The Sun residence was located in the central-western part of Liang Prefecture. While close to the market district, it remained pleasantly distant from its bustle. The surrounding mansions were all grand and beautiful. Since Xiao Jue disliked riding in carriages, the two traveled on horseback. Fei Nu wasn’t with them, his whereabouts unknown. Unlike his usual behavior of either protecting Second Young Lady Song like Chi Wu or accompanying Xiao Jue to feasts, He Yan guessed he was probably running errands for Xiao Jue.

Without Fei Nu, only He Yan and Xiao Jue remained. Though Fei Nu was typically quiet, He Yan could at least exchange a few words with him. Being alone with Xiao Jue made He Yan inexplicably nervous. Fortunately, since they were traveling on horseback, conversation wasn’t necessary. After about the time it took to burn three incense sticks, they arrived at the Sun residence.

The servants at the Sun residence’s gate, having received instructions from Sun Xiangfu beforehand, warmly welcomed them: “You must be Supervisor Xiao? And this is Young Master Cheng? The master is already waiting in the front hall.” He took their horses and instructed another servant: “Yingyue, please escort Supervisor Xiao and Young Master Cheng inside.”

The maid named Yingyue was strikingly beautiful. Despite it being September with autumn evenings turning cool, she wore only thin gauze clothing – barely enough to be called dressed, yet not entirely exposed. He Yan nearly couldn’t resist the urge to offer her an outer garment. The men in their military camp often said that going shirtless in youth-led to aching legs and back in old age. What was the point?

Yingyue spoke, her voice as melodious as an oriole’s song, “Supervisor, please follow this servant.” As she spoke, her amorous eyes fixed on Xiao Jue’s, dripping with charm.

Even a fool like He Yan could understand that the maid had taken a liking to Xiao Jue. Well, there weren’t many girls like Song Taotao in this world. Most people were ordinary, and with Xiao Jue’s deceptively handsome face, countless girls fell for him. He Yan should have expected this.

However, despite the flower’s willingness, the young man’s heart was like iron. Xiao Jue didn’t even glance at the maid, instead turning to look at He Yan, coldly saying, “What are you daydreaming about?”

“Huh?” He Yan snapped back to attention, seeing that Xiao Jue had already started walking forward, and quickly followed. He thought to himself that this person truly was strange – ignoring such a beautiful girl only to pick on him instead.

The two followed the maid through the main gate of the Sun residence.

The Sun residence was exceptionally luxurious.

He Yan had seen the homes of capital officials before, and they were nothing special. Though the He family couldn’t compare to the Xiao family, they were still officials with a respectable name in Shuo Capital. Yet the Sun residence was comparable to the He family’s home. But this wasn’t Shuo Capital, this was Liang Prefecture, and Sun Xiangfu wasn’t a capital official, just a county magistrate.

The saying “Three years as a clean magistrate earns ten thousand silver” proved true. He Yan looked at the ornamental rocks, and the glazed tiles, and couldn’t help but marvel. How could a magistrate’s salary afford all this? Sun Xiangfu must have squeezed countless amounts from the common people. No wonder, looking at Sun Ling’s behavior, the Sun father and son had committed many evil deeds in Liang Prefecture, practically becoming local tyrants.

While lost in these thoughts, He Yan’s expression was being observed by the person beside him.

Xiao Jue’s eyes flickered slightly.

The youth wore Cheng Li’s clothes but lacked Cheng Li’s playful innocence. Though clothes make the man as saddles make the horse, a low-ranking new soldier pretending to be a young master from a wealthy family would inevitably show flaws. Past experiences and encounters leave clear marks on a person’s body, becoming distinct traces.

Everyone’s traces are different.

In He Yan’s eyes there was contemplation and pensiveness, but notably absent were timidity and nervousness. For someone supposedly doing this for the first time, going to such a place, such a reaction seemed implausible.

At this moment, Yingyue stopped and announced to those inside: “Master, Supervisor Xiao, and Young Master Cheng have arrived.”

