Zhu Yu – Chapter 1: The Beautiful Butcher

Snow was falling in the twelfth lunar month as a large cauldron of boiling water sat in the courtyard. The snowflakes melted before they could even reach the pot, vaporized by the rising steam. The accumulated snow on the ground had been trampled into a muddy slush. Next to the cauldron, a wooden door panel was propped up on benches, with half a pig carcass laid out on top.

Fan Changyu brought her cleaver down with a swift chop, severing a hind leg from the pig. The makeshift table shuddered, sending bone fragments and bits of meat flying. The cleaver in her hand had a thick, broad back and was entirely black except for its gleaming snow-white edge, which looked frighteningly sharp at a glance. A skinning knife and a boning knife lay beside the chopping board, their dark iron bodies and bright white blades part of a set with her cleaver.

Today, the Chen family in town was slaughtering their New Year’s pig and had invited neighbors and clan relatives to join in the festivities. It was quite a lively affair. The guests huddled around the fire pit inside, stealing glances at Fan Changyu busying herself in the courtyard, and began to whisper among themselves:

“The Fan family just finished their mourning period. Why did the Chens invite that slip of a girl, Changyu, to butcher their pig?”

“The Chens are on good terms with Second Brother Fan’s family. They’re not so superstitious…” The speaker’s voice trailed off, perhaps remembering the Fan family’s tragic circumstances, and glanced outside.

Snowflakes drifted like cotton in the air. In the courtyard, the young woman wielding the cleaver wore a plain, slightly worn jacket and skirt. She was tall and slender, with her black hair pulled back, revealing half of her fair and delicate profile. Though she looked thin, she worked with remarkable efficiency.

When Second Brother Fan’s wife first arrived in Linan Town with her husband, she caught the eye of many admirers. Some jealous women even privately speculated that she must have come from a brothel, a testament to her striking beauty. Both of her daughters had inherited her good looks and were exceptionally attractive.

The younger one was only five and hadn’t yet grown into her looks, but if the elder daughter hadn’t been betrothed to the Song family’s son from a young age, suitors would likely have worn down the Fan family’s doorstep these past few years.

Someone sighed, “Second Brother Fan and his wife were killed by mountain bandits, leaving only two young girls behind. And Big Brother Fan is heartless, only thinking about seizing his brother’s property. Changyu and her sister have had it rough! We thought Changyu’s life would improve once Song Yan passed the provincial exams and she married into their family, but who knew that engagement would fall through too? That girl Changyu is tough though, following in her father’s footsteps as a butcher to support the family. She’s managed to keep the Fan household afloat. The Chen family hiring her to slaughter their pig is a way of looking after her business.”

Hearing these hidden stories, the crowd couldn’t help but sigh. However, one voice, barely above a whisper, added, “I heard that the Fan family’s elder daughter is cursed and caused her parents’ deaths. Even her younger sister was born sickly because of her bad luck. The Song family had their fortunes read and found out she was born under an ill-fated star, which is why they hurriedly broke off the engagement…”

The previous speaker scoffed, “Do you know where the Song family had those fortunes read?”

The sighs from the crowd grew louder. Everyone could see through the Song family’s intentions in breaking off the engagement at this time.

There was an old saying that when a man is promoted or strikes it rich, his wife dies. Song Yan had passed the provincial exams and was destined for an official career. How could he still marry a butcher’s daughter?

The chopping board in the courtyard was not far from the main house, forcing Fan Changyu to overhear the gossip about herself. However, her face betrayed no emotion. Her parents had passed away over a month ago, and she had long since come to terms with it.

Her story with Song Yan was nothing more than a tale of Qin Xianglian and Chen Shimei.

Years ago, when the Song family couldn’t even afford a coffin, Madam Song knelt in the street with Song Yan, kowtowing to passersby and begging for help to buy a thin coffin to bury her husband. Even with her forehead bloodied from kowtowing, no one had offered assistance. It was Fan Changyu’s parents who, unable to bear the sight, had helped buy a coffin for the burial.

Madam Song had been overwhelmed with gratitude and voluntarily proposed betrothing Song Yan to Fan Changyu, promising that once Song Yan achieved a high rank in the imperial examinations, he would marry her and give her a life of comfort.

Later, the two families became neighbors, and Fan Changyu’s parents often helped the widowed mother and her orphaned son. Madam Song was determined to have her son take the imperial examinations, but couldn’t afford the tuition fees. Before Song Yan was admitted to the county school, much of his tuition had been covered by Fan Changyu’s father.

Song Yan did prove to be talented. A few years ago, he had already passed the county-level examinations, and this autumn, he achieved the rank of Juren in the provincial exams. Many local gentry were now eager to curry favor with him, and even the county magistrate showed him preferential treatment, reportedly intending to take him as a son-in-law.

Madam Song’s attitude had become noticeably ambiguous. She seemed to feel that a butcher’s daughter was no longer a suitable match for her son, now a Juren.

Fan Changyu’s mother, sensing that Madam Song was no longer as amiable as before, feared they might be misunderstood as trying to cash in on past favors. She suggested calling off the engagement, but Madam Song vehemently refused, insisting that the Song family was not the kind to forget debts of gratitude.

After Fan Changyu’s parents died unexpectedly, rumors spread from an unknown source that she had a hard fate that had caused her parents’ deaths.

When Madam Song came to break off the engagement, she used this very excuse, claiming that she had consulted a fortune teller who determined that Fan Changyu and Song Yan’s birthdates were incompatible. If they were to marry, not only would it bring misfortune to Song Yan, but with Fan Changyu’s parents gone, the bad luck would extend to Madam Song herself.

Thus, Song Yan conveniently dissolved their engagement without a trace of the accusation of ingratitude. It was only Fan Changyu who became known as the ill-fated star that everyone avoided.

Fan Changyu pushed these thoughts aside and let out a heavy sigh. There was no use dwelling on such depressing matters.

After finishing butchering the pig, she collected her pay. Without even entering the main house, she bid farewell to the hosts. During the New Year season, everyone emphasized auspiciousness. Although the Chen family didn’t mind inviting her to slaughter their pig despite her family’s recent funeral, she was well aware of the situation.

The hosts didn’t insist on her staying and gave her a bucket of pig offal as she left.

This was an unwritten custom in the village. When someone was hired to slaughter a pig, besides the wages, they were also given a piece of pork. However, most of the time, pig offal was substituted instead.

Before heading home with the offal, Fan Changyu stopped by the pharmacy to pick up two prescriptions of medicine.

One was for her younger sister, and the other for the man she had rescued.

Yesterday, she had taken a job slaughtering a pig in the countryside. On her way back, she had found a bloodied man in the snow, who appeared to have fallen victim to mountain bandits.

Because her parents had also died at the hands of mountain bandits, Fan Changyu felt compassion and carried the man back with her.

To her surprise, none of the medical clinics in town dared to treat someone who was already half-dead. Unable to simply abandon him on the street, she had no choice but to try her luck. She brought him back home and asked a neighbor, a former veterinarian of fifteen years who had switched to carpentry, to try and treat him.

Fan Changyu wasn’t sure how effective the treatment had been, but at least the man was still breathing.

The prescription was also written by her neighbor.

After getting the medicine, Fan Changyu headed home.

The Fan family residence was located in a residential alley in the west of the town, where houses were crowded closely together.

The alley was dark and damp, with moss growing along the walls. The houses on both sides were old, their plaster walls mottled and wooden doors and windows old and decrepit, exuding a musty odor.

As if by some cruel twist of fate, just as Fan Changyu entered the alley, she ran into the Song mother and son.

Both were wearing newly tailored winter clothes made of fine fabric. Madam Song even wore gold earrings, her demeanor no longer meek and pitiful as before, but rather proud.

After Song Yan passed the provincial exams, local gentry and wealthy merchants sent silver and even houses as gifts. The Song family was now quite prosperous.

As the saying goes, “A man relies on his clothes as a horse relies on its saddle.” Song Yan wore a long raven-blue robe embroidered with bamboo leaf patterns, exuding a scholarly air. Gone was his former poverty-stricken look, replaced by the demeanor of a refined young gentleman.

Fan Changyu had just come from butchering at the Chen family’s house. She carried a leather bag containing her butcher’s knives on her back, and her patched old jacket was splattered with blood from the slaughter. In one hand, she held a package of medicine, and in the other, a wooden bucket of pig offal. She looked quite disheveled.

Madam Song discreetly moved aside, even taking out a handkerchief to fan in front of her nose. She was now wearing a gold ring on her hand as well.

They had truly become wealthy.

The alley was narrow, and neither the mother nor son spoke. Fan Changyu didn’t give them much attention either. She acted as if she hadn’t seen the pair and walked straight ahead with her bucket of offal. “Make way!” she called out.

As they brushed past each other, the bucket of pig offal accidentally grazed Song Yan’s new clothes, leaving a large wet stain of blood on the fabric.

Watching Fan Changyu’s retreating figure, Madam Song’s face turned green with anger. She lamented, “That careless girl! This is Hangzhou silk!”

Song Yan’s eyes betrayed no emotion as he said, “Mother, let it go.”

Madam Song’s face was full of frustration. “Fine, in a few days, we’ll be moving away from this poor neighborhood anyway!”

Meanwhile, as Fan Changyu approached her home, a five-year-old ball of snow darted out from the neighbor’s house at the sound of her arrival. “Sister, you’re back!” the child exclaimed.

The little snowball was delicately beautiful, utterly adorable. She opened her arms, wanting to hug Fan Changyu, her smile revealing a missing tooth.

Fan Changyu held her sister back by the collar. “Don’t touch me, my clothes are dirty.”

Little Chang Ning obediently stopped in her tracks. Seeing her elder sister carrying many things, she voluntarily took the medicine package.

She had a pair of almond-shaped eyes identical to Fan Changyu’s, though rounder at the corners due to her young age. Her cheeks were still chubby, making her look like a plump porcelain doll.

The neighbor’s wife came out upon hearing the commotion. Seeing Fan Changyu, she smiled and said, “Changyu’s back.”

The neighbors were an elderly couple. The husband’s surname was Zhao, and he was a carpenter who had to go out during the day to make furniture for people or set up a stall in the market to sell wicker and bamboo baskets, only returning home in the evening.

The two families were on very good terms. Whenever Fan Changyu had to go out, she would leave her younger sister with the neighbor’s wife, not wanting to leave the child alone at home.

Fan Changyu responded with a sound of acknowledgment and picked out a piece of pig liver strung together with palm leaves from the bucket of offal. She handed it over, saying, “Uncle likes this. You can stir-fry it as a dish to go with his wine.”

The neighbor’s wife accepted it without hesitation and then added, “The young man you brought back last night has woken up.”

Fan Changyu was surprised by this news. “I’ll go check on him in a bit,” she said.

With her parents gone and only herself and her younger sister left in the house, it wasn’t appropriate to have a strange man stay with them. After bringing the man to her neighbor’s uncle for treatment last night, she borrowed a room from the neighbors and temporarily settled him there.

Little Chang Ning looked up and said, “That big brother is so beautiful!”

Beautiful? Fan Changyu couldn’t help but laugh, patting her sister’s little topknot. “How can you describe a man as beautiful?”

However, when she found the man, his face had been covered in dried, blackened blood, making it almost impossible to discern his features. When she brought him back yesterday evening, it was already dusk, and in the rush to seek medical help, she hadn’t even thought about cleaning his face.

She truly didn’t know what he looked like.

Fan Changyu went back to her room to change out of her butchering clothes before heading next door.

Winter evenings always came particularly early. Before the hour of you had passed, the sky had already darkened.

When Fan Changyu entered the room, it was dim inside, and she could only see the outline of a figure on the bed.

The room was filled with a mixture of herbal medicine smell, the stench of blood, and sweat, creating an indescribable odor.

The weather was bitterly cold, and Uncle Zhao and Auntie Zhao, probably fearing the man wouldn’t make it through the night, had sealed the doors and windows tightly. They had even lit a charcoal brazier in the room, intensifying the smell in the heated air.

But Fan Changyu, who had been in pig pens when catching pigs, wasn’t particularly bothered by the smell. She only wrinkled her brow slightly as she entered, then went to the table to light an oil lamp.

A warm orange glow illuminated the small space. When Fan Changyu turned back towards the bed and saw the man’s face, she was slightly taken aback.

She now understood why Chang Ning had described him as beautiful.

Hello….Possible to translate CHASING DREAM….
Should be coming soon, I hope. Thank you

I was searching for it too

3.5/5: Good story, good translation overall. Enjoyed the battle scenes, a little confused by the court politics.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 2: The Fallen Man

The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over the dilapidated room. The man lay quietly, his face now clean of blood, pale yet handsome, strikingly good-looking.

He appeared quite young, with a slender but not frail build. Perhaps due to excessive blood loss, he had fallen asleep again. His long eyelashes rested on his eyelids, casting fan-shaped shadows in the lamplight. His nose was straight, and even in his unconscious state, his thin, chapped lips were tightly pressed together, suggesting a rather stubborn personality.

Such a face, paired with his battered body, resembled a pine tree with frost-broken branches yet still standing tall and proud, or a rough jade stone chiseled with countless holes but still wrapped in its stony skin. It evoked a sense of pity in onlookers.

Whether disturbed by the lamplight or from being stared at for too long, the man’s long lashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes.

His eyes were as black as ink, devoid of any emotion. The slightly upturned corners gave him a naturally aloof appearance.

Fan Changyu, not at all embarrassed at being caught staring, calmly asked, “You’re awake?”

The man didn’t respond.

Noticing his severely chapped lips and assuming his injuries were severe, making it difficult for him to speak, Fan Changyu asked, “Would you like some water?”

He nodded slowly and finally spoke: “Did you save me?”

His voice was as hoarse as gravel scraping against a broken gong, ill-fitting his face that resembled the clear moon and fresh snow.

Fan Changyu went to the table to pour him a cup of water and handed it over. “I saw you collapsed in the snowy wilderness and carried you back, but it was Uncle Zhao who truly pulled you back from the brink of death.”

She paused, then added, “You’re currently staying at his house. He used to be a physician.”

Although he was a veterinarian.

The man struggled to sit up. The hand that took the chipped earthenware cup was covered in various abrasions, with hardly a patch of uninjured skin visible. After a few sips of water, he covered his mouth and began to cough softly. His disheveled hair fell forward, revealing an even paler jawline.

Fan Changyu said, “Drink slowly. I can see you’re not from around here. Since I didn’t know your name or where you lived before, I didn’t report this to the authorities. Were you attacked by mountain bandits at Huchako?”

He stopped coughing and lowered his eyes, half of his face hidden in shadows beyond the candlelight’s reach. “My surname is Yan, with the single given name Zheng. There’s fighting in the north, and I fled here from Chongzhou.”

Linan Town was just a small town under Jizhou Prefecture. Fan Changyu, having never left Jizhou in her life, wasn’t very clear about the current political situation. However, the government had collected grain in autumn, presumably for the war effort.

Her eyelid twitched. A war refugee, alone – his family had likely met with misfortune.

She asked, “Do you have any family left?”

Hearing this, the man’s fingers gripping the earthenware cup turned white from the pressure. After a long silence, he hoarsely uttered a few words: “They’re all gone.”

Indeed, his family had perished.

Fan Changyu, having recently experienced the pain of losing both parents, understood his current state of mind. She pressed her lips together and said, “I’m sorry.”

The man said, “It’s nothing,” but somehow began coughing again as if blood had caught in his throat. His coughing grew more severe, and he couldn’t hold onto the cup, which shattered on the ground. It seemed as if he might cough up his very lungs.

Fan Changyu was momentarily at a loss but quickly reacted by calling for Madam Zhao and moving forward to pat his back and help him breathe.

He had many sword and knife wounds on his body, with bandages wrapped from his shoulder blades to his chest. To avoid constricting the wounds, he wore only a loose, large inner garment.

Now, with this heart-wrenching cough, his clothes loosened, revealing the bandaged torso. In the dim candlelight, his abdominal muscles were clearly defined beneath the bandages. But the violent coughing had reopened his wounds, and blood slowly seeped through the bandages.

Fan Changyu called out louder towards the outside, “Auntie, please hurry and ask Uncle Zhao to come back and take a look!”

Madam Zhao responded from outside and hurriedly left to find her husband.

The man continued coughing violently, his originally pale face now flushed red. Finally, he leaned over the bed and coughed up a mouthful of congested blood.

Fan Changyu was startled, fearing he might collapse to the floor. She quickly supported his shoulder, asking, “How are you feeling?”

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, and his neck and chest were soaked through. He looked as if he had been pulled from the water, with a strong smell of blood emanating from him. His disheveled hair fell messily across his forehead, presenting a wretched and tragic sight. “Better now, thank you,” he managed.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and leaned back against the bedpost, gasping for breath. His vulnerable neck exposed, he looked like a wild beast giving up its struggle in its dying moments.

His current condition certainly didn’t seem “better” as he claimed.

Fan Changyu looked at the man, instinctively recalling the moment she had first found him. In his semi-conscious state, he had forced his eyes open to look at her – like a dying wolf.

By the time Carpenter Zhao finally rushed back from outside, the man had already passed out from exhaustion, his breath as thin as a thread.

Fan Changyu sat at the doorway with a worried expression, like a farmer who had suffered a famine, pondering: if this man died, should she, as a good Samaritan, see things through to the end and buy him a thin coffin for burial, or simply dig a hole and bury him?

Feeling the few copper coins left in her pocket, she thought the latter option might be better. She and her younger sister still needed to eat, and digging a hole to bury him should be enough.

After a while, Carpenter Zhao emerged from the room with a grave expression. Without saying a word, he went to the main hall and poured himself a cup of cold tea.

Fan Changyu, assuming the man couldn’t be saved, said, “Uncle Zhao, don’t blame yourself. If he can’t be saved, it’s his fate. Once he passes, I’ll carry him up the mountain and find a place with good feng shui to bury him.”

Carpenter Zhao choked on his tea and coughed for a good while before catching his breath. “What nonsense are you talking about? He’s still very much alive!”

Fan Changyu was stunned and then scratched her head in embarrassment. “He was coughing up blood earlier, and you came out with such a serious face, I thought he wasn’t going to make it.”

Carpenter Zhao explained, “That young man has a strong constitution. Coughing up that congested blood saved his life. But that’s all – just saved his life. Whether he can fully recover in the future will depend on careful nursing and his luck.”

The implication was that he might become an invalid, unable to lift or carry anything.

He asked Fan Changyu, “Do you know where he’s from? Does he have any relatives?”

Fan Changyu recalled the man’s background and sat back down on the doorstep like a disaster-stricken farmer. “He said he fled from the north as a refugee. His family is all dead. He escaped here only to encounter mountain bandits. I’m afraid he has nowhere to go now.”

The elderly Zhao couple exchanged a glance, and opened their mouths, but remained silent.

Saving someone temporarily was one thing, but continuously caring for an invalid was another matter entirely. With such severe injuries, not only would medicine be expensive, but an extra bowl and pair of chopsticks meant another mouth to feed.

After a moment of silence, Carpenter Zhao asked her, “What do you think we should do?”

Fan Changyu picked up a stick and drew two circles on the ground before responding, “I already carried him back from the snowy wilderness. We can’t just turn him away now.”

Madam Zhao worried for her, “Your parents have passed away, and Ning is in poor health, always needing medicine. How will you manage with another idle person to care for?”

Fan Changyu also felt she had brought home a troublesome situation, but saw no other option. She said, “Let him recover from his injuries for now. When he’s better, we’ll see what plans he has for himself.”

Inside the room, the man who had just regained consciousness after Carpenter Zhao’s acupuncture treatment overheard this conversation. His ink-black eyes turned slightly towards the door.

In the darkening sky, heavy snow began to fall again. The warm glow from the candle inside the room seemed to make it less cold.

The young woman, wearing an old apricot-colored jacket, crouched on the doorstep. Her elbow rested on her knee, one hand supporting her snow-white cheek, the other holding a small stick, aimlessly poking and prodding the ground. Her delicate brows were slightly furrowed as if she had made a difficult decision.

The elderly couple sighed.

The man’s gaze lingered on the young woman’s face for a moment before he withdrew it, slowly closing his eyes and forcibly suppressing the urge to cough that rose in his throat.

That evening, after returning home and waiting for her younger sister to fall asleep, Fan Changyu retrieved a wooden box hidden in the rafters.

Opening the box revealed several stamped land deeds and a handful of copper coins.

The deeds were left by her parents after their passing, and the copper coins were Fan Changyu’s earnings from pig slaughtering.

Her family had once been quite well-off. Their current financial struggles stemmed from her father’s decision to invest a large sum of money in building a pigsty the previous year.

Her father had been a renowned butcher in town and felt it would be more cost-effective to raise his pigs rather than buying them from pig traders. He planned to set up a pigsty in the countryside and hire people to help raise the pigs. Unfortunately, before the pigsty could be built, both he and his wife met with an accident.

The funeral expenses nearly depleted all the family’s available funds. With no income, Fan Changyu had no choice but to take up pig slaughtering to make ends meet.

She had considered selling a few mu of land for emergency funds, but according to the current dynasty’s laws, upon the death of parents, daughters could not inherit family property without a written will from their parents. If the deceased had no sons, the property would go to the parents’ siblings.

As a daughter, Fan Changyu couldn’t transfer ownership of the house and land left by her parents, nor could she use them as collateral to exchange for silver.

Her uncle was a gambler who had accumulated a mountain of debt. He was eager to get his hands on their family’s property to pay off his gambling debts and would occasionally come to make trouble, trying to force her to hand over the house deed.

Fan Changyu refused, of course. Not only was the house where she had lived with her parents for over a decade, with every blade of grass and tree holding sentimental value but if they lost their shelter, where would she and her younger sister go? Would they end up on the streets?

Fearing that her young sister might be tricked into revealing information, Fan Changyu hadn’t even told her where the deeds were hidden.

She poured out the copper coins from the box and counted them – a total of 370 wen, all saved from her pig slaughtering work after deducting daily expenses.

Even if they hadn’t taken in that man, her family would soon be unable to make ends meet.

Relying on pig slaughtering for income wasn’t a long-term solution. Business was good during the twelfth lunar month when many families slaughtered pigs for the New Year, but after that, there was hardly any business. Fan Changyu calculated that she needed to reopen their family’s pork shop.

She did some mental accounting: in the twelfth lunar month, a live pig cost 15 wen per jin. Buying an 80-jin pig would cost 1 guan and 200 wen.

After slaughter, there would be about 60 jin of meat. If sold at the fresh meat price of 30 wen per jin, a single pig could net a profit of 600 wen.

If the pig’s head and offal were braised and sold as prepared dishes, the price would be even higher.

During the New Year period, every household needed to entertain guests, but ordinary families rarely had a complete set of seasonings and couldn’t prepare impressive dishes. Most would buy some prepared food from the streets, and braised meat was quite popular during this season.

The idea was good, but the difficulty lay in not having enough silver to buy even one pig at present.

Fan Changyu let out a soft sigh, put the copper coins into her sleeve pocket, and returned only the land deeds to the box, placing it back in the rafters.

She needed to find a way to gather enough money to buy a pig first.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 3: The Pig-Driving Girl

Early the next morning, Fan Changyu left Changningg with Madam Zhao and set out with over 300 wens and a silver hairpin in her pocket.

The hairpin was a gift from her parents for her coming-of-age ceremony, costing over two taels of silver.

By pawning this hairpin, she should be able to gather enough money to buy a pig.

She entered the pawnshop, but to her surprise, the shopkeeper examined her hairpin with squinted eyes for a long time before holding up three fingers: “300 wen.”

Fan Changyu almost choked on her breath. She widened her eyes, “This hairpin is pure silver. It’s only worth 300 wen?”

The shopkeeper said, “Though the hairpin is silver, it’s not heavy, and the style is outdated. I know your family is struggling, so how about this: Uncle will give you 500 wen. I can’t offer more.”

“One tael. I won’t pawn it for even one wen less.”

The shopkeeper placed the hairpin on the counter. “Then you’d better take it back.”

Fan Changyu had been counting on pawning this hairpin to buy a pig. She hadn’t expected this heartless shopkeeper to lowball her so much. Without further argument, she picked up the hairpin and headed for the door.

The shopkeeper hadn’t anticipated this girl to be so stubborn, refusing to haggle. He called out, “Hey… come back, come back. One tael it is. Consider it Uncle taking pity on you, losing money to take your hairpin. It’s early morning, and doing business with you will be my first transaction of the day…”

Leaving the pawnshop, Fan Changyu now had an additional tael of silver.

To inquire about the market price of braised meat, she first went to the street selling cooked food.

Today happened to be market day. Although it was still early, the market was already bustling. Many farmers from the countryside had brought their produce to sell and were using the money to buy New Year’s goods to take back home.

Fan Changyu took a round and found that the shops selling cooked meat mainly offered roast chicken and goose. The most popular braised pork items were pig head meat and pig ears, with pig offal being the least sold.

A plump aunt, seeing Fan Changyu examining the food displayed outside her shop, called out, “Young lady, would you like to buy some roast chicken?”

Fan Changyu asked, “How much is this pig head meat?”

The plump aunt said, “Young lady, you have a good eye! This pig head meat was just braised last night and simmered all night long. It’s very fragrant! Five wen for two liang. How much would you like?”

That meant fifty wen per jin, but often vendors would intentionally quote a higher price, leaving room for bargaining.

To test the vendor, Fan Changyu deliberately said, “That’s so expensive…”

The plump aunt immediately responded, “It’s the New Year season. What meat hasn’t gone up in price at the market? Mine is already the most affordable. Young lady, if you want to buy, I’ll give you two liang for nine wens.”

Fan Changyu guessed that this was probably the usual selling price, which worked out to about 45 wens per jin for braised pig head meat.

Using this method, she went on to inquire about the prices of braised pig ears and offal at different cooked meat shops. Braised pig ears were the most expensive at 60 when per jin, but a pig only has two ears, so it was a case of rarity increasing value.

In comparison, braised offal was much cheaper at 20 wens per jin.

Not many people ate pig offal to begin with. The wealthy didn’t like it, and the poor didn’t know how to prepare it properly, often resulting in an unpleasant smell.

Butcher shops didn’t even sell these parts. If one wanted to buy them, less than 10 wen could get you a large bucket.

With this information in mind, Fan Changyu left the cooked food street and entered the meat market. Further on was the tile market where livestock was traded.

The meat market was even busier than the cooked food street. Fan Changyu’s family had a well-located pork shop here. Now, all the other pork shops were open, their chopping boards and iron hooks full of pork, while only her family’s shop remained tightly closed, its doorway occupied by other small vendors.

Fan Changyu felt a pang in her heart as she looked at it. She stood there staring at her closed pork shop for a while, telling herself that she would reopen it soon.

She turned and headed to the tile market where livestock was traded, money in her pocket.

The tile market was much more chaotic, with pigs, sheep, cattle, and horses all being sold. One had to watch their step to avoid stepping in animal droppings, and the smell was quite unpleasant.

Most of the stall owners were middle-aged men wearing short jackets, with several pigs or sheep tethered nearby. They shouted in trade jargon when haggling, which outsiders could hardly understand.

Her appearance as a pretty young woman in this area drew attention.

Some livestock traders called out asking what she wanted to buy, but Fan Changyu ignored them all. She had come here with her father to buy pigs before and knew that buying from livestock traders rarely resulted in a good deal.

On market days, there were often farmers who had raised pigs and didn’t want to sell them cheaply to pig traders, so they brought them to the market themselves. Their prices were always cheaper than the livestock traders.

However, after looking around, Fan Changyu hadn’t found one she liked. Her father’s experience from slaughtering pigs for over a decade taught her to choose pigs with round rumps and short, thick tails. Such pigs had thick skin and fat, producing top-quality meat when slaughtered.

As Fan Changyu was about to look elsewhere, she spotted a thin, dark-skinned old man in the corner.

A fat, well-fed pig stood by the old man’s feet, with ropes around its front legs and neck, seemingly waiting to be sold. The pig was dirty, and as it was still early, there weren’t many buyers in the tile market yet, so almost no one had come to inquire about the price.

The old man looked eagerly at the passersby but didn’t dare to call out, appearing to be someone not good with words.

Fan Changyu approached and asked, “Uncle, how much are you selling this pig for?”

Finally, someone came to ask about the price. The old man seemed quite nervous and said, “We’re waiting to sell this pig for the New Year at home. The pig traders who came to the countryside offered 10 wen per jin. That’s why this old bag of bones brought the pig to town myself. Young lady, if you want to buy, 12 wen per jin will do.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected the pig traders to have pushed the price so low when buying pigs in the countryside. The pig traders she had passed earlier were asking 18 or 19 wen per jin for live pigs, and it took a lot of haggling to get them down to 15 wen.

The price the old man was offering was truly a windfall.

Fortunately, there weren’t many people in the tile market at this time, otherwise, the pig would have been bought long ago. Fan Changyu quickly said, “I’ll buy it!”

The tile market had a large scale specifically for weighing. When the pig was weighed, it turned out to be a full 90 jin. Fan Changyu gave the old man one tael of silver and 80 wen, then started driving the pig towards her home in the west of the city.

The meat market had already opened, and if she were to slaughter the pig now to sell, she would only catch the tail end of the market. Not only would there be few customers, but she would also have to sell at a discount.

It was better to go home and prepare thoroughly, then slaughter the pig tomorrow morning to bring for sale.

After leaving the tile market, Fan Changyu driving a pig down the street became quite a spectacle, attracting many glances.

Fortunately, Fan Changyu had thick skin. When acquaintances asked, she could confidently promote her business, saying this pig was to be slaughtered tomorrow and sold in her meat shop, inviting them to come and support her business.

By chance, she met a chef from a restaurant who used to buy meat from her father’s shop. When he heard that their pork shop would reopen tomorrow and saw how fat the pig was, he immediately ordered 20 jin on the spot, giving a deposit of 200 wen.

Fan Changyu returned home with a radiant face. The alley was narrow, and as she drove the pig with a bamboo stick, her calls and the pig’s grunts could be heard throughout the alley.

A snow-white gyrfalcon flew out from the direction of her house towards the sky. Fan Changyu looked up, somewhat puzzled.

In winter, when snow covered the countryside, it was common to see hawks and falcons stealing chickens and rabbits from farmers. But in town, where no one raised such animals, what was that falcon doing near her house?

The houses on both sides of this alley were cramped, built uniformly by the government years ago, with each household having two floors.

At this moment, in an attic room at the end of the alley, a man was half-sitting on a bed near the window, wearing a shabby gray jacket that couldn’t conceal his inherent nobility. At the foot of the bed, a thin, long piece of charcoal lay extinguished next to a brazier.

The man’s inner garment, placed beside the bed, had a corner torn off.

The window was half-open, letting in the cold wind that ruffled the man’s clothes and long hair.

That face, as clear as the moon and as pure as new snow, belonged to none other than the man Fan Changyu had rescued.

The noisy sounds from the alley made him turn to look outside. The pretty girl, with a smile in her eyes, was walking down the narrow alley where the ice and snow had melted. She wore the same apricot-colored short jacket he had seen last night like a warm light suddenly appearing in an old, quiet painting.

But what she was driving with a bamboo stick was… a pig?

The pig’s squeals once again confirmed its identity.

The man’s expression became somewhat peculiar.

He had seen well-educated ladies from noble families and spirited daughters of military households, but a girl driving a pig was indeed a first in his life.

The girl had now reached this area and was no longer visible from the window, but he could hear her younger sister’s excited exclamation as she came out to greet her, “Sister, where did such a big pig come from?”

The girl’s voice was filled with laughter and energy: “I bought it, of course!”

The noise outside increased as it seemed the aunt of this household had also come to help drive the pig.

The man stopped listening to the chaotic voices and closed his eyes to rest. He needed to recover from his injuries as quickly as possible.

Fan Changyu was oblivious to all this. After driving the pig into the side shed behind her house and closing it, she took the bucket of pig offal given to her yesterday when she slaughtered a pig for the Chen family, went to the well outside the alley to draw water, and washed it again.

Pork is freshest when slaughtered on the day, so the pig she brought back had to be kept for slaughter tomorrow morning. It was too late to make braised meat, so tonight she would first braise this bucket of pig offal, not to sell separately, but as a bonus for buying pork.

For every jin of fresh pork bought, she would give two liang of braised pig offal.

Fan Changyu toured the market today and saw many shops selling cooked food. The number of shops indicated high demand, but it also meant customers had many choices.

If she suddenly started selling cooked meat, people might not be willing to spend money to try her braised dishes, given the price.

Fan Changyu thought for a moment. The pig offal was cheap and perfect as a bonus to attract customers. People might not buy it if it costs money, but many would probably be happy to take it for free.

This way, when the shop reopened, it could attract people to buy pork and also promote her future braised meat business.

After tasting the free braised offal, people would know if her braising was good. Then when she started selling braised meat, those who liked it would naturally come back to buy.

After washing the pig offal, Fan Changyu returned home, rolled up her sleeves, and started a fire. She added water to the pot, found various spices, put them in a clean cloth bag along with ginger and garlic, and threw it all in to make the braising liquid.

Her family’s kitchen was well-equipped. Her mother had been particular about food, always meticulous, and when the family was well-off, it wasn’t difficult to stock these items.

Fan Changyu had learned many dishes from her mother, though she was only average at most. However, she was exceptionally good at braising, perhaps because she had loved gnawing on braised pig’s trotters since childhood.

When she took up the knife to cut the braised offal, her movements were bold and decisive due to her habit of slaughtering pigs and chopping bones. The cleaver came down heavily on the chopping board – the sight would have scared even thieves into fleeing.

An hour later, a rich aroma of braised meat wafted from the Fan family’s kitchen. The neighbors all sniffed the air in their homes, wondering whose house was stewing such fragrant meat.

The aroma drifted upwards, and since the Zhao and Fan houses were adjacent, the man in the attic room smelled it particularly strongly.

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes tightly.

His body was too weak. Since being injured, he hadn’t had a proper meal.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 4: She Appeared in His Dream

Fan Changyu used a bamboo sieve to scoop out the braised pork offal, which exuded a rich aroma. She drained the excess liquid. The blend of spices and meat fragrance was just right, and the color of the braised dishes was beautifully appetizing, far superior to those she had seen at the cooked food stalls earlier in the day.

Chang Ning eagerly peered over the stove, but looked disappointed when she realized it was all offal: “No pig ears…”

She loved eating pig ears.

Fan Changyu lightly poked the pork intestines and stomach with chopsticks. They were so tender that holes easily formed, indicating they were perfectly cooked and flavorful.

She said, “We’ll have intestine noodles tonight. I’ll braise pig ears tomorrow.”

Chang Ning’s eyes lit up again at this.

Taking advantage of the roaring fire on the stove, Fan Changyu scooped out the braising liquid, cleaned the pot, and started boiling water for five portions of noodles.

She instructed Chang Ning: “Go tell Madam Zhao’s family not to cook their late-night meal. We’ll all have intestine noodles together later.”

Chang Ning obediently agreed and ran next door to relay the message.

Cooking noodles didn’t take much time. Fan Changyu prepared seasonings in four large bowls and one small bowl in advance. To enhance the flavor, she added a spoonful of rendered lard to each. When she poured in the boiling noodle water, the lard and seasonings melted, instantly releasing a fragrant aroma.

Fan Changyu kept it simple. She drained the noodles into the bowls, topped them with a layer of soft, tender intestines cut into small pieces, and sprinkled some chopped green onions to finish.

If her mother were making noodles, she would have simmered a pot of rich broth to use instead of plain noodle water, making it even more flavorful.

She placed her younger sister’s bowl on the table for her to eat first, then carried the three large bowls of intestine noodles next door.

When steady yet light footsteps sounded on the wooden stairs connecting the loft to the ground floor, Xie Zheng opened his eyes.

A moment later, the woman’s voice came from outside the door: “Are you awake?”

Xie Zheng replied, “The door isn’t latched.”

His voice was still hoarse, but much better than yesterday.

Fan Changyu pushed the door open with her elbow, holding an oil lamp in one hand and a steaming bowl of noodle soup in the other. “I just heard from Madam Zhao that this morning, a large falcon swooped down from the sky and crashed through the window of the room downstairs, breaking it. How strange!”

Xie Zheng pressed his lips together, remaining silent.

He hadn’t expected his gyrfalcon to be so foolish, diving down recklessly at the sound of his whistle.

Fan Changyu glanced at his face, noticing that although still pale, his overall complexion was much better than yesterday.

She had grown accustomed to his taciturn nature and placed the oil lamp on the table, saying, “Fortunately, the bird didn’t hurt anyone. Uncle will have to repair the window downstairs when he has time. This loft you’re staying in may be a bit cramped, but it’s quiet.”

Xie Zheng finally gave a soft “Mm” in response.

Fan Changyu held out the bowl of noodles: “I made some noodles. Please make do with this.”

Xie Zheng had already caught the aroma. The unfamiliar topping on the noodles was the source of the meat fragrance that had wafted through the entire alley earlier.

The smell intensified his hunger. After drinking bitter medicine and plain porridge for several days, this bowl of noodles before him could be considered a delicacy.

He thanked her and accepted the bowl, immediately picking up some noodles with his chopsticks and eating.

The noodles were smooth, and the soup was rich. Though not made with high-quality flour, at that moment they tasted better than any noodles he had eaten before. The meat topping was soft, tender, and chewy, with a burst of flavor in every bite.

Despite priding himself on having tasted many delicacies, he couldn’t quite identify what this was.

Xie Zheng asked, “What is this?”

Fan Changyu, who was about to hurry back to eat her bowl of intestine noodles, answered, “Intestines.”

Xie Zheng’s hand paused mid-bite. Upon hearing the word “intestines,” he had an ominous feeling.

Seeing that he didn’t seem to understand what intestines were, Fan Changyu explained more directly: “It’s pork large intestine.”

His expression changed instantly.

Fan Changyu had seen people who disliked eating pork offal before, but this man’s earlier expression while eating didn’t suggest he found it unpalatable. Now that his face had turned so grim, she couldn’t understand the reason and asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he answered with some difficulty.

Xie Zheng discreetly took several deep breaths to suppress the feeling of nausea.

Fan Changyu was still thinking about her bowl of intestine noodles. If she didn’t return soon, they might become soggy. She said, “I’ll head back then. When you’re done, leave the bowl on the cabinet over there. Madam Zhao will come up to collect it later.”

The door closed softly, followed by the sound of her descending the stairs.

Xie Zheng looked at the bowl of noodles in his hand, his brow furrowed, unsure whether to continue eating.

He wasn’t pampered or spoiled. During difficult military campaigns in the past, he had eaten tree bark and grassroots, but he had never eaten animal intestines.

Pork intestines? Wasn’t that where pig excrement passed through?

Just thinking about it made it hard to swallow.

But considering his injuries, this bowl of noodles was the most nourishing food he had been given in the past two days.

After much internal struggle, Xie Zheng finally picked up the noodles again and stiffly brought them to his mouth.

Heaven bestows great responsibilities upon a man, first by hardening his will and tempering his body…

It was quite tasty.

That night, Xie Zheng, who rarely dreamed, had an unusual dream about the woman who had saved him. In the dream, she was cheerfully herding a pig. As they walked, she suddenly drew a large knife, cut open the pig’s belly, and pulled out a long intestine. Looking at him, she said, “This is the intestine. I’ll cook it for you.”

The pig’s squeals in the dream overlapped with those from outside, abruptly waking Xie Zheng. He realized he was lying in a cold sweat.

The pig’s squeals from next door continued. Xie Zheng glanced out the window; it was barely dawn.

However, there was already activity downstairs. It seemed the elderly couple had risen to help the young woman slaughter the pig.

Recalling the dream he had just had, Xie Zheng’s expression turned extremely unpleasant.

Herding pigs, slaughtering pigs, pork intestines… everything related to that woman seemed inseparable from pigs.

He pressed his brow bone and closed his eyes again, trying to block out the sharp, piercing squeals from outside.

Just a few more days of endurance, he thought. The gyrfalcon had already delivered his message. His old subordinates would soon find him, and it wouldn’t be long before he could leave this place.

He would leave a generous sum of money for the woman and the elderly couple as a token of gratitude.

In the backyard of the Fan family home, Fan Changyu had already tied the pig to the slaughter bench with thick ropes. She had inherited her father’s extraordinary strength; a pig that would normally require several men to hold down, she could restrain alone.

The slaughter bench in their home wasn’t made of wood, but a stone bench specially commissioned by her father.

Once the pig was tied down, it couldn’t move an inch no matter how much it struggled, eliminating the need to hold its tail.

She thrust a long, sharp bleeding knife directly into the pig’s neck, almost to the hilt. The pig’s sharp squeal instantly ceased, and blood flowed from the knife wound. The wooden basin beneath the stone bench collected a full tub of blood.

It was considered auspicious to kill a pig with a single stroke, and the more blood drained, the better.

Madam Zhao, who had come to help, saw the basin of pig’s blood and immediately smiled: “This basin of blood will be enough to eat for several days.”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond. She pulled out the bleeding knife, her expression unusually stern, with a few specks of blood on her face and sleeves.

Whenever she slaughtered a pig, she seemed to become a different person, with an aura that made others hesitant to approach her. It was likely the inherent fierceness of those who take life.

After draining the blood, Fan Changyu untied the ropes and dragged the pig to the edge of a large pot of boiling water. She scooped up the hot water to scald the pig’s hair before using a scraper to remove it.

Chang Ning peeked into the yard from the doorway. Madam Zhao said, “Ning, go play outside. Children shouldn’t watch these things, or you’ll have nightmares.”

Chang Ning whispered, “I’m not afraid,” but still shuffled away reluctantly.

After scraping off the pig’s hair, Fan Changyu rinsed it with water again. She did most of the work herself, barely letting Carpenter Zhao and Madam Zhao help. She lifted the pig and hung it on an iron hook attached to a pillar in the yard, then used a cleaver to split the pig in half.

One half remained hanging on the iron hook, while she carried the other half to a makeshift table made of a door panel supported by two stools to cut up the pork.

The elderly Zhao couple watched in amazement, muttering, “This girl takes after her father…”

After cutting up the pork, Fan Changyu was in a hurry to take it to the meat market on a handcart. She asked Carpenter Zhao to help deliver the twenty catties of meat ordered by Chef Li from Yixiang Lou yesterday.

After some thought, she also packed some braised offals for Chef Li. It wasn’t because she hoped to do business with him for braised meats in the future—he was a chef at a high-end restaurant, and she had no intention of showing off—but purely to thank him for his patronage.

When she arrived at the meat market, Fan Changyu was among the early arrivals. Only a few shops had opened, with butchers arranging the pork they would sell that day in front of their stores.

Some acquaintances saw her and were surprised: “Oh, Changyu, are you going to open your family’s pork shop too?”

Fan Changyu cheerfully confirmed.

She opened the large doors of her family’s shop, which had been closed for over a month. Everything inside was clean, with all items still in the places her father used to keep them, though covered with a thin layer of dust.

Thinking of her father, Fan Changyu felt a pang in her heart, but knowing this wasn’t the time for grief, she quickly composed herself. She fetched water to wipe down the entire shop inside and out, then began arranging the freshly slaughtered pork on the chopping board. She also displayed the offal she had braised the night before.

It wasn’t until the sixth period of the Chen hour (around 8-9 AM) that a few people started trickling into the market to buy groceries.

Fan Changyu’s meat shop was in a good location. Unlike the other shops manned by burly men or mature women, she was a young woman, which made some of the shopping aunties feel she might be easier to bargain with. As they passed by, they would ask how much the meat cost.

Fan Changyu smiled and told them the price, adding that since the shop was reopening today, they would get one tael of braised offal free with every catty of pork purchased, as a gesture of celebration.

Hearing that they could get free braised meat with their fresh pork purchase, the aunties were tempted. Most ended up buying some pork from Fan Changyu.

As soon as the market opened, she had already made several sales, while only Fan Changyu’s shop was open among the nearby pork vendors.

The butcher from the shop across the street watched enviously and shouted, “Fan’s second daughter, you can’t do business by breaking the rules! All the meat sellers in this market have the same price. What do you mean by giving away free stuff with meat purchases?”

Fan Changyu knew this man had never gotten along with her father. Unintimidated, she replied eloquently, “Uncle Guo, you’re wrongly accusing me. Isn’t the price of meat in my shop the same as everyone else’s? How have I broken any rules? The gift is because our shop is reopening today, for good luck. Which trade rule says that’s not allowed? Uncle Guo, could it be that you think I’m easy to bully now that I’m an orphan girl without parents?”

Unable to argue with Fan Changyu, the man’s yellow face turned red with frustration: “Such a sharp tongue! I can’t out-talk you!”

A friendly butcher nearby came to her defense: “Come on, Old Guo. Changyu is only selling one pig today. Why are you nitpicking with a youngster?”

Not wanting to be labeled as someone who bullies the young, Butcher Guo barked, “Fine, you can give away your freebies today, but don’t do it again tomorrow!”

Fan Changyu had only planned to offer the free items for one day anyway, as she intended to sell the braised meats tomorrow. She replied, “Of course.”

Butcher Guo finally let it go.

Waiting for people to come and ask about prices meant the meat sold slowly. Although Butcher Guo across the street looked like he was about to burst with anger, those who might have considered asking about prices at his shop were deterred by his fierce expression.

With the free items only available for one day, Fan Changyu decided she needed to spread the word as much as possible.

As the market became busier with people coming and going, she made a quick decision and started calling out, “Pork for sale! Get one tael of braised offal free with every catty of pork purchased!”

This call was very effective, immediately drawing a crowd of people asking about pork prices.

Fan Changyu haggled with customers while skillfully chopping meat, occasionally putting on a pained expression as she lowered the price by a few coins. Before the morning market was half over, almost all the pork in her shop had been eagerly bought up, with even better results than she had anticipated.

Across the street, Butcher Guo’s face had soured to the point where it rivaled the stench of his outhouse.

Fan Changyu ignored him, tidied up her meat shop, tucked her knives into a satchel on her back, closed the shop door, and set off for the pig market to buy two more pigs, her money pouch bulging.

As she passed by Butcher Guo’s shop, he growled menacingly, “If you give away any more freebies tomorrow, don’t accuse me of bullying an orphan girl!”

Fan Changyu let out a cold snort from her nostrils, ignoring him.

Tomorrow she wouldn’t be giving anything away—she’d be selling it!

Walking down the street, Fan Changyu did a rough calculation. This 90-catty pig, minus the head and offal, yielded about 70 catties of meat. Selling it all at fresh meat prices, today’s gross profit came to over two strings of cash.

The pig’s head and offal, once braised and sold tomorrow, would bring in even more income!

After deducting the cost of buying the pig, she had netted over one string of cash from this single pig!

Feeling the weight of the money pouch against her body, Fan Changyu’s steps became lighter, and the earlier unpleasantness with Butcher Guo was completely forgotten.

But just as she left the meat market and before entering the pig market, she heard someone urgently calling her name from behind: “Changyu! Changyu!”

Fan Changyu turned to look and saw it was Carpenter Zhao, running towards her with a look of anxiety on his face.

Fan Changyu quickly asked, “What’s happened, Uncle Zhao?”

Carpenter Zhao, out of breath, gasped: “You need to go home quickly and see! Your uncle brought people from the gambling den and broke down your door. They’re ransacking the place looking for the property deed. My old bones and your aunt’s couldn’t stop them!”

poor girl cant catch a break 😞

I want to fight the uncle 😤😤

THAT UNCLE OF HERS NEEDS TO STAY THE HELL OUT!!!! GIVE HER A BREAK YOU OLD MAN!!!!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 5: She’s Quite Fierce

The north wind carried fine snow, biting cold to the bone. Pedestrians on the street hunched their necks and tucked their hands into their sleeves. Fan Changyu strode through the wind and snow, carrying a black iron cleaver, the veins on the back of her hand bulging.

At the entrance of Minjie Alley in the west of the city, a crowd had gathered to watch the commotion. Curses, sounds of smashing, admonitions, and children’s cries all mingled together.

Someone with sharp eyes spotted Fan Changyu and called out, “Changyu is back!”

Seeing the cleaver in her hand, they couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath.

“Is Changyu going to use that knife on her uncle?”

“Well, Fan Da is being unreasonable. The bodies of Fan Er and his wife are barely cold, and he’s already thinking of using the orphan girl’s property to pay off his gambling debts. He’s not afraid Fan Er and his wife will haunt his dreams…”

“Those gambling den people are no pushovers. Even with a knife, a girl like Changyu might not be able to drive them away…”

The area in front of the Fan family home was already a mess. Smashed bottles and jars, overturned tables and chairs stretched from the doorway into the house. Several burly men were still inside, smashing objects and searching for something. Even the bedding had been thrown onto the floor.

Chang Ning was crying hysterically in Madam Zhao’s arms. Madam Zhao’s eyes were also red from crying, and she could only call out futilely, “Stop smashing! Please stop!”

But no one was listening to her.

Fan Da was bowing and scraping next to a man who looked like a manager from the gambling den. Covering one of his hands, he said with a forced smile, “Master Jin, as long as we get the property deed, I’ll go to the government office to transfer ownership. This house will be mine, and I’ll have money to pay off the gambling debt. I’ll have money to pay.”

The man called Master Jin didn’t even give Fan Da a proper look, snorting, “If we don’t find the property deed today, I’ll chop off this hand of yours first and take it back as a down payment.”

Fan Da clutched his hand even tighter, “We’ll find it, we’ll find it…”

A furious shout that made people’s eardrums ache came from the doorway: “All of you, stop right now!”

The voice was so penetrating that it successfully drew the attention of everyone in the room to the door.

The young woman stood there, covered in wind-blown snow, her eyes as cold as the gleaming edge of the cleaver in her hand. Even the doorframe, letting in a sliver of daylight, seemed to become lower.

The moment Chang Ning saw Fan Changyu, her face crumpled and she cried out, “Sister…”

When Fan Da saw Fan Changyu, his eyes darted around evasively. He hunched his shoulders, standing next to the gambling den manager without daring to make a sound.

Master Jin from the gambling den glanced at the butcher’s knife in Fan Changyu’s hand and laughed dismissively, “Oh, it’s the Fan family’s eldest daughter.”

Fan Changyu coldly surveyed the mess in the room, her face tightly drawn: “Take your people and get out!”

Master Jin raised an eyebrow, seemingly finding her, an orphaned girl, too arrogant. “The gambling den always follows the rules. Fan Da said this house is his. We’re just here to take the property deed to cover his gambling debt. Your family’s private matters are none of our business.”

Fan Changyu’s gaze, sharp as a dagger, pierced Fan Da: “This house is yours?”

Fan Da, feeling guilty, didn’t dare look at Fan Changyu. He tried to appeal to her emotions: “Niece, your uncle is also forced by circumstances. I owe the gambling den money, and if I don’t pay today, I’ll lose a hand. Your father and mother are gone, and you and Ning have no brothers. When you get married in the future, if you don’t want to be bullied by your in-laws, you’ll need your mother’s family to back you up. Just help your uncle this once, bring out the property deed to pay off my debt. From now on, I’ll treat you and Ning like my own daughters. Your cousin will be like your own brother, and when you get married, you’ll have support from your mother’s family…”

Fan Changyu wasn’t buying his nonsense. She laughed coldly, “If you want to use a house to pay off gambling debts, use your own house. Using our house to pay your debts, what kind of logic is that? Your gambling addict son is just like you. In the future, if he’s not chased down and has his hands chopped off, it’ll be a miracle. And you expect me to rely on him?”

Fan Da, thoroughly embarrassed, pointed at Fan Changyu and said, “How can you be so vicious? Cursing your cousin like that? Your cousin is about to get engaged. If we give up this house, how will he be able to marry? You and Ning are just girls who will eventually marry out. What do you need this house for?”

Fan Changyu laughed in extreme anger: “What I do with what my parents left for me and Ning is none of your business.”

Seeing that Fan Changyu was determined not to hand over the property deed, Fan Da stopped playing the family card and revealed his true colors: “Fan Er didn’t have a son. Now that he’s dead, even if we take this to the government office, his property and land will be mine. What are you, a girl who’s going to marry out, fighting for? To take it to your future husband’s family?”

“Could it be that you’ve brought death to your parents, and then had your engagement to the Song family broken off? Afraid that with the reputation of being a bringer of misfortune, you won’t be able to marry well, so you want to keep the family property as your dowry? Your sickly little sister probably won’t live much longer under your unlucky influence, right? Who would dare marry a harbinger of death like you?”

No one saw clearly how Fan Changyu moved. By the time they realized, the butcher’s knife in her hand had been thrown, almost grazing Fan Da’s ear before embedding itself deeply into the wall behind him. A few strands of his cut hair floated to the ground.

Fan Da was so frightened his face turned pale. His legs shook like sieves, and though his mouth was open, he couldn’t make a sound.

Inside the house, Master Jin from the gambling den and the thugs he had brought were originally just watching the show. Seeing this scene, they seemed to realize that the young woman before them was a fierce one, and their expressions became more serious.

Fan Changyu raised her eyes, staring hard at Fan Da: “The property my parents left behind is for Chang Ning’s medical treatment and medicine. You’d better take these gambling den people and leave right now, or else… The gambling den only wants one of your hands, but I’ll chop up your entire family before I go to see my parents!”

“You!” Fan Da shuddered violently. He was unnerved by Fan Changyu’s gaze and didn’t dare to look at her directly. Stammering, he said, “Then… then let’s go to the government office to settle this. Let’s see if the officials will give this property to you or me!”

He then put on a smile and bowed to the gambling den manager who was sitting authoritatively in a chair, “Master Jin, can you… can you give me two more days?”

The gambling den manager snorted coldly: “Huixian Gambling Den has never set such a precedent for debt collection. If word gets out, people might think our gambling den is short-handed and can’t collect debts!”

He gave Fan Da a cold look: “Or would you prefer to use your right hand to pay off the debt?”

Fan Da broke out in a cold sweat instantly, repeatedly saying, “No, no, but this girl…”

He glanced at Fan Changyu, still feeling intimidated.

The gambling den manager just laughed coldly: “If you’re sure it’s yours, the brothers I brought can just find it directly.”

Rather than taking Fan Da’s hand, he naturally preferred a house that could be exchanged for money. Master Jin said to the gambling den thugs, “What are you standing around for? Keep looking for the property deed!”

The group of thugs resumed ransacking the place and smashing things.

Fan Changyu gritted her teeth, her fists clenched so tight they creaked.

Master Jin smiled, “Miss Fan, please don’t blame us. This is just how the gambling den operates.”

Madam Zhao watched this scene with her heart burning with anxiety. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she hurried outside.

She didn’t go far, just pushing through the crowd of onlookers at the door to knock on the Song family’s door: “Song Yan, Fan Da has brought people from the gambling den to snatch Changyu’s property deed. You’re a scholar of the classics, and Fan Er and his wife treated you well. Can’t you come out and say something for Changyu? You’re a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, surely the gambling den will give you some face!”

All the neighbors in the alley knew that something was wrong with the Fan family, but only the Song family’s door remained tightly shut. No matter how loudly Madam Zhao knocked, there was no response from inside.

Finally, Madam Zhao couldn’t help but cry and curse: “Song Yan, did you study those books for nothing? When your father died, you were so poor you couldn’t even afford a coffin. Have you forgotten who bought the coffin and buried your father? Aren’t you afraid your father’s bones are being crushed by that coffin in the ground?”

Madam Zhao’s shrill and sorrowful curses could be heard throughout the alley.

Just on the other side of the door, Song’s mother was shaking with anger: “That foul-mouthed shrew! You’ve already broken off the engagement with that Fan girl. Their family’s mess has nothing to do with you. I must go out and scold that shrew!”

The person who had been bent over reading finally spoke up: “Mother.”

Song’s mother stopped in her tracks: “Never mind, never mind. That old hag just wants to drag our family into this. If I go out, I’ll be falling for her trap! Yan, don’t go out either. You’re a man aiming for an official career. Don’t get involved with that family again.”

In the loft of the Zhao family’s house, which shared a wall with the Fan family, Xie Zheng naturally heard the commotion next door and Madam Zhao’s crying and cursing.

It seemed there were many people causing trouble, while that young woman was alone, and the elderly couple couldn’t offer much help.

Outside the window, the gray sky had cleared in the afternoon. The frost on the eaves melted under the sun, reflecting a pale golden light that held no warmth.

Xie Zheng’s face, illuminated by the sunlight, was equally devoid of warmth. His lips were pressed down as if his mood was thoroughly foul.

Those scum were giving him a headache.

His pale hand still scabbed with blood, gripped a pair of crutches placed by his bedside. He struggled to get up. The crutches had been made for him by Carpenter Zhao just that day.

His wounds hadn’t healed yet, and the sudden movement caused the bandaged injuries to slowly seep blood again. But he paid no attention to this, steadying himself on the crutches and taking each step with great stability.

If he didn’t deal with those troublemakers next door today, he feared he wouldn’t be able to rest in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Fan family home had been turned upside down by the gambling den’s thugs. They even used wooden sticks to tap on each floor tile.

Chang Ning cowered behind Fan Changyu, crying hoarsely. Fan Changyu had one hand protecting her younger sister, her face half-lowered so that her expression at this moment was unclear.

One of the thugs was searching the table where Fan Changyu’s parents’ memorial tablets were placed. He knocked the tablets to the ground and was about to step on them to see if there was a hidden compartment inside when suddenly his collar was grabbed from behind. A tremendous force then threw him violently out the door. When his head hit the threshold, the big man was still in a daze.

Everyone else in the room was stunned too.

Fan Changyu was now standing where the thug had been, silently looking at her parents’ memorial tablets on the ground. A cold draft blew through the hall, lifting the loose strands of hair at her temples. Blood dripped from her palm.

It was from where her fingernails had pierced her skin earlier as she restrained herself.

“I’ll give you one more chance. Leave or not?”

Her voice was unexpectedly calm, but somehow it made people’s hair stand on end.

The gambling den people looked at each other, while Fan Da had already quietly retreated to the doorway on his shaky legs. The knife Fan Changyu had thrown earlier had frightened him.

Master Jin had been collecting debts for many years, but this was the first time he had been so disrespected. With so many people watching outside, if he couldn’t collect the debt and return today, it would be a loss of face for the entire gambling den.

He stood up and kicked one of the thugs standing next to him: “Are you dead or what? Keep smashing! I’ve been collecting debts in Linan Town for so many years, am I going to be afraid of a little girl?”

The group of thugs tried to reassure themselves the same way, but looking at their companion still lying at the door, they couldn’t help but feel a bit scared.

This girl had incredible strength. It was truly uncanny.

The group exchanged glances and then rushed forward together. Fan Changyu didn’t even raise her head. She flicked up the wooden stick the thug had dropped earlier with her toe, gripped it, and swung it in a wide arc. Several thugs were hit in the abdomen and immediately folded over, flying backward. Some even spat out their stomach contents.

Fan Changyu didn’t give them time to react. The long stick in her hand moved like the wind, sweeping, jabbing, chopping, slashing… It was less like she was using a staff technique and more like she was wielding a long-handled knife without a blade.

The gambling den thugs were beaten one by one, crying out for their parents as they were thrown out of the Fan family’s front door like broken sandbags. The spectators gasped in waves.

When Fan Da saw Fan Changyu use this set of knife techniques, his face turned deathly pale. He shrank into a corner like a quail.

Master Jin saw the situation was unfavorable and tried to run, but before he could get out the front door, a black iron cleaver flew from behind, embedding itself firmly in the door frame just in front of him, nearly slicing off his nose.

Master Jin swallowed hard, “Miss Fan, it’s a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding…”

From outside the crowd came a commotion, “The constables are here! Make way, make way!”

The group of people who were usually up to no good all breathed a collective sigh of relief at hearing the constables had arrived.

Carpenter Zhao, leading the constables, arrived sweating profusely: “In broad daylight, bullying an orphan girl, do you have any…”

Seeing the gambling den thugs lying on the ground outside the Fan family’s door and Master Jin trapped at the doorway by a cleaver, the words “sense of law” got stuck in Carpenter Zhao’s throat.

Xie Zheng, who had just come down from the Zhao family’s loft on his crutches, saw this scene and also showed a hint of surprise on his face.

He had thought earlier that the young woman’s breathing was steady and long, no worse than a trained fighter. He didn’t expect she was one.

The onlookers were all watching the excitement, and no one noticed Xie Zheng. Seeing that the trouble had been resolved, he glanced at his clothes, which had been stained red by blood seeping from his wounds. With an expressionless face, he turned back, though his forehead was covered in a fine sheen of cold sweat.

A blue-robed scholar who had just opened the door and stepped out of the Song family house saw the constables outside. He glanced at the Fan family with an indescribable expression, then retreated and closed the door again.

Inside the house, Fan Changyu suppressed the fierce aura that had been forced out of her in her great anger. She knelt silently to pick up her parents’ memorial tablets that had fallen to the ground.

The blood on her hands stained the tablets, so she used her sleeve to wipe them clean.

This set of long-handled knife techniques had all been taught by her father, but he had never allowed her to use them in front of others.

Her father had said that they should only be used when necessary when there was a threat to life. Otherwise, it could bring trouble.

She had broken that rule today, not because her life was in danger, but for her parents’ memorial tablets.

Fan Changyu hugged the tablets and closed her red-rimmed eyes.

“Father, don’t blame Changyu—”

With the arrival of the constables, the situation became significantly more manageable.

Fan Changyu had injured several individuals at the gambling den, but those individuals had first invaded her home and damaged her property. The constables reprimanded the troublemakers from the gambling house, instructing Master Jin to compensate for the damages to Fan Changyu’s home, without requiring her to cover the medical expenses of the injured gamblers.

Fan Da loudly insisted that the house belonged to him by law. However, a constable shot him a sideways glance and replied, “This matter is straightforward. If you want to claim the house, write a petition and submit it to the magistrate. Let him decide.”

Immediately, Fan Da fell silent.

The gamblers, resembling a row of gourds, helped each other out of the Fan household, and Fan Da left in disgrace. The onlookers slowly dispersed, having witnessed the commotion.

Fan Changyu turned to the head constable and said, “Thank you, Uncle Wang.”

Wang, the head constable, was a long-time acquaintance of her father. Zhao the carpenter had traveled a considerable distance to request his assistance, hoping he would support Fan Changyu.

Wang replied, “Today, they were in the wrong, and I enforced the law impartially, so it doesn’t seem biased toward you. But if Fan Da were to truly submit a petition to the county, your house might not be safe.”

The reason Fan Da had yet to approach the county with a petition was twofold: pursuing a lawsuit was troublesome, and hiring a lawyer would require a significant amount of silver. Yet, he realized that pressing Fan Changyu wouldn’t yield results, and he might very well resort to filing a complaint to reclaim the property title to settle his gambling debts.

Fan Changyu’s face reflected deep exhaustion and despair. “I’ve exhausted all possible solutions, even consulting a lawyer. They all told me I cannot transfer the title of the house left by my parents.”

Lawyers specialized in drafting petitions and were well-versed in the laws of the current dynasty.

Having handled many cases over the years, Wang considered the situation thoughtfully for a moment before saying, “Perhaps there is another way.”

omg you slay girllll😭😭😭love her already.cant wait to see the series tho

She’s already one of my favourites!

Damn. I did not expect her to be this fierce and strong. I love it!

she reminds me so much of he Yan from legend of the female general!!!!

You go Girl!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 6: Inviting Him to Marry In

After Constable Wang left, Fan Changyu sat in the ransacked room, holding her younger sister and the Zhao carpenter couple, speechless for a long while.

After some time, Madam Zhao hesitantly said, “Marrying in… it’s not an easy thing. In all my years, I’ve only heard of rich gentry families with only daughters doing this. For a poor family like ours, who would be willing to marry in?”

Fan Changyu remained silent.

The solution Constable Wang had given was for her to quickly find a husband to marry into the family. This way, her father would be considered to have a son, and the family property would naturally belong to her.

But after the broken engagement with the Song family and the spread of her reputation as an ill-fated star, it would be difficult for her to marry at all, let alone find someone to marry into her family.

The legal advisors she had consulted before probably knew about her family situation, which is why they didn’t even consider marrying in as an option for her.

After all, people generally considered marrying into a wife’s family shameful. Once a man married in, he would be giving up even his ancestral surname and couldn’t hold his head high anywhere. Not to mention ordinary families, even those good-for-nothing ruffians were rarely willing to marry in.

Carpenter Zhao’s calloused hands rested on his knees, his wrinkled face looking even older as he sighed, “Marriage is a lifelong affair. We can’t just hastily find someone to perform the ceremony. Otherwise, Changyu will be the one suffering in the future.”

Hearing this, Madam Zhao felt even more sorrowful for Fan Changyu. When other girls got married, which one didn’t have their parents carefully selecting and thoroughly investigating the other party’s character and background before marrying them off in grand style?

Fan Changyu had already lost her parents, and now she was in a rush to find someone to marry. Forget about assessing the other party’s character; it would be considered good if his appearance wasn’t too unsightly.

Just as she was about to wipe her tears, Madam Zhao suddenly thought of something. She paused and looked up at Fan Changyu, “That young man you saved, is he married?”

As soon as she spoke, she answered her question, “He probably isn’t. You said earlier that he fled from the north, and he’s the only one left in his family.”

Fan Changyu understood Madam Zhao’s implied meaning but remained stunned for a good while.

Seeing no response from her, Madam Zhao had to make her intentions clearer, “He’s injured and has nowhere to go, right? How about… I help you ask that young man what he thinks?”

Perhaps because she had already thought of matchmaking, the more Madam Zhao looked at Fan Changyu, the more she felt that she and that young man were a good match. Changyu herself was capable, and even if that young man truly became disabled in the future, she could support the family on her own.

Moreover, after being turned away by the Song family when seeking help today, Madam Zhao was furious at Song Yan’s ingratitude. Thinking that the young man’s appearance was even more handsome than Song Yan’s, she felt even more satisfied.

Fan Changyu’s mind was in chaos at this moment. Hearing this, she only said, “Madam, please don’t ask him yet. Let me think it over carefully first. When I’ve made up my mind, I’ll ask him myself.”

Madam Zhao knew that Fan Changyu was always decisive, so she didn’t say anything more after hearing this. After helping Fan Changyu tidy up the room, she and her husband returned home.

Chang Ning had a habit of taking afternoon naps. Having cried earlier and feeling tired, she fell asleep and was carried to the bed by Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu lay down on the bed fully clothed, staring at the canopy with an empty mind.

Song Yan and the man who called himself Yan Zheng appeared overlapping in her mind.

Come to think of it, although she and Song Yan were childhood sweethearts and betrothed since young, the memories concerning the two of them were pitifully few.

Song Yan was always busy. Before he was admitted to the county school, he had been studying hard. Although both families lived in the same alley, to avoid disturbing Song Yan’s studies, she rarely went to see him. If she did go, it was mostly because her parents asked her to deliver something to the Song family, sometimes meat, sometimes pastries.

At that time, Song Yan’s mother was very kind to her, saying that Song Yan was studying hard to pass the imperial examinations so that she could enjoy a good life in the future.

Later, when Song Yan was admitted to the county school, which provided room and board, he spent even less time at home, making it even harder for Fan Changyu to see him.

Once, when she followed her father to the county fair, Song Yan’s mother made a new set of clothes for Song Yan and asked them to bring it to him.

That was Fan Changyu’s first time going to the county school. She thought the school buildings looked very grand. After the doorman passed on the message, Song Yan came out to see her. She handed over the new clothes his mother had made for him, and he thanked her with a bland expression.

A passing classmate laughingly asked Song Yan who she was, and he answered that she was his younger sister.

On the way back that day, Fan Changyu felt dejected. She could sense that Song Yan didn’t want her to visit him.

Having a butcher’s daughter as his fiancée probably made him feel embarrassed in front of his classmates.

In fact, from that time on, she had thought about breaking off the engagement with Song Yan if he didn’t like her, but her parents seemed to like Song Yan very much, thinking he was ambitious.

Song Yan’s mother also liked her a lot at that time, often saying in front of others that once Song Yan passed the provincial examinations, he would have the chance to marry her. Others all praised her for her good fortune.

Fan Changyu had only privately mentioned breaking off the engagement to Song Yan once. At that time, Song Yan was reviewing his lessons. Hearing this, he raised his eyes, which rarely showed any emotion, and asked her, “Marriage is a major life event, determined by parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words. Are you treating it as child’s play?”

Fan Changyu felt that his words meant he was refusing to break off the engagement. Knowing his attitude, she never mentioned it again.

Later, her parents passed away, and Song Yan’s mother came to break off the engagement, citing incompatible horoscopes.

Perhaps because her parents’ death had already exhausted all her sorrow, or maybe because there wasn’t much feeling to begin with, now when she thought of Song Yan, she didn’t feel sad at all.

As for the man called Yan Zheng whom she had saved, she knew even less about him.

He knew just as little about her. To abruptly ask him if he was willing to marry into the family when he was seriously injured and had nowhere to go seemed somewhat like taking advantage of his gratitude and his difficult situation.

Her engagement with Song Yan had also been arranged because her parents had done a favor for the Song family.

Fan Changyu didn’t want to go through another troublesome engagement like the one with Song Yan, but she truly had no other choice at the moment.

After much thought, she felt that maybe she should discuss with the man called Yan Zheng and ask if he would be willing to pretend to marry into the family.

She only needed to keep the family property. After he recovered, he could stay or leave as he wished.

If he wanted to leave, Fan Changyu naturally wouldn’t stop him. She had saved his life, and he would help her through this difficult time by pretending to marry in. They would be even.

If he wanted to stay… Fan Changyu thought of his face, as clear and pure as the moon and snow, and felt that she wouldn’t be at a loss either.

In the attic of the Zhao house, Xie Zheng, who had just taken a message from the gyrfalcon’s leg, suddenly sneezed.

He frowned impatiently, wondering if he could have caught a cold.

The pure white gyrfalcon gripped the wooden windowsill tightly with its iron hook-like claws, tilting its head slightly and staring at its master with intelligent button eyes.

Xie Zheng unfolded the message and, upon reading its contents, his expression immediately turned ugly, followed by a cold, mocking smile at the corner of his mouth.

That person couldn’t rest easy for a day without seeing his corpse. They had already sent someone to Huizhou to take over his forces, and the one sent was that person.

The message was thrown into the charcoal brazier in the corner of the bed, quickly turning to ashes.

Xie Zheng leaned back against the headboard. The cold wind blowing in through the wide-open window ruffled his bangs but couldn’t dispel the gloom on his face.

The one who had taken over his military power in Huizhou probably wanted him dead even more than the person in the capital. At present, his old subordinates could barely protect themselves and wouldn’t dare to act rashly, lest that person sniff out their trail like a wild dog.

Before his wounds healed, he could only lie low here and make long-term plans.

Xie Zheng glanced at the fresh bloodstains on his clothes, his expression becoming even more self-loathing and impatient.

“Coo?” The gyrfalcon, having waited long for instructions, tilted its head to the other side and continued to stare at its master with its button eyes.

“Get lost.”

Xie Zheng impatiently closed his eyes, his handsome face showing a rare hint of fragility due to its extreme paleness.

The gyrfalcon seemed used to hearing him say this. Having received the order, it flapped its wings contentedly and flew away.

Xie Zheng had indeed caught a cold.

Fan Changyu had spent the entire afternoon preparing what she wanted to say to him. In the evening, she specially stir-fried two small dishes and cut a plate of braised pig’s head meat to bring to him. However, when she called out several times outside the attic door, there was no response from inside.

Worried that something might have happened to the person inside, she pushed the door open directly, only to find him lying on the bed with an unnaturally flushed face, looking dazed.

Fan Changyu hurriedly called for Carpenter Zhao. After checking his pulse, Zhao consulted his tattered medical book for a long time and wrote the most conservative prescription for treating a cold.

Fan Changyu knocked on the door of the closed pharmacy late at night to get the medicine, brought it back, decocted it, and made him drink it. Soon after, he broke out in a sweat.

However, when Carpenter Zhao was wiping Xie Zheng’s sweat and changing his bandages, he noticed that his wounds seemed to have reopened, with quite a bit of blood staining the gauze, which he found strange.

When Xie Zheng woke up again, it was already the next morning.

The fever had subsided, and his head was no longer dizzy, but his throat was painfully dry.

To make it convenient for him to pour water himself, the old couple had specially placed a round stool by his bed with a teapot and a coarse pottery cup on it.

Xie Zheng propped himself up to a half-sitting position and was about to pour himself a cup of water when the door suddenly opened. The young woman entered carrying a large bowl and said, “The tea is cold. You’ve just recovered from a fever, don’t drink it. I’ve made you a bowl of pig lung soup.”

Carpenter Zhao said that pig lung soup had the effects of clearing heat, stopping coughs, and moistening the lungs. They had slaughtered a pig yesterday and still had a bucket of offal left, so Fan Changyu used the pig’s lungs to make soup.

Xie Zheng thanked her in a hoarse voice. Since this time the food wasn’t intestines, he started drinking without any psychological burden.

But as soon as it entered his mouth, his expression became strange.

Under Fan Changyu’s gaze, he silently swallowed that mouthful of pig lung soup and asked, “Did you make this?”

Fan Changyu nodded, “Yes, why?”

Although it was her first time making this pig lung soup.

Xie Zheng held the bowl but didn’t drink anymore. He said, “Nothing.”

He just found it hard to believe that this bowl of pig lung soup and the previous fatty intestine noodles were made by the same person.

Fan Changyu was still urging him, “You should finish it while it’s hot. Uncle Zhao said pig lung soup stops coughs and moistens the lungs, it’s good for your health.”

Xie Zheng: “… It’s a bit hot, I’ll drink it later.”

He thought that after saying this much, the woman in front of him would leave, but to his surprise, she pulled over a chair and sat down: “I don’t think I’ve told you my name yet. My surname is Fan, and my given name is Changyu. People in town just call me by my given name, you can do the same from now on.”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly. He had heard that old woman call her name before, so he already knew it.

He didn’t respond much, and the room fell into silence again.

Fan Changyu felt a bit embarrassed trying to force a conversation but thinking of her purpose, she had to continue asking, “You said earlier that your surname is Yan, and your given name is Zheng. Which ‘Yan’ and which ‘Zheng’ characters?”

Xie Zheng answered, “The ‘Yan’ from ‘reasonable speech’ and the ‘Zheng’ from ‘upright gentleman’.”

Sensing that Fan Changyu might not have studied much and might not understand which two characters he meant, he dipped his finger in the cold tea and wrote the characters “言正” stroke by stroke on the round stool by the bed.

These two characters were each formed by taking a radical from his original name.

His index finger was very long and slender, with distinct knuckles, like a delicate bamboo. It should have been a very beautiful hand for writing, but there were crisscrossing scars of varying depths on both the fingertips and the back of the hand, making it hard to imagine what he had been through before.

Even using his fingertip as a brush, the characters he wrote carried an inherent strength. Fan Changyu inexplicably became entranced.

It wasn’t until he finished the last horizontal stroke of the character “正” that his low, hoarse voice sounded, “These two characters.”

She suddenly came back to her senses, and when she spoke again, there was some hesitation in her voice: “Were you a scholar before?”

His handwriting was extremely good, seeming to have even more character than Song Yan’s.

However, Xie Zheng said, “I’m just a mere warrior, how dare I claim to be a scholar.”

His words seemed self-deprecating, but strangely carried a hint of arrogant mockery, as if he greatly disliked those so-called scholars.

Fan Changyu breathed a sigh of relief and asked again, “Then what did you do for a living before?”

Xie Zheng’s brows furrowed imperceptibly, feeling that she was quite intent on getting to the bottom of things today. But considering that she had saved him and was willing to take him in while he recovered, it was understandable for her to ask for more details.

After some thought, he said, “It wasn’t much of a proper occupation. I used to work for an escort agency.”

To his surprise, the woman’s face suddenly lit up with joy: “What a coincidence! My father also worked as an escort when he was young!”

Xie Zheng: “… Indeed, quite a coincidence.”

Fortunately, she didn’t continue to ask about the escort agency. With her hands clasped together, seeming quite nervous, she asked him another question: “Are you married?”

Xie Zheng scrutinized the woman in front of him. Under his gaze, she seemed somewhat embarrassed, but notably not shy.

For a moment, he couldn’t figure out the meaning behind her question. He answered truthfully, “No, I’m not.”

Fan Changyu’s hands were almost red from her pinching before she finally threw caution to the wind and said, “Well… I want to ask for your help. My family is in some trouble. After my parents passed away, my uncle has been intent on taking over our house and land. Yesterday, he tried to forcibly take the land deed but failed. I’m afraid he’ll go to the government office to file a lawsuit next. If the government makes a judgment, since my parents had no sons, the property would naturally go to my uncle. The only way to keep the property now is for me to quickly find a husband to marry into the family.”

Xie Zheng’s eyelid twitched violently: “You want me to marry into your family?”

awww. proposallll😱😱😱😆😆

how to propose chapter 101 AHAHAAHAHHAAH!!!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 7: A Hasty Wedding

Fan Changyu quickly said, “It’s a fake marriage.”

She explained her plan in detail: “After we perform the wedding ceremony, we’ll claim to others that you’ve married into my family. This will help me keep the property my parents left behind. My family still has some modest savings. Once the property is transferred, we’ll be able to manage it financially. I’ll hire the best doctor in town for you and use the best medicine to treat your injuries. After you’ve recovered, you can choose to stay or leave as you wish.”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes, the upturned corners making him appear even more aloof: “Aren’t you afraid that after I leave, your uncle will come back to claim the property?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Once the property is transferred, I won’t be afraid of him no matter how much fuss he makes. Besides, when you leave, I’ll just say you’ve gone on a long journey for some business. Others won’t know if it’s true or not.”

Xie Zheng said with an ambiguous tone, “You’ve thought this through quite thoroughly.”

Fan Changyu couldn’t tell if his comment was praise or criticism. She awkwardly asked, “So… what do you think?”

“Let me think about it.” His eyelids were half-lowered, his expression unreadable, as if he was truly considering it.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help feeling nervous. She recalled what she had just said – although she mentioned he could stay or leave as he wished after recovering, she hadn’t mentioned what she would give him if he left, or what she could offer if he stayed.

She quickly thought it over and added, “If you want to leave after you’ve recovered, I’ll give you enough money for your journey. If you have nowhere to go…”

She glanced at his pale face and injured body. Because his undergarments had been soaked with blood yesterday, and Carpenter Zhao couldn’t find any clothes for him to change into, he had put on his own tattered coarse linen clothes for now.

His hands, besides various scrapes, were covered with a layer of thick calluses and cracks, showing that he hadn’t lived an easy life before.

Now he was both sick and poor. Fan Changyu made a bold promise: “Don’t worry, I’ll slaughter pigs to support you in the future!”

Xie Zheng: “…”

The expression on his face at this moment was truly spectacular.

If anyone who knew him had been present, they probably would have already imagined their demise just from hearing these words.

Under the heavens, this woman before him was probably the only one who dared to brazenly claim she would support him.

However, if she knew his true name, she probably wouldn’t say such things to him, and might not even have saved him from dying in the snow.

Thinking of this, Xie Zheng’s eyes held a hint of mockery.

He asked, “Why?”

Fan Changyu didn’t understand his meaning: “What?”

He was unusually patient at this moment, seemingly quite curious about her reason for saying she would support him: “We’re not related in any way. If these injuries of mine don’t heal, there’s a high chance I’ll become disabled. What do you gain from supporting me?”

Fan Changyu answered honestly: “You’re good-looking.”

Xie Zheng was stunned, not expecting such a shallow reason. After a while, he frowned and asked, “Just because of that?”

Fan Changyu blinked as if to say “What else?”

Xie Zheng naturally knew his appearance was above average, but being so directly complimented on his looks was a first for him. He said, “There are many good-looking people in the world.”

Fan Changyu said, “But you’re the one I happened to carry back from the snow.”

She had only meant to explain her response to his statement about there being many good-looking people in the world, but unexpectedly, after she finished speaking, his gaze on her became even stranger.

Fan Changyu belatedly realized that her words could be easily misunderstood and hurriedly tried to explain: “What I mean is, perhaps everything happens for a reason…”

She, who valued appearances, just happened to save someone who looked exceptionally good. So she thought that if he had nowhere to go in the future, and if their personalities were compatible, it wouldn’t be bad to make do and live together.

If he wasn’t interested, she definitely wouldn’t force him. After all, a forced melon isn’t sweet.

However, he didn’t give her a chance to finish explaining. He frowned and interrupted her: “After I’ve recovered, I will leave on my own. I won’t trouble Miss Fan any further.”

His eyes and brows were cold as if he had already decided that she had improper intentions towards him.

Fan Changyu found it hard to explain: “…That’s fine.”

He seemed unwilling to have any further entanglement with her and didn’t want to owe her anything. He spoke coldly again: “Miss Fan, please make a wish. I will repay the kindness of saving my life in the future.”

Fan Changyu waved her hand dejectedly: “If you’re willing to fake marry into my family to help me keep the property, that’s already a great help to me.”

She wouldn’t say anything more, to avoid further misunderstandings. How embarrassing that would be.

Unexpectedly, she heard him say: “The fake marriage will only count as repayment for taking me in.”

Fan Changyu looked up in surprise, staring at his exceptionally handsome face, and asked uncertainly: “Do you mean… you agree to the fake marriage?”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly.

Fan Changyu almost cried with joy: “We can sign a contract as proof, set a time limit for the marriage, and when the time is up, I’ll immediately write you a divorce letter. I won’t force you to stay. If you want to leave early, I’ll give you travel money and a divorce letter, and won’t stop you.”

This way, he wouldn’t have to worry about her having improper intentions and refusing to let him go when the time came.

Xie Zheng: “…That won’t be necessary.”

He lowered his eyes and asked again: “What is Miss Fan’s wish?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “I want to start running the pigsty my father left behind as soon as possible, and hopefully raise a hundred pigs in the future.”

“…”

This wish was truly simple and unpretentious, and once again related to pigs.

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment: “Miss Fan can aim higher.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that a hundred pigs would be worth at least a hundred taels of silver. In town, a two-courtyard house would only cost about a hundred taels. How was this wish small?

She dishonestly stated a larger number: “Then… two hundred pigs?”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Fine, he’d give her more silver when he left in the future.

Fan Changyu saw his silence and thought she had asked for too much. She awkwardly said, “There’s an old saying that saving a life is better than… better than building a pagoda. I’m not expecting you to repay me…”

Xie Zheng’s eyelid twitched slightly when he heard her misquote the saying “Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda.” He interrupted her: “I will remember Miss Fan’s kindness.”

Since he had said this, Fan Changyu didn’t continue the topic. She asked, “So… since you’ve agreed to the fake marriage, is there anything else you want to ask me?”

The man sitting by the window just shook his head slightly, seemingly not taking this so-called marriage seriously.

Fan Changyu thought it made sense. After all, it was all fake. They weren’t getting married, so there was no need to thoroughly investigate each other’s family background.

She said, “The wedding might be a bit rushed, probably in the next day or two.”

Xie Zheng only said, “You can arrange it as you see fit.”

His eyelashes, like raven feathers, were half-lowered, hiding all the deep emotions in his eyes: “However, my household registration documents were also taken by the bandits. I suppose I’ll need to go to the government office to get new ones.”

Fan Changyu said, “That’s not difficult. Since you’re marrying into my family, we can just add you to my household registration later.”

Now that both parties had reached an agreement, Fan Changyu didn’t linger any longer. She stood up to go prepare for the wedding.

Before leaving, she saw that he hadn’t drunk much of the pig lung soup and reminded him: “The soup must be cold by now. You should drink it.”

Xie Zheng: “…Mm.”

Did she not know that the pig lung soup she made tasted very strange?

Left alone in the room, he opened the window and looked at the sky after the snow, his eyes gradually deepening in color.

The person who had taken over his military power was like a mad dog. Unable to find his corpse, they would likely soon thoroughly investigate the refugees who had fled to nearby prefectures and counties.

He could fabricate a false identity, but he couldn’t forge household registration documents. If the Jizhou government also started investigating refugees without household registrations, he would soon be exposed.

According to the current dynasty’s laws, if one married into a family, they could change their household registration to that of the family they married into.

This was the real reason he agreed to the fake marriage.

As for that woman…

His gaze unconsciously fell on the pig lung soup placed nearby.

He had already granted her a wish, and she also had her motives for the fake marriage, so he didn’t owe her anything more.

Recalling her matter-of-fact statement “You’re good-looking,” his handsome brows furrowed involuntarily.

Huh, how shallow.

He put his fingers to his lips and blew a clear, high-pitched whistle. In no time, a pure white gyrfalcon swooped down from the sky and landed steadily on the windowsill.

Xie Zheng handed the bowl to it: “Eat it.”

The gyrfalcon looked at the cooked pig lung slices in the bowl with its black button eyes and stubbornly turned its head away.

Xie Zheng gave it a look, and the gyrfalcon reluctantly picked up a piece of pig liver and swallowed it.

As luck would have it, just as Fan Changyu had agreed to the fake marriage, Constable Wang secretly sent someone to inform her that Fan Da had indeed found someone to write a petition to the county yamen, and the case would likely be heard in the coming days.

When the old Zhao couple heard this news, they were so anxious that blisters formed on their lips. Fan Changyu, however, remained calm and said, “We’ll keep the wedding simple. We’ll just invite the neighbors for a meal to let everyone know I’ve taken in a husband.”

To avoid worrying the old couple too much and to prevent others from noticing any flaws, she hadn’t told them yet that this marriage was fake.

Madam Zhao worried, “There’s no time to make wedding clothes…”

Fan Changyu didn’t think it was a big deal: “Wearing red clothes should be enough, right?”

The money she had from selling pork and the compensation from the gambling house incident added up to only three taels of silver. This small amount needed to be spent wisely.

However, while she had new clothes to wear, the man who was preparing to marry into her family didn’t. His original clothes were tattered and torn, and during his recovery, he had been wearing a loose undergarment with one of Carpenter Zhao’s old jackets. On the wedding day, he would need at least one set of new clothes.

Fan Changyu gritted her teeth and spent half a tael of silver to buy a bolt of dark red fabric from the cloth shop. She asked the seamstress who lived in the alley to make a set of new clothes for him.

Fan Changyu had chosen this dark red fabric with consideration. It could serve as wedding attire on the day of the ceremony and could also be worn as ordinary clothing on regular days.

When the seamstress heard that Fan Changyu was getting married, she said some auspicious words with a smile. Knowing Fan Changyu’s family circumstances weren’t easy, she refused to accept any payment for her work, saying that making this wedding outfit would be her wedding gift.

However, she still needed to take measurements.

Fan Changyu had wanted to ask Uncle Zhao for help, but he had gone out to buy various items needed for the wedding. She had no choice but to go up to the attic herself: “You don’t have any suitable clothes for the wedding day, so I’m here to take your measurements for a new set of clothes.”

Xie Zheng nodded compliantly.

To get more accurate measurements, he didn’t wear Carpenter Zhao’s old jacket, only wearing an undergarment and exposing his back to Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu spread her thumb and index finger, measuring from his left shoulder to his right shoulder. Through the thin layer of the undergarment, her fingertips could feel the warm, firm muscles.

Although she had touched him before when he was seriously injured and coughing blood, helping him pat his back to ease his breathing, at that time it was a matter of life and death, and she had no distracting thoughts. But now, perhaps because neither of them was speaking and the room was so quiet that their breaths could be heard, she inexplicably felt somewhat embarrassed.

She tried to minimize physical contact with him, fearing he might misunderstand her intentions again, while also trying to ignore the warmth transmitted through her fingertips, focusing on remembering the measurements.

“One foot and five inches.” After taking the measurements, she hurriedly handed the old clothes back to Xie Zheng for him to put on, seemingly eager to avoid him.

She couldn’t help but wonder to herself, this person looked thin but unexpectedly had broad shoulders and back. His clothing size was almost the same as her father’s.

Before leaving, she told him about the general process for tomorrow’s wedding: “The wedding is set for tomorrow afternoon. Since it’s inconvenient for you to go downstairs, Uncle Zhao will carry you down at that time.”

“Wedding” sounds similar to “dusk” in Chinese, so dusk was considered an auspicious time.

For some unknown reason, he refused firmly: “No need, I’ll use a crutch to go downstairs myself.”

Fan Changyu worried, “Won’t that tear open your wounds?”

“It’s fine.”

Seeing his insistence, Fan Changyu let it be and went home to continue preparing for the wedding.

Hosting a banquet for guests was unavoidable. She took out one tael of silver to buy a pig. Madam Zhao, who was in charge of cooking, helped her visit the neighbors and invited skilled aunties to come help tomorrow.

They also needed to prepare some wedding candies and pastries.

Although they said everything would be kept simple, when all the expenses were added up, the three taels of silver she had on hand were completely spent without a single coin left.

Fan Changyu was busy until the hour of Hai (9-11 pm) without a moment’s rest. Madam Zhao, who had no children of her own, helped her prepare for the wedding as if she were arranging it for her daughter, bustling about with her.

After Chang Ning had fallen asleep, Madam Zhao mysteriously handed her a small booklet.

Fan Changyu glanced at it and quickly closed it, half embarrassed and half flustered: “He’s injured like that, this won’t be necessary…”

Madam Zhao glared at her: “There will come a time when it’s needed.”

Fan Changyu had to reluctantly accept the booklet.

The seamstress was skilled and had finished a set of wedding clothes by that night and brought them over.

Fan Changyu had originally only intended to have clothes made for Xie Zheng, but unexpectedly, the seamstress had managed to save enough fabric and had made a matching set for her as well.

The seamstress said with a smile, “How can newlyweds wear different clothes on their wedding day? I saw there was enough leftover fabric to make another set for you, so I worked hard to make it. Please don’t mind if the craftsmanship isn’t good.”

Fan Changyu had had clothes made by the seamstress before, so her measurements were on file.

Fan Changyu felt a mix of emotions: “Thank you, Aunt Fang.”

The seamstress urged, “Quickly try it on and let me and your aunt see. If it doesn’t fit well, we can still make alterations now.”

Due to the limited fabric, the seamstress had cut the wedding clothes in a very simple style, not much different from ordinary clothes, but the design was elegant and unadorned.

Fan Changyu went into the room to change and came out. Madam Zhao and the seamstress both said she looked good. The seamstress teased, “Tomorrow with the veil on, you’ll be a beautiful bride!”

Fan Changyu asked, “Since he’s marrying into my family, shouldn’t the veil be for the groom?”

The seamstress and Madam Zhao burst into laughter: “You silly girl…”

Fan Changyu was simply curious; if that man truly came to marry her, she feared he might turn on her right then and there.

Speaking of the groom, the seamstress grew intrigued. “I heard your betrothed was rescued from mountain bandits at Hu Cha Kou by you. Is he handsome?”

Before Fan Changyu could respond, Lady Zhao chimed in, “You’ll see him at the wedding tomorrow!”

The seamstress laughed in agreement, teasing a bit more before heading home.

When Lady Zhao spoke privately with Fan Changyu, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness, thinking about how her daughter would soon be married. “Those daughters from wealthy families are carried down from their embroidery rooms on the day of their weddings, riding in bridal palanquins with music playing to their husbands’ homes…”

Fan Changyu didn’t feel sad; instead, she remembered how she had just told Yan Zheng that tomorrow she would have Uncle Zhao carry her downstairs, and she had coldly refused him on the spot.

Was that his reason for rejecting her?

That night, the lights in the Fan household burned late, as did those in the neighboring Song household.

Song Mu woke in the night and noticed a light still shining in her son’s room. She knocked on the door, saying, “Yan, it’s so late. You should get some rest.”

A calm voice responded from within, “I’ll finish this scroll and then sleep.”

Half feeling pity for her son and half feeling pride, Song Mu told him, “Just don’t stay up too late,” before returning to her room.

Inside, the candlelight flickered brightly, but Song Yan held the scroll without turning a single page. The inkstone and brush lay toppled on the floor, creating a mess in the room.

His hand, clutching the scroll, was tense enough that his knuckles turned white.

She was getting married?

I mean who does this good for nothing man think he is 😒

Fr

Was there a mistranslation above? When Changyu recalled her conversation with Xie Zheng. She never asked him to carry her downstairs for the wedding. She asked him if HE wanted to be carried downstairs the next day, and he adamantly refused. Him taking offense makes more sense in context of her conversation with Lady Zhao about brides getting carried on their wedding day.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 8 – The Wedding Night

Fan Changyu was probably the first bride who had to wake up early on her wedding day to slaughter a pig and prepare braised dishes.

She had previously slaughtered a pig for sale and used the remaining offal and head to make braised delicacies. With two pigs combined, she managed to fill two basins with enough sliced braised meat.

The aunties who came to help all commented on how delicious it smelled.

It was nearly noon when Madam Zhao finally urged her to return to her room to change into her wedding dress and do her makeup.

Fan Changyu only learned from Madam Zhao that there were two types of customs for a groom marrying into the bride’s family. In one, the groom would be carried in a flower sedan chair to the bride’s home, colloquially known as “carrying the groom’s head.”

The other was similar to a normal wedding, where the groom would stay at the bride’s home the day before, while the bride would leave from her maternal grandparent’s home, sitting in a flower sedan chair with much fanfare back to her own home, thus saving face for the groom.

Fan Changyu didn’t need to do either. Firstly, she no longer had money to rent a flower sedan chair. Secondly, the groom was just next door – he could come downstairs and directly proceed with the ceremony, so there was no need for such formalities.

The invited Madam Quanfu came to set up the bridal chamber and help her with her hair.

“First comb for harmony till the end, second comb for white hair and old age together, third comb for children and grandchildren…”

Fan Changyu sat at the dressing table, listening to Madam Quanfu recite the “Ten Combing Ceremony” and the bustling voices outside. For a moment, she had the illusion that she was truly getting married.

Outside, the guests were discussing the groom of the day most frequently. However, Madam Zhao was tight-lipped, and no matter how the women tried to inquire, she wouldn’t reveal even the slightest hint.

Some women sat together cracking melon seeds and couldn’t help but speculate privately: “The way the Zhao couple is helping Fan Changyu keep things so secretive, could it be that the groom is ugly as sin, too hideous to be seen?”

“I heard the groom injured his leg and can’t walk properly!”

Someone immediately gasped: “So he’s a cripple?”

The person next to her elbowed the woman who spoke, signaling her to lower her voice, then whispered: “After all, the Fan family is taking in a son-in-law. If he were perfectly fine, would he agree to marry into her family?”

The group couldn’t help but sigh, and someone brought up Song Yan: “It seems the Fan family and Song family have truly fallen out. Everyone from the entire alley is here today, except for the Song family.”

“Well, I’d say it’s better if the Song family doesn’t come to this wedding feast. Song Yan is known as the most handsome young man in ten villages around. If he came, he’d make the groom look worthless in comparison, and the Fan family would lose face!”

As everyone chattered away, when the auspicious time arrived, they all gathered in front of the Zhao family’s main gate to catch a glimpse of the groom.

On the contrary, when Fan Changyu, the bride, came out with a red veil covering her face, no one paid her any attention.

The weather was truly uncooperative today. It had started snowing in the afternoon, and by now, a thin layer of snow covered the courtyard walls. The ground, however, remained free of snow due to constant foot traffic, leaving only wet marks.

The firecrackers hung at the Zhao family’s main gate crackled loudly. As the crowd craned their necks to peer inside, they saw a pair of crutches emerge from the opened door, and their hearts sank with the confirmation – Fan Changyu had indeed married a cripple.

As the crutches moved, one foot of the groom crossed the threshold, revealing half of a reddish-brown robe to the onlookers’ sight.

Snowflakes fell like cotton, melting instantly on the robe, leaving only a faint, barely visible damp mark.

The noisy guests outside inexplicably held their breath.

After the groom’s other foot crossed the doorway, he finally emerged completely from the shadows inside the house. Snowflakes landed on his ink-black hair tied with a red ribbon, and between his dark hair and red clothes, his face appeared handsome and refined. His skin seemed even whiter than the falling snow, and the cold, aloof glance he cast toward the door left everyone breathless.

As the guests saw his appearance, they all gasped in astonishment.

In all their years, they had never seen such a handsome young man. Not only did he surpass Song Yan, but even the lead actor of the opera troupe couldn’t compare to a tenth of this groom’s good looks.

With sword-like eyebrows, star-bright eyes, and a face like polished jade, he truly had the appearance of a celestial being.

After a moment of dead silence, the crowd erupted into an even greater commotion than before.

“This groom is truly handsome!”

“I knew a girl as pretty as Changyu couldn’t possibly find an inferior husband!”

“Who said earlier that the groom was an ugly cripple? Is this appearance any worse than Song Yan’s?”

Xie Zheng, leaning on his crutches, passed through the clamoring crowd with an expressionless face. He frowned almost imperceptibly, seemingly finding the chattering women too noisy.

Turning a corner into the Fan family’s main gate, even the people still cracking melon seeds and chatting in the courtyard stood up to watch the spectacle when they saw him. Amidst the cacophony of voices, the most frequent comments were praises of his appearance.

Even the women helping in the kitchen, upon hearing that the groom was exceptionally handsome, couldn’t resist coming out to take a look.

Xie Zheng, suppressing the irritation between his brows, made his way towards the main hall for the ceremony, surrounded by onlookers the entire way.

He casually glanced towards the eaves ahead and caught sight of Fan Changyu, dressed in a wedding outfit matching his color. Taking advantage of the moment when no one was paying attention, she had lifted a corner of her veil at the back of the crowd to secretly peek out. His gaze had already passed over her but suddenly returned, with a hint of surprise.

He knew she wasn’t bad-looking, but this was the first time he had seen her with makeup on.

Under the half-covered red silk, her almond-shaped eyes looked towards him, filled with a misty smile. Her cheeks were lightly brushed with rouge, and although the application technique was a bit clumsy, it didn’t detract from her beauty. Her lips, coated with lip rouge, were no longer as pale as usual, contrasting with her snow-white cheeks. At first glance, she appeared dazzlingly beautiful.

When their eyes met, she froze for a moment, then seemed to remember that this was her wedding scene. Hurriedly, like a guilty thief, she lowered her veil and stood properly.

Though she was truly a beauty, her actions… were always so peculiarly out of place.

Xie Zheng’s irritation from the noisy guests suddenly lessened a bit.

Perhaps this grand wedding wasn’t entirely tedious and cumbersome after all.

He entered the main hall on his crutches. Madam Quanfu handed one end of a red silk ribbon with a flower ball attached to it and the other end to Fan Changyu.

The elder officiating the wedding ceremony called out loudly: “The auspicious time has arrived, let the newlyweds bow!”

“First bow to Heaven and Earth—”

Fan Changyu, unable to see under her veil, was guided by Madam Zhao to face outward. She then bowed together with Xie Zheng to Heaven and Earth.

“Second bow to the ancestors—”

As both of their parents had passed away, only tablets were placed on the high table. The couple bowed once more to the tablets.

“Bow to each other—”

As they bowed, a gust of wind blew in, nearly lifting the veil off Fan Changyu’s head. She instinctively reached to grab it, but a large hand beat her to it, pressing the veil back onto her head.

She could imagine with her toes that this scene must not have looked very graceful.

Laughter erupted among the guests, “Look at the groom, he doesn’t want to let anyone see the bride!”

The veil blocked Fan Changyu’s vision, so she couldn’t see Xie Zheng’s expression at that moment. However, she found these teasing remarks quite embarrassing and only hoped he wouldn’t mind.

“The ceremony is complete—escort them to the bridal chamber!”

With this shout, she and Xie Zheng were finally led to the bridal chamber that had been prepared earlier, holding the red silk ribbon.

The so-called bridal chamber was quite simple, with red paper-cut characters for “double happiness” pasted on the doors and windows, and the bed covered with festive-colored sheets and quilts.

After Madam Quanfu said a series of auspicious words, she allowed Xie Zheng to lift the veil from Fan Changyu’s head.

The room suddenly brightened before her eyes, and the figures inside became clear. Earlier outside, when Fan Changyu had been caught peeking from under her veil, she had quickly lowered it and hadn’t seen clearly.

Now, with the person just a step away, Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng in his red attire and once again marveled at how clothes truly make a man.

In this outfit today, if he were to walk down the street, he would likely dazzle quite a few young ladies.

Madam Quanfu smiled, “Look, what a beautiful bride, truly a match made in heaven with the groom!”

The women around covered their mouths and laughed.

Fan Changyu awkwardly curved her lips in response.

Xie Zheng’s expression remained indifferent, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking.

Madam Quanfu, along with the other women in the room, picked up peanuts and red dates from a plate and sprinkled them over the couple’s heads, saying, “Dates bring noble sons.”

These things hurt a bit when they hit, so Fan Changyu spoke up at the right moment: “Thank you, aunties, but my husband is injured. The fruit sprinkling is just for good luck, so let’s end it here for today.”

This remark inevitably led to more teasing: “Look at that, Changyu is already protecting her husband!”

Fan Changyu endured their teasing with a thick skin. After sending away the roomful of people, she asked Xie Zheng, “Are you hurt?”

Xie Zheng looked at her with an unreadable expression in his eyes: “No.”

Relieved, Fan Changyu continued, “I still need to go out and greet the guests. You rest easy in the room. If you’re hungry, you can eat some of the pastries on the table first.”

These words should have been said by the groom to the bride, but coming from Fan Changyu’s mouth, they sounded strange no matter how one heard them.

After a moment’s silence, Xie Zheng nodded slightly.

Having endured for so long with his injuries, his expression indeed showed unmistakable weariness.

Fan Changyu went out to attend to the guests. Since her family no longer had elders and she was marrying a groom, almost no one urged her to drink during the feast. Everyone ate merrily, and as the sky darkened, they gradually took their leave.

As the feast dispersed and Fan Changyu was cleaning up the tables and chairs, she noticed a brocade box someone had left on the table by the door.

She asked Madam Zhao, who was helping with the cleanup: “Auntie, who left this gift?”

Madam Zhao also looked puzzled: “The gift registry was completed before the feast began, and I didn’t see this box earlier. I don’t know who brought it later without saying a word.”

Fan Changyu opened the box and, upon seeing the pair of clay dolls inside, her face instantly turned cold.

She immediately threw the box into the pile of garbage that Madam Zhao had just swept up, instantly breaking the clay dolls.

Seeing Fan Changyu’s reaction and recognizing the broken male and female clay dolls, Madam Zhao’s face changed. She spat viciously in the direction of the Song family’s house: “That heartless beast! When you were in trouble, he distanced himself more quickly than anyone, and now he sends this thing to upset you on your wedding day?”

Fan Changyu said, “Don’t be angry, Auntie. What’s the point of getting upset over someone who doesn’t matter?”

She wasn’t angry because the clay dolls had stirred up any bad memories, but simply because she found it irritating.

Those clay dolls were a gift she had given to Song Yan the year his father passed away when she saw him feeling depressed. She was only seven or eight years old at the time.

Over the years, Fan Changyu believed that her parents had treated Song Yan well. But after her parents’ death, he was the one who rushed to break off the engagement. When she was troubled by Fan Da and the gambling den people, he was the one who closed his doors and refused to see her.

Now, sending this pair of clay dolls on her wedding day, what was he trying to say?

Due to this unpleasantness, Fan Changyu’s expression remained blank even until the evening when the family sat down for dinner.

As Xie Zheng was injured and couldn’t move easily, she brought the meal to his room: “You’re injured, so I’ve chosen some light dishes for you.”

Xie Zheng had noticed her unusual expression from the moment she entered the door, but he didn’t ask anything. He just half-lowered his eyes and said a faint thank you.

By the time everything was completely cleaned up, it was almost the hour of Hai (9-11 pm). Madam Zhao was about to take the sleeping Ning’er next door, but Fan Changyu directly said it wasn’t necessary, “Since our parents passed away, Ning’er has always slept with me. Otherwise, she gets night terrors and cries all night.”

Madam Zhao said, “That’s fine for normal days, but on your wedding night, no matter what, the newlyweds should sleep in the same room. Otherwise, it’s not auspicious.”

With that, she left no room for Fan Changyu to speak further and carried Ning’er out of the room.

The courtyard, which had been so noisy during the day, was now eerily quiet.

Red lanterns hung high under the eaves, casting a dim yellow glow on the snowy night.

Fan Changyu sat on the doorstep hugging her knees, staring at the large flakes of snow falling in the night sky for a while before getting up to go inside.

Since it was a fake marriage, Fan Changyu naturally couldn’t sleep in the same room with someone.

However, all the cotton quilts in the house were stored in the bridal chamber. That room was originally where she slept, but after her parents passed away, Ning’er was afraid to sleep alone and squeezed in with her. Now that it had been turned into the bridal chamber, the adjacent room hadn’t been prepared with bedding yet.

As it was the room she had lived in for over a decade, she habitually pushed the door open and entered. Only then did she realize that Xie Zheng was changing his clothes. He had already taken off his outer robe and was facing away from her, with his inner garment half-removed, hanging at his elbows and falling to his waist.

It was a beautiful body. Between the bandages, the exposed skin gleamed a lovely honey color in the candlelight, with clearly defined muscles.

Due to her sudden entry, he slightly turned his head. His face, like carved jade, wore a cold expression that somehow seemed both ascetic and bewitching at this moment.

Fan Changyu stared blankly for several breaths, until the other furrowed his long brows in displeasure and pulled his half-removed inner garment back on, asking, “Do you need something?”

Only then did she suddenly come to her senses, realizing she was acting like a hooligan lusting after a virtuous young lady’s beauty? Her face burning, she quickly turned around: “I’m sorry, I forgot to knock. I’m not used to it yet. I just came in to get a quilt.”

“Go ahead and take it,” came the cold, clear voice from behind.

Fan Changyu tried her best not to look sideways as she took two cotton quilts from the wardrobe. Hugging them, she walked out of the room without daring to turn her head. Only after turning the corner did she take several deep breaths in relief.

She had truly embarrassed herself! She hoped he wouldn’t misunderstand.

Xie Zheng’s keen hearing naturally picked up on her faint sigh.

His eyes revealed no trace of emotion. Only after hearing the sound of her footsteps recede into the distance did he undo the bandages and apply medicine to the deeper, more severe wounds.

The medicine had been tied to the leg of a gyrfalcon and sent over—a precious golden wound-healing powder that was nearly impossible to obtain. Its potency was incredibly strong.

The moment the powder touched the wounds, pain shot through him like a piercing blade, making every muscle and tendon in his body tense. Veins bulged along his arms, cold sweat seeped from his forehead, and he clenched his teeth so hard that a faint taste of blood filled his mouth.

To prevent the blood from staining anything, he sat on a wooden stool inside the room, hands clenched into tight fists resting quietly on his knees. Beads of sweat, mixed with blood and grime, slowly rolled down his rigid spine. The scene looked less like a treatment and more like a torturous punishment.

Enduring this inhuman pain, sweat dripped from his eyelids, yet he did not so much as blink. His eyes, reflecting the flickering candlelight, were filled with a brooding darkness.

These wounds and the searing pain etched into his flesh—he would make sure to return it all one day.

Suddenly, the footsteps outside the room, which had disappeared earlier, came back. Xie Zheng raised his gaze, still brimming with unrestrained hostility, and looked towards the doorway.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 9 – Forced to Share a Room

Fan Changyu had just walked a short distance from the bridal chamber carrying two thick quilts when she sensed something was amiss. She raised her head and glanced over the courtyard wall, immediately spotting two large black shadows ducking back down.

Fan Changyu: “…”

She could recognize Fan Da and his wife even if they were turned to ashes.

Had these two heard about her taking in a son-in-law and, fearing she had randomly found an outsider to put on an act, come to eavesdrop by climbing her wall in the middle of the night?

At that moment, outside the Fan family’s courtyard wall, Fan Da and his bear-like wife Liu Shi were each perched on a wooden ladder, their heads lowered below the wall as they whispered to each other.

“See, I told you that girl just found someone to fake being a son-in-law to fool us! They’re sleeping in separate rooms on their wedding night! What are you panicking about?” Liu Shi scolded her husband fiercely.

Fan Da, thinking about the possibility of getting the house and land, couldn’t hide his excitement and said, “Let’s keep watching! Keep watching!”

As the two stealthily poked their heads over the wall again, they saw Fan Changyu enter the adjacent room with the thick quilts, then come out and go to the kitchen to fetch a basin of water, which she took back to the bridal chamber. It seemed as if she had just gone to the other room to put away some bedding.

Fan Da and his wife couldn’t help but look at each other in confusion.

Could they have guessed wrong?

When Fan Changyu entered the bridal chamber again without knocking, carrying a basin of hot water, she met the ice-cold gaze of the shirtless man sitting at the table. She gestured towards the courtyard with her eyes, half embarrassed and half helpless, saying, “My uncle and aunt probably think I’ve randomly found someone to pretend to be my son-in-law to deceive them. They’re eavesdropping outside.”

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and slumped back onto the round table.

He had just applied medicine, and the excruciating pain from his torn flesh spread throughout his body along his nerves, causing cold sweat to break out on his forehead, shoulders, back, and abdomen. At the moment, all his energy was focused on enduring the pain, leaving him no interest in Fan Changyu’s comings and goings.

With his shoulders tense, sweat-damp hair clinging messily to his forehead, and even his eyelids heavy with sweat beads, his teeth clenched, he looked like a wild wolf that had been beaten repeatedly but still refused to be tamed.

This was the first time Fan Changyu had seen his wounds in their entirety. Without the bandages, some of the originally gaping wounds had formed scabs, while others were still raw and bloody. Besides these, there were also many old scars visible on his body.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but think of her father, who also had many such old scars. It seemed that being a caravan guard was truly a life-risking profession.

She put down the water basin and walked over, frowning as she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

The man half-slumped on the table didn’t raise his head. His pale fingertips picked up a bottle of medicine and passed it back to her: “Sprinkle all the remaining medicine powder on the few wounds on my back.”

He was always cautious and had already transferred the medicine brought by the gyrfalcon into the medicine bottle bought from the old man.

Fan Changyu took the bottle and did as instructed, but almost instantly, the muscles on his shoulders and back tensed even more, becoming like stone. Unable to bear it, he turned his head and bit directly into the clothes piled on the table.

She frowned, thinking that his reaction seemed much stronger than when he had applied medicine last time. Realizing it might be because he was exhausted from the wedding day, she felt a bit guilty.

She glanced at the bandages on the floor, stained with blood and sweat, and went to the wardrobe to fetch a bolt of plain silk.

This was leftover material bought for the funeral after her parents passed away. She cut it into long strips with scissors to make it easier to bandage him later.

After a while, the tightly tensed muscles all over Xie Zheng’s body finally relaxed a bit. He released the clothes from his mouth and slowly raised his eyes to look at Fan Changyu.

“Are you feeling better?” Fan Changyu quickly put down the scissors when she saw this.

Xie Zheng was very averse to others seeing him in the process of treating his wounds. At those times, he was like a weak stray dog whose life could be taken by anyone.

But the woman before him had already seen him in his most wretched state.

When this long-held habit was broken, he instinctively felt repulsed and only coldly expressed his thanks.

Fan Changyu glanced at the wounds on his body but was magnanimous enough not to hold it against him.

Perhaps he was in a bad mood because it hurt too much.

Xie Zheng picked up the clothes on the table and started to put them on. The feeling of blood and sweat sticking to his back was unpleasant, but his good upbringing prevented him from being comfortable half-naked in front of a woman.

Seeing this, Fan Changyu quickly stopped him: “You’re sweaty, and there’s still a lot of blood. Wipe yourself off first, and I’ll find you some of my father’s clothes later.”

She had just brought in a basin of water, originally intending for him to wash up, but now it came in handy.

Xie Zheng could wipe his front himself, but Fan Changyu had to help with his back. She was much more thorough than his haphazard wiping, carefully avoiding the wounds with the wrung-out cloth as she wiped away the blood and brown medicine stains left from earlier treatment.

Occasionally, her knuckles would accidentally brush against his back. They weren’t particularly soft, but different from his own callused hands. It was as if tiny electric currents spread from where her knuckles touched.

This unfamiliar tingling sensation made Xie Zheng unconsciously furrow his brow.

Seeing this, Fan Changyu paused her actions: “Did I touch your wound?”

He pressed his lips together, his expression growing colder: “No.”

After wiping his back, the basin of water had become murky with blood and medicine stains. Fan Changyu took the cloth strips she had prepared and began to wrap them around him. Now her fingertips inevitably came into contact with more of his skin. Perhaps because he had just applied medicine and was sweating, his body temperature was hotter than at any previous time.

Fan Changyu was standing while he sat, and occasionally when she lowered her head to wrap the bandages, her long hair would fall forward, lightly brushing his shoulders and neck.

Tingling, itching, numbness.

Xie Zheng’s brows were almost knotted into a “川” shape as he inconspicuously moved away a bit.

“All done.” Fan Changyu hadn’t noticed his discomfort. After tying the knot, she straightened up. After all this work, she had also broken out in a light sweat on her forehead.

She rummaged through a chest and found an old shirt that her father used to wear, gave it to him, and then took the basin outside to empty it.

The red lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the cold wind. When the two bear-like black shadows outside the wall saw her come out, they quickly ducked down again, thinking they were well hidden.

Fan Changyu played along, pretending not to notice as she scolded, “Which family’s wild cat is stealing meat from my house again!”

She walked over to the basin, scooped two large ladles of cold water from the water vat to mix into the basin, and then forcefully splashed it over the courtyard wall. “If I catch you next time, I’ll teach you a lesson, you beast!”

Outside the wall, Fan Da and his wife were drenched like drowned rats, shivering from the cold but not daring to make a sound for fear of being discovered.

Only when the footsteps in the courtyard faded did Fan Da, still shivering, spit out “Ptui! Ptui!” to get rid of the water he had accidentally swallowed. He frowned and asked, “What kind of water did that damned girl splash? What’s this smell?”

Liu Shi wiped her face with her sleeve and sniffed: “It smells of blood and sweat.”

The couple froze, then spat even more vigorously. “Damn it, isn’t that their bathwater?”

Their soaked clothes, chilled by the wind, made them feel cold to the bone, their teeth chattering.

They didn’t manage to eavesdrop that night, and after returning home, Fan Da and his wife caught severe colds, bedridden for days, but that’s another story.

Fearing further complications, Fan Changyu, after much consideration, decided to sleep on a makeshift bed on the floor in the bridal chamber. Xie Zheng didn’t comment on this.

Fan Changyu fell asleep quickly. While Xie Zheng was still resting with his eyes closed, her breathing had already become deep and even.

According to local custom, the wedding candles should burn all night on the wedding night. To keep up appearances, Fan Changyu hadn’t extinguished them.

The steadily burning wedding candles suddenly sputtered, making a light sound, which caused Xie Zheng to slightly turn his head towards the makeshift bed on the floor.

The warm light spread across three feet of floor. The woman was curled up in several thick quilts, her black hair spread across the pillow, her skin glowing like warm jade in the dim candlelight.

Xie Zheng looked away and lightly closed his eyes.

When she was awake, she carried a coarse, common air about her that made even her good looks easy to overlook.

Asleep, she was quite pleasant to look at.

Realizing he was pondering whether she looked good or not, Xie Zheng suddenly opened his eyes, his brows furrowing deeply.

What did it matter to him whether she was beautiful or ugly?

Once his wounds healed a bit more, he could leave this place. It was hard to say if he would ever cross paths with this woman again.

He stopped his train of thought, turned to face the inner part of the bed, and closed his eyes again.

Fan Changyu had her sleep schedule and woke up at her usual time.

She sat up, finding herself sleeping on the floor with no sign of Ning’er beside her, and a man lying on the bed a few steps away. She was confused for a good while.

Then she remembered that she had gotten married yesterday and finally let out a sigh of relief.

Outside, the sky was just beginning to lighten. Inside the room, a small section of the wedding candles was still burning, with mottled candle wax accumulated at the base of the candlestick.

Fan Changyu got up quietly. She had slept in her clothes, which saved her the awkwardness and trouble of getting dressed. After putting away the bedding from her makeshift bed, she left the room.

The wind and snow hadn’t stopped last night. By this morning, a thick layer of snow covered the courtyard, and the bare branches on and beyond the walls were white.

Fan Changyu rubbed her hands together against the cold. She first went to get firewood from under the eaves to light the fire pit, put on a hanging pot to warm some water for washing up and then took a broom to sweep the accumulated snow in the courtyard.

When she heard Ning’er crying next door, she hurried to bring her little sister back.

Ning’er was usually very well-behaved, but after their parents passed away, she would cry for a while if she woke up and didn’t see Fan Changyu.

After comforting her sister, Fan Changyu sat her on a stool and began to comb her hair.

Perhaps due to her poor health since childhood, Ning’er’s hair wasn’t as black and thick as Fan Changyu’s. Instead, it was fine, soft, and yellowish, with many flyaways, making it quite troublesome to tie into two little buns.

Fan Changyu was still a bit out of practice, resulting in Ning’er’s buns looking ugly in a different way every day.

After finishing her sister’s hair, Fan Changyu told her to go wash her face. Ning’er touched her left bun, then her right bun, feeling something wasn’t quite right. She took her face towel to the washbasin, looked at her reflection in the water, and realized that today’s buns were particularly crooked.

She tugged at her buns and said, “Sister, the hair is tied crookedly.”

Fan Changyu coughed twice: “I need to go to the county office after breakfast and don’t have time to redo your hair. Can you make do with this today?”

Little Ning’er was easy to placate and immediately stopped making requests.

When Fan Changyu brought fresh water to the room, she found that the person inside seemed to have been awake for a while, sitting up in bed fully dressed.

Her conversation with her sister had likely been overheard by him, which made Fan Changyu feel a bit embarrassed.

She put the washbasin on the round stool by the bed, handed him a clean cotton towel, and mentioned the promise she had made when asking him to pretend to be her son-in-law: “I’m going to the county office soon to transfer the property deed and help you register your household. I’ll also bring back a doctor for you.”

Hearing this, Xie Zheng said, “There’s no need to call a doctor. The wounds on my body will heal with rest.”

His wounds had already been treated with the golden wound medicine, and now he only needed to rest and wait for the flesh to heal.

Fan Changyu scratched her head and asked, “Is there anything you need that I can buy for you?”

He shook his head again, which made Fan Changyu feel uncomfortable.

This wasn’t what she had promised earlier, and it seemed as if she was the one benefiting from this fake marriage.

She thought that maybe after finishing her business at the county office, she could buy some tonics for him on her way back to help him recover.

After a hasty breakfast, Fan Changyu left. Since there was now someone else at home besides her sister, she didn’t leave Ning’er at Madam Zhao’s house. Before leaving, she instructed Ning’er that if anything happened, she could go next door to ask Madam Zhao for help.

Little did she know that as soon as she left, the small-time thugs who had been keeping watch near the alley immediately ran to the gambling den to report.

When the loud banging on the door started, Xie Zheng had just listlessly flipped through a couple of pages of a book he had randomly found in the corner of the room. His lazy brows concealed a trace of boredom and impatience, his mood far from good.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 10: Pacifying the World with Military Might

The county office wasn’t far from town. With a brisk pace, one could reach it in about half an hour.

Fan Changyu was fortunate to encounter an acquaintance also heading to the county seat. She hitched a ride on their ox cart, arriving at the county office just as the clerks were beginning their shifts.

She mentioned Constable Wang’s name to the guard at the entrance and was promptly escorted to the duty room at the back of the yamen.

“…When patrolling the streets, round up all vagrants and beggars and bring them to the prison. The New Year is just days away, so keep your eyes peeled!”

Inside, Constable Wang seemed to be giving instructions. Fan Changyu waited quietly outside, not wanting to interrupt.

After Constable Wang finished his briefing, he noticed Fan Changyu waiting outside. With a wave of his hand, the constables dispersed, taking their official daggers as they headed out in small groups, apparently to patrol the streets.

Fan Changyu then entered, saying, “Uncle Wang, you seem quite busy today. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

The cold outside was biting, but the room was comfortably warm with a charcoal brazier burning. A mist quickly formed on her eyelashes.

Constable Wang poured her a cup of ginger tea to ward off the chill and said, “It’s not particularly busy. It’s like this every year around this time. But this year, the mountain bandits have been especially brazen, causing many casualties. The authorities are scrutinizing outsiders more strictly. Those without household registrations or travel permits are all being thrown into prison. These past couple of days, we’ve also been rounding up vagrants and beggars.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Changyu thought of Yan Zheng, who currently had no household registration, and unconsciously tightened her grip on her frost-reddened hands.

Noticing her apparent unease, Constable Wang asked, “Have you come today about transferring the deed to your family’s property?”

Fan Changyu nodded.

Constable Wang said, “I forgot to mention earlier, Fan Da has already submitted his petition. The property can’t be transferred until the lawsuit is settled. But don’t worry, since you’ve already taken in a husband, even if it goes to court, the magistrate will surely award you your parents’ property. It’ll just be a bit more troublesome.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t anticipated such a complicated process.

Remembering the basin of water she had thrown over the courtyard wall the night before, she asked, “What if my uncle doesn’t show up on the day of the court hearing?”

Constable Wang glanced at her and replied, “Then the petition would be nullified. Moreover, such an action would be seen as disregarding the law and disrupting the court. He’d be given twenty lashes as a warning to others!”

Fan Changyu instantly regretted not emptying the entire vat of cold water over the wall the night before.

Constable Wang asked, “Why do you ask?”

Fan Changyu coughed lightly, “Just curious.”

She cradled the steaming teacup, her fingertips unconsciously tracing its surface. “There’s another matter I need your help with, Uncle Wang.”

Constable Wang said, “Go ahead and tell me.”

Fan Changyu then explained Xie Zheng’s background, “My husband’s money and household registration documents were all taken by mountain bandits. Now that he’s married into my family, I’d like to help him obtain a new household registration.”

Constable Wang’s smile faded. After a moment, he said, “Given the current situation, getting a new household registration isn’t an easy task.”

But when Fan Changyu and Fan Da face each other in court, and she mentions taking in a husband, the county magistrate will surely ask about her husband’s origins. Without a household registration to prove his identity, her husband might end up in prison.

In that case, she might lose both her property and her husband could face hardship.

Constable Wang paced back and forth in the duty room a couple of times before finally stamping his foot and saying to Fan Changyu, “Come with me.”

The official in charge of Qingping County’s household registrations was a good friend of Constable Wang. It was through this connection that he managed to help Fan Changyu obtain a new household registration for her husband.

Fan Changyu expressed her profound gratitude to Constable Wang, but he only said, “Just don’t mention this to anyone else. Otherwise, I’ll be in trouble too. Your father once saved my life, so consider this as repaying the debt I owed him…”

Fan Changyu quickly promised, “You’ve done me such a great favor. I’m beyond grateful. How could I possibly be so careless as to speak of this to others?”

Remembering his old friend, Constable Wang became nostalgic: “Your father was a strange man. With his skills, he could have easily worked in the yamen, but he insisted on becoming a butcher.”

Fan Changyu explained, “My father used to work as a caravan guard in his earlier years, which always worried my mother. After he retired, he chose a stable occupation to put her mind at ease.”

This was what she had heard from her parents before.

Constable Wang, knowing his old friend’s personality, sighed and said no more.

After bidding farewell to Constable Wang, Fan Changyu went to her younger sister’s favorite candy shop and bought a package of maltose candy.

She had originally planned to sell a few acres of rural land to raise money for New Year goods and to buy pigs and piglets after transferring the property deed.

But plans don’t always work out. Unable to transfer the property for now, all she had left was the gift money from neighbors who had attended the wedding yesterday, which amounted to less than one tael.

Fan Changyu couldn’t afford the tonics she had intended to buy for Yan Zheng, but she didn’t want to return empty-handed. Seeing a street vendor selling hair ties and headbands, she spent a few coins to buy him a navy blue headband.

Except for their wedding day, he had rarely tied up his hair.

Fan Changyu guessed it was because he didn’t have a headband. The red one from the wedding wasn’t suitable for everyday use, so she thought it best to buy him one.

As Fan Changyu was paying, a ragged man came running frantically toward them, knocking over several stalls in his panic. Several yamen runners chased after him, shouting, “Stop!”

The man didn’t dare stop and continued running for his life, with the yamen runners in hot pursuit.

Fan Changyu initially thought the man had committed some crime, but someone nearby clicked their tongue and said, “They say a new official sweep clean. That new governor who just took over Huizhou is indeed living up to his Wei family name. Under the guise of suppressing bandits, he’s not sending troops to deal with the mountain bandits and outlaws. Instead, he’s targeting the refugees from the north. These poor souls who’ve fled their homes are innocent…”

So the yamen runners were chasing refugees. Fan Changyu recalled Constable Wang’s words and felt uneasy.

She glanced at the person who had spoken. He and his companions were all wearing identical long robes, which Fan Changyu had seen Song Yan wear before. It was the uniform of the county school, indicating that these men were all students there.

One of his companions scoffed coldly, “The Wei father and son have absolute power. With imperial authority in decline, the entire Great Yin Dynasty is as rotten as decayed wood! Now that military power in Huizhou has fallen into the hands of the Wei father and son, I say we might as well change the dynasty’s name to Wei!”

Although Fan Changyu had never left Qingping County in her life, she knew who the Wei father and son they were referring to were.

The current Prime Minister Wei Yan had supported the young emperor to the throne sixteen years ago after Crown Prince Chengde died in battle at Jinzhou and the old emperor passed away from grief. He had controlled the government for over a decade, and now the common people of Great Yin knew only of the Prime Minister, not the Emperor.

His son, Wei Xuan, compared himself to the Crown Prince and had the blood of countless loyal officials and capable generals on his hands. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he was utterly evil.

Common people, busy with their daily lives, only heard the news deliberately released by the government. These students preparing for the imperial examinations and analyzing current affairs knew much more about the inner workings of the court.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but prick up her ears to listen.

The student who had spoken earlier said, “Without the Marquis of Wu’an guarding the great northwestern frontier, who knows how long this land can remain peaceful? Even if Wei Yan has such ambitions, I doubt he dares to sit on the dragon throne!”

The name of Xie Zheng, the Marquis of Wu’an, was well-known throughout the current dynasty, though opinions about him were divided.

His birth father was the Great General Xie Linshan, who had accompanied Crown Prince Chengde on the Jinzhou campaign and died standing, pierced by countless arrows while holding the military banner.

His uncle was Wei Yan, who had wielded immense power in court for over a decade.

Such a background was already highly controversial, and the fact that he was raised by his uncle led court officials to view him as part of the Wei faction.

Xie Zheng’s methods were indeed ruthless, much like his uncle’s.

His famous battle to recapture Jinzhou at the age of seventeen still chilled people to the bone. It was said that after taking Jinzhou, he massacred the city, sparing not even infants. The armor of his 800-personal cavalry was said to have been dyed red with blood, earning them the name “Blood-Robed Cavalry” ever since.

The Northern Xue people trembled at the mere mention of his name. He had even reclaimed the twelve commanderies of Liaodong, which had been occupied by Northern Xue since the previous dynasty.

Based on his illustrious military achievements, he was granted the title of Marquis of Wu’an at the young age of twenty.

Throughout history, he was the only one to receive this title, which implied pacifying the world through military might.

It was because Wei Yan had such a sharp and unstoppable blade in his hand that he could occupy the position of Prime Minister, overshadow imperial power, and control the government to this day.

Court officials criticized Xie Zheng for being part of the Wei faction while simultaneously relying on him to guard the borders.

Some even declared that as long as he guarded the frontier, the world would be at peace; but if he set his sights on the court, chaos would ensue.

Now, hearing the student say “Without the Marquis of Wu’an guarding the great northwestern frontier,” Fan Changyu felt puzzled. Someone beat her to the question: “What happened to the Marquis of Wu’an?”

The student replied, “You don’t know yet? After the battle of Chongzhou, the Marquis of Wu’an’s fate is unknown. However, his military authority in Huizhou has already been taken over by Wei Xuan. It seems he has perished.”

This news caused a commotion among those present, with many questioning the student’s claims.

People generally despised the Marquis of Wu’an as Wei Yan’s tool and feared his disregard for human life, but they couldn’t deny that he was a pillar of the Great Yin Dynasty in the northwest.

With this pillar fallen, it was unclear who in the Great Yin court could hold up the sky in the northwest.

Bombarded with questions from all sides, the student retorted, “If you think what I’m saying is false, go find out for yourselves! See if the northwest hasn’t just changed governors!”

Fan Changyu’s mind was filled with concerns about national affairs as she made her way home.

Jizhou bordered Chongzhou, and if the war spread to Jizhou, she didn’t know where she and her younger sister could flee.

Remembering that Yan Zheng had fled from Chongzhou, Fan Changyu thought she could ask him when she got back. He might know something about the Marquis of Wu’an’s situation on the Chongzhou battlefield.

How could a mere rebellion in Chongzhou have felled the war god of Great Yin?

As she turned the corner near her alley, she encountered a woman who lived in the neighborhood. She greeted her warmly, “Aunt Tao, are you going to buy vegetables?”

The woman nodded but seemed hesitant, her expression somewhat strange.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 11: What a Formidable Woman

Fan Changyu felt something was amiss. As she was about to continue home, the woman said with a peculiar expression, “People from the gambling den went to your house again. Your husband…”

In a flash, Fan Changyu grabbed a carrying pole from the wall and rushed into the alley.

The woman, surprised by Fan Changyu’s haste, called out, “Your husband wasn’t hurt! It’s the gambling den people who were crippled by him!”

Unfortunately, Fan Changyu had already run too far to hear clearly.

From a distance, she saw a crowd gathered at her doorway again. Her heart tightened, and she gripped the carrying pole harder, shouting, “Make way!”

Seeing her charging towards them with a carrying pole, the onlookers quickly parted.

Just then, the gambling den’s minor boss, Jin Ye, emerged from Fan Changyu’s dismantled front gate, leaning on a long staff and looking fierce. Before he could react to the sight of the aggressive Fan Changyu, he was sent flying sideways by a blow from the carrying pole, falling to the ground motionless.

Fan Changyu planted her carrying pole on the ground, ready to unleash her anger on those in the courtyard. However, she saw the gambling den thugs looking at her in terror, changing their posture from crawling out to shrinking back in.

But under the eaves of the house sat a cold-faced man holding a cane, his expression gloomy.

The thugs, caught between a rock and a hard place, huddled together trembling in the courtyard. These burly men now resembled pitiful cabbages in a field.

Fan Changyu:?

She looked incredulously at the man sitting under the eaves. Had he done this to all of them?

In his injured state, needing a cane to walk, he could still fight.

The neighbors watching at the door thought Fan Changyu was going to beat them again and quickly advised, “Changyu, stop! Your husband has already beaten them up. Look at them, all with broken legs! Who knows how much the medical expenses will be!”

Hearing about compensation, Fan Changyu quickly grabbed Jin Ye, who was playing dead on the ground, by the collar and lifted him.

Terrified, with two streams of blood from his nose, Jin Ye begged, “Miss Fan, Miss Fan, please be merciful and spare me! I won’t dare do this again!”

He covered his face with both hands, “Please, no more beating…”

Fan Changyu, putting on a fierce face, pointed at her dismantled front gate, “You arrogant thugs, you’ve torn down my gate. How are you going to compensate for that?”

She needed to quickly assess the damages and hopefully prevent them from demanding compensation for their injuries!

As her gaze swept further into the courtyard, she realized that apart from the group of terrified gambling den thugs huddled together, nothing else seemed to be broken!

The man under the eaves sat in the armchair, his face pale but his presence imposing and intimidating. The door behind him was intact, indicating that these gambling den people hadn’t even entered the house.

Fan Changyu’s eyes darted back and forth over the man, noticing a spot of blood on his collar. Finally finding another reason to act tough, she continued fiercely, “My husband is injured, and you bullied him with your numbers, beating him like this. Never mind the external injuries, who knows how severe the internal injuries are? How much will it cost to see a doctor!”

Jin Ye quickly reached into his clothes and pulled out a handful of silver pieces and copper coins, offering them all to Fan Changyu, “I’ll pay! I’ll pay! Please let me go, Miss Fan!”

Fan Changyu: “…”

She had only intended to scare the gambling den people, but the situation seemed to have taken an unexpected turn.

In her moment of distraction, she loosened her grip on Jin Ye’s collar. Terrified out of his wits, he placed the silver and copper coins on the ground and quickly crawled away.

Seeing this, the trembling thugs in the courtyard hesitated for a moment before also taking out some copper coins from their clothes, placing them on the ground, and then limping out of the Fan family gate as quickly as they could.

The onlookers stared at Fan Changyu and her pale, sickly husband-in-name as if they were looking at freaks.

The gambling den thugs not only collected gambling debts but also often roamed the streets collecting various protection fees. This was the first time anyone had taken money from them.

Fan Changyu was also a bit dazed.

After the crowd dispersed, she pointed at the front gate, which seemed to have been kicked off its hinges and was lying inward, and asked, “They broke down the gate, right?”

The man under the eaves nodded, and Fan Changyu finally let out a sigh of relief.

At least she hadn’t wrongly accused anyone!

With mixed feelings, she picked up the silver and copper coins from the ground and walked over to ask, “I see blood seeping through your bandages. Has your wound opened up again?”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

Fan Changyu, remembering how all the gambling den people had limped away, said, “You’re injured. In the future, if you encounter situations like this, try to endure if you can. Wait for me to come back and handle it…”

He still didn’t respond, and Fan Changyu felt a bit awkward, knowing that all these troubles were because of her. She said, “If your wound keeps reopening, you’ll be the one suffering.”

Xie Zheng finally spoke: “They were too noisy.”

The sunlight slanted in, using his nose bridge as a dividing line. The upper half of his face was shadowed under the eaves, while the lower half was illuminated, his paleness giving him an almost translucent, icy beauty. His face was cold and distant, truly a remarkably handsome visage.

But his temper certainly couldn’t be considered good.

Hearing his reason, Fan Changyu was momentarily at a loss for words.

Xie Zheng didn’t seem inclined to say more and returned to his room.

Little Changningg timidly peeked out from the kitchen, calling, “Sister.”

Fan Changyu went over and patted her sister’s head, asking, “Were you scared?”

Changningg nodded and then shook her head, saying, “Big brother… brother-in-law is so amazing!”

Fan Changyu was startled by her form of address for the man, guessing that Madam Zhao must have taught her to call him that. She asked, “Amazing at beating up bad people?”

Little Changningg nodded: “Those people called brother-in-law a pretty boy and insulted him as a cripple, but he crippled all of them!”

Changningg’s eyes sparkled as she recounted this, “Sister, what does ‘pretty boy’ mean? Is it because brother-in-law’s face is very white?”

Fan Changyu remembered what she had said earlier, and her feelings suddenly became complicated. She told her sister, “That’s an insult. Ningning, you’re not allowed to say it, understand?”

Little Changningg obediently nodded.

Fan Changyu gave her the package of maltose candy she had bought and told her to play in the courtyard without wandering off. She then went to find the medicinal herbs they kept at home for injuries. Approaching Xie Zheng’s door, she hesitated briefly before knocking.

“What is it?” came the man’s cold yet magnetic voice from inside.

Fan Changyu said, “I’ve brought you some medicine.”

There was no response from inside for a while.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together, but finally spoke, “I’m sorry, I should have thought of this. You married into my family, and they were bound to say many hurtful things…”

The door suddenly opened, cutting off Fan Changyu’s words.

He seemed to have been tending to his wound. His outer robe was draped over his shoulders, and only the lower few ties of his inner garment were fastened, leaving the top ones undone, revealing his attractive collarbone and a small section of his well-muscled chest. His strikingly handsome face wore an unpleasant expression: “Do you think breaking one of their legs wasn’t enough?”

Fan Changyu quickly shook her head.

Xie Zheng raised his eyelids slightly: “I’m not so thin-skinned as to take the words of a few scum to heart. As I said, they were too noisy.”

He turned to go back into the room, and Fan Changyu followed, unconsciously asking, “Do you need my help?”

He suddenly turned his head and gave her an ambiguous look, fastening the last tie of his inner garment: “I’ve already taken care of it.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

It was as if she was trying to take advantage of him by offering to apply medicine!

She was still holding the newly bought headband, and now giving it to him would make it seem like she had ulterior motives. When his gaze swept over her, she expressionlessly tied it to her high ponytail, “This is a headband I bought for myself.”

The navy blue didn’t suit women, but when she tied it on, it gave her an unexpectedly valiant air.

Xie Zheng’s expression became somewhat peculiar.

Fan Changyu, feeling she had regained face, wasn’t one to hold grudges for long. After placing the medicine bottle on the table, she began to talk about her visit to the yamen today: “Uncle Wang told me that Fan Da has submitted a petition to the county office. Before the case is settled, I can’t transfer the property deed. It seems the gambling den is still holding a grudge from losing face last time, and after communicating with Fan Da, they tried to use this method to drive you away.”

In the eyes of the gambling den people, he was an outsider, unfamiliar with Linan Town, and injured. He couldn’t have been an easier target.

After all, ordinary people would have been scared out of their wits if confronted like this.

If her husband-in-name ran away, her efforts to take in a husband would have been in vain, and the property would still end up belonging to Fan Da.

The man, who seemed uninterested in what she was saying, suddenly remarked, “In the ‘Establishing Female Households’ Zhu Yu – Chapter of the ‘Great Yin Code,’ a clause should be added allowing orphaned girls to establish their households.”

Fan Changyu knew that widows could establish their households, but she had never heard of orphaned girls doing so.

For those like her whose parents had both passed away, usually, the clan relatives would take away the property and then raise the girls until they were married off.

The quality of this upbringing depended entirely on the conscience of the clan’s relatives. Those without conscience might sell the girl directly to a brothel. More commonly, the orphaned girl would be treated as a servant, ordered around, and when she reached marriageable age, she would be sold off like livestock to whoever could pay.

When her parents had just passed away, Uncle Fan and his wife had come to their door saying they wanted to take her and Changningg away, promising to treat them like their own daughters. Fan Changyu, knowing what kind of people they were, refused no matter what, which led to Uncle Fan’s repeated attempts to seize the property deed.

She didn’t take his words seriously, “Laws are made by those high-ranking officials in the capital. Which of those old officials doesn’t have three wives and four concubines, with children in abundance? Even if their family met with misfortune and only an orphaned daughter remained, she would be taken in by relatives of status, never wanting food or clothing. These officials have no idea what life is like for orphaned girls in common households, so how would they make laws for them?”

Xie Zheng remained silent. Before his downfall, he had indeed never even heard of the plight of orphaned girls in common households.

Seeing his silence, Fan Changyu thought she had rebutted his words too harshly. She scratched her head and awkwardly tried to make amends: “But if there were officials who knew about the situation of orphaned girls in common households and proposed legislation for them, that would be a good thing.”

Xie Zheng, however, was considering the feasibility of orphaned girls establishing their households: “The court has reduced corvée labor and taxes for female-headed households. If orphaned girls could establish themselves as household heads, they should be treated the same as female-headed households. However, if an orphaned girl marries or takes in a husband, adding a male to the household, they could no longer be exempt from corvée labor and taxes. The paperwork would be quite complex.”

Fan Changyu listened, confused: “How do you know so much about the ‘Great Yin Code’?”

Xie Zheng, realizing he had said too much, lowered his eyes and said, “I’ve just seen and heard more from traveling around.”

Fan Changyu didn’t suspect anything and took out the household registration document from her collar pocket: “Oh right, your household registration document has been processed. The county constables are now arresting vagrants and beggars on sight, and outsiders without household registration or travel permits entering the city will also be thrown in jail. It’s not easy to get a household registration now. Uncle Wang had to call in a favor to get this done for you.”

Hearing this, Xie Zheng’s eyes immediately darkened: “The constables are arresting vagrants?”

Fan Changyu nodded: “I saw it with my own eyes on my way back. I heard it’s because the northwest has a new governor, and they’re worried about bandits and outlaws robbing during the New Year, so they issued this order.”

She suddenly looked up at Xie Zheng: “I also heard that the Marquis of Wu’an died on the battlefield in Chongzhou. You fled from Chongzhou, do you know if this is true?”

“I don’t know.”

Fan Changyu sighed: “If the Marquis of Wu’an died, it’s quite a pity.”

A smile that was neither mocking nor genuine appeared on the other’s pale face as he asked, “What’s there to pity?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 12: The Fastidious Man

Daylight streamed through the doors and windows, illuminating the entire room. The young woman’s youthful vigor and radiance were increasingly difficult to suppress. She spoke as if it were a matter of course: “Of course it’s a pity. How many Marquis of Wu’an have emerged in the hundreds of years of the Great Yin Dynasty?”

Fan Changyu counted on her fingers: “He recaptured Jinzhou, the throat of the northern frontier. He also recovered the twelve commanderies of Liaodong, which had cost countless loyal ministers and famous generals over decades of fighting. Although the battle of Jinzhou was controversial, when the Northern Jue captured Jinzhou years ago, didn’t they massacre the Central Plains people in the city?”

“General Xie died standing to preserve his dignity, but the Northern Jue people hung his corpse on the city wall. The civil officials denounced the Marquis of Wu’an as cold-blooded and brutal, but weren’t the soldiers and civilians who died in Jinzhou sixteen years ago innocent? How can they, with a mere flick of their tongues, so lightly dismiss the crimes of the Northern Jue on behalf of those who died? Without the Marquis of Wu’an, who knows who could have held the Northwest?”

Xie Zheng had heard too many righteous condemnations of his battle at Jinzhou, but this was the first time someone had spoken up for him.

He felt a strange sensation in his heart and couldn’t help but reassess the woman before him. “You’re quite bold in your speech.”

Fan Changyu looked at him, puzzled: “How the officials speak is their business. We commoners aren’t fools. The Marquis of Wu’an may have been brutal in military and political affairs, but he’s not as heinous evil as those scholars say. We commoners don’t curse the corrupt officials who exploit us, but we curse the Marquis of Wu’an for being too fierce in killing enemies. What kind of twisted thinking is that?”

Xie Zheng: “… Don’t people use his name to scare children at night?”

Fan Changyu replied, somewhat embarrassed: “My father looks too fierce when he’s slaughtering pigs. People in town often use my father’s name to scare children too.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

He raised his hand to press his brow, speechless for a while. Miraculously, the resentment and gloom in his heart dissipated a bit at that moment.

…

At lunchtime, Fan Changyu first lit incense for her parents’ memorial tablets. Xie Zheng, having heard her mention her father earlier, glanced at the tablets on the altar table against the wall in the main hall.

After seeing the names clearly, he suddenly asked, “Is your eldest uncle called Fan Daniu?”

Fan Changyu was somewhat surprised: “How do you know?”

Xie Zheng said: “Your father’s memorial tablet.”

Fan Changyu looked at the three characters “Fan Erniu” on her father’s tablet and immediately understood his meaning.

She said: “My father’s original name was Erniu, but he got lost as a child and found his way back to his family when he grew up. Later, the people in town gave my father a nickname, Fan Laohu, and everyone called him by that nickname.”

Xie Zheng merely nodded faintly, his gaze sweeping over her mother’s tablet. He noticed that her mother didn’t even have a surname; the name on the tablet was simply Lihua, which looked like a casually given name for a country person.

He couldn’t help but ask: “Were your and your younger sister’s names chosen by someone else?”

This couple didn’t seem like the type to choose names like Changyu and Changningg.

Fan Changyu put all the dishes on the table and said: “No, my mother chose them.”

Mentioning her mother, there was a hint of pride in her eyes: “My mother was amazing. She could read and write, and she knew how to blend fragrances and make powders. Other butchers would smell after killing pigs, but our family’s clothes, after washing, would be scented with my mother’s blended fragrances. We never had any odd smells.”

Xie Zheng’s cold eyes showed a hint of surprise: “Was your maternal family quite wealthy?”

Being literate and knowing how to blend fragrances and make powders, either skill alone was not common, let alone having both. It should have been the mark of a well-established family.

Fan Changyu shook her head: “I’ve never met my maternal grandparents. My mother was someone my father met when he was working as a caravan guard years ago. She wasn’t a young lady from a wealthy family; she had only been a maid in someone’s household.”

Lihua did indeed sound like a maid’s name.

If she was a maid from a prestigious family, it wouldn’t be strange for her to have these skills.

Fan Changyu said: “It’s a pity I’m not clever. I used to learn to read with my mother, but I’d get a headache whenever I looked at books. I didn’t learn fragrance blending and powder making well either. Otherwise, I’d have another way to make money now.”

Xie Zheng recalled the scene of her wielding a stick to beat people and said with an ambiguous tone: “Perhaps you have more talent in other areas.”

Fan Changyu nodded in agreement: “I think so too. If I hadn’t learned to slaughter pigs from my father, I might have had my house taken away by now and be living on the streets with Ning’er.”

Little Changningg was trying hard to pick up a meatball with her chopsticks. Hearing this, she widened her grape-like eyes: “Ning’er doesn’t want to live on the streets.”

Fan Changyu helped her sister put the meatball she had been struggling with into her bowl. “We won’t live on the streets. We’ll even buy a big house in the county town in the future.”

Changningg was reassured and continued her battle of wits with the meatball in her bowl, occasionally chatting with Fan Changyu.

Compared to the sisters’ chatter during the meal, Xie Zheng hardly spoke after he started eating, truly embodying the saying “silence while eating, silence while resting.”

His eating manners were also very refined, unlike Fan Changyu.

Pig slaughtering was physically demanding work, so she naturally ate more than ordinary women.

She directly picked up a large bowl to scoop rice, and Changningg followed suit, almost burying her entire face in the rice bowl.

The actions of the big and small ones were surprisingly consistent.

After finishing and putting down their bowls, they both sighed with satisfaction, as if the meal had become even more delicious.

It was the first time in Xie Zheng’s life that he had seen women eat like this, and his expression was quite peculiar.

In the afternoon, Fan Changyu found Carpenter Zhao to help repair the broken main door at home, while she went to the market with silver to buy pigs.

To deal with Fan Da for the wedding, her newly opened meat shop had been closed for three days. If she didn’t reopen soon, the reputation she had built with her braised offal would have been for nothing.

Before leaving, Xie Zheng suddenly asked her: “Since your mother was literate, do you have paper, ink, brush, and inkstone at home?”

Fan Changyu said: “Yes, do you need them?”

Xie Zheng nodded: “I’d like to borrow them.”

Fan Changyu then went to find the four treasures of the study that her mother had bought before. Because they had been stored for a long time, the paper had yellowed, the inkstone had a large chip, and the brush had become frayed like a broom.

When Xie Zheng saw the four treasures of the study placed before him, he was silent for a moment before thanking her.

It was still better than using charcoal to write on fabric.

Fan Changyu didn’t ask why he needed paper and brush, thinking that since he was literate, he might be bored at home with his leg injury and wanted to practice calligraphy or something.

After Fan Changyu left, Xie Zheng began grinding ink and writing in the room. The ink quality was poor and almost impossible to mix evenly in water.

He resisted the urge to throw the frayed brush and ink stick out the window, patiently writing an essay before Carpenter Zhao finished repairing the main door.

He asked Carpenter Zhao to help take this essay to a nearby bookstore to sell: “With the spring imperial examination approaching, essays should be selling well in various bookstores. Please trouble yourself to go to a bookstore and see if they would buy this kind of essay.”

Carpenter Zhao couldn’t read, but he could see that Xie Zheng’s handwriting was excellent. He exclaimed in surprise: “Young man, are you a scholar?”

Xie Zheng only said: “I studied for a few days when I was young, and gained some knowledge while traveling north and south as a caravan guard. Now that I’m injured and without money, I thought I’d try to earn some silver by writing essays.”

With the imperial power weakening and unrest in the northwest, these essays of his, once circulated, would stir up another wave of criticism against the Wei family among the scholars of the world, giving that father and son pair plenty to deal with, naturally leaving them no time to search for his whereabouts.

Some messages could also be subtly conveyed to his old subordinates through the essays.

The gyrfalcon appearing in towns would be too eye-catching, and if found by those with ulterior motives, it would certainly bring trouble.

Hearing him speak like this, Carpenter Zhao’s eyes immediately welled up: “You’re a good kid. That girl Changyu has had a hard life. For her to rescue you when you were injured in the wilderness, it must be fate between you two. Seeing how much you care for her, her grandmother and I can rest easy…”

Xie Zheng knew the old man had misunderstood his intention to earn money as concern for the butcher’s daughter. He wanted to explain, but couldn’t find a better explanation at the moment, so he could only respond with silence.

To Carpenter Zhao, this silence seemed like confirmation.

