A group of people stood outside the garrison. By the horse-drawn carriage, servants were busy unloading boxes. In the garrison’s entrance rest area, guests were sitting and drinking tea. As soon as Xiao Jue entered, he saw Liang Ping pouring tea for others.

“Fourth Young Master Chu,” Lin Shuanghe was the first to greet, stepping forward with his fan, smiling with the familiarity of a host of entertaining guests. “Is the tea to your liking?”

Chu Zilan stood up and cupped his hands toward Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue: “Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin.” He smiled and said, “The Cloud Mist Tea of Liangzhou Garrison is mellow and elegant, leaving a lingering fragrance. The Commander has good taste.”

Xiao Jue casually pulled over a chair, sat down, and stared at him, saying, “It’s just ordinary tea, no need for such courtesy.”

Chu Zhao remained unperturbed and merely smiled, “The Commander jests.”

The fourth son of the Shi Jinbo household was the same age as Xiao Jue this year, but compared to Xiao Jue’s often indifferent and weary expression, he appeared much gentler. He was extremely handsome, with delicate features and fair skin. Wearing a jade-colored loose robe, he appeared even more ethereally slim. His eyes were narrow and long, always containing a hint of a smile, truly a refined gentleman, gentle as jade.

The two of them together presented a striking contrast – one cold as autumn waters, the other clear as a secluded orchid, making for a pleasing sight.

Beside Chu Zhao stood a young woman dressed as a maidservant. Though wearing servant’s attire, she was extraordinarily beautiful, with deep and striking features. Even in simple clothing, her radiance was hard to conceal. Even Lin Shuanghe, who was accustomed to seeing beautiful women, couldn’t help but look twice at her appearance, secretly sighing that master and servant standing together seemed otherworldly. Among Shi Jinbo’s four sons, the first three had ordinary appearances, only this one turned out this way – clearly, the mother’s looks were indeed important.

“What brings Fourth Young Master Chu to Liangzhou Garrison?” asked Xiao Jue.

Chu Zhao smiled and said, “His Majesty heard that Commander Xiao annihilated tens of thousands of enemy troops at Liangzhou Garrison and eliminated the Qiang tribe’s remnants. He was greatly pleased and specifically sent me to deliver rewards and observe the mighty spirit of Liangzhou Garrison’s soldiers.”

“Deliver rewards?” Xiao Jue looked at him thoughtfully and said casually, “For Fourth Young Master Chu to condescend to come to observe this cold region of Liangzhou,” he smiled slightly, “that’s not simple.”

Chu Zhao said, “It is Zilan’s fortune to personally witness Commander Xiao’s mighty army.”

Xiao Jue laughed lightly but didn’t respond.

“For this great victory in Liangzhou, His Majesty has also ordered me to hold a celebratory feast here,” said Chu Zhao. “However, I’m not familiar with how Liangzhou Garrison usually celebrates victories, so I must trouble the Commander.”

“The newly fallen soldiers have just been buried,” Xiao Jue said. “Celebrating now might not be appropriate.”

Chu Zhao’s smile remained gentle, but his tone was firm, “How can there be no bloodshed in war? Besides, annihilating the enemy is a joyous occasion. Rewards should be given when due – this is also His Majesty’s intention.”

Bringing up Emperor Wenxuan now?

Xiao Jue stared at him for a while, then finally nodded and smiled: “Very well.” He stood up and said meaningfully, “The celebration feast can be held tomorrow. Please join us, Fourth Young Master Chu.”

Chu Zhao stood and returned the courtesy: “I respectfully comply.”

Xiao Jue left the room and instructed his guard: “Arrange rooms for Fourth Young Master Chu’s people.”

The guard accepted the order and left.

Lin Shuanghe followed him out and moved closer, asking in a low voice: “What is this Chu Zhao here for? By the looks of it, he plans to stay at Liangzhou Garrison for some time?”

“With people gone, Xu Jingfu got anxious,” Xiao Jue said flatly. “He sent his dog to take a look, what’s the problem?”

Lin Shuanghe looked back at the room, saw Chu Zhao lowering his head to drink tea, and asked, “Is it safe to let him stay here? After all, this guy is Xu Jingfu’s man.”

