Chapter 112: Mother Does It For Your Own Good

“This is the sovereign’s decree...” Xu Anhong’s words struck Wu Yunke profoundly.

The Marquis Wei’s meaning carried far more weight than mere words.

It could be said that every thought of Marquis Wei was of utmost importance, especially for those like them who depended on the sovereign’s authority; any misjudgment, however slight, was unacceptable.

A single misstep could lead to irreversible ruin, regardless of one’s prior status.

The world seemed to fall silent. Xu Anhong remained composed and silent; Wu Yun lowered his head in deep thought, while Wei Wuji narrowed his eyes in contemplation.

Summoned to discuss matters of state? What matters? Since when did he have a say in military and national affairs? Wei Wuji doubted silently.

Now, he truly could not fathom what his father’s intentions were. Fighting on the front lines, yet still caring for him, his “illegitimate son”?

“What now? Is Wu Mo forcibly arresting people again?” Chen Zhan teased amid the silence.

Without hesitation, Wu Yun answered, “General, how could I dare to defy Marquis Wei’s will?”

That was smooth—he even addressed Chen Zhan as “General” now; his change in attitude was swift.

“Since the Grand General wishes to deliberate military affairs with Young Master Wuji, I shall not disturb further,” Wu Yun added, her previous arrogance completely vanished.

Her foremost concern now was to inform Lady Wei promptly, so she could prepare accordingly.

At present, Wei Chengze was still accompanying Marquis Wei on the eastern expedition, unable to discuss strategies immediately.

Within Wuan City lurked two ravenous wolves—third and fourth brothers—and now it seemed the fifth brother was also rising.

Moreover, it appeared this Xu fellow was about to enter the fray as well. Wu Yun’s heart grew heavy; Master Chengze’s path was fraught with peril.

“What are you still standing there for? Hurry and leave!” Wu Yun’s expression shifted again as she sternly ordered the imperial guards still kneeling.

Even Wei Wuji had to admire this woman: decisive, quick to act, more straightforward than many men.

Yet, her arrogance bordered on excess—she had forgotten she was, after all, only a maid.

“Old General, I shall take my leave...” Wu Yun smiled and bowed slowly to Xu Anhong.

Xu Anhong gave no reply, not even casting a glance her way.

Finding the interaction tedious, Wu Yun chose not to linger and headed directly toward the courtyard gate.

As she left, the imperial guards accompanying her naturally departed like a receding tide.

Only Lady Dan’s family and Xu Anhong’s attendants remained.

“Many thanks to the Pillar General for the rescue...” Wei Wuji parted the human wall formed by Zheng Dali and others, stepping forward with a bow.

“I am unworthy of your honor, Young Master!” Xu Anhong waved his hand modestly, downplaying the matter.

Then, Xu Zhuguo’s gaze shifted toward Lady Dan behind him.

At that moment, Lady Dan composed herself, stepped forward slightly, and bowed to Xu Anhong: “Qianlan thanks Uncle for the rescue.”

What was going on? Uncle? Wei Wuji was startled by his mother’s words.

Did they have such a formidable ally? He looked at Xu Anhong incredulously.

What caught Wei Wuji’s attention even more was that his mother’s given name was Qianlan.

But what happened next shocked Wei Wuji even further.

After Lady Dan’s bow, an awkward, almost uneasy expression crossed Xu Anhong’s aged face. He immediately bowed in return and said with some sorrow, “I am unworthy of Madam’s honor; I have brought shame upon you.”

Such a revelation! Wei Wuji felt overwhelmed.

Uncle? And feelings of guilt? This was no small matter!

“Since Uncle has come all this way, why not stay for a meal before leaving?” Lady Dan said with hopeful eyes.

Xu Anhong understood her intentions—it was all for his son. Yet, Xu Anhong knew this was not the time.

He gestured with one hand to silence her and said meaningfully, “Now is not the time... Noon has not yet come; eating now might upset the stomach...”

Lady Dan fell silent, lost in thought.

“I merely stopped by to inform Young Master to attend the military council tomorrow.”

Then Xu Anhong turned to Wei Wuji: “Young Master, do not forget—tomorrow, at the Military Command Office.”

“Thank you for your reminder, Old General,” Wei Wuji bowed deeply, still unable to fully read this old man before him.

Xu Anhong nodded, seemingly satisfied with the outcome, and prepared to take his leave.

“Well then, I shall be going. You all...”

Wei Wuji waited for more, but only heard Xu Anhong sigh deeply, shake his head, and depart with his entourage.

Once the old general’s figure faded from view, Wei Wuji turned and walked back into the courtyard.

“Mother, what is the relationship—or rather, the connection—between Old General Xu and us?” Wei Wuji asked first, curiosity burning within him.

To his surprise, Lady Dan’s expression turned cold, losing her usual gentle demeanor as she said gravely, “Do not ask about this.”

“Shouldn’t a son know? I am an adult now,” Wei Wuji protested, unwilling to be kept in the dark.

Lady Dan hesitated briefly at his words but ultimately said, “I do this for your own good. For now... it’s better you remain unaware.”

The more she insisted, the more Wei Wuji suspected there was something significant hidden beneath.

Just as he was about to press further, Lady Dan turned and walked into the inner chamber.

All day long, no matter how much Wei Wuji coaxed or pressured, Lady Dan remained tight-lipped.

The only phrase she uttered was, “I do this all for your sake!”

This tormented Wei Wuji’s curiosity into madness. By the next morning, he woke up with dark circles under his eyes.

Seeing his condition, Lady Dan felt a pang of pity. After all, mother and son shared a bond of blood and heart.

“Wuji, what you asked yesterday... I did not withhold it on purpose,” she finally took the initiative to speak.

“Mother, are you going to tell me now?” Wei Wuji perked up; he had spent the whole night pondering without a clue.

Lady Dan shook her head and said simply, “Xu Zhuguo is not aligned with us...”

Wei Wuji screamed inwardly. Of course, he knew Xu Anhong was not on their side.

And even if he were, would it necessitate the Pillar General of the dynasty personally delivering a summons for a meeting?

There was clearly more to this, and that was exactly what Wei Wuji wanted to know.

Yet Lady Dan’s cryptic words nearly made him fall off his chair.

“My own mother thinks I’m so foolish that I wouldn’t see through this?” Wei Wuji growled in frustration.

But no matter how he questioned, Lady Dan remained as tight-lipped as ever.

In the end, she only summarized, “Xu Zhuguo is here to help us.”

Wei Wuji was utterly floored.

...

On the other side of the palace walls, within the grand and splendid Zhanghua Pavilion, someone else reached a similar conclusion.

“That old Xu went to rescue that wretched woman after hearing the news,” said a luxurious and dignified noblewoman seated prominently within the tent.

“Madam means that Xu Anhong’s mission was to save Wei Wuji, not merely to deliver the notice of the military council?” Wu Yun knelt respectfully before the noblewoman.

The noblewoman remained silent; the palace fell into a heavy stillness.

After a long pause, she slowly said, “The old fox is making a move...”