After finally managing to pacify He Yunsheng, He Yan ultimately slipped two silver notes into his hands and carefully instructed him not to tell anyone except He Sui about meeting her.

“I naturally understand, but you…” He Yunsheng looked at He Yan, “You won’t disappear again, will you?”

That day on the boat when the Fan Cheng incident occurred, He Yan, disguised as an assassin, had told He Yunsheng before leaving: “We will definitely meet again.” But shortly after, she had joined the army.

He Yan sighed inwardly – this child had nearly developed trauma from her deceptions. She stood on tiptoes to pat He Yunsheng’s head, but he dodged sideways. She smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I now hold an official position here in Shuo Jing. Don’t be concerned, I’ll come see you again in a few days. You just focus on your studies. As my younger brother, you surely can’t be less accomplished than your sister in the future.”

He Yunsheng’s face darkened as he replied, “How could that be possible?”

Just as he thought He Yan was going to mock him further, he saw the girl disguised as a young man smiling warmly at him as she said, “I know, our Yunsheng is the most capable.”

He Yunsheng’s face reddened as he muttered quietly, “You don’t need to tell me that.”

After escorting He Yunsheng back to the alley they had come from, He Yan adjusted the veiled hat on her head before turning to leave. Being cautious never hurts.

Upon parting, He Yan walked along the street, thinking about her earlier encounter with He Yunsheng. After that incident, Fan Cheng was still causing trouble for He Sui. Though things had quieted down recently, who knew if he might resort to his old tactics again in the future? While her official position could put pressure on the Fan family, the fact that Young Lady He used to make scenes crying at the Fan family gate every few days meant they would recognize her face. Rashly exposing herself would likely be unwise.

This required careful consideration, but what was heartening was that He Yunsheng had truly grown up. Thinking of this, He Yan smiled. The young man had now developed the bearing of a true gentleman. When faced with others’ mockery and ridicule, he no longer immediately lashed out in anger as he used to. He had learned patience – a growth that was both heartbreaking and gratifying to witness.

Lost in thought, she had unconsciously arrived at the Xiao family gate. It was already afternoon, and the servant at the gate, upon seeing He Yan, cheerfully greeted “Young Master He” before making way. He Yan felt warmth in her heart – the Xiao household staff treated her very kindly.

After entering the residence, He Yan walked toward the courtyard, unsure if Xiao Jue had returned yet. If he had, she wanted to discuss future matters with him. However, just as she reached the corridor, she encountered Lady Bai Rongwei who was giving instructions to the servants.

He Yan had a favorable impression of Madam Xiao. She had a gentle and considerate nature and was skilled at caring for others’ feelings. Upon seeing He Yan, Bai Rongwei was momentarily surprised before smiling and saying, “Young Master He.”

He Yan nodded to her: “Madam.”

“Huaijin hasn’t returned to the manor yet,” Bai Rongwei asked He Yan, “Has Young Master He eaten? If not, what would you like? I can have the kitchen send something to your room.”

“There’s no need to trouble yourself,” He Yan quickly replied, “I’ve already eaten outside.”

She had just used her recent reward money to treat He Yunsheng to some refreshments at a teahouse. Though not as refined as a restaurant’s fare, it had been quite good. He Yunsheng rarely ate out, and while he was reserved at first, he gradually became quite cheerful while eating.

Bai Rongwei smiled and said, “In that case, we’ll prepare something later.” She looked at He Yan, “Young Master He is the first friend Huaijin has ever brought home. You must have taken good care of him in Liang Prefecture.”

“Not at all, not at all. The Governor was the one who took care of me,” He Yan replied modestly.

“Huaijin rarely opens his heart to others. That he treats you this way must mean Young Master He is truly worthy of sincere friendship,” Bai Rongwei sighed. “He usually doesn’t like to reveal himself, so if there are any shortcomings, I hope Young Master He can be understanding. This child has a good heart, yet always tries to present an aloof appearance.”

“The Governor is a good person,” He Yan smiled, “Everyone knows this.”

