When suddenly receiving the promise, Cheng Lisu could hardly believe his ears. Only after He Yan repeated herself several times and made a solemn oath did he finally believe she would truly help him.

He poured a cup of tea for He Yan, presenting it with both hands: “Elder Brother, you have truly saved my life! If you need anything from me in the future, whether it’s climbing mountains of knives or diving into seas of fire, offering my heart and brains, your younger brother will not hesitate!”

Before He Yan could speak, he immediately continued: “I know Elder Brother’s wish is to join the Nine Banners Camp and establish merit. Rest assured, once this matter is over, I will speak well of you to my Uncle every day. Even if I have to copy books daily, I’ll make sure to help Elder Brother accomplish this!”

“…What I wanted to say,” He Yan stopped the youth’s wild joy, “is that while I’ve agreed to attend the banquet in your place, you still need to convince your Uncle first.”

Would Commander Xiao be someone to agree so easily? After all, this matter sounded quite bizarre.

“Don’t worry about that,” Cheng Lisu happily drew closer and said, “I had already spoken to my Uncle about this before, and only after he agreed did I dare come to find you.”

“Commander Xiao agreed?” He Yan was stunned.

“Perhaps he felt guilty about not letting you join the Nine Banners Camp before, so he’s giving you a chance to prove yourself.” Cheng Lisu looked at He Yan sincerely, “So you see, the timing, location, and people are all perfect. Elder Brother, you replacing me at the banquet is heaven’s arrangement.”

He Yan had no time for Cheng Lisu’s nonsense, only wondering why Commander Xiao had agreed so easily – this wasn’t like his usual style. Could there be another trap?

Seeing He Yan’s silence, Cheng Lisu grew anxious again: “Elder Brother, you haven’t changed your mind, have you?”

“No,” He Yan replied helplessly, “I’m just thinking about how to impersonate you, after all, we’re quite different.”

“Don’t worry, Yuan Baozhen hasn’t seen what I look like, so we won’t be exposed. However, I still need to tell you some things to avoid suspicion. I love eating Mushroom Fat Chicken, but hate Rice Porridge. I don’t like having people following me, and I get rashes from eating peanuts. I bathe daily, change clothes frequently, and use incense…”

As he listed these things, He Yan only saw the luxurious lifestyle of a wealthy young master and couldn’t help but shake her head.

Cheng Lisu spoke for the time it takes to burn an Incense Stick, only stopping when his mouth became parched. He hurriedly took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before coming back to life.

“Elder Brother, do you remember everything I just said?”

He Yan: “…I remembered.” She said, “If there’s anything else to tell me, say it all now.”

“Let me think.” Cheng Lisu sat in his chair, looking at He Yan. He Yan was about his age, and among the recruits in Liangzhou, her appearance was quite outstanding. She didn’t appear clumsy or robust, instead seeming somewhat slim and delicate. This matched well with his appearance – if dressed as a young noble…

“I almost forgot something important!” Cheng Lisu slapped his forehead, “You can’t go to the banquet dressed like this. I am, after all, the young master of the Right Commissioner’s household, how could I dress so poorly? Wait here.” He ran “thump-thump-thump” into the inner room, bustling about with something, and shortly emerged carrying a bundle.

“These are some clothes I picked out for you to wear. Our builds aren’t too different, you should be able to wear them all. Even if it’s pretense, Elder Brother, you must dress well. My only merit besides good looks is nothing else – if even this advantage is buried, wouldn’t I be completely worthless?”

He managed to make being “all show and no substance” sound so fresh and righteous, He Yan was amazed.

He turned again to pull a box from the drawer, filled it with some items, and handed it to He Yan, saying: “These are all hairpins, fans, jade pendants, and such. To play the part properly, these cannot be missing.”

He Yan: “You have thought of everything.”

Cheng Lisu scratched his head embarrassedly: “You’re too kind, too kind.”

He Yan put away the bundle and box, then asked: “You have already spoken with your Uncle about this? You’re not deceiving me?”