“Safe?” Xiao Jue said, “That depends on his ability. Let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“Since these are rewards, we should see what they are,” Xiao Jue said thoughtfully. “Coming to my Liangzhou Garrison with much fanfare, a mere few boxes of rewards seem insufficient.”

“You’re going to pluck the goose again?”

Xiao Jue gave him a look.

Lin Shuanghe said, “Nothing else, just asking, don’t be angry. Come on, let’s go see the treasures!”

……

He Yan returned from the training ground, back to having nothing to do. After lying in bed reading several travelogues, Song Taotao brought food over. After eating, when Song Taotao was leaving, He Yan heard movement outside the door, seemingly Song Taotao talking to someone. Thinking it was Xiao Jue returning, she supported herself with a stick and opened the door, only to see Lin Shuanghe.

“Doctor Lin?” He Yan looked around but didn’t see Xiao Jue, so she asked, “Is the Commander not here?”

“He went to discuss the celebration feast matters with the instructor,” Lin Shuanghe smiled. “I’ll wait for him here first, I still have things to discuss with him.”

“Celebration feast?” He Yan was confused for a moment, “What celebration feast?”

“Liangzhou Garrison’s victory celebration.” Lin Shuanghe waved at Song Taotao, and after seeing Song Taotao leave, he walked towards He Yan, but suddenly stopped at the doorway, unwilling to step forward.

He Yan was puzzled: “What’s wrong?”

Lin Shuanghe withdrew his hand and said seriously: “It’s not proper for men and women to be alone in a room together, it could damage your reputation if word gets out.”

He Yan: “…”

She said: “No one here knows my identity, Doctor Lin can just treat me as an ordinary recruit. Besides, haven’t you been here before?”

Lin Shuanghe gestured primly: “There were others in the room before, but now it’s just the two of us, it might cause misunderstandings.”

“What misunderstandings,” He Yan said somewhat helplessly, “I often share a room with the Commander, and there’s nothing improper about it.”

Hearing this, Lin Shuanghe stepped back even further: “That makes it even more impossible! A friend’s wife is not to be trifled with, how could I be such a person who betrays friends?”

He Yan: “…”

What nonsense was this person talking about?

She thought for a moment and finally came up with a good solution: “How about this, Young Master Lin, you go to the Commander’s room, I’ll stay in my room, and I’ll open the middle door. We can talk across the middle door. This way, we’re not sharing a room but are in separate rooms, how’s that?”

Lin Shuanghe hadn’t expected He Yan to come up with such a solution. After a moment of surprise, he snapped his fan: “Let’s do that!”

So by the time He Yan returned to her room, using Cheng Lisu’s silver wire to pick the lock and struggling to push a stool to the other side of the middle door, Lin Shuanghe was already waiting there.

He examined the middle door and asked He Yan: “Is this how you two usually play?”

“Play what?”

“Well…” Lin Shuanghe seemed to feel embarrassed himself at this point, shaking his head and smiling, “I never thought Huaijin would also…”

He Yan was completely confused by his words, but still thinking about the celebration feast he mentioned earlier, she asked, “Doctor Lin, what’s this Liangzhou Garrison victory celebration you mentioned earlier?”

“Earlier, you won the battle against Ri Damuz’s forces, annihilating tens of thousands of enemy troops,” Lin Shuanghe said. “When His Majesty heard of this, he was greatly pleased and specifically sent someone to bring rewards and commendations, and wants to hold a celebratory feast at Liangzhou Garrison to reward the troops.”

He Yan froze upon hearing this: “Now? Celebrating now doesn’t seem right.”

Celebrating at Liangzhou Garrison now wasn’t good timing. Although they’d won this battle, it had come suddenly, and dozens of sentries had died initially without knowing what was happening. Even though they won later, it was largely due to support from the Southern Army. The recruits’ current feelings, rather than joy over victory, were probably more of sorrow over fallen comrades and fear of war. How could celebrating now be appropriate?

“What can be done when it’s His Majesty’s wish?” Lin Shuanghe sighed. “Can we refuse such favor?”

For a moment, neither spoke.

