"What did you call me just now?" Xiang Chiyue asked.
Yan Huru replied: "Brother Zhao."
"Throw him in the bath," Xiang Chiyue's tone suddenly turned cold. "Let him cool off by drowning himself until he forgets his parents and brothers."
Fe Sheng bent down to pick up Yan Huru and take him out.
Yan Huru did not know that Xiang Chiyue was upset again, so he said anxiously: "Remember! Second lord, don't throw me away." He continued, "It's still important. You—"
Fe Sheng had already pushed him into the water.
Five days later, Zhao Chuan set off for Cizhou, leaving Dantai Hu to remain in Dunzhou as a guard. The letter arrived at the border region and was delivered to the camp.
Qi Zhuyin came out of her tent and asked Qie Wei: "Whose letter is this?"
Qie Wei handed over the letter and said: "It's from Zhongbo, sealed with a private seal."
"Seems like Zhao Chuan is doing well in Zhongbo," Qi Zhuyin opened the letter. "He managed to bring the letter here alive."
Even though Qie Wei had not peeked at the letter himself, he knew what it was about and said while Qi Zhuyin read: "The garrison in Cizhou has been established for less than half a year. Being able to defeat Border Sha cavalry in Dunzhou shows their strength should not be underestimated."
"This is all thanks to Second Lord Xiang," Qi Zhuyin handed the letter back to Qie Wei, looking at the gloomy sky. "The more time Xiang Chiyue stays behind, the harder he will push forward."
Qie Wei said: "After this year, it should be time for the Northern King of Qian State to order you northward to attack Wing Wang of Fan State."
Qi Zhuyin did not respond and whistled at her bodyguards. She put on a mantle as she changed into clothes and suddenly switched topics: "How is my father?"
Qie Wei followed Qi Zhuyin, saying: "Following your instructions, five people are rotating to take care of him. The concubines are not allowed near him. They often cause trouble at Lady's residence."
Qi Zhuyin was about to mount her horse but paused and asked: "Has Third Brother Hu not disciplined them?"
Qie Wei scratched his head, saying: "They were raised according to Princess's standards. We cannot be as gentle or soft with the concubines. They are very polite."
"That means she is patient." Qi Zhuyin thought of all the women in her courtyard and said, "My father had a stroke, making him seem on his last breath every day. He keeps insisting on dividing assets even considering his golden chamber pot."
Qie Wei said: "They are scared of you."
Qi Zhuyin was indignant, saying: "Have I not given them food?"
Qie Wei said sheepishly, "You have been checking the concubines' accounts and deducting their makeup expenses."
Qi Zhuyin could no longer argue; it was a mess. Over these years, she had spent all her private funds to ensure adequate military supplies for Qidong. The other four states were able to relieve pressure with military farming, but during the few years without war, the granaries in border regions were still well-stocked. However, land and resources in border areas were exhausted by Lu Guangbai and Qi Zhuyin herself.
Half a year ago, grain reserves in border areas had gone bad, so she borrowed money from merchants to replenish them. Originally, she planned to repay it later, but just as her funds dwindled for the wedding of Third Brother Qi, she needed every coin to marry Hu Xiangyi.
The monthly expenses for these concubines were staggering; they spent tens of thousands on makeup and cosmetics alone. Qi Zhuyin had taken away this money, causing the concubines to cry in the courtyard and threaten to report her to Qi Shiyu.
Qie Wei understood Qi Zhuyin's predicament and suggested: "Why don't you talk to Lady? Her dowry..."
Qi Zhuyin looked over sharply at Qie Wei. He immediately knelt down, knowing he had spoken too soon.
Qi Zhuyin did not look at him again as she mounted her horse. She said: "Tell Hongying to return. It's by my command. Anyone who dares to harm Third Concubine Hu, don't hesitate—grab them and bring them here. She was sent far away to Qidong, not to fill the family treasury or be a punching bag for the concubines. Her name is attached before Qi Shiyu's; she is my Cixiaofu of Qidong, brought back by me in an urgent message. If you mistreat her, it's like mistreating your father and me. Don't even think about hitting that little girl. Do you understand?"