“I didn’t kill him,” He Yan stood up and faced them.

The recruit who first discovered He Yan pointed at him fearfully and shouted, “If not you, then who?”

“I was practicing with bow and crossbow at the training ground at night when I happened to see someone riding towards White Moon Mountain. The situation was urgent, so I followed. After engaging with him briefly, he fled, but before escaping, he threw down his brother. When I reached him, he was already dead.”

“And this curved blade, where did it come from?” Shen Han asked in a deep voice.

“It belonged to the attacker. He threw it along with the body.”

“Is he mad? Giving up his weapon so easily? Can’t you think before lying?” Du Mao didn’t believe it.

“No, I think he was very clever,” He Yan replied calmly. “Now, with this blade in my possession, I’ve become the prime suspect.”

The weapon had been planted on her, essentially forcing her to take the blame for the recruit’s murder.

Shen Han stared at He Yan: “Did you bring any weapons when you went up the mountain?”

“I had an iron-headed staff,” He Yan answered. “I lost it on the path when rolling down with our deceased brother. If the Chief Instructor sends someone to look, they might find it.”

Shen Han instructed Liang Ping: “Take some men to search, and be careful. Signal if anything happens.”

Liang Ping nodded in acknowledgment.

He Yan felt tired and sat down on a rock. Her wounds hadn’t fully healed, and today’s events had aggravated the old injury in her waist. She desperately wanted to rest for a moment.

After a while, Liang Ping returned with the recruits and reported to Shen Han: “Chief Instructor, we couldn’t find the iron-headed staff.”

“I think he’s lying,” Du Mao frowned. “He only brought this curved blade up the mountain.”

He Yan sighed inwardly. Since the attacker had targeted her specifically, they naturally wouldn’t leave any evidence behind. They must have taken the iron-headed staff when she went to save the recruit.

However, she had planned.

“I suspect it was Hu Yuanzhong,” He Yan said. “When we fought, my iron-headed staff struck his right shoulder. We just need to return to the garrison and check if he went out at night and whether his right shoulder is injured.”

“Are you trying to make excuses?” A recruit looked at her suspiciously.

He Yan shrugged, “I’m unarmed now, and there are so many of you. You can’t possibly be afraid of me alone. Wrongly accusing me is a minor issue, but letting a real killer hide within Liangzhou Garrison is dangerous. The next person to be assassinated might be you, brother.”

Her calm words carried a chilling undertone that startled the speaking recruits into silence.

Ma Damei looked at Shen Han: “Chief Instructor, this…” In all honesty, he quite liked He Yan. It was rare to find such an outstanding youth in all aspects at this age. Moreover, his cheerful and agreeable nature, without any pretension, made him very likable. However, with a life at stake, they couldn’t be careless.

“Take him back first, and we’ll verify if what he says is true,” Shen Han turned and ordered, “Listen to my command, descend the mountain immediately.”

He Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. At least Shen Han was reasonable and hadn’t condemned her outright.

During the descent, the atmosphere was somber, likely due to losing a comrade. He Yan asked Ma Damei, “Instructor Ma, why did you come up the mountain?”

Ma Damei, who always maintained a slight smile and gentle demeanor, had always been kind to her. Even in this situation, he patiently answered He Yan’s question.

“A recruit got up to use the latrine at night and saw someone riding towards White Moon Mountain. He told the Chief Instructor, who ordered us to investigate. Before coming up, we didn’t know it was you.”

Wasn’t this the same sequence of events as when she chased the masked person? He Yan sensed something amiss but remained silent.

“Since you say you fought with the attacker,” Ma Damei asked, “how skilled were they?”

“Very skilled. If I hadn’t been injured, and had we continued for another moment, I might have caught him. But he was cunning and cruel, using our comrade’s body to lure me away while he escaped,” He Yan spoke with anger. “Today’s events were all his arrangement.”