Seeing her sincerity rather than mere courtesy, Bai Rongwei also relaxed, “That’s good. He’s always been alone, without a young lady by his side who understands him…” At this point, Bai Rongwei seemed to recall something and asked He Yan, “By the way, Young Master He, since you’re close to Huaijin, do you know why he and Young Lady Shen are at odds?”

“Young Lady Shen?” He Yan asked, “Shen Muxue?”

Bai Rongwei nodded.

“What happened between them?”

“When you all returned to the capital this time, Young Lady Shen didn’t travel with you. I heard it was because Huaijin needed to hurry to Run City and didn’t want Young Lady Shen to endure the journey’s hardships. However… Young Lady Shen has already returned to the capital, yet they haven’t met. In the past, Young Lady Shen would visit our manor.”

Seeing He Yan listening intently, Bai Rongwei explained, “You may already know about the relationship between the Shen family and our household. When Father had his troubles, only Lord Shen was willing to speak up for the Xiao family in court. Young Lady Shen has liked Huaijin since childhood, and true friendship shows in times of adversity. Even though Huaijin used to treat Young Lady Shen coldly, he had to show some care due to Lord Shen’s support. Later, Young Lady Shen secretly went to where Huaijin was leading troops without Lord Shen’s knowledge. With the chaos of war at that time, sending her back wasn’t safe, so Young Lady Shen stayed on the battlefield, even learning medicine to help Huaijin.”

“Lord Shen couldn’t do anything about his daughter’s decision and had to ask Huaijin to help look after her. Given his debt to Lord Shen, Huaijin protected Young Lady Shen’s safety on the battlefield.”

He Yan had already known that Shen Muxue went to the battlefield for Xiao Jue, but she hadn’t known these details. Now hearing Bai Rongwei explain the whole story, a trace of bitterness rose in her heart. Shen Muxue’s actions had been incredibly brave and devoted, just as Liang Ping and others had said at the training grounds that day – any man would be moved to compassion by such dedication.

She heard her voice, soft and hiding all emotion, ask: “Does Madam wish for them to be together?”

“How could that be?” Bai Rongwei was startled, then laughed, “Earlier, Ruyi and I had such thoughts, but later seeing that Huaijin truly had no interest in Young Lady Shen, we gave up. Young Master He, being close to Huaijin, you should understand – with Huaijin’s nature, no one can force him to do anything, let alone marry. Since he has no interest, we naturally cannot force it, as that would harm not only Huaijin but also the young lady.”

Hearing this, He Yan asked somewhat puzzled, “I’m not quite sure I understand Madam’s meaning.”

“Even if they can’t be husband and wife, they can still be friends. That Young Lady Shen won’t even visit must mean they’ve had some disagreement. But Huaijin isn’t a petty person, and Young Lady Shen isn’t unreasonable, so thinking it over, there can only be one possibility…” She looked at He Yan, her eyes bright, her usually gentle expression showing a hint of anticipation.

He Yan looked at her in bewilderment.

“Does Huaijin have a lady he likes?”

He Yan: “Ah?”

Bai Rongwei continued speaking to herself, “If Huaijin has a lady he likes, everything would make sense. Only this would truly hurt Young Lady Shen enough to avoid visiting. Young Master He, have you noticed if Huaijin has someone in his heart?”

He Yan: “…Probably not.”

“How could there not be?” Bai Rongwei seemed slightly disappointed but quickly continued asking, “Then in the Liang Prefecture garrison, were there any young ladies who were close to Huaijin?”

“In the garrison, apart from Young Lady Shen, there weren’t any other young ladies…” He Yan suddenly stopped speaking. There was a young lady who was close to Xiao Jue in the garrison – wasn’t it herself?

But the idea that Xiao Jue liked her and had even quarreled with Shen Muxue because of her… it seemed utterly inconceivable.

Bai Rongwei sighed, “Is that so… How troubling.”