Immediately, Sun Xiangfu’s exaggerated voice rang out: “Supervisor Xiao has arrived! This official was worried the Supervisor and young master wouldn’t come. It’s wonderful that you’re here, wonderful!”

He Yan looked up, seeing how this man’s trembling demeanor bore no resemblance to his imposing manner when they first met at the inn. To be an official reduced to this state – wasn’t he afraid of becoming a laughingstock?

Before Xiao Jue could speak, Sun Xiangfu turned aside, revealing the person behind him, and smiled: “Official Yuan has also arrived.”

So this was Yuan Baozhen? He Yan looked at him. He saw a middle-aged man with a pale, beardless face smiling cordially at them, instantly overlapping with the image in He Yan’s memory.

The first time she had seen Yuan Baozhen was outside the He family study, when He Rufei had already claimed his military achievements, removed his mask, and truly became the “Flying Swan General.” And she, as the young lady of the He family’s second branch, was waiting to marry into the Xu family. When she saw this man then, she was surprised, not expecting He Rufei to make friends in court so quickly.

She later asked He Rufei who that person was, and He Rufei said it was Yuan Baozhen, the current Imperial Censor.

“Are you planning something together?” He Yan had asked casually at the time.

He Rufei looked at her and smiled strangely, saying, “What you need to focus on now is embroidering your wedding clothes, not concerning yourself with these matters. He Yan,” he moved closer, his tone containing implications He Yan couldn’t understand, “remember, you’re now the young lady of the He family’s second branch, a woman.”

He Yan hadn’t thought much of it – she couldn’t embroider anyway, and she wasn’t the one working on the wedding clothes. But she understood the meaning behind He Rufei’s words. He Rufei was warning her not to associate herself with the Flying Swan General anymore.

Was he afraid the truth would be discovered? He Yan laughed coldly inside, remembering how foolish she had been then, not noticing the murderous intent hidden in He Rufei’s words.

Now suddenly seeing her cousin’s friend again, how should she obtain the information she wanted?

Before He Yan could think it through, Yuan Baozhen had already stepped forward, first cupping his hands in greeting to Xiao Jue: “Supervisor.” Then he looked at He Yan: “So this is Young Master Cheng?”

He Yan stared at him, displaying a surprised smile: “Official Yuan.”

“I’ve long heard that young Master Cheng is valiant and extraordinary for his age. Now seeing you in person, it’s truly as they say,” Yuan Baozhen smiled. “Indeed, heroes emerge from the young!”

He Yan: “…”

Wasn’t Cheng Li famous in the capital as the “useless young master”? How could this man say such things with a straight face? Understanding dawned – to be an official in Great Wei, one must first learn the ability to “speak human words to humans and ghost words to ghosts.”

He Yan could only reply: “You flatter me. I am humbled.”

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Sun Xiangfu wrung his hands and spoke anxiously: “Supervisor, I have a presumptuous request.”

Xiao Jue: “What is it?”

“Didn’t my unworthy son offend the Supervisor and young master some time ago?” Sun Xiangfu appeared very uneasy. “Although I’ve disciplined him, the child himself feels extremely guilty and wishes to apologize to the Supervisor and young master in person. I thought, since he knows his mistake, I would swallow my pride and ask the Supervisor to give this unfilial son a chance to apologize.”

“No one is perfect,” Yuan Baozhen chimed in from the side, smiling. “Besides, this was just a misunderstanding. Once cleared up, all will be well. The Supervisor won’t mind. Quick, call Young Master Sun over to clarify things with Supervisor Xiao.”

“Really?” Sun Xiangfu excitedly ordered his servant: “Quickly, call the young master here!”

Seeing how the two coordinated their performance without even consulting Xiao Jue, He Yan knew they must have planned this. This Yuan Baozhen was cut from the same cloth as Sun Xiangfu. Well, what else could be expected from someone who associated closely with He Rufei? How could they be good people?

Sun Ling seemed to have been waiting just outside the hall, for barely had the words been spoken when he entered with the maid. Upon entering, he immediately fell to his knees before Xiao Jue with a “thud,” nearly causing He Yan to bite his tongue.

