The confidential military report about the complete annihilation of the 30,000 troops led by the Duke of Ying at Pingyuan Fort only reached Lu Jiaxue last night. He immediately reported it to the Emperor, so no one else in the court knew about it yet.
Cheng Lang looked at Luo Shenyuan. Though a newcomer to the court and part of the Qingliu faction, Luo was known for his ruthless methods. He had previously outmaneuvered Liu Pu, and when it came to cunning and scheming, Cheng Lang rarely met anyone who could match him. Luo Shenyuan, Yining’s third brother, was one of those few.
Cheng Lang didn’t fear upright gentlemen, but men like Luo were the ones he truly dreaded. After this incident, even Wang Yuan was wary of him. Xu Wei wanted to promote Luo Shenyuan to Minister of Justice, as the current minister was aging and about to retire, with no suitable replacement in sight. However, Wang Yuan disagreed. Xu Wei, usually low-key, had even submitted a memorial to the Emperor for Luo Shenyuan’s promotion, a rare move to oppose Wang Yuan.
If the Emperor also favored Luo Shenyuan, this promotion might happen.
Cheng Lang said, “I didn’t know Lord Luo’s household was so arrogant as to treat a fifth-rank official as a nobody.”
Luo Shenyuan had the servant hand over the name card. He glanced at it and continued smiling, “That was just our servant speaking out of turn. I’ll discipline him privately. Please don’t take offense, Lord Cheng. However, it’s almost dark. What urgent matter brings you to my home at this hour? If it’s not important, I’m afraid I can’t invite you in.”
With the situation being urgent, Cheng Lang decided not to waste time on pointless banter. His tone softened, “I’m not here for you, but for my cousin Yining, who’s currently in your residence. Let’s set aside previous matters for now. This concerns the Duke of Ying, so I hope Lord Luo won’t delay any further… I’ve just received news about the battle from Xuanfu!”
Hearing Cheng Lang’s words, Luo Shenyuan raised his head with a slight frown. If it involved the Duke of Ying, who was currently in Xuanfu, it must be related to the war.
Wei Ling had gone to Xuanfu less than half a month ago, and there had been no news since. Judging by Cheng Lang’s demeanor, it didn’t seem to be good news.
Without further delay, Luo Shenyuan waved for the servants to open the main gate.
Though it was late, the ladies were still engrossed in watching the opera performance. Even Xie Yun had been invited to join them, along with several young ladies who had just arrived. Xie Yun sat among the group of delicate young ladies, sipping tea impatiently, though her face betrayed no emotion. The other young ladies both respected and feared her, speaking to her cautiously. Luo Yining, exhausted from a day of outings, leaned against a cushion, her feet numb as she listened to the opera, not wanting to move at all.
Yining turned her face and saw Xie Yun’s profile in the lantern light. She suddenly remembered her first encounter with Xie Min when she entered the Ningyuan Marquis’s household. Xie Yun and Xie Min’s personalities were indeed quite similar; back then, Xie Min hadn’t thought much of her either. In fact, until Xie Min’s death, the two had never been close. It was normal for these legitimate daughters born into noble families to be proud and aloof, having been pampered since childhood.
…Xie Min must not be doing well now either. When Lu Jiaran was killed, she almost wanted to die with Lu Jiaxue, but how could she have fought against him?
As Yining quietly sipped her tea, a young lady wearing a white jacket embroidered with butterflies tugged at her sleeve and asked, “Are you Lord Luo’s sister?”
Not knowing her intentions, Yining nodded. The young lady smiled and said, “I caught a glimpse of Lord Luo during his parade as the top scholar. I think you look adorable. What kind of pastries do you like? Or what does Lord Luo prefer? Perhaps I could send some over tomorrow?”
Yining suddenly recalled that the young lady next door had used this tactic years ago.
Xie Yun chuckled softly from behind, “I heard Miss Song San is already engaged. Such talk might invite gossip if it spreads.”
Miss Song San, apparently quite spirited, wasn’t intimidated by Xie Yun’s aura. She raised an eyebrow and said, “Miss Xie’s reputation is beyond our reach. I’m merely offering to send some pastries. Why does that displease you? And when did I get engaged?”