After a while, He Yan asked: “That person who came to convey His Majesty’s orders, is that the Chu Zilan you mentioned earlier?” He Yan asked: “Who is Chu Zilan?”

“You haven’t heard of Chu Zilan?” This time, Lin Shuanghe was surprised.

He Yan shook her head.

“Among the dream suitors of the capital’s young ladies, Xiao Rubi ranks first, Xiao Huaijin second, and Chu Zilan ranks third,” Lin Shuanghe sighed. “Though since Xiao Rubi’s marriage, only Xiao Huaijin and Chu Zilan remain. Our Huaijin is cold-natured and doesn’t like talking to girls, so in recent years he’s fallen behind Chu Zilan. Though Chu Zilan’s birth is somewhat humble, he’s handsome, gentle, and kind, and still unmarried. If you ask which husband capital women most want to marry, nine out of ten would say Chu Zilan. How come,” he looked at He Yan, “you never heard of him when you were in the capital? That seems impossible!”

He Yan naturally didn’t know – she had been leading troops in battle before, with no time to care about romance or which handsome men were in the capital. After returning to the capital she quickly married, giving her no chance to learn about other men. She hadn’t heard of this Chu Zilan.

“I was raised in seclusion by my father, rarely leaving home or even speaking to men outside the family,” He Yan said seriously but casually. “I know nothing about these outside matters.”

“Is that so?” Lin Shuanghe said, “Your father was indeed very strict with you.”

He Yan nodded: “Indeed.” She asked: “What’s the relationship between Chu Zilan and Commander Xiao?”

Though Xiao Jue wasn’t close to people and had no one he particularly liked, she hadn’t seen anyone he particularly disliked either. Xu Jingfu was one exception, and now this Chu Zilan – even before meeting him, just hearing his name seemed to displease Xiao Jue.

Perhaps there was some past grievance?

“That’s quite a long story.” Lin Shuanghe got up to pour himself tea at the small table, took a sip to moisten his throat, then sat back down and said to He Yan: “You may not have heard of Chu Zilan, but surely you’ve heard of his father, Marquis Shi Jin, Chu Linfeng.”

He Yan felt the name was somewhat familiar, thought for a moment, and said: “Is he the one who took nineteen concubines, each one a great beauty?”

“That’s the one!”

He Yan remembered Chu Linfeng’s name. Back in the army, when the vice commander’s subordinates gathered to chat, they didn’t envy the emperor – they most envied Marquis Shi Jin. Chu Linfeng was elegant and handsome, a famous beauty of Great Wei, but he married a wife several years older than him who was notably plain and fierce in temperament.

How could a romantic like Chu Linfeng be satisfied with that? Even before marriage, he frequented brothels daily, and after marriage, it only intensified. His wife proved virtuous though – seemingly aware of her plain looks and inability to win her husband’s love, she never prevented him from taking concubines. Over the years, he took nineteen concubines, each one a stunning beauty with their charms.

Yet despite taking concubines, in all these years, aside from the three young masters born to his wife, not a single concubine had borne Marquis Shi Jin’s child.

It was said these concubines were fed contraceptive medicine before entering the Chu household. No matter how favored they became, without children, they could only please their master and mistress. Marquis Shi Jin’s wife kept these concubines under tight control, and none dared cause trouble under her watch. Chu Linfeng continued his daily romances with his concubines, while his wife pretended not to see and focused on raising her three sons.

Chu Zilan was Marquis Shi Jin’s fourth son, but not born to Marquis Shi Jin’s wife.

“Is he a son born to a concubine?” He Yan asked.

“No, no,” Lin Shuanghe said. “Madam Chu controlled the concubines more strictly than your father controlled you – how could a concubine possibly bear a son?”

“Then…”

“I don’t know the exact details, but suddenly one day at a Chu family feast, there was an additional four-year-old son called Chu Zhao.” Lin Shuanghe took another sip of tea. “Though unsaid, everyone understood that Chu Zhao was likely Chu Linfeng’s illegitimate son born to a mistress outside.”

He Yan’s eyes widened.

