The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 401

Ever since General Xiaofeng gained the favor of the Duke, his standing in front of Luo Jingfeng had dwindled to the point where he could barely even get close enough to speak. It infuriated him so much that every time he saw Luo Jingfeng, he felt the urge to draw his sword.

"Hand it over."

Luo Jingfeng took the letter and read Zong Zhao's plan: it stated that his overly close relationship with Cheng'er might raise suspicions, so he was to hold his position and simply prepare a few fast horses at the city gates. The rest would be handled by the Shen and Wei families pressuring the City Patrol Office.

"Damn it all..." Luo Jingfeng wasn't even sure who he was cursing—he just couldn't contain the anger boiling inside him. He called out to General Xiaofeng, "No need to mobilize the troops for now."

The excitement on General Xiaofeng's face instantly deflated.

General Pang had no idea what was going on, but seeing General Xiaofeng in low spirits immediately lifted his own mood. He quickly asked, "Has the Duke made any arrangements? If there's anything this humble general can do to assist the Young Master, I'll see to it at once."

Luo Jingfeng took a deep breath to steady himself and began issuing orders: "Prepare three fast horses—the best ones available."

"Yes, sir."

"Send word to the camp outside the capital in Zong Zhao's name. Have them deliver tents and blankets so my Cheng'er doesn't freeze."

"Yes, sir."

"Keep an eye on the Shen and Wei families. If they dare not show up at the city gates to receive them first thing tomorrow morning, kick their doors down—in Zong Zhao's name."

"Yes, sir."

Luo Jingfeng listed one task after another, and the two generals promptly dispatched men to carry them out.

After several rounds of back-and-forth, Luo Jingfeng still couldn't shake his unease. He strode out, muttering, "No, I have to see this for myself. What if Cheng'er gets scared? What if those idiots mess things up? Damn them all—I’ll deal with them sooner or later!"

The area outside the city gates was barren, making it difficult to find shelter, but fortunately, the troops from the outskirts arrived just in time.

A small squad of well-trained soldiers arrived with carts full of food and supplies, reporting to Zong Zhao, "General, we’ve brought everything you requested. We’ll set up camp right away."

Xu Wan turned to Zong Zhao and asked, "You arranged this? I didn’t hear you mention it earlier."

Zong Zhao replied quietly, "It must have been Luo Jingfeng’s doing. He couldn’t intervene directly."

Xu Wan understood immediately.

The group of young boys, witnessing the spectacle, gathered around in awe. "This is amazing! Setting up camp—are these military tents?"

"Must be. These are soldiers from the outskirts—veterans who’ve seen battle."

"Wow, Uncle Zong is incredible! He even got them to come. We won’t have to worry about sleeping or staying warm tonight."

"Ha, things are finally looking up. We’ll definitely make it into the examination hall tomorrow."

"Absolutely! Jincheng, come quick—they brought lots of food too!"

"Coming, coming!"

The soldiers, all elite troops, swiftly pitched the tents and laid out thick quilts for the group to rest.

The commanding officer saluted Zong Zhao and asked, "General, is there anything else you require?"

Zong Zhao replied, "No, you’ve done well. Go and rest."

The officer nodded. "Understood. We’ll return tomorrow to collect everything. Just give the order if you need anything else."

"Very well."

After eating, the boys settled into the tents to rest.

Xu Wan, not wanting to disturb them, extinguished all the campfires and stationed guards around their tents to prevent any mishaps.

Zong Zhao pulled her into their own tent. "You’ve been running around all day—get some rest. There’s no use worrying now. We’ve already made all the necessary arrangements."

Xu Wan’s nerves had been wound tight all day, and she couldn’t relax. Her head ached, but she shook it off. "You sleep. I can’t. I need to think—make sure we haven’t missed anything."

Zong Zhao stayed silent, seemingly content to stay awake with her.

But exhaustion dulled the mind, and the harder she tried to think, the more her thoughts scattered.

Zong Zhao pulled her down, covering her eyes with his warm palm. "Sleep. Stop thinking."

The warmth of his hand over her eyes and forehead gradually eased her tension, and before long, she drifted off.

The next day, just before dawn.

Xu Wan’s internal clock jolted her awake. She turned to Zong Zhao, who had also opened his eyes, and asked, "Is it morning? Are the gates opening?"

Zong Zhao peeked outside, checked with the guards, and returned. "It’s just past mao hour. Still a while before sunrise."

Xu Wan scrambled up to dress. "Let’s get ready. Wake the boys—we’re heading into the city."

"Alright."

Zong Zhao dressed and went out to have the servants rouse the young ones.

Soon, the group was ready.

As the sky lightened, the city gates slowly creaked open, revealing Madam Shen, Lady Wei, and Yan Suxue waiting inside. Having learned the boys couldn’t enter, they had rushed back overnight, not daring to sleep.

"Mother!"

"Mother!"

"Mother!"

With the men of their households at court, the three boys dashed toward the gates, only allowed through after the guards checked them.

He Zheng watched from behind, a faint smile on his lips.

Zong Jincheng nudged him, whispering, "Don’t overthink it. My father called them here to back us up. They probably didn’t have time to inform your family."

He Zheng grinned. "It’s fine, Big Brother. I don’t mind. As long as we get in—let’s hurry to the exams!"

"Right!"

The young troublemaker tugged him forward, but they hadn’t gone far when Luo Jingfeng appeared on horseback, waving proudly. "My righteous son! Come here—your godfather will escort you to the examination hall!"

Zong Jincheng was stunned.

Luo Jingfeng—why was he here?

The boy glanced uncertainly at Zong Zhao. "Father… how are we getting there?"

Zong Zhao replied, "By horse. After all… the Duke has already prepared them."

The moment he got permission, Zong Jincheng sprinted toward Luo Jingfeng. His horse was tall and powerful—clearly built for speed.

Luo Jingfeng lifted him onto the saddle, but before they could leave, Zong Zhao called out, "Three horses, and you’re only taking him?"

Luo Jingfeng scowled. "What, you expect me to fit all five of them on one horse?"

Zong Zhao sighed. "Be discreet. Taking just him is too obvious—I’m still here."

A son riding with his godfather instead of his own father? That would raise too many questions.

"Annoying." Luo Jingfeng’s displeasure was written all over his face. He pointed at Shen Yibai. "You—Shen boy, come here."

The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel