While He Yan was talking with Chu Zilan, she failed to notice that Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe were standing behind a tree not far away.

As Lin Shuanghe watched, he wondered aloud: “It seems Sister He knows Chu Zilan. Why did she say she didn’t know him when I asked yesterday?”

“You asked her about this?”

“Yes, I even asked her whose side she would take if you and Chu Zilan were to have a conflict,” Lin Shuanghe waved his fan and smiled. “Would you like to know how she answered?”

Xiao Jue replied, “No.”

“Why are you like this?” Lin Shuanghe said, “Well, I’ll tell you anyway. Sister He said without hesitation that she didn’t know Chu Zilan and would naturally take your side. However,” he glanced at the two people conversing in the distance, “she clearly knows him, so why would she say she doesn’t?”

Xiao Jue sneered, “Why would you believe the words of a liar?”

“A liar?” Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue. “What did she lie to you about? Could it be,” he seemed to realize something and lowered his voice in feigned surprise, “that she’s working with Chu Zilan? Are they both Xu Jingfu’s people?”

Xiao Jue couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Just then, the beautiful maid called Ying Xiang turned her head and spotted them, immediately calling out from afar: “Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin.”

Now there was nowhere to hide. Lin Shuanghe stepped forward and nodded with dignity: “Fourth Young Master Chu, Brother He.”

He Yan asked, “Are you also out enjoying the sunshine?”

“Just taking a casual walk,” Lin Shuanghe fanned himself, his gaze moving between He Yan and Chu Zhao, probing, “Brother He, you knew Fourth Young Master Chu before?”

He Yan said, “We’ve only met once. We encountered each other at Liangzhou Guard, and that’s when I learned he was Fourth Young Master Chu. I was quite surprised too.”

“How did you meet? Tell us about it?” Lin Shuanghe persisted.

Chu Zhao stood there smiling, showing no intention of explaining, while Xiao Jue’s gaze remained calm yet made He Yan feel somewhat cold. Song Taotao, however, was very curious and asked eagerly, “Yes, yes, how did you meet?”

“Well,” He Yan had to explain reluctantly, “Previously in Shuojing, I went to Letong Manor at night to gamble and won quite a bit of silver. Some people chased after me, and I happened to run into Fourth Young Master Chu. He found the silver I had dropped and returned it to me. I didn’t know his identity at the time, so I hastily thanked him and left.”

“Letong Manor?” Song Taotao was shocked. “Brother He, you gamble?”

“Didn’t you say your father kept you under strict supervision, never letting you leave home?” Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but ask.

He Yan looked up, meeting Xiao Jue’s meaningful expression, and felt her scalp tingle. She stepped back and said, “I was desperate for money at the time… I only went once! Never again!”

Both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue knew she was a woman, and for a woman to go gambling alone at night was indeed scandalous. Moreover, gambling wasn’t a respectable activity, and having to admit it in front of such a distinguished company was truly mortifying.

“I never expected Brother He would later come to Liangzhou Guard,” Chu Zhao smiled. “It must be fate between us. I still remember your impressive fighting skills when dealing with those thugs that night.”

“Are you really that skilled?” Lin Shuanghe asked He Yan.

He Yan smiled perfunctorily, “It was just luck.”

“At tonight’s celebration banquet, I must drink a few cups with Brother He,” Chu Zhao said. “To honor this fateful connection.”

He Yan replied, “Th-thank you, Fourth Young Master Chu.”

She thought to herself that Chu Zhao was exceptionally approachable. As the son of Marquis Shi Jin and now Xu Jingfu’s favored student, he was remarkably patient and gentle even with an ordinary recruit like herself. Regardless of whether he was good or bad, his interpersonal skills were undeniably excellent.

“Ying Xiang,” Chu Zhao glanced at Song Taotao and smiled, “Give the golden cake rolls to this young lady. I won’t need them.”

Song Taotao was overwhelmed with joy. “For-for me?”

“Yes,” he said gently. “If you like them, I can have the cook make them for you daily.”

“But Young Master,” Ying Xiang hesitated, “That cook was brought specially for you.”

“I’m not particular about food,” Chu Zhao said. “There’s no need to make these every day.”