Xie Yun set down her teacup and replied, “I’m only looking out for Miss Song’s interests. If you insist on sending them, I have no objections. Just pretend you didn’t hear anything, Miss Song. It’s no concern of mine.”
Unable to match wits with Xie Yun, Song San’s face flushed red. Yining tugged at Song San’s sleeve and said, “Speaking of pastries, he prefers simpler ones. He doesn’t like them too sweet or salty.” Thinking about how her third brother disliked Sun Congwan and their marriage was unlikely to happen, Yining decided to cast a wider net for him. After considering his usual preferences, she added, “He quite enjoyed the date cakes I made last time.”
Hearing this, Xie Yun looked at her. She had initially thought Yining was meek and weak, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.
Miss Song San felt relieved. While others fawned over Xie Yun, she had never liked her temperament. This illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Ying, though not talkative, suited her taste. People tend to like those who are kind to them. She smiled and said, “I’m not engaged. My mother called off a childhood engagement for me. I’m straightforward, so don’t take offense at what I say. I have no ulterior motives.” Then she asked Yining, “I heard you’re the Duke of Ying’s daughter. The Duke is truly remarkable—if it weren’t for him and General Lu, the Northern Yuan would still be harassing our borders! I admire those who protect our country the most. When I was younger, I always dreamed of marrying a general.”
Xie Yun slowly raised her hand to drink tea. Wei Ling was now far away in Xuanfu, and Luo Yining was merely an illegitimate daughter. Was there any need for such flattery? It was clearly for someone else.
Thinking of his cold demeanor towards her, Xie Yun felt an indescribable emotion. She could easily obtain anything she wanted, except for this man. If he didn’t like her, in what aspect was she lacking—family background, talent, or appearance? Last time at the Luo residence, except for her ability to converse with him, how could Sun Congwan even speak to him? Xie Yun knew he appreciated her talent; otherwise, given his personality, he wouldn’t have said a word. But if he liked her, why was he so indifferent? It seemed he had never shown particular favor to anyone.
Xie Yun pursed her lips, suddenly hearing voices in the distance. She raised her head slightly and saw people being escorted through the corridor.
The person in front emerged from a patch of shadow, revealed by the warm yellow light of the lanterns. He was strikingly handsome, wearing a moon-white robe, with a face like fine jade. Xie Yun was momentarily stunned; the man’s appearance was truly extraordinary. She remembered his name was Cheng Lang, famous for placing third in the imperial examinations years ago. She glanced at him briefly before averting her gaze. The man who followed a step behind was tall and handsome, wearing an official’s robe, with a steady demeanor—who else could it be but Luo Shenyuan…
He had finally returned!
Luo Yining, who had been chatting with Miss Song San, also turned to look when she heard the commotion.
Why would Cheng Lang be walking with her third brother? Yining found it strange. It was already nighttime, and it would take at least two or three hours to rush from the imperial city to Xinqiao Hutong. Why would he suddenly come here? When Luo Shenyuan sent someone to call her over, she walked up to the two men and curtsied, “Cousin Cheng… why have you come?”
Seeing her confusion, Cheng Lang thought of the many hardships she had endured in her previous life. Now that she finally had a father, Wei Ling, to protect her, he suddenly felt reluctant to tell her.
The Oirat were highly skilled in warfare. Although no bodies had been found, it was unlikely that he would return…
Luo Yining frowned slightly. Why was he hesitating? If he rushed here, it must be urgent. She asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something you can’t say?”
“Your father,” Luo Shenyuan took over, “Meimel, don’t panic when you hear this. It’s not certain yet…”
Hearing his words, Luo Yining’s heart skipped a beat. She grabbed his sleeve and asked, “What happened to Father… Isn’t he guarding Xuanfu?”
Across the railing and rockery, Xie Yun stood at a distance, watching Luo Yining clutch Luo Shenyuan’s sleeve.
She had never seen Luo Shenyuan be so patient with anyone before. He allowed her to grab his sleeve without showing the slightest impatience.
Xie Yun suddenly felt uncomfortable.
Luo Shenyuan instructed a servant, “Go and ask the Madam to come here.”
Yining’s premonition grew worse. She now paid no attention to Xie Yun or anyone else, looking only at Luo Shenyuan and then at Cheng Lang.