“No, no,” Cheng Lisu said, “Come here at Chen Hour tomorrow morning, and we can probably depart then.”

“So soon?” He Yan was startled.

“It was supposed to be in a few days, as Yuan Baozhen hasn’t reached Liangzhou yet, but Uncle wants to go to the city first to find craftsmen to repair his Evening Fragrance Zither, so we’re going earlier.”

He Yan thought of the zither she had damaged and fell silent.

Cheng Lisu patted her shoulder, “Brother He, I’m counting on you this time, thank you!”

When He Yan returned to the recruits’ dormitory carrying a full bundle of items, Wang Ba and the others were still there, eating the Moon Cakes that He Yan had brought from Cheng Lisu’s place the night before. Seeing He Yan return with items in hand, Wang Ba said sourly: “Oh, receiving more gifts?”

“Did Young Master Cheng send you more food?” Little Mai’s eyes fixed on He Yan’s bundle, nearly drooling, “Such a big package, what delicious things are inside?”

He Yan heavily dropped the bundle on the table. The wrapping was already loose, and with this thud, it opened to reveal not the food everyone expected, but rather clothes and accessories.

This was unexpected. After a while, Hong Shan hesitantly asked, “Ah He, why did Young Master Cheng give you clothes? We can’t wear regular clothes in the military camp anyway.”

“I’m going to the city tomorrow with Commander Xiao on business,” He Yan said, “Perhaps he worried I’d look too shabby and embarrass Commander Xiao, so Young Master Cheng specially sent me some clothes to improve my appearance.”

“You and Commander Xiao?” Huang Xiong looked at her, “That’s good news, why don’t you look happy about it?”

If not for last night’s events, He Yan would indeed have been very happy, as being by Commander Xiao’s side would have allowed her to gather much information. But after last night’s incident, Commander Xiao probably disliked her even more, who knew if something else might go wrong and anger the Second Young Master?

She could only press forward regardless.

“I’m so happy I don’t know how to express it,” she answered.

The others questioned her quite a bit more before finally dispersing. At night, before getting into bed, He Yan was still thinking about this matter.

The reason she agreed to help Cheng Lisu attend that trifling banquet wasn’t because of brotherly affection with him, nor was she so chivalrous – it was simply because she heard Yuan Baozhen’s name.

He Yan had seen Yuan Baozhen before. When she received the Flying Phoenix General title, He Rufei had accepted the reward on her behalf. After He Yan resumed her female identity, she met this person once at the He family home. Yuan Baozhen had stood with He Yuansheng father and son then, and He Yan had even exchanged greetings with him.

Judging from He Rufei’s tone when speaking with him, they were quite familiar. He Yan had thought then that He Rufei had just “accepted the reward” and hadn’t yet become close with other colleagues in the Shuo Capital court, unexpectedly he had already made such a familiar friend.

Now this friend of He Rufei had come to Liangzhou, and happened to have some connection with “Cheng Lisu.” If she could take this opportunity to get close and inquire about some news of He Rufei, it might help her future path. If she wanted to rise to a position where people would listen to her words, she must establish military achievements. But Liangzhou was thousands of Li away from the capital, and too far from the He family – many news couldn’t reach here.

Yuan Baozhen’s arrival in Liangzhou was like having a pillow sent while drowsy. However, she wondered what Commander Xiao’s intentions were, actually agreeing to Cheng Lisu’s bizarre proposal. He Yan increasingly couldn’t understand Commander Xiao. She had thought he would assign her to the vanguard camp, but he assigned Lei Hou instead; she had thought he wouldn’t let her impersonate Cheng Lisu, yet he agreed.

Beside her came Hong Shan’s snoring sound. He Yan turned over, and closed her eyes – enough, since thinking wouldn’t yield results, why not just go along and see? Spending days and nights together on this journey, there would be plenty of time to study what Commander Xiao was thinking. Face challenges as they come – she, He Yan, wasn’t afraid.