He felt even stranger in his heart, fearing that Fan Changyu might misunderstand as well. When Fan Changyu returned home, he deliberately acted more coldly, but his face usually lacked extra expressions anyway, and Fan Changyu was thick-skinned, so she didn’t notice anything unusual at all.

That night.

After making the bed in the north room and putting her younger sister to sleep, Fan Changyu went to the kitchen to braise the pork for tomorrow’s sale. Thinking that Yan Zheng was injured and might feel cold at night, she filled a charcoal basin with the remaining red coals from the stove and brought it to him.

Having lived in this room for over ten years, she hadn’t broken the habit of entering directly in such a short time. As soon as she entered the room, she realized he was half-undressed, applying medicine again.

However, Fan Changyu didn’t have time to feel embarrassed this time, because his entire back was covered in smeared blood, and there was quite a bit on his white undergarment as well.

During the day when she wanted to help him apply medicine, he refused. She thought his wounds hadn’t opened much, but she didn’t expect them to be this severe.

Xie Zheng frowned as soon as she pushed the door open, about to put his clothes back on, but was stopped by a pair of warm, strong hands on his shoulders.

The shiver at the moment their skin touched made his brow furrow even more. He instinctively wanted to brush away the hand on his shoulder but was restrained by her, unable to move.

Xie Zheng’s breath caught, and there was a hint of bewilderment in his beautiful eyes, unsure if he was surprised by this woman’s strength or her boldness: “You…”

“What ‘you’? Do you not want to live? Is it so difficult for you to ask someone for help applying medicine?”

Seeing the open wounds on his back, Fan Changyu didn’t give him a pleasant look. She didn’t know what this person was being stubborn about; his injuries kept reopening, how much silver would it take to treat them?

As she took the medicine bottle from the table and sprinkled it on the bloody wounds on his back, she couldn’t help but mutter: “A grown man, what are you being so fussy about!”

Xie Zheng’s temple twitched violently. The woman’s hand was still on his shoulder, and half of his shoulder felt as if it had been branded by a hot iron. His brows were tightly knitted: “Men and women should not have physical contact.”

Fan Changyu said: “I carried you back from the wilderness! As for contact, we’ve already had plenty!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, the entire room fell into silence.

Fan Changyu also realized she had misspoken. She usually hated studying, yet this person had to speak so formally with her. She irritably scratched her head: “I didn’t mean I had… ugh…”

Xie Zheng’s eyelids started to twitch, and he interrupted her before she could say something shocking again: “I understand your meaning.”

Fan Changyu quickly nodded: “As long as you understand.”

Afraid that he might misunderstand her intentions, she gritted her teeth and lied against her conscience: “Don’t worry, I have no designs on you. I… I haven’t gotten over my former fiancé yet! After all, we were childhood sweethearts. He was so handsome and so smart, the only one in the entire county to pass the provincial examination. How could I say I’ve gotten over him when I haven’t?”

After saying this, Fan Changyu felt goosebumps all over her body.

The man before her had an indescribable expression and only said: “My condolences.”

Fan Changyu:?

Song Yan wasn’t dead yet!

Hm. It seems her parents may have secret origins. Considering her father was strong, covered in scars, clearly had martial skills that he passed to his eldest daughter, and insisted on a humble job as a butcher instead of working for the yamen…I smell a mystery! A noble family fleeing from persecution perhaps?

What if her mother was a princess and her father a guard? That to me makes since given how much stress has been put on the fact that their is no living member of the royal family.

I think so too.maybe. from royal family

Lol, this is fun. A healing novel after finished reading Dao of Bizzare Immortal.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 13: Money-Making Strategy

Early the next morning, Fan Changyu took fresh pork and braised meat to her family’s pork shop.

The early market was already bustling with vendors calling out their wares, and aunties and grandmothers wrapped in thick coats and carrying baskets were picking and bargaining at various stalls.

After arranging her goods on the counter, Fan Changyu greeted several butchers who had been friendly with her father as usual, but their responses seemed somewhat forced.

Fan Changyu was puzzled, when a shopping auntie, presumably seeing the still-steaming braised pig’s head meat on her stall and enticed by its aroma, asked, “Is this braised pig’s head meat also a freebie?”

Fan Changyu thought this auntie had heard about her giving away braised offal before and was embarrassed: “Auntie, this pig’s head meat isn’t cheap, and the braising ingredients are expensive. How could I give it away?”

The auntie pursed her lips and glanced at the braised offal nearby: “Is this braised offal free then?”

She replied, “I gave it away for one day when I reopened the shop for good luck, but not anymore. If you want to buy it, it’s two wen for one liang.”

The auntie’s expression changed instantly, “Other meat shops all give it away, but you’re charging for it?”

Fan Changyu became even more puzzled: “Are you saying that all the pork shops on this street give away braised offal with meat purchases?”

The auntie said, “Why would I lie to you? Just look for yourself!”

“Here you go, take care!”

Just then, Butcher Guo across the street completed a sale, and the shout drew Fan Changyu’s attention. She saw the woman who bought meat not only carrying pork but also holding a package of braised offals wrapped in oiled paper.

Butcher Guo noticed Fan Changyu looking at him and turned away, continuing to arrange the pork in his stall.

In the corner of his counter was a large basin, its contents not visible from afar, but now it was clear it must be braised offal.

Fan Changyu’s eyes widened. This shameless old man had almost flipped her stall when she gave away freebies before, repeatedly warning her not to do it again, but now he was using this method to attract customers himself.

Looking at the neighboring shops, they all had basins of braised meat on their meat counters. No wonder their expressions were odd when she greeted them earlier.

The auntie asked, “Are you giving it away or not? If not, I’ll buy from another shop!”

Fan Changyu immediately said, “I’ll give it away!”

After all, pig offal wasn’t worth much, and the braising ingredients weren’t just for offal but also for pig’s head meat. She might as well continue using offal as a freebie to promote her braised meat!

When everyone was selling pork, some shoppers couldn’t tell the difference in quality, but using braised offal as a freebie was different. The color and aroma couldn’t deceive people!

This would be more beneficial for her business!

The auntie had been eyeing the braised meat in Fan Changyu’s shop. Other places’ braising was dull and lacked aroma, but hers was bright red and looked like good quality.

Hearing that Fan Changyu was also giving away freebies, her face immediately lit up: “Give me five jin of rump meat!”

Fan Changyu skillfully cut five jin of pork rump, weighed it, and gave it to the auntie, then cut five liang of braised offal for her.

The auntie took the braised offal and sniffed it, exclaiming how fragrant it was. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to say, “Your freebie is good. I’ll tell my neighbors to buy meat from you!”

Fan Changyu smiled and agreed, saying she’d give the auntie more freebies next time. The auntie left happily with her meat.

Seeing that auntie buy fresh meat and get a package of braised offal from Fan Changyu’s shop, and noticing how good the color of her braised offal looked, others couldn’t help but come forward to ask about prices. In the end, everyone bought meat from Fan Changyu’s shop without exception.

Those coming to buy meat and vegetables saw the crowd at Fan Changyu’s shop and instinctively felt her goods must be better, so they also squeezed over to look.

Before the early market was half over, the fresh meat and braised offal in Fan Changyu’s shop were sold out, with only half a braised pig’s head left unsold.

In contrast, the other meat shops only made a few sales when Fan Changyu’s meat was sold out, and customers reluctantly turned to them as a second choice.

Seeing that his shop finally had a customer, Butcher Guo vigorously promoted the pork on his counter: “Look, top-quality pork belly, and I’m giving away braised offal too!”

The shopper peeked at the dull-looking braised offal in his basin and immediately frowned and shook their head: “The freebie at Fan’s Meat Shop, that braised offal was shiny and red. Is yours just boiled in water with some salt?”

“I’ll come earlier tomorrow and buy from Fan’s!” The shopper put down the piece of pork they had been examining and left directly.

Butcher Guo’s face was extremely unpleasant. He looked at the pork in his shop, then at the basin of braised meat, and angrily kicked over a nearby stool, muttering some vulgar curses under his breath.

This commotion was naturally seen by people in the nearby shops.

Fan Changyu’s meat shop was directly opposite Butcher Guo’s, and she also witnessed this scene.

A neighboring butcher’s wife whispered to her, “Actually, none of us want to do this thankless job of giving away freebies.”

After all, when one shop gave freebies, business was good, but when all the meat shops on the street started giving freebies, and the taste wasn’t particularly outstanding, business was no different from when they just sold pork, yet they had to give away a portion of braised offal.

The butcher’s wife continued, “But that Guo fellow has more tricks than a beehive has holes. A few days ago, he strictly forbade you from giving freebies, but the next day he started doing it himself, not even ashamed. When we confronted him about being unreasonable, he just lay on the ground and tried to extort us. He also has an uncle who works as an advisor to the county magistrate, so we couldn’t do anything about him. We couldn’t just watch him steal all the business with freebies, so we all started giving away braised offal too.”

Fan Changyu knew this auntie was explaining so much to avoid any misunderstanding, so she said, “I understand, Auntie.”

Seeing that Butcher Guo had suffered a setback today, the butcher’s wife was secretly pleased. She glanced in Butcher Guo’s direction and couldn’t help but gloat, “It’s good that you’re back, Changyu. Let’s see how long he can keep giving away that salt water boiled offal.”

Relying on his relative who worked as an advisor in the county office, Butcher Guo had always been arrogant. The merchants doing business on this street had long been disgusted by his attitude.

In the past, only Fan Changyu’s father wasn’t afraid of trouble and dared to keep Butcher Guo in check. After Fan Changyu’s parents passed away, Guo started acting like the local tyrant of the street, bossing people around daily.

Fan Changyu didn’t give much attention to Butcher Guo across the street. After selling the last half of the pig’s head, she started counting the copper coins in her drawer.

The pig she slaughtered today was only about 80 jin. The fresh and braised meat together sold for two guan three hundred men. After deducting the cost of one guan for buying the pig, she had netted one guan three hundred men!

Fan Changyu strung the copper coins together with a thin rope, feeling their weight, and her mood lightened.

The property would soon be transferred, and the business at the meat shop was gradually getting on track. Her and her sister’s lives would only get better from now on!

When she saved enough money, she would take her sister to the capital to seek medical treatment! She had heard that the best things in the world were in the capital, including the best doctors-

After tidying up the shop, Fan Changyu took the money to the market. She bought medicine for the two “medicine pots” at home, big and small, then bought some spices needed for making braising soup. After setting aside one guan for buying pigs, she only had a few hundred men left.

Fan Changyu sighed softly, realizing how expensive daily necessities truly were once you started managing a household.

She carefully selected some New Year goods and headed home. Before entering the alley, she saw a snow-white gyrfalcon flying from the direction of her house towards the sky, seemingly the same one she had seen before.

Fan Changyu was puzzled, wondering if that gyrfalcon often came to this area to find food.

If it came often… maybe there was a chance to catch it.

The gyrfalcon disappeared in an instant, but Fan Changyu was already calculating how much money she could get if she caught it and sold it at the market.

When she got home and pushed open the courtyard gate, she immediately saw that the window in the man’s room was half open. He was sitting at the desk wearing an old black robe, his long hair loose around him, his expression calm. His thin fingers, covered in scabs, held a brush as he focused on writing something.

Outside the window was a red plum tree, planted by her father for her mother long ago.

Perhaps this year, even the plum tree knew its old friends were gone. Since winter began, it had only produced one small bud.

Amidst the frost and snow on the branches, that single touch of color still couldn’t compare to even a tenth of the beauty of the man inside.

Fine snow was blown in through the window, some even landing in the man’s hair. The eyebrows and eyes beneath the black hair were truly cold and exquisite.

Fan Changyu’s breath caught slightly. When the man looked up at her, she didn’t hurry to avert her gaze but continued to look at him openly and asked, “Aren’t you cold with the window open?”

Xie Zheng met her gaze and noticed she was still staring at him without any intention of looking away. His brows furrowed almost imperceptibly as he avoided her gaze and said, “The room was dark. Opening the window improves the light.”

His voice was as cold and clear as ever.

Fan Changyu made an “oh” sound. After putting down the things she was carrying in the main room and checking on her napping sister, she brought him a charcoal basin.

Probably because the window had been open for a while, Fan Changyu felt it was as cold inside as it was outside when she entered the room.

She glanced at the desk, which was already covered with papers full of ink, and couldn’t help but ask, “What are you writing?”

Having written so much, surely he must have been freezing all morning. Wasn’t he cold?

Xie Zheng finished writing the last character and put down his brush. Without a brush rest, he had to temporarily place the ink-stained brush on the chipped edge of the inkstone.

He said softly, “Essays.”

Fan Changyu knew what essays were. Song Yan used to often scrimp and save to buy them, with each scroll costing three hundred men.

She exclaimed in surprise, “You can write essays too?”

Xie Zheng continued to use the same explanation he had given Carpenter Zhao to brush her off: “Just some experiences from traveling north and south. In small towns, the quality of books sold in bookstores varies greatly. Writing something that can fool people is enough for the bookstores to accept it.”

Fan Changyu choked a bit when she heard this, thinking how unlucky those students buying essays must be.

Thinking that the essays Song Yan had scrimped and saved to buy in the past might have been like this, she suddenly felt a bit of secret pleasure.

She coughed lightly, then remembered his injuries: “The roads are slippery when it snows. Even if the snow is swept away, there might still be thin ice on the ground. Your wounds only reopened yesterday, it’s too dangerous to go out with a crutch…”

She rattled off all this, was it just out of concern for him?

Xie Zheng’s expression showed a slight surprise, and then he lowered his eyes and said, “I asked the old man next door to bring it back for me.”

Fan Changyu’s expression improved slightly, but thinking about his reason for writing essays, she still pursed her lips and said, “Since you’ve already agreed to a fake marriage with me, I will fulfill my promise to let you recover properly. We’re only tight on money now because the property hasn’t been transferred yet. You… don’t need to do this.”

Letting a seriously injured person struggle through illness and brave the cold wind to rack their brains writing essays to earn money for the household made Fan Changyu feel guilty.

The cold wind blew into the room, stirring Xie Zheng’s unbound long hair. He looked at the woman frowning before him, and his cold expression became somewhat ambiguous.

Not wanting the woman before him to misunderstand, he said, “I’m just writing essays to pass the time when I have nothing to do. It’s not what you think.”

The more he said this, the more convinced Fan Changyu became of her guess.

After all, who would write essays in the cold, braving the winter wind to pass the time? Her feelings were particularly complex at that moment.

She pressed her lips together and said, “Don’t worry about me being poor. I can support you!”

She left the room after saying this, leaving Xie Zheng alone sitting at the desk. His thin fingers pressed against his brow, his eyes deep and complex, as if pondering something that gave him quite a headache.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 14: He Saw It

In the following days, Fan Changyu put all her effort into slaughtering pigs, making braised meats, and selling pork.

The braised offal in her shop was delicious in every aspect – appearance, aroma, and taste. She had been giving it away as a free addition, and no other business on the entire street could compare to hers.

Some people who couldn’t buy meat from her shop on a given day would rather wait until the next day to make their purchase. For several days, Fan Changyu’s shop could sell out two whole pigs completely clean.

Such a thriving business naturally made all the meat sellers on the street envious. Butcher Guo, seeing all the customers flocking to Fan Changyu’s shop, became disgruntled again. He shamelessly complained that giving away free additions was adding unnecessary burden to the meat shops, and suggested that everyone should stop doing it.

Although others looked down on Butcher Guo’s behavior, it was a fact that Fan Changyu had attracted most of the customers with her free additions. While they didn’t explicitly agree, they almost tacitly approved of Butcher Guo’s proposal.

Fan Changyu good-naturedly agreed that everyone would stop giving away free additions.

It wasn’t that she was easy to manipulate, but rather that Fan’s Braised Meat had already established its reputation. She no longer needed to use the tactic of giving away free additions to attract customers. The offal that she had painstakingly cleaned was worth twenty wen per jin when braised – who would give that away for free?

It was better to sell these people a favor, after all, they were all doing business on the same street and would see each other often.

Everyone on the street with a meat shop eagerly waited for business to return to how it was before. However, they didn’t expect that even after stopping the free additions, although Fan Changyu’s business wasn’t as hot as before, it was still the best on the entire street.

Because the reputation of braised meat had spread, people from town stopped going to the street that sold cooked food for braised meat and came specifically to Fan Changyu’s shop to buy it.

There were so many people buying braised meat that Fan Changyu’s shop often couldn’t meet the demand. She simply set up a large pot in front of the meat shop, selling the meat braised the night before on the chopping board while braising and cooking more in the large pot.

This unintentional move took her braised meat business to another level.

The aroma was truly enticing. The braising liquid bubbled in the pot, and the cleaned pig’s head meat and offal were braised to a beautiful soy sauce brown color. The spices like star anise, bay leaves, and fruit peels could be seen.

People passing by the market couldn’t resist being drawn in by this aroma to inquire about the price.

Seeing the pot full of genuine ingredients for the freshly braised and sold meat, buyers didn’t even haggle as much as they did when buying pre-cooked meat before.

After selling out the pig heads she had slaughtered herself, Fan Changyu, not wanting to waste the pot of braising liquid, often bought a few pig heads from the neighboring meat shop, cleaned them thoroughly, and braised them on the spot.

On the best business days, her shop could sell seven or eight braised pig heads.

In the market, a fresh pig head costs twenty wen per jin. After being made into braised meat, the pig head and ears together were priced at about fifty wen per jin. A pig head weighed about six or seven jin, so calculating it out, she could make a net profit of at least one hundred and eighty men from one braised pig head.

Selling seven or eight meant a profit of around one guan five hundred wen. Adding the profit from fresh pork, which could net another guan, her daily income was stable at around two guan.

As her purse grew heavier, Fan Changyu, feeling flush with money, decided to have new clothes made for everyone in her family.

She first went to the pawnshop to redeem the hairpin she had pawned, but when the shopkeeper saw her, he smiled awkwardly and said, “That hairpin has already been sold…”

Fan Changyu immediately became anxious: “Didn’t I ask you to keep it for me?”

The shopkeeper helplessly replied, “Well… everyone who pawns something here says the same thing. How can I keep things for all of them? I have to make a living too!”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and apologized, then asked, “Do you remember who you sold the hairpin to?”

The shopkeeper thought for a moment and said, “It was bought by a young lady on the day you pawned it. She was dressed very elegantly! Looked like she was from the county town.”

Fan Changyu’s heart sank to the bottom.

Qingping County was neither too big nor too small, but finding a stranger would be no easy task. It seemed hopeless to redeem the hairpin.

The shopkeeper glanced at her expression and started promoting other jewelry in his cabinet: “How about this hairpin? It’s also made of silver, and the style is even prettier than yours!”

Fan Changyu left the pawnshop without a word. Outside, the wind and snow were heavy. She sat on the steps at the entrance for a while, still unable to suppress the discomfort in her heart.

Although she had mentally prepared for the possibility of never finding it again when she decided to pawn the silver hairpin, when it became a reality, she still couldn’t help feeling sad.

The coming-of-age hairpin her parents had bought for her was gone.

Fan Changyu wiped her eyes awkwardly and walked home dejectedly-

The alley in the west of the city was bustling at this moment, but not for any ordinary reason. The Song family was moving.

In the entire Qingping County, Song Yan was the only one who had passed the provincial examination this year. Even the county magistrate had personally invited him to dine at his home. Those local gentry and wealthy merchants were even more eager to curry favor with him.

The county magistrate had assigned a residence in the county town to Song Yan, claiming it was to provide him with better conditions for studying and to bring glory to the entire Qingping County by passing the imperial examination.

The residence was presumably ready, so Song Yan and Madam Song chose today to move there.

A scholar had emerged from this alley, and regardless of how the Fan and Song families were at odds, others were still unwilling to fall out with the Song family. Today, everyone came out to see them off.

When Fan Changyu reached the entrance of the alley, she saw two rather grand blue-canopied horse carriages parked by the street. Walking further in, she saw the Song mother and son standing at their doorway, bidding farewell to a crowd of neighbors.

Song Yan was wearing an indigo robe, tall and handsome. As he bowed and said goodbye to the neighbors, his gentle brows and eyes were full of scholarly air.

Madam Song was also dressed very elegantly, with her hair oiled and adorned with gold hairpins. Listening to a string of flattering words, she even managed to squeeze out a few tears, pretending to be reluctant to leave this place.

Fan Changyu was in a bad mood today and pretended not to see the mother and son. She was about to walk around the crowd towards her own home when a man’s refined voice came from behind: “Miss Fan, please wait.”

Seeing him call out to Fan Changyu, the crowd’s expressions varied.

After the Fan and Song families had broken off the engagement, they had almost completely cut ties. Fan Changyu had even taken in a husband, and Song Yan seemed to be close to becoming the county magistrate’s son-in-law. What could he possibly have to do with Fan Changyu?

The crowd’s thoughts were varied – some were curious, some were looking for entertainment, and some wanted to hear some gossip.

Hearing the voice, Fan Changyu turned around to see Song Yan walking towards her from the crowd, holding a brocade box. He stopped three steps away from her.

He had a very refined appearance, with a scholarly air in his every move. “Song Yan and his mother have lived here for many years, receiving much care from your honorable father. The kindness of providing a coffin back then, Song Yan has always remembered. Today, as we move, please consider this as a token of my appreciation.”

The brocade box was square and exquisitely made, looking quite substantial. It was unclear what was inside.

Fan Changyu almost laughed from anger. Since the Song family had broken off the engagement, they had distanced themselves from every issue the Fan family encountered. Today, on the day of their move, they brought out this brocade box in front of all the neighbors – wasn’t this just for show?

She showed a mocking expression: “What is this?”

Song Yan replied: “A small token from myself and my mother.”

Fan Changyu swung her hand back, and the brocade box fell to the ground. Silver ingots rolled out, causing the onlookers to gasp.

The people living in this alley were not wealthy families, and they might never have seen what a silver ingot looked like in their entire lives. Now, seeing these shiny silver pieces, they were truly eye-opened.

Madam Song immediately shrieked: “What are you doing?”

She had been trying hard to maintain the appearance of an official’s wife and had endured enough flattery recently. Suddenly being embarrassed by Fan Changyu like this, her face was beyond just unpleasant to look at.

Although she had changed into brocade clothes, years of hard work had left her thin and small. Her face had little flesh, and not only could she not fill out the clothes, but her high cheekbones, caused by her thinness, actually accentuated her bitter appearance.

Fan Changyu sneered: “Young Master Song, this gift is too precious, I dare not accept it. You came to me with a fortune-teller’s note to break off the engagement, and I didn’t take a single coin from your Song family. On the contrary, it was my father who bought the coffin for old Mr. Song back then, and it was my father who paid for your tuition fees later. Some people who twist black and white and gossip can even say that my father used small favors to force Young Master Song to marry me, a butcher’s daughter.”

She let out a cold laugh, “My parents’ bones are not yet cold, and they can’t withstand such slander.”

Madam Song immediately retorted with a fierce look but a trembling voice: “What others say has nothing to do with us, mother and son!”

Fan Changyu lowered her eyes to look at the silver ingots on the ground, her lips curling: “I didn’t say you instructed those people to say such things, why are you so anxious?”

Madam Song couldn’t withstand Fan Changyu’s provocation, and being watched by so many neighbors, her face alternated between red and green. She shouted: “What exactly do you mean?”

Fan Changyu said: “To avoid being slandered by those black-hearted people again, I ask all the neighbors here today to be witnesses. I dare not accept these silver ingots from Young Master Song. But with my parents deceased, my younger sister weak, and my husband injured and ill, our family is indeed in urgent need of money. Today, let’s settle an account with Young Master Song. It shouldn’t be difficult to repay me in full for the money my father spent on your family’s coffin and the tuition fees he paid for you for those few years, right?”

She smiled, not without sarcasm: “It will also save Young Master Song and Madam Song from hearing some rumors and always feeling that my Fan family wants to use these favors for personal gain. Like last time when Fan Da brought people from the gambling house to smash my home, and the neighbor’s wife cried at Young Master Song’s door for help, but couldn’t even cry open the Song family’s gate.”

Others didn’t mention these things, just giving the Song family a fig leaf to cover their shame. Now that Fan Changyu had directly torn it off, Madam Song’s face could no longer be described as just unpleasant. She looked around at the neighbors’ secretly contemptuous expressions, feeling her face burning hot and irritated. Fan Changyu’s words were just short of pointing at her nose and accusing the Song family of being ungrateful.

Her son was aiming for the top scholar position, if he was slandered by this crude butcher girl and it affected his future, it would be the death of her!

Madam Song was trembling and about to speak when she heard her son, who had been silent all along, say to that butcher girl: “If you come to me, I won’t remain indifferent.”

“Yan’er!” Madam Song’s eyes rolled back, and she almost fainted.

Fan Changyu also frowned, thinking to herself that Song Yan must be out of his mind to say such things in public.

However, before she could say anything, a soft voice came from outside the crowd: “Brother-in-law, there are so many people!”

A man’s voice responded coldly: “Don’t wander off.”

Fan Changyu turned her head to see her younger sister standing on tiptoes at their doorway, trying to look this way. The man had probably followed her out, fearing she might get lost if she came to watch the commotion alone. His handsome brows were furrowed as if he found the child troublesome.

He was wearing the same dark red clothes from their wedding day, his long hair simply tied up. The wide sleeves of his robe hung down, hiding most of his crutch. His eyebrows and eyes were cold, his complexion as white as snow.

Half-leaning against the doorframe, his posture was casual. It was unclear how long he had been out there, or how much of her conversation with the Song mother and son he had heard.

Fan Changyu’s eyes met his, and his face showed no emotion, only the corner of his mouth seemed to be slightly raised, though not quite in a smile.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 15: He Protects His Own

“Is that Changyu’s husband she took in?”

“I caught a glimpse of him on their wedding day. After all these days, he looks even more handsome!”

“A live-in son-in-law facing off against the former scholar’s fiancé, this should be interesting to watch!”

The neighborhood women, upon seeing Xie Zheng and then looking at Song Yan, couldn’t help but discuss in low voices.

Chang Ning also saw her elder sister and immediately tugged on Xie Zheng’s sleeve, running over: “Elder Sister!”

The two little buns on her head bounced as she ran, her round face fair and tender. Wearing a thick padded jacket, she looked like a snowball that had grown short limbs.

There was a thin layer of ice on the ground, making it easy to slip. Fan Changyu hurriedly said, “Don’t run so fast, your brother-in-law’s leg is injured, be careful not to fall!”

The words “brother-in-law” felt a bit unnatural as they left Fan Changyu’s mouth.

She looked at Yan Zheng’s face to gauge his reaction. His face was refined and elegant, showing no particular response to her address as if he was used to being called this way.

Chang Ning often calls him brother-in-law, but Fan Changyu wasn’t quite used to teaching Chang Ning to address him this way.

Chang Ning had already run to Fan Changyu’s side. She stuck out her tongue guiltily and wrapped her short, chubby little hands around one of Fan Changyu’s legs, looking somewhat hostilely towards the Song mother and son opposite them.

She had deliberately pulled her brother-in-law over. If these two bad people dared to bully her elder sister, her brother-in-law could cripple their legs with one swing of his crutch!

She just hadn’t told her elder sister about this brilliant idea of hers!

Fan Changyu was completely unaware of her little sister’s scheming. She patted her head and turned to Xie Zheng, saying, “Your injury hasn’t healed yet, it must be inconvenient for you to go out. There’s no need to indulge Ning’er’s mischief…”

Her words were very polite, but in others’ eyes, it appeared to be a wife showing consideration for her husband.

Many people’s gazes shifted between Song Yan and Xie Zheng.

They thought that in terms of looks, Fan Changyu’s husband was somewhat better, but in terms of ability, Song Yan was still superior. After all, not just anyone could pass the provincial examination.

Xie Zheng lowered his gaze to look at her slightly reddened eyes, only saying, “It’s no trouble.”

However, his beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

She had been crying?

For her former fiancé?

It seems she hasn’t let go.

How disappointing.

The north wind raged, stirring the long hair that fell in front of him. He lazily raised his eyes to look at the blue-robed man behind Fan Changyu.

His gaze was casual, but the pressure it exerted was extremely strong.

As soon as their eyes met, Song Yan felt as if he was being stared at by a wild wolf. His hair stood on end involuntarily, and he instinctively avoided the other’s gaze. Yet his chest still felt a series of constrictions.

Like prey trembling after narrowly escaping from the jaws of a wolf.

Xie Zheng didn’t waste many words with the mother and son pair, simply stating concisely: “Pay back the money.”

Not only the Song family and the onlookers, but even Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment.

Xie Zheng extremely disliked having to repeat himself. Seeing that the mother and son pair hadn’t reacted, his beautiful phoenix eyes already showed signs of impatience, “Their parents are dead, so you think you can default on the debt?”

Chang Ning nervously pressed her little lips together, but her expression couldn’t hide her excitement as she looked at her brother-in-law’s crutch.

Was her brother-in-law going to hit someone?

Song Yan and Madam Song, who had just reacted, suddenly heard the latter half of his sentence. Madam Song nearly fainted on the spot from anger.

The mouths on this Fan couple were truly one worse than the other. Her side hadn’t even said anything yet, and the other side had already accused them of defaulting on a debt!

Madam Song trembled with anger, only able to stand steady with the support of two women. “When did we ever say we wouldn’t pay back?”

She then called to Song Yan: “Yan’er, count out the silver for them!”

Even when Madam Song was destitute years ago, begging on the street for a coffin after her husband’s death, she didn’t feel as humiliated as she does today.

After saying this, she headed towards the alley exit, as if she couldn’t bear to stay there a moment longer.

The face is just like that. When you don’t have it, no matter how much you’re ground down, you don’t feel anything. But once you have some status, and then lose face, the feeling in your heart becomes unbearable.

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected his few words to upset Madam Song to such an extent. She looked at him with some surprise.

He only gave her a faint glance in return.

Fan Changyu inexplicably read a “you’re disappointing, I’m collecting the debt for you” meaning from that glance, leaving her quite bewildered.

When Fan Changyu’s father provided a coffin for the Song family years ago, besides the coffin itself, there was also money for burial clothes and funeral expenses. The total given at that time was ten taels of silver.

For Song Yan’s tuition, the teacher at the village school charged two taels of silver per year. Song Yan studied at the village school for five years before passing the exam for the county school. The teachers at the county school, knowing his family’s poverty, had waived his tuition fees after discussion. So her father had only helped pay ten taels for his tuition.

When Song Yan handed the two silver ingots to Fan Changyu, a large hand with distinct knuckles directly took the silver for Fan Changyu. Song Yan looked up to see it was her husband.

The man’s expression was cold as he only said, “We’re even now.”

Yes, from now on, they were even.

Song Yan looked at Fan Changyu, the corner of his mouth bitter.

But that man didn’t give him and Fan Changyu a chance to make eye contact. As he handed the two silver ingots to Fan Changyu, he gave Song Yan a faint sidelong glance and directly said to Fan Changyu: “Let’s go back.”

As a fellow man, Song Yan was certain that there was no hostility in that glance, it was purely disdain, like an old hen protecting her chicks.

Fan Changyu, as the chick being protected, didn’t quite react until they had entered their home.

As soon as the front door closed, the man no longer concealed the disdain in the corners of his eyes and brows. “This kind of person, is he worth you pining over for so long, even crying for him?”

Fan Changyu remembered the lie she had told and found it hard to explain. She said breathlessly, “When did I cry?”

Xie Zheng disliked trouble the most and naturally didn’t like meddling in other people’s affairs. He had only intervened because this woman had saved his life, and he couldn’t bear to watch her continue to act foolishly over such a man.

Now hearing her quibble, he couldn’t be bothered to say more.

Just then, neighbor Aunt Zhao rushed over: “I heard that before the Song family left, they put on an act of giving you silver. That must have been for a show in front of the neighbors, right? That mother and son pair are truly nauseating in their ways! On your wedding day, he even sent over a pair of those clay figurines…”

Halfway through her words, when she saw Xie Zheng, Aunt Zhao regretted it and covered her mouth, swallowing the rest of her words.

Xie Zheng didn’t say anything, only sweeping Fan Changyu with those sarcastic and indifferent phoenix eyes, his gaze carrying a mocking “continue your quibbling” meaning.

Fan Changyu felt too stifled to respond.

She hadn’t expected that a lie told in a moment of panic would become a laughingstock for this person to despise for so long.

It wasn’t until Xie Zheng went into the room that Aunt Zhao looked at Fan Changyu apologetically, “This old woman’s mouth has no filter…”

Fan Changyu looked somewhat tired and only said, “It’s nothing.”

At most, she’d just be despised by that guy for a while.

She invited Aunt Zhao to warm herself by the fire pit. After sitting down, Aunt Zhao couldn’t help but say, “I hope that Song fellow’s actions today won’t affect your marital relationship.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that it would be strange if she and that sharp-tongued, unforgiving fellow could have any feelings.

She wanted to tell the truth, but considering that the lawsuit over the house and land hadn’t been settled yet, to avoid unnecessary complications, she only said, “It won’t.”

Aunt Zhao suddenly asked, “Are you still sleeping with Ning’er in the north room at night?”

Fan Changyu made a sound of agreement, and Aunt Zhao’s brows furrowed as she said, “Why don’t you let Ning’er come sleep with me tonight?”

Hearing the implication in her words, Fan Changyu nearly choked on her saliva and hurriedly said it wasn’t necessary.

Aunt Zhao couldn’t help but chide her, “You and your husband are a properly married couple who have bowed to heaven and earth. What are you being shy about?”

Fan Changyu brought out her old excuse: “He’s injured.”

Aunt Zhao widened her eyes: “Didn’t you read the booklet I gave you? There are many ways…”

As she continued speaking, even Aunt Zhao herself became a bit embarrassed. She only sighed and said, “This old woman is anxious for you. Your husband is even more handsome than Song Yan, and he’s educated too. Right now, he’s injured and needs to rely on you. If you two don’t cultivate a good relationship now, what if he thinks of leaving once his injury heals? Even if you can’t keep him, you should at least have a child to rely on. Otherwise, your uncle’s family will surely come to make trouble again.”

Fan Changyu knew Aunt Zhao meant well, so she only vaguely said she understood.

After Aunt Zhao left, she let out a dejected sigh.

She couldn’t redeem the silver hairpin and had been nauseated by the Song mother and son pair. On the bright side, she had gotten back the twenty taels of silver her father had lent to the Song family years ago. With this large sum of money at home, it could be considered a good thing.

It was just that being constantly looked at with a “are you blind” expression of disdain by that fellow, and it is a lie she had told herself, left her feeling quite stifled.

Fan Changyu was about to go to the kitchen when suddenly, her whole body froze.

The booklet… the booklet Aunt Zhao had given her!

She had been so busy with the wedding before that when Aunt Zhao gave her the booklet that day, she had hastily flipped through two pages before quickly closing it and stuffing it under the pillow in the new room.

So many days had passed, and she had completely forgotten about it! She didn’t know if that person had seen it in the room.

Fan Changyu felt her scalp tingle just thinking about it.

She quickly found a new set of bedding and, carrying it, went to knock on the door of the south room.

A clear and cold “Come in” came from inside.

She pushed the door open and said, “The New Year is coming soon, so I’m changing all the bedding in the house to wash it.”

Everything in this room had just been arranged for the recent wedding and didn’t need to be changed and washed, so this reason didn’t hold up.

But Xie Zheng was sitting at an old, lame wooden desk, holding a writing brush, and didn’t even glance at her as he nodded slightly.

Fan Changyu saw that he was focused on writing something and let out a quiet sigh of relief, feeling like a thief. She quickly moved the pillow to look for the booklet, but found it was already gone.

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment. She secretly glanced at the person sitting by the window, saw that he didn’t seem to have noticed anything unusual on her side, and continued to strip off the sheets and quilt to search.

But even after lifting the bottom mattress pad shaking it out, and checking under the bed, she still couldn’t find the booklet. Her heart sank.

Suddenly, a clear and cold voice came from behind: “Do you need help?”

Fan Changyu’s entire back stiffened. She said woodenly, “No need, I’m just dusting before making the bed.”

She threw the stripped sheets and quilt into the laundry basket and expressionlessly spread out the half-old sheets and quilt cover.

The quilt cover had two layers, the bottom one was pure cotton cloth, and the top one was embroidered fabric. The cotton quilt was placed in between and needed to be sewn together with a needle and thread.

Due to her nervousness, Fan Changyu pricked her hand with the needle several times while sewing the quilt cover, but she kept a straight face and didn’t make a sound.

It wasn’t until she left the room that Xie Zheng put down his brush. His gaze swept towards the booklet he was using to prop up the table leg, and his handsome brows furrowed involuntarily.

This room was only separated from the main room by a wall, so he had naturally heard everything the old woman had said.

Was she looking for this booklet?

Zhu Yu – Chapter 16: Did I Scare You?

Fan Changyu sighed as she left the house carrying a basket of dirty clothes.

He must have seen the item, but since he had put it away, she decided to pretend nothing had happened.

Noticing it was still early, she went out again to the tile market and bought two plump pigs and a chicken.

The chicken had a more important mission before becoming a pot of nourishing soup—she intended to use it to catch the goshawk.

Although her father was a butcher, he was also skilled at hunting. She had previously accompanied him to hunt wild boars and rabbits in the mountains, so she naturally knew how to set some traps.

Fan Changyu wanted to set a trap in the courtyard but feared Chang Ning might accidentally get hurt. After much consideration, she climbed to the attic and onto the roof, tying the old hen there. She also placed her father’s trapping equipment up there before coming down satisfied.

One pig was kept for slaughter the next day, while the other was to be killed today for making cured meat.

As the name suggests, cured meat is typically made in the twelfth lunar month. In winter, meat can be preserved longer, but as the weather warms, it spoils. Making it into cured meat allows it to last until the following year.

The tutors at the academy accepted tuition fees in the form of silver or equivalent amounts of cured meat.

Many scholars had to buy cured meat to pay New Year’s respect to their tutors and again in spring as tuition fees.

In the past, to pay for Song Yan’s tuition, Madam Song would use money earned from embroidery and laundry to buy cured meat from Fan Changyu’s father every year.

Fan Changyu now doubted whether there was an element of deliberate pitiful display before her parents.

Back then, Madam Song’s hands were covered in chilblains every winter, and her clothes had more patches than the original fabric. Because she often did embroidery at night but couldn’t afford to light lamps, she would only use a tiny wick dipped in oil, providing barely enough light. After enduring this for a long time, her eyesight deteriorated, and she could hardly see anything at night.

As neighbors and a widow with an orphan, Madam Song explained that Song Laoye had spent his life taking imperial examinations without success. Song Yan was clever from a young age and showed promise. She wanted to help fulfill her husband’s dying wish. Fan Changyu’s parents, unable to bear the sight, gifted cured meat to Song Yan for his tuition.

Now, when Fan Changyu thought of the Song mother and son, she only hoped heaven would open its eyes and make sure Song Yan failed the examinations!

While harboring these resentful thoughts, she went to the backyard to boil water in preparation for slaughtering the pig-

The piercing squeals of the pig reached the south room, causing the sheep hair brush in Xie Zheng’s hand to leave an ink stain on the paper.

He crumpled the paper and tossed it into the charcoal brazier at his feet, then leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Just as the noise was giving him a headache, the door suddenly opened. A small figure peeked around the doorframe, revealing half a head, and encouraged him: “Brother-in-law, want to watch pig slaughtering? My sister is amazing at it!”

Her black grape-like eyes sparkled brightly.

Fan Changyu usually slaughtered pigs before dawn. Due to his injured kneecap from falling off a cliff while fleeing, he rarely went out and naturally hadn’t seen her slaughter pigs before.

Today, the pig’s squeals from the backyard lasted unusually long, with two pigs squealing together. The noise was enough to lift the roof off.

After brief consideration, Xie Zheng nodded and stood up with his cane. However, contrary to Chang Ning’s expectation, he wasn’t going to watch the slaughter but rather to end the pig’s life quickly for some peace.

Passing through the main hall led to the kitchen, which had a small door connecting to the backyard. The door was open, and Xie Zheng immediately saw the woman with one foot on the pig’s back, holding a thumb-thick rope, tying the pig—whose limbs were already bound—to a heavy-looking stone bench.

Little Chang Ning looked up at him proudly: “Isn’t my sister amazing?”

Xie Zheng didn’t respond.

As they got closer, the pig’s squeals became more piercing, and its struggles appeared quite fierce.

Xie Zheng had seen the fire brigade slaughter pigs before, but even they needed several men to subdue a fat pig. Although the woman before him was far from delicate, she was still just a girl and couldn’t compare to those burly men.

He frowned, about to step forward to help, when he saw the woman slap the pig’s head and shout, “Behave!”

The slap was incredibly loud, and the pig’s squeals instantly subsided, its struggles noticeably lessening.

Xie Zheng’s previously nonchalant eyes now showed unmistakable surprise.

Stunned? Stunned???

How strong was her hand?

His impression of this woman suddenly oscillated wildly between crying over a phoenix man and stunning a pig with one slap, causing him to furrow his brow involuntarily.

After securing the pig to the stone bench, Fan Changyu turned around and noticed Xie Zheng and her little sister peeking out from behind the door.

She immediately said, “Ning’er, how many times have I told you, children shouldn’t watch pig slaughtering.”

Chang Ning reluctantly pulled her head back behind the door, leaving only the two little buns on top of her head visible.

Fan Changyu was somewhat surprised to see Xie Zheng. She was wearing her special pig-slaughtering outfit and had just wrestled with a pig, so her loose hair was messily falling over her forehead. She looked quite disheveled, but there was also an air of capability and vigor about her.

Currently busy, she didn’t have time to dwell on the previous awkwardness. After a brief moment of surprise, she said to Xie Zheng, “If you’re not in a hurry to return to your room, could you help me watch the fire on the stove?”

The water boiling in the large pot was for scalding the pig’s hair later.

Xie Zheng glanced at the temporarily set up stove and, unusually compliant, walked over as told.

After finding the wooden basin to collect blood, Fan Changyu picked up the bleeding knife. With one swift stroke, she ended the pig’s life. As blood gushed out, some inevitably splattered on her. Her gaze, fixed on the bleeding point, was cold and sharp, like a tiger or leopard eyeing its torn prey.

It took a while for the killing aura around her to subside.

When she looked up, she saw the man behind the stove looking at her with an indecipherable expression.

His gaze was usually indifferent, but now his eyes held a depth that was hard to fathom, like a bottomless ancient well.

Fan Changyu put away the knife, simultaneously retracting her fierce aura, and asked in confusion, “Did I scare you?”

Xie Zheng added a piece of firewood to the stove. His handsome face flickered in the firelight. Finding her question amusing, he lazily lifted the corner of his mouth: “Not at all.”

Fan Changyu dragged the slaughtered pig over and glanced at him, saying, “You should go inside. When the boiling water hits the pig’s hair, there’ll be a strong smell.”

Xie Zheng remained seated, only saying, “I’ve smelled worse things.”

The stench of rotting corpses.

This man was a bit strange today.

Fan Changyu decided not to mind him anymore. She drenched the pig’s hair with scalding water before starting to scrape it off.

Xie Zheng sat on a stool behind the stove, watching her work, the corners of his eyes slightly raised.

He suddenly felt she looked more agreeable when slaughtering pigs.

He asked, “Did your father teach you martial arts?”

Fan Changyu’s hand paused while scraping the pig’s hair. After a moment, she continued: “Mm, my father traveled extensively as a caravan guard and learned from many masters. He picked up various life-saving skills, and I learned a few moves from him.”

Xie Zheng didn’t pursue the topic further and continued watching her scrape the pig’s hair. His expression was somewhat lazy, but his features were undeniably handsome. Even sitting among the firewood, he was pleasing to the eye.

Fan Changyu finished dividing the pork before dark, keeping a small piece of braised meat for dinner. The rest was evenly rubbed with coarse salt, and arranged neatly in a clean stone vat in the courtyard with the meat facing down and skin facing up, covered with a winnowing basket.

To make cured meat, it needed to be salted for seven to eight days before being smoked with cypress branches.

In these times, salt was a scarce commodity outside, but Qingping County was rich in green salt, so the price wasn’t too high locally. Ten or so when could buy a jin of salt.

Salt merchants with salt licenses could buy salt and transport it elsewhere to sell at several times the price. It was said that in some places, salt merchants raised prices arbitrarily, charging up to a hundred wen per jin, causing great hardship for the local people.

Taking advantage of the still-hot water in the large pot on the stove, which was big enough, Fan Changyu directly blanched the cleaned pork, pork bones, and offal in it.

The pork belly was for tonight’s braised meat rice, the large bones for making soup stock, and the offal and head meat were to be sold at the butcher shop tomorrow morning.

After blanching, she scooped out the meat with two bamboo baskets, replaced the water with clean water, added various spices and seasonings, brought it to a boil, then added some old braising liquid from before, and put the meat and bones in to braise together.

As the braising liquid in the pot came to a boil again over high heat, a rich meaty aroma escaped from the gaps in the lid.

Fan Changyu had only eaten a steamed bun for lunch and had been doing physical labor all afternoon. Smelling this aroma made her stomach growl uncontrollably.

Chang Ning sniffed and looked pitifully hungry: “Sister, I’m hungry…”

The only one seemingly unaffected by the aroma was Xie Zheng, who sat impassively watching the fire behind the stove.

Fan Changyu covered her stomach, feeling embarrassed. She stood up and went inside: “The meat isn’t ready yet. I’ll go get some sweet potatoes to roast first.”

What she didn’t know was that after she went inside, the man behind the stove, though still expressionless, slowly swallowed.

Xie Zheng glanced impatiently at the steaming pot. Did this thing need to cook for so long?

Little Chang Ning covered her mouth and giggled: “Brother-in-law, you’re hungry too, right?”

Xie Zheng didn’t want to deal with this annoying child and closed his eyes: “No.”

Fan Changyu brought two sweet potatoes and buried them in the stove ashes. Xie Zheng sat on a stool behind the stove, and because of his leg injury, Fan Changyu didn’t ask him to move. She crouched beside him, using fire tongs to cover the sweet potatoes with ash.

The stove door was square and narrow, obstructing Fan Changyu’s view. She had to lean slightly towards him to see if the sweet potatoes were properly buried.

They were quite close, and Xie Zheng frowned, trying to move back, but the space was too small. Fan Changyu’s hair bun lightly brushed his jaw. She didn’t notice, but Xie Zheng’s expression tightened.

She had changed out of her pig-slaughtering clothes, and her clothes and hair carried an indescribable, faint, elegant fragrance, probably the scent her mother made that she had mentioned before.

The spot where her hair bun had brushed felt slightly cool, with a tingling sensation that made one want to scratch it.

Xie Zheng frowned and was about to speak when Fan Changyu finished burying the sweet potatoes and moved back.

Seeing him move aside, Fan Changyu felt very embarrassed: “Did I crowd you just now?”

His jaw, where her hair had brushed, still tingled.

Xie Zheng avoided her gaze and simply said no.

Snow began to fall again. Fan Changyu sat on a stool playing cat’s cradle with her sister. The sisters’ faces were illuminated by the firelight, and when they smiled, their eyes and brows looked extremely similar, as if they could melt away the chill of the entire winter night.

Xie Zheng watched her for a while, then turned to look at the falling snow.

When a sweet aroma mixed with the meat smell, Fan Changyu once again squeezed next to Xie Zheng, using the fire tongs to dig out the two sweet potatoes.

The sweet potatoes’ skin had been roasted to a charred gray color, soft and hot to the touch.

Fan Changyu gave one to Xie Zheng, while she and her sister shared the other.

Fan Changyu was quite voracious, immediately splitting the sweet potato in half to reveal the orange flesh inside. Steam rose from the tip in thin wisps, and the smell alone was sweet.

Fan Changyu gave half to her sister, and they both ate while sucking in the air from the heat. It tasted even sweeter in their mouths, and they accidentally smudged a bit of the charred skin on their lips.

Xie Zheng peeled his sweet potato and took a bite. It was indeed much sweeter than the roasted sweet potatoes he remembered.

The highlight of the evening was, of course, the meat that had been braising for over an hour in the pot. The pork belly, already infused with the braising flavors, was cut into cubes and stir-fried with diced shiitake mushrooms. After the mushroom aroma was released, a ladle of braising liquid was added. The meat was then scooped out and placed on top of white rice, finally topped with a halved braised egg.

Xie Zheng ate the most satisfying meal since his misfortune, and his mood remained quite good even before going to bed that night.

Of course, if the sea eagle hadn’t suddenly started screeching desperately on the roof, his good mood might have lasted a bit longer.

Based on her father teaching her that “long handled knife technique” and warning her not to ever use it in front of anyone…I wonder if it’s a fighting style that would immediately identify him? Perhaps her father was a general?

So curious with her parents hidden identities, surely it’s something. Whith a mother who can write and read, and a father with martial art techniques..

I am wondering about her parent’s identities and if they were really killed by bandits🤔🤔

Yo también creo que sus padres no eran personas simples y comunes y también dudo que hayan muerto a manos de bandidos.

I know the author loves the male lead a bit too much because they keep mentioning how handsome he is in nearly every paragraph 🤭🤍

watching the drama I can understand the author cause damn ZLH is so gorgeous

true 🤣

indeed 🤣

Zhu Yu – Chapter 17: Persuading Hard

Xie Zheng put on his clothes with a grim face and got up. As soon as he stepped out the door with his cane, he saw Fan Changyu coming down from the attic, holding an oil lamp in one hand and a sea eagle with disheveled feathers in the other.

Seeing Xie Zheng, she was a bit surprised: “Did I wake you?”

The sea eagle, having been slapped a few times and looking dejected, immediately started whimpering pitifully upon seeing its master. However, this time it didn’t dare to be hysterical; its cry was as weak as a chick’s, and the feathers on its head were all ruffled up, no longer sleek and glossy as before.

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment before speaking: “This is…”

Fan Changyu shook the sea eagle in her hand and revealed a big smile: “I’ve seen this goshawk around several times. I just happened to buy an old hen, so I tried setting a trap to catch it. I didn’t expect to catch it!”

Ordinary hawks can only snatch small chicks, but this goshawk was exceptionally large. Its wingspan was nearly a meter long, and its strength was astonishing. While struggling on the roof, it had made a large hole. If Fan Changyu hadn’t gone up in time after hearing the commotion, it might have escaped the trap. It only settled down after being slapped by Fan Changyu a few times.

She said: “Tomorrow morning, I’ll take it to the market and see how much silver I can get for it.”

The sea eagle continued to look at its master pitifully with its beady eyes.

Xie Zheng couldn’t bear to look at this stupid bird and lied with a cold face: “There’s no market for live hawks and eagles. If killed, the meat is tough and sour. Ordinary families can’t afford to keep them. Without proper training from a falconer, their wild nature is hard to change, and they’re likely to harm people.”

“Is that so?” Fan Changyu was immediately greatly disappointed.

She scratched her head: “But this goshawk’s leg was injured by the trap, and its wing was hurt on the roof beam while flapping. If released into the wild, it might not survive this winter.”

The sea eagle let out a weak and pitiful cry at the right moment.

Xie Zheng: “…I know a bit about falconry. I can try to train it. A well-trained hawk or eagle can sell for over a hundred taels of silver.”

“Eh?” Fan Changyu was very surprised, but upon hearing that a well-trained large hawk could sell for several dozen or even a hundred taels of silver, she became very happy. Even the thought of having to repair the roof tomorrow didn’t seem like a big deal anymore.

“Then let’s keep it at home for now!”

She immediately found a chicken coop to put the sea eagle in and brought out medicine and bandages.

The sea eagle huddled in the corner of the cage, its leg lifted by Fan Changyu to apply medicine and wrap bandages. Its beady eyes were full of terror, but it didn’t dare to move.

Xie Zheng watched as the sea eagle’s foot was wrapped up like a zongzi, his eyelid twitching twice.

After finishing all this, Fan Changyu squatted next to the cage, looking at the sea eagle with eyes full of love for the potential hundred taels of silver: “Tomorrow morning after slaughtering the pig, I’ll give you some fresh offal to eat.”

The pork had to be saved for selling, but the offal could be used freely.

The pig slaughtered today had all its offal made into braised dishes.

Before returning to her room, Fan Changyu thought for a moment. Felt that the main hall was too cold, and since she and her sister’s room had a kang bed, they hadn’t lit a charcoal brazier. Worried about Yan Zheng’s severe injuries and weak constitution, she had only lit a charcoal brazier in his room. It would be perfect to put the hawk there.

That was potentially a hundred taels of silver; it absolutely couldn’t be allowed to freeze to death!

So Fan Changyu turned on her heel, picked up the chicken coop with the sea eagle, and knocked on Xie Zheng’s door.

Regardless of the expression on the room’s occupant, she put the chicken coop in a corner of his room: “It’s cold at night. To avoid the goshawk getting too cold, I’ll leave it in your room for now.”

Xie Zheng gave the sea eagle a gloomy look: “…Alright.”

As soon as the door closed, the sea eagle’s beady eyes met its master’s narrow, gloomy phoenix eyes. Dragging its injured leg and drooping its wing that had lost many feathers, it trembled-

Early the next morning, Fan Changyu, true to her word, brought half a leaf of chopped pig lung to feed the sea eagle after slaughtering the pig.

Today seemed particularly cold outside. The snow had piled up almost to the doorstep. When the door opened, a blast of cold air made one shiver. Looking out through the doorway, icicles had formed a row under the eaves.

Fan Changyu’s hands were red from the cold. After putting the large bowl of pig lung into the cage, she rubbed her hands and said to the person sitting at the head of the bed: “Today is the Great Cold. It’s freezing. Put on more clothes when you get up. I’ve made some mao xue wang to warm you up.”

Xie Zheng nodded to show he understood, but he didn’t have many thick clothes. In no time, Fan Changyu brought over a set of her father’s thick padded jackets.

When Xie Zheng put them on, his figure became somewhat bulky, but thanks to his tall stature, he still looked handsome.

Moreover, these winter clothes were truly warm. No matter how cold the wind blew, his body remained warm.

However, along with the padded clothes came a dark blue hair tie. Xie Zheng had seen this hair tie before; last time, Fan Changyu had angrily tied it on her head.

He frowned-

When Fan Changyu came out of the kitchen carrying a large soup bowl, she saw that he had already gotten up and washed. She said, “You’re up? Perfect timing to sit down for breakfast.”

The soup in her bowl looked bright red at a glance, and a very strong spicy aroma wafted through the air.

Fan Changyu noticed he hadn’t used the hair tie she had brought, but she didn’t say anything.

She had seen how much he loved cleanliness. Bathing was inconvenient in winter, but he would often wipe himself down with hot water every few days. He also washed his hair tie frequently, and sometimes when it wouldn’t dry quickly, he would dry it by the fire pit. That’s why she had brought him the bought hair tie to use alternately.

She wasn’t that petty; how could she say she wouldn’t give it to him and then really not give it to him?

The bowl was too full, and having just come off the stove, it was scalding hot. After putting the soup bowl on the table, Fan Changyu hurriedly pinched her ears with her burned fingers: “Whew, so hot!”

Little Chang Ning came over: “Let Ning’er blow on it. Blowing will make it not hot anymore.”

Fan Changyu, both amused and exasperated, held out her fingers to her sister. Chang Ning puffed out her cheeks and blew several times before stopping.

Fan Changyu looked up to see Xie Zheng looking at her with a strange expression. She wiped her face, finding no charcoal smudges, and asked, “Is there something on my face?”

He withdrew his gaze and only said, “No.”

Fan Changyu eyed him suspiciously for a moment, then set out the bowls and chopsticks: “Try this mao xue wang! It’s best eaten freshly scalded, but we don’t have time for that today.”

The top of the soup was covered with a layer of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili peppers that had been doused with hot oil. Underneath were cubes of pig blood, braised pork intestines from last night, pork stomach, and other offal-like pig lungs. Unfortunately, there were no bean sprouts at home, so there wasn’t a layer of plump, crisp, and tender bean sprouts at the bottom.

Fan Changyu ladled a piece of pig blood into her sister’s bowl. Little Chang Ning sucked in air from the spiciness but still looked eagerly at the soup bowl after finishing one piece: “More!”

Fan Changyu gave her two more pieces.

This was the first time Xie Zheng had seen such a hodgepodge soup. Looking at the soup, it seemed that it couldn’t be drunk, and the Fan family didn’t have the habit of using serving chopsticks.

For everyday stir-fried dishes, it was fine to pick from different sides, but with this stewed pot, it was almost impossible to use chopsticks.

During his hesitation, the Fan sisters had almost finished half a bowl of rice. Fan Changyu saw him only eating rice without touching the dish and asked in confusion: “You don’t eat spicy food?”

“…It’s not that.”

He finally abandoned his fastidiousness about dining and frowned as he picked up a piece of dark red cooked pig blood.

The first sensation upon tasting was numbing and spicy. There was almost no need to chew; with a slight press, the blood curd melted between his lips and teeth. It was unexpectedly delicious.

He gradually tried the braised offal in the dish. First braised then cooked, the braised flavor perfectly combined with the numbing spiciness, making it hard to control the speed of one’s chopsticks.

By the end of the meal, Xie Zheng had almost forgotten his fastidiousness about food.

As Fan Changyu had said, his body soon broke out in a sweat from the spiciness, and he no longer felt the severe cold outside at all.

He asked: “Is this a local specialty dish?”

Fan Changyu said, “I suppose so. It’s a famous dish at the Yixiang Lou in town. That female proprietress knows so many dishes!”

Xie Zheng only briefly considered promoting this dish in the military before giving up. Military meals were only concerned with being filling and couldn’t be this elaborate. Moreover, spices like chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns would be a significant expense.

After cleaning up the bowls and chopsticks, Fan Changyu brought the sea eagle from his room to the fire pit. Before leaving, she didn’t forget to remind him: “There’s half a leaf of pig lung left in the kitchen. Cut it up and feed it to the goshawk later.”

She scratched her head, a bit embarrassed, and said: “If you have time, maybe try training it a bit?”

Xie Zheng’s lazy glance was like a slow slicing: “…Alright.”

The sea eagle trembled and shrank its neck in the cage, looking like a giant quail.

Fan Changyu then confidently pushed her cart to the shop. Today, with heavy snow, there were few people on the streets at this time.

The street with the meat shops was also cold and quiet.

Fan Changyu opened the shop door and cleared the accumulated snow from under the eaves, only to find that the stove she had built outside with bricks had been smashed.

She was immediately amused and angered. How many days had she been selling braised meat in this shop? How quickly had she aroused jealousy to the point of having her things smashed?

After experiencing the incidents with Fan Da and the gambling house, she became known for her fierceness and shrewishness outside. Sometimes, such a reputation had its advantages.

Fan Changyu immediately threw down her broom, put her hands on her hips, and cursed: “Which bastard smashed your aunty’s things? Too cowardly to say things to my face and only daring to do such things behind my back. Were your ancestors turtles?”

Having practiced martial arts since childhood, her voice, powered by her dantian, could penetrate the entire street.

The butchers in the neighboring shops didn’t make a sound, but when her gaze swept over Butcher Guo, he immediately shouted: “Why are you looking at me? I didn’t smash your things!”

Fan Changyu hadn’t suspected him because, apart from schadenfreude, Butcher Guo’s face showed no signs of a guilty conscience.

A butcher’s wife nearby seemed to remember something and suddenly said: “Oh no, Changyu, your shop was closed for a month before. Did you forget to pay the protection fee?”

Fan Changyu was hearing about this protection fee for the first time and asked in confusion: “What’s that?”

The butcher’s wife sighed: “When we open shops for business, besides paying monthly taxes to the officials, we also need to give some money to please the gang leader who controls this street. It must be that your shop has been doing great business these days, and those people have heard about it. I bet they’ll be coming over soon.”

Fan Changyu understood the situation. Those people had smashed the stove in front of her door last night as a warning, and they would come to collect the protection fee today.

She thanked the butcher’s wife, first arranged the fresh meat and braised meat on the chopping board, then placed a long staff behind the door. She continued selling meat while waiting for those thugs to come.

At the third quarter of the Chen hour (around 8:45 AM), a group of street ruffians came swaggering towards the meat market, their arrogance evident. People along the way avoided them.

Fan Changyu heard the commotion from inside the shop and looked out.

Oh, old acquaintances!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 18: The True Nature of a Bully

The sun climbed high in the sky, and icicles under the eaves dripped water droplets.

Seven or eight burly men with fierce faces pushed aside the peddlers and porters blocking their way, advancing menacingly toward Fan Changyu’s shop. The leader had a broad face with a short beard, his countenance particularly vicious, though he walked with a noticeable limp.

This was none other than Jin Ye, the head enforcer from the gambling den who had repeatedly caused trouble at Fan Changyu’s home.

“I’d like to see who’s got the guts to do business on this street without paying respects to ol’…”

Upon seeing Fan Changyu standing with her arms crossed at the shop entrance, Jin Ye’s voice trailed off mid-sentence. The few underlings behind him, who had been beaten by Fan Changyu before, also simultaneously changed their expressions.

Even his good leg began to ache faintly.

This couple’s brutality was unmatched. Would his other leg be broken here today as well?

The underlings unconsciously took half a step back, dragging their lame legs.

Seeing their large group, the nearby butchers felt anxious for Fan Changyu, who was just a young woman. Only Butcher Guo from across the street wore a schadenfreude expression.

Jin Ye struggled to force a fawning smile onto his face. “Miss… Miss Fan? Is this shop yours?”

The onlookers were dumbfounded by this scene.

This turn of events… seemed rather unexpected.

Fan Changyu casually picked up the staff behind the door, and the group of street ruffians immediately showed terror on their faces, frightened into retreating together.

The leader, Jin Ye, waved his hands repeatedly. “A misunderstanding! Miss Fan, it’s truly a misunderstanding! Had we known this shop was yours, how could we dare to disrespect you?”

Across the street, Butcher Guo’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, seemingly unable to comprehend how these street thugs could be so afraid of Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu coldly eyed Jin Ye, pointing her staff at the smashed brick stove in front of her shop. “Did you break this?”

Despite the freezing weather, Jin Ye’s forehead broke out in a cold sweat. He hastily wiped it with his sleeve and said repeatedly, “We were just doing a job for pay, working for someone else. We’ll fix it for you! We’ll fix it right away!”

He quickly signaled to the underlings behind him. Terrified by the staff in Fan Changyu’s hand and not wanting to experience the pain of being beaten until they vomited again, they tremblingly came forward to repair the stove.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel somewhat bewildered. She had originally thought these people were truly here to collect protection money, not expecting there to be this layer of intrigue involved.

She directly asked Jin Ye, “Who ordered you to cause trouble at my shop?”

“Miss Fan, this…” Jin Ye’s face showed difficulty. They had taken money to do a job, so naturally, they had to keep their mouths shut.

Fan Changyu swung her staff around, pointing it directly at Jin Ye’s throat. Jin Ye hadn’t even reacted before he saw the staff aimed at his vital point. Cold sweat immediately beaded on his forehead and dripped down. All thoughts of professional ethics vanished as he stammered, “It… it was the shopkeeper of Wang’s Braised Meats on the main street.”

Fan Changyu frowned slightly. She had no prior acquaintance with Wang’s shopkeeper, and their shops were several streets apart, neither affecting the other’s business. Her braised meat business had only been running for a few days, not enough to provoke such a response from the other party.

She immediately barked, “Nonsense! I have no grudge against Wang’s shopkeeper. Why would he send you to smash my shop?”

Jin Ye hastily replied, “Everything I’ve said is true. Yesterday, Wang’s shop assistant personally came to us with money.”

Fan Changyu’s brow furrowed even deeper. Seeing that the underlings had already used clay to re-lay the bricks on the stove and that more and more onlookers were gathering, she thought that regardless of the situation, business couldn’t be delayed. She withdrew her staff.

Before Jin Ye could catch his breath, he found himself being ordered around by Fan Changyu again. “You, light the fire and warm up the stove first. The rest of you, go to the well at the street corner and bring back a few buckets of water for me.”

She prepared braised meat at the shop entrance, so naturally, she needed water on hand. However, this morning, to deal with the smashed stove issue, she hadn’t had time to fetch water from the well.

Having wasted nearly half a day, if she were to do everything herself now, it would likely be too late. So, she decided to put these readily available laborers, who had wasted her time, to use.

The underlings hadn’t expected to be ordered around like this and stood dumbfounded. With one glance from Fan Changyu, they didn’t dare hesitate and quickly took the water buckets to fetch water.

As the small-time thugs left, the bystanders who had gathered outside Fan’s shop, not understanding the situation, thought the matter was resolved and dispersed to go about their own business.

Only the neighboring shopkeepers, seeing Fan Changyu directly ordering around this group of troublemaking thugs, nearly dropped their jaws in shock, looking at Fan Changyu as if she were some kind of freak.

Fan Changyu didn’t notice at all. Seeing Jin Ye standing at her shop entrance, preventing customers from coming in to buy meat, she quickly shooed him to the side. “Go stand over there, don’t block my business. After I finish selling today’s meat, you’ll come with me to Wang’s shop. I want an explanation. If you’ve been telling me lies…”

Her gaze swept over Jin Ye’s other leg. “I’ll cripple this leg too!”

Jin Ye recalled the man’s sinister expression that day and the vicious blow that had fallen on his leg. The not-yet-fully-healed leg sent a piercing pain through him, draining the color from his face. He quickly shook his head. “I, Jin Laosan, wouldn’t dare lie to Miss Fan even if I lied to everyone else!”

Seeing him so frightened, Fan Changyu maintained her fierce expression, but inwardly she couldn’t help but wonder just how brutally that guy had beaten these men. Just mentioning crippling the other leg had scared this man so badly.

The underlings quickly returned with water. Fearing they might have put something in it, Fan Changyu gave them a ladle and made them each take a sip from their buckets before she felt safe using the water to clean the pork for braising.

As for the water for cooking, she still had some left from yesterday in the water vat inside her shop.

Once the large pot was set up, the aroma of braised meat began to waft down the entire street again.

Those who had queued at Fan Changyu’s shop yesterday but failed to buy braised meat came early today and finally managed to make a purchase.

However, most people, upon seeing Jin Ye and his group crouching with bitter expressions beside Fan Changyu’s shop, still didn’t dare to come forward to buy anything.

Despite their miserable expressions, their rough features still made them look like fierce demons.

Fan Changyu also noticed this point. To prevent these people from affecting her business, and coincidentally as the first batch of freshly braised meat was almost sold out, she bought six pig heads and three buckets of offal from the neighboring butcher shop. She gave each of the men a pig head, instructing them to clean off all the hair, and had the remaining few wash the offal under her watchful eye.

As they busied themselves with heads down, naturally, the customers coming to buy meat no longer noticed their fierce faces.

Fan Changyu alternated between butchering meat for customers and supervising the group. When she caught someone slacking off or not cleaning properly, she’d poke them with her staff. “There’s still hair on this pig’s head! Rub the large intestines with wood ash, wash them clean, then scrub them from end to end with rice straw!”

She was even three times more tyrannical than a real bully.

The group of street thugs trembled, secretly regretting their bad luck in offending this young mistress again.

Fan Changyu, however, seemed to have mind-reading abilities and said sternly, “When you do wrong, you must be punished. Otherwise, what becomes of the law?”

The group shrank like quails, nodding and agreeing repeatedly.

Seeing their good attitude in admitting their mistakes, Fan Changyu asked during a lull, “Aren’t you supposed to be working at the gambling den? How come you’re everywhere?”

Mentioning this, the street thugs all looked somewhat embarrassed.

Jin Laosan said in a muffled voice, “The brothers aren’t working at the gambling den anymore.”

Fan Changyu was somewhat puzzled and asked why.

A small-time thug, hugging a pig’s head, mumbled, “We followed Third Brother to work as bouncers at the gambling den just to make a living. This time, we failed to collect the debt for the gambling den on time. If we had cut off Miss Fan’s hand to complete the job, the gambling den wouldn’t have approved anyway. Besides, in all our years of debt collecting, we’ve never really made anyone lose an arm or a leg. Later, when our legs were injured… we were kicked out of the gambling den…”

Fan Changyu frowned. “Aren’t you still collecting protection money all over the streets?”

Jin Laosan let out a sigh. “This protection money isn’t ours to keep once we collect it. We’re just collecting it for others.”

Seeing that Fan Changyu didn’t seem to understand his meaning, he spoke plainly, “For us to be able to openly demand money from merchants, the authorities must turn a blind eye. There are people in high places covering for us. If trouble arises, someone will take responsibility. Naturally, the bulk of the money collected goes to curry favor with those officials.”

Fan Changyu remained silent with a grim face for a good while.

Jin Laosan quickly added, “But this street never had anyone collecting protection money before. If we had known Miss Fan’s shop was here, we wouldn’t have dared to come…”

A fog of confusion settled over Fan Changyu’s mind. She suddenly asked, “When did they start collecting on this street?”

Jin Laosan thought for a moment and said, “Just last month.”

Fan Changyu’s brow furrowed even deeper. Her parents had also died at the hands of mountain bandits last month. Could there be some connection?

But she dismissed the idea almost as soon as it occurred to her. Her father had traveled the jianghu for many years and was skilled in martial arts. It seemed unlikely that after living in Lin’an Town for over a decade, he would suddenly be targeted and meet with misfortune.

Fan Changyu put aside her thoughts and maintained her fierce expression as she addressed Jin Laosan and his group. “As full-grown men, why can’t you do honest work instead of living as hoodlums and ruffians!”

“We’ll change! We’ll change! We’ll be good people from now on!”

The group trembled like shrinking quails at the sight of her anger.

Only then did Fan Changyu stop berating them. With all the heavy work being done by others today, she found herself unexpectedly at leisure.

The reputation of Fan’s Braised Meat had already spread, and today’s business was even better than yesterday’s. Before noon, all the meat she had brought from home pre-braised and what she had braised on-site today had sold out completely. Even the braised eggs in the shop were gone. She sent one of the small-time thugs to buy another basket of eggs, most of which also sold quickly.

Two braised eggs for just three wen was indeed an enticing price.

Fan Changyu roughly calculated today’s income, which amounted to over four taels!

The butchers in the neighboring meat shops naturally envied her business, but seeing Jin Laosan’s group bowing and scraping to her, they didn’t dare utter a single sour word.

In a good mood from earning silver, Fan Changyu even found Jin Laosan and his group more pleasing to the eye. Since they had helped her with work all morning and shown a good attitude in admitting their mistakes, she gave each of them a braised egg.

The small-time thugs, who had been ordered around all morning, were as wilted as little cabbages in the field. Suddenly being given a hot braised egg, they were dumbfounded.

Fan Changyu continued to face them with a fierce expression. “Hurry up and eat, then come with me to confront Wang’s shop!”

The small-time thugs, who had been smelling the aroma of braised meat all morning, had their stomachs growling fiercely. At this moment, they almost wanted to swallow the eggshells too.

After eating, the group was still unsatisfied and cautiously asked, “Miss… Miss Fan, can we come to work at your shop in the future?”

Fan Changyu thought with a stern face that this wouldn’t do. These burly men would eat her out of house and home if they all came to work in her shop!

She ruthlessly refused, “No.”

The small-time thugs didn’t dare say anything more and dejectedly followed behind her toward Wang’s shop. However, due to their fierce appearances, they didn’t look dejected at all.

Passersby on the street all made way for them. This scene looked to anyone like a female bully leading her underlings to cause trouble.

In a restaurant along the street, a man in brocade robes personally rose to pour tea for the person sitting opposite him. In the rising white mist of steam, the embroidered patterns on his wide sleeves became blurred:

“The situation in Huizhou is not yet stable. While the Marquis lies low here, it’s not convenient for his confidants to come. But Zhao is a businessman, and Wei’s family’s watchdogs can’t trace anything to Zhao. As long as the Marquis trusts Zhao, Zhao is willing to lay down his life for the Marquis.”

The window lattice was half-open. The man sitting opposite him had a profile like jade carving, with clear and handsome features. His long fingers, bearing dark scabs, tapped lightly on the table, showing casual indifference yet carrying an air of authority that made one breathless.

His narrow eyes were half-closed as he gazed out the window, seemingly admiring the snowy scene along the street.

Seeing that he hadn’t responded for a long time, the man in brocade robes followed his gaze outside, only then realizing that he didn’t seem to be looking at the snow scene, but at a young woman leading more than a dozen ruffians down the street.

The man in brocade robes glanced at Xie Zheng again, his eyes flickering slightly as he smiled and said, “That must be the Marquis’s new wife, right?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 19: Didn’t Go to Rob Money

The north wind gusted through the window, dispersing the mist rising from the tea cup and making the handsome, refined face of the man opposite even clearer. His cold, phoenix-like eyes were so sharp that one dared not look directly at them.

“Did Mister Zhao go to such lengths to meet this Marquis just to say these things?”

The man in brocade robes knew that Xie Zheng was referring to his declaration of loyalty. Unsure if mentioning his wife had been taboo, he quickly said, “Of course not.”

He then handed over a brocade box. Seeing that Xie Zheng had no intention of opening it himself, he opened it for him to see, wearing the smile typical of merchants. “Is this sincere enough?”

Xie Zheng merely glanced at it indifferently. “Gold and silver are of no use to me.”

The other party was silent for a moment, then suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Xie Zheng. “I, Zhao Xun, am but a mere merchant, naturally unworthy of the Marquis’s attention. However, last year during the Lantern Festival, my younger sister had just arrived in the capital when she was abducted by Wei Xuan at the festival and died tragically in his tent…”

His eyes reddened, and he was almost in tears. “If I don’t avenge this grudge, I won’t be able to face my parents in the afterlife.”

Only then did Xie Zheng’s gaze truly fall on Zhao Xun. “You were able to find me and know of my enmity with the Wei father and son. You do have some ability.”

Zhao Xun hurriedly said he didn’t dare claim such praise. “The Zhao family business is neither large nor small, but it spans several prefectures and has some dealings with officials. So we hear more rumors than others. Since Wei Xuan took over Huizhou, many of the Marquis’s important generals have been demoted and sent to remote border regions. In the capital, the scholars under Wei Yan’s command are writing articles denouncing the Marquis en masse. This is what made me notice something was amiss.”

“I guessed that the Marquis had encountered difficulties and had my men secretly search for your whereabouts, but to no avail. Coincidentally, a few days ago, the main city of Jizhou arrested a large number of refugees. There were also soldiers from Huizhou carrying portraits, seemingly looking for someone among those refugees. I used some methods to obtain a portrait of those Huizhou soldiers. Looking at the person in the portrait, so vigorous and spirited, I guessed that the one they were seeking must be the Marquis.”

At this point, Zhao Xun’s face showed delight. “Heaven must have taken pity on me. Recently, our family’s bookstore received a batch of contemporary essays. The bookstore manager praised one of them as a true gem. After reading it, I felt every word was like a pearl. I thought it must have been written by some talented scholar from a humble background and wanted to meet him. That’s why I especially came to visit, not expecting to find the Marquis here!”

Xie Zheng’s long fingers continued to tap lightly on the red sandalwood table, making no sound. The “tok tok” of his fingertips meeting the wooden surface made one’s heart uneasy.

Zhao Xun’s earnest explanation had clarified how he had found Xie Zheng.

When writing the contemporary essay, Xie Zheng deliberately avoided using his handwriting. That Zhao Xun could find him did indeed seem to be a coincidence.

He remained silent for a long time, and the other party seemed to grow somewhat anxious, though he managed to keep his composure and didn’t say anything more.

He appeared to be someone capable of getting things done.

Xie Zheng half-raised his eyelids and finally spoke. “Convert these banknotes in your brocade box into 200,000 shi of grain before spring arrives.”

Hearing this, Zhao Xun’s face first showed surprise, then joy. Earlier, Xie Zheng had said that gold and silver were of no use to him, but now he was asking him to convert the banknotes into grain. This was giving him a clear direction.

However, the court usually requisitioned grain in autumn, and rice merchants also bought grain at that time. After all, it was the harvest season, when people didn’t lack grain and prices were cheap.

Now it was the end of the twelfth lunar month. People certainly had surplus grain, and buying now would be a few points more expensive than during the autumn harvest, but that wasn’t a problem.

But the Northwest wasn’t a grain-rich region. Buying 200,000 shi before spring, with next year’s autumn harvest still far off, if any military conflict arose in this area, the stationed troops would find it difficult to requisition grain locally.

Realizing this, Zhao Xun felt his heart pounding. He quickly cupped his hands and said, “Zhao Xun will not fail the Marquis’s trust!”

Seeing Xie Zheng’s plain attire, he had a thought to curry favor. “Shall I arrange another set of residences for the Marquis and his wife, and provide some servants?”

Xie Zheng gave him a cool look. The scrutiny and pressure hidden beneath his calm demeanor made Zhao Xun, already half-bowing, lower himself even further.

He said, “Don’t try to be clever.”

Zhao Xun dared not mention arranging residences or buying maids again, becoming even more cautious as he asked, “Then… shall I send someone to escort the Marquis back?”

When he came here, he had personally gone to the western alley to pick up Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng recalled Fan Changyu walking down the street earlier with a group of ruffians. His brows furrowed slightly as he declined, “No need.”

His beautiful yet piercing phoenix eyes swept over the silk-clad merchant before him. “Focus on doing what I’ve assigned you. Pretend you don’t know I’m here. If any word leaks out…”

Zhao Xun hurriedly said he wouldn’t dare. “Zhao came to Lin’an Town today just to meet a talented scholar from a humble background. However, that scholar’s whereabouts were uncertain, and Zhao didn’t manage to meet him. As for buying grain, it’s merely because Zhao saw that rice merchants were profiting greatly and wanted a share of the profits.”

The corner of Xie Zheng’s eye lifted slightly.

This was indeed a clever person who understood with just a hint.

He said, “You may go.”

Only then did Zhao Xun bow and withdraw.

After the door closed again, Xie Zheng slowly closed his eyes in the steam from the boiling water in the red clay stove. His exquisite features became blurred in the mist, leaving only his brows and eyes, which had shed their usual weariness and were now filled with a heavy, murderous aura.

This Zhao Xun had appeared a bit too coincidentally.

But what could be confirmed for now was that he wasn’t one of the Wei father and son’s people. Otherwise… it would have been people from the government who came, not someone coming to ingratiate himself with such words of loyalty.

The 200,000 shi of grain was a touchstone he had given. If this person could truly be of use to him, having that 200,000 shi of grain would make his next arrangements much easier.

If this person had other intentions, after the 200,000 shi of grain, there would be an even bigger trap waiting for him and his master behind him.

Voices came from outside the private room: “Come on, let’s go see the commotion! I heard that Wang’s Braised Meat across the street was jealous of someone else’s business and smashed up Fan’s Meat Shop. Fan’s people have gone to make trouble at Wang’s!”

Someone sighed, “Wang’s is a century-old establishment. How could they do such a disreputable thing?”

“What won’t people do to steal business?”

Xie Zheng stopped his train of thought, opened his eyes, and stood up. His legs were as nimble as a normal person’s. Only when he left the private room did he lean on his crutch?

A crowd of onlookers had already gathered at the entrance of Wang’s Braised Meat Shop.

The shop assistant looked at Fan Changyu, then glanced at Jin Laosan and the others standing with folded arms behind her, their faces fierce. His legs went weak, and his voice trembled as he spoke, “What… what can we do for you?”

Seeing the assistant’s face turn pale with fright, Fan Changyu frowned slightly. She hadn’t come to beat anyone; she had come to reason and demand an explanation. Why was the shop assistant so frightened?

Could it be that they had a guilty conscience?

She said, “Call your shopkeeper out. I’ve come today to demand an explanation.”

The assistant stammered, “The… the shopkeeper isn’t in the shop.”

Fan Changyu’s eyes narrowed. “He dares to order people to smash things in my shop, and now he’s playing the coward?”

Behind her, Jin Laosan and the others let out a heavy “hmph” from their nostrils at the right moment, frightening the assistant even more.

Fan Changyu turned her head to look at Jin Laosan, her eye twitching slightly. She had brought these people to confront the shop, but how did it seem like she had brought them to smash the place?

The assistant said tremblingly, “We’ve sent someone to notify the shopkeeper. Whatever you have to say, please… please wait until the shopkeeper arrives.”

After speaking, he brought out a large chair for Fan Changyu to sit on, still shaking, and brought out a brazier for her to warm herself.

Fan Changyu swept her gaze over the expressions of the shop assistants and onlookers, feeling that something was a bit odd. How did it seem like she was the female bully coming to cause trouble?

However, since they had brought out a chair and a brazier, and it was so cold, there was no reason not to sit down and warm up while waiting.

Before long, Wang’s shopkeeper arrived, his fat body covered in sweat. As a businessman, he always believed in being amiable for the sake of business. Seeing Fan Changyu, he first put on a smile and said, “Miss Fan, I’ve heard from the assistant about what happened at your shop. The Wang’s sign was passed down from my ancestors, and I, Wang, would never use such means to oppress a lone girl…”

As he spoke, he glanced at Jin Laosan and the others behind Fan Changyu. Though his tone was polite, his attitude was somewhat contemptuous. “Miss Fan, to accuse Wang based solely on the words of these people, isn’t there… some misunderstanding?”

Fan Changyu sat motionless in the large chair, merely glancing sideways at Jin Laosan. “You speak.”

Jin Laosan immediately said, “Your Wang’s has an assistant named Chunsheng. Yesterday, he came to the tavern in the east of town with five taels of silver, asking us brothers to cause trouble at Fan’s shop. The people at the tavern can all testify.”

Upon hearing the assistant’s name, the shopkeeper’s expression changed slightly, and his attitude softened a bit. He said to Fan Changyu, “That’s my eldest son’s attendant. Please wait a moment, Miss Fan, while I call my eldest son to clarify.”

The young master of Wang’s was known throughout Lin’an Town as a profligate. Not content with a houseful of concubines, he spent his days in brothels. This time, Wang’s assistants had to dig him out of a brothel.

When he returned, he was still drunk, his clothes not even properly fastened. His father had someone pour a bowl of sobering soup down his throat before he became somewhat clear-headed.

In front of Fan Changyu, the shopkeeper angrily questioned, “You unfilial son, did you order someone to smash Fan’s shop?”

The young master of Wang’s, his eyes puffy, looked Fan Changyu up and down several times before sneering, “Oh, she is quite a beauty. You stole business from our family and Yixiang Restaurant by climbing into old man Li the cook’s bed, and now you dare to come here? Your face is even thicker than a prostitute’s.”

It was common knowledge that Yixiang Restaurant often bought famous dishes from other places to serve in their establishment.

The female proprietress had her unique way of doing business. Others said her methods were unprofitable, but by incorporating the best from various sources, Yixiang Restaurant’s business far surpassed other stagnant restaurants.

After all, those who could afford to dine at Yixiang Restaurant were wealthy gentry with ample means. There were only a few famous eateries in town, and normally one would have to send servants on several trips to get food from different places. At Yixiang Restaurant, not only could one enjoy their signature dishes, but a simple call to the waiter would immediately bring any local specialty one desired.

Therefore, whether selling pastries and fruits or braised meats and cooked food, all vendors in town took pride in being associated with Yixiang Restaurant.

Hearing the young master of Wang’s words, the onlookers’ expressions varied – some were surprised, some disbelieving, and some simply enjoying the show.

Their eyes kept scanning Fan Changyu. She was indeed beautiful but with such a fierce temperament… If someone said she was a female bully extorting money, people might be more inclined to believe it. But to say she would have an affair for the sake of some business…

Everyone collectively shuddered. Who would dare to entertain such thoughts about her? Just seeing her butcher pigs and chop meat would be enough to discourage any such notions, wouldn’t it?

The shopkeeper of Wang’s also widened his eyes and shouted, “Unfilial son, what nonsense are you spouting?”

The young master of Wang’s was unconcerned. He was used to bullying men and women in town and didn’t take Fan Changyu, a mere woman, seriously at all. “Father, our business with Yixiang Restaurant is ruined anyway, so why not let me speak? Are you still afraid of offending that old man Li the cook?”

His gaze lewdly swept over Fan Changyu. “You stole a man, and such an old…”

A loud “bang” interrupted him.

Jin Laosan and the others turned to look. They saw that the heavy chopping board used for displaying braised meat in front of Wang’s shop had been kicked over by Fan Changyu with one foot. The board couldn’t withstand the force and a large hole was kicked through it. The braised meat was scattered on the ground, and the drunken young master of Wang’s was half-trapped under the board.

He and his underlings looked at the large hole in the ironwood board and collectively swallowed. They shrank back, thinking that when this young mistress had dealt with them before, she must have been holding back.

If she had used this much force then, they would probably have had several broken bones and would still be bedridden now.

The young master of Wang’s howled in pain, ordering the two servants beside him, “Are you dead? Quickly pull your young master up!”

The two servants glanced at the black iron cleaver Fan Changyu had drawn, and at Jin Laosan’s group behind her who were cracking their knuckles, seemingly ready to join the fight. They didn’t dare approach and even retreated two steps on legs that had turned to noodles.

Seeing this situation, beads of sweat rolled down the shopkeeper’s temples. Seeing Fan Changyu holding the knife, he was also terrified. “Miss Fan, my unworthy son spoke without thinking. I will certainly teach this unfilial child a lesson. Please don’t be angry, Miss Fan…”

Fan Changyu ignored him completely. She stomped heavily on the chopping board again, creating another large hole in the board that usually required two people to lift. The young master of Wang’s foamed at the mouth and his eyes rolled back.

The onlookers gasped. Some timid women even covered their eyes with their sleeves, fearing that Fan Changyu would bring the cleaver down on the young master’s head the next moment.

The shopkeeper of Wang’s pointed at Fan Changyu with a trembling voice, “You… you want to commit murder?”

Fan Changyu glanced at him and sneered, “How could I kill someone? Killing would land me in prison. At most, I’ll cut out your good son’s tongue and make him chew it up and swallow it himself. That’ll stop him from wagging it carelessly.”

The shopkeeper was so frightened by her words that he nearly lost his balance. Only with the support of several servants did he avoid collapsing to the ground. His face turned pale, and he pointed at Fan Changyu, stuttering “You…” for a long time without being able to form a complete sentence.

The young master of Wang’s, pinned under Fan Changyu’s foot, now knew fear. His face was ashen as he cried and looked to his father, “Father, save me…”

The shopkeeper said in a trembling voice, “Call the officials, quickly call the officials…”

When Wang’s servants tried to go report to the authorities, they were blocked by Jin Laosan’s group. “So it’s fine for you to bully others, but not for them to seek justice?”

Fan Changyu heavily slapped the young master’s repulsive fat face with the flat of her cleaver. “Tell me, when did I ever steal Yixiang Restaurant’s business from you?”

The cleaver in her hand was heavy and cold. Due to years of chopping bones and cutting meat, there was an indelible smell of blood on the blade. Half of the young master’s face went numb where she had slapped him with the knife. His whole body shook like a sieve as he stammered, “Wang’s… Wang’s braised meat business with Yixiang Restaurant stopped… I heard… I heard it was because Cook Li recommended your family’s braised meat…”

Fan Changyu sneered, “Just for this, you fabricated such stories about me?”

The women in the crowd, hearing the young master’s words, were surprised that after all his vulgar talk earlier, the truth was merely this.

A woman’s reputation was of utmost importance. This was deliberately pushing someone to the edge!

They couldn’t help but spit at him in disgust. “He’s truly worthless. Just because Fan’s shop started selling braised meat and business is booming, he drags a young girl’s reputation through the mud?”

“I was wondering why we haven’t seen Cook Li buying meat from Fan’s these days. So it was because of this black-hearted scoundrel’s lies. He’s avoiding suspicion!”

“Wang’s is such a big business, yet they bully a lone girl. They’ve truly lost all shame!”

“He spends all his time in brothels, so of course that’s all he can think about!”

“If you ask me, Wang’s has become too big for its boots. Not only is the taste getting worse, but I once bought spoiled meat from them! No wonder Yixiang Restaurant doesn’t want to continue buying braised meat from them!”

Hearing these discussions, the shopkeeper of Wang’s became agitated, stamping his feet in anger. “Unfilial son! Unfilial son!”

The young master of Wang’s was crying so hard that snot bubbles formed. He begged, “Please spare me! I’ll give you money! Lots and lots of money. I know your family needs money…”

Fan Changyu remained silent, her eyes fierce as she forcefully thrust her cleaver into the ground.

Seeing this, the surrounding onlookers all gasped in shock. The shopkeeper of Wang’s nearly fainted, while the young master screamed in terror.

Crack!

The knife didn’t hit the young master’s body. Instead, it cut through his hair ornament and a chunk of his hair, right next to his scalp. The blade sank into the bluestone floor tiles, its body still quivering.

After a while, the young master finally came to his senses. His face was as pale as a corpse, and a foul odor emanated from beneath him as a yellowish puddle spread under the chopping board.

The shopkeeper, supported by servants, was gasping for air.

Feeling the coolness against his scalp, the young master was completely terrified, no longer caring about his face. He burst into loud sobs, his face covered in snot and tears. “Don’t kill me, don’t kill me!”

The shopkeeper only had this one useless son. He was almost crying as he pleaded, “Miss Fan, this unfilial son spoke without thinking and damaged your reputation. I will certainly teach him a harsh lesson. Another day, I will personally bring a small gift to your home to apologize. The ancients had the saying ‘cutting hair in place of beheading.’ You’ve already cut his hair, so please be magnanimous and spare him!”

Fan Changyu put away her knife and coldly looked at the young master of Wang’s. “Don’t let me see you again!”

She left with her knife, no longer paying attention to the father and son.

The young master of Wang’s had been bullying men and women for quite some time. Fan Changyu’s lesson today was deeply satisfying to many.

The onlooking commoners even cheered and applauded, exclaiming, “Well taught!”

“It’s a good thing she’s Fan the Tiger’s daughter. If it were any other family being bullied like this, they’d probably have no one to turn to!”

“Indeed. In Liu Village, there was a village girl, quite a beauty. She was impregnated by this young master of Wang’s. The Wang family refused to acknowledge it, and in the end, the poor girl threw herself into the river!”

“That’s just one case we know about that blew up. Who knows how many more despicable acts he’s committed in secret? Their braised meat isn’t as good as Fan’s. Fan’s meat is freshly slaughtered daily. Who knows what kind of meat they use!”

Hearing the pointing and discussing of the onlookers, the shopkeeper’s old face nearly fell to the ground.

The chopping board was finally lifted off the young master of Wang’s by two servants with great effort. This grown man looked at the shopkeeper and cried with snot and tears, “Father…”

Instead of comfort, he received two more kicks from the enraged shopkeeper. “You good-for-nothing! It’s one thing to spend your days in brothels, but to cause such a scene! You’ve completely disgraced the old Wang family today!”

Fan Changyu, having vented her anger, was about to head home when someone suddenly called out to her from behind, “Miss Fan, please wait.”

Fan Changyu turned back puzzled to see a man with a small mustache approaching her. “Miss Fan, you have impressive skills. I’m the manager of Huixian Money House. Would Miss Fan be interested in working for our establishment?”

“Money house?” Fan Changyu frowned. “What could I do there?”

The money house manager smiled and said, “Debt collection.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

Jin Laosan and his group, however, were eager. “Miss Fan, if you take on debt collection jobs, we’ll work for you in the future!”

Fan Changyu glared at them. “Didn’t you say you wanted to do honest work?”

Jin Laosan and his group immediately shrank their necks and dared not speak.

Fan Changyu declined the manager’s offer, but he didn’t say much. Before leaving, he gave her a piece of paper listing the various benefits of working as an enforcer for Huixian Money House. “Miss Fan, there’s no need to rush. You can think it over.”

Fan Changyu held the paper, her mood quite complex. What kind of image did she have in the eyes of the townspeople?

She sighed and turned to leave, but saw someone standing at the end of the street. Snow was falling, and his wide robes were blown open by the wind. Behind him was the bustling market street. His cold, indifferent eyes were looking at her in a very subtle way.

Fan Changyu glanced at the paper in her hand with “debt collection” written on it and instinctively said, “I didn’t go to rob money.”

Seeing Xie Zheng, Jin Laosan and his group immediately tensed up and said in unison, “Greetings, son-in-law!”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Fan Changyu: “…”

It seemed even harder to explain now.

Lmao

FAN CHANGYU IS SUCH A GIRL BOSS!!! 😏☝️

Zhu Yu – Chapter 20: Kidnap Him with a Sack?

Fan Changyu turned to Jin Laosan and his group, snapping, “What are you all yelling about?”

Jin Laosan replied sheepishly, “Isn’t this your recruited son-in-law?”

Fan Changyu choked for a moment, instinctively glancing at Xie Zheng. Seeing his expression remain impassive, seemingly unbothered by Jin Laosan’s words, she breathed a sigh of relief before continuing, “Yes, he is my recruited husband, but why are you all calling him son-in-law?”

Jin Laosan’s group lowered their heads submissively, like a bunch of young wives unacknowledged by their stern mother-in-law.

Fan Changyu’s temple twitched at the sight. She waved her hand dismissively, “I only brought you along to Wang’s shop today to seek justice, and now that’s done. Go home, all of you, and stop bullying others from now on.”

After Jin Laosan’s group left with mumbled acknowledgments, Fan Changyu glanced at Xie Zheng standing nearby. She felt inexplicably guilty, but reasoning that she hadn’t done anything truly wrong, she folded the paper in her hands and walked over to him with a straight back, asking, “What brings you here?”

Fine snow settled in Xie Zheng’s ink-black hair, making his features appear even more austere. “The essays I wrote recently sold well, and the bookstore owner took notice. He invited me for tea. I heard you went to Wang’s shop, so I came to check on you.”

Fan Changyu exclaimed in surprise, “To earn a bookstore owner’s recognition—your writing must be exceptional!”

Xie Zheng hadn’t expected her to understand such matters despite her seemingly limited education. He lowered his gaze to hide his thoughts, “Having fled from Chong Prefecture, I simply know more about the wartime situation and people’s hardships there. Even if my writing is basic, it’s new to the people of Lin’an Town, which is why the bookstore owner took notice. How did things go with Wang’s shop?”

That last question was meant to change the subject.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng took an ox cart home. Along the way, she picked up winter clothes she had ordered from the tailor shop for the family’s New Year celebration and bought some candy for Changningg. They finally made it back to their home in the western part of the city before dark.

When they went to collect Changningg from Madam Zhao’s house, they learned that constables from the county office had visited that afternoon. They summoned Fan Changyu to attend a court hearing in three days—the lawsuit filed by Fan Da was finally going to be reviewed.

Fan Changyu hadn’t thought much of it, but Madam Zhao was deeply worried. “The constable who delivered the message works under Chief Constable Wang. He leaked some information—Fan Da has been frequently visiting the Court Advisor recently. That Court Advisor is Butcher Guo’s uncle, and Butcher Guo had a grudge against your father years ago. Originally, since you’ve taken in a husband, the property should have been awarded to you, but with the Court Advisor involved, they’ll likely split at least half with your Big Uncle.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected these two troublemakers to work together. She frowned immediately, “How could they give Big Uncle half?”

Madam Zhao sighed, “Those officials can rule however they want—how could common folk like us understand the law better than them? Besides, since Big Uncle has the Court Advisor’s support, even if you tried to hire a litigation master, none would dare take your case and risk offending the Court Advisor.”

Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed deeply.

Though the Court Advisor held no official position, he was effectively second-in-command at the county office. Combined with Butcher Guo’s old grudge against her father, she stood little chance at the upcoming hearing.

Even if she wanted to pull strings, she couldn’t outrank the Court Advisor—unless she could somehow reach the County Magistrate himself, but that was just a pipe dream. Not only did her family lack any connection to the County Magistrate, but given that he had wanted to make Song Yan his son-in-law and she was Song Yan’s former fiancée, she’d be lucky if the Magistrate didn’t deliberately make things difficult for her.

After thinking it through, Fan Changyu asked, “Auntie Zhao, do you know how the feud between Butcher Guo and my father started?”

Fan Changyu only knew they were at odds but had never heard the actual cause of the grudge Madam Zhao mentioned.

Madam Zhao sighed, “That happened over a decade ago. The shopkeepers on that street have all changed since then, which is why you haven’t heard about it while doing business there.”

“Back then, Butcher Guo was just a street thug. All the merchants on that street had to pay him protection money, or they’d face trouble from his ruffians. After your father bought his shop there, he refused to pay. When the thugs came to make trouble, your father taught them a lesson instead. They confessed to working for Butcher Guo, so your father reported him to the authorities. The County Magistrate at that time was truly an upright official—he not only had Butcher Guo beaten but also imprisoned him for over half a year. That’s how the grudge between your father and Butcher Guo began. Now that the Guo family has a relative working as a Court Advisor, and you’re facing a lawsuit, they’ll certainly use this chance to make things difficult for you.”

With such an old grudge in play, the situation seemed truly hopeless.

After returning home, Fan Changyu remained frowning.

After dinner, once Changningg was asleep, she sat alone by the fire pit, poking at the ground with a burnt stick.

The Haedong Goshawk’s cage sat near the fire pit, its feathers now a shade grayer after a full day of smoke exposure.

The main hall was silent except for the occasional pop and crack of firewood sending up sparks. The hawk didn’t dare make a sound either, its small eyes darting between the two people sitting by the fire.

As another spark flew from the burning wood, Xie Zheng watched Fan Changyu’s tightly knitted brows in the firelight and finally spoke: “Don’t worry too much…”

“I’m not worried. I’ve thought of a solution.” Fan Changyu tossed aside the stick. Though her words were firm, her expression showed no relief—if anything, she looked more serious.

Xie Zheng’s half-lidded eyes grew cold, “What solution?”

Was she planning to beg her former fiancé for help?

That did seem to be her only viable option at this point.

After their conversation that afternoon, Fan Changyu no longer saw him as an outsider. Her fingers intertwined tightly as she spoke, her lips pressed into a straight line: “If my parents knew what I was planning, they’d surely be disappointed. I used to look down on such tactics myself, but now I have no choice…”

Xie Zheng suddenly didn’t want to hear more. His cold phoenix eyes reflected both the firelight and her shadow as he cut her off, “I’ll help you.”

Fan Changyu looked up, confused, “How can you help me?”

Xie Zheng explained, “No matter how biased the court ruling might be, they still have to base it on the Great Yin Dynasty Law. Their ability to award part of your property to your Big Uncle after your marriage arrangement only comes from exploiting certain legal loopholes. We have three days—I’ll break down all the relevant sections of the Great Yin Dynasty Law and explain them to you thoroughly. When you face the court, you won’t need a litigation master; you can handle it yourself.”

Fan Changyu was shocked both by his knowledge of the law and concerned about the feasibility of his plan. “Will… will that work?”

Xie Zheng’s icy gaze swept over her, showing no mercy as he asked, “Better than begging your former fiancé?”

Fan Changyu looked utterly bewildered, “Why would I beg him?”

Xie Zheng frowned, “Wasn’t that your solution?”

Fan Changyu: “…I was planning to disguise myself as someone from the gambling house and have Big Uncle kidnapped in a sack the night before the hearing.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Feeling embarrassed about admitting to such a plan, she explained, “I heard Chief Constable Wang say that if Big Uncle doesn’t show up on the court date, the case won’t proceed.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

ngl I like her plan better 😌 like just kidnapped the uncle 🤣

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣what a unique mind hahahahaha kidnapping the uncle

smart fan changyu😂😂

LMFAOOO shes such a diva

She’s such a thug, I love her. She’s a good person, but not too goodie-two-shoe to pull an underhanded trick like this. I love the simple practicality of her plan. It’s ruthless, straight to the point, and brilliant.

she’s so funny 😭😭😭😭

I love how Xie Zheng never able to guess her plans. she’s not your regular girl. she’s a husband

Zhu Yu – Chapter 21: He Was Avoiding Her

The broken window, haphazardly patched with wooden boards, failed to keep out the howling wind that sounded like wailing ghosts. The flickering flames from the fire pit cast wavering shadows throughout the room.

After an eerie silence filled the air, Xie Zheng spoke: “I was overthinking it. Let’s proceed with your plan.”

Fan Changyu hastily shook her head. Earlier that day, when the money house collectors had sought her out for debt collection, he had witnessed it. If they went ahead with putting a sack over Fan Da’s head, he might think she was some kind of violent criminal.

She said somewhat awkwardly, “If there were any other way, I certainly wouldn’t take this risk. If we’re caught, we’ll end up in court again.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, his pitch-black pupils reflecting the firelight without warmth. He suddenly said, “If you’re not afraid of trouble, dealing with Fan Da permanently would be simpler.”

His tone was cold and detached as if he hadn’t been the same person who had just offered to teach her law for a proper court case.

Fan Changyu immediately understood what he meant by “dealing with,” and goosebumps rose on her arms as she stared at him with wide almond eyes. “M-murder?”

Seeing her reaction, Xie Zheng’s thick eyelashes swept a shallow arc in the firelight as he turned his gaze toward the blazing fire. In a tone that didn’t sound at all like joking, he said, “I was just kidding.”

His voice was lazy and carried a hint of casualness.

If someone had wronged him to this extent, that person’s head would have long since been separated from their shoulders.

When he offered to teach her the Great Yin Code to help her, it was the best solution he could think of from her perspective. Though her temperament was stronger than he had anticipated, she still couldn’t be called ruthless.

As Fan Changyu’s suspicious gaze wandered over his handsome face, he half-raised his eyes, meeting her gaze directly. “Shall I teach you the Great Yin Code now?”

Fan Changyu immediately forgot about the embarrassment of being caught staring and nodded miserably with a frown.

She had disliked studying since childhood and got headaches just looking at characters. The fact that she could read at all was thanks to her mother forcing her to learn with a bamboo switch.

The writing materials were in the south room. Fan Changyu went to Xie Zheng’s room and turned up the oil lamp’s wick on the desk for better lighting.

Since there was no copy of the Great Yin Code in the house, Xie Zheng recited several articles for her to memorize.

This concerned whether she could keep her family property, so Fan Changyu focused with all her might on learning. However, whether due to the late hour or the sleep-inducing nature of legal texts, she soon found herself nodding off as she recited.

Xie Zheng sat in a bamboo chair nearby with his eyes closed, appearing to doze, but as if he had eyes on his forehead, he would lift his eyelids and rap his knuckles on the desk with a “tock-tock” whenever her head started bobbing like a pecking chicken.

Fan Changyu would jolt awake, clutching the papers while yawning repeatedly, struggling to keep her eyes open even as tears of exhaustion formed in the corners. She forced herself to continue reciting: “Article 17 of the Great Yin Code, Household Registry Section, Extinct Households Chapter: For extinct households, if there are sons, establish the eldest; if there are no sons, establish an heir…”

“If the household is extinct, how could there be sons to establish?” came a cold voice from beside her.

Fan Changyu shuddered at his voice like a student caught dozing during morning lessons. She forced herself awake and reviewed the law he had written, continuing with half-closed eyes: “For extinct households, an heir shall be chosen. If no heir is chosen, parents and siblings shall divide the property while providing for unmarried daughters. In cases of extinct households with adopted sons-in-law, the son-in-law cannot divide the property; it belongs to the daughter…”

Xie Zheng interjected at the right moment: “According to this law, your parents’ property should rightfully be yours entirely. However, with your grandparents still alive and ill, and your eldest uncle being idle, if they cite the Filial Piety Zhu Yu – Chapter of the Great Yin Code at the county court in three days, at least half of your parents’ property would have to go to your grandparents. Since your grandparents haven’t divided property with your eldest uncle, this money would ultimately end up in his hands.”

Fan Changyu’s drowsiness instantly vanished, replaced by irritation. She frowned and asked reluctantly, “What if I take in my grandparents to care for them?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her. “Are you close to them?”

Fan Changyu shook her head.

Even when her parents were alive, her family wasn’t close with her grandparents.

When her mother had difficulty giving birth to Changningg, she nearly died along with the child. The physician had barely saved them both but said she likely couldn’t conceive again.

The elderly couple had come to offer congratulations, holding the swaddled Changningg while repeatedly hinting that her mother had failed to give her father a son. They suggested adopting a boy from Fan Da’s family, saying it would provide support in their old age.

Her parents had ignored this suggestion, leading the elderly couple to spread rumors that her mother was jealous and unfilial, always whispering in her father’s ear and trying to end the Fan family line.

Her father had personally visited the old residence to address the matter, which finally quieted them down, but thereafter there was little contact. Only during festivals would her father bring them a piece of pork, but he never stayed for meals, leaving immediately after dropping off the gift.

Xie Zheng then said, “According to Article 11 of the Great Yin Code Supplement, Household, and Marriage Section, if you can find neighbors to testify that Fan Da is a gambling addict, you can manage the half that would go to your grandparents yourself.”

Fan Changyu, being straightforward by nature, struggled to understand such complexities. She asked in confusion, “How is that different from me supporting the elderly couple?”

Xie Zheng paused, rubbing his brow before patiently explaining: “If you take them in, you must support them. If you hold the money, whether to give it is your choice.”

Fan Changyu excitedly slapped the desk, “That’s brilliant! It’s a bit underhanded, but perfectly suited for Fan Da’s family! How do you know so much?”

Xie Zheng glanced at the desk that wobbled precariously from her slap, not doubting that with a bit more force, it would collapse right there.

His long fingers turned to the next page of the book on his knee, lying smoothly without a hint of discomfort: “When one travels extensively, one hears many interesting tales. There was a wealthy merchant’s daughter who married a man into her family, only to have relatives try to seize her property. She hired a famous local lawyer who suggested this very solution.”

Fan Changyu praised sincerely, “That lawyer was truly clever!”

Xie Zheng remained silent, though the corner of his mouth lifted imperceptibly.

Fan Changyu sheepishly glanced at him, “So… now that we have a plan, can I stop memorizing?”

Studying was truly headache-inducing for her; these abstruse laws were even more difficult than classical texts.

Xie Zheng said flatly, “If you can answer which specific law applies when they ask in court, then you can stop.”

Fan Changyu wanted to say that he could just accompany her to court, but remembering his leg injury and how he would have to kneel throughout the proceedings, which would likely worsen his condition, she swallowed her words.

Her face scrunched up like a steamed bun as she resigned herself to continue memorizing.

Xie Zheng casually flipped through the miscellaneous book in his hands, listening as her recitation changed from a mosquito-like buzz to intermittent mumbling, finally forcing him to look up.

By then, her exhausted head had already dropped to the desk, her breathing becoming slow and even.

Xie Zheng: “…”

He, the tutor, hadn’t even fallen asleep, yet the student had dozed off first.

It was his first time seeing her sleeping face up close. The candlelight cast long shadows from her eyelashes, a soft glow covered her fair cheeks, and her rouge lips were slightly pursed – altogether presenting a gentle appearance entirely different from her wakeful self.

However, even in sleep she seemed troubled, her brows slightly furrowed, with scattered hair falling across her face as if hiding a cloud of worry between her eyebrows.

Realizing he had been staring, Xie Zheng frowned and looked away. He was about to wake her and tell her to rest in her room when he heard her very faint sleep-talking: “Mother…”

It came with a nasal tone as if she were crying.

Xie Zheng frowned and looked at her again. Her head rested on her arm, pressing down several strands of black hair, making her face appear even smaller in the candlelight.

He had thought her thin before, but it had been overshadowed by her vibrant energy. Now, seeing her figure half-sprawled across the desk, he realized she wasn’t just thin, but rather fragile.

A strange, unfamiliar emotion suddenly arose in his chest, causing Xie Zheng to stare at her, his handsome brows furrowing even deeper.

…

At dawn, Fan Changyu woke as usual. The room was pitch black, and when she rose, both her arms and legs were numb.

As her memory of falling asleep returned, she realized she must have been sprawled on the desk. After lighting a fire stick, she barely illuminated the room.

The lamp oil on the desk had burned out, and as she prepared to find a candle, she turned to discover Xie Zheng had also fallen asleep nearby, pressing down on a section of her sleeve. She had to pull hard to free it.

The movement woke him, and she found herself facing those pitch-black, cold eyes. Fan Changyu froze momentarily, thinking to herself that his morning temper must be quite severe: “Did I disturb you?”

He looked at her, the ferocity in his eyes quickly fading, though his brows remained inexplicably furrowed, his fair face bearing a red mark where it had been pressed against the desk.

Fan Changyu said awkwardly, “You fell asleep reading too?”

He only gave a vague “mm” in response.

Fan Changyu said, “I’ll go find a candle.”

The fire stick wouldn’t last long and provided limited light.

However, as she stood up, her legs were still numb, and she suddenly toppled sideways.

There was a loud crash as both of them fell to the ground with their chairs, and the fire stick dropped and went out.

Fan Changyu’s limbs were bruised in several places, making her wince in pain. Realizing there was someone beneath her who must be in an even worse state, she quickly felt around to get up and help him: “Are you alright? Did I aggravate your wounds?”

“It’s fine,” he answered, though his tone suggested otherwise.

It wasn’t fine, as he remained bedridden for the next two days.

Fan Changyu suspected Xie Zheng was annoyed with her, as he had become noticeably colder these past two days, avoiding conversation and her presence whenever possible.

Even when they couldn’t avoid meeting, he either wouldn’t look at her or would face her with furrowed brows.

Though Fan Changyu had apologized, and he had verbally dismissed it, he continued to subtly distance himself from her.

Unable to understand why, she hesitated to ask him questions about the laws she was memorizing, even when she didn’t understand parts.

These past two days, she studied at home and reviewed the papers while free at the shop, finally memorizing most of it, and also found some neighbors to serve as witnesses.

On the morning of the court hearing, after considering Yan Zheng’s recent unusual behavior, she still went to the south room to say: “Since your handwriting is good, if you have time today, please draft the divorce papers. After I transfer my parents’ property, I’ll just need to sign them when I return. Once your injuries heal, you can go wherever you wish.”

He had made it clear from the start that he would leave once healed, and Fan Changyu could only guess that he feared she might go back on her word – transferring the property but refusing to fulfill her initial promise.

Giving him the divorce papers to write might help ease his mind.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 22: Seeking Revenge

Even after Fan Changyu left the room, the person sitting at the desk writing something didn’t look up, only pressing his lips together more tightly.

Listening to the fading footsteps, he set down his brush and leaned back in his chair, his pitch-black eyes dark and gloomy.

Come when called, leave when dismissed?

She truly dares-

After instructing her younger sister not to wander around at home, Fan Changyu greeted the neighbor, Madam Zhao, and prepared to go to the county yamen.

Madam Zhao said, “Your uncle and I will accompany you. That place is frightening. I’ve heard that if you’re not careful, you might get beaten with the rod of discipline. With dozens of strikes, wouldn’t your skin split open? If we’re there, we can help you find a way out if anything goes wrong.”

It’s said that commoners shouldn’t fight against officials. Fan Da had connected with the yamen clerk who had a grudge against Fan Changyu’s family. For the past few days, the elderly Zhao couple had been so worried about Fan Changyu that they couldn’t sleep.

Although Fan Changyu had martial arts skills, this was her first time going to court in over ten years. After brief consideration, she agreed.

The three of them took an ox cart to the county yamen. They arrived early, but the entrance was already crowded with spectators.

Fan Changyu knew the trial procedures. After the County Magistrate ascended to the court, he would first summon her and Fan Da. The Magistrate would then ask Fan Da to restate his complaint, with the Chief Clerk recording the testimony. If there were any disputes, witnesses might be called if necessary.

The witnesses Fan Changyu had found were neighbors from the old Fan family residence. Most people wouldn’t want to get involved in such matters, but the Fan Da family was indeed unlikable, having conflicts with many neighbors. When Fan Changyu visited, several families, disgusted by Fan Da’s behavior, were willing to come and testify that Fan Da was a gambler.

As time passed, the crowd at the yamen entrance grew larger. Yamen runners had already placed the sign holder and the wooden “attention clapper” on the table at the front of the court, but there was still no sign of Fan Da, the plaintiff. Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel puzzled.

Being late for court would result in a beating. Could Fan Da have forgotten about today’s trial and overslept?

Madam Zhao looked around and muttered, “Why isn’t Fan Da here?”

Fan Changyu had an inappropriate thought: Had she studied the laws so hard these past few days that her resentment caused her to sleepwalk and kidnap Fan Da last night?

As the three drum beats sounded, her scattered thoughts instantly focused.

The yamen runners entered the hall first, forming a goose-shaped formation on both sides, each holding a nearly person-high disciplinary staff and wearing fierce expressions.

The spectators outside the court let out a murmur of discussion upon seeing these runners, clearly intimidated by them.

Fan Changyu also noticed that these runners were all unfamiliar faces, with none of Captain Wang’s constables present. She wondered if the yamen clerk had manipulated something, and her heart became slightly uneasy.

The County Magistrate, wearing his official robes, entered from the side door and sat behind the bench. His eyes squeezed into slits due to his plumpness, scanned the courtroom before he picked up the wooden “attention clapper” and struck it hard, shouting, “Court is in session!”

The yamen runners simultaneously struck their disciplinary staff on the ground, shouting, “Respect and fear!”

The sound of the staff hitting the ground almost merged with the heartbeats of the spectators outside.

The yamen clerk with a fu manchu mustache called out, “Bring forth the plaintiff and defendant!”

Although Fan Changyu was afraid, when the yamen runners led her into the courtroom, she still gave the Zhao couple a reassuring look.

However, even at this moment, Fan Da had not arrived. Only she, the defendant, was kneeling alone in the court.

The plump County Magistrate had never encountered such a situation before. He exchanged a glance with the yamen clerk, both unsure of what was happening.

The spectators outside were also discussing among themselves.

This standoff couldn’t continue, so the County Magistrate first asked Fan Changyu, “Who kneels before the court?”

Fan Changyu answered, “This humble woman is Fan Changyu.”

The County Magistrate looked at the complaint with his eyes narrowed to slits and demanded, “Where is the plaintiff, Fan Daniu?”

No one in or out of the court responded.

Amid the silence, even the deliberately lowered discussions of the spectators outside seemed particularly jarring.

The plump County Magistrate struck the “attention clapper” heavily: “This is outrageous! In all my years of judging cases, this is the first time I’ve encountered a plaintiff who simply doesn’t show up to court. It’s utter disregard for the law!”

The skinny yamen clerk beside him glanced at Fan Changyu a few times and advised, “Your Honor, please calm down. Fan Daniu is but a mere commoner; he surely wouldn’t dare to be late for court. There must be some underlying reason. Perhaps we should send yamen runners to his home to inquire, demonstrating Your Honor’s meticulous investigation!”

The plump County Magistrate pondered briefly: “Approved!”

Soon, yamen runners were sent to Fan Da’s home to look for him. The County Magistrate ordered a recess, so Fan Changyu no longer had to kneel in the courtroom.

With this unexpected turn of events, the spectators not only didn’t disperse but became even more curious about why Fan Da hadn’t come to court today. They crowded at the entrance, refusing to leave.

Fan Changyu was sitting on a small stool, massaging her knees, when suddenly a minor official came over: “Captain Wang summons Miss Fan for a moment.”

Thinking that Captain Wang might have something to tell her, Fan Changyu followed the minor official through the side door to the duty room behind the yamen.

The minor official seemed to be Captain Wang’s confidant. After Fan Changyu entered, he kept watch at the door.

Upon seeing Fan Changyu, Captain Wang didn’t waste words and asked directly, “Your uncle… did you kidnap him?”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that she had initially considered it, but later came up with other methods and hadn’t acted on that idea at all. She immediately shook her head: “How could I do such a foolish thing?”

Captain Wang let out a sigh of relief: “That’s good.”

He had specifically asked her in private because he remembered Fan Changyu had previously asked him what would happen if Fan Da didn’t appear in court.

He lowered his voice and said, “Fan Da has connections with Clerk He. Even if he used such a method, he would later turn it against you. With a charge of disregarding the law, you could even end up in prison.”

Fan Changyu said, “I understand.”

The yamen had sent people to look for Fan Da without using Captain Wang’s men, which was already quite telling. Captain Wang couldn’t help at all in this matter.

After leaving the duty room, Fan Changyu returned to the courtroom to wait. But after a full half hour, the yamen runners sent to find Fan Da still hadn’t returned.

The County Magistrate grew impatient and ordered someone to hurry them. Another half hour passed before the yamen runners finally returned, carrying a person covered with a white cloth on a stretcher.

Fan Da’s wife, Liu Shi, and the Fan family elders followed, wailing loudly.

The person under the white cloth was Fan Da.

Fan Changyu’s face showed shock. Fan Da was dead?

The crowd at the yamen entrance buzzed with discussion, their gazes constantly sweeping over Fan Changyu.

Fan Da had intended to seize her family property, yet he died at this critical moment. Anyone would be prone to suspicion.

“How did he die on the very day of the court hearing?”

“Fan Da was as strong as an ox. It wouldn’t be easy for an ordinary person to take his life…”

Fan Changyu felt the various gazes upon her and slightly pressed her lips together, her heart equally filled with shock and doubt.

Who killed Fan Da?

Her mind involuntarily flashed to Yan Zheng’s words a few days ago about settling things with Fan Da, but she quickly dismissed the thought.

Not to mention that Yan Zheng’s injuries had worsened and he had rarely left the room these past few days, the fact that he had already taught her all the laws she might need in court meant he couldn’t have harmed Fan Da.

Moreover, he was only pretending to be married into her family and had no grudge against Fan Da, so there was no reason for him to kill him.

When the County Magistrate heard that the plaintiff, Fan Da, was dead, he hurriedly came out from the side room, his official hat barely on straight. His eyes, reduced to tiny slits due to his plumpness, revealed shock. He hadn’t expected a case about dividing family property to turn into a murder case: “What… what’s going on here? Is there no law anymore?”

One of the constables who had gone to find Fan Da respectfully answered, “Reporting to Your Honor, when we found Fan Daniu, he had already been dead for some time. There were multiple knife and sword wounds on his body.”

The County Magistrate ordered the white cloth covering Fan Da’s body to be lifted. Just one glance scared him so much that the fat on his face trembled. He hurriedly said, “Summon the coroner!”

Fan Da’s wife, Liu Shi, nearly fainted from crying beside Fan Da’s corpse. When she saw Fan Changyu, she lunged at her as if demanding her life: “Was it you who killed him? Was it you?”

Fan Changyu stepped back to avoid her, coldly saying, “Sister-in-law, don’t falsely accuse people. My uncle owed a pile of gambling debts outside. Who knows if he met his end at the hands of some debt collector? What does it have to do with me?”

Liu Shi and Old Mrs. Fan continued to wail. The County Magistrate, annoyed by their noise, had the yamen runners take them away first.

Before leaving, Old Mr. Fan looked at Fan Changyu as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t, his lips turning pale as if remembering something terrifying.

Fan Changyu, being involved in the lawsuit with Fan Da, was inevitably forced to stay.

After examining the body, the coroner gave his findings. Fan Da had likely died on his way to the yamen this morning. There were eleven wounds on his body, but only the sword thrust through his heart was fatal.

The coroner said, “The first ten cuts were extremely vicious, yet they all avoided vital areas. The killer must be someone accustomed to using knives and swords. These wounds, if not for revenge, look like they were inflicted during an interrogation.”

This answer made Fan Changyu frown.

Interrogation?

What could they interrogate Fan Da about?

Forcing him to repay debts?

But if the purpose was to force him to repay debts, they wouldn’t have killed him.

For a moment, Fan Changyu felt shrouded in a heavy fog of confusion.

However, since Fan Da had been killed on his way to the county town, Fan Changyu could clear herself of suspicion. She had been on her way there too, and the elderly Zhao couple and the ox cart owner could testify to that.

But the yamen clerk didn’t intend to let Fan Changyu off so easily. He said to the County Magistrate, “Your Honor, although Miss Fan Da has an alibi, what if… she hired someone to kill? I’ve heard she’s quite close to that group of street ruffians led by Jin Laosan in Lin’an Town. To be safe, shouldn’t we send someone to search her house?”

With a sudden murder case during the New Year period, the County Magistrate also felt it was extremely inauspicious. Since this involved a murder, he no longer cared about his interests and pointed to Captain Wang, who had years of experience in handling cases: “You lead a team to search!”

Fan Changyu had nothing to hide, and it was Captain Wang going. She met the yamen clerk’s weasel-like gaze without fear-

A group of yamen runners arrived at the west side of the town in the civilian lane. The north wind was blowing strongly at this time. One yamen runner sniffed hard: “Is someone slaughtering pigs? There’s a strong smell of blood.”

Captain Wang smelled it too, but Fan Changyu’s family lived in this area, and she made a living by slaughtering pigs, so he didn’t think much of it at first.

When they opened the main gate of the Fan family courtyard and saw the dead bodies scattered on the ground, even the constables from the capital who had dealt with various murder cases all changed their expressions.

The ground was covered with corpses, and fresh blood had dyed red the snow that hadn’t been cleared from the courtyard.

Captain Wang, being an old friend of Fan Changyu’s father, knew she had a younger sister at home. Not seeing a child’s corpse in the courtyard, he hurried into the house to check.

As he stepped onto the threshold, he saw a person lying on their back at the entrance of the main hall, their throat torn apart as if by some hooked claws. A few feathers the size of goose down had fallen on the ground, and there were marks of knife and sword strikes on the door.

Captain Wang’s heart sank. He continued into the inner rooms. On the floor of the north room lay another person who was dead, with a kitchen knife embedded in their back.

Judging from where it had struck, it seemed to have hit right on the spine. Surprisingly, almost two-thirds of the knife blade had pierced through, indicating the incredible strength of the person who had thrown it.

Captain Wang searched all the rooms with a heavy heart, but couldn’t find Fan Changyu’s little sister or that son-in-law. He didn’t know whether to feel relieved or worried.

He said in a deep voice, “It seems someone came to seek revenge against the Fan family. Quickly return to the yamen and report this!”-

The sky was gray and overcast, with goose feather-like snowflakes fluttering down. The accumulated snow on the pine needles occasionally shook off some snowpowder.

The front of Xie Zheng’s clothes was completely soaked with fresh blood. Behind him in the dense forest, crows were startled into flight. The chaotic footsteps treading on snow were closing in like a net, but he seemed oblivious. Leaning against a pine tree, his bloodied long sword thrust three inches into the snow at an angle, he was bandaging his hand wound with a torn strip of cloth.

There were a few spots of blood on his pale jaw, and the corners of his mouth were turned down as if his mood was terrible.

Changning and the slightly graying Hai Dongqing were huddled not far from him. One of Hai Dongqing’s claws still had some pale pink flesh hanging from it. Changning was sobbing intermittently, her little face pale with fright.

He coldly raised his eyes: “No crying allowed.”

Changning didn’t dare to make even a sob, but tears still fell in large drops.

“What exactly did your Fan family offend?”

The child before him, nearly frightened out of her wits, naturally couldn’t answer. Xie Zheng’s question seemed more like he was muttering to himself.

When the chaotic footsteps finally approached, he had just finished tying the bandage by biting one end with his teeth. The taste of fresh blood dissolved on his tongue with a faint iron rust flavor.

In his fierce and determined phoenix eyes, the reflection of a group of masked men wielding swords and approaching from the pine forest could be seen.

WHAT THE ACTUAL PLOT TWIST????!!!! THE WAY MY JAW DROPPED TO THE FREAKING FLOOR WAS WILD!!!!!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 23

At the county yamen, Yan Changyu was confined in a temporary interrogation room. The doors and windows were tightly shut, and even the tables and chairs seemed to exude a chill.

After sitting for a while, the cold crept up from her double-layered padded shoes, numbing her feet. Yan Changyu rubbed her hands together and breathed into them, stamping her feet slightly to try and warm herself up.

Two guards were stationed outside the interrogation room. Yan Changyu had attempted to speak with them through the door, but they were clearly not Captain Wang’s men and ignored her completely.

The wait was unbearable. Finally, the door of the interrogation room opened, letting daylight flood into the dark space. The guard at the door said, “You may go now.”

Yan Changyu thought Captain Wang had returned from the search and proven her innocence. Her heart lightened as she left the room.

When she saw Captain Wang, he was frantically giving orders to his subordinates. Yan Changyu noticed that even the ordinary yamen runners who served tea and water were armed with swords as if everyone in the yamen was prepared to go out at any moment.

Seeing Yan Changyu, Captain Wang nodded to dismiss the yamen runners. His brow was deeply furrowed as he spoke: “More people have come to report crimes. Today, besides Master Yan’s tragic death, several other households have also fallen victim. The sword wounds on their bodies match those on Master Yan, suggesting the same group of perpetrators. But only your house was visited by the killers. I don’t know if they extracted information from Master Yan. When I took my men to your house, we found bodies everywhere…”

As Yan Changyu heard the last sentence, her mind went blank, as if her ears were ringing. She could see Captain Wang’s mouth moving, but couldn’t make out what he was saying.

After a while, she managed to steady herself and asked, “My sister…”

Her voice came out hoarse, and she realized her hands and feet were ice-cold.

Captain Wang hurriedly replied, “We didn’t find the bodies of your husband or your sister. We searched inside and outside the house. We don’t know if those villains captured them or if they escaped. I’ve ordered my men to search, but the heavy snow has covered many traces. We haven’t received any news yet.”

Yan Changyu felt only half relieved. She strode towards the yamen exit, saying, “I’m going to look for them too.”

Her parents were already gone; she couldn’t let anything happen to her sister!

Although Yan Zheng was injured, he was a trained fighter. Even with his severe injuries earlier, he had managed to fend off Jin Laosan’s gang. If he had killed those people Captain Wang mentioned in their courtyard…

He must have taken Changningg and hidden somewhere. His injuries wouldn’t allow him to last long; she had to find them before that happened!

The wind carried fine snow, along with the scent of blood that permeated the entire pine forest.

A flash of sword light and a spurt of hot blood gushed from a throat, spattering onto the frost-covered trunk of a pine tree. The man wielding the knife fell stiffly into the snow. The sticky blood on the tree trunk slowly dripped down, creating small, pale red craters in the snow beneath.

Xie Zheng didn’t even glance at the man. With a flick of his wrist, he shook the blood droplets from his long sword.

Within ten meters around his feet lay nothing but corpses.

Little Changningg huddled with the gyrfalcon, her face pale, either from fright or cold. She was so terrified she couldn’t even cry.

Xie Zheng sheathed his sword and walked back. Seeing her condition, he frowned and knelt to touch the back of the child’s hand with his knuckles. As expected, it was as cold as ice.

He glanced at his jacket, which was almost completely soaked with blood and offered little warmth. His gaze fell on a nearby corpse whose throat he had just slit.

That coat looked clean.

He walked over, used his sword to cut open the man’s fur coat, kicked the dead body to roll it over like a sack, and with the tip of his sword, flipped the fur coat into his hand.

He had taken this sword from one of the masked men. It felt good in his hand, so he kept it.

Xie Zheng threw the fur coat to little Changningg. His blood-stained face was even paler than the snow on the ground. He then leaned against a snow-covered pine tree, his eyes half-closed, showing obvious fatigue. However, his tone remained icy cold: “Put it on. Stay alive until your elder sister finds you.”

In the distance, footsteps were converging on the pine forest from several directions. It was unclear whether they belonged to the masked men’s allies or other forces.

Xie Zheng didn’t plan to go any further. He was severely exhausted, and with a child in tow, he couldn’t go far.

Staying put to rest for a moment and regaining some strength might allow him to hold out longer.

“Zheng’er, is the osmanthus cake delicious?”

As his vision blurred, mixing the skylight with the pine forest, he hallucinated the gentle voice of that elegant woman.

Xie Zheng’s eyelids trembled.

Little Changningg, seeing him covered in blood and leaning against the tree trunk with closed eyes, feared he was dead. She called out in a tear-choked voice, “Brother-in-law…”

“Don’t make noise.”

Regaining consciousness, Xie Zheng frowned. His eyelids felt heavy, and his limbs seemed filled with lead.

This feeling wasn’t unfamiliar to him. The last time he escaped from the Wei family’s assassins, he had lost consciousness and collapsed in the snow.

He forced his eyes open and gripped the sword blade with his hand, which was wrapped in bandages long since dyed red with blood. He pressed down hard.

The sword’s edge cut deep into his palm, fresh blood soaking through the bandages and dripping from his tightly clenched fist onto the snow like fallen plum blossoms.

The pain finally cleared his mind somewhat.

As the chaotic footsteps drew near and a cold blade flashed towards the little girl, his hand gripped the sword and parried with a crisp “ding.”

The two swords scraped against each other, even sparking.

Xie Zheng’s eyes flashed fiercely. As his long sword slid to the hilt of the other blade, he flipped his hand and slashed a ghastly wound across the masked man’s shoulder and arm, then kicked him more than ten feet away.

“Hide behind the tree,” he ordered coldly. The whites of his eyes had taken on a bloodshot hue, like a lone wolf driven to desperation.

The dozen or so masked men, seeing the corpses of their comrades strewn about, were shocked. They exchanged glances before raising their swords and rushing at Xie Zheng en masse, their attacks vicious and aimed at vital points.

Little Changningg hid behind the tree. Although Xie Zheng had scolded her many times not to cry, seeing this situation, she couldn’t help but let tears fall. Almost instinctively, she pulled out the whistle hidden in her collar and blew it hard.

This whistle was made for her by her elder sister long ago. Once, while playing hide-and-seek with the neighborhood children, she had accidentally fallen into a dry well. She cried until her voice was hoarse, but no one found her.

When her family went to look for her, she couldn’t call out because her voice was gone.

Afterward, her elder sister made her a whistle, telling her to blow it if she ever encountered danger again, so her family could find her.

Throughout this escape with her brother-in-law, she had been so scared that she blew it once, but it attracted bad people. After being scolded by her brother-in-law, she didn’t dare blow it again.

Now, with the situation so dire, little Changningg no longer cared about his admonition.

The shrill whistle echoed through the entire pine forest, like the cry of a blood-drenched fledgling.

One of the masked men noticed Changningg and walked towards her with his knife raised. Changningg stood up to run, but the masked man’s fur coat she wore was too long, and she tripped after just a few steps.

The masked man was about to bring his knife down when a gray falcon swooped out of nowhere, flying straight at him. Its iron hook-like talons missed his neck but tore his face to shreds, along with the black cloth covering it.

In the dense forest in the distance, the barking of dogs could be faintly heard. It seemed to come from more than one dog, and the barking was extremely fierce. All the birds roosting in that part of the forest took flight, darkening the snowy sky.

Changningg’s eyes brightened, and she quickly puffed up her cheeks to blow the bamboo whistle hard a few more times.

The masked man swung his sword to fend off the falcon and was about to grab Changningg when the sound of something cutting through the air came from behind him. He instinctively leaned back, narrowly avoiding the cleaver hurled at his head.

The black iron blade buried itself halfway into the trunk of a pine tree behind him. The tree shook, and the snow accumulated on its cones fell in a shower, instantly obscuring vision.

At that moment, the masked man felt a chill in his heart. As the blade was withdrawn, blood gushed from the wound in his chest.

The masked man had killed many people before, but seeing the amount of blood pouring from the gash in his chest, he was stunned for a moment.

Such a ruthless blade technique.

This wound would drain a person’s blood in the shortest possible time.

Through the falling snow, he struggled to raise his eyes. His gaze fell on the black iron weapon dripping with fresh blood.

A butcher’s knife?

Looking up further, his fading pupils could no longer make out the person’s features.

But it was a woman.

The masked man slumped to his knees in the snow. The blood flowing from him melted away most of the snow beneath him, almost twice the amount of blood loss compared to the other masked men who had died there.

It was Yan Changyu’s first time killing someone with her butcher’s knife, and she instinctively used the technique for slaughtering pigs, focusing solely on draining as much blood as possible.

Extreme tension and a protective instinct caused all the blood in her body to rush to her head. Her fingertips tingled and burned, leaving no room for any other emotions about taking a life.

Changningg’s lips quivered, ready to cry at the sight of her elder sister, but the urgency of the situation held her back.

Seeing Yan Zheng severely wounded and at a disadvantage, with another gash just opened on his arm, Yan Changyu had no time to say a word to her sister. She retrieved the cleaver embedded in the tree trunk and hurled it at one of the masked men.

To her dismay, the man was pulled aside by a comrade and dodged. Behind him stood Xie Zheng, and the heavy cleaver flew straight at him, terrifying Yan Changyu to her core.

Fortunately, Xie Zheng reacted swiftly, tilting his head just in time. The heavy cleaver embedded itself in the pine tree trunk behind him.

When he looked over at her, Yan Changyu’s expression was somewhat embarrassed.

As another shower of snow fell from the tree, she had no time for further thought. Using the same technique, she quickly closed in and stabbed several men in succession with her pig-slaughtering method, while Xie Zheng slit throats with a single sword stroke.

Blood mixed with snow foam splattered on the ground, pool after pool.

As the snow finished falling from the tree, Yan Changyu’s eyes met Xie Zheng’s. She explained awkwardly, “I was aiming for that masked man just now.”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

More than half of the dozen or so masked men had fallen. He finally had a moment to catch his breath. Leaning on his sword, his hair disheveled and falling over his face, he was as pale as snow. Blood stained the corner of his mouth. Though he looked weak enough to collapse at any moment, the remaining masked men who were poised to strike dared not make a move.

The sound of barking dogs drew closer. Three or four hunting dogs leaped out from the dense forest, snarling fiercely at the masked men with bared teeth.

These hunting dogs were borrowed by Yan Changyu from hunters in town. Thanks to them, she had been able to follow the scent of blood to this pine forest outside the city.

After hearing Changningg’s whistle, she left the hunting dogs behind and rushed ahead.

Yan Changyu intimidated the masked men, “The yamen’s officers will be here soon!”

The masked men exchanged glances, seemingly deciding that continuing to fight against Yan Changyu and Xie Zheng would not end well for them. They hastily retreated.

Xie Zheng said, “Capture one alive.”

Yan Changyu charged forward almost instantly as he finished speaking.

These people were dressed like bandits. They had killed Master Yan and invaded her home. They might well be the same group that murdered her mother.

She untied a coil of rope from her waist, quickly tied a lasso while running, and forcefully threw it at the masked man running last. As the loop tightened around the man’s neck, Yan Changyu put all her strength into pulling back, instantly constricting the noose.

The masked man clutched desperately at the rope around his neck as Yan Changyu dragged him backward through the snow like a sack of grain.

Xie Zheng’s expression changed upon seeing this scene.

Yan Changyu braced one foot against a snow-covered pine tree, pulling the rope hard as if dragging a dead pig. She explained, “This is a lasso commonly used for catching wild horses or oxen. Once caught, it’s almost impossible to escape because the more you struggle, the tighter the noose becomes.”

Fortunately, Captain Wang, fearing she might encounter danger while searching, had instructed his subordinates to give her a set of constable’s weapons.

A constable’s equipment typically consisted of just a sword and a coil of rope.

The sword was for self-defense, and the rope was for binding criminals.

She found the yamen’s sword less comfortable than her own butcher’s knife, but not wanting to reject Captain Wang’s goodwill, she had taken the coil of rope.

Xie Zheng paused for a moment. Despite the life-threatening situation, it seemed that whenever she spoke, the tense atmosphere would suddenly relax a bit.

Seeing their comrade captured, the masked men briefly exchanged glances. One of them raised his sword and threw it at his captured companion.

The masked man caught in Yan Changyu’s lasso was instantly showered in blood.

Yan Changyu cursed coarsely in anger, immediately abandoning the rope and chasing after them with her butcher’s knife.

Xie Zheng coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood. Worried she might be outmatched and disregarding his severe injuries, he was about to join the chase. As he lifted his foot, he stepped on something hard in the snow. Moving his black boot aside, he saw it was a waist token.

Recognizing the emblem on it, his phoenix eyes instantly sharpened.

He picked up the token and placed it in his bosom. When he looked again at the masked men being pursued by Yan Changyu, his gaze was as if looking at dead objects.

The masked men were being chased and bitten by three or four hunting dogs, while also being pursued by Yan Changyu, that freakishly strong woman. They were quite overwhelmed.

However, they quickly discovered Yan Changyu’s weakness. She often relied on brute strength and speed, lacking real combat experience in life-or-death situations. When several of them surrounded her, she couldn’t defend effectively, and soon suffered injuries.

The pain from sword cuts burned fiercely, slowing Yan Changyu’s attacks significantly. Though she was trying to learn to parry, this small improvement was far from enough to instantly match several experts.

As she saw another masked man’s sword slashing directly at her wrist, Yan Changyu grew anxious. But her technique was too slow; she couldn’t dodge in time.

An injured wrist could mean losing grip on her weapon at best or losing the entire hand at worst.

She gritted her teeth, prepared for mutual destruction.

At the critical moment, a large hand with distinct knuckles gripped her weapon hand from behind. Compared to the warmth of her hand, his was as cold as lake ice.

Using some clever technique, he turned her wrist, instantly flipping her butcher’s knife blade up. From below, it viciously chopped at the masked man’s elbow, then with a domineering force, the blade scraped along the bone and flesh upward, pressing against the tendons and cartilage under the armpit before forcefully flicking upward.

The masked man’s sword instantly fell from his hand, and his bloody arm hung limply. He let out a heart-rending scream.

Yan Changyu, accustomed to scraping bones and trimming meat, still felt her scalp tingle at the memory of that knife technique. She couldn’t help but look back, only catching a glimpse of the man’s pale jawline before he gripped her hand again to parry the killing moves of the other masked men.

His force seemed more like guidance, teaching her how to avoid the opponent’s techniques. When attacking, Yan Changyu didn’t hold back her brute strength at all.

With her only weakness now covered, the masked men opposite suddenly found themselves unable to cope.

Yan Changyu indeed had some talent in martial arts. While memorizing Xie Zheng’s parrying techniques, she could still find openings to kick the masked men.

One masked man, kicked hard by Yan Changyu, flew back and crashed into a snow-covered pine. The tree shook, and a whole tree’s worth of icicles came crashing down, raising a cloud of snow spray.

At the same time, the man behind her guided Yan Changyu’s hand with a flourish, sending the butcher’s knife into another masked man’s heart.

Yan Changyu felt the wound in his palm reopens. Warm blood gushed out, wetting the back of her hand where their palms touched, yet his palm remained cool.

Looking at the chaotic flashes of swords before her, her heart seemed to tremble along with the fallen icicles.

“Don’t get distracted,” his cold, hoarse voice came from beside her ear. Due to their knife-gripping posture, they were quite close. Yan Changyu could almost feel his faint, warm breath.

Her entire ear tingled.

Resisting the urge to rub her ear, she focused all her attention on attacking.

When the butcher’s knife, now red with blood, was pressed against the neck of the last masked man, Yan Changyu finally had a chance to catch her breath.

She had noticed earlier that this man seemed to be the leader of the group. He was the one who had ended the life of the masked man she had lassoed.

Yan Changyu pressed the blade down slightly, cutting a thin line of blood on his neck, and demanded coldly, “Who are you people? What grudge do you have against the Yan family?”

The man didn’t look at her but kept staring at Xie Zheng standing behind her as if trying hard to recognize something. When Xie Zheng raised his eyes to meet his gaze, the man seemed to finally recognize him. His pupils contracted violently, and his face showed a hint of defeat. Suddenly, he grabbed the butcher’s knife Yan Changyu was pressing against his neck.

Standing so close to Xie Zheng, Yan Changyu didn’t notice the man was looking at him. Seeing his movement, she was startled, thinking he was trying to seize the knife. She hurriedly pressed down harder, trying to control him. To her surprise, the man was forcing her knife into his neck.

A splash of fresh blood fell on the trampled snow.

The masked man fell, his throat cut.

Yan Changyu stared at this scene, too shocked to speak for a long while.

Looking at the blood-stained butcher’s knife in her hand, she murmured, “Why did he…”

Preferring to take his own life rather than reveal anything, who were these people?

Could they be enemies her father had made during his years as a caravan guard?

Looking at the dead leader, Yan Changyu thought of her parents’ deaths, feeling her mind in turmoil.

When Xie Zheng saw the masked man take his own life, he also frowned. But with all his injuries, holding out for so long had already pushed him to his limit. With the crisis resolved and no longer supported by that mental strength, he instantly felt the world spinning.

He spat out the blood he had been forcefully holding back in his throat, and finally could no longer support himself with his sword.

Yan Changyu heard the commotion behind her and turned around. Seeing him collapsed in the snow, his face and lips almost the same shade of white, she immediately forgot everything else and hurried over to check his injuries.

Not only had his old wounds reopened, but he had also suffered many new ones.

Thinking about how he had once again brushed with death because of her family’s troubles, her sense of guilt deepened.

She hadn’t brought any medicine with her but thought these bandit-like men might have some. She searched the dead leader’s body and indeed found a bottle of medicinal powder.

Unsure if it was a blood-stopping medicine, she first sprinkled a little on the leader’s still-bleeding wound. Seeing the blood congeal, she felt reassured enough to use it on Xie Zheng.

The moment the potent medicine fell on his raw flesh, the burning pain like a knife cut or fire brought Xie Zheng back to some semblance of consciousness. But he was still extremely weak, unable even to open his eyes.

After giving him a simple bandaging, Yan Changyu lifted him onto her back and walked back to get Changningg.

Her arms and hands had shallow cuts from her initial fight with the masked men. Though not serious, they now stung fiercely as she exerted herself.

Wanting to say something to distract from the pain, Yan Changyu half-jokingly said to the man on her back, “This is the second time I’m carrying you back from the snow.”

The man on her back didn’t respond, seeming to have passed out.

The pain caused a fine sweat to break out on Yan Changyu’s temples. She said softly, “Thank you.”

Thank you for helping me save Changningg.

If she lost her younger sister, she would have lost her last living relative in this world, truly not knowing where to go from there.

The wind and snow raged as she carried him, leaving a trail of deep footprints in the snow.

Little Changningg waited with the gyrfalcon under the pine tree where they had been earlier. Seeing Yan Changyu return carrying Xie Zheng, she quickly ran over, calling, “Elder Sister.”

Carrying a person, Yan Changyu couldn’t hug her sister. A drop of sweat slid down her temple, passing over a scrape on her face, stinging fiercely. She looked Changningg up and down, asking, “Are you hurt, Ningning?”

Changningg shook her head. Seeing the unconscious man on her sister’s back, her eyes reddened, and she choked out, “Brother-in-law got hurt protecting Ningning…”

The blood that had seeped from his palm while he guided her attacks remained on her hand, feeling as hot as if it had been seared by fire. Yan Changyu felt a twinge in her heart. She said, “Don’t cry. We’ll take him back to see a doctor.”

She always seemed calm and steady.

But as long as Changningg heard her elder sister speak like this, she felt at ease and no longer feared anything.

When their parents passed away, she cried until she fell ill, almost unable to breathe. It was her elder sister who held her by the bedside and said, “Don’t be afraid, you still have your elder sister.”

Little Changningg looked at her elder sister’s bent back, wiped her eyes clumsily with her sleeve, and followed Yan Changyu’s footsteps through the snow, sometimes sinking deeply, stepping lightly, while hugging the gyrfalcon.

“This is the second time I’m carrying you back from the snow.”

“Thank you.”

In his hazy consciousness, Xie Zheng heard someone speaking to him. The voice was familiar, but he couldn’t recall who it belonged to.

His eyelids were too heavy, his mind almost a complete blur, unable to think. His whole being seemed to be sinking into an endless darkness, a bone-chilling cold seeping into the marrow.

Resisting this sinking force was incredibly difficult. Giving in would instantly make everything feel lighter.

“Zheng’er.”

Someone was calling him again.

He could no longer remember that gentle woman’s voice or appearance, but whenever he dreamed of her, he knew it was her.

Why had she come into his dream?

Hadn’t she abandoned him?

Xie Zheng didn’t want to answer her, but his gaze involuntarily looked ahead. The woman stood in the rear garden of the Marquis’s mansion, smiling as she held a child’s hand, watching a martial man practicing boxing in the courtyard.

“Zheng’er’s father is a great hero who can hold up the sky. In the future, Zheng’er must become a man like your father.”

Xie Zheng saw the woman looking at him with a gentle smile and suddenly realized he had become that child.

He still didn’t speak, just staring at the woman’s face, so clear in the dream but only a blurry outline in his waking memory.

He missed her, but she had left too early, so early that he couldn’t even remember her appearance clearly.

The man practicing boxing in the courtyard disappeared, replaced by a coffin sent back from the Jinzhou battlefield.

The woman, dressed in mourning clothes, prostrated herself before the coffin, weeping bitterly. A room full of maids and old women couldn’t restrain her.

The scene changed. She had changed into new clothes and sat before a bronze mirror, drawing her eyebrows. Her delicate brows, like distant mountains, were slightly furrowed. It was an extremely beautiful face, but anyone could see she wasn’t happy. She said, “How could he break his promise? He said he would come back to draw my eyebrows for me.”

Like a young girl in the inner chambers who had arranged to meet her sweetheart, only to be secretly annoyed when he failed to keep the appointment.

She saw him and smiled, beckoning him over. Xie Zheng didn’t move. A child about four years old, wearing a small golden crown, ran past him. She handed the child a plate of osmanthus cakes, her voice as gentle as ever: “Zheng’er, are the osmanthus cakes delicious?”

He finally spoke, almost hatefully: “They’re not good.”

The woman seemed unable to hear his words at all. She picked up the child and sat him on her knee. Her gentle voice became very distant, “In the future, Zheng’er must become a great hero who can hold up the sky like your father.”

“Be good, go outside to eat your osmanthus cakes.”

Then she applied makeup, wore her most beautiful clothes, leaving only her eyebrows bare, and hung herself from a beam with a white silk cord.

Her general had broken his promise and hadn’t returned to draw her eyebrows, so she went to find him.

The servants broke down the door, a chorus of wails erupting. The child stood in the doorway, seeing only half of the gorgeous skirt hanging in mid-air.

Once again struggling to wake from this nightmare, Xie Zheng found himself drenched in cold sweat.

A numbing medicinal taste permeated his mouth. Opening his eyes, he saw a patched bed curtain, with a figure standing backlit by the bedside.

Xie Zheng glanced sideways and saw Fan Changyu looking at him with a mix of shock and bewilderment, holding a medicine bowl in her hands. The medicine spoon she had been holding was nowhere to be seen.

Lowering his gaze, Xie Zheng spotted the shattered porcelain spoon on the floor.

Fan Changyu mumbled, “The medicine must taste awful…”

Xie Zheng: “…”

His breathing, which had been more rapid than usual after the nightmare, suddenly calmed. The unpleasant emotions lingering from the dream were miraculously suppressed by her words.

Frowning, he gave the woman sitting by the bedside a peculiar look before struggling to sit up. He extended his pale, thin hand towards her. “Give it to me.”

Even in his sickly state, his face was still remarkably handsome.

Fan Changyu hesitated for a moment before realizing he wanted the medicine bowl she was holding.

She glanced at the bandages on his hand and kindly reminded him, “Your hand has two deep cuts from a sword, and the tiger’s mouth is torn. The physician said you shouldn’t strain it right now.”

He switched to his other hand, and Fan Changyu passed him the bowl.

Xie Zheng downed the foul-smelling medicine in one gulp and returned the bowl to her.

Fan Changyu recalled how earlier, when he was semi-conscious, she had forced the medicine down his throat, and he had growled through gritted teeth that it “tasted awful.” She thought to herself that this usually quiet man was afraid of bitterness.

She rummaged in her sleeve pocket and pulled out a piece of candy she used to comfort Changningg. “Have some candy to get rid of the bitter taste.”

Xie Zheng had taken medicine many times, but this was the first time she had offered him candy. Even a fool could guess why, and his expression immediately darkened. He closed his eyes. “No need.”

But in the next moment, someone grasped his jaw with a clever force, making him open his mouth, and the candy was popped in.

“You!” He glared at her angrily.

Fan Changyu sat back with a smile. “Isn’t it sweet? There’s nothing shameful about disliking bitterness. You’re always so stubborn for no reason!”

Perhaps it was the warm winter sunlight filtering through the window behind her, but her smile seemed exceptionally bright and warm.

— At least, it was much warmer than the smile of that woman in his dream, whose face he could no longer clearly remember.

The sweetness of the candy melting on his tongue drove away the lingering bitterness like sunlight breaking through a gloomy place covered in patchy moss.

Xie Zheng suddenly fell silent, turning his head away and pressing his lips tightly together.

It had been a long time since he had eaten sweets, not since that woman had coaxed him to go out and eat a plate of osmanthus cakes, only for him to return and find she had hanged herself with a white silk cord.

For years, he had harbored a deep resentment and self-loathing.