This man who had previously been so domineering and arrogant now appeared significantly haggard after just a few days as if he had recovered from a serious illness. Dressed very simply, he performed a deep bow to Xiao Jue and spoke weakly: “I was thoughtless before when I quarreled with Young Master Cheng. Now I recognize my mistake and hope that Supervisor and Young Master Cheng can forgive my youthful impulsiveness. I will certainly start anew and never repeat such behavior.”

Is that how “youthful impulsiveness” should be used? He didn’t look particularly young either. He Yan didn’t believe this person could truly achieve “never repeating” in just a few days. She looked at Xiao Jue, who maintained an indifferent expression, neither accepting nor rejecting the apology. The atmosphere grew tense.

He Yan knew she had to smooth things over. Since they were all acting anyway, wouldn’t it be awkward at the feast if they didn’t play along? She smiled while staring at the top of Sun Ling’s head: “What are you saying? That day was merely a misunderstanding, Young Master Sun needn’t take it to heart. Just be careful not to mistake people’s identities in the future. This time you encountered my uncle and me, but if you had met someone more arbitrary and autocratic, even a hundred apologies wouldn’t have helped.”

As soon as he spoke, Sun Xiangfu breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly scolded Sun Ling: “Quickly thank Young Master Cheng. Young Master Cheng is even younger than you but far more accomplished!” Having nothing else to praise, he dryly added: “Learn from Young Master Cheng in the future!”

Sun Ling hastily showered He Yan with flattery until she felt like vomiting up yesterday’s meal. She disliked hearing such words – how could anyone be fooled by such obvious fakery?

After completing this act of “County Magistrate’s Son Seeking Forgiveness,” Sun Ling returned to his room. According to his father, after returning home last time, Sun Ling had been punished and fallen seriously ill, unable to leave his bed. Today he had forced himself to come apologize to Xiao Jue. Now that the apology was done, he needed to return to bed.

He Yan smiled: “Then Young Master Sun should hurry back, don’t risk harming your health further.”

They were worried he might cause more trouble at the feast, given that this son seemed to be a troublemaker.

After Sun Ling left, Sun Xiangfu said: “Supervisor Xiao, please be seated. Young Master Cheng, please sit as well. When it gets a bit darker, there will be singing and dancing performances, and then we’ll feast and enjoy the entertainment together.”

He Yan sat down next to Xiao Jue, and thereafter Sun Xiangfu did most of the talking. His conversation wasn’t particularly special, merely asking whether He Yan and Xiao Jue had adjusted to life in Liang Prefecture, about the recent weather… all meaningless small talk.

He Yan’s attention, however, remained fixed on Yuan Baozhen.

Yuan Baozhen and He Rufei must have been friends, right? She had seen Yuan Baozhen visiting the He family more than once. And his attitude toward He Yuansheng and his son didn’t seem like mere acquaintances. So did He Rufei know about Yuan Baozhen’s current visit to Liang Prefecture? He must have known. If they were good friends, they might have had a farewell gathering before the trip, so Yuan Baozhen should know about the current situation in the He family and He Rufei’s plans for the near future.

But how could Yuan Baozhen discuss such matters with her, supposedly “Cheng Li’su”?

Lost in thought, He Yan forgot to disguise her gaze. Yuan Baozhen was no ordinary person; with a glance from the corner of his eye, he noticed He Yan staring at him. However, he said nothing, continuing to smile and listen to Sun Xiangfu, occasionally adding a comment, appearing perfectly normal.

After some time, when it had grown completely dark, Sun Xiangfu stood up and smiled: “I think it’s about time. Let’s proceed to the main hall for the feast.”

Naturally, there were no objections. Sun Xiangfu led the way, with He Yan and Xiao Jue following, and Yuan Baozhen on her right. Still thinking about He Rufei, He Yan’s gaze couldn’t help but fall on Yuan Baozhen again.

