Xu Lingyi showed an expression of approval. “You and Xu Sijie go handle this matter together!”

Xu Sizhun respectfully replied, “Yes.”

Ting Ge’er, seeing that the adults had finished speaking, ran over to Eleventh Madam with a grin. “Grandmother, when is Sixth Uncle coming back?”

Hearing him mention Xu Sijin, Eleventh Madam’s eyes dimmed. Forcing herself, she let a gentle smile show. “Does Ting Ge’er miss Sixth Uncle?”

Ting Ge’er nodded and said with a laugh, “Seventh Uncle said it would be great if Sixth Uncle were home — then they could go to Datong together.” With that, he jumped up happily. “Grandmother! Grandmother! When I grow up, I want to go to Datong with Sixth Uncle and Seventh Uncle too!”

Eleventh Madam smiled and drew Ting Ge’er into her arms. “Our Ting Ge’er is so good!”

Just as they were speaking, Xu Sijie and Ying Niang arrived, bringing Zhuang Ge’er with them.

Zhuang Ge’er gazed longingly at Ting Ge’er nestled in Eleventh Madam’s arms.

Eleventh Madam saw him and smiled, beckoning him over with a wave.

Zhuang Ge’er immediately ran over. The two brothers grinned and clasped each other’s hands with delight.

Xu Lingyi had already instructed Xu Sijie to accompany Xu Sizhun in closing down the rice shops, and further urged the two of them: “…Send a few of the estate guards over as well — there may be grain-seizures when the time comes.”

Xu Sizhun thought it over and said, “Should we perhaps post a notice explaining that due to the city lockdown, rice cannot be transported in, and the shop has none left to sell? If people know why the shop closed its doors, they won’t try to seize anything. That way, we won’t need to send guards over either…” He hesitated. “I’m worried we may be short of men at home…”

“No.” Xu Lingyi refused at once. “That would easily cause panic. Better to send more men. As for the estate guards, I will discuss it with Head Steward Bai.”

Father and son conferred over household matters while the women listened quietly at the side. Once all arrangements had been made, Xu Lingyi rose to his feet, and everyone followed him to the Old Madam’s quarters.

The Old Madam had been in the Buddhist hall; when she emerged, there was still a faint scent of sandalwood about her.

“You went to make offerings this early?” Xu Lingyi said with a smile.

“Things outside are in such a mess. Who knows when those Tartars will be wiped out.” The old woman’s complexion was not well; she was supported by the Second Madam as she settled onto the large kang by the window with a weary expression. “I burned a few more sticks of incense for the Bodhisattva, praying for General Ouyang’s victory and an early return to the capital, so that the realm may be at peace.”

Upon learning that Xuantong had fallen, Xu Lingyi had arranged for the Old Madam and the others to return home at the first opportunity.

“Mother need not worry too much.” Xu Lingyi smiled, taking the cup of tea a maidservant had brought over and personally presenting it to the Old Madam. “There are four hundred thousand troops,” he reassured her. “Datong will soon receive news of a victory.” He then shifted the subject, telling her how Xu Sizhun had come up with the idea of closing the two family rice shops.

The Old Madam looked at Xu Sizhun with affectionate eyes and gave a slight nod. “That is the bearing befitting a future marquis.” She then cast a glance at the others in the room and cautioned them, “You must remember — never compete with the common people for profit. It will earn you their resentment.”

Everyone bowed and replied, “Yes.”

Xu Lingkuan and the Fifth Madam arrived with Shen Ge’er and Cheng Ge’er.

After they paid their respects to the Old Madam and everyone exchanged greetings, they turned around to find that the Old Madam had fallen asleep right there where she sat. Everyone quickly fell silent.

The Second Madam gave the Old Madam a gentle shake. “Mother, if you’re tired, do go back to your room to rest.”

The Old Madam lifted her head, looking at everyone with a slightly bewildered expression. “Why has everyone stopped talking?”

Xu Lingyi gave Xu Lingkuan a meaningful look. “There are still matters to attend to in the outer courtyard,” he said with a smile. “We were just about to take our leave.”

