Yang Xuan was unable to persuade Li Mu to abandon what he considered an utterly impossible and presumptuous notion. His agreement to help came entirely from genuine protective concern.

In his heart, he had long regarded Li Mu as a nephew, fearing that if Li Mu sought help elsewhere, any inappropriate words spoken before Gao Qiao might cause offense to the minister. Even worse, though Li Mu was usually taciturn outside of battle and remarkably composed for someone his age, he was still at an impetuous age when it came to matters between men and women. If his youth led to rash action and he boldly sought marriage on his own, the potential humiliation he might face would be unbearable to witness. Thus, with no other choice, Yang Xuan finally agreed.

Yang Xuan emerged from his tent and gazed at the distant pavilion where many of the court’s most prominent figures were currently gathered. His brows furrowed tightly as he pondered how to broach the subject, then began walking toward it. As he drew near, he could hear bursts of hearty laughter emanating from within.

The three most powerful aristocratic family heads of the current dynasty were present—Gao Qiao, Xu Mi, and Lu Guang, among others. The loudest laughter belonged to Xu Mi.

Yang Xuan approached the tent entrance and spoke a few words to the guards.

The guard went inside, and moments later, the tent flap lifted as Xu Mi emerged, his face flushed and carrying the scent of wine.

Yang Xuan stepped forward to pay his respects.

Xu Mi was already slightly intoxicated and somewhat displeased at being interrupted. He frowned and asked, “What is it?”

Yang Xuan replied respectfully, “Your Excellency Situ, this subordinate has a matter that must first be reported to you, so I have presumed to request your presence. I beg your understanding. This matter concerns Li Mu.”

“What about him?”

Only then did Xu Mi’s expression soften slightly.

Yang Xuan hesitated, then lowered his voice: “Your Excellency surely remembers that several months ago, when Minister Gao was rewarding the troops outside Danyang Commandery, he made a promise to Li Mu, saying that in the future, whatever Li Mu might request would be granted?”

Xu Mi grunted acknowledgment: “What of it? Does he have a request now? What does he seek?” There was already a hint of displeasure in his tone.

“Your Excellency, Li Mu’s request… concerns Minister Gao’s daughter.”

Yang Xuan spoke carefully, raising his eyes to observe. He saw Xu Mi’s expression freeze, clearly extremely surprised. After a long moment, as if finally comprehending, Xu Mi sneered coldly: “People all gravitate toward power and influence—how true this proves! Barely appointed to the minor position of Commander, and already he regards no one as his equal. Does he think that by attaching himself to the Gao family, his future will be limitless?”

Yang Xuan hastily said, “Your Excellency, please do not misunderstand! Li Mu is absolutely not one to forget righteousness for profit. After years of your cultivation, how could he dare not feel grateful? The truth is that his nature is straightforward, and he doesn’t understand worldly affairs. Minister Gao’s daughter has always been renowned for her beauty, and it’s natural for a young man to develop feelings and lose his composure. Moreover, he just now personally said that he puts your interests first in all matters. If you deem this inappropriate, he would never dare disobey. Rest assured, this subordinate knows how to respond to him. I shall return immediately and dare not disturb your enjoyment any further.”

Yang Xuan bowed and prepared to take his leave.

Xu Mi stared at his retreating figure. When Yang Xuan had walked several zhang away, he suddenly called out, stopping him.

Yang Xuan hurriedly returned and waited for Xu Mi to speak. After a long silence with no sound, he saw that Xu Mi was merely staring at him, his gaze slightly flickering as if deep in thought. Yang Xuan’s heart grew increasingly uneasy, and he began to regret his actions.

Somehow, he had yielded to that young subordinate who was barely older than his own son, actually agreeing to something that sounded absolutely preposterous.

This matter would be best kept between them; under no circumstances should Xu Mi have been informed.

Xu Mi was skilled at employing people, but his nature was narrow-minded. Having served him for many years, Yang Xuan knew this all too well.

“Your Excellency…”

Yang Xuan was about to say more good words for Li Mu when he saw Xu Mi wave his hand and slowly break into a smile.

The gloomy expression from moments before vanished completely.

“Boyong,” Xu Mi called him by his courtesy name, his tone affectionate.

“I was thoughtless just now. Since Li Mu has this notion, and Jingshen made such a promise before, there’s nothing wrong with you raising it on his behalf.”

Yang Xuan was stunned.

“There’s no day like today. Jingshen is inside right now, and since he’s in good spirits today, come with me.” With that, he beckoned and turned to head inside.

Xu Mi’s sudden change in attitude caught Yang Xuan completely off guard. Seeing him about to enter the tent, Yang Xuan had no time to think and hurriedly followed.

