“Why don’t you try and see?”

The entrance of the building fell silent.

After a moment, He Yan suddenly came to her senses and called out loudly, “Uncle!”

So this is the kid’s uncle? Sun Ling sized up the young man before him. Seeing this young man’s handsome features and elegant bearing, he couldn’t help but feel jealous. Being aware of his ugliness due to the large birthmark on his face, he particularly despised those blessed with good looks. He had numerous concubines in his mansion and often violated virtuous women outside, but this wasn’t entirely due to lust. Even after taking them by force, he never treated them well. Those beauties often met extremely tragic ends in his hands. Whatever Sun Ling didn’t have himself, when he saw others possess it, he wanted to destroy it.

The man before him was exceptionally striking, perhaps not just in Liangzhou, but could be counted among the top in all of Great Wei.

“Uncle!” He Yan jumped up and darted behind Xiao Jue, only showing her head as she tremblingly pointed at Sun Ling, “This person bullied me!”

She called out with such innocence, like a child running home to report to elders after being bullied outside. The Flying Servant watching from the side was rendered speechless.

Xiao Jue’s body also stiffened slightly. Suppressing his disgust, he ignored the person tugging at his clothes behind him and looked at Sun Ling: “So it was you?”

Sun Ling’s heart skipped a beat.

This young man was incredibly handsome, and though his expression was calm, it carried an almost imperceptible sharpness. Even his quiet questioning made one’s heart involuntarily chill, inexplicably breeding fear.

He steadied himself and looked at Xiao Jue, saying coldly, “Yes, it’s me. And who are you?”

“Xiao Jue.”

Xiao Jue? Sun Ling was suspicious. He had never met Xiao Jue. More than half a year ago, he had heard that Xiao Jue brought new troops to guard Liangzhou Wei, but he hadn’t visited Liangzhou City much, let alone the Sun residence. Of course, Sun Ling had heard of Xiao Jue’s name – Great Wei’s famous young killing general, known for his outstanding appearance. While this person was indeed handsome, how could they prove he was Xiao Jue? Moreover… how could the prestigious Right Army Commander travel with just one guard? Even he, a county magistrate’s son, traveled with an entourage. And what was the deal with this nephew? No matter how he looked at it, these people seemed strange.

Sun Ling quietly asked his servant, “Have you heard anything about General Feng Yun visiting the city recently?”

The servant shook his head, “No.”

Hearing this, Sun Ling grew more suspicious, but being naturally cunning, he didn’t want to jump to conclusions. So he looked at Xiao Jue with a cold smile: “Since you claim to be Xiao Jue, do you have a jade tablet to prove your identity?”

Xiao Jue: “No.”

Not even a jade tablet? Sun Ling was now more certain – these people must be impostors. Thinking about how he had almost been intimidated by an impostor earlier, Sun Ling grew annoyed. He looked at Xiao Jue and shouted, “I don’t care who you people are, you dare to kidnap an official’s family member – that’s a capital offense. Guards, seize them!”

“What official’s family member?” He Yan poked her head out from behind Xiao Jue and shouted, “That’s my book servant! If you claim she’s your family member, please show some evidence! Where’s her contract? You don’t even have a contract and you’re randomly seizing people – is there no law anymore!”

“Law?” Sun Ling smiled grotesquely, “In Liangzhou, my Sun family is the law! Everyone, attack!”

A group of guards charged forward aggressively.

He Yan, currently playing the role of the weak Cheng Lisu, naturally wouldn’t fight. She cried out “Ah!” and shouted as if hoping to cause chaos: “Murder! The guards are killing people!”

The guests staying throughout the inn immediately erupted in chaos and commotion, with even the dogs in the streets beginning to bark wildly.

Xiao Jue said: “Flying Servant.”

The black-clothed guard immediately moved to stand in front of Xiao Jue. He Yan took the opportunity to observe clearly. She didn’t know if Flying Servant was from the Nine Banners Camp, but judging by his skills, he was on par with her former self. If the Nine Banners Camp maintained this standard, Miss He’s current physical condition probably wouldn’t qualify.