Finally, Cheng Lang sighed softly and said, “He led troops to Pingyuan Fort… and fell into an ambush by the Oirat. All 30,000 troops were wiped out. His fate is unknown. I just visited the Duke of Ying’s residence, and the old Madam fell ill upon hearing the news. I’ve come to take you back. If the Duke returns, you’ll be able to know sooner.”
Upon hearing this, Luo Yining felt a chill in her heart and could barely stand. She leaned against the railing, feeling weak. The gongs and drums of the opera continued to play merrily. She looked up and saw only the light from the lamps under the eaves.
Wei Ling… he was in trouble! When he left, he hadn’t wanted anyone to see him off, and she had felt uneasy then. If he truly couldn’t return now, they wouldn’t even have had a chance to say goodbye. Luo Yining remembered how kind Wei Ling had been to her, how he had smiled and called her his little girl. She could barely speak. Taking a deep breath, she said, “I’ll… go back with you! We can talk more when we get there.” After all, they say ‘see the person if alive, see the body if dead.’ Perhaps he wasn’t dead, maybe he had been captured by the Oirat.
Pearl and the other servants immediately rushed back to pack her things. Luo Shenyuan thought about how the Duke of Ying’s household now relied solely on Wei Ling to maintain its status, with the old Madam being frail and young Ting still too small. If Wei Ling was gone… He said softly, “Meimei, wait for me for a moment. Let me give some instructions to the household, and I’ll go with you.” He worried she couldn’t handle everything alone.
Yining shook her head and said, “Third Brother, you don’t need to come with me.” She wasn’t a child who needed to rely on him for everything, and he already had enough to deal with in the Luo family and at court.
She turned to Cheng Lang and said quietly, “Tell me what happened on the way.”
Cheng Lang agreed.
Lin Hairu hurried over and found it strange to see Luo Shenyuan… after all, she had slapped him just last night. After learning what had happened, Lin Hairu quickly ordered the servants to prepare a carriage. Yining’s belongings were hastily packed and loaded onto the carriage. Luo Shenyuan watched as Cheng Lang helped her into the carriage. Cheng Lang had also brought guards. The carriage soon left the alley.
As they were leaving, Luo Shenyuan glanced at Yining. She appeared calm, with no visible distress in her profile. But Yining had always been under his protection, and after going to the Duke of Ying’s household, she had been protected by the Duke. Now that the Duke was gone, who would protect her?
Luo Shenyuan stood for a while before turning to enter the residence. He saw Lin Hairu waiting for him with her maids under the corridor. The opera troupe had already dispersed.
The two entered the study.
Lin Hairu said, “Today, Madam Xie inquired about you. I looked at Miss Xie Yun, and I must say, she’s truly outstanding. Although I like Yining, I have to admit that if you were to marry, Yining can’t compare to her… If what happened last night was just a momentary lapse, I understand, and we can pretend it never happened. But you must maintain your role as an elder brother and not do such outrageous things again.” Her tone became stern, “But if you truly have feelings for her, what should we do? Now that her father has met with such misfortune if she were to suffer any grievance from you…”
Luo Shenyuan remained silent for a moment, then said, “Mother, do you think I’ve ever let her suffer even the slightest grievance since childhood?”
Even now, he was restraining himself, secretly planning. He only hoped that everything would proceed smoothly and peacefully.
Lin Hairu knew that her stepson was usually taciturn and rarely expressed his thoughts. Even this statement was forced out by her.
“Then you…”
“The Sun family will probably come to break off the engagement in a few days,” Luo Shenyuan closed his eyes and restrained himself. He said, “I once plotted against Sun Congwan… She never knew. Now that my position at court is secure, I’m not afraid anymore.” He rarely spoke to Lin Hairu about these matters. “Their family will likely come to break off the engagement soon. It won’t cause a big scene, but it won’t look good on the surface.”
Lin Hairu was surprised: “You… how did you scheme against her? That young lady from the Sun family likes you so much…”
“If she knew what I did, there would be no question of liking or not liking,” Luo Shenyuan looked at the flickering warm light in the night, remembering when she had told him about Miss Sun.
“If Yining… if she doesn’t have any other feelings for you…” Lin Hairu’s voice unconsciously became softer as she broached this topic. “What will you do?”