Ma Damei smiled slightly and asked in an ambiguous tone: “Young man, though I’ve always admired you, I must ask – what makes you so special that someone would go to such lengths to frame and scheme against you?”

What made her special?

He Yan carefully recalled. She got along well with others and had no conflicts with any recruits at Liangzhou Garrison, except for the recent “scuffle” with Hu Yuanzhong.

Hu Yuanzhong was probably the only person in Liangzhou Garrison who harbored hostility towards her.

But what had she done? She had never directly questioned Hu Yuanzhong about his background, at most making indirect inquiries. Even though she suspected he was Qiang, she never showed any indication. If this was his reason for framing He Yan, wasn’t it overly suspicious?

Lost in thought, they reached Liangzhou Garrison.

In the middle of the night, Liangzhou Garrison became bustling with activity.

With instructors watching her from all sides, He Yan first went to Hu Yuanzhong’s quarters. Everyone inside was sleeping when the instructors ordered them to get up, leaving them confused. Xiao Mai drowsily called out, “Why so early today? It’s not time yet, is it?”

When they saw who had arrived, they were so shocked they almost put their shoes on backward.

He Yan didn’t hesitate and looked toward the wall-side bed. One look made her heart sink.

Curled up on the bed was someone sleeping soundly. When awakened, he slowly sat up with drowsy eyes – it was Hu Yuanzhong.

He was actually in his room.

Shen Han asked those in the room, “Did any of you see Hu Yuanzhong leave tonight?”

“No… no.”

“Brother Hu injured his leg and goes to bed earlier than us. Haven’t seen him go out.”

He Yan looked at Hong Shan, who slightly shook his head at her.

Did he not go out?

Shen Han stepped forward, his expression unreadable: “Take off your clothes.”

Hu Yuanzhong was confused, but when Shen Han remained silent with a stern face, he appeared somewhat frightened. He hesitantly began undressing, and when he removed his outer garment down to his arms, his right shoulder showed nothing except a few small cuts from previously being scratched by shrubs.

An iron-headed staff strike would have at least left a large black and blue mark. But his right shoulder had nothing.

It wasn’t him!

He Yan’s eyes widened, and rather than feeling relieved, her expression darkened. This eliminated one suspect, and while Hu Yuanzhong’s role in all this remained unclear if he wasn’t involved, it could only mean one thing – he wasn’t working alone.

Liangzhou Garrison had a traitor, working from the inside in perfect coordination to arrange this flawless performance!

“Instructor Shen,” she said coldly, “That person is probably still inside Liangzhou Garrison right now. We need to search quickly!”

“I think you’re the most suspicious one here,” an instructor stared at her. “First you insisted Hu Yuanzhong was the killer, telling us to come back and check his injuries. Now that Hu Yuanzhong is cleared, you want to blame someone else. What are you trying to achieve by stalling for time?”

“I’m not lying,” He Yan frowned. “Just search the entire garrison and you’ll see I’m telling the truth.”

“Silence!” Shen Han shouted.

The arguing stopped, and He Yan looked at Shen Han, “Instructor Shen, you don’t believe what I’m saying?”

“I only believe my own eyes,” Shen Han said. “Guards, take her to the dungeon!”

He Yan: “You can lock me up, but you must investigate the truth! Otherwise, Liangzhou Garrison faces great danger.”

“Still making threats even now,” an instructor angrily said. “Too arrogant!”

He Yan was seized and taken away. The others in the room wanted to ask questions but didn’t dare. Xiao Mai and the others wore grim expressions while Hu Yuanzhong asked puzzledly, “Instructor Shen, what happened? Did… someone die?”

Shen Han didn’t respond and left the room. The instructors who followed him out wore solemn expressions. Liang Ping hesitated before asking Shen Han, “Chief Instructor, how do you plan to handle He Yan?”

After all, it was one of their soldiers, and Liang Ping didn’t want to believe He Yan had malicious intentions. However, with both evidence and witnesses present, even if he wanted to defend himself, he couldn’t find any reason to do so.

