The three of them left the North Courtyard. Xiao Qiao lagged slightly behind, while Wei Shao walked alongside his mother, Madam Zhu, at the front. When they reached the three-way intersection, Wei Shao paused, and Xiao Qiao caught up.

“You can return to your room. I’ll escort my mother back to her quarters,” he said without looking at Xiao Qiao, then headed towards the East Courtyard.

Xiao Qiao stood at the intersection, watching his retreating figure as he accompanied his mother. She then turned silently and returned to the West Courtyard.

“How did his house burn down so suddenly?” Madam Zhu began to complain as they walked. “This cousin of yours, I feel uncomfortable every time I see him! Now he’s moved back in, who knows how long he’ll stay!”

Wei Shao stared ahead with an expressionless face, offering no response.

Seeing her son’s apparent disinterest, Madam Zhu glanced back to ensure the servants were at a distance. She gritted her teeth and continued, “It’s not that I’m intolerant. But since he was young, those eyes of his have always unsettled me. He’s out to compete with you for the Wei family’s assets! I’ve seen how close you are to him, and I’ve always worried but couldn’t say it. Now I might as well warn you. You must be cautious; if something goes wrong one day, it’ll be too late for regrets!”

Wei Shao glanced at Madam Zhu but remained silent. Soon, they reached the entrance of the East Courtyard. He stopped and said, “I’ve escorted you here, Mother. I have matters to attend to outside, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait!” Madam Zhu, seeing her son’s apparent disregard, felt both frustrated and genuinely worried.

She harbored a secret from nearly thirty years ago, shortly after she married into the Wei family. Now, perhaps only she and Madam Xu knew this secret. She had kept it hidden for decades.

Given her personality, keeping it secret had been incredibly difficult. Whenever she considered telling her son, the memory of Madam Xu’s cold, one-eyed stare would send chills down her spine, forcing her to swallow her words.

Wei Shao stopped and turned to look at Madam Zhu.

Madam Zhu opened her mouth but ultimately swallowed her words again. She forced a smile and said, “It’s nothing. You may go. Don’t overwork yourself, and come back early. If you want to eat my cooking but don’t wish to come here, just send someone to let me know. I’ll have it prepared and sent to the West Courtyard.”

Wei Shao paused, then nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Mother. Please go inside.”

Madam Zhu acknowledged and entered, surrounded by her servants.

…

Wei Shao left the Wei residence and went directly to the government office. Gong Sun Yang, Li Dian, Wei Liang, and others were already waiting for him.

They had received news a few days ago that Yuan Zhe of Qing Province had sent an envoy, due to arrive today. Although they hadn’t met yet, it was presumed to be related to Xing Xun’s current battle at Si Shui. After discussion, Wei Liang was sent to welcome them outside the city. By noon, Yuan Dai, Yuan Zhe’s younger brother, and his entourage entered the city.

Wei Shao hosted a welcoming banquet at the government office.

Among the current warlords, if divided by region, there were only three known for their military might and fame: Wei Shao in the north, Le Zheng Gong in Han Zhong, and Yuan Zhe in Shandong in the central region.

To speak boldly, in the current struggle for power, barring any unforeseen circumstances, only these few could defeat Xing Xun, eliminate other warlords, and seize the Imperial Jade Seal.

The rest were merely supporting players.

Yuan Zhe, having built his power over generations, had long harbored ambitions to dominate the realm. When Xing Xun replaced the emperor with a young child months ago, Yuan Zhe felt the time was right. Unable to contain himself, he allied with Liu Kai of Guangping and others to attack Luoyang, hoping to swiftly conquer it and replace Xing Xun.

However, Xing Xun hadn’t reached his current position as “Father of the Nation” by chance. With his formidable strength, the two sides clashed at Si Shui, each experiencing victories and defeats. Now they were at a stalemate across the river, temporarily halting military action and engaging in a war of words, with proclamations flying everywhere.

Xing Xun, in the name of the Han Emperor, accused Yuan Zhe of open rebellion and called for all under heaven to join in attacking him. Yuan Zhe, in turn, accused Xing Xun of manipulating the emperor and attempting to usurp the throne, calling on other warlords to join him in defending the imperial cause. The two hurled insults back and forth with great vigor.

Amid this verbal battle, Yuan Zhe thought of Wei Shao and sent his brother Yuan Dai to Yu Yang. Speaking as an elder, he reminded Wei Shao of a past favor he had done for Wei Shao’s father, Wei Jing. Now that Wei Jing was gone, he was calling in this favor from the son. He requested Wei Shao’s aid in his fight against Xing Xun.

Years ago, when Yuan Zhe and Wei Jing were both serving as Palace Attendants in Luoyang, Wei Jing led a small group out of the capital. Passing through Zhongmou, they encountered a band of several dozen bandits. Yuan Zhe happened to be passing by, and together they defeated the bandits.

