But Verdant Green Maiden found that even more amusing.
Young?
She was old as anything.
"There's news!"
"There's news!"
Su Xun ran in from outside, shouting the moment he entered the courtyard.
Hearing his voice, Verdant Green Maiden handed the child back to Cheng, then turned and went out.
"What news? Let's hear it!"
"The court has issued an edict to muster troops and march to war."
Su Xun replied.
Although Su Xun had failed the imperial examinations, he did not come from an ordinary household, and naturally had a few connections in Bianjing.
Not many, but enough to inquire after a little news.
Besides, the Privy Council had already issued its orders, publicly announcing them within and beyond the court, and the Ministry of War had begun mobilizing. What sort of place was Bianjing? It lay at the Son of Heaven's feet! Such news was no longer confidential.
"Who's the commander?"
Verdant Green Maiden asked again.
Su Xun shook his head and said helplessly, "I haven't found that out yet. That's a little harder."
"No hurry... thank you for your efforts."
Verdant Green Maiden was not disappointed.
Troop movements might not be confidential at this point, but the appointment of commanders might well remain undisclosed until the very last moment.
What gave Verdant Green Maiden some comfort was that, even with Zhao Zhen ruling, even facing an alliance between the Tanguts and the foreign tribes of the steppes, the Song court had chosen to send troops rather than make peace with the Tanguts.
"Lady Shao Dian, you seem rather relieved?"
Seeing Verdant Green Maiden's reaction, Su Xun was curious.
Although he had spent a year in her company, he still knew nothing of her background.
He knew only that she was rich. Very rich!
But surely he would have