“Oh!” The Old Madam nodded. “Then go attend to your business.” She then instructed the Second Madam, “Bring out the Diamond Sutra — let us continue copying where we left off yesterday.”

The Second Madam smiled and agreed. The rest rose to take their leave.

Before they had even left the courtyard, Xu Lingkuan pulled Xu Lingyi aside. “Fourth Brother, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Xu Lingyi considered a moment. “Let’s go to the study.”

Xu Lingkuan nodded and followed Xu Lingyi off.

Eleventh Madam exchanged a few words with the Fifth Madam, then they all went their separate ways.

Jiang Shi took Eleventh Madam’s arm. “Mother, your complexion is not very well — shall I call for a physician?”

Ying Niang was walking ahead with the two children, smiling, but at those words she turned around and looked Eleventh Madam over. “Mother, are you still not fully recovered? Fourth Sister-in-law is right — you should let a physician take a look.”

“No need.” Having gone two nights in a row without proper sleep, and with her heart full of worry over Xu Sijin, it was no wonder her complexion was poor. “I just need some rest,” Eleventh Madam said, then turned to Jiang Shi. “The reception hall matters — you go and handle them. If anything comes up that you can’t decide on your own, come and ask me.”

Seeing her firm resolve, neither dared to say more. They saw Eleventh Madam settled down to rest. Jiang Shi went off to manage household affairs in the reception hall, while Ying Niang stayed in the main courtyard playing with the two children — close enough that if Eleventh Madam needed anything, she could be summoned at once.

Eleventh Madam lay with her eyes closed, not a sound to be heard. She was clearly exhausted, yet sleep would not come. Her mind was filled entirely with thoughts of Xu Sijin.

If things truly came to that point, what post would Gong Dongning arrange for Xu Sijin? Would he keep Xu Sijin safely in the rear to protect his life? Or would he be like Prince Yong, seeing it as an opportunity — sending Xu Sijin to charge the frontlines to win military merit and bring glory to his family?

She had never met Gong Dongning, but going by how Xu Lingyi had described him, Gong Dongning was likely the sort of man who would rather die wrapped in a horse’s hide than retreat. If so, that was terrible — he would in all probability send Xu Sijin out to fight…

With thoughts like these crowding her mind, how could Eleventh Madam possibly sleep?

She simply sat up.

The nearby attendant Hanxiao stepped forward at once and said softly, “Madam, what do you need?”

She needed her son to come home safe and sound!

Eleventh Madam said this to herself in silence, never had she yearned so desperately for Ouyang Ming to defeat those Tartars as she did at this moment.

She could not help but press her palms together and murmur, “Bodhisattva, bless us.”

Hanxiao looked on in puzzlement and said softly, “Madam, what… what has come over you?”

She had not served Eleventh Madam for long, but she could tell — Eleventh Madam was not particularly devoted to Buddhism. At the very least, there was no Buddhist hall or spirit shrine in Eleventh Madam’s rooms as there was in the chambers of other women of wealthy households, nor did Eleventh Madam ever invite a Buddhist nun over to recite sutras or have a chat in her leisure time.

Eleventh Madam listened, then threw back her covers and got up. “Hanxiao, go and call Hupo for me.”

Hanxiao did not dare delay and hurried off to summon Hupo.

“Hupo,” Eleventh Madam said, “I would like to go burn incense at Ciyuan Temple. Go and let Head Steward Bai know, and see whether it can be arranged.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Hupo’s eyes, but it quickly settled into calm. She replied respectfully and left to find Head Steward Bai with quick steps.

The atmosphere outside was somewhat tense, but since it was Eleventh Madam’s wish, Head Steward Bai naturally did everything he could to make it happen.

Early the next morning, Head Steward Bai arranged for the head of the guards to personally escort Eleventh Madam to Ciyuan Temple.

Ciyuan Temple was doing a brisk trade in incense. Many women knelt on prayer cushions murmuring prayers and would not rise. The temple’s guest-welcoming monk finally found an opportunity to escort Eleventh Madam into the Grand Hall of the Great Hero.

“Please protect Xu Sijin and keep him safe from harm. If you can grant this, I am willing to become your devoted follower from this day forth…” Eleventh Madam closed her eyes and prayed with sincere devotion.