“Well…” Song Taotao hesitated for a moment before looking at him. “Thank you, Fourth Young Master Chu.”

“You’re welcome.”

As He Yan watched, she understood why Lin Shuanghe had said Chu Zilan had recently risen to become the number one dream husband for Great Wei’s women. With his looks and such gentle, considerate treatment of women, it was no wonder he was popular with females of all ages.

Ying Xiang handed the plate of golden cake rolls to Song Taotao, and Chu Zhao turned to Xiao Jue, “Where is Commander Xiao headed?”

“The training grounds,” Xiao Jue raised the corner of his mouth. “Would Fourth Young Master Chu like to join?”

“I’ll pass,” Chu Zhao smiled. “I’ll just go back to my room and read for a while.”

Lin Shuanghe cupped his hands toward Chu Zhao, “Then we’ll see you tonight.” He then turned to He Yan, “What about you, Brother He?”

“Me?” He Yan didn’t dare stay around Chu Zhao too long – he was still Xu Jingfu’s student, and his allegiance was unclear. She said, “The weather is nice today, so I thought I’d take advantage of the sunshine to walk around the courtyard a bit, to help with my recovery.”

“That’s fine,” Lin Shuanghe advised. “Just don’t make any big movements.”

He Yan nodded.

The group then dispersed.

Because Chu Zhao was living nearby, He Yan didn’t dare go out freely, even though she wanted to ask him about matters in Shuojing. However, judging from the atmosphere between Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao, now wasn’t the right time to ask questions.

She went to the courtyard and tried walking without her crutch for a while, stopping only when she felt tired. Then she returned to her room to sleep and read novels. Before she knew it, the evening had arrived.

Cheng Lisu had been knocking on her door early: “Brother!”

He Yan went to open the door.

Cheng Lisu was wearing a new amber-colored robe with black-tailed golden carp embroidered on the hem. He looked radiant as he grabbed He Yan’s hand: “I was afraid you were sleeping, so I didn’t come earlier. How does my new robe look?”

He Yan asked, “Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“Why do all your clothes have golden carp embroidered on them?”

Previously in Liangzhou City, every robe Cheng Lisu had given her had fish embroidered on the hem. He Yan had long wanted to ask if there was any special meaning behind it.

“Ah, you don’t know about this,” Cheng Lisu turned around. “You see, my father fell in love with my mother at first sight, but her family had already approved another match for her. They also objected because my father was two years younger than my mother. So my father bribed the manor’s cook to deliver carp to the small kitchen where my mother cooked. When the cook was preparing the fish, he found the letter inside. My mother was moved by the letter, and later convinced my grandmother to agree to their marriage.”

While Cheng Lisu usually couldn’t remember poetry or literature, he now recited confidently: “A guest came from afar, bringing me two carp; I called my child to cook the carp, inside was a foot of plain silk. I knelt to read the silk letter, what did it say? Above spoke of lasting yearning, below urged to eat well.” He said proudly, “That’s where my name comes from.”

He Yan was stunned: “What an interesting story!”

“Indeed.” Cheng Lisu turned back around to show He Yan the carp embroidery on his clothes. “Later, my clothes and hairpins were mostly designed with carp motifs. After all, the carp was my parents’ matchmaker – wearing it means wearing their love for me!”

At this moment, He Yan truly envied Cheng Lisu and said, “Your parents are wonderful.”

“Of course they are.” After saying this, Cheng Lisu looked at He Yan. “Brother, aren’t you going to wear something different for tonight’s celebration banquet?”

He Yan looked down at herself: “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing? Isn’t this what everyone wears?”

She was still wearing the standard uniform of the Liangzhou Guard’s recruits, specifically choosing red today for the festive occasion.

“But you’re the hero who defeated Ri Damozi. Wearing this is too ordinary.”

“I don’t have any other clothes,” He Yan said. “This is fine. Let’s go, the instructor might be getting impatient.”

Cheng Lisu shrugged and didn’t press further. He helped close her door, and they walked together toward the open field below White Moon Mountain.