If only he hadn’t gone out to eat those osmanthus cakes, if he had stayed by her side, perhaps she wouldn’t have left.

He despised osmanthus cakes and sweets. Over time, people around him stopped offering them to him.

Fan Changyu noticed his low mood but didn’t know the reason. She only advised, “Your injuries this time are no less severe than before. The physician strongly emphasized that you must rest well and can’t lift heavy objects until you’ve healed. Several people died in your household, and the authorities are investigating. You can’t return home for now, so please stay in Mrs. Zhao’s attic to recover.”

Xie Zheng had already realized he was in the attic where he had previously recuperated at the Zhao residence. He nodded slightly in response.

Fan Changyu paused, then added, “Thank you for protecting Changningg.”

This sentence overlapped with what Xie Zheng had heard before losing consciousness, confirming it wasn’t just his imagination.

At that time, she seemed to have said something else too.

“This is the second time I’ve carried you back from the snow.”

During his first injury, Xie Zheng had been completely unconscious. This time, although he was groggy, he retained some awareness.

He could feel how thin the back carrying him was.

Now, as he looked at Fan Changyu again, noticing her slender shoulders and the glimpse of bandages visible beneath her sleeve, his chest felt clogged with damp cotton, suffocating and moist.

She had been injured herself when she carried him back.

He moved his pale, chapped lips and said, “You saved me first.”

He left it at that, seemingly reluctant to distinguish the debt of gratitude too clearly.

When those men had broken down the door, he thought the Zhao family had been exposed and assassins had come. But those men, apart from trying to kill him and the child, had practically torn the Fan household apart, clearly searching for something.

Thinking of the jade pendant he had picked up from the snow, Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened further.

He asked, “Has the official investigation turned up anything?”

Fan Changyu shook her head and recounted how several other households had suffered similar fates that day.

Fan Da’s death was now completely unrelated to her, and the county office had successfully transferred all the property deeds left by her parents to her name.

With more money at her disposal, this was probably the only thing she could feel relieved about at the moment. At least she wouldn’t have to scrimp and save to get a physician for Yan Zheng anymore.

Upon hearing that others in the county had also met with misfortune, Xie Zheng furrowed his brow in thought for a moment before suddenly asking, “Do the people killed, like Fan Da, have anything in common?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment, then shook her head. “A total of seven households were affected. The victims included men and women, old and young. There doesn’t seem to be any commonality.”

Xie Zheng remained silent for a moment, his brow still furrowed.

Those people had searched seven households but ultimately focused only on Fan Changyu’s family. They had started with a wide search for something and only zeroed in on the Fan sisters after getting information from Fan Da.

Based on the situation in the Fan household, he guessed at a possible reason and asked, “Were there people in those families who had worked elsewhere before returning to Lin’an Town?”

Fan Changyu felt that if this were true, it was likely someone seeking revenge against her parents. But she couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t stop even though her parents were already dead. She said, “I’ll ask Constable Wang about it later.”

After Fan Changyu left the attic, Xie Zheng forced himself to sit up and retrieved the jade pendant he had picked up from the snow from the pile of bloodstained clothes on the low stool by the bed.

He held it in his hand, examining it with a frown for a while before clenching it in his fist.

That pendant belonged to the Wei family’s death squads.

Heaven, Earth, Xuan, Huang — this time, it was the Xuan rank death squad that had come.

But these people weren’t here to kill him. They hadn’t even discovered him hiding here. The leader only recognized him at the last moment.

But why did he have such an expression after recognizing him, and immediately take his own life?

The mystery before him was growing larger, and the only thing that could unravel it seemed to be the true identities of that woman’s parents.

Given her own formidable martial arts skills, her father must have been no ordinary person. He likely didn’t die at the hands of common bandits but rather at the hands of death squad members disguised as bandits.

Was there also some hidden meaning behind the nameless title on her mother’s memorial tablet?

Xie Zheng pressed his brow, wanting to send a message to his old subordinates to secretly investigate the background of that woman’s parents. His peripheral vision caught sight of the gyrfalcon, its wing wrapped in bandages, perched on the floor boards, devouring a bowl of minced pork.

The minced meat had been prepared by Fan Changyu. The gyrfalcon had saved Changningg, so its meals had been upgraded from pig offal to fresh meat.

It had rolled in the snow several times, finally regaining its white plumage. Now, with its beak wide open, it had just picked up a large piece of meat when it looked up and saw Xie Zheng staring at it.

The gyrfalcon’s beady eyes met its master’s gaze. After a moment of standoff, the meat eventually fell back into the bowl with a “plop,” and it looked at him with a mixture of stupidity and innocence.

Xie Zheng coldly averted his gaze.

Never mind. The Wei family’s dogs had already noticed this area, so there was no hope of using this stupid bird to send messages anymore.

If that merchant surnamed Zhao truly came to seek refuge with him, he could use the shops under his name to send letters inconspicuously.

There were still a few days until the New Year. He had asked the man to exchange that banknote for 200,000 shi of grain before the New Year. A reply should come soon.

The candy in his mouth had dissolved completely, leaving only a faint sweetness on his tongue.

Only then did he look out the window. He had finished the candy, but the person who had given it to him had not yet returned—

Fan Changyu went to the county office and informed Constable Wang of Xie Zheng’s thoughts. However, Constable Wang only shook his head silently and said, “This case has already been closed.”

Fan Changyu was surprised. “The mastermind behind the killings hasn’t been found yet. How can the case be closed?”

Constable Wang said, “Those people who died in the pine forest were the culprits. They were bandits from Qingfeng Stronghold. Bandits committing robbery and murder during the New Year season is all too common.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that they couldn’t possibly be bandits. The attackers had come prepared. She wanted to argue, but upon meeting Constable Wang’s eyes, she swallowed all the words she was about to say.

It wasn’t hard for her to guess why the county office was in such a hurry to close the case.

The New Year was approaching, and suddenly there were so many murder cases. Not only were the common people complaining, but it was also difficult for the county magistrate to report to the prefectural government. They needed to find a reason to close the case quickly.

Conveniently, those masked men were dressed as mountain bandits, and now that they were dead and couldn’t testify, saying it was bandits committing robbery and murder was the best explanation.

The county magistrate only needed to post a notice saying that bandits were rampant recently and warn all the city’s residents to be careful when going out. This would appease the public. Then, he could write a petition to the prefectural government requesting a campaign against the bandits, shifting all other responsibilities away.

After all, the bandit problem at Qingfeng Stronghold had remained unresolved for years and was a major issue in Ji Prefecture.

Constable Wang was just a minor officer. With pressure from the county magistrate to close the case, what could he say?

Fan Changyu bid farewell to Constable Wang with a heavy heart. As he escorted her to the door, he said, “Why don’t you sell your family’s pigsty and property in the countryside and go somewhere else to lay low for a while? I reckon someone your father offended during his years as a caravan guard might be behind this.”

Fan Changyu knew Constable Wang meant well and thanked him, saying she would consider it carefully. However, for a moment, she felt lost.

Leave?

She had lived in Lin’an Town for over ten years. She was familiar with every stone on the east side of town and every tree on the west.

If she stayed, she might still have had a chance to uncover the truth about her parent’s deaths. But if there was another assassination attempt, she couldn’t guarantee that she and her younger sister would survive.

She wasn’t afraid of leaving her hometown and making her way into the outside world. However, her parents were buried here, and her roots, along with Changningg’s, were planted here. She would certainly feel reluctant to leave.

After walking out of the county office gates, Fan Changyu’s chaotic thoughts had already calmed. She looked at the vast sky after the snow and let out a deep breath.

As long as the green mountains remain, there will always be firewood to burn.

When Yan Zheng’s injuries improved, she would talk to him about leaving Qingshui County. If he wasn’t afraid of enemies coming to seek revenge and was willing to go with her, she would take him along. If he had other plans, they could write a divorce paper, she would give him some travel money, and they would part ways—

After returning to town, Fan Changyu went to the butcher shop to pack up some things. The period after the New Year was the best time to transfer a shop. Since she had decided to leave, she would first sell the shop the pigsty, and the farmland in the countryside.

Fan Changyu planned to keep the house. If she ever returned, she would still have a place to come back to. She and her parents had lived there for over ten years, and she couldn’t bear to sell it.

As she bustled about packing things in the shop, passersby thought the Fan family butcher shop was reopening. Seeing no goods on the chopping board, some even poked their heads in to ask when they would reopen.

Fearing complications, Fan Changyu didn’t announce her intention to transfer the shop at this time. She only said she planned to reopen after the New Year.

As she was packing, someone knocked on the shop door. Without looking up, Fan Changyu said, “We’re not doing business today.”

An old voice came from the doorway: “You won’t do business with this old man either?”

Fan Changyu looked up and saw it was Chef Li from Yixiang Restaurant. Feeling a bit apologetic, she said, “I’m sorry, Master Li. Some things have happened at home recently, and I don’t plan to open the shop until after the New Year.”

Chef Li waved his hand dismissively. “Our boss wants to see you.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 24

Fan Changyu followed Cook Li to Yixiang Lou. Upon entering, she saw an impressive landscape screen. The floor was paved with exquisite carved blue bricks, and the doors and windows were adorned with various intricate floral and animal designs.

It wasn’t mealtime, so there weren’t many guests in the restaurant. At a glance, the ground floor alone had over a dozen large round tables covered with fine silk. The chairs were also elaborate, not bare but furnished with matching embroidered cushions and backrests, exuding an air of grandeur.

No wonder the townspeople called Yixiang Lou the finest restaurant.

Cook Li led Fan Changyu to a private room upstairs and said, “The owner is inside. Just go in, miss.”

Fan Changyu hesitated for a moment before pushing the door open, finding herself face to face with a young woman who was enthusiastically gnawing on a braised pork knuckle with her sleeves rolled up.

The table before the woman was laden with various delicacies.

Fan Changyu glanced at the doorway again and asked uncertainly, “Are you the owner of Yixiang Lou?”

The woman put down the pork knuckle, quickly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the oil from her face, and cleared her throat before saying, “You must be Changyu, right? Please, have a seat.”

With these words, Fan Changyu knew this was indeed the owner of Yixiang Lou. She thought to herself that the woman wasn’t quite what she had imagined, but she seemed quite amiable.

After sitting down, she asked, “You know me?”

The woman smiled and said, “I’ve heard about you from Master Li. Your braised meats are exceptional.”

Perhaps having heard about Fan Changyu’s confrontation with Wang Ji, she looked her over and smiled, “Before meeting you, I didn’t know you were such a pretty and delicate young lady.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know how to respond and only returned a faint smile.

The woman smiled warmly, “My surname is Yu, and my given name is Qianqian. I’m a few years older than you, so I hope you don’t mind if I call you Sister Changyu. I assume you know that Yixiang Lou has stopped doing business with Wang Ji for braised meat. I’ve had someone buy and taste the braised meat from your shop, and it’s indeed better than Wang Ji’s. If you’re interested, I’d like to do business with you for braised meat.”

This unexpected opportunity would have been something Fan Changyu couldn’t have hoped for in the past. Thinking of her current family situation, she pondered for a moment before politely declining, “Thank you for your interest, Madam Yu, but I’m afraid I can’t take on this business.”

Yu Qianqian let out a surprised “Oh?” and asked, “Why not?”

Fan Changyu replied honestly, “I plan to leave Linshui Town after the New Year.”

Yu Qianqian expressed her regret and asked, “Have you decided where you’re going?”

Fan Changyu hadn’t thought this through yet, so she simply said, “I’m still discussing it with my husband.”

Yu Qianqian’s slender fingers tapped lightly on the table as she said with a hint of disappointment, “Without your braised meats, this town will lose another delicacy.”

There was a touch of jest in her words.

Although it was her first time meeting this female proprietor, Fan Changyu found her quite amiable. Thinking that she might not return for a long time after leaving with her younger sister, she said, “If Madam Yu enjoys the braised meat, I can teach you the recipe for the marinade, and you can have your staff prepare it.”

Yu Qianqian, though now a restaurant owner, had once been a cook herself and knew how valuable a recipe could be. She hurriedly said it wasn’t necessary and looked at Fan Changyu with some exasperation, “You’re too honest, girl. If you’re going to a new place, you’d better be more cautious. Don’t give yourself away with just a few words.”

Fan Changyu could sense the female proprietor’s good intentions and smiled, “I won’t. I’m willing to give you the recipe because you seem kind-hearted.”

Yu Qianqian was amused by her response and thought for a moment before saying, “How about this? My restaurant is busiest during these few days before the New Year, with all private rooms booked. We need a large quantity of braised meat, and those gourmets are very picky, complaining that our braised meat doesn’t taste as good as before. Wang Ji’s business practices are unscrupulous. They backstabbed me before and are now collaborating with other restaurants using Yixiang Lou’s reputation. I absolutely can’t swallow this and go back to Wang Ji. Why don’t you supply the braised meat for my restaurant before the New Year, and I’ll figure out how to fill this gap after the New Year.”

Fan Changyu pondered for a moment, thinking that moving to a new place would require money for housing and other necessities. The money from selling the pigsties, fields in the countryside, and the shops in town might not be enough. If she could save some more money now, it would be for the best. So she nodded in agreement.

Yu Qianqian was delighted, “You’re helping me out of a tight spot. Yixiang Lou used to cooperate with Wang Ji on a yearly contract, buying braised meat at fifty wen per jin regardless of the season. With meat prices being high during the New Year, I’ll pay you sixty wen per jin. Yixiang Lou sells at least ten braised pig heads a day. If it’s inconvenient to prepare at your home, you can use the kitchen here at the restaurant. Wages will be paid daily.”

As Fan Changyu’s home had been sealed by the authorities, it was indeed inconvenient. She nodded, “I’ll prepare the braised meat in the restaurant’s kitchen.”

It was already late afternoon. Fan Changyu went to the meat market, accompanied by a young servant from Yixiang Lou, to buy ten fresh pig heads.

Her family used to run a pork shop in that area, so most of the butchers on that street knew her. Seeing her buy so many pig heads, they couldn’t help but ask, “Changyu, is your shop selling braised meat again tomorrow?”

The quick-witted young servant from Yixiang Lou immediately said, “Miss Fan’s braised meat is now exclusively sold at our Yixiang Lou.”

Yixiang Lou was a big name in town. Even Wang Ji’s reputation had suffered greatly after their business with Yixiang Lou fell through.

Many acquaintances congratulated Fan Changyu.

Since her family’s pork shop had closed, other butcher shops’ business had improved. When Fan Changyu came to buy pig heads from them, they all offered special discounted prices.

In the market, a fresh pig head usually costs twenty wen per jin, weighing about six or seven jin. Fan Changyu could buy them for just eighteen wen per jin.

Using Yixiang Lou’s kitchen facilities and seasonings, their custom-made large pot could braise four or five pig heads at once. Two pots were enough to braise all the pig heads, and the cost of seasonings for an entire pot was only about thirty wen.

Fan Changyu did a rough calculation. After braising these two pots of pig heads, she could make a net profit of about two taels and five qian of silver.

She felt a bit dazed for a moment.

When she was selling at her shop, she would work from dawn to dusk, haggling with the aunties buying vegetables, and after deducting costs, she would only make about two taels of silver for an entire day’s work.

Now, she only needed to spend an hour or two selecting good pig heads at the market and braising them at Yixiang Lou to earn this amount of money, which was incomparably easier than before.

Remembering that the female proprietor had offered her sixty wen per jin, she suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable. She found Cook Li, who was preparing soup in the kitchen, and said, “Master Li, could you please tell the owner to just pay me fifty wen per jin for the braised meat?”

Cook Li frowned and asked, “Why’s that?”

Fan Changyu scratched her head embarrassedly, “The owner is kind, but I feel the pay is too much. I’m not comfortable with it.”

Cook Li gave her a look, “If the owner offered you this price, it means she thinks your braised meat is worth it. What’s there to be uncomfortable about? Don’t let the owner’s youth fool you; she has a sharp eye for business. Although she was tricked by Wang Ji this time, her previous cooperation with them was always profitable. Put your mind at ease.”

Fan Changyu curiously asked, “What happened with the business between Wang Ji and the restaurant?”

Cook Li had nothing good to say about Wang Ji, “That greedy, unscrupulous old bastard! The owner was planning to open another restaurant in the county town to expand Yixiang Lou’s business. She ordered twelve pig heads from Wang Ji for good luck. Wang Ji agreed readily, but on the opening day, they didn’t deliver the pig heads on time.”

“When the owner sent someone to urge Wang Ji, they hadn’t even bought the pig heads yet! The originally ordered pig heads had been bought by another restaurant in the county town at a higher price, and they had also signed a multi-year contract with Wang Ji for braised meat. Missing the auspicious time for delivering the pig heads on the opening day was a huge taboo! The owner was furious and immediately stopped all business with Wang Ji.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t known that this was the reason Yixiang Lou had cut ties with Wang Ji. Thinking of the young master of Wang Ji’s attitude, she couldn’t help but say, “Wang Ji is unethical.”

Cook Li snorted coldly, “They’re just ungrateful villains.”

He then changed the subject, “I heard Wang Ji hired people to vandalize your shop?”

Fan Changyu said, “It was his son who hired people to do it, but I went to seek justice myself.”

Cook Li suddenly smiled at her, “No wonder the owner said she likes you, girl. Your personality is quite similar to hers in some ways.”

Fan Changyu felt a bit embarrassed, “The owner is a capable person. How could I compare to her?”

Cook Li sighed, “The owner has had her share of hardships too. When she first came to Lin’an Town, she was heavily pregnant and all alone, in a situation worse than yours.”

Fan Changyu had mostly heard about how formidable the owner of Yixiang Lou was, and this was the first time she had heard about her past. She asked curiously, “What about the owner’s husband?”

Cook Li just shook his head, “I heard he passed away.”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel sympathetic. Cook Li looked at her again, “The restaurant is busy these days, and the owner has countless matters to attend to. She probably hasn’t even thought about those ten-when differences in the braised meat price. Don’t bother the owner with this. She’s a straightforward person, and being overly courteous might annoy her.”

With Cook Li putting it this way, Fan Changyu naturally gave up the idea of approaching Yu Qianqian about it.

After finishing braising the meat and leaving Yixiang Lou, it was already quite late.

Fan Changyu remembered that the packet of maltose candy she had bought for her younger sister was almost finished. With the two taels and seven qian of silver she had earned that day, she generously entered a candy shop and bought two packets each of maltose candy, pine nut candy, and orange peel candy.

Thinking of how Yan Zheng was afraid of bitterness, she couldn’t help but smile slightly.

He wasn’t afraid of pain, yet he was afraid of taking bitter medicine.

When she got home, Madam Zhao had already started cooking dinner.

Chang Ning was like a little statue by the door, stretching her neck to look out into the alley.

Seeing Fan Changyu return with bags of goods, she immediately bounced over like a little round ball to greet her, “Sister is back!”

Taking the paper bags and discovering several large packets of candy inside, she looked up with bright, round eyes and asked, “Are these all for Ning?”

Faced with her younger sister’s expectant gaze, Fan Changyu felt a bit guilty for some reason, “Your brother-in-law is afraid of bitterness when taking medicine. How about you share half with him?”

Previously, just saying the words “brother-in-law” made her feel uncomfortable, but now, as she coaxed Chang Ning, these two words didn’t feel so strange anymore.

Chang Ning generously agreed with an “Mm,” and then scrunched up her round face, saying, “The black goo is so bitter!”

“Black goo” was her special term for medicine.

Madam Zhao came out to pour water and overheard the conversation between the sisters. She smiled at Fan Changyu and said, “So you know how to care for your husband now?”

Even Fan Changyu’s thick skin couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed at the teasing.

As the medicine was ready, Fan Changyu took the packets of candy upstairs along with the bowl of medicine.

The person inside wasn’t asleep. As soon as she entered, he looked over and asked, “Why are you back so late?”

It was a casual question, but somehow it felt a bit odd.

“Is there any new information from the county office?” he quickly added.

The awkward atmosphere dissipated a bit.

Fan Changyu handed over the bowl of medicine and said, “The case has been closed.”

Xie Zheng raised his eyebrows in surprise, and seeing her expression, he immediately understood most of the situation.

Fan Changyu shared her speculation, “I guess with such major homicide cases happening during the New Year, the County Magistrate feared losing his position and hurried to pin the murders on the mountain bandits.”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

The waist token belonged to the Wei family. If they wanted to quickly suppress this matter, it’s possible they pressured the county magistrate through the prefecture to close the case.

Regardless, the Wei family had set their sights on Lin’an Town, making it unwise to stay much longer.

He looked at Fan Changyu: “If it’s someone seeking revenge, they might come again. What are your plans?”

Fan Changyu had planned to wait until his wounds healed before discussing leaving, but since he asked directly, she said, “I’m planning to sell our property after the New Year and take Ning to hide somewhere else for a while.”

After hearing this, Xie Zheng said, “If you’re going to leave, sooner is better than later.”

He was well aware of that person’s methods. With so many Xuan-ranked assassins dying in a small town like Lin’an, it would draw that person’s attention.

Fan Changyu said, “It’s only a few days until the New Year. I’ve taken a job at Yixiang Lou to help them make braised meat before the New Year. I can earn some money these days, and selling the property and transferring the documents will also take time. It’s just right to wait until your wounds are better before we set out.”

Since the conversation had come this far, she had to ask about his plans as well: “What are you thinking?”

Xie Zheng thought she was asking for his opinion and was about to advise her to leave as soon as possible. But just as he was about to speak, he realized she was asking about his plans to stay or go.

Leave?

Before he could weigh any pros and cons, he unconsciously hesitated for a moment.

Fan Changyu said, “My parents probably made some enemies years ago. If you come with me, you might be targeted by those enemies too. I was thinking of writing you a divorce paper and leaving you some money for future expenses. Aunt Zhao and Uncle Zhao are good people, and I’ll ask them to take care of you until you’re healed.”

Aunt Zhao and Uncle Zhao had no children of their own. Years ago, they had a son who was conscripted into the army, but he never returned and was said to have died somewhere.

Fan Changyu planned to leave some of the rural fields to them, making it convenient for them to collect rent from tenants, thus ensuring the old couple’s future.

As for leaving Yan Zheng here, it was purely to prevent him from being implicated in her family’s affairs again.

Listening to her plans for him, Xie Zheng felt an inexplicable irritation rising in his heart, and his voice unconsciously turned cold, “I have my plans. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know what had upset him and stared at him in confusion.

Xie Zheng also realized his tone had been off. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, his expression had calmed. “If you’re leaving, it’s best to do so in the next day or two. There’s no need to specially apply for travel documents. It’s safest to travel with a merchant caravan. When passing through city gates and such, try not to leave any household registration information if possible.”

Even if Fan Changyu wasn’t very clever, she knew this was to conceal their whereabouts.

She asked him, “So do you plan to leave with me, or stay here temporarily to recover?”

After she asked so directly, Xie Zheng was visibly stunned for a moment. His dark eyes reflected the image of the young woman and the candlelight. After a while, he averted his gaze and said, “I’ll leave with you for now.”

Lin’an Town wasn’t safe for him either, and he was genuinely curious about what the Wei family’s assassins had been searching for so thoroughly in her house.

This choice was based solely on these two reasons.

When Fan Changyu heard him say “for now,” she understood his meaning. He would still leave after he recovered.

She said, “Alright, I’ll go to the county office again tomorrow to sell the shop and the pigsty in the countryside to the government at a discount.”

For land transactions, selling directly to a buyer would naturally fetch a higher price, only requiring a fee for transferring ownership at the government office and issuing a deed.

Only those in urgent need of money would sell at a discount to the government. The government would then resell the cheaply acquired property at market prices to those who needed it.

As for Yixiang Lou, she might as well just give the recipe to the proprietress.

Xie Zheng felt that the assassins probably hadn’t found what they were looking for yet, so he asked, “Do you have any family heirlooms that you need to take with you?”

Fan Changyu replied almost matter-of-factly, “Of course!”

A barely noticeable flicker passed through Xie Zheng’s eyes.

Then he heard Fan Changyu say, “I have to take that set of butcher knives wherever I go. With those tools, I can continue to make a living by butchering pigs. And if we encounter any thieves on the road, they can be used for self-defense!”

Xie Zheng: “…”

However, his words did remind Fan Changyu of something. She said, “The county office has closed the case, but for some reason, the seal on my house’s front door hasn’t been removed by officials yet. Later, I’ll climb over the wall to get the property deed.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes moved slightly, and he said, “Those masked men who broke into your house that day pried up several blue bricks from your floor as if they were looking for something.”

Fan Changyu couldn’t think of anything valuable in her house. She frowned and said, “Surely they weren’t looking for the property deed?”

Xie Zheng: “…Probably not.”

Fan Changyu looked at the sky outside the window: “I’ll climb over the wall to look for it when it gets dark.”

Climbing over the wall in broad daylight would be easy to spot. Her house could now be considered a “haunted house,” and after being sealed, no one except government officials was allowed to enter. If someone reported her for climbing over the wall, she’d be in trouble again.

Xie Zheng asked, “Didn’t your parents ever tell you if there was something you had to take with you even if you were fleeing for your lives?”

Fan Changyu said, “My younger sister.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

He pressed his long fingers to his brow and suddenly didn’t want to speak anymore.

Fan Changyu noticed he hadn’t drunk his medicine yet and urged him, “The medicine will get cold if you don’t drink it soon.”

Indeed, the medicine had cooled down by now.

Xie Zheng picked up the bowl and drank it all. Immediately, someone smiled and offered him a piece of orange peel candy: “I’ve tried this. It’s sweet and sour, and can also help with the bitter taste.”

Her hand was very fair, with long fingers. Unlike the weak and boneless hands of pampered women or the prominent knuckles of men, it was like how flowers and trees have their distinct structures. Hers was a different kind of beauty, somewhere in between.

The orange-colored dried tangerine peel candy lay in her palm, still covered with a light layer of white sugar frost. In the warm candlelight, the phrase “a feast for the eyes” inappropriately popped into Xie Zheng’s mind.

Using this phrase for Fan Changyu… even he fell silent.

Not wanting these strange thoughts to linger in his mind, he picked up the candy and popped it into his mouth, saying stiffly, “Thank you.”

Fan Changyu thought he was embarrassed about being afraid of bitterness, and found his awkwardness rather amusing.

She stood up with the empty bowl: “I’ll go down first, then bring you some food later.”

After the curtain swayed and she left, Xie Zheng frowned and glanced at his fingertips that had brushed her palm when taking the candy.

It tingled intensely, with a slight numbness-

When Fan Changyu went downstairs, she saw her younger sister feeding something to the falcon, saying, “Here, eat this…”

The falcon had been cornered, hunching its bandaged wings and refusing to open its beak. It stared with terrified beady eyes, looking very much like a virtuous young lady being harassed by a bully but unable to resist.

Fan Changyu asked, “What is Ning feeding it?”

Caught red-handed by her sister, Chang Ning guiltily hid her hands behind her back: “No… nothing?”

Fan Changyu just looked at her without speaking. Chang Ning feared her elder sister’s silent stare the most and immediately brought out her hands, lowering her head and saying softly, “I gave Falcon a piece of candy.”

Candy was a rare treat, and giving it to this big falcon would surely earn her a scolding.

Seeing her younger sister like this, Fan Changyu couldn’t bear to scold her. She said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “Falcons don’t eat candy. They eat meat.”

Chang Ning’s round grape-like eyes widened, “Really?”

Aunt Zhao, who had witnessed this, laughed and said, “These wild creatures can be quite fierce. The falcon that crashed through the east room’s window before was just as big. That one was particularly vicious. The one you caught, Changyu, is well-behaved. It doesn’t hurt people and even knows how to protect its master.”

She paused before adding, “It just eats a lot.”

A big bowl of meat every day – if she and her old man had to feed this creature, they’d be penniless in a few days.

Fan Changyu looked at the falcon with growing fondness: “Maybe Yan Zheng trained it.”

She had originally planned to keep the falcon and have Yan Zheng train it to sell for money, but the falcon seemed quite intelligent and had even saved Chang Ning. Fan Changyu thought it would be better to release it once its wounds healed.

In the evening, after dinner, Aunt Zhao carried the yawning Chang Ning to her and Uncle Zhao’s room. When she returned and saw Fan Changyu still by the fire pit, she couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you going upstairs to sleep?”

The Zhao family’s house was like Fan Changyu’s, with three rooms downstairs. The main room was for eating and had a fire pit, the south room was where the old couple slept, and the north room originally had a bed too, but after a falcon crashed through the window, Uncle Zhao had temporarily stored his wood materials and the cabinets and chairs he made for others there.

Now only the loft was habitable.

Fan Changyu was still thinking about climbing over the wall to her own house, so she said, “Aunt, you go to sleep first. I’ll warm myself by the fire a bit longer.”

Aunt Zhao, having lived most of her life, could see that the young couple still hadn’t consummated their marriage.

Before, when they were at Fan Changyu’s house, they each slept in separate rooms. Now, this girl was probably planning to spend the night by the fire pit.

Aunt Zhao put on a stern face and said, “It’s late at night. Not going to your room to sleep and keeping the fire pit going just wastes firewood!”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected Aunt Zhao to be so forceful in making her go upstairs.

She thought she could still return to her own house from the loft’s roof, so she slowly got up: “I’ll go upstairs to sleep now.”

At the foot of the stairs, she asked, “Do you have any extra quilts?”

She still needed to make a bed on the floor for the night.

Aunt Zhao refused bluntly: “No!”

Fan Changyu wanted to explain the truth about the fake marriage: “Actually, Yan Zheng and I…”

Aunt Zhao wouldn’t let her finish: “I don’t care what you’re thinking, but I can see that Yan Zheng is a good boy. Look at how he carried Chang Ning and ran despite his injuries when your family had such a big incident. Now he’s all wounded, are you looking down on him?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t defend herself: “I’m not looking down on him…”

Aunt Zhao pushed her towards the stairs: “Then why are you still thinking about sleeping on the floor? If I were Yan Zheng, I’d be heartbroken. He risked his life to protect your sister, and in the end, you don’t even care about him…”

Fan Changyu felt like a philandering son being lectured by his mother not to mistreat a good girl. She was forced to go up to the loft.

As soon as the door closed, Aunt Zhao’s scolding stopped. She took a deep breath, turned around, and met Xie Zheng’s calm and indifferent eyes. Realizing that he must have heard everything she and Aunt Zhao had said, her face showed not only embarrassment but also discomfort.

She walked towards the chair: “I’ll take a nap at the table first. When Uncle and Aunt are asleep, I’ll climb back from the loft roof.”

There was also a bed in the loft of her house. After finding what she needed, she could make do there for the night and climb back over the wall before dawn.

Fan Changyu didn’t intend to let Uncle and Aunt know about climbing over the wall. After all, it was against the law, and if they knew, they might be charged with failing to report a crime.

Xie Zheng didn’t say much.

When the candle was extinguished, the entire room fell into darkness. Fan Changyu rested her head on the table, closing her eyes for a short nap. Xie Zheng, lying down, breathed softly, also not making a sound.

But whether it was the night catalyzing fear or Fan Changyu’s delayed reaction, as she thought about returning to her house where many people had died in the courtyard and rooms, and where she had killed many people that day, the horrific images of those people’s deaths slowly emerged before her eyes.

The north wind howled outside the window, sounding like ghostly wails and wolf howls.

Fan Changyu tried many positions but couldn’t get comfortable at the table, so she simply sat up.

There was no sound from the bed. Fan Changyu tentatively asked, “Yan Zheng, are you asleep?”

“Not yet. What’s wrong?” His voice sounded particularly crisp in the darkness.

Fan Changyu bit her lip, trying to make her voice sound normal: “When you woke up at noon, you were sweating profusely. Did you have nightmares about killing people?”

There was silence for a while before a soft “Mm” came in response.

Fan Changyu felt like she had found an ally. She swallowed and said, “It was my first time killing too.”

After a pause, she asked again, “Are you still afraid now?”

The room was quiet for a long time. Finally, a calm voice came from the bed: “Come over here.”

“You don’t need to be too scared. Just imagine you’re butchering a pig. Do you know how to butcher a pig? I’ll teach you in the future. This way, even if you don’t work as a caravan guard anymore, you’ll have a way to make a living…”

As she was saying this, she had already felt her way to the edge of the bed. Sitting by the headboard, she coughed lightly, her voice gaining confidence: “You sleep. The elders say that people who butcher pigs have a strong aura of death, and even ghosts don’t dare to come near. I’ll sit here, so you won’t have nightmares.”

Sitting by the bed so the greag marquis wu an wont have nightmare from killing people? Gosh Why is she so cute? 😆

She’s so sweet. Even afraid as she is, she thinks of him and puts him first. Wanting to comfort him in case he is scared, too. She’s such a sweetheart.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 25

The night was deep, and the north wind made the worn window shutters creak and rattle. Such weather always stirred a desire to burrow into bed covers, especially when the bed was already warm and inviting from someone sleeping in it.

Fan Changyu hugged her arms, leaning against the bedpost with her eyes closed for a brief rest, but her ears remained alert to the movements downstairs. Once Aunt Zhao and Carpenter Zhao had gone to bed, she quickly went home to fetch the land deed and returned with a cotton quilt to sleep on the floor.

Since Fan Da’s incident yesterday, she had barely closed her eyes. Her body was exhausted, but her mind remained tense, not daring to relax for a moment.

The person beside her was breathing shallowly. Perhaps due to the orange peel candy he had eaten, Fan Changyu could faintly smell a light citrus fragrance from him. She unconsciously recalled the moment in the pine forest when he had held her hand to teach her moves, his breath falling on her ear as he spoke.

Her ears inexplicably grew hot, but thankfully, nothing could be seen in the darkness of night.

Fan Changyu was about to rub her ears when the person beside her suddenly sat up silently. Before she could react, a slender finger, carrying only a hint of warmth, was pressed against her lips. His long hair fell forward, brushing against the back of her hand, causing a slight tingling and coolness.

He was very close to her, and the citrus scent from his body grew stronger.

Fan Changyu was startled at first, but upon hearing the light, cat-like footsteps on the roof tiles, she immediately pricked up her ears.

Seeing this, Xie Zheng withdrew the finger he had pressed to her lips without a word.

The side of his finger had touched something red, moist, and soft, as delicate as flower petals with morning dew.

He slightly furrowed his brow, rubbing the hot and tingling skin on his fingertip forcefully, suppressing all the unusual feelings in his heart.

The footsteps on the roof were light and chaotic, seemingly more than one person. After a moment, some footsteps stopped not far away, judging by the distance, on the roof of the Fan family house.

Others continued forward, stopping on the roof of the Zhao family house. Soon, there was a faint sound of tiles being moved, and a very thin bamboo tube was inserted through the gap in the tiles, emitting a wisp of blue smoke.

The two covered their noses and mouths with their collars and exchanged a glance in the darkness, illuminated only by the faint light from the window.

There was a commotion at the dilapidated window, and a dark shadow silently crept in.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng stood on either side of the bed curtain, initially gesturing silently about how to deal with the intruder unnoticed once they approached the bed. However, as seven or eight more people crept in through the window one after another, they no longer had any plan.

The room was small, and the intruders would soon discover them.

Fan Changyu’s lips were pressed tightly together as she discreetly reached for the boning knife she kept on her person.

A black-clad figure swung a knife fiercely towards the bed. The dull feeling of the knife sinking into the bedding made him instantly change his expression: “It’s a trap!”

Immediately after, he felt a chill at his waist, and a figure quickly darted out from the side of the bed curtain, making a desperate lunge towards the window with a loud “bang.”

A black-clad figure outside, who was still sliding down a rope tied to the roof and hadn’t yet entered the room, was directly knocked flying by the figure rushing out from inside, using him as a cushion as they crashed into the courtyard. Several of the blue bricks on the ground cracked.

The person quickly got up, and it turned out to be a woman.

Taking advantage of the black-clad man’s dazed state from the fall, she quickly delivered a hefty slap, knocking him unconscious. She then picked up the black-clad man’s sword and ran towards the courtyard exit.

All this happened in an instant, leaving the black-clad intruders inside the room stunned. When they finally reacted, they shouted, “Chase her!”

A group of them jumped out the window like dumplings being dropped into water, giving chase.

Xie Zheng, hiding on the other side of the bed curtain, hadn’t expected Fan Changyu to risk herself alone. He quickly realized she was deliberately drawing away these black-clad men to protect him and the elderly couple downstairs, along with her younger sister. His heart sank for a moment.

As the last few black-clad men in the room were about to jump out the window, he flicked a crystal-clear orange peel candy from his fingertips.

The black-clad man who had just jumped out the window was hit in the back of the knee, losing balance in mid-air and falling directly.

Hearing the commotion behind them, the remaining few suddenly realized there was still someone in the room. They were among the elite of the death squads, yet they hadn’t detected his presence for so long after entering the room. How extraordinary must his ability to hold his breath be?

They didn’t dare to be careless and turned to slash at him with their knives.

A few more orange peel candies flicked from Xie Zheng’s fingers, striking their elbows, knee hollows, and waist acupoints, slowing their movements by a beat. This slight delay was enough for him to seize their weapons and take their lives.

After dealing with two black-clad men, the sword he had seized was now at the throat of the injured black-clad man.

That black-clad man was clutching his side, his hand covered in blood.

The weapon that had slashed across his waist earlier was sharp and slender, unlike a dagger, an unknown type of weapon. Now, with a blood-stained blade at his throat, he dared not move.

Xie Zheng was about to knock this man unconscious, temporarily keeping him alive to help Fan Changyu.

Suddenly, there was a blaze of torchlight on the main street outside the alley, and the sound of horse hooves shattered the silence of the night. The clanking of armor and footsteps of infantry intertwined like a net, and the “whoosh” of arrows sent chills down one’s spine.

The black-clad men chasing Fan Changyu were directly shot into sieves by the barrage of arrows.

Xie Zheng frowned slightly, his mind filled with doubts.

There was no garrison in Qingping County, so how did these official troops appear so quickly in a small town under Qingping County?

Seeing that Fan Changyu was safe, he abandoned the thought of going after her. He pressed his five fingers against the jaw of the black-clad man he had subdued, forcing him to spit out the poison sac hidden between his teeth. Pressing the blade down, he asked in a cold voice, “What did Wei Yan send you to find?”

The black-clad man, seeing how familiar he was with the location of the Wei family’s death squad’s poison sac, carefully assessed his voice and asked uncertainly, “Marquis?”

The sharp knife pressed down a bit more. Firelight from the broken window reflected off the blade onto Xie Zheng’s face, cutting a bright arc in the thick, cold darkness. His slightly downturned mouth was cold and impatient as he said, “Answer me.”

The cold wind carried snowflakes into the room, falling on the black-clad man’s neck. Colder than the flying snow was the sharp blade that had already cut through a thin layer of skin on his neck.

Fear and pressure washed over him like a tide. The black-clad man swallowed hard and pleaded, “Marquis knows the Minister’s methods, why trouble this lowly one…”

In the next instant, the knife had already stabbed directly into the gash on his waist. The black-clad man let out an extremely pained groan, his entire body curling up.

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, his pale fingers covered in dark scabs twisting the knife handle, almost literally tearing a chunk of flesh from his abdomen. His tone was casual yet cold, “The mouths of military spies are tougher than yours. Minister of Justice Zhang Su once watched a military interrogation and nearly vomited bile after leaving the camp. He even fell seriously ill afterward. Do you want to try the military’s torture methods?”

Minister of Justice Zhang Su was known throughout the court for his harsh punishments. It was said that those who fell into his hands, if not dead, would be flayed alive. Everyone called him the “Living King of Hell.”

The black-clad man couldn’t suppress his screams, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. All his senses seemed to be concentrated on the mangled flesh in his abdomen. His clothes were soaked through, but it was unclear whether with blood or sweat. No longer hoping to live, only wishing for a quick death, he said exhaustedly, “A letter… the Minister told us to find a letter…”

Xie Zheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, “What letter?”

The black-clad man just shook his head, his entire body collapsed on the ground, begging, “This lowly one truly doesn’t know anymore…”

The sword blade slashed across his throat, and the black-clad man bled out on the ground.

A letter?

Xie Zheng frowned. What letter in that woman’s home could make Wei Yan so wary?

He looked out the window at the torch-lit street. The woman was standing by the roadside, seemingly explaining the situation to the officials. The elderly couple, probably feeling safe now but still worried about Fan Changyu, had come to the courtyard gate with the child to watch.

The officials were dragging away the bodies of the black-clad men. A few who weren’t quite dead quickly bit into their poison sacs and took their own lives.

The commander on horseback shouted, “Find a live one to take back!”

Xie Zheng’s gaze, which had only lightly swept over this person, narrowed when he saw his face.

Zheng Wenchang?

He was a favored general of Ha Jingyuan, the Governor of Jizhou, who was also part of the Wei faction.

Was tonight’s event a case of mistaken identity, or was Ha Jingyuan also helping Wei Yan look for that letter, arranging this scene to intercept it?

But judging by the actions of those black-clad men, they hadn’t found anything. The timely arrival of the Jizhou officials was indeed intriguing…

Xie Zheng suddenly felt that the seemingly unremarkable butcher’s family in Lin’an Town might be hiding more than he had imagined.

The commander on horseback was directing his subordinates to quickly take away all the bodies of the black-clad men when he suddenly felt a cold gaze fall upon him as if he were being watched by a wolf on a snowy night in the wilderness. His entire back involuntarily straightened.

Zheng Wenchang looked around but could no longer see that chilling gaze. He noticed that the window of the Zhao family’s loft was empty and asked, “Is there still someone upstairs?”

Fan Changyu had earlier jumped out the window to lure away most of the black-clad men to protect the Zhao couple and her younger sister, prepared to sacrifice herself. She hadn’t expected a squad of officials to suddenly appear on the street, saying they had received a report from the county magistrate yesterday about bandit issues in Qingping County and had specially dispatched a troop to inspect. Night scouts had discovered unusual activity, so a squad had come to investigate, coincidentally saving her.

Now, hearing the military officer’s question and thinking of Yan Zheng’s injuries, not knowing if any black-clad men had discovered him inside, she hurriedly ran towards the loft: “My husband is seriously injured, still upstairs.”

Zheng Wenchang didn’t send any of his subordinates but decided to go himself, one hand on the sword at his waist, following her up to the loft: “This general will go and see.”

When Fan Changyu rushed into the loft with a torch, she saw several dead black-clad men sprawled across the room, and Xie Zheng lying in a pool of blood. His clothes were slashed in several places, and half of his face turned upwards and was covered in fresh blood, making his original features almost unrecognizable.

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected so many black-clad men to remain in the room. Seeing Xie Zheng covered in blood and fearing he might be dead, her heart clenched. She rushed over to check his injuries: “Yan Zheng, how are you?”

In her panic, she reached out to feel for his breath, only relaxing when she found he was still alive. She called out loudly, “Uncle Zhao, please come and check on Yan Zheng!”

Zheng Wenchang, who had entered the loft with two soldiers, swept his gaze over the dead men in the room. His eyes fell on Xie Zheng’s blood-covered half-face, seemingly trying hard to recognize something. He frowned and asked, “Were all these men killed by your husband?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 26

Fan Changyu had already witnessed Xie Zheng killing people in the pine forest, so she didn’t find it strange. She nodded and said, “My husband used to be a caravan guard. His martial arts skills are quite good.”

Having grown up seeing few caravan guards, with her father being highly skilled in martial arts, Fan Changyu naturally assumed that all caravan guards had excellent kung fu skills. After all, they had to deal with desperate bandits who attempted to rob their caravans.

Zheng Wenchang stared at Xie Zheng with an inscrutable expression.

Carpenter Zhao had already squeezed into the loft. Upon seeing the room full of dead bodies, he immediately exclaimed “Aiya!” Though frightened, he and his wife had experienced warfare in their earlier years.

Back then, nine out of ten houses in the countryside were empty, and people dying by the roadside was a common sight. Now, he remained relatively calm. Fearing to aggravate Xie Zheng’s injuries, he didn’t rashly move him but instead crouched down to check his pulse by holding his hand.

Only half of the blood-stained face was visible, and it wasn’t very clear. Zheng Wenchang suddenly said, “Turn him over and take a look.”

Carpenter Zhao didn’t understand why this military officer would make such a request, but he dared not disobey his order. Thinking that these were military men, with the leader wearing armor and carrying a sword, looking quite imposing and seemingly of higher rank than the county magistrate, he hoped they might help Fan Changyu investigate her enemies.

He immediately began to pour out his woes: “Officers, please help us seek justice. This girl has had a hard life. She lost her parents just last month, and finally took in a husband. Now her husband has been injured like this by these villains. If we don’t find out who these criminals are, how will they live their days to come…”

When Zheng Wenchang heard that this man was a live-in son-in-law, most of his suspicions instantly dissipated.

Knowing that man’s temperament, even if he fell on hard times, or if the Emperor forced him to marry a princess and become a live-in son-in-law, he would never agree to it.

Just then, a cry came from downstairs: “Sir, there’s a survivor here!”

Before Carpenter Zhao could turn Xie Zheng over, Zheng Wenchang felt his earlier suspicions were absurd. He lost interest in examining the man closely. Remembering his general’s instructions, he hurriedly went downstairs, only ordering two of his guards to drag the corpses from the loft down as well.

Fan Changyu was unaware of how dangerous the situation had been moments ago. With soldiers watching downstairs, she wasn’t worried about her younger sister and Mrs. Zhao’s safety. She asked Carpenter Zhao, “Uncle Zhao, how is he?”

After checking the pulse, Carpenter Zhao doubted his skills. He hadn’t practiced veterinary medicine for over a decade and suspected his medical skills might be lacking.

The man before him was covered in blood, appearing to be severely injured, yet his pulse showed no signs of danger.

His already wrinkled forehead furrowed even more as he concentrated on checking the pulse again.

His grave expression frightened Fan Changyu, who thought Xie Zheng was beyond saving. She sat dejectedly on a low stool: “I should have written him a divorce letter earlier and let him go elsewhere to recover. Otherwise, how could he suffer like this…”

Carpenter Zhao checked the pulse once more, finding it still steady. He fell into deep self-doubt, his old face growing increasingly serious. Just as he was about to examine Xie Zheng’s wounds…

The man lying on the ground slowly regained consciousness.

Fan Changyu’s eyes were already rimmed with red. Seeing him awake, her emotions swung wildly, and she couldn’t help but break into a delighted smile, exclaiming, “You’re awake!”

Xie Zheng noticed her reddened eyes and that overjoyed smile, momentarily stunned.

Was she about to cry because she feared something might happen to him?

The strange feeling in his chest grew stronger.

He lowered his gaze, coughed weakly twice, and a few words escaped his blood-stained lips: “I’m fine.”

Most of the blood on his body was from the men in black, and the cuts on his clothes were self-inflicted to feign injury, only breaking the skin superficially.

Although Zheng Wenchang wasn’t under his command, they had met a few times. If he had recognized him, tonight would have ended with either Zheng Wenchang taking him back to hand over to Wei Yan, or with him killing Zheng Wenchang and his soldiers before fleeing elsewhere.

Fortunately, he had managed to avoid detection, and neither of those worst-case scenarios had played out.

He said he was fine, but Fan Changyu and Carpenter Zhao, having seen him seriously injured twice before, were still very worried. After helping him lie down on the kang bed, they found some medicine to dress his wounds.

When they removed his outer robe, Fan Changyu noticed that his inner garments weren’t soaked in blood like before. They looked much cleaner than his outer robe. As she was puzzling over this, Mrs. Zhao called her downstairs, saying the soldiers wanted to take a statement.

The man lying on the kang bed, his face only lightly cleaned of blood, appeared almost beautiful in the candlelight with the remaining bloodstains. He opened his eyes slightly to look at her, his voice unusually gentle: “You should go.”

Fan Changyu thought it must be because he was so weak that he looked so frail and pitiable now.

Before leaving the room, she looked back at him worriedly: “I’ll be back soon.”

The dead men in black had already been dragged into a row by the soldiers. People in the alley, hearing the commotion and seeing the street full of soldiers, came out in their nightclothes to watch the excitement.

After the soldiers finished counting the bodies of the men in black, they found only one survivor – the one Fan Changyu had knocked unconscious earlier with a slap.

The soldiers, having seen several men in black commit suicide by biting into poison capsules hidden behind their teeth, were now experienced. Finding him still breathing, they first removed the poison capsule from his mouth. Now he was bound tightly, with his mouth stuffed full of cloth, making suicide impossible.

The personal guard of the high-ranking officer asked Fan Changyu some questions, and she answered honestly, mostly with basic information about her household.

After finishing the questions, the high-ranking officer told her, “Just wait for news for now. Once we have results from the interrogation, the government office will notify you.”

Having experienced tonight’s events and witnessing how ruthless these people were, Fan Changyu feared they might come back for revenge and involve Mrs. Zhao’s family. She asked, “Sir, what should we do if these people come back seeking revenge?”

The high-ranking officer almost said something but stopped himself. After frowning and thinking for a moment, he said, “This general will leave a few soldiers hidden nearby to keep watch. They won’t withdraw until the interrogation results are out.”

Only then did Fan Changyu feel reassured, and she praised the high-ranking officer profusely.

As the high-ranking officer was leaving, he glanced at her, his expression somewhat peculiar.

After the soldiers left, Fan Changyu first went to the well at the end of the alley to fetch water and clean up the blood in the courtyard and the loft. However, a faint smell of blood still lingered.

Fan Changyu thought about climbing over the wall to her own house to get some of the incense her mother used to make to freshen the air, but remembering what the high-ranking officer said about leaving people to monitor the area secretly, she didn’t dare move rashly.

The shock of the night’s events had left the elderly Zhao couple wide awake. They rekindled the fire in the main hall’s hearth and sat there with Chang Ning, warming themselves and sighing from time to time.

Chang Ning, being young, didn’t understand what the adults were worried about. With the danger gone, she carefreely went back to watching the gyrfalcon in the chicken coop.

The coop had become the gyrfalcon’s nest.

Fan Changyu asked her younger sister, “Ning’er, are you still tired?”

Chang Ning shook her head and pointed at the coop holding the gyrfalcon: “Elder Sister, Junian is very well-behaved. Can we not keep Junian caged anymore?”

The last time she and her brother-in-law were at home, it was because she mischievously opened the chicken coop door that the large falcon was able to kill one of the villains when the group of bandits burst in.

In her little mind, she thought that if the large falcon hadn’t been caged, it might have been able to injure the bad guys tonight as well.

The coop wasn’t locked by Fan Changyu. Mrs. Zhao said, “A piece of meat hanging by the hearth was pecked off last night. I was afraid this big falcon would steal meat to eat, so I casually closed it before going to bed.”

Fan Changyu then said, “We’ll have Yan Zheng train it again later.”

Mentioning Yan Zheng inevitably made her think of his injuries again. She asked Carpenter Zhao, “Uncle Zhao, how are his wounds?”

Carpenter Zhao wanted to say that this time they all seemed to be superficial wounds, but fearing he might have misdiagnosed and delayed Yan Zheng’s treatment, he sighed and said, “You know that this old man used to treat pigs, cows, sheep, and horses. Treating people is somewhat a matter of luck. I don’t think it’s too serious, but to be safe, let’s invite a doctor from the medical hall to take a look tomorrow morning.”

Fan Changyu agreed. When she went upstairs to check on Xie Zheng, she saw that the blood on his face had been cleaned off, and he was lying on the kang bed with his eyes closed, resting.

Probably hearing her footsteps, he opened his eyes as she entered and asked, “How is it?”

Fan Changyu said, “I think these soldiers are more reliable than the county magistrate. I heard that the county magistrate wrote a memorial to the prefecture government. When the prefectural officials learned of the rampant banditry here, they sent troops to suppress the bandits. Coincidentally, they encountered them tonight.”

Speaking of this, Fan Changyu was somewhat happy: “The bandit problem in Ji Prefecture has persisted for years. It seems the government is truly determined to deal with those mountain strongholds now. That military officer said they would thoroughly investigate these two assassination attempts and assigned soldiers to protect us secretly. You should rest easy and focus on recovering for the next couple of days, no need to rush to leave.”

Xie Zheng’s expression was far from pleasant. “Secret protection?”

Fan Changyu nodded, “Yes.”

Xie Zheng almost couldn’t catch his breath. He had just barely managed to deceive them temporarily, and now the Ji Prefecture government was directly watching him under his nose.

However, the sudden actions of the Ji Prefecture government truly left him unable to guess their intentions.

Never mind, the most dangerous place is also the safest place.

He said, “Bring that falcon up to the loft for these two days. Don’t let it out. That creature is hard to tame and might hurt someone if not properly trained.”

Fan Changyu said, “No wonder! Grandmother just said that falcon stole meat hanging above the hearth last night!”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Fan Changyu had already stood up: “I’ll go get it now!”

Xie Zheng could only weakly respond with a soft “All right.”

By daybreak, Zheng Wenchang had already ridden swiftly back to Ji Prefecture.

He walked quickly through the winding corridor, carrying the confession obtained from interrogating the man in black. In the courtyard full of snow cedars, the armored guards saw it was him and let him pass.

Zheng Wenchang entered the study and stood at attention below. Whether from excitement or from walking too quickly, his voice was somewhat breathless: “Sir, as per your orders, I led men to guard Lin’an Town early on, and indeed captured those who committed multiple murders in Qingping County last night. However…”

His hand, presenting the confession, trembled slightly: “Please review the confession, sir.”

The man sitting at the desk, his hair and beard graying, seemed to already know the identity of those men in black. He calmly said, “Wenchang, you were just going to catch mountain bandits and thieves. What is there to fear?”

Zheng Wenchang lowered his head: “This subordinate is afraid.”

“All right, put down the confession.” He Jingyuan put down his brush and looked up. Despite being a military man, he had the refined face of a scholar. Knowing his beloved general’s concerns, he said, “Just pretend you never saw this confession. You may go.”

Zheng Wenchang saluted: “This subordinate obeys the order.”

Just as he turned to leave, he heard another question: “Was anyone in that household injured?”

Zheng Wenchang thought for a moment and said, “That woman took in a husband, and her husband was injured by those people.”

He Jingyuan merely nodded.

Zheng Wenchang gathered his courage and asked, “Does that household have some connection to you, sir?”

“Wenchang, what principles of officialdom did I teach you?”

With just one sentence, Zheng Wenchang broke out in a cold sweat: “This subordinate spoke out of turn.”

“You may withdraw.” He Jingyuan picked up a memorial from the desk and began reading it, seemingly uninterested in what was written in the confession.

After Zheng Wenchang left the study, his aged eyes finally turned to that confession. After some hesitation, he ultimately opened it.

Upon finishing, he let out a sigh.

He stood up and opened a hidden compartment in the bookshelf, taking out a brocade box. However, he didn’t open it. Speaking as if to someone unseen, he said, “When you originally entrusted this item to me, you must have anticipated a day like this, wanting me to protect those two children for you…”

Er…do veterinarians diagnose their patients by taking their pulse?

en la medicina tradicional china es así, ellos tomando el pulso de una persona pueden diagnosticar enfermedades

I am honestly intrigued by the Changyun’s parents. Their background seemed mysterious and very powerful. Arghhh it has been a long time since a story intrigued me so much and made me hang on every word.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 27

Fan Changyu went to the market early in the morning and bought an old hen to nourish Yan Zheng.

In the alley, she greeted familiar faces as usual, but they seemed to avoid her, barely responding.

Women who were now close to the Song family directly rolled their eyes at her, avoiding her like the plague: “She’s truly a bringer of misfortune. Her uncle-in-law visited her home a few times and ended up dead because of her. Her live-in husband is always sickly. It’s fortunate that the Song family’s elder sister specially checked their compatibility. Otherwise, if Song Yan had married her, who knows how the Song family would have been cursed!”

Some people who originally had good relations with the Fan family, upon hearing this, quietly distanced themselves from her.

If people hadn’t taken the Song family’s claim that she was born under an ill-fated star seriously before, the continuous killings at her home over the past few days, and the fact that if the soldiers hadn’t arrived in time last night, the elderly Zhao couple might have met with misfortune too, made the neighbors inevitably wary.

In the past, Fan Changyu would have retorted immediately, but the fact that the Zhao family was nearly implicated last night and Yan Zheng was indeed injured was undeniable.

She pressed her lips together and silently walked towards the Zhao residence, carrying the chicken she had bought.

As she passed the door of the woman who had spoken so acidly earlier, just after she walked by, the woman poured a basin of rice-washing water outside her door. The cold water splashed onto Fan Changyu’s embroidered shoes and the hem of her skirt.

Fan Changyu paused and raised her calm eyes to look at the woman.

The old woman’s surname was Kang. She used to be neighbors with the Song family and had always curried favor with them after Song Yan passed the provincial exam. To please Madam Song, she would often visit and chat, speaking ill of Fan Changyu.

Probably because she still had some use in keeping Madam Song company, after the Song family moved to the county town, she was the only one in the entire alley who had been invited to dine at their new residence.

Old Lady Kang took pride in this. After returning, she naturally boasted to everyone about how beautiful the Song family’s new courtyard was, and how there were servants at Madam Song’s beck and call, praising Song Yan’s abilities, while taking the opportunity to put down Fan Changyu.

Seeing Fan Changyu looking at her now, Old Lady Kang directly poured out the remaining half basin of rice-washing water outside her door again, cursing: “What bad luck so early in the morning. I’ll have to hang some dried pomelo leaves at the door later!”

It was a folk belief that rice-washing water and pomelo leaves could ward off bad luck.

Fan Changyu’s lips moved, but seeing how other neighbors either remained silent or discreetly distanced themselves from her, she finally just pressed her lips tighter and quickly walked towards the Zhao residence with her purchases.

The rice-washing water had soaked her shoes and socks. The cold dampness clung to her ankles, seeping from her skin into her bones, sending a chill to her heart.

After Fan Changyu entered the Zhao family’s courtyard, Mrs. Zhao was sweeping snow in the yard. Seeing Fan Changyu’s wet skirt hem and shoes, she hurriedly asked, “What happened?”

Fan Changyu walked straight to the kitchen, saying, “The snow on the road hadn’t melted completely. I stepped in it and got wet.”

Mrs. Zhao frowned as she watched Fan Changyu’s back, knowing she must not have told the truth.

Fan Changyu’s mind was in turmoil. After killing the old hen and putting it in an earthen pot to stew, fearing Mrs. Zhao would question her further, she made an excuse to bring medicine to Yan Zheng upstairs.

“Time for your medicine.”

Her voice lacked its usual energy, sounding somewhat muffled instead.

As Xie Zheng took the medicine bowl, he couldn’t help but examine her expression.

Though her face seemed unchanged, he immediately noticed something was off about her mood and asked, “What happened?”

Fan Changyu only said it was nothing: “Drink your medicine while it’s hot. If it’s too bitter, there’s dried tangerine peel candy by the pillow.”

She sat on a low stool, hugging her knees and warming herself by the charcoal brazier. With her head lowered, exposing a slender neck, her expression was hidden.

Xie Zheng noticed that the lower part of her skirt and shoes seemed damp. He said, “The snow fell quite heavily in the latter half of last night.”

Fan Changyu mumbled a vague “Mm.”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly. There hadn’t been any snow in the latter half of last night at all. She was acting too strange today.

She remained silent. After Xie Zheng finished his medicine and placed the bowl on the round stool beside the bed, he didn’t speak either.

After a long silence in the room, Fan Changyu suddenly said, “I’ll find you an inn. I’ll pay the attendants extra to take care of your meals and daily needs. How’s that?”

Xie Zheng’s fingertips pressed harder on the edge of the bed as he asked her, “Why?”

Fan Changyu said, “The authorities haven’t closed the case yet. I’m afraid those people might come back for revenge.”

Xie Zheng said, “Didn’t you say there were soldiers secretly guarding this area?”

After a few moments of silence, Fan Changyu looked up at him and said solemnly, “Then you should stay here to recover for now. Once you’re healed, leave.”

After she went downstairs, Xie Zheng picked up a piece of dried tangerine peel candy. His lips tightened, and the candy instantly crumbled to powder between his fingers.

It wasn’t until noon, when Old Lady Kang from the alley suddenly came cursing at the Fan family to demand an explanation, that Xie Zheng finally understood the reason for her unusual behavior today.

“Fan Changyu! Come out here!” Old Lady Kang’s voice was loud, her skill at cursing unparalleled.

With this shout, many people gathered at the Zhao family’s door to watch the commotion.

Mrs. Zhao heard the door being pounded as if it were being kicked and hurried to open it. Seeing Old Lady Kang standing at the door with her grandson, looking furious, she asked, “What’s the matter?”

Old Lady Kang pushed her grandson forward, put her hands on her hips, and cursed, “Tell Fan Changyu to come out here. Her sister pushed my Hutou down the steps, and he broke a front tooth. What do you think is the matter?”

Fan Changyu was stewing chicken in the kitchen. Hearing the shouting outside, she came out to the courtyard.

She saw Old Lady Kang’s chubby grandson crying with swollen eyes, snot hanging from his nostrils, occasionally sniffing it back only for it to fall out again a moment later. His chin was swollen, and indeed, a front tooth was missing.

She said, “My sister has always been frail, and your grandson is several years older than her. How could my sister have pushed him?”

Hearing Fan Changyu seemingly trying to deny responsibility, Old Lady Kang immediately sprayed spittle as she yelled, “Am I trying to frame you? Just call your Chang Ning out here and ask her. Then we’ll know if she pushed him or not!”

Mrs. Zhao saw many people in the alley peering in to watch the excitement. She tried to mediate, “Let’s talk about this inside. Children often get bumps and bruises when playing. There’s no need to make a scene at the door for the neighbors to laugh at.”

But Old Lady Kang wouldn’t have it: “I’m here to seek justice for my grandson. Why should I care if others laugh?”

Fan Changyu knew that Old Lady Kang was notorious in the alley for her shrewishness and pettiness. She had even driven away her daughter-in-law with her torment. Even now, whenever Old Lady Kang mentioned her daughter-in-law, she would curse her as a “cheap whore” who ran off with another man, shamelessly, never realizing how wrong it was to treat her daughter-in-law like a beast of burden.

Later, when her son fell for a widow, she objected because the widow had been married before, and her dead husband might bring bad luck. She made such a fuss that the widow, seeing the situation, quickly broke things off with her son. To this day, her son remains a bachelor.

Fan Changyu didn’t want to waste words with this woman. She said coldly, “Whether you get justice or not, I’ll talk to my sister first.”

Fan Changyu called out, “Ning’er, come out.”

Little Chang Ning shuffled out of the room, standing behind Fan Changyu like a little shadow.

Fan Changyu bent down and asked her, “Did you push Hutou?”

Chang Ning pressed her lips together, her small hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes. She nodded, then shook her head.

Old Lady Kang screeched, “Look at that! Such a small child already knows how to lie. What fine family values does your Fan family have? She nodded herself, and now she’s shaking her head…”

“Shut your mouth!” Fan Changyu’s cold shout suddenly drowned out Old Lady Kang’s shrill voice, like a sudden snowstorm.

Old Lady Kang, who had poured that basin of rice-washing water this morning and thought Fan Changyu was easy to bully when she remained silent, was momentarily stunned by Fan Changyu’s sudden outburst. She immediately started screaming even more shrilly: “Is there no justice in this world? Everyone, look! The Fan family is so arrogant! They injured my grandson like this and still act righteous!”

Upstairs in the loft, even Xie Zheng was annoyed by the sharp cursing, frowning in irritation.

Were all common old women this noisy?

Just as he was getting frustrated, he heard that girl’s cold and sharp voice: “Keep yelling, and see if I don’t throw you upside down into the swill barrel!”

Fan Changyu’s eyes and brows were filled with coldness. She had tolerated Old Lady Kang this morning out of genuine guilt for the trouble her enemies had brought, but now that Old Lady Kang was trying to take advantage, she wouldn’t let it slide.

Old Lady Kang, feeling inexplicably frightened under Fan Changyu’s gaze, quickly looked toward the onlookers. She opened her mouth as if to say something more, trying to use the crowd to pressure Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu seemed to have anticipated this tactic. She said coldly, “You and that old witch from the Song family gossip about me behind my back every day, thinking I don’t know? My reputation has already been ruined by your gossip. You don’t think I still care what others think, do you? If I wanted to act, how many of these people do you think would step in to stop me?”

These words dispelled the last of Old Lady Kang’s intentions. She swallowed hard, her mouth which could curse for an entire day without taking a breath now seemed sewn shut, unable to utter another word.

Fan Changyu then crouched down to ask her sister, “When I just asked if you pushed Hutou, why did you nod and then shake your head?”

Chang Ning’s round, black grape-like eyes were already rimmed with red. Her white, plump, delicate fingers clutched at her clothes as she said, “I did push him, but he was too fat. I couldn’t move him. He came to chase me, slipped, and fell down the steps himself. That’s how he broke his tooth.”

Old Lady Kang immediately started shouting again, “My Hutou said it was you who pushed him…”

Fan Changyu swept a cold gaze over her, and Old Lady Kang fell silent again.

Fan Changyu continued to question her sister, “Ning’er, why did you push him?”

Little Chang Ning lowered her head, and bean-sized tears instantly rolled from her eyes: “He pulled my hair, took my pine nut candy, and splashed water on me. He said his grandmother had poured rice-washing water on Elder Sister this morning to ward off bad luck, that I was the sister of a death star, and they needed to splash water to ward off bad luck from me too…”

After hearing this, Fan Changyu’s face had turned frighteningly cold.

Mrs. Zhao’s eyes reddened with anger. She had wondered why Fan Changyu’s shoes and skirt were wet when she returned this morning. So it was because this old hag had poured rice-washing water on her.

That rice-washing water was used to ward off evil spirits after ground-breaking. For her to pour it after Fan Changyu passed by, how malicious could she be?

Mrs. Zhao gritted her teeth and cursed, “You rotten old thing who won’t even have a coffin board when you die, if you can’t use your mouth to accumulate virtue for yourself, at least accumulate some for your children and grandchildren! Aren’t you afraid of having your tongue hooked when you face the King of Hell?”

Old Lady Kang was a bit guilty at first, but having been sharp-tongued for decades, she couldn’t help but retort aggressively, raising her chin: “How am I not accumulating virtue? Did I kill her parents? Did I kill those people in her house these past two days? Who in this town doesn’t know she’s a bringer of death? Only you and your old man, with no one to attend your funerals, would foolishly take in this family of disaster-bringers. Aren’t you afraid of being killed by her curse one day? If you ask me, the Fan family should have left this alley long ago. Who knows when their enemies might come looking for them again?”

“You…” Mrs. Zhao was so angry she trembled.

Fan Changyu wiped away her sister’s tears with her thumb, slowly stood up, and said with an icy gaze: “If I’m to bring death to anyone, it’ll be to an old hag like you who won’t die!”

She coldly smiled: “You want me to move out of the alley? On what grounds? Because your rotten mouth is good at gossip? If you’re so afraid, why don’t you move away yourself?”

Old Lady Kang was at a loss for words. She pointed at Fan Changyu, wanting to curse back, but Fan Changyu continued: “Also, keep your grandson in check. If he dares to touch a single hair on my sister’s head again, whichever hand he uses, I’ll chop it off!”

Old Lady Kang’s grandson, faced with Fan Changyu’s fierce gaze, immediately burst into tears, snot and tears flying.

Old Lady Kang shielded her grandson behind her, trying to sound tough but afraid: “Threatening a child, what kind of…”

Fan Changyu’s lips curled coldly: “Threatening? This is no threat.”

She glanced coldly at Old Lady Kang’s grandson’s arm: “I can chop through a pig’s knuckle with one strike. An arm would be even easier.”

Old Lady Kang’s grandson instinctively covered one of his arms, crying and pulling his grandmother back: “Grandma, let’s go home… I want to go home…”

Seeing her grandson so frightened, Old Lady Kang was both anxious and angry, but she didn’t dare to confront Fan Changyu directly.

She had no choice but to leave with her grandson, cursing all the way. As she stepped down from the Zhao family’s doorstep, her knee suddenly hurt for no apparent reason. She cried out in pain and fell down the steps, her chin hitting the last step. She lay there unable to get up, crying out in pain, her mouth full of blood.

The onlookers in the alley looked at each other in bewilderment.

Fan Changyu was also stunned for a moment. She instinctively looked up at the Zhao family’s loft and, as expected, saw a flash of dark blue clothing disappear.

After the initial shock, Mrs. Zhao quickly said, “Instant karma! Everyone saw it, neither Chang Yu nor I left the doorway. This old hag fell on her own! This is instant karma!”

Old Lady Kang, being elderly, lost several teeth from the fall. She sat up on the ground, crying loudly and pointing at Fan Changyu: “It was her! This bringer of death must have kicked me!”

The neighbors who had been watching the commotion for a while indeed hadn’t seen Fan Changyu do anything. Seeing Old Lady Kang making such a fuss, they couldn’t help but speak up: “Enough, Old Lady Kang. We were all watching. Chang Yu didn’t move from where she was standing. You just slipped and fell on your own!”

Old Lady Kang wanted to argue further, but then heard Fan Changyu snort coldly: “You’ve done too many bad deeds. It must have been a ghost that pushed you!”

As people age, they become more susceptible to superstitions and the supernatural.

Kang’s heart skipped a beat at those words. She indeed felt as if something had violently struck her knee before she fell, and recalling Fan Changyu’s reputation as a harbinger of doom made her lips tremble. Pointing at Fan Changyu, she shouted, “It’s you, you calamity star, that’s cursed me!”

Fan Changyu crossed her arms and replied, “If you don’t get out of here quickly, you might just lose your life due to my bad luck.”

At this moment, Madam Kang was genuinely frightened. Covering her bloodied chin, she left the Zhao family’s gate, dragging her grandson along in disgrace.

“She brought this upon herself!”

“Who in this alley hasn’t been hurt by her tongue? This is truly retribution!”

The onlookers chuckled and exchanged a few casual remarks before shaking their heads and dispersing.

Once the gate closed, Fan Changyu squatted down to meet her younger sister’s gaze, speaking earnestly, “From now on, if Ningniang encounters any trouble outside, you must tell me immediately, understood?”

Zhao Changningg obediently nodded.

Madam Zhao recalled the harsh words Kang had hurled at them and couldn’t help but shed a few tears for Fan Changyu in secret.

Fan Changyu comforted Madam Zhao for a moment, her gaze landing on the dried orange peel candy at the entrance before finding an excuse to head upstairs.

Upon entering, she found Xie Zheng indeed absent; instead, he sat on a bamboo chair by the window. Although his complexion was still somewhat pale, he looked much better than he had two days prior.

Before she could speak, his gaze brushed over her lightly. “Did you say those things to me this morning just because of a few words from others?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 28

The window lattice was half-open, with the sun hanging in the sky as just a pale shadow without much warmth, casting a few faint golden rays.

Half of Xie Zheng’s face was illuminated by sunlight, while the other half remained hidden in shadow, his eyes calm and unperturbed.

Fan Changyu wanted to deny it, but upon meeting his gaze, she couldn’t open her mouth. She hugged her knees and sat on a nearby stool, her voice somewhat muffled: “The misfortunes of my family have indeed entangled you twice now. You no longer owe me anything. If you distance yourself from my family, perhaps you’ll be safer.”

Xie Zheng asked her, “Do you believe the words of that ignorant old woman?”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

Of course, she didn’t believe it, but with her parents gone, Fan Da was killed, and Changningg and Yan Zheng were nearly harmed, if the soldiers hadn’t arrived in time last night, who knows if Mrs. Zhao and Carpenter Zhao would have been implicated as well.

Perhaps… it was true as Song Mother and Madam Kang had said, that she was indeed born under an ill-fated star, and those close to her would never come to a good end.

Seeing her silence, Xie Zheng understood. His handsome brows furrowed slightly as he asked, “You think it’s for my good to distance yourself from me, but what about your sister? Will you distance yourself from her too?”

Fan Changyu’s hands, clasped in front of her knees, tightened, her heart a tangled mess.

Yes, she could try to stay away from the Zhao couple and Yan Zheng to avoid implicating them, but what about Changningg?

Changningg was only five years old, with only her family left in this world.

As she remained silent, Xie Zheng slowly said, “In this world, what’s more terrifying than talk of ghosts, spirits, and fate is the human heart.”

Fan Changyu raised her almond eyes, seeming somewhat confused.

The corner of Xie Zheng’s exquisite mouth twitched slightly, his voice tinged with mockery: “There aren’t that many supernatural occurrences in this world. Even talk of national fate is just to fool people, let alone talk of personal destiny.”

Fan Changyu still didn’t understand: “What do you mean?”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes and said, “Some people do evil and like to use supernatural excuses to cover for themselves. Just like how you scared that old woman earlier, saying she fell because she was possessed. Not knowing the truth, she became anxious and half-believed it, but you and I know clearly that she fell because she was hit by the pine nut candy.”

Fan Changyu lowered her eyes, and after a while, she said, “Of course, I know that the Song family’s talk of fate was just an excuse to break off the engagement, but the frequent misfortunes in my family are also a fact, which is why I feel uneasy.”

Xie Zheng said, “Your parents made enemies in their early years; they didn’t offend any spirits. What are you uneasy about?”

Fan Changyu stared at him blankly, feeling that this man’s words were indeed harsh, but the heaviness in her heart had indeed eased somewhat.

She sighed and said resignedly, “I understand everything you’re saying. I just felt upset after hearing those words, but once this feeling passes, I’ll be fine.”

Xie Zheng said without mercy, “Whoever makes you upset, you should teach them a lesson. It’s fine to say those things to me, but if you distance yourself from this old man’s family too, see if they’re sad or happy about it.”

Fan Changyu lowered her head and said in a muffled voice, “I’m sorry, I was impulsive earlier.”

Xie Zheng’s eyelashes swept out a beautiful arc at the corner of his eyes, his expression finally brightening a bit. He said, “You’re not usually one to take things lying down. This morning when you came back and got splashed with water, instead of teaching them a lesson on the spot, you came back to sulk. How disappointing.”

Fan Changyu was silent for a moment before saying, “I’ve heard a saying called ‘the law does not punish the masses,’ meaning that if many people break the law, the authorities won’t punish everyone together. Now, everyone in town fears my ill-fated star, and the entire town is gossiping about me behind my back. I might be able to teach one person a lesson, but can I teach everyone a lesson?”

Xie Zheng was slightly stunned, a hidden corner of his heart stirred by her words, awakening some buried memories.

He had been orphaned at a young age and lived in the Wei Mansion. Naturally, his path to today hadn’t been smooth sailing either.

He still remembered the taste of having his ribs broken by that person’s son and his gang, his face pressed into a bloody mud puddle under their embroidered boots.

Fighting on the battlefield, facing life and death countless times, exchanging military merits for a back full of scars from swords and axes, only to be secretly cursed for disgracing the Xie family name and being someone’s lapdog just because his uncle was Wei Yan.

He raised his eyes slightly, his thin lips uttering a few words: “Have you ever heard of the phrase ‘killing the chicken to scare the monkey’?”

“Human nature is inherently evil. If you appear weak and easy to bully, no matter how kind you are, few people will lend you a helping hand. If you rise to power and success, even if you truly commit heinous acts, there will be a bunch of people rushing to flatter you. Isn’t that what your former fiancé is like?”

Listening to these words, Fan Changyu fell silent again, hugging her knees and staring at the red coals burning in the iron basin without a word.

Xie Zheng’s fingers, which had been lightly tapping on the bamboo armrest, paused. His eyes half-closed, his words carrying an acidity he wasn’t even aware of: “Still not over your former fiancé? Feeling upset again at the mention of him?”

Fan Changyu raised her head and stared at him for a moment, feeling puzzled. Then she remembered that she had previously lied about not being over Song Yan to avoid misunderstanding her intentions towards him.

Lying indeed comes with a price.

She opened her mouth, but in the end, only sighed and said, “I am a bit upset. He’s a man who has achieved scholarly honors. The entire Qingping County only produced one Juren this year, and it was him. Even the County Magistrate treats him with respect. You can’t blame others for following the trend. He has indeed risen to success, how can I compare to him?”

Xie Zheng snorted lightly: “It’s just a Juren title, nothing more. How many Juren does the Great Yin Dynasty produce each year from its capital and seventeen prefectures? What does your former fiancé amount to?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but look at him and say, “It’s fine for you to say these things to me, but don’t say them in front of others. You’ll be laughed at.”

Xie Zheng frowned: “Laughed at for what?”

Fan Changyu felt that this man had no self-awareness. She said helplessly, “You don’t even have a Xiucai degree, yet you speak this way about someone who has passed the Juren examination…”

She paused, then added, “I know you’re saying these things to cheer me up.”

Fan Changyu felt that saying these things was a bit affected, so she scratched her head and said, “Actually, I was just talking casually. I’m not that upset about it. Life is always lived for oneself. His success as a Juren is his business, what does it have to do with me? Those who follow the trend and step on me, saying a few words about me, can’t get any benefits from the Song family. It’s nothing more than idle gossip.”

Xie Zheng’s expression was strange as he said, “Why would I need to cheer you up? Being a Juren truly doesn’t amount to much.”

Fan Changyu choked: “You think you’re some high-ranking official?”

Xie Zheng fell silent.

Fan Changyu found it amusing in her heart. Remembering that he could read and write, and even compose essays, she started planning for him: “I think you’re quite smart, and your handwriting is good. Your injuries keep recurring, and the doctor said that if they don’t heal properly, you’ll likely have chronic issues in the future. Being an escort is dangerous. Why don’t you study for the imperial examinations? Who knows, you might even pass the Juren exam and become an official someday!”

Xie Zheng: “…My ambitions don’t lie in officialdom.”

Fan Changyu sighed: “That’s a pity then.”

She half-jokingly said, “If you ever have the chance to become an official, and your rank is higher than that Song fellow’s, I’m counting on you to give him a hard time for me!”

Xie Zheng’s eyebrows imperceptibly raised, and he said, “Alright.”

With this banter, the previous unpleasantness had completely dissipated.

Fan Changyu remembered that she had been stewing chicken soup and said, “I have chicken soup stewing in the clay pot. It should be ready by now. I’ll go serve some for you.”

As she stood up, she noticed that the sugar packet by his bed had deflated. She said with a pained expression, “I’ll find you some small stones. In the future, don’t use candy to hit people. This stuff is expensive, it’s not worth it!”

After she went downstairs, Xie Zheng stared at the paper packets containing the candy, his brows furrowed.

He didn’t like sweet foods, and in the past, his daily needs had always been taken care of by his guards. He indeed didn’t know the price of these things.

She was always frugal, yet she bought this expensive candy for him, just because she misunderstood that he was afraid of the bitterness of medicine that day.

Xie Zheng closed his eyes, his mood somewhat complex.

Two days later, Zheng Wenchang led the soldiers back to the small town of Lin’an.

Fan Changyu, upon receiving the news, went to the front door to greet them.

Zheng Wenchang, sitting high on his horse, said, “The cause of several murder cases in town has been determined. They were indeed committed by mountain bandits.”

Hearing this answer, Fan Changyu’s heart sank. She said, “But my home was invaded by criminals twice…”

Zheng Wenchang interrupted her words: “The two attacks on your home were due to an escort job your father took years ago. It’s rumored that he was transporting a treasure map belonging to the former imperial family. More than a decade ago, everyone in the escort agency was killed by people trying to steal the treasure map. Your father escaped death and returned home, only then living peacefully for these years. Recently, with the unrest in Chongzhou, the matter of the treasure map was brought up again. Some mountain bandits traced your father’s whereabouts, which is why they came to your home several times looking for the treasure map.”

This reason could indeed explain all the strange events that had happened in Lin’an town recently. Fan Changyu asked, “Were my parents also killed by these mountain bandits?”

Zheng Wenchang frowned slightly, avoiding Fan Changyu’s gaze as he said, “Naturally.”

Learning the true cause of her parent’s death, Fan Changyu still felt heavy-hearted. She thought that this must be why her father had taught her martial arts but forbidden her from using them in public, fearing it would attract these criminals.

She said, “I’ve never heard my parents mention anything about a treasure map. Could there be some misunderstanding?”

Zheng Wenchang said, “The news that the treasure map was in your father’s possession was, of course, false. A few days ago, the rebels in Chongzhou released information saying they had obtained the treasure map. The mountain bandits won’t come to town anymore, so you can rest assured.”

As he spoke, he made a gesture, and a subordinate brought forward a tray with silver taels. He looked at Fan Changyu with a subtle, almost imperceptible strangeness in his gaze: “Lord He, the Governor of Jizhou, is considerate of the people’s plight and has specially ordered me to bring fifty taels of silver as condolence money.”

Fan Changyu expressed her sincere gratitude.

The neighbors and townspeople also praised, “Lord He is truly the blue sky of Jizhou Prefecture. For those who suffered at the hands of those mountain bandits and lost family members, the government has provided condolence money!”

Someone asked, “I heard that other families only received twenty-five taels, but the Fan family got fifty taels?”

Immediately, someone explained, “Those families only lost one person, but both Fan Er and his wife were killed, so naturally, they received more silver.”

…

With the case concluded, the seals on the Fan family’s door were removed.

Fan Changyu thoroughly cleaned every corner of the house, especially the courtyard and rooms where blood had been shed. Besides washing them several times with water, she also sprinkled water boiled with pomelo leaves, saying it could ward off evil and harm.

After everything in the house was properly arranged, Fan Changyu finally brought Changningg and Xie Zheng back from the neighbors’ homes.

She lit an incense stick and placed it in front of her parents’ memorial tablets, the corners of her eyes slightly sore: “Father, Mother, you can rest in peace now.”

Only Xie Zheng remained frowning.

He had long known that those people were Wei family’s death squads, and naturally couldn’t be the mountain bandits Zheng Wenchang spoke of. What they were looking for was not some nonsensical treasure map.

However, the authorities had gone to great lengths to concoct a plausible lie to close the case and even sent silver to the affected families, which indeed took some effort.

Xie Zheng couldn’t understand it.

If He Jingyuan also wanted to get that letter for Wei Yan, he should have sent soldiers to seal off the Fan family’s house and search it thoroughly.

Now, however, he had returned the house to Fan Changyu and gone to great lengths to settle several murder cases, as if he didn’t want to disrupt her family’s original life and wanted her to continue living in this town.

What was He Jingyuan’s intention?

Or was it that he did this because the letter that the Wei family’s death squads were looking for was no longer in the Fan family’s possession?

Xie Zheng looked at the two memorial tablets on the altar. He Jingyuan should know the true identities of this couple, and perhaps he also knew the secret of that letter.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 29

With the threat of the black-clad assassins gone, Fan Changyu no longer needed to hurriedly sell off her belongings and leave Lin’an town.

She finalized a long-term business arrangement with Yixiang Pavilion. After reopening the meat shop, with Yixiang Pavilion’s reputation backing it, the braised meat business was even better than before, seemingly outshining Wang’s shop.

On the day before New Year’s Eve, as she was returning home from the shop, she saw a rather grand carriage parked at the entrance of the alley. At first, she thought the Song mother and son had returned, but upon entering the alley, she saw many people gathered in front of her house.

Fan Changyu thought something had happened at home again and squeezed through the crowd, saying, “Excuse me, excuse me…”

A neighbor asked, “Changyu, do you have any wealthy relatives?”

Fan Changyu was puzzled and simply replied, “No.”

The person then asked, “Could it be relatives of your husband? The carriage parked at the alley entrance looks even grander than the one the Song family used when they moved!”

Fan Changyu finally realized that the owner of the carriage at the door had come to see her family.

Someone nearby chimed in, “The carriage the Song family used on a moving day wasn’t even theirs, it was rented from a carriage shop!”

There was already a hint of disdain for the Song family in their words.

Madam Kang stood at her doorway, showing her teeth as she said, “You lot are just fawning over the powerful and looking down on the weak. When Young Master Yan passes the imperial examination in the capital and becomes the top scholar, he’ll have any carriage he wants!”

Fan Changyu was confused but didn’t bother with the neighbors’ trivial questions. She entered the house and closed the courtyard gate, only then noticing a noble young man in brocade robes and a jade belt sitting at the square table in the main room.

Seeing her, he nodded with a smile in greeting. Not knowing his identity, Fan Changyu simply mimicked his gesture and nodded back.

“It’s getting late today, so I won’t disturb Master Yan and Madam any further,” he said as he stood up and bowed to Xie Zheng. Turning to Fan Changyu, the smile on his face deepened slightly.

Xie Zheng sat on the other side of the square table, his expression indifferent. Although he wore ordinary cotton clothes, his demeanor still subtly overshadowed that of the noble young man. “Take care, no need to see me out.”

Fan Changyu knew Yan Zheng had that sour temperament. Even though he remained seated, she still walked the guest to the main gate as a gesture of politeness.

After closing the door again, blocking out the prying eyes of the neighbors, Fan Changyu asked Xie Zheng, “Who was that?”

Xie Zheng replied, “The owner of the town’s bookstore.”

Fan Changyu picked up the teapot on the table and poured herself some water. “I remember the owner of the town’s bookstore was an old man with a beard, wasn’t he?”

Xie Zheng said, “That’s the shop manager. The real owner has always lived in the main city of Jizhou.”

The last time Zhao Xun came looking for him, the people in this alley were out working to make a living and didn’t see him. Today, being the end of the year, with every household at leisure at home, the news spread quickly, causing such a commotion.

As she poured the tea, Fan Changyu realized it was cold. She took a sip of the cold tea and noticed that the noble young man’s half-empty teacup was still where he had been sitting. She couldn’t help but say, “You served cold tea to a guest?”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes to look at her. Fan Changyu read a “What else?” meaning in his gaze, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Xie Zheng noticed she had bought another pack of dried tangerine peel candy. He pushed a red paper-wrapped package on the table towards her. “I earned some silver writing essays. You keep it.”

Fan Changyu unwrapped the outer layer of red paper and looked inside. Her almond eyes showed an expression of utmost surprise – inside were four silver ingots!

Before she started selling braised meat, the meat shop couldn’t even earn this much in a month!

Fan Changyu was dumbfounded. “Is writing essays really this profitable?”

Xie Zheng picked up his coarse porcelain cup and took a shallow sip. His finger joints, where the dark scabs had fallen off, were like slender bamboo, with distinct tendons and bones. “The essays I wrote earlier sold well. The bookstore gave me some dividends. Among these forty taels, there’s also a down payment for the next batch of essays.”

The few essays he had authored had indeed stirred up a storm throughout the capital. Although Zhao Xun was a merchant, he had some skills to maintain his family business amidst fierce competition. While mass-printing the essays to sell to scholars in various prefectures, he also concealed the origin of these essays.

During the days when the Fan family met with disaster, his uncle was still conducting a carpet search of all bookstores. Otherwise, the death squads that came to this small town would have been more than double in number.

These silver taels weren’t given by Zhao Xun just to curry favor with him. Judging by those few essays alone, if they were to be sold, they would be worth thousands in gold.

All the bookstores under the Zhao family had made a fortune in recent days by reprinting his essays.

Fearing she might become suspicious, he had deliberately asked for only forty taels, but he didn’t expect her to still think it was too much.

Fan Changyu looked at the shiny silver ingots in her hand, then looked at Xie Zheng. “The owner came to find you specifically because he was impressed by your essays?”

Xie Zheng nodded. “The war in Chongzhou hasn’t been won, and there’s constant factional strife in the court. Although my depiction of the Chongzhou war situation is rudimentary, it’s an experience other scholars haven’t had, so it sells better.”

Seeing that Fan Changyu didn’t look happy upon seeing the silver, but instead fell silent, he unconsciously furrowed his brow.

The next moment, he heard Fan Changyu say, “Actually, you don’t need to lie to me. I know everything.”

Xie Zheng’s fingertips pressed slightly harder on the cup wall as he asked, “What?”

Fan Changyu raised her eyes to look at him. “For you to gain the favor of the bookstore owner, you must be truly talented in writing. You must have studied a lot before. You’ve been lying to me all this time, saying your knowledge was mediocre because you were afraid I would resent you after my former fiancé passed the examination and broke off the engagement, right?”

Hearing that this was what she was talking about, Xie Zheng’s fingertips relaxed their grip on the cup wall.

Before he could respond, Fan Changyu continued with a frown, “I’m not as petty as you think. There are many scholars in the world. Just because my former fiancé was heartless doesn’t mean all scholars in the world are heartless. I understand this logic. You don’t need to worry about those unnecessary things.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and said, “I’m sorry.”

Fan Changyu waved her hand to show it didn’t matter. She had also hidden from the neighbors that she knew martial arts before. This was his skill; whether he told her or not didn’t harm her interests, so she had nothing to mind about.

Fan Changyu only curiously asked him, “Since you’ve studied so much, why didn’t you take the imperial examinations and instead became an escort?”

Xie Zheng said, “What I want to do, studying literature can’t help me with.”

They had been living together for almost a month, and this was the first time Fan Changyu asked in detail about his affairs. Since the conversation had come this far, she continued to ask, “What do you want to do?”

A gust of wind blew through the hall, lifting a strand of Xie Zheng’s hair at his temples. He looked at the thick layer of snow on the courtyard wall and the misty horizon, his eyes becoming deep and unfathomable. “Just like you want to continue running the meat shop your father left behind, I also want to finish what my father didn’t complete.”

Fan Changyu thought silently for a while, then widened her eyes in surprise: “Don’t tell me your family runs an escort agency?”

Only those with difficult lives would risk their lives for that little money as escorts.

He had good knowledge, high martial arts skills, and was working as an escort. Fan Changyu thought about it and concluded that only the young master of an escort agency would fit his identity.

Xie Zheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Fan Changyu suddenly understood: “No wonder you’ve always said you’d leave once your injuries healed.”

She pushed the forty taels of silver back to him: “Keep this money for yourself. Rebuilding an escort agency will cost a lot. When you’re about to leave, I’ll see if I have enough to spare. If I do, I’ll give you some more!”

This wasn’t the first time Xie Zheng had heard her talk about them parting ways. Except for the ghastly scars from his external injuries that still looked unhealed, his internal injuries had mostly recovered. Zhao Xun’s visit today was also to inform him that he had already purchased 200,000 stones of grain.

Before long, he would indeed have to leave.

Hearing her speak of these things again at this moment, some inexplicable emotions arose in his heart.

He raised his hand to press down on a silver ingot, stopping her from pushing it towards him. His tone carried a hint of firmness: “It’s for you. For the medicine.”

Fan Changyu still refused: “When you agreed to the fake marriage arrangement, we had already agreed. I would treat your injuries. How can I take your money now? That would be going back on my word. You’ve been writing essays in the cold room while injured these past days. Earning this silver wasn’t easy…”

He didn’t lessen the pressure on the silver ingot at all, his dark eyes locked on her: “For the candy then?”

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment before realizing he was talking about the money for buying him candy. She said honestly, “But buying candy wouldn’t cost this much silver…”

“Then keep it for buying more in the future.”

“Even if I buy candy until your injuries heal and you leave, it wouldn’t cost this much silver…”

Fan Changyu stopped mid-sentence and suddenly fell silent.

Buying more in the future – did that mean they still had a future together?

The firewood burning in the fire pit made a crackling sound, sparks flying, finally breaking the silence in the room.

He repeated, “You keep it.”

Fan Changyu didn’t look at him but stared at his hand pressing on the silver ingot for a while before asking, “What kind of candy do you like?”

Hearing her ask this, Xie Zheng withdrew his hand: “You choose.”

That night, when Fan Changyu went to bed, she who usually slept well found herself staring at the canopy, unable to sleep.

Although she was easygoing, she wasn’t a blockhead.

Yan Zheng, despite his bad temper and sharp tongue, had a good heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken Changningg and run when the mountain bandits broke into the house earlier.

He was good-looking, literate, and had excellent martial arts skills.

She knew he was only staying here temporarily and would eventually leave, so she had always treated him as a passing guest.

But today he gave her such a large sum of money and told her to buy him candy in the future.

Fan Changyu suddenly felt her heart in a bit of a muddle.

She tossed and turned like a pancake being flipped, only falling into a hazy sleep as dawn was breaking.

The next day, unsurprisingly, she woke up late, with faint dark circles under her eyes.

Fortunately, the meat shop wasn’t open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so it didn’t matter that she had overslept.

Fan Changyu got up yawning to make tangyuan (sweet rice balls). Outside in the alley, she could hear children playing with firecrackers. The entire town was immersed in a peaceful New Year atmosphere.

Just one province away, Chongzhou had just experienced a devastating defeat.

In the capital city.

The neighborhoods were decorated with lanterns and festoons, full of New Year’s atmosphere.

An urgent war report traveled eight hundred li to pass through the Yongding Gate, but instead of being sent to the imperial palace, it was rerouted to the Wei Chancellor’s mansion.

Swift horses galloped through the narrow streets, with frost and snow weighing down the branches of the elms and poplars on both sides.

The front of the Wei mansion was austere. Two stone lions with fierce expressions guarded jewels, while armored guards with sharp weapons stood in formation like wild geese. Snow covered the tops of the walls, and even birds were unwilling to perch on the bare branches here.

The courier rolled off his horse, took out the war report from his bosom, and held it high above his head, shouting, “Urgent report from Chongzhou!”

The guards at the gate changed expression, took the war report, and hurried into the mansion. After handing it over to the soldiers inside, one of them finally hastily delivered the report to the study: “My Lord, urgent report from Chongzhou!”

In no time, the study attendant opened the door and came out to take the war report.

The entire process was tight and swift. All letters and reports sent to the Wei mansion study were delivered in this manner.

The study attendant closed the study door, walking almost soundlessly, and respectfully presented the war report to the long-bearded old man reviewing memorials behind the red sandalwood desk: “Chancellor, an urgent report from Chongzhou, delivered over eight hundred li.”

A strong hand with distinct tendons and bones took the war report. After reading it, he slammed it heavily on the desk: “I should have known that an unfilial son couldn’t stabilize the Chongzhou war situation! It hasn’t been long since the autumn harvest, why can’t the entire Northwest collect enough grain?”

The attendant dared not respond.

The old man stood up. Surprisingly, he wasn’t wearing brocade robes but ordinary cotton clothes. With his hands behind his back, he gazed at the deep snowy landscape outside the window. His phoenix eyes were narrow and long, his figure tall and straight. This was Wei Yan, the Chancellor of Great Yin who had controlled state affairs for over a decade.

After a brief contemplation, he said, “Tell that unfilial son to get back here. Send He Jingyuan to take over the Chongzhou war situation first.”

He once had two knives that he wielded most adeptly: one was his nephew whom he had raised himself, and the other was He Jingyuan. His son, Wei Xuan, was merely an empty shell with ambition but stubbornness.

The attendant acknowledged the order. As he was about to withdraw, he heard the man who had held the position of Chancellor and executed imperial edicts for over a decade ask, “Has the body of the Marquis of Wu’an been found?”

The attendant shook his head: “Not yet.”

Wei Yan heaved a deep sigh: “That child has Wei family blood in him, and his temperament and methods are most like mine. What a pity…”

The attendant had served Wei Yan’s side for many years and could somewhat guess his thoughts. Thinking of how he used to value the Marquis of Wu’an far more than the eldest son Wei Xuan, he added, “The Marquis might have just been deceived by those treacherous villains. You raised the Marquis for sixteen years, more like father and son than actual father and son. Saying that you killed Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie back then is nonsense. Where’s the evidence? The Marquis hadn’t even seen any evidence, so there should still be room for reconciliation in this matter. Why did you have to…”

The attendant suddenly stopped mid-sentence, looking up to meet Wei Yan’s cold and stern gaze. He quickly slapped himself hard: “This old servant has spoken out of turn!”

Wei Yan, however, said, “He would have found out eventually. He had already grown suspicious. If we didn’t deal with him while he was still unguarded, one day it would be the Wei family that would suffer.”

The attendant was first stunned, then said, “Chancellor, you are the pillar of the state. Even the Marquis couldn’t touch you, let alone now that the Marquis is gone.”

Wei Yan closed his eyes and remained silent.

When he turned back to sit behind his desk, the hint of melancholy had disappeared from his face. He asked, “Has the item I sent people to retrieve from Jizhou been brought back?”

The attendant’s voice lowered a few degrees: “The Xuan-ranked death squads have not sent back any news to date.”

Wei Yan’s expression suddenly sharpened. “What about He Jingyuan?”

The attendant replied, “The informant placed next to He Jingyuan previously sent word that he seems unaware of the existence of those items.”

Just then, a voice came from outside the study, announcing, “My Lord, the governor of Jizhou has sent a brocade box via express courier.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 30

The attendant cautiously observed Wei Yan’s expression.

Wei Yan spoke in a deep voice, “Bring it here.”

Only then did the attendant go to the study door and carry the brocade box to the desk.

Wei Yan’s aged yet still piercing phoenix eyes examined the box before him. It was quite old, with the brocade fabric adhered to its surface having turned yellow.

He unlocked it and opened the box. Upon seeing its contents, a shadow immediately clouded his eyes.

Noticing his change in expression, the attendant quickly glanced at the items inside and exclaimed in shock, “Has… has He Jingyuan seen this letter?”

Inside the brocade box were a letter and a dark iron token.

Wei Yan picked up the letter, noting that while the envelope was old, its seal remained intact with no signature. It appeared as though someone had long ago placed the contents in a new envelope.

He said in a grave tone, “He didn’t dare open it.”

He tore open the envelope. As expected, inside was another letter that had been opened. Both the paper and envelope of that letter had yellowed and were stained with dried, oxidized blood that had turned light yellow.

On the envelope were written the powerful, vigorous characters: “To be opened by Meng Shuyuan.”

Though Wei Yan’s rule by imperial decree had been criticized at court for many years, his calligraphy still ranked among the great masters of the era. Anyone who had seen his handwriting could recognize that the characters on the envelope were his.

Upon seeing the letter inside, Wei Yan’s cold expression finally softened somewhat, though his eyes remained as sharp as a hawk’s. “The item I sent the Xuan rank shadow guards to retrieve, how did it end up in He Jingyuan’s hands?”

The attendant bowed his head, cold sweat forming: “This old servant will order an investigation immediately.”

Wei Yan waved his hand, indicating it wasn’t necessary. He noticed another memorial from Jizhou sent along with the brocade box. After opening and reading it, he tossed it onto the desk, saying, “He’s asking me to spare the two daughters of that traitor.”

Having served Wei Yan for many years, the attendant was naturally adept at reading people’s thoughts. Glancing at He Jingyuan’s memorial mentioning bandits attacking Qingping County and killing many innocent civilians, with the bandits now executed, he understood Wei Yan’s meaning.

He Jingyuan had found what Wei Yan wanted and hoped Wei Yan would cease his actions, sparing those two girls.

The attendant’s eyes flickered slightly as he said, “General He must be acting out of loyalty to his former comrade. You previously tested General He’s loyalty by ordering him to kill those two, which he did. It seems General He has always been loyal to you, merely showing misplaced compassion.”

Wei Yan laughed coldly, “Do you think he obtained this item earlier, or as he claims in his memorial, mistakenly thought it was the Qingping County bandit problem, sent troops to suppress the bandits, accidentally captured the Xuan rank shadow guards, and only then learned what I was seeking?”

The attendant pondered carefully, “After you ordered him to kill those two, didn’t you already send people to watch him? He Jingyuan doesn’t seem to have known about this item, so it’s likely the latter.”

Wei Yan said coldly, “Better to kill a thousand by mistake than let one escape. Though he didn’t open this letter, the fact that he thought to use it to ask me to spare that traitor’s daughters means he must have guessed what it was.”

The attendant cautiously asked, “Do you mean to… deal with him like the Marquis?” He made a throat-slitting gesture.

Wei Yan stared at the memorial on the desk, pondering for a long while before shaking his head. “It’s been over sixteen years since the Battle of Jinzhou. Only a few months ago did rumors about the deaths of Crown Prince Chengde and Xie Linshan suddenly resurface among the people. Zheng’s investigation into the battle records must have been guided by someone with ulterior motives. That person behind the scenes hasn’t revealed themselves yet but has already forced me to break my best sword.”

At this point, Wei Yan’s tone suddenly became sharp: “Now the battle in Chongzhou is at a stalemate, perhaps also due to that person’s secret interference. If we lose He Jingyuan’s blade now, we might as well hand over the southwest. That traitor was wise enough not to tell his two daughters anything about the past. Two inexperienced girls are not worth fearing, so we’ll spare their lives for now.”

The attendant praised, “The Chancellor is wise.”

In his heart, he understood that Wei Yan’s compromise to spare He Jingyuan’s life was only because He Jingyuan remained useful even after learning the truth about the Battle of Jinzhou. The man who had betrayed him only had two daughters, and what revenge could women seek? There was no need to worry about hidden dangers.

But Xie Zheng was different. The revenge for a murdered father could not be forgiven.

That’s why the man before him had acted preemptively, setting a trap in the Chongzhou battle to bring down this Great Yin war god who had been enfeoffed as a marquis at just twenty for his military exploits.

Wei Yan ignored the attendant’s flattery and took a final glance at the yellowed letter paper that had weathered sixteen years. He tossed it into the charcoal brazier beside the desk.

The red-hot silver charcoal instantly burned a large hole in the letter. As the dark brown hole in the paper grew larger, the entire letter was gradually consumed by flames. The weapons and bloodshed of sixteen years ago seemed to turn to smoke and ash in this firelight, with no one left to know the truth of those days.

Firelight reflected in Wei Yan’s eyes as he said gravely, “Let He Jingyuan handle the Chongzhou battle for now. The person who wants to bring the Battle of Jinzhou from sixteen years ago into the open won’t give up. Have the Di rank shadow guards watch closely. If there’s any more unusual activity, I must see that rat hiding in the dark, stirring up trouble!”

The attendant asked, “Could it be Grand Tutor Li’s faction…”

Wei Yan shook his head, his aged face showing the composure of one standing at the edge of an abyss: “If that old fool had noticed any clues about the Battle of Jinzhou back then, he wouldn’t have waited sixteen years to bring it up again.”

He continued slowly, “After Crown Prince Chengde died in battle, the Eastern Palace caught fire. The Crown Princess and the young prince both perished in the blaze. Half of the Crown Princess’s face was still recognizable, but the young prince was burned to a crisp. Let’s hope the one who died truly was the young prince.”

The attendant understood his implication and broke out in a cold sweat, saying, “The child who died with the Crown Princess must have been the young prince. Besides him, what other young boy would have been in the Eastern Palace?”

Wei Yan simply said, “Let’s hope so.”

In Jizhou, it was New Year’s Eve, but with the imperial army’s defeat in Chongzhou and Jizhou bordering Chongzhou, not a single official of the seventh rank or higher in all of Jizhou could enjoy a peaceful New Year. They had all been summoned to the Jizhou government office to discuss countermeasures.

A letter was delivered to He Jingyuan’s desk. After reading it, he sighed, “The Chancellor’s eldest son seems to think the fire in Chongzhou isn’t burning hot enough!”

Standing below, Zheng Wenchang asked, “What do you mean, sir?”

He Jingyuan handed the document bearing the Northwestern Military Commissioner’s seal to his subordinate. After the officials in the study passed it around and read it, discussions erupted.

Zheng Wenchang angrily said, “In the entire Great Yin Dynasty, with one capital and seventeen prefectures, the Northwest occupies four. Chongzhou has already rebelled, leaving only Huizhou, Jizhou, and Taizhou. Huizhou is a military garrison, and to weaken the Military Commissioner’s power, the court has always strictly forbidden garrisons from storing grain or farming. Now only Jizhou and Taizhou in the entire Northwest can supply grain. Yet Wei Xuan demands that our two prefectures each provide 100,000 shi of grain within three days. Isn’t this an impossible demand?”

Another official said, “I hear Taizhou couldn’t raise the grain, so yesterday the Military Commissioner sent troops to forcibly requisition it. The farmers’ seed grain for next year was all taken by the soldiers! Forget about spring planting; the common people will be lucky not to starve to death this harsh winter!”

“Those soldiers under Wei Xuan don’t treat the common people as humans at all. I heard they even beat several peasants to death for refusing to hand over grain. This hasn’t spread yet, but once it does, it’ll add another black mark to the Wei family’s reputation!”

He Jingyuan listened to the officials below arguing more and more heatedly without speaking. When their disputes reached a crescendo, he finally asked, “Why couldn’t the Northwest raise grain this year?”

The grain for the 100,000 troops in Huizhou Garrison had always been allocated by the imperial court. It was only because of the Chongzhou rebellion blocking the supply routes that provisions were delayed in arriving.

If the Chongzhou battle had ended earlier, it wouldn’t have come to this. But the Great Yin war god, Marquis Wu’an, had fallen there, greatly impacting the army’s morale.

The new Military Commissioner Wei Xuan was an ambitious glory-seeker. To quickly gain control of Huizhou’s 100,000 troops, he demoted or transferred away Marquis Wu’an’s important generals.

His people were unfamiliar with the Northwestern battlefields, suffering several consecutive defeats that further damaged morale. He forcibly extended the battle lines, exhausting Huizhou Garrison’s existing provisions.

With Huizhou in dire straits, normally the other three prefectures in the West could have provided supplies first. Even with only two prefectures left now, it shouldn’t have been impossible to raise any grain at all.

Zheng Wenchang, who had been arguing like a firecracker, bowed and said, “This subordinate ordered an investigation. Recently, a merchant surnamed Zhao bought up a lot of grain at high prices in Jizhou and Taizhou. The common people only kept coarse grains for their own consumption and seed grain for spring planting. They sold all other grain in exchange for silver to celebrate the New Year.”

He Jingyuan said, “Investigate this merchant Zhao.”

Zheng Wenchang acknowledged the order.

He Jingyuan said, “It’s New Year’s Eve today. Let’s end the meeting here. You should all head home early.”

The officials, who had been looking gloomy, brightened at his words. Still, they maintained their composure, bowing formally before leaving one by one.

Only Zheng Wenchang remained, his brow deeply furrowed.

With everyone else gone, he stood alone in the room.

He Jingyuan rose from behind his desk and, seeing Zheng still standing there, asked, “Why aren’t you going home?”

Zheng Wenchang said worriedly, “Sir since Wei Xuan has explicitly ordered our Jizhou Prefecture to gather 100,000 shi of grain within three days, what shall we do if we can’t produce it in time?”

He Jingyuan replied, “Didn’t I tell you to investigate that merchant Zhao?”

Zheng Wenchang remained silent. The merchant had started buying grain early on. Even if they tracked him down, if the grain had been sold elsewhere, it wouldn’t solve their immediate problem.

He Jingyuan suddenly stopped and looked at the young man before him, his gaze both gentle and firm. “Do you want me to do as Wei Xuan does and have our men seize grain from the common people?”

Zheng Wenchang quickly denied this, though his face still showed hesitation. “Then… how will you explain this to the Wei family?”

He Jingyuan said, “There’s always a way, but that way isn’t putting a knife to the people’s throats. Wenchang, it doesn’t matter what faction the court officials say we belong to. What’s important is that we know in our hearts that we serve as officials for the people of Great Yin.”

Zheng Wenchang bowed his head in shame. “This subordinate understands.”

He Jingyuan said no more.

Outside, heavy snow was falling like goose feathers. As he walked out of the study, He Jingyuan thought about what he had sent to the capital after learning of the defeat in Chongzhou. Wei Yan must have seen it by now.

The transfer order from the capital had arrived before Wei Xuan could cause trouble, so Wei Xuan was no longer a threat.

Wei Xuan’s current rush to requisition grain was likely due to his fear of punishment from Wei Yan, making him eager to achieve quick results.

With no one else left in the Northwest, He Jingyuan was the only one Wei Yan could use. His risky method of exchanging that item for the lives of those two sisters might just work.

This was all he could do.

Hearing the distant sound of firecrackers in the streets, a complex, melancholic emotion flashed in He Jingyuan’s eyes. “During festivals, we should make offerings to those who have passed. There’s an old friend for whom no one will burn spirit money anymore. I’m not worthy to face him. Wenchang, come with me outside the city. Burn some spirit money for my old friend on my behalf.”

Zheng Wenchang agreed.

A carriage drove out of Jizhou’s main city, stopping at a hillside.

The mountain wind howled as He Jingyuan personally lit incense, bowed three times towards the north, and planted it in the soil. He then stepped back, letting Zheng Wenchang burn all the spirit money there.

The wind fanned the flames, scattering unburned spirit money everywhere. White paper mixed with falling snow creates a desolate, bleak scene.

When Zheng Wenchang finished making the offerings and walked down the low hill, he saw He Jingyuan standing with his back to the hill, a sorrowful expression on his face.

On the return journey, Zheng couldn’t help but ask, “Sir, you’ve always been kind-hearted. Why do you say you’re not worthy to face your old friend?”

He Jingyuan sat in the carriage with his eyes closed, seemingly resting. Hearing the question, he only replied, “In times like these, there are things one must do, even if reluctantly.”

In Linan Town, the snowy ground was covered with soggy spirit money.

When the wind blew strongly, more spirit money scattered into the air.

The melted snow made the road difficult to traverse, turning it into a muddy mess. Fan Changyu carried Changning along the field ridge, while Xie Zheng followed behind with an expressionless face, carrying a bamboo basket full of incense, candles, and spirit money.

It was a local tradition to visit ancestors’ graves on New Year’s Eve to burn incense, light candles, and offer spirit money.

Fan Changyu’s parents were buried on a hill with excellent feng shui just outside town.

Being a new grave, there was hardly any grass in front of it. Upon arrival, Fan Changyu set Changning down.

It had been nearly two months since their parents passed away. Seeing the two graves, tears immediately welled up in Changning’s grape-like eyes. “Father, Mother…”

Fan Changyu stroked her younger sister’s head, comforting her, “Don’t cry. It’s the New Year; we should be happier. Our parents can see us now, and they’ll be at peace in heaven.”

Little Changning tried hard to sniff back her tears, holding them in.

After lighting the incense and candles, Fan Changyu had Changning kowtow before the graves, while she took out the spirit money from the bamboo basket and burned it in an iron basin specially meant for paper ashes.

After kowtowing, Changning also squatted down to burn spirit money with Fan Changyu. Seeing Xie Zheng standing aside, she gave him a large portion of her spirit money, saying, “Brother-in-law, burn some paper!”

Xie Zheng hesitated briefly before taking the spirit money and burning it. The smell of burning paper was somewhat acrid, and the rising smoke made Changning’s eyes water. She had to step aside for a moment.

Only Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng remained by the fire basin.

Xie Zheng noticed that she had divided the spirit money in the basket into four portions and asked, “Who are the other two portions for?”

Fan Changyu replied, “My maternal grandfather and grandmother. In the past, my parents would make offerings to them. Now that my parents are gone, we might as well burn offerings for them all together.”

Xie Zheng frowned imperceptibly. Her mother didn’t even know her original surname, so how could she know her parents’ birth dates and times?

He increasingly felt that the surname on her mother’s ancestral tablet had been deliberately concealed.

As for why her father’s surname wasn’t hidden, either Fan wasn’t her father’s original surname, or… her father had previously used another surname.

Though suspicions arose in his mind, he had no intention of asking about her grandfather’s surname.

He could already guess the result, and if he asked, she would know nothing about it anyway.

Seeing his silence, Fan Changyu thought he was remembering his deceased parents and generously said, “We have extra spirit money at home. Later, you can burn some for your parents too.”

Xie Zheng’s long fingers pinched a piece of spirit money curling in the flames, his eyes showing a hint of indifference in the firelight and smoke. “Does burning these things work?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t answer this question. After some thought, she said, “Maybe it does. The elders say that people need money in the afterlife to bribe the underworld officials, or they’ll suffer. Even if it doesn’t work, it’s a way of remembering them.”

Burning spirit money during festivals means there are still people in this world who remember the deceased.

Xie Zheng said no more, only occasionally throwing more spirit money into the basin. His eyelashes were half-lowered, making it impossible to discern the meaning of his gaze.

He threw in too much spirit money at once, causing it to pile up unburned and create thick smoke. Fan Changyu was almost brought to tears by the smoke. She closed her eyes and turned her face away, saying, “Don’t put in so much at once.”

She reached out to feel for spirit money in the bamboo basket but instead touched a cool, large hand.

Fan Changyu quickly let go as if electrified, opening her tear-filled almond eyes, both embarrassed and flustered. “I’m sorry.”

The warmth of her touch still lingered on the back of his hand. Xie Zheng lightly pressed his lips together, about to say “It’s alright,” when he looked up and saw her embarrassed state, with tears in the corners of her eyes and reddened eyelids. He was momentarily stunned.

Xie/Yan Zheng is falling in love and he doesn’t know it.

right?! my guy is totally oblivious 🤣🤣🤣

Zhu Yu – Chapter 31

Fan Changyu finally managed to endure the smoke, blinking to squeeze out the tears caused by the fumes. Feeling somewhat better, she looked up to find Xie Zheng staring at her with an inexplicable expression. She patted the top of her head and asked, “Is there ash in my hair?”

The wind was strong at that moment, and indeed, quite a bit of joss paper ash had settled on her head and shoulders.

Xie Zheng averted his gaze, lowered his eyes, and nodded.

Fan Changyu haphazardly patted herself, but as she did so, the ash spread and stuck to her body.

Changningg, seeing this, ran over on her short legs and puffed out her cheeks, saying, “Let Ning blow it off for you.”

Fan Changyu lowered her head to let her younger sister help blow away the ash from her hair. However, Changningg was small and lacked the strength to blow it clean. She tugged at Xie Zheng’s sleeve, tilted her head up, and said, “Brother-in-law, please blow it off.”

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu, who was half-squatting on the ground letting her sister help remove the ash from her hair. From his angle, he could just see a glimpse of her fair nape and half of her beautiful profile. As she spoke to her sister, there was a gentle smile on her lips.

When Fan Changyu heard Changningg ask Xie Zheng to help blow away the ash from her hair, she had already raised her head and said, “It’s almost gone, let’s go back…”

The last word caught in her throat.

Xie Zheng raised his hand and gently brushed away the smoke and ash from the top of her head. His touch was very light, barely grazing her hair, but the slight tickle caused by the movement of her hair made Fan Changyu stiffen for a moment.

It felt completely different from when she did it herself, though she couldn’t quite explain how.

After removing the last trace of ash from her hair, Xie Zheng withdrew his hand and said, “It’s done.”

Fan Changyu met his dark, inscrutable eyes and said dryly, “Thank you.”

By the time they returned home from the ancestor worship, it was nearly noon. Fan Changyu stewed a pig’s trotter, sliced some Chinese sausage, reheated a previously steamed pork belly, and finally stir-fried a plate of dried vegetables to cut through the greasiness. The three of them made do with this for lunch.

The dried vegetables were made during the green vegetable harvest season. After boiling and sun-drying the vegetables, they were stored away. Every household in town knew this technique, which was said to have been invented during the famine years as a way to store as much food as possible.

Compared to fresh greens, the dried vegetables had a richer aroma. After rehydrating and chopping them finely, they were stir-fried with ginger and garlic, resulting in a dish even more fragrant than meat.

After the meal, nearly half of the meat was left, but the plate of dried vegetables was finished.

The large bowl of minced meat mixed with offal next to the gyrfalcon’s cage was also emptied. The bird was now squinting its small eyes and using its beak to groom its feathers, which had turned a dingy gray from being placed near the fire pit.

After clearing away the bowls and chopsticks, Fan Changyu took out the red paper for the spring couplets and lanterns she had bought earlier and began to work on them.

Hanging spring couplets and big red lanterns on New Year’s Eve was an essential custom.

The brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were all in Xie Zheng’s room. Fan Changyu, carrying a stack of spring couplet paper, knocked on his door.

On the writing desk, the paper was spread out, and the chipped inkstone was already filled with ground ink. As expected, he was sitting at the rickety desk writing something.

As his cool gaze swept over her, Fan Changyu scratched her head and asked shamelessly, “Um… do you know how to write spring couplets?”

Changningg, like a little shadow, also peeked out from the doorway, her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled, “Brother-in-law writing spring couplets!”

Xie Zheng put aside the half-written paper, making room on the desk, and said, “Bring them here.”

Fan Changyu then squeezed into the room with the spring couplet paper and Changningg, her little shadow.

After Xie Zheng laid out the spring couplet paper on the desk and dipped the brush in thick ink, there wasn’t much ink left in the inkstone. He turned his head slightly towards Fan Changyu and said, “Help me grind some more ink.”

Fan Changyu seemed to want to say something but held back. Seeing that he had already started writing the first powerful and graceful character on the spring couplet paper, she didn’t want to disturb him. She glanced at the inkstone and began grinding ink vigorously.

When Xie Zheng’s brush ran low on ink and he was about to dip it again, he saw the black mess in the inkstone and fell silent for a moment before saying, “That’s too much.”

It wasn’t just too much – she had nearly ground half a block of ink for writing one pair of couplets.

He couldn’t help but glance at her hands.

Thinking of her strength, he resigned himself to the situation.

Fan Changyu said sheepishly, “I was going to ask you how much to grind before I started…”

She could read and had been forced by her mother to learn how to write, albeit poorly. The four treasures of the study were precious, and she rarely ground ink herself. In the past, when her mother forced her to practice writing, her mother would prepare the ink and watch her write. She had no idea how much ink to grind.

Xie Zheng seemed to be used to such situations and said, “It’s not a problem to grind too much, just a waste if we can’t use it all.”

Fan Changyu stared at the ink stick she had ground down by more than half, feeling quite regretful.

She thought that Old Lady Zhao’s family probably hadn’t bought spring couplets either, and said, “Then let’s write a pair for Old Lady Zhao’s family too! We can use the leftover ink to write a few more pairs and hang one on each room’s door for good luck!”

This was the first time Xie Zheng had heard of such a way of hanging spring couplets. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, but then he found it somewhat amusing. A feeling of clarity that he couldn’t quite explain arose in his heart.

When he first met her, he only thought this woman was coarse, but now he felt that within that coarseness, there was a vigorous life force.

She was like wild grass in an untended field, growing upwards with sheer tenacity. She could break through frozen earth, split rocks, endure harsh winters, and survive scorching summers. No matter whether the emerging sprout faced frost or rain, the roots below continued to burrow deep into the thick soil, constantly providing nourishment for the sprout to grow upwards.

He glanced at the woman sitting at the side of the desk, resting her chin on her hand as she watched him write. Then he dipped his brush in thick ink and continued to write the second line of the couplet.

Snowflakes drifted in through the half-open window. The wind moved his wide sleeves and Fan Changyu’s long hair. As he finished writing, Fan Changyu leaned in to look at the couplet he had written, and a strand of her hair brushed across the back of his hand.

He paused in the act of lifting his brush, and a drop of ink fell onto the bottom of the couplet.

Fan Changyu let out a small “Ah” and said with some frustration, “Did I disturb you?”

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze: “No, I just dipped too much ink.”

Fan Changyu looked at the couplet with some regret: “What a pity, the calligraphy is so beautiful. But it’s alright, we can hang it on my and Changningg’s door!”

Xie Zheng looked up and asked, “Do you like it?”

Fan Changyu nodded. She examined the couplet and read out the characters: “‘Ice melts, spring water flows; Snow clears, grass sprouts grow.’ I like the imagery of ice and snow melting to make way for spring grass.”

She smiled at Xie Zheng as she spoke: “When my mother used to write spring couplets for our family, she also didn’t like to write the kind of auspicious phrases sold in the market.”

Xie Zheng was momentarily dazed by her smile. He didn’t respond, but lowered his gaze and picked up his brush. With a few strokes, he turned the ink drop that had ruined the entire couplet into a small, evocative sketch of wild grass.

Fan Changyu and her sister both exclaimed “Oh!” in unison, their eyes unable to hide their delight.

Fan Changyu picked up the couplet and examined it repeatedly: “You can paint too?”

Xie Zheng said, “Just a little.”

Fan Changyu stared at the vibrant wild grass at the bottom of his spring couplet: “It’s more than enough.”

She looked up at Xie Zheng several times and said, “If you sold your calligraphy and paintings on the street, I think you could make a lot of money!”

With his looks and brush skills, surely many young women would be willing to buy his paintings!

Xie Zheng’s mouth, which had curved upwards slightly at her earlier praise, flattened again when he heard her last two sentences.

He said, “I don’t create art that doesn’t please me.”

Fan Changyu knew that he had always been ill-tempered, so such an answer didn’t surprise her. She watched as he continued to write the horizontal scroll.

He wrote four characters meaning “Endure until spring arrives.” His calligraphy was strong, seeming to carry the vigor and tenacity of wild grass breaking through the soil.

Fan Changyu already loved the couplet very much, and seeing this horizontal scroll made her even more satisfied.

To make it match, Xie Zheng also drew a few strokes of wild grass on the horizontal scroll and the upper scroll of the spring couplet paper.

Fan Changyu happily placed the completed couplet on the nearby cabinet to dry.

This couplet no longer had the ink stain, and the spring couplet paper they bought was only enough for three pairs. Fan Changyu still wanted to write a pair for Old Lady Zhao and her family, so she immediately decided to hang this pair at the main door.

The spring couplet Xie Zheng wrote for the two elders was a pair of auspicious phrases wishing for blessings, longevity, and good health.

When writing the last spring couplet, Changningg placed both hands on the desk, stood on her tiptoes, and said, “Ning wants to write too.”

Fan Changyu thought that since this couplet was just for their own home, she took out the paper for the horizontal scroll. She asked Xie Zheng to come up with a pair of verses, which he wrote on the paper. Then she guided her sister’s hand to copy them.

She helped Changningg write the horizontal scroll and then wrote the first line of the couplet in her scrawl.

Although the characters were ugly, Fan Changyu was quite satisfied with the result.

She handed the brush back to Xie Zheng: “You write the second line.”

Xie Zheng looked at the characters that were so large they almost spilled off the entire spring couplet paper. After a moment of silence, he wrote the second line in wild cursive script, which made it look less incongruous.

All the calligraphy styles he used deliberately avoided his usual handwriting, so that anyone familiar with his script wouldn’t recognize it.

Fan Changyu was about to finish up, but Changningg had slipped out of the room at some point and brought back the gyrfalcon from its cage in the main hall. Her eyes shining brightly, she looked at Fan Changyu and said, “Let’s add Xuan Xuan’s footprint too!”

Her way of holding the bird was quite particular: one chubby hand held its belly, while the other gripped its neck, clearly implying that if the gyrfalcon didn’t cooperate, she would simply grab it by the neck.

Xie Zheng met the gyrfalcon’s terrified and helpless gaze, feeling somewhat bemused.

These sisters must be blood-related.

Fan Changyu stroked the feathers on the gyrfalcon’s forehead, thought for a moment, and said, “Alright!”

She took the inkstone, lifted one of the gyrfalcon’s claws, dipped it in the ink, and pressed it onto the horizontal scroll after Changningg’s writing.

Still haunted by the memory of being tapped on the head, the gyrfalcon kept its wings tucked in and didn’t dare move throughout the process, its small eyes wide open, looking bewildered and pitiful.

After making the print, Fan Changyu used a damp cloth to clean the ink off the gyrfalcon’s foot before telling Changningg, “Take it back now.”

Changningg happily carried the gyrfalcon back to its cage in the main hall.

Fan Changyu went to the kitchen to find the leftover rice porridge from lunch. She first pasted the spring couplet created by the three of them and the gyrfalcon on the door frame of the main hall, then took the rice porridge paste outside to hang the “Endure until spring arrives” couplet.

When the elderly Zhao couple heard that Xie Zheng had written a couplet for them too, they came out to see Fan Changyu helping them paste the new couplet, smiling from ear to ear.

Other neighbors passing by in the alley saw this and asked curiously, “Changyu, your husband can write couplets too?”

Old Lady Zhao had always been unwilling to let people look down on Fan Changyu because of Song Yan’s affair. Hearing this question, she immediately said, “Of course! That young man is well-educated. Look at this calligraphy, it’s even better than the spring couplets sold on the street!”

In this small town, being able to read and write a few characters was considered a skill. Even if one couldn’t pass the county-level imperial examinations, just passing the child-level exam would significantly improve one’s status when arranging marriages.

The woman looked and nodded repeatedly, “It’s no worse than the spring couplets Song Yan used to write for everyone in previous years. Changyu knows how to pick a husband!”

She smiled at Fan Changyu and said, “Would your husband write a pair for your aunt too?”

In previous years, when the New Year approached, Song Yan would set up a stall in the market to write spring couplets for extra income. He wouldn’t charge the neighbors in the alley, as long as they brought their red paper. However, most people would still give him something as a gesture of gratitude when asking for his help.

This year, with Song Yan’s family having moved away, people would have to spend more than ten copper coins to have someone write spring couplets, and even ready-made ones weren’t cheap. Most families in the alley hadn’t prepared spring couplets.

Fan Changyu thought about Xie Zheng’s ill temper and politely declined, “I’m sorry, aunt, we don’t have extra spring couplet paper at home.”

The woman replied directly, “I still have spring couplet paper from previous years at home!”

Xie Zheng appeared at the gate at some point. Seeing him, the woman asked with a smile, “Changyu’s husband, do you have time to write a pair of spring couplets for your aunt?”

What kind of address was “Changyu’s husband”?

Fan Changyu was afraid he might say something harsh with his sharp tongue and was about to refuse on his behalf again when she heard him say, “Please bring the paper.”

Fan Changyu was somewhat stunned, but the woman was delighted to hear Xie Zheng’s words. She turned and headed home, saying, “Wait here, I’ll go home and get the paper right away!”

It was as if she feared Xie Zheng might change his mind at any moment.

Fan Changyu thought that since he had agreed, it must be out of consideration for her. After entering the courtyard, she couldn’t help but say, “If you don’t want to, you don’t have to force yourself to agree.”

Xie Zheng looked up coolly, “When did I say I didn’t want to?”

Fan Changyu: “…”

Wasn’t it he who said earlier that he wouldn’t create art that didn’t please him?

Well, that was about painting. Writing a few characters wasn’t a big deal. She was overthinking it.

Soon, the aunt returned with red paper, but she wasn’t alone. Several other women and elderly ladies, also carrying red paper, accompanied her.

Seeing Fan Changyu, they all smiled and said, “We heard your husband is writing spring couplets for people. Grandma’s family hasn’t written spring couplets this year either, so we shamelessly came along.”

Knowing that the four treasures of the study were precious, they naturally didn’t come empty-handed. Those who had made tofu at home brought a bowl of tofu, those who had made rice candy wrapped up a few pieces and gave them to Changningg as snacks.

Fan Changyu, seeing the people bringing gifts, couldn’t refuse outright, nor could she accept on Xie Zheng’s behalf. She could only look towards Xie Zheng.

He had already brought the brush, ink, and inkstone from the south room to the main hall. Catching Fan Changyu’s glance, he said softly, “Please have a seat, aunties.”

This was a sign of agreement, so Fan Changyu invited everyone to sit by the fire pit to warm up.

When writing spring couplets, Xie Zheng didn’t start writing immediately. He would first ask one or two questions about what kind of meaning the person wanted in their spring couplet before putting brush to paper.

Amidst the swirling wind and snow, his posture as he held the brush was composed and serene.

When an old grandmother from the end of the alley came to have her couplet written, she seemed unsure how to describe the kind of couplet she wanted. Her speech was hesitant, with a strong local accent, and rather rambling.

However, Xie Zheng showed no sign of impatience. To hear the old lady clearly, he would even slightly lower his head and listen attentively.

Fan Changyu, sitting by the fire pit, was somewhat surprised to see this. In her impression, he had always been ill-tempered and arrogant. She hadn’t expected him to have such a gentle and refined side.

After finishing the couplet, he read it aloud to the old grandmother and explained its meaning. The old lady nodded continuously, her face wrinkled with smiles.

Fan Changyu, resting her chin on one hand, watched from the side and found herself smiling too.

Xie Zheng suddenly looked up and caught her smiling eyes directly.

Fan Changyu’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, her smile froze, and she silently turned back to warm herself by the fire.

When word spread that Xie Zheng was helping write couplets, it spread from one to ten and ten to a hundred. Nearly half the neighbors in the alley came to ask for his help. It wasn’t until nearly dusk that people stopped coming to knock on the door. The table was piled high with various snacks and foods given by people in return for the couplets.

Fan Changyu noticed Xie Zheng discreetly rubbing his wrist as he sat down by the fire pit. She teased, “Your hand is sore, isn’t it?”

Xie Zheng only replied, “It’s fine.”

Fan Changyu inwardly snorted. This man was just being stubborn.

Seeing that it was almost dark, she lit the big red lanterns, planning to hang them in the courtyard.

In previous years, hanging lanterns was always her father’s job. Fan Changyu had little experience and chose a bamboo pole that was too short, unable to hang it up. She called out to Changningg, “Ning, help me bring a stool out here.”

Changningg was sitting at the doorway eating a piece of rice candy. She would eat a bit, then break off a piece and scatter it at her feet for the gyrfalcon to peck at.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, she turned her head and shouted into the house, “Brother-in-law, help sister hang the lanterns!”

Fan Changyu was about to say that this child was getting better at ordering people around when she saw Xie Zheng already walking out of the house.

He wasn’t carrying a stool. As he approached, he naturally took the bamboo pole from Fan Changyu’s hand. His palm lightly brushed against the back of her hand, just as he had done when teaching her to break holds in the pine forest. Only this time, mixed with his fresh and cool scent was a faint aroma of dried tangerine peel candy.

“It’s hung,” he said after hanging the lantern under the eaves, stepping back. The scent of dried tangerine peel candy faded with his distance.

Fan Changyu felt awkward all over and squeezed out a dry “Thank you.”

For dinner, they had the leftover stewed pig’s trotter from lunch, along with some homemade New Year’s dishes brought by neighbors who had come for spring couplets. Fan Changyu selected a few dishes to reheat and set up a small pot over the fire pit. She sliced fresh meat, tofu, and winter bamboo shoots, laid out a plate of braised offal, and beat an egg into the sliced tender pork liver, mixing it well to be cooked on the spot.

This was a hot pot dish she had often seen customers order when she was helping with the braised meat at Yixiang Restaurant.

Curious, she had asked what it was. Chef Li told her it was a dish created by Manager Yu, and while other restaurants had similar dishes, none could match the taste of Yixiang’s version.

Yixiang Restaurant was closed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Manager Yu had given her several blocks of solidified red oil for cooking hot pot, telling her to take them home to enjoy during the New Year.

Fan Changyu didn’t know how the solidified red oil blocks were made, but they contained various spices like Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaves, and star anise. When boiled in water, they turned into a bright red soup. The meat cooked in it tasted even better than the blood soup she had made before.

It was quite spicy though. Changningg both craved it and feared the spice, her mouth swelling up by the end of the meal.

Fan Changyu also found the hot pot overwhelmingly spicy and hard to bear. She went to fetch a jar of light wine, pouring a cup for Xie Zheng before remembering his injury.

Fan Changyu took the cup from in front of him and placed it in front of herself: “I forgot, you’re injured and can’t drink.”

Xie Zheng smelled the wine and knew it wasn’t strong. He said, “Light wine is fine.”

Fan Changyu ignored him and poured him a cup of warm tea instead: “The doctor said you can’t touch alcohol until your injury heals.”

Changningg looked longingly at the cup in front of Fan Changyu: “Ning wants some too.”

Fan Changyu poured her a cup of warm tea as well: “Children can’t drink alcohol. Drink tea with your brother-in-law.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

The hot pot was incredibly spicy, yet addictive. By the end, Fan Changyu was practically drinking the light wine like water.

Her lips burning, she reached to pour more wine only to find that she had unknowingly drunk most of the jar.

Fan Changyu was a bit dumbfounded: “How did I drink so much…”

Then she consoled herself: “It’s okay, this wine probably doesn’t make you drunk.”

Her face was already somewhat flushed, but Xie Zheng and Changningg’s faces were also red from eating the spicy hot pot.

Xie Zheng wasn’t sure about her alcohol tolerance. Seeing her drink so boldly, he assumed she could hold her liquor well. Even now, he couldn’t tell if her flushed face was from the spice, the alcohol, or both.

He pushed the teapot towards her: “Drink some tea to sober up.”

Fan Changyu’s mind was a bit slow at this point. After thinking for a while, she concluded – was he making fun of her low alcohol tolerance?

She stubbornly poured herself another cup of wine and said with a fierce expression: “I can hold my liquor just fine! My father could drink a whole jar of strong liquor, and I could drink half a jar. This bit of light wine is nothing!”

Xie Zheng watched helplessly as she tilted her head back and downed the cup of wine. Then her almond-shaped eyes grew smaller and smaller until finally, her head drooped, and she fell asleep on the low table.

Xie Zheng: “…”

The child was also the type to get sleepy after eating her fill. Hugging the red envelope her sister had given her, her breathing had long since become deep and even.

On this New Year’s Eve, only Xie Zheng was left awake to keep the vigil.

The lanterns under the eaves cast a warm light on the fluttering snow. The sound of firecrackers being set off could be heard from somewhere in the distant alleys.

Xie Zheng looked at the woman sleeping soundly on the low table. Half of her face, illuminated by the firelight, was flushed red. Just looking at her made one think that the temperature of her skin if touched, would be extremely warm and soft.

He gazed at her quietly for a while, then averted his eyes. He picked up the wine jar from the table and poured himself a cup. With one leg half bent and one hand resting on his knee, he sat in a relaxed posture, taking a small sip from the cup as he looked out at the snowy scene beyond the door.

Perhaps it was because he was close to the fire pit, or perhaps it was the warm light from the lanterns under the eaves, but at this moment, his heartfelt unprecedentedly peaceful.

Sixteen years after the Battle of Jinzhou, he finally understood again how the New Year should be celebrated.

Half a jar of wine found its way into his stomach, sip by sip, yet his eyes showed no sign of intoxication.

At the stroke of midnight, fireworks exploded over the town. He looked towards the woman at the other end of the low table, who only mumbled in her sleep at the sound before sinking back into deep slumber. He said softly, “Happy New Year.”

xie zheng is slowly falling inlove with his wife.. so excited for the series

in the drama, he didn’t show much of his emotion. this book explained his feeling so much better that we literally melt for him!

yes

Zhu Yu – Chapter 32

In the distant alleys, the sound of firecrackers continued to echo intermittently after the fireworks display. The night air carried occasional barks of dogs.

Xie Zheng lightly rapped his half-clenched fist on the table where Fan Changyu was slumped. “Wake up.”

Under the influence of alcohol and fatigue, Fan Changyu only mumbled a response, adjusting her head to a more comfortable position on her arm before falling back into a deep sleep.

Seeing that he couldn’t wake her, Xie Zheng hesitated for a moment before walking over to lift her, intending to carry her back to her room.

This movement caused Fan Changyu to open her eyes drowsily. Her cheeks were still flushed, leaving Xie Zheng unsure whether she was awake or still intoxicated.

He supported her with one arm to prevent her from falling and asked, “Can you return to your room on your own?”

Fan Changyu tilted her head to examine him. Her hair was disheveled from her sleeping position, making her look both dazed and docile. Her gaze was vacant as if she couldn’t recognize who was in front of her.

Xie Zheng was taken aback at first, then averted his gaze and frowned, saying, “You shouldn’t drink recklessly if you don’t know your alcohol tolerance.”

He tugged at her hand, intending to help her up when he heard her mumbling something incoherently.

Unable to make out her words, Xie Zheng leaned in closer. “What?”

Fan Changyu was barely conscious. As her head bobbed, it happened to dip just as Xie Zheng leaned in to listen. Her lips lightly brushed his cheek, and her head nestled into the crook of his neck. Her already drowsy eyes closed completely, unaware of what she had done.

Xie Zheng froze entirely.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment. The sound of wind, snow, and the crackling bonfire all ceased.

Her fluffy hair rested against the side of his neck, her breathing long and shallow, indicating she had fallen into a deep sleep.

Xie Zheng remained motionless for a long while until a weak voice came from nearby: “Sister?”

Xie Zheng turned his head to see Channing, who seemed to have just woken up. She was still clutching her red envelope in one hand while rubbing her sleepy eyes with the other, looking at him and Fan Changyu with confusion.

His long, slender finger lightly pressed against his lips, making a “shh” gesture. His bangs fell across his forehead, and his eyes were dark and calm in the lamplight. “Your sister is asleep. Don’t disturb her.”

Channing nodded obediently.

Xie Zheng pointed to the oil lamp nearby and asked, “Can you carry the oil lamp?”

Little Channing nodded more vigorously.

She carried the oil lamp with both hands, walking in front. Xie Zheng slipped one arm under Fan Changyu’s armpits and the other under her knees, lifting her horizontally. He walked steadily behind Channing.

Fan Changyu had carried him back from the wilderness twice before, but this was the first time he had carried her.

She was even lighter than he had imagined.

Of course, in just two short months, she had experienced the death of her parents, her childhood sweetheart breaking off their engagement, and her uncle seizing her family’s property. More recently, these two assassination attempts were enough to terrify an ordinary person for life.

On the surface, she acted as if nothing was wrong, going out early and returning late every day to earn money to support her family. At the dinner table, she never seemed to lose her appetite, and when comforting her younger sister, she would still play and joke around with the child.

In the past, Xie Zheng had thought she was simply carefree, but at this moment, he suddenly realized that perhaps… she wasn’t carefree at all. She simply knew that she couldn’t afford to remain grief-stricken and depressed. So she worked hard to earn money, ate well every day, slept well, and didn’t dare to let herself fall ill or become discouraged.

Because her sister had only her to rely on, she couldn’t afford to falter.

The path from the main hall to the north room wasn’t long, but in the interplay of darkness and lamplight, a surge of complex emotions welled up in Xie Zheng’s heart.

Upon reaching the north room, Channing, being too short to place the oil lamp on the table, set it on a round stool instead.

Xie Zheng laid the sleeping Fan Changyu on the bed. Channing scurried over, grasping her sister’s shoes with both hands and tugging hard, trying to remove them.

The child struggled with all her might but still couldn’t manage it. Xie Zheng said, “Let me.”

He helped remove both shoes and was about to cover Fan Changyu with the quilt when Channing said, “Sister hasn’t taken off her coat yet.”

Xie Zheng’s fingertips paused momentarily. He placated the child, saying, “Your sister is asleep. Taking off her coat might wake her up. Let her sleep like this.”

Channing finally relented.

As he covered Fan Changyu with the cotton quilt, the little girl kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, tucking in her sister’s blanket corners like a little adult.

Xie Zheng waited until the child had also lain down before placing the oil lamp on the nearby wooden table. He glanced back at the bed curtains. In the dim lamplight, Fan Changyu’s face bore a light flush from the alcohol, her sleeping posture both docile and graceful.

He suddenly recalled the night he had taught her Da Yin law. She had fallen asleep while reciting legal codes, slumped over the desk, and in her sleep, she had choked out a cry of “Mother.”

That strange and unfamiliar emotion rose in his heart once again.

“Brother-in-law?” Channing, noticing him staring in their direction, blinked and called out to him.

Xie Zheng snapped back to reality and said, “Don’t tell your sister about what happened in the other room earlier.”

Little Channing looked very confused. “What happened?”

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment, thinking that she had just woken up then and might not have seen anything. He said, “Nothing.”

As he prepared to extinguish the oil lamp, the child asked, “Brother-in-law, don’t you need a lamp to return to your room?”

“No need.”

With those words, the oil lamp was extinguished, and the room plunged into darkness.

Xie Zheng left the room with steady steps despite the darkness, carefully closing the door behind him.

Before returning to his room, he took the gyrfalcon from its cage by the fire pit. Once in his room, he lit an oil lamp, ground some ink, and finished writing the letter he had left incomplete earlier that day. He then placed it in a bamboo tube and tied it to the gyrfalcon’s leg.

The gyrfalcon’s wing and leg injuries had mostly healed. In the past few days, since it hadn’t been able to fly, it had been fed a large bowl of minced fresh meat or offal daily, causing the entire falcon to become noticeably plumper.

When Xie Zheng raised his arm for the gyrfalcon to perch on, he felt the weight on his forearm and his brow furrowed imperceptibly. “After delivering the letter, fly around outside until dark before returning.”

The gyrfalcon’s beady eyes instinctively glanced toward the large bowl of minced meat in the main hall. Sensing the sudden chill in the person behind it, it hastily flapped its wings and flew into the deep night sky.

Even after the gyrfalcon had flown far away, Xie Zheng didn’t go back inside. Instead, he stood under the eaves with his hands behind his back, watching the snow fall like willow catkins for a long time.

When he had Zhao Xun buy grain, he had anticipated that the officials would eventually take notice.

A few days ago, when Zhao Xun came to see him, he had already instructed Zhao Xun to first send the grain to a place he specified. The letter the gyrfalcon was delivering was to instruct his former subordinates to transport the grain.

The Wei family thought they could eliminate him without expending any troops or effort, and then take over his 100,000 troops in Huizhou. Their plan was excellent, but since he hadn’t died, the good days of that father-and-son duo were coming to an end.

The rumors about the Battle of Jinzhou sixteen years ago that suddenly spread a few months earlier – he hadn’t believed them at first. But when his dear uncle learned that he was secretly investigating the Battle of Jinzhou and directly set a trap on the battlefield to attempt to take his life, it undoubtedly confirmed that rumor.

Before reclaiming command of the Huizhou troops, he still needed to use the Wei family to first remove the spies they had planted around him.

Thinking about how he had mistaken the enemy for his father for sixteen years, Xie Zheng’s raised corner of his mouth was full of mockery.

If that woman, upon learning of his father’s death, hadn’t chosen to follow his father, would he have avoided being raised by Wei Yan’s hand and mistaking the enemy for his father for sixteen years?

He closed his eyes heavily, the lantern under the eaves casting a shadow across his high, straight nose.

Somehow, his thoughts turned to the two Fan sisters again.

For a moment, Xie Zheng felt a bit envious of that child.

When he encountered misfortune in his youth, he was about the same age as her. But when the Xie family fell, there was no one left behind him to shelter him from the wind and rain.

How fortunate that child was. Even without parents, she still had a sister who could hold up the sky for her…

When he opened his eyes again, all emotions had settled in the depths of Xie Zheng’s eyes.

He turned back to his room, took off his outer robe, and had just lain down when he felt something amiss under his pillow.

He sat up, removed the pillow, and was startled for a moment when he saw a red envelope placed underneath.

New Year’s money.

The character for “age” was the same as for “evil spirit,” and people believed that New Year’s money could ward off evil and ghosts, bringing blessings of peace.

Had that woman placed this for him?

Xie Zheng opened the red envelope. Inside were several small silver ingots.

Each weighed less than one tael, but held in his hand at this moment, they felt incredibly heavy.

Xie Zheng couldn’t remember how long it had been since he had last received New Year’s money. After his parents passed away, the only time he received New Year’s money was when his grandmother was still alive.

Wei Yan had lived a life of cold-bloodedness and rigidity. Let alone his nephew, he had never shown kindness even to his son, naturally never preparing red envelopes for them during the New Year.

Xie Zheng lay back on the bed, one hand pillowing his head, the other holding up a silver ingot to examine in the candlelight. His beautiful brows and eyes held several other emotions.

Her parents had passed away, so no one would give her New Year’s money anymore either, right?

The next day, when Fan Changyu woke up, she felt a slight throbbing in her head.

Due to her drunkenness, she had woken up quite late. Channing was already not in the room.

She slowly crawled up, finding that her clothes were still properly on her body. She tried hard to recall the events of the previous night, but her memories after getting drunk were a complete blank no matter how she tried to remember.

However, since she had made it back to her room, either she had walked back herself or Yan Zheng had helped her back.

Fan Changyu felt her face heating up just thinking about the latter possibility.

This was truly embarrassing. She had gotten drunk on clear wine; if word got out, wouldn’t people laugh at her?

She pressed her slightly aching temples. After getting up and quickly washing up, she heard Channing crying in the main hall.

Fan Changyu walked out and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Channing was crouched by the chicken coop, crying with snot and tears: “Xuan Xuan is gone…”

Fan Changyu, seeing the empty chicken coop, was also stunned for a moment. She said, “Maybe the cage door wasn’t closed last night, and the gyrfalcon flew away once its wing injury had healed.”

Channing cried even more heartbrokenly.

Fan Changyu had no choice but to bring out the explanation about the gyrfalcon having to return to find its falcon father and mother. Only then did Channing slowly stop crying.

Xie Zheng, probably having heard the crying from his room, came out. Seeing Channing still guarding the chicken coop and shedding tears, he said, “It will fly back again.”

Channing raised her tear-filled eyes: “Really?”

Fan Changyu thought he was just comforting the child. Fearing that after telling such a lie, Channing would be even more upset when she found out it wasn’t true, she ignored her embarrassment about possibly making a fool of herself while drunk last night and gave Xie Zheng a look.

At first, Xie Zheng didn’t understand her glance. Later, after Fan Changyu had coaxed Channing away, she said to him, “You don’t need to lie to her like that. Channing is probably just too lonely. I’m planning to raise a brood of chicks in the spring. Once she has new playmates, she’ll forget about that gyrfalcon.”

Xie Zheng said, “I wasn’t comforting her.”

This time it was Fan Changyu’s turn to look completely baffled.

He couldn’t be frank about sending the gyrfalcon to deliver a letter at this point, so Xie Zheng lied without batting an eye: “When training hawks and falcons, they are eventually released to fly. If they return, it means they’ve been fully tamed.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu realized it was still an unknown.

She eyed Xie Zheng suspiciously: “You’re so certain it will fly back?”

Xie Zheng nodded calmly.

Although Fan Changyu still had some doubts, she didn’t understand falcon training herself, so she didn’t say anything more.

She had smoked quite a bit of cured meat recently, which was still hanging above the fire pit. Most of it was kept for sale, with only a small portion reserved for eating.

In the past, when her parents were still alive, her father would take a piece of meat to visit the Fan family elders on this day every year. Now that her parents were gone, although Fan Changyu wasn’t close to the old couple, they were still elders, and she had to keep up appearances.

After breakfast, she planned to take a piece of cured meat to give to the old couple and then return. She entrusted Xie Zheng to keep an eye on Channing before leaving with the cured meat.

Fan Da had died not long ago, so the New Year at the Fan family’s old home was rather bleak.

When Fan Changyu arrived, only the old couple was at home. Madam Liu had taken her two children back to her maiden home for the New Year.

Perhaps because they had lost two sons in one year, the old couple had suffered quite a blow. Old Mrs. Fan was bedridden, and Old Mr. Fan’s already graying hair had turned almost completely white. Even on New Year’s Day, his clothes were dirty and wrinkled.

It was unclear whether he had no heart to tidy up, or if life had become difficult now that his daughter-in-law was managing the household.

Seeing Fan Changyu, he invited her to come in and sit by the fire to warm up.

But Fan Changyu only wanted to give the gift and leave. She said, “Ningniang is waiting for me at home, so I won’t stay long.”

Old Mr. Fan looked at the cured meat she had brought, probably reminded of how his younger son used to bring a piece of meat every New Year. His eyes reddened as he said, “Come in and sit for a while. There are some things about your father’s past that I think I should tell you.”

Fan Changyu was startled to hear this. What things about her father’s past did she not know?

Seeing Old Mr. Fan hobble into the house after saying those words, Fan Changyu hesitated briefly before following him inside.

YAYYYYYYY FINALLY WE ARE GONNA KNOW THE TRUTHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 33

The old residence was even more dilapidated than Fan Changyu’s home, clearly neglected. Objects were strewn haphazardly around the room. Due to the winter fire pit, tables and chairs were covered in a layer of soot that hadn’t been wiped clean.

If one sat down without wiping the seat first, their clothes would be stained with black smoke upon standing.

The furnishings in the room were all inexpensive earthenware pots. Both Fan Da and his son were fond of gambling, and any valuable items in the house had long been pawned for money.

The elderly Fan couple lived in the west room. Fan’s father said at the door, “Old woman, Changyu is here.”

The old Mrs. Fan, lying on the kang bed-stove, simply turned her back to the door, clearly unwilling to say a word to Fan Changyu.

Fan’s father looked a bit embarrassed and explained to Fan Changyu, “She’s been like this since Daniu’s death.”

Fan Changyu didn’t take it to heart at all, nor did she bother to pay her respects, as Mrs. Fan had never shown them a kind face since she could remember.

She used the handkerchief handed to her by Fan’s father to wipe the bench, then sat down directly by the fire pit in the main hall to warm herself.

As Fan’s father hung the cured meat she had brought over the fire pit to continue smoking, Fan Changyu noticed the unwashed bowls and chopsticks on a nearby table.

It seemed the elderly couple had cooked rice porridge for breakfast. Even on New Year’s Day, there wasn’t a trace of meat on their table.