“Thank you, Your Excellency. But might this subordinate dare ask if I could speak privately with the minister?”

Xu Mi narrowed his eyes.

“Very well. Come with me.”

He had already entered, and Yang Xuan could only steel himself and follow.

The large tent was arranged with seven or eight low tables. Gao Qiao sat in the center, with Left Vice Premier Lu Guang to his right, followed by Palace Attendant Zhu Jiong and others at the next seats.

The seat to Gao Qiao’s left was empty—presumably where Xu Mi had been sitting. The group was drinking and conversing cheerfully, with Zhu Jiong praising the consecutive achievements of Lu Guang’s eldest son, Lu Jianzhi, in Linyu and north of the Yangtze River, while others chimed in agreement.

Lu Guang was naturally pleased but kept waving his hands in modesty. When he saw Xu Mi enter with Yang Xuan, several men looked over.

Yang Xuan was the foremost general in Xu Mi’s military administration, and these men all knew him. He paid respects to those present. Gao Qiao nodded with a smile and told him to dispense with ceremony. Lu Guang remained motionless, while Zhu Jiong and others looked toward Xu Mi, saying in unison: “We were just discussing next month’s Double Ninth Festival mountain climbing—why did you leave?”

Xu Mi smiled: “Boyong sought me out, saying there’s an urgent matter requiring an audience with Jingshen. Everyone’s drinking mood has probably peaked, so let’s save some for tonight’s troop rewards, shall we?”

Since Xu Mi had spoken thus, the others naturally would not remain. After glancing at Yang Xuan, they all rose to their feet.

After Gao Qiao and Lu Guang finished their farewells and returned to the main seat, they invited Yang Xuan to sit as well.

How could Yang Xuan presume to do so? He stood there and respectfully bowed: “Thank you, Minister. This subordinate will speak while standing.”

Seeing that he would not sit, Gao Qiao did not insist.

“Situ mentioned that you have something to discuss with me face-to-face. What is it?”

“Does the minister recall the promise once made to Li Mu? Today Li Mu came to me, saying he has a request of the minister…”

Yang Xuan dared not meet his gaze directly, speaking haltingly.

Gao Qiao suddenly understood, lightly slapping his forehead with a laugh: “How could I forget? Has he finally thought of something? What is his request?”

“Reporting to the minister, Li Mu’s request concerns…”

On the battlefield, Yang Xuan was fearless and mighty, maintaining his composure even when facing thousands of troops and ten thousand horses.

But now, facing Gao Qiao’s smiling gaze, his heart wavered, and he found himself unable to speak those few words.

Seeing him unable to continue for some time, his gaze evasive and sweat continuously dripping from his forehead, Gao Qiao couldn’t help but wonder. He smiled again: “What does he seek? Speak freely.”

Having reached this point, whether appropriate or not, everything had to be said.

“Li Mu’s request is… to seek marriage with your daughter…”

Yang Xuan bit down hard and finally voiced the words that had been rolling around on his tongue for several rounds.

Though August had passed Beginning of Autumn, the scorching sun had blazed all day, leaving the tent still stifling hot.

Gao Qiao had just drunk two cups of wine and felt his tongue slightly parched. He was reaching for a teapot with a handle on the table, smiling as he poured water into his cup.

Upon hearing these words, his hand trembled, the smile froze on his lips, and his hand stopped abruptly in mid-air.

He raised his eyelids to look at Yang Xuan across from him, seeing the man drenched in sweat as if pulled from a cauldron. Slowly, he set down the teapot in his hand.

“General Yang, did you just say that Li Mu wishes to seek marriage with my daughter?”

He repeated the question word by word, his final tone rising slightly. But it was well concealed. Apart from his expression becoming somewhat grave, his emotions remained unreadable.

Seeing this, Yang Xuan relaxed slightly and quickly said: “Rest assured, Minister. This subordinate also knows this matter is absurd. I will return and speak properly with him, ensuring he abandons this notion!”

Gao Qiao’s hand slowly released the copper handle of the teapot. He sat upright and remained silent.

“Li Mu has served under this subordinate for many years and is absolutely not one to exploit gratitude for personal gain. This time, it’s merely because of his youth and ignorance, his lack of understanding of worldly affairs, that he rashly harbored such thoughts. I’m certain he had no intention of offense. I hope the minister will not hold it against him.”

Yang Xuan added carefully.

Gao Qiao remained silent.

“The minister holds high office and barely has time to rest. This subordinate should never have troubled you with such an absurd matter. Please do not take it to heart. I shall go and respond to Li Mu immediately. This subordinate takes his leave.”

