Upon arriving at Prince Mengji’s mansion, He Yan and Xiao Jue alighted from the carriage and were led inside by a palace maid. Having visited the mansion before, they felt much more at ease than their previous visit. The maid guided He Yan and Xiao Jue to the banquet hall’s entrance and respectfully announced, “His Highness and the distinguished guests are inside. Master Qiao and Madam may enter directly.”

He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the banquet hall.

Mu Hongjin was reclining on a soft couch, her red robes spread out beside her, with a faint smile playing on her lips as she turned her head to listen to a musician plucking at a zither. At a low table sat another person, their back to He Yan, wearing a bamboo-green robe and a jade hairpin. The figure seemed somewhat familiar.

While she was still trying to determine who this person might be, Mu Hongjin’s gaze swept over them as she smiled and said, “Commander Xiao has arrived.”

As He Yan and Xiao Jue paid their respects to Mu Hongjin, the man sitting with his back to them stood up and turned around.

His features remained as elegantly refined as ever, as pure as a celestial exile. He Yan never expected to encounter Chu Zhao here at Prince Mengji’s mansion in Jiyang.

The shock lasted only a moment before He Yan inwardly cursed her luck. Currently disguised as a woman, she worried about Chu Zhao’s reaction. His true identity remained unclear, and if he were to inform Xu Jingfu about this, Xu Jingfu might use this information to cause trouble for Xiao Jue.

She halted her steps, instinctively retreating behind Xiao Jue, attempting to block Chu Zhao’s view. However, she knew that unless she turned and left immediately, Chu Zhao would inevitably discover her identity today.

Xiao Jue seemed to sense something amiss and glanced at her sideways, scoffing, “What are you afraid of?”

Before He Yan could respond, Chu Zhao had already bowed to Xiao Jue, smiling as he said, “Commander Xiao, Lady He.”

That settled it – he must have seen through her disguise. Without needing a mirror, He Yan knew her face must look terrible at this moment.

Xiao Jue replied, “Fourth Young Master Chu.”

“It seems you’re already acquainted,” Mu Hongjin smiled. “Please, be seated. Fourth Young Master Chu is an honored guest from Shuojing.”

Xiao Jue and He Yan sat down at a nearby low table.

As a maid approached to pour tea, Mu Hongjin waved her hand, dismissing the musician who had been playing the zither. The banquet hall fell quiet. He Yan lowered her head, watching tea leaves float up and down in her cup, remembering the sayings: “Disease enters through the mouth, and trouble exits from it” and “Choose your words carefully to avoid misfortune.” At this moment, it would be best to say as little as possible.

Xiao Jue looked toward Chu Zhao and asked, “What brings Fourth Young Master Chu to Jiyang?”

Getting straight to the point without pleasantries, Chu Zhao smiled slightly before answering, “I’ve come to Jiyang regarding the matter of the Wutuo people.”

Wutuo people? He Yan listened intently as Chu Zhao continued, “Currently, Wutuo people have infiltrated Jiyang City. There are concerns about potential unrest soon. I’ve come to offer His Highness assistance in preventing more Jiyang citizens from falling victim to this calamity.”

He looked toward the Princess of Mengji.

Xiao Jue’s lips curved slightly. “How did Fourth Young Master Chu learn about Wutuo people infiltrating Jiyang?”

“Wutuo conspirators were captured in Shuojing city while plotting an uprising. Following the trail, their contacts are now in Jiyang. Through intercepted secret messages between them, my father and I learned that the Wutuo people plan to initiate warfare in Jiyang. Once they cut off the Grand Canal, it will cause problems for all of Great Wei. Thus, my father ordered me to rush to Jiyang immediately to inform Her Highness, allowing us to prepare for this contingency.”

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with subtle mockery, “As far as I know, Marquis Shi Jin no longer manages household affairs and likely cannot order the Fourth Young Master around.”

Lin Shuanghe had told He Yan this as well – Marquis Shi Jin spent his days only pursuing romantic affairs, having long since abandoned involvement in household matters, major or minor. The inner household was managed by Marquis Shi Jin’s wife, and since Chu Zhao had gained Xu Jingfu’s backing, the mansion had essentially become Chu Zhao’s domain.

