touched on state politics—for who knew if someone might intercept the correspondence. Xiao Hongtao took the letter, opened it, and gradually, his expression grew serious.

Seeing this, Lady Xiao instructed Sister Ke and the others to take the children away, and gestured for the servants to leave before asking softly, "My lord, what happened?"

Xiao Hongtao didn't answer but handed the letter to his wife.

After reading it, Lady Xiao's face showed shock and confusion, "How could such a thing happen? Could it affect you, my lord?"

"Not much," Xiao Hongtao shook his head. "I've been away from the Capital for over a decade. Moreover, this matter only involves my stepmother and second brother; it has nothing to do with me."

"That's good. My lord, with such a matter arising, they shouldn't have the energy to target us anymore, right?"

"Now that they are too preoccupied with their own troubles, they naturally won't have the mind to target us."

Seeing his wife relieved, Xiao Hongtao felt a mix of tenderness and guilt, "Xin Lan, do you really think this matter is true?"

Lady Xiao looked at her husband, puzzled.

Xiao Hongtao sighed, "Think about it, Xin Lan, where in the world are there such coincidences? We've been persecuted there several times, and just a few days after leaving the Capital, news breaks that my stepmother has had an affair and bore a child with solid evidence." His years of experience in the government offices led him to suspect there was more to the story.

"You mean…" Lady Xiao's eyes widened.

"Chenchen sincerely considers us family and is protecting us!" Xiao Hongtao exclaimed sincerely. "Having met Chenchen is a blessing for us!"

"Those people over there have always been cruel and ruthless. What if they find out about Chenchen?"

"Don't worry, Chenchen is extremely intelligent. Since he has acted this way, he naturally wouldn't leave any traces."

Finally reassured, Lady Xiao thought of everything Chenchen had done for her family and couldn't help but have tears brimming in her eyes, "Just now, Xuexue told me that she is doing very well with the Yang family. Chenchen also advised Rongrong, saying that Xuexue is still young, and giving birth too early could harm her health.

He suggested waiting until Xuexue turns sixteen to have children, and the in-laws agreed."

"Chenchen always thinks thoroughly for our family's sake, and we should reciprocate in kind."

"I will."

Lady Xiao nodded firmly, feeling both moved and fortunate, just like her husband.

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