“This matter is serious, and He Yan’s identity is not ordinary,” Shen Han said gravely. “Keep him detained until the Governor returns.”

“Yes.”

The dungeon at Liangzhou Garrison wasn’t large, but it was dark and damp. Being winter, it felt bone-chillingly cold upon entering. There was no bed, only straw spread on the ground, and the blanket was just a thin piece of cloth with several holes, perhaps gnawed by rats.

He Yan sat on the ground, surveying her surroundings.

In this dungeon, she was the only prisoner. The lock was specially made, no longer the simple “straight” type like the one on her and Xiao Jue’s room door. One look told He Yan she couldn’t pick it.

Living a second life, before she could even show her abilities, she had landed herself in prison. Though she should be sighing and lamenting this fact, He Yan currently wasn’t in the mood.

She could now be certain that Liangzhou Garrison had long harbored a traitor, who must have been watching her and knew about her routine of training at the practice grounds every third night. This allowed them to arrange for someone to wait on the horse path and lure her up White Moon Mountain.

Going up the mountain at night and killing the recruit were all meant to frame her for “plotting evil deeds.” As for Ma Damei’s question about why someone would go to such lengths to frame and scheme against her, it was because He Yan had discovered their Qiang identity.

She had already been suspicious of Hu Yuanzhong’s red rash and his inconsistent behavior. Later, encountering the masked person on White Moon Mountain wielding a curved blade and using Qiang’s military swordsmanship, she was eighty percent certain.

Now He Yan was imprisoned while Qiang people still lurked within the Liangzhou Garrison, which was truly horrifying. Xiao Jue wasn’t at the garrison, and tens of thousands of recruits had never truly been in battle. If they encountered the Qiang now, it would be like her experience in Mo County years ago – they would likely be annihilated. And given how meticulously the enemy had planned, they surely had greater ambitions. If the news about the Wutuo people harassing civilians in Zhangtai was false and meant to lure Xiao Jue away, then Liangzhou Garrison was now like a fish on a chopping block, completely at the enemy’s mercy.

Xiao Jue had been gone for twenty days. Even if he discovered the intelligence was false upon reaching Zhangtai and rushed back immediately, it would still take ten days to reach Liangzhou Garrison. Therefore, the enemy would likely strike within these ten days. They didn’t have much time left, and now He Yan was locked in the dungeon with no one believing her words.

When Shen Han ordered her to be taken to the dungeon, He Yan had considered fighting them directly to break free. However, doing so would have made her appear guilty of the murder, even though she wasn’t the killer. Living with the burden of being branded a murderer wasn’t what she wanted. Moreover, the recruits at Liangzhou Garrison were her companions, spending every day together. She didn’t want to save only herself while watching them die needlessly.

This situation had somehow become a deadlock.

However, she couldn’t understand how this was possible. The Western Qiang rebellion had already been quelled by her, and the Qiang forces had been severely weakened in that battle. They shouldn’t have been able to make a comeback for at least ten years, so how could they dare to make such a risky move?

He Yan couldn’t figure it out.

Just then, she heard a commotion outside: “Let me in! I just want to say one thing! My father is Deputy Commissioner Song from the Department of Palace Attendants. I’ll take responsibility for whatever happens!”

It was Song Taotao’s voice.

He Yan was startled. Song Taotao regularly brought her pastries and candies every few days, and now she had even heard about this incident.

The guard outside said something, and He Yan heard Song Taotao unreasonably reply: “Try stopping me again! If you do, when Second Young Master Xiao returns, I’ll tell him you harassed me!”

There was a clattering sound, and the next moment, He Yan saw a pink dress flutter in.

Song Taotao called out, “Brother He!”

“Miss Song.” He Yan smiled slightly.

