Chapter 468: The Side Branch Joins the Army
Holding the smooth body in his arms, Jia Cong felt satisfied and emotional. This Xiao Feng'er has always been different. She dares to love and hate, as if she is not a woman of this era.
Moreover, once she falls in love, she will have greater courage than others.
He kissed her cheek lovingly. Perhaps she had a sweet dream, or perhaps she sensed Jia Cong's mood, but Fengjie rubbed her pretty face against Jia Cong's chest gently, and continued to sleep with a smile. Jia Cong's arms around her tightened, and then he also fell asleep.
The next day, Jia Yun came!
"My Lord, the old lady has sent a message, asking the children of the side branches to join the army and follow you to the battle!"
"Most of the descendants from the side branches have already arrived at the front hall of the West Mansion, led by the two great uncles, and are waiting. The old lady is also there. She said that if the Marquis is free, she will go over to meet them."
Xiao Que'er and Xiangling, who were serving on the side, hurried to help Jia Cong wipe the corners of his mouth and change into his clothes.
Afterwards, Jia Cong headed towards the West Mansion.
Once they entered the corner gate, they saw dozens of Jia family members standing in the courtyard outside the front hall. These children were all from the side branches, some of the same generation as Jia Zheng, some of the same generation as Jia Cong, and some of the same generation as Jia Lan. Besides Jia Yun, who had gone to deliver the message, Jia Lin, Jia Qiong, Jia Jun, and Jia Qin, who had previously followed Jia Cong into the military headquarters, were also present, standing at the front of the group. Jia Yun would not be going because he had to keep an eye on business matters in the capital.
"Greetings, Lord!"
Jia Cong nodded slightly, "Everyone, please stand up!"
Then, he walked through the crowd and entered the hall.
In the hall, the old lady sat in the main seat, Jia Daixiu and Jia Dairu, two older people, sat on the right, and a few people of similar age to Jia Zheng stood behind them.
"Meet the old lady, meet the two old masters!"
Jia Daixiu and the other two quickly stood up, "The Marquis has arrived? Come in!"
Jia Cong stepped forward and sat at the first seat on the left, then heard the old lady say, "The sons of all the families in the capital are going to join the army. As a family with military honors, our Jia family naturally cannot sit idly by. Moreover, this time it is my grandson who is leading the troops as the chief commander, and our family cannot be underestimated."
"So, I discussed with Dai Ru and Dai Xiu and decided to let the young men from the Jia family accompany you on the expedition!"
Jia Cong hesitated for a moment, and was about to speak when the old lady continued, "I know what you're worried about. It's just that you're worried they'll get hurt or die on the battlefield, and it'll be hard to explain. But since they're on the battlefield, it's up to fate. Fortune and wealth are in the hands of God. Whether they return with honor or die on the battlefield is their fate. No one in the mansion will blame you."
"Back then, when the states of Ning and Rong went to war, they were accompanied by members of the Jia family, either as generals or soldiers. Thousands were killed or wounded. Even during the time of Lord Daishan, many of our Jia family's sons died on the battlefield. Now that you are heading to the battlefield, you cannot let people say that our Jia family has no one!"
"Dai Ru, Dai Xiu! After my grandson becomes the clan leader, how will he treat the members of the side branches?"
Jia Dairu said without hesitation, "Respect the elders and maintain good relations with the clan!"
"Then my grandson can be considered qualified as the clan leader!"
"Of course!" Jia Daixiu nodded and said, "Ever since the Marquis inherited the East Palace and succeeded to the position of clan leader, all the side branches have lived much more comfortably. Moreover, the children of the side branches have also entered the clan school and have made great progress. If anyone says anything bad about the clan leader, I will be the first to object."
"Since my grandson is a qualified clan leader and his daily behavior is worthy of the various families, then now that the clan leader of the Jia family is going to war and has asked the sons of the various families to accompany him, do you have any complaints?"
The two of them responded, "This is a blessing for the children of the Jia family!"
"Alright! Since you've agreed, this is settled! You will discuss with each family and finalize the roster! Within three days, follow their clan leaders into the main camp and join the army!"
"Tell them that as long as I have a bite to eat, I will never mistreat their orphans and widows. If they die in battle, the old and young in their families will be taken care of by the mansion!"
"We respect the orders of our elder sister-in-law!" The two men stood up and responded with a solemn salute.
Seeing that Jia Cong still looked a little conflicted, Grandmother Jia sighed and said, "Grandson, everyone has their own responsibilities. Just like you are the patriarch of the Jia family, it is your responsibility to ensure that each family has a good life. Similarly, if you, as the patriarch, need something, each branch of the family must also serve the family. Otherwise, what kind of family is this?"
"This is what they should do! Besides, the government won't treat them unfairly."
"You don't have to show favoritism just because they're from your family. Those who are capable can be given important positions. If they're not, you can't blame anyone else if they die! Remember, no one else's life is as important as yours. Any of the Jia family's children can die, but you can't!"
"Kindness does not command the army, righteousness does not cultivate wealth! Goodness does not serve as an official, benevolence does not engage in politics! As a commander, you should be compassionate to your soldiers. However, if necessary, a single order could lead to the deaths of millions, but could also determine the outcome of a battle. You should not hesitate for a moment."
"On the battlefield, human life is the cheapest! Any hesitation will give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage!"
"Grandfather, I can no longer follow you to the battlefield , but I will help you stay at home and not let you worry. At the same time, I am also waiting for your return. I want to see my grandson become stronger and stronger than my ancestors, and be crowned a king! Grandson, I believe in you and believe that you can return safely!"
Jia Cong was overwhelmed by the old lady's words and nodded vigorously, "Grandfather, don't worry, your grandson will definitely return victorious!"
…
When he returned to the East Palace, Jia Cong looked at the time and saw that it was still early, so he headed towards Youshi's courtyard!
When I entered the courtyard, I saw Sister You San sitting beside the stone table in the courtyard, with her chin in her hand, in a daze!
"Meet the Third Master!"
The voice of the little maid beside her woke up You Sanjie. When she saw Jia Cong coming in, joy showed in her eyes and she stood up to greet him.
"master!"
"Have you been living well in the mansion these days?" Jia Cong asked with a smile.
Third Sister You nodded. "Of course it's fine. Besides, the Second and Fourth Miss invited me to their courtyard to play, and I even embroidered handkerchiefs for them."
"I heard from my eldest sister that the master is going to lead his troops to war again?"
"good!"
"When will the master leave?"
"There are still about seven or eight days left!"
"When will the master come back?"
"It's hard to say for sure, but it could be a few months at the shortest, or a year or two at the longest. We can't come back until the war is over!"
"Ah! Will it take that long?" There was a hint of sadness in Third Sister You's eyes!
"Once a war starts, it won't end so quickly!" Jia Cong laughed.
The two of them filed into the room. Old Lady You, Mrs. You, and Second Sister You, who were chatting in the room, quickly stood up and asked, "Master, are you here? Aren't you busy today?"
My mother and sisters already knew about the relationship between me and the master, so Youshi did not hide it and walked forward to pull Jia Cong to sit next to her.