“Those are merely outsiders’ misconceptions,” Chu Zhao responded good-naturedly. “I would never dare disobey my father’s words.”

Mu Hongjin seemed to discover something significant in this exchange between the two but chose not to speak immediately, instead leisurely sipping her tea while observing discreetly.

“A secret letter would have sufficed to inform Her Highness,” Xiao Jue sneered. “Why did Fourth Young Master Chu need to make the journey personally?”

“Because there are more important items that must be delivered to Her Highness in person.”

Mu Hongjin gave a light laugh. “Fourth Young Master Chu has brought the Wutuo military defense maps.”

Both Xiao Jue and He Yan raised their eyes to look at Mu Hongjin.

Having the enemy’s military defense maps would ensure half the battle’s success. But how did Chu Zhao obtain such important documents?

He Yan couldn’t help but ask, “How did Fourth Young Master Chu obtain these maps? How can we verify their authenticity?”

“Obtaining them was purely luck,” Chu Zhao smiled gently. “As for their authenticity, I cannot be certain. That’s why I can only present them to Princess.” After a pause, he looked toward Xiao Jue: “However, seeing Commander Xiao here puts me at ease. With Commander Xiao present, regardless of whether the defense maps are genuine or false, Jiyang City will surely be protected. After all, when it comes to water warfare, among Great Wei’s military talents, only Commander Xiao’s achievements are recorded in history.”

At these words, He Yan’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but look at Xiao Jue. The water warfare at the Battle of Xuecheng Changgu was an insurmountable barrier in Xiao Jue’s heart, and Chu Zhao’s words were like twisting a knife in his wound.

Xiao Jue maintained a calm expression, curling his lips as he returned Chu Zhao’s gaze: “Fourth Young Master Chu traveled thousands of miles to Jiyang just to bring a military defense map of uncertain authenticity. Isn’t that making too much of a small matter? Or perhaps…” He paused, his eyes full of meaning, “there are other important matters at hand?”

“When it concerns Great Wei’s welfare, how can it be considered a small matter,” Chu Zhao shook his head. “By staying in Jiyang, I can stand with everyone. If the Wutuo people truly harbor ill intentions, I can fight alongside Commander Xiao. If the intelligence proves false, it will have been a false alarm, and all will be well.”

“Fight together?” Xiao Jue drawled, “When Fourth Young Master Chu can barely protect himself, no one will be able to save you in time.”

Chu Zhao smiled without responding.

Second Young Master Xiao’s talent for mockery was unmatched. Moreover, Chu Zhao was indeed physically weak – if something were to happen, he would likely be more of a hindrance.

“Commander Xiao,” Mu Hongjin had watched enough of their exchange and had roughly gauged the relationship between these two. She looked at Xiao Jue, “I will have a copy of Fourth Young Master Chu’s military defense maps made for you. All soldiers inside and outside Jiyang city, totaling barely twenty thousand, will be under your command. According to the secret message Fourth Young Master Chu brought, the Wutuo people will cause trouble within ten days. During these ten days, we must…” she pondered for a moment, “ensure the safety of Jiyang’s citizens.”

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow: “Her Highness has considered everything thoroughly.”

Mu Hongjin’s gaze swept over to the smiling Chu Zhao: “Fourth Young Master Chu has come from afar, and since you’re old acquaintances, he will also stay at the Cui mansion during these days. If you have important matters to discuss, it will be convenient.”

Chu Zhao bowed: “Her Highness is thoughtful.”

He Yan: “…”

Mu Hongjin had really done it – immediately arranging for two mortal enemies to stay together. Never mind discussing important matters, He Yan pondered, just based on how these two spoke with daggers hidden in their words, that getting through these ten days peacefully would be no simple task.

After exchanging more pleasantries, Mu Hongjin had someone escort He Yan’s group back to the Cui mansion. Once the banquet hall was empty of others, an elderly maid at her side asked, “Your Highness, why arrange for Fourth Young Master Chu to stay at the Chief Rider’s mansion? Commander Xiao seems to dislike Fourth Young Master Chu.”

“These two are at odds,” Mu Hongjin mused, “and their discord will serve as a check and balance. While Xiao Huaijin is a military genius, Jiyang City cannot be left entirely to his control. After all, who knows whether what he says is true or false.”