Fan Changyu frowned and asked after Fan’s father sat down, “After Uncle’s incident, didn’t the government give you twenty-five taels of silver as compensation? Haven’t you used that money?”

Twenty-five taels was not a small sum. For an ordinary family, if used frugally and without anyone needing medical treatment, ten taels would be enough for a year’s expenses.

Fan’s father stammered, “That money needs to be saved for your cousin’s marriage…”

Fan Changyu raised an eyebrow, “Don’t tell me he gambled it away at the casino again?”

Fan’s father said, “The money is kept by your aunt. She’s worried that the mourning period will delay your cousin’s marriage, so she plans to have him wed during the mourning period. She’s already looking for potential brides.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu said nothing more.

Everyone lives their own life. In the past, the elderly couple had always favored Fan Da with the best things. Now that their son was gone, naturally, they would favor their grandson with the best.

As long as the old residence didn’t have any ill intentions toward her family’s home, she was willing to maintain the status quo of the two families not interfering with each other.

She asked, “You mentioned earlier that there was something related to my father. What is it?”

Fan’s father’s wrinkled face was illuminated by the firelight, making him appear even more gaunt. He sighed slowly, “Daniu’s misfortune might also be my retribution.”

Fan Changyu found these words rather strange but remained silent, waiting for Fan’s father to continue.

“Although your father wasn’t my biological son, he was my brother’s child. That year, during the famine, your real grandfather went with the villagers to raid the government’s granary and was killed by the soldiers. Your grandmother left all the remaining food for your father to eat and starved herself to death. Before she died, she entrusted your father to me…”

As Fan’s father spoke of these things, tears glistened in his cloudy old eyes. “I wanted to raise that child as my flesh and blood, but it was a year of famine. People were even cooking and eating those who died by the roadside, and even the Guanyin soil was fought over. With one more mouth to feed in the family, everyone had to give up a portion of their food for their father. Your two aunts, whom you’ve never met, the older one was only thirteen when she was sent to be a concubine for a wealthy man, in exchange for half a bag of white flour…”

Fan’s father’s voice trembled, tears streaming down his face. “Later, that wealthy man went to another prefecture. Decades have passed, and neither the old woman nor I have seen that child again. We don’t know if she’s alive or dead. The younger one was only eight when she was sold to a slave trader for three hundred men, and we’ve heard nothing of her since. At that time, only Daniu, Erniu, and your father were left in the family, but we still couldn’t fill our stomachs. Your father was the same age as my Erniu, but Erniu was also weak. He fell gravely ill on the way to escape the famine. To get treatment for Erniu, we had no choice but to sell your father to the slave trader as well…”

“Your father was sensible from a young age. When the slave trader took him away, he kowtowed to me three times.” At this point, Fan’s father choked with emotion, unable to continue. “Those five hundred wen have haunted me with guilt for a lifetime… Erniu was ill-fated, and even after several doses of medicine, we couldn’t save him. I thought I’d never see your father again, but who would have thought that sixteen years ago, he would return to this town with your mother.”

“He had been helping to search for news of the two girls who were sold all those years. He couldn’t find the older one, but he did find the younger one. I heard she had married a military household but later died in the war. In times of famine and war, human life is as cheap as grass…”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected there to be so many hidden stories behind her father’s “disappearance”. Her emotions were complex, and it took her a while before she asked, “After my father returned, why did he use your second son’s name?”

Fan’s father said, “When your father came back, he told me he had made enemies while working as a caravan guard outside. He asked if he could live in the town under Erniu’s identity. How could I not agree? So I told everyone he was Erniu, who had gotten lost during the famine years. The old woman has been resenting your father all these years, believing it was because of him that our two daughters were sold. After your parents came to town, she often went to cause trouble, repeatedly saying it was for your father that she sacrificed her two daughters, and took quite a few things from your parents. Later, when your mother fell ill after giving birth to your sister, seeing that your family had no male heir, she thought of adopting Daniu’s second son to your father, so he could inherit your father’s property in the future.”

Fan’s father sighed heavily, his face full of shame. “She was just obsessed. During that year of famine, even if we hadn’t adopted your father, the two girls… probably couldn’t have been kept anyway. The children were lost one by one, and in the end, only Daniu was left. She repeatedly indulged him, which spoiled Daniu. It’s also my fault. In the early years, I couldn’t support this big family. Later, even though I knew she was wrong, whenever she cried about the two girls, I couldn’t bring myself to discipline Daniu properly…”

Fan Changyu had originally disliked Mrs. Fan, finding her sharp-tongued and harsh towards her family. After hearing Fan’s father’s account of past events, she felt that pitiable people must have detestable aspects, but her opinion of Mrs. Fan remained unchanged.

As Fan’s father said, in the end, they couldn’t save Fan Erniu even after selling her father. How could Mrs. Fan be certain that if they hadn’t adopted her father, her two daughters and younger son wouldn’t have left her?

It was just that her father happened to become a target for Mrs. Fan to vent her resentment.

Fan Changyu said, “What’s past is past. As long as you don’t cause any more trouble for my family, I’ll treat you the same way my father did before.”

Fan’s father said, “I’m not telling you this for that reason. Before your parents’ incident, your father came to see me.”

Fan Changyu looked surprised.

Fan’s father, both guilty and embarrassed, said, “He had arranged how to divide the family property and shops. He even wrote a will, saying the pork shop could be given to your uncle, and everything else would be left to you and your sister. I asked him if the enemies he made years ago had come looking for him, but he wouldn’t say more. He only asked me to look after your sisters in the future. Who would have thought that the old woman was a gossip? After your parents passed away, she revealed this to Daniu. Daniu has developed a gambling addiction over the years and has become increasingly unruly. He directly stole that will and burned it, wanting to seize all of your family’s property. These old bones of mine are useless, I couldn’t control him at all…”

When Fan Changyu heard that her parents might have prepared everything before going to their deaths, her hands and feet became uncontrollably cold. Her hands, resting on her knees, unconsciously clenched into fists, her lips turning white as she pressed them together. “Are you saying that before that, my father might have known that he and my mother didn’t have long to live?”

Fan’s father hesitated, then nodded.

Fan Changyu felt a chill throughout her body, her mind in chaos.

According to the official story, it was bandits looking for a treasure map who found her father and came to demand it.

Then why would her father think that if he died with her mother, the bandits wouldn’t come to kill her and Chang’ning?

Unless… the bandits had already obtained the treasure map.

But later, her family still encountered bandits twice, clearly showing they hadn’t gotten what they wanted yet.

However, these later two groups of bandits didn’t know about her family and only targeted them after learning something from Fan Da.

Fan Changyu could only think of one possibility: the bandits who killed her parents and those who came to her house looking for the treasure map were not the same group.

The former got the treasure map but still had to kill her parents, perhaps because her parents knew some secret. Did they have to be silenced?

Fan Changyu had originally thought that after the government’s bandit suppression, her parents’ revenge was considered settled. But now she suddenly felt that the murderers of her parents might not have been brought to justice yet.

After all, news had just come that the treasure map had appeared in the hands of rebels in Chongzhou, and those rebels had recruited many nearby mountain bandits and outlaws. The bandits who killed her parents might well be under the rebels’ command.

On the way home, Fan Changyu was lost in thought.

As she entered the house, she heard Xie Zheng’s calm voice: “Wood, yao, wood, with a ‘big’ character below, combined to form the character ‘Fan’.”

Chang’ning said pitifully, “I don’t want to learn characters anymore. I want to learn how to butcher pigs like Sister.”

“Your sister can read while butchering pigs.”

Chang’ning sniffled, as if about to cry.

Hearing the door open, she immediately ran out on her short legs and hugged Fan Changyu’s leg, looking up with her face scrunched up. “Sister, why do I need to learn characters to butcher pigs?”

Fan Changyu, her mind still preoccupied, simply patted Chang’ning’s little hair bun. “Mother used to say that after learning to read and write, one understands the big picture and great principles. Only then can one navigate life without making mistakes.”

Chang’ning looked a bit dazed, clearly not understanding the meaning of these words.

Xie Zheng raised his eyebrows slightly and added, “I haven’t seen you fond of reading either.”

His words carried a hint of teasing. Usually, Fan Changyu would have bantered back, but today she only said tiredly, “I’ll read more in the future.”

Xie Zheng finally noticed the unusual expression on her face and asked, “You went out for a while and came back looking like frost-bitten crops. What happened?”

Fan Changyu sat by the fire pit and sighed lightly. After telling him what Fan’s father had said, she said dejectedly, “If my parents weren’t killed just because of the treasure map, I need to find out the real reason for their deaths.”

After listening, Xie Zheng’s eyes also darkened. If her father had anticipated this and even prepared for the aftermath, it suggested that those who took her father’s life might have met him beforehand.

Her guess wasn’t unreasonable. However, what those people were looking for wasn’t a treasure map, but a letter that Wei Yan considered extremely important.

The people who killed her parents got the letter. She and her sister knew nothing about her parents’ past, so they were spared.

Xie Zheng, having previously worked as an assassin for Wei Yan, knew that Wei Yan’s usual approach was to eliminate all potential threats.

The fact that they spared the sisters might be because they had some connection to her parents. Considering that they had met her father before killing him, this guess seemed even more plausible.

Later, when Wei Manor’s assassins came to her house to kill and search, and Governor He Jingyuan of Jizhou suddenly deployed troops to Lin’an Town, it was indeed worth pondering.

Most importantly, given his uncle Wei Yan’s iron-fisted style, it was uncharacteristic of him to remain passive after losing so many assassins in Lin’an Town.

If He Jingyuan wanted to protect these two sisters, and given the current situation in the Northwest, Wei Yan could only rely on He Jingyuan, perhaps an agreement between the two would explain everything.

Fan Changyu looked up to see Xie Zheng staring at her with deep, pensive eyes. She asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

Xie Zheng answered indirectly, “Do you want to avenge your parents?”

Fan Changyu nodded, “Of course.”

She then noticed that the hair tie Xie Zheng was wearing was the one she had bought for him earlier. It seemed to be the first time he had worn it.

The dark blue color accentuated his cold, sharp features, giving him an air of detachment.

Xie Zheng said, “What if everything the officials said in closing the case was false?”

I love that they talk more casually with each other nowww!!!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 34

Fan Changyu asked in confusion, “Why would the officials lie?”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly, considering that she had lived in this small place all her life, and the highest-ranking official she had ever seen was probably just a county magistrate. He found himself more tolerant of her current display of naivety.

Her parents might have taught her many principles for navigating life, but they hadn’t told her about the intrigues of officialdom.

He explained to her with unusual patience, even giving an example: “Just like when your uncle wanted to seize your family’s property and sought out that legal advisor. Even in the small world of a country yamen, there are power dynamics. Moving up to the prefectural level and the imperial court, the relationships only become more complex – factions, colleagues, in-laws, teachers, and students… Every official is entangled in a vast web of power. Some cases involve the interests of high-ranking officials. What seems like an injustice to common people can become a battleground for those in power.”

After pondering for a long while, Fan Changyu said, “Are you saying that my parents’ deaths might be tied to the interests of many high-ranking officials?”

A hint of surprise flashed in Xie Zheng’s eyes. She wasn’t so foolish after all.

He lowered his gaze, “I’m just giving an example. The officials might have told only half the truth, or it could all be lies. These details aren’t important. What matters is, if the officials gave you a false truth, what would you do?”

This question indeed exceeded Fan Changyu’s understanding. In the minds of common people, officials were like the heavens above them. A single corrupt official was enough to make people’s lives miserable. After hearing Xie Zheng’s words, she suddenly felt that perhaps not all officials were upright judges.

If all the officials in the Great Yin dynasty protected each other, then what was above them wasn’t the sky, but a net tightly ensnaring them.

Fan Changyu was bewildered for just a moment before her eyes quickly regained their determination. “When Fan Da sought He Shiye’s help to scheme for my family’s property, I thought about finding a higher-ranking official to pull strings. The highest official in Qingping County is the county magistrate, but the magistrate and He Shiye are cut from the same cloth. I couldn’t count on the magistrate, so I thought about kidnapping my uncle.”

“No matter how vast the officialdom of the Great Yin dynasty is, it just means there are more officials higher up. If I knew a high-ranking official, in my uncle’s case, I would probably seek help from a prefectural official. If Fan Da also found the highest official in the prefecture, and if I had the connections, I would go to the capital to seek justice. Following this chain of relationships to the end, it would ultimately lead to the emperor.”

“The highest official in Qingping County is the magistrate, and the highest official in the Great Yin dynasty is the emperor. When it comes to seeking justice, there’s not much difference between the two. In the end, what’s used to judge right from wrong are evidence and iron-clad laws.”

She looked at Xie Zheng, her gaze clear and fearless. “No matter what my parents’ deaths involve, I will investigate. There’s nothing to fear about that web of countless connections in the Great Yin officialdom.”

Her ability to say such things truly surprised Xie Zheng.

He asked, “How will you investigate?”

Fan Changyu looked towards Chang’ning, who was still playing in the snow in the courtyard. “I’m not afraid of danger, but Chang’ning is still too young. If those who killed my parents notice us sisters again, I can’t guarantee I can protect Chang’ning. So before that, I’ll send Chang’ning to a safe place.”

Xie Zheng’s face showed approval. “And then?”

Fan Changyu said, “If I were a man, I might choose to take the imperial examinations or military exams to enter officialdom, personally investigating everything involved in my parents’ deaths. But I’m just a woman. I can’t enter officialdom, nor do I know any high-ranking officials. The only path left is probably that money can make things happen.”

Xie Zheng rested his chin on his hand and said, “That’s a good method, but it sounds like it would take quite a few years. The amount of money needed to make those high officials work for you is no small sum.”

Fan Changyu faltered slightly and said, “It’s the only method I can think of right now. As for dressing up as a man to take the imperial exams like in opera stories, firstly, I don’t have the brains for studying, and secondly, I don’t have a brother’s identity to borrow. Unless…”

She scratched her head and said, “I could sponsor a few poor scholars. Maybe I’ll be lucky enough to sponsor one with a conscience. When he passes the exams and enters officialdom, I’d have someone in the system, which would probably make investigating my parents’ deaths much easier?”

This time it was Xie Zheng’s turn to be taken aback. He raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, “What if you encounter someone like your former fiancé again?”

Fan Changyu noticed that he had been acting a bit strange lately, often bringing up Song Yan.

She said, “Can we not mention him during the New Year?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her sideways, pressing his lips together and saying nothing more, as if his bad temper had flared up again.

Fan Changyu muttered, “As if I’m not unlucky enough already…”

Xie Zheng’s good hearing caught this mutter. His previously straight lips suddenly curved up slightly, and he said, “You can wait a while on your parents’ case.”

Fan Changyu was very confused. “What do you mean?”

Xie Zheng said, “If your parents’ deaths involve a lot of people, there will be some in the officialdom who want to cover up the truth, but there will also be those who want to investigate thoroughly. What you need to do now is to protect yourself and your sister while waiting for those who want to uncover the truth to come to you.”

Fan Changyu said, “But I know nothing about my parents’ past. Even if they come to me, they won’t be able to get or find out what they want from me.”

Xie Zheng thought to himself that if they could pry open He Jingyuan’s mouth, the truth about her parents’ deaths would surface.

However, if Wei Yan knew he wasn’t dead, even if it meant sacrificing the entire Qingping County or even Jizhou, he would try to kill him again. Before the situation was settled, revealing his identity would only invite trouble.

He said, “You underestimate the officialdom. Someone will come looking for you.”

Fan Changyu was still confused. After pondering for a while, she felt that Xie Zheng was probably just trying to comfort her, so she didn’t think too much about it. She only said, “I’m starting to feel more and more that reading a lot of books can make people smarter. Yan Zheng, you’ve read a lot, so you’re very smart.”

Xie Zheng had heard all kinds of compliments before. When it came to praise, no one could surpass those scholars in coming up with flowery words. But he had never taken those praises to heart. Now, her straightforward “smart” actually stirred some unusual emotions in him.

He still corrected her, “It’s not that reading a lot makes you smart. Reading helps you understand principles, increases your knowledge, teaches you when to advance and retreat, and broadens your perspective. That’s enough for dealing with people and situations in life.”

Fan Changyu nodded, “My mother used to say the same thing, but I was too foolish then. Asking me to read was like trying to herd pigs for the New Year feast. Now that I want to learn, it’s too late.”

She felt the usefulness of reading now. Not to mention other things, when Fan Da tried to seize her family property, Yan Zheng didn’t need to use underhanded methods; he could think of ways to win the lawsuit through legal means.

If she were more knowledgeable, she might even be able to sell pork in different ways.

She used to think sugar-coated cucumber was just sugar-coated cucumber, but when she helped make braised meat at Yixiang Restaurant, she learned that they called sugar-coated cucumber “Green Dragon Lying in Snow” there. With an elegant name, the price of the dish doubled.

Fan Changyu remembered that he seemed to be teaching Chang’ning to recognize characters when she came back, so she boldly asked, “If you have time, could you teach me to read some books? It won’t take up too much of your time. You can just tell me what to learn, and I’ll read on my own. If there’s anything I don’t understand, I’ll come and ask you.”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes slightly, quite surprised by her request. He then asked, “What books have you read?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “I can recognize all the characters in the ‘Three Character Classic’, ‘Hundred Family Surnames’, and ‘Thousand Character Classic’.”

She saw Xie Zheng’s face darken after she spoke.

Afraid that he might think teaching her would be troublesome, Fan Changyu pressed on, “I’ve also read some of the ‘Analects’ and ‘Great Learning’.”

Xie Zheng said in a low voice, “You mean ‘Da Xue’, right?”

Fan Changyu was so embarrassed she wanted to find a hole to crawl into. She confessed honestly, “I just flipped through these two books when I saw Song Yan reading them before. I couldn’t understand the books, and he treasured them so much, so I gave them back to him. I didn’t dare ask him what the texts were about.”

After her honest confession, Fan Changyu felt a chill all around her.

She looked at Xie Zheng and felt that his handsome face was now both gloomy and cold.

Fan Changyu didn’t understand why.

Xie Zheng spoke in a voice that could almost drop ice shards, “Since you’ve already studied the ‘Analects’ and ‘Great Learning’, you can read ‘Mencius’ next.”

Fan Changyu looked bewildered. Had she said she had studied them?

She clearly said she had only flipped through them briefly and hadn’t even understood their meaning.

Moreover, during lunch, she noticed that Xie Zheng had changed back to his original hair tie.

Fan Changyu didn’t know what she had done to offend him. At the dining table, she cleared her throat lightly and asked, “This afternoon, I plan to take some cured meat to sell in the county town, and also bring a piece to pay a New Year visit to Constable Wang. Is there anything you want to buy?”

The person who had been “eating without speaking” finally said, “The paper is used up. I used up the ink writing Spring Festival couplets yesterday. Buy some paper and ink. Get five-chi pure skin Xuan paper and pine-smoke Hui ink.”

Fan Changyu was overwhelmed by all this. “What kind of Xuan? What kind of ink was it again?”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly and said, “Never mind, I’ll go buy it myself.”

Fan Changyu felt he was being a bit cold and distant. Thinking about his injury not being fully healed, she asked another question, “I’ll hire an ox cart this afternoon. Do you want to come along?”

When Chang’ning heard this, her two chubby hands started patting the table. “Chang’ning wants to go to the fair too!”

Both the big one and the small one stared intently at Xie Zheng. After a moment of silence, Xie Zheng finally said, “Then let’s go together.”

Chang’ning was so excited about going to the fair that she couldn’t contain herself. She ran a lap around the courtyard, and it wasn’t enough. She went out of the courtyard and chased Aunt Zhao’s dog to the entrance of the alley before stopping.

Fan Changyu’s decision to go sell cured meat in the county town today wasn’t a sudden whim. In previous years, her father would also take time to bring a cart of cured meat to sell in the county town on this day.

Some families visiting relatives and friends who hadn’t prepared New Year’s gifts in advance, and with the meat market closed for these two days, would often buy from roadside vendors.

When they reached the county town, Fan Changyu, with great experience, parked the ox cart on the main street in front of the county school.

Many students were coming and going here, and quite a few families had rented houses nearby to take care of their studying sons.

When students went to pay New Year’s visits to their teachers, ordinary tea and wine weren’t good enough gifts, while expensive ones were too costly. Buying a piece of cured meat as a New Year’s gift was most appropriate.

As soon as Fan Changyu set up her stall, she made several sales. Xie Zheng was about to go to the bookstore, but Chang’ning kept standing on tiptoes, looking around, and asked Fan Changyu eagerly, “Sister, can I go with Brother-in-law to watch the flower drum performance?”

Fan Changyu said, “Your brother-in-law isn’t going to watch the flower drum.”

Chang’ning then looked expectantly at Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng glanced at Fan Changyu’s stall, where only a small portion of the cured meat had been sold, and said, “Let’s wait until your sister finishes selling and go together.”

Fan Changyu estimated that it would take some time to sell all the cured meat she had brought, so she said, “It’ll be a while before I can pack up here. If you’re not in a hurry to buy paper and ink, why don’t you take Chang’ning for a walk? She’s just curious. After a round, she won’t be so restless anymore.”

Xie Zheng nodded.

Excited by Fan Changyu’s words, Chang’ning tugged at Xie Zheng’s sleeve, walking ahead with the energy of a young calf.

Feeling the pull on his sleeve, Xie Zheng thought to himself that if this child hadn’t been born weak, she might have grown up to be as fierce as her sister.

Perhaps because the county was planning to hold a lantern festival this year, most of the students from the county school hadn’t returned home, making the streets lively. Fan Changyu sold the twenty or so pieces of cured meat she had brought half an hour earlier than she had expected.

As she was packing up, Xie Zheng returned with Chang’ning, who had finished exploring the nearby area.

Chang’ning had a candied haw stick in her left hand and a colorful pinwheel in her right, her face smeared with syrup.

Fan Changyu looked at her rather helplessly and said to Xie Zheng, “You’re just spoiling her.”

Chang’ning smiled, her eyes narrowing, “Brother-in-law bought a candied haw stick for Sister too.”

Fan Changyu said, “I’m not a child anymore, why would I eat candied haw…”

Before she could finish speaking, a candied haw stick was already held in front of her.

Xie Zheng’s expression was indifferent: “Your sister said she wanted to buy one for you too.”

Fan Changyu was about to refuse, but then she noticed he was holding another one in his hand. Thinking that he seemed to like sweets and wasn’t taking medicine now, he must have been too embarrassed to eat it openly, which was why he had included her. So she didn’t refuse, took it, and said “Thank you.”

Fan Changyu and Chang’ning ate in the same way, biting one haw at a time, their eyes squinting and cheeks puffed out like hamsters.

After eating one haw, Fan Changyu noticed that Xie Zheng was still holding his candied haw stick without eating it. She asked curiously, “Why aren’t you eating?”

Xie Zheng shifted his gaze from the sugar residue on the corner of her mouth, hesitantly looked at the candied haw stick in his hand, and bit off half a haw.

The sugar coating outside was sweet, while the haw inside was slightly sour. Chewed together, it had a unique sweet and sour flavor.

Chang’ning, who had just bitten another haw, smiled widely at this scene, her teeth showing. She thought to herself how clever she was – by asking her brother-in-law to buy one for each of them, her sister hadn’t scolded her.

At this street corner, there were not only vendors selling things but also a poor student from the county school who had set up a stall to draw portraits for people.

The family of three eating candied haw sticks across the street was quite eye-catching. The man was extraordinarily handsome, the woman had a radiant smile, and even the child they were with was adorably cute.

The scholar kept glancing in their direction and quickly sketched on his paper.

Fan Chángyù finished her candied hawthorn and was gathering her things, preparing to take Xiè Zhēng to buy paper and ink. Suddenly, she noticed his expression change; he strode purposefully toward the street corner opposite them.

Curious, Fan Chángyù glanced in that direction and saw only a scholar selling calligraphy and paintings at a small stand. Concerned that trouble might arise, she quickly motioned for Chángníng to follow her. “Where are you going?”

Just as the scholar finished the last stroke of his brush, a large hand suddenly reached out and snatched the painting away. The man who had been across the street, enjoying candied hawthorn, had approached without her noticing. He grabbed the scholar by the collar, his face as pale as white jade, exuding an intimidating coldness. “Who permitted you to draw this?”

Under the weight of that pressure, the scholar stumbled over his words. “I… I only painted it because I found it so delightful to see you, sir, and madam, with your lovely family. If I’ve offended you, I beg your forgiveness.”

At that moment, Fan Chángyù and Chángníng arrived, seeing the man’s aggressive stance. She quickly pried his hand off the scholar’s collar. “What are you doing?”

Xiè Zhēng remained silent, his gaze fixed on the painting he held. The scholar’s brushwork was meticulous, yet it was the lifelike depiction that truly captivated me.

In the painting, Fan Chángyù squinted her eyes while enjoying her candied hawthorn, her gaze locked on her face as if he had been watching her every move. Chángníng, with a candied hawthorn in hand, looked back at the two with a wide grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

When Fan Chángyù finally caught sight of the painting, she gasped in surprise. “Is that us?” she asked the scholar.

Fearing the imposing man beside her, the scholar nodded eagerly, words spilling out like a stream. “Madam and sir, you are indeed a match made in heaven! Even your little daughter is so adorable. If you like, consider this painting my New Year’s gift to you both. I wish you harmony and happiness, and may you welcome another little son next year!”

Fan Chángyù nearly bit through the stick of her candied hawthorn in astonishment.

Xie Zheng is sooo jealous of Song Yan. He even changed his hair tie.

i know right?!!! his jealousy is literally out of this world!!!!

Hilarious! He’s totally into her.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 35

Changning stood on tiptoes to see the figures in the painting. Her grape-like eyes filled with delight as her chubby little finger pointed at her image in the picture. “There’s Ning! Ning likes this!”

Before Fan Changyu could speak, Xie Zheng asked the scholar, “How much are you selling your paintings for?”

The scholar was taken aback for a moment before realizing that this formidable-looking, handsome man was inquiring about the price of his painting. He hurriedly replied, “No charge, no charge. Consider it a gift from this humble scholar to you and your wife.”

Fan Changyu was still embarrassed by the scholar’s earlier words, but she did find the painting quite appealing. Seeing that the scholar refused to name a price, she thought for a moment and chose a smaller piece from the two cured meat strips she had intended to give to Constable Wang. She handed it to the scholar, saying, “This cured meat is a gift for you, consider it a New Year’s present.”

Then, with a stern face, she pointed at Changning and said, “This is my younger sister.”

The scholar, delighted by the unexpected gift of cured meat, was more than willing to offer pleasant words: “It was my mistake for not recognizing her. I wish you and your husband a pair of dragon and phoenix twins in the coming year, with a house full of joy and children always at your knees.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

She wanted to say something more to the scholar, but telling an unrelated person that she and Yan Zheng were fake spouses seemed unnecessary.

Even after leaving the scholar’s stall with the rolled-up painting, Fan Changyu still felt uneasy, occasionally glancing at Xie Zheng walking beside her.

Noticing his usual composure, she felt a little less uncomfortable.

They returned to their previous stall position, packed up their things, and prepared to go to the bookstore to buy paper and ink. The owner of a nearby New Year’s goods shop, who had noticed that Fan Changyu had sold over twenty strips of cured meat in less than an hour, envied the business. He dragged his corpulent body over, calling out, “Young lady, please wait.”

Fan Changyu turned at the sound and saw the chubby shopkeeper from the New Year’s goods store approaching with a smile plastered on his face. He asked, “Young lady, will you be selling cured meat here again tomorrow?”

Tomorrow would be the second day of the New Year. Fan Changyu not only had to open her pork shop but also supply marinated meat to the Yixiang Restaurant. She feared she wouldn’t have time to come here to sell cured meat again, so she shook her head and said, “I probably won’t have time to come back in the next few days.”

The chubby shopkeeper smiled and said, “Well then, this old fellow would like to do business with you, young lady. However much-cured meat you have at home, just bring it all here. We’ll sell it in my New Year’s goods shop. For the cured meat sold, we’ll split it 60-40, with you taking 60 and me 40. What do you think, young lady?”

Fan Changyu pondered, realizing this was what Manager Yu had called “reaping without sowing.” He wanted her to bring the cured meat without investing a penny, yet he’d still get half the profit when it sold.

Cured meat, unlike fresh meat, could be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place at home for a year or more without issue, naturally making it more expensive than fresh meat.

During these New Year days, Fan Changyu was asking for 65 wen per jin. If bargaining occurred, it could go down to just above 60 wen, but below 65 wen.

According to the chubby shopkeeper’s proposal of a 60-40 split, even if all the meat sold at 65 wen per jin, she would only earn 39 wen per jin, which was less than if she sold it in her shop.

Fan Changyu said, “I don’t want a split. If you want to buy, we can settle the accounts directly, selling by weight.”

The chubby shopkeeper chuckled, “Young lady, one look at you and I can tell you’re not experienced in business.”

As Fan Changyu was about to speak, Xie Zheng suddenly interjected, “Selling on commission is fine.”

Both Fan Changyu and the chubby shopkeeper turned to look at him. Fan Changyu wore a puzzled expression, while the shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled, “This young man seems to know the business, with a long-term vision…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Xie Zheng gave him a cool glance and said, “Twenty-eighty split.”

The smile froze on the chubby shopkeeper’s face. “Young man, you’re asking for too much.”

Fan Changyu mentally calculated how much money she would get from the cured meat sales with an 80-20 split.

At 65 wens per jin, she would get 52 wens. At 60 wens per jin, she would still get 48 wens.

But Fan Changyu truly had no intention of doing this business. She said, “Why split at all? Let’s just sell by weight and make it a one-time deal. The market price for cured meat is around 50 wens per jin. I’m not comfortable sending the meat over without getting any money upfront. Let’s go, we need to go to the bookstore to buy you paper and ink, and then we still have to rush to Constable Wang’s house to pay our New Year respects.”

She was about to leave with Changning when the chubby shopkeeper, seeing this, hurriedly said, “Alright, twenty-eighty it is.”

He smiled somewhat ruefully. “You and the young man play good cop, bad cop well. I just thought the cured meat you sold today looked well-smoked and of good quality, that’s why I wanted to do business with you.”

He then invited the three of them into his New Year’s goods shop. “Let’s draft a contract, and then you can send the meat over later.”

When Fan Changyu met Xie Zheng’s eyes, she still looked a bit dazed, as if she hadn’t expected this deal to be concluded so quickly.

Xie Zheng’s expression remained calm as he said to her, “Let’s go sign the contract.”

The chubby shopkeeper was not new to this kind of business. He quickly drafted a contract and handed it to Fan Changyu to review. Fan Changyu, still cautious about such matters, read it word by word and then passed it to Xie Zheng. “Does this look alright to you?”

After Xie Zheng nodded, she signed her name with a flourish.

The chubby shopkeeper gave her one tael of silver as a deposit and saw them out with a broad smile.

As they walked down the street, Fan Changyu muttered to Xie Zheng, “I’ll have to open the meat shop in the morning and deliver the marinated meat to Yixiang Restaurant. I’m afraid I won’t be able to deliver the cured meat until the afternoon.”

Xie Zheng said, “If you’re too busy to get away, I can hire a cart and help you deliver it.”

Fan Changyu felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Should I pay you wages then?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her, and Fan Changyu was sure she hadn’t imagined it—he seemed displeased again.

Changning, carefree as always, skipped ahead of them. When she saw something she liked but didn’t dare ask Fan Changyu to buy, she would look at Xie Zheng with pleading eyes.

Xie Zheng bought her various small items, and Changning’s arms were soon full, her chubby hands barely able to hold everything.

Fan Changyu scolded her, “Ning if you keep wanting to buy everything you see, I won’t bring you to the county town for the market next time.”

Changning lowered her head, looking at her toes as she was reprimanded.

From beside them came the man’s cool, clear voice: “I wanted to buy these for her.”

Fan Changyu felt like he was trying to compete with her somehow. She pressed her lips together and said, “Children don’t understand these things. We can’t always indulge them. She likes everything she sees on the street—we can’t buy it all, can we? We need to teach her some principles so she understands.”

Xie Zheng said no more. As the three continued walking, even Changning could sense the strange atmosphere between Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng.

She looked at both of them, then at the pile of things in her arms. Suddenly, she stopped, turned around, and stuffed all the small items into Xie Zheng’s arms. Her chubby little hands clutched at her clothes as she said, “Ning doesn’t want them anymore. Brother-in-law, please return them.”

Fan Changyu saw that her grape-like eyes were already brimming with tears. She sighed, crouched down, and patted her head. “We’ve already bought them this time, but you can’t do this again in the future, understand?”

Changning nodded, tears in her eyes, and reached out her chubby hands for Fan Changyu to pick her up.

Fan Changyu hugged the child and gently patted her back, her tone half indulgent, half exasperated. “Why are you crying? I didn’t even scold you.”

Changning, with a nasal tone, said, “Sister, don’t be angry with Brother-in-law. Ning knows she was wrong.”

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng standing to the side, holding a pile of small toys, her tone even more helpless. “I’m not angry with him.”

Changning said, “You’re not talking to Brother-in-law.”

Fan Changyu asked amusedly, “How am I not talking to him?”

Changning’s tears were about to spill over. “You’re not speaking to Brother-in-law anymore.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that she didn’t usually talk much with Yan Zheng anyway, but seeing her little sister on the verge of crying, she coaxed, “Weren’t we just talking a moment ago? We just haven’t spoken for a little while.”

Finally, a large teardrop fell from Changning’s grape-like eyes, landing on the ground with a “plop.” “Sister is angry.”

Fan Changyu surrendered and asked, “What would make you think I’m not angry?”

Changning thought for a moment and said, “Hold hands! Holding hands means you’ve made up!”

Fan Changyu paused for a moment and said, “How about if I talk to him from now on?”

Changning insisted on the children’s way: “Only holding hands means making up.”

Fan Changyu exchanged a glance with Xie Zheng. His face showed no emotion, but she felt quite uncomfortable.

She coaxed the child, “Look, your brother-in-law is carrying so many things, and I’m also holding bags. If we both use one hand, won’t that be too heavy?”

Changning finally gave in, but as she walked ahead, she kept looking back at them.

Fearing that Changning might come up with more strange requests, Fan Changyu started talking to Xie Zheng. “Children can be so troublesome. Don’t take it to heart.”

Xie Zheng said, “I don’t find her troublesome. I’ll probably be leaving after the New Year, so I just wanted to buy her more little gifts.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected this to be the reason he bought so many things for Changning.

Hearing that he was going to leave, she felt a strange emotion rise in her chest. She said, “I’m sorry, I misunderstood you earlier.”

Xie Zheng turned to look at her. “Why are you apologizing?”

Fan Changyu said, “I misunderstood you and spoke harshly to you. Of course, I should apologize.”

She pressed her lips together and asked, “Are you leaving so soon? Wouldn’t it be better to wait until your injury has healed completely before setting out?”

Xie Zheng was about to answer when a group of mounted officials came charging towards them from the front, knocking down many pedestrians and merchant stalls along the street.

As the war horses approached, Fan Changyu instinctively crouched down to protect Changning, while Xie Zheng raised his cloak to shield them from the mud splashed up by the horses’ hooves.

After the officials had galloped away, many of the pedestrians who had been knocked down or splattered with mud were cursing angrily.

Fan Changyu looked up to see half of Xie Zheng’s cloak covered in mud. She frowned and asked, “Are you hurt?”

Xie Zheng shook his head, but his gaze still followed the distant group of officials, his eyes hiding a dark, cold anger.

A peddler whose stall had been overturned spat viciously in that direction and cursed, “These dog officials, they can’t even let us have peace during the New Year!”

Fan Changyu asked, “Why are there officials in Qingping County again? Are they here to suppress bandits?”

The peddler said, “Suppress bandits? These are debt-collecting King Yamas, here to rob grain! Haven’t you heard about what happened in Taizhou? The frontline troops are short on grain, and since the army can’t levy enough, they’re forcibly taking it from the common people. If you don’t give it up, they’ll beat you to death.”

A middle-aged man nearby added, “By the looks of things, it won’t be long before they start conscripting soldiers too.”

Changning is so cute.

Chaning really knows how to put a brother-in-law to use.

Also, Xie Zheng would most likely use this conscripting soldiers thing as an opportunity to leave. That way, Changyu wouldn’t be gossiped about.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 36

Over the past sixteen years of the Great Yin Dynasty, although there had been numerous conflicts, few had reached Ji Prefecture. Fan Changyu had only heard about the cruelty of war from the elders. After all, war not only required grain requisitions but also conscription. Madam Zhao and Uncle Zhao’s son had been drafted years ago and never returned.

An old man said, “King Changxin has rebelled in Chong Prefecture. The court has sent troops to suppress it, but the battle remains unresolved. I reckon the Great Yin’s fate is sealed, and a change of dynasty is imminent.”

“With Marquis Wu’an dead, how can Wei Yan hope to stabilize the Northwest?” someone added.

Another chimed in, “It doesn’t matter who becomes emperor, as long as they don’t steal our grain or force us onto the battlefield.”

Many shook their heads and sighed, “These soldiers have already started forcibly requisitioning grain from nearby villages. By the end of this war, the officials will have both money and power, while we commoners will be left homeless and destitute…”

Listening to this, Fan Changyu felt a heaviness in her heart. She turned to Xie Zheng and asked, “Shouldn’t the court supply military provisions for the Chong Prefecture campaign? Why are they requisitioning from the people?”

Xie Zheng’s voice carried a hint of mockery, “The supply lines are cut. Some are merely making desperate moves.”

Hui Prefecture had once been his territory. In retrospect, Wei Yan had likely been wary of him for some time. The military provisions for his garrison were usually allocated by the court every three months, and the prefecture itself had no granaries.

As it was a military outpost, the geographical conditions were not naturally advantageous for grain production.

Once the supply lines were cut, it would be a fatal blow.

The current rebellion in Chong Prefecture, just south of Hui Prefecture, had severed the supply route from the court to Hui Prefecture.

As the battle lines between Chong and Hui Prefectures extended, he had anticipated that Hui Prefectures would eventually run out of provisions. The quickest solution, of course, was to requisition from the civilians.

After surviving the assassination attempt, he had planned to contact his former subordinates and have them secretly buy up the civilians’ grain reserves.

When Zhao Xun appeared, buying grain became a test for Zhao Xun. Now that the grain was in hand, Wei Xuan had suffered defeats on the Chong Prefecture battlefield and failed to requisition grain from the civilians.

Knowing Wei Yan as he did, Wei Yan would surely be displeased with his son.

Letting Wei Xuan face punishment from Wei Yan first was his gift to his cousin before formally exacting his revenge.

With the Northwest unattended, Wei Yan could only let He Jingyuan take over the Chong Prefecture campaign. He Jingyuan, known as a scholarly general, wouldn’t stoop to letting his troops forcibly take grain from civilians.

Moreover, given the current reputation of Wei’s faction, allowing subordinates to rob civilians of their grain would undoubtedly hand Wei Yan’s political opponents another weapon.

With his twenty thousand stone of rice, he had enough time to begin the next phase of his plan.

The sudden forced grain requisition by the officials was likely another foolish idea from his glory-seeking cousin, trying to make some achievements before officially handing over military authority.

Ordinary civilians, unaware of these inner workings and sharing Fan Changyu’s confusion, discussed among themselves: “Sixteen years ago at the Battle of Jin Prefecture, it was that great traitor Meng Shuyuan who delayed the supply delivery, leaving Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie’s hundred thousand troops starving in Jin Prefecture for five days. When the soldiers finally climbed the city walls, they were too weak to stand, allowing the Northern Yue to breach the gates. What’s gone wrong with the supplies this time that they need to squeeze us?”

Regarding the culprit behind the defeat at Jin Prefecture sixteen years ago, everyone in the Great Yin Dynasty cursed Meng Shuyuan’s name.

Someone immediately began cursing, “That Meng Shuyuan deserved worse than death! To think General Xie trusted him so much, entrusting him with the crucial task of delivering supplies. If he hadn’t delayed the battle, how could Crown Prince Chengde have died in Jin Prefecture, allowing that Wei dog to control the court for so many years!”

“The Meng family’s extinction is karmic retribution!”

“Let’s hope there’s no mishap with the supply officer for Chong Prefecture this time!”

Sixteen years ago, Xie Zheng had known that the fatal flaw in the Battle of Jin Prefecture was the delayed arrival of military supplies.

Back then, the person responsible for escorting the provisions was his father’s old general, Meng Shuyuan. His father’s former subordinates had told him that while anyone might betray his father, Meng Shuyuan never would.

Meng Shuyuan’s delay in transporting supplies wasn’t an act of betrayal, but rather an attempt to rescue a hundred thousand refugees trapped by the Northern Yue in Luo City. In the end, he failed to save the refugees, and Jin Prefecture fell.

When Meng Shuyuan learned of his father’s death, he knelt towards Jin Prefecture and took his own life with his sword.

The tragedy of Jin Prefecture concluded with Meng Shuyuan’s death, yet even after more than a decade, people still cursed his name vehemently.

The group of officials had already walked far away. Xie Zheng turned back to Fan Changyu and said, “Let’s go.”

He noticed Fan Changyu seemed lost in thought, staring at the people discussing Meng Shuyuan.

He asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu, holding Changningg’s hand, pressed her lips together and said, “Meng Shuyuan delayed the battle to save a hundred thousand refugees. Perhaps he’s not as despicable as people say?”

Xie Zheng’s voice turned cold, “His orders were to transport supplies. Failing to deliver the provisions to Jin Prefecture within the deadline is a dereliction of duty. If he had been capable enough to save the hundred thousand refugees without delaying the supply delivery, he would indeed deserve praise from all. But he neither saved the refugees nor delivered the supplies, resulting in the fall of Jin Prefecture and the deaths of a hundred thousand soldiers within the city. This is an unforgivable crime.”

He raised his eyes to look at Fan Changyu, “Do you sympathize with such an incompetent?”

Fan Changyu shook her head. She didn’t understand military tactics or regulations but felt that while Meng Shuyuan might indeed have been the main culprit in the Battle of Jin Prefecture, he didn’t deserve to be labeled a great traitor by the people. At most, he was incompetent, as Yan Zheng had said.

As the three passed a ready-made clothing shop, she asked Xie Zheng, “Your cloak is dirty. Why not buy a new one to wear?”

Xie Zheng had already removed his mud-splattered cloak and had been carrying it folded over his arm.

He glanced at the colorful fabrics in the shop and said, “No need. The sun’s out now, and it’s not cold anymore.”

Fan Changyu said, “Then how about a hair tie? I noticed you don’t seem to like the one we bought earlier. I rarely see you use it.”

As she finished speaking, she noticed Xie Zheng staring at her with a peculiar expression.

Fan Changyu didn’t think there was anything wrong with what she’d said. She met his gaze with her almond-shaped eyes, their reflections mirrored in each other’s pupils.

One pair clear and bright, the other deep and obscure.

After a moment, Xie Zheng looked away first and said, “It’s not that I dislike it.”

Fan Changyu felt his words were like a riddle. If he didn’t dislike it, why didn’t he use the hair tie? She said, “You bought so many things for Changningg. Why don’t you choose a New Year’s gift for yourself? I’ll buy it for you!”

The corners of Xie Zheng’s mouth straightened slightly, “Didn’t you already give me a red envelope?”

Fan Changyu replied, “How can New Year’s money be the same as a New Year’s gift?”

Xie Zheng stared at her for a while and said, “They’re the same as me.”

Fan Changyu took this as his refusal to let her buy him a New Year’s gift and didn’t insist further.

She glanced at the sun and said, “If we accompany you to buy paper and ink at the bookstore and then go to Constable Wang’s house, we might be late. Later, we might worry about the bookstore closing. How about this: you go to the bookstore alone to buy things, and I’ll take Changningg to pay New Year’s respect to Constable Wang first. After you finish shopping, wait for us at the bookstore. Once I’ve delivered the goods to Constable Wang’s house, I’ll bring Changningg to meet you.”

Xie Zheng nodded.

The two parted ways at the intersection. Before leaving, Changningg waved vigorously at Xie Zheng, “Brother-in-law, be careful on your way! My sister and I will buy some snacks for you too!”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow and looked at Fan Changyu, saying, “No need, you two enjoy them.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that his words made it sound like she had deliberately sent him away to eat snacks with Changningg.

As Xie Zheng walked away under her conflicted gaze, Fan Changyu crouched down to wipe the tanghulu residue from Changningg’s mouth, asking with a mix of exasperation and amusement, “You little glutton, what do you want to eat now?”

Changningg’s plump, fair finger pointed toward a vendor selling brown sugar cakes on the street.

Fan Changyu helplessly rubbed her forehead, “Alright, let’s go.”

After buying the brown sugar cakes, Fan Changyu also bought a jug of good wine from a nearby tavern. She had originally planned to give the cured meat to Constable Wang but had given one piece to that scholar. She felt embarrassed to bring just one piece of cured meat as a gift.

As Constable Wang was fond of drinking, buying a jug of wine seemed appropriate.

Constable Wang’s home was in the southern part of the county town. While not in the best location, it was a two-courtyard residence. In a small place like Qingping County, it was the kind of house only people of some standing could afford.

After Fan Changyu and Changningg knocked on the door, an old woman came to open it. Upon hearing they were here to pay New Year’s respects to Constable Wang, she quickly invited them in.

It was already afternoon, and most of the morning visitors who had come to pay respects to Constable Wang had finished their meals and left. When Fan Changyu entered, she saw only Constable Wang, his wife, and the old Mrs. Wang sitting on the kang in the east wing.

Old Mrs. Wang appeared to be in her eighties or nineties. Unlike the wrinkled faces of rural old women, hers had a kind of wealthy roundness, looking quite benevolent.

Madam Wang had a robust frame but didn’t appear burly. It was said that her father had also been a constable, and she knew some martial arts. Her face looked extremely kind, with a hint of heroic spirit between her brows.

“So this is Changyu?” Madam Wang smiled upon seeing Fan Changyu. “What a good child. Look at that sturdy build, perfect for martial arts training.”

Fan Changyu smiled and greeted her and Old Mrs. Wang.

Qingping County once had a famous courtesan known as Madam Yu.

In the county, girls whose names ended with “Yu” were never directly called “Yu Niang” by others. Instead, they were addressed by their full names.

Calling someone “Yu Niang” directly was akin to indirectly calling them a courtesan.

Changningg clutched Fan Changyu’s skirt, hiding behind her and peeking out with doe-like eyes, shyly looking at Madam Wang.

Seeing her, Madam Wang’s smile brightened. She grabbed a handful of candies from a colorful lacquered dish and beckoned to Changningg, “Little Changningg looks so adorable. Come, take some candy.”

Changningg didn’t dare go directly. She looked up at Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu said, “Madam is giving you candy. Go ahead and take it.”

Only then did Changningg trot over to accept the candy from Madam Wang’s hand. Being small, her hands were also tiny and couldn’t hold so many. Madam Wang helped stuff many candies into the pocket of her jacket.

Changningg said in a crisp voice, “Thank you, Madam.”

Madam Wang and Old Mrs. Wang exchanged glances, grinning from ear to ear. Madam Wang couldn’t resist pinching Changningg’s chubby pink cheeks and said, “How can such a tiny person be so well-behaved?”

She smiled at Fan Changyu, “Is it because her sister taught her well?”

Fan Changyu smiled bashfully, “You flatter me.”

She wasn’t skilled at casual conversation and spoke frankly. This straightforward nature greatly endeared her to Madam Wang and Old Mrs. Wang. Even Fan Changyu’s occasional responses made them laugh heartily, leaving Fan Changyu herself bewildered as to why they found her so amusing.

Madam Wang wanted to invite the two sisters to stay for dinner and spend the night. Fan Changyu declined, explaining that Xie Zheng was waiting for her at the bookstore, thus politely refusing the kind offer.

As they bid farewell, Constable Wang personally saw her out, “Regarding your parents’ case, now that the prefecture has taken over, it’s officially closed. I was worried your parents might have made enemies years ago, but since it was mountain bandits looking for a treasure map, and the map is no longer in your home, you have nothing to fear. Feel free to stay in town, and if you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Fan Changyu expressed her thanks and then asked, “Do you know which official at the prefecture is reviewing this case?”

Constable Wang, being just a small-town constable in Qingping County, truly didn’t know and shook his head before asking, “Why are you inquiring about this?”

Fan Changyu, fearing that her parents’ deaths might involve many behind-the-scenes players as Yan Zheng had suggested, didn’t want to say too much and bring trouble to Constable Wang. She simply replied, “Nothing, just curious.”

She wanted to uncover the true cause of her parent’s deaths, and the best way was to start with the official handling of the case.

That night, when the soldiers brought back a survivor if she could find out what that person had confessed, she might be able to solve the mystery surrounding her parents’ deaths.

When Yan Zheng asked her what she would do if the authorities lied, she had considered secretly finding the official in charge of the case.

Wasn’t this how it always happened in stories and novels? Catch a corrupt official’s weakness, sneak into their mansion on a night, catch the official alone, and negotiate – either for money or for the clues she needs.

She just needed to know which official was handling the case, and she would have plenty of time to slowly investigate their weaknesses.

As Fan Changyu was about to reach the main gate with Changningg, Madam Wang hurried after them with two red envelopes, “Take these New Year’s red envelopes!”

One of the envelopes wasn’t even properly folded, looking as if it had been hastily prepared.

Fan Changyu couldn’t refuse and was forced to accept them into her arms by Madam Wang.

After leaving the Wang family’s gate, Changningg immediately opened her red envelope and poured out its contents, excitedly showing Fan Changyu, “Sister, it’s silver ingots!”

The red envelope given to Fan Changyu also contained two silver ingots.

Fan Changyu held the first red envelope she had received since her parents’ passing, looking back towards the Wang family’s house. She felt a mix of emotions regarding the care shown by Constable Wang and his wife.

Changningg handed the silver ingots to Fan Changyu, “Sister, keep them for me.”

Her jacket pocket and small purse were already full of the candies Madam Wang had given her, leaving no room for the silver ingots.

Fan Changyu accepted them, saying, “Then I’ll keep them for you for now. When we get home, I’ll put them in your little box.”

Changningg had a special small box for keeping New Year’s money, but two months ago, to pay for their parents’ funeral, she had contributed the box as well. Now she was starting to save again.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, Changningg happily responded with an “Mm.”

There were few open shops on this street, and even fewer peddlers passing by. Only some children were playing on the street.

Perhaps because news of the grain requisition had already reached Qingping County, people in teahouses and taverns discussing the current Chong Prefecture campaign inevitably mentioned the Jin Prefecture battle from sixteen years ago.

The children, having heard adults talk about it often, made “Meng Shuyuan” the villain to be caught in their game of catching bad guys.

In these games, usually, the leader of the children played the hero, while the child who was often bullied and ostracized played the role of Meng Shuyuan. Once caught, they would be pushed around and bullied by the leader and other children.

Hearing the children shouting as they chased the child playing Meng Shuyuan, Changningg also looked up at Fan Changyu and said, “Meng Shuyuan is a great traitor.”

Fan Changyu squeezed her sister’s hand slightly and said, “Changningg, you’re not allowed to play such games, understand?”

Changningg asked, “Why not?”

Fan Changyu patiently explained, “Those children are just using the game as an excuse to bully the child playing Meng Shuyuan. Changningg shouldn’t learn from them.”

Changningg nodded in understanding.

Fan Changyu smoothed the soft wisps of hair on her forehead, “Your parents didn’t like seeing children play like this either.”

Changningg immediately said, “I won’t learn from them!”

Fan Changyu smiled and rubbed her round little head, her thoughts drifting.

She had always been tough as a child, and among her peers, she was famous for her strength. She had even made boys three or five years older than her cry and run home to complain to their parents.

Her parents always believed in reasoning. If she did something wrong, they would punish her. If she was in the right, they would argue on her behalf.

But there was one time when she played a game of catching bad guys with other children. A child playing Meng Shuyuan was pushed down by another child who didn’t know his strength, hitting his forehead on the ground. The injured child’s parents went door to door to argue.

Fan Changyu hadn’t pushed anyone that time, nor had she joined the other children in bullying the child playing Meng Shuyuan.

But when her mother heard she had participated in this game, she suddenly cried. Her father was also very angry and made her kneel in the courtyard for an entire afternoon.

Fan Changyu reflected for a long time, thinking her parents must have disliked her joining in bullying the weak.

That night when she returned to her room, her mother’s eyes were still swollen. She made Fan Changyu promise never to play the game of beating the great traitor Meng Shuyuan again.

Fan Changyu had always felt very guilty. She had never seen her mother cry so sadly before, and she must have deeply disappointed her.

So when she heard her little sister echoing those children calling Meng Shuyuan a great traitor, she feared Changningg might join the neighborhood children in playing such games and decided to teach her in advance.

As luck would have it, after leaving Constable Wang’s house, Fan Changyu, unfamiliar with the county town’s roads, asked for directions to the bookstore. After taking a roundabout route, she passed by the Yixiang Lou in this part of the county and ran into Yu Qianqian.

Yu Qianqian wore a large coat trimmed with white fox fur, its front, and sleeves embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread. Her forehead sported evenly cut bangs, making her face look like a white jade plate, not much different from an unmarried young lady.

She seemed about to leave by carriage, with several steward-like people standing before her, bowing and listening to her instructions.

As soon as Yu Qianqian finished giving orders, she looked up and saw Fan Changyu walking from the street corner with a porcelain doll-like little girl. Her eyebrows lifted in delight, “I was just about to go back to town to find you. I didn’t expect to run into you right at the shop door.”

Fan Changyu smiled and wished her a happy New Year before asking, “Did the proprietress need me for something?”

Yu Qianqian said, “I have a big business deal tomorrow, and I can’t do without your help!”

The largest bookstore in the county town was open for business as usual on New Year’s Day.

As Xie Zheng entered the store, the bookstore owner, fiddling with an abacus, asked, “What would you like to buy, sir?”

Xie Zheng’s fingertip dangled a jade ring with an attached cord. Seeing the jade ring, the owner’s attitude instantly became respectful. He bowed and gestured “please” with his hand, “Sir, please come upstairs for a private word.”

The owner led Xie Zheng to a refined room upstairs. On a yellow pear wood table by the window sat a slender-necked white porcelain vase with a sprig of red plum blossoms about to bloom. Against the backdrop of fine snow outside the carved wooden window, it truly created an artistic atmosphere.

“Esteemed guest, please wait here for a moment. I’ll go call the proprietor right away,” the bookstore owner said as he left, just as a servant entered with tea.

Wei Yan was highly skilled in the art of tea, and Xie Zheng, having been raised by him for sixteen years, understood tea to some extent.

The fragrance of this tea alone was comparable to imperial tribute teas.

He lowered his gaze to the red plum blossoms in the white porcelain vase on the table, his long fingers lightly tapping the tea lid twice.

Before long, Zhao Xun pushed open the door and entered, his refined face wearing a fabricated smile, “I didn’t know the Marquis was visiting. My apologies for not welcoming you from afar.”

“Mr. Zhao is too kind,” Xie Zheng said, sitting casually in the armchair, his tone carrying a hint of dominance as if he were the host rather than the guest.

Zhao Xun said, “The matters the Marquis entrusted to me have all been secretly carried out. The Marquis can rest assured that even if the officials investigate, they won’t find anything.”

Xie Zheng looked up, “There’s one more thing I need your people to do.”

“What is it?”

“Immediately leak the news of Wei Xuan allowing troops to plunder grain in Ji Prefecture to He Jingyuan. In the capital, use this grain plundering incident that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians to create a big stir and denounce Wei’s faction.”

The louder the public outcry, the more effective the impeachment from court officials would be.

Hearing it was another matter of suppressing Wei’s faction, Zhao Xun hurriedly bowed, “I’ll have my people do it right away.”

As he raised his head, he saw Xie Zheng looking at him with a faint smile.

Zhao Xun hesitated for a moment and asked, “Why is the Marquis looking at me like that?”

Xie Zheng picked up the teacup in front of him and took a small sip, “Qingcheng Snow Buds, only one bud and one leaf picked, offered as tribute to the royal family. I didn’t expect to drink such fine tea in a small place like Qingping County.”

Zhao Xun said, “I’m a businessman. I spent quite a bit of silver to get such a good thing. Knowing the Marquis was coming, of course, I had to bring it out to show my respect.”

The corners of Xie Zheng’s mouth turned down, “An ordinary merchant couldn’t manage to buy twenty thousand stones of rice without alerting local officials. With your family’s immense wealth, if you truly wanted revenge on Wei Xuan, you could still rely on Minister Li’s faction in court. You went to great lengths to find me, not so much to use me to help you get revenge, but because you coveted my influence over the hundred thousand soldiers in Hui Prefecture.”

His phoenix eyes locked onto this unqualified merchant before him, like a wolf facing off against a hyena, “What you’re after is the military power in my hands. Since we’re cooperating, I don’t like an ally who hides things.”

Zhao Xun was silent for two breaths, then suddenly laughed loudly. Gone was his previous modest demeanor. He sat down opposite Xie Zheng, “Indeed, nothing escapes the Marquis’s keen eye.”

this story is getting more and more intriguing.

So Meng Shuyuan is somehow related to her family…hmm.

is meng shuyuan her maternal family? bcs her mother cried like that i guess her family name was Meng

I was thinking the exact same thing

Zhu Yu – Chapter 37

“My master also has a blood feud with Wei Yan,” said Zhao Xun. His naturally smiling eyes gave people a false sense of approachability, yet they held a distinct detachment. “Getting close to the Marquis wasn’t about using your influence. My master believes that once you learn the truth about the Jinzhou Battle from sixteen years ago, you too would want to kill Wei Yan. We didn’t deliberately conceal our identity earlier—my master was simply waiting for the right moment to reveal it to you.”

Marquis Xie Zheng’s eyes turned sharp as steel, and though he had already formed a guess in his mind, he still asked, “Who is your master?”

“The one who survived the great fire in the Eastern Palace sixteen years ago,” Zhao Xun replied.

Xie Zheng’s lips curved into a cold smile. “The Imperial Grandson? If he were still alive, shouldn’t he have sought an alliance with Imperial Tutor Li’s faction? Why wait until now to seek out a defeated dog of Pingyang like myself?”

Zhao Xun’s expression grew troubled. “You’ve investigated the traces of the Jinzhou Battle from sixteen years ago. You must know that old traitor Wei Yan always cuts off loose ends, leaving no evidence behind. When the Crown Prince died and the Eastern Palace burned, even though the late Emperor ordered both the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to investigate thoroughly, they couldn’t uncover the truth. How much harder would it be now, when everything has changed? Imperial Tutor Li may lead the honest officials at court, but he wouldn’t risk everything to oppose Wei’s faction for my master’s sake. You’re different, Marquis. General Xie died in battle and his corpse was displayed on the city walls for three days by the Northern Yue—Wei Yan had a hand in that too. Don’t you want revenge?”

Xie Zheng’s fingers clenched, and a murderous aura seemed to seep from his very bones, making the spacious private room feel suffocating. “Tell me what happened sixteen years ago.”

Zhao Xun replied, “My master has been lying low for years but hasn’t found a single clue about the Jinzhou Battle. When the Eastern Palace burned, the Ministry of Justice and Court of Judicial Review blamed it on palace servants accidentally knocking over candles while sleeping on duty. But according to my master’s loyal servant, assassins infiltrated the Eastern Palace that night. The Crown Princess ordered the servant to flee with the young prince while she stayed behind with the prince’s playmate. The body found in the sleeping chamber by the Court of Judicial Review was that of the prince’s childhood companion.”

“Crown Prince Chengde died, the late Emperor passed away, and only Wei Yan has been manipulating the court for over a decade. It’s hard not to suspect the Jinzhou Battle was his doing. General Xie’s death alongside them was merely to clear Wei Yan of suspicion.”

Xie Zheng raised his dark eyes, impatience creeping into his brow. “I want evidence, not speculation.”

Zhao Xun smiled slightly. “When Prince Changxin rebelled in Chongzhou, one of his strategists was my master’s man. He suggested raising the banner of ‘Cleanse the Court, Eliminate Wei’s Faction’ and spreading rumors that Wei Yan orchestrated the Jinzhou tragedy to gain popular support. The aftermath, as Your Lordship knows, was that merely investigating the Jinzhou case files made Wei Yan want you dead.”

Xie Zheng narrowed his eyes sharply, letting out a cold laugh. “So I too was part of your plan.”

Zhao Xun’s face stiffened. “Your Lordship speaks too severely. My master merely wished to gain you as an ally.”

Seeing Xie Zheng’s displeasure, he quickly added, “That old traitor Wei truly showed his hand when provoked. His death squads crossed seventeen prefectures to kill over ten people. My master has identified some of them—all former retainers who once served Wei Yan before retiring.”

“What about the butcher Fan’s family? I assume you’ve identified them too?” Xie Zheng asked.

Zhao Xun’s face showed shame. “That butcher Fan’s identity is too well concealed. My master’s people investigated thoroughly, but whether in his ancestral home or this town, everything checked out. Even the official records show his caravan guard work from over a decade ago. It seems someone in the government deliberately helped cover up his past.”

Xie Zheng’s mind flashed to Fan Changyu’s expression when speaking of her parents’ past. He was momentarily lost in thought until a snowflake landed on his hand, its melting coolness bringing him back to the present.

He leaned back slightly, resting one arm on the huanghuali wood armchair. His most casual pose carried the most intense pressure. “Expecting me to believe your master is the Imperial Grandson who supposedly died in that fire sixteen years ago based on your words alone is laughable.”

As Zhao Xun’s face changed and he was about to speak, Xie Zheng continued, “I’ll investigate the truth behind the Jinzhou Battle myself. I don’t care if your master is the real Imperial Grandson or an impostor. If you don’t want this alliance to end here, better have him meet me in person.”

Zhao Xun’s face darkened, but he could only bow and reply, “I will relay Your Lordship’s message.”

As Xie Zheng rose, he looked down lazily. “Also, have him consider what he’s willing to exchange for those two hundred thousand shi of grain.”

Zhao Xun bowed even lower. “Yes, my lord.”

As Xie Zheng left, he placed the jade ring—originally meant as a token of alliance—on the huanghuali wood table.

He had played along with this Zhao person for so long merely to determine which faction he represented. The Imperial Grandson’s answer was truly unexpected.

He wasn’t worried about tracking their movements. When he sent Zhao to purchase grain, he had already had his people monitor Zhao’s family’s intelligence network. By investigating these threads, he could soon expose the mastermind even if they didn’t show themselves.

While he indeed had a grudge against Wei Yan, for someone to dare manipulate him before everything was settled, merely to gain his support—they truly thought him too kind.

Leaving the bookstore, Xie Zheng saw that the Fan sisters hadn’t returned yet. His brows furrowed slightly as he walked toward Constable Wang’s residence.

He hadn’t gone far when he encountered Fan Changyu and Changningg. Changningg’s cheeks were stuffed with candy as she bounced along, her small chubby hand held by Fan Changyu, whose face bore a bright, spirited smile.

Seeing Xie Zheng, her smile didn’t diminish at all. She waved from afar, and when closer, said, “We’re not returning to town tonight.”

Looking at her smile, the gloom and displeasure in Xie Zheng’s heart lessened. “Why?”

Fan Changyu explained, “Manager Yu has another Yixiang Restaurant in the county seat. A wealthy merchant’s son is getting married, and they’ve booked the banquet here. They need lots of braised meat tomorrow, and Manager Yu worried about time, so she asked me to help with the marinades early tomorrow. Plus, there’s a lantern festival in town this year—we can visit it tonight.”

“Shall we find an inn first?” Xie Zheng asked.

Fan Changyu shook her head. “Manager Yu has already arranged accommodation. The kitchen helpers at Yixiang Restaurant get not only meals but free housing—Manager Yu rented a neighborhood nearby for them to live in.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow. “This Manager seems quite remarkable.”

Fan Changyu smiled. “Indeed! Manager Yu is wonderful, and all the restaurant staff trust her completely. I heard from Chef Li in the kitchen that when other restaurant owners in the county were jealous of Yixiang’s business and tried to poach the restaurant manager Yu had personally trained, offering twice the salary, the manager didn’t leave.”

Xie Zheng merely said, “Sometimes, loyalty indeed works better than money.”

Fan Changyu enthusiastically told him more about Yu Qianqian, but seeing his tepid response, she stopped. Noticing his empty hands, she asked, “Weren’t you buying paper and ink? Why are you empty-handed?”

Thinking of one possibility, her expression grew complex. “Don’t tell me you spent all your money buying things for Ning? You should have told me if you needed money…”

Xie Zheng smiled slightly, the gloom from the bookstore largely dissipated. “That’s not it.”

Under Fan Changyu’s suspicious gaze, he said, “Things in the county bookstore were too expensive. We’ll buy them when we return to town.”

“Then why did you stay in the bookstore so long?” Fan Changyu asked.

“I was reading books and lost track of time,” Xie Zheng answered.

Fan Changyu asked curiously, “You read for so long without buying anything—didn’t the bookstore owner give you attitude?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her. “Who told you that?”

Fan Changyu wanted to say that Song Yan had been like that before—only reading at the bookstore without buying anything, getting attitude from the owner, and coming back sulking for days. Even later when mentioning it, he would mock the bookstore owner’s money-grubbing nature.

But remembering how Yan Zheng would turn venomous at the mere mention of Song Yan, she swallowed her words and muttered, “Just guessing.”

Xie Zheng gave her several looks, making Fan Changyu’s neck instinctively tense, fearing he would say something cutting the next moment.

Fortunately, he didn’t mock her the entire way.

Though it was late, since they’d decided to stay in the county for the night, Fan Changyu still wanted to take Xie Zheng and Changningg to see the lanterns. Instead of going to the lodgings Yu Qianqian had arranged, they first went to get some late-night food.

On New Year’s Day, those eating out were usually from relatively well-off families.

At a neighboring table, a young couple appeared to have finished their meal. When the waiter went to settle the bill, he smiled at the man and said, “Young master, that’ll be one tael and two qian.”

The man looked scholarly and frail, his manner somewhat timid, appearing quite ill at ease.

The woman beside him said, “He has no money. I’ll pay.”

The woman’s voice was quite loud, drawing the attention of many diners.

People whispered among themselves: “A grown man having a woman pay for his meal—how shameful!”

“Tsk must be a kept man!”

“I know him—he’s the live-in son-in-law of the An family. Just a parasite. Wonder what that An daughter saw in such a weakling!”

The man’s face burned red with shame, wishing he could sink into the ground.

After the woman paid, he practically fled the restaurant with his head down.

Xie Zheng had already finished his meal and watched the scene with a cold expression.

Sitting across from him, Fan Changyu finished her third bowl of rice. The dishes on the table were cleaned spotless before she finally set down her chopsticks contentedly and called out, “Waiter, Bill please!”

Fan Changyu had a big appetite, and since it was New Year’s Eve, they had ordered generously. Though they hadn’t ordered any alcohol, it wasn’t an outrageous amount.

The waiter counted and said, “Eight qian of silver.”

As Fan Changyu was about to pay, Xie Zheng, sitting like a jade statue across from her, said, “I’ll pay.”

Both he and Fan Changyu were exceptionally good-looking, already drawing attention in this small restaurant. When he spoke, even more people cast glances their way.

Seeing his offer to pay, Fan Changyu remembered the earlier couple’s incident and stopped reaching for her money pouch.

As Xie Zheng reached into his robes to search, his expression changed slightly.

Seeing this, Fan Changyu quickly shot him a questioning look.

After a moment, Xie Zheng withdrew his hand and looked at Fan Changyu: “You pay.”

Hahahaaa 😂 our Master Xie Zheng maybe forgot his money pocket

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

what the heck 😭😂😂😂😂. I deeply feel that second hand embarrassment 😂😂😂.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 38

As the waiter waiting to collect payment and other diners in the restaurant stood dumbfounded, clearly not expecting such a turn of events, even the men who had been mocking the An family’s son-in-law moments ago were caught off guard.

Fan Changyu was stunned at first, then asked in confusion, “Did someone steal your money pouch on the way here?”

She then called out to the waiter, “I’ll pay.”

During festivals, the streets were crowded, making it easier for pickpockets to strike.

With Fan Changyu’s loud exclamation, the roomful of people who had been staring at them resumed their meals. Some commented, “When we go to see the lantern festival later, the streets will be even more crowded. It’s easier for valuables to be stolen then. We must be vigilant!”

Someone whispered, “I think that man looks even better than the woman. Could he be a kept man?”

Another person refuted, “How is that possible? He was just trying to pay earlier!”

“Anyone can put on an act after seeing the An family’s son-in-law embarrassed. But with a face like that, he could certainly make a living as a kept man…”

Before Xie Zheng could react, Fan Changyu quickly scooped up Chang Ning with one hand and pulled him out of the restaurant with the other.

Once they were on the main street, she caught her breath and asked Xie Zheng, “Was your money pouch stolen?”

Xie Zheng’s cold expression froze for a moment, and he gave a slight nod.

With his skills, it was unlikely that someone could have pickpocketed him without him noticing. As Fan Changyu had mentioned earlier, he had indeed bought too many things for the child and hadn’t realized he was out of money.

After all, in the past, when he went out to buy something, he never had to worry about not having enough money.

Fan Changyu remembered that he had visited the bookstore earlier and thought the items there were too expensive to buy. He should have known how much money he had left. She sighed, “It must have been stolen by a pickpocket when we were in the crowded street earlier.”

She took out her money pouch, counted out two silver pieces and a handful of copper coins, and handed them to Xie Zheng. “Keep this money. It’ll be convenient if you want to buy something at the lantern festival later.”

Chang Ning also generously said, “Sister, give my New Year’s money to Brother-in-law too!”

Her beaming smile made it seem as if they were truly a family.

Xie Zheng felt a strange sensation in his heart and frowned, saying, “No need. I won’t be buying anything.”

“Why are you being so difficult? It’s convenient to have some money on you, just in case,” Fan Changyu thought he was just being shy about taking her money. She grabbed one of his hands and placed the coins in his palm.

Her hands were always warm, and as she grabbed his hand, that warmth seemed to seep through his skin and into something deeper.

After she withdrew her hand, Xie Zheng looked at the copper coins and silver pieces in his palm. His fingertips curled almost imperceptibly before he closed his fist as if to hide something.

Dusk had fallen, and lanterns were lit throughout the streets and alleys.

The warm yellow light carved out the lines of his profile as he looked at Fan Changyu. The expression in his dark phoenix eyes became even more unreadable. “Thank you,” he said.

“What are you thanking me for? You’ve already bought so many things for Chang Ning, and besides, I’m still holding onto those forty taels for you…” Fan Changyu didn’t think much of it.

Xie Zheng listened silently, and only after she finished did he say, “Candy money is candy money. It’s different.”

Fan Changyu was slightly taken aback. Suddenly, a cheer erupted from the crowd in the distance, drawing their attention. They saw a street performer breathing fire.

It was unclear how the performer managed it, but he held a small burning bamboo stick in his hand. When he blew on it forcefully, the flame instantly turned into a large burst of fire, startling the onlookers. As the flames swept near them, they cried out and stepped back, then applauded and cheered.

Chang Ning found this very intriguing and immediately tugged at Fan Changyu’s clothes. “Sister, Ning wants to see the big fire.”

By now it was completely dark, and the streets were crowded. Fan Changyu, worried that Chang Ning might trip or be bumped into, picked her up. She said to Xie Zheng, “The lantern festival seems to have started. Let’s go over there and take a look.”

Xie Zheng glanced at the group performing the fire-breathing trick, the thoughts in his eyes fading away. He said to Fan Changyu, “Let me carry her.”

Fan Changyu, with her great strength, immediately refused, “No need, your injuries haven’t fully healed yet…”

Xie Zheng said, “Carrying a child is no problem.”

He paused, then added, “I’ve noticed that other children on the street are being carried by their fathers or elder brothers.”

Fan Changyu looked around and realized that among families out to see the lanterns if both parents were present, it was indeed usually the father carrying the child.

With her and Yan Zheng accompanying Chang Ning, people might mistake them for a family of three.

Yan Zheng was tall and strong, and with her carrying Chang Ning, they had already attracted glances from passersby.

Those who didn’t know the situation occasionally pointed and whispered about Yan Zheng.

Fan Changyu recalled the incident at the restaurant earlier. After a moment’s hesitation, she handed Chang Ning to Xie Zheng to carry, cautioning, “If your arms get tired, give Ning back to me to carry.”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly in agreement.

He was nearly a head taller than Fan Changyu, so Chang Ning, perched on his shoulder, could see even further. She kept pointing here and there along the way, asking them to look, her excitement uncontainable.

Fan Changyu walked alongside Xie Zheng, still holding the painting the scholar had drawn for them, a rare contented smile on her face.

Many passersby who saw them sincerely praised what a fine couple they made.

A middle-aged couple was out with their young son to see the lanterns. The wife, carrying their little boy, spotted Fan Changyu’s group and immediately handed the child to her husband. She frowned, saying, “Look how considerate that young man is to his wife. You heartless man, can’t you see my arms are about to fall off!”

The husband, now holding the child with both hands, had his ear pulled as his head was forced to one side. He kept apologizing, “Ouch, ouch, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

Fan Changyu was both amused and slightly uncomfortable with the woman’s words.

She glanced up at Xie Zheng secretly, only to find him turning his head towards her at that moment. Their gazes met in the soft lantern light, and he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu coughed dryly and, spotting a distant tower adorned with colorful lanterns, said, “I think there’s a lantern riddle game over there. Let’s go solve some riddles!”

Chang Ning had also spotted the various lanterns in the distance and excitedly said, “Ning wants to buy a piggy lantern!”

Fan Changyu laughed, “Alright, let’s go take a look first.”

Xie Zheng asked, “Is she born in the Year of the Pig?”

Before Fan Changyu could answer, Chang Ning was already nodding vigorously. She counted on her chubby fingers, “Sister is Tiger, Ning is Pig.”

Xie Zheng gave Fan Changyu a strange look, “You’re only nine years older than your sister?”

Fan Changyu said, “To be precise, it’s ten years. I was born in the first month of the Year of the Tiger, and my sister was born at the end of the twelfth month in the Year of the Pig.”

She looked at Chang Ning, her gaze softening, “Last year, as soon as the twelfth month passed, Ning turned six. According to our town’s customs, to avoid shortening a child’s life, birthdays aren’t openly celebrated during the mourning period for parents. We only made her a bowl of noodles for her birthday.”

She turned to Xie Zheng, “You’ve had it too, it was the intestine noodles I made that time.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

That wasn’t exactly a pleasant memory.

But if her birthday was in the first month, she would be turning sixteen this month?

Xie Zheng’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Fan Changyu suddenly asked him, “What’s your zodiac sign?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer.

She guessed wildly, “Are you a Dog?”

This sounded a bit like an insult, and a passerby couldn’t help but glance back at them.

Xie Zheng shot a glance at Fan Changyu, who tried very hard to suppress the smile on her face but failed.

She said, “If you were born in the Year of the Dog, it would suit your personality.”

The smile on her face was truly unrestrained and radiant.

Xie Zheng turned his head to look at her and asked, “What do you mean?”

Fan Changyu coughed lightly, “I’ve heard that people born in the Year of the Dog are particularly good at holding grudges and are very sharp-tongued.”

Before she could finish, she received a cold glare.

Fan Changyu felt inexplicably guilty, “Don’t you know how venomous your tongue is?”

Xie Zheng’s lips curled slightly, “I haven’t said much about you in other matters, only that your taste in men is somewhat lacking, with you still pining for someone like Song Yan until now…”

Fan Changyu realized what it meant to reap what one sows. Back then, to prevent him from misunderstanding her intentions towards him, she fabricated a lie about her undying love for Song Yan. Now, he seized every opportunity to mock and despise her for it.

She couldn’t help but say, “When have I ever been pining for him…”

“Pfft—” A snicker came from behind the lantern wall adorned with banners and flower lanterns.

Fan Changyu looked up and saw several young gentlemen pushing aside the banners and emerging from behind the lantern wall. Among them was Song Yan.

“Brother Song is truly a hidden talent. Not only has the magistrate’s daughter been captivated by your scholarship, but even your married ex-fiancée is at odds with her husband because of you!” A man wearing an apricot-yellow robe and a cap pointed his folded fan at Fan Changyu, his face bearing a frivolous smile.

He was also the one who had snickered behind the lantern wall earlier.

Fan Changyu’s expression instantly soured. She never expected Song Yan and his classmates to be behind that lantern wall.

Her lips tightened. Nothing irritated her more than letting that Song fellow misunderstand that she still had feelings for him.

Xie Zheng, who had met Song Yan before and had some impression of him, cast a cold and oppressive gaze towards those flirtatious scholars, lingering a few moments longer on Song Yan.

Song Yan wore an indigo robe and held a folded fan despite the cold weather. Upon meeting Xie Zheng’s gaze, he instinctively avoided it after a brief moment of eye contact.

His classmates, however, were unfazed. They believed that as scholars with academic titles, they didn’t need to kneel even in court, so why should they fear the son-in-law of a butcher’s daughter?

The man in the yellow robe immediately mocked, “Sir, don’t lose your temper. Brother Song is the only one who passed the county-level imperial examination in Qingping County. It’s understandable that your wife still thinks of him.”

Another man beside him, after observing Fan Changyu for a while, suddenly clapped and laughed, “I remember now! One year, this young lady specially came to the county school to deliver winter clothes to Brother Song. I asked Brother Song who she was, and he said she was his younger sister!”

“It seems this young lady is indeed deeply in love with Brother Song. No wonder that sir gets so upset at the mention of Brother Song…”

The lantern festival was in full swing, and the back-and-forth between these men drew the attention of many passersby. Busybodies pointed and whispered at Fan Changyu.

“So this is Song Yan the scholar’s ex-fiancée whose engagement was broken off.”

“She’s quite pretty, but she’s already married. Why is she still pining for Scholar Song? Only a live-in son-in-law would tolerate such behavior…”

“What a coincidence to run into each other here. Could it be that she knew Scholar Song would be at the lantern festival tonight and came specifically to see him?”

Hearing all this, Song Yan glanced at Fan Changyu, then withdrew his gaze and said to his companions, “Let’s go. These lantern riddles are nothing special, not worth solving.”

Fan Changyu, hearing the whispers and catching Song Yan’s glance, felt anger burning from her heart through her blood into her limbs. Her whole body felt sick.

Xie Zheng gave her a look, then turned to the group and said, “Stop.”

His tone was lazy but a command.

With these words, the onlookers’ faces grew even more intrigued.

Song Yan’s group halted, and his classmates turned back with looks of mockery and arrogance on their faces.

The man in the yellow robe teased, “Does this sir intend to use force against us? We all hold academic titles. If you lay a finger on us, you’ll never have a peaceful day for the rest of your life.”

Xie Zheng’s mouth curled into an even more disdainful sneer as he coldly said, “You’ve studied the classics for ten years, and all your propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame have gone to the dogs? Is slandering a woman the conduct of scholars?”

The group suddenly looked sheepish.

His thin lips uttered two cold words: “Apologize.”

Only the man in the yellow robe persisted, “When did we slander anyone? We merely stated the truth.”

Xie Zheng lazily raised an eyebrow, his words biting and cold: “Is your examination paper filled with gossip about women too? You’ve forgotten the etiquette of a gentleman, but you’re quite skilled at wagging your tongue. Did you come from a brothel?”

The crowd burst into laughter.

Someone even shouted, “Well said! A group of scholars acting like gossiping old women, aren’t you ashamed? Even the male prostitutes in brothels don’t gossip as much as you do!”

Hearing the jeers, the man in the yellow robe’s face instantly turned the color of a pig’s liver. He pointed at Xie Zheng, sputtering, “You… you…”

His companion chimed in, “Such shameless and vulgar words! A disgrace to scholars!”

Xie Zheng let out a light snort, “Scholars? Are you worthy of that title? You’ve read a few books and think you’re above everyone else. How would you know that ‘When wild geese fly north, phoenixes find no place to land’?”①

As he said this, his indifferent gaze fell directly on Song Yan, clearly directing these words at him.

The scholars, shocked to realize that Xie Zheng was also educated, instantly looked furious. His last sentence was an insult to them, but they couldn’t think of a retort, leaving their faces extremely unsightly.

After Xie Zheng spoke those words, Song Yan’s expression became inscrutable. Finally, he bowed and said, “Earlier, it was my two friends who spoke out of turn and offended Miss… Mrs. Fan. I apologize on behalf of my friends.”

Seeing Song Yan take a stance, the others, though unwilling, also bowed and said, “We were in the wrong earlier and hereby apologize to both of you.”

Xie Zheng remained silent and looked at Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu, briefly surprised by Xie Zheng’s ability to outwit these scholars single-handedly, quickly composed herself and said coldly, “I was just joking with my husband. What right do you scholars have to gossip? My husband is handsome and talented. I’m neither stupid nor blind, so why would I be pining for someone else?”

This statement made many onlookers laugh.

Song Yan’s face flushed red and pale, his clasped fingers stiff with tension.

Xie Zheng lazily raised his eyes. Although he knew most of what she said was to save face, he still found it pleasing to hear.

After all… he didn’t think it was a lie.

Having regained her composure, Fan Changyu took Changningg’s hand and snorted lightly, “Let’s go.”

Xie Zheng cast a cool glance at the scholars standing still, then followed at a leisurely pace.

Song Yan and his classmates felt their faces burning with embarrassment.

The onlookers continued to whisper and point: “They say scholars are often heartless. Song Yan broke off the engagement after passing the exam, and now he even mocks the Fan girl in public. How despicable!”

“I think that live-in son-in-law seems more eloquent than these scholars. I wonder if he’ll take the imperial exams. If he passes too, the Fan family’s future will be bright!”

Hearing this, Song Yan’s face, hidden in the shadow of the lanterns, darkened.

His classmates, trying to save face, shouted, “A pretty boy who married into his wife’s family, if he could take the imperial exams, he wouldn’t have become a live-in son-in-law!”

“In my opinion, he probably couldn’t even pass the lowest level of the exams!”

Listening to this, Song Yan’s cold expression didn’t soften at all. He merely said, “Let’s end it here for today. We’ll meet again another time.”

With him speaking up, the others, having lost so much face, didn’t feel like continuing their lantern festival tour. They each headed home.

Xie Zheng walked a few steps behind Fan Changyu, the two moving in silence for a moment before he suddenly said, “About what happened earlier, I spoke out of turn first.”

If he hadn’t mentioned Song Yan first, those people wouldn’t have overheard behind the lantern wall and mocked her.

Fan Changyu paused slightly and said, “It’s nothing. You’ve already helped me, and besides, I lied to you first.”

Xie Zheng looked up, “Lied about what?”

Fan Changyu tugged at her hair, a bit embarrassed, and said, “Earlier, I was afraid you’d misunderstand that I had feelings for you, so I deliberately said I hadn’t gotten over him.”

Hearing this, Xie Zheng’s eyes showed a hint of other emotions.

He said, “I thought… you were upset.”

Fan Changyu gave him a “how could that be possible” look.

The two had already left the street with the lantern exhibition. Suddenly, the surroundings became quiet, with occasional dark, gloomy alleys passing by.

Xie Zheng asked, “Is this the way to Yixiang Lou?”

“No,” Fan Changyu said, then handed Changningg to Xie Zheng to hold. “In a moment, cover Niang’s eyes and take her far away.”

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment, then asked, “What are you going to do?”

Fan Changyu found a dark corner and crouched there with him, pulling out a large burlap sack and a cloth-beating stick she had bought when leaving the market. She bared her small canine teeth and said, “That yellow-robed guy has such a foul mouth. Of course, I need to beat him up to feel better!”

Hahaha! I love her so much. Forget winning in an elegant battle of words, she’s going to beat him up 🤣

I’m waiting for this in Series 😭🤣

lol🤣 love this scene

oh man. imagine this scene in the drama xD

shes so real i love her

They better keep this scene in the drama!!

She’s such a thug, I love her! 🤣

I love how you can clearly see them falling for each other, step by step. The development of their feelings and relationship makes sense and is so well paced along side everything else that is happening.

she’s so amazing 😭😭😭😭😭

She said, “If you were born in the Year of the Dog, it would suit your personality.”

upon re reading this novel multiple times, seeing this lines 😂 Xie Cheng WAS SPECIFY HERE THAT HE’S REALLY BORN IN THE YEAR OF THE BIG DOG THAT BITES Changyu 😂😁😂💕

Zhu Yu – Chapter 39

The moon had set in the frosty sky, leaving only scattered stars.

A man in apricot-yellow robes left the lantern festival street, his mood dark as he headed toward the pleasure district. While the festival area was bustling with noise and light, the other streets beyond its glow lay like predators lurking in the darkness, their quietness holding an eerie danger.

Fortunately, it was only one street over to the Red Lantern district, where warm lights once again lit the way.

As the yellow-robed man walked along the inevitable path from the festival, something suddenly dropped over his head, blocking his vision. Just as he was about to cry out in fear, a heavy blow struck his abdomen. The pain was so intense it made him curl up, the scream dying in his throat.

A fierce kick to his rear sent him tumbling into a pitch-black alley, where clubs rained down on him like hailstones.

The yellow-robed man wailed pitifully, curling into a ball inside the sack with his hands protecting his head. “Please stop! I have money—I’ll give you all the silver I’m carrying, just please spare me!”

No one responded. Instead, several more punches landed on his face through the sack.

His cries grew even more miserable. Passersby who heard the screams from the dark alley, fearing trouble, dared not help. Only after running far away did someone shout, “Quick, report to the authorities! Someone’s being beaten in that alley!”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu, worried about leaving evidence, put away her club and carefully yanked off the sack covering the upper half of the yellow-robed man’s body.

However, she pulled too forcefully. The man was dragged face-first into the ground by the momentum, breaking one of his front teeth. His agonized scream was so sharp it could be heard by the pleasure district.

Fan Changyu froze for a moment. Hearing hurried footsteps approaching from the street entrance, she had no time to think further and ran toward the other end of the alley.

She had deliberately chosen an alley with exits on both ends to make escape easier.

Xie Zheng was waiting at the far end with Changningg. They exchanged glances without a word, tacitly agreeing to quickly leave the scene.

After walking two streets away, Xie Zheng finally asked, “What did you do to him?”

The man’s horrific screams suggested more than just a beating.

Fan Changyu said, “I didn’t do anything special—he was just stupid. When I pulled off the sack, he stumbled and fell face-first, breaking a tooth.”

Xie Zheng glanced at her sideways, seemingly doubting her explanation.

Fan Changyu: “…I’m not lying.”

Xie Zheng asked, “Are you going to teach the others a lesson too?”

Fan Changyu wondered what he took her for, and said, “No, beating all of them in one day would point to me as the culprit. This one had a foul mouth, so I taught him a lesson first to vent my anger. I’ll deal with the others when opportunities arise.”

Meanwhile, the yellow-robed man, still wailing in the alley, was finally helped up by the arriving constables.

Both his eyes were bruised, his broken front tooth left his mouth full of blood, and two streams of blood ran from his nose. In the torchlight, he finally saw his broken tooth on the ground and cried out, “My tooth is broken—how can I take the civil service examinations now!”

As the County Magistrate’s nephew, he shouted at the constables, “Hurry up and investigate! Arrest the thugs who beat your young master!”

The duty constable, wiping sweat from his brow, asked, “Young Master, have you made any enemies recently?”

The yellow-robed man thought carefully, wincing in pain as he spoke, “A few days ago, that good-for-nothing Wang tried to compete with me for a courtesan at the brothel. I humiliated him—it could be him! And that Liu fellow, who acts so noble but failed the metropolitan examinations, I mocked him too—could be him as well. Then there’s the Li family…”

The constable’s head spun as he listened to the long list of potential enemies.

Finally, the yellow-robed man remembered the incident at the lantern festival tonight and said, “Tonight I also mocked Song’s former fiancée on his behalf.”

This wasn’t something to be proud of, given how many people had watched their county’s top scholars being rendered speechless by a live-in son-in-law. He stopped mid-sentence to ask, “Was Brother Song Yan hurt by the thugs?”

When the constable shook his head, he immediately said, “A butcher’s daughter and her sickly live-in husband—they wouldn’t dare! You should investigate the families I mentioned earlier!”

As the constables left to investigate, he was helped to a nearby physician’s shop, moaning all the way.

When Fan Changyu arrived at the temporary lodgings arranged by Yixiang Restaurant, the matron was still awake.

She smiled and asked, “Was the lantern festival nice?”

Changningg had already fallen asleep on Xie Zheng’s shoulder on the way back, and Fan Changyu, still feeling guilty about the beating, only vaguely replied, “Yes, it was crowded and lively everywhere.”

The matron led them to a room and opened the door with a smile. “This is the only room left—you’ll have to make do for one night.”

Fan Changyu thanked her and asked for a pot of hot water for washing. After briefly washing Changningg’s face and hands, she put the child to bed.

After washing her face, she noticed there wasn’t much hot water left in the pot. Not wanting to trouble the matron to boil more water so late at night, she poured the face-washing water into a foot basin and made do with that for soaking her feet.

When Xie Zheng finished washing his face with the remaining hot water, she still had both feet in the basin. Seeing him about to take the washing water out to dispose of it, she quickly said, “You can pour it in the foot basin.”

Xie Zheng hesitated for a moment before walking over to the wooden basin.

Fan Changyu lifted her feet and rested them on the basin’s edge to make it easier for him to pour the water.

Perhaps because they rarely saw sunlight, her feet were extremely white, taking on a warm jade-like glow in the candlelight. There was a small black mole at her ankle that caught the eye strangely.

Xie Zheng only glanced once before lowering his gaze to hide his vision.

In the capital, a woman’s bare feet being seen by others was tantamount to losing her virtue. In this frontier town, customs were more relaxed than in the capital—women washing clothes by the river often went barefoot, seemingly unconcerned about bare feet.

She had always been forthright by nature, and this wasn’t improper, but Xie Zheng still felt somewhat unsettled.

Fan Changyu saw him sit far away after pouring the water and asked, “Won’t you soak your feet?”

Xie Zheng said, “You go first. I’ll rinse mine with cold water outside later.”

Fan Changyu glared at him. “In this cold weather, you want to wash with cold water? Won’t you catch a chill tomorrow?”

In their month or so together, she had noticed that Yan Zheng was quite particular about cleanliness. Thinking he didn’t want to use the water she had used, she said, “In our home, we all used to share the foot-soaking water. I forgot about your cleanliness habits. Let me ask the matron to boil you some fresh water from the kitchen.”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly but finally said, “No need, this water is fine.”

The Fan family was very clean, changing shoes and socks frequently. The used water didn’t look dirty.

It was his own heart that was in turmoil.

As he put his feet in the basin, seeing the watermarks on its edge, his mind involuntarily recalled her pair of feet resting there.

Xie Zheng’s frown deepened instantly. His foot had barely touched the water before he hurriedly stood up to dispose of it.

Fan Changyu sat at the table, opened her mouth to speak, then closed it. When he returned, she said with complex emotions, “It’s fine if you’re particular about cleanliness. I don’t think you’re looking down on anything—you don’t need to force yourself like this…”

Xie Zheng looked at her sincere and clear eyes in the candlelight, her beautiful brows showing traces of self-loathing, and said only, “It’s not what you think.”

There was only one bed and one blanket. After putting the wooden basin back inside, he walked toward the door. “You should rest early.”

Fan Changyu felt something was odd about him and asked, “What about you?”

He couldn’t sit outside all night, and the matron had just said this was the only room left.

Xie Zheng said, “I’ll ask if I can share space with the restaurant staff for the night.”

Even after he left and the door closed again, Fan Changyu still looked bewildered.

Why did he suddenly treat her like some fearsome beast?

Had the sack incident scared him?

Or was the foot-washing water too traumatic?

He’s getting his heart stirred up lol

I get you Xie Zheng, lol;)

Ahh! Xie Zheng is falling more and more, 😁

Si el corazón le tembló con ver los pies jajajja no me imagino si ve más jajjajja

Lol, this guy is a tsundere. He’s not going to go down without a fight. He’s gonna fight tooth and nail against those unwelcomed feelings. The more deeply he falls for her, the harder he’s gonna struggle against it.

“The used water didn’t look dirty.
It was his own heart that was in turmoil.”

let me correct it,

“The used water didn’t look dirty. It was his own heart that was dirty. ” 😂🙊🤣

Hahahaaa that was a good one

Zhu Yu – Chapter 40

Snowflakes drifted down beneath the eaves, forming a thin layer on the steps.

Xie Zheng leaned against a corridor pillar with his arms crossed, his eyes half-lowered in thought. The lantern above cast a warm glow on the ground, drawing shadows from his perfectly proportioned eyelashes onto his lower eyelids.

He had seen many beauties before, including Western Region dancers performing barefoot at Wei Yan’s banquets. While he could no longer remember the exact appearance of those dancers’ feet, he still recalled their golden ankle chains adorned with bells that chimed with their movements, like silent invitations.

When he saw Fan Changyu’s exposed feet, for some inexplicable reason, he was reminded of those dancers’ jingling golden bells. The thought immediately struck him as absurd, and he felt a surge of self-disgust for having violated her dignity.

Xie Zheng irritably rubbed his brow. Since childhood, he had lived under others’ roofs. To honor his father’s dying wish, he devoted himself to studying military strategy and practicing martial arts. Wei Yan had strictly regulated both his and Wei Xuan’s conduct, forbidding them from becoming entangled in matters between men and women. Even their servants were exclusively male attendants, with no female maids.

After joining the battlefield, he focused solely on defeating enemies, never considering such matters.

Wei Xuan, either deliberately defying Wei Yan’s rules or purely out of rebelliousness, frequently visited brothels and kept mistresses, earning numerous punishments from Wei Yan. Back then, Wei Xuan had mocked him for being an obedient dog, asking if he knew the pleasures of romance. Xie Zheng had shared Wei Yan’s opinion, believing Wei Xuan would never amount to anything significant.

Though reluctant to admit it, he had indeed been deeply influenced by Wei Yan, who believed that those in power must learn to control their desires, with carnal desires being the most basic of all.

After returning from military service, he occasionally attended unavoidable banquets where he would see delicate dancers earning thunderous applause, feeling only contempt. Like Wei Yan, he looked down on the capital’s nobles’ ways, believing such decadence would only weaken one’s resolve.

When he eventually married, he would only choose a wife worthy of the Xie family’s status, not someone fragile like his mother. The battlefield showed no mercy – perhaps one day he would meet the same fate as his father, dying in battle. He didn’t need someone to die of grief for him; he needed a matriarch who could uphold the Xie family’s dignity after his passing.

This was the standard by which all noble sons in the capital chose their wives from prominent families.

But these days… what was wrong with him?

Images of Fan Changyu kept appearing in his mind – butchering pigs, fighting men, enduring hardships silently…

She was admirable, even more resilient than many noble ladies, but her simple upbringing meant she couldn’t navigate the complex politics of high society… she could never be the Xie family’s matriarch.

Realizing the direction of his thoughts, Xie Zheng was startled.

The elderly housekeeper, making her rounds with a lantern, noticed him standing in the corridor and asked, “Young sir, why aren’t you resting in your room?”

Xie Zheng collected his thoughts and replied, “I was looking for you. Might I share a room with one of the Yixiang Tower’s workers?”

The housekeeper asked puzzled, “You’re Lady Fan’s husband, why not share her room?”

Xie Zheng made an excuse: “She’s with her younger sister; it wouldn’t be appropriate.”

The housekeeper thought to herself that Changning was just a child, but considering that she was still a young girl, she nodded and said, “It was thoughtless of this old woman. Our workers usually share rooms two to a room, and we don’t have extra rooms. However, there is one worker whose snoring is so loud that others can’t sleep near him. If you don’t mind, you could stay in his room for the night.”

Xie Zheng agreed, and the housekeeper led him to that worker’s room.

They could hear the thunderous snoring even from outside. Xie Zheng fell momentarily silent.

The housekeeper opened the door, its hinges creaking without disturbing the worker’s sleep at all. She showed Xie Zheng in, lit the oil lamp, and pointed to an empty single bed: “You can sleep here tonight.”

Xie Zheng thanked her, and she left with her lantern.

He removed his outer robe and lay down with his arm as a pillow. Already having little inclination to sleep, the thunderous snoring from the opposite bed made even closing his eyes impossible.

After enduring for a quarter hour, Xie Zheng rose and approached the worker’s bed. With a precise strike to the back of the worker’s neck, he rendered him unconscious, instantly silencing the snoring.

He returned to his bed but still couldn’t sleep.

He had never thought about a future with Fan Changyu before, but tonight’s thoughts of marriage left him inexplicably troubled.

He knew Fan Changyu wasn’t suitable as the Xie family’s matriarch, but the idea of returning to the capital to marry a well-educated noblelady who could manage the Xie household affairs made him instinctively resistant.

It was as if he had found a wild grass with extraordinary vitality in the wilderness. He had grown fond of it, but if he were to transplant it home among exotic flowers, others would only mock that wild grass.

Wild grass could only be free and resilient in its native wilderness – placed in a precious porcelain pot and carefully tended, it would cease to be wild grass at all.

He raised one hand across his eyes, resting it on his brow bone, his lips pressed tightly together in the darkness.

The next morning, before dawn, Fan Changyu rose while Changning was still sleeping. After dressing, she quietly left the room, asking the housekeeper to watch over Changning while she went to Yixiang Tower.

The county town’s Yixiang Tower had a similar layout to the one in Linan Town but was more magnificent.

The errand workers hadn’t arrived in the main hall yet, but the kitchen staff was already complete.

The pig heads for braising had already been prepared by others, so Fan Changyu didn’t even need to tend the fire herself, only prepare the braising seasonings.

Yu Qianqian was personally discussing with several head chefs about which dishes should be served first, which later, and what would be the finale.

Though Fan Changyu was an outsider, she could tell this required exquisite planning. After all, some dishes would lose their flavor if left too long. If too many main dishes were served consecutively and the kitchen couldn’t keep up, delayed service would be embarrassing.

For ordinary households, late dishes weren’t a problem, but at these officials’ and nobles’ private banquets, late service would embarrass the host. Not only would the host confront Yixiang Tower, but it would also damage the restaurant’s reputation.

After Yu Qianqian finished instructing the chefs on various procedural details, she noticed Fan Changyu sitting by the stove and squeezed over to warm herself beside her, showing no airs: “It’s only the second day of the New Year, and I’m already having you help at the tower. It’s truly troublesome for you.”

Fan Changyu replied, “Manager Yu has so much to handle, you seem far more troubled.”

Yu Qianqian smiled, “There’s no easy way to make money. If we handle this banquet well, Yixiang Tower’s reputation in the county will be firmly established.”

Previously, when Yixiang Tower opened in the county, they were sabotaged by Wang’s shop, and business had remained lukewarm. The county’s elite even joked about the lack of auspicious signs on opening day.

Yu Qianqian had sent many exotic and expensive gifts to those noble ladies to elevate Yixiang Tower’s status in the county, finally securing today’s private banquet.

She seemed to remember something and asked Fan Changyu, “By the way, does your braised meat have a design emblem?”

Fan Changyu looked puzzled: “What’s that?”

Yu Qianqian slapped her forehead: “It’s my fault for being too busy these days and forgetting to tell you earlier. It’s like Wang’s Braised Meat Shop’s custom trademark.”

Fan Changyu shook her head.

Yu Qianqian said, “Your braised meat in my tower competes with Wang’s from Zuixian Tower. Without an emblem, we should at least have someone write some characters to make it look proper.”

Fan Changyu didn’t understand: “Isn’t braised meat just sliced, plated, and served? An emblem shouldn’t matter.”

Yu Qianqian explained, “You must have seen when you came in that I have several shops downstairs for rent – the Fang family’s tea and Li family’s wine are sold there. I’ve reserved a spot for your braised meat too. You can prepare extra to sell there, and all the profits will be yours. The main thing is to build a reputation. Without a proper source for the braised meat used in my tower, wouldn’t we seem inferior to Zuixian Tower?”

She was about to get up: “I’ll have someone find a talented scholar to write a banner for you temporarily.”

Fan Changyu thought of Xie Zheng and quickly said, “My husband can write! I’ll ask him later.”

Yu Qianqian hesitated: “How good is your husband’s writing?”

Fan Changyu declared, “His writing is beautiful!”

With her repeated assurances, and Yu Qianqian truly being busy with other matters, she told her, “Then go find your husband now. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll still send for a scholar.”

The braised meat was already cooking and only needed watching, so Fan Changyu didn’t dawdle. She immediately agreed and went to find Xie Zheng in the alley behind Yixiang Tower.

Xie Zheng had been unable to sleep all night, only dozing off at dawn.

However, he was soon awakened by the housekeeper calling for the worker.

The housekeeper muttered while waking the worker: “He never seemed lazy before, how is he still sleeping at this hour?”

The awakened worker opened his eyes in confusion, saw it was already light out, and hurriedly got up to dress. But as soon as he moved, he cried out in pain, rubbing his neck: “I seem to have slept wrong, my neck hurts.”

The housekeeper scolded with a stern face: “That’s what happens when you oversleep!”

The worker, feeling guilty for being late, dressed quickly with a grimace, hastily washed his face and hurried to work in the front of the tower.

With all the Yixiang Tower workers moving about the courtyard now, Xie Zheng had no desire to continue sleeping.

After a sleepless night, blue-black stubble had emerged on his jaw. Just as he finished washing up, Fan Changyu found him and, noticing the dark circles under his eyes, asked worriedly: “You didn’t stay up all night, did you?”

The housekeeper happened to pass through the courtyard and, hearing Fan Changyu’s words and seeing Xie Zheng’s exhausted appearance, said, “I mentioned last night that the worker’s snoring might be disturbing. The young sir must have had trouble sleeping because of it.”

Unsure how to respond to Fan Changyu, Xie Zheng hesitantly nodded at the housekeeper’s explanation.

Fan Changyu looked at him sympathetically.

After the housekeeper left, she said, “Get a good rest when we return home tonight. Right now, I need to ask for your help with something.”

Perhaps due to lack of sleep, Xie Zheng found himself staring at her moving red lips, not quite hearing what she said. Instead, he recalled the brief dream he’d had during his short sleep.

In the dream, they had divorced as agreed, and she married another man, wearing the same wedding clothes from their wedding day. Though he couldn’t see the face of the man she married, her smile was dazzlingly bright and uninhibited, as if she had found a husband who truly suited her.

He couldn’t quite identify the feeling in his heart, but it was decidedly unpleasant.

Looking at Fan Changyu now, his lips unconsciously turned downward.

Fan Changyu finished speaking and saw that Xie Zheng hadn’t responded at all, instead staring at her with a gloomy expression. She waved her hand in front of his eyes: “Did you hear what I said?”

Xie Zheng snapped back to reality, quickly composing himself: “Go ahead.”

Fan Changyu eyed him suspiciously: “What were you thinking about just now?”

Xie Zheng replied, “Nothing. I just woke up, my mind isn’t quite clear yet.”

Fan Changyu had her own experiences with grogginess from poor sleep, so she didn’t doubt his words and got to the point: “Could you write some characters for me?”

Xie Zheng asked, “What do you need written?”

Fan Changyu explained, “Manager Yu says today’s business is competing with Zuixian Tower, so we can’t appear inferior. Our braised meat needs its trademark like Wang’s shop. Manager Yu has reserved a space for us to sell braised meat outside the downstairs hall. There’s no time to order a proper signboard, so we’ll make do with a cloth banner for now.”

Xie Zheng nodded, asking, “Are the brushes, ink, and cloth ready?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Manager Yu has prepared them.”

Xie Zheng said, “Let’s go then.”

The workers’ quarters behind Yixiang Tower were made for convenient access. The back alley was used for buying ingredients and transporting kitchen waste, with the tower’s back door opening directly onto it.

As Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng were leaving, they happened to encounter someone collecting kitchen waste.

The waste collector had been home celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so Yixiang Tower’s accumulated waste hadn’t been dealt with, leading to this early morning collection.

Thankfully, the severe winter meant the waste hadn’t developed much odor over two days.

However, the alley was narrow, requiring them to press against the wall when the waste cart passed to avoid contact with the filthy buckets.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng moved aside, but just as the cart was about to pass, its wheel hit a stone, causing it to jolt. The lid of the nearest bucket jumped, spilling some waste.

Xie Zheng’s brows furrowed as he quickly pulled Fan Changyu toward himself.

She crashed into his firm chest as the waste splashed where she had been standing moments before.

The elderly waste collector turned back, repeatedly apologizing: “I’m so sorry, the wheel hit a stone. Did any splash on you?”

Xie Zheng glanced at Fan Changyu’s skirt hem and replied, “No, it didn’t. You may go, elder.”

Only after the old man departed with his horse did Xie Zheng notice Fan Changyu’s silence and his grip on her wrist. His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately released her hand, moving it behind his back as his palm seemed to burn. “You…” he began but stopped after one word.

Fan Changyu kept her head down as two drops of blood fell onto the frost-covered stone ground, her expression utterly dejected.

She had hit his chest too hard, causing a nosebleed.

After a moment’s silence, Xie Zheng said, “I apologize.”

Fan Changyu mumbled “It’s fine” through her nose, but the pain had brought involuntary tears to her eyes, making her look rather pitiful.

She pulled out her handkerchief and wiped haphazardly, but the bleeding continued. As she tilted her head back to stop it, a large hand pressed against the back of her head, pushing it forward.

Xie Zheng instructed, “Don’t tilt your head back when your nose is bleeding.”

Fan Changyu could only press the handkerchief to her nostrils, saying dejectedly, “Seeing blood first thing in the morning – I must be in for bad luck today.”

Xie Zheng apologized again, but Fan Changyu replied with resignation, “I’m joking! How could I have bad luck? I’m blessed with good fortune and wealth!”

The bleeding seemed to stop, though her nose still felt uncomfortable. Removing the handkerchief, she sniffed and said, “I suppose it’s a balance of fortune – I avoided being drenched in waste only to get a nosebleed from colliding with you. A nosebleed is better than being covered in waste, so I came out ahead!”

Worried he felt guilty, she wiggled her nose forcefully, “See, the bleeding has already stopped…”

The last word caught in her throat.

Xie Zheng took her handkerchief and gently wiped near her nose, “There’s still some blood here. The bleeding just stopped, don’t breathe too hard.”

Even through the handkerchief, she could feel the pressure of his fingertips.

The man before her must have been greatly favored by heaven at birth – with his sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes, his features were refined yet thoroughly masculine. A gentle breeze from behind him stirred his sleeves and the loose strands of hair at his temples as a brown withered leaf fell unsteadily from the wall.

Fan Changyu felt like a lobster that had been proudly brandishing its claws, suddenly unsure how to wave them.

Xie Zheng withdrew his hand and, seeing her lost in thought, asked, “Still hurting?”

Fan Changyu shook her head and half-joked, “With such a gentle temperament, you won’t have trouble finding girls who like you in the future.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes suddenly turned cold as he gazed at her sideways, still holding her handkerchief between his thumb and forefinger. With a mirthless smile, he replied, “I’ll take that as a blessing then.”

Fan Changyu was bewildered – she had complimented him, why had his words suddenly turned sharp?

They entered Yixiang Tower through the back door. While Xie Zheng wrote on the triangular cloth banners Yu Qianqian had prepared, Fan Changyu, remembering he hadn’t eaten breakfast, went to get him some steamed buns and porridge from the kitchen.

When she returned, several workers had gathered around the table where Xie Zheng was writing, and even the tower’s accountant was praising his calligraphy.

Once the ink dried, workers helped hang the banners.

Fan Changyu looked up at them – though they merely spelled out “Fan’s Braised Meat,” his writing made them remarkably beautiful, with vigorous strokes and graceful flourishes. The four triangular banners looked even more impressive than gilded signboards.

In high spirits, Fan Changyu brought the porridge and buns to Xie Zheng: “Have something to eat first.”

Yu Qianqian, passing through the hall, saw the characters written on the temporary red silk banners and couldn’t help but praise them, commending Fan Changyu on finding such a talented husband.

She also suggested to Fan Changyu: “Sister Changyu, you should order some paper bags printed with your husband’s calligraphy. When people buy your braised meat, package it in these bags – your reputation will surely surpass Wang’s shop.”

Most cooked food vendors used oiled paper, as did Fan Changyu’s shop.

The oiled paper was water-resistant, with the smooth side wrapped around the food and the rough side facing out.

Fan Changyu had noticed that Yixiang Tower’s soup base was sold in printed paper boxes decorated with birds and flowers, tied with fine hemp rope in knots she’d never seen before.

Yu Qianqian had specifically asked her to prepare extra meat for selling in the shop.

A sudden inspiration struck Fan Changyu, and while Xie Zheng ate his porridge, she went out briefly, returning with a stack of oiled paper and a roll of fine hemp rope.

She tried wrapping half a jin of pig head meat in the oiled paper and securing it with a knotted hemp rope. It looked quite presentable, though the paper lacked the Fan’s shop name.

Xie Zheng had just finished his plain breakfast of steamed buns with pickled vegetables and porridge when he noticed Fan Changyu’s intense gaze: “Yan Zheng, would you mind writing a few more characters?”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Before Yixiang Tower opened for lunch, he had written characters on the rough side of about a hundred sheets of oiled paper.

When Yu Qianqian passed by again and saw Fan Changyu’s improvised solution, she smiled, “Truly, husband and wife thinking as one can accomplish anything.”

Noticing Fan Changyu’s slightly crooked knots, she taught her how to tie them properly: “Loop the rope this way before tying for a better look.”

Fan Changyu thanked her, and Yu Qianqian clapped her shoulder firmly: “No need for thanks. We’re in this together today – if Wang’s shop outshines your braised meat, it would be my loss of face.”

As noon approached, Yixiang Tower became busy with arriving guests. Over ten servants handled reception, with male attendants for male guests and uniformly dressed maids for female guests.

Both male and female servers carried themselves with dignity, maintaining pleasant but not fawning smiles – quite different from other restaurants.

The restaurant even provided hand warmers for cold-sensitive female guests, showing remarkable thoughtfulness.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help telling Xie Zheng, “Yixiang Tower is the most impressive restaurant I’ve ever seen.”

Xie Zheng replied, “It’s adequate.”

The capital’s finest restaurants surpassed this one, but for a small town, this female manager showed considerable skill in establishing such an establishment.

Fan Changyu glanced at him sideways: “Why is it so hard for you to give a simple compliment?”

Xie Zheng said, “Once you’ve seen better, you won’t praise everything you see.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

Had she just been snubbed? Surely she had?

She decided to stay quiet, though they weren’t idle for long before someone came asking, “How much is your braised meat?”

Fan Changyu learned that day that Yu Qianqian’s selling price was one hundred wen per jin, nearly double the usual price for braised meat.

When she nervously quoted the price, the servant didn’t even haggle before ordering three jin.

Fan Changyu was stunned but quickly cut and packaged the meat.

She remained somewhat dazed, wondering if doing business under Yixiang Tower’s reputation was this easy.

After the servant left, she whispered to Xie Zheng, “I’ve never sold braised meat this expensive before. My conscience feels a bit uneasy.”

Xie Zheng said, “Look at the wine seller next to you.”

That family owned a famous old winery in the county and was doing better business than them.

Fan Changyu watched for a while but couldn’t see anything special, asking Xie Zheng, “What about the wine seller?”

Xie Zheng looked up at her: “Haven’t you noticed they’re selling small jars of wine for nearly one tael of silver?”

Fan Changyu nodded rapidly like a pecking chick: “Yes, but wine is always expensive.”

Xie Zheng snorted softly: “Expensive why? Wine is just fermented grain and yeast – the cost might not even be as high as your meat.”

Fan Changyu considered the prices of pork and grain, finding his logic quite sound.

Xie Zheng continued: “The value of things, whether high or low, depends on whether people will buy them. If many people are willing to pay a high price, the item becomes expensive. Conversely, if everyone only offers a low price, then the item becomes cheap.”

Fan Changyu nodded, somewhat understanding.

After several more sales, she began to grasp the concept herself.

The customers at Yixiang Tower were wealthy, and such affluent families often held the notion that “expensive means good” – the concept of good value for money didn’t apply to them.

When consumable items were priced lower than what they usually paid, their first reaction wasn’t finding a bargain but worrying about the safety of the product.

Thinking this way, she understood why everything at Yu Qianqian’s Yixiang Tower was more expensive than ordinary restaurants.

While quality was part of the reason, another factor was status consciousness. Yu Qianqian had created a place where only officials and nobles would dine. Spending large sums to eat here bought not just delicious food but also a sense of belonging to the upper class.

Before the meal service, Fan Changyu’s business had been moderate, with occasional customers buying meat to take home as New Year’s dishes.

After the first round of diners finished their meal, having tasted the braised meat during their feast, her business suddenly boomed. Many maids and servants queued up to buy, and Fan Changyu couldn’t handle cutting meat and packaging alone, so she delegated the packaging to Xie Zheng.

His striking appearance, combined with the growing queue outside the shop, caught the attention of passersby, attracting many young women to line up for braised meat.

Later arriving guests, seeing this scene in the hall, inevitably asked, “Why are so many people buying braised meat?”

The attending servants would smile and reply, “The earlier guests tasted Fan’s braised meat during their meal and found it excellent. They’re buying some to take home for their families to try.”

Upon hearing this, a guest immediately instructed his servant, “With so many people buying it, this Fan Ji braised meat must be more than just a name. Buy some for the old madam at home.”

Another guest, fond of calligraphy and paintings, noticed the large character “Fan Ji Braised Meat” as soon as he entered. He sighed, “Such fine handwriting wasted on this sign!”

Looking closer, he saw that the oiled paper packages carried away by the servants in line also bore the words “Fan Ji Braised Meat” in vigorous calligraphy. Lamenting even more, he didn’t buy the meat but instead sent his attendant to purchase a sheet of the oiled paper used for wrapping.

Fan Changyu was a bit stunned by this request, but as long as they paid, it was fine. She realized that wealthy people’s pursuits differed from those of ordinary folks. She took the money and generously gave the attendant several sheets of oiled paper.

The Song family had produced a successful candidate in the imperial examinations, now considered a person of importance in Qingping County. Madam Song was eager to mingle with the wives of officials and wealthy men as if trying to reclaim the glory she had missed for over a decade.

Naturally, she attended today’s banquet. Seeing a group of servants queuing to buy braised meat, and many wealthy ladies sending their maids to make purchases, she initially wanted to join in. However, upon noticing the words “Fan Ji Braised Meat” on the sign, her expression changed. When she carefully observed Fan Changyu busy in the shop, her face fell completely. “How did she end up here…”

A woman acquainted with her asked, “Madam Song, do you know that young lady?”

Madam Song heaved a long sigh, speaking with an air of pity, “She’s an unfortunate child, born under an ill-fated star. Not long ago, she caused the death of her parents, and later her uncle. I suppose she was ostracized by the townspeople and came to the county to make a living.”

Businessmen and officials were most wary of such things. As soon as Madam Song spoke, the women at the table all changed their expressions.

“During the New Year celebrations, how could the Yixiang Tower manager let just anyone into the building?” One woman left the table, deeply uncomfortable.

Another official’s wife called over a waitress serving their table and said sternly, “Summon your manager for me.”

The waitress dared not delay and immediately went to call Yu Qianqian.

Though young, Yu Qianqian was adept at handling such situations. She approached with a smile, “Madam Qian, what seems to be the matter? If there’s any shortcoming in our service, I sincerely apologize.”

Yu Qianqian knew all the notable figures in Qingping County and was well aware of their businesses. Madam Qian dared to be so assertive at this table because her family ran a money house.

Madam Qian coldly gestured towards Fan Ji’s braised meat shop downstairs. “We’re here to celebrate, but you’re letting that harbinger of misfortune do business in your building. Aren’t you bringing us bad luck?”

With a queue of people lining up to buy braised meat at Fan Ji’s shop, Yu Qianqian guessed Madam Qian was referring to Fan Changyu, but she feigned ignorance. “What harbinger of misfortune? Madam Qian, speaking of such things during the New Year isn’t auspicious.”

Seeing her response, Madam Qian softened her expression. “You’re unaware? I heard the Fan girl has an ill-fated destiny, causing the death of her parents and then her uncle. Don’t let her work in your building; be careful she doesn’t bring misfortune to you!”

Yu Qianqian covered her mouth and exclaimed, pretending to be frightened, “Oh my! Who told you this?”

Madam Qian immediately pointed to Madam Song, “Madam Song used to live in Lin’an Town and knows all about that harbinger of misfortune.”

Yu Qianqian said, “Oh, so Madam Song said this. I heard that Young Master Song and the Fan family were engaged for years. After Young Master Song passed the examinations, they consulted a fortune teller and discovered that the Fan family’s eldest daughter had an ill-fated destiny. They quickly broke off the engagement. Fortunately, the marriage was called off early; otherwise, Scholar Song might have missed the opportunity to become the County Magistrate’s son-in-law.”

The shrewd ladies present immediately looked at Madam Song with subtle expressions upon hearing Yu Qianqian’s words.

Madam Song glared, “You!”

Yu Qianqian blinked innocently, “I’m not familiar with fortune-telling, but the half-immortal in the south of the city said that the Fan girl has a destiny that brings prosperity to her husband. Her husband writes beautiful calligraphy. I heard that at last night’s Lantern Festival, he silenced Scholar Song with the phrase ‘Northern geese fly south, phoenixes descend across the land.’ His scholarship must be exceptional. Who knows, he might win a title in next year’s imperial examinations and earn her an official title!”

Someone who heard the couplet couldn’t suppress a low chuckle.

Madam Song was unaware of her son’s embarrassment last night, but recalling how he had returned home and silently entered his study to read, she now felt her face burning under the scrutiny of the merchant and official wives at the table. Without a word of farewell, she hurriedly left with her maid.

An official’s wife led the laughter, and soon the entire table of noble ladies joined in, all scornfully remarking, “She truly lacks class.”

“To break off a girl’s engagement and still dare to spread such rumors.”

“Did you see that jade bracelet on her wrist? It’s fake. I’d rather go bare-handed than wear such a thing. This scholar’s mother truly knows no shame!”

Seeing that the ladies had moved on to other topics, Yu Qianqian smiled and said, “Please enjoy your meal, ladies. We’re quite busy today, so please forgive any shortcomings in our service.”

The noble ladies became agreeable again, and some who had tasted the braised meat and found it delicious even sent their maids to buy some from downstairs.

Fan Changyu was completely unaware of how Yu Qianqian had resolved this situation on her behalf. After selling out the braised meat, she sent the exhausted Xie Zheng home to rest while she went to help in the Yixiang Tower’s kitchen.

It wasn’t until the hour of the Goat (1-3 PM) that the day’s private banquet at Yixiang Tower concluded. Fan Changyu cleared out the drawer of silver fragments and copper coins earned from selling braised meat, counting a total of over fifteen taels.

For the first time, she understood the meaning of windfall profits.

Although Yu Qianqian had told her she could keep all the earnings when she invited her to sell braised meat here, Fan Changyu didn’t intend to keep all the money for herself, as the shop belonged to Yixiang Tower and the customers were Yixiang Tower’s. She went to find Yu Qianqian to share the profits.

Yu Qianqian was amused when she heard her intention and asked, “How much did you sell in total today?”

Fan Changyu honestly replied, “Fifteen taels and three hundred wen.”

This price surprised Yu Qianqian. She smiled and said, “I heard that some of it includes silver tips given to your husband by noble guests. These are all earned through your hard work, so you should keep it for yourself.”

Fan Changyu said, “It was only by borrowing your valuable space that we could sell so much braised meat. Moreover, the capital for buying meat and the spices for braising were provided by you, Manager Yu. Even the packaging method was taught by you. I wouldn’t feel right if you didn’t take a share.”

Yu Qianqian tapped Fan Changyu’s forehead lightly. “You’re too honest for business. The reason your braised meat sold well today is fundamentally because your family’s recipe is truly excellent. Why else would there be no business at first, and then guests sending their servants to buy after finishing their meals? I may have given you some ideas, but it was you and your husband who brought them to life. How many paper wrappers did your husband write today? If you want to feel sorry for someone, feel sorry for him.”

She continued earnestly, “Your braised meat business thriving is also beneficial for me. You don’t need to be so formal with me. Let’s consider this a long-term favor; there might come a time when I need your help.”

Fan Changyu finally relented but still insisted on paying Yu Qianqian for the cost of meat and ingredients.

Yu Qianqian, realizing her sincerity, had no choice but to agree.

After deducting three taels of silver for expenses, Fan Changyu exchanged all the copper coins for silver with the accountant, planning to split the twelve taels of profit equally with Xie Zheng.

The cooks and helpers in the restaurant were just having their meal. Yu Qianqian said, “Sit down and eat first. I’ll send someone to call your husband and Old Lady Fang and the others.”

Fan Changyu guessed that the Old Lady Fang she mentioned was the housekeeper from the back alley. Remembering that Chang Ning was still with the housekeeper, she said, “I’ll go fetch my sister and call them on the way.”

As soon as she left through Yixiang Tower’s back door, she saw that Xie Zheng hadn’t returned to their room but was standing at the entrance of the alley, observing something with his hands behind his back.

Fan Changyu walked over and followed his gaze, only to see a squad of soldiers jogging away in the distance. Judging by their uniforms, they were from the military camp, not the local constabulary of Qingping County.

She frowned, “Are they soldiers collecting grain taxes?”

Xie Zheng nodded, his expression notably cold.

Most merchants living in towns bought their grain, so officials couldn’t collect grain taxes from them and had to find ways to make them pay more money instead.

Grain tax collection had to be done by farmers in the countryside. Fan Changyu had already heard about farmers being beaten to death during grain collection in Taizhou. Her heart was now filled with concern.

She said, “They say the high official in our Jizhou Prefecture is a just and upright man. I hope it won’t be like Taizhou, where they pushed the common people to their deaths just to collect grain taxes.”

Xie Zheng said, “We’ll have to see how Jizhou Prefecture handles it.”

As long as Zhao Xun and the people behind him weren’t fools, they should have already reported to He Jingyuan about Wei Xuan coming to Jizhou to collect grain taxes.

When he turned back, he noticed Fan Changyu’s bulging pocket and frowned slightly, “What’s that?”

Fan Changyu took out twelve taels of silver fragments and several hundred strung copper coins, dividing half and handing it to Xie Zheng, “This is yours.”

A single tael of silver wasn’t eye-catching, but twelve taels together were quite substantial.

Xie Zheng watched her pull out the money like a rural nouveau riche, his eyelid twitching slightly. He said, “You keep it.”

Fan Changyu insisted, “No, we should split it evenly. You wrote hundreds of paper wrappers.”

He paused for a moment and said, “It’s easy to lose if I carry it. You keep it for me for now.”

With the previous incident of him losing money at the small restaurant as a precedent, Fan Changyu couldn’t refuse his reasoning. She had no choice but to put it all back in her pocket, making it bulge even more.

The couple went back to their room to find Chang Ning. Before they even entered, they heard two children talking inside.

“My sister is amazing! She can eat three bowls of rice in one sitting!” It was Chang Ning’s voice.

“My mother is even more amazing. She can eat two braised pork knuckles and a bowl of spicy soup all by herself!” The boy’s voice seemed quite competitive.

“My sister’s rice bowl is as big as a soup tureen!” The tone suggested she was making a gesture to demonstrate.

“Well… your sister is more impressive then.” The boy seemed to have conceded.

Outside the room, Fan Changyu: “…”

A rice bowl as big as a soup tureen was their father’s!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 41

Fan Changyu’s temple throbbed as she heard this. She pushed open the door and said, “Ning.”

“Sis… Sister.” Changningg, who had been so spirited just a moment ago, immediately adopted a docile expression, her grape-like eyes darting around, not daring to look at Fan Changyu.

Xie Zheng followed her into the room, a slight curve to his lips. Noticing the boy in satin clothes, his gaze paused as he asked, “Whose child is this?”

The boy’s face still had baby fat, looking no more than five or six years old. His eyes were large and round, with slightly drooping corners, like a puppy’s. His clothes were embroidered with gold thread, and his small belt was inlaid with gemstones.

Standing next to Changningg, he looked honest and simple, like the foolish son of a rich country bumpkin.

After Xie Zheng’s question, the boy puffed out his little chest and said, “All these rooms belong to my family.”

Fan Changyu remembered that Cook Li had told her Yu Qianqian had a child. Since this child claimed these rooms were his family’s, could he be Yu Qianqian’s son?

Just as she had this thought, a housekeeper’s voice called from outside, “Young Master, where have you hidden?”

The child called out, “Madam Fang, I’m here.”

The housekeeper quickly found them. “How did the Young Master end up hiding here? You had this old woman searching everywhere…”

Seeing Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng, she apologized, “The Young Master is young and wandered into your quarters by mistake. This old woman begs your pardon.”

Fan Changyu said it was no matter, then asked, “Is this Manager Yu’s child?”

The housekeeper smiled and confirmed it was.

Fan Changyu learned from the housekeeper that the boy was named Yu Bao’er, and everyone in the building called him Little Master Bao.

Fan Changyu was quite surprised. In her experience, even moderately wealthy families would give their children names that sounded cultured. For Yu Qianqian’s child to be simply called Bao’er was unexpected.

Thinking of Yu Qianqian’s personality, she suddenly felt it all made sense.

As they walked together to the main hall of the Yixiang Building, Changningg grew bolder again, occasionally bantering with Yu Bao’er. Xie Zheng walked at the back, his brow furrowed as he gazed at Yu Bao’er’s back, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Reaching the main hall, Yu Qianqian learned that Yu Bao’er had hidden in Fan Changyu’s room during hide-and-seek, which amused and exasperated her.

As she asked Yu Bao’er about his lessons, she noticed Changningg and casually asked Fan Changyu, “Has Ning started her education yet? If not, you can send her here. I’ve hired a tutor for Bao’er, and teaching one or several is the same. Some of the staff with children have sent them to study together. We’re not aiming for them to become top scholars, but it’s good to know a few characters.”

Fan Changyu’s admiration for Yu Qianqian grew even more. Though tempted, she knew the distance from town to the county seat was considerable, and Changningg was still young. If Changningg were to study here, someone would need to escort her morning and evening. Moreover, she wasn’t an employee of the Yixiang Building and had already received much kindness from Yu Qianqian. She couldn’t rightfully accept this offer.

She said, “Thank you for your kind offer, Manager. She’s learned a few characters from her brother-in-law, but it’s not a formal education yet. She’s still young and doesn’t like studying much. Perhaps when she’s a bit older.”

Changningg immediately chimed in, “Ning can write her name!”

She demonstrated in the air with chopsticks: “Wood, cross, wood, big – Fan.”

Yu Qianqian laughed and praised her, “Ning is so clever.”

She turned to Fan Changyu with a teasing look, “I forgot, you have a highly educated husband at home. Ning doesn’t need anyone else to teach her.”

Fan Changyu had said those words to politely decline Yu Qianqian’s offer, so she just smiled without responding to the teasing.

Xie Zheng glanced at her but remained silent.

Yu Qianqian changed the subject, “I can rent you the shop outside my restaurant long-term. If you’re too busy, I can have my staff help sell your braised meat. Other tenants either pay a year’s rent upfront or give me a double share of the profits. If you’re interested, I can even give you a discount on the rent.”

Fan Changyu had seen today how bustling the business was in the shops outside the Yuxiang Building.

She said, “Manager, you’re being too kind to me.”

This comment made all the staff at the Yixiang Building laugh.

The accountant said, “Our manager has the heart of a Bodhisattva, she’s good to all the staff here. Don’t be shy, Madam Fan.”

Yu Qianqian added, “I make friends based on intuition. I liked your character from the moment I saw you. Don’t be so reserved with me. Just say whether you want to set up shop in my Yixiang Building or not.”

Fan Changyu replied, “I do. There’s no need to reduce the rent, but I truly can’t manage the shop myself. If I could use your staff, I’d pay them extra wages.”

Yu Qianqian smiled and asked her staff, “Did you all hear that? Those willing to earn extra money can step forward now and introduce yourselves to Manager Fan.”

Hearing herself called “Manager Fan,” Fan Changyu felt embarrassed yet intrigued. Unlike the townspeople who simply called her Changyu, it felt as if she had gained a new identity. Though small now, this identity was like a little boat that could take her to farther places.

After some discussion among themselves, a capable-looking woman spoke up, “I’m willing to sell braised meat in the front shop.”

Fan Changyu recognized this woman as the one who usually received female guests. She was efficient and had a sweet tongue.

Yu Qianqian told her, “This girl is called Fuling. She was sold as a servant when young but saved money to buy her freedom. She came to work here when we were hiring. She’s capable. What do you think?”

Fan Changyu nodded, “She’ll do.”

Fuling was quick to ingratiate herself, immediately saying, “Thank you, Manager. I hope Manager Fan will take good care of me in the future.”

Yu Qianqian pointed at her and smiled at Fan Changyu, “See how glib she is.”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but smile too.

After the meal, Fan Changyu bid farewell to Yu Qianqian. Having rented the best shop in the county town, she now needed to supply braised meat regularly. She had to consider whether to hire a cart or buy an ox cart outright. She also needed to deliver the cured meat to the chubby shopkeeper at the county school that afternoon.

Yu Bao’er followed his mother to see Fan Changyu’s group off at the restaurant entrance. While the adults talked, the children had their conversation.

Yu Bao’er said to Changningg, “Next time you come, I’ll show you my study. There are many books, clay figurines, wood carvings, and coral ornaments. They’re beautiful!”

Changningg, clutching Fan Changyu’s clothes tightly, pursed her lips. After thinking hard, she finally found something to boast about: “When you come to my home, I’ll show you my sister’s pig-slaughtering knives. There are more than a dozen, big and small! If you’re lucky, you might even see my sister slaughter a pig! Have you ever seen a pig being slaughtered?”

Yu Bao’er shook his head, his eyes full of envy.

Changningg gestured with both hands, “My sister can knock a pig out with one slap!”

Fan Changyu: “…”

Faced with the shocked looks of Yu Qianqian and her son, she quickly coughed and said, “Ning, let’s go.”

Changningg followed her with small steps, but with her head held high, like a victorious rooster.

Although Fan Changyu tried to keep a straight face, her ears turned red, as if she wanted to find a crack in the ground to hide in.

Xie Zheng caught sight of the sisters from the corner of his eye, a barely noticeable smile tugging at his lips.

As the three rode the ox cart back to town, Fan Changyu couldn’t stop praising Yu Qianqian’s kindness.

Xie Zheng just snorted lightly.

Fan Changyu frowned and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

Xie Zheng looked up coolly, “Even if someone sold you, you’d probably count the money for them.”

Fan Changyu, displeased, said, “Manager Yu is a genuinely good person. Why are you slandering her?”

Xie Zheng responded mercilessly, “Don’t forget, she’s a merchant. You’re doing business with her, and you haven’t received that many benefits from her. Yet here you are, endlessly grateful to her.”

His gaze cooled, “You’ll probably never learn her skill at winning people over.”

Fan Changyu liked Yu Qianqian very much and was unhappy hearing Xie Zheng speak of her this way. “Why do you always think the worst of people? Manager Yu has indeed helped me a lot…”

Xie Zheng interrupted her, “How has she helped you?”

Faced with his sharp gaze, Fan Changyu was momentarily speechless, then said, “I’ve just started selling braised meat. If it weren’t for Manager Yu giving me a chance, I wouldn’t have been able to do business with Yixiang Building so quickly.”

Xie Zheng asked, “You’re not the only one selling braised meat in all of Qingping County. Why did she choose you?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Master Li helped introduce me…”

Xie Zheng looked at her without speaking, and her voice gradually trailed off.

After a moment of silence, Xie Zheng finally said, “It’s true that the cook introduced you, but if what you made wasn’t good enough, they wouldn’t have chosen you.”

“A merchant won’t choose an inferior product out of sentiment. They’ll only do a favor among products of equal quality.”

Fan Changyu’s clasped hands tightened as she continued, “Manager Yu initially didn’t want to take money for today’s braised meat sales. Only after my insistence did she accept the cost price.”

Xie Zheng asked her, “How much did you even earn? Probably not as much as she makes from a single table.”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together, “It’s not about the amount of money. It’s the thought that counts.”

Xie Zheng frowned, “I’m not saying you shouldn’t accept her kindness. I’m telling you that the benefit she’s giving you doesn’t match your gratitude. You can remember her favor, but there’s no need to lower yourself at every turn because of it. Besides, today you both got what you needed. Her support for you is also to suppress Wang’s business.”

Fan Changyu fell silent.

Xie Zheng knew her pure-hearted nature; if someone showed her a bit of kindness, she always wanted to return tenfold.

He paused for a moment, then said, “I’m not trying to slander the manager. If you see things clearly, you might become true friends in the future. If you only remember gratitude and favors, you’re no different from her obedient staff.”

Fan Changyu had never been taught these things in her life.

After her parents passed away, except for Madam Zhao’s family’s help, she shouldered everything herself. Suddenly receiving so much kindness from Yu Qianqian was like a person nearly frozen to death in winter finding warmth, instinctively drawn to that source of comfort.

After a long while, she said, “Thank you.”

Her voice was a bit muffled, but not dejected.

She knew she still had a long way to go and much to learn. It wasn’t too late to understand things she hadn’t before.

When she looked at Xie Zheng again, her eyes were full of eagerness to learn, “Yanzheng, teach me more. I want to become as capable as Manager Yu in the future.”

Xie Zheng smirked, “Forget about doing business. I’ve told you, her most praiseworthy quality is how she manages people.”

Fan Changyu adopted a posture of attentive listening.

Xie Zheng was reluctant to say more, but continued, “Like how she lent you a female staff member today. You’re surely grateful for that. But she’s just giving you what you need when you need it. Setting aside all personal feelings, you don’t owe her anything. You paid rent for her shop and wages for her staff. On the contrary, using her staff to manage the shop you rented is all benefit and no drawback for her.”

His eyes darkened, “If she wanted to know your accounts, it would just take asking.”

Fan Changyu said, “I believe Manager Yu isn’t that kind of person.”

But the shock made her fingertips go numb. She had previously thought Yu Qianqian was just kind, but now she realized Yu Qianqian was both kind and clever.

She admired Yu Qianqian more and suddenly understood why Yu Qianqian, a lone woman, could open two such large restaurants in just a few years.

Xie Zheng said sharply, “This is just her method of managing subordinates. Her techniques for dealing with merchants and officials’ wives – you might not learn them in a lifetime.”

Although Fan Changyu was criticized, considering how much he had taught her, she didn’t take offense. Instead, she said, “Yanzheng, teach me to read.”

Xie Zheng looked at the person before him, hands propping up her chin, sighing. She was like a young lion, dejected after its first setback, yet stubborn at heart.

He responded with a cool “Alright,” just as he had agreed before.

When the ox cart reached town and passed by the bookstore, Xie Zheng bought not only paper and ink but also five books.

Fan Changyu was stunned, “So many?”

Xie Zheng handed her four thick books and gave a thin one to Changningg, “The ‘Three Character Classic’ is for your sister. The Four Books are for you.”

Fan Changyu flipped through them and found that although he had said he wouldn’t teach her “The Analects” and “The Great Learning,” he had bought these two books anyway. She couldn’t help but grin, realizing that most of the time, he was just sharp-tongued.

She happily hugged the books, saying, “I’ll start studying hard tonight!”

Changningg, clutching “The Three Character Classic” with a frown, was about to say she didn’t want to study but swallowed her words seeing her sister’s excitement.

At home, Fan Changyu unlocked the door. Changningg, eager to be the first one in, pushed open the gate and started cheering, “Xuan Xuan! Xuan Xuan is back!”

The Saker falcon, which had flown all day and returned at dusk, found not a bowl of meat scraps as a reward, but a cold, hard lock on the door.

It poked its head out of the broken bamboo basket, a few fine feathers sticking up, as it saw the three who had finally returned.

Changningg rushed over and hugged the falcon’s neck, her face red with excitement, “Brother-in-law didn’t lie to Ning, Xuan Xuan came back!”

Fan Changyu was quite surprised too, having thought Yanzheng was just comforting the child that day.

She looked at Xie Zheng, “Are you that skilled at training birds?”

Xie Zheng calmly deflected, “Is it possible you’ve been feeding it too well?”

Fan Changyu’s almond-shaped eyes widened, “…Can it be like that?”

She turned to look at the Saker falcon. Though being hugged and petted by Changningg, its beady eyes were fixed on Fan Changyu, as if asking when dinner would be served.

Fan Changyu, skeptical, went to the main room. The falcon pecked at the ground a bit, then followed her leisurely, and then… stood guard by the large bowl where its meat scraps were usually placed.

Fan Changyu: “…”

Xie Zheng observed this scene, and as he turned away, the corners of his mouth curved up almost imperceptibly.

Fan Changyu resigned herself to going to the kitchen to find a piece of meat, chopping it up, and putting it in the bowl for the Saker falcon. Then she went to rent a cart from the town’s carriage service to deliver the cured meat to the chubby shopkeeper.

The chubby shopkeeper was well-informed. Learning that Fan Changyu had rented a shop at Yixiang Building to sell braised meat, he smiled and asked, “This cured meat is also from Madam Fan’s family. This old one intends to use the ‘Fan’s’ brand to sell this cured meat as well. What does Madam Fan think?”

After hearing Xie Zheng’s explanations of various intricacies, Fan Changyu had become more astute. She said, “That’s fine, but if you sell it at a higher price than before, you can’t show me false accounts.”

The chubby shopkeeper hurriedly assured her he wouldn’t.

Since Fan Changyu and the chubby shopkeeper were splitting the profits, as long as he didn’t sell at a low price, she wouldn’t lose out. So she didn’t say more.

On her way back, she encountered a troop of soldiers. Fan Changyu recognized the leader as the commander who had helped her family through the assassination attempt.

He was mounted on a tall horse, and below him, the soldiers were escorting more than a dozen bound men. Judging by their attire, those bound were also soldiers, but their uniforms were different from those of this troop.

Fan Changyu looked carefully and realized they were the soldiers she and Yanzheng had seen collecting grain taxes at noon.

Many common people watching from the fields along the road cheered and applauded, “Our Jizhou has a great upright official!”

“Minister He is truly a good official who sees the suffering of us common people!”

Fan Changyu recalled what Yanzheng had said at noon, and seeing these bound tax-collecting soldiers being taken away, she couldn’t help but feel happy.

Back home, she told Xie Zheng about what she had seen on the road. Xie Zheng’s eyes paused for a moment, and then his long fingers turned to the next page of the book, “Continue your studies. Tomorrow night at this time, I’ll test you on the ‘Xue Er’ chapter.”

Fan Changyu’s neck shrunk, and like Changningg, she frowned as she went to study.

She truly wanted to study seriously, but she couldn’t help but get a headache looking at all the classical expressions. She could only force herself to read.

The window wasn’t closed, and the cold wind occasionally gusted in, making them shiver, which kept the Fan sisters from dozing off while reading.

Xie Zheng seemed impervious to the cold. He paced to the window, holding a scroll behind his back, gazing into the distant night sky. His long hair and robes fluttered in the wind, his eyes dark and deep.

He Jingyuan openly arresting Wei Xuan’s men meant he wasn’t planning to give Wei Xuan a face.

Given Wei Xuan’s vengeful nature, he would surely lash out at He Jingyuan before Wei Yan’s transfer order arrived.

It was time for his people to make their move as well.

I love how he’s teaching her all these life lessons. He never treats her with kids gloves, never patronizes her, or mince his words. And despite his bad temper and moodiness, he’s always so patient when he’s explaining things to her. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

They have written xie Zheng so well. There’s so much depth and even more of him to discover. I like how comfortable they are together and the way they communicate. He’s being so good to her and she’s always thinking of him and what he may need.

This is the book that is equally great as the drama so far. All the character developments are soo good, even for Ning Ning

Zhu Yu – Chapter 42

The snow had just cleared, and fine bamboo curtains hung from the eaves of the Jizhoufu government office to block the wind. Through the gaps, one could faintly see two or three branches of winter plum blossoms budding in the courtyard.

Muffled voices of conversation drifted from the hall. On the steps of the corridor, guards in armor stood in a row like geese, their faces stern.

Suddenly, the sound of weapons clashing came from outside the main gate.

“Who dares to intrude upon the Jizhoufu office?”

Hearing the sounds of fighting outside, some of the inner courtyard guards remained to strictly guard the meeting hall, while others rushed to the gate with swords and halberds to provide support.

However, the intruders were also a squad of armored guards carrying spears and halberds. A Jizhoufu soldier was sent flying by a kick from the leading general in scale armor.

He raised his eyes, full of anger: “Hegeng Yuan, get your ass out here!”

The Jizhoufu officials who came out of the meeting hall upon hearing the commotion all showed strange expressions when they saw him.

Only Zheng Wenchang immediately shouted: “How dare you directly call out the Prefect’s name!”

Wei Xuan sneered, not taking him seriously at all. As he approached the meeting hall with his sword drawn, Zheng Wenchang had also unsheathed three inches of his blade.

Just as the two were about to cross swords, a steady, deep voice came from inside the hall: “Wenchang, stand down.”

Zheng Wenchang glanced back, sheathing his sword, but still glared at Wei Xuan.

Wei Xuan’s lips curled into a sneer. He swung his sword directly at Zheng Wenchang, who hastily dodged. The surrounding civil officials cried out in alarm and scattered in disarray at this sight.

“Did the Young Master come here just to harass the officials under my command?” The voice of He Jing Yuan, seated calmly in the place of honor, came at an opportune moment. Looking at the man below, disappointment showed in his eyes.

It was true that Wei Yan held absolute power in court, but it was under his rule these past ten years that the entire post-war Great Yin Dynasty had been able to recuperate. Though naturally suspicious, he was also extremely good at using people.

How had the son of Wei Yan turned out to be such a reckless, vainglorious fool?

Seeing that look in his eyes, Wei Xuan’s anger grew even fiercer. Like a snarling hyena baring its fangs, he pointed his sword at Zheng Wenchang and said: “One of your running dogs dares to bark at this general. Or is it that you, He Jing Yuan, no longer take the Wei family seriously?”

He Jing Yuan replied: “The Prime Minister has shown me great kindness. I am guarding Jizhou on his orders. How could I not take the Wei family seriously?”

He slowly raised his eyes and continued: “Or… does the Young Master mean that I do not take him seriously?”

These words provoked Wei Xuan’s rage to boil over. With a ferocious expression, he shouted: “You have some nerve! Men, throw him in the dungeon!”

As his armored guards moved to advance, Zheng Wenchang and the other military officers all drew their swords to block the way. In an instant, both sides were poised for battle.

He Jing Yuan’s voice remained calm: “I am a third-rank official of the court. Even if the Young Master wishes to imprison me, he must present an imperial edict.”

Wei Xuan sneered: “With war imminent, you are obstructing military affairs. This charge alone is enough for this general to execute you first and report later!”

He Jing Yuan asked: “What military affairs have I obstructed?”

Wei Xuan angrily pointed outside: “Our soldiers in Huizhou are shedding blood on the front lines, facing a critical shortage of supplies. We requested grain from Tai and Ji provinces, but not only did you disobey military orders, but you even bound the officers I sent to requisition grain. He Jing Yuan, do you wish for Huizhou to fall to the rebels as well?”

He Jing Yuan simply said: “The Young Master’s defeats should not be borne by the common people. If Huizhou only defends for now, it can certainly hold out until supplies arrive from the court. The Young Master’s urgency to requisition grain is nothing more than wanting to quickly launch another attack on Chongzhou. Does the Young Master not care about the lives of the people in both prefectures?”

Wei Xuan shouted harshly: “How could it be impossible to requisition grain? It’s nothing more than those lowly commoners refusing to hand over their food. Didn’t Taizhou also claim they couldn’t produce any grain at first? In the end, didn’t they still come up with 100,000 piculs?”

At the mention of Taizhou, He Jing Yuan’s face showed deep pain as he rebuked: “Beating people to death and stealing next year’s seed grain for military supplies – is this what the Young Master calls requisitioning?”

Wei Xuan said coldly: “As long as we defeat the rebels, the entire Northwest can recuperate. What’s wrong with a moment of suffering in exchange for long-term benefits?”

He Jing Yuan asked him: “Does the Young Master know how many lives in Tai and Ji prefectures will be lost for what you call ‘a moment of suffering’? When news reaches the capital, how many scholars and officials will condemn the Prime Minister?”

Wei Xuan’s face twisted: “Once the rebels are eliminated, what do those things matter? Now that the rebels know Huizhou’s supply lines are cut, they won’t be able to engage Chongzhou again in the short term and will let their guard down. If this general can quickly dispatch troops, we can catch them by surprise! With military achievements, all those voices will be silenced!”

He Jing Yuan sighed heavily: “Young Master, please heed this official’s advice. This world belongs to the people of Great Yin. We have not yet reached the point of no return. Do not push the common people to this extent and alienate them.”

Wei Xuan merely snorted coldly: “Womanly mercy!”

He said viciously: “If you continue to obstruct me, this general will exercise his authority as Military Commissioner and strip you of your official seal!”

He Jing Yuan stared at him for a moment, then raised his hand to remove the official hat from his head: “Then let the Young Master take back this official’s seal.”

Led by Zheng Wenchang, the group of officials hurriedly cried out: “My Lord, you must not!”

Wei Xuan had always been obstinate and unable to tolerate provocation. He immediately laughed coldly: “Court officials all say Xie Zheng was the pillar of the Northwest. Without him, isn’t the entire Northwest still fine now? He Jing Yuan, you think too highly of yourself if you believe this general wouldn’t dare to take your seal!”

He stepped forward and took the great seal of the Jizhou Governor from the desk, holding it high. Looking at He Jing Yuan provocatively, he ordered the Jizhoufu officials: “Go and requisition grain for this general immediately. If I don’t see 100,000 piculs of grain by noon tomorrow, bring me your heads!”

The officials below looked at each other, all with difficult expressions.

He Jing Yuan, seated in the place of honor, closed his eyes heavily-

When news of another round of grain requisition reached Linan Town, the townspeople all cried out in distress. Fan Changyu didn’t know the reason behind it.

When she went to the county to deliver meat to Fat Innkeeper and Yixiang Restaurant, she learned that there had been a change of power in Jizhoufu. That righteous official surnamed He had been directly dismissed and placed under house arrest. Crowds of people from the main city of Jizhou had gone to protest in front of the Jizhoufu office, and over a hundred had been thrown in jail.

Under the harsh suppression of government troops, the people no longer dared to make trouble. However, the amount of grain the government was requisitioning from each household was truly astounding.

Farmers had given up their seed grain, but it still wasn’t enough to meet the military ration quota for a single family.

The solution offered by the government troops was simple – if grain wasn’t enough, then pay with money.

What if they had no money? Whether they borrowed or robbed was not the government’s concern. They only needed to keep applying pressure.

Many farmers, at their wit’s end, simply turned to banditry.

The government troops were bullies who only preyed on the weak. They could act tough against unarmed common people, but when faced with mountain bandits, they avoided confrontation if possible.

Unable to collect enough grain from farmers or scrape together much money, the troops began to extort money from merchants in towns and cities, going door to door.

Each household had to pay based on the number of people – one tael of silver per person. Fan Changyu’s family would have to pay three taels.

Everyone in town was in an uproar. Previously, when recruiting soldiers, two taels of silver could exempt one person. Now the cost of grain requisition was higher than recruiting soldiers. Especially for poor families with many children, this was pushing them to the brink.

One family in town went and bought arsenic. In front of the government troops, they each drank a bowl mixed with water, declaring they had no money and no grain. If pushed further, they could only end it all by dying.

Fan Changyu now had a way to make money, so paying these three taels of silver wasn’t a problem. But there were many families in town who, like her before, couldn’t scrape together that much silver even if they emptied their homes.

The people organized themselves to kneel for long periods in front of the county office, but the county magistrate never showed his face.

Hearing more and more such news, Fan Changyu felt her heart sinking.

In the evening, cradling the Analects, she could no longer focus on reading. She turned to look at Xie Zheng and saw him writing annotations on the book pages, his expression calm, seemingly undisturbed by outside matters.

She pursed her lips and said: “This wave of grain requisition by the government is simply not treating the people as human beings.”

Xie Zheng’s brush tip did not pause as he said: “The government will not collect grain requisition money at one tael of silver per person.”

There was a barely perceptible coldness in his voice.

Fan Changyu didn’t understand: “How can they not? Aren’t those government people going door to door demanding it?”