Yet things continued to unfold in ways that brought no comfort.

Only a few days later, a battle report arrived. Ouyang Ming had divided his forces into three columns: one to reinforce Datong, one to besiege and annihilate the Tartars who had taken Xuantong, and one encamped four hundred li from Yanjing. Meanwhile, Xuantong remained under siege without falling, and Datong was losing ground steadily — a third of the troops had been lost.

The Emperor summoned Xu Lingyi to the palace.

Before noon, Eleventh Madam received word.

The Ministry of War had appointed Gong Dongning as Commander of the Right Military Commission, and Ding Zhi as Vice Minister of War. Gong Dongning was not required to come to the capital to express his gratitude but was to immediately lead the forces of the Right Military Commission to garrison in Ganzhou. Ding Zhi was to report to the capital for his post without delay.

Eleventh Madam stood there in a daze, silent for a long while.

At noon, Xu Lingyi returned.

Hupo came out to receive him.

“My lord,” her voice was quieter than usual, “Madam is feeling unwell and is lying down in the inner chamber…” Before she had finished the sentence, Eleventh Madam’s voice came from within. “Is that my lord returned?”

Hupo hesitated.

Xu Lingyi had already lifted the curtain and entered.

“I am back.”

Eleventh Madam rustled as she sat up, then dismissed the attending maidservants.

“Is the man you sent still by Xu Sijin’s side?” The gauze curtains let in too little light, making her pale skin look like snow, tinged with a fragile air.

Xu Lingyi sat down on the edge of the bed and could not help but take her hand. “He has been at his side all along.” He added, “I have already had a message sent to them, instructing that they must keep a close watch on Xu Sijin’s safety…”

“Master Pang does not hold military registration — can he go?” Eleventh Madam cut him off, forestalling the “don’t worry” he had been about to offer her, and startling him so that his voice went still for a moment before he replied, “I have already arranged military registration for Master Pang and Huang Xiaomao, Liu Erwu, and the others. With them by his side, Xu Sijin will have people he can rely on.”

“Do you know where Gong Dongning has assigned Xu Sijin?”

Xu Lingyi was silent for a good while before saying quietly, “Gong Dongning is the commander of the three armies, after all. There are certain matters it would not be appropriate for me to inquire about.”

Eleventh Madam gave a small nod and asked nothing more. She rustled down against the pillows again. “I’m a little tired. I’d like to rest for a while. If you have matters to attend to, my lord, just call for Hupo.” With that, she closed her eyes.

Xu Lingyi gazed at her beautiful face, brows slightly furrowed, and only after a long while let out a slow, deep sigh. He rose quietly and left the inner chamber.

At the corner of Eleventh Madam’s eye, a single glistening tear slid down.

Twenty days later — perhaps the enemy lying in wait to strike, or perhaps a case of disturbing the grass to startle the snake — word came from Ganzhou. Gong Dongning’s Right Army had been ambushed by Tartars near Liangzhou Garrison, some five hundred li from Ganzhou. The Right Army suffered over a thousand casualties, killed more than five hundred Tartars, captured over a hundred, and seized more than three hundred horses.

When the news arrived, everyone quietly overlooked the Right Army’s own losses and focused their attention on “more than five hundred Tartars killed, over a hundred captured, and more than three hundred horses seized” — especially against the backdrop of Datong’s fall, these numbers felt all the more precious.

The Emperor summoned Xu Lingyi to the palace again and again.

Before long, another victory report arrived from Ganzhou.

The Right Army had killed three thousand Tartars, captured more than two thousand, and seized over a thousand horses.

Yanjing’s spirits lifted at once, and the name Gong Dongning was on everyone’s lips from one end of the city to the other.

Xu Lingyi grew busier still, and was occasionally kept overnight in the palace. The husband and wife saw each other only rarely, and whenever they did, Eleventh Madam would always ask, “Has there been any news of Xu Sijin?”

“He is doing very well,” Xu Lingyi would say with a smile that carried a note of reassurance. “Gong Dongning keeps Xu Sijin by his side. Xu Sijin is now serving as one of Gong Dongning’s personal guards.”

—