“When these two speak, it’s half-truth and half-lies. Listening to them both provides some clues. Besides,” she sighed, standing up to gaze at the sky outside the hall, “time is running short.”

If the Wutuo people truly intended to move against Jiyang, they would need to arrange for citizens to evacuate the city starting tomorrow. Her father had entrusted Jiyang to her care, and she had protected it well all these years. Now, at this crucial moment, she couldn’t let it all fall apart.

And then there was Mu Xiaolou.

She turned around, the red makeup at the corners of her eyes appearing deep and brilliant, and coldly ordered, “Go summon Xiaolou.”

[…]

He Yan and Xiao Jue left the prince’s mansion together, with Chu Zhao standing beside them. The three remained silent as they exited, though He Yan was secretly calculating how to make this lie appear perfectly seamless.

Perhaps she should simply insist that she had always been male, and that disguising herself as a woman while accompanying Xiao Jue to Jiyang was merely out of necessity. As for why the disguise was so convincing, she could claim she was naturally feminine-looking. After all, even Chiwu, who had been with them for so long, hadn’t discovered the truth. Thinking this through made her feel somewhat relieved.

“Lady He.” Just as she was contemplating this, someone called her name. He Yan turned to see Chu Zhao had stopped walking and was smiling at her.

Xiao Jue also stopped, not walking ahead.

With her superior nearby, He Yan felt slightly reassured and smiled at Chu Zhao, saying, “Fourth Young Master need not address me so. I…”

“I never expected that after seeing Lady He in feminine attire last time, I would again witness you dressed as a woman today,” the young man smiled warmly, his praise sounding more sincere than the blind flattery of the embroidery shop assistants and Lin Shuanghe: “These clothes suit you well, Lady He. They’re very becoming.”

He Yan’s prepared explanation came to an abrupt halt. What did he mean by “seeing you last time”? Since joining the military, this was her first time dressing as a woman. Where had Chu Zhao seen her before? He Yan instinctively glanced at Xiao Jue, who raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly also waiting for her explanation. Wait, surely Xiao Jue didn’t think she and Chu Zhao were already in cahoots?

One might be careless with food, but not with words. He Yan therefore said, “I don’t quite understand Brother Chu’s meaning. When did I… appear before Brother Chu in feminine attire?”

“At the racetrack in Shuojing,” Chu Zhao smiled slightly, “When Lady He personally took action to protect your father and younger brother, teaching Young Master Zhao a lesson, your heroic bearing was unforgettable. At that time, the wind blew aside the white gauze covering your face,” he lowered his head and smiled: “I accidentally saw your face. Since then, I’ve known about your female identity.”

“The Shuojing racetrack? That’s ancient history, yet Chu Zhao still remembers it. Doesn’t this mean Chu Zhao knew she was female all along?” He Yan asked in surprise: “So Brother Chu had already recognized me back in Liangzhou?”

“At the time, seeing that Lady He seemed unwilling to have her identity discovered, and being at a military post with many gossiping tongues, I chose not to expose it,” Chu Zhao said. “However, now that we’ve met here, there’s no need to keep pretending.” Chu Zhao looked at He Yan, speaking gently, “I mention this not for any other reason than to put Lady He’s mind at ease. Just as I didn’t reveal your identity in Liangzhou, I won’t tell others here in Jiyang either. After the Jiyang matter concludes, I will act as if I’ve never seen Lady He, and you can return to Liangzhou to build your career without worrying about my loose tongue.”

He must have noticed He Yan’s concerns in the banquet hall earlier and was now deliberately speaking to reassure her.

Regardless of Chu Zhao’s true identity or his relationship with Xu Jingfu, judging solely by his manner of speaking and etiquette, he was indeed very thoughtful and considerate, making it difficult to harbor ill feelings toward him. He Yan smiled and said, “Then I must thank Brother Chu.”

“Between us, there’s no need for thanks,” Chu Zhao smiled. “I don’t want my presence to cause Lady He any anxiety. As for betraying secrets, that’s not the kind of person I am.”

Xiao Jue had been standing beside He Yan, coldly listening to their conversation. Upon hearing this, a mocking smile appeared at the corner of his lips. “Fourth Young Master Chu’s words sound nice, but didn’t you travel thousands of miles to Jiyang precisely to betray secrets?”