Unlike He Yan’s carefree attitude, in the Liangzhou Guard Office, Shen Han wore a face of astonishment, which moments later turned to anxiety.

“Commander, how can you take He Yan to the city? Their identity is still unclear if they make a move against you while by your side…”

“I’m not so easily threatened,” Commander Xiao said.

“But…”

The candle in the silver lamp on the table flickered in the wind, almost extinguishing. He adjusted the wick, and the room brightened again.

“If he’s Xu Jingfu’s man, accompanying me to the banquet might expose his true colors. Keeping him at the garrison – if something happens, you might not be able to handle it. It’s safer to keep him by my side.”

“Moreover,” he curved his lips, “He Yan prides himself on his martial skills. This Hong Men Banquet will serve well as a stepping stone.”

Shen Han’s heart trembled – Commander Xiao intended to use He Yan as a sacrificial pawn.

Commander Xiao was truly still himself, disregarding even past relationships. Who knew how He Yan had originally angered Xiao Jue? Thinking of this, Shen Han felt a trace of sympathy for He Yan.

Commander Xiao said: “After I leave tomorrow, protect Cheng Lisu well, don’t let him wander around. The garrison’s affairs will be temporarily in your hands.”

Shen Han put aside his thoughts and replied: “Yes!”

The next morning early, when Little Mai woke up, he found the adjacent bed empty.

He rubbed his eyes – it was still early, others in the room hadn’t awakened yet. He Yan’s bed was neatly made, but the person was gone. Little Mai wondered, had He Yan already left? But yesterday didn’t she say they would depart at Chen Hour? It wasn’t time yet.

A while later, as others gradually woke up, all discovered He Yan missing. Hong Shan said: “Did this fellow already leave? Without even saying goodbye?”

“Maybe she left quietly to avoid waking us?” Little Mai probed.

“Who knows? Stone, have you seen him?” Hong Shan asked.

Stone also shook his head: “No.”

They looked at each other, all puzzled. Though concerned, they couldn’t just wait there for He Yan – they had running practice later, so everyone started washing up.

Little Mai, already dressed, finished preparing first and rushed out to grab hot dry pancakes. While Hong Shan and Stone were still washing their faces, they suddenly heard Little Mai shout from outside: “Big Brother, Brother Shan—”

“What now?” Hong Shan wiped water droplets from his face, “We’re washing up here.”

“Come out quickly and look!” Little Mai’s voice couldn’t contain his excitement.

Hong Shan looked puzzledly at Stone, who indicated he also didn’t know. He shook water from his hands, walking out while saying: “Little Mai, next time could you not be so…”

His voice stopped abruptly.

He Yan stood facing them, smiling: “Brother Shan, how do I look?”

Hong Shan opened his mouth but couldn’t speak. Other recruits also gradually came out, and upon seeing He Yan, all swarmed around, chattering.

“Beautiful! So beautiful, He Yan, you look just like a young master from a wealthy capital family!”

“More than just wealthy – you could pass for someone from the palace!”

“Oh come on, as if you’ve seen anyone from the palace.”

“I haven’t, but this is how I imagine they’d look!”

“These clothes must be expensive, He Yan, can I try them on too?”

“Pah! Could you pull it off? Don’t ruin the clothes, get away!”

He Yan stood surrounded, letting them examine her. Hong Shan’s group stood at a distance, Little Mai watching He Yan with sparkling eyes: “Brother Ah He looks so good!”

“No wonder they say people rely on clothes as horses rely on saddles. Look, usually so unremarkable, but with these fine clothes and hairpins, he looks completely different from us.” Hong Shan stroked his chin, asking Stone, “Isn’t that right?”

Stone nodded: “Yes.”

After letting them look their fill, He Yan adjusted the bundle on her shoulder and smiled: “I came to let you see before I leave. Since brothers all say I look good, I’m relieved – won’t bring shame to our Liangzhou Garrison.” She waved, “I’m off then!”