Xie Zheng finished annotating this section and set down his brush for the moment, saying: “Jizhoufu has 200,000 households and 800,000 people. At one tael of silver per person, the entire Jizhoufu could collect 800,000 taels of silver. During last year’s autumn harvest, grain cost only 700-800 wen per picul. Now with the war, the market value hasn’t exceeded one tael of silver per picul. 800,000 taels of silver could buy at least 800,000 piculs of grain. The front lines only need emergency supplies this time, not so much grain.”

As he spoke, a chilling coldness showed in his pitch-black eyes.

Even if Wei Xuan were as stupid as a pig, he wouldn’t forcibly requisition 800,000 piculs of grain from Jizhou.

His urgency to requisition grain was nothing more than wanting to catch Chongzhou off guard while they were relaxed after the battle, hoping to turn the tables before Wei Yan could strip him of his military power.

To hold out until supplies arrived from the court, 200,000 pieces of grain would be enough.

They had already collected 100,000 piculs from Taizhou. Jizhoufu only needed to requisition another 100,000 piculs.

Forcibly requisitioning 800,000 – how was this any different from outright plunder?

Pushing the people to the extreme, they might directly revolt and defect to the rebel king in neighboring Chongzhou.

After hearing him calculate this, Fan Changyu also felt the government’s method of grain requisition was too absurd. But she was still confused: “But this money is indeed being demanded by government troops in person. Surely those troops don’t dare to deliberately collect extra?”

Xie Zheng said: “The troops may not dare, but those above them might.”

Corruption had long been commonplace in the court. For example, when the Ministry of Works repaired roads and built canals, or when disaster relief funds were allocated from the national treasury, they would be embezzled layer by layer by officials big and small. In the end, only a few bits of silver went toward the intended purpose.

It was the same with taxes. The tax rate set by the court was ironclad, and lower officials didn’t dare to skim from it. If they wanted to line their own pockets, they could only levy various commercial and grain taxes at higher rates from the common people.

Fan Changyu wasn’t stupid. Hearing his explanation, she immediately clenched her fists and said, “You mean it’s very likely the county magistrate, or even higher-ranking officials, who are extorting money from the people?”

Xie Zheng said: “We’ll know by looking at how much military grain other countries are collecting.”

Fan Changyu said: “When I go to the county town to deliver goods tomorrow, I’ll see if I can run into people from other counties. If I do, I’ll ask them.”

If other counties weren’t collecting this much, then it must be the Clear Peace County magistrate embezzling funds!

Xie Zheng nodded without speaking.

Fan Changyu was already yawning, but he picked up his brush again, seeming to want to continue annotating the book.

Looking at his cold profile in the candlelight, Fan Changyu couldn’t help saying: “Don’t write too late, it’ll hurt your eyes. You can continue tomorrow.”

Xie Zheng made a sound of acknowledgment but didn’t stop writing.

He had originally thought He Jing Yuan could keep Wei Xuan in check, but unexpectedly, He Jing Yuan had been restrained by Wei Xuan.

Pondering the reasons, a hint of mockery appeared in his ice-cold black eyes.

The 200,000 piculs of rice bought by Zhao Xun had already been taken over by his people. He Jing Yuan’s men couldn’t find any trace of it. Suspecting it was his handiwork, they deliberately allowed Wei Xuan to act this way, trying to force him to reveal himself.

So much for the great Confucian general who claimed to love the people as his children.

News of his death in battle had spread for so long, and the entire Northwest had fallen into chaos. At this critical juncture, they absolutely couldn’t let the Northern Yue people exploit the situation. He had to go back.

As his brush tip wrote down righteous and upright characters, from the corner of his eye he caught her shadow falling on the desk. He spoke coolly: “What do you want for your birthday this month?”

Fan Changyu made a sound of surprise, then realized the meaning of his words and said: “I appreciate your kind intentions, but my parents passed away just before the new year. I won’t be celebrating my birthday this year.”

Xie Zheng’s brush paused slightly as he said: “Just make one wish. Consider it a birthday gift for the future.”

Fan Changyu said: “Why does that sound strange? Future birthday gifts can be given in the future. Why now…”

Her words trailed off as she looked at the dense annotations he was making on the book pages. The smile faded from her face: “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

hell no! why is he leaving now?!?!? at least take your wife and your sister in law before you go!!! you idiot!!!!

Didn’t to read his internal monologue… He feels like Chang Yu is a wild grass. Will not fit in to the capital’s environment even if he transplanted her into a vase and cared for her. The other plants from the capital (people or women) will look down upon it for being just that, grass. While in the wild, it will fit in (meaning she can’t be a novel wife for his status)! He was underestimating his feelings for her and letting his rational mind dictate his actions.

Reading his monologue I couldn’t help but think about love like the galaxy in which the male didn’t even think about fl before taking her hand in marriage without asking her first or even taking into account her character or what she liked.
This ml is at least worried about her

Zhu Yu – Chapter 43

Xie Zheng didn’t directly answer her. After finishing the last annotation on the book’s flyleaf, he set down his brush and said, “I’ve made annotations for all the difficult parts of these books. You should be able to understand them on your own now.”

Fan Changyu understood his meaning immediately. He had promised to teach her to read, but it seemed he couldn’t fulfill that promise. Instead, he had annotated all the books and left them for her.

For a moment, she felt an inexplicable emptiness in her heart. However, they weren’t related by blood or marriage. Their fake marriage was a mutual agreement, and they owed each other nothing. Besides, during this time, he had helped her considerably.

Fan Changyu suppressed the unusual feeling in her heart and said, “I don’t need anything else. I have everything I need now. The pork shop is thriving, the braised meat has made a name for itself, providing a stable income. Come spring, I can even raise pigs in the countryside…”

As she spoke of her plans, she remembered that Yan Zheng was about to leave, and he probably couldn’t be involved in pig farming anymore. She couldn’t help but look at him and found that he seemed to be listening attentively to her, his expression calm and gentle. Suddenly, an indescribable sadness welled up in her heart.

She thought that perhaps it was because they had supported each other through the most difficult times, so hearing him say he was leaving made her feel unaccustomed all at once.

She said, “I’ll go to the money house tomorrow to exchange the silver you left with me for banknotes. It’ll be more convenient for you to carry when you leave.”

Xie Zheng’s handsome brows furrowed as he said, “What I’ve given you is yours.”

Fan Changyu replied, “You’ll have many expenses while traveling, especially since you’re planning to rebuild the escort agency. How do you expect to manage without money? Besides, I can’t accept such a large sum without having done anything to earn it. It doesn’t sit right with me.”

Forty taels of silver was no small amount. It was one thing for him to leave it with her temporarily, but to leave it behind when he was gone was too much for Fan Changyu to accept in good conscience.

Adding the six taels they had split after selling braised meat at Yixiang Tower yesterday to the forty taels he had left with her, it totaled forty-six taels of silver. Fan Changyu planned to add four more taels to make it an even fifty, exchange it all for banknotes, and give it to him. She would also give him some copper coins for carriage rides or meals on the road.

This way, she wouldn’t feel indebted to him.

Xie Zheng’s lips tightened slightly as he looked at her and said, “Wasn’t it candy money?”

Fan Changyu met his gaze, her eyes clear and without a trace of impurity. “When you come back, if you still want to eat candy, I’ll buy it for you then.”

She smiled, half-teasing, half-earnest, “Otherwise, what if you meet a girl out there and want her to buy you candy, but you have no money?”

Xie Zheng’s lips tightened even more, and the gentleness in his demeanor disappeared completely.

Fan Changyu seemed oblivious and yawned, saying, “It’s late. We should rest early.”

Even after Fan Changyu had returned to her room, Xie Zheng remained seated at the table. After a long while, he closed his eyes.

Except for her, no one else would buy him candy anymore.

He wasn’t sure if he would have the chance to return from this journey, and some words couldn’t be spoken.

He Jing Yuan had traced the twenty thousand stones of grain to Zhao Xun, who had handed the grain over to his old subordinates. He Jing Yuan hadn’t found concrete evidence, but following the clues, he could guess something.

Given Wei Xuan’s reckless actions and He Jing Yuan’s capabilities in Jizhou Prefecture, it wouldn’t have been difficult for He to restrain Wei Xuan. But he hadn’t, presumably because he wanted to use the suffering of the common people to force him to reveal himself with the twenty thousand stones of grain.

The suffering of the people and the public’s condemnation meant nothing to the Wei faction compared to his life.

After all, when the Wei faction wanted to eliminate him before, they had their spy planted by his side to falsely report military intelligence. The eight thousand soldiers who followed him to the battlefield all became sacrificial pawns on the Chongzhou battlefield…

Until this blood debt was repaid and the Wei Yan father and son saw his corpse, how could they sleep soundly?

He couldn’t give her a promise that he would return. She seemed carefree, but she was a person of strong principles. She wouldn’t have any unclear entanglements with him, which was why she insisted on not accepting his money.

Owing nothing to each other meant they wouldn’t think of each other.

He thought, if that’s how it is, so be it. What’s so special about a butcher’s daughter anyway?

As he walked towards his room, passing under the eaves, snowflakes fell on his brow. The chill of the melting snow seeped into his bones, eroding the last bit of pride in his heart.

His hand lightly pressed against the wooden door, but he couldn’t bring himself to push it open. He lowered his head and closed his eyes tightly, hiding his vulnerability at that moment.

How could she not be special?

She was good in every way-

The courtyard was deep, with snow covering the bamboo branches.

Zhao Xun walked quickly across the snow-covered courtyard and entered the warm pavilion. The room was brightly lit with candles. Behind the crescent-shaped carved and hollowed-out moon gate stood a pair of gilded xiezhi incense burners. Wisps of smoke were slowly rising from the hollowed-out tops of the burners.

Further inside, in front of a soft couch, hung a golden gauze curtain, obscuring the appearance of the man on the couch. However, the hem of his robe that fell to the floor was intricately woven with gold thread and embroidery, extremely luxurious.

Zhao Xun didn’t dare to look too closely. He bowed his head respectfully and said, “Master, as you instructed, Wei Xuan’s forced grain requisition has been widely publicized in the capital. Now all the scholars are denouncing the Wei faction, and Grand Tutor Li has openly challenged Wei Yan in court.”

On the couch was placed a low table with teacups. The man picked up a cup, his fingers long but excessively pale, thin as if they were just bones. He laughed, “Well done.”

He then asked, “How about the Marquis of Wu’an?”

Zhao Xun thought of his recent meeting with Xie Zheng, and a fine layer of sweat appeared on his temples. He steeled himself and said, “The Marquis of Wu’an instructed this subordinate to inform He Jing Yuan about Wei Xuan’s cross-border grain requisition. It seems he wants He Jing Yuan to stop Wei Xuan from requisitioning grain.”

The person behind the gauze curtain chuckled softly, unclear whether it was in mockery or genuine amusement. “To think that such a treacherous villain as Wei Yan would raise a nephew who cares about the people’s suffering?”

He took a sip of tea and set down the cup. “No wonder Wei Yan is so wary of him. Using the grain purchase as a cover, he discovered more than ten of your contact points in Tai and Ji Prefectures and deliberately left clues for He Jing Yuan during the delivery. It’s quite a grand gift in return to the Marquis of Wu’an. After all… if Jizhou Prefecture fails to continue causing a scandal with grain requisition, the stage we’ve set up in the capital will have no one to perform on it.”

Zhao Xun expressed some concern: “If the Marquis of Wu’an discovers that we left a trail for He Jing Yuan…”

The person behind the gauze curtain dismissed the concern: “What is there to fear? It’s not as if we forced Wei Xuan to requisition grain at swordpoint. We can watch Wei Yan’s two former blades perform on the same stage, making the Wei faction lose more public support. What’s not to enjoy? Besides, I’m helping the Marquis of Wu’an in a way. The more the common people resent the Wei faction, the more public support he’ll gain when he steps forward to reclaim the Northwest later, won’t he?”

Zhao Xun praised, “Master is wise.”

Then, after some consideration, he continued, “The Marquis of Wu’an wishes to meet with you in person. What are your thoughts on this?”

He didn’t dare repeat a word of Xie Zheng’s arrogant statements from that day to the person before him.

The man behind the gauze curtain pondered for a moment before saying, “It’s not the right time yet. Let him and Wei Yan fight like a snipe and a clam. It would be best if they both end up severely wounded.”

Zhao Xun sensed that he only intended to use Xie Zheng and hesitantly said, “The Marquis of Wu’an is, after all, General Xie’s orphaned son…”

The man’s eyes suddenly turned cold. “A wolf cub raised by Wei Yan himself is unlikely to be a pure and kind-hearted creature. It’s more secure to hold military power in one’s own hands than to place it in the hands of others.”

Despite the freezing weather, cold sweat broke out on Zhao Xun’s back. He bowed and said, “This subordinate understands.”

The lights that remained burning late into the night were not only in this place but also in the He mansion.

Outside the He mansion, dozens of soldiers under Wei Xuan’s command surrounded the gates, preventing the household members from leaving easily.

Even the side gates and courtyard walls were patrolled by soldiers.

In the darkness of night, arrows whistled through the air like a sudden rain, shooting towards the soldiers at the front gate. The troops at the gate instantly fell into chaos, scrambling for cover. “We’re under attack!”

“Quickly report to the general!”

“Charge!”

A squad of Jizhou garrison troops, armed with swords and halberds, emerged from the darkness, catching the panicked Wei mansion soldiers off guard. They quickly gained the upper hand.

The leader of the Jizhou garrison troops was none other than Zheng Wen Chang. He raised his broadsword high and shouted, “Follow me in to rescue the lord!”

As one of He Jing Yuan’s chief commanders, he was very familiar with the layout of the He mansion and quickly led his men to the study.

He Jing Yuan was seated behind his desk with a bamboo scroll spread out before him as if he had been reading by candlelight. Seeing Zheng Wen Chang and his men burst in with drawn swords, his expression changed slightly. “Why have you come?”

Zheng Wen Chang knelt on one knee and clasped his fist in salute. “This subordinate has brought men to help my lord escape. Wei Xuan’s actions are truly outrageous! My lord should write a letter to the capital informing the Prime Minister. Let’s see how long Wei Xuan can continue to be so arrogant!”

Hearing his purpose, He Jing Yuan furrowed his brow and let out a long sigh. “How foolish!”

Zheng Wen Chang looked confused. “What does my lord mean by this?”

But He Jing Yuan said no more. After pacing back and forth in the study for a while, he ordered, “Take your men and leave first.”

Zheng Wen Chang was stunned. “But what about you, my lord?”

He Jing Yuan said, “Wei Xuan dares not do anything to me. I have my reasons for acting this way. You all go back and await orders.”

Zheng Wen Chang and the other military officers looked at each other in bewilderment, but out of respect and obedience to He Jing Yuan, they still clasped their fists and said, “We obey your command.”

As they were about to leave, He Jing Yuan hesitated for a moment before adding, “If you see Wei Xuan’s soldiers oppressing innocent civilians while requisitioning grain, intervene a little, but don’t cause any deaths.”

Hearing this, the military officers were puzzled but still clasped their fists and accepted the order.

Only Zheng Wen Chang, the last to leave, couldn’t help but ask at the door, “My lord, why do you fear Wei Xuan?”

He Jing Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the plaque above his desk that read “Virtue is Fragrant,” and sighed, “It’s not fear of him. Don’t ask more, just do as I say.”

Zheng Wen Chang could only withdraw with a fist salute, his mind full of questions.

He Jing Yuan, however, kept staring at that plaque for a long time.

It didn’t matter if he was covered in sin. What mattered most was whether the people of Da Yin would have to struggle for survival amidst the flames of war in the future.

When the emperor’s anger is aroused, corpses number in the millions.

In the end, it’s always the common people who suffer most from the disputes of those in power.

If the twenty thousand stones of grain bought by that merchant surnamed Zhao were truly in that person’s hands, this test would reveal whether he had inherited Wei Yan’s ruthlessness and uncompromising pursuit of goals, or if he still cared for the common people.

If it was the latter, perhaps it was time to tell him what he knew about the battle of Jinzhou sixteen years ago when he returned.

If it was the former, he would take that secret with him to his grave.

With only hatred and no compassion for the common people, knowing everything would only ignite more wars, bringing suffering to countless people.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 44

The next day, Fan Changyu rose early to slaughter pigs as usual. In the days following the New Year, most people in town were visiting relatives. With meat-rich meals at nearly every sitting, their appetites for fresh pork had waned. As a result, sales of fresh pork at the shop were sluggish. However, the braised meat business was booming. Every household was eager to buy ready-made braised meat to serve guests, as it made for an impressive main dish at gatherings.

Previously, Fan Changyu’s shop could sell two pigs’ worth of fresh meat, but these days she only slaughtered one pig for fresh meat sales. As for the braised meat supplied to Yixiang Restaurant, she purchased meat from other sources. Fan Changyu had practically cornered the market for pigs’ heads and trotters on the entire street of pork vendors.

She was no longer just a competitor to the other butchers; she had become their biggest customer. To secure this long-term business with her, every butcher on the street now greeted her with warm smiles, their greetings noticeably more enthusiastic than before. Whenever she encountered any difficulties in her shop, she only had to mention them, and a group of people would eagerly come to her aid.

Fan Changyu suddenly began to understand why some people in town had gone out of their way to step on her after Song Yan passed the provincial examinations, all to curry favor with the Song family. Indeed, as Yan Zheng had said, when she had nothing, even with a good nature, others could find fault with her. But now that she had even the slightest connection to wealth and power, the goodwill she received was several times what it had been before.

Everything was developing in a positive direction, but Fan Changyu now found herself stretched thin between delivering meat to Yixiang Restaurant and Manager Pang’s establishment, while also overseeing her pork shop. Finding help on short notice wasn’t easy.

During breakfast, she kept glancing at Xie Zheng, seemingly wanting to say something.

Xie Zheng, who hadn’t slept well the night before and had darker circles under his eyes, noticed Fan Changyu’s frequent glances and put down his porridge bowl to ask, “What is it?”

Only then did Fan Changyu see his eye circles, which had darkened a shade compared to before. She was taken aback and asked, “Did you not sleep all night?”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and said, “No, there were rat noises in the room last night. It took some time to find them.”

There had indeed been a rat, but he had killed it with a single throw of a bamboo skewer and fed it to the gyrfalcon.

Upon hearing about rats, Fan Changyu immediately thought of the cured meat hanging above their hearth. Worried, she quickly got up to check but found no signs of rats nibbling on it, which put her mind at ease.

She said, “We didn’t used to keep so much braised and cured meat at home before. We’d sell fresh meat directly, so there weren’t many rats. It’s my oversight. I should get a cat to keep around the house.”

Changnian, who had finished eating, went to check on the gyrfalcon in the chicken coop and suddenly cried out, “Xun Xun is gone again!”

Fan Changyu was also puzzled. “Did it fly away again?”

The two sisters turned to look at Xie Zheng in unison.

Xie Zheng, who had sent the gyrfalcon with a message to someone in the middle of the night, remained silent for a moment before saying, “That creature is wild and difficult to tame. Perhaps it still isn’t fully trained.”

Tears immediately began to roll down Changnian’s cheeks.

Fan Changyu said helplessly, “Darling, don’t cry. How about we raise a brood of chicks for you in spring?”

Changnian continued to cry, “I don’t want chicks, I want Xun Xun!”

She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said, “Xun Xun will come back!”

She then looked at Xie Zheng with hopeful eyes.

This time, Xie Zheng didn’t give her a definite answer, only saying, “Perhaps it will return.”

Changnian’s lips quivered, and she cried even more heartbrokenly.

Fan Changyu tried to comfort her, “Shall we go catch another one in the wild?”

Changnian shook her head, “I don’t want any other, only Xun Xun.”

Fan Changyu knew that a child’s stubbornness could truly test one’s patience. She said, “The gyrfalcon has flown away. It’s meant to live in the wild, and Sister can’t find it. What I can do is catch another one from the wild if you still want one, but you don’t want that and just keep crying. Ning’er, tell Sister, what can I do?”

Changnian sniffled, feeling wronged, and raised her chubby hands to hug Fan Changyu. “I’m sorry, Sister. Ning’er isn’t being willful, I just miss Xun Xun so much.”

Fan Changyu patted the child’s back.

Changnian buried her head in Fan Changyu’s shoulder and said in a muffled voice, “We’ll raise chicks in spring.”

Fan Changyu agreed.

Changnian stood up straight, her eyes still red, and said, “When the chicks grow up, Xun Xun might fly by and come down to eat them.”

Fan Changyu, thinking she had successfully comforted the child, replied, “…Alright.”

At least the child had stopped crying.

Fan Changyu returned to the table and finished her remaining half bowl of porridge with mixed feelings. Thinking about the shortage of help in her meat shop, she scratched her head and asked Xie Zheng, “Are you going to take a nap later?”

Xie Zheng had noticed her hesitation earlier and knew she wanted to ask for his help. He said, “If there’s anything, just tell me.”

Fan Changyu then brazenly asked, “My pork shop opens today, but I still need to deliver braised meat to Manager Yu’s restaurant. If you’re free, could you help watch the shop for half a day? I’ll be back after delivering the goods.”

Although he had just mentioned leaving yesterday, it didn’t seem right to ask for help now. However, Fan Changyu really couldn’t manage everything alone, so she had to impose on him for now.

Xie Zheng nodded, and Fan Changyu let out a sigh of relief.

If he had refused, no matter how thick-skinned she was, she would have felt awkward.

She had improved a bit in social graces and didn’t mention payment this time. After all, his willingness to help was a favor, and if she were to mention payment, it would undoubtedly trample on this goodwill. To truly thank him, it would be better to prepare more things for him before he left. This kind of unspoken gratitude shown afterward was the true way to repay kindness, rather than promising various benefits upfront as if it were a transaction.

Since both she and Xie Zheng had to go out, Fan Changyu didn’t feel comfortable leaving Changnian alone at home. As before, she sent Changnian to stay with Madam Zhao next door.

Afterward, she hailed an ox cart outside the alley to first deliver the fresh meat to the Fan family’s meat shop.

The meat alone was heavy enough, so Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng didn’t ride in the cart but walked alongside it to the shop.

Although Xie Zheng had been in this town for quite some time, it was his first time seeing the early market here. While it couldn’t compare to the prosperity of the capital, it was unexpectedly lively. In front of the shops selling breakfast, the stoves were all steaming. The calls of vendors and hawkers mingled with the hustle and bustle of the crowd. People came and went in a hurry, embodying the spirit of human life and the vitality of this small town.

Upon reaching the shop, Fan Changyu had just set down a basin of braised meat when Xie Zheng carried in all the fresh pork.

Fan Changyu glanced at him, inwardly marveling at how much easier things were with someone to help.

After putting down the basin of braised meat, she began arranging the fresh meat on the chopping board while explaining to Xie Zheng which parts of the pig they were and their selling prices.

The butcher’s wife from the shop diagonally across, noticing Xie Zheng’s handsome appearance, teased, “Changyu, you’ve finally decided to bring your husband out for everyone to see! Such a handsome young man! No wonder you’ve been hiding him at home all this time!”

Fan Changyu, having grown accustomed to such teasing from Yu Qianqian, now had thicker skin when others joked about her and Xie Zheng. She replied, “Aunt, you jest. He was recovering from injuries at home before. Now that he’s better, he’s come to help me at the shop since I’m so busy.”

The butcher’s wife knew that Xie Zheng was a son-in-law who had married into Fan Changyu’s family, which was why she dared to joke like this. Being a generation older than Fan Changyu, she knew that many men who married into their wives’ families were sensitive about their status. Her joke might have caused the young couple to argue when they got home.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s matter-of-fact explanation, she immediately changed her tone, “Aunt was just joking, young man. Please don’t take offense.”

Xie Zheng replied, “I won’t.”

The butcher’s wife continued, “Before, Changyu used to handle everything in this shop by herself, inside and out. Now that she’s married, she finally has someone to help her a bit.”

Xie Zheng helped arrange the pork on the counter and glanced at Fan Changyu, who was hanging a pork ham on an iron hook, but said nothing.

Despite the harsh winter and her thick winter clothes, fine beads of sweat had already formed on her forehead.

In the past, when she came to the meat shop alone, she must have done all these tasks by herself.

“The pork ham should be sold at thirty-five when per jin. If someone tries to bargain, don’t go lower than thirty when…” Fan Changyu was explaining the prices to him when she turned around and saw Xie Zheng looking at her. She frowned and asked, “Didn’t you remember?”

Xie Zheng averted his gaze and said, “I remembered.”

Fan Changyu was a bit doubtful and asked cautiously, “What did I just say?”

Xie Zheng smiled slightly and said, “Pork ham is thirty-five wen per jin, and don’t go below thirty wen if someone bargains.”

Fan Changyu nodded and said, “That’s right.”

Just then, an older woman passing by the shop noticed Xie Zheng standing in the pork shop. His appearance was indeed eye-catching, and she asked, “Young man, how much are you selling this hind leg for?”

Fan Changyu remained silent, curious to see how Xie Zheng would handle selling meat.

Xie Zheng looked at the woman and answered confidently, “Thirty-three wen per jin.”

The woman muttered, “That’s so expensive…”

Xie Zheng then half-raised his eyebrows and didn’t respond, giving the impression that he didn’t care whether she bought it or not, and wouldn’t try to persuade her further.

Fan Changyu’s eyelid twitched at the sight, and she quickly said, “You can look around at other shops first. If you still think our meat is the best, come back and buy it.”

The older woman had only mentioned the price to haggle. Seeing that she couldn’t bargain it down and noticing the meat’s superior quality, she said, “I can see that you two young people are honest and wouldn’t cheat an old woman like me. Cut me two jin, please.”

As Fan Changyu was about to take the knife, she saw Xie Zheng had already picked it up. He estimated and cut a piece that was exactly two jin, neither more nor less.

Fan Changyu wrapped the meat and handed it to the older woman. As the woman counted out her copper coins, her gaze kept drifting to Xie Zheng’s face. She asked, “Young man, are you married? If not, I have a granddaughter who’s only seventeen this year, with a good appearance and temperament…”

Xie Zheng replied coolly, “This meat shop belongs to my wife. I’m here to help her.”

The older woman immediately felt a bit embarrassed. “Oh, I see…”

She looked at Fan Changyu, and being someone who had lived for several decades, she knew how to smooth things over. She smiled and said, “You two make such a handsome couple. At first glance, I thought you were siblings. So this is what they call a match made in heaven? You’re truly blessed!”

Fan Changyu could only manage a slight curl of her lips in response.

As soon as the woman left, she couldn’t help but scold Xie Zheng, “No matter what, you should greet customers with a smile when doing business. With that stern face of yours, as if someone owes you money, who would want to buy meat from you?”

Just as she was speaking, a young girl who had come out to buy groceries looked at Xie Zheng, blushed, and asked, “How much are these ribs?”

Xie Zheng’s face remained expressionless as he replied, “Thirty-nine wen per jin.”

Ribs were the most expensive among the fresh meat.

The young girl didn’t dare look at Xie Zheng, lowering her head and blushing as she mumbled, “I’ll take three jin, please chop them into small pieces.”

Xie Zheng picked up the bone cleaver, chopped the ribs into small pieces in a few swift motions, wrapped them up, and handed them over.

Fan Changyu watched in amazement from the side.

In the countryside, for ease of counting, a hundred coins could be strung together with a thin rope, making transactions convenient for both parties.

Xie Zheng took the one hundred and seventeen wen and handed it to Fan Changyu, who was still a bit dumbfounded.

Gradually accepting this reality, she realized that while others sold pork with their silver tongues, this fellow sold pork with his face.

She held her forehead with one hand and half-jokingly said, “I should have asked you to help in the shop earlier. Maybe my business before the New Year would have been even better.”

Xie Zheng glanced at her but didn’t respond.

It was still early, and there weren’t many people buying groceries in the market. The other pork shops were empty, but Fan’s shop had already made two sales.

Although the other butchers were envious, Fan Changyu still bought pigs’ heads, trotters, and occasionally offal from their shops for her braised meat business, which was considered looking after their interests. So no one expressed any resentment.

Butcher Guo had a long-standing grudge against Fan Changyu’s family. Fan Changyu would never buy meat from his shop, and the two families were increasingly at odds.

As he swept the accumulated snow in front of his shop, he forcefully threw the shoveled snow onto the street, saying sarcastically, “This meat selling has truly become ‘meat selling.’ Why come here? Wouldn’t it sell better in a brothel?”

He was essentially mocking Xie Zheng for attracting customers to Fan’s shop with his looks.

Fan Changyu’s face immediately darkened.

She was fiercely protective of her own. Xie Zheng had pretended to marry into her family to help her keep her property. It was one thing for others to mock his status as a son-in-law behind their backs, but to openly insult him right in front of her, and with such vulgar words! How could she tolerate that?

Moreover, his uncle had recently helped Fan Da in an attempt to divide her family property. With both old and new grudges combined, it was time to settle accounts!

Fan Changyu walked out of her meat shop and stood in the middle of the street with her hands on her hips, staring at Butcher Guo. “Say that again to my face.”

Her voice drew the attention of everyone running shops on the street and the few shoppers scattered about.

Butcher Guo had suffered at Fan Changyu’s hands before, so he didn’t dare confront her directly. He just quipped, “What did I say? Oh, a prostitute and a male prostitute just walked by arm in arm. I was talking about them. Why is Miss Fan so eager to claim the insult?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he was struck hard under the jaw with a stick. The force was so great that Butcher Guo staggered back several steps, only steadying himself when he bumped into the counter inside his shop.

He covered his jaw with one hand, feeling as if his upper and lower teeth had been jammed together. A taste of blood filled his mouth, and he couldn’t speak for a long while. He pointed at Fan Changyu with his other hand but couldn’t make a sound. When he looked up, he met Fan Changyu’s ice-cold gaze.

She coldly uttered two words: “Apologize.”

Butcher Guo endured the intense pain in his jaw, spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva, and his anger flared up. He retorted, “I didn’t say anything about you and your pretty-boy husband. You’re the one who rushed to claim it. Why should I apologize?”

Fan Changyu didn’t bother to argue with him. She thrust her long stick forward again. Butcher Guo quickly ducked, frightened. The stick had no spearhead, but with her tremendous strength, it pierced right through the wooden board of the counter door.

It made one wonder if it had been aimed at his forehead, whether it might have pierced a bloody hole right through.

Butcher Guo was trembling with fear but tried to put on a brave face, saying, “You dare to hit me? My uncle is the advisor to the county magistrate. If we go to court, you’ll rot in jail!”

Fan Changyu said, “Do you believe that before your advisor uncle can get here, I could twist your head off and use it as a dog’s food bowl?”

When it came to being tough, Butcher Guo was no match for her. His face immediately turned sheepish.

Fan Changyu shouted again: “Apologize!”

Butcher Guo was extremely reluctant, but looking at the long stick pointed at his face, he finally gritted his teeth and said in front of everyone, “I’m sorry.”

Fan Changyu withdrew her stick and snorted coldly, “People say that only eunuchs like to gossip and spread rumors. Your talent for gossip surpasses even a eunuch’s! What’s the point of being jealous of the little business in my meat shop? With your skills, not going to the palace to be a chief eunuch is truly a waste of that black-and-white tongue of yours!”

The onlookers burst into laughter.

The butchers from other meat shops were also holding back their laughter.

“A eunuch? Come to think of it, with that all-talk-no-action look of Guo’s, he might be impotent!”

“I heard his son looks exactly like his cousin. Maybe the child isn’t even his!”

“Didn’t everyone say privately that his wife was unfaithful? Poor woman, she’s been accused behind her back for so long. Turns out it’s not that she’s loose, but that he’s useless!”

“He’s tall and strong-looking, how could he be impotent?”

“I heard that when he was slaughtering a pig before, he couldn’t hold it down properly. He fell, and the pig stepped on his manhood!”

Hearing the bystanders chattering, Butcher Guo’s face turned red with anger, the veins on his neck bulging. “What nonsense are you talking about? Do you want me to chop you all to death?”

The onlookers kept their distance, but the discussions didn’t stop.

“Look at his reaction, it seems we’ve hit a sore spot. Could it be true?”

“I always thought it was strange for a grown man to be such a gossip, always calling handsome young men ‘male prostitutes.’ Turns out he might be one himself!”

As the rumors spread and became more outrageous, the more Butcher Guo raged at the onlookers, the more convincing their fabrications became.

Finally, Butcher Guo could only glare resentfully at Fan Changyu and say, “You just wait!”

Fan Changyu didn’t even bother to look at him, saying, “When your mouth spreads rumors about others, it’s as filthy as can be. Now that you’re the one being gossiped about, you know how it feels?”

With that, she took her stick and returned to her meat shop.

Hearing the chatter of the crowd, Butcher Guo no longer had the heart to continue business for the day. He simply closed his door and hid at home.

After entering the shop, Fan Changyu said to Xie Zheng with some apology, “I’m sorry, you’re about to leave, and you still had to endure Guo’s slander.”

He had witnessed her defense of him outside, and Xie Zheng simply said, “It’s alright.”

But his eyes held a complex expression.

Fan Changyu said, “He just relies on having an uncle who’s an advisor. Once the county magistrate’s term is over and he’s transferred, his uncle will be nothing!”

After the scuffle, the cloth band tied at her sleeve had loosened.

Fan Changyu frowned, untied it, and began to retie it. To make it tighter, she bit one end of the cloth band with her teeth, using her other hand to somewhat clumsily wrap it around her sleeve.

Although winter clothes had narrower sleeves than summer ones, it was still inconvenient for work. Since she often used knives to chop bones, she tied cloth bands at her wrists to protect them.

Seeing this, Xie Zheng took the cloth band from her hand with his long fingers and said, “I’ll help you.”

He seemed to be informing her rather than asking for permission. Before Fan Changyu could respond, his other hand had already pinched the end of the cloth band she was biting, saying, “Let go.”

Fan Changyu was momentarily stunned and foolishly relaxed her teeth.

By the time she came to her senses, Xie Zheng had already neatly folded her sleeve, holding it at the wrist with just the right pressure, and was slowly winding the cloth band tightly around it. The sensation from her wrist was particularly clear.

Fan Changyu’s fingertips unconsciously curled slightly.

The cloth band was cyan-colored. His slender fingers, wrapped around the dark fabric, were pale yet sinewy, indescribably beautiful.

His expression seemed quite focused, yet he could still spare attention to ask her a question: “When does your county magistrate’s term end?”

Fan Changyu initially felt the atmosphere was a bit strange, but as he spoke, it became less awkward. He said, “By my calculation, after the New Year, it’ll be the end of the three-year term.”

Xie Zheng replied, “Then the good days for the Advisor are coming to an end.”

According to the official regulations of the Great Yin Dynasty, county magistrates serving outside their home regions were rotated every three years. Usually, they were transferred, with promotions only for those with great achievements. If local citizens jointly petitioned for the magistrate to stay, they could remain in their current position.

When Fan Changyu asked for the reason, Xie Zheng explained using the official regulations. Fan Changyu suddenly understood and laughed, “Then I’m even less afraid of that Guo fellow!”

The Advisor was merely a consultant hired by the county magistrate and didn’t receive an official salary. As the strategist for the magistrate, he inevitably knew many of the magistrate’s secrets. Typically, when a county magistrate was transferred or promoted, they either took their Advisor to the new post or gave the Advisor a sum of money, forbidding them from advising others in the future.

Given the county magistrate’s actions in Qingping County over the past few years, the citizens couldn’t write a petition asking him to stay. So, whether the magistrate was promoted or demoted, he wouldn’t remain in Qingping County. Even if Butcher Guo’s uncle continued to serve as his Advisor, their jurisdiction would no longer be Qingping County, so naturally, he couldn’t continue to throw his weight around here.

After Xie Zheng finished tying the cloth band around her sleeve, he looked up and saw the unrestrained smile on her face.

He slightly narrowed his eyes and looked away, saying, “It’s done.”

Fan Changyu flexed her wrist, her smile undiminished: “It’s indeed tighter than when I tie it myself. Thanks!”

The lingering sensation of tightness around her wrist felt as if his hand was still pressing on it. Only after she rubbed it did that strange feeling subside a bit.

Xie Zheng said, “It’s nothing.”

Fan Changyu glanced at the sky outside and said, “I need to hurry and deliver goods to Yixiang Restaurant. I’ll leave the shop matters to you.”

Xie Zheng replied, “Don’t worry.”

As Fan Changyu reached the door, she turned back and added, “If anyone comes to buy meat and we’ve sold out, help me take their order if they want to pre-order.”

Xie Zheng nodded in agreement.

Only then did Fan Changyu leave with peace of mind. As she sat on the ox cart, she couldn’t help but gently rub that wrist again, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what felt off.

Due to the snowy weather making the roads slippery, it took Fan Changyu half an hour to reach Yixiang Restaurant in the county town. From afar, she saw a crowd gathered in front of the restaurant’s main entrance. There seemed to be crying as if someone was wailing in mourning. People could barely squeeze through, let alone an ox cart.

Fan Changyu had to get off the cart and ask a bystander watching the commotion, “What’s happening at Yixiang Restaurant?”

An older woman watching the scene glanced back at her and said, “Someone died from eating Yixiang Restaurant’s food. The deceased’s children have brought the coffin to the restaurant’s doorstep, demanding an explanation!”

Fan Changyu was shocked. Having worked at Yixiang Restaurant before, she knew that the ingredients used were always of the highest quality. Yu Qianqian had never been careless about food quality. How could someone suddenly die from eating there?

She gripped the woman’s arm and asked, “When did this happen?”

Seeing her agitation, the woman explained, “I heard it was during lunch yesterday at Yixiang Restaurant. The person suddenly started foaming at the mouth while eating. They quickly called for a physician, but still couldn’t save the person. Early this morning, they came to settle accounts with Yixiang Restaurant.”

Two men nearby glanced at Fan Changyu and shook their heads, clicking their tongues. “Charging such high prices and serving food that kills people, this restaurant owner is truly despicable!”

“If the authorities don’t investigate thoroughly, who will dare to eat at restaurants in the future?”

“I’ve long heard that the female owner of Yixiang Restaurant knows some crooked methods. They say she adds something to the food that makes people addicted. How else could she open two restaurants in just a few years and have such a booming business? Maybe this time they added too much of that stuff and ended up killing someone!”

“In my opinion, it should be a life for a life! They should arrest that female owner and execute her! Just look at her face, she’s not a decent woman who stays at home! She’s not a good person!”

Fan Changyu listened to these two men with ratty faces and felt cap hats criticizing Yu Qianqian with disdain. She was so angry that her lips pressed into a thin line.

After retreating from the crowd, she asked the ox cart driver to wait in a less congested area while she went to the alley behind Yixiang Restaurant.

Entering through the back door, Fan Changyu found the kitchen almost empty. The manager and the usual waiters who served VIP customers were all at the front door, arguing with the deceased’s children who were causing trouble.

Fan Changyu finally spotted a waiter and hurriedly asked, “Where’s Manager Yu?”

The waiter, thinking she was there to deliver braised meat, waved his hands repeatedly, saying, “You’ve seen the situation at the restaurant, Mrs. Fan. We can’t accept your braised meat today.”

Fan Changyu said, “I’m not here for that at this time. I’m looking for Manager Yu. What exactly happened to the person who died in the restaurant yesterday?”

The waiter replied with a troubled expression, “Who knows? Yesterday, a customer suddenly fell ill. The manager saw it and said it might be epilepsy, so she quickly sent for a physician. At first, the family was grateful. After taking the person home, they passed away in the night. Early this morning, they brought the coffin to the restaurant’s doorstep, demanding that the restaurant compensate them for their elder’s life! Isn’t this extortion?”

“No matter how the manager tries to persuade them, they won’t budge. She’s willing to pay to settle the matter, but they refuse. It looks like they came specifically to cause trouble. The manager is worried that some other restaurant is trying to sabotage us. She reported it to the authorities, but no officials have shown up yet. The manager went to the government office herself to pull some strings, but she’s been gone for a while and hasn’t returned.”

Although Fan Changyu hadn’t read much, she understood the principle that tall trees catch the wind.

Yu Qianqian had recently hosted a successful banquet, and Yixiang Restaurant had made a name for itself in the county town, taking business away from many large restaurants. It was bound to make people jealous. But for someone to use such despicable means against Yu Qianqian was truly abominable.

The crowd gathered outside Yixiang Restaurant was partly due to the family bringing the coffin to make a scene, but everyone was verbally attacking Yu Qianqian. Not a single person stood up to speak for her. They even said that Yixiang Restaurant’s food contained addictive drugs. Fan Changyu instinctively thought of those two men with ratty faces.

Those two were working together, deliberately speaking for the uninformed crowd to hear, stirring up trouble, and inciting anger.

If they couldn’t persuade the group with the coffin to leave, they should first eliminate those guiding public opinion.

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said to the waiter, “Find a few more people, change out of the restaurant uniforms, and come with me.”

With Yixiang Restaurant in such a predicament, the waiter was at his wit’s end and said, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Fan, but we really can’t spare any manpower today…”

Fan Changyu said, “There are people outside deliberately slandering Yixiang Restaurant. Bring some people with me to pick out those troublemakers.”

Hearing this, the waiter quickly went to gather people.

Half a quarter of an hour later, Fan Changyu led seven or eight Yixiang Restaurant staff members in plain clothes out through the back door and squeezed back into the crowd of onlookers.

She observed for a while and noticed that most of the spectators would watch for a bit, and upon seeing that the matter wasn’t being resolved, they would leave to attend to their own business.

Only a group of people similar to those two men in felt hats remained steadfast at Yixiang Restaurant’s entrance. They cursed louder than anyone else, and whenever an uninformed passerby came to ask what was happening, they immediately brought up the story about Yixiang Restaurant adding addictive drugs to their food.

Fan Changyu was almost certain that these were the troublemakers. She gave a signal to the Yixiang Restaurant staff.

These staff members considered Yixiang Restaurant their home and couldn’t tolerate such slander. Following Fan Changyu’s instructions, they pretended to squeeze toward the center of the crowd, pushing those troublemakers to the outer edge. Then the staff members behind grabbed their shoulders and pulled them out.

These people, already guilty, were about to shout when suddenly restrained. Fan Changyu, quick as lightning, delivered several muffled punches to their stomachs, successfully making them swallow their cries.

Some nearby citizens looked their way, and Fan Changyu fiercely said, “What are you looking at? Haven’t you seen debt collectors from a gambling den before?”

As she spoke, she kicked one of the felt hat men again: “You turtle’s egg! Run! You might escape the first, but you can’t escape the fifteenth!”

The Yixiang Restaurant staff, seeing the usually kind and gentle Mrs. Fan suddenly turn into a thug kicking people on the street, were stunned for a moment. They quickly joined in, grabbing the two men by their collars and dragging them into a corner. Taking this opportunity for revenge, they beat and kicked them while cursing, “Paying debts is heaven’s law and earth’s principle! Run again and we’ll break your legs!”

The citizens who noticed this, hearing it was about gambling debt collection and seeing that these men looked shifty, quickly stepped aside, not daring to interfere.

Those men still wanted to shout, but their mouths were soon stuffed with dirty rags. They could only make muffled sounds as they were dragged into the courtyard behind Yixiang Restaurant’s alley, tied up like animals, and left staring in terror at Fan Changyu and the Yixiang Restaurant staff disguised as thugs standing before them with arms crossed.

Fan Changyu sat on a chair brought by the Yixiang Restaurant staff like a mountain bandit, playing with a boning knife in her hand. In an instant, she threw the sharp boning knife, which pierced the felt hat of one of the men, pinning it to the tree trunk behind him with undiminished force.

This man was the one who had cursed Yu Qianqian the most viciously earlier.

Fan Changyu looked up, about to say something harsh, but was stunned for a moment. Under the felt hat was a bald head!

No wonder he wore a hat!

Without the felt hat for cover, the bald man’s scalp felt chilly, the wind cutting like a knife against his skin. Realizing that a knife had indeed flown past his scalp just a second ago, his face turned pale.

Fan Changyu quickly composed herself, resuming her fierce expression, and asked, “Who sent you to cause trouble in front of Yixiang Restaurant?”

A shifty-eyed man next to the bald one sneered, “Nobody sent us. Yixiang Restaurant’s food killed someone. Are we not allowed to seek justice? You’ve tied us up here. Do you plan to kill us to silence everyone? This Yixiang Restaurant isn’t a restaurant at all, it’s a den of murderers and thieves!”

Fan Changyu was irritated by the incessant chatter of this shifty-eyed fellow, thinking he was just as disgusting as Butcher Guo!

She picked up a wooden mallet from the wall and struck his forehead three times with force. The crisp “bang bang” sound was indeed more pleasing to the ear.

The man was dazed by the blows.

Fan Changyu snarled, “Did I say you could speak?”

The other bound ruffians swallowed hard, awkwardly shifting their bodies to distance themselves from that man, trying to shrink and minimize their presence.

The man still wanted to continue his verbal manipulations, but seeing the mallet in Fan Changyu’s hand and feeling the dull pain in his forehead as if it had been split open, he reluctantly shut his mouth.

Fan Changyu coldly snorted, “Your tongue is useless anyway. Someone, take him away and chop up his tongue to feed the dogs!”

The Yixiang Restaurant staff first looked at each other in bewilderment, then immediately two of them stepped forward and dragged the bound ruffian to the back courtyard.

Soon after came the sound of a knife being sharpened, followed by the heavy thud of a knife hitting a chopping board, and then the man’s screams. After a moment, even the screams stopped, leaving only muffled sounds.

The ruffians tied up in the courtyard were terrified, their faces ashen.

Fan Changyu almost couldn’t keep her seat. She had only intended to intimidate these people, acting tough like in the storybooks. Surely the Yixiang Restaurant staff hadn’t misunderstood her intentions and cut out the man’s tongue?

In no time, a staff member came over with a basin containing a small, bloody piece of tongue. He said to Fan Changyu, “The fellow struggled fiercely. We couldn’t pull out his entire tongue, only managed to cut off this bit.”

The ruffians, seeing that bloody mess, were so frightened they nearly wet themselves. They didn’t dare look any further. Fan Changyu, who often slaughtered pigs, recognized at a glance that it was a small piece of pig’s tongue, not even fresh, smeared with what might be chicken or duck blood, placed in the basin to scare people.

She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking these Yixiang Restaurant staff were quite clever. Maintaining her fierce expression, she said, “Bring a dog here to feed it!”

Immediately, a staff member brought a wolfhound. They tossed the pig’s tongue from the basin, and the wolfhound devoured it ravenously.

The ruffians watched this, unable to stop retching. Some were so scared they lost control of their bladders.

Fan Changyu figured that since they were this frightened, she might be able to get the truth out of them now. She continued to glare at the bald man and asked, “Tell me, who sent you to cause trouble at Yixiang Restaurant? If there’s one lie, your tongues will also be cut out and fed to the dogs!”

The bald man was retching so hard that tears came to his eyes. He repeatedly said, “I’ll talk! I’ll talk! It was the servant of Advisor He who found us to come here.”

Hearing this answer, Fan Changyu was momentarily stunned.

How was that troublemaker Advisor He involved again?

She shouted, “You’re lying!”

The bound bald man kept kowtowing to her, “Miss, I’m not lying. It truly was the servant of the Advisor who found us!”

Fan Changyu said, “Advisor He has no grudge against Yixiang Restaurant. Why would he instruct you to do this?”

The bald man wept bitterly, “We don’t know that either!”

The other ruffians also cried miserably, all pointing to Advisor He.

“Let them go,” a woman’s voice came from the moon gate.

Fan Changyu looked up and saw it was Yu Qianqian. She stood up from her chair, “Manager Yu, you’re back?”

Yu Qianqian nodded, looking at Fan Changyu with a smile in her eyes, showing some gratitude, “I just got back, and happened to hear you helping me interrogate these people. Thank you, Sister Changyu.”

Fan Changyu said, “I wasn’t able to help Manager Yu much.”

Yu Qianqian said, “This is enough. Let them go.”

She gestured to the staff nearby to untie the ruffians.

The ruffian who had been taken away earlier on Fan Changyu’s orders was also brought out. His tongue hadn’t been cut; he had only been gagged. The earlier screams were just produced by some method Yu Qianqian had used to help him make the sound.

Fan Changyu was very puzzled and asked Yu Qianqian, “Aren’t you going to take them to court for a confrontation?”

Yu Qianqian just shook her head, her expression showing fatigue. After the ruffians were taken away by the restaurant staff, she said, “You’ve already found out that it was Advisor He who instructed these people.”

Fan Changyu frowned and asked, “Did a rival restaurant find a way to Advisor He, trying to use this to strike at Yixiang Restaurant?”

Yu Qianqian smiled bitterly, “It’s even worse than that.”

Fan Changyu had thought that was already the worst scenario, but Yu Qianqian said it was even worse. She really couldn’t imagine what it could be and asked, “What exactly is going on?”

Yu Qianqian’s usually neatly combed bangs were now a mess from her rubbing. She closed her eyes and said, “Yixiang Restaurant can’t be saved. It’s my fault for being too aggressive. If only I hadn’t rushed to open a restaurant in the county town last year…”

Fan Changyu remembered Yu Qianqian as always being confident and in control, rarely showing such helplessness. She said, “Although my friendship with you, Manager, might not be considered deep yet, you have repeatedly helped me, and I remember that. I may not know exactly what difficulties Yixiang Restaurant is facing, but if you need anything, my family has some connections with Captain Wang at the county yamen. I could ask him for a favor and see if he can help Yixiang Restaurant.”

Yu Qianqian shook her head, “It’s useless.”

She squeezed Fan Changyu’s hand and forced a smile, “I appreciate your intention. I’ve been out all day, trying every connection I could. If there was a way, I wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for doom. Don’t go ask Captain Wang for help either; it would only bring him trouble.”

Fan Changyu could feel Yu Qianqian’s exhaustion. Even she hadn’t expected Yixiang Restaurant to face such a crisis overnight. She said, “I still can’t imagine what kind of trouble Yixiang Restaurant has gotten into. I heard from the restaurant staff that the old man who ate here yesterday had an epileptic fit and foamed at the mouth. How can that be blamed on the restaurant’s food? Couldn’t a doctor testify to this in court?”

Yu Qianqian said, “Do you know who the Advisor He works for?”

Fan Changyu uttered two words: “The Magistrate?”

Yu Qianqian nodded wearily, “The highest official in all of Qingping County wants to seize my family’s property. In court, right and wrong are determined by his word. What ordinary citizen would dare to go against an official?”

Fan Changyu said, “Then appeal to Ji Prefecture. The County Magistrate may be the highest official in Qingping County, but outside of it, what power does he have?”

Yu Qianqian still shook her head, showing a pained expression, “I heard rumors from some noble households that this was the Magistrate’s doing, so I sent a guard to drive to Ji Prefecture. Just as I entered, someone delivered something to me…”

Yu Qianqian’s voice trembled, “It was a severed finger of my guard. They’re in cahoots with bandits. All roads to Ji Prefecture have been blocked by mountain bandits.”

Fan Changyu realized what it meant to have absolute power. What Yu Qianqian was experiencing now was even more hopeless than when Fan Da had tried to seize her family property.

The authorities had already spread rumors that Yu Qianqian’s restaurant food contained additives, and coincidentally, an old man had died after eating at Yixiang Restaurant. The authorities could easily claim that Yu Qianqian’s food was problematic, confiscate all her assets, and even arrest her.

In a flash of inspiration, Fan Changyu remembered what Xie Zheng had said earlier about Ji Prefecture collecting military grain. She said, “You alone might be powerless, but if all the citizens of Qingping County oppose the Magistrate, then whether the authorities block the prefecture roads or use yamen runners to suppress us, it won’t matter!”

Yu Qianqian asked, “What do you mean?”

Fan Changyu said, “Ji Prefecture is collecting military grain. Our county is collecting one stone of grain per person, or silver if they can’t provide grain. Qingping County has over 100,000 people, so from just one county, they’re forcibly collecting 100,000 stones of grain. Ji Prefecture wouldn’t push the people to such extremes. The County Magistrate is using this opportunity to extort money!”

As Yu Qianqian heard this, her face changed dramatically.

She murmured, “The County Magistrate isn’t just extorting money. At this crucial time of his transfer, he’s suddenly scraping so much silver from the people’s hands and targeting my Yixiang Restaurant. Even if he can hide it for a while, it can’t be hidden forever. It will eventually be exposed, and he won’t escape punishment even after his transfer. Perhaps… Yixiang Restaurant is just the chicken being killed to scare the monkeys! The wealthy merchants of the entire Qingping County are his real target!”

She looked at Fan Changyu, her face extremely grim: “Chong Prefecture is right next to Ji Prefecture. The County Magistrate intends to defect to the rebel king!”

Xie Zheng know how to sell his handsome face 😅

understanding between xie zheng and fan changyu plus changyu and qianqian friendship. This chapter is so well thought of. hoping more of smart and genuine changyu!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 45

Fan Changyu didn’t immediately grasp the key point and asked, “Why do you say that?”

Yu Qianqian explained to her: “If the county magistrate’s superiors wanted to embezzle, he wouldn’t need to collude with bandits to block the road to Jizhou Prefecture. Even if the matter escalated, his superiors could easily suppress it.”

“As for using the old man’s death to pressure me, it’s simply because they’ve targeted Yixiang Tower’s wealth. Among the wealthy merchants in this town, our roots are the shallowest, making us easy to manipulate. The favors I usually send to those officials might help with ordinary troubles, but faced with something like this, they naturally wouldn’t dare to get involved. If Yixiang Tower falls, the county magistrate can then extort money from other wealthy merchants one by one. If those merchants don’t want to end up like me – losing everything and facing imprisonment – they’ll have no choice but to pay up obediently.”

Fan Changyu suddenly understood the stakes involved and slapped the table, saying, “Then we need to quickly unite with the other wealthy merchants in Qingping County!”

But Yu Qianqian shook her head: “We still need to consider this carefully. I’m just a merchant; I have no idea how much grain each household is supposed to contribute according to the requisition order from the prefecture. If you hadn’t mentioned that the county magistrate’s grain demand seems excessive, I wouldn’t have thought so deeply about it. After all, if he cheats on me, a single merchant, the imperial court might not investigate too closely. But if he oppresses all the common people of Qingping County without anyone protecting him from above, once exposed, he’ll surely face disaster. The county magistrate must understand this logic. After much thought, the only possibility I can think of is that he intends to defect to the rebel king.”

She paused here and looked at Fan Changyu: “Only those in official positions would know how much grain the military needs to requisition. Little sister Changyu, how did you know the county magistrate was demanding excess military grain?”

After Fan Changyu repeated the explanation Xie Zheng had given, she added, “The county magistrate blocking the road to Jizhou Prefecture must be because he has a guilty conscience!”

Yu Qianqian pondered briefly and said, “Adding the point about blocking the prefecture road, we can conclude that the county magistrate has rebellious intentions. But as long as he doesn’t admit it and just says bandits are blocking the road, we have no evidence to accuse him of colluding with the bandits. We can’t convince the people. The only thing that could incriminate the county magistrate is the grain requisition order. Simply saying this year’s grain demand is higher than before isn’t enough evidence to accuse the county magistrate. After all, Huizhou just suffered a defeat, and the grain supply routes were blocked. No one knows what those officials are thinking.”

When Fan Changyu had heard Xie Zheng’s analysis earlier, she thought his words made sense. Now, hearing Yu Qianqian’s perspective, she suddenly felt that Yu Qianqian’s points were also valid.

She carefully considered the words of both Xie Zheng and Yu Qianqian, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

Yu Qianqian said only officials would know how much grain the military needed, but when Yan Zheng spoke earlier, he seemed to know clearly how much grain the officials should be requisitioning.

Secondly, Yu Qianqian worried that Jizhou Prefecture officials might not care about the common people’s lives for the sake of war, while Yan Zheng was very confident that Jizhou Prefecture wouldn’t push the people to such extremes.

Was it because Yu Qianqian, with her years of business experience, considered things more thoroughly, while Yan Zheng, with less experience, had higher expectations of the officials?

Considering the current facts, what Yan Zheng said seemed to be correct – the amount of grain Jizhou Prefecture required wasn’t as much as the county magistrate was collecting.

She frowned as she pondered these thoughts, her brows almost furrowing together.

Yu Qianqian noticed and thought she was worried about accusing the county magistrate. She comforted her, “Don’t worry on my behalf, little sister Changyu. I’ll slowly figure out a way to handle Yixiang Tower’s situation.”

Given how the county magistrate was using the death of the old man who had a seizure to slander Yixiang Tower, it was clear he wanted to put Yu Qianqian in jail.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and said, “That Scribe He is the county magistrate’s lackey, and he’s the one who hired people to slander you. I think Scribe He probably knows how much military grain Jizhou Prefecture is demanding. Why don’t we start with Scribe He?”

Yu Qianqian asked, puzzled, “How?”

Fan Changyu said, “Knock him unconscious with a stick, put him in a sack, drag him back to the tower, and interrogate him. What do you think?”

Yu Qianqian looked at the honest and pretty young woman before her, finding it hard to believe these words had come from her mouth.

Remembering that she had just used such methods to help her deal with some ruffians, the astonishment in her heart lessened a bit.

After careful consideration, she nodded and said, “Fine, let’s treat this dead horse as if it were alive.”

She looked at Fan Changyu: “But you shouldn’t get involved in this. I’ll hire someone to do it. The county magistrate is mainly extorting money from Qingping County’s wealthy merchants right now. If this is exposed and traced back to you, it could implicate your husband and your sister.”

Fan Changyu had a rebuttal on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it back because of Yu Qianqian’s latter words.

She indeed feared nothing for herself, but once Chang Ning was involved, she didn’t dare act recklessly.

If something happened to her, Chang Ning would be left alone in this world.

And there was Yan Zheng. He was about to leave, and she couldn’t let him get tangled up in such a lawsuit because of her.

In the end, Fan Changyu could only say, “Then, proprietress, is there anything else I can help with?”

Yu Qianqian smiled at her: “You’ve already helped so much by offering advice. From now on, don’t keep calling me ‘proprietress.’ It sounds so distant. Although I’m six or seven years older than you, don’t make me sound old. Just call me Qianqian.”

Fan Changyu could feel that Yu Qianqian was treating her more intimately than before. She didn’t dwell on the address change and immediately said, “Qianqian.”

Yu Qianqian smiled, her eyes crinkling, and continued, “I heard you brought a cart of braised meat. My restaurant can’t sell it today, and it would be a shame for you to take it back and let it spoil if you can’t sell it all. How about this: send it to the Drunken Carp Restaurant. I have a good relationship with the owner there, and they happen to have a banquet today. Your braised meat would be perfect for them.”

As she spoke, she called over a waiter from the restaurant and asked him to accompany Fan Changyu to the Drunken Carp Restaurant. She then settled the payment for the braised meat with Fan Changyu: “I’ll pay you for the meat on behalf of the Drunken Carp Restaurant owner first, and I’ll collect it from him later.”

Fan Changyu refused: “You should focus on solving the restaurant’s issues first. You can give me the money after the Drunken Carp Restaurant owner pays you.”

Yu Qianqian put the money pouch in her hand: “Take it. If Yixiang Tower still can’t be saved, I might need to come to your place with Bao’er for a couple of days of food and lodging. I can’t owe you money first.”

Given what she said, Fan Changyu had no choice but to accept.

After delivering the braised meat to the Drunken Carp Restaurant, Fan Changyu asked the old man driving the cart to take Yixiang Tower’s waiter back to the restaurant. After much consideration, she still decided to make a trip to Constable Wang’s house.

It wasn’t to ask Constable Wang to help Yu Qianqian. Fan Changyu knew Constable Wang was upright. If the county magistrate made Constable Wang and his subordinates do something unconscionable, and Constable Wang didn’t know about the magistrate’s rebellious intentions, he might unwittingly become a tool for the magistrate. He would likely spend the rest of his life in guilt if that happened.

Worse still, if he were labeled a rebel, it would be even more disastrous.

Fan Changyu knocked on Constable Wang’s door. The same old woman opened it, but unlike before, she didn’t seem pleased to see Fan Changyu. With a worried expression, she said, “Oh, it’s Madam Fan.”

Fan Changyu asked, “Is Constable Wang home?”

The old woman said, “He is.”

She then led her into the house. Constable Wang and his wife were both in the main room. Fan Changyu wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt Constable Wang seemed dejected, lacking his previous martial spirit.

Mrs. Wang, however, smiled and invited her to sit: “Changyu, you’re here. Have you encountered any difficulties?”

Fan Changyu shook her head and said, “No, I came to ask Uncle Wang about some matters at the county office.”

Mrs. Wang’s face immediately showed some difficulty: “Your Uncle Wang… I’m afraid he can’t help you much. He’s no longer working at the county office.”

Fan Changyu exclaimed in surprise: “When did this happen?”

Mrs. Wang sighed and said, “On the second day of the New Year, when your uncle went to work at the county office, he was told he didn’t need to come anymore. They said he hadn’t handled the treasure map murder case effectively. All the young men working under your uncle were also replaced. This county magistrate, usually so quiet, made such a move just before his transfer.”

Fan Changyu’s eyelids twitched as she heard this. It was clear that the county magistrate knew Constable Wang’s character and, fearing he might interfere, had dismissed him in advance.

She asked, “Uncle Wang, do you know where the yamen runners currently employed by the county office are from?”

Constable Wang shook his head and said, “I didn’t inquire, but I heard they’re all specially recruited men with good martial arts skills.”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and said, “Those people might be mountain bandits.”

This statement shocked both Constable Wang and his wife.

Mrs. Wang was the first to react, laughing and saying, “How can this child say such nonsense?”

Fan Changyu’s expression was serious: “Auntie, I’m not talking nonsense. The county magistrate has colluded with bandits to block the road to the prefecture. He’s using military grain requisition as an excuse to exploit the people, and now he’s targeting all the wealthy merchants in Qingping County. He intends to take this money and defect to the rebel king.”

After she finished speaking, the entire room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Constable Wang, still in great shock, could only mutter, “How… how is this possible?”

Fan Changyu then explained Yu Qianqian’s situation, “He’s not just forcing the proprietress of Yixiang Tower to pay money; he wants all of Yixiang Tower’s wealth. He has also blocked the road to the prefecture, cutting off the route from the county to Jizhou Prefecture.”

Constable Wang had started to believe it, but the news was too shocking. He was still trying to convince himself: “Blocking the prefecture road might just be to prevent that Yu proprietress from going to Jizhou Prefecture to file a complaint against him?”

Seeing this, Fan Changyu deeply felt that Yu Qianqian’s concerns were not unfounded. Without concrete evidence, relying only on circumstantial clues to make guesses, most people wouldn’t dare to take sides even if they harbored doubts unless they saw irrefutable proof.

She remembered what Yu Qianqian said about the grain requisition order and said, “Uncle Wang, have you seen the grain requisition order sent to Qingping County from Jizhou Prefecture? If the amount of military grain the county magistrate is collecting doesn’t match what’s on the requisition order, that would be solid evidence.”

Constable Wang shook his head and said, “How could I have seen such a thing? The county magistrate and Scribe He review it, then directly instruct the subordinates to collect the grain. However, all documents are kept in the county office’s archives. I still have some connection with the official in charge of documents; he should be able to see the grain requisition order since he manages the documents.”

Fan Changyu’s heart began to race upon hearing this, and her palms unconsciously became sweaty: “Can we go find that Document Official?”

Constable Wang, with years of case-solving experience, remained calm and said, “We can’t alert them. I was just dismissed, and if I immediately go to Official Liu’s house, the county magistrate, if he truly has rebellious intentions, will likely have someone report to him the moment I step into Liu’s house.”

Mrs. Wang suddenly said, “We haven’t paid a New Year’s visit to the Liu family yet. Isn’t that a good reason? It’s almost noon. Old man, you stay at home. I’ll take Changyu with some New Year’s gifts to the Liu family. That way, the county magistrate’s side won’t suspect anything.”

Constable Wang nodded: “This plan could work.”

Mrs. Wang selected a few New Year’s gifts and took Fan Changyu to Official Liu’s house.

After hearing their explanation, Official Liu was also greatly shocked. He then said, “Jizhou Prefecture did indeed send a document for military grain requisition, but I haven’t seen that document. The requisition order has been kept by the county magistrate the whole time.”

The fact that the county magistrate had been holding onto the document and refused to hand it over to Official Liu for filing undoubtedly further confirmed the magistrate’s rebellious intentions.

Fan Changyu and Mrs. Wang left the Liu household, both looking deeply troubled as they walked back.

Without the grain requisition document, all hope now rested on Scribe He.

Mrs. Wang said sadly, “That damned county magistrate, taking money and grain to defect to the rebel king. How will those farmers whose seeds have all been taken away survive?”

Fan Changyu glanced at the sun, wondering if Yu Qianqian’s people had managed to capture Scribe He yet.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, another idea suddenly popped up.

She looked at Mrs. Wang and said, “Auntie, why don’t we just kidnap the county magistrate directly?”

Mrs. Wang, the redness in her eyes not yet faded, looked at the obedient and pretty young woman before her. She opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a word for a long time.

Kidnapping is her solution everytime🤣. Gurl stop

When you have a hammer, every problem looks like it can be knocked out and bound in a sack.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Kidnapping is her favorite solution 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve read kidnapp many times in this chapter now 🤣🤣🤣

OH MY, Fan Changyu,lol

hahahaha our Lord Zheng is worried that his wife can’t adapt to life in noble circle but look, she doesn’t give a damn what you are. County magistrate causing trouble? Oh sure let’s just kidnap him and get the info we need lol i’m afraid if she went into noble circle she’ll just herd them all like pigs to slaughterhouse 😂

“If there’s no more option, kidnapping is the way to go.” – Fan Changyu

LMAO

Jajaja la paz nunca fue opción, ese es el pensamiento de Changyu xD necesitas algo? secuestralo!

Changyu always chooses the thug life and I am here for it. Everyone is busy scheming and plotting… meanwhile, Changyu is like, “Let’s just kidnap him and beat him up.” 😚

fan changyu, I suggest you to kidnap your husband instead when he decides to leave 😂

This chapter is just too funny with all this kidnapping ideas HAHAHHAHA and the comment section is equally hilarious 😂 I am loving this!

When all else failed, let’s resort to kidnapping – Changyu
She is sooooo adorable! 🤩

Hahaha I can’t, all that brain storming always come back to kidnapping someone 😂

when the law doesn’t work so you take the matter on your hands…. going old school kidnap someone🤣

when the law doesn’t work so you took it on your own hands 🤣 very old school of you changyu kidnap someone 🤣

Kidnapping are the easiest way for Changyu HAHAHAHA

Imagine Yan Zheng bring her back as the madam, he would constantly worry about the ladies in the capital. if someone make problem with her suddenly gone, he would totally suspect changyu first

Zhu Yu – Chapter 46

Linan Town.

Xie Zheng finished selling pork and frowned as he wiped his hands clean with a handkerchief.

He then raised his eyelids to glance at the sun, realizing it was nearly noon. His handsome brows furrowed even deeper.

Linan Town wasn’t far from the county seat. Why had she been gone for so long?

Xie Zheng closed his shop door. While passing through the tile market, he noticed a Hu merchant selling various animal furs and leather goods at his stall. His gaze fell on a pair of wristbands.

Seeing him staring at the wristbands, the Hu merchant called out, “Young master, would you like to buy these wristbands? They’re made of deerskin, truly excellent quality. Although for you, young master… they might be a bit small. I have some made of roe deer skin here, would you like to take a look?”

As he spoke, he picked up a pair of wristbands several sizes larger and offered them to Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng didn’t take them. Instead, he picked up the deerskin wristbands and examined them. He raised his hand and gently gripped them as if measuring the size from memory. After a moment, he said to the Hu merchant, “I’ll take these.”

He paid and was about to leave with the wristbands when he heard several people sighing in the nearby teahouse.

“Those poor souls from Ma Family Village, dozens of lives lost. Those officials are truly heartless bastards!”

“Let’s hope that scholar escaped and can expose all the misdeeds of these corrupt officials!”

Xie Zheng paused and looked in their direction. The Hu merchant, seeing his interest in what the men were discussing, sighed and said, “It’s about the tragedy in Ma Family Village. A scholar there couldn’t bear the brutal grain levies by the officials and wanted to lead the whole village to kneel and petition at the Ji Prefecture yamen, asking to leave some seed grain for the farmers. The villagers, fearing discovery by the officials, set out last night. This morning, they were found massacred on the official road. All the villagers were slaughtered, and the scholar vanished. No one knows if he was captured alive or managed to escape.”

A cold glint flashed in Xie Zheng’s eyes. He asked, “Were the villagers killed by the officials?”

The Hu merchant replied, “That’s what everyone suspects. After all, they were just poor peasants. Even if bandits wanted to rob travelers, they’d target the wealthy, not specifically wait there to kill dozens of poor folk just to sharpen their blades, right?”

“It’s strange, though. As soon as the Ma Family Village people died, all the roads to Ji Prefecture were blocked by mountain bandits. How convenient is that? Isn’t it just to prevent anyone from going to Ji Prefecture to file a complaint? The farmers from neighboring villages have already taken up arms, saying they want to join the rebels in Chong Prefecture.”

The Hu merchant shook his head as he spoke. Though not a native of Da Yin, he traveled far and wide for his fur trade. But as a fellow commoner, he couldn’t help but sigh when hearing of such a tragedy.

Xie Zheng’s long eyebrows were tightly knitted. As one in power, he naturally saw the irregularities.

The Ma Family Village tragedy seemed like someone was deliberately trying to incite the people of Qingping County to rebel.

If that scholar hadn’t died and had escaped, he would surely report the massacre to Ji Prefecture or even the capital.

The officials, in their zeal to collect grain, had pushed the people to the brink. When the people knelt at the county yamen and were ignored, they planned to go kneel at the prefecture. Yet they were massacred halfway there. Anyone hearing of such a tragedy would be filled with rage, wanting to grind those officials to dust and scatter their bones.

The tragedy could incite public outrage and force the people of Qingping County to rebel, which would undoubtedly be a military blow to the imperial court.

Thinking of the tragedies reported from the grain levies in Tai Prefecture, the cold intent in Xie Zheng’s eyes intensified.

It seemed that someone was deliberately exacerbating all the tragedies caused by the grain levies.

And the beneficiaries were undoubtedly only the rebels in Chong Prefecture-

Ji Prefecture Yamen.

Wei Xuan sat in the main seat, looking impatiently at his subordinates counting the grain and fodder collected from various counties.

Soon, a guard reported, “General, the grain from Qingping County hasn’t arrived yet.”

Wei Xuan’s already poor mood worsened to the extreme. He kicked over the low table in front of him and cursed, “A mere county magistrate dares to defy my military order?”

He stood up, drawing his sword, “Men! Muster the troops! I’ll go to Qingping County myself to collect the grain!”

Just then, another scout rushed in, “Report — urgent message from Yan Prefecture, 800 li express!”

Wei Xuan looked displeased. Yan Prefecture was just a poor, mountainous place by Yan Mountain, where he had banished Xie Zheng’s old subordinates. What urgent news could there be?

Opening the letter, when he saw the familiar handwriting, all the blood in his body seemed to surge in that instant.

The guard didn’t know why his general’s face had suddenly become so ugly, but the next second, he saw Wei Xuan suddenly draw his sword and viciously chop the table he had kicked over in half, his eyes bulging with rage: “He’s not dead! He deliberately waited until now to show himself, just because I suffered a defeat, wanting to humiliate me!”

The confidant picked up the letter that had been thrown on the ground. Seeing the bold and unrestrained handwriting, and the three characters “Xie Jiuheng” at the end, he was also greatly shocked.

The Marquis of Wu’an of Da Yin had the surname Xie, given the name Zheng, and courtesy name Jiuheng.

This courtesy name was given by his teacher, Grand Tutor Tao, who said the character “Zheng” was too fierce and feared he might act rashly in pursuit of quick success. He gave him the courtesy name “Jiuheng” to restrain him, saying that while others only need to think thrice before acting, he should consider nine times.

Over the years, Xie Zheng had indeed lived up to Grand Tutor Tao’s expectations. He had never been rash on the battlefield, and though he became famous at a young age, he was as steady as veteran generals.

The guard, being Wei Xuan’s confidant, naturally knew about how the Wei father and son had plotted against the Marquis of Wu’an on the Chong Prefecture battlefield.

He immediately said, “The Marquis of Wu’an has been lying low until now, surely gathering strength in secret to avenge that day’s grudge. In his letter, he tells you to retreat and guard Hui Prefecture, to protect the northwest gateway against foreign enemies. It might be a trick. It’s not advisable to stay long in the northwest! The Prime Minister’s transfer order will arrive in a few days. General, returning to the capital first would be the best strategy!”

Wei Xuan grabbed the guard’s collar and snarled viciously, “You think I’m afraid of him?”

The guard knew that Wei Xuan liked to compare himself to the Marquis of Wu’an in everything and especially couldn’t stand others saying he was inferior to the Marquis. However, he couldn’t care about touching this sore spot now and earnestly said, “General, don’t fight over this momentary anger! The northwest is already in such chaos. The remaining 70,000 soldiers in Hui Prefecture were all trained by the Marquis of Wu’an. They only followed your orders to avenge the Marquis because they thought he had died at the hands of the Chong Prefecture rebels. Now that the Marquis is still alive, we’re like fish on a chopping board under the Marquis’s knife in the northwest!”

How could Wei Xuan not know that what the guard said was true? But the more he understood, the more furious he became. Since childhood, he had always been overshadowed by this man. Xie Zheng was like a thorn in his eye.

If he didn’t pull out this thorn, he would never be at ease in his life.

But in the end, Wei Xuan had to swallow this bitter pill temporarily. He left Ji Prefecture in a rage with two thousand personal guards.

When He Jingyuan heard of this at his residence, he let out a long sigh, half relieved and half ashamed.

Relieved that the famous “Killing General” was only ruthless towards foreign enemies, but still had compassion for the Da Yin people.

And ashamed that he, as a local official, had allowed Wei Xuan to push the people of Ji Prefecture to this point.

Zheng Wenchang asked for instructions, “Sir, how should we handle the military provisions that have been collected?”

He Jingyuan said, “Return all the seed grain to the farmers. Spring is approaching, we can’t delay next year’s planting.”

Zheng Wenchang acknowledged.

He Jingyuan asked, “I heard that one county didn’t send up any grain. Do you know which county it is?”

Zheng Wenchang answered, “Qingping County.”

Hearing this place’s name again, He Jingyuan’s gaze darkened. He said, “County Magistrate Cui Shoude is a coward. How dare he not send up the grain? This matter seems suspicious. Take some men to investigate.”

Just as Zheng Wenchang was about to salute, a guard hurriedly entered and said, “Sir, it’s not good. There’s a scholar at the front of the yamen beating the drum to appeal for justice. He’s written a poem bitterly denouncing the officials for forcefully collecting military grain and slaughtering peasants in the fields. It’s causing an uproar throughout the city!”

Both He Jingyuan and Zheng Wenchang were shocked.

Zheng Wenchang hurriedly saluted and said, “After receiving your orders, the subordinate has been having people keep an eye on Wei Xuan’s soldiers who went to collect grain. We haven’t discovered them killing people or robbing grain.”

He Jingyuan only instructed the guard, “Bring the person here. I’ll question him myself.”

The guard accepted the order and left-

Qingping County.

Madam Wang flatly rejected Fan Changyu’s suggestion to kidnap the county magistrate. She said helplessly, “The county yamen has over a hundred bailiffs in total. How could we possibly kidnap the magistrate?”

Fan Changyu, afraid of frightening Madam Wang, hung her head without a word. But she was thinking, no matter how many people there were, surely they couldn’t be with the magistrate twenty-four hours a day. The magistrate must have times when he’s alone.

Madam Wang was about to say something when a commotion came from the street ahead.

A group of fierce-looking official soldiers marched past, escorting a crowd of tightly bound people. Fan Changyu recognized their clothing and exclaimed in shock, “Aren’t those the waiters from Yixiang Building?”

Madam Wang’s heart also skipped a beat, “Is the county magistrate moving so quickly?”

Fan Changyu didn’t see Yu Qianqian among those being escorted. She hurriedly stepped forward, squeezing into the crowd of onlookers to get a better look.

The surrounding spectators were also discussing animatedly: “Why have all the cooks and waiters from the Yixiang Building been arrested?”

“I heard that someone died from eating at Yixiang Building. After that family carried the coffin to make a scene at Yixiang Building’s entrance, the officials sealed off Yixiang Building to investigate the case and took all the staff back for questioning.”

Fan Changyu stood on tiptoe to look into the procession of soldiers and finally saw Yu Qianqian walking in the middle with her hands bound. Yu Qianqian also saw her and imperceptibly shook her head, signaling her not to come over. She mouthed two words silently.

Fan Changyu deciphered the two words from her lip movements as “Bao’er”.

Fan Changyu looked carefully at the escort group and didn’t see any children. She knew that Yu Bao’er must have been hidden somewhere by Yu Qianqian. Yu Qianqian mouthing those words to her meant she wanted her to take care of Yu Bao’er.

Madam Wang had caught up, and fearing she might act rashly, kept a tight grip on one of her hands. She lowered her voice and whispered in her ear, “No matter how close you are to that manager, don’t go forward now. If the soldiers notice you, it might bring trouble upon yourself.”

Fan Changyu understood this point too and forcibly restrained herself from moving.

After the soldiers had passed, Madam Wang looked at Fan Changyu and said, “If you need maps of the county yamen and the magistrate’s residence, I can get them for you.”

Fan Changyu knew that given her situation in the Wang family, it was already not easy for Madam Wang to offer this. She thanked her and said she would come to get them when needed, then hurried off towards the Yixiang Building.

Yu Qianqian had been arrested at the Yixiang Building, so Yu Bao’er might have been hidden somewhere there by her.

When she reached the main street, Fan Changyu could see from afar that sealing notices had already been pasted on the grand doors of the Yixiang Building. She went around to the back alley and saw that the courtyards where the Yixiang Building servants lived had also been sealed. She looked at the back wall of the Yixiang Building, just about to climb over when a hand suddenly stretched out from her side and pulled her into a narrow, dark alley between two courtyard walls.

Fan Changyu immediately grabbed the person’s collar, her arm tensing as she was about to slam the person to the ground. But when she smelled the bitter scent of medicine and tangerine peel candy on the person, her grip suddenly loosened.

She called out, “Yan Zheng?”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, signaling her not to make a sound. His phoenix eyes coldly swept towards the outside of the dark alley. Fan Changyu also became alert.

The footsteps of a group of soldiers approached from afar and stopped outside the back door of the Yixiang Building. “By order of the county magistrate, until the Yixiang Building murder case is solved, Yixiang Building shall not be unsealed. To prevent the destruction of evidence, guard this building strictly!”

Fan Changyu said quietly, “Yu Bao’er wasn’t taken away by the soldiers. I’m worried Yu Qianqian might have hidden him somewhere in the building.”

They were extremely close, and each other’s breathing could be heard. To prevent the soldiers outside from hearing anything, she kept her voice very low.

Xie Zheng felt as if insects were crawling in his ear. He frowned slightly and straightened up, moving away from her a bit. He said, “I arrived a quarter of an hour before you and already went into the building to bring the person out.”

Fan Changyu breathed a sigh of relief. Only then did she think to ask him, “Weren’t you at the butcher shop? Why did you come to the county town?”

Xie Zheng’s gaze turned slightly cold. He only said, “After selling all the pork, I saw you hadn’t returned for a long time, so I came to check.”

Fan Changyu said, “I’m fine, it’s just that Manager Yu has run into trouble.”

After telling him her and Yu Qianqian’s speculations, she added, “I plan to kidnap the county magistrate to save Manager Yu. You take Yu Bao’er and Ning Niang to find a place to hide. If I get caught, please take care of Ning Niang.”

Xie Zheng frowned at her, “Who gave you such a stupid idea?”

Fan Changyu was baffled by his rebuke. After thinking for a moment, she figured he must be angry that she was putting herself in danger and leaving two children for him to take care of if she got caught. She said, “I thought of it myself. I’m just mentioning the possibility of getting caught. I’ll make my move when there aren’t many people around the magistrate. How could I possibly get caught…”

Xie Zheng snorted, “Many farmers in the countryside have already rebelled and are about to storm the county yamen before going to join the rebel king. Do you think the county magistrate, if he’s the mastermind, would put himself in such danger?”

Fan Changyu understood the meaning of his words. Kidnapping the county magistrate wouldn’t save Yu Qianqian.

She thought for a moment but couldn’t come up with a plan. She raised her clear and honest eyes to look at Xie Zheng, “Then what should we do? Who’s the mastermind? Would it help if we kidnapped them?”

Hearing her still considering the idea of kidnapping, Xie Zheng couldn’t help but feel a mix of frustration and amusement.

He replied, “Capturing anyone would be pointless. Someone is stirring up discord to incite the people of Qingping County to rebel, which would then invite the troops from Jizhou to suppress the rioters. This way, the rumors about the court forcing the people to pay taxes would gain credibility.”

If Qingping County failed to deliver the requisitioned grain to Jizhou, given Wei Xuan’s temperament, he would undoubtedly march into Qingping County in a rage. When confronted with the rebels, there was a strong possibility that he would order the slaughter of the entire county.

Fan Changyu: …The magistrate must have times when he’s alone.

She always think about kidnapping 😅😅

Zhu Yu – Chapter 47

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu: “You know that constable surnamed Wang. Go find him quickly and tell him to take the yamen runners to guard the city gates. They must not let the rioters enter the city.”

Fan Changyu was puzzled: “If the rioters enter the city, shouldn’t they only cause trouble for the county magistrate and those yamen runners? Why should we help the county magistrate stop the rioters?”

The expression on Xie Zheng’s face was indescribably cold: “They’ve put their lives on the line to rebel. Do you still think they only want justice? What they want now is power and wealth! Any household in this city is richer than those farmers, enough to make them hate to the bone. One step further, they can become rebellious troops committing all kinds of evil – burning, killing, looting, and raping. If you don’t want to see this county town completely plundered, do as I say.”

Hearing him say this, Fan Changyu’s heart sank for a moment at the complexity of human nature. She pressed her lips together and said, “Constable Wang has already been dismissed by the county magistrate. His words no longer carry weight in the yamen.”

Xie Zheng frowned but still said, “Just go and pass on the message. Say that the county magistrate has been marginalized. Tell him to first take the yamen runners to set up defenses at the city gates. When encountering rioters, prioritize pacification, promising that the officials will return all the collected grain and won’t pursue their crimes.”

“But what if the officials don’t return the grain?”

“First stabilize the rioters. I’ll think of a way for the rest.” His gaze was calm, inexplicably convincing.

Fan Changyu thought for a moment but still had some concerns: “Didn’t you say they’ve rebelled, seeking glory and wealth? Can this stabilize the rioters?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her: “The rioters will fight to the death because they have no way back. Promising not to pursue their crimes and returning their grain gives them a chance to return to their former lives of farming. The ambitious ones will continue to instigate and refuse to compromise, but those who just want to farm honestly and were forced to this point will start to hesitate.”

Fan Changyu finally understood. He wanted the rioters to become disorganized first.

For a moment, she felt that the Yan Zheng before her was unfamiliar. It seemed she had never truly understood him.

Xie Zheng noticed her gaze and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu shook her head and asked, “How do we get out?”

The soldiers were still guarding the back alley of the Yixiang Building. If they left from the alley entrance, they would surely be seen by the guards outside. If they knocked out the soldiers and left, it wouldn’t be long before the unconscious soldiers were discovered, still exposing their whereabouts.

Moreover, the other end of this alley was a dead end and extremely narrow, used for draining rainwater from the eaves of two houses. It could barely fit one person, and due to constant moisture and lack of sunlight, the walls were covered in slippery moss. One wrong step and they would slip.

Xie Zheng glanced at the high wall at the end of the alley and said to Fan Changyu, “Step on my shoulders and climb over.”

Fan Changyu estimated their heights and nodded, “Alright, after I climb up, I’ll find a ladder for you.”

As Xie Zheng crouched down by the wall, she placed one hand on the wall and stepped onto his broad shoulder.

With their combined heights, Fan Changyu finally reached the top of the wall. She used her arms to pull herself up and over. As she looked into the courtyard, she saw a man writing something at a desk in front of a wide-open window. He suddenly looked up sharply in her direction.

With lightning speed, Fan Changyu picked up a tile from the wall and threw it at his acupoint.

The man looked shocked and didn’t have time to say a word before collapsing onto the desk.

After throwing the tile, Fan Changyu belatedly realized that the man looked somewhat familiar, but she couldn’t immediately recall where she had seen him before.

Hearing the commotion inside, Xie Zheng asked her, “Is there someone on the other side of the wall?”

Fan Changyu nodded and said, “Mm,” then added, “I’ve knocked him out. There’s a bamboo ladder in this courtyard. Wait a moment, I’ll bring it over.”

She jumped down from the wall top, her movements as agile as a cat’s.

The bamboo ladder was neither too long nor too short, just right to reach the top of the courtyard wall. After climbing up the ladder to the wall top, Fan Changyu passed the ladder to the other side of the high wall, allowing Xie Zheng to also enter the courtyard safely.

He went into the room and glanced at the person Fan Changyu had knocked out. A hint of something unusual flashed in his eyes as he said, “It’s the owner of the bookstore.”

How did this Zhao family residence happen to be right next to the Yixiang Building?

This bit of suspicion made him take another look at the unfinished letter on the desk. Because of the heavy brush strokes made when Zhao Xun fell, many characters were covered by ink stains, but the general content could still be made out.

Xie Zheng’s eyes suddenly turned cold. As he left, whether intentionally or not, his sleeve knocked over the inkstone, spilling thick ink all over the table, soiling the unfinished letter paper and covering half of Zhao Xun’s sleeve and face with ink stains.

After hearing him say this was the bookstore owner, Fan Changyu was already feeling somewhat guilty. Seeing Xie Zheng knock over the inkstone made her even more nervous. She stammered, “I… I hit your employer, and you spilled his inkstone. Won’t he hold a grudge against you?”

She remembered that Xie Zheng wrote essays at the bookstore. Wasn’t there still a deposit from that forty taels last time?

Xie Zheng was slightly taken aback, not expecting her to worry about this. The cold expression on his face softened a bit as he said, “It doesn’t matter. He might not remember you, and he doesn’t know I was here.”

Fan Changyu thought about it and realized he was right. She had barely recognized him herself, and as a wealthy merchant, he saw many people every day and probably wouldn’t remember her. She let out a big sigh of relief.

The Zhao residence was a two-courtyard house, but there were almost no servants to be seen. Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng easily slipped out through the side gate of the Zhao residence.

Fan Changyu thought to herself that all this trouble was because both the front door and back alley of the Yixiang Building were being guarded by soldiers. She couldn’t help but say, “Manager Yu and the staff from the building have all been taken to jail by that dog official. Why do they still need to have people watching the Yixiang Building? Could it be just to find Yu Bao’er?”

Xie Zheng’s expression was deep and somber as he only said, “It’s not impossible.”

Fan Changyu’s expression immediately became somewhat indignant: “Those dog officials’ hearts are truly too vicious!”

To make an example, they wouldn’t even spare a child?

Xie Zheng didn’t respond to that, only saying, “I’ve temporarily left the child with the old man who drives your cart.”

Fan Changyu had rented the old man’s ox cart for a month to make deliveries, and he was somewhat trustworthy.

But having that old man take care of a young master from a wealthy family would easily arouse suspicion. Fan Changyu said, “When I go to Constable Wang’s house, I’ll take Bao’er along.”

Xie Zheng nodded. As they were about to part ways, he looked at Fan Changyu as if wanting to say something, but in the end said nothing.

It was Fan Changyu who saw his hesitation and asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

The sky was gloomy, making Xie Zheng’s eyes look darker than usual. He said, “If the rioters enter the city, just focus on keeping yourself safe.”

After a pause, he added, “Don’t trust anyone lightly.”

Fan Changyu’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. She looked up at him and asked, “Are you about to leave?”

Suddenly saying such things to her was very odd indeed.

Xie Zheng choked for a moment, his expression not looking good as he said, “Although I’m not someone particularly trustworthy either, for now, you can still trust me.”

After he left, Fan Changyu stood there in a daze for a moment before going to pick up Yu Bao’er from the cart driver’s place to take him to Constable Wang’s house.

When Constable Wang heard about the rioters, he was also greatly shocked. After pacing back and forth in the room several times, he said to Madam Wang, “Bring me my constable uniform.”

As Madam Wang went to the inner room to get the clothes, Constable Wang looked at Fan Changyu and said, “This husband of yours, to have such insight and be so perceptive, he must be no ordinary person…”

Fan Changyu said, “His family used to run an escort agency, so he might have seen and experienced more than others.”

Constable Wang said, “That explains it.” After changing into his constable uniform, he went out first to find his former subordinates.

Madam Wang walked him to the door, her face full of worry.

Fan Changyu didn’t know what Xie Zheng’s next plan was. Letting a dismissed constable go out and do these things was risky.

But once the rioters entered the city and started looting, with no way to retreat, their ambition and greed would also surge. Like carnivores that had tasted blood, they would no longer be able to stop. The beast had to be strangled before it could taste fresh blood.

She thought for a moment and said to Madam Wang, “You mentioned earlier that you have maps of the county yamen and the county magistrate’s residence?”

Madam Wang hesitated before nodding and asking, “Yes, I do. What do you want to do, girl?”

Fan Changyu said, “From what my husband implied, with the grain collection matter turning out like this, the county magistrate has likely been marginalized. Why don’t we rescue the county magistrate? If nothing else, we need to first restore Uncle Wang’s position as constable. That way, it will be easier for him to handle matters.”

No matter who was secretly in control at this moment, in the eyes of ordinary people and yamen runners, the county magistrate was still the highest official in Qingping County.

Madam Wang didn’t know if this girl was naturally brave or what. She was still somewhat nervous, yet this girl was thinking of even bolder actions. Thinking of her husband who had gone to stop the rioters, she steadied herself and said, “This is too risky. I’ll go with you.”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “There’s a less risky way, but I still need your help, Aunt.”

Madam Wang’s expression changed-

Yixiang Building.

A carriage drove towards the back alley of the Yixiang Building, stopping not far from the alley entrance. No one seemed to come out of the carriage, and the guards at the back door of the Yixiang Building discreetly observed the carriage.

Two of them exchanged a glance and were about to go over to check when suddenly a black shadow darted out from the other end of the alley. It swung a club, hitting the remaining two guards on the back of their heads. The two guards immediately lost consciousness.

Fan Changyu had changed into boy’s clothes at Constable Wang’s house and blackened her face with soot, making her original features unrecognizable. After kicking off the seal on the back door of the Yixiang Building, she ran inside.

The two guards who were about to check the carriage immediately shouted, “An accomplice to the murder has broken into the Yixiang Building to destroy evidence!”

They rushed in to capture Fan Changyu, but she was waiting for them right behind the door.

As Fan Changyu entered, she hurled a club that struck one man unconscious. The soldier behind him drew his sword to attack Fan Changyu, but she dodged to the side and kicked him into a deep swill barrel in the backyard. The soldier folded into the barrel, unable to struggle out for some time.

After a brief moment inside, Fan Changyu emerged cradling something wrapped in a cloak, and quickly left the courtyard.

The soldier in the barrel shrieked hysterically, “The thief is escaping! The thief is escaping!”

This commotion had already alerted the guards at Yixiang Tower’s main entrance. A group of men dressed as constables, though not real ones, split into two groups and pursued from both ends of the alley. They only glimpsed a small man hurriedly boarding a carriage at the alley’s entrance, seemingly carrying a child.

Before the officers could catch up, the carriage sped away.

Snowflakes drifted gently as the driver, clad in coarse cloth and wearing a conical hat that obscured their face, skillfully cracked the whip. Their expertise was evident in their handling of the reins.

As some officers attempted to block the carriage’s path, the driver unfurled another whip about ten feet long. A single lash would tear flesh from bone. With a sweep to the left and right, the approaching officers were left writhing and wailing by the roadside.

The lead officer shouted, “It must be an accomplice from the tower escaping with the brat! Quickly, call for reinforcements!”

A signal arrow shot into the gray sky, and soon the county office dispatched another team of officers.

The people in the carriage were none other than Fan Changyu and Madam Wang.

Madam Wang, intimately familiar with every street and alley in the county, made several turns to shake off the pursuing officers. Before jumping off the carriage, Fan Changyu said, “Aunt, please lead these officers on a chase for about half an hour. After that, don’t worry about them and focus on your escape.”

Madam Wang tilted up her conical hat and asked, “Half an hour? Will that be enough time for you?”

Fan Changyu replied, “My husband should have gone to the county office. I’ll head to the County Magistrate’s residence. With all the officers out chasing Yu Innkeeper’s son, we should be able to find the County Magistrate.”

Of course, Yu’s child wasn’t in the carriage. What Fan Changyu had wrapped in the cloak and carried out of Yixiang Tower was merely a small blanket.

Madam Wang simply cautioned, “Be careful!”

Fan Changyu responded, “You too, Aunt.”

The carriage slowed down, and after Fan Changyu disembarked in a secluded spot, she navigated through several twists and turns into an alley, heading towards the County Magistrate’s residence.

Upon arriving at the County Magistrate’s doorstep, Fan Changyu was surprised to find Song Mother already there.

Hiding in the shadows, she observed Song Mother accompanied by a very young maidservant, carrying various packages and wearing a fawning smile. “Young Master Yan is about to leave for the capital to take the imperial examinations. He’s been thinking of the Young Miss, so he asked me to bring these little gifts for her…”

The doorkeeper responded, “How thoughtful of Scholar Song.”

He instructed the servant behind him to accept all the jewelry and accessories Song Mother had painfully purchased but didn’t invite her in.

Song Mother’s smile was becoming strained. After being turned away for several days and reluctant to see her expensive gifts go to waste without gaining the County Magistrate’s family’s favor, she said, “The other day, Madam praised the shoe designs I showed her. I came especially today to have tea with her and bring her those designs.”

The doorkeeper simply replied, “Madam has caught a cold and hasn’t recovered yet. If Madam Song has anything for her, you can leave it with me.”

Song Mother had originally thought the County Magistrate’s status was somewhat beneath them. Once Song Yan achieved a high rank, a county magistrate’s daughter might not be worthy of her son. However, given their current residence in this county, they still needed the magistrate’s assistance. This was why she maintained cordial relations with the magistrate’s wife.

Previously, when the magistrate’s wife was eager to arrange marriages for her children, Song Mother’s mind raced with calculations. She dangled the prospect of being a scholar’s wife, or even an official’s wife, to entice the magistrate’s mother and daughter, without actually committing to an engagement.

When the magistrate’s wife occasionally pressed the issue, Song Mother would tearfully bring up Song Yan’s recent broken engagement. She’d explain that Song Yan, being a filial son, had ended his engagement with the Fan family butcher’s daughter for her sake, enduring a reputation for being fickle. She’d lament that the Fan family was now spreading rumors about how the Song family had wronged them, and express fear that if Song Yan were to become engaged again so soon, it would further incite the Fan girl’s jealousy. She argued that if the Fan Girl were to spread malicious gossip, it would surely affect Song Yan’s future career. Since the two families would eventually become in-laws anyway, why rush things?

The magistrate’s wife had been persuaded by this explanation, and the two women often enjoyed tea and opera together, with the magistrate’s wife always being warm towards her.

During the New Year, Song Yan embarrassed himself with the Fan family at the Lantern Festival, leaving Song Mother feeling utterly humiliated.

Fearing that the magistrate’s wife might look down on her son, and although she had initially planned to keep her options open, this incident suddenly made Song Mother worry. What if her son didn’t pass the metropolitan examination and couldn’t secure an official position in the capital? Looking around Clear Peace County, marrying into the magistrate’s family would still be the most prestigious option. This was why she had brought gifts to pay New Year’s respects to the magistrate’s family on the second day of the New Year.

To her dismay, she was turned away at the door.

Song’s Mother returned home that day nearly coughing up blood from anger. Afraid of affecting her son’s studies, she didn’t dare tell Song Yan about this incident. However, she silently vowed to mend relations with the magistrate’s family and had been sending gifts to their home for the past few days.

When her attempts to approach the magistrate’s wife failed, she tried to win over the magistrate’s daughter. Yet, even after sending gifts up to this day, she still couldn’t gain entry into the magistrate’s house.

Song Mother felt as if her face had been torn off and trampled underfoot. As she left, she couldn’t even force a smile. With an ashen face, she waited until she had turned the street corner before spitting viciously on the ground several times. “What do they think they are? Just a county magistrate’s daughter, do they think my Yan is begging to marry her? They have the gall to accept gifts but won’t even invite me in for a cup of tea?”

Fan Changyu, pretending to browse wares at a nearby stall, overheard Song Mother’s words. She cast a sidelong glance at the departing Song Mother and, although she had long since stopped caring about the Song family, couldn’t help but muse that this was karmic retribution.

She thought to herself that it would be best if the magistrate’s family had seen through the true nature of this mother-and-son duo and were therefore ignoring them.

She circled to the back wall of the magistrate’s house and climbed over using a tree that grew close to the wall.

Wang Constable, having served as a local constable for over a decade under several magistrates, was very familiar with the layout of this residence. After studying the map provided by Madam Wang, Fan Changyu had a good idea of the mansion’s layout. This should be the kitchen area.

She moved silently along the wall and, after passing through a hanging flower gate, she spotted the doorkeeper entering. She quickly hid around the corner of the wall.

The doorkeeper, carrying the gifts from Song Mother, was pleading with a man who looked like a guard: “Sir, these are all from our future son-in-law for the Young Miss. Please be understanding and let me give them to her.”

It was highly unusual for the magistrate’s doorkeeper to be begging a guard.

Fan Changyu pricked up her ears to listen.

The guard merely sneered, “Put them with the other things in the side room. If even half a word of this leaks out, you can all kiss your heads goodbye!”

The doorkeeper was frightened and didn’t dare say another word.

Fan Changyu suddenly realized that the group controlling the magistrate’s mansion must be formidable. She made her breathing even more subtle and prolonged.

She noticed that throughout the magistrate’s compound, no one had cleared the snow from the courtyards. She wasn’t sure if this was because the magistrate’s family was under control and the servants were slacking off, or if someone had ordered that the snow not be swept.

After all, with snow on the ground, no matter how lightly someone stepped while crossing the courtyard, their footsteps would still make a sound in the snow.

As Fan Changyu was deep in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps behind her.

She turned around and found herself face to face with a young maid carrying a tray.

Just as the maid was about to scream, Fan Changyu swiftly moved in and knocked her unconscious with a chop to the neck. She caught the tray with one hand while supporting the maid with the other. After a glance around, she used her foot to open the door of a nearby room and carried the maid inside.

Moments later, Fan Changyu emerged dressed in the maid’s clothes, openly carrying the tray.

As she turned the corner, a guard under the eaves glanced at her. Fan Changyu kept her head down as she passed by, heading in the direction the doorkeeper had gone earlier.

Having studied the map beforehand and possessing a good sense of direction, she didn’t have much trouble finding the doorkeeper’s quarters based on the mansion’s layout.

When she pushed open the door, the doorkeeper was sitting in a chair, lost in his thoughts. Upon seeing Fan Changyu, he was so startled he nearly fell to the ground. Wincing in pain, he tried to put on the air of an old doorkeeper, coldly demanding, “Which room are you from, girl? How dare you!”

Fan Changyu, realized that if the magistrate was under guard, the order to dismiss Wang Constable couldn’t have come from him. The magistrate might even be counting on Wang Constable to save his life.

So she said, “I’m one of Constable Wang’s people.”

The anger on the doorkeeper’s face froze, then he nearly burst into tears of joy. “As expected of Constable Wang, he saw right through the strange happenings at the county office these past few days…”

Seeing that he was about to launch into a long lament, Fan Changyu frowned and cut him off, asking only what she wanted to know: “What’s going on in the mansion?”

The doorkeeper, with tears in his eyes, explained, “A few days ago, Ji Prefecture issued an order to requisition grain. A team of officers bearing Ji Prefecture’s official waist tags came to supervise the grain collection. When my master heard that they were demanding one stone of grain per person, he pleaded that this would push the common people to the brink. But the officials from above used the grain requisition order to pressure him, telling my master to just carry it out.”

“My master had no choice but to order the grain collection. However, those officers who went to collect the grain ended up killing farmers in the countryside. My master, fearing that this would reach Lord He in Ji Prefecture and cost him his position, wanted to go to Ji Prefecture early to beg forgiveness. But that group of officers from Ji Prefecture put him under house arrest. They claim to be men of Wei Xuan, the Military Governor of the Northwest. They say everything is under their control now, that even Lord He has been dismissed by the Military Governor. They accuse my master of obstructing the important matter of grain collection and have confined him to the mansion. Neither the Madam nor the Young Miss is allowed to leave or receive visitors.”

Fan Changyu’s frown deepened. She had heard of Wei Xuan before; the tragic incident of grain collection in Tai Prefecture was caused by his subordinates acting with impunity.

She felt uncertain for a moment. If Wei Xuan was truly this brutal, forcibly collecting grain in this manner, even if Wang Constable managed to temporarily dissuade the mob at the city gate, what would happen if Wei Xuan then brought his troops to slaughter those commoners?

After some thought, Fan Changyu suggested, “Why don’t we capture the high-ranking official Wei Xuan sent, and have the County Magistrate return the collected military grain to the people?”

By capturing the leader, he wouldn’t be able to order the killing of civilians.

The doorkeeper’s lips trembled, too frightened by the first half of her suggestion to even consider the second half. “C-capture? There are over a dozen highly skilled soldiers in this mansion, and the county office is entirely under their control. How could we possibly capture anyone?”

Fan Changyu said, “If we can’t overpower them, can’t we use some kind of sleeping drug?”

The doorkeeper couldn’t help but scrutinize Fan Changyu, wondering if she was sent by Constable Wang to help.

Capturing a military officer from Ji Prefecture – what kind of crime would that be? If those people sought revenge later, the heads of everyone in this mansion combined wouldn’t be enough to pay for it!

He waved his hands repeatedly, “Impossible, impossible! How would my master explain this to those officers afterward?”

Fan Changyu knew this plan was a bit underhanded, but this County Magistrate had been in office in Clear Peace County for three years. While he hadn’t done anything wrong, he hadn’t done much good for the people either. This was the only option available now. It might implicate the County Magistrate, but it was worth a try!

She said, “A person was killed by officials in Ma Family Village. The officials have already driven the surrounding villagers to rebellion. There are thousands of angry mob members gathering to storm the county office. Don’t you think your master will be the scapegoat when that happens? As the steward of the County Magistrate’s household, won’t you also be resented by those angry mobs?”

The doorkeeper’s lips began to tremble again. After weighing the options for a moment, he said, “There are no sleeping drugs in the mansion, and those men are very cautious. They make the servants taste all food and drink before they consume it.”

Now Fan Changyu was at a loss.

Seeing her expression, the doorkeeper reluctantly added, “However, we do have croton seeds in the mansion, and the main kitchen is currently brewing white fungus and lotus seed soup.”

A moment later, Fan Changyu was carrying a tray while a young servant boy carried a wooden bucket as they headed to the front courtyard.

On Fan Changyu’s tray was a white porcelain bowl. Inside the bowl, a large snow pear had been cut open at the top, its flesh scooped out and replaced with white fungus and lotus seed soup. The cut-off top of the pear was placed back on as a lid, and the whole thing had been slowly simmered over a low fire.

Through the bowl, one could smell not only the fragrance of the white fungus but also the sweet aroma of the pear.

Fan Changyu could only marvel at how the wealthy could create such novel dishes.

The servant carried a wooden bucket containing ordinary white fungus and lotus seed soup.

Of course, all the soups were laced with croton seeds.

The steward, wearing a fawning smile, addressed the guard under the eaves: “Given the harsh weather, Madam has shown consideration for you soldiers by having the kitchen prepare some white fungus and lotus seed soup.”

The guard, who had a faint scar at the corner of his eye, snorted disdainfully through his nostrils. Though maintaining an air of superiority, he was pleased.

The steward, seemingly accustomed to the guard’s cold demeanor, had a servant first drink a bowl of the soup to demonstrate its safety. Only then did the guard say, “Fine, leave it here.”

The steward pointed to the tray in Fan Changyu’s hands and said, “This was specially prepared for the official inside.”

The guard glanced at Fan Changyu, who kept her head slightly lowered, appearing at first glance to be gentle and agreeable. His smile grew colder, “Hand it to me.”

The steward fawned, “The official has come from afar, and our humble Qingping County has little to offer. Please allow this servant girl to deliver it.”

Insisting on Fan Changyu’s entry wasn’t without purpose. While croton seeds could cause diarrhea, they couldn’t incapacitate everyone in the courtyard quickly enough. Having Fan Changyu deliver the soup would allow her to get close to the military commander – if she could subdue him, everything else would become much easier.

The guard’s mocking expression remained as he seemed to consider something. After giving Fan Changyu another look, he said, “I’ll ask the official.”

After knocking and entering, he addressed a young man who was playing chess alone, propped up on one elbow: “Young Master, the household insists on sending in a beautiful servant girl with your soup.”

The one who had seized Jizhou’s troops and impersonated grain-requisitioning officials to control Qingping County for several days was none other than Sui Yuanqing, the son of the rebel King of Changxin from Chongzhou.

The King of Changxin had two sons. The elder had been sickly since childhood, so the position of heir apparent fell to the younger son.

In earlier years, while the King of Changxin kept a low profile, Sui Yuanqing was known only as a dissolute noble. It wasn’t until the king’s rebellion that he began to make his mark on the Chongzhou battlefield, earning the nickname “Little Marquis Wu’an” for his ruthlessness.

Hearing his subordinate’s report, Sui Yuanqing let out a cold snicker and tossed the chess piece back into its container. “Wei Xuan’s reputation for cruelty and lechery is well-known. There’s no reason his subordinates should be any more virtuous. Fine, let her in. What could a mere county magistrate possibly scheme?”

As the guard was about to withdraw, Sui Yuanqing asked, “Have the scouts reported back about Wei Xuan’s movements?”

“No news yet,” replied the guard.

Sui Yuanqing’s brow furrowed involuntarily. With Wei Xuan’s hot-headed temperament, how could he not immediately lead troops here upon learning Qingping County hadn’t delivered the grain tribute?

Perhaps something unexpected had occurred in Jizhou?

The mob of peasants was nearly at the county town. If Wei Xuan, that fool, didn’t come, this stage he’d set would have been wasted.

His long fingers tapped the table as he spoke, “First, transport the money and grain we’ve extorted from Qingping’s merchants and commoners out of the county. Position a thousand troops at Banpo outside the city. If Wei Xuan doesn’t come, we’ll slaughter the mob ourselves.”

The guard asked in confusion, “Those rebels intend to join our Chongzhou forces. Why would Young Master want to kill them?”

Sui Yuanqing sneered, “We needn’t kill them all. Just enough to thoroughly turn the people’s hearts against the imperial court. How many of these rebels would truly come to enlist in Chongzhou after venting their momentary anger? Only when we force them into a desperate situation will they truly commit to rebellion.”

The scholar they deliberately let escape had carried a message to Jizhou: imperial troops were forcibly requisitioning grain, leaving people no means to survive. When the common folk tried to seek justice in Jizhou, the troops massacred them.

By then, no matter how the Wei faction tried to explain, people would be inclined to believe the scholar’s account. After all, the Wei faction’s infamous reputation wasn’t built in a day or two. And behind the scholar’s tearful accusations were ten thousand lives from Qingping County.

Things backed by facts were always more relatable and easier to believe.

The guard hurriedly said, “Young Master is brilliant.”

Sui Yuanqing ignored the guard’s flattery and asked, “Has that little brat been caught?”

The guard tensed and replied, “Someone broke into Yixiang Tower half an hour ago, injured our men, and escaped with a child. I’ve dispatched troops in pursuit. We should have news soon.”

Sui Yuanqing only said, “Don’t harm the child. After all, he’s my elder brother’s flesh and blood.”

The guard ventured to ask, “And the woman in the prison…”

Sui Yuanqing raised his cold eyes, “She’s my elder brother’s concubine. How to deal with her will be my brother’s decision after we return. For now, let her suffer in prison, but ensure no one violates her.”

The guard acknowledged the order.

After the guard withdrew, someone entered carrying a tray.

Upon hearing those light yet steady footsteps, Sui Yuanqing’s lips curved into a cold smile.

When he raised his eyes to look at the servant girl, though he had expected the county magistrate would send someone presentable to curry favor, seeing such a striking beauty in this backwater still sparked surprise in his eyes.

Especially those eyes of hers – they weren’t sparkling like stars or lively like a deer’s. Instead, they gave a first impression of being both beautiful and honest, the kind of honesty that made one worry she’d be bullied by others if she became a servant in his household.

Having often been subjected to Xie Zheng’s scrutinizing glances, Fan Changyu wasn’t frightened by this stranger’s examining gaze. She simply carried the tray over steadily.

As Fan Changyu set down the soup bowl and moved to withdraw the tray, he said with a thin smile, “Quite brave, aren’t you?”

Fan Changyu thought he had discovered the croton seeds in the white fungus soup. Her palms grew cold and clammy as she thought to herself that this man was clearly of the same ilk as Yan Zheng – though not as handsome, he was equally shrewd and difficult to deceive.

The old saying goes that the first to strike gains the advantage. She immediately swung the tray as if to bring it down on his head. His eyes suddenly turned cold as he extended his long arm to block it.

The tray swing was merely a feint – Fan Changyu kicked him hard in the abdomen. Sui Yuanqing’s face showed shock as he doubled over in pain. Fan Changyu’s other hand had already struck forcefully at the back of his neck.

A normal person would have been knocked unconscious by her strike, but Sui Yuanqing still had enough strength to overturn a side table to block her. Though his feet stumbled, he quickly darted toward the door while clutching his neck.

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected his neck to be so sturdy. Outside, the guards heard him overturn the table and rushed toward the room: “General?”

Fan Changyu had prepared for the possibility of failing to subdue him at close quarters. She immediately pulled out a thin rope she had already fashioned into a noose and threw it around Sui Yuanqing’s neck.

When the guard burst through the door, he saw Fan Changyu had looped a rope around their Young Master’s neck and was pulling back hard. The rope instantly tightened. Sui Yuanqing had one hand across his throat gripping the rope as he struggled against Fan Changyu’s strength, his face red either from lack of air or fury.

Though Sui Yuanqing’s arm strength was shocking – by rights, he should have been able to yank the presumptuous woman toward him like a broken kite – she only stumbled slightly before regaining her footing and matching his strength with the force of a wild bull.

When his neck could no longer resist her two-handed strength and she dragged him like a dead dog to hold a sharp knife to his throat, his handsome face showed both the contortions of suffocation and hatred enough to flay her alive.

He said viciously, “You’d better not fall into my hands, or I’ll flay you and hang your skin on the city tower!”

Fan Changyu, now holding him hostage in the county magistrate’s name, fearlessly jabbed her sharp boning knife into his thigh, making a shallow wound: “We’ll see what’s faster – your flaying or my stabbing.”

Though Fan Changyu’s stab wasn’t deep, it had drawn blood, yet Sui Yuanqing didn’t make even a grunt of pain.

The guards outside were terrified, both worried for him and shocked that their Young Master had been captured by a woman.

The guard who had entered earlier was his guard, named Mu Shi. He immediately shouted at Fan Changyu, “Don’t harm our General!”

Fan Changyu said, “Follow my instructions and I won’t hurt him.”

Mu Shi and the others looked to Sui Yuanqing for direction. Through gritted teeth, he squeezed out: “Do as she says.”

Then in a voice only the two of them could hear, he threatened, “I’ll remember you.”

Why did he only blame her rather than the county magistrate? After all, she was technically acting on the magistrate’s behalf!

Fan Changyu considered this as she pressed the boning knife deeper under his skin, then called out to the guards outside: “Release our County Magistrate immediately!”

Mu Shi turned to look at the steward with an expression that suggested he wanted to tear him apart.

The steward was trembling so violently that he seemed about to faint.

Moments later, the County Magistrate who had been imprisoned for days finally walked out of his room. Upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, he too nearly fainted on the spot.

He would rather have remained imprisoned for another year than face such a situation upon his release!

Sui Yuanqing asked with a thin smile on his lips, “My men have released the County Magistrate. Will you release me now?”

As if afraid Fan Changyu would worry about his revenge, he now acted like a refined young noble: “Rest assured, even if I were to capture you, I would wait until you had completely escaped before doing so. I won’t act now.”

Just then, a soldier ran in urgently from the main gate: “Report – The mob has gathered outside the county town gates. All the prisoners from the county jail have been released and have taken the collected military provisions to the town gates, saying they will return everything to the protesting mob!”

Sui Yuanqing’s face twisted in anger as he asked Fan Changyu with a laugh, “Your planners certainly thought of everything.”

Fan Changyu ignored him. The events at the county office were surely Yan Zheng’s handiwork.

The man in her hands now was a hot potato – if she truly killed him, she would be executing a high official and might have to spend the rest of her life in the mountains with Changning as bandits.

But if she released him, she would surely face dire consequences.

She looked toward the County Magistrate, “Your Honor, the rural people of Qingping County have rebelled over the military grain tribute. You must give them an explanation to quell their anger.”

Her eyes flickered meaningfully toward her hostage.

When the County Magistrate heard the mob had reached the town gates, his face went white. Once the mob entered the town, they would surely kill several corrupt officials, with him, the Qingping County Magistrate, being the first sacrifice.

If he died, when his superiors demanded an explanation, they would still pin everything on him. After all, his achievements in office had been mediocre, and dead men made the best scapegoats.

The County Magistrate caught Fan Changyu’s suggestive glance. Though he was a coward before his superiors, he hadn’t survived in officialdom without being shrewd. He instantly understood Fan Changyu’s meaning.

After considering its feasibility, his face lit up with joy.

Indeed, while he dared not act against these men himself, and the mob needed someone to blame, why not naturally push these people forward to answer to the mob?

The County Magistrate, with his eight-months-pregnant-like belly, and his fat face quivering, didn’t look at Sui Yuanqing as he said: “The grain requisition was brought by the generals’ military orders. Now that things have come to this, I must trouble the generals to go to the city gates and explain to the people.”

How the mob would deal with these men would be the mob’s business.

Sui Yuanqing only gave a cold laugh: “Very well, let’s go to the gates and give an explanation.”

Mu Shi caught his eye and understood, his angry expression also subsiding somewhat.

They had a thousand troops lying in ambush at Banpo outside the city. Once the signal arrow was fired, the troops on the hill would charge down – they could massacre the entire Qingping County if they wished!

Outside Qingping County, a military unit flying Jizhou banners wound its way along the official road. At its head was the elderly general He Jingyuan, whose scholarly refinement was suppressed beneath heavy armor, replaced by an air of authority.

However, his advanced age showed in his white hair and beard, and his wan appearance from several sleepless nights.

Zheng Wenchang, riding half a step behind him, said: “Perhaps that scholar exaggerated. How would a mere Qingping County Magistrate dare to oppress the people under the pretext of grain requisition? I could lead troops to investigate on your behalf – why did you need to come personally?”

He Jingyuan shook his head, his gaze both aged and authoritative: “Qingping County has salt lakes. For this to happen during grain requisition, the reasons behind it are likely not simple.”

Just as he finished speaking, a scout galloped toward them from the front, “Report – We’ve discovered Chongzhou troops hiding in the forest at Banpo, ten li ahead!”

At the scout’s report, even Zheng Wenchang broke out in a cold sweat.

She finally gets to fulfill her dream of kidnapping somebody. 😂

She really has the audacity. Hahaha

Zhu Yu – Chapter 48

In the dense forest on the outskirts of Qingping County, several scouts trampled through the withering grass where patches of snow still lingered, rushing towards the troops concealed among the pine trees.

“General! A contingent of imperial troops is heading towards Qingping County!” one scout reported.

The young commander from Chongzhou, who had been waiting for orders, was delighted to hear this news. “Are they flying the Wei banner?” he asked eagerly.

The scout replied, “No Wei banner was seen. They’re flying the Jizhou flag.”

The young commander’s expression became uncertain. He probed further, “Who’s leading the troops?”

“An elderly general and a young commander,” the scout answered.

The young commander muttered to himself, “Could it be Wei Xuan and He Jingyuan together?”

One of his subordinates asked, “General, should we still ambush the rebels surrounding Qingping County?”

The young commander shook his head. “With Jizhou troops arriving, let our men continue to incite the rebels. It would be best if they stormed the county town. This way, regardless of who’s coming from Jizhou, their troops will have no choice but to engage the rebels.”

He knew that once the rebellious villagers entered the town, the more casualties among the townspeople, the more crimes could be pinned on the Wei faction.

Their Young Master’s original plan was to withhold the military provisions from Qingping County. Given Wei Xuan’s temperament, he would surely fly into a rage and personally lead troops to collect the provisions. When he encountered the rebellious villagers at the peak of their anger, the two powder kegs would inevitably explode.

If news spread that the imperial court’s forceful grain collection had driven an entire county to rebellion and that troops had massacred unarmed villagers, it would certainly cause an uproar.

The situation at the town gate was far from optimistic.

Qingping County was just a small town where military defenses had never been a priority. Even the rammed earth walls were excessively low. Apart from a bare gatehouse, there were no barbicans, arrow towers, or flanking walls.

Constable Wang, having received prior intelligence, had closed the town gates with his team of yamen runners. They had managed to set up a few bows at the gate’s observation holes, but it looked pitifully sparse, with not even enough men to line the walls.

It was absurd enough to have a group of constables manning the town gates. This was due to Qingping County having no stationed troops and not having experienced warfare for decades, save for the occasional bandit raid.

The farmers blocked outside the town gate formed a dark mass. Each held hoes and rakes, their faces no longer showing their usual simplicity but rather ferocious anger as if they wanted to devour the constables standing in the gatehouse.

Even Constable Wang felt a chill looking at them. If these thousands of gathered farmers truly wanted to enter the town, how could this small gatehouse stop them?

At present, Constable Wang could only hope that Jizhou Prefecture had caught wind of the situation and would quickly dispatch troops.

Remembering Fan Changyu’s message, he tried to reason with the people below from the observation hole: “Fellow villagers, what are you doing? Don’t be foolish and commit a crime that would lead to the execution of your entire clan!”

Most of the farmers who had followed the crowd this far were still wary of the bows on the gatehouse. Although they had strength in numbers, no one wanted to be the first to die.

Everyone knew the gravity of the crime of rebellion. It was one thing to understand it privately, but another to hear someone else admonish them about it.

Most of them had spent their entire lives tending to their fields, never even leaving Qingping County. They only knew that the greatest authorities in the world were officials and the emperor, and in Qingping County, the highest official was the county magistrate.

Offending the county magistrate would result in beatings and imprisonment; offending the emperor would send all relatives within nine clans to the executioner’s block.

Even seeing these constables in normal times filled them with fear. Now, hearing Constable Wang’s words, they couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Seeing this, the leader’s eyes flashed with anger. He shouted at Constable Wang on the wall, “When you dog officials were throwing your weight around, we peasants were just lowly people you could order about. Now that we’re driven to desperation, suddenly we’re your ‘fellow villagers’? Pah! I don’t deserve to be called a fellow villager by a lapdog of the county magistrate! Execution of nine clans? We don’t even have seeds left to plant; we’ll starve to death before the emperor can execute our nine clans! Since we’re dead either way, we might as well storm the town, grab some money, and seek refuge with the rebel king in Chongzhou. At least that’s a chance to survive!”

The farmers who had been wavering now steeled their resolve upon hearing these words. They shouted, “The officials give us no way to live! We’ll make our way!”

The leader raised his farm tool high, “Let the dog magistrate come out and die!”

The farmers behind him echoed, “Let the dog magistrate come out and face death!”

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Constable Wang hurriedly said, “Fellow villagers, please calm down. The seeds… they will be returned to everyone. Just go back to your homes, and the authorities won’t pursue this matter of rebellion any further.”

The leader sneered, “Did you all hear that? When we weren’t rebelling, these dog officials didn’t care about our lives, even killing people to seize our seeds. Now that we’re rebelling, they suddenly want to return the seeds! All the suffering and injustice we’ve endured over the years was just because they thought we were easy to bully!”

These words further inflamed the farmers’ anger.

The leader seized the moment, “We can’t back down! If we retreat now, these dog officials will just throw their weight around again! Those rich households in town, which one of them doesn’t look down on us? Whenever we came to town for the market, they looked at us like we were filth! Let’s storm the town! Kill the dog officials, loot their gold and silver, and pay back all the humiliation we’ve suffered!”

He gave a meaningful look to several men behind him, who understood and started shouting:

“That’s right! We weren’t born as lowly people, we just weren’t lucky enough to be reborn into town families!”

“Brothers, don’t be fooled by this lackey of the county magistrate! If he coaxes us to go home, what awaits us will be the same fate as Ma Family Village!”

“We’ve come this far, what’s the point in retreating? Even if I die, I want to die as a romantic ghost! I’ve heard the women in town have skin so delicate you could squeeze water from it! Their skin is as white as flour. Brothers who haven’t found wives yet, don’t you want to be the one-night groom of those rich men’s daughters?”

With the tragedy of Ma Family Village fresh in their minds, no one dared to retreat. The prospect of entering the town held so many temptations that the farmers’ eyes were almost red with excitement. They stamped the muddy ground, panting heavily and shouting, “Storm the town!”

Constable Wang had only learned about the reasons for the peasants’ rebellion when he arrived at the town gate. Firstly, the officials and soldiers sent to collect grain had been brutal and tyrannical, treating the farmers as less than human. Secondly, when the people of Ma Family Village tried to go to Jizhou Prefecture to make a fuss about this, they were all massacred on the way.

Now, without even his position as constable, he lacked the authority to promise the return of seeds to these people. Seeing the rebellious farmers with faces as fierce as wild beasts, he could only plead earnestly, “Fellow villagers, don’t be foolish! How big is Qingping County? Even if you rebel here, do you think you can escape to Chongzhou? And even if you could escape, what about your wives, children, and elderly parents?”

The most vociferous among the crowd were those who had neither elderly parents nor young children to care for.

Constable Wang’s words had an impact, and the rioting farmers showed various expressions.

Some who had purely been driven to desperation and joined the riot asked, “Your earlier words about returning the seeds to us, do they hold?”

Constable Wang wasn’t sure if the officials would return the seeds, but after a moment’s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and said, “Of course they do!”

Those who had relatives in Ma Family Village said hatefully, “Hand over the dog officials and soldiers who massacred the entire Ma Family Village for execution, or this matter won’t be over!”

Constable Wang quickly responded, “The authorities will thoroughly investigate the tragedy of Ma Family Village and give you all an explanation.”

Seeing that Constable Wang’s few sentences had divided the rebellious forces, the leaders exchanged glances.

The one who had been shouting the loudest continued to stir up trouble, “Thoroughly investigate? How you investigate is still up to you dog officials! What if you turn around and say it was mountain bandits who killed them? What can we do then?”

This was indeed a possibility, and the crowd that had just calmed down began to stir again.

“That’s right! Hand over those sons of bitches right now!”

As they spoke, the group began to advance towards the town gate.

Constable Wang shouted, “Do not come any closer! We’ll shoot if you advance further!”

The constables at his side had their bows drawn, but their hands trembled slightly.

The crowd below hurled even fiercer insults: “This Wang is the county constable. The ones who killed the villagers of Ma Family Village were likely his men. How could he possibly hand them over?”

Incited by these provocative words, the rebel farmers’ anger grew hotter, and their glares at Constable Wang became more hostile.

As Constable Wang was at his wit’s end, a commotion arose behind him. The newly appointed yamen runners, wearing grim expressions, climbed onto the city wall. They roughly pushed aside Wang and his men, their brutish faces dark as they sneered, “A bunch of dismissed nobodies still daring to wear these uniforms!”

Constable Wang and his subordinates flushed with anger and embarrassment.

Below, a ringleader noticed the new yamen runners and a triumphant look flashed in his eyes. He shouted, “When have these dog officials ever treated our lives as human lives? Go ahead and shoot! If you kill me, my fellow villagers, don’t forget to avenge me!”

After this outburst, he strode forward. The “yamen runners” who had seized the bows on the city wall immediately loosed a volley of arrows at the crowd below.

The loudest shouters weren’t hit at all. Instead, ordinary farmers who had been provoked into advancing were struck down.

With lives lost, the clamor below the city wall grew even louder.

Someone who recognized a victim wailed, “Erdan!”

The instigators continued, “Everyone saw it! These government dogs never intended to give us a way out! Let’s charge in and fight them to the death!”

The man cradling the shot farmer, likely his brother, snarled, “I’ll fight your dogs to the death!”

Just as the enraged farmers, having lost all reason, were about to storm the city wall, a loud “thud” resounded, and blood splattered at the base of the wall.

The farmers stared at the yamen runner who had fallen to his death, looked at each other in confusion, and halted their advance. They raised their eyes once more to the top of the wall.

A man wearing a blue demon mask stood atop the wall and said coldly, “Whoever shot the arrows, that’s who you should seek vengeance against.”

The mask, commonly seen during the Yuan New Year’s Lantern Festival, now emanated an inexplicable chill and eeriness on his face.

The ringleaders felt an inexplicable panic and demanded, “Who are you?”

Xie Zheng replied, “The one who kills corrupt officials.”

The real and fake yamen runners on the wall finally came to their senses. Constable Wang and his men were completely bewildered by the situation, while the imposters drew their swords and slashed at Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng didn’t even bother to counterattack. The cold wind filled his wide sleeves as he stood on the city wall, his robe fluttering. As he dodged the incoming swords, he grabbed the collars of the fake runners and flung them off the wall, killing another with the fall.

While Constable Wang stood dumbfounded, Xie Zheng tossed another imposter off the wall and said to him, “The County Magistrate has been detained. These are all fake yamen runners. Let your men deal with them.”

Constable Wang snapped back to reality. Though he didn’t know who this masked man was, considering the recent oddities at the county yamen, he quickly grasped the situation and ordered his men, “Arrest these imposters!”

The confused constables, seeing their leader charge forward, hesitated no longer and engaged the fake runners with their swords.

The farmers below craned their necks as if watching a spectacle, asking in bewilderment, “Why are the officials fighting among themselves?”

Another farmer answered, “It seems Constable Wang’s men are fighting the runners who shot the arrows.”

“The County Magistrate and his lot might not be good people, but Constable Wang is decent. When my cow ran off to the neighboring village and that mangy Chen tried to keep it, it was Constable Wang who got it back for me.”

Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, the instigators continued to fan the flames: “Can Constable Wang outrank the County Magistrate? These dogs are turning on their former comrades to save themselves. Our lives are worth even less in their eyes! If you want revenge, we must break through the city gate and kill the County Magistrate!”

Many farmers were hesitating, unsure whether to force their way into the city or wait for an official explanation.

In a short while, Xie Zheng and his men had thrown all the fake runners off the wall. The farmers who had never killed before looked at the corpses piled in front of the city gate with trepidation.

Xie Zheng stood on the wall with his hands behind his back and announced, “Those who are willing to take the grain and go home, let this matter end here. The government will not pursue it further. For the obstinate ones, know that the Jizhou army is on its way to Qingping County. If you break through this gate today and take even one life, there will be no turning back. Whether you want to continue farming and living with your wives, children, and parents, or drag your entire family to their deaths, the choice is yours.”

At the mention of the Jizhou army, the lifelong farmers felt a grip of fear.

The combination of threats and concessions proved effective. After all, compared to returning to their normal, peaceful lives, the prospect of looting the city only to have their entire families executed by government troops was a choice only a fool would make.

The instigators challenged, “Words are cheap. Where’s the grain?”

As Constable Wang was about to speak, a voice from inside the city wall called out, “The grain is here!”

It was the workers from Yixiang Lou, carrying sacks of grain up to the city wall.

Given the current situation, the city gate absolutely could not be opened. Some of the grain was lowered down in baskets from the top of the wall.

Several farmers stepped forward to inspect the sacks. Their faces broke into grins, and they couldn’t help wiping their eyes with their sleeves. “Grain, it is our grain!”

Hearing that the grain had been returned, most of the rioting farmers felt a weight lift from their hearts.

Constable Wang approached Xie Zheng and said quietly, “Brave sir, thank you for saving Qingping County from disaster. But if we return the military grain collected from taxes to the farmers like this, how will the county yamen explain it to the Jizhou army officials?”

Xie Zheng replied, “The County Magistrate will handle that explanation.”

The order to abolish grain taxes had already been sent to Jizhou Prefecture along with his command for Wei Xuan to return to Huizhou and fortify it. Jizhou wouldn’t be collecting grain taxes anymore, but there was no need to explain all this to a mere constable.

Constable Wang, who had been at his wit’s end earlier, steeled his resolve upon hearing Xie Zheng’s words.

Indeed, calming these rebels and preventing them from entering the county seat was all he could do. His old bones couldn’t bear any more responsibility; the County Magistrate would have to shoulder the rest.

He said, “It was clever of you, sir, to use the Jizhou army to frighten these rebels. At least we’ve spared the townspeople from disaster.”

Xie Zheng remained silent. His mention of the Jizhou army wasn’t just to scare the rebellious farmers below. With such a major incident in Qingping County, it was impossible for Jizhou Prefecture not to have caught wind of it.

As long as it wasn’t Wei Xuan leading them, the army wouldn’t fight these misled farmers.

Seeing that the rebelling farmers had been pacified, the instigators, realizing their dreams of high office and generous salaries were slipping away, continued to cause trouble with gloomy faces: “What about the dozens of lives lost in Ma Family Village?”

Constable Wang looked to Xie Zheng for help.

The blue demon mask concealed his entire face, making his expression unreadable. He simply said, “Buy time.”

Constable Wang was momentarily stunned, but then understood that the brutal incident at Ma Family Village couldn’t be investigated immediately, nor could they give these people a satisfactory answer on the spot.

They could only wait for the Jizhou troops to arrive and stabilize the situation before addressing it.

He wiped the sweat from his brow and tried his best to placate the troublemakers below.

Xie Zheng’s gaze discreetly fell on the few individuals who kept speaking up to incite trouble.

They weren’t seeking justice; they only wanted to stir up hatred among all the farmers, to make the situation as chaotic as possible.

But what benefit would they gain from escalating the chaos?

The true farmers, those who toiled in the fields, were not eloquent speakers. They were being led by the nose with hatred, incited by these people to commit evil acts. The farmers couldn’t escape, but these instigators seemed to have no fear. Their confidence was intriguing.

As the troublemakers continued to cause unrest, seizing on the government’s inability to provide an immediate explanation for the Ma Family Village tragedy and reigniting the farmers’ hatred towards the officials, Xie Zheng was about to secretly deal with these instigators when a voice rang out from the city wall: “The County Magistrate arrives!”

The crowd below fell silent, their faces filled with hostility as they looked towards the wall.

Xie Zheng’s eyes narrowed. He thought the mastermind behind all this had forced the County Magistrate to make an appearance. But when he turned to look, he saw the portly Magistrate striding confidently at the front, followed by a group of servants restraining some bound soldiers.

Fan Changyu, wearing ill-fitting maid’s clothes, was also holding someone at knifepoint, a boning knife pressed against the captive’s throat. Her sleeves were too short, exposing half of her frost-white wrist.

The person she held had several shallow cuts on their neck, clearly having been uncooperative along the way.

Xie Zheng’s gaze fell on the captive’s face. He was first startled, and then his expression beneath the blue demon mask became incredibly complex.

Not cool, farmers. You lost the high road when you talked about being “one night grooms” of the daughters 😒

ignorance mixed with malice is terrifying. to these farmers, their distress is very much unjust, but in their ignorance—willful or no—anyone who is rich is an enemy and violence and violation is justified in their eyes. its more like they just want a target to vent or lash out to seek justice.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 49

Constable Wang shouted, “Stop! Come no closer! We’ll shoot if you advance!”

The constables at his side had their bows drawn, but their hands trembled slightly.

The crowd below hurled even fiercer insults: “This Wang is the county constable. The ones who killed the villagers of Ma Family Village were likely his men. How could he possibly hand them over?”

Incited by these provocative words, the rebel farmers’ anger grew hotter, and their glares at Constable Wang became more hostile.

As Constable Wang was at his wit’s end, a commotion arose behind him. Fan Changyu, wearing ill-fitting maid’s clothes, was holding someone at knifepoint, a boning knife pressed against the captive’s throat. Her sleeves were too short, exposing half of her frost-white wrist.

The person she held had several shallow cuts on their neck, clearly having been uncooperative along the way. Fan Changyu had been entirely focused on her captive, who had been incredibly cunning. On the way here, he had tried to distract her with conversation, nearly tripping her once to seize her knife.

After that, Fan Changyu had become more vigilant, ignoring his attempts at conversation. When he provoked her, she’d make a small cut on him as a warning.

Now on the city wall, Fan Changyu only had time for a glance at the situation, not immediately recognizing Xie Zheng in his blue demon mask.

Constable Wang, seeing them bringing a group of bound prisoners, was bewildered and asked the County Magistrate, “Sir, what’s this about?”

The Magistrate, seeing the hostile crowd below, felt fear but also saw an opportunity. Thinking that Qingping County could now be defended and that he had someone to offer up to appease the people’s anger, he realized he might even be promoted for quelling the Qingping County rebellion. His portly frame stopped trembling.

He adopted an inscrutable official demeanor: “The generals from Jizhou Prefecture were responsible for overseeing the grain collection. Now that the people are complaining, they deserve an explanation. That’s why I’ve taken the liberty of… having these military officials bound.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Fan Changyu, making sure she wouldn’t reveal that he had been the one imprisoned. His confidence grew.

The County Magistrate’s servants had varying expressions, but they were used to following his lead. If he said black was white, they’d agree without question. They wouldn’t contradict him now.

Fan Changyu’s face remained perfectly neutral, leading the Magistrate’s people to view her as a simple, compliant girl who knew her place.

Those like Constable Wang, who was completely in the dark, treated Fan Changyu as mere background, focusing all their attention on the Magistrate. Though still somewhat doubtful, the evidence was before their eyes. The Magistrate’s willingness to bind these soldiers showed some courage. He praised, “Your Honor is most righteous.”

The Magistrate thought to himself that since Constable Wang had guarded the city gate and the general had been captured by his people when this matter was settled, Jizhou Prefecture would reward Wang with the highest honors. If he wanted to claim Wang’s merit for himself, he’d have to flatter him first. He immediately said, “The rebels haven’t entered the city yet, thanks largely to Constable Wang’s foresight in guarding this place. To lull these Jizhou officials into a false sense of security, I pretended to dismiss Constable Wang. He truly hasn’t disappointed me.”

Constable Wang, feeling deeply uneasy, hurriedly replied, “Wang Chuanxian is unworthy of such praise…”

He was about to say it was Fan Changyu’s idea when he looked up and saw her frantically winking at him.

Fan Changyu was more than happy for the Magistrate to take all the credit.

She wasn’t stupid. The leader she had captured was an official from Jizhou Prefecture. If he died, his superior, some general named Wei Xuan, would surely hold a grudge against her if he heard her name.

As a common girl, being thrust into the spotlight might earn her some gold and silver, and make her famous in Qingping County, but at the cost of being hated by an official higher than the County Magistrate. Someone who could crush her with a finger. She might not live long enough to enjoy any rewards!

Moreover, if the man she held captive survived being offered up to appease the crowd, he’d hold a grudge against her. Although she had already hinted that she was acting for the Magistrate, the Magistrate’s cowardly demeanor made it hard to believe he had orchestrated all this.

Now that the Magistrate was taking credit to claim merit, spinning a convincing tale, he had successfully drawn away the hatred. Fan Changyu was secretly delighted.

Constable Wang was confused, but seeing Fan Changyu’s signal not to speak, he swallowed the rest of his words.

Just then, the people below the city wall, seeing the Magistrate arrive and resume his official airs, became increasingly angry. They immediately began hurling insults: “Dog official! How will you compensate for the dozen lives lost in Ma Family Village? With the lives of your entire family?”

The Magistrate had never heard such vulgar language in his life. He was already dreaming of his future promotions and meteoric rise. Hearing these insults suddenly, he trembled with rage, his mustache quivering: “Insolent rabble! How dare you curse an imperial official!”

The crowd that Constable Wang and Xie Zheng had painstakingly calmed with a mix of threats and concessions erupted once more because of the Magistrate’s words.

Troublemakers in the crowd seized the opportunity to fan the flames: “Everyone sees that? This dog official still doesn’t see us as human beings and has no intention of giving us an explanation!”

“If we let them deceive us into going home now, tomorrow it’ll be the yamen runners at our doors, beating us to death with their clubs!”

“Kill the Magistrate! Demand justice!”

The farmers below the wall surged with renewed anger, raising their farm tools and shouting. The small gatehouse on the city wall seemed like a tiny boat in a stormy sea, ready to be smashed to pieces by the next wave.

Seeing this turn of events, the Magistrate panicked. He hurriedly ordered his servants to bring forward Sui Yuanqing and his group: “I’m just a small county magistrate, how could I decide on grain collection? The Jizhou Prefecture officials supervised everything. I knew nothing about the Ma Family Village incident. If you want justice, I can only defy heaven’s will and bind these men to give you your justice!”

As he spoke, he ordered his men, “Open the gate, send these people out!”

Xie Zheng had been discreetly watching Sui Yuanqing and noticed his cold smirk at these words. Several of the troublemakers mixed among the farmers kept glancing towards Sui Yuanqing. Xie Zheng said coldly, “This man cannot be allowed out of the city.”

Constable Wang also hurriedly said, “Your Honor, we can’t open the gate! If we do, those rebels outside will flood in, and the city’s residents will suffer!”

Fan Changyu, hearing Xie Zheng’s voice, finally realized the masked man was him and looked at him in surprise.

Sui Yuanqing, recognizing his voice, frowned and scrutinized the man standing nearby.

As the Magistrate and Constable Wang argued, several sleeve arrows suddenly whistled through the air towards the city wall, aimed at the Magistrate and Fan Changyu.

Along with the arrows came a group of men disguised as farmers, who had thrown grappling hooks onto the wall and were swiftly climbing up the ropes, trampling over people’s heads as they ascended.

Constable Wang was shocked. Drawing his sword, he shouted, “Protect His Honor!”

Fan Changyu saw the sleeve arrow flying toward her face and instinctively dodged it. The man she was holding suddenly lunged towards her boning knife, avoiding his neck but letting the blade slice a deep gash in his shoulder, cutting through the ropes and binding him.

By the time Fan Changyu realized what had happened, she saw the man with a fresh, bleeding shoulder wound grinning at her with a vicious, perverse smile.

Sensing danger, she reflexively leaped backward, but Sui Yuanqing was faster. Having freed himself from the ropes, he immediately snatched a sword from a nearby yamen runner and swung it at Fan Changyu.

His killing technique, honed on the battlefield with human heads, was brutal and lightning-fast.

Fan Changyu’s boning knife was too short to effectively counter his long sword. When she tried to block, the powerful force numbed her hand to the wrist.

Xie Zheng had just intercepted the sleeve arrow aimed at Fan Changyu when he saw Sui Yuanqing break free and attack her. His expression changed, and he moved to help, but the assassins who had climbed the wall seemed to anticipate his intention. While continuing to shoot arrows at Fan Changyu, they split their forces to engage him.

Caught between protecting Fan Changyu from the arrows and dealing with these relentless attackers, Xie Zheng found himself stretched thin.

The yamen runners were no match for these assassins. Constable Wang’s men fell one after another. The Magistrate’s servants, who had never seen such violence, were terrified. They only thought of fleeing down the city wall, leaving themselves completely exposed and easily cut down.

For a moment, Sui Yuanqing’s men seemed to have the upper hand on the city wall.

Fan Changyu was forced to retreat continuously under Sui Yuanqing’s fierce swordplay. Hampered by her shorter weapon, she couldn’t effectively counter his force. The impact of their clashing weapons had split the skin of her palm, drawing blood.

She gritted her teeth against the pain, realizing that her earlier success in binding him at the Magistrate’s house was due to catching him completely off guard.

Now, in direct combat, every move he made targeted vital points with lethal intent. Although she knew martial arts, Fan Changyu had little real combat experience. She wasn’t as ruthless as her opponent, and with an inferior weapon, she found herself thoroughly suppressed.

She wanted to grab a longer sword, but Sui Yuanqing’s relentless attacks gave her no chance to do so. She could only barely defend herself with the boning knife.

Finally seeing an opportunity, Fan Changyu threw the boning knife like a dart. Sui Yuanqing had to dodge, and Fan Changyu quickly crouched to grab a fallen yamen runner’s sword.

However, Sui Yuanqing’s blade seemed to have a mind of its own, slicing past her fingers in the next instant. To save her hands, Fan Changyu had to abandon the attempt to grab the sword, rolling on the ground to avoid his second strike aimed at her head.

Sui Yuanqing’s lips curled into a high sneer, his eyes showing the interest of a cat toying with a mouse. “You stabbed me so many times, I ought to return the favor. Then I’ll skin you and hang you on the city gate. That would be fair, wouldn’t it?”

Fan Changyu spat fiercely, “If I’d brought my pig-sticking knife today, granny would show you how we bleed New Year’s pigs!”

Hearing her insult, Sui Yuanqing’s expression darkened further. The playful look in his eyes vanished instantly. He advanced with his sword, “You’re asking for death!”

Fan Changyu was also reckless. Mimicking his earlier move, she charged towards the blade instead of dodging it.

Seeing this from afar, Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes turned cold. He snatched a sword from one of the assassins and hurled it forcefully at Sui Yuanqing.

The assassin screamed in pain; Xie Zheng had broken his hand while taking the sword.

As the cold blade approached, Sui Yuanqing’s pupils contracted. For self-preservation, he had to change his stance to block this incoming sword.

The two blades collided with a sharp metallic clash, and Sui Yuanqing’s ring-pommel sword broke into two pieces.

Surprised by such formidable strength, he looked up curiously at the man wearing the blue demon mask.

Earlier, when he heard this man speak, the voice had seemed familiar. On the battlefield, he had only encountered such strength when crossing swords with one particular person. Could this be…

Just as the thought crossed his mind, his momentary distraction cost him. An elbow slammed into his jaw, sending him stumbling backward. For a long moment, his entire jaw was numb. His teeth felt loose, and his mouth filled with the taste of blood. The impact must have affected his cheekbone, as his ears were ringing, temporarily deafening him to the surrounding sounds.

He suddenly wasn’t so sure that the masked man was the Marquis of Wu’an. Even this unremarkable girl in Qingping County possessed such strength; there could be other hidden dragons and crouching tigers…

Fan Changyu, still holding a grudge, remembered how this man had bullied her earlier when she only had a short boning knife against his sword. After elbowing his jaw, she immediately picked up a fallen ring-pommel sword and swung at him again.

Sui Yuanqing, left with only a broken sword, glared hatefully but chose to evade her attack.

Now it was Fan Changyu’s turn to relentlessly swing her sword. Sui Yuanqing dodged and retreated, leaving inch-deep sword marks on the walls to either side.

Mu Shi and several assassins turned to see their young master being chased and attacked. They quickly disengaged to help him.

Suddenly, the sound of chaotic hoofbeats came from the distant road. Looking up, they saw the Jizhou banner fluttering in the cold wind.

The civilians gathered below the city gate had lost track of the situation when fighting broke out on the wall. Moreover, those short-jacketed peasants were all highly skilled in martial arts, and none of the locals recognized them. Seeing the chaos and without the lead troublemakers, the remaining people dared not act rashly.

Now, seeing the Jizhou army approach, far from confronting them, they worried the troops might mistake them for being allied with those martial artists on the wall. They quickly cleared a path.

Mu Shi took advantage of the moment when several assassins surrounded Fan Changyu to help Sui Yuanqing up. Glancing at the approaching Jizhou troops, he advised, “Young Master, it’s better to retreat and fight another day!”

Sui Yuanqing stared intently at Fan Changyu. Seeing that the dozen or so assassins couldn’t hold back the man in the blue demon mask much longer, he suddenly snatched Mu Shi’s sword and charged toward the County Magistrate.

The Magistrate screamed in terror. Constable Wang, already covered in wounds, hurriedly threw himself forward to save the Magistrate.

Fan Changyu couldn’t bear to see Constable Wang die before her eyes, and Xie Zheng was still entangled with a mass of assassins. She swung her large sword to block Sui Yuanqing’s strike.

Unexpectedly, Sui Yuanqing’s attack was a feint. He abandoned his sword and grabbed Fan Changyu’s sword hand like a vine. With some unknown technique, Fan Changyu felt her entire arm go numb instantly, and her sword clattered to the ground.

“I’ve changed my mind,” Sui Yuanqing said. “It would be a waste to skin you and hang you on the city wall. You’ll come back with me and be my concubine.”

With one hand gripping the rope of a grappling hook and the other tightly holding Fan Changyu, Sui Yuanqing laughed loudly as he leaped from a crumbled section of the battlement.

Fan Changyu stumbled, unable to regain her balance before being pulled down with him. Instinctively, she called out, “Yan Zheng!”

At the critical moment, another strong, sinewy hand from the city wall firmly grasped Fan Changyu’s arm.

Even masked, Xie Zheng’s aura at this moment was terrifyingly cold. His long-handled sword swung directly at Sui Yuanqing’s hand holding Fan Changyu, with such ferocious force that there was no doubt the arm would be severed in the next instant.

Sui Yuanqing had no choice but to grit his teeth and release his grip on Fan Changyu. The fierce wind from the blade still cut off a lock of hair at his temple and left a shallow cut on his face.

Sui Yuanqing looked up, meeting the fierce eyes behind the blue demon mask, and felt a secret shock.

Fan Changyu, now with one hand held by Xie Zheng, didn’t hesitate to kick at Sui Yuanqing’s face, while urging Xie Zheng, “Quick! Cut the rope and let this bastard fall to his death!”

The eagle-claw hooks connected to the battlements snapped with a crack, but as Yuan Qing fell, he managed to cushion his landing by stepping against the wall a few times. A group of bodyguards quickly pulled on the ropes to help him, and he hit the ground unharmed, though a dark footprint marred one side of his handsome face.

Seeing this, Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel disappointed. As Xie Zheng lifted her, she grumbled, “Why couldn’t that guy just break his neck…”

In the next moment, she found herself enveloped in a broad, solid chest. The force was so great that it felt as if she were pinned by an iron plate, silencing her complaints immediately.

Aww the first real hug finally.

AHHHHHHHH IS THAT A HUGGGGGG???!!!!! YESSSS THAT ISSSSSSS

Zhu Yu – Chapter 50

Commotion erupted beneath the city wall as the sound of approaching hoofbeats drew near. The north wind whipped violently at the remaining banners atop the tower.

The embrace was brief as if Xie Zheng had only pulled her into his arms to disperse the momentum from lifting her.

Before Fan Changyu could recover her senses, Xie Zheng had already released her, leaving behind an ice-cold command: “Stay on the tower. Don’t go down.”

After giving these instructions, he gripped his long-handled blade and grabbed a rope fitted with a grappling hook, gliding down the tower like a swooping falcon.

Fan Changyu scrambled up and leaned against the battlement to look down, only to see him pursuing Sui Yuanqing with a blade in hand.

Many of the rebellious farmers were sentries planted by Sui Yuanqing. These men, dressed as ordinary peasants, darted through the crowd creating chaos. With thousands packed together and people constantly rushing about, the throng became impenetrable, hindering Xie Zheng’s pursuit.

Standing atop the tower, Fan Changyu had a clear view of Sui Yuanqing’s movements. She shouted to Xie Zheng, pointing: “That bastard is running southwest!”

Hearing Fan Changyu’s guidance, Xie Zheng leaped across the shoulders of the tightly packed farmers, pursuing Sui Yuanqing toward the southwest.

The assassins hidden among the farmers swarmed forward to intercept Xie Zheng. He forced back several with his blade, but some assassins, taking advantage of their peasant disguises, pretended to be farmers and shouted: “The one in the blue demon mask is killing people!”

“We’re not the ones who just stormed the tower! Why is he swinging his blade at us?”

Some confused farmers, seeing Xie Zheng fighting with men in peasant clothes, believed he was killing ordinary civilians. Enraged, they took up their tools and joined in surrounding him.

While Xie Zheng could fight ruthlessly against the assassins, he had to hold back against the deceived farmers. This delay allowed Sui Yuanqing’s guards to escort him to the edge of the crowd.