She watched intently, pulling Xiao Jue’s clothes so much they were becoming misshapen, until she heard him reprimand quietly, “Let go.”

“Oh.” He Yan came to her senses and quickly released her grip. Seeing how she had wrinkled his sleeve, she stroked it a few times trying to smooth it out, ingratiating herself: “Uncle, Brother Flying Servant has amazing skills. Impressive!”

She imagined her current self was probably just like He Yunsheng in manner.

Xiao Jue ignored her.

The guards from Liangzhou Prefecture’s office were cut from the same cloth as Sun Ling, pampered daily with good food and wine, having developed the habit of eating without working. While they could handle arresting the weak, elderly, women, and children, when faced with real fighters, they had no chance.

Flying Servant single-handedly knocked them all to the ground.

Seeing this, Sun Ling stepped back and ordered his servant: “Go get everyone here!”

The servant turned to run but hadn’t taken a step before being hit by a stone, his legs giving way as he fell to his knees.

He Yan secretly discarded the stone in her hand – they certainly couldn’t let anyone go spread the word. Though they could handle a fight, fighting would be tiring, and Flying Servant needed rest too.

Suddenly finding himself without any usable men, Sun Ling felt both furious and fearful. He pointed at Xiao Jue and said, “You… you dare to assault official guards, is there no law anymore!”

“Didn’t you just say you were the law in Liangzhou?” He Yan felt she was now perfectly embodying someone who relied on others’ power, hiding behind Xiao Jue while talking back to Sun Ling, “My lord, your law doesn’t seem very impressive, not even as capable as someone else’s guard.”

“You!”

Sun Ling pulled out the whip at his waist and was about to lash it across He Yan’s face. He Yan ducked behind Xiao Jue, and in the next moment, Flying Servant grabbed the opponent’s whip, and kicked him, causing Sun Ling to trip and fall. Flying Servant followed up by stepping on his head, pressing his face into the ground.

He Yan watched in amazement – this usually quiet Flying Servant was quite ruthless.

“Young Master, should we kill him?” Flying Servant asked.

“You… you dare kill me… my father is the magistrate of Liangzhou’s Ji County,” Sun Ling could barely speak clearly with his face pressed down, feeling both angry and afraid. Even now, he still didn’t believe they would kill him and continued to make threats, “My father will never let you go! You’ll all die!”

“So young, yet cursing others.” Seeing him subdued, He Yan walked forward and squatted beside Sun Ling, tilting her head to look at him, “Besides, who doesn’t die? Do you think you’re some immortal who’ll live forever? If so, I truly admire you.”

Her lecturing tone was even more infuriating and humiliating than the Flying Servant stepping on his face. Sun Ling was too angry to speak.

He Yan didn’t feel any sympathy for this person at all. In this world, she despised nothing more than those who bullied the weak. Men who bullied women were even more detestable – anyone with the slightest conscience wouldn’t do such things, only incompetent men would bully women. To be able to harm an adorable young girl, this person was truly a beast.

She was about to provoke Sun Ling further when suddenly there was a commotion downstairs as if someone was leading a group up. She had just stood up when someone rushed to the entrance of the corridor, shouting: “My son!”

He Yan looked toward the voice and saw a man rush to Sun Ling’s side. As Flying Servant lifted his foot, the man hugged Sun Ling’s head and urgently asked, “My son! Are you hurt anywhere!”

This was a middle-aged man who looked very similar to Sun Ling, with an identical black birthmark on his cheek. But being older than Sun Ling, besides his ugliness, he carried a kind of vulgar lewdness that made his luxurious clothing seem particularly inappropriate.

Though He Yan didn’t consider herself someone who was judged by appearances, she couldn’t help but look away upon seeing this man. Looking back at Xiao Jue’s face and waist, she felt immediately refreshed in both body and soul.

This was true human beauty.