While this incident was true, Yuan Zhe was now using his seniority to make demands, and Yuan Dai adopted a similarly arrogant attitude, seemingly intent on establishing authority over Wei Shao, the young new hegemon of the north. Across from them, Wei Liang’s eyes flashed with anger. He stood up abruptly, kicking over his wine table with a loud crash, spilling food and drink on the ground. Wei Liang strode to Yuan Dai, pointing his sword at his nose, and shouted, “The debt of Zhongmou was repaid many times over by our late lord! Our lord is ill today, yet he hosts this banquet out of respect for the old friendship between our families. How dare you speak so presumptuously before our lord!”

Ding Qu, Yuan Zhe’s adopted son known for his ferocity, stood behind Yuan Dai. Seeing the situation, he quickly drew his sword and shouted, “Ding Qu is here! Who dares to be disrespectful?”

Wei Liang sneered. With a loud whistle, dozens of armed warriors poured in from the doorway, quickly surrounding Yuan Dai and Ding Qu. Their weapons gleamed, exuding a murderous aura.

Ten years ago, after the upheaval in the Wei family, Yuan Zhe had assumed they were finished and paid them no mind. A few years later, when he heard that Wei Shao had taken command of the army at just seventeen, he scoffed. But in just a few years, Wei Shao’s power had grown tremendously. He first swallowed Ji Province, and recently conquered Bing Province by defeating Chen Xiang, effectively unifying the north and gaining a reputation that threatened to surpass Yuan Zhe’s own. Only then did Yuan Zhe begin to worry, regretting not having eliminated Wei Shao while his power was still growing. This was one of the reasons why he was now so eager to defeat Xing Xun and take his place. With his plans obstructed, he came up with this scheme to use an old favor to pressure Wei Shao.

If Wei Shao complied and came to his aid, other warlords would naturally follow suit, legitimizing Yuan Zhe’s position as the alliance leader. If Wei Shao refused, the Wei family would be seen as Xing Xun’s allies and accused of ingratitude. This was why he had sent Yuan Dai.

Yuan Dai had originally intended to use his seniority to gain the upper hand over this young upstart, but he hadn’t expected Wei Liang to turn hostile at the very start of the banquet.

This was Wei Shao’s territory, and if he truly wanted to kill them, not even ten Ding Qus could save him. Terrified, Yuan Dai deeply regretted his actions and looked towards Wei Shao. Seeing him seated facing south, apparently detached from the situation, Yuan Dai hurriedly said, “Lord Wei, please be fair! I came on my brother’s orders to ally, merely conveying his words. If Yan Hou disagrees, I can relay your message back to him. Even in war, envoys are not harmed. How can the general threaten us with a sword? What principle is this?”

Wei Shao’s expression remained dark as he sat motionless.

Although there were at least twenty or thirty people in the hall, it was dead silent. Cold sweat slowly rolled down Yuan Dai’s forehead, but he dared not even raise his sleeve to wipe it, fearing that any movement might bring about his demise.

After a moment, Wei Shao waved his hand slightly. Only then did Wei Liang sheathe his sword. Amidst the sound of clashing armor, the soldiers withdrew. Others came in, quickly replacing the overturned table in front of Wei Liang. The rest of the attendees resumed their jovial conversation as if nothing had happened.

Yuan Dai’s heart was still pounding. He secretly glanced at Wei Shao, who sat in the center with an unchanging, calm expression. Slowly exhaling, Yuan Dai no longer dared to show any trace of arrogance.

Gong Sun Yang finally spoke leisurely, “Ambassador Yuan is unaware that although our lord seems to have numerous troops and generals, the garrisons in Ji Province and Bing Province are quite sparse. We are already stretched thin, struggling to make ends meet. We had hoped to borrow troops from Lord Yuan but couldn’t bring ourselves to ask. Now that the ambassador has come from afar and broached the subject, and given the old friendship between our families, our lord cannot refuse the responsibility to assist. Once we’ve gathered our forces, we will certainly send troops to aid you as soon as possible.”

Yuan Dai no longer dared to show any displeasure and kept nodding in gratitude.

Gong Sun Yang smiled and said, “The ambassador has come at an opportune time. In two days, we will hold the Great Deer Hunting Assembly of You Province. If the ambassador is free, he is welcome to observe.”

…

Yuan Dai and his party were sent to the guest house to rest, which we won’t elaborate on. In the evening, Wei Shao returned to the Wei residence and learned that Wei Yan had returned from Dai Prefecture in the afternoon and had been invited by Madam Xu to stay.

Wei Shao said nothing and went directly to the West Courtyard. There were only two or three maids in the courtyard, who bowed when they saw him return. Wei Shao went to the main room, hesitated slightly at the door, then pushed it open. Not seeing Xiao Qiao inside, he turned and asked. A maid replied, “The cat ran off earlier, and fearing it might get lost, the lady went to look for it herself. Spring and the others went too, leaving us to watch the house.”

Wei Shao frowned slightly. He stood at the bottom of the steps, hesitated for a moment, then strode out. Walking along the corridor towards the main gate of the North Courtyard, at a corner, he saw in the distance, by the courtyard wall near the crabapple branches, a slender figure in pale crimson – it was Xiao Qiao. Several maids and servants stood beside her, all looking up at the top of the flower wall.