Everyone waved goodbye.

While she was bidding farewell here, elsewhere, Cheng Lisu had also left early.

Shen Han was talking with Commander Xiao in the courtyard, while Green Ear lowered its head eating fodder. Last night, Cheng Lisu had spent a long time in the stable before choosing a pretty little red horse, finding it cute and spirited, well-matched to himself.

“You’re not going, why choose a horse?” Commander Xiao remarked noncommittally.

“Though I’m not going, my Elder Brother represents me, so people shouldn’t say behind my back: ‘That young master from the Right Commissioner’s household, though skilled in martial arts, doesn’t look good.’ They say to emphasize strengths and avoid weaknesses – this is my only strength, of course, I must emphasize it.”

Commander Xiao sneered: “What to do – with your Elder Brother’s looks, he might not help emphasize your strength.”

“Uncle, that’s not right,” Cheng Lisu looked at him seriously: “I’ve looked carefully – my Elder Brother should be considered quite handsome. Though not matching you or me, among the Liangzhou Garrison, he’s outstanding.”

Shen Han listened to this uncle and nephew’s idle chat, momentarily speechless. Just then, they saw someone approaching, and he said: “He Yan has arrived!”

The two conversing turned to look, and their eyes suddenly brightened.

On this autumn morning, the air was clear and crisp, the cool autumn breeze refreshing. The sun hadn’t fully risen, just showing its small head, a line of golden light falling on the youth, making her appear exceptionally outstanding.

The youth wore a dark red cicada-patterned brocade robe, cinched at the waist with a belt. Usually appearing too thin and frail, Cheng Lisu’s clothes completely concealed that weakness, leaving only elegance. She was naturally refined-looking, her long hair tied up with a carved wooden hairpin, appearing fresh and spirited. Her steps were leisurely as she carried her bundle – no trace remained of the sweating recruit from the training ground. She looked exactly like a graceful young scholar from the capital, every gesture poetic.

The youth walked before them, and opened her folding fan with a “snap” – the fan’s movement was graceful, her smile more captivating than the landscape painting on it. Her voice deliberately lowered: “Sorry I’m late.”

Cheng Lisu stared at her with wide eyes, finally coming to his senses after a while. He circled He Yan, exclaiming joyfully: “Elder Brother, I never imagined you could be such a handsome man – the Liangzhou Garrison truly buried your grace! Looking at you now, you’re almost as good-looking as me!”

He Yan was secretly pleased but still modestly said: “No, no, you’re too kind.”

She had gone to the riverside very early today, changing clothes while no one was around. Most of Cheng Lisu’s clothes were yellow – the youth loved such bright colors, but He Yan found them a bit frivolous. She finally found this less flashy color and picked a relatively simple hairpin from the box. She had studied her reflection in the river for a long while, and to avoid any mishaps, had specifically shown herself to Hong Shan and the others.

The Liangzhou Garrison’s new recruits had unanimously approved, so it must be decent. In her previous life when disguising herself as a man, she had to wear a mask. Now being able to openly appear as a young master brought an unfamiliar nervousness.

Watching He Yan, Shen Han drew in a sharp breath. He had been wondering before – He Yan was just a youth, even if there was past intimacy with Commander Xiao, how had she caught his eye? After all, countless beautiful people admired Commander Xiao. Now seeing He Yan’s appearance, he understood somewhat. For women, it was one thing, but such graceful men were rare. Moreover, this youth had exceptional martial skills and a good temperament. If not for the suspicious identity, actually… standing beside Commander Xiao wouldn’t be strange at all.

Cheng Lisu was still chattering endlessly when He Yan looked toward Commander Xiao. Seeing him standing there, his gaze sweeping over her calmly without a trace of appreciation, she felt mischievous and walked to his side.

“Commander,” she half-opened her folding fan, covering her face while laughing softly, just like a rake teasing a respectable woman, “how do I look?”

