Chapter 639: Chapter 411: After the Scare
Xiaomi initially didn’t understand what Jiang Yu meant by these words, but an hour later, she understood.
A carriage stopped at the entrance of the Jiang residence, and Wei Ziang was immediately helped inside.
Xiaomi had been pondering her elder brother’s words, but seeing Wei Ziang in such a state frightened her, leaving her utterly at a loss.
"What’s happened to you, big brother? Were you punished?"
She had never seen her brother this way, almost being carried in, his face pale, with cold sweat continually beading on his forehead.
"Miss Jiang, the Chiliarch has been punished with army rods; the General doesn’t wish it, but in situations like this, the General can’t shield anyone, unless the Chiliarch decides not to serve in the military anymore; otherwise, it must follow protocol."
A soldier accompanying them, holding medicine in his hands, explained to Xiaomi while reminding the two men in front to be cautious.
"The General asked me to convey to Miss Jiang that the situation is critical this time, as the true circumstances of Shilin haven’t been uncovered yet, and the Chiliarch secretly left the border. Without showing off the consequences, the Chiliarch and the entire Marquis’ estate might be implicated."
Jiang Yu remained stern-faced, having been like this since seeing Wei Ziang being sent back.
At this moment, he reached out and took the medicine bottle from the person’s hand.
"Please tell General Song that this time it’s the fault of my younger brother and sister; I’ve already disciplined my sister, she knows she was wrong, and won’t make the same mistake again."
Xiaomi nodded repeatedly; she hadn’t understood before, but now she truly knew she was wrong.
Crossing the border is not as simple as leaving a city, especially considering her brother’s current status is different; he struggled hard in the army for four years, finally becoming a Chiliarch.
Furthermore, she knew what the soldier was talking about — the situation was crucial, not just about bandits in Shilin, but also related to the iron mine.
The authorities likely had just received urgent dispatches, only recently learning about the iron mine.
If at this time the news leaked out, the two of them sneaking across the border could really be accused of treason.
Indeed, it was impulsive.
When she went out to play, she hadn’t thought about this at all.
Reflecting now, she felt a deep fear.
If the incident at Shilin were instigated by someone from the Xu Yu court, it could completely be used to falsely accuse the Jiang family.
After all, due to Marquis Nong’s efforts, these past years Xu Yu court has seen bountiful harvests, with people well-clothed and fed.
Whether seeking rebellion or foreign enemies wanting to attack Xu Yu court, under such circumstances, all would prove difficult.
Especially since her father is now directly farming along the border area, who knows what surprises might arise from it?
Destroying Marquis Nong would certainly benefit Xu Yu court’s enemies!
"What is it?"
A tap on the shoulder, it was Jiang Yu.
"Why do you look so pale?"
Xiaomi returned to herself; the soldiers had already left, and only the three of them remained in her brother’s room.
Gently exhaling, she’d frightened herself with her thoughts earlier.
"Nothing, how is big brother?"
"He received a hundred strokes of the army rod; although the General’s men went easy on him, it’s still a hundred strokes."
Army rods are not like usual beatings; fortunately, they went easy on him, otherwise, with those hundred blows, even someone like Wei Ziang would’ve been unconscious from pain.
The fact he’s awake now shows General Song truly didn’t aim to harm severely.
"What, this serious!"
"Alright, you go out first. I’ll apply the medicine on Ziang; oh yes, tell the kitchen to prepare some light liquid food; your brother hasn’t eaten yet."
Saying this, he pushed Xiaomi out.
He closed the door and turned around to see Wei Ziang gently exhaling.
"You’ve been so accustomed to smooth sailing; it’s time to learn a lesson, avoid making bigger mistakes next time."
His initial anger had disappeared seeing Wei Ziang in this state, feeling both pain and reproach.
After all, he’s a brother who’s grown up before him; in his heart, Wei Ziang and Jiang Wei are equally important.
"Sorry, big brother, for making you worry this time."
When he was carried out from the General’s residence, he noticed the two imperial guards with the carriage waiting, showing clearly that big brother had predicted it and called the carriage earlier.
Jiang Yu sighed: "Xiaomi isn’t around, so don’t hold on; I’ll keep it from our parents, and remind the others."
"I already had a message sent back to Ning’an Village, saying you are taking leave and returning to the army camp, and can visit them next month during leave."
"Thank you, big brother."
Afterwards, Wei Ziang buried his face in the pillow, clenching both hands tightly.
It hurt, immensely, just that he didn’t want to worry Xiaomi too much earlier, so he endured without showing it.
"I’ll apply the medicine for you; the man said it’s specially provided by General Song — an excellent golden sore medicine to heal faster."
Wei Ziang moved his head slightly, considering it a nod.
After administering the medicine, Xiaomi brought over porridge; the temperature was just right, as Jiang Yu had the kitchen staff prepare it in advance.
"Brother, just lie down, I’ll feed you."
Xiaomi squatted beside the bed, pulling the sheet along with Wei Ziang slightly outward, so Wei Ziang could raise his head a little to drink the porridge.
After a brief wash, Xiaomi came to Wei Ziang and fed him two pills.
"These are painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs; they will speed up recovery and reduce the pain."
Wei Ziang nodded and consumed them, unaware of anything when Jiang Yu returned.
After the porridge was finished, Xiaomi went out briefly and returned with a small jar in hand.
"Big brother, when you change brother’s medicine next time, use this to wipe the wounds; it’ll heal faster."
It’s iodine, mainly for sterilization; after a hundred strokes with the army rod, skin must be torn, and in such heat, the wound must be properly disinfected.
"Alright, leave it there; I’ll stay in Ziang’s room for the next couple of days; go to the pharmacy and get some medicine prepared by the kitchen."
Xiaomi nodded repeatedly and dashed out.
But she didn’t have the kitchen prepare the medicine; she did it herself, using Spiritual Spring water to brew the medicine.
The afternoon, Jiang Yu had water brought for Wei Ziang to wipe himself, which Xiaomi insisted on carrying over, then switched the water with Spiritual Spring water, ensuring Wei Ziang healed faster.
Additionally, for the following days, Xiaomi did all the cooking for Wei Ziang, using only Spiritual Spring water and vegetables and grains from the spatial realm.
From an outsider’s perspective, it appeared Xiaomi was caring for Wei Ziang alone, but only Jiang Yu and Wei Ziang themselves knew the reality.
Of course, Wei Ziang knew it well, while Jiang Yu harbored suspicions in his mind.
After five days, Wei Ziang’s injuries significantly improved, astonishing even the doctor, who praised the young man’s robust constitution.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yu sent Xiaomi out to visit with several imperial guards to Anning Village to see their parents, reassure them of peace, ideally staying for a couple of days before returning.
Not letting her return was because he knew she wouldn’t rest easy, and the rush back would raise suspicion with their parents.