“Father,” Sun Ling, seeing his backup had arrived, pointed at He Yan and Xiao Jue, and shouted with renewed vigor as if experiencing a final burst of energy, “These people are impersonating imperial officials, kidnapped my concubine, and injured my men. Father, arrest them! I want them to die without a burial place!”

“How dare you!” Upon hearing this, the man became instantly enraged, pointing at He Yan and the others, “Guards, seize them!”

“So Magistrate Sun of Ji County has arrived.” He Yan said with a smile, “Why waste time? Your men can’t win anyway. They’re all just worthless gluttons.”

Seemingly unprepared for someone so impervious to intimidation, Magistrate Sun was momentarily stunned. When he recovered, he grew even angrier and ordered, “Capture them, dead or alive!”

Dead or alive? He Yan frowned. No wonder people said the Sun father and son held absolute power in Liangzhou City. Even imperial officials might not have such authority, yet they issued such orders without hesitation.

“Sun Xiangfu,” Xiao Jue interrupted, looking at him, his voice cold and sharp like a knife, “Open your eyes wide and look carefully at who I am.”

When Sun Xiangfu rushed over after receiving the message, he didn’t have time to hear clearly what had happened, only knowing that Sun Ling had gone to arrest someone but ended up being bullied instead. As a father standing up for his son, and this being Liangzhou City, Sun Xiangfu hadn’t thought much about it. Upon arriving and seeing Sun Ling beaten so badly, Sun Xiangfu was heartbroken. In the dim lamplight, he hadn’t carefully observed Xiao Jue’s features, but now hearing these words, he finally looked up properly.

With one look, he was stunned.

A moment later, Sun Xiangfu suddenly lifted his robe and knelt, his head touching the ground, his voice trembling with fear: “This humble official… didn’t know the Commander had arrived, failing to welcome you properly. Please forgive my offense, Commander!”

Commander? Sun Ling looked at his father in surprise.

Seeing that Sun Xiangfu had come to his senses and observed his pathetic state, knowing he couldn’t cause any more trouble, He Yan smiled and said: “What offense is Magistrate Sun asking forgiveness for? Young Master Sun came upstairs earlier wanting to kidnap my book servant, threatening my life, and wanting to make me wish I were dead in front of my uncle – he was quite imposing then. Now you’re asking for our forgiveness? How dare we?”

“Isn’t that right, Uncle?” She looked at Xiao Jue, righteously making her complaint.

This time’s invitation had included not only Xiao Jue but also his nephew, the young master from the Right Office Director’s household. Now that this youth was calling Xiao Jue uncle, he must be Cheng Lisu. Sun Xiangfu was devastated to realize his unfilial son had offended both his uncle and nephew.

He slapped Sun Ling’s face hard, causing Sun Ling’s head to jerk to the side. The slap was so forceful that everyone could hear the crisp sound.

Sun Xiangfu knelt, kowtowing while saying: “It’s all my fault for failing to teach my son properly. This dog of a son was blind not to recognize Commander and young master. For offending you, I beg the Commander’s forgiveness. I will certainly discipline this worthless son properly when we return.”

Seeing Xiao Jue still silent, Sun Xiangfu gritted his teeth and delivered another slap. Sun Ling, already injured, wasn’t as responsive as before. Already dazed from the first slap, this unexpected second one made him cry out in pain. But Sun Xiangfu wouldn’t stop, determined to make a show for Xiao Jue, he couldn’t go easy. He continued slapping while scolding: “You unfilial son! Have you forgotten all the principles of propriety and shame that your father taught you? How dare you make false accusations! I know you admire Commander Xiao and were angry thinking someone was impersonating him… but this is the real Commander Xiao, you’ve truly done wrong with good intentions!”

He Yan: “…” She listened in amazement. Look how well officials could speak. Even in her past life as a third-rank military commander, she never had such eloquence. If she could have been this silver-tongued, perhaps she could have reached first rank, and been enfeoffed as a prince or duke.