Today was the celebration banquet to commemorate the Liangzhou Guard’s recruits’ victory over Ri Damozi’s rebel forces. Though there was no snow tonight, it was colder than usual. Bonfires blazed in the open field where recruits sat on the ground, drinking and eating meat.

Although they were feasting, compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations from a few days ago, the atmosphere was much more subdued. After all, they had just lost fellow soldiers, and the trauma of war hadn’t yet faded. This celebration felt somewhat forced.

The rewards had already been distributed to each instructor’s unit. Xiao Jue had been generous, giving all the spoils of war to the soldiers, and even the Emperor’s commendations weren’t kept for himself. When Cheng Lisu arrived at the field, he went to find Xiao Jue, while He Yan headed straight to Hong Shan’s area. She hadn’t been to the training grounds these past few days, so she hadn’t seen them much.

Little Mai called out when he saw her: “Brother He, you’re here!”

He Yan sat down beside him.

“How are you?” Hong Shan handed her a piece of roasted rabbit meat. “Is your body better? I see you’re not using the crutch anymore. Can you walk now?”

He Yan took the rabbit meat, which was sizzling with oil. In winter, most wild animals were hibernating, making rabbits hard to catch. Just the smell made her mouth water. She took a bite and said while chewing, “Not bad. In two months, I’ll be able to fight alongside you all again.”

“Yeah right,” Wang Ba said with disdain. “Don’t you always steal the spotlight? I heard you got ten taels of silver from the rewards.” He was extremely jealous. “You’ve struck it rich!”

“Brother He almost lost his life, what’s ten taels of silver? He deserves more,” Jiang Jiao spoke up. “I thought Brother He would get promoted this time, but surprisingly, he didn’t.”

The mention of this made He Yan’s blood boil. By rights, after achieving such merit and helping the Liangzhou Guard, she shouldn’t still be a mere soldier. Even if not promoted higher, she should at least be transferred to the Nine Banners Camp, or if not there, then to the Vanguard Camp. While her rewards were more than ordinary recruits received, as for promotion? Not even a shadow of one.

Was advancement really this difficult under Xiao Jue’s command?

“Let’s not talk about this anymore, or little brother He will get upset again.” Huang Xiong noticed her discontent and said, “You’ve already earned everyone’s respect in Liangzhou Guard. Even if it’s not now, you’ll be promoted eventually. No need to rush.”

He Yan said against her conscience, “I’m not in a rush.”

She just lay awake at night tossing and turning, wanting to burst into Xiao Jue’s room next door and demand answers, that’s all.

Though it was called a celebration banquet, with Xiao Jue absent and rewards already distributed, tonight was just a gathering of recruits. The Liangzhou Guard people sat near White Moon Mountain, while the Southern Garrison troops stayed close to the Five Deer River, keeping their distance from each other.

Shi Tou poured He Yan a bowl of wine and said, “Drink up.”

He Yan stared at the bowl of wine. “I’m still injured, I can’t drink this much.”

“That’s right, I almost forgot,” Hong Shan took the wine bowl away. “Then don’t drink alcohol, just have water.”

He Yan said, “Alright.”

After sitting for a while longer, she heard someone call from behind: “Brother He.”

He Yan turned around and was surprised to see it was Chu Zhao.

Beside Chu Zhao was his heavenly beautiful maid Ying Xiang. Such beautiful women were rare in the Liangzhou Guard, and Hong Shan’s group was momentarily stunned. Wang Ba muttered under his breath, “This guy always has such good luck with beauties.”

He thought he spoke quietly, but everyone present heard him. Ying Xiang couldn’t help but smile, and Chu Zhao also laughed, “I told Brother He earlier that I must share a drink with you today.”

Ying Xiang said, “Our Young Master brought some Chang’an Spring wine specially. Please drink with us, Young Master He.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Ba audibly swallowed.

He Yan: “…” She was still hesitant. If Xiao Jue found out she was drinking with Chu Zhao, wouldn’t he think she was on Chu Zhao’s side?

That would be as unlikely as snow in June.

Seemingly noticing her hesitation, Chu Zhao smiled and said, “It’s just one drink. If Brother He isn’t comfortable, we can forget about it.”