The young man looked at her indifferently, then after a moment, bent slightly, lowering his head almost to her ear. His voice had been deeper than other youths since his younger years, and now with age, it carried a trace of magnetic casualness.

“You…”

Seemingly feeling his warm breath by her ear, He Yan inexplicably felt her face flush, thinking that hearing compliments in such a tone from that face – not everyone could handle it.

“…are even shorter than Cheng Lisu,” he finished his sentence.

He Yan: “…”

He Yan stepped back twice, looking at him in disbelief. Shouldn’t normal people say “you’re so eye-catching” or “you’re so stunning”?

Shorter than Cheng Lisu?

That elegant jade-like youth, as if not satisfied with being mean enough, looked at her and curved his lips mockingly: “Also, your belt is tied backward.”

He brushed past her and walked ahead. He Yan looked down – Cheng Lisu’s clothes were complex in style, she had never worn such things before and didn’t know how to tie them. Hearing this reminder, she fumbled to untie it. Seeing this, Cheng Lisu finally noticed clearly and came over to help: “Ah, I forgot to tell you, my belt is different from others, you need to tie it like this…”

He Yan watched Commander Xiao’s retreating figure and gritted her teeth.

Commander Xiao hadn’t let her become Cheng Lisu’s substitute out of guilt over the flag incident. He Yan strongly suspected he brought her along simply to conveniently humiliate and torment her.

They were truly born rivals.

From the Liangzhou Garrison to the city, riding without rest took about three hours. Leaving in the morning, they arrived in the afternoon. Besides He Yan and Commander Xiao, there was also a guard named Fei Nu.

Probably because she wasn’t the real Cheng Lisu, even the carriage was dispensed with. They rode horses the whole way, not even stopping to eat. By afternoon, they finally reached the city.

The last time He Yan came to Liangzhou City was when she first arrived from Shuo Capital with the new recruits, but they hadn’t stayed in the city, going directly to the garrison below White Moon Mountain. Now dressed in ordinary young master’s clothes, entering the bustling market streets, she found it had a different charm from Shuo Capital.

This region was considered eastern, with distinct seasons. Though not as prosperous as the capital, it was still quite lively. People hurried back and forth; having reached the city, they no longer needed to ride so fast. He Yan looked around while riding, feeling she couldn’t see enough.

But Commander Xiao hadn’t come to the city for sightseeing. The group arrived at an inn that appeared to be one of the most luxurious in Liangzhou City, three stories tall. The exterior was magnificently decorated. At the inn’s entrance, Commander Xiao dismounted, a servant helped take the horses to the stable, and everyone walked into the main hall.

Truthfully, in both lives, although He Yan had been the He family’s eldest young master, she had never stayed at particularly expensive inns. Commander Xiao, like his nephew, lived luxuriously, even requiring such an elaborate resting place. As He Yan thought this, she heard Commander Xiao tell the innkeeper: “Two rooms.”

“Two?” He Yan was surprised, “I’m sharing with Fei Nu?”

Finally out of the military camp, couldn’t she have her room? Cheng Lisu had instructed her to bathe daily – how could she bathe with Fei Nu in the room?

“Otherwise?” Commander Xiao stared at her, asking back, “You want to share with me?”

“No, no, no,” He Yan said, “I’ll share with Fei Nu then.” Ridiculous – she wasn’t so lacking in self-awareness. After all, how could the pure and noble Second Young Master Xiao share a room with someone as crude as her? He Yan thought sarcastically that Second Young Master Xiao should stay with temple Bodhisattvas, with an incense burner and offerings before him, ready to receive worship.

Commander Xiao ignored her.

The innkeeper took the silver and sent someone to prepare the rooms. Since the three hadn’t eaten lunch from morning until now, and the inn’s first floor served food, they decided to eat before going upstairs.