Yang Xuan bowed respectfully to Gao Qiao behind the table, then stepped back several paces and turned to leave.

“General Yang!”

As he reached the tent entrance, he suddenly heard Gao Qiao call his name from behind.

“After you return, do not say much to Li Mu for now. I will consider this matter and provide an answer afterward.”

Gao Qiao slowly raised his eyes, his gaze meeting Yang Xuan’s as he spoke calmly.

Yang Xuan was somewhat surprised and stood frozen for a moment, then respectfully replied: “This subordinate obeys the minister’s command and takes his leave now.”

Gao Qiao said nothing more. After Yang Xuan left, he slowly drew out a snow-white handkerchief he carried with him and wiped the perspiration that had begun to appear on his forehead.

His eyes gazed in the direction Yang Xuan had departed, his gaze intense and focused. After a moment, as if unconsciously, he picked up the teapot he had set aside earlier and continued pouring water into his cup.

Tea flowed from the spout in a steady stream, continuously filling the cup until it gradually overflowed. He remained motionless, the hand holding the teapot never setting it down.

Water spilled over the cup’s rim, gradually spreading across the table surface into a puddle, soaking a strand of his hanging sleeve until it showed a water stain, yet he remained completely unaware.

Accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps, Gao Huan’s voice suddenly called from outside the tent: “Uncle, are you inside?”

Gao Qiao started, only then snapping back to reality and realizing his loss of composure. He hastily set down the teapot and began frantically wiping his sleeve and the water on the table.

“Uncle!”

Gao Huan strode inside and bowed to Gao Qiao in his seat.

Today the great army had moved from north of the Yangtze to Jiankang, with the emperor personally coming out of the city to welcome and reward them—such a rare and magnificent event that shook the entire city. How could he not come? He was still immersed in the excitement and shock of that grand ceremony, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

Gao Qiao composed himself, inconspicuously concealing his tea-dampened sleeve, straightened his posture, and examined his nephew whom he hadn’t seen for several months. His face showed a gentle smile: “Zile, is everyone at home well?”

“All are well! My sister had been staying with aunt at the separate residence, but a few days ago, when I received uncle’s letter saying you would return to the city today, I immediately went to bring her back. Not only my sister, but aunt returned home as well!”

Gao Qiao nodded with satisfaction: “Excellent. Once I finish here, I too will return home tonight. You’ve come to see me—is there something you need?”

“Uncle, I have a request and hope you will grant it.”

“Speak.”

“Now that the war is settled and the Double Ninth Festival approaches, I would like to hold a banquet at home. I plan to invite Lu Jianzhi and others to admire chrysanthemums, and also invite Li Mu to attend. If uncle finds this suitable, I will go invite them immediately and make early preparations!”

After speaking, Gao Huan looked at Gao Qiao with expectant eyes.

Gao Qiao’s gaze flickered slightly as he said indifferently: “Forget it. There’s no need.”

Gao Huan was stunned.

In Gao Huan’s imagination, given Li Mu’s current military achievements, as long as their family invited him to their home as a guest, once word spread, his reputation and standing would surely soar.

This was the best way he could think of to repay Li Mu’s kindness.

He had assumed Gao Qiao would certainly agree to this proposal. But somehow, he had never expected that Gao Qiao would reject his suggestion.

“Uncle!” Gao Huan grew anxious.

“He saved my life! It’s merely inviting him to our home as a guest…”

“There’s no need to say more. That’s settled.”

Gao Qiao interrupted his nephew, his tone carrying an undertone of finality.

“Li Mu has shown kindness to the Gao family, and I will naturally repay him. The army has just returned and affairs are numerous—we’ll discuss this later. If you have nothing else, don’t linger here idly. Return to the city early!”

Gao Huan truly could not understand why his uncle, who had always held Li Mu in such high regard, would refuse something that was merely a small effort for the Gao family but could potentially allow Li Mu to smoothly enter Jiankang’s aristocratic social circles.

“Uncle… didn’t you once publicly promise to show gratitude to him? Why now do you…” Gao Huan muttered reluctantly under his breath.

“Zile, you should have less contact with him in the future,” Gao Qiao said coolly.

Gao Huan was utterly shocked: “Why?”

Gao Qiao’s expression darkened as he fixed him with a gaze cold as frost.

Gao Huan hesitated, no longer daring to openly defy him. He swallowed his frustration and confusion, bowed to Gao Qiao, and departed dejected.

After Gao Huan left, Gao Qiao sat there, slowly drifting into contemplation again. His brows gradually furrowed, his figure motionless as if in deep meditation.