“Betraying secrets depends on distinguishing between friend and foe.”

“The Southern Army’s personnel are not Fourth Young Master Chu’s concern,” he raised his eyebrows, saying coolly. “Even if her identity is exposed one day, I can still protect her.”

Chu Zhao was startled and looked at He Yan: “Lady He has joined the Southern Army?”

He Yan: “…Yes.”

Xiao Jue had already promised that if she helped him pretend to be his wife to resolve the Jiyang matter, he would let her join the Southern Army. Although the situation wasn’t fully resolved yet, getting in or not was just a matter of the master’s word. Since he said she was in, then she was in.

Chu Zhao’s eyes flickered slightly, and after a moment, he smiled: “Then I offer my congratulations to Lady He… no, Brother He.”

He Yan nodded.

Xiao Jue looked at him calmly: “If there’s nothing else, please find your carriage, Fourth Young Master Chu. It’s not appropriate for a husband and wife to share transportation with outsiders. Please excuse us.”

He made no attempt to hide his dislike for Chu Zhao, but Chu Zhao wasn’t offended and simply smiled, “Commander Xiao, I’ll see you at the Cui mansion.” He then smiled at He Yan.

He Yan returned an awkward smile.

Chiwu drove the carriage over, and He Yan and Xiao Jue got in. As soon as they sat down, Xiao Jue’s cold voice rang out: “The person who competed with the Zhao family at the Shuojing racetrack was you?”

He Yan inwardly groaned. Here it comes. When Chu Zhao mentioned the racetrack incident, she had almost forgotten that Xiao Jue had been present then. Moreover, Xiao Jue had given He Yunsheng a horse, which He Yunsheng had named “Xiangxiang.”

“…Yes.” He Yan spoke first, taking the initiative: “My younger brother loves the horse you gave him, Commander. He feeds it grass every day! We never had the chance to properly thank you. If you hadn’t appeared to help us then, who knows how the Zhao family would have troubled us? I can never repay Commander’s great kindness.”

Xiao Jue’s gaze cooled: “So you recognized me from the beginning, did you?”

He Yan was speechless.

Not just from the beginning – she had known him in her previous life, but how could she explain that?

“You’re the Right Army Commander, General Fengyun. Who in Great Wei could match your heroic bearing? I did recognize you. But at that time, you were like a cloud high above, and I was just an ant at your boot. Even if I recognized you, you wouldn’t have known me. Later, when I joined the army, I assumed you had long forgotten about it since a noble person like yourself has many affairs to handle – how could you remember a tiny ant?” He Yan moved closer to him: “How was I to know that Commander would remember this?”

Though he knew she could lie without batting an eye and pile on flattery endlessly, seeing her sitting beside him with bright eyes and white teeth, enthusiastically performing, even his displeasure turned to amusement. To think that Chu Zhao had known about her female identity before him – it sounded as if he had been kept in the dark and lost his face.

Xiao Jue looked away and said flatly: “Have you met with him again?”

“No, no,” He Yan quickly replied: “I only saw him twice in Shuojing.” Then she complained: “How was I to know he would also be at the racetrack by such coincidence, and even saw my face? If I had known, I would have covered my face completely, and worn an iron mask. Let’s see how his eagle eyes could have recognized me then.”

“You didn’t want him to see your face?”

“Of course not,” He Yan said, puzzled. “Who would want to leave such a vulnerability for others to exploit? Who knows what trouble it might cause?”

Xiao Jue gave a light laugh: “Not completely foolish after all.”

“Commander,” He Yan asked, “Do you think Fourth Young Master Chu will tell others about my identity?” Although Chu Zhao had said those words, He Yan didn’t dare trust him easily, especially given his ambiguous identity and unclear status as friend or foe.

“Now you’re afraid?”

“Not exactly afraid,” He Yan said. “If he wants to tell, I’ll just pack my bags and run away first.” She sighed, “It’s just that I’ve stayed at Liangzhou Guard for so long, I really can’t bear to leave Commander. Parting from Commander would surely be difficult.”

“What you can’t bear to leave is the opportunity to join the Southern Army, right?” Xiao Jue remained unmoved.