Probably seeing that Commander Xiao’s status was either wealthy or noble, the innkeeper stood attentively at their table, saying: “Our signature dishes include Green Bean Chess Noodles, Five-Flavor Steamed Gluten, Spicy Tripe Strips, Sesame Rolls, Eight-Treasure Wild Duck, Chicken Shreds with Cucumber, Five-Spice Squab… what would you like to order?”

Before Commander Xiao could speak, He Yan asked loudly: “Innkeeper, do you have Mushroom Fat Chicken?”

“Yes, yes,” the innkeeper quickly answered.

Commander Xiao turned his head, looking at her calmly. He Yan blinked, “What’s wrong, Uncle? You know Mushroom Fat Chicken is my favorite!”

Fei Nu: “…”

To play the part completely, this was what Cheng Lisu had told her. Now in Liangzhou City, she wasn’t He Yan anymore – she was Cheng Lisu, Second Young Master Xiao’s nephew. Was there anything wrong with a nephew wanting his favorite dish?

Not wrong at all!

Commander Xiao looked away, saying: “Bring him a plate of Mushroom Fat Chicken.”

He was being so agreeable? He Yan’s mind stirred – of course, what if they met acquaintances here? Commander Xiao couldn’t deny it in front of others. Now He Yan grew bolder. She had eaten dry pancakes in the garrison for so many days, rarely tasting meat. Since she had the chance, and Commander Xiao didn’t lack silver, wouldn’t it be a waste not to fleece this fat sheep thoroughly?

“Uncle!” He Yan called out crisp and sweet, smiling: “I also want Spicy Tripe Strips, Sesame Rolls, Eight-Treasure Wild Duck, Chicken Shreds with Cucumber, Five-Flavor Steamed Gluten, Five-Spice Squab… and that, what was it, Green Bean Chess Noodles! I want them all!”

Fei Nu moved his lips, wanting to say something but held back – it had been a long time since he’d seen someone so unafraid of death.

The innkeeper was first surprised, then beamed with joy, looking at He Yan as if seeing a wealthy god, saying to Commander Xiao: “This young master has great taste, such faith in our inn’s dishes!”

“Apologies,” Commander Xiao laughed lightly, his movements elegant but his tone carrying a biting mockery, saying coldly: “My nephew is inexperienced, pardon his embarrassing behavior.”

He Yan: “…”

“Bring one of everything.”

Second Young Master Xiao spent money like water, delighting the innkeeper who turned to order the kitchen to prepare the dishes.

He Yan had just wanted to tease him, thinking it would be good enough to eat a few of the dishes, but unexpectedly Commander Xiao was completely accommodating, really ordering one of everything. Could it be that Cheng Lisu was usually favored by his uncle? Getting whatever he wanted – He Yan was almost jealous.

She moved closer to Commander Xiao, carefully asking: “Commander, why are you being so agreeable?”

“Why not?” Commander Xiao said coldly: “As an uncle, I naturally can’t let my nephew go hungry.”

This “uncle” was said quite meaningfully. As He Yan pondered this, she realized something wasn’t quite right. She and Commander Xiao were of the same generation, had been classmates before, and later fellow commanders of equal rank. But in this life, she first became Commander Xiao’s soldier, calling him Commander. Now she had become Commander Xiao’s nephew, even a generation below him.

Commander Xiao had taken advantage of this situation!

She remained silent, deciding not to call Commander Xiao anymore. Who knew that trying to tease Commander Xiao would backfire on her? She had truly miscalculated.

The innkeeper’s dishes, regardless of quality, came quickly. Soon the dishes were all served, filling the entire table. Such extravagance drew looks from people nearby.

He Yan felt somewhat embarrassed, saying: “Commander, I’ve caused you to spend too much.”

“Since these are what you wanted to eat, of course, you should eat them,” Commander Xiao said leisurely: “However, I’ve taught you before – prosperity comes from frugality, destruction from extravagance. Don’t waste anything.”

He Yan sensed something amiss and was about to speak when she heard him continue: “Leave one grain of rice, and you won’t eat tomorrow.”

He Yan: “…”