The two men locked eyes across the mass of people, with Sui Yuanqing flashing a provocative smile.

Behind the blue demon mask, Xie Zheng’s eyes turned glacial.

Watching from the tower as Sui Yuanqing escaped through such underhanded means, Fan Changyu angrily struck the battlement with her fist.

The already crumbling wall shed another small chunk at her blow.

Fan Changyu froze, looking from the wall still shedding debris to her hand, then glancing at the dumbfounded Constable Wang and County Magistrate. She quickly backed away several steps from the wall.

She absolutely couldn’t get involved in paying for repairs!

Outside the city gate, General He Jingyuan had already blocked the only official road with his main force. Seeing the chaos among the villagers gathered outside the city, he couldn’t immediately grasp the situation.

Noticing soldiers in Ji Prefecture military uniforms mixed among the crowd, his aged eyelids drooped slightly. “Why are Ji Prefecture troops here?”

He ordered his guard: “Signal the Ji Prefecture soldiers in the crowd to come forward.”

The battlefield was too loud for shouting; all attacks and retreats relied on flag signals.

Following General He’s command, the guard quickly took out two small flags and signaled to the Ji Prefecture soldiers who had reached the crowd’s edge. However, upon seeing the signals, instead of approaching, they rapidly fled in the opposite direction.

The guard looked to General He: “General, what should we…”

He Jingyuan commanded gravely: “Those are not our Ji Prefecture soldiers. They may be part of the unnumbered force that Wen Chang went to suppress. Capture them!”

A young commander promptly led several dozen mounted soldiers to pursue Sui Yuanqing’s fleeing group.

The assassins in the crowd continued manipulating the farmers to block the pursuing soldiers while shouting: “The imperial troops are killing people!”

“The officials don’t value our lives at all!”

“This corrupt dynasty deserves to fall!”

Some assassins took advantage of the chaos to kill several soldiers pursuing Sui Yuanqing. The remaining soldiers, believing common people had killed their comrades, furiously began striking at the civilians blocking their path without discrimination.

Seeing the imperial troops attacking indiscriminately, some civilians fearfully retreated deeper into the crowd, while others, enraged, charged at the soldiers with their hoes and rakes.

General He’s brow furrowed deeply as he watched the two groups descend into chaos.

Another of his commanders came forward, grinding his teeth in frustration: “Sir, let me lead a thousand men to suppress these rebels and support Commander Hu!”

As He Jingyuan contemplated this, a black-clad figure suddenly emerged from the crowd. The man carried a curved blade, was tall and graceful, and wore a blue demon mask. In a rough voice, he addressed He Jingyuan: “Those fleeing in Ji Prefecture uniforms are Sui Yuanqing, second son of the King of Changxin. His men are disguised as rebels within the crowd to incite trouble.”

He Jingyuan thought to himself that this explained everything. Studying the young man before him, he couldn’t help but ask: “May I know who you are, brave warrior?”

Xie Zheng replied coldly: “A mere commoner, unworthy of giving my name before you, sir.”

Even as he spoke, his gaze had already shifted to the young commander who had spoken earlier. “I need to borrow your bow and horse.”

The young commander felt a tug at his collar and found himself pulled from his horse, stumbling several steps before regaining his balance. When he looked up, the masked man had already galloped away.

The commander, indignant, began to shout: “Such insolence…”

Catching He Jingyuan’s eye, he fell silent, hanging his head in shame.

For the stranger to have taken his horse within five paces, leaving him no chance to resist, clearly demonstrated superior skill.

Despite not saying anything accusatory, He Jingyuan watched Xie Zheng’s departing figure with a complex expression before ordering his troops: “Sound the horn and form ranks.”

With the rebels in disarray, they needed to first subdue them to minimize casualties.

The deep bellowing of ox horns filled the air as shield-bearing soldiers formed the front line. They struck their thick shields with their swords while thousands of troops released a thunderous battle cry that seemed to shake the clouds. The display successfully intimidated all the rebels present.

The farmers pointed their tools at the shield-bearing soldiers but their expressions were fearful, unconsciously retreating.

He Jingyuan announced: “I am He Jingyuan, Governor of Ji Prefecture. You are all citizens under my jurisdiction. Why do you rebel?”

Upon hearing who commanded the troops, the civilians, though still holding their farm tools, began murmuring amongst themselves. Their expressions softened, and some even began to weep quietly.

After a moment, someone lowered their tool and knelt, crying out pitifully: “Lord He, you must help us!”

Following the first group’s surrender, others gradually lowered their weapons and knelt as well, their cries filling the air: “We were forced into this with no other choice!”

Even those who remained reluctant realized the situation was hopeless. They knew that farmers who could only swing hoes stood no chance against trained troops. Rebellion was a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of family members. Better to submit and beg for mercy now, hoping the principle of collective punishment would allow this incident to pass.

Soon, the entire area below the city wall was filled with civilians’ cries – some genuinely pleading their grievances, others feigning remorse to avoid punishment.

Regardless, the uprising had been quelled.

The County Magistrate collapsed on the city wall, gasping for breath. Thinking of his near-death experience, his fleshy face still trembled. He addressed Constable Wang: “Constable Wang, you saved my life. This official will certainly reward you generously.”

Constable Wang, himself covered in wounds, pushed aside a fallen assassin’s body and wiped the blood from a young constable’s face with his sleeve. With reddened eyes, he forced a smile: “It was merely our duty, sir. If you wish to reward us, please provide more compensation to these children’s families.”

Looking at the dead young constable, he continued: “This was Little Five, our youngest constable. He was most filial, with a blind eighty-year-old mother at home. Every month when he received his wages, he would buy meat to make porridge for his mother. That one over there is Da Li – his wife is with child, due in two months. Now the family’s pillar is gone, heaven knows how they’ll manage…”

Constable Wang’s voice caught in his throat, unable to continue. He covered his eyes with his blood-stained hands.

Fan Changyu stared at the fallen constables, her lips pressed tightly together.

Looking down from the city wall, she could no longer see any trace of Xie Zheng or Sui Yuanqing’s group.

When He Jingyuan’s men had given chase, Sui Yuanqing and his guards had fled along their pre-planned route.

While the assassins delayed the pursuit of imperial troops, Mu Shi protected Sui Yuanqing as they fled. He shot a signal arrow into the sky, but their thousand-strong ambush force hidden at the slope failed to come to their aid.

Seeing the pursuers increasing and their assassins largely defeated, Mu Shi prepared to fire a second signal arrow, but Sui Yuanqing stopped him: “Don’t bother.”

He suppressed his anger with a cold smile: “The commander is He Jingyuan, not Wei Xuan. Being a renowned Great Yin general, he’s likely already discovered our ambush force at the slope.”

Mu Shi realized the gravity of their situation, his heart sinking. “This servant will die protecting Your Highness’s return to Chong Prefecture.”

Sui Yuanqing merely laughed dismissively, even slowing his pace as mounted archers pursued them, firing arrows while closing the distance.

Dodging an arrow, Sui Yuanqing caught it mid-flight. As a war horse galloped past, he grabbed its reins and swung himself onto its back.

The shocked rider swung his sword backward, but Sui Yuanqing dodged and drove the arrow into the rider’s throat.

The rider died instantly, and Sui Yuanqing threw the body off.

Mu Shi had also captured another soldier’s horse and caught up. Sui Yuanqing smiled roguishly: “Four legs are indeed faster than two for returning to Chong Prefecture.”

Having secured horses, they no longer seemed concerned about the pursuing Ji Prefecture troops.

“Whoosh!”

A white-feathered arrow whistled past Sui Yuanqing’s ear, embedding itself in the frozen ground several yards ahead, its white fletching trembling.

Everyone was startled – had that arrow been aimed at Sui Yuanqing, it would have entered through his back and exited his chest.

Sui Yuanqing stared at the arrow, his arrogant expression fading as he turned to examine the archer.

The official road had been trampled into mud, with thin snow still clinging to the tree branches in the surrounding forest. The blue demon-masked figure stood at the road’s end, his curved blade casually planted in the ground as he held a great bow.

An arrow was already nocked, though he didn’t appear to be aiming carefully. The eyes behind the mask were cold and indifferent.

One glance was enough to drain the color from Sui Yuanqing’s face.

He shouted: “Scatter!”

Though confused, his mounted guards who had captured horses immediately dispersed.

Xie Zheng’s lips curled coldly under his mask. As he released one arrow, another was already nocked to his bowstring.

His movements were incredibly swift, arrows flying like meteor showers. Within moments, he had loosed over a dozen arrows, dropping all of Sui Yuanqing’s guards from their horses.

Watching his guards fall, Sui Yuanqing had no time to worry about the archer behind him. He could only clench his teeth and spur his horse forward, pressing himself as low as possible against the horse’s back.

Xie Zheng’s quiver was empty, but as he gave chase, he passed a fallen rider and retrieved their quiver. With one hand, he drew multiple arrows by their fletching and discarded the empty quiver.

Among Sui Yuanqing’s guards, only Mu Shi remained on horseback behind him. Mu Shi looked back and shouted in horror: “Your Highness, look out!”

Hearing the warning, Sui Yuanqing glanced back and was shocked. The blue demon-masked man had nocked nearly ten arrows in a fan formation on his bow. As he released, the arrows swarmed toward Sui Yuanqing like a plague of locusts.

Sui Yuanqing’s heart pounded – never in his life had he witnessed such extraordinary archery. He wondered who could be behind that blue demon mask.

Forced to turn in his saddle, he struggled to deflect the incoming arrows with his sword. However, when an arrow struck his horse’s leg, the animal whinnied in pain and collapsed, throwing Sui Yuanqing. He rolled several times before coming to a stop.

Though the hoofbeats approached, the masked man no longer rushed forward. Instead, he reined in his horse, advancing unhurriedly with a leisurely air.

Sui Yuanqing’s face turned ashen. This cat-and-mouse game of toying with prey – wasn’t this exactly what he had done to that little maid on the city wall earlier?

What was the relationship between this masked man and that maid?

When he had tried to take the maid, hadn’t she called out this man’s name?

Fearing for Sui Yuanqing’s safety, Mu Shi charged forward with his spear, shouting: “Don’t harm my general!”

Xie Zheng caught the incoming spear shaft, twisted it, and then leveraged it upward, throwing Mu Shi from his horse. Mu Shi’s grip on the spear was so tight that the skin nearly peeled from his palms, forcing him to release it from the pain.

Using the weapon Mu Shi had delivered to him, Xie Zheng sat steadily on his horse and pressed the silver spear to Sui Yuanqing’s throat, his tone carrying a hint of mockery: “Second Prince Sui Yuanqing of Changxin?”

Sui Yuanqing had bitten down so hard that he tasted blood. His temple throbbed, but after a moment, he swallowed this humiliation and laughed heartily: “Indeed, it is I.”

Below this official road flowed the rushing Anger River, its rapid current preventing it from freezing even in the depths of winter.

Sui Yuanqing glanced discreetly at the river, adopting an utterly relaxed posture under Xie Zheng’s spear point: “Who are you? If you mean to take my life, surely you’re not afraid to give your name.”

Xie Zheng remained silent. If military forces captured Sui Yuanqing, they wouldn’t kill him here – using him to negotiate with the King of Changxin on the Chong Prefecture battlefield would be more advantageous.

Sui Yuanqing had asked deliberately, trying to extract information.

Seeing he wouldn’t take the bait, Sui Yuanqing suddenly asked with a lewd smile: “What is that little maid on the city wall to you? Her skin was so fair, and her lips so sweet when I kissed them.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes flashed dangerously cold. This was the moment Sui Yuanqing had been waiting for. He knocked aside the spear at his throat and dove headfirst toward the river.

Xie Zheng reacted instantly, sweeping the spear horizontally to catch Sui Yuanqing’s waist. Sui Yuanqing grunted in pain, but in the next moment, he vanished into the churning river, leaving only a spreading stain of blood on the water’s surface.

why did that bastard lie to xie zheng??!!!!

probably to make him mad even more

Zhu Yu – Chapter 51

As the Jizhou garrison soldiers who had their horses stolen caught up, they saw a man wearing a blue demon mask standing by the official road, holding a long spear and gazing at the rushing river below.

Mu Shi, who had injured his leg when he fell from his horse, lay sprawled on a pile of rubble by the roadside. Looking at the river, he cried out with tears streaming down his face, “Young Master!”

The Jizhou garrison soldiers, unsure of the situation, raised their weapons while eyeing the blue-masked man with apprehension. Suddenly, he turned to face them, giving them a cool glance before saying, “The villain escaped by jumping into the river. He’s wounded in the waist and won’t get far. You can search downstream for him.”

After speaking, he mounted his horse and rode away, whip in hand. The garrison soldiers didn’t dare to stop him.

Only one sharp-eyed young soldier recognized the horse Xie Zheng was riding, and muttered, “That’s Lieutenant Xu’s horse.”

Lieutenant Xu was the young officer whose horse Xie Zheng had taken earlier.

The soldiers exchanged glances, none daring to speak. After a moment, their leader ordered them to bind the injured Mu Shi and split into two groups—one to search downstream for Sui Yuanqing and the other to escort Mu Shi back to report.

At the gates of Qingping County, the rebelling villagers had been brought under control.

As He Jingyuan led his troops into the city, the County Magistrate smeared blood on his face and wailed as he approached, “Lord He, thank heavens you’ve arrived! If not for you, even if I had laid down my life on the city walls, I couldn’t have stopped the rebels from entering the city…”

He Jingyuan, seated on horseback, observed the blood-covered Magistrate. Though his initial impression of the man hadn’t been favorable, his expression softened as he said, “The people of Qingping County have been spared thanks to your efforts, Magistrate Liu.”

Hearing this, Magistrate Liu felt his prospects for promotion brighten. He continued with even more tears, “I’ve served as Magistrate of Qingping County for three years with unremarkable achievements. Just as I was about to be transferred, the military’s grain requisition incited the villagers to rebel. I was truly terrified. I could only seal the city gates with the yamen runners before the mob arrived, and then appease the crowd by arresting those soldiers who came to oversee the grain collection—a case of a junior official defying his superiors. This bought enough time for your reinforcements to arrive. I beg your forgiveness, my lord.”

He Jingyuan, having earlier heard from the blue-masked man that the Young Master of the Changxin Prince had instigated this unrest, now grew suspicious upon hearing the Magistrate mention the grain collection officers. Eyeing Liu, he said, “Tell me more about these grain collection officers.”

Magistrate Liu then recounted how the officers had come to the county a few days ago, demanding one stone of grain per person.

He Jingyuan exclaimed, “Preposterous! How could Jizhou Prefecture possibly order grain collection at such a rate?”

Magistrate Liu broke out in a cold sweat. “Those officers claimed they were acting on orders from General Wei. I… I didn’t dare interfere. Later, they even placed me under house arrest… When I learned that the farmers were being driven to rebellion, I feared a great calamity. That’s why I had my men arrest those officers.”

Fearing his achievements would be overlooked, Liu made no mention of Chief Wang or Fan Changyu, giving only a vague account of events.

He Jingyuan remained silent, causing the Magistrate’s heart to race once more.

Through the Magistrate’s account, He Jingyuan had pieced together most of the story. The Young Master of the Changxin Prince must have intercepted the real grain collection officers en route to Qingping County, then sent imposters with a fake requisition order. The massacre at Ma Family Village was likely part of their plan to incite rebellion among the county’s residents.

Yet the County Magistrate remained unaware of the officers’ true identities. How then had the masked man recognized Sui Yuanqing?

Could it be that the masked man already knew Sui Yuanqing?

He Jingyuan’s gaze grew more complex as he recalled his earlier suspicions.

He asked the Magistrate, “I noticed a black-clad man in a blue demon mask fighting valiantly on the city walls earlier. Do you know who that was?”

Magistrate Liu, having waited anxiously only to be asked this question, felt even more uneasy. He shook his head and replied, “This… I don’t know, my lord. Perhaps he was a righteous citizen of the city.”

Just then, the soldiers who had pursued Sui Yuanqing and his group returned to the city.

The leader dismounted and saluted He Jingyuan, saying, “My lord, the rebel leader escaped by jumping into the river. I’ve sent men to continue the search downstream. We’ve brought back this captive to report to you.”

He Jingyuan glanced at the bound Mu Shi and asked, “Did you see a man wearing a blue demon mask?”

The small unit leader bowed and replied, “That man was captured by the masked warrior. When we arrived, he informed us that the rebel leader had fled into the river. He then headed downstream, apparently also in search of the rebel leader.”

The young officer whose horse had been taken couldn’t help but grumble, “Then what about my horse?”

A sharp look from He Jingyuan silenced him immediately.

He Jingyuan turned to Mu Shi and ordered, “Lock him up under strict guard. Do not allow him to take his own life.”

The unit leader acknowledged the order.

He Jingyuan then pointed to the young officer who had spoken earlier: “Lieutenant Xu, take a squad and search along the river. Try to capture the villain alive if possible.”

The young officer straightened up and saluted, “Yes, sir!”

After sending Chief Wang to the doctor, Fan Changyu noticed that night was falling and Xie Zheng had not yet returned. Growing worried, she informed Chief Wang that she was going out to look for Xie Zheng.

By now, the city gates were guarded by soldiers from Jizhou Prefecture. Clad in armor and wielding weapons, they looked imposing, causing ordinary citizens to keep their distance.

Fearing that rebels might still be hiding in the city, entry and exit had become extremely strict. Some villagers who regularly came to trade were temporarily detained.

Fan Changyu hesitated briefly but decided to approach and explain the situation, hoping to ask if they had seen Yan Zheng during the pursuit, as his blue demon mask should have been quite distinctive.

Just as she was about to step forward, the sound of unhurried hoofbeats came from outside the city gate. The guards at the gate peered out to see a chestnut horse returning alone.

Meanwhile, Fan Changyu found herself suddenly pulled back by a large hand gripping her wrist.

The soldiers gathering at the gate looked outside, puzzled to see no rider, and remarked, “Lieutenant Xu’s horse has come back on its own?”

A few steps away, Fan Changyu was startled to see the man who had removed his blue demon mask now standing before her in a black robe. Her surprise quickly turned to joy. She had been so preoccupied with his sudden appearance that she forgot he was still holding her hand, and began to chatter, “Where have you been for so long? Those soldiers have already returned with captives. I thought something might have happened to you…”

Xie Zheng listened to her rambling, maintaining his grip on her wrist. He simply said, “I went to search for that villain. The chase took me quite far.”

Fan Changyu immediately realized he must be referring to the cunning leader of the false soldiers. She quickly asked, “Did you catch him?”

Xie Zheng shook his head.

He had searched along the river for over ten li but had not found Sui Yuanqing. Given that the man had jumped into the river wearing full armor and with a wound to his waist, even if he were an excellent swimmer, his chances of survival were slim.

If Sui Yuanqing had truly escaped death, it could only be attributed to extraordinary luck.

Fan Changyu, disappointed to hear that Sui Yuanqing hadn’t been caught, remarked, “They say a thousand-year-old tortoise and a ten-thousand-year-old soft-shelled turtle.’ If that little tortoise managed to survive, I suppose it proves the saying true.”

Noticing how Fan Changyu spoke ill of Sui Yuanqing at every mention, Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened as he recalled Sui Yuanqing’s provocative words before fleeing. He asked, “Do you have a grudge against him?”

Fan Changyu replied, “We didn’t at first. When I heard from you that the County Magistrate had been detained, I wanted to go and drag him out, first to reinstate Uncle Wang as Chief Constable to make things easier for him. Who would have thought that little tortoise was staying at the Magistrate’s residence? I had no choice but to capture him instead, and that’s how we became enemies.”

Xie Zheng lowered his gaze to conceal his emotions. “He’s quite skilled in martial arts. How did you manage to capture him?”

Fan Changyu felt a bit embarrassed about this, feeling it wasn’t entirely honorable, but her honest nature compelled her to explain everything, “There were too many of them, and I was afraid I couldn’t beat them in a fight. I had planned to use sleeping powder, but there wasn’t any in the Magistrate’s residence. So I disguised myself as a maid from the Magistrate’s house and brought that little tortoise a bowl of tremella soup laced with croton seeds.”

She was still wearing the maid’s outfit, with half of her fair wrist exposed and held in Xie Zheng’s grip.

Xie Zheng looked down at her, imagining her wearing these clothes to deliver the soup to Sui Yuanqing. Unconsciously, his grip on her wrist tightened.

The pain in her wrist finally made Fan Changyu realize that he was still holding onto her.

She patted his hand and winced, “Be gentle. That scoundrel on the city wall took advantage of me not having a proper weapon, swinging a ring-pommel saber against my little boning knife. Then he tried to pull me off the wall, injuring his wrist. It still hurts quite a bit.”

Xie Zheng loosened his grip. As he looked down, he saw a circle of bruises on her fair wrist, clearly not from his grasp. There was also a gash on the webbing between her thumb and index finger, with dried blood around it.

A flash of murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

As Fan Changyu noticed Xie Zheng’s silence, she realized her previous words sounded like complaining, which felt a bit affected. She quickly added, “But I got my revenge too. I stabbed him several times, and even kicked him in the face before he ran away!”

Xie Zheng remained silent as he listened, his eyes cold and deep.

Fan Changyu felt he was unusually quiet on the way back and guessed he might be frustrated about not catching the villain. She offered several words of comfort.

Before returning to town, Fan Changyu first went to report to Chief Wang that they were safe, to prevent him from worrying about Yan Zheng’s absence.

Learning they were planning to return to town, Chief Wang said, “It’s already dark, and the snow is heavy. After today’s events, there are bound to be bandits taking advantage of the chaos. It’s not safe to travel in the darkness. We have a spare room; you should stay here for the night and return tomorrow.”

Fan Changyu considered this. Both she and Yan Zheng were exhausted after a long day. She thanked Chief Wang and accepted his offer.

Seeing Fan Changyu arrive, Yu Bao’er ran over on her short legs and asked, “Aunt Changyu, when is my mother coming to pick me up?”

This reminded Fan Changyu of Yu Qianqian’s situation. She looked up at Xie Zheng and asked, “Is Shopkeeper Yu still in jail?”

Xie Zheng leaned against the door frame, shaking his head slightly. His casual gaze fell on Yu Bao’er, hiding a hint of complexity. After a moment, he looked away and said, “The murder case at Yixiang Tower isn’t resolved yet. It’s unclear how the authorities will handle it. Since she entrusted this little one to you, you should look after her until the case is settled.”

Fan Changyu thought that Yu Qianqian had treated her well, so it was only right to help care for Yu Bao’er for a while.

She had previously discussed with Yu Qianqian, thinking the County Magistrate wanted to seize Yu Qianqian’s property to support the rebel prince. Now it seemed that wasn’t the case.

If the authorities handled the case fairly and cleared Yu Qianqian’s name, all would be well.

If the County Magistrate had any ulterior motives, Fan Changyu now had evidence of his misconduct, which she could use to prevent him from troubling Yu Qianqian.

Fan Changyu patted Yu Bao’er’s head and said, “Your mother has encountered a small problem. Once she resolves it, she’ll come to pick you up. For now, you’ll come with me to town and play with Ning for a few days. Is that alright?”

In the past, when Yu Qianqian’s business was busy, she would often leave Yu Bao’er with the family’s elderly servant for care. Sometimes Yu Bao’er wouldn’t see her mother for days.

Though young, she had a very steady temperament. Hearing this, she nodded obediently and asked curiously, “Will Aunt Changyu slaughter pigs?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “Maybe.”

Today’s events had left the entire county in turmoil. It was uncertain whether the market would open in the next few days. It might take some time before the market returns to its usual bustle.

Yu Bao’er completely ignored the word “maybe” and, satisfied with Fan Changyu’s answer, was led away by the elderly servant to wash up and go to bed.

Fan Changyu hadn’t had a drop of water since early morning when she went to Yixiang Tower to deliver meat to Yu Qianqian.

Madam Wang, knowing she must be starving, had the servants prepare a meal in the kitchen.

Fan Changyu hadn’t thought about hunger all afternoon, but when she smelled the food, she realized she was famished.

She had been doing physical work all day on an empty stomach, so she ate three bowls of rice. As she was about to start on a fourth, Xie Zheng stopped her hand.

He said, “Don’t eat too much at once after being hungry for so long. It’ll hurt your stomach.”

Fan Changyu reluctantly put down her bowl and chopsticks.

After dinner, Xie Zheng went out for a while. Chief Wang, who often dealt with injuries from his work, kept a good supply of medicine at home.

Xie Zheng asked Madam Wang for some bruise ointment and a bottle of wound medicine.

When he returned to the room, Fan Changyu had just finished washing up.

He saw her wringing out a cloth in the washbasin and frowned, “Hasn’t anyone told you not to get wounds wet?”

Fan Changyu glanced at the wound on her hand, dismissing it casually, “It’s just a small injury, no big deal.”

Then she noticed the ointment in Xie Zheng’s hand and exclaimed, “Oh, you went to get medicine for me?”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes slightly and said softly, “Madam Wang gave it to me.”

Fan Changyu didn’t question this. “Auntie is so thoughtful, noticing even my small injury.”

Xie Zheng didn’t respond. Leaning against the doorframe, he asked, “Are you going to apply it?”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that his mood seemed to swing between good and bad, but remembering how he had saved her several times on the city wall, she didn’t hold it against him. She tilted her head back and said, “Of course I’ll apply it. It’s the medicine Auntie gave me, it’s the thought that counts.”

Hearing the words “thought that counts,” Xie Zheng glanced at her before looking away again.

Fan Changyu first sprinkled some wound medicine on the webbing between her thumb and index finger. Xie Zheng saw her struggling to wrap the bandage while holding one end with her teeth, so he came over to help her wrap it and tie it off.

However, when it came to applying ointment to her wrist, Fan Changyu realized she had made a foolish mistake.

She should have applied the ointment to her wrist first. The ointment was oily and needed to be slowly rubbed into the skin. Now, with both hands bandaged, she could only scoop up a little bit with her fingertips and slowly rub it in with her fingertips, which was quite troublesome.

Moreover, the oily ointment was very slippery, making it difficult to rub into the skin with just her fingertips.

Fan Changyu was about to close the ointment jar after a cursory application when her wrist was suddenly caught by a large hand.

Xie Zheng’s calloused palm rubbed the undried ointment on her wrist, his tone far from polite: “Are you this careless with everything you do?”

Fan Changyu, stung by his words again, couldn’t help but retort, “It’s not convenient with my hands like this, you know?”

Xie Zheng seemed to pause for a moment, then focused on massaging the ointment into her hand without saying another word.

Her frost-white skin took on a warm jade hue in the candlelight, making the ring of blue bruises around her wrist even more striking, almost shocking to see.

Xie Zheng suddenly recalled the provocative smile Sui Yuanqing had given him after breaking through the crowd.

An inexplicable anger rose in his heart, and his thin lips pressed tightly together.

His palm and her wrist were separated only by a layer of ointment. While the ointment was still wet, the massage felt slippery, but as it was rubbed into her skin, the sensation of his fingers on her wrist became very noticeable.

Whether due to the prolonged rubbing or not, his palm grew very hot, like a branding iron.

Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed, and just as she was about to say it was enough, he withdrew his hand first.

The words on the tip of Fan Changyu’s tongue had to be swallowed back.

Xie Zheng put away the ointment jar and went to wash his hands at the washbasin stand nearby.

Fan Changyu lowered her eyes to look at her wrist, which had been rubbed red. She felt her entire wrist was hot and itchy, and she had to contort her face to resist the urge to rub it against her clothes.

She thought to herself that if she had known the ointment would make her entire hand numb and itchy, she wouldn’t have applied it. It would have been better to wait until they got home and use medicinal alcohol instead.

Xie Zheng turned to see her conflicted expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu shook her wrist and said, “The medicine is taking effect. I’m not used to it.”

The night watchman passed by outside, striking his wooden clapper. It was already the Hour of the Rat (11 pm-1 am), and the entire Wang household was silent.

Without Fan Changyu having to say anything, Xie Zheng went to open the room’s cabinet but found no extra bedding.

Fan Changyu, sitting at the table, saw this too.

At this hour, they couldn’t wake up Madam Wang to ask for bedding to make a floor bed.

After a moment, Xie Zheng turned back and said, “I’m not tired yet. You go ahead and rest.”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that he was fooling no one. He hadn’t slept well for several nights in a row, and this morning he had forced himself to help her sell pork.

Moreover, in this harsh winter, without a brazier, one could freeze to death at night. Did he plan to just sit in the room all night?

Fan Changyu glanced at the single thick quilt left on the bed and volunteered, “Why don’t we… share the bed for tonight?”

Xie Zheng’s heart skipped a beat, and he turned to look at her with furrowed brows. Fan Changyu misunderstood his expression and quickly raised her bandaged hand in reassurance: “Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t have any improper thoughts about you!”

I hope Xie Zheng teaches her combat fighting before he leaves. She already has a good martial arts foundation.

I doubt he might think she willget suspicious of him

Zhu Yu – Chapter 52

The room was pitch black with the lights out. Fan Changyu lay in bed almost pressed against the wall, casting a sidelong glance at the person lying beside her. Hmph, Xie Zheng was practically sleeping on the edge of the bed.

She closed her eyes, not bothering to care if he was comfortable or not. She had already repeatedly declared that she harbored no inappropriate thoughts toward him and had left him plenty of space. Yet after getting into bed, he remained silent and still chose to sleep on the very edge.

His obvious avoidance made it seem like he was terrified she would covet his beauty. Fan Changyu turned to face the wall, thinking to herself that even if he looked like an immortal, she wouldn’t care for someone with such a disagreeable temperament!

The “immortal” Xie Zheng was pretending to sleep when the person lying inside suddenly turned, instantly taking all of the blanket corners he had barely managed to cover himself with.

The night’s chill penetrated through his thin clothes straight to his skin. Xie Zheng opened his eyes and looked inward. Fan Changyu’s form made a small silhouette under the thick blanket, with most of the covering spread across the middle of the bed.

To reach the blanket, he would need to move slightly inward, but that would surely disturb Fan Changyu. Her breathing was shallow, indicating she wasn’t yet asleep.

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and closed his eyes again. One year when he led troops beyond the frontier, he had survived being buried under an avalanche for three days – this bit of cold wasn’t worth his concern.

Though they were separated by at least three feet, perhaps because they were lying on a bed, he couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable. Even blood-related siblings shouldn’t share a room after coming of age, let alone an unrelated man and woman.

In this world, only husband and wife could share a bed like this. And now, the woman sleeping beside his bed was exactly that – his wife.

Xie Zheng, unable to sleep due to these chaotic thoughts, heard Fan Changyu’s breathing become deep and steady. An inexplicable irritation arose in him, and he simply sat up, leaning against the headboard to contemplate the current situation.

After sleeping for a while, Fan Changyu shifted to lie on her back. Xie Zheng heard the movement and cast a cool glance her way.

She truly had a deceptive face – when asleep, she looked completely harmless and gentle. Yet when she was up to mischief, she maintained that same innocent expression.

Sui Yuanqing… must have been fooled by this very appearance, right?

Thinking of that person, Xie Zheng’s gaze grew colder. He couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but it was as if someone else coveted a wildflower he had spotted first.

His chest felt as if it had been singed by a candle – not painful, but burning. He stared unblinkingly at the sleeping Fan Changyu, his expression hidden in the night, becoming increasingly unfathomable.

Fan Changyu seemed to sense his gaze in her sleep and muttered discontentedly, “Don’t care for…”

Xie Zheng couldn’t hear clearly and frowned, asking, “What?”

Fan Changyu mumbled something indistinct, and Xie Zheng had to lean closer to hear. His cold presence made Fan Changyu shrink away in her sleep, and as she turned, her lips brushed past his ear, causing him to freeze.

Someone was too close, and their unfamiliar presence surrounded her. After everything she’d been through, Fan Changyu remained somewhat alert. Her eyelashes trembled as she was about to wake, but Xie Zheng’s cool fingers pressed a point on her neck, causing her to fall back into deep sleep before her eyes could open.

Xie Zheng rose, not bothering to light a candle. Using only the faint light of snow reflecting through the window, he went to the table and drank two cups of cold tea.

After finishing his tea, he didn’t return to bed. Instead, he sat at the table, frowning, his dark eyes fixed on the raised form under the blanket, seemingly lost in thought.

An eagle’s cry seemed to echo faintly in the night sky.

He lifted his gaze and left the room almost soundlessly, climbing over the Wang family’s courtyard wall. Only after reaching a more distant alley did he place his fingers to his lips and produce a sharp whistle.

When an Eastern Goshawk couldn’t find its intended recipient, it would circle in the sky crying out until it heard the whistle signal, then dive down toward the sound.

Shortly after, a pure white Eastern Goshawk swooped down from the night sky. Xie Zheng extended his right arm, and the bird’s talons, sharp as iron hooks, gripped his arm firmly before folding its wings.

Xie Zheng retrieved the message from the hawk’s leg and read it in the moonlight. The paper crumbled to fragments between his fingers.

That same night, the lights still burned at the Ji Prefecture government office.

Zheng Wenchang emerged from the prison and presented the confession documents to He Jingyuan, saying with a lowered head, “As you suspected, Your Excellency, it was Prince Changxin’s men who ambushed our people and impersonated the grain collection officers in Qingping County. The deaths of several dozen people in Ma Family Village were also the rebels’ doing. I suspect the grain collection incidents and deaths in Tai Prefecture are also connected to the Chong Prefecture rebels.”

He Jingyuan stood with his hands behind his back, watching the row of warm yellow lanterns under the eaves and the flying snow, answering indirectly, “Wenchang, tell me, those two hundred thousand shi of grain that passed through the Zhao merchant’s hands – where do you think they were sent?”

Zheng Wenchang didn’t understand why his superior and mentor suddenly brought up the grain matter, but answered honestly, “At first, I thought it was merely merchant profiteering, but we haven’t seen those merchants selling the grain at high prices in either Tai or Ji Prefectures. Given the current situation, it does seem like the rebels are interfering. I believe if we raid the Zhao merchant’s properties, we’ll surely uncover several rebel strongholds.”

He Jingyuan shook his head, “You’re underestimating the enemy. Wait and see how many of the Zhao family’s properties you can still find in Ji Prefecture tomorrow.”

Zheng Wenchang lowered his head in shame, “If I had noticed earlier and raided the Zhao merchant’s home, the Qingping County incident might never have happened.”

He Jingyuan said, “It’s not your fault. The rebels were able to exploit this opportunity because of my mistake. If I hadn’t fallen for their trap, focusing solely on forcing out the grain buyers and allowing Wei Xuan to forcefully collect grain, the rebels couldn’t have caused such waves in Ji Prefecture, no matter how many spies they planted.”

Zheng Wenchang didn’t understand his meaning and asked in confusion, “How can you take all the blame, Your Excellency? From what I can see, the grain purchase was a trap set by the rebels from the start. Wei Xuan’s ambition and his abuse of power as the Northwestern Military Commander to seize your official seal wasn’t something you could control.”

He Jingyuan heaved a long sigh but said nothing more.

His student was good in every way, except for being too rigid and straightforward, believing everything at face value.

There were many things he couldn’t explain clearly.

If the Zhao merchant hadn’t deliberately left traces suggesting that the Marquis of Wu’an had purchased the two hundred thousand shi of grain, he wouldn’t have mistakenly assumed the Marquis was merely trying to obstruct Commander Wei.

In the struggles of those in power, it was always the common people who suffered.

He had allowed Wei Xuan to collect grain forcefully, wanting to show the Marquis of Wu’an what consequences the common people faced due to his vendetta, and also to determine if the Marquis was truly someone who would use any means to achieve his goals.

It was precisely this delegation of authority that had given the rebels their opportunity.

When the people were pushed to their limits, the Marquis of Wu’an had no choice but to “reveal himself,” having his old subordinates from Yan Prefecture send orders to transfer Wei Xuan away and stop the grain collection.

Though he remained behind the scenes, regardless of his motives, he ultimately became a pawn in the rebels’ plan.

Earlier today, upon seeing the blue-masked person who had turned the tide in Qing Prefecture, He Jingyuan suddenly thought of a question.

If he had been wrong from the start if the Marquis of Wu’an had never intended to use the people of Tai and Ji Prefectures as pawns to bring down Wei Xuan, then why did he purchase those two hundred thousand shi of grain?

His long-closed eyes suddenly opened wide, and he exclaimed, “Jin Prefecture!”

Zheng Wenchang asked in confusion, “Your Excellency, what about Jin Prefecture?”

He Jingyuan quickly walked back to his desk, unrolled a map of the Northwest, and pointed at Jin Prefecture, his expression unusually grave: “Prince Changxin’s rebellion in Chong Prefecture, internal chaos in the Northwest, and the Marquis of Wu’an’s death in battle – what does this mean for the Bei Yue people beyond the border?”

Zheng Wenchang realized the implications and felt his scalp tingle. He said, “This would be the perfect opportunity to attack Great Yin.”

He Jingyuan paced back and forth before his desk: “Jin Prefecture is Great Yin’s gateway, followed by Hui and Yan Prefectures, forming a triangular defense of our nation’s threshold. But their supplies all depend on court allocations. With Chong Prefecture in rebellion, blocking the supply routes, and Hui Prefecture lacking grain, where would Jin Prefecture get its food? I’ve been so foolish! Those two hundred thousand shi of grain weren’t bought to scheme against Wei Xuan – this was preparation for Jin Prefecture!”

Hearing He Jingyuan’s explanation, Zheng Wenchang was also shocked. Combining this with earlier conversations, he finally understood the key point: “You mean those two hundred thousand shi of grain were bought by the Marquis? Even when he was defeated on the battlefield in Chong Prefecture, he had already anticipated Jin Prefecture’s future crisis?”

He Jingyuan nodded slowly.

Zheng Wenchang said, “The Marquis’s foresight is beyond our measure. Now that the rebels’ plot has been exposed, with Hui Prefecture secure and Jin Prefecture supplied with grain, shouldn’t this be cause for celebration? Why do you still look so worried, Your Excellency?”

He Jingyuan sighed, “How do we solve this if external threats and internal strife come together?”

These words left Zheng Wenchang equally troubled.

There were some things He Jingyuan left unsaid.

Wei Yan’s faction would surely not allow the Marquis of Wu’an to remain. If they could sabotage him once on the Chong Prefecture battlefield, this time, with Bei Yue people and Chong Prefecture rebels attacking from both sides, and the court deliberately withholding military supplies, he truly feared a repeat of the Jin Prefecture tragedy from seventeen years ago.

After standing silently for a long while, He Jingyuan finally said to Zheng Wenchang, “Continue to seal off Qingping County and work to root out all rebel spies. The canal’s water level is low in winter, making it a good time to clear the silt. Wenchang, once the Qingping County matter is resolved, lead people to dredge the waterway from Ji Prefecture to Chong Prefecture.”

If the water route was open, all manner of supplies could be transported.

Zheng Wenchang’s heart skipped a beat as he accepted the order and withdrew.

Only after He Jingyuan was left alone in the study did the door to the side room open, and an elderly man with white hair and wrinkled skin emerged, saying, “Tell me, if that Wei fellow learns of your double-dealing, how many days do you think you have left to live?”

As He Jingyuan spoke, he said, “In one’s position, one plans governance; in one’s duty, one fulfills responsibility. I, He, have no shame before the people of the world. That is enough.”

The old man shook his head and laughed, saying, “When this old man comes to find you for drinks and chess next time, I hope you’re still alive.”

He Jingyuan replied, “I await the Grand Tutor’s visit anytime. May I ask where the Grand Tutor plans to go next?”

The old man, with tattered clothes and white hair messily tied up with a wooden hairpin, a wine gourd hanging at his waist, stretched lazily and said, “That brat Prince of Changxin keeps sending people to disturb my peace at my thatched cottage every few days. It’s quite annoying. This old man will wander around for a while.”

He Jingyuan lowered his eyelids and said, “I thought the Grand Tutor came out of seclusion because he heard the Marquis died on the battlefield.”

The old man snorted, “This old man doesn’t have much skill, but I’ve only taught one disciple in this life. The person who could take his life hasn’t been born yet. Otherwise, he would have gained another junior brother.”

Hearing the old man’s words, He Jingyuan just smiled without speaking.

Grand Tutor Tao had retired from office and lived in seclusion for many years. After the Prince of Changxin rebelled, he sent people many times to seek him out, saying he wanted to invite him as an advisor, but in reality, he wanted him to teach his two sons.

The old man’s last sentence implied that if he were to take another disciple, it would only be someone with better talent than Marquis Wu’an.

It seemed that the Prince of Changxin’s two sons hadn’t caught his eye.

He Jingyuan asked knowingly, “After the battle of Chongzhou, the Crown Prince of Changxin was known as the Little Marquis Wu’an. Didn’t the Grand Tutor approve of him?”

Grand Tutor Tao’s face turned unpleasant as he said, “That stinking brat, at the age of ten, the book of chess strategies I taught him ended up in the hands of Prince of Changxin’s youngest son. What do you think Prince of Changxin is planning?”

He Jingyuan’s expression darkened. Little Marquis Wu’an? It seemed the Prince of Changxin was raising his youngest son in the image of Marquis Wu’an.

In Qingping County.

When the rooster crowed for the first time, Fan Changyu woke up.

The sky was just beginning to lighten. She drowsily rolled over to the other side and was startled by how cold the bed was, which woke her up completely.

Fan Changyu sat up with her hair in a mess from sleep, remembering that she had gone to bed with Yan Zheng last night. She looked towards the table and, as expected, saw Yan Zheng sleeping with his head propped up at the table.

Judging by the temperature on this side of the bed, he probably hadn’t slept in the bed all night.

Fan Changyu couldn’t quite describe the feeling in her heart. Was it annoyance at his good intentions being misplaced?

Then she wondered why she was angry. She should be happy that he was so proper and think of him as a gentleman.

While she was still conflicted, the man who had been dozing with one hand supporting his forehead woke up at the sound of the rooster. His eyes met Fan Changyu’s, and he paused for a moment before saying softly, “You’re awake?”

Fan Changyu nodded and scratched her hair, saying, “If I had known, I would have just gone back to town last night. I’ve caused you to miss another night’s sleep.”

Xie Zheng said, “I got up once during the night, and seeing it was almost dawn, I didn’t go back to sleep.”

Fan Changyu murmured a response, not wanting to argue with him about this.

It was just a matter of catching up on sleep. He could do as he pleased. After all, she wasn’t the one who had been cold and sleepless all night.

After having breakfast at Constable Wang’s house, Fan Changyu took Yu Bao’er and returned to town with Xie Zheng.

Chang Ning, who had slept with Madam Zhao last night, almost cried when she saw Fan Changyu return. But upon seeing Yu Bao’er, she held back her tears, afraid of embarrassing herself.

With the two children together, they were almost tearing the place apart. The only consolation for Fan Changyu was that Yu Bao’er no longer mentioned finding his mother, and Chang Ning seemed to have forgotten about Mao Sun.

Qingping County was still under martial law to catch the remaining bandits, but Constable Wang sent someone to her house, surprisingly bringing fifty taels of silver as a secret reward from the County Magistrate.

That day at the County Magistrate’s residence, she had said she was Constable Wang’s person. It seemed the County Magistrate, after taking credit, wanted to win people’s hearts and gave this favor.

Fan Changyu understood the principle of making money quietly. Fame was useless to her and would only invite trouble. Real silver was more practical.

After seeing off the official, Fan Changyu went to her room with a smile to hide the silver. She encountered Xie Zheng and generously said, “Want to split it half and half?”

It was one thing that this guy wanted to distance himself from her, but the idea of saving Qingping County was his, and he had saved her on the city wall. The accounts still needed to be settled.

Xie Zheng felt that in the past two days since they returned, Fan Changyu’s treatment of him seemed to have smoothed out a lot.

When she saw him, she would still greet him with a smile as before, but it was different from before.

He suppressed the inexplicable discontent in his heart and asked, “Does the government know my identity?”

Fan Changyu shook her head, “I didn’t tell anyone who you are. The County Magistrate wants to take credit, he didn’t even mention Constable Wang’s name, so he probably won’t mention you voluntarily.”

She didn’t want to expose herself, fearing being resented by that group of people. When Yan Zheng appeared on the city wall, he even wore a mask. Fan Changyu guessed he didn’t want to expose his identity either.

After all, offending those officials would only bring endless trouble.

Xie Zheng then said, “This reward silver is all yours. Why do you want to share it with me?”

Fan Changyu said, “Wasn’t it your idea?”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, “The reward silver the County Magistrate gave you is not for guarding the city gate, but for saving him from trouble and capturing the bandits. It has little to do with me.”

Unable to argue with him, Fan Changyu took the silver back to her room. A moment later, she came out with a pile of things, “You said earlier that you were leaving, but coincidentally ran into the city lockdown, so you stayed for a few more days. I’ve been preparing some things for you bit by bit. Take these two sets of clothes to change on the road. These shoes are double-stitched and durable. Oh, I also exchanged fifty taels of silver notes for you, it’s more convenient to carry…”

She rambled on, like an old mother sending her child on a long journey, “I’ve also written the divorce papers, just need your fingerprint.”

A divorce letter only needed one party to write, but since this was a mutual divorce, different from repudiation, it required both parties to sign and press their fingerprints.

The frustration that had been stuck in Xie Zheng’s chest these days became even more uncomfortable when he heard her say these things.

He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed and looked at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said sarcastically, “Thank you for thinking of everything for me so thoroughly.”

Fan Changyu didn’t argue with him, only saying, “Being away from home is different from being at home. It’s better to prepare as much as possible. If you encounter any difficulties out there, there won’t be anyone to help you…”

The emotions surging in his chest made it difficult for Xie Zheng to maintain that sarcastic smile. He turned his eyes to look at the snow on the courtyard wall and suddenly asked, “What about you? What are your plans for the future?”

Fan Changyu laughed, “Didn’t you ask before? As long as Qingping County remains peaceful, I plan to start the pig farm…”

Xie Zheng half-raised his phoenix eyes, “I mean, do you plan to marry or continue to take in a husband?”

This question stumped Fan Changyu. She put the pile of things on the table, walked to the steps at the doorway, and sat down. Looking at the leafless pear tree in the courtyard, she thought for a while and said, “I’ll get married, but whether to take in a husband or marry out, I’ll decide when the time comes.”

Xie Zheng was fiddling with a small pebble, carelessly throwing it at the pear tree, startling away a few birds perched on it. “What kind of person do you like? If no one marries you or comes to be your husband in the future, I’ll help you look for someone.”

Hearing him mock her, Fan Changyu became annoyed and said, “At least not someone with a nasty temper like yours! With that sharp tongue of yours, you should worry about finding a wife yourself!”

Xie Zheng sat down with one leg half-bent and said with a seemingly mocking smile, “I wouldn’t marry someone like you either. I need to marry someone gentle, virtuous, and good at managing the household.”

The last pebble in his hand was thrown particularly far, flying over the courtyard wall to who knows where.

Fan Changyu glanced at his delicate profile, lowered her eyes, and tugged at the corner of her mouth, saying frankly, “I like refined and gentle men, preferably well-read, talented, modest, good-tempered, and with a nice smile. When my mother was alive, she said my personality was too boisterous and I needed someone more refined to keep me in check for a lasting relationship.”

There was an inexplicable bitterness in her heart. Fan Changyu thought it was probably because she remembered her mother.

She said, “We’ve been through thick and thin together for so long. You’re about to leave, so don’t curse me to have no one in the future. I wish you to marry a gentle and virtuous wife in the future, and you should wish for me to find a refined and gentle husband!”

Xie Zheng said, “Alright.”

His smile was truly beautiful.

As he stood up, he even kindly extended a hand to Fan Changyu. Fan Changyu’s legs were a bit numb from sitting for so long. Seeing his hand in front of her, she thoughtlessly placed her hand on his.

The change happened in that instant. Fan Changyu was pulled into his arms by a tremendous force. The grip on her uninjured wrist was so strong it felt like it might break that wrist too.

He grasped her chin and lowered his head, almost violently sealing her lips with his.

Whenever I read historical Chinese novels, I feel sorry for the commoners. So many nameless people dying for the sake of political scheming and grudges. Thousands of soldiers lost to betray a single general, farmers taxed to death, forced to sell children, or literally starving.

cosas por las que digo que este chico esta mal aqui estan , el oteo te a dicho algo no sabes si es verdad o no , en vez de preguntarla ,lo que haces es intentar violarla , que eso de mi derecho de esposo WTF , te has olvidado que es un matrimonio falso? preguntala si lo que el otro te a dicho es verdad ,no besarla a la fuerza ,sabiendo en esa casa hay niños que pueden entrar en esa habitacion de repente , te acogió en su casa te trato bien ,te dio un lugar y “familia” para que estes a gusto asi la pagas? ya decia yo que era demasiado bueno para ser verdad

Tranquila hermana solo le dio un beso no ha intentado más nada, que delicada flor

Wow i totally did not expect he wouldve kissed her.

Same! I was shocked he actually did!

OH MY GOSH?! I DID NOT EXPECT THAT KISS! 😳 Crying, kicking, giggling, throwing up! My heart 😫😫

if the grand tutor were to take our lil Fan’er in

have you read ahead?! 😉

My head tingled endlessly at the last paragraph!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 53

Fan Changyu was stunned. Only when she felt a sharp pain on her lips did she react? Mortified, her other hand instinctively swung towards his face. However, he seemed prepared, easily intercepting her hand and pulling her more forcefully towards himself. His rock-hard chest and iron-like arms tightly encircled her.

Fan Changyu had never been treated like this before. She struggled with brute force, but her efforts were skillfully neutralized by her opponent. Enraged, she focused all her strength on her teeth, biting down hard. Xie Zheng let out a soft hiss. When they separated, there was blood on his lips. He frowned, “You—”

Before he could finish, Fan Changyu headbutted him fiercely, her forehead colliding with the bridge of his nose. His nose stung, forcing him to release one hand to cover it. In the next instant, Fan Changyu’s free hand landed a brutal punch to his eye.

Despite the pain, Xie Zheng didn’t release his grip on her other hand. With a powerful backward pull, he pinned both her hands against the wall, using his body to press against her back. His tone turned cold, “Are you that aggrieved?”

Fan Changyu felt like biting him to death. Due to her previous wrist injury, she couldn’t break free from his restraint.

She cursed, “What madness has possessed you? If you want women, there are plenty willing to do business with you in the brothels. What do you take me for?”

Xie Zheng suddenly raised his head, his dark eyes unfathomable. “Is that what you think of me?”

Immobilized and humiliated, Fan Changyu’s eyes nearly sparked with fury. “What do you think you were doing just now? Taking advantage of someone!”

Xie Zheng seemed to have reached the peak of his anger, letting out a cold laugh. “Taking advantage? If I truly wanted to take advantage of you, I wouldn’t have waited until now.”

He released her and stepped back, the curve of his lips frigid. “Can’t let go of your former fiancé? Planning to find someone similar in the future? Haven’t you learned your lesson?”

Fan Changyu, still reeling from his advances, now heard his mocking and lecturing tone. Her anger surged, and before she knew it, she had swung another punch at his face. “Whether I can let go or not is none of your business!”

Xie Zheng neither dodged nor evaded, taking her forceful punch head-on. His lip split open, and half his face flushed an unexpectedly beautiful shade on his jade-like visage.

Fan Changyu was stunned after landing the punch, knowing full well how much force she had put behind it.

Why… didn’t he dodge?

Xie Zheng probed the split on his lip with his tongue, tasting a faint metallic flavor. He turned to look at Fan Changyu and asked, “Not going to continue?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t describe the feeling in her heart at that moment. Her knuckles still ached slightly; his face must be in worse condition.

But after what he had done to her, she couldn’t bring herself to apologize. She pressed her lips tightly and turned to go inside.

Unexpectedly, the man a step away suddenly closed in like a ghost. Fan Changyu only saw his alarmingly dark eyes before she was seized by the back of her head and kissed again.

Her scalp nearly exploded, but having lost the initiative, she was at a disadvantage. Amidst her struggles, she was pressed against the wall, both her hands pinned above her head. Using his physical advantage, he pressed tightly against her. As he lowered his head, his breath, unlike his usual light exhalations, fanned across her face as he kissed her more savagely and roughly than before.

Fan Changyu, enraged, bit him hard. He quickly restrained her jaw with some clever maneuver, preventing her from biting again. Yet he showed no intention of backing away. Instead, he took advantage of this opportunity to forcefully part her teeth, thoroughly exploring her mouth several times.

When it ended, Fan Changyu could barely catch her breath. Momentarily oxygen-deprived, she forgot to punch him again and just stared at him in disbelief.

Xie Zheng released her, wiping the blood from his lips with his index finger. He said, “Now that was taking advantage.”

The anger of being violated and toyed with surged straight to Fan Changyu’s head. As soon as Xie Zheng released his hold on her limbs and stepped back, she immediately drew the boning knife she always carried and held it against his neck. “Who do you think you are, thinking you can humiliate me as you please?”

Xie Zheng leaned against a wooden pillar, the knife at his throat, yet his expression remained unchanged. Only when he heard Fan Changyu’s words did he raise his eyes, his expression unusually serious. “Rather than having poor judgment and finding another ingrate in the future, you might as well be with me.”

These words, once spoken, stunned not only Fan Changyu but also Xie Zheng himself. Then, a numb sense of pleasure washed over him, as if his rationality had been forcibly destroyed.

Yes, wouldn’t it be better to keep her by his side rather than let her marry someone else in the future?

Having opened this door, the following words seemed easier to say. He was silent for a moment, then slowly said, “I have a formidable enemy outside. I might die by his hand, or he might die, and I might live. If you’re willing, just wait for me for two years. If I die, someone will come to inform you. Then you can marry someone else if you wish.”

Fan Changyu coldly stared at him. “You keep saying Song Yan is an ingrate, but how are you any better? You take liberties with me, then tell me you have feelings for me?”

She put away her knife. The anger of being violated momentarily overshadowed other emotions. She raised her sleeve and wiped her lips forcefully. “I hit you, so we’re even now. Everything is on the table. As soon as the city gates are open, you should leave.”

Xie Zheng watched her retreating into the room, unable to muster even a cold smile.

So, he had been rejected?

From birth until now, having tasted defeat only once on the Chongzhou battlefield, this time, he experienced the taste of failure in a different arena.

He didn’t take the items from the hall table. After standing by the corridor pillar for a while, he left the Fan family courtyard.

Due to the recent riots in Qingping County and the current martial law imposed by the authorities, the streets of Lin’an Town were desolate, with hardly any farmers coming to the market.

Xie Zheng wandered to the pine forest by the river outside the town. The ground was covered with about a foot of snow. The river, fed by the undulating terrain, flowed rapidly. The thin layer of ice that had formed on the river’s surface last night had already cracked, and the sound of spring water could be heard from halfway up the mountain.

He lay down in the snow on a gentle slope, using one arm as a pillow behind his head, staring blankly at the faint outline of Lin’an Town in the distance.

On the Chongzhou battlefield, when he was set up and his life hung by a thread, he hadn’t panicked. When he miraculously survived and was chased for over a hundred miles by assassins, he hadn’t feared. When he fell off a cliff and was carried by the river to Jizhou, waking up on the riverbank, he endured wounds from swords and arrows and high fever from the cold as he searched for a village. He fainted in the wilderness and was picked up by that woman.

At that time, all he had planned was how to stabilize the situation in the Northwest and then step by step seek revenge against the Wei father and son.

When did he start feeling reluctant to leave?

In that small house, always noisy and full of the aroma of home-cooked meals. He had seen too many spines bent by hardship, but that woman, even if the sky were to fall, would straighten her frail back to bear it.

Perhaps… it had just been too long since anyone had been so purely kind to him.

The dried tangerine peel when he drank medicine, the red envelope for the new year… A mocking smile crept onto Xie Zheng’s lips as the phrase “begging for favor with a wagging tail” crossed his mind for an instant.

She was probably just too kind-hearted. Even if it hadn’t been him she rescued that day if it had been anyone else, she would have cared for them just as wholeheartedly, bought candy, prepared a New Year’s red envelope…

Because he was pitiful, so she was kind to him, not because she had any feelings for him.

His suggestion that she should be with him had indeed become a joke.

A man who had been proud all his life was unwilling to admit this laughable defeat.

In the sky, a gyrfalcon circled, screeching as if looking for someone.

This time, Xie Zheng didn’t whistle for a long while. He turned his head slightly and saw a tender green sprout breaking through the snow near the riverbank where most of the snow had melted, standing vibrant amidst the white expanse.

“As the ice melts, spring water flows; as the snow clears, grass sprouts grow.”

This was the New Year couplet he had written for her.

He looked at it for a while, then sat up halfway, plucked the sprout, and tossed it into the rushing water, silently watching as the river carried it away.

A disturbance in the heart plucked out and discarded.

The circling gyrfalcon in the sky finally spotted him and dove down. Xie Zheng didn’t raise his hand to receive it. The gyrfalcon landed and stood for a while, not seeing Xie Zheng take the message. It tilted its head to look at him, then walked closer and gently pecked at the back of his hand with its beak.

Xie Zheng raised his hand to smooth the feathers on top of the gyrfalcon’s head, his gaze still fixed on the distant flowing water. After a long while, he finally took the message paper from its foot.

He quickly scanned the message. The paper crumbled to pieces between his fingers. He cast one last glance at Lin’an Town in the distance and said, “Let’s go. It’s time to return.”

In Jizhou.

An urgent report from Jinzhou arrived at the Jizhou government office, shocking all the officials who read it.

“The Northern Yue people have indeed attacked Jinzhou!”

“Fortunately, the Marquis of Wu’an didn’t perish in Chongzhou. With the Marquis of Wu’an stationed in Jinzhou, those Northern Yue barbarians will surely tremble at the mere mention of his name!”

He Jingyuan, seated at the top of the meeting hall, remained stone-faced and silent. Just then, a guard reported from outside, “Lu City is in dire straits! General Guo Xinhou, under the command of Prince Changxin, is leading an army of fifty thousand to surround Lu City!”

This news caused an even greater uproar among the officials in the hall.

How long had it been since the Crown Prince of Prince Changxin, leading a group of assassins disguised as farmers, had incited the people of Qingping County to rebel?

If the uprising in Qingping County hadn’t been suppressed and the people had truly revolted, Lu City, being the first major military defense between Jizhou and Chongzhou, with Qingping County right behind it, would indeed be caught between two fires.

One official cursed loudly, “These rebels had this planned all along! With Jinzhou in danger, the Marquis of Wu’an’s main force stationed in Huizhou will surely be sent to Jinzhou, leaving no strength to deal with the rebels! The rebels are seizing this opportunity to swallow up the Northwest!”

A military officer said, “The urgent matter now is that the rebels have already reached Lu City. We need to figure out how to defend Jizhou.”

If Lu City fell, Jizhou would lose its shield.

Amidst the clamor, He Jingyuan spoke, “Guo Xinhou is an old general skilled in military strategy. I will personally go to Lu City to take command.”

“My lord, you absolutely must not! Lu City is extremely dangerous now, with fifty thousand rebel troops at its gates and only twenty thousand troops within. If anything were to happen to you, we would be guilty of an unforgivable crime!”

As He Jingyuan raised his hand to signal the officials below not to speak further, he said, “If I go into danger, won’t the soldiers defending Lu City be in danger too? If I go, the rebels will be wary of me, and Lu City might not be as perilous. You’ll also have enough time to recruit more soldiers from the civilians.”

As soon as the meeting ended, cavalry riders carried conscription orders, galloping toward various prefectures and counties.

In Lin’an Town.

Fan Changyu had been in a bad mood all afternoon because of Xie Zheng’s impulsiveness.

She opened a book on the table, hoping to distract herself, but seeing the dense annotations in small handwriting, she felt a lump in her throat that wouldn’t go up or down.

These annotations were all written by him during those late nights.

As her anger slowly subsided, remembering what he said about possibly dying at the hands of his enemies, Fan Changyu felt uneasy.

Had he always said he wanted to leave because he was burdened with a great vendetta?

She walked out of her room. Passing through the main hall, she saw the pile of things she had prepared for him still on the table, including the divorce papers. Both sheets only bore her name; he hadn’t signed or stamped them. Her feelings became even more complex.

Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er had gone out to play with the children in the alley and hadn’t returned yet.

Fan Changyu walked to the door of the south room, hesitated for a moment, and then knocked.

There was no response from inside.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together, knocked twice more, and called out, “Yan Zheng, are you there?”

She was still met with silence.

Remembering the harsh words she had said in her anger, Fan Changyu worried that Yan Zheng might have left without saying goodbye. She pushed the door open forcefully, saw that he hadn’t taken any of his belongings, and her heart finally settled back in place.

He must have gone out to clear his mind.

Fan Changyu closed the door and was about to return to her room when she heard a commotion of crying and scolding from soldiers outside the alley.

“Officer! Officer! My son is the only one I have! Please have mercy on us, mother and son…”

“The rebels are about to attack Jizhou. If your son doesn’t go to the battlefield, are you waiting for the rebels to come and massacre Jizhou?”

Fan Changyu’s heart skipped a beat. She opened the courtyard door and looked out to see armored soldiers barging into houses to seize men.

Sitting on the ground, crying and wailing was Madam Kang.

She clung to her son, refusing to let go, but was no match for the strength of several robust soldiers. Her son was taken away by the soldiers.

Madam Kang cried out, “Son, don’t be afraid. I’ll go to the Song family right away to find Scholar Song. I’ll ask him to plead with the County Magistrate and have you released.”

Seeing that these soldiers were wearing the uniforms of Jizhou Prefecture, Fan Changyu knew that appealing to the County Magistrate would be useless unless the magistrate was willing to lower himself to curry favor with the officer in charge of conscription and offer some benefits.

She immediately became worried about Yan Zheng.

Once conscripted, they wouldn’t be able to return home until the war was over. More likely, they would die on the battlefield, perhaps without even a place for their bones to be buried.

The children playing outside, seeing this commotion, didn’t dare to be naughty anymore and ran home.

Chang Ning brought Yu Bao’er to the front door, both hiding behind Fan Changyu, only half their heads peeking out timidly to watch the soldiers who had invaded the alley.

Chang Ning looked up nervously and asked Fan Changyu, “Sister, Yanzi’s big brother was taken away by these soldiers. Will brother-in-law be taken away by them too?”

Fan Changyu wasn’t sure either. This was her first time witnessing conscription.

She had heard from Madam Zhao before that it was possible to use silver to substitute for a conscripted person, but this time it didn’t seem to work.

She ushered the two children into the courtyard, saying, “You two go inside first.”

She had just closed the courtyard gate when she saw the ten-household head leading soldiers to her gate.

According to the current dynasty’s laws, civilians were organized into groups of five households as a unit and ten households as a larger unit. Taxation and conscription were based on these neighboring ten households. If anyone was found harboring draft dodgers, all ten households would be punished.

The ten-household head looked embarrassed as he truthfully reported Fan Changyu’s household situation to the soldiers: “This is the head of this household, surnamed Fan, called Changyu. She took in a husband.”

Hearing that it was a married-in husband, the soldiers were surprised. Seeing only Fan Changyu outside and the courtyard gate tightly closed, their faces darkened. They barked, “Where’s your husband?”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips tightly. At this moment, if she said she and Yan Zheng were already divorced, but the divorce papers inside the house still lacked his fingerprint, it would undoubtedly be pushing the other nine households into the fire.

But if she let Yan Zheng be taken away, it would be an undeserved calamity for him.

After careful consideration, Fan Changyu truthfully said, “He’s not at home.”

That soldier seemed to have heard this excuse many times. His face turned grim as he raised his foot to kick the door. The soldier beside him, holding documents, seemed literate and had already found Fan Changyu’s name on the Lin’an Town register. He quickly stopped his companion: “Wait.”

He looked at the register carefully again, then at Fan Changyu: “You’re Fan Changyu, right?”

Fan Changyu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Yes, I am.”

The literate soldier said to his companion, “Her husband is already on the conscription list. He must have been among the batch of people we caught on the road earlier.”

Fan Changyu’s heart raced. She hurriedly asked, “My husband has already been taken away? Are you sure you didn’t make a mistake, officer?”

The literate soldier looked at the register and said, “Isn’t your husband called Yan Zheng?”

Hearing this name, Fan Changyu’s last glimmer of hope vanished.

She said hoarsely, “Yes, that’s my husband.”

As the ten-household head led the soldiers to knock on the next door, Fan Changyu, feeling cold in her hands and feet, crouched down at the courtyard gate.

With Yan Zheng’s skills, if he wanted to leave, the soldiers couldn’t have stopped him.

He had read so many books and was well-versed in the law. Was he afraid of implicating the nine neighboring households, so he willingly let himself be taken by the soldiers?

Fan Changyu thought of the pile of things she had prepared for him on the table inside, and their recent parting on bad terms. Her chest felt increasingly tight and uncomfortable, not knowing if it was guilt or something else.

She sat there blankly for a moment, then suddenly seemed to remember something. She raised her head and asked the soldiers who were knocking on doors: “Officer, where is my husband now? Can I see him one more time? He was taken away while he was out. I want to bring him some things.”

The soldier looked at Fan Changyu and said, “The batch caught on the road has already been sent to the county town. They’re about to leave with the main army for Lu City. Whether you can catch up with them now, I don’t know.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu thanked him, entrusted Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er to the neighboring aunt, rushed into the house to grab the package of things on the table, stuffed two packs of dried tangerine peel candy into it, and hurried towards the county town.

Finding the ox cart too slow, she borrowed a horse from someone. But when she reached the county town gate, she was still a step too late. The first batch of conscripted soldiers from the county had already left with the garrison towards Lu City.

Except for those on the conscription list, ordinary people still couldn’t easily enter or leave Qingping County.

The snow was falling heavily. Fan Changyu stood at the city gate holding the large package and leading the horse, looking at the official road extending into the distance through the gate’s opening.

Her chest felt tight. She led the horse back without a word.

On the way, someone bumped into her, scattering the contents of her bundle on the ground. Fan Changyu silently picked up each item. When she came to the two packs of dried tangerine peel candy, she put one piece in her mouth.

She thought it was good that she didn’t catch up. These two packs of candy were too sour and not as sweet as before.

Even if she had given them to Yan Zheng, he probably wouldn’t have liked them.

After tidying up the things and hanging the bundle on the saddle, she rested her head against the saddle for a while.

How did it end up like this?

She was angry with him, but without even saying a word of goodbye, he was conscripted. She felt as if she owed him something.

When she returned to town, she encountered the second batch of newly conscripted soldiers being escorted to the county town.

Relatives were crying and seeing them off all the way. Those conscripted also had red eyes, repeatedly telling their families not to see them off any further.

Fan Changyu noticed that even old Carpenter Zhao was among the crowd.

She couldn’t help but call out, “Uncle Zhao, how come you’re going to Lu City too?”

Carpenter Zhao’s wrinkled old face twisted bitterly as he said, “This old man chose the wrong profession. When I was young, I was a veterinarian. Now that I’m old, I’m a carpenter. Those officers said I could treat war horses in the army and also build siege engines.”

The soldiers were using whips to urge the crowd to move faster.

Fearing that Carpenter Zhao, at his age, might die from exhaustion just from the journey, Fan Changyu hesitated briefly and then said, “Uncle Zhao, take this horse!”

Seeing Fan Changyu approach, the soldiers were about to drive her away, but when they heard she was offering a horse, they immediately turned a blind eye.

Horses were valuable. They could carry people and goods, and in case of an attack, riding a horse might even save one’s life.

Carpenter Zhao refused, “This horse is too precious. How could I take it?”

Fan Changyu handed the horse’s reins to Carpenter Zhao, “Please take it. The things in the bundle are what I prepared for Yan Zheng. I didn’t catch up with him. Uncle Zhao, if you see Yan Zheng in Lu City, please help me give these things to him.”

Hearing this, Carpenter Zhao stopped refusing, feeling sorry for the young couple. He said, “Don’t worry. As long as these old bones of mine are still alive, I’ll deliver these things to him.”

Fan Changyu watched Carpenter Zhao leave until he was out of sight, then walked back to town on foot and settled the payment for the horse.

When she went to Madam Zhao’s house to pick up Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er, Madam Zhao, hearing that Fan Changyu had bought a horse for Carpenter Zhao, cried while expressing gratitude to Fan Changyu.

If conscripts brought their horses, it would be considered their private property. In the military camp, most would be assigned to the cavalry.

Even if someone wasn’t fit enough for the cavalry, they wouldn’t be mistreated.

After comforting Madam Zhao, Fan Changyu took Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er home. The two children seemed to sense that someone was missing from the house and weren’t as noisy. Enveloped in this silence, Fan Changyu felt even more that the house had become strangely empty.

It was strange. Yan Zheng wasn’t a talkative person to begin with.

Why did everything seem different now that he was gone?

Fan Changyu went to tidy up the south room and found that the desk he had used was very neat, almost requiring no tidying up.

In the corner of the desk was a pair of leather wristguards, with tools like files next to them, and a piece of paper underneath.

Looking at the size of the wristguards, they didn’t seem to be Yan Zheng’s.

Fan Changyu picked them up and saw only eight characters written on the paper: “Happy birthday, may you have eternal joy and no worries.”

The memory of Yan Zheng asking about her birthday flooded back. Suddenly, Fan Changyu felt as if the pair of wristguards in her hands weighed a thousand pounds.

She lowered her eyes to examine them carefully and found that one of them seemed to have been re-polished. When fastened to the wrist, the leather fit extremely well.

When Fan Changyu tried to undo the clasp on the wristguard, she didn’t know if her hand was shaking slightly or if the knuckles that had punched Yan Zheng’s face were aching, but she failed to remove the wristguard after several attempts.

She gave up trying to remove it and leaned back in the chair, staring blankly at the wristguard on her hand, feeling an inexplicable emptiness in her heart.

I hope they keep this bit in the adaptation! This whole chapter is great angst fodder

Gurl straight up pulls her butcher knife to his throat! 😂

I knew it. I knew he was gonna explode like this sooner or later. He’s been suppressing his feelings all this time. All he needed was a trigger and everything would burst out in the open. With his possessive nature and jealous tendencies, I knew all that talk about them getting married to other people was going to push him over the edge. 😏 Ngl, I enjoyed this. Them biting and hitting and bullying each other in between kisses was hot af.

I have a feeling that Yu Quanquan might be her cousin from the first aunt.

they said the her father couldn’t trace the whereabouts of the Fan’s eldest daughter.

oh since her father was actually the Fan grandfather’s nephew, if manager Yu was really the daughter of the Fan’s eldest daughter, that would make manager Yu as her second cousin.

Omg I’m screaming!!! He is such a hot bad boy T. T

Idk why but the angst in this chap is so good, it made my heart feel so heavy and actually got me shedding tears. 🫠😣

I don’t like the physically violent first kiss. A jealous outburst, ok. But this woman has carried him through the snow, tended his wounds, cooked his food, etc all with pure-hearted kindness and compassionate care in her heart, let alone that she’s fought and killed others to protect him. I can see that the author is setting him up to leave in anger and be picked up by the soldiers, but I wish it wasn’t around their first kiss. I would have found some other reason to have him stomp off in anger. Just saying.

I just saw the TV version of their first fight (it’s not their first kiss), and I greatly appreciate that they toned down the violence to just a slap when he kissed her against her will. I have the greatest respect for the author. The book is utterly engaging. BUT Zheng’s attempts at forced or painful physical intimacy are way too dark… unacceptably dark… for me.

I enjoyed that kissing scene thoroughly lmao ❤️ I want more.. more of his yandere-ish behaviour. mmm.. delicious food 😗👌 hahaha

Zhu Yu – Chapter 54

Due to the military recruitment, the already declining Linan Town became even less bustling than before. The marketplace no longer retained its former liveliness.

The New Year had passed, and aside from weddings and funerals, hardly any household would slaughter pigs. Fan Changyu suddenly found herself with plenty of free time.

Business at the meat market was poor, with many butcher shops temporarily closed. Since Qingping County was not far from Lu City, many people felt anxious. Some well-informed wealthy merchants had already sold their properties and fled southward.

These past few days, Fan Changyu had been at home taking care of the two children. Although she wasn’t highly educated, she knew “Three Character Classic” and “Thousand Character Text” by heart. She had intended to teach Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er to recognize characters.

Unexpectedly, despite her young age, Yu Bao’er already knew quite a few characters. When she wrote on the ground with a charcoal pen, her characters looked quite proper.

Chang Ning was better than Yu Bao’er in other aspects and usually led Yu Bao’er in play. Suddenly discovering that this seemingly slow-witted child was better at reading and writing than herself, Chang Ning felt quite disgruntled. She stopped playing and kept pestering Fan Changyu to teach her characters.

Yu Bao’er was very enthusiastic: “If you want to learn, I can teach you.”

Chang Ning tugged at Fan Changyu’s skirt and snorted, “I won’t learn from you. I have my elder sister to teach me. Once my elder sister has taught me all the characters she knows, and my brother-in-law teaches me too, I’ll recognize more characters than you!”

Fan Changyu was just opening the “Three Character Classic” to teach Chang Ning today’s characters when she suddenly heard her mention Yan Zheng. For a moment, she lost focus.

So many days had passed, and she wondered if the recruited soldiers had reached Lu City yet. This time, several tens of thousands of soldiers were recruited. Carpenter Zhao had gone as a veterinarian and carpenter. If Yan Zheng was assigned to the infantry, Carpenter Zhao’s chances of meeting him would be slim.

If he was selected for the cavalry, Carpenter Zhao’s odds of finding out about him would be slightly better.

Chang Ning noticed that Fan Changyu had been holding the book without speaking for a while. She gently tugged at her sleeve: “Elder Sister, what’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu gathered her thoughts and said, “It’s nothing. Come, let’s start with these five characters today…”

Paper, ink, brush, and inkstone were precious, so Fan Changyu didn’t let the two children waste them. Instead, she had them write on a clean slate with charcoal sticks.

While Chang Ning was engrossed in practicing characters, Fan Changyu slowly opened the Four Books that Yan Zheng had meticulously annotated. She started with the “Analects” because Yan Zheng had previously taught her two passages and made detailed annotations throughout, making it not too difficult for her to read.

At noon, someone knocked on the gate of the Fan family’s courtyard.

Fan Changyu went to open the door and saw it was Yu Qianqian. She eagerly invited her in.

Yu Qianqian wore a dark cloak. Though she smiled, she looked somewhat haggard. She said, “Sister Changyu, I’m in a hurry today, so I won’t come in. I’m here to take Bao’er away.”

When Yu Bao’er heard Yu Qianqian’s voice, she had already run out from the courtyard, hugging Yu Qianqian’s legs and looking up happily, calling “Mother.”

Yu Qianqian patted the child and said to Fan Changyu, “Thank you so much for taking care of Bao’er these past days, Sister Changyu. It’s been a real trouble for you.”

Fan Changyu hurriedly said it was no trouble.

Not seeing Xie Zheng, Yu Qianqian asked, “Did your husband also go to Lu City for military recruitment a few days ago?”

Fan Changyu nodded and once again invited Yu Qianqian to come in and sit, but Yu Qianqian declined again.

She looked at Fan Changyu, hesitated slightly, and said, “To be frank with you, Sister Changyu, all the wealthy merchants in Qingping County are now pulling strings to move their fortunes southward. I’ve also sold off my two Yixiang Pavilions at a discount. I’ve already arranged everything at the city gate, and we’ll be leaving for Jiangnan at the Hour of You. We don’t know if Lu City can hold out, so why don’t you come with me to Jiangnan, Sister Changyu? If you’re worried about your husband, you can always return to Qingping County after the war is over.”

Fan Changyu finally understood why Yu Qianqian seemed in such a hurry. She hesitated for a moment and politely declined, “Thank you for your kind offer, Madam Yu, but I still have many things to arrange at home. If I leave abruptly and the government issues any more taxation or grain requisition orders, the nine households linked to mine in this alley would suffer.”

Ten neighboring households couldn’t relocate at will. Even if they wanted to move, they had to go to the government office to process relocation documents, which was an extremely complicated process.

Previously, when several murder cases occurred in her family, she had planned to take Chang Ning elsewhere to lay low. It took several days to deal with the family property and process the documents. Even then, she couldn’t get the paperwork done before the officials concluded the case. Later, when they decided not to live in hiding elsewhere, the matter was temporarily shelved.

Yu Qianqian certainly knew how difficult it was for ordinary families to process these documents at this critical time, with the city lockdown still in effect. Even as merchants, they had to give considerable benefits to the officials to get the documents approved under the pretext of sending merchant caravans to purchase goods.

She gripped Fan Changyu’s hand tightly and said, “I’m just a merchant, I can’t take others with me, but if you’re willing to come with me, come to the city gate at the Hour of You today.”

Fan Changyu nodded and said, “I understand your kind intentions, Madam Yu.”

However, she really couldn’t leave at the moment. Aside from the complicated relocation process, Carpenter Zhao had already been conscripted, leaving only Madam Zhao behind. She couldn’t abandon Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao was like half a grandmother to her and Chang Ning.

Seeing that she couldn’t persuade Fan Changyu, Yu Qianqian didn’t press further. She lowered her head and said to Yu Bao’er, “Bao’er, say goodbye to Aunt Changyu and Sister Chang Ning.”

Yu Bao’er knew Yu Qianqian had come to pick him up, but he hadn’t expected they would be leaving Qingping County altogether. He turned to Fan Changyu and said, “Goodbye, Aunt Changyu.”

Then he looked at Chang Ning, who was clutching Fan Changyu’s skirt, and said, “I’ll teach you to recognize characters in the future.”

Chang Ning was quite indignant: “I’ll recognize more characters than you!”

The two children were just bickering, which made Fan Changyu and Yu Qianqian laugh, somewhat easing the sadness of parting.

Fan Changyu held Chang Ning’s hand and walked Yu Qianqian and her son to the carriage outside the alley.

As Yu Bao’er was about to get into the carriage, he suddenly ran back, took off the jade pendant hanging around his neck, and gave it to Chang Ning: “This is for you.”

Fan Changyu hurriedly said it was too precious, telling Yu Qianqian, “This is too valuable.”

Yu Qianqian smiled gently and said, “Let Ning’er keep it. This child is too lonely. Every time he meets a playmate and has to part, he can’t bear it and gives away his favorite things. It’s the child’s way of showing affection.”

Seeing Fan Changyu nod, Chang Ning accepted the jade pendant.

She tugged at her clothes and looked at Yu Bao’er, saying, “But I don’t have anything to give you.”

Yu Bao’er pointed at the grass-woven cricket hanging on her small pouch and said, “I want this.”

Chang Ning was raised by Fan Changyu and was often very straightforward. She had never seen jade before and didn’t know how precious it was, though it looked pretty and white.

But she also really liked the grass-woven cricket. Chang Ning hesitated a little, feeling that Yu Bao’er seemed to genuinely like the grass-woven cricket, so she untied it and gave it to him.

She said, “Uncle Zhao made this cricket for me before he was taken away. Uncle Zhao has gone to the army, and no one will make crickets for me anymore. You should keep it well. If you don’t want it in the future, bring the cricket back and exchange it for your little pendant.”

Yu Bao’er said, “I’ll keep it.”

He was too small to climb into the carriage by himself. As Yu Qianqian lifted him, her wide sleeves slid down a bit, and the pair of wide jade bracelets on her hands also slid down slightly.

Fan Changyu noticed what looked like binding marks on Yu Qianqian’s wrists.

She guessed these were left from Yu Qianqian’s time in prison, and her brows furrowed with concern for Yu Qianqian.

When Yu Qianqian turned back to bid farewell to Fan Changyu, she saw Fan Changyu staring at her wrist. The smile on her face faltered slightly, and she instinctively used her sleeve to cover the marks on her hand before continuing, “Well, we’ll be going then.”

Fan Changyu didn’t notice and just smiled, saying, “Have a safe journey.”

After Yu Qianqian got into the carriage, the driver finally drove the carriage away.

As Fan Changyu was walking home with Chang Ning, she noticed that Chang Ning kept her head down, occasionally kicking small stones on the road with her toe, seeming a bit downcast.

When Fan Changyu crouched down, she saw that Chang Ning’s eyes were red.

Fan Changyu asked, “Do you miss Bao’er?”

Chang Ning nodded and shook her head, saying sadly, “Sun’er is gone, brother-in-law is gone, Uncle Zhao is also gone. Ning’er misses them…”

Fan Changyu hugged her sister, gently patting her back, feeling a bit melancholic herself.

She said, “When the war is over, they’ll all come back.”

Hundreds of miles away in Lu City.

He Jingyuan had just arrived at the city gate with the newly recruited soldiers when he encountered a group of troops from Yan Prefecture. The leader of the troops saw him from afar and smiled, bowing with his hands clasped. His fox-like eyes looked cunning no matter how you looked at them: “Lord He.”

Seeing this person in all white, as handsome as a young actor on stage, He Jingyuan frowned slightly.

The general of Lu City who came to welcome He Jingyuan said, “This is Master Gong Sun, the military strategist under the Marquis of Wu’an. He arrived in Lu City not long ago, saying that Yan Prefecture has weakened its defenses and wants to borrow troops from Lu City.”

He Jingyuan’s face suddenly darkened: “The rebels have fifty thousand troops surrounding Lu City. How can Lu City spare any troops to lend to Yan Prefecture?”

The general of Lu City broke out in a cold sweat and said, “People say this Master Gong Sun is a genius, but I don’t know what he’s up to. I’ve already used Lu City’s siege as an excuse to refuse, but Master Gong Sun said he only wants to borrow a thousand men from your newly recruited soldiers.”

Hearing this, He Jingyuan was also greatly puzzled.

In this short moment, Gong Sun Yi had already walked gracefully to He Jingyuan in his white Daoist robe: “I’ve come hoping that Lord He can lend me a hand.”

Gong Sun Yi worked for Xie Zheng and held no military position, but he was full of schemes, and no one dared to underestimate him.

Although He Jingyuan was the Governor of Ji Prefecture and directly reported to the court on political matters, he had to obey Xie Zheng’s orders in military affairs.

Therefore, after Gong Sun Yi approached, he dismounted and said carefully, “If Yan Prefecture is in trouble, Ji Prefecture should indeed help. But Master Gong Sun must also see the current situation in Ji Prefecture…”

Gong Sun Yi smiled and said, “I’ve come on the Marquis’s orders to break the siege of Lu City.”

He Jingyuan heard him make no mention of borrowing troops and became even more confused: “What do you mean?”

Gong Sun Yi said, “The incident where Wei Xuan killed people while requisitioning grain in Tai Prefecture has caused quite a stir, and the rebels may have had a hand in fanning the flames. The rebels chose to besiege Ji Prefecture because of its salt lake, but if they couldn’t take Ji Prefecture quickly, they might turn to attack Tai Prefecture instead. The Marquis’s idea is to have Yan Prefecture appear weak, and for me to come to Ji Prefecture to ask for reinforcements. If the rebels see that Ji Prefecture can still lend troops to Yan Prefecture, they will surely doubt Ji Prefecture’s true military strength and won’t dare to act rashly in the short term.”

He Jingyuan asked, “Will Prince Changxin be so easily fooled by this plan? What if he turns to attack Tai Prefecture?”

Gong Sun Yi’s smile didn’t diminish: “The Marquis has already sent someone to Tai Prefecture to borrow troops.”

Hearing this, He Jingyuan didn’t speak for a moment, only pondering the plan in his mind.

Both Tai Prefecture and Ji Prefecture had scandals about grain requisition, and the people’s hearts were scattered. But the rebels chose to attack Ji Prefecture, no doubt because of its salt lake.

The Marquis of Wu’an sending people from Yan Prefecture to seek aid from both Tai Prefecture and Ji Prefecture was undoubtedly telling the rebels that Yan Prefecture was currently the easiest to take, while Ji Prefecture and Tai Prefecture could still lend troops to Yan Prefecture, apparently having far more troops than Yan Prefecture.

In the past, Prince Changxin might have worried it was a trap, but now Jin Prefecture to the north of Yan Prefecture was engaged with the Northern Yue people, so it wasn’t impossible that Yan Prefecture’s defenses were indeed weak.

Finally, He Jingyuan called his deputy: “However many troops Master Gong Sun needs, you go and allocate them to him.”

Gong Sun Yi made a deep bow: “I thank Lord He for this.”

He Jingyuan said, “If you can break the siege of Lu City and protect Ji Prefecture, it is I who should thank Master and the Marquis.”

Gong Sun Yi exchanged a few more pleasantries with him before leaving.

Half an hour later, Gong Sun Yi, in his snow-white clothes, led the thousand recruits he had obtained back to the camp area of the Yan Prefecture soldiers he had brought.

As soon as he entered the tent, he could no longer contain his schadenfreude. Looking at the person reclining on the couch, with bruises still visible at the corner of his eye and on his face, he asked with a mischievous expression: “Well, well, who in this world could beat you up like this?”

lmao his wife ofc

bwahahaha who could it be, it’s his wife..

Zhu Yu – Chapter 55

The bruise at the corner of Xie Zheng’s eye had faded considerably. He reclined on the couch, his eyes slightly lowered, lost in thought. He didn’t even notice when Gong Sun Yi entered the tent. Only after Gong Sun Yi’s teasing remark did he slightly lift his eyelids: “If you’re too free, go to Jin Prefecture to oversee the battle.”

Gong Sun Yi found a place to sit down, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and said while drinking, “How am I free? You sent a letter with Snow Phoenix, and I brought the soldiers from Yan Prefecture, trekking hundreds of miles to Lu City. I work like an ox and a horse, only to get such a cold response from you. It’s truly disheartening!”

Xie Zheng wasn’t in a good mood, making his words even more merciless: “Giving that stupid thing such a name, aren’t you ashamed of being so affected? Since you’ve already worked like an ox and horse, I suppose you won’t need a carriage for the journey back from Lu City to Yan Prefecture. Just walk back.”

Gong Sun Yi was at a loss for words. People always said he had a sharp tongue, but he had never gained any advantage with it when dealing with Xie Zheng.

He couldn’t help but say, “Why are you so angry? If you don’t like Snow Phoenix, just give her to me to raise!”

As he said the last sentence, his fox-like eyes couldn’t help but glance toward the Haedong hawk in the corner of the tent.

For some unknown reason, the Haedong hawk now liked to use a bamboo basket as its nest. The basket was originally used for dirty clothes, but when the hawk saw it, it directly settled in and made it its nest.

Xie Zheng raised his eyes coldly: “Didn’t you hear that it’s your choice of name I dislike?”

Gong Sun Yi was so angry he flung his sleeves and was about to leave: “Xie Jiu Heng, don’t push people too far!”

Xie Zheng let him storm off.

Gong Sun Yi walked to the entrance of the tent but suddenly turned back, sat down again, and said, “I almost fell for your trick. You wanted to provoke me into leaving. Who could have injured you and made you so upset…”

His fox-like eyes narrowed: “I heard that Prince Changxin’s heir went to Qingping County a few days ago. You were defeated by him on the battlefield of Chong Prefecture, and the army says he’s unrivaled in bravery. Could it be that the injury on your face was inflicted by him?”

Xie Zheng let out a cold snort: “You think too highly of him.”

Hearing Xie Zheng’s words, Gong Sun Yi knew it couldn’t possibly be Sui Yuan Qing.

He frowned and said, “It can’t be that you got involved in some love affair and were beaten by a woman…”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he started laughing: “That’s impossible. Not only does Xie Jiu Heng not have such romantic luck, but even if you did, no girl would have that kind of strength.”

Xie Zheng’s expression stiffened slightly, and he spoke impatiently: “Did you come just to tell me these things?”

Seeing his displeased expression, Gong Sun Yi put aside his joking manner and said, “Of course, I have important matters to discuss. When the Yan Prefecture soldiers went to meet with that Zhao merchant to transport grain, they didn’t reveal any flaws. Instead, it was that Zhao merchant who left traces for the Ji Prefecture officials, which allowed He Jingyuan to track down Yan Prefecture.”

“When I ordered people to raid the Zhao family’s secret strongholds, I deliberately leaked information to allow them to relocate in advance. This way, we were able to discover their more deeply hidden strongholds. After a thorough investigation, we indeed found some interesting things.”

He smiled mysteriously, and only when Xie Zheng looked over did he say, “The Zhao family also has connections with Prince Changxin’s side.”

Xie Zheng’s expression remained unchanged: “When Zhao Xun met me, he hinted several times that he was associated with the imperial grandson who supposedly perished in the great fire twelve years ago. It’s not surprising that the people behind Zhao Xun would have dealings with Prince Changxin, given his rebellion.”

When Gong Sun Yi heard the words “imperial grandson,” his expression changed slightly, and he asked Xie Zheng, “What does the Marquis think?”

He addressed him as “Marquis” rather than “you,” indicating he was asking not as a friend, but as a strategist inquiring about Xie Zheng’s future stance.

Xie Zheng said, “After the battle of Chong Prefecture, Wei Yan and I have become irreconcilable enemies.”

Gong Sun Yi pondered for a moment and said, “Prince Changxin is certainly no benevolent figure either. If the imperial grandson truly still lives, I wonder what kind of deal he has struck with Prince Changxin.”

Xie Zheng had one leg half bent, his long hair tied up, his dark eyebrows extending to his temples. His tone was casual yet cold: “If the imperial grandson has connections with Prince Changxin, yet Prince Changxin rebels without using the imperial grandson’s name, either this so-called imperial grandson is just a smokescreen released by Prince Changxin, or… Prince Changxin is too ambitious and, once he gains power, is unwilling to submit to anyone else.”

After hearing Xie Zheng’s speculation, Gong Sun Yi was also shocked and said, “Even if Prince Changxin is unwilling to be subordinate to others, using the imperial grandson’s name to rebel would be more legitimate. When the world is settled, with him holding great power, whether the imperial grandson sits on that dragon throne or not would still be up to him. Looking at it this way, the matter of the imperial grandson does seem like Prince Changxin’s scheme.”

He furrowed his brows tightly: “But Wei Yan’s side also seems to have been investigating the matter of the imperial grandson, and in recent days has arrested quite a few people based on rumors. Even you… reopening the Jin Prefecture case from years ago caused him to harbor murderous intentions towards you. From this perspective, the news that the imperial grandson is still alive doesn’t seem to be false, otherwise, why would Wei Yan be so panicked?”

Xie Zheng pondered Zhao Xun’s words from that day. Zhao Xun had hinted that he was associated with the imperial grandson, yet he knew nothing about the hidden truth of the Jin Prefecture tragedy from seventeen years ago. Even the story of how the imperial grandson survived the fire in the Eastern Palace was just his claim, without any evidence to prove it.

He had found it quite suspicious at the time, which was why he asked for the person behind Zhao Xun to come and talk to him personally. But as the Zhao family’s properties were one by one sealed off by the officials, this matter was also shelved.

He asked, “Before the officials sealed off the Zhao family’s strongholds in Qingping County, did the people you sent discover anything?”

Gong Sun Yi said, “Those strongholds in Qingping County were all temporary, shops and taverns and such, acquired by the Zhao family less than two months ago. There was pitifully little that could be investigated.”

Xie Zheng’s fingers, which had been tapping on the table, paused slightly. “When the Zhao family’s shops were sealed off by the officials, I had only been in Qingping County for a month. These strongholds were not set up for me.”

Gong Sun Yi also felt that this matter was becoming increasingly shrouded in mystery: “Are you saying that a month before your downfall, something must have happened in Qingping County to make the Zhao family set up so many strongholds there?”

What happened in Qingping County a month before his downfall…

Xie Zheng’s eyes flashed. It could only be the death of the Fan couple.

Wei Yan had sent people to kill that couple and had repeatedly dispatched assassins to the Fan house to search for something. People watching Wei Yan’s movements couldn’t have failed to notice such activity.

So… were those Zhao family strongholds set up for the Fan family?

Zhao Xun’s ability to find him wasn’t because he had read his essay and come to pay respects out of admiration, coincidentally discovering it was him. Rather, the Zhao family had been keeping an eye on the Fan family all along, which is why they incidentally discovered his whereabouts.

Something was on the verge of being revealed.

Xie Zheng slowly said, “It seems Wei Yan has also been tricked by Prince Changxin.”

Gong Sun Yi was exceptionally clever. As soon as Xie Zheng said this, he instantly understood the meaning behind his words: “Are you saying that Prince Changxin deliberately leaked information about the imperial grandson and the Jin Prefecture battle from years ago to make Wei Yan lose his composure?”

Xie Zheng voiced his speculation: “The imperial grandson may truly exist, or he may just be a decoy. But Prince Changxin must know some things about what happened back then. Lacking evidence, he deliberately leaked this information to make Wei Yan think he hadn’t cleaned up his tracks thoroughly, causing him to go back and tie up loose ends, thus exposing the evidence.”

Even Gong Sun Yi was momentarily stunned, his brows tightly knitted: “If there isn’t an imperial grandson at all, then that Zhao fellow buying twenty million shi of grain for you was from the beginning meant to provoke Wei Xuan into requisitioning grain, forcing the people of Qingping County to rebel and attack Lu City in coordination with outside forces?”

He stood up and paced back and forth in the military tent: “It’s perfect timing with the Northern Yue starting to attack Jin Prefecture. With those twenty million shi of grain, it won’t be easy for the Northern Yue to take Jin Prefecture. Otherwise, if Jin Prefecture falls, the northwestern gate would be wide open, and the Northern Yue could march straight down. Prince Changxin himself wouldn’t have good days ahead. These twenty million shi of grain can be said to kill three birds with one stone!”

“Wei Yan wants you dead, Prince Changxin guards the grain route of Chong Prefecture, you resist the Northern Yue, and he continues to march his army south. When you’re at the end of your rope, you’ll either starve to death in Jin Prefecture like your father and Crown Prince Chengde did back then, or be forced to ally with Prince Changxin and hand over your military power.”

When Gong Sun Yi sat down again, his long eyebrows were tightly knitted: “What a thorough and vicious plan indeed!”

Xie Zheng’s expression, however, seemed somewhat casual, as if he didn’t take the dead end Gong Sun Yi described to heart: “I thought you would advise me to ally with Prince Changxin.”

Gong Sun Yi’s face didn’t look too good: “Don’t take me for one of those good-for-nothings. Let’s not even mention that you’re Wei Yan’s nephew by marriage. Just the fact that you command a large army means that even if you went to submit to Prince Changxin, he wouldn’t dare to use you. In this world, no one can sleep soundly with a sharp sword hanging over their head.”

He was the sharpest blade in this world, unrivaled in his edge.

Wei Yan had once, under pressure from circumstances, unexpectedly forged him, but upon hearing even the slightest rumors, he had decided to break him.

If someone as powerful as Wei Yan was so wary of him, how could Prince Changxin dare to wield this blade?

If Xie Zheng were to rebel, it was uncertain whether he or Prince Changxin would end up in control. Prince Changxin was an extremely shrewd person, how could he keep such a big hidden danger by his side?

However, Xie Zheng’s words gave Gong Sun Yi an idea. His fox-like eyes narrowed: “Does the Marquis want this world?”

Xie Zheng sneered: “I want the truth about the Jin Prefecture battle seventeen years ago.”

These words made Gong Sun Yi laugh: “Now that’s the Xie Jiu Heng I know.”

Gong Sun Yi straightened his robe and took his leave. When he reached the entrance of the tent, he couldn’t help but turn back and say, “I’m still quite curious, who exactly beat you up?”

He had no other injuries on his body, only his face was beaten to such a state, which was quite perplexing.

When Xie Zheng’s ice-cold gaze swept over, Gong Sun Yi quickly lifted the tent flap and left.

Xie Zheng closed his eyes. Those emotions he had been deliberately ignoring surged up again, inexplicably, due to Gong Sun Yi’s few words.

Perhaps because he had not tasted many setbacks in this life, besides bitterness, he inexplicably felt a sense of unwillingness.

Let alone the noble ladies of the entire capital, even if it were a princess, as long as he wanted, he could marry her. But that woman alone treated him with disdain as if he were a weed by the roadside.

His chest felt stuffy, with a hint of annoyance.

At this moment, the tent flap was lifted by someone. Xie Zheng raised his eyes impatiently, it was Gong Sun Yi returning, carrying a large bundle in his hand that looked somewhat familiar.

Meeting his unfriendly gaze, Gong Sun Yi shrugged and said, “A colonel from the Ji Prefecture military camp brought this. He said a carpenter cured his rheumatism with a few medicinal plasters. Feeling indebted to that carpenter, he’s helping the carpenter find his niece’s husband. As it happens, the carpenter’s niece’s husband is named Yan Zheng. Among the thousand men I requested from He Jingyuan, only you used the alias Yan Zheng. I figured this must be for you.”

As he spoke, he couldn’t hide the teasing in his fox-like eyes: “Niece’s husband? So you’re married?”

When Xie Zheng saw the bundle, he was slightly stunned for a moment, then his lips pressed together, his expression looking somewhat cold: “Put it in the back tent.”

Hearing this, Gong Sun Yi’s fox-like eyes widened, looking somewhat foolish: “Wait, you’re married?”

Xie Zheng pressed his lips tightly together and didn’t speak.

Married, but it was fake.

Seeing this, Gong Sun Yi frowned, suddenly seeming to realize something, and looked at Xie Zheng in disbelief: “You’re not planning to abandon her, are you?”

His gaze fell on Xie Zheng’s face, feeling his guess was becoming more and more likely: “Don’t tell me the injury on your face is because you wronged the girl and her family beat you up?”

Xie Zheng’s face darkened: “Shut up.”

He was the one who had been discarded like an old shoe.

But Gong Sun Yi started to speak up for Fan Changyu, looking at Xie Zheng with deep concern: “Jiu Heng, ah Jiu Heng, I never thought you’d be this kind of person…”

Xie Zheng impatiently lifted his eyelids, “Are you going to leave on your own, or do I need to have someone throw you out?”

Gong Sun Yi frowned and said seriously, “Jiu Heng, even if her status is too lowly to be your main wife, she still followed you when you were at your lowest point. You could at least bring her back and give her a concubine position. How can you be so heartless…”

Xie Zheng was silent for a long time before saying, “She’s unwilling to follow me.”

Gong Sun Yi’s expression instantly became as strange as it could be.

Aw T. T our badass Marquis is so cute

Si no fuera tan torpe y hubiera declarado sus sentimientos antes de portarse como un bruto, las cosas serían diferentes.

agree!!!

hahahaha cutie marquis 😆 he feels aggrieved

Zhu Yu – Chapter 56

After Gongsu Yin left, Xie Zheng acted as if he hadn’t noticed the large bundle, picking up a military book from the table and starting to read.

When an orderly came in to deliver tea, he said coldly, “Take that thing to the rear tent.”

The orderly was stunned for a moment before realizing he meant the large bundle Gongsu Yin had brought. He picked up the package and took it to the rear tent.

Though the items were no longer in sight, Xie Zheng’s brow remained furrowed. His fingers quickly flipped through the book pages, but he couldn’t suppress the restlessness in his heart.

A moment later, he tossed aside the military book. The orderly standing guard at the door heard the sound and was about to enter to ask if he had any instructions. Just as he lifted the tent flap a crack, he saw Xie Zheng get up and head to the rear tent himself.

The orderly quickly withdrew his hand and returned to his post, standing at attention without looking askance.

Xie Zheng’s current identity in the Yanzhou army was known only to Gongsu Yin and a few confidants. The military tent he occupied was that of an ordinary commander, divided into front and rear sections. The front was for official business, while the rear was for living and resting.

The bundle the orderly had taken to the rear tent earlier was placed on a small table next to the camp bed.

Xie Zheng lowered his gaze and looked at it for a while before undoing the ties on the bundle.

Inside were two sets of new clothes and a pair of shoes, all packed by Fan Changyu that day.

When he saw the two packets of dried tangerine peel candy added inside, the tight line of his mouth softened slightly. The inexplicable agitation in his heart that had been bothering him seemed to suddenly melt away as if immersed in hot water.

Xie Zheng’s fingertips brushed over the two new sets of clothes. He picked them up, intending to put them away neatly in the chest, but as he lifted them, the silver notes and divorce paper that had been tucked between the garments fell out.

When he saw the stark, eye-catching characters for “Divorce Paper,” the curve of his mouth instantly froze.

She was… determined to sever all ties with him!

Xie Zheng’s thin lips curled coldly. His innate pride made him want to immediately call someone in and have this bundle thrown far away.

He closed his eyes and took a few calming breaths. In the end, he simply picked up the items from the bundle and locked them all away in the chest beside him.

He sat down nearby, lowering his gaze to look at the chest by his feet, his face devoid of expression.

If he threw it away now, he would always be thinking about it.

Better to keep it for now. When the day came that looking at these things no longer stirred even a ripple in his heart, that would be the time to discard them.

He had been trained by Wei Yan, and speaking of which, the most useful thing he had learned from Wei Yan was to face his desires while also learning to control them.

It was true that he had feelings for her, but that was all.

Meanwhile, after Gongsu Yin left the Yanzhou camp, he truly couldn’t resist the feeling of a cat’s paw scratching at his heart. He meandered over to the recruit camp in Jizhou.

Xie Zheng was tight-lipped, and no matter how much Gongsu Yin pestered him, he couldn’t get much information about his marriage. But Gongsu Yin reasoned that since the girl had her uncle bring things to Xie Zheng, she didn’t seem indifferent towards him. So why did Xie Zheng say the girl was unwilling to be with him?

Harboring these doubts, Gongsu Yin went to ask the junior officer managing the craftsmen in Jizhou. He didn’t have much trouble finding out about Carpenter Zhao.

There was only one carpenter who knew medicine and had treated a captain’s rheumatism with a few plasters, so he was easy to find.

The newly recruited soldiers still needed training and were not participating in actual combat. The craftsmen recruited from among the civilians were assigned to build city defense machinery.

Since there was no need to treat horses, Carpenter Zhao had been assigned to the carpentry tent.

When the soldier in charge of the craftsmen led Gongsu Yin to see Carpenter Zhao, he was using a plane to smooth wood.

The soldier called out, “Carpenter Zhao, are you there? Someone’s looking for you!”

Carpenter Zhao put down his plane and looked up with his aged eyes, “This old one is here.”

The soldier beckoned to him, and Carpenter Zhao briefly excused himself from the foreman supervising the work before walking out.

As craftsmen, they weren’t issued standard military uniforms. Carpenter Zhao was still wearing his dusty gray clothes, his back hunched, looking thin and sinewy.

The soldier was quite polite to Carpenter Zhao: “This official is looking for you.”

Carpenter Zhao hadn’t been in the military camp long, but he had already mastered a set of survival skills. When he saw someone in armor, he called them “General”; ordinary soldiers he called “Military Lord”; and for those without armor but with a distinguished bearing, regardless of their actual rank, he addressed them as “Sir.”

Now, upon seeing Gongsu Yin, Carpenter Zhao quickly bowed and said, “This old one greets the Sir.”

Gongsu Yin made a gesture of support and smiled warmly, “No need for such formalities, elder. I’ve heard that you have a niece’s husband named Yan Zheng?”

Carpenter Zhao had been trying to get news of Yan Zheng during his days in the camp, but with tens of thousands of recruits, he hadn’t been able to find out anything. By chance, he had unexpectedly treated a captain’s ailment. That captain was a man of his word and told Carpenter Zhao to come to him if he had any difficulties. Afraid that asking about a neighbor wouldn’t be taken seriously, Carpenter Zhao had lied and said he was looking for his niece’s husband, asking the captain to help inquire.

The captain was true to his word and took it to heart. After finding out that Yan Zheng was among the thousand men lent to Yanzhou, he immediately informed Carpenter Zhao. Like most craftsmen, Carpenter Zhao was kept under watch to prevent them from fleeing, and couldn’t move freely around the camp. So Carpenter Zhao entrusted the captain to pass on the bundle prepared by Fan Changyu to Xie Zheng.

After delivering the items, the captain reported back to Carpenter Zhao, who then felt relieved, thinking he had fulfilled his duty to Fan Changyu.

Now, with this well-dressed young man suddenly coming to find him, Carpenter Zhao couldn’t guess the reason. He wondered if he was going to be punished for lying about Yan Zheng being his niece’s husband.

His lips twitched a few times, and finally, with a heart full of trepidation, he nodded.

Seeing that he had found the right person, Gongsu Yin’s fox-like eyes crinkled into crescents. He even went so far as to ask the soldier for a tent, inviting Carpenter Zhao to sit with him for a while.

Carpenter Zhao had never experienced such treatment and felt quite uneasy after entering the tent.

Gongsu Yin smiled politely and amiably, even pouring tea for him, “I heard that you cured Captain Hu’s rheumatism. With your medical skills, why are you in the craftsmen’s camp instead of being a military doctor?”

Carpenter Zhao replied somewhat embarrassedly, “This old one’s medical skills are shallow. I used to treat animals. How could I dare to be a military doctor?”

Learning that the other was a veterinarian, Gongsu Yin smiled and said, “So Captain Hu was your first human patient?”

Carpenter Zhao answered honestly, “Not exactly. I was a veterinarian for over a decade before switching to carpentry. My first human patient was my niece’s husband. He was severely injured at that time, and even the medical clinics in town didn’t dare to treat him. That’s when I took the risk of using medicine to save him.”

Gongsu Yin was stunned at first, then burst out laughing. Seeing Carpenter Zhao’s confused look, he coughed several times to suppress his laughter and said, “He was at the end of his rope when he met you. It must have been his lucky day.”

Carpenter Zhao repeatedly denied this, saying, “My niece carried him back from the wilderness. If she hadn’t picked him up, even if he hadn’t died from his injuries, he would have frozen to death in the icy snow.”

Gongsu Yin thought to himself that a beauty saving a hero was indeed a good story. He couldn’t resist asking curiously, “So he married your niece afterward?”

Seeing him probe so deeply, Carpenter Zhao looked at him more closely, wondering silently why this official was inquiring about Yan Zheng’s marriage.

Gongsu Yin also realized that his intentions were too obvious and had to find a casual reason to cover up: “Your niece’s husband is quite favored by our general. The general always wants to know the background of those he intends to use heavily, so he sent me to inquire a bit.”

Although Carpenter Zhao hadn’t read many books, he had lived for decades and seen all sorts of things. The battle hadn’t even started, and Yan Zheng had already caught the eye of a general. Carpenter Zhao thought, “Oh no, could it be that Yan Zheng is too good-looking and some general wants to take him as a son-in-law? What about Changyu? Surely it won’t be another situation like Song Yan?”

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Carpenter Zhao said, “In response to the Sir’s question, that boy later married into my niece’s family.”

Gongsu Yin, who had been drinking tea, immediately spat it out upon hearing this. The usually silver-tongued man now stumbled over his words: “Ma-married in?”

Even the young emperor wouldn’t dare to speak so boldly about having Xie Zheng marry into a commoner family. What a joke!

Seeing his loss of composure, Carpenter Zhao became more certain of his guess.

He quickly added, “Yan Zheng was carried back from the snow by my niece, barely surviving. Later, he was bedridden with injuries and couldn’t even get up. It was my niece who didn’t mind his condition, let him stay to recover, and earned money by butchering pigs to buy medicine for him… As time went on, they naturally developed feelings for each other.”

Gongsu Yin had just wiped the tea from the corners of his mouth when he heard this. His expression became extremely peculiar: “Your niece… is a butcher?”

He had been wondering earlier how an ordinary woman could easily carry Xie Zheng.

Afraid that he might look down on Fan Changyu, Carpenter Zhao explained, “That girl has had a hard life. Her family used to make a living by butchering pigs and even ran a meat shop in town. Their life was quite prosperous. Who would have thought that her parents would die at the hands of mountain bandits, leaving only her and a five-year-old younger sister? To make a living, she had no choice but to rely on pig butchering to support the family.”

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Gongsu Yin’s face and felt a bit smug when he saw Gongsu Yin’s complex expression.

He said all this to tell the official that Fan Changyu’s kindness to Yan Zheng was as heavy as a mountain. If they forced Xie Zheng to marry some general’s daughter, it would be immoral.

Even if, by some remote chance, Yan Zheng agreed to marry a general’s daughter, his character would be considered low. After all, if he could abandon a wife who had saved his life, these officials should think twice about marrying their daughters to him.

Little did he know that after hearing Carpenter Zhao’s words, Gongsu Yin had imagined a stout woman with thick arms, holding a butcher’s knife, with a face full of rough features.

He let out a sharp hiss, then remembered Xie Zheng’s words “She’s unwilling to be with me,” and quickly rubbed his arms.

No wonder that fellow wasn’t interested in women. So this was his taste?

Gongsu Yin, holding onto his last bit of hope, asked with a complex mood, “So Yan Zheng married into your niece’s family out of gratitude?”

Carpenter Zhao immediately bristled, “How could it be just out of gratitude? That young couple is very much in love! When some local ruffians went to make trouble at my niece’s home, it was my niece’s husband who drove them away. He’s literate, and when he saw my niece working so hard, leaving early and returning late to butcher pigs to earn money for his treatment, even before he was fully recovered, he asked me to help him get work writing essays at the town’s bookshop. During the New Year, he even wrote Spring Festival couplets for all the neighbors in the alley! When my niece was too busy at the pork shop, once he was a bit better, he went to help sell pork…”

As Carpenter Zhao continued to enthusiastically describe the young couple’s loving daily life, Gongsu Yin imagined Xie Zheng selling pork and couldn’t help but shudder again, feeling goosebumps rise on his arms.

What on earth had that fellow gone through during his days of misfortune?

Marrying into a butcher girl’s family?

He drew in a sharp breath — it was too shocking.

From what he knew of Xie Zheng, if Xie Zheng didn’t want to do something, not even the Jade Emperor coming down from heaven could force him. So Xie Zheng must have willingly married into the family.

It was precisely because he understood this point that Gongsu Yin found it even more outrageous.

Could it be that fellow truly liked stout and fierce women?

Gongsu Yin thought that if the noble ladies of the capital knew about this, they would probably cry their hearts out…

Seeing the official’s expression changing unpredictably, Carpenter Zhao feared they might still have some designs on Xie Zheng, so he added, “By the time this war is over and my niece’s husband returns home, their child might already be running around.”

The expression on Gongsu Yin’s face could only be described as horrified, “Your… your niece is with child?”

Carpenter Zhao stammered, “That’s hard to say for sure. In our village before, there were cases where soon after the men were conscripted, their wives at home discovered they were pregnant.”

But in his heart, he was thinking that even if those high-ranking families could tolerate their son-in-law having concubines and serving maids, they certainly couldn’t accept him having illegitimate children before the wedding.

Gongsu Yin, who was always elegant and refined in public, truly lost his composure this time. His mind was in turmoil.

The usually arrogant Xie Zheng had fallen for a butcher’s daughter.

Gongsu Yin couldn’t help but pinch his thigh hard. The pain made him grimace, confirming this wasn’t a dream. His expression became increasingly disbelieving. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Carpenter Zhao, he left with a look of doubting life itself.

Carpenter Zhao watched his shocked and bewildered retreating figure, feeling quite pleased as he drank a cup of tea.

He had successfully warded off some unwanted attention for the young couple-

As Gongsu Yin was leaving the military tent, he happened to run into the captain from the Jizhou army who had come to ask Carpenter Zhao for more medicinal plasters.

The man recognized Gongsu Yin and respectfully clasped his hands in greeting, “Mr. Gongsu.”

Gongsu Yin, still in a daze, nodded in acknowledgment and asked, “That carpenter who used to be a veterinarian, is he the one who cured your rheumatism?”

Captain Hu was a rough man and didn’t have any reservations about Carpenter Zhao being a former veterinarian. With his rheumatism no longer causing pain, he had been feeling quite comfortable these past two days. He immediately grinned and nodded, “That’s right. Does Mr. Gongsu have business with him?”

So he hadn’t found the wrong person.

The carpenter’s niece’s husband was undoubtedly Xie Zheng.

Gongsu Yin said, “Just asking casually.”

After returning to the Yanzhou camp with a look of doubting life itself, he called over an orderly and whispered some instructions before saying with a complex expression, “Don’t disturb that woman, just keep an eye on her movements.”

Once the guards received their orders and departed, Gongsun Yin stared at Xie Zheng’s military tent for a moment. Recalling Xie Zheng’s earlier despondent demeanor, he shivered and muttered, “Could it be that guy hasn’t seen a woman in a long time?”

Feeling out of sorts, Xie Zheng had just returned from a patrol, riding back on his jet-black stallion, which still puffed white steam from its nostrils. Hearing Gongsun Yin’s comment, he coldly remarked from a short distance, “Haven’t seen a woman in a long time? Should I have someone throw you into the Yihong Courtyard tonight?”

In the past, Gongsun Yin would never have dared to respond, but after the jolt he received from encountering Zhao the Carpenter today, he was too affected to hold back. Meeting Xie Zheng’s icy gaze, he seriously considered the suggestion for a moment before replying, “Jiu Heng, neither of us has ever been to a brothel. Why don’t we go take a look?”

He mainly wanted to confirm whether there was something wrong with Xie Zheng’s perception.

Xie Zheng paused, his hand that was curling the horsewhip momentarily still. He raised his eyes, and the casualness in them had vanished: “If you were one of my martial generals, a hundred military whips would be a light punishment.”

Gongsun Yin realized he had misspoken. However, if he simply accepted the punishment to appease Xie Zheng, their friendship would be strained. He shrugged and smiled, “Unfortunately, I’m not.”

Handing his warhorse over to a personal guard, Xie Zheng brushed past him toward the military tent, leaving behind a parting remark: “Don’t disrupt military discipline.”

Gongsun Yin watched his retreating figure and clicked his tongue in intrigue. “I’m increasingly curious about what sort of extraordinary woman could awaken your senses.”

Lin’an Town.

Under the night sky, a thick layer of snow blanketed the eaves and treetops, casting a silence over the town, where not even a single bark from a dog could be heard.

“Bandits are here!”

“They’re killing people! Run for your lives!”

Fleeing from the county town, the villagers screamed in panic, their cries piercing the stillness of the snowy night. Those asleep in the town were jolted awake, hastily wrapping themselves in clothing and clutching their children as they rushed outside.

However, as soon as they opened the door, a gleaming sword was thrust into their chests.

A man, whose eyes were wide open in death, was kicked aside by the bandits outside, while a woman inside clutched her child and sought refuge in a corner. Yet, the child was forcibly snatched away by the invading bandits, who laughed cruelly as they dragged the woman by her hair toward the bed…

Before long, the entire Lin’an Town was engulfed in flames, with the cries of children and the bandits’ roars creating a terrifying cacophony.

Amidst the inferno, one man sat atop a towering horse, coldly observing the chaos as the bandits slaughtered and plundered. He glanced down at the County Magistrate of Qingping County, who was being held like a dead dog in his grasp, and lazily asked, “Where does that woman live?”

Magistrate Liu, having learned that the bandits attacked Qingping County after conscripting the able-bodied men, had fled with his entire family without a second thought. He believed the bandits would be satisfied with slaughtering the townsfolk.

Yet, despite having traveled over ten miles in his cart, he was still pursued by this man on horseback.

Now, drenched in blood and jostled along the way, he was thoroughly frightened, pleading, “I don’t know! I truly don’t know…”

Omg this chapter is so dang funnyyyy. Except for the last part about lin an town

Gakuat ngakak banget. Perasaan Xie Zheng dibuat naik turun. Dari galau-penasaran-terharu- sakit hati 😂😂😂 pas liat besek dari changyu

Zhu Yu – Chapter 57

The scorching wind, carrying the acrid smell of smoke, melted the snowflakes that had yet to fall in the night sky.

A barefoot child ran crying from a house engulfed in flames, only to be cut down by mountain bandits after a few steps in the snow. The splattered blood stained the hooves of Sui Yuanqing’s horse.

He toyed with a gleaming dagger in his hand, looking down at County Magistrate Liu: “Wasn’t it your plan to kidnap me and placate the people’s anger? For every person I lost in Qingping County that day, I’ll take back a hundred or a thousandfold tonight.”

He tapped the magistrate’s face with his dagger, sneering: “You claim not to know the identity of the man in the blue demon mask, nor the maid from your household who captured me?”

The blade suddenly plunged downward, opening a gash on the magistrate’s body. Liu immediately howled like a slaughtered pig.

Sui Yuanqing spoke deliberately: “Do you know now?”

To claim credit for quelling the uprising in Qingping County, Magistrate Liu had falsely announced that he and his subordinates had planned the capture of Sui Yuanqing’s group. Only now did he realize his grave error.

His fat face trembling, he cried with snot and tears: “This lowly one truly doesn’t know where that woman lives. She’s not a maid from my household. I only know her name is Fan Changyu, a butcher’s daughter from Lin’an Town. I beg Your High—”

A scarred man rode up from among the bandits. Sui Yuanqing’s expression changed, and he slit the magistrate’s throat before he could utter “Highness,” throwing the body off the horse.

The scarred man, hearing that Sui Yuanqing was searching for a woman, said discontentedly: “Fifth Brother, didn’t you say you were looking for the person who injured you that day? Why are you inquiring about a maid from his household?”

Sui Yuanqing smiled slightly: “My enemy is indeed a maid from the magistrate’s household.”

Upon hearing this, the scarred man’s expression relaxed, but his tone remained threatening: “Given Thirteenth Sister’s temperament, she won’t tolerate any of your outside dalliances.”

Sui Yuanqing’s smile didn’t reach his eyes: “Elder Brother jests. That woman nearly sent me to a watery grave. This grudge must be settled, no matter what.”

The scarred man looked at the dead magistrate on the ground. “Our brothers have already ransacked the magistrate’s residence and found no skilled maid. You rode out over ten miles to search but found nothing. Could she fly or vanish into thin air?”

He turned to Sui Yuanqing: “We’ve plundered Qingping County clean. The troops from Ji Prefecture will surely come to suppress us soon. We must return to Qingfeng Stronghold quickly.”

His implication was clear – he didn’t want Sui Yuanqing to continue searching for the woman.

Sui Yuanqing tugged at his reins, steadying his restless steed. With a faint smile, he said: “I’ll follow Elder Brother’s lead.”

Seeing that Sui Yuanqing had indeed given up the search for the woman who had wounded him, the scarred man was somewhat satisfied. He shouted: “After we finish plundering this town, we return to Qingfeng Stronghold!”

Sui Yuanqing, with a long spear hanging from his saddle, spurred his horse to follow at a leisurely pace. When a ragged townsperson darted out from a dark alley, he casually struck out a spray of blood without even blinking.

Witnessing this, the scarred man seemed to finally let down his guard completely and rode off to inspect elsewhere.

Sui Yuanqing, however, gripped his spear and lowered his head slightly on horseback, asking the person he had struck down and left half-dead on the ground, “Where does Fan Changyu live?”

As this name left his lips, his smile took on an intriguing edge, tinged with a hint of aggression and destructiveness.

Finding that woman would likely lead him to the man in the blue demon mask as well.

The person on the ground, with blood gushing from their chest, extended a trembling hand, driven by survival instinct, and pointed in a direction: “West… west of the city…”

Sui Yuanqing spurred his horse, heading west through the fire and flying snow.

The not-yet-fully-healed wound on his side twinged with faint pain from the horse’s jolting, but it did nothing to diminish the pleasure in his heart.

Lin’an Town was far less prosperous than Qingping County. The mountain bandits, having just plundered Qingping County, found this bony morsel of Lin’an Town less appealing. They mainly targeted wealthy households, finding it troublesome to raid poorer homes.

Most of the time, they couldn’t find much silver and had to threaten the hiding residents with knives to make them reveal their well-hidden savings from various nooks and crannies.

As Sui Yuanqing rode into the alley where Fan Changyu’s home was located, he saw many people—old and young—lying scattered in the alley. He was holding someone he had captured along the way.

Thinking his prey might have already been taken by others, he narrowed his eyes, his tone still lazy but turning cold: “Which house belongs to Fan Changyu?”

The bloodied person in his grasp tremblingly pointed to the second house from the end of the alley.

Sui Yuanqing released the person, who thought he had escaped death and began to crawl away. Just as he stood up, a knife pierced his chest, and he fell straight down, adding another corpse to the ground.

Sui Yuanqing glanced at the fresh blood on the knife he had picked up, disgustedly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and then stepped into Fan’s house.

The Fan residence had been ransacked. The courtyard was a mess, and the main house door stood wide open, not looking like anyone was hiding inside.

Yet Sui Yuanqing showed no intention of leaving. He held up a torch and entered the house.

Inside, all drawers and cabinets were open, jars and bottles shattered on the floor, and bedding strewn about—the work of someone searching for hidden silver.

He was about to leave when he noticed another door behind the kitchen. After a moment’s hesitation, he walked over with his torch.

Opening the door revealed the Fan family’s backyard: a pigsty, a well covered with a heavy stone slab, and a stone bench used for slaughtering pigs.

Sui Yuanqing scanned the area and was turning to leave when his gaze fell on the stone slab covering the old well. He suddenly stopped.

By the torchlight, he could see a finger-thick layer of snow on the stone slab covering the old well, but there was also a thick layer of snow on the ground beneath the well’s edge, shielded by the slab.

The stone slab had been placed there recently.

Why cover the well with a slab?

Naturally, to hide something at the bottom of the well.

The stone slab looked to weigh over a hundred jin. Anyone else might have assumed this was just an abandoned well and walked away.

Sui Yuanqing, however, began to laugh softly, his eyes curving into pleasant crescents, seeming to be in a good mood.

He walked towards the slab-covered well, torch in hand, step by step. The clear “crunch” of snow under his feet, mixed with the distant wailing, seemed to tread on someone’s heartstrings.

As he reached out to lift the stone slab, a murderous intent swept towards him from behind.

Sui Yuanqing quickly dodged to the side. A boning knife grazed past his ear and embedded itself in the courtyard wall not far away.

Before Sui Yuanqing could look towards where the boning knife had come from, the person hiding on the roof had already leaped down with the agility of a leopard. Their hand, wielding a bleeding knife, once again aimed straight for his vital points.

Sui Yuanqing dodged on instinct, but his opponent held two knives. One slashed past while the other chopped down, giving him no chance to breathe.

This time, Fan Changyu truly intended to kill. The old well concealed Changning, Madam Zhao, and several neighboring families. If she failed, they would surely die.

Her knife strikes were swift and fierce. In her left hand was a cleaver, in her right a bleeding knife that could both slash and stab. Her moves could hardly be called techniques; she simply sought speed, forcing her opponent to defend without any chance to counterattack.

Sui Yuanqing tried several times to draw his sword, but Fan Changyu’s relentless knife attacks forced him to abandon the attempt. He could only retreat repeatedly to avoid her advancing blade.

He resorted to using his torch as a weapon, wielding it so that it whistled through the air, its flames trailing like an orange-yellow ribbon. But Fan Changyu’s attacks did not lessen, leaving him no opportunity to counterattack.

Sui Yuanqing dared not directly parry her butcher’s knives with his torch. He could only use it to strike the backs of her blades or dodge and block.

This made his defense particularly strenuous, especially since his opponent seemed tireless. Not only were her knife strikes swift and fierce, but even after fighting for so long, her strength hadn’t diminished at all. The base of his thumb had split open from the impact, and his hand holding the torch was going numb.

Sui Yuanqing cursed inwardly at this woman’s monstrous stamina.

In the flickering light, Fan Changyu’s eyes were cold and sharp, like a tiger or leopard tearing at an intruder, filled with a ruthless determination to fight to the death. It was completely different from the naive and honest demeanor she had shown when they first met.

When she became fierce, there was an inexplicably captivating quality to the corners of her eyes and the arch of her brows.

Sui Yuanqing stared at this beautiful yet severe face, momentarily dazed. In that instant, the torch in his hand was sliced in two, and the bleeding knife plunged deep into his shoulder blade. If his opponent had exerted more force to twist the blade, half his arm might have been severed.

The intense pain snapped Sui Yuanqing back to his senses. Just before Fan Changyu could sever his tendons, he shouted: “If you harm me, neither you nor the people in the well will leave here alive.”

Fan Changyu’s knife paused.

Sui Yuanqing immediately found his bargaining chip and said: “If you let me go, I’ll spare you and those in the well.”

Fan Changyu coldly retorted: “Why should I trust you?”

Just then, a mountain bandit outside, having discovered Sui Yuanqing’s horse left in the alley, called out: “Fifth Boss, are you in there?”

Blood from Sui Yuanqing’s wound had soaked half his clothes. He raised an eyebrow nonchalantly: “Whether you believe me or not is up to you.”

All decisions had to be made in an instant. Before the people outside could enter, Fan Changyu withdrew the bleeding knife from Sui Yuanqing’s shoulder blade and switched to a small boning knife, pressing it against the space between his left ribs.

A thrust there would pierce his heart.

Fan Changyu spoke in a low voice: “I told you last time that I’d show you how we bleed pigs during the New Year. If you don’t behave, this knife will send you to meet the King of Hell before me.”

Using the knife to keep him in check, she pulled him up. As she kicked away the huge stone slab covering the well mouth, the mountain bandits searching for people in the Fan residence heard the noise and headed towards the backyard.

Several torches illuminated this small space. The group saw Sui Yuanqing pressing a woman against the wall, with a discarded wooden door lying on the ground, seemingly the source of the earlier noise.

Little did they know that beneath that door lay the bleeding knife that had just gouged a large hole in Sui Yuanqing’s shoulder blade.

Sui Yuanqing’s wound hadn’t healed, and he wore a thick cloak over his shoulders. At this moment, the woman’s form was completely hidden within the cloak.

Seeing this, the group of mountain bandits exchanged knowing smiles.

One of them said: “We’ve interrupted Fifth Boss’s good time.”

Sui Yuanqing only laughed and cursed: “Since you know, why don’t you get out of here?”

As he casually draped his arm around Fan Changyu’s waist, she pushed her boning knife forward slightly. The skin on his chest was lightly cut, the cold edge of the blade pressing against his flesh. Sui Yuanqing finally restrained himself, his hand resting lightly on Fan Changyu’s clothes, appearing at a glance to be an embrace.

However, he lowered his voice and teased: “If you want to use me as a hostage, how else can I get you out and help you conceal the people in the well?”

Fan Changyu remained silent, but the knife’s edge didn’t advance further.

She leaned against his chest, seemingly shy, with most of her face hidden by the cloak. In reality, she was coldly holding the knife to his vital point.

Sui Yuanqing lowered his gaze to look at her ear, the only part visible in the firelight. A tingling itch arose at the root of his teeth, and he longed to bite that earlobe, preferably hard enough to draw blood and leave a mark.

Just thinking about it filled him with an inexplicable pleasure.

He had fallen into this woman’s hands twice now, each time more severely injured than the last.

Surprisingly, he didn’t feel annoyed. Having grown accustomed to women who were submissive to him, this experience felt strangely novel.

It was like taming a wild horse; he enjoyed the feeling of slowly bringing her under his control.

However, the memory of her calling out to the man in the blue demon mask as they fell from the building flashed through his mind, intensifying the itch at the root of his teeth. He lowered his head slightly, bringing his lips close to her ear to ask: “Why hasn’t that masked man come to help you this time?”

Fan Changyu’s boning knife unhesitatingly pressed forward a fraction.

Feeling the coolness against his chest, Sui Yuanqing’s lips curved into a thin smile as he straightened up.

To onlookers, this scene appeared as if he had whispered something flirtatious to the woman in his arms. The group of bandits cast lecherous glances towards the woman hidden under Sui Yuanqing’s cloak.

However, Fan Changyu’s entire form was concealed by the cloak. They could only tell that she seemed taller than the average woman, but nothing else was discernible.

Sui Yuanqing said: “Let’s go. Elder Brother must be getting impatient.”

Using the cloak as cover, Fan Changyu kept the boning knife pressed against him as they walked out, her mind working on a plan.

After this commotion, hardly any bandits paid attention to the well in the courtyard.

The old well was originally used as a cellar and had a rope ladder inside. Once the bandits left, the people in the well could climb up using the ladder.

She only needed to hold this man hostage until she estimated Madam Zhao and the others had escaped with Changning. Then she would have him take her to a secluded place, where she could easily overpower him and escape on her own.

However… after the Ji Prefecture officials had quelled the rebellion and discovered this man was a rebel from Chong Prefecture, how had he become involved with this group of mountain bandits?

The official notice posted by the government didn’t specify Sui Yuanqing’s identity. Fan Changyu only knew he was a rebel, not that he was the Crown Prince of Long Xin.

As Fan Changyu pondered this, a sudden shout came from outside the alley: “The Big Boss is here!”

Fan Changyu discreetly glanced at the man the bandits called Big Boss, only to see his face twisted in anger as he lashed out with a whip directly at her.

Fan Changyu knew she couldn’t block that whip. In the instant the scarred man struck, she yanked her boning knife to the side.

She didn’t stab deeper, but she did widen the wound.

Faced with this silent threat, Sui Yuanqing’s smile deepened. As the whip was about to strike her, he caught it barehanded.

The force of the whip rebounded onto his hand, instantly raising a welt on the back of his hand. Yet he seemed oblivious to the pain, raising his eyes to look at the scarred man on horseback: “What is Elder Brother doing?”

The scar-faced man barked, “You plan to bring this woman back to Qingfeng Stronghold?”

Sui Yuanqing replied calmly, “It’s not easy to find someone who suits my tastes.”

Without hesitation, the scar-faced man threw a blade at Sui Yuanqing’s feet. “If you still want to marry Lady Thirteen, then kill this woman.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 58

Fan Changyu noticed that Sui Yuanqing was clearly at odds with the bandit leader. He seemed to have a marriage arrangement, making her silently curse him for deceit.

The bandit leader wanted him to kill her. If he refused, the bandit leader would do it himself, and her act of holding him hostage would be exposed.

For a moment, Fan Changyu’s palm holding the boning knife broke out in cold sweat, but she struggled to maintain her composure.

The worst outcome would be someone discovering that she had taken him hostage. As long as she could take his life before he could reveal that there were still people hidden in the dry well, Changningg and the others would remain safe.

She was alone and had nothing to lose. If she could steal a horse, escape might not be impossible.

Sui Yuanqing was very close to Fan Changyu and could feel her entire body tensing up, like a predator ready to pounce and tear its prey apart at any moment.

If she decided to use the knife, he would undoubtedly be the first to meet his demise.

Sui Yuanqing didn’t tease her at this critical moment. He chuckled lightly and said, “Elder Brother, do you want me to remain chaste for Thirteenth Miss and devote myself only to her for life?”

Being bandits themselves, they were well aware of men’s vices.

The scarred man shouted, “She’s my only sister. I don’t care what happens later, but you haven’t even married her yet, and you’re already bringing another woman back to the stronghold. What do you take our Qingfeng Stronghold for?”

Sui Yuanqing frowned, his tone suddenly carrying a hint of sincerity: “I joined Qingfeng Stronghold and became your sworn brother. I didn’t rely on any woman’s connections. I, Qin Yuan, am just a wanderer, truly unworthy of Thirteenth Miss. Elder Brother, why don’t you find a better match for Thirteenth Miss? From now on, I’ll treat her like my own sister. If anyone dares to bully her, I’ll be the first to not let them off.”

The scarred man gritted his teeth and said, “So you look down on my sister that much?”

Sui Yuanqing lowered his gaze: “It’s I, Qin Yuan, who is fickle by nature and unworthy of being Thirteenth Miss’s good husband. Today, Elder Brother may force me to kill this woman, but what about tomorrow? If I take a liking to someone, will Elder Brother force me to kill her too? This will only damage our brotherhood in the long run. It’s better to clear things up now.”

Although the scarred man was furious, he knew there was truth in Sui Yuanqing’s words.

It was precisely because of his playboy image that he had captivated Thirteenth Miss’s heart. But given his nature, even if he could force him for a while, could he force him for a lifetime?

Still, he felt indignant on behalf of his sister and shouted, “Thirteenth Miss saved you from the riverside. Let’s not even mention this life-saving grace, but you’ve already been intimate with her. If you don’t marry Thirteenth Miss, where does that leave her?”

Sui Yuanqing raised his eyes: “Elder Brother, are you resorting to these worldly arguments just to make me marry Thirteenth Miss?”

The scarred man’s expression turned ugly. He knew his words didn’t hold much weight.

Men and women of the jianghu world weren’t bound by such trivial matters. To use that bit of intimacy when his sister saved him as an argument would truly make them a laughingstock if word got out.

In the end, he didn’t press further. With a gloomy face, he turned his horse around and barked, “Back to Qingfeng Stronghold!”

The group of underlings followed him, leaving only a few behind to flatter Sui Yuanqing: “Fifth Boss is truly a man of honor. Some people used to say Fifth Boss relied on Thirteenth Miss to gain the Big Boss’s favor, but it’s clear that Big Boss values Fifth Boss’s skills. He wanted to marry his sister to Fifth Boss. On the day Black Dragon Stronghold attacked our stronghold, it was all thanks to Fifth Boss’s strategy that we defeated them…”

With Fan Changyu’s knife still pressed against his side, Sui Yuanqing had no patience to listen to these lackeys praising him. He interrupted them, saying, “Don’t speak nonsense, lest you damage the brotherhood between me and Elder Brother. He treats me like a real brother and is just being overprotective of Thirteenth Miss. Let’s head back to the stronghold.”

Chastened, the men looked embarrassed and didn’t dare to say anything more to curry favor with him.

Fan Changyu remained silent, but from their conversation, she now understood why Sui Yuanqing was mixed up with these bandits.

It turned out that after he was injured by Yan Zheng and escaped down the river, he was rescued by the people of Qingfeng Stronghold.

She noticed that among the flattering underlings, one man had inconspicuously moved forward. She surmised that this person must be the Big Boss’s man, which was why Sui Yuanqing had deliberately said those words.

Fan Changyu thought to herself that this guy truly had as many schemes as a lotus root had holes.

With a knife pressed against his chest, Sui Yuanqing acted as if nothing was wrong and led Fan Changyu to the horse. He then lowered his head and asked in a hushed voice, “With your knife against me, how am I supposed to mount the horse?”

Whether he mounted first or Fan Changyu did, she wouldn’t be able to continue holding him hostage.

The few underlings assumed Sui Yuanqing was flirting and couldn’t help but glance a few times, though they didn’t dare to be presumptuous. They whispered a couple of lewd jokes and laughed as they went ahead.

One of the underlings said, “This time we’ve scored big. We can take a good rest when we get back to the stronghold. Last time, when the Big Boss led us to ambush that armed escort to find some treasure map, it turned out to be fake…”

Fan Changyu, who had been focusing solely on dealing with Sui Yuanqing, suddenly heard this and felt her blood almost reverse its flow.

Ambushing an armed escort, a treasure map…

Didn’t the officials previously conclude that her parents died at the hands of bandits because of a treasure map?

Could it be such a coincidence that her parents were killed by this very group?

She could barely suppress the murderous aura emanating from her body.

Seeing her silent but with a sudden surge of killing intent, Sui Yuanqing became alert. He thought Fan Changyu might want to kill him on the spot and escape alone on horseback.

He said, “Killing me here isn’t a wise choice unless you want to face several hundred people alone.”

Fan Changyu tightened her grip on the knife handle. She knew this wasn’t the time to act on impulse. There would be other opportunities to avenge her parents. Changningg and Mrs. Zhao were still in the dry well; leading these bandits away was an urgent matter.

After a brief consideration, she said, “Take off your sword and give it to me. You mount the horse first, then pull me up.”

Sui Yuanqing thought he had persuaded her and smirked as he complied.

As he turned to grab the saddle, Fan Changyu unexpectedly swung her hand like a knife towards the back of his neck. Having fallen for this trick before and being on guard this time, Sui Yuanqing dodged to the side as Fan Changyu’s hand came down. He then moved like lightning to intercept her hand, gripping it tightly. Fan Changyu let out a muffled groan, feeling her entire arm go limp. She knew it must have been dislocated.

Sui Yuanqing looked at the cold sweat breaking out on her forehead and said leisurely, “I won’t fall for the same trick twice…”

Fan Changyu’s slightly round almond eyes glared at him fiercely, a hint of ruthlessness in them.

As Sui Yuanqing pulled her dislocated arm towards him, intending to grab her other hand, Fan Changyu kicked him hard between the legs.

This time it was Sui Yuanqing’s turn to groan in pain. He crouched down, his face contorted, and gritted out, “You…”

He hadn’t expected Fan Changyu to use such an underhanded move.

Fan Changyu didn’t care about fighting fair. As he crouched down, she immediately struck the back of his neck twice with her elbow. Sui Yuanqing felt his vision blur and finally staggered and fell.

The commotion attracted the attention of the underlings walking ahead.

Holding torches, they saw Fan Changyu dragging the unconscious Sui Yuanqing like a dead dog, and they all froze in shock.

Fan Changyu had no time to think. She quickly dragged Sui Yuanqing onto the horse’s back.

She wanted to finish him off with a knife right there, but Sui Yuanqing’s earlier words made sense. Even at her peak, she might not be able to handle this group of bandits. Now, with one of her arms dislocated, it was even more dangerous. It was better to keep him alive; in a critical moment, she could still use him as a hostage to save her life.

All this happened in an instant. The underlings finally reacted and shouted, “That woman has taken Fifth Boss hostage!”

A group of men wielding torches and swords rushed forward to stop Fan Changyu, but she had already mounted the horse. She dug her heels into the horse’s flanks and charged out of the alley. The underlings, fearing for their lives, either dodged or were knocked against the wall. In the end, they couldn’t stop her.

The commotion made the scarred man, who was riding at the front, turn his head to look. In the blazing torchlight, he saw a spirited horse carrying two people burst out of the alley. The one holding the reins was a woman.

The woman also spotted him and, after a moment’s hesitation, quickly turned the horse around and galloped in the opposite direction down the main street.

The underlings chasing from the alley shouted, “Fifth Boss is on that woman’s horse!”

The scarred man recalled how the woman had been leaning against Sui Yuanqing earlier, looking boneless in a way unbefitting a respectable lady. He immediately sensed something was amiss and spurred his horse to give chase, shouting, “Stop that woman!”

Fan Changyu led the pursuing group of more than ten li out of Linan Town. Among the bandits were skilled mounted archers who kept shooting arrows at her. Fan Changyu had no choice but to place the unconscious Sui Yuanqing behind her on the horse, using him as a human shield. The archers, wary of hitting him, finally stopped their barrage of arrows.

However, her horse, carrying two people, couldn’t outrun the mounted bandits behind her. As time passed, the pursuers drew closer and closer. The thunderous hoofbeats from the official road behind almost synced with Fan Changyu’s heartbeat.

Fan Changyu estimated that Mrs. Zhao and the others had already escaped from Linan Town with Changningg. At the upcoming mountain bend, if she could keep the horse running forward to lead the bandits on, she could jump off and temporarily evade their pursuit.

She glanced back at the man serving as her human shield. Remembering the chaos in Qingping County that day and the innocent people who died tonight, she drew the boning knife from her waist.

But before she could stab down, the man who had been jostled on horseback for the entire journey chose this moment to wake up. Seeing the cold glint of the blade, he instinctively grabbed Fan Changyu’s hand with all his might.

Learning from the earlier lesson of having one arm dislocated, Fan Changyu reacted quickly this time. Using his force, she fell backward, her elbow striking hard against the wound on his chest.

Sui Yuanqing let go of her wrist in pain. As Fan Changyu tried to stab again, he had no time to dodge and instead kicked at her knee that was in the stirrup.

Fan Changyu lost her balance and was about to fall off the horse. Her knife changed direction and stabbed the horse’s rump.

As Fan Changyu fell from the horse, the animal let out a pained neigh and began to gallop wildly.

Sui Yuanqing, having just avoided the knife, nearly got thrown off the horse. At the speed the horse was now running, falling off would mean death or at least losing an arm or a leg. Cursing under his breath, he first grabbed the reins tightly to steady himself on the horse’s back.

The ground was covered in snow about a foot deep. Fan Changyu rolled several times after hitting the ground to dissipate the force of the impact. She didn’t sustain any other injuries, but her dislocated arm was pressed during the tumble, causing excruciating pain. Her shoe had also been scraped off by the stirrup when she fell.

Ignoring both the cold and the pain, Fan Changyu quickly got up, picked up her shoe, and threw it towards the riverbank below the official road. She then plunged into the dense, snow-covered forest on the side of the road.

Soon, the thunderous hoofbeats approached but didn’t stop, continuing to chase after the galloping horse.

Snow was still falling in flurries. Fan Changyu slowly exhaled a breath.

She had thrown her shoe towards the riverbank to make the bandits think she had escaped through the river when they came back to search.

She headed deeper into the pine forest. Snowy weather was the least favorable for hiding, as footprints would be left in the snow wherever one walked. Fortunately, it was nighttime, and without torches, these tracks wouldn’t be easily discovered.

Even so, Fan Changyu broke off a pine branch and used it to sweep away her footprints in the snow.

With the heavy snowfall, once she swept away her tracks, the falling snow would quickly cover any remaining traces.

After dealing with the initial set of footprints leading into the forest, Fan Changyu discarded the pine branch and used the North Star in the sky to navigate her way forward.

With one foot shoeless, wearing only a felt sock, she trudged through the snow, stepping unevenly. The felt sock was quickly soaked by the snow, and a bone-chilling cold crept up from her foot. Her entire leg was almost numb from the cold, causing her lips to turn pale and her body to shiver uncontrollably.

But Fan Changyu didn’t dare to stop for even a moment.

Changningg was still waiting for her-

A team of scouts reached the borders of Qingping County and saw the entire county engulfed in raging flames in the distance. They were all startled.

The well-trained scout soldiers dismounted, preparing to gather intelligence on the enemy situation. Suddenly, they saw a group of about a dozen elderly, weak, women, and children supporting each other as they walked towards them along the rugged path…

Lu City.

At dawn, a swift horse galloped towards the Yan Prefecture military camp.

“The entire Qingping County was massacred?”

In the central command tent, Gongsun Yin’s usually gentle and composed face rarely showed such a grave expression.

The scout who had rushed back overnight to report lowered his head: “When we arrived at Qingping County on Sir’s orders, it was already a ghost town. While investigating the cause, we unexpectedly encountered a few households that had survived.”

Gongsun Yin hurriedly asked, “Where are they accommodated now?”

The scout answered, “I came back first to report, sir. The rest of our troops are escorting those dozen or so survivors to Jizhou Prefecture.”

Gongsun Yin paced around the tent with his hands behind his back, then asked, “Is that butcher’s daughter surnamed Fan among them?”

The scout replied, “No, but her younger sister is. The survivors said that the butcher’s daughter hid them in the cellar of her home and entrusted them to take care of her little sister. After the bandits discovered people hiding in the cellar, the butcher’s daughter somehow lured the bandits away. When those people came out, they couldn’t find the butcher’s daughter’s body. It seems she was taken back to the bandit stronghold.”

Gongsun Yin had never met Fan Changyu, but hearing his subordinate’s report about how she was captured by the bandits to protect those people, he couldn’t help but admire her courage and sense of righteousness, which was no less than that of any man.

He dismissed the scout and summoned a personal guard: “Where is the Marquis now?”

The guard saluted and replied, “The Marquis went to survey the river valley terrain early this morning.”

Gongsun Yin knew why Xie Zheng had suddenly gone to survey the river valley. Jin Prefecture and Hui Prefecture’s grain routes depended on Chong Prefecture, but Jizhou still had a waterway for transporting grain. However, with the falling water levels since winter, shipping had become impossible. Once spring arrived, this waterway could be reopened.

If Jizhou were to fall, they would truly be at Prince Changxin’s mercy.

To defend Jizhou, Lu City, as a barrier, could not be lost.

He and Xie Zheng had discussed that the most effective way to deal with Prince Changxin’s army of 50,000 was to take advantage of the spring flood after the thaw.

Gongsun Yin ordered, “Send someone to find the Marquis immediately!”

Just as he finished speaking, a guard outside the tent called out, “Marquis.”

Gongsun Yin, who had been fretting, quickly went out to greet him.

In the breaking dawn light, the man approaching the tent wore dark armor. His pauldrons and cloak were dusted with fine snow and morning frost. His eyes were cold and stern, and his exceptionally handsome face carried the chill of frost and snow, making it difficult for others to look at him directly.

Upon seeing him, Gongsun Yin got straight to the point: “It seems Qingping County was targeted for revenge. The entire county has been massacred.”

Xie Zheng paused as he was taking off his cloak, “When did this happen?”

Gongsun Yin said, “The scouts just brought back the news. They say it was the work of bandits. The butcher’s daughter from Linan Town, surnamed Fan, was also captured by the bandits. I’ve been thinking it doesn’t seem quite right. The Crown Prince of Changxin hasn’t been found yet. Could this be his retaliation?”

Xie Zheng took a sword from the rack and headed out: “Prepare the horses. Select a hundred light cavalry to accompany me to Qingping County!”

It wasn’t until daybreak that Fan Changyu finally reached the main road. The bandits had long since lost her trail.

She had walked half the night in the snow with one bare foot. Now she was exhausted, and her head was throbbing, possibly due to catching a cold.

Fan Changyu cursed Sui Yuanqing a thousand times in her heart, vowing to take his life the next time they met.

Jizhou Prefecture was south of Qingping County. After leaving Qingping County, Mrs. Zhao and the others would surely go to Jizhou Prefecture to report to the authorities. If she also went to Jizhou Prefecture, she would likely encounter them.

Hearing the distant sound of wagon wheels, Fan Changyu knew that bandits either ambushed in groups or rode horses. It was unlikely to be just a single carriage, so she didn’t try to avoid it.

As the carriage approached, she glanced at it and noticed that although it didn’t look extravagant, its wheels seemed larger than those of ordinary carriages, making it ride smoothly over the snow. The shaft looked sturdy, and the canvas cover was made of a thick material she had never seen before.

Fan Changyu guessed this must be a carriage belonging to some wealthy family. After just a glance, she lowered her head and continued on her way.

The driver, noticing Fan Changyu’s barefoot, remarked to the passenger inside, “That young lady is truly fearless of the cold, walking on the road without shoes in this heavy snow.”

A slender, fair hand lifted the heavy curtain of the carriage. Light-colored eyes reflected the snowy mountain scenery of the official road and the barefoot woman walking along it. A voice said, “It seems she must have encountered some misfortune. Ask where she lives and offer her a ride.”

With the gentleman having spoken, the driver dared not disobey. He stopped the carriage and called out to Fan Changyu, “Young lady, where do you live? My master pities your difficult journey in the snow and is willing to give you a ride.”

Fan Changyu was aware that her current physical condition was not optimal. Her dislocated arm left untreated, had swollen, and her bare foot was numb with cold pain.

She didn’t try to act tough and said, “I want to go to the Jizhou Prefecture office.”

To report to the authorities.

The driver said, “That’s on our way. Come on up.”

After thanking them, Fan Changyu boarded the carriage.

As the curtain was lifted, a wave of warmth rushed out.

A young man in a light blue robe sat on the cushioned seat, reading a book. Though his robe had no patterns or embroidery, it exuded an air of “great simplicity.”

At first glance, Fan Changyu felt he was truly a scholar.

Unlike Song Yan’s self-righteousness or Yan Zheng’s casual and aloof manner, his eyebrows and eyes carried a gentle and peaceful demeanor. He was like a warm ray of sunlight suddenly breaking through the icy snow, inexplicably making people feel close to him.

Seeing Fan Changyu staring at him in a daze, the young man showed no impatience or mockery. He merely nodded politely to her. Noticing the snow on her collar and hair, he pushed the brazier towards her and handed her a cloak made of an incredibly soft material she couldn’t identify.

“Your shoes and socks are soaked through, miss. Please warm yourself up.”

Fan Changyu was aware of how disheveled she looked. Although the furnishings in the carriage appeared simple, they had an air of sophistication she couldn’t quite describe. She tried to sit as close to the door as possible and shook her head, saying, “Thank you, sir, but I’m not cold.”

The frost and snow on her head and eyelashes had melted in the warmth of the carriage, forming tiny water droplets that clung to her. She looked like a small leopard that had just emerged from the morning forest, covered in dew.

Having lost her aggressive demeanor, she now appeared somewhat bewildered, naive, and pitiful.

The young man thought she might be uncomfortable with him in the carriage. He closed his book and smiled warmly, “I’ve been sitting in the carriage for a while and it’s a bit stuffy. I’ll go outside for some fresh air.”

With that, he lifted the curtain and went to sit with the driver outside.

Fan Changyu stared at the swaying heavy curtain, momentarily stunned.

