Spring was nearing its end, and even the rain carried summer’s heat.

On the final day of recruitment, the long tent for paperwork at the horse grounds had been taken down, and replaced by numerous small tents. Recruits who had bid farewell to their families were gathering, waiting only for tonight to pass before departing for Liang Province early the next morning.

The tent was very narrow, barely fitting several people. He Yan sat next to Hong Shan, who had secured a slightly larger tent. Since neither had much luggage, it felt relatively spacious. He Yan had stayed here for a full day since last night.

They provided steamed buns, two per meal. Once settled in Liang Province, they would receive more. Everything else was manageable, except using the latrine was inconvenient. He Yan could only go secretly late at night when no one was around.

She had just returned from the latrine and lifted her tent flap to find two new people inside. Hong Shan was talking to them, and they turned at her entrance.

They appeared to be brothers, looking somewhat similar – dark and thin but with a rugged handsomeness. Neither was very old – the elder around sixteen or seventeen, the younger about He Yunsheng’s age. The older brother seemed taciturn, while the younger one, presumably the brother, smiled upon seeing He Yan and asked familiarly, “This brother is…?”

“This is your Brother A-He,” Hong Shan casually made He Yan their brother, then told He Yan, “These are two new brothers who arrived today. There’s no tent outside, so they’ll squeeze in with us.” He pointed to the quiet youth, “This is Shi Tou.” Then to the simple and innocent-looking youth, “This is Xiao Mai.”

Shi Tou and Xiao Mai – they must be brothers from a poor family, otherwise, better-off families would give better names.

He Yan found a place to sit. With two more people, the tent suddenly felt cramped.

“Are you from the capital?” He Yan asked, feeling thirsty and taking a drink from her waist flask.

Shi Tou remained quiet, but his brother Xiao Mai was lively, saying, “We live on Xiang Huai Mountain, hunting for a living. When we came down the mountain last time, we saw the recruitment and discussed it, so we came to join the army.”

So they were mountain hunters.

“Your parents allowed you both to join?” Hong Shan asked. Usually, even poor families wouldn’t send both sons to the army, always keeping one as a backup.

“Our parents passed away long ago. My brother and I grew up together.”

Hong Shan sighed, “Then you should value your lives more. Why join the army? It’s not fun. Don’t tell me you’re like him…” He gestured toward He Yan, “Also wanting to achieve merit and fame?”

“A true man should achieve merit and fame,” Xiao Mai said innocently, continuing, “Besides, this time the commander leading troops to Liang Province is Right Army Commander Xiao. My brother and I have long admired him. It’s our honor to serve under him!”

He Yan, who had been drinking while listening, sprayed water out, nearly choking.

Everyone in the tent looked at her.

“Who did you say is going to Liang Province as commander?” she asked.

Xiao Mai, thinking she didn’t know “Commander Xiao,” explained, “It’s the current General Feng Yun, Second Young Master Xiao Huaijin of the Xiao family.”

He Yan’s heart shook.

How could Xiao Jue go to Liang Province as commander? His rank made it unnecessary, and he had his own troops – why lead new recruits to Liang Province? Unless he was demoted.

Xiao Jue was demoted?

…

The Xiao Family in the capital.

The Xiao residence was renovated according to his wife’s preferences when Old General Xiao was alive. Later generations hadn’t changed the courtyard’s layout, so despite being a military family’s home, the courtyard was as elegant as a Suzhou garden.

Past the flower wall was the main house. Beside it stood a pomegranate tree, not yet bearing fruit. Through the window, one could see books filling yellow pine shelves. Someone sat reading at the desk.

The young man was fair and handsome, though his expression was cold and carried a hint of weariness. Being at home, he dressed casually in cloud-patterned brocade with a jade belt, appearing even more graceful. A sword hung on the wall, frost-white and crystal clear, its power evident even unsheathed.

The door opened, and two people entered.

They were a man and a woman. The man resembled Xiao Jue seventy percent, though less cold, with a gentle, clear air – a true gentleman. This was Xiao Jue’s elder brother, Xiao Jing. Beside him was his wife, Bai Rongwei, who though not stunningly beautiful, was a graceful lady with white teeth and refined beauty.

The couple standing together made a perfect pair, pleasing to the eye.

“Huaijin,” Bai Rongwei spoke first, placing the package from Xiao Jing’s hands on the table, “These are shoes and clothes prepared for your journey to Liang Province. Try them on later.”

Since the deaths of General and Madam Xiao, only the brothers Xiao Jing and Xiao Jue remained. The elder sister-in-law became like a mother – where the General’s wife once mended Xiao Jue’s clothes, now Bai Rongwei did.

“Thank you, Sister-in-law.” Xiao Jue nodded.

Bai Rongwei smiled, “You brothers talk. I’ll check on the soup.” She then left.

After Bai Rongwei’s departure, Xiao Jing gazed at Xiao Jue for a moment before sighing, “Huaijin, you don’t need to go to Liang Province.”

“Xu Jiefu has been frequently targeting you in court, causing trouble for the Xiao family,” Xiao Jue replied emotionlessly. “The Emperor believes Xu Jingfu’s words. My presence in the capital only invites trouble. Going to Liang Province to avoid the situation is good. Besides, Father’s death had many suspicious points. With this new lead, there might be discoveries.”

Mentioning General Xiao’s death immediately dampened the room’s atmosphere.

After a long silence, Xiao Jing patted Xiao Jue’s shoulder, “You always think more than I do, yet I can’t do anything for you.”

“Brother faces more complex situations at court. While I’m gone, the Xiao family depends on you,” Xiao Jue smiled slightly, looking at Xiao Jing, “Take care, Brother.”

“You too.” Xiao Jing felt emotional but tried to lighten the bitter mood by teasing, “It’s not that I don’t want you to go to Liang Province, but you’re of age now and should be getting engaged. Among the ladies Sister-in-law helped select, do you fancy any?”

At this, Xiao Jue’s smile faded, his expression growing increasingly detached, almost indifferent.

“No need. I don’t plan to marry.”

Uncle’s warning slap!