Seeing He Yan looking at her, Bai Rongwei smiled wryly, “Huaijin is of marriageable age. Yet forgets about marriage, he doesn’t even have a lady he likes. Ruyi and I are quite worried. Among his classmates from Xian Chang Academy, even those who aren’t married have at least gotten engaged. Though Young Master Lin isn’t engaged either, he’s good at dealing with ladies, so when he wants to marry, it shouldn’t be difficult. As for Huaijin…”

He Yan couldn’t help defending Xiao Jue, “If the Governor wanted to marry, it wouldn’t be difficult either.”

Bai Rongwei glanced at her and smiled, “Indeed, it wouldn’t be difficult. While others worry about marrying off their daughters, with matchmakers wearing down their doorsteps, we’re looking to take in a wife, with gifts from matchmakers filling our courtyard. But what use is that? No matter how many ladies like him, how good they might be, he won’t even look at them. If it weren’t for the banquets we host when he returns to the capital, he’d probably turn away as soon as he saw them.”

He Yan: “…” She didn’t know what to say, so she could only force a smile.

“Speaking of which, it’s almost time for another banquet,” Bai Rongwei looked at He Yan, smiling, “Young Master He should join us then. I hear you’re even a few years younger than Huaijin, accomplished at such a young age, and with such fine features. If there’s a young lady at the banquet who catches your fancy… it could lead to a good match.”

She was sincerely thinking of He Yan’s interests, but He Yan was almost moved to tears. She thought to herself that it was bad enough being heartbroken in Liang Prefecture, but now it continued even in Shuo Jing. What, was her heart supposed to be tempered by a thousand hammers and immune to fire?

Forcing a smile, He Yan said, “We’ll see about that… I’m quite busy these days.”

Bai Rongwei nodded, “Young Master He should focus on your matters, don’t take my casual words to heart.”

Fearing that further conversation with Bai Rongwei would lead to more heartbreaking comments, He Yan quickly found an excuse to return to her courtyard, hastily paid her respects, and returned to her room.

Back in her room, after closing the door, He Yan sat down heavily at the table. Looking out at the flowers and plants in the courtyard through the window, she slammed her fist on the table in mock anger, exclaiming, “How absurd!”

If anyone else came to make her watch Xiao Jue’s romantic affairs with other women, she might as well tell everyone she was attracted to men and had improper thoughts about Xiao Jue – see if they would still ask her to play matchmaker then.

…

Meanwhile, in a private room of a restaurant somewhere in Shuo Jing, someone was seated.

Fei Nu and Chi Wu stood at the door, and after a while, someone walked in from outside.

It was a beautiful woman in guard’s attire, around thirty years old. Though beautiful, her hair was bound in a high bun, and her eyes were cold and stern, giving her an unapproachable air. She strode into the private room, ignoring Chi Wu and Fei Nu, and bowed only to Xiao Jue, saying, “Young Master.”

“Luan Ying,” Xiao Jue looked at her, “Any news about He Rufei?”

The woman called Luan Ying responded respectfully, “Regarding He Rufei’s previous activities, I had already sent a letter through Chi Wu to Young Master. These past few days, there have been discoveries. Since being appointed as general, He Rufei has never left Shuo Jing except for this battle at Hua Yuan. Moreover, his close associates at court are mostly civil officials.”

“Civil officials,” Xiao Jue bent his finger, tapping his teacup lightly, and asked casually, “Does he have any close female acquaintances?”

Luan Ying was startled, then answered, “None. He Rufei is now of marriageable age, and I hear Madam He is currently seeking a suitable wife for him. However, He Rufei himself seems to avoid female company, rarely associating with women except for his second branch cousin.”

“Second branch cousin?”

“He Yuanliang’s second legitimate daughter, now the wife of Hanlin Academic Scholar Xu Zhiheng – Madam He Xinying,” Luan Ying replied.

Xiao Jue lowered his gaze to the teacup before him. After a while, he asked, “What was He Rufei’s relationship with the former First Madam Xu?”