The cat was perched high on the wall, and it was unclear how it had gotten up there, but now it seemed unable to get down.

The maids were chattering, some suggesting using a bamboo pole to reach it, others proposing to climb up with a ladder to fetch it.

Wei Shao was about to go over when his steps suddenly halted.

He saw Wei Yan coming out of the North Courtyard, heading towards the wall.

A servant near Xiao Qiao saw him first, ran up to him, and pointed at the cat on top of the flower wall, saying a few words. Wei Yan glanced at Xiao Qiao, then quickly walked over. Arriving at the base of the flower wall, he looked up at the top, stepped back a few paces, then ran forward two steps. Using the momentum, he leaped like a gecko, nimbly climbing the ten-foot wall in one move. He reached out to grab the cat, then jumped down from the wall top, landing steadily. His agile movements drew cheers from the maids and servants.

Wei Yan’s face showed a slight smile as he glanced at Xiao Qiao. He paused for a moment, then walked towards her with the cat in his arms.

Xiao Qiao hurried to meet him. As Wei Yan stretched out his hand to give her the cat, the animal, likely still frightened from earlier, suddenly lashed out with its claws. Caught off guard, Wei Yan’s hand was scratched, immediately leaving several long, bloody marks. The cat leaped from Wei Yan’s arms and jumped to the ground. The nearby maids and servants, fearing it would run off again, quickly chased after it in a flurry.

Although the cat was not yet fully grown, its extended claws were exceptionally sharp. A few days ago, seeing how docile it was, Xiao Qiao hadn’t thought to trim its claws. She hadn’t expected it to injure Wei Yan now. Seeing blood quickly seeping from the wounds on his hand, she felt guilty and hurriedly thanked him while apologizing.

“How is it? Should we call someone to bandage it?” she asked.

Wei Yan smiled and said, “It’s nothing, just a small wound. There’s no need to make a fuss.” He shook his hand as he spoke.

Xiao Qiao apologized again.

At this moment, Wei Shao suddenly appeared from behind, striding towards them.

Xiao Qiao also saw Wei Shao and noticed him stop beside her, his gaze falling on Wei Yan’s injured hand. She quickly recounted how Wei Yan had climbed up to catch the cat for her, apologetically adding, “It’s all my fault for not watching the cat properly, causing Uncle to injure his hand.”

Wei Shao smiled slightly, looking at Wei Yan. They locked eyes for a moment before Wei Shao said gently, “Thank you for your trouble, Elder Brother. I caught this cat for Man Man to keep her company. I’m sorry it scratched you. On Man Man’s behalf, I offer you our apologies.”

Wei Yan’s mood suddenly became uneasy.

If, just moments ago, his heart had been secretly rejoicing at this rare and precious chance to speak with Lady Qiao at close quarters and even receive her gratitude, now, with his brother’s appearance and the way he looked at him, using such an intimate nickname for his wife while apologizing to him, that quiet joy rapidly faded from his heart. It finally twisted into a tangled mess of slight bitterness and melancholy.

His mood became unsettled.

It was an acute intuition. Indescribable in words. But at this moment, he truly felt it.

His brother Wei Shao was somehow different from usual.

Wei Yan’s mind suddenly flashed back to the news of the house fire he had received upon returning earlier that day.

At that time, when he came back to see the charred remains, and that wall which had hidden his most unspeakable secret had fallen with the great fire, his first feeling was one of relief.

It was as if a fatal abscess had grown on his body, one he couldn’t remove himself. Now someone had cut it away for him.

He even felt grateful for this sudden, unexpected fire that he had been utterly unprepared for.

But at this moment, he suddenly felt that the fire seemed somewhat suspicious.

Wei Yan’s heart suddenly began to race. His palms quickly broke out in a cold sweat.

He stared at Wei Shao and, after a moment, finally smiled and said, “It’s a small matter. No need for such courtesy, Second Brother.”

Wei Shao smiled and nodded slightly to him, then turned to look at Xiao Qiao, saying softly, “Let’s go, we should return to our room.”

Xiao Qiao was bewildered.

Wei Shao would call her by her childhood name in their room, such as when they were intimately making love in bed.

But outside the bedroom, she had never heard him use her childhood name.

Yet now he had suddenly and inexplicably said it in front of Wei Yan.

This was strange enough, but the speed at which his attitude had changed also left her at a loss.

What had happened to make him suddenly transform into the image of a tender lover?

This version of Wei Shao not only failed to move her but instead left her feeling strangely unfamiliar with him.

It was even somewhat chilling.

Wei Shao shouldn’t be like this, not even during the times they were closest.

Xiao Qiao suppressed the unsettling feelings rising within her, meeting his gentle gaze with a faint smile before walking alongside him.

…

Wei Yan stood rooted in place, watching as Wei Shao and Xiao Qiao walked side by side, gradually fading from view until they disappeared.

All that remained was half a tree of begonia leaves gently swaying in the wind, producing a soft rustling sound.

Wei Yan slowly clenched his fist.

The scratches on the back of his hand, inflicted by a cat, suddenly felt as if they were stinging again.