Sun Xiangfu delivered dozens of slaps, with Sun Ling crying out in pain repeatedly until he finally fell silent. Seeing this, Sun Xiangfu’s heart ached. Though he had many wives and concubines, he only had one son. He was putting on this show for Xiao Jue, hoping he would give them a way out.

But this cold and heartless Right Army Commander merely watched with indifference, not saying a word. At this rate, Sun Ling might be beaten to death.

Sun Xiangfu had no choice. He released his grip and crawled on his knees to Xiao Jue’s feet, continuously kowtowing, “Commander, he’ll die if I beat him anymore. Please spare my son’s life! Commander, punish me instead!”

Sun Xiangfu kept kowtowing on the ground while Sun Ling lay bleeding from his mouth – it looked quite pitiful. If He Yan hadn’t witnessed Sun Ling’s true nature earlier, she might have been moved by this display of father-son affection. After all, it was the son who had done wrong – what fault lay with the elderly father?

But Xiao Jue truly didn’t disappoint He Yan. Even as Sun Xiangfu kowtowed until his head bled, Xiao Jue’s face showed not the slightest trace of emotion.

Just as Sun Xiangfu felt he couldn’t go on, Xiao Jue spoke.

He said: “The father’s fault lies in failing to teach his son, Sun Xiangfu,” he looked down at Sun Xiangfu, his voice still calm, “Have you forgotten how Zhao Nuo died?”

At these words, Sun Xiangfu’s sobbing stopped abruptly, a chill running through his entire body.

How did Zhao Nuo die? Zhao Nuo was beheaded beneath the memorial hall by the man standing before them. Who was Zhao Nuo? He was the eldest son of the current Minister of Revenue!

How could he have forgotten this – when Zhao Nuo’s incident happened, despite many noble officials coming to plead for mercy due to Minister Zhao’s influence, sixteen-year-old Xiao Jue didn’t even blink before executing him, and even His Majesty could do nothing about it.

This man meant business. If he could kill the Minister of Revenue’s son, then although they might rule Liangzhou like kings, in the end, he was merely a small county magistrate.

Sun Xiangfu was so frightened he was almost crying, trembling as he said: “Commander, please spare our lives! Please forgive us!”

Sun Ling didn’t understand why his father feared Xiao Jue so much, but seeing his father’s reaction, he too began to panic.

The guests upstairs and downstairs were all stunned by this turn of events, feeling satisfied to see the typically tyrannical father and son so wretched today.

After what seemed like an eternity, Xiao Jue turned his back and said: “You may rise.”

Sun Xiangfu, nearly fainting from weakness, looked at Xiao Jue’s back and said: “Commander?”

“If there’s a next time, it will be his life,” he said.

Sun Xiangfu was overjoyed. Dragging Sun Ling along, he kowtowed Xiao Jue, saying: “The Commander is magnanimous not to hold my son’s actions against him. Rest assured, Commander, if there’s a next time, you won’t need to act – I will end his life myself!”

Xiao Jue turned to walk toward the room, saying: “Take your people and leave immediately.”

“Commander… won’t you stay at our residence?” Sun Xiangfu asked cautiously.

“No need. I have a business in Liangzhou. When Yuan Baozhen arrives, I will visit.”

Sun Xiangfu wanted to say more but held back. Today’s events were unexpected, and this wasn’t the right place to talk. It would be better to take Sun Ling back and find a doctor for him first, so he acknowledged Xiao Jue’s words and ordered his men to move.

…

Sun Xiangfu moved quickly – within the time it takes to burn an incense stick, his men had cleared out completely and even cleaned up the items broken during the commotion. The guests also dispersed. The innkeeper, not expecting such an important figure to be staying at his inn, still showed fear in his eyes. He Yan patted his shoulder: “Don’t worry, we’re very friendly. No need to be afraid. Your mung bean chess piece noodles are delicious – I want to eat them again tomorrow.”

Seeing the youth’s innocent manner, the innkeeper relaxed. After he left, He Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief, but when she turned around and saw Xiao Jue’s back, her heart tensed up again.