“The former First Madam Xu?” Luan Ying was momentarily confused, then said, “Seemingly good. The former First Madam Xu was in poor health and stayed at the estate recuperating before her marriage. Though there’s no evidence of a close relationship between them, after First Madam Xu’s death, He Rufei personally arranged her funeral, which lasted three days and nights. This shows their deep sibling affection.”

Xiao Jue’s lips twisted slightly, “Not necessarily.” If it were truly sibling affection, He Rufei should have prevented He Xinying from marrying Xu Zhiheng as his second wife, because, for his deceased sister, this would be an insult rather than a comfort.

However, nothing He Rufei did now surprised him because the current Flying Phoenix General wasn’t the real “He Rufei.”

The real He Rufei had likely died before being appointed general, or perhaps wasn’t dead yet, but the He family absolutely wouldn’t allow a woman to claim the glory and wealth prepared for “He Rufei,” so the current “He Rufei” appeared.

What he didn’t understand was, in this matter, He Rufei became the beneficiary, and the He family became stakeholders, but what about that woman “He Rufei”? What made her willingly don a mask and fight for merit under He Rufei’s name? Love for He Rufei? That was possible, but even for love, the dedication had lasted too long.

That real “He Rufei” was foolish but determined, while the current “He Rufei” was clever enough to have all the original confidants “die in battle” to prevent any leaks. One could imagine that like a hare being cooked after the hunting dogs’ work is done, the original “He Rufei” was likely in grave danger.

“Spread word,” Xiao Jue said, “that in the Hua Yuan battle, He Rufei’s tactical retreat of a thousand li was completely different from before, like a different person.”

“After that, you must closely monitor He Rufei – who he meets, what he does, don’t miss a single detail.”

Luan Ying: “Yes.”

Xiao Jue lifted his teacup and took a small sip before looking at her, “How is the other matter coming along?”

Luan Ying tensed, “I was just about to report this to Young Master. At an estate outside the city, we seem to have discovered soldiers who survived the Ming Shui battle. However, they’re well hidden, and Minister Xu’s people are also looking for them. We found one earlier, but he wouldn’t trust us and threw himself into a well before we could meet him.”

Xiao Jue paused in lifting his teacup. He set it down and lowered his eyes, saying, “Continue searching for the remaining people, but be careful not to be discovered by Xu Jingfu’s men. When you find someone, inform me immediately,” he turned his head, his expression very calm, “I will meet them personally.”

…

Night had fallen deep.

A door creaked next door, and He Yan, sitting at her table, was startled. She stood up, opened her door, and sure enough saw Xiao Jue walking into his room. She called out “Governor” and jogged over.

Xiao Jue looked down at her and asked, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

He Yan blurted out, “I was waiting for you!”

Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows slightly, “I’m not Yan He.” After speaking, he walked in unhurriedly.

He Yan followed him like a puppy, taking two steps before realizing what he meant, and suddenly her face grew hot.

Chi Wu and Fei Nu didn’t follow them in. He Yan helped close the door – Xiao Jue wasn’t comfortable with servants attending him, so there were no servants or maids in the room. He leaned against the wall, casually poured two cups of tea, and handed one to He Yan.

“Thank you.” He Yan took the tea but hadn’t thought to drink it. Holding the cup, she asked him, “Governor, I came to ask you something – when will you take me to the palace?”

Xiao Jue unfastened the top two buttons of his brocade robe and asked carelessly, “What do you want to go to the palace for?”

“We won victories at Run City and Ji Yang, and earlier victories at Liang Prefecture garrison. His Majesty will surely want to reward us in person, and with Mid-Autumn approaching, the rewards will only increase. I’ve followed the Governor for so long, I should know when His Majesty plans to bestow honors at the banquet so I can buy some new clothes and prepare myself properly.” He Yan argued persuasively.

Xiao Jue stared at her for a while, then curved his lips, “Establishing merit and career?”

If he hadn’t mentioned it, He Yan had almost forgotten she’d said that before. But now that he was teasing her about it, He Yan didn’t feel anything. She nodded shamelessly, “Exactly. I’ve already achieved half of it. If the Governor could give me a boost up, and if I get appointed to a high position, we could help each other when serving in court together in the future.”

