"Hey, hey, hey, have you no shame? I'm already no match for one of you, and you're ganging up on me!" Nangong Yi shouted. "You're too shameless, bullying me alone. Fourth Brother, you have to help me."
"I'm an outsider, I can't help you." Nangong Yan watched Nangong Yi on the card table, yelling and laughing, finding it amusing. No wonder Nangong Yi always liked playing with Xiao Man. He could completely imagine the scene of these two teaming up to bully others, but now, Nangong Yi was the one being bullied.
Xiao Man was naturally skilled at gambling, and Wen Mohan was adept at scheming. With the two of them working together, Nangong Yi was truly losing miserably. Nangong Yan couldn't bear to watch.
"Thirteenth Brother, why don't you admit defeat?"
"I won't admit defeat, I will definitely win it back," Nangong Yi gritted his teeth and said. "Wen Mohan, don't get cocky. You can only beat me because of Xiao Man."
"This is called knowing when to quit. Knowing that Man'er is good at gambling, you still wanted to drag me down. I had no choice but to join forces with the strong."
"Shameless!"
With the addition of Prince Qi as a major backer, Chu Qingge, as desired, won money and happily left the General's Mansion.
Prince Qi, however, was dejected. He had originally wanted to show off his superb gambling skills, but he almost lost everything: "Damn it, Xiao Man, I will definitely win it back!"
As the end of the year approached, the festive atmosphere grew stronger. Every household began to hang lanterns and decorations to welcome the New Year.
The Prime Minister's carriage waited quietly at the city gate. Inside the carriage, Xiao Man, wrapped in a thick cloak and holding a warming pouch, was discussing wedding preparations with Chu Qingge.
Chu Qingge occasionally lifted the curtain to look out, appearing somewhat absent-minded. Seeing this, Xiao Man, amused, had Yin Zhu go over and verify the wedding details with Chu Qingge's maid.
Chu Qingge, meanwhile, leaned against the window, gazing in the direction outside the city. Didn't they say they would be back today? Why were they so late?
"Sister Xiao, when will they arrive?"
"They should be here soon, just wait patiently."
Chu Qingge drooped her head, her gaze fixed on the city gate. Just then, several fast horses appeared in her field of vision. At first, they were like tiny black dots, then they grew closer and closer. Chu Qingge immediately sat up straight and reached out to tug on Xiao Man's sleeve.
"Sister Xiao, they're back, they're back!"
Xiao Man leaned closer and indeed saw a troop of cavalry heading straight for the city gate. The person at the forefront was none other than Xiao Luo.
Chu Qingge, delighted, scrambled out of the carriage, jumped down, and ran directly towards Xiao Luo and his retinue. Xiao Luo reined in his horse at the city gate, dismounted nimbly, and caught the rushing Chu Qingge.
"Xiao Luo, you're finally back."
Xiao Luo embraced the person in his arms, his eyes smiling. His gaze fell on Xiao Man, who was following behind, and the smile on his face became even gentler. "It's so cold, why aren't you waiting at home?"
"I wanted to see you as soon as possible, so I dragged Sister Xiao to the city gate to pick you up."
Xiao Man walked slowly forward. "Brother, you're finally back. If you hadn't returned soon, Sister Chu would have turned into a worried stone."
"Listen to her, your sister is bullying me again!"
Xiao Luo chuckled softly, in high spirits. Behind him, Du Guming Yu also dismounted. His gaze fell on Xiao Man, and Xiao Man was also looking at him, a gentle smile on her face.
"You're back."
Du Guming Yu subconsciously replied, "Yes, I'm back."
After he answered, he realized something was amiss. He was not familiar with Yu Sheng Imperial Capital, but for some reason, every time he saw Xiao Man, he felt a sense of returning home, as if she had always been waiting for him to come home.
"Eldest Miss."
"Generals, you've had a long journey. Please enter the city. The General's Mansion has prepared fine wine and delicacies to welcome you." Su Dan Novel Network
"Thank you, Eldest Miss."
Xiao Luo needed to go to the palace to see the Emperor first. Xiao Man and Chu Qingge each returned to their respective mansions. With the wedding date set, Chu Qingge could no longer visit the General's Mansion every day as usual, especially with Xiao Luo back.
Xiao Man had already instructed someone to prepare guest rooms for Du Guming Yu. The other deputy generals all had families in the Imperial Capital and places to go. Only Du Guming Yu had no relatives in the Imperial Capital other than her.
"Miss, everything has been prepared," Steward Lu followed Xiao Man at a steady pace and reported.
"Good. When Father and Brother return, the banquet can begin," Xiao Man said gently. "Prepare more food and wine. Father and the uncles are likely to have a good drink."
"Miss, rest assured, there will be plenty of wine," Steward Lu said with a smile. Whether it was because of the cold weather or Xiao Man's slightly poor health, he always felt that Xiao Man was becoming thinner and thinner, as if she could be blown away by a gust of wind.
Xiao Man personally supervised the kitchen, preparing the dishes that the generals favored. Since they were entertaining military men, the ladies of the household could not attend and would dine separately in their own courtyards.
"Haha, today, we must not go home until we're drunk!"
"Father, as long as you don't get drunk and hit us."
"You brat, your father's drinking habits are much better than yours!"
Hearing Xiao Zhen's voice, the steward immediately went out to meet them. "Generals, the fine wine and delicacies are all ready, we are just waiting for you."
"Steward Lu, today, you too must have a few drinks with us."
Steward Lu smiled. "I naturally wouldn't refuse the requests of the generals."
"By the way, Old Xue, has your son found a match?" Xiao Zhen asked in a low voice. Prince Qin and Wen Mohan were excellent, but he did not want to give Xiao Man to them.
"My son is not worthy of a celestial being like the Eldest Miss," General Xue sighed helplessly. "That good-for-nothing scoundrel, if he were even a little more outstanding, I would shamelessly ask the General for her hand!"
"Little Xue is quite good; you're just too strict."
The group took their seats. Du Guming Yu's gaze fell on the food in front of him, his heart filled with surprise. Crystal pork knuckle, steamed mandarin fish, braised goose – these were all his favorite dishes. His eyes were slightly moist. In the past, when he came home, his mother would always prepare his favorite dishes.
As soon as everyone was seated, a guard entered and reported, "General, Your Highness Prince Qin and Your Highness Prince Qi are visiting."
Xiao Zhen looked puzzled. Why were the two princes here at this time?
"Please come in quickly."
A moment later, two figures slowly arrived. Prince Qi's steps were light. "Fourth Brother, see, I told you there would be good food at the General's Mansion today. I didn't lie to you, Great General. We brothers have come uninvited, you won't mind, will you?"
"Not at all, the arrival of your Highnesses honors this humble abode. Your Highness, please take the main seat."
"Today, we are here as juniors, how can we take the main seat? Just add a couple of seats," the steward immediately ordered someone to add chairs and tableware. The group gathered together, raising their cups and exchanging pleasantries, a joyous scene.