How should she explain this to His Lordship?

Xiao Jue didn’t enter his room but went into He Yan’s room instead. Flying Servant followed him in. When He Yan entered, she immediately saw Tao Tao huddled in the corner.

She had probably been frightened earlier, hiding in the corner with her head down since Xiao Jue arrived. He Yan walked over and gently patted her back, comforting her: “They’re gone now, everything’s fine.”

Her gentle words caused both Xiao Jue and Flying Servant to look at her involuntarily. Seeing their reaction, He Yan said: “Uncle—”

“Don’t tell me,” he stared at He Yan, sneering, “your fiancée came to Liangzhou looking for you?”

Fiancée? He Yan thought for a moment before remembering that she had made up a story about a fiancée to prevent Medical Lady Shen Muxue from discovering her female identity. She hadn’t expected Xiao Jue to remember that.

“Not at all, Uncle,” He Yan said seriously, “I saw Sun Ling in Liangzhou City forcing women and forcing them into prostitution. I couldn’t stand by and watch, so I stepped in to help. Who knew Sun Ling was so lawless in Liangzhou that he’d chase us to the inn? I…” she smiled ingratiatingly, “I was just promoting your good reputation for helping the common people!”

Xiao Jue sneered: “I don’t need that sort of thing.”

He Yan couldn’t respond to that.

She thought for a moment and decided to try a different approach, “I was really scared just now. Fortunately, Uncle, you arrived in time. Otherwise, I don’t know how badly Sun Ling would have bullied me. I might not have even lived to see you again.”

“You’re my nephew,” Xiao Jue heard this and said languidly, curling his lips, “Who would dare bully you?”

Though the words were nice, why did they sound so strange? He Yan thought, well, she’d already called him uncle, and he’d already taken advantage of the situation, so what did it matter if he took a little more or less advantage? It was just verbal advantage anyway, wouldn’t kill her.

“Then this young lady, Uncle, shouldn’t we send her home? Staying in Liangzhou, she’ll surely face revenge from that Sun Ling,” He Yan tentatively asked his opinion.

“Handle it yourself.”

Truly heartless, He Yan grumbled internally.

Just then, the silent book servant suddenly raised her head, looked at Xiao Jue, and said: “Second Young Master Xiao?”

Though her voice was hesitant, it wasn’t soft, particularly clear in the quiet night. Xiao Jue looked at her, seeing this book servant was a slightly dark-skinned youth with swollen eyes, yet speaking with a maiden’s delicate voice. He frowned.

Seeing him frown, the book servant became more frightened and blurted out: “I am Song Taotao!”

So she wasn’t surnamed Tao but Song, He Yan thought. Why did the name Song Taotao sound so familiar? Where had she heard it before? Moreover, seeing Song Taotao actively call out to Xiao Jue, could these two know each other?

Thinking this, He Yan asked aloud, “You… you know him?”

Song Taotao looked at He Yan with a complex expression and said: “Second Young Master Xiao… is the one I was meant to be engaged to—”

He Yan: “What!”

“….’s nephew.” Song Taotao finished her sentence.

He Yan breathed a sigh of relief. She was about to say, she’d never heard news of Xiao Jue being engaged, how could a fiancée suddenly appear? So it was his nephew… his nephew?!

She suddenly came to her senses and looked at Xiao Jue, asking: “Um, Commander, how many nephews do you have?”

Xiao Jue looked at her as if she were an idiot.

He Yan instantly understood.

This was Cheng Lisu’s fiancée! Cheng Lisu had come from Shuojing to Liangzhou to escape marriage. Coincidentally, his fiancée had the same idea but was kidnapped to Liangzhou during her escape and ended up being rescued by He Yan. What heaven-sent fate this was – they must be destined for each other!

No wonder when Sun Ling came earlier and He Yan introduced herself as Cheng Lisu, Song Taotao was so shocked she dropped her boot – she was frightened by the news of her fiancé.