“How can you think of me that way?” He Yan said seriously. “With my skills, I could be valued under any commander. The reason I can’t forget about the Southern Army is because you lead it, Commander.” Perhaps because Xiao Jue often accused her of flattery, He Yan had unconsciously become able to speak flattering words without blushing or breathing heavily.

“Commander, does what you said earlier still count?”

“What did I say?”

“That even if my identity is exposed and everyone knows I’m a woman, you can still protect me?”

Xiao Jue sneered, “Don’t worry, no matter how long the Chu family’s reach, they can’t extend into my Southern Army. However,” his beautiful eyes fixed on He Yan as he said indifferently, “Lady He is such trouble – why should I expend effort and take on so many risks for you?”

“Because we have a special relationship – we looked at those pictures together, it’s no ordinary friendship,” He Yan answered calmly.

Xiao Jue’s composed expression suddenly cracked: “…What did you say?”

“Don’t worry,” He Yan raised her index finger to her lips in a hushing gesture, saying, “I absolutely won’t tell others that Commander looked at pictures with me on your first day in Jiyang.”

The carriage stopped at the entrance of Cui mansion. Just as He Yan and Xiao Jue entered but hadn’t yet reached the courtyard, they saw Lin Shuanghe hurrying over. Seeing the two of them, Lin Shuanghe closed his fan and said, “You’re finally back. Do you know…”

“Fourth Young Master Chu has come to Jiyang,” He Yan said before he could finish.

“You already know?” Lin Shuanghe was startled. “He arrived just before you did. They say Princess Mengji arranged for him to stay at Cui mansion. What’s going on?” He looked around to ensure no one was nearby and whispered, “There isn’t some conspiracy, is there? And Sister He,” Lin Shuanghe felt a headache coming on, “We can’t let Chu Zilan see you like this. What if your identity is exposed?”

“We’ve already met at the prince’s mansion,” He Yan reassured him. “Fourth Young Master Chu has promised us he won’t tell others about this for now. Brother Lin need not worry.”

“You’ve met?” Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue, then at He Yan, beginning to understand. He only asked, “When Princess Mengji called you to the prince’s mansion, was Chu Zilan the person you met?”

He Yan nodded.

“What is Chu Zilan doing in Jiyang?” Lin Shuanghe wondered aloud. “A young master from Shuojing wouldn’t travel so far just for sightseeing. Why did he arrive right after you, not earlier or later? What a coincidence?”

He didn’t know about the Wutuo people yet, so He Yan said, “It’s a long story. Where’s my master?”

“Master Liu just returned as well,” Lin Shuanghe asked, “Why?”

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue: “When we rescued the young prince earlier, my master mentioned he came to Jiyang City to investigate a group of Wutuo people. Since Fourth Young Master Chu’s information concerns the Wutuo people, why don’t we invite my master to join us? Comparing our various sources of information might lead to discoveries.” She paused, worried that Xiao Jue might not trust Liu Buwang, and added, “My master is not a bad person, Commander can rest assured.”

Xiao Jue nodded slightly, “Call Master Liu, let’s discuss this inside.”

In the courtyard, servants were carrying things from the carriage into the room – everything from clothing to food, even bedding and incense – all complete. These items were prepared for Chu Zhao before his arrival to Jiyang, on Young Lady Xu’s orders. Such thoughtful care would have moved and delighted others, but Chu Zhao sat in the room watching the empty spaces on the table gradually fill up, his expression unchanging.

Yingxiang walked over.

Women of Jiyang, due to the terrain and rivers, tended to have deep, striking features leaning toward the beautiful, yet even among them, Yingxiang remained the most eye-catching. She carried a tea tray to Chu Zhao’s side, set down the teapot, poured him a cup of tea, and said softly, “Young Master, the room has been prepared.”

Chu Zhao nodded, looking out toward the courtyard.

The room Cui Yuezhi had arranged wasn’t far from Xiao Jue’s quarters.

“Commander Xiao has just returned,” Yingxiang said. “He’s now in a room with that white-robed swordsman and Young Master Lin. They must be talking.”

About what they were discussing – without doubt, it must concern him.

However, he wouldn’t let such minor matters trouble him.

Chu Zhao took a sip of tea and asked, “Any news of Chai Anxi’s whereabouts?”