So what if she's my sister-in-law? You seduced me first.

In the imperial study, a huge border map hung in front of everyone, showing thousands of ravines, mountains and rivers stretching endlessly.

Everyone was puzzled as to why the governor, who had been ordering the troops not to support the border, had agreed to send the Northwest Army to provide support this morning at court, thanks to the approval of the elders.

Looking at the map of all the mountains on the border between Shangliang and Daxia, a bad feeling arose in his heart.

Wei Rongxuan looked at the thin line that started from Cuiwei Mountain, stretched from the Hongchuan Plateau straight to the rich and vast capital of Shangliang, and vaguely guessed his intentions from the map.

The Imperial Study was filled with the Northwest generals whom Xie Xun had urgently summoned back in the past few days, as well as the important ministers in the court who were loyal to the Xie family.

Xie Xun gave the general behind him a look, and the latter immediately understood and placed a piece of paper on the table.

"Murong Huang is far away on the border, and his 200,000 troops have all gathered at Beishuo Pass. The Northwest Army will arrive at Hongchuan Plateau in less than half a month. General Qin, set off for Shangliang Yanzhou today to await the imperial edict from the capital and catch him off guard."

"Your humble servant understands."

These people were all loyal followers of the governor. Although they did not understand why the governor would order the Northwest Army to go to Shangliang Yanzhou when the Great Xia was in turmoil and the northeastern clans were clearly about to rebel, this was not their concern.

They are soldiers, not politicians; all they need to do is obey military orders.

They couldn't understand it, but Wei Rongxuan understood Xie Xun's actions. Listening to the various instructions Xie Xun gave, and recalling the elders' sudden change of attitude at the morning court session, he understood what Xie Xun was trying to do.

After all the decrees were issued, several generals hurriedly left the imperial study. Wei Rongxuan looked at the direction of the northeastern clans on the military chart and chuckled.

"So that's what you were planning."

No wonder they said they should let them be arrogant for a few days. The Great Xia has dominated Hongchuan for many years and is not to be trifled with. How could it be suppressed by Shangliang like this?

"Isn't this too risky?" If the Seventh Prince fails, the Northwest Army won't be able to come back to support him in time.

Xie Xun looked at the map showing the Seventh Prince's map and said, "Don't we still have His Highness Prince Zhao in our palace?"

Wei Rongxuan understood that the only one who could currently challenge the Crown Prince for the throne was the Seventh Prince Xie Chizhang, who had fled the capital. He had been entrenched in the Northeast for many years and had deep roots, making him the sharpest blade.

Only by forcing him to lose control and stage a coup could they have a legitimate reason to seize power, eliminate the traitors, suppress the rebels, and march north.

"The Elders' Council has been suppressed for so many years, it's time for someone else to take charge."

The voice, which sounded like a half-smile, had barely faded when the eunuch's voice came from outside.

"Commander, the young master has arrived."

The people in the hall exchanged glances, and several generals from the Northwest were also present. They immediately stood up, looking at each other without saying a word.

Since the Battle of Nanguan, the Governor and the Crown Prince have disagreed on political views, and the generals and officials in the Northwest have naturally split into two factions. However, since he is the Governor's own brother, and the Xie family has a complex internal power structure, they all have to put on a good show.

Xie Yan entered the hall and saw the man sitting on the high chair. He glanced at the court officials sitting on both sides and said, "You may all leave first. I have something to discuss with the governor."

Everyone immediately glanced at the man in the seat of honor, and upon being signaled, they all respectfully withdrew.

Wei Rongxuan thought of the woman in Xie Xun's villa. He had originally intended to stay and watch the show, but when he caught a glimpse of Xie Xun's gaze, he clicked his tongue and said, "Fine, I'll leave too."

"Let's go out for a drink tonight and catch up." He patted Xie Yan on the shoulder with a smile as he passed by.

Xie Yan glanced at him, "Being a drunkard in the Northern Region was one thing, but I'd be ashamed of myself in the capital."

Wei Rongxuan raised an eyebrow, stepped out, and closed the door behind him.

"What does my brother want with me?"

The door outside the hall closed, and Xie Yan looked at the man sitting on the high chair, coldly asking, "Did you pressure the elders to force me to take command of the troops in the Northwest?"

Xie Xun leaned back in his chair and chuckled, "Big brother, don't be so naive. The Xie family needs someone to return to the Northwest to suppress the rebellion. Uncle can't control the elders."

East Garden.

Ning Yu had just gotten up and eaten breakfast. She had been up most of the night and her body felt like it had been run over by a carriage. She was so tired that she couldn't even lift her arms.

The maidservant serving her saw her staring out the window, seemingly lost in thought, and assumed she was still thinking about the young master. She stepped forward and said, "The governor treats you differently, madam. You shouldn't think too much about it. Staying in the East Garden isn't such a bad thing."

As she spoke, she placed the nourishing soup that the maid had brought over on the couch table, saying, "It's good for your health, Madam, please drink more."

Ning Yu glanced back at her, and the maid, thinking she hadn't understood, continued, "The Governor is not yet married, and his household is simple. You are the Governor's first woman, and relying on his favor, your future will be good."

Those who advise others to be petty will be struck by lightning.

Ning Yu rolled her eyes inwardly, but said calmly, "Isn't the Governor going to get married? Why haven't you sent me to the other residence yet?"

"This governor did not give any orders."

Logically speaking, the marriage between the Governor and Princess Huayang should have been held long ago, but for some reason it has been delayed for so long and is now set for next month.

However, this was not something a servant should worry about; the master she served was the one in front of her.

Fearing she might worry about what would happen after the governor married, the maidservant stepped forward to comfort her, saying, "Since the governor hasn't said anything, Madam can just stay in the East Garden. Once the new bride enters the household, there will be other accommodations."

Ning Yu could only hum in agreement, "You can go down now."

"Then the lady should drink the medicinal soup while it's hot to nourish her body."

After everyone left and the door was closed, Ning Yu poured all the fertility-enhancing soup into the potted plant, not spilling a single drop.

She will never have children with him in her life.

After finishing all that, she leaned against the soft couch and closed her eyes slightly. The household registration was just missing the household registration document.

When Ning Yu finished her dinner and saw that Xie Xun had not returned yet, she told her maid that she wanted to digest her food and put on a cloak before leaving the room.

The temperature dropped suddenly at night, and she took a walk around the lakeside path in the East Garden.

As she crossed the bridge and passed the artificial hill, she said to the maid behind her, "Go back and fetch the small hand warmer I left on the couch."

"This---" The lady said she didn't want too many people following her, so when she came out, only she was by her side serving her.

"Aren't you going?"

The usually easy-going and gentle lady suddenly turned displeased. The maid was startled and hurried away.

After everyone left, Ning Yu looked around and saw the patrolling soldiers going around through the path, so she walked behind the artificial hill.

As soon as she entered the artificial hill, her wrist was suddenly grabbed. Ning Yu quickly looked at the person's face and saw that it was indeed Xie Yan. She immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Has the household registration document been delivered?"

Xie Yan grasped her wrist and walked inside until the moonlight could no longer reach them. He then stopped and said gently.

"It's done, it's here."