The warmth from the brazier finally brought some feeling back to her frozen hands and feet. She still didn’t take the cloak, instead folding it and placing it on the seat.

She only used the brazier to dry her clothes, which had been soaked by melted snow.

The deerskin wristguards on her hands became warm from the heat, making her entire wrist feel comfortably warm through her clothes.

With one hand dislocated, Fan Changyu found it inconvenient to remove the wristguards, and it would be difficult to put them back on, so she left them on while warming herself by the fire.

When she felt the wristguards becoming hot, she raised her hand to her cheek.

Remembering Yan Zheng’s words on the day he left, she felt an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

Just as her clothes were half-dry and she was about to invite the young man back in, the carriage suddenly came to a halt.

Fan Changyu heard the driver’s muffled groan and the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground. She immediately gripped the boning knife hidden on her person.

The sound of hoofbeats came from outside, followed by laughing voices: “We couldn’t find the woman who injured Fifth Boss, but we’ve stumbled upon a big fish instead.”

The young man was encountering such a situation for the first time. His voice carried a hint of panic, though his words remained composed: “Gentlemen, please don’t harm my servant’s life. You may take all the valuables in the carriage. If it’s not enough, I can write a letter home and have more money brought to you.”

Seeing him so compliant, the bandit robbers burst into laughter. “Good lad, you’re quite sensible!”

Several bandits immediately came forward to lift the curtain and inspect the carriage’s contents. Fearing they might recognize her, Fan Changyu had no choice but to put on the cloak that had been left on the seat.

She hoped that in the darkness of the previous night, with her face concealed by Sui Yuanqing’s cloak, these men wouldn’t remember her specific features.

However, before the curtain was lifted, Fan Changyu heard the sound of a sharp weapon piercing flesh.

From outside came the young man’s furious questioning: “You… why did you kill him?”

The bandits laughed heartily: “You’re the only one worth keeping for ransom. Why should we brothers bother carrying a servant for you? If there were women in the carriage, we might take them back to our stronghold.”

As the bandit used his knife to lift the curtain, the person inside immediately kicked him, sending him flying several meters away.

The remaining bandits were startled by this sudden turn of events and didn’t react immediately.

Fan Changyu, wearing the cloak, leaped to the carriage shaft. She quickly cut the rope harnessing the horse with one slash of her knife. Then, stepping on the shaft, she landed on the horse’s back. With one hand tightly gripping the reins, she spurred the horse forward. As she passed the young man, she scooped him up by the waist onto the horse.

“It’s the woman who injured Fifth Boss, quick, after her!” The bandits, having recovered from their shock, pounced like hyenas.

The young man was inexperienced with horseback riding and nearly fell off. Fan Changyu shouted, “Grab onto my clothes!”

The young man was truly well-mannered. Even with his life in danger, he showed no impropriety. When Fan Changyu told him to grab her clothes, he indeed only clutched the fabric at her waist tightly, nearly falling off the horse several times.

Fan Changyu couldn’t spare the effort to hold onto him, so she grabbed his collar and laid him horizontally in front of her. Now the young man wouldn’t fall off the horse, but he felt like his stomach was about to turn inside out from the jostling.

The bandits behind them were in hot pursuit. At the three-way intersection ahead, another group of bandits came to block their path. Their leader was the scarred man. When the two groups of horsemen collided, they were momentarily stunned.

Fan Changyu noticed that most of the bandits in this new group were covered in blood and looked disheveled as if they had just been through a fierce battle.

Unable to guess who this group of bandits had fought with, she instinctively chose the only clear path to escape.

The group that had been chasing Fan Changyu caught up and, seeing the other group, asked, “Big Boss, why are you here too?”

The scarred man said with hatred, “Qingfeng Stronghold has been destroyed by government troops!”

The bandits chasing Fan Changyu were dumbfounded. “What should we do now?”

The scarred man said, “Catch that woman! The government troops are looking for the woman who injured Fifth Brother last night!”

As the two groups of bandits joined forces to chase her, Fan Changyu cursed silently, wondering why they were so determined to catch her as if she had desecrated their ancestors’ graves.

The official road stretched on ahead, ending at a ferry crossing.

In this freezing weather, only a small boat was docked at the crossing, with no boatman in sight.

Fan Changyu dismounted and, using her uninjured hand, dragged the young man onto the only boat on the ferry. Unable to operate the boat, she used the bamboo pole to push off from the shore, managing to move the boat a few meters from the bank before it stopped advancing.

When the bandits caught up, they didn’t care how cold the winter water was and jumped into the river like dumplings into boiling water.

Fan Changyu used the bamboo pole to fend them off, but there were too many bandits. Some managed to find gaps and grab onto the boat’s gunwale.

Xie Zheng had destroyed the Qingfeng Stronghold but didn’t find Fan Changyu there. After interrogating several bandits and learning that Fan Changyu hadn’t been captured the previous night, he led his cavalry to clear out the escaped bandits.

Pursuing them to this ferry crossing, he saw from afar a woman on the boat whose figure looked familiar. As he got closer, he confirmed it was indeed Fan Changyu! Before the burning anxiety in his heart could subside, he noticed she was desperately protecting a helpless scholar on the boat. Xie Zheng’s lips instantly tightened.

His guard caught up and, seeing Xie Zheng stop his horse, looked at the man and woman on the boat surrounded by bandits and said, “Marquis, those bandits seem to be trying to seize the boat.”

Xie Zheng said coldly, “Bring me a bow.”

His icy gaze, however, was fixed on the young man being protected by Fan Changyu on the boat.

Que hombre tan celoso jajaja

why do I have this feeling that he is going to kill that kind Scholar?!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 59

The weather today was truly dismal, with fine snow falling incessantly and a thin layer of fragmented ice floating along the edges of the river.

Fan Changyu had just swept a bandit clinging to the boat’s gunwale off with her bamboo pole when the young man behind her suddenly let out a yell. As Fan Changyu turned her head, she saw a bandit grabbing one of his feet, forcefully trying to drag him into the water.

More bandits were clambering onto the stern, about to climb aboard. Fan Changyu, unable to deal with multiple threats at once, gritted her teeth. She kicked off the bandit at the stern and swung her bamboo pole backward, thrusting it at the bandit holding the young man’s ankle. Before he could even take a breath, she had jabbed him into the water. The icy river water flooded his mouth and nose, nearly drowning him.

The young man quickly scrambled to his feet. Half of his foot had been pulled into the water, and now his pant leg and socks were soaked through. The bone-chilling cold made his lips turn pale, but he still remembered to thank Fan Changyu: “Thank you, Miss…”

His expression suddenly changed as he shouted, “Look out!”

Fan Changyu instinctively swung her bamboo pole behind her. A scarred man leaped up from beneath the water, wielding a large sword that he swung viciously at her. The bamboo pole in Fan Changyu’s hands was instantly cleaved in two.

Seeing the blade about to reach her face with no time to dodge, Fan Changyu could only lean back as far as possible to avoid vital areas, while thrusting the sharp end of the broken bamboo pole forward.

It was a desperate attempt to take someone down with her, and indeed, the makeshift spear did pierce the scarred man. However, the sword that was supposed to cleave into her left shoulder never came down.

A sharp whistling sound pierced the air as an arrow flew past with tremendous force, so close that Fan Changyu felt the air current stinging her cheek as it grazed her hair.

“Clang!”

A teeth-jarring metallic sound rang out as the arrow struck the scarred man’s sword head-on. Sparks flew as the arrowhead shattered upon impact, while the steel blade in the scarred man’s hand cracked like fragile ice, breaking into pieces.

Several more arrows followed in quick succession, striking the bandits clinging to the boat’s gunwale.

Everyone present was startled by this sudden turn of events.

The scarred man reacted swiftly, immediately drawing a short blade to cut off the bamboo shard embedded in his body. He then plunged into the water, no longer willing to remain on the boat as a sitting target.

Fan Changyu looked in the direction from which the arrows had come, seeing a squad of mounted archers galloping towards them. The soldiers on horseback all wore thick armor, making it impossible to discern which of them had fired the arrow that had shattered the scarred man’s sword.

She assumed that Jizhou Prefecture had learned of the tragedy in Qingping County and had sent troops to eliminate the bandits. A great sense of relief washed over her.

Most of the bandits were nothing more than a ragtag bunch who could barely wield their swords and knives. Faced with skilled mounted archers, they could only flee in panic.

Arrows rained down on the water’s surface like a swarm of locusts. The bandits were tightly packed together, and soon cries of agony filled the air as the river was tinged with blood.

Seeing that they couldn’t reach the shore and that the river water was bone-chillingly cold, a group of bandits adept at swimming began pushing Fan Changyu’s boat toward the middle of the river from underwater.

When Fan Changyu realized that the wooden boat was drifting farther and farther from the ferry dock, she knew the situation had become dire.

Once they were out of arrow range, with only her left on the boat, it would be even more challenging to deal with this group of desperate bandits.

Moreover, the current in the middle of the river was swift. Without even needing to row, the boat was rapidly being carried downstream.

The soldiers on the shore had noticed this as well. They ceased firing arrows, and some who were strong swimmers removed their heavy armor and dove into the river.

The bandits who had pushed the boat away from the dock now surfaced, attempting to seize the vessel once more. Fan Changyu, disregarding the young man’s safety, grabbed him by the collar and said, “Forgive me!”

She then hurled him towards the approaching soldiers in the water.

The young man was shocked, only managing to call out “Miss” before he was thrown in a wide arc and landed in the water.

Not a swimmer, he floundered for a moment before surfacing, frantically splashing in the ice-cold river and shouting for help.

The soldiers swimming towards them had to expend some effort to avoid his flailing arms before grabbing him by the nape of his neck and dragging him toward the shore.

Xie Zheng watched this scene from the riverbank, his lips pressed tightly together. He nocked another arrow to his great bow. His guard was about to mention that the boat had drifted too far, well beyond the range of any bow, when suddenly a flurry of white-feathered arrows burst from Xie Zheng’s bowstring. In the distance, near the boat, bodies began to float to the surface of the river.

The mounted soldiers on the shore, initially stunned, erupted into cheers.

Xie Zheng’s face, however, remained cold.

The boat had reached the middle of the river and was being carried downstream by the current. Arrows could no longer reach the bandits hiding beneath it.

The young man who had been rescued, his face pale blue from the cold and his clothes soaked through, lay on the ground coughing up water. Once he caught his breath, the first thing he did was implore the surrounding soldiers: “Quickly, save the young lady on the boat!”

Xie Zheng gave him a cold glance before yanking his reins and galloping off along the riverside road.

His guards, realizing he intended to pursue the boat by land, quickly mounted their horses and followed.

Fan Changyu stood on the boat wielding the broken half of her bamboo pole. After thrusting the last bandit trying to climb aboard back into the water, the river surface momentarily grew calm. It seemed as though all the bandits hiding beneath the boat had perished.

She didn’t dare lower her guard and observed the river surface for a while. Only after confirming that there were just ripples from the current did she go to the bow to pick up an oar, intending to row towards the shore.

She had barely taken two strokes when suddenly a large splash erupted from beneath the water. A bandit surfaced, and Fan Changyu, startled, instinctively swung the oar to strike him.

However, this bandit was already dead. The scarred man used this distraction to leap up along the side of the boat, slashing at Fan Changyu’s throat with a dagger. She dodged to the side, but her arm was still caught by the blade, leaving a long gash.

The pain made Fan Changyu grunt, but she swung the oar back around, striking the scarred man in the spot where he had previously been stabbed by the bamboo pole.

Although the scarred man had successfully boarded the boat, the blow to his wounded abdomen made him stagger back a step and collapse onto the deck. The veins on his temples bulged from the pain.

Fan Changyu drew her boning knife and lunged at him. The scarred man’s pupils constricted as he rolled away clumsily, retreating to the stern. He then tried to negotiate: “Heroine, neither of us wants to die in this river and become fish food. Rather than fighting for mutual destruction, why don’t we call a truce for now? Whatever grudges or debts we have, we can settle them another day. What do you say?”

Fan Changyu seemed to consider it carefully before finally putting away her knife and saying, “Alright.”

The scarred man appeared to relax slightly but remained at the stern, not daring to let his guard down even a bit.

As they passed through a stretch of rapids, the river calmed, and the boat’s speed decreased. They could now see the squad of mounted soldiers pursuing them along the shore.

Xie Zheng rode at the forefront, far ahead of the others. From the elevated road, he assessed the distance between the shore and the boat in the middle of the river. He lashed his warhorse twice, spurring it to outpace his guards, leaving them far behind. After riding past the boat’s position by some distance, he dismounted and quickly began removing his armor as he strode towards the riverbank. Bare-chested, he plunged into the river.

The boat was moving downstream with the current, so he had to run ahead a considerable distance before diving in. This would allow him to intercept the boat as he swam across to the middle of the river.

On the boat, the scarred man had only noticed the pursuing cavalry and looked increasingly anxious. Fan Changyu, appearing considerate, suggested, “Why don’t I give you the oar, and you can row yourself?”

The scarred man hesitantly nodded.

Fan Changyu picked up the oar from the bow and tossed it towards him. Simultaneously, she hurled her boning knife and thrust forward with the remaining two-foot length of the bamboo pole.

Faced with this triple threat, the scarred man had no way to dodge completely. He could only try to avoid the boning knife aimed at his throat and reach out to intercept the bamboo spear. The car struck him full in the face, nearly breaking his nose bridge and causing it to bleed.

What he hadn’t anticipated was that the bamboo pole in Fan Changyu’s hand was also a feint.

Fan Changyu had picked up the pole with her dislocated left arm, enduring excruciating pain. She had tried to reset the bone herself earlier, but being neither a physician nor experienced with such severe injuries, she couldn’t be sure of the correct positioning.

After pushing the bone upwards, her left arm could move, but every motion sent searing pain through it, leaving her unable to exert much force.

As the scarred man intercepted the bamboo pole, Fan Changyu’s right hand grabbed his hair and forced his head underwater. At that moment, her eyes were filled with ruthless determination.

The scarred man thrashed wildly, but the hand pressing on the back of his head was surprisingly strong, preventing him from surfacing.

Icy river water flooded his mouth and nose, nearly entering his lungs.

The scarred man’s struggles weakened, and only then did Fan Changyu pull him up by the hair. He coughed and spluttered, no longer menacing as he begged, “Heroine, please spare my life. I’ll be your slave from now on…”

Fan Changyu recalled the mourning hall draped in white cloth and her parents’ bodies in their coffins. Her eyes turned cold as she pushed him underwater again. After a moment, she pulled him up and asked with hatred, “Did you ambush and kill a retired escort who was carrying a treasure map?”

The scarred man thought she was after money and quickly confessed, “That treasure map was fake. The real one is in the hands of Prince Changxin. But I’ve run Qingfeng Stronghold for many years and have more than just that one base. All my money is hidden elsewhere. Heroine, if you spare my life, I’ll give you all my treasures…”

Fan Changyu said coldly, “How can someone as evil as you deserve to live? How many people died in Qingping County last night? Let me ask you again, did you kill that escort?”

The scarred man, having spent years in the jianghu, recognized the vengeful tone in Fan Changyu’s voice. He quickly said, “I didn’t kill him. It was Third Brother who did it.”

With her enemy right before her eyes, Fan Changyu’s blood seemed to boil. The hand gripping the scarred man’s hair tightened until her knuckles turned white. “The third-in-command of your stronghold killed him?”

The scarred man hastily replied, “Yes, yes, yes.”

Fan Changyu shouted, “You’re all cut from the same cloth! I’ll kill you first, then I’ll go after your third-in-command to avenge my parents!”

The scarred man cried out, “You’re Ma Taiyuan’s daughter? Ma Taiyuan was a eunuch, how could he possibly have offspring?”

Fan Changyu was taken aback. “Who is Ma Taiyuan?”

The scarred man explained, “The chief escort of the Four Seas Escort Agency. He was the one responsible for transporting the treasure map back then. If you ask around, you should know his name.”

He paused briefly before adding, “Could it be that you’ve mistaken your target for revenge?”

The authorities had clearly stated that her father was the one who had escorted the treasure map, so how had it become this Ma Taiyuan?

Fan Changyu’s mind was filled with questions. She demanded, “The couple surnamed Fan who died at Huchawill in Qingping County last November, weren’t they killed by your Qingfeng Stronghold?”

The scarred man repeatedly protested his innocence: “The only job our brothers did in Qingping County was last night. We hadn’t killed anyone in Qingping County before that.”

Fan Changyu suspected he was lying to save his life and dunked him back into the river. “Tell the truth!”

The scarred man thrashed about, nearly losing his life. When he was pulled up again, his face was bluish-purple, his eyes unable to open from the cold river water. He cried out, “I’m telling the absolute truth! Last November, our stronghold conflicted with the Black Dragon Stronghold. We didn’t go out to rob anyone. If you don’t believe me, you can ask around in the jianghu!”

Now Fan Changyu was truly bewildered. If this was true, then the group of black-clad men who had attacked her family several times were not bandits?

Fan Changyu had now truly fought with these bandits, and thinking back to the skills of those black-clad men from that day, although she was reluctant to admit it, those men had indeed been far more skilled than ordinary bandits.

So what was the real cause of her parents’ deaths?

The cold and the emotional rollercoaster were taking their toll on Fan Changyu, causing her head to throb painfully.

Her grip on the scarred man loosened slightly, and he seized the opportunity to reach back with both hands, grabbing Fan Changyu’s arms and pulling her into the river.

Fan Changyu’s dislocated left arm hurt excruciatingly at the slightest touch, and this moment of carelessness allowed the scarred man to flip her into the water. Caught off guard, she swallowed a mouthful of water.

The scarred man, despite having been humiliated by Fan Changyu for so long, didn’t immediately try to take her life. Instead, with a vicious expression, he pressed her head underwater, bringing her up just as she was about to lose consciousness, only to repeat the process.

“You bitch! Where’s that strength you had when you were pushing me underwater earlier? Why aren’t you struggling now?”

His face was filled with vengeful delight.

Fan Changyu had truly run out of strength. The extreme lack of oxygen made her try to breathe even underwater, releasing a large stream of bubbles from her mouth and nose. Cold water rushed into her chest, causing intense pain.

Her eyes stung, and she knew she was probably going to die here.

But what about Changningg?

Changningg…

In the second before losing consciousness, Fan Changyu thought she heard something like bones shifting out of place with a “crack,” and then the hand gripping her hair suddenly let go. A soft warmth pressed against her lips, which, for someone about to die in the icy river, felt like the last comfort this world had to offer.

She finally closed her eyes and sank into darkness.

After giving Fan Changyu a breath of air, Xie Zheng quickly embraced her and surfaced. The scarred man’s corpse was floating nearby, his head twisted halfway around, neck bent at an unnatural angle. His eyes, which he hadn’t been able to close even in death, were filled with terror.

The guards who had arrived saw that Xie Zheng had personally gone into the water to rescue someone and quickly waded over to help.

Xie Zheng had already swum with Fan Changyu to the shallows and was walking towards the shore, carrying her without a word. His face was darker than anyone had ever seen, with blue veins bulging on his arms as water dripped down. The murderous aura surrounding him was suffocating.

A guard stepped forward with clothes, intending to call out to him, but instinctively held his tongue. Remembering that Xie Zheng usually didn’t allow women near him, the guard said, “My Lord, let me carry this young lady.”

Xie Zheng ignored the guard’s outstretched hands, simply pulling his cloak to wrap around the soaking-wet Fan Changyu before continuing to carry her forward.

The guard and his companions stood frozen on the spot, still in shock, when they heard his icy voice command, “Bring that bandit chief’s corpse back. Flog it.”

Even these seasoned soldiers, accustomed to slicing through enemies like cutting melons on the battlefield, felt a chill race down their spines upon hearing this order.

Ooooooo

Aww T. T he is very protective to his wife

Ayyyyy, casi que noooooooooooooo. Que desespero.

aiya,girl.. you’re still too kind hearted and severely careless. you’re holding a bandit,if you don’t kill,they will. better finish the job when you have strength. good thing ml was there…well perhaps ml was there, that’s why the writer made her vulnerable. 🤭 to highlight our ml’s love..heh. 🤭

Zhu Yu – Chapter 60

After reaching the shore, Xie Zheng temporarily set Fan Changyu down. As he grasped her wrist to check her pulse, his gaze lingered for a moment on the pair of deerskin bracers wrapped around her sleeves.

His eyes moved downward, falling on her left hand, which was swollen beyond recognition. His already thin lips pressed into an even tighter line.

In the past, she hadn’t sustained such severe injuries even when pursued by assassins from the Wei household. Yet now, an encounter with mountain bandits had left her in such a sorry state.

He raised his hand to remove the bracer from that hand before focusing on taking her pulse.

However, the pulse he felt under his fingertips was pitifully weak, and the body in his arms was as cold as ice, barely resembling that of a living person.

The scent of blood assailed Xie Zheng’s senses, causing his brow to furrow deeply.

She shouldn’t be like this.

In his memory, her body should always be warm.

But now, this cold body seemed to be telling Xie Zheng that her life was slipping away bit by bit.

A mix of inexplicable emotions swirled in his chest. A sudden panic made him feel deeply uncomfortable, filled with a violent urge to kill.

Xie Zheng looked down at Fan Changyu’s tightly closed eyes. She was soaked through, her hands and face turning a bluish-purple from the prolonged exposure to cold. The cloak wrapped around her wet clothes could hardly provide any warmth.

She was too cold; he needed to warm her up quickly.

Xie Zheng glanced at his guards and said in a deep voice, “Leave my clothes here and retreat ten paces away with your backs turned.”

The guards first looked at each other in confusion, but upon realizing what Xie Zheng intended to do, a flash of surprise crossed their eyes. Nevertheless, they quickly complied.

After the guards had withdrawn, Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu’s bluish-purple face. His fingers hesitated for a moment as they reached for her collar. He then untied her hair ribbon and blindfolded himself before removing her cold, wet clothes. He then felt around for his dry clothes that he had taken off before entering the water and wrapped them around her.

Unable to see, the sensation in his fingertips became extraordinarily clear. After wrapping Fan Changyu securely, Xie Zheng removed the blindfold, finding beads of sweat had formed on the tip of his nose.

He silently picked up Fan Changyu’s left arm. Before changing her clothes, he had noticed that her left arm was dislocated, and upon closer inspection, he found that the bone had been set incorrectly.

To be in such a state and still protect that scholar, was she truly not afraid of dying at the hands of the bandits?

He couldn’t quite place the feeling in his heart.

For a moment, he thought bitterly, if she died, what would it matter to him?

Yet his movements, as he pushed and pulled to reset her bones, were extremely gentle.

Xie Zheng’s expression was grim. After resetting the bone, he called for a guard to find a wooden stick to temporarily splint Fan Changyu’s hand.

The guard, seeing his lord treat a woman in this manner for the first time, was unsure of Xie Zheng’s intentions. After Xie Zheng had temporarily treated all of Fan Changyu’s wounds, the guard asked, “My Lord, shall we head to Jizhou Prefecture now?”

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu, whose face was still blue-purple, and finally picked her up in his arms, walking towards his warhorse. “First, we’ll find a household to stay at.”

All his clothes were now wrapped around Fan Changyu. The river wind cut like a knife against his bare upper body, his bangs still dripping with water, yet he didn’t shiver once. His body was lean yet muscular, not thin but full of strength.

The guards watched as their lord, bare-chested, carried the tightly wrapped woman onto the horse. Too shocked to react, they quickly mounted their horses and followed.

As the horse’s back jolted, Xie Zheng carefully avoided Fan Changyu’s dislocated hand, holding her protectively against his chest. Feeling the weight leaning against his chest, his hand gripping the reins tightened.

He looked down at Fan Changyu’s lifeless profile and said coldly, “You’d better live. Otherwise, who do you think will take care of that little oil bottle?”

Apart from the sound of the wind, there was no other response. He pressed his lips together and forcefully pulled her closer into his embrace.

The hundred light cavalry following Xie Zheng were all former scouts. They quickly found a household in the wilderness – a blind old woman living alone.

Fearing to disturb the old woman, Xie Zheng only brought a few personal guards with him. Commoners were often afraid of soldiers, so they claimed to be merchants passing through, gave the old woman a few taels of silver, and borrowed a bedroom and the kitchen.

Some guards went to the stove to boil water, while others, after asking the old woman where to find a doctor nearby, went to fetch one.

The old woman had initially been worried that these men bringing an unconscious woman might be involved in human trafficking. But hearing their actions, she was reassured.

Human traffickers wouldn’t be so concerned about a kidnapped woman.

She found a few sets of her daughter-in-law’s clothes and sent them to the room, asking, “How did this young lady end up in the water when she was fine before?”

In the small room, three braziers were burning. Even Xie Zheng, bare-chested, was slowly sweating from the heat, but Fan Changyu’s body, lying in the bedding, was still ice-cold.

The old woman’s home didn’t have a bathtub, so he couldn’t help Fan Changyu recover her body temperature quickly by soaking her in hot water. He could only use a cloth wrung out from hot water to apply heat and wipe her frozen body.

Xie Zheng put the cooled cloth back into the hot water basin, wrung it out again, and wrapped it around her hand before answering, “We encountered mountain bandits robbing a boat on the way. She jumped into the water to escape and caught a chill.”

“Oh, that’s truly a misfortune…” The old woman’s voice carried a hint of sympathy upon hearing about the bandits.

She handed over the clothes she had found: “These are my daughter-in-law’s clothes. You can change your wife into them later.”

Xie Zheng thanked her.

The old woman continued, “Escaping from the river in such cold weather, your clothes must be wet too. I’ll find you some of my son’s clothes.”

After the old woman left, Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu lying on the simple wooden bed. He sat idly for a while and unexpectedly noticed that the blue-purple color on her face had receded somewhat, replaced by a flush of red.

He raised his hand to her forehead and, as expected, found she was burning up. The skin under his palm was as hot as lava.

Xie Zheng furrowed his brow, removing the cloth from her hand and re-soaking it in hot water before applying it to her forehead.

By the time the guard returned with the doctor, Fan Changyu’s face was burning red with fever.

The doctor, nearly half-dead from the jolting horseback ride, had barely caught his breath before being pushed into the room to take a pulse.

If it were anyone else, the doctor might have dared to voice some complaints, but faced with a group of soldiers, he had no courage left, only hoping to survive the consultation and return home alive.

Entering the room and discovering the patient was a woman, the doctor was surprised but didn’t dare to ask questions. As he took her pulse, his already wrinkled brow furrowed even deeper. He said, “This is a case of evil cold entering the body. Why did you wait so long before calling for a doctor? For someone with a weaker constitution, they might not survive this.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he felt a cold, stern gaze fall upon him.

The doctor looked at the handsome, bare-chested man in the room, feeling his heart pound under that gaze. He quickly added, “It’s not that she can’t be saved. But medication alone won’t be enough. We need to perform Gua Sha to promote blood circulation and clear the meridians. This will help disperse the cold in her body. Only then will the medicine be truly effective.”

Xie Zheng had heard of using Gua Sha to expel cold. It was a common folk remedy among soldiers. Although painful, it was sometimes more effective than medicine.

He looked at Fan Changyu, whose lips had cracked from the fever, and after a moment of silence, said, “I understand.”

The doctor was taken to the kitchen to prepare the medicine. Xie Zheng had the guards bring another basin of warm water.

Here, apart from the old woman, everyone was male. But the old woman was blind, and Gua Sha required visual judgment of the redness of the skin. It could only be done by him.

Xie Zheng soaked a copper coin in the warm water. Looking at Fan Changyu’s flushed face, he said, “When you wake up, you’ll probably accuse me of taking advantage of you again.”

There was no response.

Gua Sha needed to be performed on the back, but Fan Changyu’s left arm was dislocated and bound with a wooden splint, so she couldn’t lie face down.

He casually put on one of the old woman’s son’s shirts, walked to the bed, and helped Fan Changyu sit up, letting her back lean against him. He turned his face to one side and fumbled to undo the ties of her clothes.

As soon as the ties loosened, the oversized robe fell to her arms.

Xie Zheng picked up the copper coin from the water basin and gathered all of Fan Changyu’s long hair to the front of her body. He had intended to remain focused, but when he saw the smooth, evenly proportioned back, his breath caught slightly.

Different from a man’s strong sinews and bones, and unlike the soft, boneless bodies of the dancing girls he had seen at celebratory banquets before, the slender waistline formed by those taut muscles was both delicate and full of strength and resilience.

The skin, which had been blue-purple from the cold, had now turned a pale white as warmth returned.

Earlier, fearing she would freeze, Xie Zheng had also removed her wet undergarments when changing her clothes. Now, as she sat slumped in her unconscious state, her white and vulnerable neck was exposed, with nothing but her black hair falling over one shoulder to cover her.

The inner garment that was half-concealed, half-revealed below her waistline was also his…

This realization made something explode in Xie Zheng’s mind, and the copper coin in his fingertips suddenly felt scorching hot.

He frowned deeply, looking away to compose himself for a few breaths before focusing all his attention on the copper coin in his hand, scraping it down her snow-white back.

The first stroke only brought a faint redness to Fan Changyu’s back. The second stroke intensified the redness. Xie Zheng continued scraping until the redness turned a deep red before moving to the next area.

Fan Changyu’s cold was severe, and she remained unconscious throughout the Gua Sha, completely unaware. She could only sit upright because Xie Zheng supported her with one hand.

By the time he finished, her entire back was a sight to behold, covered in purple-red Sha marks, yet possessing a strange, savage beauty.

Xie Zheng’s fingertips were burning hot, and fine beads of sweat had formed on his forehead and nose. After tossing the copper coin back into the water basin, he hastily grabbed a piece of clothing and haphazardly wrapped Fan Changyu in it, tucking her into the blanket before rushing out of the room.

The cold wind and fine snow hit his face, finally cooling down that intense heat.

When the guard came to deliver the prepared medicine, he found Xie Zheng leaning against a wooden pillar under the eaves, arms crossed, seemingly staring blankly at the door. He hadn’t even heard the guard’s footsteps.

The guard had to cough lightly: “My… Master, the medicine is ready.”

Xie Zheng came back to his senses and glanced at him, reaching out to take the bowl of medicine from his hand.

As the guard was about to tactfully withdraw, he heard his usually iron-faced and emotionless lord ask, “In the common world, does this mean I have to marry the girl?”

The guard was stunned for a moment before realizing Xie Zheng was referring to himself and the woman inside the room.

The guard thought to himself that anywhere else, one would have to take responsibility for the girl in such a situation. Seeing his lord’s unusual behavior, it didn’t seem like he was indifferent to the woman. Why would he ask such a question?

He could only answer truthfully: “Of course, my lord.”

Before Xie Zheng could say anything more, a scout stationed a few li away hurried into the courtyard to report: “Master, the officials from Jizhou Prefecture are searching along the river.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly: “Are they also looking for the Qingfeng Stronghold bandit leader?”

The scout glanced at Xie Zheng and cautiously said: “It seems they’re looking for the lady inside. The scholar we rescued from the river earlier is the grandson of Grand Tutor Li. He’s currently accompanying the Jizhou Prefecture officials in the search.”

Xie Zheng’s mouth curved into a cold smile. He was aware that Grand Tutor Li had sent his grandson, Li Huaian, to Jizhou.

Wei Xuan’s grain requisition had caused such a great calamity, undoubtedly giving Grand Tutor Li, who had long been at odds with the Wei faction, leverage. Previously, the Northwest region had been entirely under Wei Yan’s control. After this incident, Grand Tutor Li’s faction nearly came to blows with Wei Yan in court, finally managing to send someone from the Qingliu faction over.

The official reason was to assist with the Northwest war effort, but in essence, it was still about power struggles.

With Li Huaian in Jizhou, Grand Tutor Li’s faction now had eyes on the entire Northwest region controlled by Wei Yan.

However, he hadn’t expected this person to become entangled with Fan Changyu as well.

Was it a coincidence, or had Grand Tutor Li’s faction also received some information and was attempting to uncover the secrets behind the Fan family?

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes to look at the steaming medicinal soup in his hand. His tone was casual but carried a hint of coldness: “Guard the mountain pass. Don’t let anyone in.”

After the scout left with his orders, he entered the room with the bowl of medicine.

Inside, Fan Changyu was sleeping quietly in the bedding. The flush on her face from the fever hadn’t completely faded, giving her some color.

Xie Zheng sat by the bed and looked at her for a while before saying, “I’ve always said your judgment is poor.”

Fan Changyu had undergone Gua Sha and was finally warming up, sleeping deeply. She couldn’t possibly respond to him.

However, administering the medicine became extremely troublesome. He forcibly pinched her mouth open to pour it in, but almost half of it spilled out. He wiped her face with a nearby piece of clothing, unsure whose it was, yet patiently continued to feed her the remaining medicine bit by bit.

The wood in the brazier crackled softly as it burned, the firelight casting shadows on his chiseled profile. He used his fingertip to wipe away a drop of medicine remaining at the corner of Fan Changyu’s mouth. After silently watching her for a long while, he suddenly said, “Fan Changyu, I will marry you.”

“If you don’t speak, I’ll take it as agreement.”

his jealousy sure is making him misundertand

He’s such a tsundere, lol. Even now he is dishonest with himself. Can’t just be like, “I love you, I want to be your husband.” He has to find an excuse like, “Oh well, I’ve compromised your reputation, guess we’ll have to marry.” 🤭

His immaturity in love is due to his inexperience and lacking guidance from a proper parental figure on such matters. Even Changyu knows more than him because she had 2 loving parents as role models. Xie Zheng had no one. Just an uncle who taught him to avoid women, love, and relationships like the plague.

took the words right out of my mouth

How does Zhang Linghe end up in these kind of roles lol? Especially the forced kiss in the previous chapter made me think this. And it suits him too 🤭

He always ends up with this kinda roles , Like Xie Wei and even in overdo

that’s becayse his face if fit for these tsundere but loverboy roles

evil cold entering the body: masuk angin
Gua Sha: kerokan

oh my gosh xie zheng!!! hahahaha

His worry for Changyu made me tear up – he didn’t know how to love but unbeknownst to him he is already loving her so deeply that her ‘death’ scares him so much. Xie Zheng, you deserve love too – so don’t push Changyu away!T_T

Zhu Yu – Chapter 61

Fan Changyu’s sleep was restless, and she ran a fever again during the night.

She fell into a nightmare, surrounded by a vast, white snowy plain with large flakes of snow falling heavily.

Wearing thin clothes and barefoot, Fan Changyu ran through the snow. Her feet were nearly numb from the cold, but she dared not stop.

At first, Fan Changyu didn’t know what she was chasing, until she saw a couple walking hand in hand in the distance. Then she finally understood why she was so anxious.

It was Father and Mother!

She ran forward with even more effort, her heart aching with a bitter pain, and her eyes instantly filled with warmth. “Father, Mother!”

The two figures ahead weren’t walking fast, yet no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t catch up. She became increasingly anxious, almost on the verge of tears.

The woman in the snow finally turned her head, her face still wearing the gentle expression from Fan Changyu’s memories. She said, “Changyu, be good and go back.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know why she felt so sad. As tears streamed down her face, her heart throbbed with pain. She asked helplessly, “Where are you going?”

The woman didn’t answer her, only turning her head to continue walking forward with the man.

Fan Changyu stood there, stunned, feeling as if she had forgotten something. Her chest ached terribly, and breathing became extremely difficult as if she were drowning.

When Xie Zheng prepared a basin of warm water to lower her fever, he found her trapped in a nightmare. Her entire body was convulsing uncontrollably, sweating profusely, soaking her hair and undergarments. Her originally pale face had taken on an unnatural flush due to the high fever. She was mumbling incoherently in her sleep, and the corners of her eyes were slowly dampened by tears.

“A nightmare?”

It was the first time Xie Zheng had seen her in such a disheveled and vulnerable state. His heart felt as if it were stuffed with damp cotton, softening yet suffocating. He nudged Fan Changyu, “Wake up.”

But Fan Changyu was too deeply caught in her nightmare, showing no signs of waking.

Seeing that Fan Changyu might accidentally press on her left arm during her unconscious struggle, he had to use one hand to avoid her injured arm and press on her shoulder to restrain her movement. He then coldly ordered the guard outside the room, “Go find a physician!”

Earlier in the day, after the physician had examined Fan Changyu, Xie Zheng thought her condition had stabilized, so he sent the physician back home with his guards. After all, there weren’t any extra rooms in the old woman’s house for the physician to rest.

Who would have thought that Fan Changyu would suddenly have a seizure in the middle of the night?

What kind of nightmare could she be having?

Xie Zheng unconsciously furrowed his brow. When he noticed that her lips were bleeding from biting them too hard, he raised his hand to pry open her jaw, but accidentally got his finger bitten.

He tried to pull away, but Fan Changyu’s teeth clenched even tighter, almost instantly breaking the skin and leaving a ring of bloody teeth marks.

Xie Zheng only slightly frowned before deciding to let her continue biting his index finger.

Feeling the person in his arms shaking all over, the curled-up, frail back awakened some of his buried memories. He had never comforted anyone in his life, yet at this moment, he hesitated for a bit before softening his tone, “It’s just a nightmare, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

In his childhood, the image of that woman’s skirt hanging from the crossbeam had once been an inescapable nightmare for him too. Every time he woke up in terror, he was either alone in the endless darkness or in a brightly lit room with Wei Yan standing by the bed, looking at him coldly as if he were a dead dog.

Wei Xuan would bring the children of the Wei clan to mock him, imitating his nightmare seizures for amusement.

Later, he stopped being afraid of nightmares.

Having crawled out alive from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, the blood on his blade was more than that of the ghosts in his dreams.

At this moment, Fan Changyu’s trembling form seemed to overlap with the memory of his younger self.

Xie Zheng’s eyes deepened. While waiting for the physician to arrive, he let Fan Changyu bite his finger, half-embracing her, awkwardly patting her back gently.

The phrase he repeated the most was, “Don’t be afraid.”

Don’t be afraid, all nightmares will end.

By the time the guard had roused the physician from his bed, put him on horseback, and galloped back, Fan Changyu had already calmed down and fallen into an exhausted, deep sleep.

Xie Zheng sat casually on a wooden chair in the room, his left index finger wrapped with a row of teeth marks, bloody and mangled. His gaze was unfocused, his eyes half-lowered, with strands of hair falling in front of them. It was unclear what he was thinking about.

Only when the trembling physician was carried through the door did his gaze, casual yet full of pressure, glance over: “She had a nightmare.”

The physician, having been pulled from his warm bed in the middle of the night, only to find out it was just a nightmare, felt a surge of frustration. However, he didn’t dare express it. Just one glance from the man in the room made his back break out in a cold sweat. He could only resign himself to carefully checking the pulse of the sleeping woman.

As soon as he felt her pulse, the physician was surprised to find that the woman, who had been weak in the afternoon, now had a much more stable pulse.

He secretly glanced at the handsome yet gloomy man beside him but didn’t dare say that the woman’s condition was quite good. After pondering for a while, he prescribed a calming medicine, saying, “Your wife seems to have been frightened. This calming medicine will help her sleep more soundly.”

The guard looked at Xie Zheng, and seeing him nod, took the physician to the kitchen to brew the medicine.

When the calming medicine was ready, Xie Zheng, as before, pried open Fan Changyu’s jaw and fed it to her spoonful by spoonful.

It was only then that the two rows of bloody teeth marks on his left index finger began to sting.

He glanced at it after finishing feeding her the medicine but said nothing.

The guard offered some wound medicine: “Marquis, would you like to apply some medicine to the wound on your hand?”

Xie Zheng didn’t consider such a small injury worth mentioning and simply said, “It’s nothing.”

As the guard retreated with the bowl, he secretly glanced at the sleeping Fan Changyu, his heart secretly churning with waves of shock.

Although this woman was beautiful, she could hardly be called a peerless beauty. How had she captured the Marquis’s attention to such an extent?

However, recalling the scene of her lifting a grown man with one hand and throwing him far away, the guard suddenly shuddered.

That arm strength was probably on par with their Marquis, wasn’t it?

After drinking the calming medicine, Fan Changyu indeed slept more soundly in the latter half of the night and didn’t develop a fever again.

Xie Zheng dozed lightly by the bedside for two hours. Just as the sky began to lighten, there was a very light knock on the door.

He glanced at the sleeping Fan Changyu, saw that she was sleeping quite deeply, and left the room almost without making a sound, taking the large cloak from the low stool beside him.

Seeing him come out, the guard outside the room quickly lowered his voice and said, “Marquis, we’ve found Sui Yuanqing’s whereabouts. He was indeed hiding in Qingfeng Stronghold! When Qingfeng Stronghold was raided, he escaped with some of the bandits through a small path in the back mountain. Now our men have driven them to Yansong Mountain.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes were full of coldness: “Guard the mountain paths, send in the hunting dogs. Let’s see how long he can hide.”

The guard’s face couldn’t hide his excitement as he saluted: “This subordinate will go and arrange it immediately!”

A gust of cold wind blew past, and Xie Zheng, looking at a withered leaf covered in frost and snow that had fallen at his feet, suddenly said, “Today’s wind is from the southwest.”

Before the guard could understand the meaning of his words, he heard Xie Zheng say, “Light thick smoke at the windward side, and bring the corpse of that bandit leader along to flog it.”

The guard was startled, then his face showed even more joy: “This subordinate obeys!”

Flogging the corpse of Qingfeng Stronghold’s leader at the foot of Yansong Mountain would surely terrify the remaining bandits hiding on the mountain.

When they were suffocating from the thick smoke, they would release the hunting dogs to chase them. There was no doubt they could force out the remaining bandits hiding on Yansong Mountain. By then, they only needed to guard the main paths down the mountain, and it would be like catching turtles in a jar-

It was another snowy day, but Yansong Mountain was covered in thick smoke. Several large piles of pine and cypress branches were burning, the thick smoke carried by the wind toward the depths of the mountain forest. Hunting dogs darted through the dense forest, their barking echoing back and forth, like wolves chasing prey.

The bandits hiding on the mountain were driven to scatter in all directions. As soon as they appeared on the mountain paths, they were surrounded by the government troops who had set up ambushes early on.

However, when the smoke on the mountain had dissipated and the government troops were counting the number of captured bandits, they found neither Sui Yuanqing nor the female bandit from Qingfeng Stronghold.

The young commander leading the troops put his sword to a bandit’s throat and demanded, “Where are Qin Yuan and the Yan woman?”

The bandit begged for mercy, “I don’t know, sir. When the smoke started, everyone couldn’t stand it, and we were chased by the dogs. We all scattered in the forest.”

Seeing that he couldn’t get any information, the young commander had to send men into the mountain to search, but they only found two government soldiers whose throats had been cut and their armor stripped off.

When the young commander saw the bodies, he cursed, “Damn it! Quickly, chase them down the mountain!”

At the foot of a mountain, where a stream flowed gently, two people dressed as government soldiers, who had been galloping on horseback for dozens of miles along the official road, finally pulled their reins to stop. They rolled off their horses and rushed to the riverside. Ignoring the snow on the bank, they lay flat on the ground and drank several mouthfuls of the chilly river water like cattle.

One of them, kneeling by the riverbank, suddenly began to cry with a whimper.

The voice was high-pitched, clearly that of a woman.

The man lying in the snow catching his breath nearby showed no intention of comforting her. After he caught his breath, he took off his armor and threw it into the river, then got up and strode towards the warhorse.

Seeing that he seemed to be leaving alone, the crying woman was so shocked that her sobs caught in her throat. She quickly chased after him, “Brother Qin, where are you going!”

These two were none other than Sui Yuanqing and Yan Shisanniang, who had killed two government soldiers and changed into their clothes to escape from Yansong Mountain.

Sui Yuanqing was about to mount the horse when someone firmly grabbed his arm.

He lowered his eyes to look at the woman gazing at him with tear-filled eyes. She was tall for a woman, her features unremarkable, with a light redness on her face common to mountain girls from years of exposure to cold and sun. In Prince Xin’s mansion, she would at best be considered a rough maidservant.

He thought he had fallen for this type of woman who knew some martial arts and was hard to tame, but looking at it now, it seemed that wasn’t the case.

The only one who made his heart flutter was that woman.

He had a pair of enchanting peach blossom eyes, especially charming when he smiled.

At this moment, he raised the corner of his lips, but it was to slowly pry off Yan Shisanniang’s hand that was gripping his arm: “The world is vast, I have my place to go. This is goodbye.”

The smile at the corner of his mouth, though so cold, was still beautiful.

Yan Shisanniang was stunned. When she came to her senses, she was already gripping Sui Yuanqing tightly, her nails seemingly about to dig into his flesh through his clothes, almost hysterically questioning him: “What do you mean? You’re going to abandon me and leave me alone?”

Sui Yuanqing raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he thought her question was too stupid, and chuckled, “Why not?”

The woman’s nails were too sharp, scratching his arm painfully.

He frowned, completely losing patience, and pulled the woman’s hand away to mount the horse.

Yan Shisanniang said hatefully, “Qin Yuan, you have no conscience! My brother went to distract the government troops so we could escape, how can you face my brother?”

Sui Yuanqing sneered, “Escaping from the government’s hands, isn’t it each to their ability? Otherwise, how do you think those people on Yansong Mountain died?”

Yan Shisanniang wailed loudly, only saying, “Have you forgotten that I rescued you from the riverside? You can’t treat me like this…”

Sui Yuanqing suddenly smiled, even lowering his body on horseback to be at eye level with Yan Shisanniang: “You saved me, but didn’t I also bring you out of Yansong Mountain? Why can’t I treat you like this?”

With that, he straightened up, pulled the reins, and galloped away.

Yan Shisanniang cried hysterically, cursing, “Qin Yuan, you won’t come to a good end!”

Sui Yuanqing ignored the woman’s cries and curses behind him. After riding for a while, he took out the painting he had later found when searching the Fan family’s home.

The painting seemed to depict a family of three. The man was extraordinarily handsome, the woman’s sweet smile had a natural vigor, and the little girl who looked very much like the woman had mischievous eyes.

The wound on his shoulder where Fan Changyu had stabbed him still hurt, but Sui Yuanqing’s mood suddenly became extremely good.

From the moment he got this painting, he had guessed that the masked man who had injured him earlier was Xie Zheng.

As for the relationship between the woman in the painting and him…

Could she be a woman he kept outside?

Then the child in the painting would be their daughter?

Sui Yuanqing’s gaze scanned the painting several more times. The woman in the painting looked like she was still just a young girl. If she had a daughter that big, she would have to be at least in her twenties.

But then he thought of his brother’s favored concubine who had escaped, who still looked like a young girl after giving birth to a son for his brother, and he slowly began to believe this guess.

No wonder that woman had desperately guarded that dry well in the backyard that day. Xie Zheng must have left Qingping County due to the war, and she knew she couldn’t escape with a child, so she hid the child in the well.

Thinking that the woman had already borne a daughter for Xie Zheng, Sui Yuanqing’s face darkened. He put the painting back in his bosom and continued forward, spurring his horse.

Regardless, with this painting, the trip to Qingping County wasn’t a complete loss.

At least he now knew where the Marquis of Wu’an’s weakness lay.

…well, he’s half-right anyway. I guess the thought that she could be a widow with a kid never occurred to him. Or to wonder why no rumor of the Marquess visiting a woman (I don’t think his normal station is nearby…) has ever leaked. Maybe his concept is that no man would be in a portrait with an unrelated child?

Admin, should it be Marquis of Wuan?

You are right, it should be Marquis of Wu’an

Zhu Yu – Chapter 62

When Fan Changyu awoke, her entire body ached.

Her eyes fell upon the patched bed curtains. She propped herself up on her right arm and surveyed the small room – walls of yellow earth with wooden planks nailed over drafty spots, a single square table, and two stools, all old and worm-eaten.

She remembered losing consciousness while being held underwater by the bandit leader. Had someone rescued her?

Fan Changyu looked down at the unfamiliar clothes she was wearing. Her wounds had been bandaged, and her dislocated arm reset.

Supporting herself on the old bedpost, she tried to stand. As soon as she put strength into her back and waist, pain made her grimace.

Fan Changyu wondered why her waist hurt so much when she hadn’t been injured there. Perhaps she had bumped into something during the fight without noticing?

After all the chaos, her first instinct upon getting up was to look for her bone-carving knife. Finding it on a low stool by the bed along with the deerskin bracers Yan Zheng had given her, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

Her fingertips brushed over the smooth, resilient surface of the bracers. As she was about to tie them onto her right wrist, sudden hurried footsteps sounded from outside.

Fan Changyu’s expression changed instantly. She quickly moved to the wall beside the door, peering through a finger-width crack in the old wooden door.

Outside seemed to be a small farmyard. Two armor-clad, sword-bearing soldiers stood under the eaves, while another strode into the courtyard.

Fan Changyu relaxed slightly. It appeared she had been rescued by the soldiers who had been chasing the boat along the shore that day.

She wondered why they were staying here temporarily.

“Is the Mar… Master here? The Jizhou Prefecture troops keep searching in this direction. We can’t hold them off much longer…” The soldier who had entered the yard spoke in a low voice.

Fan Changyu’s heart, which had just settled, leaped again. Weren’t they Jizhou Prefecture troops themselves? Why were they trying to hold off their people?

Another soldier in the yard replied, “Word came from Yansung Mountain. The Master went to question someone. You lead the men to guard the mountain pass first. I’ll report to the Master when he returns.”

The soldier who had come to deliver the message quickly left.

Fan Changyu leaned against the door, her whole body on alert.

She didn’t know who this “Master” they spoke of was.

But they were dressed as military soldiers, yet seemed to be at odds with the Jizhou officials within Jizhou’s borders… Could they be mountain bandits in disguise?

This realization sent a chill through Fan Changyu’s body.

Just then, the two soldiers outside began to chat casually. One said, “We can’t stay here long. If we run into the Jizhou Prefecture people, the Master’s identity will be exposed. When the Master returns, we should set out regardless of whether the woman inside has woken up or not.”

The other clicked his tongue and said, “I’ve noticed the Master seems unusually attentive to that woman. Last night when she had a fit during a nightmare, the Master was afraid she’d bite her tongue, so he put his finger in her mouth. There’s a big ring of bloody tooth marks on his index finger!”

Fan Changyu remembered having a nightmare last night. Hearing that she had bitten their so-called “Master,” she frowned.

She was about to eavesdrop for more information when the sound of a bamboo cane tapping on the ground came from outside. Peering through the crack, she saw an old woman with graying hair walking from under the eaves.

One of the soldiers guarding the door asked, “Do you need something, old lady?”

The old woman, carrying a stack of clothes in her arms, smiled kindly. “The clothes your young mistress was wearing when she fell into the water yesterday – this old woman has dried them for her and was bringing them to her.”

Hearing this, the soldier seemed reluctant to take them himself, perhaps due to propriety between men and women. He stepped aside and said, “Please, go in.”

As the old woman entered, tapping her cane to find her way, Fan Changyu silently and swiftly retreated to the bedside. She kicked off her shoes and lay down, pretending to still be asleep.

After entering, the old woman felt her way to the bedside and put down the clothes. She tucked the blanket around Fan Changyu and felt her forehead for temperature, talking to herself, “Good girl, your fever’s finally gone down. How unfortunate to encounter mountain bandits on the boat with your husband. You’ve suffered greatly, but it’s good you have such a caring husband…”

After her rambling, she felt her way to the brazier and added two more pieces of firewood before closing the door and leaving.

The soldier guarding outside had glanced into the room when the old woman entered. Seeing a curved shape under the blanket, he assumed Fan Changyu was still asleep and turned his attention back to his post.

As soon as the door closed, Fan Changyu opened her eyes.

After hearing the old woman’s words, she was even more certain these men were not real soldiers. If government officials had rescued her, why would they pretend she had encountered bandits on a boat? And why pretend to be her husband?

As for the “Master” the two lackeys outside had mentioned, Fan Changyu instinctively thought of Sui Yuanqing.

That guy was already one of the rebel prince’s men. After being wounded by Yan Zheng, he escaped into the river and was rescued by the Qingfeng Stronghold people. Now he was leading this group of bandits disguised as soldiers – who knew what evil scheme he was plotting!

The Jizhou Prefecture troops were nearby. She needed to find a way to break out and report this.

Not knowing how many bandits were outside, Fan Changyu didn’t dare act rashly. After some thought, she smoothed out the bracers and tucked them into her bosom like an armor plate, then tied the bone-carving knife to her leg, concealing it with her skirt. Only then did she get out of bed and kick over a bench, pretending to have fallen and made a noise.

As expected, the people guarding outside immediately pushed open the door. Inside, Fan Changyu was supporting herself on the table with one hand, looking as if she might collapse at any moment. She said with a pale face, “I need to use the outhouse.”

One of the soldiers said bluntly, “There’s a chamber pot in the corner of the room…”

His companion elbowed him, and he suddenly realized that this was a young woman, and one their lord seemed to favor. His words had been too crude, so he immediately shut his mouth.

Fan Changyu pretended to look uncomfortable and urgent: “Sir, my stomach hurts.”

This couldn’t be resolved inside the room. The two soldiers didn’t stop to wonder why Fan Changyu suddenly had a stomachache upon waking up. Since she was someone their lord had taken an interest in, they didn’t dare support her themselves. They could only call the old woman to help Fan Changyu to the outhouse.

The outhouse in the old woman’s home was behind the house. Fan Changyu let herself be supported by the old woman for a walk around, intending to figure out how many bandits were inside and outside the yard. To her surprise, she found only the two by the door.

This made things much easier.

As the old woman supported Fan Changyu back to the room, passing under the eaves, she suddenly and without warning punched the soldier on the right. The soldier was instantly dazed, looking at Fan Changyu in bewilderment with blood streaming from his nose before collapsing unconscious.

The soldier on the left was stunned. Before he could say a word, Fan Changyu, separated from him by the old woman and fearing she might hurt her, swiftly snatched the bamboo cane from the old woman’s hand. She swept it forcefully against the side of his neck. The cane broke in two, and the soldier also fell unconscious.

The old woman stood in place, confused and alarmed: “What happened?”

Fan Changyu didn’t know when “Sui Yuanqing” and the other bandits would return. Although she had acted quickly, her palms were still sweaty. She crouched in front of the old woman and said, “These men are bad people. The man who brought me here is not my husband. Granny, quickly get on my back. I’ll carry you out of here.”

The old woman was frightened and confused. As she climbed onto Fan Changyu’s back, she worriedly said, “Young lady, your arm is dislocated. How can you carry an old bag of bones like me?”

The old woman was very thin, so Fan Changyu could still manage to carry her with one arm. After quickly surveying the terrain outside, she said, “Just hold tight to my shoulders.”

The snow on the road hadn’t melted, and it wasn’t snowing now. It would be difficult to cover their tracks in the snow.

To avoid being caught, they had to find the Jizhou officials before the bandits caught up with them.

Fan Changyu remembered the soldiers’ earlier conversation about guarding the mountain pass. She assumed the Jizhou troops must be there.

She asked the old woman, “Granny, which is the quickest way to the mountain pass?”

Fortunately, although the old woman was blind, she was very familiar with the roads near her home. She said, “Follow the path in front of the door westward. When you reach a three-way fork, take the middle path.”

Having memorized the route, Fan Changyu began to jog, carrying the old woman on her back-

The scout had come to report on the bandit-suppression operation at Yansung Mountain. Fearing complications, Xie Zheng had taken his men outside the old woman’s courtyard to discuss the matter.

When he returned and found the two personal guards in the yard knocked unconscious, his expression changed. Pushing open the door to find the room empty, he thought Fan Changyu had been kidnapped, and his eyes instantly turned cold and deep.

One of the personal guards who had gone out with Xie Zheng noticed there was no blood on the ground. He crouched down to check the breathing of his two companions and quickly reported to Xie Zheng, “My Lord, they’re still breathing!”

As he spoke, he firmly pressed the acupoint under one of his companion’s noses.

The guard who had been knocked out by Fan Changyu’s cane slowly came to. Seeing Xie Zheng standing before him with a grim expression, he was so frightened that he immediately knelt, “My Lord, I deserve death!”

Xie Zheng examined the broken bamboo cane on the steps, his eyes seeming to be covered with a layer of frost.

Never before had anyone dared to kidnap someone from right under his nose.

He had sealed off all the main roads leading here and had only brought three personal guards to avoid disturbing the old woman.

Who could have been skilled enough to sneak past the cavalry at the mountain pass and get in here?

With suppressed anger in his eyes at being affronted, he asked, “Who kidnapped her?”

The guard said miserably, “It was that young lady who knocked us unconscious.”

Xie Zheng was taken aback. His handsome brows furrowed as he asked with a strange expression, “Why did she knock you out?”

The guard replied, “This subordinate doesn’t know. When that young lady woke up, she said her stomach hurt. Seeing her weak, this subordinate had the old woman support her to the outhouse. Who knew that when she returned, she suddenly punched An Zi unconscious and then snatched the old woman’s cane to knock out this subordinate.”

The personal guard who had gone out with Xie Zheng came back after checking the few rooms and said, “The old woman is also missing.”

Xie Zheng thought for a moment and understood that Fan Changyu must have misunderstood something and taken them for villains, which was why she had fled with the old woman.

He asked, “What happened in the courtyard while I was away?”

The guard who had been knocked out by Fan Changyu’s cane thought for a moment and said, “A scout from the mountain pass came to report that the Jizhou troops were trying to search the mountain again. But you were out at the time, my Lord, so I took the liberty of telling them to continue guarding and not let the Jizhou troops into the mountain.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and muttered, “I see.”

She must have woken up by then and discovered that the people in the yard were wearing military uniforms but were not aligned with the Jizhou officials. She must have mistaken them for bandits.

Just then, another scout rode up the small path on horseback. He rolled off his horse and knelt on one knee, saluting, “My Lord, the young lady you rescued yesterday is heading down the mountain carrying an old woman. Should we stop her?”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes to look at the snow-covered mountain without speaking.

To eliminate the remnants of the mountain bandits who had fled to Yansung Mountain, he had dispatched most of the hundred light cavalry he had brought with him to Yansung Mountain.

He had rushed back this time thinking she was in danger. Now that she was safe, and with the urgent situation at the frontlines and Li Huaian’s presence in Jizhou in the eyes of the Qingliu faction, he indeed shouldn’t linger.

He said, “Withdraw the troops guarding the mountain pass. Return to Lu City.”

The scout accepted the order and mounted his horse to relay the message.

The personal guards in the yard took a moment to prepare, then went to the nearby pine forest to fetch their warhorses.

As Xie Zheng mounted his horse, he looked in the direction of the descending path. There was still a hint of reluctance in his heart. He attached the half-human skin mask he had prepared for this military expedition and said to his guards, “You all withdraw first. I’ll be back shortly.”

With that, he pulled on the reins and galloped towards the descending path, leaving his guards looking at each other in bewilderment-

Fan Changyu was walking on the path carrying the old woman on her back when she suddenly heard the chaotic sound of hoofbeats coming up the mountain. Not knowing whether they were bandits disguised as soldiers or real Jizhou troops, she considered for a moment before temporarily hiding with the old woman in the pine forest by the road.

To be safe, Fan Changyu said to the old woman, “Granny, please hide in this forest and don’t make a sound. I’ll go out to check. If they are government officials, I’ll come back for you.”

The old woman grasped Fan Changyu’s hand, repeatedly telling her to be careful.

Fan Changyu used a tree branch to erase their footprints as she backed out of the forest. Just as she reached the main road and was about to investigate whether there were still officers at the mountain pass ahead, she suddenly heard the sound of hoofbeats behind her.

This time, the hoofbeats were singular, sounding like only one rider, but approaching extremely fast.

Fan Changyu had just thought about diving back into the pine forest when the rider appeared in her line of sight.

Fearing that if she led this person into the pine forest to search for her, he might accidentally find the old woman, and thinking that since it was only one person, she might be able to subdue him if she used all her strength, Fan Changyu gritted her teeth and continued to run forward.

The winding mountain road was rugged, and from this halfway point, one could even see the foot of the mountain.

When Fan Changyu saw a group of officials flying the Jizhou flag coming up the mountain at its foot, she was almost overjoyed. She ran while shouting, “Help!”

The Jizhou officials at the foot of the mountain heard her voice and looked up toward the middle of the mountain. Someone quickly responded, “Don’t be afraid, young lady. I’m bringing people to rescue you!”

Only then did Fan Changyu notice that among the mass of officials was a young man wearing a cyan-colored scholar’s robe – it was the kind-hearted youth who had given her a ride that day.

This scene of distant eye contact fell into the eyes of Xie Zheng, who was approaching on horseback, and it was truly a bit jarring.

He had a scar-like human skin mask on his face, covering one eye, making it difficult for even familiar people to recognize him.

Only a few zhang away from Fan Changyu, he still spurred his horse hard. As the warhorse charged forward, he reached out to grab her onto the horse’s back.

Fan Changyu reacted extremely quickly. After avoiding his grabbing hand, she no longer took the main road but directly slid down the steep slope beside the mountain path.

This steep slope led directly to the next section of the winding mountain road. It was faster than circling on horseback no matter what.

However, she never expected that the fake soldier chasing her would also abandon his horse and slide down after her.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 63

When Fan Changyu heard the noise and looked back, she nearly jumped out of her skin. Unfortunately, her clothes got caught on a branch on the steep slope. She pulled hard, finally tearing the fabric, but the force made her body shake, and the deerskin wristguard hidden in her bosom fell out, rolling down a distance before being caught by a snow-covered branch.

Fan Changyu’s heart inexplicably tightened when the wristguard fell out. It was a sixteenth birthday gift from Yan Zheng.

Without thinking, she rushed to retrieve the wristguard. Unexpectedly, beneath the snow and pine needles was a hole in the ground. As she stepped over it, her foot suddenly found no purchase, and she started to fall.

With her left arm injured and her right hand clutching the just-retrieved wristguard, Fan Changyu had almost no strength to grab onto anything. Fortunately, she suddenly felt a tug at her collar, and she was lifted like a big cat by someone grabbing her clothes.

The dried branches and gravel at the edge of the hole fell in, and there was no echo for a long time. It was pitch black inside, with unknown depth.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel a wave of fear. She turned her head to look at the one-eyed man who had caught up with her. His figure was tall and straight, but his face bore a fierce scar that ran from his left eye across the bridge of his nose to the right side of his face. It was frightening just to look at.

She pressed her lips tightly and stared at him, like a leopard that had tried desperately to escape but was still caught, her eyes full of unwillingness.

The man held her collar with one hand without apparent effort. His aura was cold and deep. Seeing her still tightly clutching the pair of deerskin wristguards, his eyes paused slightly, and he suddenly spoke with cold mockery: “For something like this, you’d throw away your life?”

His voice was extremely low, sounding hoarse, as if his throat had been injured.

Fan Changyu thought to herself that she didn’t know there would be a hole under the dried branches and fallen snow, but out loud she only said fiercely: “It’s none of your business!”

With only her right hand usable, Fan Changyu didn’t care that she was still being held. She tried hard to stuff the wristguard into her clothes, thinking to free her right hand to better deal with the situation.

The man noticed her movement, his eyes deepening. He suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question: “Is this thing very important to you?”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that this person was oddly nosy. She had freed her right hand and said: “Of course!”

In the moment of distracting him with her words, her right hand had already reached behind her neck, grabbing the hand that was holding her collar. Her whole body also used the force to turn around, her feet pushing against the rock wall of the hole, ready to climb up.

It was certainly safer to have control of the situation herself rather than having her life in someone else’s hands.

However, when the man realized her intention, he fell backward, directly pulling Fan Changyu out with this force.

Fan Changyu crashed into him, dazed by the hard armor on his body. Before she could get up, she was flipped over and pinned to the ground.

This completely restrictive posture made Fan Changyu’s hair stand on end. She angrily shouted: “Get off!”

The man pressed her right wrist with one hand and avoided her dislocated left arm while pressing her shoulder with the other. He half-raised his body to look at her, with only about a foot of distance between them.

Fan Changyu glared at him hatefully, her chest heaving heavily due to her panting and anger. The bulge of the wristguard she had just stuffed into her clothes was even more pronounced, giving an unintended alluring effect at this moment.

But the man restraining her seemed to have no other thoughts. He stared at Fan Changyu, his intact eye extraordinarily beautiful. Its pupil was pitch black, bottomless, instinctively making people feel dangerous: “Who is that pretty boy down the mountain to you?”

Fan Changyu was burning with anger and didn’t answer, only struggling. This made her be pressed even tighter. She turned her head and noticed that the hand pressing her wrist had a very fresh set of teeth marks on the index finger.

The conversation between the two fake soldiers outside the old woman’s house came to her mind. She thought, could this be the master they were talking about? Not that scoundrel she had stabbed several times?

So she had been saved by this man?

Fan Changyu’s struggle weakened, and she couldn’t help but examine the man before her. She felt that his pitch-black eye was strangely familiar, and she couldn’t help but demand: “Who are you?”

The man spoke hoarsely: “Answer my question first.”

Fan Changyu was calculating in her mind how long it would take for the government troops to arrive. To buy time, she turned her head to the side, no longer meeting his gaze, and said: “I don’t know him.”

The man sneered: “You don’t know him, yet you risked your life to protect him on the river?”

Fan Changyu thought this person was really strange and said: “I was being chased by bandits and met his carriage on the road. He kindly gave me a ride. Later when the bandits caught up, I escaped with him.”

The person pressing her loosened his grip slightly. He glanced down at the wristguard partly exposed from her clothes and asked casually: “You cherish it so much, who gave it to you?”

Fan Changyu only hated that she was injured and hadn’t eaten for so long that she was almost out of strength. Otherwise, how could she be restrained by this scoundrel? She could only hope for the government troops to arrive quickly while coldly fencing with him: “Someone very important.”

Thinking of Yan Zheng, her heart inexplicably ached a bit.

Hearing this answer, the other person seemed to pause for a moment. Looking at her slightly reddened eyes, he asked: “How important?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but curse: “What’s it to you?”

The accumulated snow on the pine tree was shaken loose, falling in large patches. Xie Zheng protected her as they rolled on the ground, one hand pressing on her back and tightening as if taking the opportunity to hug her forcefully.

How could Fan Changyu miss this perfect chance to escape? She headbutted him hard on the chin, and when he moved his hand to cover his chin, she got up and kicked out.

Xie Zheng dodged nimbly. Her fierce kick landed on a nearby pine tree as thick as a bowl, causing the accumulated snow on the tree to fall like an avalanche.

Fan Changyu knew she had lost the chance to strike again. She didn’t linger to fight but took advantage of this moment of cover to run towards the official road below.

After several exchanges, she had gauged that his martial arts were superior. She was now injured and exhausted, and rushing in with just anger would undoubtedly be delivering herself up for humiliation.

She still needed to stay alive to find Changningg, she couldn’t let her emotions get the better of her and fall here!

Xie Zheng sat up from the snow, covering his chin that Fan Changyu had hit hard with one hand. The accumulated snow shaken from the pine tree had covered him. His lips and teeth had been hit when he was struck, and there was a faint trace of blood.

He looked in the direction Fan Changyu had run, listening to the approaching sound of many horses’ hooves, but ultimately didn’t go after her.

The war situation in Jinzhou was urgent, and his appearance in Jizhou as the commander-in-chief, if recognized by Li Huai’an, would undoubtedly hand a handle to the Li faction.

Although he had fallen out with Wei Yan, he had done many things for Wei Yan in the past. The Li faction couldn’t possibly win him over, they only wanted to see him and Wei Yan fight each other to mutual destruction.

And… knowing that she didn’t utterly despise him was enough.

At least, she still cherished the thing he had given her so much, saying he was a very important person.

The guard who had come looking for Xie Zheng worried about him coming alone, rode over, following the slide marks on the winding mountain road. He found him sitting alone under a snow-covered pine, his figure as lonely as a lone wolf. Finally, he spoke: “Marquis, the government troops from Jizhou Prefecture will be here soon, let’s go.”

Xie Zheng gave a soft “Mm” in response, walked back to the official road, mounted his horse, and took a last glance at the winding mountain road hidden by the pine forest not far away before spurring his horse and leaving-

Fan Changyu ran wildly to the official road, finally meeting up with the government troops who had been winding up from the foot of the mountain along the road.

Seeing the Jizhou flag fluttering in the wind and the hundred or so troops, Fan Changyu confirmed they were indeed government troops and finally let out a sigh of relief.

Li Huai’an and several soldiers came forward to meet her: “Miss, are you alright?”

Fan Changyu nodded, panting heavily, and pointed towards the steep slope behind her: “There’s a group of people dressed as government troops who claimed to be merchants staying at a blind old woman’s house. Their identities are very suspicious, they might be bandits in disguise. Officers, please go after them quickly, don’t let them escape.”

The one leading the troops was Zheng Wenchang. He immediately dispatched a large group of soldiers to pursue on horseback, leaving only a dozen or so soldiers to protect Li Huai’an.

Seeing Fan Changyu panting heavily, Li Huai’an went to his horse to fetch a water bottle and handed it to her: “Miss, have some water.”

Probably afraid she might mind, he added: “This is a spare water bottle, unused.”

Fan Changyu took it with thanks and gulped down several mouthfuls before catching her breath.

The other party bowed to her: “My surname is Li, given name Huai’an. I owe you my life for yesterday’s rescue.”

Fan Changyu said: “It was Young Master’s kindness in giving me a ride that came first.”

Li Huai’an insisted: “How can a simple ride compare to saving a life? May I ask for the miss’s name, so that I can properly thank you later.”

Fan Changyu had to say: “Lin’an, Fan Changyu.”

Li Huai’an’s gentle eyes showed some surprise: “The entire Qingping County town was massacred, and the nearby Lin’an town also met with misfortune. Only a few households of old, weak, women, and children survived. Was it you, miss, who led the bandits away that day to save those few families?”

Fan Changyu had been worried about Changningg and the others, but hearing him say that the neighbors hiding in the dry well had all escaped, her face immediately lit up with joy: “Yes, it was me. How do you know all this?”

Li Huai’an said: “I’m ashamed to say, with the rebels rampant, Lord He Jingyuan of Jizhou personally went to defend Lu City. I was ordered by the court to come to Jizhou to temporarily replace Lord He. Unfortunately, just as I arrived in Jizhou yesterday, I encountered the bandits. Thanks to Miss Fan’s protection, I was saved. After I was rescued, I heard about the events in Qingping County.”

Fan Changyu finally realized that this person was also an official, and not just any official, but one holding a position like Lord He of Jizhou. No wonder he could appear here with the Jizhou government troops.

When she spoke again, her tone was noticeably more distant: “May I ask, sir, are my sister and the neighbors safe now?”

Hearing her suddenly formal address, Li Huai’an’s expression remained gentle: “They have been temporarily settled in the courier station in Jizhou Prefecture and are safe for now.”

After answering her question, he smiled warmly and said: “Miss Fan, there’s no need to be so formal. We’re not in court, you don’t need to call me ‘sir’.”

Fan Changyu nodded, but the next time she spoke, she still called him “Your Lordship.” Li Huai’an chuckled and shook his head, ultimately not insisting she change her form of address.

They rested in place for a moment. Half an hour later, Zheng Wenchang, who had led troops to search, returned. He had found numerous footprints but hadn’t caught sight of the people themselves. However, he did find the old woman Fan Changyu had hidden at the edge of the pine forest.

Upon questioning the old woman, they received the same answer as Fan Changyu had given earlier. Fearing for Fan Changyu’s reputation, the old woman refused to mention that one of the group had falsely claimed to be Fan Changyu’s husband and had slept in the same room with her.

Although the mountain bandits weren’t found, at least Fan Changyu had been. Zheng Wenchang left some troops to continue searching the nearby mountains while escorting Li Huai’an back to the main city of Jizhou.

It was on the way back that Fan Changyu learned that when the mountain bandits entered the city, the Magistrate of Qingping County hadn’t even thought of organizing the yamen runners to resist. Instead, he had hurriedly fled with his family. After Song Yan had left for the capital to take the imperial examinations, Song’s mother, using the excuse that their home was too quiet, had also moved to stay with the Magistrate’s family. That night, when the mountain bandits broke into the city, she fled along with the Magistrate’s family.

Unexpectedly, the mountain bandits pursued them for over ten miles to kill the Magistrate’s family, and Song’s mother ultimately died by their blades as well.

The most tragic were Constable Wang and his wife. Constable Wang had gathered his subordinate yamen runners, hoping to block these mountain bandits outside the city gates as they had done with the mob outside the city that day. However, the mountain bandits seized the initiative, breaking open the city gates first. In the end, Constable Wang and his wife were outnumbered and died at the city gate.

Fan Changyu listened to all this, her heart heavy throughout the journey.

When they arrived at the main city of Jizhou, she went to the courier station to find Changningg, only to learn that someone had set fire to the station and, in the chaos, had kidnapped Changningg.

In the vast wilderness, six or seven people emerged on horseback from a rugged mountain path.

By a stream with flowing water, the group dismounted to rest briefly, and the horses, having galloped a long way, went to the stream to drink.

A five or six-year-old girl was still quietly sobbing as she was lifted off a horse by a handsome but sinister-looking young man.

Sui Yuanqing hadn’t expected this child to be able to cry so much; she hadn’t stopped the entire way. The child’s spine was fragile, and he didn’t dare to rashly knock her unconscious. After all, if he didn’t control his strength properly and broke the child’s spine, it would have been a waste of effort to sacrifice the last of the Prince’s forces in Jizhou to snatch this child.

Looking at the small child dangling from his hand like a kitten, he threatened impatiently, “If you cry again, I’ll throw you into the river.”

Changningg was frightened. Her lip quivered, and her quiet sobs uncontrollably turned into loud wailing. Sui Yuanqing’s face instantly turned ashen.

Just then, a guard handed Sui Yuanqing a flask of clean water. He raised his hand and tossed the child over, saying, “Use whatever method, just make her stop crying for me.”

The crying was irritating him, and the wounds on his waist and shoulder were also painful, making him irritable enough to want to kill someone. If it weren’t for the fact that this child was still useful, he would have snapped that delicate neck countless times by now.

The guard holding Changningg looked bitter. He was good at killing people, but comforting children? This was something he truly couldn’t do.

But Sui Yuanqing had given the order, so he could only force an awkward smile to try and comfort Changningg. Seeing his strained, eerie smile, Changningg cried even harder, almost unable to catch her breath.

The guard noticed Sui Yuanqing’s cold gaze and broke out in a cold sweat, trying even harder to comfort Changningg.

But gradually, he realized something was very wrong with Changningg. It seemed she wasn’t just crying anymore, but truly struggling to breathe. Her mouth was wide open, her face and neck flushed red, yet she still couldn’t breathe properly.

Fearing something might happen to the child in his care, the guard hurriedly called out, “Young Master, this child seems to have asthma.”

Sui Yuanqing glanced at the child who looked as if she might suffocate at any moment, his expression growing even darker.

He had gone to such great lengths to snatch this child, and if she were to die of illness halfway, it would only incur Xie Zheng’s hatred without bringing any benefit.

He said, “Check if she has any medicine bottles or the like on her.”

He had a half-sister who suffered from asthma. She coughed every few steps and wheezed every few paces, never daring to leave her room, always carrying medicine with her.

The guard searched but reported back with cold sweat, “There’s… there’s nothing.”

Sui Yuanqing ordered, “Put her on the ground.”

After the guard laid Changningg flat on the ground, it took a while before her breathing slowly became smoother.

Knowing now that Changningg had asthma, Sui Yuanqing stopped threatening her. He took the water flask from the guard and offered it to her, asking, “Are you thirsty?”

Changningg was very afraid of him. She nodded and then shook her head, her face streaked with tears, looking utterly pitiful.

Sui Yuanqing directly lifted her to a sitting position and put the flask to her lips, commanding, “Drink.”

Changningg was still scared, but having just had an attack, she didn’t dare cry again. She took small sips of water, and her throat, sore from crying for so long, finally felt a bit better.

Sui Yuanqing capped the flask and stood up, walking towards the horses. “Let’s continue. Just make sure she doesn’t die on the way.”

Changningg’s eyes were still misty with tears as the guard lifted her onto the horse. She pressed her lips together, not making a sound. Though young, she was clever. Along the way, she had overheard enough to realize these bad men had mistaken her for someone else’s daughter. If she were to tell them now that she wasn’t who they thought, these villains would surely kill her, and then she’d never see her elder sister again.

Thinking of her sister, Changningg’s eyes welled up with tears again. She took out the bamboo whistle hanging around her neck and began to blow it intermittently.

Three days later, in Lu City.

Gong Sun Yin received a letter from Yanzhou. After reading it, he was so shocked that he dropped the fan in his hand. He murmured in disbelief, “When did Xie Jiuheng have a daughter?”

But then he thought, given how Xie had quietly found a lover, perhaps he did have a daughter too. So, with a strange expression, he took the letter to find Xie Zheng, but upon entering the tent, he didn’t see him.

He knelt on the meditation cushion to wait. When Xie Zheng returned, he was surprised to find a small plate of dried tangerine peel candy on the low table.

He thought to himself that Xie Zheng’s guards must have become careless. That man hated sweets the most; putting a plate of candy here was just asking for punishment.

With nothing else to do, he tried one and found the sweet and sour taste unexpectedly pleasant.

After eating three pieces, out of kindness, he put all the remaining candy from the plate into his robe pocket, to save the guard who had placed it there from punishment when Xie Zheng returned.

A moment later, Xie Zheng returned, his armor covered in wind and snow. Seeing Gong Sun Yin, he merely said, “Why are you here?”

Gong Sun Yin’s gaze swept over Xie Zheng a few times before he replied strangely, “Naturally, I have something to discuss.”

Xie Zheng ignored his probing look, removed his cloak, and handed it to the guard behind him. As he sat down, he noticed the entire plate of dried tangerine peel candy was empty. His gaze suddenly darkened as he looked at Gong Sun Yin and asked, “Did you eat them?”

Awww…I don’t care that Madam Song died (good riddance, didn’t even merit an on-page death) but the Wang couple were good people. I suppose having Madam Wang die at the gate was one way for the author to save her from r*pe first, as seems to have been the fate of the slaughtered women.

How many beatings would have been avoided if Xie Zheng would stop trying to get tricksy just to peer into Fan Changyu’s heart?

I know Changyu is tough as nails and very resilient, but I still feel so bad for her. One thing after another, she has no time to rest and catch her breath before another disaster happens.

I’m glad Xie Zheng got to hear first hand that he is “very important” to Changyu. This man is deeply insecure due to a loveless childhood and austere upbringing, so knowing that Changyu cares for him and treasures his gift must mean a lot to him. ☺️

I understand the author’s repeated point that Zheng is insecure in relationships and they didn’t part in a good way, but having left his own camp to travel there and search for and save Changyu’s life again, I don’t understand why, when he caught up to her after she fled the cottage, he wouldn’t have said, “Changyu, don’t be afraid. It’s me. I pulled you from the river. You can go to the Jizhou troops now, but don’t mention that my men and I were the ones who saved you.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 64

Gong Sun Yin thought to himself that Xie Zheng knew there were candies in the dish, but he didn’t think eating a few of his candies was a big deal. He replied candidly, “Yes, what’s the matter?”

Xie Zheng coldly ordered his guards, “Throw him out!”

The two personal guards looked at each other, glanced at Xie Zheng’s expression, and ultimately had no choice but to drag Gong Sun Yin toward the exit.

Gong Sun Yin was stunned. By the time he came to his senses, he was already being dragged to the tent entrance. He exploded in anger, accusing, “Xie Jiuheng! Is this necessary? I just ate a few of your candies!”

As he struggled, the candies in his pocket fell out.

Gong Sun Yin’s eyes met Xie Zheng’s, and he felt the latter’s expression grow even colder.

When he saw the usually arrogant man bend down to pick up the fallen dried tangerine peel candies one by one, Gong Sun Yin was momentarily stunned.

He composed himself, freed his hands, and instructed the two guards, “You two go out first. I have important matters to discuss with the Marquis.”

The guards originally didn’t dare to throw Gong Sun Yin out. Having received his order and with Xie Zheng not objecting, they both retreated.

Gong Sun Yin walked back to the low table and frowned, asking, “Were these given to you by that Fan girl?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer.

Gong Sun Yin knew it must be so. Seeing his reaction, he couldn’t help but say, “It’s just a few dried tangerine peel candies. I can compensate you if you want.”

Xie Zheng put the picked-up candies back in the porcelain dish. The hard candies made a crisp sound as they hit the dish. He calmly raised his eyes to look at Gong Sun Yin. His pitch-black eyes were cold and deep, like rocks at the bottom of the sea that hadn’t seen sunlight for ten thousand years. Just meeting his gaze sent a chill down one’s spine.

Gong Sun Yin rubbed the goosebumps on his arms and finally shut up.

Xie Zheng asked, “What did you come to see me about?”

At this, Gong Sun Yin’s expression suddenly turned strange. He looked at Xie Zheng and asked, “You have a daughter?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer, only snorted dismissively.

Gong Sun Yin knew then that it must be a fabrication. He took out the letter from Yan State and handed it to him, saying, “This was sent by the Prince of Changxin. He says he has your daughter and if you don’t want her to be sacrificed, you should exchange Yan State for her.”

Xie Zheng didn’t take the letter, clearly not even bothering to look at it. He sneered, “Has old Sui Tuo gone mad, knowing he’ll never sit on that dragon throne in this lifetime?”

Gong Sun Yin also felt this matter was strange in every aspect. Logically, for the Prince of Changxin to dare send such a letter, he must be certain of victory. But as things stood now, this letter seemed too ridiculous.

He said, “Could he have received some false information, making him think you have a daughter living among common people?”

As he said this, Gong Sun Yin rummaged in his sleeve again and pulled out a bamboo whistle, placing it on the low table. He said with amusement, “Oh right, this bamboo whistle was sent along with the letter. They said it’s a token from your daughter.”

When Xie Zheng’s cold gaze swept over the bamboo whistle, he suddenly paused.

He recognized this whistle.

When he was severely injured at the Fan family’s home, Wei Yan’s assassins went to search for something and kill to silence witnesses. As he escaped with that child, she kept blowing this whistle the whole way.

Hadn’t she and her sister escaped safely? Why did this whistle end up in the hands of the Prince of Changxin’s people?

Xie Zheng picked up the bamboo whistle and examined it carefully, then ordered coldly, “Go investigate what happened to the child from the Fan family who was sent to Ji Prefecture.”

Hearing it was related to the Fan family, Gong Sun Yin quickly realized and asked, “Could the one in the Prince of Changxin’s hands be Miss Fan’s sister?”

Xie Zheng pressed his lips together without speaking, which was as good as confirmation.

Gong Sun Yin hadn’t expected such a mix-up. He opened and closed his folding fan, finally looking up at Xie Zheng, “If it is her sister, what do you plan to do?”

Ji Prefecture.

Although it was early spring, winter in the north always lingered longer than in the south. The red plum blossoms in the courtyard were still covered with a thin layer of unmelted snow. The icicles under the eaves were crystal clear in the sunlight, slowly dripping water droplets.

Fan Changyu stood under the eaves, lost in thought as she watched two sparrows hopping and pecking for food on the courtyard wall. Her back was straight, but there were faint dark circles under her eyes, clearly showing signs of fatigue.

Since the day of the fire at the courier station when Chang Ning disappeared, she had barely slept.

Her sister had been abducted, and she didn’t even know who the enemy was.

That day when the courier station caught fire, Madam Zhao was carrying Chang Ning out when she was stabbed. She immediately collapsed in pain, watching helplessly as Chang Ning was snatched away by a group of masked people.

Fortunately, the stab didn’t hit any vital organs, so Madam Zhao’s life was spared.

After investigation, the officials speculated it was an act of revenge. They said that since the culprits chose to take Chang Ning away instead of killing her on the spot, they must be planning to use her as a bargaining chip.

But three days had passed, and the kidnappers seemed to have vanished without a trace, sending no message.

Fan Changyu couldn’t think of any enemies she might have made. If there was anyone who might seek revenge, it would only be the remnants of Qingfeng Stronghold.

But the remnants of Qingfeng Stronghold had all been eliminated by the officials. Even if there were one or two who had slipped through the net, they wouldn’t dare cause such a commotion in the main city of Ji Prefecture.

Those strangely behaving soldiers who saved her that day – she had initially thought they were bandits in disguise. But she later learned from Li Huai’an that Lucheng, fearing Ji Prefecture’s main city had withdrawn too many troops to effectively suppress bandits, had sent a team of light cavalry to help.

It couldn’t have been bandits who kidnapped Chang Ning. Fan Changyu remembered what the leader of Qingfeng Stronghold had said – that the person transporting the treasure map back then wasn’t her father, but a eunuch named Ma Taiyuan. She began to suspect it might be related to her parents’ mysterious enemies.

Over the past two days, she had been asking around for information about the Sihai Escort Agency and Ma Taiyuan and found that the bandit leader hadn’t been lying.

The only breakthrough left was the official records from the interrogation of those men in black. Fan Changyu had run out of ideas and decided to ask Li Huai’an for help in accessing the records about her parent’s deaths and the two attacks on her family.

After the servant announced her arrival, she had been waiting in the front hall for the time it took to drink a cup of tea. With the weight of her worries, sitting for too long made her feel stifled, so she went to the corridor for some fresh air.

A clerk hurriedly walked over from the other end of the corridor. Seeing Fan Changyu, he politely said, “The magistrate is in the Wenjing Pavilion. Please follow me there, miss.”

After thanking him, Fan Changyu followed with quick steps, having no time to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the mansion.

The Wenjing Pavilion had floor heating, and a wave of warmth enveloped her as soon as she entered, keeping the early spring chill outside.

Li Huai’an, dressed in a crimson official robe, sat at his desk reviewing documents. Compared to when Fan Changyu first met him, his warm and gentle demeanor seemed to have been replaced by a more distant and authoritative air when wearing his official robes.

The clerk respectfully announced, “Sir, Miss Fan has arrived.”

Only then did Li Huai’an raise his head from the pile of documents. He set down his brush and said, “My apologies for keeping Miss Fan waiting. All the records of Ji Prefecture are kept in the archives. It took some time for the staff to make arrangements. We can go there now.”

As a member of the Li faction and temporarily taking over He Jingyuan’s position in Ji Prefecture, it would be inappropriate for him to immediately start examining records in the archives upon arrival, let alone bring outsiders in. He had to temporarily dismiss all unrelated personnel to facilitate this.

Fan Changyu said, “I’m causing trouble for you, sir.”

Li Huai’an looked at her with a smile, seemingly transforming back into that refined and pure scholar, “If it weren’t for Miss Fan, I might have lost my life to those bandits. Examining records is still within my capabilities. There’s no need for Miss Fan to be so polite.”

As they were about to leave, he glanced at Fan Changyu’s attire and called for the clerk to bring a cloak. He said, “To borrow records from the archives, it must be officially logged. Miss Fan, please come with me to view them. To avoid drawing attention, it’s best if you wear this cloak.”

Fan Changyu understood he was using his official authority to help her privately and didn’t want to cause him trouble. She put on the cloak and pulled up the hood, instantly covering most of her face, leaving only her chin and pale red lips exposed.

Li Huai’an’s gaze lingered for a moment.

On their way out, Fan Changyu didn’t encounter anyone else, presumably because Li Huai’an had cleared the way.

When they arrived, they saw a squad of stern-looking armored guards standing outside the main door. Only after Li Huai’an showed his official token did the guards allow them to pass.

Fan Changyu followed him into the tall, gloomy-looking building. She then realized that all the doors and windows were covered with a layer of black cloth. Only a faint light burned inside, and rows of bookshelves seemed to stretch endlessly, densely packed with bamboo slips and documents.

Li Huai’an carried a candle holder and walked in front, searching for a while based on the numbers on the shelves before pulling out a scroll, “Here’s the one from December last year.”

He handed it to Fan Changyu, who quickly started reading. Li Huai’an, seemingly to help her see better, stood closer to the candle holder but still maintained a small distance to avoid making her uncomfortable.

After quickly scanning through the document, Fan Changyu’s expression became even more solemn, “This record states that my parents were killed by bandits for a treasure map.”

Li Huai’an’s eyes flickered slightly, but he didn’t mention the possibility of tampered records. The only person who could manipulate records so freely in Ji Prefecture would likely be the Governor of Ji, who had personally gone to defend Lucheng.

He said gently, “Perhaps the bandit leader lied to save his own life.”

Fan Changyu remained silent. She had made inquiries to confirm the bandit leader wasn’t lying before daring to come to ask Li Huai’an for help.

Was this record deliberately written this way by the officials, or hastily fabricated just to close the case?

Unable to find any clues about her parents’ enemies from the official records, her mood became heavy. After leaving the archives, she bid farewell to Li Huai’an and returned to her temporary lodging.

Madam Zhao was injured and needed constant care. When Fan Changyu wasn’t around, the few remaining neighbors who had survived the courier station fire helped look after her.

The entire Clear Peace County now had only these few elderly, weak women and children left. The Ji Prefecture officials had directly settled them in the main city, providing monthly allowances of money and grain.

What Fan Changyu didn’t know was that news of her visit to the archives to view records that day was immediately sent to Lucheng by fast horse.

In the cold night air heavy with dew, He Jingyuan read the letter sent from Ji Prefecture under the lamplight. After a long while, he muttered to himself, “I’ve already given him what he wanted. Those two children know nothing. Given the current situation, he shouldn’t be able to harm them anymore.”

The wrinkles on his aged eyelids deepened as he considered a possibility, his usually scholarly face hardening, “Could it be that the Li Grand Tutor is deliberately setting up this situation for whatever the Fan family is hiding?”

After pondering for a moment, he finally picked up his brush and quickly wrote a letter. After sealing it, he called for his guard outside the tent, “Take this letter back to Ji Prefecture by fast horse and deliver it to Wen Chang.”

Zheng Wenchang was a prized student. Although He Jingyuan wasn’t in Ji Prefecture now, Zheng Wenchang was in control of the troops there and could handle some matters for him. It was Zheng Wenchang who had informed him about Li Huai’an taking Fan Changyu to view the records.

The guard took the letter and left quickly.

He Jingyuan gazed into the deep night, finally letting out a heavy sigh, “The world hasn’t fallen into chaos yet, but the common people are already suffering so much. If true chaos comes, how many more will die?”

In the Yan State camp stationed outside Lucheng, the central military tent was also brightly lit.

Scouts had returned with confirmed information that the girl lost at the courier station was indeed Chang Ning.

Gong Sun Yin pointed at the positions of Yan State and Chong State on the map, saying, “I think there’s a trick here. Let’s not even mention how childish it is for the Prince of Changxin to propose exchanging a young girl for Yan State. Just consider that Yan State is north of Chong State. The Northern Xue people are currently attacking Jin State. After Jin State, only Hui State and Yan State stand in their way. You previously deliberately weakened Yan State’s defenses to lure him into abandoning Ji Prefecture and attacking Yan State instead, to relieve the pressure on Ji Prefecture. He didn’t take the bait then, so why would he want you to give up territory now? Even if we take a step back and assume Jin, Hui, and Yan States all fall into his hands, he’d still need to allocate troops to resist the Northern Xue. How is that better than having you at the front blocking the foreign tribes while he marches south?”

Xie Zheng sat in his chair, his cold gaze sweeping over the two locations Gong Sun Yin pointed out on the map. He suddenly chuckled, “They’re using our strategy against us.”

Gong Sun Yin was stunned for a moment before he realized. Looking at the map again, he suddenly understood, “The Prince of Changxin has seen through our fake weakening of Yan State’s defenses and knows our true intention is to protect Ji Prefecture. Now he’s pretending to want Yan State, but in reality, he’s trying to lure the tiger away from the mountain and continue his attack on Ji Prefecture?”

He suddenly couldn’t hide his excitement as he looked at Xie Zheng, “If we can make the Prince of Changxin believe we’ve fallen for his trick and lead troops back to reinforce Yan State, when the rebel army attacks Ji Prefecture, our previous tactics can be put to use!”

Xie Zheng finished the latter half of his thought, “The difficulty lies in how to make the Prince of Changxin believe we’ve gone to reinforce Yan State.”

Gong Sun Yin said, “Exactly. Although Jin State is being defended by several of your brave generals, to be on the safe side, we absolutely cannot move the troops stationed in Hui State. But without a major troop movement, it’s really difficult to lure the Prince of Changxin into the trap.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and looked at Yan State on the map for a moment before saying, “I’ll go to Yan State personally.”

Gong Sun Yin was shocked. Xie Zheng was planning to use himself as bait.

He couldn’t help but worry for him, “What if the Prince of Changxin thinks your life is worth more than Ji Prefecture and turns back to take Yan State?”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes and said, “Didn’t you say the Prince of Changxin is still counting on me to block the foreign enemies for him, so he can seize the opportunity to march south?”

Gongsun Yin was about to say more, but Xie Zheng simply chuckled. His seemingly indifferent eyes revealed a hint of arrogance. “If he truly dares to come for my life, I’ll sever his head on the battlefield and put an end to the chaos in the northwest once and for all.”

Gongsun Yin wanted to remark on how utterly reckless and arrogant this man was, but he suddenly realized something, and his expression became somewhat complicated.

During the Battle of Chongzhou, Xie Zheng had nearly lost his life in an ambush. The rumors of his death had circulated for so long that the military’s morale was already unstable. The Xie Family Army had been taken over by that inept Wei Xuan, who had squandered their strength in countless defeats, causing morale to plummet further.

Now that Xie Zheng had returned, he needed to win a decisive and resounding victory to restore the fighting spirit of the Xie Family Army, which had been nearly destroyed under Wei Xuan’s leadership.

Gongsun Yin even suspected that Wei Yan couldn’t find Xie Zheng’s body and, fearing his return, had deliberately sent Wei Xuan to take over Huizhou, specifically to ruin the Xie Family Army.

It takes three to five years to nurture an elite force, but just a few defeats to destroy it.

Whether Xie Zheng’s actions were purely for the greater cause, or if he was also looking to help his beloved recover her younger sister, Gongsun Yin refrained from questioning him at a time like this. Instead, he merely advised, “If the Marquis intends to use this strategy, then you must either recruit He Jingyuan or… eliminate him. After all, Lucheng’s current military strength is entirely in his hands. To set up a trap capable of swallowing the Prince of Changxin’s fifty-thousand-strong army, you’ll need to mobilize all of Lucheng’s forces.”

Xie Zheng’s half-closed eyes revealed a faint glimmer of insight. “After being in Lucheng for so long, it’s indeed time I met him.”

He had been investigating the secret behind the Fan couple for a long time but found nothing. Aside from Wei Yan, it seemed that only He Jingyuan might know the truth.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 65

Hè Jìngyuán had not slept a wink since receiving the letter from the main city of Jìzhōu, informing him that the youngest daughter of the Fán family had been abducted without cause. After Fán Chángyù reviewed the case files, Hè Jìngyuán was wide awake in his tent, studying military texts. Suddenly, a guard stationed outside entered to report that Gōngsūn Yín was requesting an audience.

Hè Jìngyuán pondered briefly, unsure of what agenda this chief advisor under the Marquis of Wǔ’ān might have. After a moment’s consideration, he instructed the guard to invite him in.

As the tent flap lifted, it became clear that Gōngsūn Yín was not alone.

Hè Jìngyuán’s gaze fell upon the man behind him, dressed in a dark robe with cloud patterns and narrow sleeves. Startled, he quickly rose to his feet. “Your Grace?”

Xiè Zhēng’s lips curved into a slight smile. “General Hè, I trust you’ve been well.”

Compared to the veteran generals who had fought on countless battlefields, he was remarkably young. With his striking good looks, many in the military had initially doubted him, believing he had merely been born into the right family as the sole heir of the Xiè clan, with Wei Yán as his uncle, allowing him to rise quickly through the ranks.

However, with the recapture of Jǐnzhōu and the recovery of the twelve commanderies of Liáodōng, achievements unmatched since the previous dynasty, all voices of doubt were finally silenced.

While others merely praised him as a heaven-sent prodigy, Hè Jìngyuán, being a fellow military officer, knew well that any one of Xiè Zhēng’s accomplishments would be enough for an ordinary general to boast about for a lifetime.

Behind that glorious facade lay countless sacrifices, paid for with blood and repeated brushes with death.

Although Hè Jìngyuán was more than two decades Xiè Zhēng’s senior, he held genuine admiration for this youngest Marquis in the history of the Great Yīn Dynasty.

He ushered Xiè Zhēng to the main seat, asking, “What brings Your Grace to Lùchéng so unexpectedly?”

Xiè Zhēng did not decline the offer. If he didn’t take that seat, no one else in the room would be able to sit down.

He sat down with a casual demeanor, accepting a cup of tea personally offered by Hè Jìngyuán. When their eyes met, Hè Jìngyuán lowered his posture slightly, his eyes betraying a hint of guilt over the previous grain requisition incident.

Xiè Zhēng’s lips twitched slightly, but he didn’t press the issue at this moment. Instead, he said, “Suí Tuó, that old fox, has surrounded Jìzhōu with fifty thousand troops, intending to completely cut off the grain supply route by water after spring arrives. Although the front lines are currently stable, I’m concerned about the rear supply lines, so I’ve come personally to assess the situation.”

Hè Jìngyuán clasped his hands and solemnly declared, “Please rest assured, Your Grace. As long as I, Hè, draw breath, I will not allow the rebels to capture Jìzhōu.”

Xiè Zhēng lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. His pitch-black eyes held a hint of amusement, yet still carried an air of natural authority. “I didn’t come here because I doubt General Hè. Whether Jìzhōu can be held depends entirely on Lùchéng. However, the current garrison in the city is only twenty thousand strong. If Prince Chángxìn launches an assault, it may be difficult to withstand. The newly recruited troops are said to number fifty thousand, but in reality, there are only thirty thousand, and they’re all farmers who have never seen battle. If it comes down to forcing all the troops onto the city walls for a desperate defense, Lùchéng won’t have much of an advantage. After inspecting the terrain around Lùchéng with Advisor Gōngsūn, I’ve devised a plan that could potentially engulf all fifty thousand of Prince Chángxìn’s troops besieging Lùchéng.”

Hè Jìngyuán hadn’t had a good night’s sleep since Lùchéng was besieged. Now, hearing that Xiè Zhēng had a strategy to defeat the enemy, he couldn’t hide his surprise. “May I ask what plan Your Grace has in mind?”

Xiè Zhēng looked toward Gōngsūn Yín, who explained on his behalf: “The Wū River flows from west to east, passing through Jìzhōu, with its source in the Yān Mountains. After spring, when the ice and snow in the Yān Mountains melt, the water flows into the Wū River. We’ll send troops to build a dam upstream to temporarily block the Wū River. The river bed near Lùchéng will remain shallow. General Hè can then lure Prince Chángxìn’s troops to cross the river bed. At that time, we’ll blow up the dam upstream, flooding Prince Chángxìn’s fifty thousand troops.”

Upon hearing this plan, Hè Jìngyuán couldn’t help but clap his hands in approval. “This plan is brilliant! However, building a dam is no small task. It will require thousands of soldiers. How can we keep this hidden from Prince Chángxìn’s scouts?”

Xiè Zhēng replied, “Prince Chángxìn recently sent me a letter of challenge, expressing his intent to take Yànzhōu. I’ll borrow twenty thousand troops from Jìzhōu to return, but along the way, I’ll deploy most of these forces to build the dam upstream of the Wū River. General Hè can send more men to intercept the scouts. This way, we can deceive them completely.”

Hè Jìngyuán was puzzled. “Previously, Advisor Gōngsūn suggested weakening the defenses of Yànzhōu to lure Prince Chángxìn back to attack. If Prince Chángxìn falls for the trap, shouldn’t he be heading straight for Yànzhōu to catch us off guard?”

Gōngsūn Yín smiled and said, “General Hè is not wrong. Prince Chángxìn’s move is to turn our strategy against us. He’s pretending to fall for our plan to attack Yànzhōu, but in reality, he still intends to attack Jìzhōu, aiming to occupy the salt lake and control the waterways.”

Hè Jìngyuán, being an experienced veteran, immediately understood that their previous mention of sending troops back to aid Yànzhōu was also a counter-strategy, making Prince Chángxìn believe they were truly protecting Yànzhōu.

After pondering for a moment, he asked, “What if Prince Chángxìn also sees through this stratagem?”

Xiè Zhēng replied with certainty, “He won’t notice.”

Hè Jìngyuán looked puzzled.

Gōngsūn Yín, suppressing a smile, explained, “Your Grace’s only daughter is in Prince Chángxìn’s hands. On the surface, Your Grace borrowing troops to return to Yànzhōu is also to rescue his daughter.”

Xiè Zhēng shot a cold glance at Gōngsūn Yín, who quickly sat up straight.

Hè Jìngyuán, however, was quite bewildered. After a while, he collected himself and cupped his hands, saying, “I wasn’t aware that Your Grace had been blessed with a daughter. I imagine she must be suffering in the hands of those rebels.”

Gōngsūn Yín, who had just managed to contain his laughter, nearly lost control again due to Hè Jìngyuán’s words.

Xiè Zhēng’s expression turned extremely unpleasant. He finally explained, “She is my wife’s younger sister. The rebels misunderstood her identity.”

Hè Jìngyuán had just been forced to accept the idea that Xiè Zhēng had a daughter, and now learning that the person captured by the rebels wasn’t his daughter but his sister-in-law—implying the sudden existence of a Marchioness—was still shocking, despite his mental preparation.

If it had just been his daughter, born to a woman he kept by his side, it wouldn’t have been a big deal.

But the fact that he had a Marchioness was no small matter. How many noble families in the capital had been racking their brains, hoping to form a marriage alliance with him? Even after rumors spread about his falling out with Wei Yán, the royal family, which had long been suppressed by Wei Yán, thought about marrying a princess to him to use his influence to pressure Wei Yán.

So many people had been eyeing that position with red-rimmed eyes, and when did it suddenly become occupied?

Not only Hè Jìngyuán, but even Gōngsūn Yín was greatly surprised.

He had originally thought that Xiè Zhēng’s feelings for that butcher’s daughter named Fán were just a mix of gratitude for saving his life and some affection developed over time. He never expected that he would consider her his wife.

For a moment, Gōngsūn Yín even wondered if Xiè Zhēng had been bewitched.

Although the Xiè family now only had him as the sole male heir, it was still a centuries-old noble house. If he were to take a wife, it would stir up a storm of blood and iron throughout the entire capital, as it would mean a redistribution of power in the whole city.

Only the most outstanding noble ladies from prominent families in the capital would be worthy of becoming the matriarch of the Xiè family. Marrying a rural village woman—wouldn’t that make them the laughingstock of the entire capital?

Gōngsūn Yín’s brows furrowed tightly. He knew well that the man he had known for over a decade was not one to act on impulse. He wanted to ask a few more questions but held back due to Hè Jìngyuán’s presence.

Seeing both Hè Jìngyuán and Gōngsūn Yín lose their composure, Xiè Zhēng’s eyes remained calm. He simply asked, “What does General Hè think of this plan?”

Hè Jìngyuán snapped back to attention, temporarily suppressing the shock in his heart, and quickly said, “This plan is excellent. All the troops in Lùchéng are at Your Grace’s disposal!”

Saying this, he raised both hands above his head, presenting the tiger tally of Jìzhōu.

There could be no more sincere expression of loyalty than this.

Xiè Zhēng took the tiger tally, seemingly unimpressed by this iron token that could command all the troops in Jìzhōu. He twirled it between his fingers, lowering his eyes as he spoke, “There’s one more thing I’d like to ask General Hè about.”

His use of the word “ask” was rather intriguing. Hè Jìngyuán vaguely guessed what he wanted to ask. Ever since he had prevented Wei Xuān from requisitioning grain, Hè Jìngyuán had decided to tell him everything he knew from back then. At this moment, he simply said, “Whatever Your Grace wishes to ask, please do. As long as I know the answer, I will hold nothing back.”

Xiè Zhēng’s lips curled upwards slightly at this assurance. He asked, “In Língan Town of Qīngpíng County, there was a butcher’s family surnamed Fán. Why did Wei Yán want the lives of that couple? And what was he repeatedly sending people to search for in their homes?”

Gōngsūn Yín, hearing Xiè Zhēng ask so many questions about the Fán family, instinctively furrowed his brow. Could it be that his interest in that Fán girl was related to Wei Yán?

Hè Jìngyuán’s expression grew complex. He also wanted to know how much Xiè Zhēng already knew about the events of that year. He asked, “Before I answer Your Grace’s questions, may I ask why you are investigating the matters behind the Fán family?”

Xiè Zhēng replied, “My wife’s parents died unjustly. It’s only right that I investigate on her behalf.”

Upon hearing these words, Hè Jìngyuán abruptly raised his eyes, his expression could only be described as shock.

Xiè Zhēng assumed that, like Gōngsūn Yín, he was surprised by the status he had promised to Fán Chángyù. His expression cooled slightly as he said, “Can General Hè speak now?”

Hè Jìngyuán’s fingertips trembled imperceptibly. He lowered his aged eyelids, remained silent for a long while, then sighed and said, “The deceased Fán butcher was once one of the Chancellor’s men. Later, he betrayed his master and fled, living under an assumed name. But the Chancellor still tracked him down and took his life. As for what the Chancellor was looking for, I don’t know what it was.”

Wei Yán had once shown him great favor and later nurtured his career. Although they now had different political views, Hè Jìngyuán still respectfully referred to him as “Chancellor.”

Xiè Zhēng’s eyes suddenly sharpened, though his lips still bore a smile. “If I’m not mistaken, it should be General Hè who took that item, correct?”

Hè Jìngyuán said bitterly, “Yes, I took it, but I truly don’t know what it was.”

The patience in Xiè Zhēng’s eyes waned. “Does General Hè think I would believe such a story?”

Hè Jìngyuán replied, “Whether Your Grace believes it or not, every word I’ve said is true.”

Xiè Zhēng gave a cold laugh. “You don’t even know what Wei Yán was looking for, how could you find it for him?”

Hè Jìngyuán laughed self-mockingly. “My actions in Jìzhōu over these years have already displeased the Chancellor. When he ordered me to kill the Fán couple, it was merely to test if I was still loyal to him. He didn’t ask me to find anything. That item was given to me by the Fán couple before they died, instructing me to hand it over to the Chancellor when he asked for it, and not to open it myself.”

Xiè Zhēng sensed something odd in this and asked, “Were you acquainted with the Fán couple?”

Hè Jìngyuán’s eyes couldn’t hide his weariness. “They were old friends of mine.”

Gōngsūn Yín, who was unaware of the Fán family affair, couldn’t help but interject at this point, “So, General Hè, to convince Wei Yán of your continued loyalty, you killed your old friends?”

Hè Jìngyuán remained silent, which was as good as an admission.

Seeing his mournful demeanor, Gōngsūn Yín remarked with an unclear tone, “Since ancient times, it’s been difficult to be both loyal and righteous. One can hardly blame General Hè.”

Hè Jìngyuán detected the sarcasm in his words and said, “If I hadn’t acted, the Chancellor would have sent someone else. By killing the Fán couple myself, I could at least fulfill their wishes and protect their two children. If others had gone, it would have been a complete extermination.”

Gōngsūn Yín was momentarily speechless. They were all too familiar with Wei Yán’s methods.

After a moment, he asked, “Since Wei Yán didn’t ask General Hè to search for that item, weren’t you afraid of arousing his suspicion when you presented it to him later?”

Hè Jìngyuán answered, “Of course I was afraid. But since Your Grace has married the Fán girl, I assume you’re aware that the two sisters knew nothing of their parent’s affairs. My old friends are gone, and I feel guilty. I only wish to protect what little of their bloodline remains. At that time, Wei Xuān had been defeated in battle, and rumors of Your Grace’s life or death were circulating. The situation in the northwest was chaotic, and the Chancellor had no choice but to use me, so he turned a blind eye.”

Xie Zheng lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, remaining silent. What He Jingyuan said didn’t stray far from what he had previously suspected.

Gongsun Yin then asked, “The items that the Fan couple left you—did you not look at them, Master He?”

He Jingyuan let out a bitter laugh. “Mister Gongsun, you jest. If I had looked at them, would the Chancellor still tolerate my presence?”

Gongsun Yin shrugged and glanced at Xie Zheng.

After all the questioning, it seemed they had unraveled many puzzles, yet none of the truly critical questions had been answered.

Suddenly, Xie Zheng raised his gaze. “What was Fan Erniu’s real name and position when he served under Wei Yan?”

Sweat dripped down He Jingyuan’s forehead as he replied, “Marquis, I’m afraid I cannot disclose that information at this moment.”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix-shaped eyes carried an intense pressure when he wasn’t smiling. He scrutinized He Jingyuan and asked, “Why?”

A bitter taste filled He Jingyuan’s mouth. He was well aware of what the truth behind the Fan family meant for Xie Zheng. If Xie Zheng had no personal ties to the Fan family and had merely uncovered their secrets while investigating the Jinzhou case, then He Jingyuan could still hold out hope for some mercy in Xie Zheng’s heart. After all, the Fan couple was already dead, the past was settled, and perhaps Xie Zheng would let the matter rest for the sake of the two orphaned sisters.

But Xie Zheng had now taken Fan Changyu as his wife, and the younger Fan daughter had been kidnapped by traitors who mistook her for Xie Zheng’s child. He Jingyuan couldn’t imagine what would happen to the two sisters once the truth was revealed.

He intended to tell Xie Zheng the real identities of the Fan couple—but not now. At the very least, he needed to wait until both sisters were safely out of harm’s way.

I have this hunch that Fan Erniu is Meng Shuyan.

This hunch is based on these facts:

– The mother cried when she found out that Changyu played a game where Meng Shuyan was called the Great Traitor
– The box given to Wei Yan had a letter addressed to Meng Shuyan
– Fan Erniu was a great martial artists and he passed down his skills to his eldest daughter, instructing her not to let people see it unless it’s a matter of life and death
– He Jingyuan’s statement suggest that the Fan couple have done something extreme that will anger Xie Zheng to the point of killing the Fan sisters for revenge.

However, something still doesn’t add up. Meng Shuyan was said to have killed himself when he found out that General Xie died because of his delay. So, either Meng Shuyan staged his death and became Fan Erniu or Meng Shuyan is only someone related to the Changyu’s parents.

you cooked here

you made it more easier to understand but thank you.

he isn’t meng shuyan it’s his wife father meaning his father in law

I think the Fan sisters are Meng Shuyuan’s grand daughters through his daughter, their mother who didn’t carry a last name.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 66

In the distance, the sound of watchmen making their rounds echoed through the night, the wooden clappers piercing the silence of the large tent with particular clarity. The candle flame on the tall table flickered suddenly.

Under Xie Zheng’s cold gaze, He Jingyuan struggled to speak: “Marquis, please consider He Jingyuan a coward for now. If I survive after relieving Lu City’s siege, I will certainly be frank with you about everything.”

Gongsun Yin couldn’t help but glance at Xie Zheng upon hearing this; both remained noncommittal.

He Jingyuan had handed over the tiger tally for troop mobilization in Jizhoufuneral, demonstrating his loyalty, yet he kept the Fan couple’s identity secret for self-preservation. He feared that once Xie Zheng gained military authority, he might dispose of him immediately. This small calculation was hardly offensive.

After a brief silence in the tent, Xie Zheng finally curled his lip and said, “Lord He can rest assured. I come from a military background and, while I can’t guarantee everything, I certainly won’t go back on my word. Moreover, Lord He has served in Jizhou for over a decade, winning both the people’s hearts and the soldiers’ affection. How could I dare to move against you lightly?”

Cold sweat trickled down He Jingyuan’s temples as he hurriedly bowed his head, saying, “The Marquis jests. When it comes to prestige in the military, who could surpass you?”

Xie Zheng’s fingertips tapped lightly on the chair’s armrest as his dark eyes scrutinized the respectful scholar-general before him. As if weighing something, he finally conceded, “Very well. I’ll await your answer after Lu City’s siege is lifted.”

He Jingyuan felt the oppressive gaze on him suddenly lighten, his breathing becoming easier. He bowed even more respectfully, bending at the waist: “Thank you for your consideration, Marquis.”

Xie Zheng stood up, his robe embroidered with cloud patterns draping elegantly, the fabric even reflecting light in the candlelight. He spoke coolly, “Tomorrow, Lord He will assign twenty thousand recruits, along with craftsmen skilled in water management from the city. Spring is approaching, and the rains will come. If we don’t build dams on the Wu River before the spring floods, this plan will be useless.”

He Jingyuan quickly responded, “I will summon the subordinate commanders tonight to make arrangements.”

After leaving the tent, Gongsun Yin quietly said to Xie Zheng, “You agreed to his bargaining.”

Xie Zheng tossed the Jizhou tiger tally to him, asking with a sidelong glance, “What else could I do?”

Gongsun Yin caught the tally with both hands and said, “He has been established in Jizhou for many years. If we’re to use the Jizhou army as a trap to swallow Prince Xin’s fifty thousand troops, we indeed can’t move against him lightly. The death of a chief commander before a major battle would inevitably affect morale. However… he dared to hand over the tiger tally, truly gambling that you would spare his life for the Fan family’s sake, no matter what.”

Xie Zheng replied, “If he hadn’t handed over the tiger tally, how could I dare to march north?”

Gongsun Yin couldn’t help but laugh: “This Lord He sees things quite clearly. His concerns are not without reason. You won’t move against him before the battle, but whether you’ll let him ‘sacrifice himself gloriously’ during the battle is another matter, given your wariness of his influence in the Jizhou army.”

Xie Zheng remained silent, seemingly agreeing with his assessment. As they continued walking, he said, “Regarding Chongzhou, draft a reply on my behalf, discussing other terms with Old Sui Tuo.”

Gongsun Yin understood his meaning. Exchanging Yanzhou for the Fan family’s young daughter was impossible. Replying to Prince Xin for other terms would make them appear genuinely concerned about the child’s fate, thus making their borrowing of troops from Jizhou to Yanzhou seem less suspicious.

Moreover, letting Prince Xin know that the child was important to them would make him even more cautious about harming her—

Several days later, in Chongzhou, at Prince Xin’s mansion.

A man’s pale, skeletal fingers tossed the letter into the brazier beside the desk. The paper quickly turned to ashes among the red coals.

Despite the spring chill, even indoors, the man had a cloak draped over his shoulders. His lips, pale from illness, curled slightly in a malicious yet pleased smile, like a child who had won a game: “He borrowed twenty thousand troops from Jizhou.”

The man who had delivered the message asked in confusion, “The child rescued by the Crown Prince isn’t the daughter of the Marquis of Wu’an. Your Highness, could there be some trick?”

Sui Yuanhuai raised his eyes, black as night and chilling to the bone: “Isn’t she his woman’s sister? When Qingping County was massacred, he rushed back to save people without hesitation. If he doesn’t rescue this child, what do you think his woman will do when she finds out?”

The brocade-robed man standing below, who was Zhao Xun, wanted to say that a man of the Marquis of Wu’an’s status could have any woman he wanted. But remembering the woman who had been caught and brought back several times by the man before him, he held his tongue and instead said, “Your Highness is wise.”

Sui Yuanhuai mused, “Even if it’s a trap, what does it matter to us?”

Zhao Xun’s heart suddenly jolted, understanding that he intended to watch the tigers fight from afar. He bowed and said, “Your Highness is truly perceptive.”

Sui Yuanhuai looked at him with an inscrutable smile, making Zhao Xun feel as if he had thorns at his back. He trembled as he asked, “Why is Your Highness looking at me like this?”

Sui Yuanhuai smiled, “I heard you’ve been teaching that little bastard to write?”

Zhao Xun’s knees weakened, and he fell to the ground: “Forgive me, Your Highness. How could I be worthy of teaching the young master? The young master kept crying to see… Concubine Yu, so I coaxed him, saying that if he studied well and learned to write, Your Highness might be pleased and allow him to see Concubine Yu.”

Sui Yuanhuai said with a half-smile, “You seem quite adept at making decisions for me.”

At these words, Zhao Xun’s face turned ashen. He pressed his forehead to the cold floor and said, “This servant deserves death. Please punish me, Your Highness.”

Just then, a middle-aged woman entered the room to deliver some refreshments. Seeing Zhao Xun kneeling on the ground, she looked surprised.

Sui Yuanhuai, resting his chin on one hand, said languidly, “Get up. Aunt Lan is watching.”

Zhao Xun didn’t dare move. The middle-aged woman who had brought the refreshments also changed her expression. After placing the snacks on the table, she stepped back and knelt, saying, “Your Highness, if Xun’er has done something wrong, please punish him. Don’t distress this slave.”

Sui Yuanhuai smiled and personally helped the middle-aged woman up: “What are you doing, Aunt Lan? Without you, where would I be today? Please, stand up.”

His hands, cold from years of illness, accidentally touched her hand as he helped her up, making her heart skip a beat from the chill.

Sui Yuanhuai noticed the fleeting panic on her face, and his smile deepened. He looked at Zhao Xun, still kneeling on the ground: “Axun, get up too. You and Aunt Lan are my closest confidants. Don’t kneel at every turn.”

Zhao Xun looked at the middle-aged woman, and only after seeing her slight nod did he rise, his back drenched in cold sweat. He respectfully said, “Serving Your Highness loyally is this servant’s duty.”

Sui Yuanhuai smiled without responding. He glanced at the books on the table with disinterest and said languidly, “Later, have someone bring that little bastard here. Let me see how his studies are progressing.”

Zhao Xun bowed his head in acknowledgment.

After Zhao Xun and the middle-aged woman left, Sui Yuanhuai seemed to be talking to himself: “Are they still loyal to me?”

From the shadows of the empty study, a figure emerged: “The mother and son of the Zhao family harbor no ill intentions towards Your Highness.”

Sui Yuanhuai just smiled: “Continue watching them.”

The shadow retreated into the darkness as if no one had ever been there.

Sui Yuanhuai seemed tired, his handsome features showing traces of fatigue. He supported his forehead with one hand, gazing out the study window lost in thought.

His body was severely damaged, and he had been relying on medicinal soups to sustain his life for years.

Sixteen years… no, another year had passed, so it had been seventeen years since the great fire in the Eastern Palace burned half his face and nearly half his body. It was because of this that he was able to switch identities with the eldest son of Prince Xin, saving his own life.

The one who truly died in the Eastern Palace that year was Prince Xin’s eldest son.

It was a long-planned escape.

The Crown Prince had died, and his mother knew that she and her son would be next. She orchestrated the fire in the Eastern Palace.

Using excessive grief as an excuse, she invited many noble ladies from the capital to bring their children to visit and console her.

Prince Xin’s mansion was the haven his mother had chosen for him. When a palace maid accidentally spilled tea, staining Prince Xin’s eldest son’s clothes, his mother ordered the palace servants to take the boy to change. Those discarded clothes eventually ended up on him, while Prince Xin’s wife and son both perished in the fire.

His face was burned beyond recognition, and with Prince Xin’s wife dead, the servants of the prince’s mansion couldn’t identify him. They only assumed he was the eldest son based on his clothes and accessories, and took him back.

From then on, he was no longer the eldest imperial grandson, but Sui Yuanhuai, the badly burned eldest son of Prince Xin.

Aunt Lan had been his mother’s confidante and also escaped during that fire. She later married a wealthy merchant, secretly supporting him. After giving birth to Zhao Xun, she poisoned the merchant, allowing Zhao Xun to inherit the merchant’s business. When Zhao Xun was capable of managing on his own, she returned to his side to care for him.

To be presentable again, the burned dead skin on his body had been gradually replaced over the years.

In the early years, when his face was burned, none of the serving staff dared to look at him directly. Later, after enduring excruciating pain to replace the burned skin, the servants became even more afraid of him.

Thinking of this, Sui Yuanhuai smiled sardonically.

His mother’s choice of Prince Xin’s mansion as his refuge had indeed been carefully considered.

A person with a burned face could not be the heir to a prince’s mansion. No matter who Prince Xin married in the future, they would treat him, a harmless eldest son, with utmost care to build a reputation for kindness.

More fortunately, after Prince Xin’s wife died tragically, her family feared that his disfigured appearance might cause Prince Xin to reject him and that he might be secretly mistreated if a new wife entered the mansion. So they married Prince Xin’s wife’s younger sister to Prince Xin as his new wife.

This younger sister of Prince Xin’s wife indeed treated her sister’s child as her own, and even after giving birth to Sui Yuanqing, she always taught Yuanqing to be close to his “elder brother.”

But could stolen affection truly be affection?

When that mother and son eventually learn the truth, they would probably want to devour him alive.

Over the years, he had only maintained a facade of harmony with that mother and son pair.

The hand that had been supporting his forehead suddenly pressed heavily on his temple.

To deceive everyone back then, he had burned half his face. Now, after replacing the damaged skin, his head often felt as if it were exploding with pain. At this moment, the pain suddenly intensified, causing malice to surge within him. He longed to torture a few people to ease his mind.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and a little figure appeared in the doorway, holding a stack of practiced calligraphy. With a hint of fear in his puppy-like eyes, he still raised his clear gaze to look at him, pursed his lips, and called out, “Father.”

Oh no the poor child 😖

the whole family dynamic is confusing me, im hoping when the drama comes out, fans will make an edit explaining it TvT

So Sui Yuanhuai is the great grandson of the former emperor? This is so confusing. I need a map

I need a whole family tree illustration. this is sooooo complicated now. but the plot in the tv series has also been changed a bit. like wengchan being the same as the Li grandson fellow?? or do I have to go back a few épisodes again ??!!

the royal family tree:
-the previous emperor noticably had 2 remarkable sons. one is crown prince Chen(or Cheng I don’t remember),one is prince xin.
-prince xin wanted the throne,so he killed the crown prince and ML’s father in battle.
-prince xin and the crown prince both had sons of similar age.
-the crown Princess,knowing she and her son will get killed by prince xin, orchestrated a fire in the palace.
-she switched crown prince’s son’s clothes with prince xin’s son’s clothes.
-prince xin’s wife died,crown Princess died,the so called crown prince’s son(who was actually prince’s xin’s son)died.
-the crown prince’s son took the place of prince xin’s son. everyone believes he is prince xin’s son.
this is what I understood so far.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 67

Suí Yuánhuái scrutinized the child who had suddenly burst in. The boy didn’t resemble him much, but when Aunt Lán first saw the child, she said he was the spitting image of Suí Yuánhuái as a young boy.

Suí Yuánhuái couldn’t remember what he looked like as a child. His only memories were of the searing pain from the fire and the disfiguring scars it left behind.

He propped his head on one hand, looking coldly at the nervous child standing in the doorway. “Father? Who permitted you to call me that?”

Yú Bǎo’ér’s grip on his calligraphy practice sheets tightened, clearly at a loss. His clear black and white eyes looked at the man sitting in the high seat wearing a large cloak, not knowing what else to call him. He decided to remain silent, pressing his lips together slightly, looking both obedient and pitiful.

He had traveled south with his mother, but their caravan was intercepted halfway by a group of Black Armor Guards.

That was also the first day he saw this man. Snow fell like cotton, and he leaned sickly in a carriage surrounded by Black Armor Guards. His hand, pale from prolonged illness, parted the carriage curtain, his eyes staring gloomily at the mother and son, with a hint of cruelty and the anticipation of impending revenge.

He was very afraid of this person, and his mother seemed even more frightened, trembling slightly as she held him.

From that day on, he never saw his mother again.

He was brought here but wasn’t punished. Someone took care of his meals and daily needs, but whenever he asked about his mother, the servants were tight-lipped. Only one nanny who was fond of him dared to reveal a little information about his mother.

That nanny said this man was his father, and if he behaved well and pleased him, he would let him see his mother.

Yú Bǎo’ér had been very well-behaved since arriving here, but they never mentioned letting him see his mother. A couple of days ago, Yú Bǎo’ér finally broke down crying and refused to eat, trying to protest.

In the end, only an unfamiliar man came. He said if Yú Bǎo’ér studied hard and did well in his lessons, he might be able to see his mother.

He did as he was told, and sure enough, today he was taken out of his courtyard for the first time since arriving here.

Suí Yuánhuái looked at Yú Bǎo’ér’s timid appearance with contempt. His gaze fell on the calligraphy sheets clutched in the boy’s hands. “I heard someone’s been teaching you calligraphy. Bring it here for me to see.”

Just sitting there, his entire being seemed steeped in endless gloom, instilling fear in others.

Yú Bǎo’ér was also afraid, but he still determinedly took small steps towards him.

The part of him that most resembled Yú Qiànqiàn was probably his eyes – black and round, with slightly downturned corners, looking gentle and harmless, and somehow pitiable.

When Suí Yuánhuái saw Yú Bǎo’ér approaching, his expression faltered slightly. For a moment, he seemed to see through the boy to that woman who never gave up the idea of escaping, even when pregnant.

She was so weak that he could have crushed her with one finger, but no matter how he punished her, she never learned her lesson. Given the chance, she would still run away without hesitation.

Like a captive deer, always longing to return to the forest.

Suí Yuánhuái came back to his senses when Yú Bǎo’ér shoved the calligraphy sheets in front of his eyes. His expression, for some reason, grew even darker. His pale, thin fingers flipped through the sheets one by one, making Yú Bǎo’ér nervously clutch the hem of his clothes.

After a moment, he tossed aside Yú Bǎo’ér’s carefully written sheets like waste paper, sneering coldly, “What kind of writing is this? The characters are as soft as if they have no bones. Do it again.”

Yú Bǎo’ér looked at the large characters he had written so carefully in hopes of seeing his mother, his eyes reddening, but he still didn’t speak.

Soon, an attendant entered silently, setting up a small table with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. The entire process was carried out almost without a sound.

The servants in the courtyard all knew of Suí Yuánhuái’s mercurial temper and always served him with the utmost caution, not daring to let their guard down for a moment.

Yú Bǎo’ér seemed a bit at a loss seeing all this. Suí Yuánhuái, sitting behind the writing desk, half-opened his eyes to glance at him and said coldly, “Practice here.”

Yú Bǎo’ér summoned the courage to ask, “If I write well, can I see my mother?”

Suí Yuánhuái’s smile grew even more sarcastic. “Who taught you to say such things to me?”

Tears welled up in Yú Bǎo’ér’s eyes, but he stubbornly held them back, saying, “No one taught me. I just miss my mother.”

Suí Yuánhuái picked up a bamboo scroll from the table and said coldly, “Go practice your writing. If you cry again, you’ll never see her in this lifetime.”

When Yú Bǎo’ér obediently went to the low table to practice writing, his small body was turned sideways to him. He struggled to grip the brush that was thicker than his fingers. Tears fell onto the paper, creating small water stains. Afraid of being discovered, Yú Bǎo’ér didn’t dare to wipe his tears or make any sobbing sounds. He only slowed his breathing, crying silently.

He thought he had hidden it well, but the man sitting in the high seat saw all his little movements. He lowered his eyes, a shadow crossing his gaze.

He disliked this child, not only because that woman didn’t know her place, but also because the child’s existence seriously threatened his position.

Compared to a sickly person who couldn’t leave his medicine and couldn’t practice martial arts, a healthy but young child who was easy to control seemed the better choice in every way.

The closer the Zhào family mother and son got to this child, the more wary he became.

Years ago, to survive, he had endured the pain of being burned, leaving him with chronic health issues.

Later, to be able to appear in public, he underwent countless inhuman tortures, slowly replacing the burned skin on his body. The pain of skin peeling was a torment only the dead should know, yet he had experienced it while alive.

He had struggled so hard to survive; anyone who dared to stand in his way should just die!

Thinking this, his expression grew increasingly fierce. The hand gripping the bamboo scroll tightened so much that his ghostly white knuckles seemed about to snap.

A maid came in to serve tea, and unexpectedly caught sight of his expression. She let out a short scream of fright, spilling the tea. As the cup shattered on the ground, the maid’s face had turned deathly pale. She prostrated herself on the ground, trembling as she begged, “Young Master… please spare me…”

Suí Yuánhuái deeply despised servants looking at him with such terrified expressions, as if they’d seen a ghost. His thin lips curled up, but the words he spoke were cold and bloodthirsty: “Drag her out and beat her to death!”

People quickly entered, and the maid barely had time to cry out before her mouth was gagged and she was taken away. The whole process was quiet and swift, like a silent shadow puppet show.

Yú Bǎo’ér sat at the low table where he was practicing calligraphy, staring blankly at this scene. Ink dripped from the tip of his brush onto the paper, staining the sheet of characters he had almost finished.

The person sitting behind the writing desk coldly observed his pale little face and suddenly said maliciously, “If you don’t behave, your mother will meet the same fate as her.”

Yú Bǎo’ér was frightened. The day he returned from practicing calligraphy in Suí Yuánhuái’s study, he fell ill for several days, crying out for his mother in his nightmares.

Lán, who had escaped from the Eastern Palace years ago, had married a wealthy merchant to develop Suí Yuánhuái’s external influence. She wasn’t by his side when Suí Yuánhuái’s burns were most severe. Seeing Yú Bǎo’ér reminded her of the young prince she had cared for back then, filling her heart with pity. She begged to go before Suí Yuánhuái, hoping to let Yú Bǎo’ér see his mother once, but only received a sarcastic response from Suí Yuánhuái: “Beating a maid to death frightened him into illness? Aunt Lán, have you forgotten? When I was his age, I had just gone through the Eastern Palace fire.”

Looking at the cold smile spreading in Suí Yuánhuái’s pitch-black eyes, Lán ultimately didn’t dare to plead for Yú Bǎo’ér again.

Three days later, Yú Bǎo’ér slowly began to recover, but his personality had become very withdrawn. He didn’t like to talk and hardly interacted with anyone. The only thing he insisted on doing every day without fail was practicing calligraphy.

Lán, fearing the child had been traumatized, ordered the servants to find some clever children to be playmates for Yú Bǎo’ér.

Yu Bao’er still ignored the other children, focusing solely on her tasks.

When Zhao Xun was in Qingping County, he had been ordered to monitor Yu Qianqian’s every move. Knowing that Yu Qianqian and her son had connections with the Fan family, he boldly suggested to Madam Lan, “Why don’t we bring over the Fan family’s youngest daughter? Perhaps she could get Yu Bao’er to start talking?”

Madam Lan hesitated visibly. “That child is now known publicly as the daughter of Marquis Wu’an. She’s under strict guard by the Wang family. How could we bring her here as a playmate for the young master?”

Zhao Xun replied, “The heir is close to His Highness, and by extension, he’s fond of the young master. Mother, how can we know if the heir would disagree unless we try?”

Madam Lan exchanged a glance with her son and said, “Xun’er, even if it’s for the young master’s benefit, we must first ask His Highness.”

Zhao Xun suddenly lowered his head. “I was just worried about the young master’s well-being and acted hastily.”

Madam Lan said, “The entire Zhao family’s foundation now rests in your hands. Your decisions affect the survival of our entire clan. Don’t be foolish.”

Zhao Xun respectfully replied, “I will heed Mother’s teachings.”

When Madam Lan once again sought an audience with Sui Yuanhuai, she found him eating with unusual enthusiasm, despite his typically poor appetite. The attendants standing nearby tasted each dish before he would touch his chopsticks.

Madam Lan glanced at the strange dishes on the table and knew they must have been made by Concubine Yu. That woman, who appeared as pliable as dough, had an unexpectedly stubborn personality. Madam Lan had tried to subdue her in the past but failed to soften her disposition.

Now, she was suddenly trying to curry favor with Sui Yuanhuai, likely because she had heard about Yu Bao’er’s illness and wanted to use this opportunity to see the child.

As for how the news had reached Concubine Yu in her tightly guarded quarters, it was the doing of the man before her.

Madam Lan frowned. She still couldn’t fathom Sui Yuanhuai’s true feelings towards Concubine Yu. Back when his health was deteriorating, fearing the worst, she had chosen several concubines for him.

Sui Yuanhuai understood her intentions. Despite his disgust, he had to choose one to bear an heir to continue his bloodline.

Madam Lan sometimes thought that it was probably from that moment that Sui Yuanhuai stopped trusting her completely.

But if given the chance again, she would still do the same. As the confidante of the Crown Princess, if the Imperial Grandson were to pass away, she would do whatever it took to ensure he left behind some offspring to continue their quest for vengeance. Only then could she face the spirit of the Crown Princess in heaven.

Among that batch of concubines, Sui Yuanhuai had ignored all the beautiful and charming ones, choosing only the timid and obedient Concubine Yu.

However, likely frightened by his unpredictable temper, Concubine Yu, already naturally timid, became dazed and confused after serving him. She later fell seriously ill, and people in the manor secretly gossiped that it was due to Sui Yuanhuai’s frightening nature.

Sui Yuanhuai dealt with those who gossiped and wanted to dispose of Concubine Yu as well. But when the physician examined her, they discovered she was with a child.

This saved Concubine Yu’s life, but after recovering from her illness, her personality seemed to have changed completely. Outwardly obedient, she harbored many thoughts in private. She would seize any opportunity to run away, and when caught and brought back, no matter how angry Sui Yuanhuai became, she would only focus on ensuring her comfort to the greatest extent possible.

When she suffered from severe morning sickness, she would concoct her food in the small kitchen. Even when confined, she would eat and drink as she pleased, taking good care of herself without the slightest self-neglect. And when she saw an opportunity, she would disappear like a rabbit again.

A few years ago, when Concubine Yu successfully escaped while seven months pregnant, she had coaxed Sui Yuanhuai into staying at a country estate for a while to relax. She cooked but drugged the food, incapacitating everyone at the estate. Then she fled with her maid and a guard, taking her gold and silver jewelry with her.

When Sui Yuanhuai woke up, he nearly destroyed the entire estate in his rage. Although he kept cursing her as merely a lowly maid, he mobilized almost all his men to search for her. This search lasted five or six years before they finally found her in a small place like Linan Town.

Madam Lan had thought that after capturing Concubine Yu and her child, given his temperament, he would probably kill the mother and keep the child. But he only kept them separated and confined, neither mistreating them nor inquiring about them, except for the occasional sarcastic remark. It seemed there was nothing else, leaving Madam Lan unable to gauge his true thoughts.

As Sui Yuanhuai ate, he noticed Madam Lan standing beside him, hesitating to speak for quite some time. He asked, “Does Aunt Lan have something to discuss with me?”

Madam Lan wasn’t sure if it was wise to bring up Yu Bao’er’s matter at this moment, but she pressed on, “The young master’s condition still hasn’t improved. I heard from Xun’er that Concubine Yu was on good terms with the Fan family in Qingping County. I dare to suggest… since the Fan family’s youngest daughter is currently in our manor, perhaps… we could temporarily let her be a playmate for the young master? It might help improve his condition.”

Sui Yuanhuai didn’t believe Chang Ning would survive to return. Perhaps because he had enjoyed a satisfactory meal, his mood was relatively good. Not wanting to fulfill that woman’s wish to see her son so quickly, he pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, “If Aunt Lan has already made up her mind, just go ask Qingdi.”

As she left the room, Madam Lan still found it hard to believe that Sui Yuanhuai seemed much more agreeable today than usual.

When Sui Yuanqing brought Chang Ning back to Prince Changxin’s manor, he carelessly handed her over to the servants, instructing them to watch her carefully and just make sure the child didn’t starve or freeze to death. When Madam Lan, using Sui Yuanhuai’s name, said she wanted to find a playmate for Yu Bao’er, Sui Yuanqing agreed without asking a single question.

Led by an old woman, Madam Lan went to fetch Chang Ning. When they opened the door to the woodshed, they found a little girl huddled in a pile of straw. She looked like she hadn’t been groomed for days, with messy hair tied in a disheveled topknot and a dirty face. Her cheeks were reddened from the cold, but her eyes were strikingly bright and clear, gazing at them with the wariness of a deer.

Having come from the palace, Madam Lan had seen countless beauties in her lifetime. Upon seeing this little girl, she was momentarily surprised. This child would undoubtedly grow up to be a rare beauty.

In Jizhou, Fan Changyu kicked open the door guarded by bandits, her black iron cleaver sending sparks flying as she struck the lock, which fell to the ground.

The officials behind her, still catching their breath, called out, “Miss, don’t run so fast! There are many bandits ahead…”

Their words trailed off as they saw the bandits lying on the ground, moaning in pain.

Ignoring the late-arriving officials, Fan Changyu entered the dark dungeon. She picked up the children who had been drugged into a daze, calling out Chang Ning’s name as she examined each one.

In recent days, Jizhou City has experienced several cases of children being kidnapped or snatched. The investigating officials said it was a gang of child traffickers taking advantage of the chaos to abduct children.

Worried that Chang Ning might have been taken by these traffickers, Fan Changyu had been accompanying the officials to raid their hideouts, clinging to a glimmer of hope.

Although she hadn’t found Chang Ning, her reputation for wielding a butcher’s knife and slaughtering enemies had spread. Every time they destroyed a den trafficking children or women, she would be at the forefront, killing enemies with remarkable bravery. Since she wasn’t an official, the government could only reward her with large sums of money.

Fan Changyu watched as her purse grew heavier with banknotes day by day, but there was still no news of Chang Ning, leaving her increasingly anxious.

After interrogating the traffickers, she learned that some children had already been sold to different prefectures. Fan Changyu made note of any girls matching Chang Ning’s description. She left half of the banknotes with Madam Zhao and, carrying the other half along with several butcher knives, set out to search for Chang Ning across several major prefectures.

To facilitate the search, officials suggested she have someone draw a portrait of Chang Ning.

It was then that Fan Changyu remembered they already had a ready-made portrait drawn by the scholar during the New Year, which she had framed and hung in her and Chang Ning’s room.

When she returned home to look for it, she turned the house upside down but couldn’t find the portrait.

Previously, Fan Changyu had been too preoccupied with various matters to think about the portrait. Now that it had vanished without a trace, she suddenly became alert.

The portrait wasn’t the work of a famous artist, so who would specifically come to steal it?

Moreover, after the massacre by the Qingfeng Stronghold, Linan Town had essentially become a ghost town. Hardly anyone would come to this town, and even if thieves were looking for valuables, they would target the wealthy households, not the poor families in the western part of the city.

After much contemplation, Fan Changyu realized that the only person who could have taken the portrait was that bastard who had likely returned after she had held him captive, intending to ambush the person hidden in the dry well!

The portrait showed herself, Chang Ning, and Yan Zheng. Outsiders could easily mistake them for a family.

After all the people from Qingfeng Stronghold were captured, only that bastard and a female bandit escaped. Could it be that they had kidnapped Chang Ning based on that portrait, intending to seek revenge on her?

Fan Changyu thought that since Jizhou was no longer a haven for that bastard, and he had originally been an official from Chongzhou, he might have fled back there.

With a direction for her search, she bought a horse that very day and set off towards Chongzhou, making inquiries along the way.

Yeesh. The Sui guy is too crazy to become a decent ruler. Better for Bao’er to eventually succeed the throne, if it goes in that direction…and at this rate, Chang Ning is going to end up married to him 🤭

Concubine Yu sounds like a transmigrator, though this isn’t the right genre…and I’m thinking that the Fan father is possibly going to turn out to be someone who had a hand in the Marquess’s father’s death 16 years years earlier. Maybe the guy who supposedly committed suicide?

I think the Fan mother was the sister of the meng guy who committed suicide after he failed and the Fan dad may be a General. From the beginning it felt like the dad was a general with his superior strength and martial arts and the mom was a noble lady.

I love how we never see Changyu breakdown and cry, even when things fall apart around her. She never gives in to self-blame or self-pity. She just picks herself up and keep moving forward. Try another tactic, search a different place, do whatever is in her power to do. This chick is resilient af. If Xie Zheng wants a formidable matriarch to run his household and be the family pillar in case he dies in battle, he needs to look no further. This woman will not break no matter what.

I am kinda confused with Yu Qianqian’s decisions. She was running away from someone who wields great power but she still had the guts to open up a big restaurant in town that caters for the upper classes. Did it not cross her mind that mingling with such people would eventually make finding her easier?? Building that business was like having a big asf sign on your forehead saying, “hey, im the runaway concubine. come find me here!” idk but for me she should have hidden herself well and laid low for all these years instead of making a name for herself that can certainly catch people’s attention 🥲🤧 Tho still props to her for evading there seach for 5/6 years.

Maybe she felt like the best place to hide is in plain sight. I mean if Zhao Xun had not gone to that place to look for the Fan parents, they might not have discovered her for longer.

I have the same thought. I think I would have opened a tiny inn near a remote Buddhist monastery for a few faithful pilgrims to stay in rather than a big restaurant that attracted the wealthy and noble classes.

This is my cooked idea :

Fan Lihua is Meng shut and wife? He set up so they could escape with her and her daughter Changyu. So it makes changyu and die Zheng enemies from parents, that’s why HJY can’t say the name? Fan Lihua then met the escort dad who protected her and they had changning

I love this woman!! Gang Changyu is amazing 😍😍

Zhu Yu – Chapter 68

On the day Fan Changyu set out, Zheng Wenchang hurriedly wrote another letter to He Jingyuan. Previously, when He Jingyuan learned of Changningg’s capture, he had replied, instructing Zheng Wenchang to find a way to keep Fan Changyu calm.

Not knowing who had abducted the child, Zheng Wenchang lied to Fan Changyu, claiming it might have been child traffickers in Jizhou City to give her an explanation. He had hoped Fan Changyu would wait patiently for news of the authorities raiding the traffickers’ hideouts. Unexpectedly, the young woman grabbed a butcher’s knife and joined the officials in raiding the hideouts herself, searching for the child.

The original plan to completely eradicate several hideouts in one or two months was absurdly shortened to half a month, leaving Zheng Wenchang with mixed feelings.

The authorities always offered rewards for civilians who helped capture wanted criminals. Because Fan Changyu received so many rewards, coupled with her earlier feat of single-handedly fighting off the Qingfeng Stronghold to save over a dozen neighbors, she had now gained some notoriety in the underworld, earning the nickname “Butcher Beauty.”

Among the remaining minor bandits in Jizhou City, a saying spread: If you encounter a beautiful girl carrying a butcher’s knife while robbing, don’t harbor any inappropriate thoughts. Let the young miss pass quietly, or else… she’ll raid your entire hideout.

Some local girls, when traveling far, would invariably buy a butcher’s knife as a talisman to carry along. Surprisingly, it proved effective, to the extent that blacksmiths and knife shops couldn’t keep up with the demand for butcher’s knives.

By the time He Jingyuan received the letter, it was his turn to feel conflicted.

Before Xie Zheng left with twenty thousand recruits, he had specifically instructed He Jingyuan to look after Fan Changyu, who was far away in Jizhou Prefecture. The situation developing as it had was truly unexpected for He Jingyuan.

He had originally hoped for the two Fan sisters to live ordinary lives, uninvolved in the matters behind their parents. But now, it seemed impossible.

With guards posted outside his tent, only a deep sigh could be heard from within—

The sun shone brightly overhead, and tender buds had sprouted on the vegetation along both sides of the official road.

Fan Changyu, chewing on dried rations atop her horse, had no time to appreciate the spring scenery along the way. She only found it strange that she hadn’t encountered any refugees on this journey. Could it be that all those who could flee had already done so in the past few months?

The dried food was somewhat choking, and when Fan Changyu took out her water flask to drink, she found it nearly empty.

She glanced at the stream running parallel to the official road, and dismounted to fetch water, but found it very shallow. Without placing the flask where rocks jutted out to collect water, reaching directly into the stream would only fill less than half the flask.

Fan Changyu drank a few mouthfuls of the clear, cold water and filled her flask. Just as she was about to continue her journey, a ragged man came stumbling from the fork in the road ahead, calling out from afar, “Young miss, save me!”

Fan Changyu thought he had encountered mountain bandits. She hung the water flask on her saddle and immediately drew out her bone-chopping knife. As the man approached, she discreetly pointed the blade at him, successfully stopping him three steps away.

Traveling alone, Fan Changyu dared not be careless. She had previously accompanied officials in raids on human trafficking dens, where many young women had been tricked by seemingly helpless children or elderly people in secluded places, only to be captured by traffickers.

She sized up the man and asked, “Did you encounter mountain bandits?”

The man shook his head, his face, darkened by years of outdoor labor, covered in sweat. Panting with his hands on his thighs, he said, “The government troops are inhumane, trying to capture us law-abiding citizens to build dams…”

As the sound of chaotic hoofbeats approached, the man grew visibly panicked and fearful. He pleaded with Fan Changyu, “Let me hide in the woods for a while. Please don’t reveal my whereabouts. I have elderly parents and young children at home. If I’m captured, I’ll likely die under the soldiers’ whips. What will become of my family?”

He begged so earnestly that he was almost ready to kowtow to Fan Changyu. After speaking, he plunged into the bushes beside the official road.

Fan Changyu processed the information the man had shared, thinking to herself that this explained why the stream was so shallow despite it being spring – a dam must have been built upstream to block the water. Could it be that all the refugees she hadn’t seen along the way had been captured to work on the dam?

She didn’t rush to leave, watching her horse lower its head to eat the tender grass by the roadside, and reached out to pat its neck.

When the chaotic hoofbeats arrived, there were as many as a dozen or so armored soldiers. As this was a fork in the road, the leader of the soldiers reined in his horse and asked Fan Changyu, “Have you seen a man pass by?”

It would have seemed too suspicious to claim she hadn’t seen anyone on this sparsely populated road.

Fan Changyu nodded and said, “I have.”

Facing the soldiers, she showed no fear. With several knives visibly attached to her saddle and dressed in practical riding attire, the soldiers took her for a woman who roamed the jianghu. They didn’t suspect anything and simply asked, “Which road did he take?”

Fan Changyu pointed to the side road and said, “This one.”

The leader of the soldiers glanced at Fan Changyu but didn’t immediately order all his men to pursue the road she had indicated. Instead, he sent two men to continue the chase on the road Fan Changyu had come from, while he led the majority of his troops down the side road she had pointed out.

Fan Changyu watched the soldiers ride away with an expressionless face, thinking to herself how different this was from what she had read in novels.

After the soldiers had ridden completely out of sight, Fan Changyu called out to the bushes where the man was hiding, “You can come out now. The soldiers have all left.”

The man emerged awkwardly from the bushes, expressing his profound gratitude to Fan Changyu: “On behalf of my entire family, I thank you, young miss.”

Fan Changyu replied, “It was a small gesture, not worth mentioning. By the way, I pointed the soldiers down that road, but two of them still rode off in the direction I came from. You might want to hide in the bushes a bit longer. When the soldiers can’t find anyone ahead, they’ll likely turn back. Wait until they’ve gone back before running down this road.”

The man thanked her profusely again but showed no sign of leaving. He looked embarrassedly at the large bundle on Fan Changyu’s horse and licked his dry lips, saying, “Young miss, do you have any food? I’ve been hiding from the soldiers and haven’t eaten for days.”

Fan Changyu had plenty of dried food in her bundle. She looked at the man and said, “I’ll get some for you.”

To untie the knot on the bundle, she needed both hands. Fan Changyu put her bone-chopping knife into the leather pouch hanging on the horse’s back and reached to untie the bundle.

Her previously dislocated hand had almost fully recovered, though it still occasionally felt weak when lifting heavy objects. To help it heal faster, she had barely used that hand for any heavy work in recent days.

As Fan Changyu turned to get the food, the man’s previously simple expression suddenly turned vicious. A dagger hidden in his sleeve thrust towards her back.

There was a “clink” sound as the knife tip seemed to hit an iron plate, unable to penetrate at all. The man was visibly startled.

Fan Changyu’s hand paused as she was untying the bundle. She turned her head and coldly met the man’s gaze: “Trying to trick me?”

The man’s expression turned fierce as he withdrew the dagger and slashed towards Fan Changyu’s neck. Fan Changyu delivered a powerful kick to his abdomen, sending him flying back more than ten feet.

Whether from internal organ damage or not, the man could no longer hold onto his dagger. He clutched his stomach, writhing on the ground in agony.

Before setting out alone on her journey, Fan Changyu had taken several precautions, such as having a blacksmith forge two extremely sturdy iron plates – one for her front and one for her back – in case of unexpected dangers on the road.

She walked over with her butcher’s knife, intending to tie the man up and leave him for the soldiers to find when they returned, while she would slip away before then.

Otherwise, she might be charged as an accomplice for nearly letting a wanted criminal escape and deceiving the soldiers pursuing him.

Unexpectedly, the sound of hoofbeats quickly approached again. When the leader of the soldiers saw Fan Changyu and the man, his expression turned extremely grim. His mounted archers all aimed their bows and crossbows at Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu hurriedly explained, “Sir, I was deceived by this man earlier. He claimed to be a civilian forced to build dams, with an elderly mother, wife, and children at home. He begged me to conceal his whereabouts. Just now, he tried to attack me but I subdued him.”