He Yan had always been susceptible to gentleness rather than force. Seeing such a divine young master extend such a gracious invitation and show such understanding and discretion, she felt somewhat guilty. She wasn’t any important figure, yet he came to invite her personally. It was just one drink, and she could consider it repayment for that silver ingot.

He Yan then said, “It’s just one drink, there’s nothing uncomfortable about that.”

“Then please follow this servant, Young Master He,” Ying Xiang smiled and turned around.

He Yan had thought when Chu Zhao mentioned drinking, it would be in the open field with the recruits, but instead, they led her to Chu Zhao’s quarters. Whether it was due to Xiao Jue’s grudge or not, Chu Zhao’s quarters were far from luxurious, even inferior to Cheng Lisu’s, only slightly better than the recruits’ dormitory. However, the courtyard was quite spacious, with stone benches where wine, dried fruits, and snacks were laid out.

“Not knowing what Young Master He likes to eat, we just prepared some simple dishes,” Ying Xiang said apologetically. “If they’re not to your taste, please be understanding.”

“No need for such courtesy, this is already very good.” He Yan was overwhelmed by the treatment. In the Liangzhou Guard, she was just a recruit, and this was the first time she had been treated like someone of status. However, He Yan was also secretly puzzled – why was Chu Zhao being so nice to her? For a mere recruit, such courtesy seemed unnecessary.

While she was thinking, Ying Xiang had already lifted the white jade wine pitcher from the table and poured it into two jade cups, saying, “I heard from Young Master Lin that Young Master He is injured and shouldn’t drink much. This Chang’an Spring wine is mild and sweet; a small amount shouldn’t be harmful.”

He Yan smiled, “How thoughtful of Miss Ying Xiang.”

Ying Xiang smiled demurely, put down the wine pitcher, and retreated behind Chu Zhao.

“When we met in Shuojing, it was too rushed to properly get acquainted,” Chu Zhao said with a smile. “Meeting again in Liangzhou must be fate, so I must offer a toast.” He raised his cup and gestured a light toast toward He Yan.

He Yan understood and raised her cup, thinking about how last time during the Mid-Autumn Festival, she got drunk and fought with Xiao Jue, even breaking his zither. She absolutely couldn’t repeat that mistake tonight. However, this wasn’t strong liquor, so it wouldn’t affect her like last time, and she was only going to drink a little, so it should be fine.

She tilted her head back and poured the entire cup down her throat.

He Yan froze.

Chu Zhao also froze.

After a moment, Chu Zhao laughed, “Brother He is indeed bold.”

He Yan: “…”

Drinking in one gulp had become a habit. Though she’d meant to sip slowly, her hand had moved instinctively. When she realized what she’d done, she deeply regretted it and wanted to curse herself: why couldn’t she control her hand?

However… He Yan praised, “What fragrant wine!”

Ying Xiang burst into laughter: “Chang’an Spring isn’t something you can drink every day. In the Chu Manor, this is the only bottle left this year.”

“Is it that precious?” He Yan was shocked and pushed the cup back. She didn’t dare drink anymore.

“Though the wine is precious, it’s not as precious as Brother He,” Chu Zhao smiled, reaching for the pitcher to refill He Yan’s empty cup. “Chang’an Spring can be replaced with Eighteen Immortals wine, but kindred spirits are not so easily found.”

He Yan: “…”

She said, “Brother Chu, do you know you’re ranked first among Great Wei women’s dream husbands?”

Chu Zhao was startled.

“I think we might need to add a men’s category too.” Being so gentle and generous with men, any man would be in danger around him.

The courtyard fell silent.

A moment later, Chu Zhao laughed heartily and shook his head, “Brother He, you’re truly amusing.”

“I’m speaking the truth,” He Yan said sincerely.

“You’re too kind, Brother He.” He waved his hand. “I dare not claim first place.”

The Chang’an Spring wine smelled crisp, not as rich and strong as Eighteen Immortals, but it was quite potent. He Yan felt somewhat light-headed, and seeing the man’s gentle, refined smile before her, she raised her cup and said, “Brother Chu deserves it, I drink to you!”

She drained the cup again in one go.