Song Taotao rushed to the bars and quickly stuffed two steamed buns into He Yan’s hands through them: “It’s very late. These are Doctor Shen’s leftovers from dinner. I’ve heard my father say that prisoners don’t get food daily. I’m worried I won’t be able to come every day, so take these first and eat them sparingly.”

While everyone in Liangzhou Garrison now saw her as a murderous demon, this young girl showed no fear and was only concerned about her going hungry. He Yan felt deeply moved. She said gently, “Miss Song, you shouldn’t have come.”

“Why shouldn’t I come? I heard they say you killed someone?”

“I didn’t kill anyone.”

Song Taotao nodded: “I thought so. You’re so kind-hearted and always ready to help those in need. How could you kill someone? You must have been framed. Don’t worry, I’ll help you get out.”

He Yan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Miss Song, you’d better not get involved in this matter.”

But the girl was very stubborn, “You saved my life. My father always says that even a small kindness should be repaid with great gratitude. The instructors at Liangzhou Garrison are too rigid and stubborn now; they won’t listen to me. When Second Young Master Xiao returns, I’ll talk to him and see if he can help.”

He Yan thought to herself that by the time Xiao Jue returned, it might be too late.

She looked up at Song Taotao. The young girl’s face was solemn. He Yan wanted to smile but couldn’t, given the current situation.

If the Qiang came, what would happen to Song Taotao if she fell into their hands? The thought made He Yan shudder.

“Miss Song,” she said after a moment, “since you want to help me, there’s something I need to ask of you.”

“What is it?” Song Taotao looked at her.

He Yan sighed softly, “We’ll have to try this long shot.”

In Shen Han’s room, Cheng Lisu was facing off with Shen Han.

“Young Master Cheng, please go back. Without the Governor’s orders, I dare not release He Yan,” Shen Han said helplessly.

Cheng Lisu sat at his doorway, blocking it, and said: “Instructor Shen, believe me, Brother He couldn’t possibly be the killer.”

Du Mao stood to the side and couldn’t help saying: “Young Master, everyone knows you’re close friends with He Yan, but when we went up the mountain, we found both physical evidence and witnesses. How can this be denied? Even if the Governor were here, we would have to follow proper procedures. Besides, we haven’t said we’re going to condemn He Yan immediately. Everything will be decided when the Governor returns.”

“But Uncle isn’t even at Liangzhou Garrison right now!” Cheng Lisu shouted. “You make it sound so simple, but do you know how cold and dark that dungeon is? Brother He is all alone in there, how scared must he be!”

Du Mao: “…”

Cheng Lisu spoke as if he had personally experienced the dungeon. Besides, talking about He Yan being scared alone – that wasn’t necessarily true. Given He Yan’s personality, she probably wasn’t even concerned about the situation.

They didn’t need Cheng Lisu to worry needlessly.

Seeing Shen Han’s firm stance, Cheng Lisu had no choice but to compromise: “Fine, if you won’t release him, I have one condition.”

Shen Han asked: “What does Young Master wish?”

“The food and supplies in the dungeon are too poor. My brother can’t endure such hardship. I’m not asking for much – whatever my brother usually eats, he should get the same in prison. Also, it’s too cold these winter days, give him two more blankets, and he needs hot water daily…”

“Young Master Cheng,” Shen Han interrupted, “this isn’t according to regulations.”

“This isn’t allowed, that isn’t allowed, what do you want then?” At this point, Cheng Lisu was angry too. He stood up and shouted: “If you won’t do it, I’ll do it myself! I’m telling you, you’ll regret treating my brother this way!”

With that, he ran away.

The door slammed shut with a bang, and Shen Han couldn’t help but feel a headache. Children of this age, especially spoiled young masters, were hard to deal with. Xiao Jue usually appeared cold and strict, but the fact that he could deal with Cheng Lisu daily for so long showed he had quite some patience.

The remaining instructors in the room looked at Shen Han.

Liang Ping asked: “Chief Instructor, what should we do now?”