“Madam Chu had guarded against everything but hadn’t expected Marquis Shi Jin to keep such a card up his sleeve. The child was already four and had been acknowledged in public – what could she do?” Lin Shuanghe spread his hands. “If it were just this, Chu Zilan would only be Chu Linfeng’s illegitimate son, but when Chu Zilan was ten, he was registered under Madam Chu’s name. So now, his status is that of the legitimate Fourth Young Master of the Marquis Shi Jin household. Do you know why?”

“Why?”

“Because he is the most favored student of current Prime Minister Xu Jingfu.”

He Yan started – Xu Jingfu again?

“Though Marquis Shi Jin was romantic and unrestrained, he wasn’t a loving father, and life under Madam Chu must have been difficult for Chu Zilan. Who knows what methods he used to survive safely to age ten, then connect with Xu Jingfu. How could Marquis Shi Jin dare disregard Prime Minister Xu’s face? Later registering Chu Zhao under Madam Chu’s name was probably Xu Jingfu’s idea too.”

“Then this Fourth Young Master Chu is quite formidable.”

Lin Shuanghe looked at He Yan: “You think he’s formidable?”

“Yes, as you said, he had no support in the household, his father didn’t love him, his birth mother wasn’t by his side, yet now he’s become a legitimate young master and can even be sent by His Majesty to convey orders to Liangzhou Garrison. To reach this point by himself is truly impressive.”

“If he weren’t formidable, how could he become Xu Jingfu’s favorite student?” Lin Shuanghe shook his head and sighed.

“What about his birth mother?” He Yan asked. “Wasn’t she taken into Marquis Shi Jin’s household?”

“Unknown.” Lin Shuanghe shook his head. “It’s said she died of illness after giving birth to him. If not for that, with Chu Zilan’s current abilities, he should have been able to give her a better life.”

He Yan nodded thoughtfully, “I see, no wonder Commander Xiao dislikes Fourth Young Master Chu.”

Xiao Jue and Xu Jingfu were enemies, not friends, and as Chu Zilan was Xu Jingfu’s student, he was naturally Xiao Jue’s enemy too.

“Brother He,” Lin Shuanghe said, “if you had to choose between Huaijin and Chu Zilan, who would you support?”

He Yan found this question completely absurd. “Why ask this?”

“I’m just curious what choice a young lady of Great Wei would make.”

“I don’t even know Chu Zilan,” He Yan said. “Of course, I would stand with the Commander.”

Lin Shuanghe gave a meaningful smile, “No need to speak so early – at tomorrow’s celebration feast, you’ll get to see Chu Zilan.”

He Yan: “…”

What would happen after seeing him? Could there be something extraordinary?

He Yan hadn’t anticipated that, just as Lin Shuanghe said, the very next day she would meet this legendary dream suitor of Great Wei’s young ladies, Chu Zilan, who could rival Xiao Jue.

……

That night, unusually, it didn’t snow, and the next day was clear.

Though the weather was cold, with sunlight warming one’s body, it felt cozy. He Yan got up to drink porridge and felt that under the sun’s warmth, her waist wound seemed to heal faster. Liangzhou Garrison was truly peculiar – in summer, the heat was unbearable and people complained about seeing the sun, but in winter, even half a sun made everyone happy.

Though she couldn’t go to the training ground for daily practice now, finding the sun pleasant, she decided to walk in the courtyard with her cane. Just as she reached the doorway, she heard Song Taotao’s voice saying, “I saw this golden cake roll first, it’s mine!”

Following that came a good-natured female voice: “Miss, this was specially made by our Young Master’s cook, not from the garrison’s kitchen, so it’s not yours.”

“Just because you say it’s your Young Master’s makes it his?” The young girl said angrily. “It’s in the kitchen – how would I know if your cook made it? Since you have a cook, can’t you just make another one?”

“The golden cake roll is complicated to make. Making another would delay our Young Master’s mealtime.”

“Then don’t eat it!”

“Miss…”

He Yan couldn’t listen anymore and walked out saying, “Miss Song.”

Song Taotao turned around, along with the woman she was arguing with, and said delightedly: “Brother He! This is a golden cake roll, would you like to try it?”

He Yan: “…”

That woman also said: “That’s our Young Master’s…”

He Yan took the cake roll and returned it to the woman, saying, “The child doesn’t understand, please don’t take offense.”