…

Meanwhile, Lin Shuanghe was searching everywhere for He Yan.

“Has anyone seen He Yan?” he asked.

The roasted meat here was finished, and Little Mai had just stolen two pieces from another bonfire. Hearing the question, he turned and said, “Are you looking for Brother He? Brother He was just taken away by Fourth Young Master Chu from the capital.”

“Chu Zhao?” Lin Shuanghe asked curiously. “Why did he take Brother He away?”

“To drink, I think,” Little Mai scratched his head. “Said he wanted to treat Brother He to some Chang’an Spring wine.”

Upon hearing this news, Lin Shuanghe rushed back without delay, arriving at Xiao Jue’s quarters. The door wasn’t closed, so he pushed it open directly.

Xiao Jue was sitting at the table cleaning his sword.

Yinqiu wasn’t an ordinary sword; it needed daily cleaning and polishing to maintain its crystal clarity. Lin Shuanghe said, “Do you know where He Yan went?”

Xiao Jue couldn’t be bothered to respond.

“She’s drinking with Chu Zhao!”

Xiao Jue glanced up: “So?”

“Aren’t you worried, brother?” Lin Shuanghe slapped his fan on the table. “That’s Chu Zhao!”

“Move,” Xiao Jue said irritably. “You’re blocking the light.”

Lin Shuanghe stepped aside. “Stop cleaning. Officially speaking, Chu Zhao is Xu Jingfu’s man. What if he tries to recruit He Yan to their camp? I heard He Yan’s abilities are among the best in the Liangzhou Guard. Having such talent fall into Xu Jingfu’s hands would be troublesome!”

Seeing Xiao Jue’s expression unchanged, he moved to the other side: “Personally speaking, how can you let your girl drink with another man!”

At these words, Xiao Jue paused his movements and looked up, giving Lin Shuanghe a cool glance: “Who told you she’s mine?”

“Come on,” Lin Shuanghe didn’t believe it. “If she weren’t yours, would you let her live next door, with just one door between you, and let her pick the lock? I never knew you could be so playful. Have fun?”

Xiao Jue: “…If you have nothing better to do, get out and stop bothering me.”

“Xiao Huaijin, being so fierce won’t help you compete with Chu Zilan.”

As he was speaking, they heard rustling sounds from the inner door, like a mouse scurrying through storage. They looked up to see a silver wire poking through the horizontal keyhole. The wire twisted awkwardly but accurately pushed the lock core inward.

With a “click,” the lock fell to the ground, and the door opened.

Lin Shuanghe clapped: “Excellent skill!” He glanced at Xiao Jue again. “Still saying she’s not yours!”

Xiao Jue was silent for a moment, then stood up.

He Yan walked in from the doorway.

She walked very slowly, with steady steps, and upon seeing Lin Shuanghe, even cupped her hands in greeting first: “Brother Lin.”

Lin Shuanghe: “…Why aren’t you calling me Doctor Lin anymore?”

But He Yan seemed not to see him and walked straight to Xiao Jue.

Xiao Jue’s gaze fell on He Yan.

The youth wore the standard red uniform of Liangzhou Guard’s recruits, neat and proper, not a hair out of place, and bowed respectfully to him.

This time, both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue were stunned.

The window was open, and the wind blew in, making the scrolls on the table flutter slightly, bringing a chill and the faint scent of wine, subtle and indistinct, sweet and crisp like springtime in Chang’an.

More enchanting than spring was her gaze.

Xiao Jue felt a sudden shock, feeling this scene was familiar. He vaguely remembered that on Mid-Autumn night, someone had looked at him with such eyes.

“You’ve been drinking?” As he spoke, he instinctively pushed the Wanxiang zither further back.

When this person was drunk, you couldn’t tell from their face whether they were sober or not. But their actions would be completely bewildering.

Lin Shuanghe smiled and picked up his tea, preparing to watch the show.

He Yan raised her head and gave Xiao Jue a big smile.

“Father, I can recite ‘The Way of Great Learning’ now.”

Lin Shuanghe spat out his tea.

Congratulations to the Commander on becoming a father.

Yan Yan: [Obedient.jpg]