Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 565

Chapter 565: Chapter 562: Believe in Me_1

"Why don’t I see Changlan and Changmao? Are the two children still tidying up?" Mrs. Cui suddenly asked.

Mrs. Dong was aware of the truth behind Dong Changlan’s "death in battle." However, Dong Qingyue had not disclosed this to Mrs. Cui. While stationed outside, Dong Qingyue told others that he feared Madam Dong couldn’t bear the news of her eldest grandson’s death, so everyone should keep it from the entire Dong family.

Dong Tingyun and Dong Tingzhi had heard some rumors. In recent days, they did not dare to speak loudly, especially Dong Tingyun, who avoided getting close to Madam Dong, fearing that she might accidentally reveal the death of her eldest brother to her grandmother. If something happened to her grandmother because of this, what would she do?

Moreover, she was an illegitimate daughter. If something happened to her grandmother because of her, her father might send her to Qing Temple, never to set foot in the Dong family again.

Madam Dong also knew this was not the place to talk. She glanced back at Mrs. Cui and the naive young Mrs. Cui and said, "Men are doing proper things. Don’t ask too many questions!"

After saying this, Madam Dong signaled Dong Qingyue to reveal some details to Mrs. Cui eventually. Mrs. Cui was not strong enough to handle such news. If she assumed her son was gone and cried uncontrollably, how would Changlan bear the guilt in the future?

Dong Qingyue nodded to Madam Dong.

After escorting Madam Dong back to her courtyard, Dong Qingyue still had many tasks to attend to.

He needed to send a memorial to the Imperial Court, detailing the heavy losses in the recent Dengzhou battle and requesting tax exemptions and grain relief for the people.

In fact, Dong Changlan had already taken half of Dengzhou’s grain. This time, they intentionally left some in the city for Bai Qingyu to seize. Although Dengzhou still had some surplus grain, why not take this opportunity to seek help from the court?

Additionally, Dong Qingyue requested recognition for Bai Qingyan in his memorial. He stated that without Bai Qingyan’s proper planning, it would have been impossible to regain Dengzhou temporarily. Otherwise, the people of Dengzhou would have become refugees, causing security issues in other regions.

That night, Dong Changmao, who had led 3,000 light cavalry to pursue the retreating Nanrong soldiers, returned to the city, feigning severe injuries. He claimed that the 3,000 light cavalry had been ambushed and annihilated by Nanrong forces. In reality, Dong Changmao had handed the entire 3,000 light cavalry over to Dong Changlan.

Covered in blood, Dong Changmao was carried into the Dong Mansion under the watchful eyes of Dengzhou officials and citizens, where he was treated by the mansion’s doctors.

To make his performance convincing, Dong Changmao had inflicted many wounds on himself, fortunately avoiding any vital areas.

Dong Qingyue submitted another memorial that night. He subtly criticized and praised the Nanrong Ghost-Faced General, stating that, unlike previous Nanrong commanders, this general was deeply versed in military strategy, which the Dengzhou Army could not match.

Young Mrs. Cui, seeing Dong Changmao return home severely injured and not seeing Dong Changlan, couldn’t sit still. She came to Mrs. Cui to inquire about the situation, only to be stopped by Mrs. Cui’s personal nanny, who said that Dong Qingyue had business to discuss with Mrs. Cui.