“Second Young Master Xiao,” Song Taotao’s expression was very conflicted, “I… I don’t want to return to Shuojing right now. I heard you’re stationed at Liangzhou Wei, could I follow you there? I… I promise not to cause any trouble!”

“Are you sure you want to go to Liangzhou Wei?” Second Young Master Xiao’s expression was cold, “Your fiancé is right here.”

Song Taotao’s expression froze, and He Yan thought she was about to cry.

“Miss Song, don’t you like Young Master Cheng?” He Yan said quietly, “I think he’s quite nice.” Apart from being a bit stupid, Cheng Lisu was not bad. Sometimes he was too naive, but he had a good heart. As for looks, he could be considered handsome and cute, and his family background needn’t be mentioned – how could someone despise him this much?

“He’s useless at everything,” the young lady’s expression was full of disdain when mentioning Cheng Lisu, “He’s neither scholarly nor martial, and he has no ambition! I don’t like him at all, he’s not even as good as you.”

He Yan felt somewhat flattered – she had spent less than half a day with Song Taotao and received such high praise, truly too kind.

Xiao Jue glanced at her and said to Song Taotao: “We’ll discuss this matter later. Rest today, I’ll have a doctor come tomorrow.”

Song Taotao nodded.

He Yan yawned, feeling tired. Since Song Taotao was a girl, the innkeeper found her another room next to He Yan and the others. Flying Servant stayed with He Yan, sleeping on the small couch to the side, giving the bed to He Yan, for which He Yan was very grateful and slightly guilty.

However, this guilt was quickly overshadowed by other matters.

Tonight’s rescue of Song Taotao was truly a coincidence of fate, even she hadn’t expected that the young lady she casually saved would turn out to be Cheng Lisu’s fiancée. These two were really childish, running away from marriage at the first sign of displeasure, and fleeing thousands of miles to Liangzhou. Fortunately, He Yan had encountered her today, otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Sun Xiangfu seemed terrified of Xiao Jue, and rightfully so – Xiao Jue’s attitude was outrageously arrogant. He Yan felt that even at the height of her previous life’s military achievements and status, she would never have spoken to colleagues or subordinates in such a manner. In the end, it came down to different personalities.

No wonder Cheng Lisu had grown up to be a “useless young master” who couldn’t do anything yet remained righteous. With such a powerful uncle, one could walk sideways through Great Wei – what need was there for both literary and martial excellence? Tonight, just a casual complaint from her had made a county magistrate and his son, who ruled Liangzhou with absolute power, kowtow and apologize. This feeling of being protected was quite novel and quite nice.

Thinking about it now, He Yan felt rather envious of Cheng Lisu.

As for Song Taotao, it wouldn’t be possible to leave her alone in Liangzhou, and she couldn’t be without protection. Who knew if the Sun father and son would seek revenge? The best solution would be to send her back to her parents in Shuojing, with the Song family’s protection being ideal. But now that Song Taotao had run to Liangzhou to escape marriage, she might not willingly return to Shuojing, and besides, it wouldn’t be easy to find someone to escort her back.

So to protect Song Taotao’s safety, they could only temporarily keep her at Liangzhou Wei. Who knew what expression Cheng Lisu would have when he saw Song Taotao? Would these two fight? If they did fight, it wouldn’t matter – there was a ready-made training ground anyway.

He Yan didn’t even know what she was thinking about anymore. All those thoughts came together into one question: Who exactly was Song Taotao?

Why was this name so familiar, seeming to be on the tip of her tongue several times, yet she couldn’t quite remember?

Flying Servant, being a martial artist, made no sound while sleeping, very quiet. He Yan was already used to the thunderous snoring in Liangzhou Wei’s communal dormitory, and now couldn’t fall asleep. She turned over, wondering how her military service had led to her becoming someone’s nephew. It was truly incredible.

Military service… military service!

In the darkness, He Yan suddenly sat up.

She remembered who Song Taotao was.

The first time the former He Yan had a big fight with He Yuansheng and then joined the Fuyue army under cover of darkness, it was because of this Miss Song.