The military recruitment document was filled out quickly. He Yan’s handwriting was quite good, prompting the red-faced man to ask, “You’re literate?”

“I learned a little,” He Yan replied modestly.

Most recruits were strong men who sold their labor, and few were literate. The red-faced man’s expression softened as he said, “Go to the tent in the back for the physical examination. Once you pass, you’ll receive a document to sign, and then you’ll be added to the military register.”

He Yan expressed thanks and went to the back tent.

This tent was closer to the inner part of the horse grounds and was larger. When He Yan lifted the curtain to enter, there were two people inside – one standing and one sitting. A chubby shirtless man was sitting on a folding stool putting on his shoes while smiling and asking the standing person, “So, how’s my physique? Still strong, right?”

He Yan pretended not to see, walking in with eyes straight ahead. The chubby man noticed her and surprisingly asked, “How can someone so frail join the army?”

The examining doctor hurried him: “Quickly put on your shoes and leave, I need to examine the next person.”

The chubby man left, though he kept turning back to look at He Yan with a puzzled expression.

“Come here,” the doctor said, “Remove all your clothes and stand here.”

He Yan: “…”

Military recruitment required physical examinations to check for disabilities or contagious diseases. In her previous life, He Yan had almost been exposed when joining the Yue army. This time, she came prepared. She took out a piece of silver from her sleeve and pressed it into the doctor’s hand.

The examining doctor was startled and frowned at her: “This…”

“Doctor, to be honest, I have a private condition,” He Yan lowered her head, appearing embarrassed. “Because of this, people look down on me and often bully me. I couldn’t stay at home anymore, so I came to join the army. I don’t want others to see my defect. Please help me. Even if I die on the battlefield, I’ll remember your kindness. In my next life, I’ll repay you even if I must be reborn as an ox or horse.”

The examining doctor had expected to hear about some illness but hadn’t anticipated this kind of private condition. This was his first time encountering such a situation. After a moment’s pause, he looked at He Yan with sympathy. So young and good-looking, yet an invalid? No wonder they joined the army. With such a condition, they probably couldn’t achieve much else in life.

He felt the weight of the silver piece and noticed He Yan’s spirited demeanor, which didn’t seem like someone who was ill. The doctor said, “In that case, I won’t force you. You may go, but be careful when sharing quarters with others. Don’t let anyone see. If you’re discovered, I won’t be responsible.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” He Yan gratefully clasped her hands in respect.

Having passed so smoothly, He Yan felt relieved. When she left the tent, she saw the chubby man from earlier sitting on a rock by the horse grounds’ grass, stuffing a flatbread into his mouth. Seeing her, he waved in greeting.

He Yan considered for a moment before walking over.

“Young brother, I just saw you inside,” the chubby man finished his flatbread in a few bites, sesame seeds still stuck to his mouth corner. He asked, “So you’re here to join the army?”

He Yan nodded, noticing his remaining flatbread and feeling hungry. She hadn’t eaten since afternoon, and after all the running and chasing, she was famished.

“Are you hungry?” The chubby man noticed her staring at his hand and extended it, “Here, take it! I’ve already eaten five, I’m full!”

Being very hungry, He Yan didn’t refuse. She took it with thanks and began eating in large bites.

“You’re so frail, yet joining the army. Are your family members okay with this?” The chubby man mumbled, “You look less fierce than my ten-year-old brother.”

He Yan swallowed a bite of flatbread and quickly replied, “Um, I just look frail, but I’m very strong. I’m sixteen this year.”

“Why join the army?” The chubby man asked, “You don’t look like a commoner.”

“Family fortunes declined, had nowhere else to go.” He Yan said just eight words.

The chubby man showed an understanding expression and sympathetically said, “Life is unpredictable, young brother. Don’t worry too much. From now on, stay with me as my little brother, I’ll protect you.”

“Thank you, Big Brother.” He Yan readily agreed.

This “Big Brother” pleased the chubby man. He smiled and said, “My surname is Hong, my name’s Hong Shan. You can call me Brother Shan. What’s your surname, young brother?”

“My surname is He, He Yan. The ‘He’ from firewood.”

“He? That’s an uncommon surname. I’ll call you A-He from now on.”

“Mm!” He Yan nodded. By now, she had finished the flatbread. She wiped her mouth and found a former stable, leaning against the railing to sit down. Hong Shan saw this and asked curiously, “Young brother, aren’t you going home?”

“Not going back,” He Yan put her hands behind her head, “I’ll stay here.”

Hong Shan’s sympathy deepened. He sat down beside her and said, “I have nowhere to go either. Let’s make do here for the night and set out together tomorrow.”

“Couldn’t be better.”

Torches burned in the distance outside the camp, flickering in the drizzle as if about to extinguish. The two sat silently in the darkness, each lost in their thoughts.

He Yan wondered how He Yunsheng was doing, whether he had made it home safely. Lost in thought, she fell asleep.

…

Countless things happened daily in the capital. Nobody paid attention to poor people’s affairs, but if they involved noble families, everyone would know.

Last night, there was a murder at Spring River. The young master of the Fan family in the capital was killed on a boat, and the murderer escaped without a trace. They still hadn’t caught the person. The daughter of the City Gate Captain was also on the boat and was killed by the murderer, drowning in the river with no body found.

With such a brutal killer in the city, people became anxious. However, some commoners celebrated, saying the Fan family’s young master had always used his family’s influence to deceive and violate common girls. The girls dared not speak up after being wronged. Now someone had delivered heavenly justice, perhaps it was heaven’s will.

The He family was in despair.

He Sui aged ten years overnight, sitting motionless in the main hall like a clay statue. Qing Mei and Shuang Qing hid in the courtyard. Shuang Qing’s expression was bitter, while Qing Mei wiped tears and whispered, “How could she suddenly be gone…”

In the humble stable, He Yunsheng sat beside Xiang Xiang.

The fodder was still yesterday’s fodder. He had no heart to add more. The horse paced restlessly back and forth, but He Yunsheng remained unmoved.

No news was good news. At least until now, He Yan hadn’t been caught. He recalled that night on the boat when the rain masked the smell of blood. He had been confused and helpless, and the girl in the long dress, with clear eyes, had patted his head and told him “You know, I’m always fine.”

This time would be fine too.