“Brother He!” Song Taotao stamped her foot in anger. “Why did you give it back to her!”

“It was theirs to begin with.” He Yan shook her head. She guessed the Young Master they mentioned must be Fourth Young Master Chu Zilan of the Marquis Shi Jin household. Given Chu Zilan’s delicate relationship with Xiao Jue, causing any trouble for Xiao Jue over this would be unwise.

“Thank you, Young Master,” that woman gave He Yan a captivating smile.

He Yan was startled for a moment, momentarily struck by the maid’s beauty. Liangzhou Garrison had few women to begin with – excluding herself who was pretending, there were only Shen Muxue and Song Taotao. One was elegant, one was cute, and now here was one as rich in beauty as a peony, particularly eye-catching.

Even Chu Zilan’s maid was this beautiful? He Yan thought to herself, recalling Lin Shuanghe’s earlier mention of Great Wei women’s top choice for husband – only a fool would choose Chu Zilan. If he chose such stunning beauties even for maids, how could ordinary women catch his eye? Better to choose Xiao Jue – since he was surrounded by men, perhaps after seeing so many men, his standards for women would be lower, giving him some chance.

Seeing He Yan staring at the woman’s face without speaking, Song Taotao became more anxious, urgently pulling He Yan’s sleeve: “What are you looking at her for? What’s there to see!”

The maid holding the golden cake roll laughed softly at this, her smile bewitching.

“Yingxiang.” Someone spoke.

The maid Yingxiang immediately stopped smiling and bowed slightly to the person in front, “Fourth Young Master.”

Fourth Young Master? Chu Zilan? He Yan turned around, her gaze falling on the person before her.

This was a young man wearing a light jade-colored robe with very wide sleeves and a jade crown, as pure as a secluded orchid and as elegant as an immortal in exile. He wore a faint smile and nodded to He Yan.

He Yan frowned – this person’s appearance seemed very familiar.

When he saw He Yan, he also paused, then smiled after a moment, seemingly noticing He Yan’s contemplation. He extended his hand palm up and said softly, “Young brother, you dropped something.”

That single sentence suddenly brought He Yan back to awareness – she remembered where she had seen this person! Back when she was still in Shuojing, wracking her brains for He Yungsheng’s school fees, she had no choice but to gamble at Le Tong Manor, but was chased and beaten by the losers. After finally beating them all down, someone suddenly appeared and told her she had dropped some silver.

That person’s handsome appearance was hard to forget for anyone who had seen it. Seeing him suddenly here now, because it was daylight, He Yan didn’t recognize him for a moment, but he had recognized her first.

“You… Fourth Young Master Chu?” He Yan asked.

Chu Zilan nodded: “It’s me.”

He Yan was momentarily speechless – what luck was this? Just randomly climbing walls and fighting at night, she could meet the dream husband of Great Wei’s young ladies – what a coincidence!

“I am Chu Zhao,” Chu Zilan smiled at He Yan. “Though we are old acquaintances, I still don’t know young brother’s name. May I ask your honorable name?”

Faced with such gentle courtesy, He Yan somewhat understood why he could rival Xiao Jue. She hastily returned the courtesy: “I wouldn’t dare. I am He Yan. ‘He’ as in grain, ‘Yan’ as in peace and tranquility.”

Chu Zhao smiled, “A good name. However,” he looked around puzzled, “why is Brother He here?”

“Me?” He Yan said, “I’m a recruit at Liangzhou Garrison, but I was injured some days ago, so I haven’t gone to the training ground for daily practice.”

“I see.”

At this point, Song Taotao, who had been quiet, finally caught up. She carefully pulled He Yan’s hand – perhaps seeing how handsome Chu Zilan was, her earlier aggressiveness towards Yingxiang instantly disappeared, and she even seemed somewhat embarrassed. She said softly: “Brother He, who is this person, do you know him?”

This was difficult to answer – she knew Chu Zhao, but not as well as Song Taotao might think. She was just instinctively excited to suddenly see a familiar face in Liangzhou Garrison.

So He Yan said: “This is the Fourth Young Master of the Marquis Shi Jin household. When I was in Shuojing before, I had met him once.”

Chu Zhao smiled and said: “We are old friends.”