While she was lost in thought, Yuan Baozhen suddenly turned his head. As a seasoned official, he was deeply calculating. No longer smiling, his eyes flashed with an intimidating gleam that truly frightened her, catching He Yan completely off guard.

He Yan’s heart jumped, realizing she’d been discovered. Before she could speak, she felt someone gently pull her arm, and the next moment, a person stood between them.

Xiao Jue’s cold voice reached her ears: “Watch where you’re going.”

She looked up in surprise. Xiao Jue was taller than her, and now Yuan Baozhen’s frightening gaze was completely blocked. Xiao Jue also looked at Yuan Baozhen, curving his lips slightly: “Why does Official Yuan keep staring at my nephew?”

Yuan Baozhen was startled for a moment, then smiled and said: “Not at all, the Supervisor must be mistaken.” He turned away, no longer looking at He Yan as if what had just happened was merely an insignificant joke.

Xiao Jue continued walking forward, and after a moment’s pause, He Yan followed. She felt something strange in her heart. That phrase “my nephew,” though referring to Cheng Li’su, was protecting her. This feeling of having someone above looking out for her was something she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Perhaps she had never experienced it at all.

When they reached the main hall, the feast was already set up, with low tables arranged around the room. He Yan sat down next to Xiao Jue. The space in the middle of the hall was presumably for the upcoming singing and dancing. He Yan didn’t understand why such feasts always required beautiful women performing for entertainment. True noble families would never stoop to such things.

But Sun Xiangfu wasn’t truly from a noble family.

Looking at the dishes on the table, He Yan couldn’t help but marvel at the Auspicious Dragon Pair, Buddha’s Hand Golden Rolls, Phoenix Tail Shark Fin, and Premium Sea Cucumber. Even third-rank officials’ families in the capital would serve similar dishes at their feasts. The Sun family was living quite comfortably.

She turned to look at Xiao Jue again. It had to be said that while Xiao Jue usually wore a cold expression, disapproving of this and that, at feasts he sat languidly, his coldness diminishing, revealing the natural casualness in his bearing. He Yan suddenly remembered that this person was truly a young master from the capital, who in his youth must have attended countless parties and feasts, every bit the young nobleman. Now at the feast, shadows of that young Master Xiao emerged.

“Why are you looking at me,” Young Master Xiao’s lips curved as he spoke softly to He Yan, “Be careful not to give yourself away.”

He Yan coughed lightly, “I was just struck by my uncle’s grace, momentarily distracted.”

She was always good at flattery, spouting nonsense with ease, and Xiao Jue couldn’t be bothered to respond. At that moment, Yuan Baozhen spoke up: “Supervisor Xiao and Young Master Cheng seem to have quite a close relationship.”

“We’re family, of course, we’re close,” Xiao Jue replied indifferently.

Yuan Baozhen was just looking for a conversation opener and naturally didn’t mind Xiao Jue’s attitude. He picked up his wine cup and smiled: “I’ve always wondered, Liang Prefecture is such a harsh place, and Supervisor Xiao would be much better off in Shuo Capital. Why come to guard Liang Prefecture?”

Hearing this, He Yan’s interest was piqued. She too was curious about this. Xiao Jue was now the Right Army Supervisor, commanding all the Southern Garrison troops. There was no need for him to bring recruits here. Initially, He Yan had thought he was demoted, but seeing how arrogant he was in front of Sun Xiangfu, that didn’t seem to be the case.

Xiao Jue glanced at Yuan Baozhen but didn’t answer his question. Instead, he smiled and asked: “What does Censor Yuan think?”

This person had just deflected the question back.

Yuan Baozhen was also a formidable person. His smile never wavering, he immediately employed the essential skill of all officials – speaking nonsense: “I think the Supervisor must be concerned about the difficulty of training new recruits. Other commanders might not handle it well, but the Supervisor has never feared hardship, so he volunteered to guard Liang Prefecture.”

After a while, Xiao Jue said: “Is that so?” He asked carelessly: “Does the Censor mean to say that my coming to Liang Prefecture is a good thing?”

“Of course.”

