Such a combination would undoubtedly arouse suspicion.

“This?” Xiao Yuling looked at Hui Jing.

Hui Jing nodded. Without revealing their identities or purpose, the people here would certainly not give them any information.

It all came down to how they would break this impasse.

Hui Jing believed in Xiao Yuling’s intelligence. She’s no ordinary person, having lived in the Imperial Palace.

Xiao Yuling pondered for a moment before asking, “General, do you have someone named Xiao Ce in your camp?”

Yun No. 3 nodded. “Yes, but Old Master Xiao left some time ago.”

“He’s left?” Xiao Yuling was very disappointed. How unfortunate. This line of inquiry leads nowhere. How can I find an opening now?

She didn’t know the relationship between the Vice-General before her and Yunjing. Until she was clear, she dared not reveal that she was Yunjing’s mother.

He won’t tell me where the person has gone, but he should be able to tell me where they came from, right? She had an idea.

With that thought, Xiao Yuling asked again, “Then, General, could you tell us where Xiao Yunjing’s hometown is? We are his relatives from the Capital City. We haven’t seen him for many years and came to visit them.”

Yun No. 3 thought for a moment. I won’t disclose this without confirming the identities of these three ladies.

His master’s greatest enemy was Qingchen, and Qingchen knew exactly where his master’s hometown was.

So, these three women can’t be Qingchen’s people.

As for whether they came from the Capital City, it’s hard to say. The people from the Secret Sect are clear about Xiao Yunjing’s identity. The master and his family originally came here to hide, but we aren’t sure if the master has told anyone else his hometown address.

But to be on the safe side, Yun No. 3 would not tell them without Xiao Yunjing’s permission.

So, Yun No. 3 said, “Madam, how about this? You wait here for a few days. I will ask General Xiao, and if he agrees, I will tell you. How does that sound?”

Xiao Yuling thought to herself, This young man isn’t easily swayed, but his caution is appropriate.

She nodded. Anyway, so much time has already passed; a few more days don’t matter.

She wondered, What identity should I use to approach Yunjing so he won’t refuse to see me?

After much thought, she decided to use the identity of her cousin, Xiao Yuxian.

Xiao Yuxian and I grew up together and have a very good relationship. He will surely come if he hears she’s looking for him.

So she said, “Then please trouble the General to tell Yunjing that Xiao Yuxian is here to see him.”

Yun No. 3 nodded and had a maidservant take the three ladies to rest. He promptly sent a carrier pigeon with a message to Xiao Yunjing.

「On the fifth of November」

Early in the morning, Gu Qingli and Xiao Yunjing began their busy day. They didn’t have experience hosting a Hundred Days Banquet, but with Ms. Qiao, an experienced mother, guiding them, everything proceeded smoothly.

Moreover, Gu Chang’an and his sons, Gu Dalin with Dashuang and Xiaoshuang, Daniu, and Gu Qingqiu were all helping to greet the guests.

Actually, there were no distinguished guests, only fellow villagers.

When the preparations were almost complete, Gu Qingli, Wuqing, and Wuyou dedicated themselves to watching the three little ones.

Their safety was always the top priority, no matter what.

With so many people and so much excitement, it was easy to become careless. Gu Qingli didn’t want any mishaps.

She remembered how she, an adult, had been abducted, let alone helpless hundred-day-old babies with no ability to resist.

「Nearing noon」

Fu Zonghe arrived with Xu Yi, bringing lavish gifts.

“This subordinate, Fu Zonghe, and Official Xu Yi, pay respects to General Xiao!” Fu Zonghe and Xu Yi dismounted from their carriage at the courtyard entrance and immediately performed a grand salute to Xiao Yunjing.

Xiao Yunjing’s status was undeniable. Even though he had declared independence, Daqian had not issued an edict to dismiss him. Therefore, he was still a third-rank Great General, much higher in rank than Fu Zonghe, a fifth-rank Chief. A kowtow was appropriate.

“What? A General?”

Only then did the people of Qinghe Village realize. They were all shocked and then thrilled, rushing forward to kneel on the ground.

Instantly, the courtyard entrance and the yard itself were filled with kneeling people.

In the crowd, Gu Qingyan’s heart jumped. Then, his eyes flickered. I originally planned to stir up trouble today, but now it’s not a good opportunity. A General, a Chief, and Official Xu… I know I can’t make a move today, no matter what.

Xiao Yunjing’s expression was calm. He had experienced such scenes countless times in his previous life; there was nothing exciting about it. He waved his hand and said, “Everyone, please rise.”

After speaking, he walked over to Gu Chang’an and the several clan elders, helping them up, along with Gu Dalin and his wife.

“Why are you all doing this? Please, get up quickly.”

Gu Chang’an rose, laughing, and slapped Xiao Yunjing on the shoulder. “Good lad! You became a General and didn’t even tell us! This is your glory, and it’s also the glory of our Qinghe Village!”

Xiao Yunjing smiled. After exchanging greetings with Fu Zonghe and Xu Yi, he led them into the courtyard.

Gu Chang’an waved for everyone else to get up and quickly help out. He, along with the three clan elders who were grinning from ear to ear, followed them in.

As the two officials approached Gu Qingli, Fu Zonghe and Xu Yi both bowed. “Greetings, Madam. Greetings, three Young Masters.”

Gu Qingli smiled. “There’s no need for such politeness, Officials. Thank you both for coming.”

Fu Zonghe said, “Madam, you are too kind. There’s no need for such courtesy with this subordinate.”

With a wave of his hand, six men who looked like servants brought forward the congratulatory gifts.

Then came Xu Yi’s gifts.

Although Xu Yi’s rank was lower, the gifts he presented were not insignificant.

Xiao Yunjing waved his hand, and someone immediately came to take the gifts to the storeroom, where a designated person was recording them.

“Chief Fu, Official Xu.” Xiao Yunjing glanced at Gu Chang’an and the three clan elders following behind, then said to them, “Second Granduncle, and you three Clan Elders, please come in as well.”

The four of them nodded cheerfully and followed them into the main hall.

Chen Erlang, who was helping out nearby, froze for a moment. Then, his expression darkened, and he lowered his head to continue arranging the tables.

There were many people today, so tables and benches had been borrowed from various households in the village.

Gu Qingli had considered buying some, but they would take up too much space, so she hadn’t.

Feasts weren’t held often; borrowing from the villagers was sufficient.

This was how villagers usually handled such events.

Inside the house, servants brewed tea and served it.

“How have things been in the Prefectural Office lately?” Xiao Yunjing asked.

Fu Zonghe quickly replied, “Reporting to the General, it has been quite busy recently.”

Xiao Yunjing nodded and then asked Xu Yi, “And you?”

Xu Yi understood what he was asking. He said, “It’s basically ready.”

“Good. Go back and prepare then.”

He planned to send people to take over Huayang County in the next day or two. Huayang County is Qingchen’s main base, so it will require some effort. The Chief there is also one of Qingchen’s men, not to mention the officials in the subordinate counties; they are all his people.

Xu Yi’s heart filled with joy. He knew Xiao Yunjing was telling him to prepare to take over Huayang County.

To be honest, when I confirmed Xiao Yunjing’s identity, I was both shocked and overjoyed. I still remember our first meeting at the Qinghe County yamen; Xiao Yunjing even knelt before me then.