"Uncle? Mother, is this really your younger brother, my uncle?" Tong Xiangbei exclaimed, looking at the handsome and youthful general before him, radiating with charisma. He didn't quite match the description of a graceful butterfly-like charm that Ah Mo mentioned. "Uncle, I am Tong Xiangbei. You've come a long way south."
Xiangbei stepped forward to pay his respects, delivering a rainbow of compliments to this rumored playboy he was meeting for the first time. After all, he was the one who least approved of his sister marrying a mountain man.
"Oh, this young lady isn't an ordinary person, she's so poised, smart, and beautiful! And as for me, I'm a handsome young man, with good taste and eloquence. What butterfly-like charm? Who dares to degrade me like that?! Who is this Ah Mo? Bring him here, and I'll teach him a lesson," the general retorted, feeling slightly offended by the comparison.
"Xiao Bei, don't speak out of turn. Prince Mo has a distinguished status. Whatever he says is fine, but you mustn't be disrespectful in front of your uncle," Mrs. Tong quickly admonished Xiangbei in a hushed tone.
"Oh, sister, why are you scolding her? This is Xiangbei, indeed intelligent and beautiful. Where did she say anything wrong? And indeed, your brother is young, handsome, and extraordinary. Xiangbei is sharp as a tack. Uncle will take you to the capital to have fun in the future. What butterfly-like charm? That's nonsense! And who is this Ah Mo? Whoever it is, daring to degrade me, nonsense," Huo Changlin said with a mix of pride and annoyance.
"Brother, let's go into the manor first," Mrs. Tong quickly intervened, taking his arm and leading him towards the estate. She knew her brother well, and once he got started, who knows where he would end up. "Ah Mo is the King of Dongbin. When he heard you were coming, Xiangbei was curious and kept pestering him about your story. The King casually joked and said you were as beautiful as a butterfly, charming and graceful."
"The King, Ah Mo, haha, so it's Ah Mo. If the King says I'm a butterfly, then I must be quite good-looking, more or less," Huo Changlin chuckled, hearing the nickname Ah Mo again, silently mourning for Qiao Er once more.
After all, with the army marching forward, both Old Doctor Yao and Doctor Li were at Renji Hall preparing medicines, not at home. Therefore, after the family members acknowledged each other, Xiangbei briefly explained the logistical support for medical care and provisions, which were managed by enthusiastic locals and the same city's travelers lodge. Xiangbei finally handed a scroll of drawings to Huo Changlin, asking him to deliver it to Cheng Mo. These were the plans for converting the Mulberry and silk farm into a future border military garrison, along with relevant operational guidelines.
"These are the recently completed enlarged and extended public notice scrolls. Please convey and explain them on behalf of your nephew. As for this booklet containing four pages of drawings and explanations, I've already instructed the print workshop to print three thousand copies overnight. They will be delivered to the military camp along with summaries, invitations for military families to relocate, and sugar and salt gift packages, all within five days."
"Xiaobei, is this all Marshal Mo's decision? Why are you the one doing this? Or is it entirely your idea? Do you understand what all this implies?" Huo Changlin looked and listened to everything, taking a deep breath before cautiously asking to confirm this incredible fact.
"It's Marshal Mo's idea, and I'm helping him record, organize, and print it. He should know what he's doing. I believe after you meet him, he will discuss his ideas with you in detail. Our Same City Traveler Inns will fully support his commitments and ensure the supply of provisions for your frontline needs."
"The traveler inn, by the way, I heard they are your business?" Huo Changlin asked Xiangbei seriously, no longer treating her merely as the little girl from his sister's family.
"No, the Same City Traveler Inns are jointly owned by Marshal Mo and me, but various branches across different regions have investments from local businesses. We hold a sixty percent controlling stake and are fully responsible for training and operations management."
"Excellent, very good! With your support, Uncle is confident in winning a great victory. But Xiaobei, when establishing new branches, don't forget to let Uncle have a share."
"Don't worry, Uncle. The traveler inn in the capital and surrounding areas have long been left for you to negotiate with merchants. We don't have as extensive connections as you do; it's essential for you to be involved."
"Alright, alright, Uncle will not disappoint. Let that 'A Mo' see that the butterfly's wings are not just for show. With military orders nd, I won't say much more today." Huo Changlin stood up to take his leave.
As the Tong family saw off General Huo, his previous concerns about his little sister's marriage were completely replaced by his excitement and anticipation for his niece. He keenly sensed that this girl, with her full forehead, starry eyes, reserved demeanor, and bright mind, must have more to offer than what she displayed. Is it because she stays behind Marshal Mo? He looked forward to the future.
The army had gradually ascended the slope and assembled, with the supply train at the rear. As Marshal Mo promised that the provisions for East Binhai would be provided locally, most of the army's supplies consisted of mecha equipment, aside from the limited food reserves carried along the way.
Mounting his horse swiftly, General Huo Changlin led the way southward. Passing by the Yan family travelers inn, residents from East Binhai and Zebei welcomed the arrival of the army along the route. The advanced pioneer units had already passed, and now it was the spear and halberd units marching out from the docks in formation. This contingent comprised mostly of the Huo family soldiers who had long defended the northern border, their true iron-blooded spirit forged through battles. They marched with vigor, proudly displaying their martial prowess.
Huo Changlin noticed a row of banners with the word "Mo" fluttering in the wind on the outskirts of the crowd, with long tables set up underneath, surrounded by many young men enthusiastically discussing topics like "Southern Frontier Expeditionary Force," "Blood and Passion for East Binhai," and "I Want to Enlist." There were precedents of on-site recruitment, but this "Expeditionary Force" was a fresh term. To claim a force of twenty thousand as an expeditionary force, this Marshal Mo was becoming more intriguing by the day. He decided to pay him a visit.