Xiao Jue glanced at him and smiled coldly: “I thought Censor Yuan had something else to say.”

“Oh?” Yuan Baozhen smiled and asked: “What does Supervisor Xiao mean?”

“When the end grows too large, it will break; when the tail grows too big, it cannot be controlled,” he spoke meaningfully. “Isn’t this why Official Yuan personally made the trip to Liang Prefecture?”

The atmosphere instantly froze. Sun Xiangfu didn’t dare say a word, keeping his head down. Yuan Baozhen’s smile almost faltered. He Yan turned to look at Xiao Jue, internally cheering him on.

All this mutual flattery was meaningless. They were all empty words, and by the end of the feast, nothing useful would come of it. Look how impressive Second Young Master Xiao was, silencing others with just one sentence.

The hidden complexities of this feast should indeed be laid bare on the table like this!

After a moment’s pause, Yuan Baozhen smiled and said: “Supervisor Xiao must be joking. I came to Liang Prefecture simply on orders to inspect.”

Xiao Jue remained noncommittal.

“How is the training of the recruits in your garrison?” Yuan Baozhen asked again. “Have you developed any skilled soldiers and strong formations?”

Xiao Jue looked at him with an ambiguous smile: “Is this also part of Censor Yuan’s inspection?”

Though Yuan Baozhen had heard of Xiao Jue’s reputation before and met him in passing, this was their first real conversation. Only now did he truly experience this young general’s indomitable nature. No wonder when it came to killing Zhao Nuo back then, no one could persuade him otherwise. Just sitting down to talk with this young master was mentally exhausting.

His usual maintained smile became difficult to hold for the first time, and he could only say: “I’m just showing my concern.”

“Censor Yuan’s concerns probably extend beyond the recruits in Liang Prefecture,” Xiao Jue said lazily. “Why not show equal concern for the Southern Garrison troops and the Nine Banner Camp?”

Yuan Baozhen couldn’t respond to this.

Sun Xiangfu looked back and forth between them. Both were figures he dared not offend, but he couldn’t let the feast continue with such sharp undertones. Nervously, he tried to smooth things over: “Well, both lords must be tired from talking. Why not pause and enjoy some singing and dancing? Have some food – this wine is grape spring wine, newly brewed. Everyone, please try it.” He then instructed the maid beside him, “Quickly, call Yingyue over.”

Soon after, several beautiful young women entered the hall. Leading them was the maid who had earlier escorted He Yan and the others. She had changed into new attire – a red dress embroidered with plum blossoms, with long flowing sleeves. With fresh makeup, she transformed from merely a charming beauty to a dazzling vision of loveliness. Yet, as before, she kept casting amorous glances at Xiao Jue.

How strange that with so many people present, including He Yan and even Official Yuan Baozhen, this girl focused solely on Xiao Jue. Wasn’t her target a bit too obvious? He Yan thought this while glancing at Xiao Jue, only to see his gaze cold as ice, completely unmoved.

He Yan felt that he looked at Fei Nu with more warmth than at this girl. Could there be something wrong with Xiao Jue, like perhaps he disliked women?

As she pondered this, Yingyue and the other serving girls had already gracefully bowed, saying: “We humbly present our performance.”

The zither player performed “Long Yearning.” The lingering melody paired with the beautiful maidens should have created a perfect scene. Among those present, He Yan was a girl, Xiao Jue had no interest in song and dance, and Yuan Baozhen’s thoughts had already wandered elsewhere after Xiao Jue’s earlier words. Perhaps only Sun Xiangfu himself truly appreciated it.

Sun Xiangfu himself seemed quite fond of this dancer, but Yingyue appeared to judge people solely by their appearance. Her long flowing sleeves always swept toward Xiao Jue’s direction. Her alluring glances could melt one’s bones, yet they were consistently aimed at Second Young Master Xiao.

Out of boredom, He Yan counted – Yingyue cast five flirtatious glances at Sun Xiangfu, three at Yuan Baozhen, seventeen at Xiao Jue, and none at herself.

She even ranked last – why the discrimination?