Hearing this, Luo Shenyuan turned around. The night sky made his silhouette appear particularly lonely.
He said calmly, “I don’t know.” He didn’t know exactly what he would do, he could only hope that such a situation would never arise.
Lin Hairu rarely heard these four words from Luo Shenyuan’s mouth. He was always very decisive in everything he did. Looking at her eldest son’s expressionless profile, she suddenly understood the meaning of these words. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what to do, but rather it carried a hint of unspoken restraint.
She felt a chill in her mouth and suddenly couldn’t say anything more.
Yining leaned against the cushion in the carriage, silent.
A teacup was offered to her. Cheng Lang said softly, “I remember you like fruit tea… There’s a stove here to heat water.”
Her face had been pale all along, but she said nothing. Her jade-white face was hidden in the darkness.
Yi Ning accepted the water but didn’t drink it. Holding it in her hand, she asked, “Do you know why he suddenly decided to deploy troops?”
Wei Ling, who had been on the battlefield for many years, was not one to act rashly. Cheng Lang, sitting beside her, thought for a moment before explaining, “There are often horse markets at the border, where the Wala tribe people trade their cattle and sheep for goods. This stabilizes the border and also serves as a lucrative opportunity for the generals stationed there. However, due to ongoing conflicts with the Wala tribe, the horse markets have been tumultuous. Wei Ling ordered the closure of the markets… When the Wala couldn’t trade for supplies, they began looting nearby villages, causing widespread death and destruction. Enraged, Wei Ling decided to deploy troops… only to fall into an ambush at Pingyuan Fort.”
“Did the court send reinforcements?” Yi Ning asked.
Cheng Lang replied, “There are over 150,000 troops stationed around Xuanfu. The commander has already sent a deputy general. There is no need for the court to dispatch additional forces.”
Yi Ning nodded silently.
Cheng Lang, observing her calm demeanor, felt a sense of peace. Leaning closer to her, he said, “I remember when I was young, you always liked to study with me.”
Yi Ning looked up and sighed, recognizing his attempt to divert her attention. “I didn’t study much myself, but I thought it was important for you to learn. Fortunately, you’re smart.”
Cheng Lang’s handsome face was very close, showing a familiar expression from his childhood. Yi Ning smiled and patted his shoulder. “You’ve done well for yourself.”
Cheng Lang smiled, remembering how her encouragement had motivated him to pursue his studies and succeed in the examinations. Her praise now brought a warm, slow-spreading comfort.
Seeing Cheng Lang behave like a child in her presence, Yi Ning felt more at ease.
In a lower voice, Cheng Lang said, “I didn’t realize it was you who suffered because of Mingzhu and Shen Yu… I won’t let them get away with it!”
Yi Ning shook her head, unsure of Shen Yu’s current situation. Though she disliked him, she felt his punishment had been sufficient. “If my father really… encounters trouble, the Duke of Yingguo’s residence must not seek further vengeance. Do you understand?” The conflict with Shen Yu had already strained relations between the Loyal and Diligent Earl’s family and the Duke of Yingguo’s household.
Cheng Lang quickly smiled to reassure her, “I understand. I won’t act recklessly.”
As they conversed, the lantern’s light in the carriage dimmed, casting a quiet and subdued atmosphere.
When Cheng Lang stopped speaking, he could hear her breathing beside him, and even feel the warmth and softness of her body. He suddenly felt parched; the carriage was indeed small. She was so close… The scenes he had fantasized about in his dreams kept replaying. He recited the Daodejing silently to calm himself.
Yi Ning, unaware of his thoughts, reached for the cup beside her, her jade bracelet brushing against the back of his hand.
Cheng Lang lowered his head, his voice slightly hoarse. “Yi Ning, let me pour you some water.”
He took the cup from her hand, their fingers touching once more.
Yi Ning, preoccupied with thoughts of Wei Ling, didn’t notice. The carriage slowly came to a stop, and the driver announced, “Miss, we have arrived at the Duke of Yingguo’s residence.”
She acknowledged with a calm expression, stood up, and was helped out of the carriage by her maid.
Cheng Lang set down the small teacup in his palm before following her out of the carriage.