A soldier had died in the military camp, and although He Yan was now imprisoned, her words had still caused ripples of doubt among everyone. If there was a traitor in Liangzhou Garrison who had managed to kill a comrade without anyone noticing, it certainly wasn’t for fun.

Who was this person? Who were they working for? What was their goal? When would they reveal themselves? Everything was unknown. It might be He Yan, or it might be someone else. If it was He Yan, that would be manageable, but if it was someone else, that would be very bad.

“Have someone watch Hu Yuanzhong,” Shen Han pondered. “If what He Yan says is true, this person must make a move.”

Ma Damei asked: “Has the Governor sent any letters these past few days?”

Shen Han shook his head, his gaze clouding with worry.

There had been no news from Zhangtai until now, which was… very rare in the past.

Hopefully, nothing bad had happened.

As Cheng Lisu ran out, he bumped into someone. That person held their forehead and exclaimed “Ouch!” before scolding: “Don’t you watch where you’re going?”

Cheng Lisu looked carefully and saw it was Song Taotao.

Having just been frustrated by Shen Han, seeing Song Taotao now made him even angrier. “Who told you to run into me?”

Song Taotao gave him a cold look: “I can’t be bothered with you.” She walked straight ahead.

“Stop!”

Song Taotao turned around and asked: “What?”

“Are you going to see Old Shen?” Cheng Lisu pointed toward Shen Han’s quarters.

Song Taotao turned around completely and said impatiently: “What, is that not allowed?”

Now Cheng Lisu was interested. He stepped forward and said: “Are you going to plead for my brother?”

Song Taotao looked at him. Although she strongly disliked Cheng Lisu’s useless ways, she had to admit this boy cared about He Yan. He regularly brought food to He Yan, and He Yan got along well with him. So she said: “What if I am?”

“Don’t bother,” Cheng Lisu waved his hand dejectedly. “I just came from Old Shen’s room. He’s incredibly stubborn. No matter what I said, they wouldn’t believe that my Brother He didn’t kill anyone. They won’t even allow food and blankets to be sent to him.”

“You’re such a fool,” Song Taotao said in exasperation. “If they don’t agree, why don’t you just do it yourself?” She looked at Cheng Lisu’s dejected appearance and said irritably: “I’ve already been there and brought steamed buns to Brother He, so don’t worry!”

“Really?” Cheng Lisu’s eyes lit up as he looked at Song Taotao: “I didn’t expect you to be so loyal.”

Song Taotao laughed coldly: “I’m honored by Young Master Cheng’s praise.”

She turned to continue walking forward.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Cheng Lisu blocked her: “Why are you still going to see Old Shen? I told you he can’t be relied upon. We’re better off handling this ourselves.”

Because of He Yan, these two could now even refer to themselves as “we” – if He Yan were here, she wouldn’t believe her ears.

“I think so too, but Brother He trusts him,” Song Taotao said helplessly. “I’m just following through on what Brother He asked me to do.”

“Brother asked you to go?” Cheng Lisu was stunned.

“Yes.” Song Taotao walked around him: “So don’t disturb me while I’m doing important things. I’m going to find him now.” With that, she ignored Cheng Lisu and walked straight ahead.

After a few steps, she turned back, walked to the dazed Cheng Lisu, and whispered in his ear: “Brother He also said that during these days in Liangzhou Garrison, you shouldn’t wander around. If any recruits look for you, don’t go with them. It’s best to stay by Instructor Shen’s side at all times.”

“Old Shen?” Cheng Lisu frowned: “Why should I follow him? I can’t stand him!”

“These are Brother He’s instructions!” Song Taotao’s face darkened. “You’d better listen.”

She recalled the young man standing in the dark dungeon, pressing something into her hands while worriedly saying: “There might be traitors hidden in Liangzhou Garrison. When I’m not around, stay close to Shen Han and let him protect you all.”

“Please be extremely careful.”