Attending a feast only to have one’s confidence crushed like this. He Yan thought it might not be Yingyue’s fault – after all, she wasn’t wearing the right clothes today. This color made her look dark.

She reached with her chopsticks and picked up a piece of pastry. This was Sun Xiangfu’s family feast; surely he wouldn’t dare to poison the food here. He Yan tasted it – not bad.

When the song ended, crystalline beads of sweat appeared on Yingyue’s forehead. A beauty’s perspiration made her even more enchantingly delicate. With flushed cheeks, she bowed to everyone.

“Excellent, excellent, excellent!” Only Sun Xiangfu had been watching the dance attentively. He clapped and said: “Marvelous! What do you all think?”

Xiao Jue naturally wouldn’t answer him, and Yuan Baozhen merely smiled. He Yan then said: “Truly unmatched among beauties, as fragrant as heaven’s flower!”

“Young Master Cheng also finds her pleasing?” Sun Xiangfu’s expression became excited as if finding a kindred spirit. “Then how about I give Yingyue to Young Master Cheng?”

This was possible? He Yan stiffened and waved her hands: “No, no, I already have a fiancée. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Ah.” Sun Xiangfu immediately looked regretful and said: “That’s truly a pity.”

Since when did officials at feasts casually offer to give away beautiful women? Was something wrong with them? Just as He Yan found this bewildering, she heard Sun Xiangfu laugh and say: “Yingyue, then go attend to Supervisor Xiao.”

He Yan: “…”

She suspected the Wanhua House must be run by this Magistrate Sun – how else could his tone and manner so closely resemble a brothel madam’s? Even a madam should be more perceptive; couldn’t ordinary people see that every inch of Xiao Jue’s being screamed rejection?

Some people’s eyes might be blind, but their hearts see clearly. Others might still see, but their minds are already blind.

Fortunately, Miss Yingyue knew her boundaries and didn’t do anything foolish like trying to touch or get too close. She simply stood beside Xiao Jue, serving him dishes.

A maid was also serving dishes beside He Yan. She looked up and saw Yuan Baozhen sitting diagonally across from her, but behind him stood not a maid but someone who looked like a guard.

Strange – could he be the one who disliked women?

He Yan looked at the guard behind him. What started as a casual glance suddenly froze her blood, leaving her rigid in place.

The guard wasn’t particularly tall; among guards, he could be considered small and thin. His features were utterly ordinary, and standing behind Yuan Baozhen, he almost melted into the shadows, making him easy to overlook. He remained silent, and He Yan hadn’t noticed him since first seeing Yuan Baozhen. But now, looking at him struck her like lightning.

In an instant, the feast and dishes before her vanished, scenes flashing backward like viewing passing horses, returning to that day. She sat in the Xu family mansion, her maid bringing her a bowl of medicinal soup, saying the kitchen had specially prepared it to strengthen her body, hoping she would soon conceive a son for the Xu family.

The scenery was beautiful, the sunshine bright. As she sat at the table looking out the window, she saw someone dressed as a servant pass by. The maid explained with a smile that this servant had delivered the herbs for today’s soup.

This was He Rufei’s servant, someone from the He family.

At that time, He Yan was newly married, and though occasionally disappointed by Xu Zhiheng, she hadn’t taken it to heart. Toward the He family, she still held some warmth. She never imagined that these “strengthening” herbs were meant to take her eyes.

That was the last time in her previous life that she saw sunlight. The next day, she developed a high fever, and after that, she lost her sight.

Though it was just a brief glimpse, she had replayed this person’s face countless times in her memory. Now, even though he was dressed as a guard following Yuan Baozhen, she recognized him instantly.

“Let’s all drink together,” Sun Xiangfu raised his cup and smiled.

The crystal-clear wine was poured into the white jade cup. She saw the man beside her raise the cup to his lips. In that instant, all the past events flooded back, and He Yan was struck with terror, feeling as if history was about to repeat itself. In her panic and anger, she struck Xiao Jue’s cup away with her palm.

“Don’t drink!”