Xiao Jue laughed, “Nonsense.”

He Yan felt somewhat anxious inside. She was eager to enter the palace because only then could she first encounter Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei. Following past practice, when victorious generals returned to the capital, the palace would surely host a banquet where all officials would attend – the perfect opportunity for her appearance. Though she could stake out the Xu and He family gates directly now, that method wouldn’t be as effective as the alternative.

Moreover, entering the palace would be the best opportunity to draw a clear line between her and Xiao Jue.

Thinking of this, He Yan couldn’t help feeling sad, and remembering what Lady Bai had said during the day made her even more dejected.

Xiao Jue was already perceptive, and He Yan’s suddenly downcast expression caught his eye. He paused and asked, “What’s wrong?”

He Yan looked up, changing the subject, “Governor, did you quarrel with Young Lady Shen?”

Xiao Jue froze, looking away, “Why do you ask that?”

“I met Madam Xiao in the manor today, and she asked if I knew why you and Young Lady Shen had quarreled.” He Yan’s voice was rough, “When I left Liang Prefecture for Run City, you two were still fine, but later when I saw you in Run City, Young Lady Shen hadn’t come along. Brother Lin said it was because you didn’t want her to endure the journey… Now it seems, did you not travel together because of a quarrel?”

“It wasn’t a quarrel,” Xiao Jue interrupted her, “There was no need.”

He Yan: “What do you mean… no need?”

Xiao Jue lowered his head, staring into her eyes, his gaze filled with emotions she couldn’t understand. His voice remained calm, as steady as if nothing had ever happened, “She’s nothing to me, so why should I take her along?”

He Yan blinked.

This atmosphere, this demeanor, this tone – it was truly easy to misunderstand. How could ordinary young ladies resist such things? Even she, who had lived two lifetimes, felt her heart flutter, and had to take several deep breaths internally to calm down.

“You shouldn’t say that. Young Lady Shen has always been by your side, you’re at least friends. If there’s any misunderstanding, it’s better to clear it up…”

“You came to my room just to say this?” Xiao Jue spoke calmly.

“Ah, no, that’s not it.” He Yan looked at him, “I just wanted to say, if His Majesty holds a banquet before Mid-Autumn, the Governor must take me along.” Her gaze was filled with undisguised urgency, “I’ve never seen His Majesty before. If I could meet him once, I’d have something to boast about to my brother next time I see him.”

Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, “You went to see He Yunsheng today?”

“Yes,” He Yan didn’t hide it, “I’ve been away from home for a long time, my family must have been very worried. Now that I’m back in Shuo Jing, I should let them know I’m safe.”

Xiao Jue looked at her, his gaze meaningful, “Did you tell them you’re staying at my manor?”

He Yan was startled and immediately denied it, “No, no! I would never do anything to tarnish the Governor’s reputation. I only said I was staying with a friend, didn’t say who. They probably can’t guess I’m staying at the Xiao manor.”

Hearing this, Xiao Jue’s expression was unreadable as he nodded, “Actually, it wouldn’t matter if you had told them.” He glanced at the dumbfounded He Yan and said casually, “You’re my ‘capable subordinate,’ they’ll have to know about our relationship sooner or later.”

He Yan: “…”

What was wrong with Xiao Jue now, taking such a proper superior-subordinate relationship and making it sound like some clandestine romance between a man and woman? It made one’s heart race and feel quite embarrassed.

He Yan coughed twice, “Anyway… just remember to take me along to the palace banquet. If Governor takes me, I’ll repay you in the future.”

Xiao Jue looked her up and down and asked lazily, “How will you repay me?”

He Yan: “…Haven’t thought about it.”

He gave a snort of laughter and turned to put away the teapot scattered on the table, saying casually, “Fine, Young Lady He can come with me to the next palace banquet.”

He Yan’s heart leaped with joy, and her eyes curved into a smile, “Thank you!”