The leader of the soldiers coldly surveyed her and ordered his troops, “Bind them both and take them away.”

Madam Fan Changyu urgently said, “Sir, I’ve truly been wronged! I was wrong to deceive you earlier, but I’ve also subdued this villain. Can’t my merits make up for my faults and absolve me of guilt?”

The leader of the soldiers coldly snorted, “This is a scout from Chongzhou’s army. Who knows if you’re not a spy, staging this act when you realized you couldn’t bring back the scout?”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected to get involved in such a serious matter. She hurriedly said, “Sir, I have my household registry documents with me. I’m from Jizhou, truly not a spy!”

As she spoke, she pulled out her household registry. Since the soldiers wouldn’t let her approach, she could only toss it to their leader to examine.

After looking it over, the leader asked, “If you’re from Jizhou, why are you heading to the northwestern border during wartime?”

From this official road, one could go to either Chongzhou or Yanzhou. Fan Changyu, fearing being seen as an accomplice, dared not mention Chongzhou again and said, “I’m going to Yanzhou to find relatives.”

With refugees everywhere due to the war, it was rare for people to obtain official travel documents when going to other prefectures.

The soldier’s expression remained stern: “How do I know you didn’t kill someone and steal these documents?”

He turned his horse around and gruffly ordered, “Take her away!”

Fan Changyu thought, “How can I be this unlucky!”

With a row of crossbows aimed at her, she could only resign herself to fate. She put down her knife and allowed them to bind her hands and take her back to the military camp.

Fan Changyu only knew that troops were stationed in Lucheng, but she didn’t expect several tens of thousands of soldiers to be camped halfway out of Jizhou, constructing a large-scale dam.

After being brought to the camp, Fan Changyu was temporarily locked in a cell. Her horse, belongings, and butcher knife were all confiscated. Even the two iron plates she kept on her person were taken away when the matron searched her.

The daily meals provided by the guarding soldiers consisted only of water and dried rations from her pack. Being forcibly detained and having to pay for her prison food made Fan Changyu even more frustrated.

Two days later, she was finally taken out of the cell. Though it was confirmed she wasn’t a spy, they didn’t release her. She stood with other ragged commoners and was given a hoe and a basket. The soldiers ordered them to dig soil and stones, working in pairs. If they couldn’t dig ten baskets in one morning, they wouldn’t get lunch.

It was only then that Fan Changyu learned these people were all refugees passing through the area who had been forcibly detained. It seemed the soldiers feared they might spread the word about the dam construction. But simply imprisoning people meant having to feed them, so the soldiers had them dig soil and stones instead.

Most refugees were willing to do this physical labor to get enough food.

Fan Changyu was held back for no other reason than the soldiers’ fear that she might pass through Chongzhou on her way to Yanzhou and leak some information.

She didn’t understand why the dam construction needed to be so secretive. She was also worried about Chang Ning’s safety. Now that she was out, she thought she could use the opportunity of digging on the mountain to familiarize herself with the surrounding terrain and make an escape plan.

As a newcomer, everyone else had already paired up. Most were men, and when it came to matters of getting enough to eat, no one showed chivalry. The sturdy women saw that Fan Changyu, though tall, was slender, and feared she might not be able to do the work. They were unwilling to pair with her.

Fan Changyu thought that digging ten baskets of soil and stones in one morning shouldn’t be difficult for her alone. But the soldiers, seeing that she and a thin old man had no partners, directly paired them up. They probably thought that as a frail woman and an old man, their physical strength couldn’t match the others, so they only needed to dig five baskets in the morning.

Fan Changyu picked up the basket and hoe, following the group up the mountain to dig. The old man was already panting, carrying his hoe. He complained non-stop along the way, cursing the soldiers, though in an extremely refined manner. His speech was full of classical expressions that neither the other commoners nor the soldiers could understand.

Fan Changyu had Yan Zheng’s annotated Four Books in her pack and would occasionally read a few passages when free. She could understand some of it, but the references to classics left her bewildered as well.

Seeing the old man almost out of breath, she thought of Carpenter Zhao, who had joined the army at a similar age. Feeling sympathetic, she used her hoe to cut a thick branch from a tree, trimmed off the twigs and sharp end, and gave it to the old man as a walking stick. She reached out to put the old man’s hoe in her basket, saying, “Let me carry it for you.”

The old man’s sweat was almost dripping into his eyes, but seeing Fan Changyu was just a young woman, he stubbornly refused, “I can manage it myself.”

A woman nearby who saw this said, “Miss, don’t bother with this old man. He’s got a peculiar temper!”

Fan Changyu could see the old man was just gruff on the outside but soft-hearted inside. She smiled and didn’t take it to heart.

When they reached the digging site, Fan Changyu’s great strength allowed her to fill five baskets with little effort. The soldiers keeping count couldn’t help but look at her differently.

They didn’t need to transport the soil and stones themselves; mules carried it, or two soldiers would use a shoulder pole.

Having completed the morning’s quota, but seeing others still digging, Fan Changyu didn’t want to rest openly. She pretended to dig while chatting with the old man: “Elder, you seem to be a learned man. How did you end up here?”

The old man angrily said, “I heard Yanzhou borrowed twenty thousand troops from Jizhou, so I guessed they must be building a dam upstream on the Wu River. I wanted to see how the dam construction was going, but those soldiers arrested me as a spy. What boors, what boors!”

Fan Changyu said, “Elder, you shouldn’t seek out such excitement. In the future, stay away from war and dam construction affairs.”

The old man, misunderstood as someone arrested for being a busybody, was so angered that he puffed up his beard and glared, not speaking to Fan Changyu until lunchtime.

Fan Changyu had leisurely dug eight baskets of soil and stones in the morning. When getting food, she was praised by the soldiers and given an extra steamed bun. She wanted to give it to the old man, but he snorted at the sight of the bun, clearly unimpressed. So Fan Changyu kept it for herself without ceremony.

Her strength being greater than others, her appetite was naturally larger too. Knowing now that digging more could earn extra food, she dug twelve baskets in the afternoon, successfully earning two more steamed buns.

The old man continued to curse elegantly, either at the soldiers here or at some “little brat” or other.

Fan Changyu, holding her porridge bowl and biting into a bun, curiously asked, “Is that your son?”

The old man glanced at her sideways and said, “He’s half a son.”

Fan Changyu made an “oh” sound and said, “So he’s your son-in-law.”

The old man started puffing up his beard and glaring again: “He’s my student! You ignorant little girl!”

Fan Changyu, perhaps used to Yan Zheng’s former sharp tongue, didn’t argue with this hard-mouthed but soft-hearted old man. Instead, his knowledge earned her respect. She brazenly said, “So you were a teacher before? I’ve been self-studying the Analects. May I ask you some questions?”

The old man, hearing she was self-taught, couldn’t help but look at her in surprise: “Self-taught?”

Fan Changyu’s expression darkened slightly, but she smiled and said, “My former husband was also a scholar. He didn’t have time to finish teaching me the Four Books before he had to leave, so he made annotations for me to study on my own.”

The old man, probably feeling that being widowed at such a young age was pitiful, rarely showed a lack of pride and said, “My condolences.”

Fan Changyu was startled, then quickly realized and said, “He’s not dead, he was conscripted.”

The old man was so angry that even the corners of his mustache curled up: “Then why did you make it sound like he died!”

Fan Changyu: “…”

In Yanzhou.

In the distance, the Yanshan mountain range rose like a dragon’s spine in the night sky, with unmelted ice and snow faintly visible as a hazy white patch on the peaks.

Thousands of military tents were scattered at the foot of the mountains. Tripods supporting fire basins were interspersed among the tents, the crackling wood illuminating the camp.

Inside the central command tent, Xie Zheng looked at the military deployments of Yanzhou and Chongzhou on the map. His fingertip pointed to a spot as he addressed his subordinate commanders: “Chongzhou has sent fifty thousand troops to surround Lucheng. The remaining fifty thousand forces cannot be underestimated. When the time comes, I will personally go to lure the enemy, while you lead the men to set up an ambush at Yixian Gorge…”

Suddenly, he covered his face and sneezed.

The commanders sitting respectfully at the long table were all taken aback.

Though the ice and snow on Yanshan had melted, it was still bitterly cold once the night fell.

Xie Zheng had already changed into light spring clothes. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his face as beautiful as jade, he had the physique that noble ladies in the capital considered most handsome for a military man.

He frowned and continued deploying troops. During a brief pause, an aide came in to add tea water and thoughtfully brought him a thick coat.

Xie Zheng looked at the aide holding the clothing with an icy expression. The aide, steeling himself, said softly, “The night is cold and dewy, Marquis. Please be careful not to catch a chill.”

Xie Zheng: “… Get out.”

Poor Xie Zheng, his wife has a way of randomly meeting up with all kinds of important people. Now his teacher is unknowingly discussing him with his “widow” 😅

I knew it!!! beacuse the old man sounds like he kown everything

Fl making it seem like she was a Widow is hilarious. This is also not her first time either she even made the ML mistake her fiance as dead. hahahahahhaa

Reminds me of someone.

I just realize the old man is Xie Zheng’s teacher. No wonder Xie Zheng has a sour mouth he got it from the teacher. the husband and student is one and they’re talking about him making him sneeze 🤣🤣

So that’s how changyi gonna be xie zheng’s shimei 🤣🤣 the old man is right. His second disciple is goong to be the one to beat his first!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 69

Fan Changyu had been digging earth and stones in the camp for three days. Because they were closely guarded by soldiers during the excavation, they couldn’t move around freely. The only terrain she could explore was the stretch from their confinement quarters to the mountain.

For every ten people, there was a soldier specifically watching them. They also implemented a collective punishment system: if one person in the group escaped, regardless of whether the others knew or not, all would be punished if they didn’t report it. So not only were they watched by soldiers, but the refugees also kept an eye on each other, escaping no easy feat.

Apart from this, the soldiers maintained strict discipline. They didn’t withhold food from the refugees, nor did they harass the women in the quarters.

However, some of the single men among the refugees often leered at the women, whistling and making lewd remarks.

Fortunately, the men’s and women’s quarters were separate, and they only had contact during the early morning assembly for mountain excavation and at mealtimes.

Among the women, those with husbands, fathers, or brothers among the refugees were rarely bothered by the ruffians. The single women, whether young girls or married women, were all targets for the ruffians’ crude jokes and harassment.

Some ruffians even tried to entice the single women to join their teams for digging, promising less hard work and enough food, but inevitably subjecting them to unwanted advances.

Fan Changyu, being attractive, had been targeted since her arrival, though she was completely unaware of it.

At first, no one wanted to team up with her. The ruffians had planned to let her suffer for half a day, thinking that once she realized how difficult it was to get enough food while digging, she would obediently listen to them when they extended an olive branch.

To their surprise, Fan Changyu turned out to be an oddity. Not only did she not rely on them for food as they had hoped, but she became their fiercest competitor in getting extra rations.

For the first two days, Fan Changyu had diligently dug earth and stones, consistently getting two extra steamed buns at each meal. But when she saw a burly man in their group receive a chicken leg, she suddenly felt that her steamed buns and plain porridge were a bit bland. She couldn’t help but inquire why the big man could get a chicken leg.

A woman whose bed was next to Fan Changyu explained, “That man is incredibly strong. Every day, besides digging earth and stones, he also carries the stones he excavates. It seems a military officer above has taken a liking to him and wants him to join the army. But the man has a wife and children here, so he keeps digging to ensure they all have enough to eat.”

Fan Changyu, biting into a steamed bun, asked, “So if you do more than just dig, like carrying stones, you can eat meat?”

The woman nodded and added, “You’ve seen how big those baskets are. When filled with earth and stones, they weigh nearly three hundred jin. Even the soldiers need two people to carry one. Among us, only that man can move one by himself.”

When Fan Changyu returned to the old man with her porridge bowl, after listening to his new lesson on the Analects, she suddenly said, “How about we eat meat tomorrow?”

The old man’s face darkened, and he snorted through his nose, “I teach you the ways of Confucius and Mencius, and all you can think about is your appetite?”

Fan Changyu scratched her head, a bit embarrassed, “I was listening. You said, ‘If one is strict with oneself and lenient towards others, one will keep resentment at bay.’ It’s about self-reflection and being less critical of others, right? Did I remember correctly?”

She couldn’t help but ask again, “Don’t you want to eat meat at all?”

The old man’s throat moved with difficulty, and he closed his eyes, scolding, “How vulgar.”

Fan Changyu wasn’t angry at being reprimanded. In the afternoon, while digging, she was full of energy. Previously, she had worked based on her appetite, slacking off once she could get two extra steamed buns. Now, for the sake of meat, she dug fifteen baskets in one afternoon and told the soldiers she wanted to carry them herself.

The soldier in charge of supervising them thought she had gone mad. Pointing at the basket full of stones, he said, “Do you know how heavy this is? One basket on your back could break your legs!”

The old man finally realized what Fan Changyu had meant at noon when she asked if he wanted to eat meat. Worried that something might happen to a young girl like her, he came over with a long face, calling out, “Stop this nonsense! Aren’t two steamed buns and a bowl of porridge enough for you? If it’s not, I’ll give you my portion too.”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond to the old man’s words, only asking the soldier, “If I carry these fifteen baskets of stones down the mountain, can I have a chicken leg tonight?”

This commotion caught the attention of the officer in charge of all the refugees. After hearing Fan Changyu’s question, he thought she was dreaming, and said, “Forget fifteen baskets. If you can carry just one basket to the foot of the mountain, I’ll reward you with a whole chicken!”

Fan Changyu was visibly stunned. Was there such a good deal?

With this incentive, the refugees who had been digging with their faces to the yellow earth and backs to the sky all stopped their work and looked over, leaning on their hoe handles and discussing among themselves.

The woman who had spoken to Fan Changyu at noon looked worried, probably not expecting Fan Changyu to have such intentions, and fearing she had inadvertently caused her harm.

The old man’s wrinkled brow was almost knotted into a lump as he glared at Fan Changyu, “Girl, stop this nonsense!”

The officer in charge initially didn’t think Fan Changyu would dare to carry the basket. Seeing her silence, he thought she had been frightened and taunted, “Well? Are you going to carry it or not?”

Fan Changyu said to the old man, “Don’t worry about me, sir.”

She put down her hoe and walked over to the officer, saying, “I’ll carry it. Just keep your word, sir.”

Lifting three hundred jin with one hand was still a bit strenuous for her, but carrying it on her back wasn’t a difficult task.

Everyone watched some frowning, others with an attitude of watching a show. They saw the tall but slender girl firmly plant her feet on the flat ground, distributing the basket’s straps across her shoulders. Gripping the straps tightly with both hands, her shoe soles sinking slightly into the ground, she lifted the basket of earth and stones weighing nearly three hundred jin onto her back.

A wave of gasps rose from the crowd. The ruffians leaning on their hoes with their chins propped up stood there with their mouths agape, looking as if they had seen a ghost. They were also relieved that they hadn’t said anything untoward to this woman on her first day, otherwise they might have been beaten to a pulp.

The officer in charge was also dumbfounded. He had heard from his subordinates that there was a woman who worked diligently at digging earth and stones, able to get two extra steamed buns at every meal.

But digging earth and stones only required technique and endurance; anyone could do it. However, lifting such a heavy basket of stones was something only a few generals in the entire military camp could do.

Fan Changyu hardly used a cane for support, just holding the basket straps on her shoulders with both hands, walking steadily step by step down the mountain. She didn’t look comfortable, but she didn’t seem particularly strained either.

Even after Fan Changyu had walked far away, the entire excavation site remained silent.

The old man, watching Fan Changyu’s receding figure, seemed lost in thought. He stroked the few white whiskers on his chin, muttering softly, “With such physique, if she were a man, she would surely achieve great things…”

In the evening, when the soldiers distributed food, Fan Changyu indeed received a whole roast chicken. She found a quiet spot with the old man, squatted down with her porridge bowl, and tore off a large chicken leg to offer him. The old man didn’t take it, instead looking at her with a complex expression, “How’s your reconnaissance going?”

Fan Changyu looked up at the old man, “How did you know I was scouting?”

The old man’s wrinkled eyelids drooped, but his aged eyes were clear, “For the past few days, whenever you went up the mountain to dig, you were discreetly observing the terrain and troop deployments in this area, asking all sorts of questions to everyone you met. You’ve seen others eating meat before, so why couldn’t you resist today and have to make such a spectacle? It must be because you’ve already got a good grasp of the nearby terrain and defenses, and now you want to see the troop deployments elsewhere.”

They spoke in very low voices, and there was no one nearby. Seeing that the old man had figured out her plan, Fan Changyu said, “Don’t worry, sir. I won’t run away and cause trouble for you all. Carrying stones to the embankment was also to see how the construction was progressing and how much longer we’d be stuck there. The embankment looks like it’s almost complete, so we should be released soon.”

If they were to be kept here for a year or more, she wouldn’t be able to wait that long.

The old man snorted and said, “Using such a stupid method to check the progress of the embankment construction. Let me tell you, the embankment must be completed before the first heavy rain of spring.”

Fan Changyu asked, puzzled, “Why?”

The old man glanced at her sideways, “You haven’t paid me tuition, nor have you kowtowed and offered tea to take me as your master. It’s one thing to ask me about the rigid contents of the Four Books, but why should I teach you these things?”

Fan Changyu made an “Oh” sound and sincerely stopped asking, starting to gnaw on the fat, oily chicken leg she had offered to the old man, which he had refused.

Seeing this, the old man glared at her angrily, “You silly pig, is this all the wit you have!”

Fan Changyu was bewildered by his scolding but didn’t want to argue with a white-haired, skinny old man with a strange temper. She pressed her lips together and moved a step away, continuing to eat her chicken leg without responding to him, silently expressing her displeasure at being scolded.

The old man grew even angrier, his entire chest heaving as he shouted, “Without tea, you don’t even know how to kowtow?”

Fan Changyu finally realized that the old man’s earlier words were meant to suggest that she should take him as her master.

Fan Changyu knew her limitations. After pondering for a moment, she politely declined, “I’m not cut out for studying, but my mother used to say that reading more is never wrong, which is why I’ve been trying to understand those books. I feel bad about you teaching me for free. There’s some silver in the bag the soldiers took from me. If they return our belongings when they let us go, I can pay you the tuition fee then.”

The main reason was that if she took him as her master, she would have to take care of this old man from then on. Fan Changyu had heard him cursing his student for so long, and she figured he had probably been counting on that student to support him in his old age, but the student had been ungrateful. That’s why he wanted to find someone new to take care of him.

But she still had to find her sister and couldn’t stay here for too long, so she naturally couldn’t take care of this old man indefinitely.

Hearing that his offer to take her as a disciple had been rejected, the old man glanced at Fan Changyu. His stubborn temper flared up, and he snorted with laughter, “Do you know how many people would throw away thousands of gold to become my disciple, yet I don’t accept them?”

Fan Changyu had finished gnawing on the chicken leg and was holding the bone, shocked, “Is being a teacher that lucrative?”

The old man: “…”

His wrinkled old face turned red with anger. He closed his eyes and said furiously, “Enough, enough! Truly, rotten wood cannot be carved!”

Fan Changyu thought of the equally lonely Zhao couple and realized that the old man was so angry only because she refused to take him as her master. She then felt that this strange-tempered old man was quite pitiful. With his bad temper and no children of his own, it would be difficult for him to find someone to take care of him in his old age.

She inappropriately thought of Yan Zheng, suddenly feeling that Yan Zheng’s nasty temperament was exactly like this strange old man’s.

If Yan Zheng ended up alone for life because of his sharp tongue, wouldn’t he be just like this old man when he got old?

Fan Changyu stopped her bizarre train of thought and looked at the strange old man who was now coldly refusing to speak to her. She tore off half of the roast chicken and put it in his bowl of steamed buns, sighed, and returned to the women’s quarters with the remaining chicken.

That night, spring thunder roared, and heavy rain poured down.

The rainwater on the ground was accumulating. Fan Changyu looked at the blindingly bright lightning flashing through the cracks of doors and windows, listening to the thunder outside that drowned out everything else and the chaotic crying of children in the barracks. She felt uneasy.

As she sat up and put her feet on the ground, she felt them sink into a puddle. Even the floor of the barracks had collected rainwater.

Recalling the old man’s words about the levee being repaired before the spring flood, Fan Changyu remembered what she had seen when she went to check the levee that afternoon, carrying soil and stones on her back. It seemed to match what the old man had said.

She hoped that tomorrow, these soldiers would let them go. But beneath the cover of the heavy rain and thunder, there seemed to be other faint noises outside.

After a moment’s hesitation, Fan Changyu decided to put on her clothes and go to the door to check.

Fearing their escape, the place where they were detained wasn’t a tent, but a tiled house with earthen walls that had been requisitioned by the soldiers after the original inhabitants had fled south.

At night, the main door was always locked.

Fan Changyu waded through the rainwater to the main door. In the flash of lightning, she discovered that the soldiers who had been guarding outside were nowhere to be seen. Not far away, near the house where the male refugees were detained, it seemed someone was using a hard object to smash the door lock from inside.

She quickly realized that something must have happened in the military camp, and this stormy night was their perfect opportunity to escape.

There were no hard objects in the room except for the beds. Fan Changyu thought for a moment, then stepped back two paces, charged forward, and kicked the door panel hard. The wooden door immediately collapsed outward.

Ignoring the women in the room with their varied expressions, Fan Changyu rushed out into the heavy rain, heading straight for the barracks where their belongings were stored.

Soon, others reacted and hurried out as well.

The men in their barracks saw this and stopped trying to break the lock. A moment later, the main door, along with its frame, was knocked flying. The big man who had done it couldn’t stop his momentum and fell into the rainy ground. After getting up, he went to the opposite barracks to find his wife and children.

In an instant, the camp where the refugees were detained was in chaos, with everyone calling out names, and searching for their relatives.

Fan Changyu, being alone, quickly found her bundle. She struggled against the crowd to squeeze out of the storage barracks and saw the old man coming out of his detention quarters, trudging through the rain with uneven steps.

His wet clothes clung to his body, making him look even more gaunt.

Fan Changyu initially wanted to leave without a word but remembered that despite his eccentric temperament, he had earnestly taught her the Four Books. There was a saying among the common people: “One day as a teacher, a lifetime as a father.” His teaching of these texts made him at least half a teacher to her.

Fan Changyu bit her lip and finally rushed into the rain with her bundle, saying to the old man, “I’ll carry you on my back as we escape.”

Before the old man could speak, Fan Changyu had already slung him onto her back. Drenched like a long-necked wild chicken, he still stubbornly insisted, “This old man can walk on his own, no need for you to carry me!”

Fan Changyu knew his strange temperament and didn’t argue with him at that moment. Having memorized the layout of the military camp in the past few days, she quickly carried the old man on her back and escaped to the main road.

Occasionally, when lightning struck, Fan Changyu, with raindrops weighing down her eyelids, saw the corpses of many soldiers lying scattered on the ground. The rainwater on the ground had a faint rouge tint.

In the distance, through the pouring rain, tents were burning, and it seemed two forces were engaged in battle.

The old man said with a grim expression, “We’re in trouble. I fear the rebels have discovered the dam construction here to block the water.”

Fan Changyu, struggling to keep her eyes open in the heavy rain to find her way, asked, “Were these soldiers killed by the rebels?”

The old man replied, “Since the dam construction began, the scouts sent by the rebels to this area have never returned. The rebels must have become suspicious and sent a troop for a surprise attack. They aim to protect their scouts and let them bring back the information!”

Fan Changyu didn’t understand, “What does this have to do with building the dam?”

The old man’s expression turned cold as he explained, “Have you ever seen a large dam completed in just ten days or half a month? This dam was hastily built just to temporarily block the water. The rebels have 50,000 troops surrounding Lu City. If the water accumulated by the dam rushes downstream, Lu City can defeat the rebels’ 50,000 troops without losing a single soldier. If the rebels learn in advance that the upstream has blocked enough floodwater to drown their entire army, do you think they would still fall into the trap and be lured into the river valley?”

Fan Changyu finally understood why the soldiers had detained them.

But given the current situation, survival was the priority. To avoid being discovered, she apologized and then took the armor from two dead Jizhou soldiers, putting it on herself and the old man.

Further ahead, she saw a horse. The animal was lowering its head, using its nose to nudge a fallen general on the ground.

Fan Changyu hurried over to lead the horse, thinking that since her horse had been taken by the soldiers and not returned, this could be considered compensation from the military camp.

As she turned to leave, the hem of her clothes was grabbed by the bloodied man on the ground. He seemed to recognize the Jizhou soldier’s uniform she was wearing. With blood clogging his throat, he struggled to speak, “Three scouts escaped through the Lu Mouth Road. Quickly… quickly pursue them…”

With those words, he breathed his last.

Despite having experienced many life-and-death situations, Fan Changyu still felt a chill run down her spine on this rainy night.

The old man stood silently in the rain with his hands behind his back. Fan Changyu led the horse over to him and hesitated for a moment before asking, “Will you still come with me?”

The old man looked at Fan Changyu through the rain and sighed deeply, “If you were a man, I would certainly have you cross the Wu Ridge and intercept those three rebel scouts at the necessary passage to Lu City through the Lu Mouth Road. Their life or death concerns the fate of the entire Lu City and even the whole of Jizhou. But despite your martial skills, you are still a woman. The rise and fall of the world is not the responsibility of women. You should flee for your life. I will take this information back to the military camp.”

Fan Changyu said, “Then let us part ways here.”

She mounted the horse, dug her heels into its belly, and galloped towards the distant official road. The rain slid down her cheeks from her jaw, and the lightning striking from the sky revealed the struggle in her eyes.

She wanted to find Changningg and live a simple life with him as before.

War and such matters were supposed to be the concerns of high officials. The responsibility for the fate of a city or a region should never fall on the shoulders of a small commoner woman like her.

But the tragedies of Qingping County and Linan Town were still fresh in her memory. If even mountain bandits could turn those two places into ghost towns, what would happen to the people of Lu City if the plan to flood the Chongzhou army failed because the military camp’s pursuers didn’t catch up with the scouts?

Fan Changyu fiercely cracked the whip, and the warhorse ran wildly through the heavy rain. The rain and cold wind stung her face.

At that moment, many faces flashed through her mind: the deceased Constable Wang and his wife, the neighbors in the western alley of the city, Carpenter Zhao and Yan Zheng who were still in Lu City…

She had already killed many people, but the bloodshed in Qingping County and Linan Town still made her heart tremble when she thought about it.

Perhaps… if she went after them, she could stop those three scouts from bringing back the message?

Fan Changyu took two deep breaths and finally pulled the reins to stop the warhorse. She didn’t take her bundle, only the few butcher knives from inside it. She fastened her wrist guards and, like a leopard going out to hunt in the heavy rain, abandoned the warhorse and ran towards Wu Ridge-

Lu City.

Unlike the torrential rain in the upstream of Jizhou, only a drizzle fell in the night sky over Lu City.

He Jingyuan stood on the city wall, looking at the faintly visible outline of the mountain range in the distance, and asked, “Where have the rebels been lured to now?”

A deputy commander beside him answered, “According to the scouts’ report, the rebels have reached the river mouth, but they are very cautious and refuse to advance further.”

He Jingyuan pondered for a moment and then said, “Hang my commander’s flag and continue to lure the enemy.”

Immediately, someone passed down the order. The city gate opened a crack, letting out a scout on horseback to deliver the message.

He Jingyuan glanced in the direction of the upstream of the Wu River. Although his face revealed nothing, his hand resting on the battlement clenched into a fist.

If this plan failed, Lu City would be left with only 30,000 troops to defend against the enemy, and more than 10,000 of them were recruits conscripted just recently, who couldn’t even complete a full set of spear techniques-

In the wilderness of Yan State, a soft rain was also falling.

Xie Zheng sat on horseback on a low slope, his expression cold as he watched the battle below. Torches intertwined into a sea of light, and only occasionally could one distinguish whether it was the Yan State flag or the Chong State flag swirling in the wind and rain within the firelight.

Raindrops formed by the fine rain slid down his jaw, but he only focused intently on the progress of the Yan State flag advancing segment by segment in the firelight, his eyelashes never even trembling.

Gong Sun Yin used a feather fan to block the slanting rain and asked, “If you don’t go down there, the Chong State army won’t enter One Line Gorge.”

But Xie Zheng said, “We’ve set an ambush in One Line Gorge, and Uncle Sun and his son must have set ambushes elsewhere too. Let’s wait for them to throw out their bait first.”

Gong Sun Yin raised his fox-like eyes, “You want to take their bait and then lure them into One Line Gorge?”

Xie Zheng neither confirmed nor denied.

As Gong Sun Yin pondered what Xie Zheng meant by “bait,” his eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to speak, a small climax occurred in the battle below.

A young commander emerged from the Chong State army, riding a white horse and wielding a silver spear. He was handsome and devilishly charming, carrying a little girl in his arms who was crying incessantly, terrified by the battlefield slaughter. He arrogantly shouted at the Yan State army engaged in the melee ahead, “Where is the Marquis of Wu’an? Come out and face death!”

Gong Sun Yin frowned as he looked at the figure standing in front of the Chong State army in the firelight and said, “He does resemble you from the past a bit.”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes glanced over indifferently, “When did your eyesight deteriorate?”

Before Gong Sun Yin could react, Xie Zheng had already picked up the halberd stuck in the ground, spurred his horse, and leaped down the gentle slope. The dark cape behind him billowed high in the fine rain as if it were a powerful black cloud.

Carrying an asthmatic child into battle…what a plan. Though I notice she didn’t have an attack when she and her BIL fled from assassins before, so maybe she’ll be fine.

Lol. Xie Zheng has no idea how close his wife came to becoming his junior sister 🤭

Carrying a crying little girl into the middle of a battlefield to use as bait… doesn’t this bastard feel ashamed? This is such a cowardly act, I’m surprised his ego would allow him to stoop this low. And this guy is supposed to be their crown prince. Pfft.

why do I feel like the old man might be xie zheng’s teacher too? he said that his future student was someone who should be able to “kill” xie zheng and better than him. and nobody could “kill” the marquis other than his own wife. 🤭

Zhu Yu – Chapter 70

The scent of blood, earth, and burning pine resin from torches permeated the rainy night.

Sui Yuanqing charged through the Yanzhou army formation with Chang Ning, his long spear impaling soldiers as they rode. Chang Ning’s face was splattered with blood, her voice hoarse from crying.

Despite the blood on his face, Sui Yuanqing laughed wildly and even teased Chang Ning: “Kid, if your old man doesn’t have the guts to save you, you might as well stay at my Changxin Prince’s Manor. My nephew quite likes you; you’d make a fine little maid for him…”

As he thrust his spear to unseat another Yanzhou commander, a halberd suddenly parried his weapon and struck horizontally. Sui Yuanqing barely blocked it with his spear shaft but was still forced back two steps by the impact.

He looked up and met the halberd wielder’s gaze, his lips curling into a provocative smile. “I thought the Marquis was too precious to show himself.”

The drizzle had turned into a downpour. Xie Zheng stood in the rain, lightning shattering the black sky behind him. Water dripped from his soaked cloak down his horse’s back. His halberd rested diagonally across his back, its blade dripping blood. His phoenix eyes coldly regarded Sui Yuanqing, offering no response.

Noticing the blood on Xie Zheng’s blade, Sui Yuanqing quickly glanced at his arm and saw a gash. Rain-soaked fabric stung the wound, the pain finally registering. He frowned. Such swift swordsmanship.

Xie Zheng coldly mocked, “Bringing a child onto the battlefield—the Heir of Sui truly has courage.”

Stung by the sarcasm, Sui Yuanqing’s expression soured. Rather than lingering, he turned his horse and fled with Chang Ning.

Traumatized by the night’s carnage and unable to recognize Xie Zheng in the darkness, Chang Ning cried out when she heard his voice: “Brother-in-law—”

Sui Yuanqing pressed the child back onto the saddle as she nearly fell off, his expression suddenly turning strange. “What did you call that man?”

Emboldened by Xie Zheng’s presence, Chang Ning glared at Sui Yuanqing with her swollen grape-like eyes: “My brother-in-law won’t let you get away with this!”

Sui Yuanqing looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “So you’re not his daughter at all?”

Hearing Chang Ning’s cries, Xie Zheng spurred his horse to give chase. His deputy, scrambling to his feet, warned urgently, “Marquis, this could be a trap.”

Xie Zheng narrowed his eyes, assessing the retreating Sui Yuanqing. He ordered only a few personal guards to follow him, instructing the deputy, “The rest of you stay here. Do not follow.”

With that, he dug his heels into his horse’s flanks and gave chase. The deputy wanted to say more but could only watch as Xie Zheng’s dark cloak cut a sharp arc through the cold wind.

Arrows whistled past Sui Yuanqing’s head in the night, forcing him to duck low to avoid the pursuing white-feathered shafts. Memories of being hunted in Qingping County resurfaced, filling him with indignation.

Chang Ning pressed against the horse’s back, knew someone had come to her rescue. She mustered her strength to fight against Sui Yuanqing, either pulling his hair or biting the hand holding the reins.

Feeling the sharp pain in his hand, Sui Yuanqing hissed. He pinched Chang Ning’s cheeks with his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to open her mouth. He threatened coldly, “If you don’t behave, I’ll throw you off this horse right now and let you be trampled to death!”

Chang Ning’s cheeks stung from his grip, tears welling up in her eyes once again.

Seeing her comply, Sui Yuanqing released her and resumed zigzagging with the Chongzhou cavalry to avoid the arrows. He weighed his options, wondering if this girl, who wasn’t Xie Zheng’s daughter after all, was worth the risk of rescue.

Their original plan was to use the child as bait to lure Xie Zheng into an ambush. Even if they couldn’t kill him, they intended to leave him badly wounded.

But the bait wasn’t as valuable as he had anticipated. Xie Zheng had taken the bait anyway, and Sui Yuanqing suddenly had an ominous feeling.

Where had their calculations gone wrong?

From what he knew of Xie Zheng, he shouldn’t have been one to act so impulsively.

His father’s rebellion wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. The seeds of discontent with the royal family were sown when the Grand Princess Consort died in the Eastern Palace years ago.

His father believed the fire that claimed the Grand Princess Consort and her son was the Emperor’s warning. For self-preservation, he had been biding his time for over a decade.

To deal with Wei Yan, they first needed to break his sharpest blade. Since Xie Zheng’s rise to fame, his father had been grooming Sui Yuanqing to be the one to defeat him.

The Art of War emphasizes knowing both yourself and your enemy. Sui Yuanqing studied everything Xie Zheng learned. His father’s strategists would review each of Xie Zheng’s victories with him multiple times, looking for weaknesses and devising counter-strategies.

After years of replicating everything Xie Zheng had done, Sui Yuanqing sometimes felt like he had become Xie Zheng’s shadow.

Apart from Xie Zheng himself, Sui Yuanqing believed he understood him best.

If it were that woman’s flesh and blood, Xie Zheng’s pride might have driven him to take this risk.

But for merely that woman’s sister? For men like them, it wasn’t worth risking the lives of countless soldiers.

Could it be… that he had overestimated Xie Zheng?

Lost in thought, Sui Yuanqing didn’t notice his horse’s front leg being struck by an arrow. The animal neighed in pain and was about to stumble forward. Sui Yuanqing snapped back to reality, his face darkening as he grabbed Chang Ning with one hand and used his spear to vault onto a nearby cavalryman’s horse, narrowly avoiding being thrown.

Xie Zheng had caught up. He positioned his horse across the road, blocking Sui Yuanqing and his guards’ escape route. With one hand lightly holding the reins and the other holding his halberd at an angle, he looked at Sui Yuanqing with an amused expression. “It seems the Heir of Sui didn’t learn his lesson last time, to be so forgetful.”

A thunderclap boomed, and lightning illuminated Xie Zheng’s chiseled features, the night trailing behind him.

One man and one horse blocked over a dozen Chongzhou cavalry, yet the pressure was so intense that the mounted soldiers found it difficult to breathe.

Sui Yuanqing was also provoked by these words, barely suppressing the anger in his eyes. He quickly regained his composure and smiled roguishly, “They say the Marquis’s horsemanship and archery are unparalleled. It’s my honor to experience it twice.”

The few personal guards who had followed Xie Zheng finally caught up, blocking Sui Yuanqing’s retreat.

Unperturbed, Sui Yuanqing tilted his head and asked Xie Zheng with a smile, “I didn’t think the Marquis was one to treat his soldiers’ lives as a game. You seem quite willing to sacrifice for this child.”

As he spoke, he stroked Chang Ning’s rain-soaked hair as if petting a small animal.

This was an attempt to sow discord, hoping to make Xie Zheng’s soldiers resent him.

Xie Zheng merely asked in return, “Is this spring rain heavy?”

The rain intensified, large droplets hammering the ground, creating small craters in the mud visible in the firelight.

At first, Sui Yuanqing didn’t understand why Xie Zheng suddenly mentioned the rain. When he realized, his face darkened abruptly. Thinking of the fifty thousand troops surrounding Lucheng who would likely perish in this spring flood, a vein bulged on his temple. With barely suppressed anger in his eyes, he raised his spear tip towards Xie Zheng. “You knew this was a trap all along? The twenty thousand borrowed troops from Jizhou were also fake?”

Xie Zheng neither confirmed nor denied.

Sui Yuanqing glared at him, gritting his teeth. After a moment, he burst into laughter. “So be it. We may have lost the battle of Lucheng, but capturing you would be far more satisfying than taking Jizhou!”

He lifted Chang Ning from the saddle and sneered, “Marquis, your strategies are superior. I concede defeat. That being the case, there’s no need to keep this child alive.”

With that, he tossed Chang Ning into the air and thrust his spear towards her.

Chang Ning let out a short, terrified scream. Xie Zheng’s eyes flashed. He deflected Sui Yuanqing’s weapon with his halberd and, using his horse as a springboard, leaped to catch Chang Ning. Seizing the opportunity, Sui Yuanqing drove his spear diagonally into Xie Zheng’s side, where the armor was weak.

Without the armor’s protection, the spear tip pierced flesh, likely hitting bone, as Sui Yuanqing felt a dull resistance in his hand.

It all happened in an instant. Xie Zheng, still holding Chang Ning with one arm, saw a guard approach and tossed her to him. With his free hand, he pushed down on the spear shaft, using the dark gold spearhead to pry open his chest armor. Landing back on his horse, he swung his halberd at Sui Yuanqing.

Terrified, Sui Yuanqing pushed off his saddle with one hand, leaping into the air to dodge the strike. He hadn’t anticipated that Xie Zheng would use his halberd as a pole vault, springing up to deliver a horizontal kick to his chest.

As the kick connected, Sui Yuanqing felt his ribs crack. His entire chest cavity seemed to compress and tear apart in pain, and the taste of blood rose in his throat.

Instinctively trying to get up, he found the blade of the halberd already at his throat.

The rain was too heavy, and the intense pain made his vision blur, preventing him from clearly seeing Xie Zheng’s expression at that moment.

But Sui Yuanqing was acutely aware that he had lost, and lost completely.

With his capture, the Chongzhou cavalry didn’t dare to move. Yanzhou cavalry soon arrived to bind Sui Yuanqing.

Xie Zheng looked down at him and ordered, “Take him back.”

Sui Yuanqing’s guards watched helplessly as he was taken away, not daring to intervene. One of them, seizing a moment when Xie Zheng and his men were distracted, mounted a horse and fled to report back.

Xie Zheng instructed a few of his guards: “Head to Yixian Gorge immediately.”

Originally concerned about luring the Prince of Changxin’s army into the gorge, capturing Sui Yuanqing proved even more effective than using himself as bait.

As the group rode back, Xie Zheng sat straight-backed on his horse, but his lips had a faint pale tinge. Blood continuously seeped from the sleeve of the hand holding the halberd, trickling down his hand and dripping from the weapon’s blade.

The brown inner robe successfully concealed the blood’s color, and the heavy rain masked its scent, preventing his guards from noticing his condition.

Chang Ning, sitting on a guard’s horse, had been shocked into silence. As she regained her senses, she began to sob, calling incoherently for her “Sister” and “Brother-in-law.”

Xie Zheng glanced at her and, realizing they would have to pass through the corpse-strewn battlefield on their way back, ordered a guard: “Blindfold her.”

I love how he is so considerate of the little one!!!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 71

Dozens of riders scattered across the open fields, with muddy floodwater covering their horses’ hooves. The Chongzhou army quickly caught up, snapping at their heels.

To lure the Chongzhou forces deep into the valley, Xie Zheng deliberately had several dozen of his cavalry feign a retreat, making the enemy underestimate them.

Sui Yuanqing was tied up and bound to a cavalryman’s horse. With countless broken ribs, his entire chest cavity ached from the pressure. He knew the pursuing Chongzhou army would surely meet their doom, but being tied up and with the Yanzhou army feigning defeat to lure the enemy, there was nothing he could do to change the situation.

Enduring the excruciating pain in his chest, he laughed coldly, “My Lord, for someone stabbed in the heart and lungs by my gilded phoenix-wing spear, you’ve managed to ride for quite some time. Sui truly admires your endurance.”

His spear had pierced through a gap in Xie Zheng’s armor under the armpit, but Xie Zheng’s demeanor was so composed that even the cavalryman who caught Changning thought he had only suffered a minor injury, let alone the others.

After Sui Yuanqing spoke, the others couldn’t help but look at Xie Zheng.

Sui Yuanqing’s goal was to disrupt morale. If Xie Zheng fell, the army would be leaderless, and there might still be a chance to turn the tide of tonight’s battle.

Thunder rumbled as Xie Zheng’s rain-soaked cloak clung to his armor, draping over his horse. He turned his head slightly, his posture ramrod straight. His profile, illuminated by stark white lightning, seemed as if carved from cold jade. With his phoenix eyes half-raised, he spoke nonchalantly, “It seems Young Master Sui’s spear tip was made of wax. Next time you go to battle, remember to use an iron one.”

His tone was full of mockery.

The personal cavalry all snickered, while Sui Yuanqing’s face darkened. “We’ll see how long you can hold out, My Lord.”

Xie Zheng gave Sui Yuanqing a cold glance and said to the cavalryman carrying him, “Young Master Sui seems to be in high spirits. Let him walk for a while.”

Sui Yuanqing’s face changed abruptly. He knew this would be no simple “walk.”

The cavalrymen cheered. With his hands bound, he was thrown into the muddy, rain-soaked ground. Mud mixed with rainwater splashed all over him, some getting into his eyes and stinging badly. Before he could get up, the cavalrymen had already gleefully raised their whips and spurred their horses into a gallop.

Sui Yuanqing was dragged along the wet ground by the rope. Even with armor protecting him, his entire back felt like it was on fire from the friction. The broken ribs in his chest seemed to be displaced even more severely. He gritted his teeth and stared intently at the black curtain of rain, cold sweat mingling with rainwater as it slid down his forehead. His mouth was filled with the taste of blood.

Xie Zheng rode at the front, glancing down at his inner robe, now dyed a deep color by blood, in a flash of lightning. His pale lips pressed tightly together as he cracked his whip, urging his warhorse to continue towards Yixian Gorge.

His condition was indeed not optimistic. Although Sui Yuanqing’s spear hadn’t pierced any internal organs, it had bruised the bone, and the wound was quite large. Constantly soaked by rain, it was difficult for the blood to clot. After losing so much blood, he was beginning to feel dizzy.

But with the Chongzhou army right on their heels, now was not the time to stop.

Ahead, the entrance to Yixian Gorge was faintly visible, looking like the bared teeth of a sleeping giant in the night. When the Chongzhou army reached this point, they sensed an ambush inside and slowed their advance considerably.

As Xie Zheng listened to the scout’s report, his eyelids suddenly grew heavy, and he fell from his horse. Several of his cavalry, seeing this, quickly reined in their horses and dismounted to help him. “My Lord!”

Sui Yuanqing, who had been dragged along by the horse, was in excruciating pain all over. Though he wanted to mock Xie Zheng, he didn’t have the strength to utter a single word.

The unusual situation on their side was quickly detected by the Chongzhou army’s scouts, who raced back with the news.

The Chongzhou commander leading the pursuit now found himself in a dilemma. If he stopped at Yixian Gorge without bringing back Sui Yuanqing, he would surely face the Long Xin King’s wrath upon his return.

But if he pursued Yixian Gorge and fell into an ambush, resulting in the annihilation of his entire army, even several heads wouldn’t be enough to pay for that mistake.

The news brought back by the scouts was undoubtedly the last straw. Along with the testimony of Sui Yuanqing’s guard who had gone back to report, it was confirmed that Xie Zheng had indeed been wounded by Sui Yuanqing.

With the prospect of rescuing Sui Yuanqing and capturing the legendary Wu’an Marquis as an extraordinary achievement, the Chongzhou commander quickly made his decision. He ordered the cavalry to lead the way and commanded the main army to advance at full speed.

It was only then that Xie Zheng’s guards realized he was truly injured. The wound, grazing his right ribs and deepening towards the left, was heart-wrenching to behold.

The rain was too heavy. Two bottles of wound medicine were entirely sprinkled on the injury, and the guards hastily bandaged him with torn strips from the lining of his battle robe. Blood still seeped from the wound.

A cavalryman who had been watching the movements of the Chongzhou army rode back and reported, “All the Chongzhou cavalry are coming this way.”

For a moment, all several dozen cavalrymen felt apprehensive. However, Xie Zheng, who had been sitting on the wet ground tending to his wound and resting briefly, opened his eyes at this moment. As if nothing was wrong, he put on his outer armor, mounted his horse, and said, “This time we can lure the rebels completely into Yixian Gorge. Proceed into the valley according to the original plan!”

The personal cavalry, stunned in place, looked at each other, almost unable to discern whether Xie Zheng’s earlier fall was real or a ruse to deceive the Chongzhou rebels. After they realized this, they all mounted their horses and followed him.

As they needed to move at full speed, they naturally had no more interest in tormenting Sui Yuanqing.

When Sui Yuanqing was placed back on the horse, he suddenly understood Xie Zheng’s intention in falling from his horse earlier. It was deliberate!

With Xie Zheng injured, not only would the Chongzhou commander leading the troops not pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, even if Sui Yuanqing himself were leading the troops, he wouldn’t let it slip by!

As the horse galloped, Sui Yuanqing, head down, was jolted so much that even the whites of his eyes were tinged with blood red. When he looked up at the rapidly receding rocky mountains, they too seemed to be covered in a faint layer of blood.

He watched Xie Zheng, still riding at the front, and for a moment suddenly doubted whether Xie Zheng could feel pain at all.

He didn’t think Xie Zheng’s injury was lighter than his own, but while he felt like he had died several times over from the pain, Xie Zheng had shown no signs of distress apart from his earlier fall from the horse to deliberately lure the enemy.

As he pondered this, the cavalry had already passed a bend and shot a signal arrow into the sky.

Immediately, enormous boulders thundered down the entire valley like rolling thunder. The Chongzhou cavalry, who were just about to catch up, found themselves in chaos on the narrow mountain path as giant rocks tumbled down from the cliffs above. They tried to retreat, but the infantry who had just entered the gorge blocked their way out. They couldn’t withdraw, and more infantry were trampled to death by panicked warhorses than were crushed by the falling rocks.

Even the ear-splitting thunder couldn’t drown out the screams from the gorge. In a flash of lightning, Sui Yuanqing, lying on horseback, looked at the distant Chongzhou army with its heavy casualties. He closed his eyes tightly, his hands clenched into fists, his palms broken by his fingernails, blood seeping between his fingers.

He would have his revenge.

After the Chongzhou cavalry trampled many of their infantry in the gorge, the commander quickly rode forward to stabilize the situation. He ordered the cavalry not to retreat but to charge forward in a mass, thereby reducing the chances of being hit by the falling boulders from above.

The infantry at the rear, who hadn’t advanced deep into the gorge, quickly turned to retreat.

However, when the Chongzhou cavalry reached the exit of the gorge, they were met by rows of archers with bows already strung and ready.

At the rear of the infantry formation that hadn’t fully entered the valley, another Yanzhou force emerged. The infantry’s rear ranks were thrown into disarray. The soldiers who had escaped alive from the gorge, still in shock, saw the chaos outside and their morale plummeted, leading to a near rout.

The Chongzhou commander, knowing that the battle’s outcome made him culpable, only wanted to preserve as much of his force as possible while retreating. Blocked by the Yanzhou infantry cutting off their path, he came up with a plan. He ordered his troops to shout “Wu’an Marquis is dead!” to disrupt the Yanzhou army’s morale.

This tactic indeed worked. The Yanzhou forces, which had been attacking fiercely, began to show signs of faltering amidst the shouts of “Wu’an Marquis is dead!”

On the mountain, Xie Zheng heard the scout’s report. Despite his injuries, he struggled to get up, supporting himself with a long halberd. The military doctor didn’t dare to stop him, but Gong Sun Yin pushed him back down, saying, “That Sui boy’s spear thrust was quite vicious. If it had been a bit more to the side, it would have pierced your internal organs. You should value your life more. In your condition, what could you do if you went down the mountain?”

This was a cave the personal guards had found on the mountain. Although it kept out the rain, the cold wind blowing in, carrying moisture, still made people shiver.

The grass and trees in the forest were all soaked by the rain, and the soldiers below couldn’t find any dry firewood.

Xie Zheng had removed his armor and wore only his inner robe. His chest was exposed, revealing a fierce spear wound that stretched from his right chest across to the left, with a deep puncture. The military doctor had applied crushed herbs to it but hadn’t had time to wrap it in bandages yet.

With a stern expression, Xie Zheng said, “Shi Yue is an experienced general under the Long Xin King, with countless battles under his belt. We can’t underestimate him. We absolutely cannot let him stabilize his troops’ morale and counterattack our ten thousand troops at the foot of the mountain.”

The Chongzhou infantry amassed at the bottom of the mountain still numbered twenty thousand. If the Chongzhou army regained its composure, their ambushing force of ten thousand would be surrounded.

Gong Sun Yin looked at the pile of armor Xie Zheng had removed and said, “I have a plan. Find a personal guard with a similar build to yours, have him wear your armor, and ride down the mountain. That should be enough to steady our troops’ morale. In the darkness, who could tell it wasn’t you? Shi Yue is a cautious man. Having fallen for your trap and advanced into the gorge, he’s already learned his lesson. If he sees you appear at the foot of the mountain, he surely won’t dare to continue fighting.”

The deputy commander standing nearby also quickly said this plan was feasible.

After careful consideration, Xie Zheng finally nodded.

As the military doctor continued to bandage his wound, Gong Sun Yin finally glanced at Changning, who was sleeping against the cave wall wrapped in his dry cloak. The child had fine features, and even with her hair disheveled after being wiped dry, looking like a fluffy chick, she was still endearing.

But her face seemed unnaturally red. Gong Sun Yin reached out to feel her forehead and realized Changning wasn’t just asleep, she had developed a fever after being rained on all night.

He quickly said to the military doctor, “After you finish bandaging, please take a look at this child as well.”

Xie Zheng turned his head to see the thin flush on Changning’s face and said to the doctor who was wrapping the bandages, “Go check on the child.”

The doctor had to let Xie Zheng hold the wrapped bandages himself while he went to check Changning’s pulse.

Gong Sun Yin had originally planned to go help Xie Zheng, but he saw him lower his head and use his teeth to hold one end of the bandage, quickly tying it off. It seemed he was quite experienced at this.

He wanted to inquire about Fan Changyu, having previously thought that a woman who could butcher pigs must be large and stout. After Xie Zheng returned from rescuing people in Qingping County, he privately asked the personal guards if they had seen the girl.

The guard’s answer, however, left Gong Sun Yin quite perplexed. They said she was very beautiful and could throw a grown man several zhang with one hand.

Gong Sun Yin couldn’t imagine what kind of girl this was.

He had once thought that Xie Zheng’s guards might have the same taste in women as their lord, which was why they found such a girl attractive.

Seeing Changning tonight and knowing she was Fan Changyu’s sister, Gong Sun Yin suddenly doubted his previous assumptions. If the younger sister had such striking features, surely the older sister must be quite good-looking as well.

So the guards’ description of the pig-butchering girl as quite pretty must be true?

He became increasingly curious about Fan Changyu’s appearance.

The military doctor’s medicine box contained plenty of wound medicines and cold remedies. After checking Changning’s pulse, fearing the small child couldn’t endure, he went to find a personal guard to try and start a fire to brew the medicine.

Only Xie Zheng and Gong Sun Yin were left in the cave. He coughed lightly and said to Xie Zheng, “You’ve brought this child back safe and sound, but when you go to see her sister with your injuries, that girl will surely shed many tears of distress!”

Xie Zheng looked at the rain curtain without answering.

Gong Sun Yin, not wanting to appear too obvious, had to continue beating around the bush: “What do you plan to do with this child?”

Xie Zheng glanced at Changning, whose forehead was now covered with a cloth by the doctor: “Her sister is in Jizhou. Once her cold is better, I’ll send her back to Jizhou.”

Gong Sun Yin asked, “You won’t go with her?”

Xie Zheng suddenly turned to look at him. Realizing his intentions had been seen through, Gong Sun Yin quickly straightened up and looked at the rain curtain outside the cave while fanning himself: “My, this rain is really heavy. If everything goes smoothly at the dam, those fifty thousand Chongzhou troops surrounding Lu City should all be buried in watery graves by now.”

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and no longer paid attention to him, but his brows furrowed slightly, clearly also worried about the battle situation in Lu City.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 72

Above Ji Prefecture.

The dam had been destroyed, and muddy waters surged past the riverbed, gaining momentum from the torrential rain as they rushed downstream.

The rain poured like a waterfall. In the aftermath of the brutal battle, the camp was left with only corpses and an oppressive silence.

The surviving soldiers cleared the battlefield in the downpour. An elderly man stood alongside the general responsible for building the dam, both watching the roaring flood and the recruits who had fallen that night. Their faces bore an indescribable weight.

After a long while, the general asked, “Grand Tutor, do you think releasing this flood downstream will still serve its purpose?”

The elderly man trapped in the camp with Fan Changyu for many days was none other than Grand Tutor Tao, who had retired from official duties years ago.

Raindrops slid down his wrinkled eyelids as he clasped his hands behind his back and gazed skyward. “We can only do our best and accept heaven’s will.”

The soldiers clearing the battlefield suddenly stopped their work, discussing something in hushed tones while looking in one direction. Grand Tutor Tao and the camp commander followed their gaze to see a woman approaching on horseback through the dark curtain of rain.

In the flash of lightning and roll of thunder, as she drew closer, everyone could see several riders following her, all wearing Ji Prefecture military uniforms. Their horses carried several heads, their blood washed clean by the heavy rain.

The woman was Fan Changyu.

Grand Tutor Tao seemed to guess something, raising his aged eyes to meet hers. His gaze held three parts surprise, three parts approval, and four parts satisfaction at not having misjudged her potential.

The riders reached them, and the soldiers dismounted, kneeling in the rain to report. Despite trying to suppress it, joy showed on their faces: “General, when we pursued the three scouts who fled, we discovered this lady had already intercepted and killed them all! We brought back their heads.”

The general overseeing the dam’s construction was first shocked, then delighted. He stepped forward in the rain and saluted Fan Changyu: “Noble Lady, by preventing these rebels from reporting back, you have saved countless military and civilian lives in Lu City. On behalf of the people and soldiers of Lu City, I, Tang, thank you.”

Fan Changyu, leading a chestnut war horse taken from the scouts, replied, “General, you’re too kind. I was merely fulfilling the dying request of the general at the quarry.”

Raindrops fell from the general’s eyelids as he sighed deeply, saying with grief, “That was General of Northern Peace of Anding.”

General of Northern Peace of Anding? Fan Changyu thought this truly was a name befitting a great general.

The soldiers and officers who died on this rainy night, whether generals or common troops, could perhaps rest in peace knowing their battle had not been in vain.

She had returned mainly to retrieve her belongings. Earlier, to intercept the three scouts by crossing Wu Ridge, she had left her pack on horseback. Upon returning, her horse was no longer where she had left it before climbing the mountain. Thinking the old horse would find its way back, she assumed it had returned to camp and thus accompanied the cavalry who had pursued the scouts.

After brief pleasantries, Fan Changyu explained her purpose, but the night had been too chaotic for anyone to notice if a riderless horse had returned on its own.

The camp commander arranged a separate tent for Fan Changyu to rest and ordered his men to search for her belongings.

Fan Changyu’s body was indeed bruised from climbing mountains and crossing ridges on a rainy night, and her clothes were soaked through. Needing to freshen up, she gratefully accepted the offer.

The military camp had no suitable women’s clothing, so the commander had someone bring her the smallest size military uniform, which fit her perfectly.

As soon as she finished changing, not waiting for Grand Tutor Tao who came looking for her, she went to search for her pack in the camp’s stables.

That night, despite the victorious news, no one in the military camp could rest. They were busy clearing the battlefield, searching for the wounded, and digging graves to bury the fallen soldiers…

Even the stables were bustling with activity. Some warhorses had been wounded by blades, others had stepped on sharp objects during battle, and the camp’s veterinarians were as busy as the military doctors, not even having time to take a sip of water.

As Fan Changyu was asking a soldier about the location of General An’s horse, she heard a familiar elderly voice: “This horse has a wooden splinter in its hoof. Bring me some pliers.”

Fan Changyu peered in and exclaimed with joy, “Uncle Zhao!”

Craftsman Zhao was tending to a warhorse’s injury. Hearing Fan Changyu’s voice, he thought his ears were deceiving him. Squinting his old eyes to look outside, he was overjoyed to see it was indeed Fan Changyu, though his expression quickly changed upon noticing her soldier’s attire.

He instructed the soldier helping him hold the horse’s leg: “Go fetch the pliers.”

After the soldier left, he beckoned Fan Changyu forward to help. Though the soldier who had escorted her to the stables tried to object, Fan Changyu explained that she and Craftsman Zhao were from the same hometown, and eagerly stepped forward to talk.

Craftsman Zhao, almost red-eyed with worry, used the pretense of having her assist to ask in a lowered voice: “How did you end up in the military camp? If anyone discovers you’re a woman, it’s a capital offense!”

After changing into dry clothes, Fan Changyu had untied her hair, dried it, and retied it. Being in a military camp and wearing a soldier’s uniform, she couldn’t very well wear a maiden’s hairstyle, so she had bound it up carelessly. She wasn’t deliberately disguising herself as a man, but her bearing carried a certain heroic air, and at first glance, she did resemble a fine-featured young man.

Seeing Craftsman Zhao’s misunderstanding, Fan Changyu quickly explained everything that had happened in recent days.

Learning that she wasn’t disguising herself to join the army, Craftsman Zhao finally relaxed, but hearing about Qingping County being burned and pillaged by bandits and his wife being injured deeply upset him, repeatedly wiping tears with his sleeve.

After treating the horse’s front hoof injury, they found a place to talk.

Fan Changyu asked, “Uncle Zhao, were you also sent here to work on the dam?”

Craftsman Zhao sighed: “I was originally making defensive equipment in Lu City. Later, when I heard Yan Prefecture was borrowing twenty thousand troops, these old bones of mine were sent along too. After several days of travel, when the army stopped here, I learned we were building a dam. Along the way, horses sometimes fall ill, and the mules carrying stones often get pebbles stuck in their hooves needing treatment. I’m mainly here to tend to the animals.”

Fan Changyu had been kept under guard mining stones and had never been to the inner camp, while Craftsman Zhao hadn’t been to her area, explaining why they hadn’t met before. Both sighed at the coincidence.

Thinking of Yan Zheng, Fan Changyu asked: “Uncle Zhao, during your time in camp, have you heard any news of Yan Zheng?”

At this question, Craftsman Zhao glanced at Fan Changyu hesitantly before saying: “He was among the first batch of soldiers lent to Yan Prefecture. The things you asked me to bring, I had someone pass them to him. I initially thought he would be here building the dam, but after asking around these past days, it seems he was transferred to Yan Prefecture.”

Yan Prefecture bordered the frontlines and faced battles with the Bei Jue people—in some ways, it was even more dangerous than Lu City.

After a moment’s silence, Fan Changyu said: “With his abilities, he should be able to forge a good future for himself.”

Not knowing about the divorce papers in the package, Craftsman Zhao smiled: “If he makes something of himself, you’ll get to enjoy a good life too, lass.”

Fan Changyu decided not to hide her divorce from Craftsman Zhao any longer. Pursing her lips, she said: “Uncle Zhao, we’ve divorced.”

Craftsman Zhao, who had been drinking hot water from a crude pottery bowl to ward off the cold, nearly dropped it. He raised his wrinkled eyes and asked: “What happened?”

Fan Changyu explained truthfully: “The marriage arrangement was false from the start, just to deal with Steward Fan and keep the family property.”

Craftsman Zhao set down his water bowl and remained silent for a while, digesting this news. Finally, he sighed deeply: “Long Yu, lass, from what I observed, that boy Yan Zheng didn’t seem indifferent toward you. Young couples are often impetuous and easily take wrong turns. If you meet again in the future, it would be better to speak openly—don’t leave things unclear when you’re old.”

Fan Changyu thought of the day Yan Zheng left, how she hadn’t properly spoken with him and felt somewhat regretful. She lowered her eyes and softly agreed.

Outside, soldiers brought another injured warhorse, calling for Craftsman Zhao to examine it quickly.

Having found her pack, Fan Changyu had nothing else to do and helped Craftsman Zhao, assisting him with his work.

Grand Tutor Tao, after waiting fruitlessly for Fan Changyu to return to the tent, came looking for her himself. He found her unhesitatingly helping an old veterinarian lift horse legs in the stable, showing an enthusiasm that contrasted sharply with her aloofness toward him.

Grand Tutor Tao’s expression soured. It was bad enough that this girl refused to formally become his disciple, but was she so lacking in judgment that she’d rather learn from an old veterinarian?

He stood outside the stable coughing several times, but the stable’s noise and thunder successfully drowned out his coughs.

While a veterinarian was removing an arrow from a warhorse’s leg, the animal suddenly spooked, not only kicking the veterinarian but also charging around the stable, knocking down a wooden pillar. The entire stable roof began collapsing, and all the warhorses panicked and bolted outside, with soldiers unable to stop them.

Fan Changyu quickly pulled Craftsman Zhao to safety, avoiding the collapsing structure. Looking up, she saw the old man standing woodenly at the entrance with horses charging toward him. Without thinking, she rushed over and pulled him to open ground.

After setting him down, Fan Changyu wiped the rain from her eyes and asked Grand Tutor Tao: “Elder, why did you come here?”

Craftsman Zhao asked: “Who is this?”

Fan Changyu replied: “This is the elderly gentleman I mentioned earlier, whom I met while being held here mining stones.”

Grand Tutor Tao had practically been carried at a run by Fan Changyu, leaving him not only nauseated but also dizzy. Concerned with maintaining dignity, he busied himself straightening his clothes, completely ignoring her.

The panicked warhorses were eventually calmed by the horse trainers, who cleared a nearby military tent to temporarily treat the injured.

Fan Changyu intended to help both Craftsman Zhao and Grand Tutor Tao to the tent for shelter from the rain. When she touched Craftsman Zhao’s arm, he cried out in pain.

Fan Changyu quickly asked: “Did I hurt you when pulling you away?”

Craftsman Zhao waved it off: “These old bones aren’t what they used to be, the joints get hurt easily.”

Fan Changyu knew she must have pulled too hard in her urgency, injuring the old man’s joints. Feeling guilty, she immediately found a chair for Craftsman Zhao when they entered the tent.

The veterinarian who had been kicked was rescued by soldiers and now lay in the tent having his bones set, crying out in pain. Seeing it would take a while before he could be bandaged, Fan Changyu prepared a basin of hot water and wrung out a cloth to apply to Craftsman Zhao’s arm.

Grand Tutor Tao had been standing in the tent for some time, watching Fan Changyu bustling about caring for Craftsman Zhao while he was completely ignored, not receiving the same treatment. His mustache drooped with displeasure.

He walked to a chair opposite Craftsman Zhao and sat down with an “Ouch!” that even drowned out the injured veterinarian’s cries.

Fan Changyu, who had been rushing around like a spinning top, turned at the sound and asked: “What’s wrong?”

Grand Tutor Tao closed his eyes and said: “This old man has a headache.”

Fan Changyu said: “You must have caught a cold from the rain.”

She then asked the military doctor to check Grand Tutor Tao’s pulse and prescribe medicine.

The guards who had accompanied Grand Tutor Tao, knowing his true identity, didn’t dare risk his health and suggested taking him back to the main tent to be examined by a military doctor. However, Grand Tutor Tao stubbornly refused to leave.

When the military physician finally went to check Grand Tutor Tao’s pulse, he discovered the stubborn old man had already developed a fever. He hurriedly sent a soldier to fetch a package of medicine for treating wind cold to be decocted.

As there weren’t enough people to collect medicine, Fan Changyu voluntarily took on the task of preparing medicine for both Carpenter Zhao and Grand Tutor Tao. Grand Tutor Tao adamantly refused to return to the private tent allocated to him by the commander, insisting on staying in the wounded soldiers’ tent. The soldiers, seeing that he and Carpenter Zhao were both elderly, arranged their beds next to each other.

Carpenter Zhao was good-natured, while Grand Tutor Tao, suffering from headaches and fever, became increasingly peculiar in temperament. When Carpenter Zhao tried to make conversation, he wouldn’t even acknowledge him. When Fan Changyu went to decoct the medicine, he finally spoke through his headache, “My medicine must be prepared first!”

Fan Changyu thought the old man was behaving like a child, wanting to compete over such matters, and replied helplessly, “Both pots will be decocted together; there’s no order of priority.”

Only then did Grand Tutor Tao fall silent.

Carpenter Zhao, completely oblivious to Grand Tutor Tao’s inexplicable hostility, chatted with him: “It’s Changyu’s good fortune to encounter a teacher in the army, and it’s kind of you, sir, to form this benevolent connection.”

Hearing these words, Grand Tutor Tao felt somewhat better and asked, “What is your relationship with that girl?”

Carpenter Zhao replied, “We’ve been neighbors for over ten years. I watched that girl grow up, just like my own granddaughter.”

Grand Tutor Tao suddenly felt that this seemingly affable old man was subtly boasting about his close relationship with the girl. Thinking of his unsuccessful attempt to take on a disciple, he fell into a sullen silence.

Carpenter Zhao continued with a sigh, “Such a good girl, but with such a bitter fate. Not only did she lose her parents, but she also divorced her live-in husband, and now her younger sister has been abducted to who knows where…”

Grand Tutor Tao, who had initially only noticed Fan Changyu’s unusually resilient character, felt sympathy upon hearing about her background. His resentment about her refusing to become his disciple diminished slightly. He said, “I have a student in the army, who’s like half a son to me. He’s become an official. If that girl can’t find a good family in the future, I’ll have that rascal find her a reliable and ambitious young man from among his subordinates.”

When Carpenter Zhao heard that the old man was willing to help arrange Fan Changyu’s marriage, he increasingly felt that he was Fan Changyu’s benefactor. After expressing his gratitude, the two began conversing more amicably.

Without his previous prejudice, Grand Tutor Tao found that although the veterinarian’s old man wasn’t very educated, he was insightful. Listening to his experiences from half a lifetime as a veterinarian and carpenter, he discovered many interesting perspectives.

When Fan Changyu returned with the medicine, she was puzzled to see the two men chatting away like old friends who had finally found each other. She was unaware that they had already arranged a “reliable and ambitious young man” as her future husband.

The next afternoon, news of victory at Lu City reached the camp. The Yan State army had also achieved a great victory ambushing the Chong State army at Yixian Pass, even capturing the Crown Prince of Long Xin. The army’s morale soared, and everyone was jubilant.

However, spring rains had triggered mudslides, and the Yan State’s remaining forces were now trapped in the mountains. Upon learning of Lu City’s defeat and that Yan State’s borrowed troops were a strategy, the King of Long Xin, presumably driven to desperation, made an unexpected move. He led Chong State’s remaining forces to surround Yixian Pass, threatening to trap both the Yan State army and Marquis Wu’an to death in the mountains.

After receiving news from scouts, the camp commander quickly gathered all his subordinate commanders to discuss rescue strategies. The twenty thousand soldiers who had come to repair the dam were recruits with almost no combat experience. The previous night, they had been caught off guard by the Chong State army’s sudden attack, allowing three scouts to escape.

If they rashly went to Yixian Pass for rescue, with the complex terrain after rain and mudslides, they might fall into a trap set by the Chong State army and face total annihilation.

As everyone was at a loss, Grand Tutor Tao, slightly recovered from his cold, dragged his sick body into the central command tent and proposed the strategy of “besieging Wei to rescue Zhao.”

He explained, “Send the main force of these twenty thousand troops stationed at the river mouth to Chong State. Surround but don’t attack. The King of Long Xin will have no choice but to return to protect his territory. After all, if Chong State falls, even if he manages to slaughter the Yan State forces in the mountains, it would be futile.”

The commander exclaimed with joy, “This plan is excellent! I’ll order the camp to move immediately!”

After coughing hoarsely for a moment due to his unrecovered cold, Grand Tutor Tao added, “The Yan State’s trapped forces in the mountains must be running low on supplies. We should send another force with provisions.”

The Yan State had engaged the Chong State in open warfare and hadn’t brought many supplies. They became trapped only after victory due to unfortunate mudslides, allowing Chong State to seize the initiative again.

The commander, who had been nearly anxious to the point of fainting, was enlightened by Grand Tutor Tao’s suggestion and said, “Grand Tutor speaks wisely! However, a large supply convoy might be detected by Chong State scouts. Let’s send just a thousand men with emergency provisions for now.”

The orders for troop movement and supply transport were quickly issued, and the army began preparing to break camp.

Carpenter Zhao had to accompany the main army to surround Chong State. Fan Changyu wanted to go along, but as a woman, her current position here was due to her military achievement and the need to care for surviving refugees. Staying permanently with the army would violate military regulations.

Despite killing three scouts, the commander could only reward her with gold, unable to grant her a military position.

She could travel alone, but Fan Changyu was hesitant. With the King of Long Xin leading troops to surround Marquis Wu’an in the mountains, Chong State City would surely be sealed tight. She wouldn’t be able to enter the city to search for Changningg.

Carpenter Zhao had mentioned that Yan Zheng might have been among the thousand borrowed by Yan State. After the fierce battle and mudslides in the mountains, his fate was unknown.

Should she first go to Yixian Pass to look for Yan Zheng?

As Grand Tutor Tao was leaving, he saw Fan Changyu lost in thought outside the tent and asked, “Girl, I’m going with the army to deliver supplies to the Yan State forces in the mountains. Would you like to come along?”

Fan Changyu had only recently learned that this peculiar old man’s surname was Tao, and due to his genuine abilities, he had become a military advisor, earning great respect even from the commander.

Looking at Grand Tutor Tao’s wrinkled face, she thought carefully before nodding.

It would be good to see Yan Zheng one more time. If he had died there, she would bury him and erect a tombstone. He seemed to have no other family, and they had been acquainted and nominally married for several months. In the future, during festivals when burning paper offerings, she could burn some for him too.

If he was still alive, surely they wouldn’t remain completely estranged.

The supply convoy departed first. When Carpenter Zhao came to bid farewell, Fan Changyu was puzzled to find that he had more words for the old man than for her.

To avoid Chong State scouts, the supply convoy had to take mountain detours. Even so, they encountered several groups of scouts. Fortunately, the accompanying archers would pursue and kill the scouts up to ten li away, preventing news of their march from reaching the Chong State army too quickly.

Having killed three Chong State scouts at Wuling, Fan Changyu had gained some reputation among these recruits. Sometimes when pursuing scouts, she would be invited along.

She wasn’t skilled with a bow. While learning from the archers, although she was strong enough to break a bow outright, her aim was terrible, worse than throwing stones. Fearing a waste of weapons, Fan Changyu gave up learning. However, watching archers shoot down rabbits for meals made her somewhat envious, and she praised their skill.

The more experienced soldiers laughed and said, “Miss Fan, you haven’t seen our Marquis shoot. His archery is truly extraordinary. He can hit even a willow leaf at a hundred paces, let alone rabbits.”

Fan Changyu had heard of “piercing a willow leaf at a hundred paces” but this was the first time hearing it firsthand. How could one hit such a delicate willow leaf from a hundred paces away?

Amazed as she was, her image of the militarily accomplished Marquis Wu’an grew even more impressive.

After traveling day and night for a day and a half, they finally reached the entrance of Yixian Pass. The King of Long Xin had presumably heard about the twenty thousand troops heading to surround Chong State, and the forces guarding the mountain base had withdrawn somewhat. Though they didn’t appear numerous, they were still more than their thousand-man supply convoy could handle.

To deliver supplies up the mountain, their only option was to coordinate an attack from both inside and outside, catching the Chong State army off guard to create an opening. However, with their limited forces, it was uncertain whether they could hold out until the forces on the mountain discovered them and coordinated their attack.

While Grand Tutor Tao and the young commander in charge were at a loss, reinforcements from Yan State arrived fortuitously. Combined, they had two to three thousand men, enough to launch an impressive assault up the main path guarded by Chong State forces at the mountain’s base.

This commotion indeed caught the attention of the remaining Yan State forces on the mountain. They immediately coordinated with the relief forces, attacking the Chong State position from both sides. They quickly created an opening, allowing all supplies and medical materials to be rushed up the mountain.

The supply reinforcements didn’t follow up the mountain. After the mountain forces finished moving the supplies and Chong State forces from other positions rushed over, they retreated into the dense forest, playing cat and mouse with the Chong State army. This was to ensure they could provide support from outside when the Yan State forces eventually came down the mountain.

Fan Changyu had been observing the battle with Grand Tutor Tao but grew impatient watching the slow transfer of supplies. Unable to resist, she joined in carrying supplies. After hauling bags of grain up the mountain, she discovered the exit had been sealed again, forcing her and other supply carriers to remain on the mountain.

Fan Changyu wasn’t particularly discouraged, as she had intended to search for Yan Zheng anyway, and now she could make inquiries on the mountain.

The Yan State soldiers trapped on the mountain hadn’t eaten for two days. Being early spring, there weren’t many wild vegetables growing, and they survived only on soup made from whatever game they could hunt, barely getting a taste of meat.

Now with rice available, the soldiers immediately began cooking with great enthusiasm.

The situation in the medical camp was even more dire. Many soldiers had developed high fevers from the rain, but the military physicians didn’t have enough medicine. Those wounded in battle and mudslides lacked even basic medicines to stop bleeding, their wounds wrapped only in makeshift bandages torn from their inner robes as they lay in various positions in the wounded soldiers’ tents.

With medical supplies now available, the physicians quickly began preparing medicines for the wounded.

Fan Changyu felt heartache seeing the wounded soldiers’ pitiful state. They were someone’s fathers, sons, and husbands, and it was uncertain whether they would survive to return home.

Having experience preparing medicine from caring for Changningg and Yan Zheng before, and seeing the physicians overwhelmed, she volunteered to help decoct medicine.

With medicines now available, the physician’s priority was treating Xie Zheng. Since being trapped on the mountain by mudslides two days ago, with Chong State forces blocking their descent after their reversal of fortune, Xie Zheng had barely closed his eyes, constantly strategizing with Gong Sun Yin about defensive tactics.

His wounds were severe, but due to medicine shortages, he hadn’t changed his dressings for two days, insisting the limited medical supplies be used for the more seriously wounded soldiers.

Changningg’s body had been resilient; her fever subsided after taking the medicine that day, though she had notably lost weight from lack of food.

The game caught by the personal guards, cooked without salt or seasonings, produced soup with an overwhelming gamey taste that made her nauseous. She could barely eat until Xie Zheng had someone apply herb juice to roasted meat.

Knowing Xie Zheng was wounded and couldn’t properly care for Changningg, and that officers frequently came to his quarters for military discussions, Gong Sun Yin had taken the child to his quarters to be watched by personal guards.

When the physician came to urge Xie Zheng to change his dressings, learning that the soldiers now had adequate food and medicine, the dizziness from blood loss and exhaustion from two sleepless nights hit him all at once. Xie Zheng felt he could fall into a deep sleep the moment he closed his eyes. He pressed his temples, his bloodshot eyes evident, and said, “This Marquis can still endure. Treat the soldiers first, and some of the wounded can be moved to the main tent – there are too many in the medical tent.”

There weren’t enough tents on the mountain; many soldiers had to cut branches to make temporary shelters from the rain.

Concerned about Xie Zheng’s condition, the physician hurriedly said, “My Lord, we have enough medicine, your health is paramount…”

Xie Zheng suddenly raised his eyes to look at the physician, who, caught under that cold and weary gaze, lowered his head, all words of persuasion caught in his throat.

He knew that although his lord had a fierce reputation, he deeply cared for his soldiers. Sighing, he left the tent, thinking he should have Master Gong Sun come to persuade him instead.

Upon hearing this, Gong Sun Yin only ordered the bandaged wounded to be moved to the main tent.

The physician followed the orders in confusion, only later realizing Gong Sun Yin’s logic – seeing the wounded soldiers would convince Xie Zheng there was indeed enough medicine.

Xie Zheng was truly exhausted. After the physician left, he tried to continue massaging his aching temples but succumbed to fatigue and fell asleep. He awoke only when he heard the commotion of wounded soldiers being moved into the main tent.

Personal guards set up several makeshift beds built from tree branches in the main tent, suggesting Xie Zheng rest on one of the vacant beds.

Seeing that his presence in the main position drew frequent glances from the wounded, Xie Zheng nodded in agreement.

His chest was wounded, and armor would press against the injury, so he wore only a simple garment.

Most of the wounded entering the tent were low-ranking soldiers who had never seen Xie Zheng up close. Moved here in confusion, seeing him unarmored and wounded, they assumed he was just another injured soldier being transferred.

Since Xie Zheng had lent his main tent for these wounded to recover, he naturally didn’t want them lying there in trepidation under his watch. He instructed his guards not to reveal his identity and lay down fully clothed to rest.

The guards, fearing he might catch a cold but not daring to cover him with the thick brocade cloak, finally decided to cover him with a worn soldier’s uniform after careful consideration.

Fan Changyu, after finishing decocting medicine and learning some wounded had been moved elsewhere, came to deliver medicine. She went from bed to bed near the entrance, handing out medicine bowls. The wounded soldiers, discovering she was a young woman, became shy and thanked her softly.

The guard watching over Xie Zheng glanced outside and his eyes suddenly widened like copper bells when he saw Fan Changyu.

If he wasn’t mistaken, wasn’t this the young lady their lord had personally gone to find in the bandit’s lair in Qingping County not long ago?

How did she come to be here wearing a Jizhou military uniform?

The guard immediately imagined a heart-wrenching scene of a wife searching thousands of li for her husband. Looking between the deeply sleeping Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu still delivering medicine, he hesitated whether to wake his lord.

Before he could deliberate too long, Fan Changyu had already brought a medicine bowl over.

Xie Zheng was sleeping facing inward to avoid the bright light, half his face buried in shadow. Fan Changyu didn’t recognize him at first, only seeing that half his clothes were soaked in blood and the bandages wrapped around him were stained red in large patches, not looking like they had been recently changed. He appeared to have lost consciousness.

She quickly frowned and called outside, “Physician, this person’s wounds seem to have reopened, they need fresh bandages.”

Almost instantly upon hearing her voice, Xie Zheng’s eyes flew open.

Fan Changyu was about to help adjust this severely wounded person’s position, moving to the other side of the bed, when she unexpectedly met Xie Zheng’s gaze. She froze, and after a long moment, uncertainly said, “Yan Zheng?”

As soon as the name left her lips, seeing him covered in blood, Fan Changyu’s nose suddenly began to sting.

So he had nearly died here.

Xie Zheng looked at her without speaking, his brows unconsciously furrowed. Others might not notice, but those familiar with him would know he was stunned.

The guard, after deep consideration, quietly moved further away.

The other wounded soldiers, assuming Fan Changyu had come thousands of li searching for her husband Xie Zheng, cast envious glances their way.

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu for a long while, as if confirming she was here, before hoarsely asking, “Why have you come? What are you doing here?”

His voice was hoarse from two sleepless nights.

Fan Changyu hadn’t imagined their next meeting would be under such circumstances. Looking at the blood on his body, her eyes inexplicably began to burn. She said, “I came to find you.”

This was the truth – learning he was with this Yan State force, she had followed with the supply mission, fearing something might happen to him.

Hearing these words, Xie Zheng’s pupils contracted imperceptibly. His heart felt as if suddenly caught by a hook, painful yet sprouting a dense tingling as if something wanted to take root and grow in that mass of flesh and blood. His pitch-black eyes gazed unblinkingly at Fan Changyu: “Find me?”

Fan Changyu had already begun unwrapping his bandages. Seeing the ghastly wound spanning most of his chest, mixed with herb juice and blackened blood, her eyes grew redder. Pressing down her heartache without answering his question, she asked with tight lips, “How did you get injured so badly?”

It looked even more terrible than his wounds when she had first found him.

This was the first time Xie Zheng had seen such an expression in her eyes – like sunlight breaking through a misty forest after rain, warm, gentle, brilliant, and filled with tender concern.

The hook in his chest pulled tighter, painful yet tingling as if the wound was nurturing new growth. His fingers twitched, unconsciously wanting to touch something. Looking away, he said, “The wound looks frightening but isn’t that serious. It didn’t reach any vital organs. A few days’ rest and it will be mostly healed.”

Fan Changyu naturally didn’t believe this explanation. Looking at his blood-stained, pale face, she suddenly felt deeply sad and said, “Don’t serve in the army anymore. Come back with me, I’ll raise pigs to support you.”

Gong Sun Yin and the physician had just reached the tent entrance and were about to lift the curtain when they heard this statement, causing both to stop in their tracks.

LMAOOOO

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 right she can support you hahaha

Oh my goodness 😂😂😂😂, I love her so much 🤣🤣

Omg changyiiiii! Never fail to make me roll laughing.

Girl please never change 🤣😌

I love the good characters in this story, hey are so cute! Like not the grumpy old man being jealous of a sweet old man cause he’s not getting enough attention from a potential student lolll. And this girl was thinking about XZ’s funeral before he even died, if XZ knew her thoughts he would cough up blood in frustration as he in comparison cant stop thinking about her romantically.

Now we know where Xie Zheng got his grumpiness and jealousy from.. the extreme pettiness and jealousy and inability to say his feelings 😂😂😂

i can’t 😭😭😭😭😭😭

i read it before but still so funny🤣🤣🤣 Changyu not having idea his husband is a high rank noble man

Ayyyy al fin se reencuentran y ella única, le dice que deje el ejercito y que ella lo cuida. Los amo, aunque ya sentía frustración porque nada que se encontraban. Uffff que alivio.

OMG! I’m so happy they finally met!! Go hug her!

I CAN’T 😭

lmaoo 🤣😂🤣 she is such unserious girl🤌😂🥹..

Zhu Yu – Chapter 73

The military physician had previously interacted with Fan Changyu and knew she was searching for someone. Upon hearing her outburst, he broke into a cold sweat on her behalf, thinking that Marquis Wu’an was also in the tent. Who knew what punishment would befall Fan Changyu if he heard her encouraging soldiers to desert?

Just as he was about to hurry in and interrupt, Gongsun Yin held him back, shaking his head with an enigmatic smile and making a gesture for silence, turning his ear to listen to the commotion inside.

The physician’s heart was in his throat, thinking that the young woman had simply spoken without knowing military law, but why was even the Military Advisor treating it like an entertaining spectacle?

He stood nervously outside the tent, dreading the moment Xie Zheng would order someone to drag her out for punishment. Instead, only the encouraging voices of the wounded soldiers could be heard. Someone said, “Brother, if I were you, with a girl traveling thousands of miles to find me, I’d die happy right here!”

“Who knows what good deeds you did in your past lives to deserve such luck? The rest of us just hope to return home in one piece after the war, and even then might not find a match. But look at you—the girl came looking for you herself!”

Others tried to console Fan Changyu: “Sister, we know you’re worried about your man, but you can’t say such things in a military camp. Desertion is punishable by death! Don’t worry though—if he survived such injuries, he’s bound to have good fortune ahead.”

Fan Changyu certainly knew better than to encourage desertion. She had only spoken out of anguish upon seeing his horrific wounds, knowing he had been conscripted to protect her family and nine other households from punishment. Her heart was filled with pain and guilt.

As she helped clean the days-old medicine residue from Xie Zheng’s wounds, the mixture of blood and medicine created an unbearable stench. Fresh flesh intermingled with necrotic tissue—applying new medicine would require scraping away the dead flesh.

A tear as large as a bean fell directly from her eye socket before Fan Changyu realized she was crying. She hastily wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself, but her voice still came out hoarse: “I wasn’t trying to make him desert, I…”

Looking at Xie Zheng, another tear fell as she could only manage three words: “I’m sorry.”

If he hadn’t entered into a false marriage with her, he wouldn’t have been on the conscription list. If not for wanting to protect her and the neighbors, he wouldn’t have gone willingly with the army.

Seeing him so gravely wounded on the battlefield filled Fan Changyu with despair.

Xie Zheng was still processing her earlier words about returning home with her. Looking up to see tears in her eyes, his pale, cracked lips pressed together as he said, “Don’t cry.”

He understood why Fan Changyu was apologizing and knew her guilt, but though he wanted to tell her everything, the timing and setting were wrong, so he remained silent.

This was the first time he had seen Fan Changyu cry. His chest felt both constricted and warm, like being immersed in hot springs—a strange and unfamiliar sensation.

He wanted to wipe her tears and hold her, but whether from the mental strain of recent days finally releasing or his injuries catching up with him, exhaustion overwhelmed his body. His limbs felt leaden; even trying to sit up was a struggle.

Fan Changyu noticed his attempt to move and pressed his shoulder back down, saying with red-rimmed eyes, “Don’t move. Wait for the physician to treat your wounds.”

She then called urgently toward the tent entrance: “Where is the physician? Has he arrived?”

Xie Zheng watched her profile, his gaze falling to her hand resting beside the bed. He hesitantly reached for it, repeating, “Don’t cry.”

Fan Changyu fought back tears as she looked down at his hand weakly grasping hers. She gripped back firmly, their palms pressed tightly together. Her hand was warm while he was cool from weakness, but their connection seemed to generate a gentle warmth.

This was their first time holding hands since the meeting.

Like a silent understanding formed through this gesture, Fan Changyu looked at him with clear, determined eyes and said, “I’m not crying. Don’t be afraid—we brought plenty of medicine up the mountain. The physician will surely heal you.”

The military physician, hearing Fan Changyu call again, looked to Gongsun Yin, who seemed disappointed at not hearing what he’d hoped to hear, and finally led the physician into the tent.

The physician felt quite uncomfortable, thinking privately that the Military Advisor truly had a cruel heart despite his gentle face—disappointed that the Marquis hadn’t punished the woman!

Gongsun Yin was easily recognizable in his white robes and carrying a fan. Upon his entrance, the wounded soldiers notably became more reserved.

Gongsun Yin smiled warmly and said, “Rest easy, soldiers. I’m only here to check on everyone’s injuries and ensure there’s sufficient medicine.”

His gaze, however, slid discreetly toward Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu looked toward the entrance when she heard movement. Though this was her first time seeing Gongsun Yin and she could tell he was an official, she was too focused on Xie Zheng’s condition to pay much attention. She immediately addressed the physician: “Physician, please examine him quickly!”

As she looked up, Gongsun Yin caught a clear view of her face, his fox-like eyes lifting in evident surprise.

Though not unattractive, the woman appeared simple at first glance, like one of those noble young ladies who had lost their mothers early and never gained their fathers’ favor, bullied by sisters since childhood. Unlike the delicate, pitiable flower type, she was more like a stray puppy found by the roadside—something about her inexplicably softened one’s heart. No one would believe she was capable of butchering pigs with a knife.

Gongsun Yin recalled what he’d heard about her and found it bizarre. His gaze fell to Fan Changyu’s arms, his brows furrowing—how could these slender limbs throw a grown man several zhang away?

Perhaps the guard had been lying?

Gongsun Yin’s eyes swept toward the guard who had shrunk into a corner. Their eyes met, but the guard clearly didn’t understand his questioning look, appearing bewildered.

Gongsun Yin withdrew his gaze, no longer expecting to get any answers from the guard’s foolish expression.

The physician had already gone to Fan Changyu’s side with his medicine box. Upon entering, he had nervously looked toward the main seat but, not seeing Xie Zheng, breathed a great sigh of relief, thinking this explained why the Marquis hadn’t become angry.

As he set down his medicine box and rolled up his sleeves to take the pulse, he recognized who lay on the army cot. His legs instantly went weak, his mind as muddled as spilled paste, his expression shocked and confused.

How… how was the Marquis here?

Could it be that the woman’s earlier words were directed at the Marquis?

The physician drew several sharp breaths.

Seeing the physician frozen with a horrified expression, Fan Changyu urged again: “Physician?”

The physician looked at Fan Changyu, swallowing hard, then met Xie Zheng’s eyes on the cot. As he sat on the simple wooden stool to take the pulse, not only were his hands shaking too much to properly feel the pulse, but his legs were trembling as well.

Having heard so much he shouldn’t have, would the Marquis silence him permanently?

Fan Changyu noticed the physician trembling all over and worried he would take the wrong pulse. She asked concernedly: “Physician, are you alright?”

In just this short time, beads of sweat had formed on the physician’s forehead like rolling pearls. He wiped them roughly with his sleeve and, under Xie Zheng’s gaze, forced a smile and said, “It’s nothing… nothing…”

After finally finishing the pulse-taking, Fan Changyu immediately asked about Xie Zheng’s condition. The physician wiped his sweat and began, “Mar—”

At this word, noticing a warning look from the Marquis’s guard, he quickly corrected himself: “Marvelous young man, this wound nearly reached the internal organs—extremely dangerous. Only his strong constitution allowed him to last these many days, but he still needs prompt medicine and careful recovery. Excessive blood loss will likely cause frequent dizziness these days. It would be best… best if he could eat some meat for nourishment.”

After taking the pulse, it was time to clean the necrotic tissue and apply new medicine to Xie Zheng’s wound. Seeing the physician’s hands still shaking, Fan Changyu feared he might accidentally hurt Xie Zheng and offered to do it herself.

The physician’s trembling was only from fright, and he was trying to calm himself. He couldn’t risk any harm coming to Xie Zheng, but he was also worried about letting an inexperienced hand wield the knife.

Xie Zheng spoke up at this moment: “Let my wife do it.”

The physician’s heart was again thrown into turmoil—so this woman was their never-before-seen Marchioness!

Fan Changyu was startled by this form of address but said nothing.

Even as the physician sat on a low stool directing Fan Changyu to scrape away the dead flesh, his beard was still quivering.

Gongsun Yin was also extremely surprised. Under the pretense of checking on the wounded soldiers, he brazenly remained, not budging despite several cold glares from Xie Zheng, his gaze moving between Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng.

Fan Changyu held the dagger to the fire to sterilize it, all her attention focused on the necrotic tissue on Xie Zheng’s chest, completely ignoring those around her.

A guard brought a clean cotton cloth for Xie Zheng to bite down on, but he refused it.

Fan Changyu raised the dagger, her other hand already lightly pressing on his chest, and asked, “Are you afraid?”

Xie Zheng said, “Just do it.”

Fan Changyu suddenly felt her eyes stinging. She suppressed all the emotions welling up in her heart and focused entirely on scraping the dead flesh from his chest, her hand steady and her lips pressed tightly together.

Xie Zheng simply watched Fan Changyu unblinkingly, as if the wound on his chest and his own life were inconsequential matters.

Both their foreheads were covered in sweat, yet neither made a sound.

When Fan Changyu noticed her palms were sweating, she had someone bring a cloth to hastily wipe her hands and the dagger handle before returning to remove the dead flesh from the wound.

Xie Zheng’s muscles were tensed like stone, veins standing out from his arms to his temples. Sweat dripped from his eyelids, but he didn’t even blink.

The entire tent was silent, extraordinarily so.

Gongsun Yin stood to the side holding his fan, the mockery in his eyes and smile now gone.

It was a curious feeling. A moment ago, he had thought that while this woman and Xie Zheng made a visually compatible pair, considering their social standings, he wasn’t sure if their match would prove fortune or misfortune for her.

Now, he suddenly felt that in all the world, there probably wasn’t another person besides this woman to whom Xie Zheng would so readily entrust his life.

If he could give her his life, how could he ever let her suffer the slightest grievance in the complex society of the capital?

As for whether this woman was worthy of Xie Zheng—if she could inspire such willing devotion from him, what right did others have to judge whether she was good enough or worthy?

He tapped his fan bones lightly against his palm, his lips curving into a slight smile.

When Fan Changyu finished scraping the last bit of dead flesh from Xie Zheng’s chest, her entire back was soaked with sweat. She turned to the physician and said, “It’s done.”

The physician hurriedly sprinkled a bottle of wound medicine and applied the herbs he had ground during this time, instructing that it would be best not to leave the bed for the next few days and to avoid lifting heavy objects until the wound was completely healed.

Fan Changyu stood silently to the side.

Having seen enough of the spectacle, Gongsun Yin finally spoke a few words of comfort to the wounded soldiers when Xie Zheng cast another cold look his way. After giving Xie Zheng a look promising to keep his secret, he leisurely took his leave with the physician.

After everyone had left, the guard, feeling awkward about remaining inside lest Fan Changyu noticed something amiss, also went outside.

Only then did Fan Changyu quietly ask Xie Zheng, “Does it hurt?”

Xie Zheng shook his head and said, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Fan Changyu’s eyes were still faintly red. The medicine she had brewed earlier would help prevent the wound from becoming infected, and Xie Zheng could drink it.

She brought over a bowl and fed it to him spoonful by spoonful. Seeing him so weak, she said sadly, “You should have signed the divorce papers earlier.”

Xie Zheng choked on a mouthful of medicine, immediately breaking into heart-wrenching coughs.

Oh my god, do you have to bring up divorce every time you meet?! (oﾟДﾟﾉ)ﾉ

She sees herself as a problem, and is filled with guilt thinking he went to army because of her. It is XZ’s fault for keeing her in the dark which is why she thinks she has been the only one benefiting from their alliance while he keeps getting hurt.

Changyu is very consistent:
– kidnapping
– raising pigs for money
– divorcing papers…

She never changes hahaha

hahahahaaha 😭

Zhu Yu – Chapter 74

Fan Changyu quickly set down the bowl to pat his back: “How did you choke?”

The patting only made things worse—Xie Zheng immediately leaned over the bed and coughed up a mouthful of dark red blood.

Fan Changyu was frightened. She looked at her hand, then at Xie Zheng, before turning to shout toward the tent entrance: “Physician! Quick, call the physician, someone’s coughing up blood!”

The guard stationed outside lifted the tent flap to look, and upon seeing the bloodstains, ran to chase after the military physician who had left just moments ago.

The other wounded soldiers in the tent began discussing among themselves, some saying this was Xie Zheng’s final flourish before death, while others told Fan Changyu not to worry too much and wait for the physician’s assessment.

Fan Changyu hastily wiped the blood from Xie Zheng’s lips with a handkerchief, one hand tightly gripping his, murmuring, “It’s alright, it’s alright…”

It wasn’t clear whether she was reassuring Xie Zheng or herself.

The blood that had been congesting Xie Zheng’s chest for days had finally been expelled through this bout of coughing. The pressure in his chest suddenly eased, making breathing much easier, though the forceful coughing had likely reopened his wound—blood was beginning to seep through the bandages.

He glanced at Fan Changyu’s hand gripping his own. His lips, previously bloodless, now bore a bright stain from the coughed-up blood, making his face appear even more pallid—a sight that inexplicably wrenched at one’s heart.

With half-lowered eyes, he asked weakly: “You want to divorce me?”

Fan Changyu’s eyes welled with tears: “No divorce, no divorce!”

Her voice even carried a sob: “You were conscripted because you entered into marriage with me. If we had talked properly that day and you had signed the divorce papers, the officials wouldn’t have taken you, and you wouldn’t be injured like this. Don’t be afraid—now that you’re in this state, I won’t abandon you. I’ve thought it all through on the way here: if you die here, I’ll tend to your remains. Your family is gone now, but I’ll make offerings to you during festivals…”

As she spoke, perhaps truly afraid the person before her might die here, large tears fell onto the bedding, leaving small wet marks.

A hand pressed against her back, and she was pulled into an embrace that smelled of blood and herbs.

Fan Changyu, worried about pressing against his wound, tried to push away with her hands on his shoulders, but Xie Zheng tightened his arms even more, holding her flush against himself. He rested his chin on her slightly trembling shoulder and said hoarsely: “Don’t move.”

Afraid of aggravating his injuries, Fan Changyu didn’t dare move, but her chest was filled with indescribable emotions that made it feel tight. Tears fell uncontrollably, landing on the fabric of his shoulder.

Xie Zheng said: “Don’t cry. I’m happy you came to find me.”

After a pause, he added: “I’m sorry about that day.”

Fan Changyu knew what he meant and was about to speak when the tent flap was lifted. The guard hurriedly brought in the military physician, and Gongsun Yin, worried about Xie Zheng’s condition, had also come to check. Seeing the scene before them, they all stood rooted to the spot with varying expressions.

Fan Changyu turned her head at the sound and realized the other wounded soldiers were also staring at them intently. Her face reddened, and she quickly pushed Xie Zheng back onto the cot. The sudden movement drew a muffled groan from him, and Fan Changyu hastily withdrew her hands: “Did I hurt you?”

Xie Zheng, pale-faced, said it was nothing.

A veteran soldier in the tent helped ease the awkwardness with a laugh: “The young couple just went through a brush with death—they’re still shaken!”

The other wounded soldiers also chuckled good-naturedly.

The physician came forward to inquire about Xie Zheng’s blood-coughing symptoms and check his pulse again. Not daring to make assumptions, he only said it was due to weakness, that his vital energy was severely depleted and needed nourishment and care.

“Weakness, eh…” Gongsun Yin cast a teasing look at Xie Zheng, stroking his chin as he said: “Have the kitchen make some meat dishes for the wounded soldiers—they all need proper nourishment.”

All the wounded in the tent expressed their profound gratitude.

Gongsun Yin continued: “We should separate the seriously wounded from those with lighter injuries into different tents. It will make it easier for the physicians to prepare medicines.”

He pointed at Xie Zheng: “The soldiers just set up several new tents for the Ji Prefecture troops who came up the mountain. They’re not far from here—this man can be moved to one of the new tents.”

Xie Zheng shot him a cold glance, to which Gongsun Yin responded with a sly smile.

Since Xie Zheng was injured, several guards disguised as common soldiers carried him, bed and all, to the newly erected tent.

Fan Changyu followed and was surprised to find that although the tent contained many cots, no one else was currently stationed there.

Gongsun Yin explained that they would gradually move other seriously wounded soldiers here as they were discovered.

When Fan Changyu went to the kitchen to help collect food for the wounded, Gongsun Yin sat down on a cot opposite Xie Zheng and raised an eyebrow, asking: “Should I arrange a separate tent for the young lady, or let her stay here with you?”

Xie Zheng had just drunk a bowl of medicine and his mouth was still bitter. He sat up to pour himself a cup of water, drank it, and after holding the cup and contemplating for a moment, said: “Arrange separate quarters for her.”

Gongsun Yin smiled: “That works. I almost forgot—there’s still a little one at my place. Now that her sister has come, the two sisters can stay together.”

Thinking of the scene he’d witnessed earlier when lifting the tent flap, he couldn’t help teasing: “That spear wound seems worth it now—the young lady even cried for you. There must be real feelings there…”

At this point, his voice suddenly faltered as he looked at Xie Zheng: “When Sui Yuanqing learned of your relationship with her, he thought to use her sister to threaten you. If Wei Yan also catches wind of this… you know his methods.”

Xie Zheng’s fingers suddenly tightened around the clay cup as he said: “Suppress all news of today’s events. Not a word is to leak out.”

Gongsun Yin said: “Only the physician and your few personal guards know. Those guards were promoted by you—they’re very tight-lipped. I’ve already warned the physician and had him watch these past two days. There shouldn’t be any problems. But those wounded soldiers in the tent all know that young lady came looking for you. If they learn of your identity, it could be troublesome…”

Xie Zheng said: “Then we’ll keep it from them for now.”

Gongsun Yin asked: “What about Miss Fan?”

Xie Zheng half-lifted his eyelids: “I will find an opportunity to explain everything to her.”

Gongsun Yin said: “As long as you have a plan.”

After he left, Xie Zheng lay staring at the tent ceiling for a long while, lost in thought.

He wasn’t certain that Fan Changyu would still choose to be with him after learning everything.

Fan Changyu might accept the penniless Yan Zheng, but not necessarily Xie Zheng with his deep blood feuds.

Her current kindness toward him largely stemmed from guilt, believing he had been forced into military service to avoid causing trouble for her and the neighbors.

Once she learned he had intended to return to the army anyway, that guilt would completely disappear.

He knew how much she cared for her sister, and because of him, her sister had fallen into evil hands and nearly lost her life.

He wasn’t sure if she would resent him, but he was certain that if she chose to stay with him, such incidents would likely happen again.

Given her nature, she might well distance herself from him just to ensure her sister could live peacefully. She preferred tranquility, as she had once said—finding a modest, humble scholar as a husband and living a peaceful life.

Her current kindness toward him felt like something he had stolen.

Like a thief, he would eventually be exposed.

He understood the consequences, but when he thought of her crying face and her words, his heart couldn’t help but flutter.

He had never so desperately wanted something while simultaneously being so afraid of losing it.

For a moment, Xie Zheng even wished he was just Yan Zheng.

In the end, his lips only curved into a self-mocking smile—

Fan Changyu returned carrying food to find Xie Zheng with one hand over his eyes, appearing to be asleep.

As she approached, he lowered his arm and looked at her.

Fan Changyu smiled at him: “You’re awake? The kitchen caught quite a few wild chickens and made chicken soup for the wounded soldiers. Drink it while it’s hot.”

She held the large bowl in one hand while supporting him with the other. Xie Zheng’s face was extremely pale from blood loss, with dark circles under his eyes from several sleepless nights, but his features were so fine that even in this state, he possessed a certain fragile beauty in his haggard appearance.

After Xie Zheng leaned back against the pillow, he reached for the bowl to drink himself, but Fan Changyu fed him with a spoon just as she had with the medicine earlier.

Xie Zheng hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth to drink, then imperceptibly furrowed his brows.

—It was scalding hot.

But Fan Changyu seemed completely unaware of this issue, as she had never fed anyone soup or medicine before. When her parents passed away, Changning was already five years old and didn’t need help with eating or taking medicine.

The earlier medicine had cooled considerably, but this soup had just come from the kitchen, and with the wooden bowl, she couldn’t gauge the temperature.

When the second spoonful reached Xie Zheng’s lips, he moved his mouth as if to speak but stopped himself, still drinking it. Then he reached for the bowl: “Let me do it myself.”

Fan Changyu looked at his sickly face and felt sympathy. She refused to give him the bowl, stirred the soup with the wooden spoon, and lifted another spoonful, saying: “You’re so badly injured—just rest. I’ll feed you.”

Xie Zheng looked at the steaming spoonful of soup before him and finally resigned himself to drinking it.

By the time she finished feeding him the bowl of chicken soup, his tongue was completely scalded.

Fan Changyu looked at the empty wooden bowl and felt an oddly strong sense of accomplishment.

She had taken such good care of him!

When Xie Zheng wanted to pour a cup of cold tea, she rushed to do it for him, but asked confusedly while handing it over: “You just had a bowl of chicken soup—are you still thirsty?”

Xie Zheng made up an excuse: “The gamey taste was a bit strong—just want to wash it down.”

There was still a bit of soup left in the bowl, and Fan Changyu took a sip, discovering that no salt had been added to the chicken soup at all, making it almost unpalatable due to the gamey taste.

She frowned and said: “The kitchen must have been too busy and forgot to add salt. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment, his expression becoming grave as he said: “There is no salt.”

Fan Changyu was stunned, then understood his meaning. This military unit had planned to fight one battle and flee—they hadn’t even prepared provisions, let alone salt.

The Ji Prefecture reinforcements had only brought grain and medical supplies.

Here, survival itself was a luxury—who would care about how things tasted?

Before coming up the mountain, Old Man Tao had told her about the dire situation. Yilin Gorge was close to Chong Prefecture, and after Long Xin Wang’s defeat at Lu City, he staked everything surrounding Yilin Gorge, hoping to force the Yan Prefecture army into a desperate situation through starvation.

Days of heavy rain had flooded Long Xin Wang’s fifty thousand troops, but it had also caused many soldiers on the mountain to catch cold from the rain.

Long Xin Wang knew that Tang Peiyi’s siege of Chong Prefecture was just a feint, which was why he only withdrew half his troops down the mountain as a precaution. But even with half withdrawn, there were still twenty thousand Chong Prefecture troops at the foot of the mountain. If the army descended now, even with the aid of the two or three thousand scattered reinforcements, it would be like eggs against stone.

Fan Changyu didn’t know what situation they would face when the mountain’s provisions ran out, but she looked earnestly at Xie Zheng and said: “Don’t worry. I hear Marquis Wu’an is a brilliant strategist. He’s won so many battles—he won’t let us die trapped on this mountain by rebels. Even in the worst case, if we run out of food and the rebels attack, as long as I have strength left, I’ll carry you to safety.”

Xie Zheng’s heart was filled with complex emotions as he looked at her and asked: “In such dire circumstances, you should save yourself—why burden yourself with me?”

Fan Changyu replied matter-of-factly: “I said I would take care of you.”

These words struck some chord in Xie Zheng. He stared at her for a long while before suddenly saying: “Fan Changyu, you don’t need to go to such lengths out of guilt.”

“I joined the army not because I feared trouble for you and your neighbors, but because the power I seek is here. I was wounded trying to earn military merit—it has nothing to do with you. What are you feeling guilty about?”

His expression was almost cold at this moment.

Fan Changyu didn’t quite understand why he suddenly became so unfamiliar and asked: “You didn’t want me to come find you?”

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes were cold as he suppressed that longing: “If it’s only out of guilt, you shouldn’t have come here. You don’t owe me anything.”

Fan Changyu began to understand his meaning. She pressed her lips together and said: “Earlier in the other tent, I didn’t finish what I was saying. Before coming to find you, I had already considered both possibilities—whether you were dead or alive. When you left, I beat you terribly and said harsh things, and then I never saw you again. Every time I think about it, I feel awful and yes, very guilty.”

She paused, then lifted her eyes to look at Xie Zheng, appearing somewhat lost: “But coming to find you seems to be about more than just guilt. You don’t know, but I almost died once too. Qingping County and Lin’an Town were both massacred. That rebel who had pretended to be a grain tax official was mixed in with the mountain bandits, seeking revenge against me. There were too many of them for me to fight, so I hid Changning Mrs. Zhao, and the others. That bastard dislocated my arm, and I nearly drowned in the water by the bandit chief. Later, Changning was kidnapped, and while searching for her, I met Uncle Zhao. He said you had come here, and I was afraid you might die here, so I thought I should come see no matter what. If you were dead, I would bury you, and if you weren’t, I would have a good talk with you, tell you about Changning’s disappearance, though I’ll keep looking for her…”

She rambled on about everything she had experienced after he left, her vision inexplicably becoming blurry. She blinked, and a large teardrop rolled down.

How strange—she had rarely cried since childhood.

Unable to see the expression of the person before her clearly, she was suddenly pulled into a powerful embrace, even tighter than the previous one, squeezing her until her bones ached.

He pressed her head against his shoulder, his grip so fierce his fingertips turned white. He wanted to say something—his throat moved—but he remained silent, closing his eyes tightly, everything contained in this wordless embrace.

The mixture of blood and medicine didn’t smell pleasant, but at this moment this embrace made the sting in Fan Changyu’s eyes even stronger, her chest filled with an unprecedented emotion similar to grievance.

After her parents’ deaths, she endured many hardships but never complained to others, nor shed a tear in front of anyone.

Yet today, taking advantage of this embrace, she finally let herself weep freely on his shoulder.

Outside the tent, Gongsun Yin led Changningg to the entrance. Hearing the sounds coming from inside, he found himself in a dilemma—neither entering nor leaving seemed appropriate, his expression full of hesitation and conflict.

He’s her rock. She only feels truly safe when he is near. After enduring so much pain and hardship, she is only able to breakdown and be vulnerable because he is there. I adore their relationship. They truly have been through thick and thin together. It’s no wonder he would trust her with his life and vice versa.

Another trademark of her;
– Planing Xiengs funeral while he still alive hhahaha
I love our FL

Zhu Yu – Chapter 75

Chang Ning recognized Fan Chang Yu’s crying and was about to rush in on her short legs when Gong Sun Yi caught her by the collar.

She looked up in confusion to see Gong Sun Yi making a “shush” gesture at her.

Gong Sun Yi led her a few steps away before crouching down to tell her, “Let your Elder Sister talk with your Brother-in-law for a while.”

Chang Ning obediently nodded. Her baby fat had diminished noticeably, making her eyes appear even larger. She spoke very little about unfamiliar people, and Gong Sun Yi still fell into the “unfamiliar” category.

Remembering Xie Zheng’s plans, Gong Sun Yi asked her, “Little one, do you remember how your Brother-in-law rescued you?”

At the memory of that rainy night’s battle scene, Chang Ning’s small face paled. In the darkness and chaos, overwhelmed with fear, her memories were jumbled. After thinking hard, she answered, “Bad people wanted to kill Ning, Brother-in-law fought them…”

Gong Sun Yi sighed softly. For such a young child to be dragged onto a battlefield—it was a testament to her strong spirit that she hadn’t been traumatized into insanity. How could she possibly remember the details of the battle? He patted Chang Ning’s head and said, “Don’t be afraid. It’s all over now, and your Brother-in-law has caught the bad people.”

Chang Ning’s expression finally softened, and she nodded vigorously with an “Mm.” Then she looked up again, clutching her clothes nervously as she asked Gong Sun Yi, “Will my Brother-in-law die?”

Gong Sun Yi chuckled, “Little one, have you heard the saying ‘misfortune lasts a thousand years’?”

Chang Ning shook her head.

Gong Sun Yi covered his smile with his fan and said, “In others’ eyes, your Brother-in-law is probably that kind of misfortune. He’s too tough to die so easily.”

Relieved to know Xie Zheng wouldn’t die, Chang Ning turned to stare expectantly at the tent curtain.

Gong Sun Yi took the opportunity to ask, “Your Elder Sister and Brother-in-law have a good relationship, don’t they?”

Chang Ning thought for a moment, then nodded.

Feeling no shame in questioning a child, Gong Sun Yi continued, “How good?”

Chang Ning gazed up with her clear, bright eyes and said, “After Mother and Father passed away when Ning cries, it’s only to Elder Sister. And Elder Sister only cries in front of Brother-in-law.”

This answer made Gong Sun Yi pause.

Chang Ning counted on her fingers as she continued, “When thugs came to make trouble at home, Brother-in-law crippled them and drove them away. When Elder Sister earned money from butchering and selling pork, she bought new clothes and hair ties for Brother-in-law. When Brother-in-law had to take bitter medicine, Elder Sister even bought him candy…”

Gong Sun Yi’s expression became quite strange. So that old man he’d found in Lu City had been telling the truth—Xie Jiu Heng had become a live-in son-in-law and was living off his wife!

He wanted to ask more but suddenly felt a chill down his spine despite the thick tent curtain between them.

Gong Sun Yi quickly said to Chang Ning, “Little one, stay here and wait for your Elder Sister to come out. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.”

With that, he stood up to leave.

Inside the tent.

After Fan Chang Yu had released all her pent-up emotions through her crying, she sat up, wiped her eyes, and said, “I think I heard Chang Ning’s voice.”

Xie Zheng had long noticed the movement outside. He withdrew his cold gaze from the tent entrance and said, “She’s right outside. I hadn’t had the chance to tell you earlier, but while you were at the kitchen unit, I had someone bring her to the military camp.”

Fan Chang Yu was startled, and without asking more, she quickly lifted the tent curtain to look outside. Sure enough, she saw Chang Ning squatting not far away, cheeks propped in her hands, obediently watching their direction, and Gong Sun Yi, who was sneaking away looking guilty.

Fan Chang Yu called out joyfully, “Ning’er!”

Upon seeing Fan Chang Yu, Chang Ning’s eyes instantly lit up bright as stars. She rushed over and buried herself in Fan Chang Yu’s embrace, arms wrapped tightly around her waist, calling out in a muffled voice, “Elder Sister…”

As soon as those words left her mouth, the tears welling in her large eyes began falling uncontrollably.

Fan Chang Yu asked her, “How did you come to be here?”

Her gaze, however, unconsciously drifted toward Gong Sun Yi, who was attempting to sneak away a few steps away.

Having been spotted, Gong Sun Yi couldn’t pretend nothing had happened. He retracted his half-extended foot and, with a wave of his fan, resumed his elegant scholarly demeanor: “This young lady was mistakenly captured by enemies. After being rescued, she was temporarily sheltered in the military camp. When we learned she was Master Yan’s sister-in-law, we brought her here.”

Fan Chang Yu quickly expressed her thanks, then crouched down to wipe Chang Ning’s tears. Seeing her noticeably thinner cheeks, she said sorrowfully, “I’m sorry, Elder Sister couldn’t find you sooner. You must have suffered so much.”

Chang Ning shook her head, crying so hard against her shoulder that she hiccupped.

Fan Chang Yu, holding Chang Ning, invited Gong Sun Yi to sit in the tent for a while. Gong Sun Yi, reasoning that Xie Zheng already knew he was outside, felt it would be inappropriate to leave now, so he entered under the pretense of visiting the patient.

Once inside, Chang Ning saw Xie Zheng half-lying on the military bed with bloodstained bandages around his chest. Her lips trembled as she called out, “Brother-in-law.”

Then, wiping her tears, she told Fan Chang Yu, “Brother-in-law was hurt by bad people while saving Ning.”

Fan Chang Yu turned to look at Xie Zheng, clearly confused: “You were injured saving Ning?”

Xie Zheng hadn’t prepared to tell Fan Chang Yu everything at this moment. His lips tightened, unsure how to respond.

Even the usually silver-tongued Gong Sun Yi knew this lie would be difficult to maintain and was feeling somewhat troubled. Then they heard Chang Ning sobbing: “The bad people thought Ning was a high official’s daughter and took me away. They even put Ning on horseback to kill people. It was pitch black, with heavy rain and thunder. Ning was so scared. Then I heard Brother-in-law’s voice and called out to him. When Brother-in-law came to save Ning, the bad people threw Ning up in the air. Brother-in-law got stabbed with a big bloody wound while trying to catch Ning…”

As she recounted these events, she was still terrified. Her small face turned pale, and her hands clutched tightly at Fan Chang Yu’s clothes as if seeking refuge from the horrors of that night.

Fan Chang Yu had originally assumed Sui Yuan Qing had kidnapped Chang Ning to settle a personal grudge with her. She never imagined Chang Ning had endured so much. Just hearing about it made her want to tear those villains to pieces.

She patted her sister’s back soothingly and said, “Don’t be afraid, Ning. It’s all over now.”

Yet she wondered why Chang Ning had suddenly been mistaken for a high official’s daughter.

Seeing Fan Chang Yu made Chang Ning feel secure. Remembering how Yu Bao’er had tried to protect her when she was taken away, clutching her clothes and refusing to let go until the servants dragged him away, ripping several of his fingernails off in the process, she couldn’t help but tear up again: “Bao’er was there too, Elder Sister. Can we save Bao’er and his mother?”

Fan Chang Yu asked puzzled, “You mean Shopkeeper Yu and Bao’er?”

Chang Ning nodded.

Fan Chang Yu asked, “Weren’t Shopkeeper Yu and Bao’er supposed to be in Jiangnan? Where did you see them?”

Chang Ning answered between sobs, “Bao’er and his mother were locked up there by those bad people, just like Ning.”

While Gong Sun Yi didn’t know who Yu Qianqian and her son were, his expression showed confusion. However, Xie Zheng knew Chang Ning had been held by Sui Yuan Qing during her captivity, and his expression darkened.

Could that female shopkeeper have connections to the Prince Changxin Manor?

Fan Chang Yu, being straightforward, asked bewildered, “Could Shopkeeper Yu and Bao’er also have been mistaken for some official’s family members?”

She turned to Gong Sun Yi: “Sir, may I ask how my sister came to be mistaken for an official’s daughter and kidnapped?”

Gong Sun Yi glanced at Xie Zheng and deflected: “After the disaster in Qingping County, the temporary refugee inn in Jizhou Prefecture was a government post station that usually only accommodated visiting court officials. It seems the rebels had faulty intelligence and mistakenly kidnapped your sister.”

Though this explanation seemed logical, Fan Chang Yu thought of the missing painting from their home and still felt something odd.

Gong Sun Yi seized the moment to say, “The military camp is full of rough men unsuited to caring for children. We’ve arranged quarters next door for Miss Fan. You may take your young sister there to get settled.”

Having just found her sister, Fan Chang Yu naturally had many questions to ask. She glanced at Xie Zheng lying on the military bed and said, “Then you rest well. I’ll take Ning to wash up.”

Since recovering from her fever, Chang Ning has been staying with Gong Sun Yi. Conditions on the mountain were harsh, and the soldiers were all rough men who didn’t know how to care for children. They could only coax Chang Ning to eat at mealtimes. While she could wash her face herself, her hair had become a complete bird’s nest.

As soon as Fan Chang Yu left, Xie Zheng said to Gong Sun Yi, “Use the sea eagle to send a message to Yanzhou. Have them investigate the Yu mother and son imprisoned in Prince Changxin’s manor.”

Gong Sun Yi asked confused, “Do these Yus have some significance?”

Xie Zheng said, “When I first saw that child, I thought he resembled the current occupant of the Dragon Throne.”

Gong Sun Yi was shocked, then furrowed his brow and asked, “You suspect he’s of dragon seed?”

The current emperor was the youngest son of the previous emperor, only eight when he ascended the throne. His birth mother was a lowly palace maid with no powerful family connections.

He only gained the throne because Wei Yan chose him as a puppet emperor, but now the puppet emperor had grown up. With the support of Imperial Tutor Li’s faction, he inevitably harbored thoughts of overthrowing Wei Yan, reclaiming imperial power, and restoring court authority.

However, anyone with eyes could see that even if the emperor used Imperial Tutor Li’s influence to overthrow Wei Yan, Li’s party would simply become the next Wei party in court.

The Dayin Dynasty’s imperial power had long been hollowed out by the noble families. Although the imperial examination system had been implemented, the position of commoners at court was far too weak.

Moreover, the current emperor hardly seemed fit to rule a nation—weak before powerful ministers yet prone to violent temper with palace servants, incapable of great responsibilities.

Xie Zheng said, “That merchant Zhao claimed to serve the crown prince who died in the Eastern Palace, but when I was in Qingping County, I discovered he had a residence near that female shopkeeper Yu’s home. If the crown prince’s son truly exists, we might learn something through the Yu mother and son.”

Gong Sun Yi immediately said, “I’ll send the message right away.”

If the Yu mother and son were connected to the crown prince’s son, could Prince Changxin be holding them to threaten him?

He had almost reached the tent entrance when he turned back to look at Xie Zheng: “Jiuheng if the crown prince’s son is truly alive, will you… support Crown Prince Chengde’s bloodline?”

After learning of Xie Zheng’s break with Wei Yan, the emperor wanted to arrange a marriage with a princess to win Xie Zheng’s allegiance. However, since Xie Zheng was still in the Northwest, the capital couldn’t make too obvious a move.

But royal intentions had always been hard to fathom.

Although the emperor had hinted to Xie Zheng that Wei Yan’s position would be his after Wei Yan’s downfall, who could say whether Xie Zheng might not become his next target once that time came?

Moreover, Imperial Tutor Li was already firmly established as the emperor’s right hand.

In terms of legitimacy, Crown Prince Chengde’s bloodline had more right to the Dragon Throne than anyone else in the current royal family.

Taking a further step back, based on the Battle of Jinzhou alone, Xie Zheng and the crown prince’s son shared common enemies, making them even more suitable as allies.

After a long silence in the tent, Xie Zheng’s cold voice finally came: “How do you see the emperor treating Wei Yan?”

This single question made Gong Sun Yi realize the key point. While Wei Yan had supported the current emperor to make him a puppet, at one time Wei Yan had indeed been the emperor’s greatest supporter.

If Xie Zheng supported the crown prince’s son, the merit he would establish would be no less than Wei Yan’s service to the current emperor.

But he already commanded military power. What more could the crown prince’s son grant him after ascending the throne?

Without the ability to reward would come increasing suspicion and wariness.

After considering Xie Zheng’s position, Gong Sun Yi suddenly frowned and said, “I’ve figured it out. In your current situation, whoever ascends the Dragon Throne will try their hardest to win you over beforehand, but once the dust settles, you’ll be among the first to be discarded.”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

Gong Sun Yi walked back a few steps dejectedly and sat down across from Xie Zheng, saying resignedly, “Just give me a straight answer about what you’re thinking. If you haven’t planned your way out, I’d better find myself a new patron first, rather than be dragged down with you.”

Twilight had fallen, and Xie Zheng watched the flickering lamp in the tent as he said, “When the Northwest falls into chaos, nine out of ten homes are emptied, and good men are buried in yellow sand. The current Dayin hasn’t reached the point of needing to rebuild the realm. Fighting the Northern Xue people is one thing, but fighting our people for personal gain…”

He gave a cold laugh, “That would be a betrayal of those soldiers who should die fighting at the frontier.”

He disapproved of Prince Changxin’s actions.

Gong Sun Yi raised an eyebrow, “You want to be a pure official?”

Xie Zheng lifted his gaze carelessly, “Don’t you think someone like me should be called a power-holding minister?”

Gong Sun Yi choked, then said, “Power or no power, you’d better think about how to resolve the current situation!”

Xie Zheng asked, “How long will the supplies brought up the mountain last?”

Gong Sun Yi said, “Eating full meals, half a month. Mixed with wild vegetables into porridge, we can stretch it to a month.”

After pondering for a moment, Xie Zheng said, “We still have Sui Yuan Qing in our hands. The mountain terrain is complex. Prince Changxin surrounds us without attacking us because he wants to starve us out on the mountain. If they run out of supplies too, they won’t be able to maintain the siege.”

Gong Sun Yi was shocked, “You’re thinking of targeting Prince Changxin’s supplies?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 76

After Fan Changyu took Changning to the tent assigned to them by Gongsun Yin, she first fetched water to help Changning wash up. While tying Changning’s hair into small buns, she asked, “Changning, do you remember how you were captured?”

Changning counted on her fingers as she carefully recalled, “Elder Sister hid us in the cellar. Later, Aunt Zhao took me to escape. We encountered soldiers on the road and walked a long way to an inn. Aunt Zhao said it was Jizhou City and that we were safe.”

Fan Changyu realized the inn Changning mentioned was likely the relay station where the Jizhou officials had temporarily housed them. She quickly asked, “What happened next?”

Remembering how she was taken from the relay station still frightened Changning, and her eyes reddened, “Later, the inn suddenly caught fire. Some bad men cut Aunt Zhao with a sword, tied me up, gagged me, and took me away in a box…”

At this point, she couldn’t hold back her tears, “Elder Sister, Aunt Zhao was bleeding so much. Is Aunt Zhao dead too?”

Fan Changyu gently patted her back to comfort her, “Aunt Zhao is fine. She’s still in Jizhou. You’ll be able to see her when you go back.”

Only then did Changning stop crying.

Fan Changyu asked her, “Were you taken out of the city in a box on a carriage by those villains?”

Changning nodded and continued, “When I was let out, there were mountains everywhere. They threw away the box and carriage and took me on horseback. We arrived at a very large mansion, and they locked me in a dark room. Several days later, a very fierce old woman took me out and told me to play with Bao’er.”

Fan Changyu was puzzled, “Wasn’t Bao’er locked up like you?”

Changning thought for a moment and said, “He was locked up, but those fierce old women and maids were all trying to entertain Bao’er. They called him Young Master, but Bao’er ignored them. Bao’er said a bad person had locked up his mother, and he would only behave so he could see his mother again.”

The more Fan Changyu listened, the more confused she became. The way Changning described being “locked up” sounded more like house arrest. Moreover, the servants calling Bao’er “Young Master” made her wonder if Yu Qianqian’s husband was from that household. Even if Fan Changyu wasn’t particularly clever, she knew this matter was connected to the rebels and was likely not simple.

Changning looked up and asked Fan Changyu, “Elder Sister when Brother-in-law recovers, can we go rescue Bao’er and Aunt Yu together?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Once we go down the mountain, I’ll go to Chongzhou to gather information.”

This made Changning happy again.

Fan Changyu noticed something tied around her neck with a red string and asked, “What’s this?”

Changning pulled it out. It was an exquisite little pig jade pendant. She said, “Bao’er gave it to me before we left. The one he gave me last time is at home. He said he always wears the grasshopper I wove for him, so he gave me this little pig pendant to wear all the time too.”

The previous jade pendant was quite large and shaped like a jade lock. It looked fine when Bao’er wore it outside his clothes, but it seemed out of place when Changning did the same. To avoid attracting unwanted attention and prevent Changning from accidentally damaging it while playing with other children in the alley, Fan Changyu had her keep the jade lock at home.

She picked up the little pig jade pendant and examined it closely. Even without being an expert on jade, she could tell that the quality of this pendant was noticeably superior to the previous jade lock, suggesting it was quite valuable. The bottom of the pendant was engraved with the character “宝” (Bao), indicating it was custom-made.

Fan Changyu guessed this might have been a gift Yu Qianqian had prepared for Bao’er in the past. As for why it was carved in the shape of a little pig, considering Bao’er seemed to be around the same age as Changning, perhaps Bao’er was also born in the Year of the Pig?

She felt that this jade pendant might be even more significant to Bao’er than the previous one.

The two children, finding a familiar face in a foreign land, had likely become each other’s only playmates.

Fan Changyu helped Changning tuck the jade pendant into her collar and said, “Keep it safe and don’t lose it. When we rescue Bao’er and his mother, you can return this pendant to him. This gift is too precious, and Bao’er is still young. We can’t accept it, understand?”

Changning nodded, “Like last time, if Aunt Yu agrees to give it, then I can keep it, right?”

Fan Changyu smiled and patted her head, “That’s right.”

Changning hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days, and this evening, staying by Fan Changyu’s side, she began yawning after talking for a short while.

After putting Changning to sleep, Fan Changyu remembered that when she saw Yan Zheng earlier that day, he still had some blood stains that hadn’t been cleaned. She prepared a basin of water and went to his tent.

He had always been a clean person, and if he hadn’t been so badly injured, he certainly wouldn’t have tolerated the smell of herbal medicine residue and blood stains on his body.

When Fan Changyu arrived, the light was still on in Xie Zheng’s tent. Unsure if new wounded soldiers had been brought in after she left, she called out from the entrance, “Yan Zheng, are you asleep?”

“Not yet,” came a low voice from inside.

Fan Changyu entered the water basin. As she lifted the tent flap, she discovered Xie Zheng bare-chested, rewrapping bandages around his waist. Two empty bottles of wound medicine sat on the table beside him.

Beads of cold sweat hung on his forehead, likely from enduring the pain, which seemed to have put him in a foul mood. When he looked towards the entrance, his expression was cold, but it softened slightly when he recognized Fan Changyu. “Why did you come?” he asked.

Fan Changyu said, “I came to bring you some water to clean up.”

She noticed that the bandages he had removed were stained with a large patch of fresh blood. Remembering their earlier embrace, she looked guilty and asked, “Did it aggravate your wound earlier?”

Xie Zheng had finished tying the bandage and was putting on his robe. “No,” he replied.

Although he denied it, Fan Changyu still felt guilty. Remembering that he had been injured while rescuing Changning, she felt even more remorseful. Seeing that he was about to fasten his robe, she said, “Don’t put it on yet. Let me help you clean up.”

Xie Zheng’s brow furrowed instinctively. “You’ll help me?”

Fan Changyu felt that this wasn’t the first time she had done such a thing. When she first found him, she had even held him down to apply medicine. There was nothing to be embarrassed about, so she nodded matter-of-factly, “Your wound can’t get wet, and you can’t reach your back yourself. If you feel uncomfortable, I can go outside and find a young soldier to help you.”

Xie Zheng had already loosened his sash again. “You do it,” he said.

The ink-colored robe hung open, casting a deep shadow in the candlelight. His muscular and well-proportioned physique had the warm luster of jade. The bandages wrapped diagonally from his shoulder to his ribs, contrasting with his cold expression, made him appear both vulnerable and unyielding.

Fan Changyu wrung out a cloth and began by gently wiping his face.

Xie Zheng sat at the edge of the bed, seemingly surprised that she would start with his face. He paused for a moment.

Fan Changyu’s movements were very gentle, and she patiently helped him clean the blood and grime from his face. She smiled and said, “When I first found you, you were much dirtier than this. Your face was so covered in blood that I couldn’t make out what you looked like.”

Xie Zheng remained silent, quietly watching Fan Changyu’s every move.

Her features were exceptionally fine, and in the candlelight, her whole person seemed to be covered in a soft glow. Just looking at her made all the irritation in his heart subside.

After cleaning his face, Fan Changyu wrung out the cloth again and began wiping his upper body. The cloth paused just before reaching the bandaged area. She raised her hand and gently touched the scar that ran across his chest through the bandage, saying softly, “It must hurt a lot, doesn’t it?”

Xie Zheng still only answered, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Fan Changyu fell silent. When she looked up a moment later, her eyes were tinged with a faint redness.

Xie Zheng raised his hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. He looked at her for a while, then suddenly lowered his head and planted a kiss on her eyelid.

It was so light that Fan Changyu felt as if a feather had brushed against her.

She blinked, somewhat unaccustomed to the gesture, and stared at Xie Zheng in a daze. She was not used to this sudden intimacy, but she didn’t reject it either.

When she was lost in thought, her gaze was clear and innocent, with a hint of gullibility that made her seem easy to bully.

Xie Zheng’s voice was deep in the quiet of the military tent: “Why are you staring at me?”

After a moment of silence, Fan Changyu said something unexpected: “You kissed me?”

The tent flap wasn’t fully closed, and the mountain wind gusted in from outside. The candlelight flickered, causing their shadows to sway chaotically.

Xie Zheng looked at her and gave a soft “Mm,” but his eyes were so deep it was unsettling.

Another long silence followed.

Suddenly, Fan Changyu straightened up and quickly pecked his forehead, saying, “Now we’re even.”

Then she picked up the water basin and left the tent.

Xie Zheng stared at her retreating figure, unable to come to his senses for a long time.

He had kissed her more passionately before, but feeling the lingering warmth on his forehead, he couldn’t suppress the joy welling up in his heart. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

Fan Changyu couldn’t sleep well all night after returning. In all the time she had known Yan Zheng, she had always seen him as family and a friend. That’s why she was so angry when he suddenly took liberties with her last time.

It wasn’t just because of his impropriety, but also because she had always trusted him, and he had betrayed that trust.

But after everything that had happened, that anger had long since dissipated. She only hoped that everyone she cared about would be safe and well.

When she learned he was in a life-or-death situation on the mountain, her instinct was to find him.

As for what to do after finding him, she thought about living as they had before, with one more mouth to feed at home, which she could certainly afford.

But tonight’s events suddenly confused her. He had kissed her again, but she wasn’t angry. She had only stubbornly returned the gesture with a quick peck on his forehead!

Fan Changyu tossed and turned restlessly in bed, realizing she had pulled the blanket off Changning. She quickly turned back and tucked Changning in again.

It wasn’t until the fourth watch of the night that she finally fell into a light sleep.

When dawn broke, Fan Changyu got up with dark circles under her eyes. After helping Changning wash up, she went to the mess tent to help collect food for the wounded soldiers. She heard complaints from the kitchen staff that they hadn’t caught much game in the past two days and couldn’t provide special meals for the wounded.

Remembering that the military doctor had said Xie Zheng needed to eat well to recover, Fan Changyu wondered how he could regain his strength without meat.

She decided to go deep into the forest with the soldiers responsible for hunting after breakfast, hoping to catch something good.

Because of what happened last night, she was afraid things would be more awkward if she saw him, so she asked other soldiers to deliver medicine and breakfast to Xie Zheng.

Early in the morning, Gongsun Yin went to report official matters to Xie Zheng and found him in an exceptionally foul mood. After some indirect inquiries, he learned that Fan Changyu hadn’t visited Xie Zheng all morning. Finding this very strange, he went to look for Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu had already prepared to go into the mountains and was about to send Changning to stay with Xie Zheng. When Gongsun Yin arrived, she asked him to take Changning there instead.

Gongsun Yin was surprised to learn that Fan Changyu was going hunting in the mountains. Worried about her safety as a young woman, he secretly assigned two of his guards to follow her.

While taking Changning to see Xie Zheng, he noticed the two lopsided buns on top of her head, which were so ugly they were eye-catching.

He couldn’t help but ask, “Little girl, didn’t your sister do your hair this morning?”

Changning touched her buns and said, “She did! She even redid the buns!”

Gongsun Yin: “…”

How did she manage to make it look worse after doing her hair?

He endured it for the entire journey but finally couldn’t resist undoing Changning’s buns and retying them.

Faced with the confusion of other personal guards, the one who had followed Xie Zheng the longest explained in a low voice, “Sometimes Sir Gongsun can’t stand things that aren’t neat. Like the child’s hair being tied unevenly, it could bother Sir Gongsun for an entire day.”

Haha, I find Gong Sun quite funny, he has OCD hahaha

I always laughed when GONGSUN YIN talked he is so funny especially when he is imagining the image of FAN CHANGYU who is stout I big fierce woman who can butchers pig.and teasing XIE ZHENG 😄😂

I loooove the development of their relationship. But I can already imagine the angst when she finds out who he really is (I think she’ll find out first before he tells her).

Zhu Yu – Chapter 77

After a spring rain, the vegetation on the mountain grew even more lush.

The soldiers had been frequently hunting in the area recently and had become quite familiar with the nearby forests. They had dug pitfalls and made some traps, but perhaps due to hunting in the vicinity for several consecutive days, they found nothing in the pre-set traps they visited.

Along the way, Fanyu Changyu hadn’t even seen a single rabbit.

The young officer leading the group said, “If we want to hunt something good, we’ll probably need to spread out and search deeper into the forest.”

After pondering for a moment, he divided the hundred or so men who had come along into small teams of ten. A small portion was left to continue searching for prey in the previously hunted areas of the forest, while the rest followed him deeper into the mountains.

Fanyu Changyu and the two soldiers secretly assigned by Gongsun Yin were placed in one group to hunt in the outer areas. It was an intentional arrangement, fearing that Fanyu Changyu might encounter some danger if she went deep into the forest.

Fanyu Changyu had suggested switching with the soldiers who were going into the old forest, but when the young officer issued a military order, she knew that in the army, still disguised as a small soldier from Jizhou, it wasn’t appropriate to insist further.

The group wandered around the forest, only managing to hunt a few pheasants. They raided some nests and collected quite a few pheasant eggs, which a young soldier had to carry in his removed shirt.

Fanyu Changyu, having experience hunting in the mountains with her father, kept her eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. The rain-softened mountain soil easily retained traces.

She noticed signs of a large animal scratching at pine needles on the ground where the underbrush met the deeper forest. She told the group, “This looks like wild boar tracks. If we follow them, we might find a boar den.”

One of the soldiers, realizing they would have to enter the dense forest, hesitated, “But Miss Fan, Lieutenant Yang ordered us to hunt in the outer areas and await further instructions…”

Fanyu Changyu thought for a moment and said, “How about this: you wait for me out here, and I’ll go in alone to take a look. I’m not one of your military personnel, so Lieutenant Yang’s orders naturally don’t apply to me. This way, it won’t be considered a violation of military orders.”

The two soldiers inwardly groaned, thinking that Lieutenant Yang had told them not to go into the dense forest precisely to prevent Fanyu Changyu from getting into any trouble. If they let Fanyu Changyu go into the forest alone, they’d be asking for death.

One of the soldiers said, “Miss Fan, why don’t you wait out here, and we’ll find a few brothers to go in and look for the boar den?”

The army’s scouts were meticulous; following the tracks wouldn’t lead to any mishaps.

Their various attempts to obstruct her made Fanyu Changyu feel like she was holding them back by coming along. She looked at the soldier and said, “I’ve gone hunting in the mountains with my father many times. I have experience. You don’t need to be so cautious just because I’m a woman. If I thought I’d be a burden, I wouldn’t have come with you in the first place.”

In truth, Fanyu Changyu was already somewhat regretting her decision. She felt these men were being overly fussy, and she thought she should have just acted on her own.

The two soldiers couldn’t argue. Throughout the journey, they noticed that Fanyu Changyu was not a delicate lady. She hadn’t even been out of breath after walking such a long distance, clearly showing she was well-trained. After some hesitation, they followed Fanyu Changyu into the dense forest.

Ancient trees towered overhead, and being early morning, there was some post-rain mist in the forest. The two soldiers constantly called out, telling those behind to stay close.

Fanyu Changyu would make a mark on a tree trunk with her butcher’s knife every so often as she followed the tracks.

When she noticed claw marks on a pine tree, she suddenly stopped, crouched down to examine the traces, and frowned, saying, “It doesn’t seem to be a wild boar…”

Just as she finished speaking, an earth-shattering roar came from ahead.

A robust black bear stood not far away, its mouth holding half a bloody bird wing, looking at them with bloodthirsty eyes, clearly protecting its food.

The soldiers’ hearts pounded with fear. One soldier grabbed Fanyu Changyu’s sleeve and started backing away, “Miss Fan, quick, let’s go! It’s a black bear!”

Fanyu Changyu had experience hunting wild boars and wild cattle with her father, but she had never hunted a black bear before.

While the soldiers were panicking, she frowned, merely calculating whether or not to hunt it. Killing this black bear would probably take quite some effort. She had never eaten bear meat and didn’t know if the whole animal would be edible. If they only took the bear’s paws, it would be too wasteful.

As she was being pulled back, she pondered for a moment, then turned to the two soldiers and said, “Why don’t we kill it? It’s not easy to find such prey.”

The soldiers and young troops all stared at Fanyu Changyu in disbelief, unsure if she had been frightened out of her wits or if it was pure ignorance making her fearless.

Among fierce beasts, bears and tigers were known to be the most difficult to hunt. There were only ten of them, armed with just swords and ordinary bows and arrows. They didn’t even have large crossbows or long spears. How could they possibly hunt a bear?

Perhaps provoked by their retreating movement, the black bear suddenly tossed aside the crane in its mouth and charged straight at them.

Everyone was startled and quickly scattered to make it difficult for the bear to pursue them.

The more agile ones climbed trees like monkeys. The black bear rammed a tree with its body, toppling the thick trunk and sending a young soldier tumbling down with a cry.

To prevent the young soldier from perishing under the bear’s paws, Fanyu Changyu, knowing the bear’s limbs were agile and that a pig-catching rope wouldn’t work, still took the long rope from her waist and tried to lasso the bear’s neck.

With one foot braced against an ancient tree, she wrapped the rope around each hand once and pulled back with all her might.

The bear, its neck caught in the lasso, couldn’t bring its paw down in time and was yanked backward by the tremendous force on the rope, crashing to the ground with a thunderous “boom”.

The panicked young soldiers, seeing this, were all astounded. They hadn’t expected Fanyu Changyu to possess such strength. Once they came to their senses, they all rushed forward to help pull on the rope.

The two more experienced soldiers quickly took up their weapons and stabbed at the bear.

The black bear’s massive paws swung left and right, preventing the two soldiers from getting close. They couldn’t wound its chest or belly, only managing to inflict two bloody gashes on its back. But the bear’s thick hide and flesh meant these wounds wouldn’t be fatal. Instead, they enraged the bear further, and with its sharp claws, it snapped the rope.

Fanyu Changyu and the young soldiers who had been pulling with all their might stumbled and fell.

Free from the choking rope, the bear furiously attacked the two soldiers. They clearly couldn’t match the bear’s strength and relied solely on their agility to stay alive under its paws. Still, they shouted in Fanyu Changyu’s direction, “Quickly, take Miss Fan and go!”

How could Fanyu Changyu abandon them and leave? She immediately swung her heavy butcher’s knife and hurled it at the bear. It pierced the bear’s back but didn’t sink in deep enough to be fatal.

However, this action drew the bear’s full attention. It turned its head towards Fanyu Changyu, roared, and then charged at her.

Fanyu Changyu told the young soldiers to scatter and ran herself, leading the bear towards the bamboo forest. During this, she managed to slash the bear’s chest with her butcher’s knife, but the cut wasn’t deep.

In pain, the bear rampaged through the surrounding bushes. When Fanyu Changyu reached the edge of the bamboo forest, she quickly cut down a thick bamboo stalk and fashioned it into a sharp spear. Instead of retreating further, she charged at the bear with her makeshift weapon.

The bamboo spear gave her a reach advantage. From a distance of about ten feet, with the momentum of her charge, she drove the spear into the bear’s heart through the wound she had made earlier. The bear let out an agonized roar and broke the bamboo spear with one swipe.

Fanyu Changyu stepped on a nearby bamboo to propel herself upward, then plunged her butcher’s knife deep into the bear’s chest wound. Foul-smelling blood splattered all over her, covering much of her face.

She didn’t even blink, appearing as fierce as a leopard locked in a death struggle with the bear.

After the bear crashed to the ground, Fanyu Changyu shook the blood off her butcher’s knife and muttered, almost to herself, “Hunting bears is indeed more troublesome.”

In earlier years, when her father hunted in the mountains to supplement the family income, he had hunted bears too, but at that time she hadn’t realized how dangerous bear hunting was.

The soldiers and young troops finally caught up, seeing the dead bear on the ground and Fanyu Changyu with her clothes splattered with blood. They unconsciously gulped, shocked and somewhat bewildered, feeling as if they were in a dream.

How could this seemingly kind and docile young woman have single-handedly hunted a bear?

If word of this got back to the camp, probably no one would believe it. What kind of freak was she?

The two soldiers who had accompanied Xie Zheng to Qingping County and had seen Fanyu Changyu throw a person with one hand on the boat managed to control their expressions somewhat. They just exchanged a glance, both thinking: if this young woman were to fight with their Marquis in the future, who knows who would win?

Fanyu Changyu wiped the blood from her face with her sleeve. The killing intent in her eyes faded, and she returned to her usual harmless appearance. She asked them, “Should we just take the bear paws back, or bring the whole bear?”

The young soldiers had no opinion, but one of the experienced soldiers said, “Mountain provisions are already scarce. Let’s take it all back.”

Everyone agreed. They quickly cut bamboo and vines to make a simple sled and placed the dead bear on it.

The young soldiers and the two experienced ones took turns pulling the sled. They didn’t let Fanyu Changyu exert herself anymore on the return journey.

However, pulling such a heavy load slowed their return. On the way, they encountered the young officer who had hunted a wild boar. When he learned that Fanyu Changyu had hunted a black bear, he nearly dropped his jaw in shock.

The group headed back with a mix of joy and complex emotions. Just as they emerged from the forest, they heard the sound of a horn calling for help from the foot of the mountain.

The young officer exclaimed, “Not good! The rebels are attacking the mountain!”

He quickly assigned about a dozen men to continue bringing back the prey, while the rest followed him to support the key mountain paths.

As expected, Fanyu Changyu was assigned to continue transporting the prey. She didn’t want to go down the mountain, but her keen nose caught the scent of roasting meat.

She asked the soldiers and young troops, “Do you smell that fragrance?”

The troops, who hadn’t had a truly satisfying meal in a long time, all swallowed hard. After eating thin porridge and vegetable soup for days on the mountain, even the thought of salt made their mouths water, let alone such a rich meat aroma.

After questioning a soldier who was running up the mountain to report, one of the experienced soldiers answered, “The rebels are attacking the mountain while roasting meat at the foot to tempt us to surrender, trying to break our morale.”

Fanyu Changyu thought this tactic was too underhanded and wondered if Old Man Tao and the reinforcements from Yan and Ji Provinces could devise a countermeasure at the foot of the mountain.

Seeing Fanyu Changyu’s concern, the soldier said, “The men of Yan Province have a backbone. Even if we were down to eating grass roots and tree bark, let alone still having provisions, we wouldn’t be swayed by such a low tactic from the rebels!”

They were at the junction of the camp and the forest, with a clear view. Looking down the mountain, they could even see the number of tents the rebels had set up at the foot.

Fanyu Changyu noticed that the number of Chongzhou army tents was more than twice that of the tents on the mountain. She frowned and said, “The rebels outnumber us, and they’ve blocked all the roads.”

But the soldier explained, “Miss, don’t just look at the arrangement of the rebel tents. The rebels have withdrawn half their forces but haven’t reduced their tents. This is partly to confuse us in case of a night raid from the mountain, and partly to intimidate our recruits, making them think the enemy below is numerous and lose their will to fight.”

On her way here, Fanyu Changyu had heard Old Man Tao talk about some aspects of warfare, but without specific reference points, she had only half-understood it.

Now, hearing that even a common soldier in the Yan Province army knew so much, she praised, “You know so much!”

The soldier, realizing he had said too much and fearing trouble, quickly added, “When you’ve been in the military camp for a long time, you pick up a thing or two.”

Fanyu Changyu asked curiously, “Then how do you determine their exact numbers?”

The soldier answered, “By looking at the cooking smoke. The number of tents can be faked, but the smoke from cooking fires can’t. The number of stoves needed for cooking reveals the number of people to feed. You can estimate the troop strength from that.”

Fanyu Changyu looked at the areas with thick smoke at the foot of the mountain, then at the few wisps of smoke behind the mountain. She drew her butcher’s knife and, with her honest almond-shaped eyes, sincerely suggested, “There are fewer people over there. Why don’t we launch a sneak attack from that side?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 78

Beacon fires blazed in the distance, yet inside the command tent atop the mountain, silence prevailed.

Gongsun Yin strode quickly into the tent, his excitement evident in his voice: “The soldiers at the foot of the mountain stripped tree bark and dug up roots as you ordered, creating the illusion that we’ve run out of provisions. The rebels took the bait! They believe we’ve been without food for days, which is why they’re deliberately roasting meat to disturb our troops’ morale!”

Xie Zheng’s injuries were far from healed, and his complexion remained pale. He wore a loose outer robe, with white bandages visible beneath, wrapped around his shoulder. His slender fingers held a map of the mountainous terrain as he reclined against the bed’s headboard. His refined features carried a hint of languor as he looked up and asked, “Has the message been sent to our reinforcements below?”

“I had the sea eagle deliver it yesterday,” Gongsun Yin replied.

Xie Zheng tossed aside the map and said, “Create some commotion to keep the rebel forces occupied while our reinforcements below burn their provisions.”

He attempted to rise but winced as pain shot through his chest wound. His fine features frosted over with discomfort as he asked, “How is Sui Yuanqing faring these days?”

“He’s been exposed to wind and rain, kept alive on a bowl of thin porridge daily,” Gongsun Yin reported. “He seemed feverish yesterday, but I didn’t bother calling the physician since he wasn’t likely to die.”

A cold wind rustled the tent’s curtains as pale daylight slanted in, falling across Xie Zheng’s face. His lips curved in a cold smile: “Take Sui Yuanqing to the front lines. If the rebels are roasting meat, you should do the same.”

Gongsun Yin understood his meaning and shook his head with a wry smile. “With Sui Yuanqing as the bait, the fire will burn straight to Prince Changxin’s heart. With such bait, the rebels are sure to take the hook.”

This was a strategy to draw the tiger from the mountain. They let the rebels believe they were short on provisions and used Sui Yuanqing as leverage to keep the majority of rebel forces occupied. Meanwhile, the Yan and Ji Prefecture reinforcements waiting below could strike directly at the rebels’ supplies and burn them.

Once the rebels lost their provisions, no matter how many troops they had stationed above and below the mountain, they would be forced to yield within a day or two as the tactical situation reversed.

As Gongsun Yin left the main tent to take Sui Yuanqing to the front lines, a guard came running back with a distraught expression: “Master Gongsun, terrible news! Lady Fan has gone to raid the enemy camp on the back mountain!”

Gongsun Yin’s expression changed dramatically. He quickly glanced back at the main tent, making sure they were far enough that Xie Zheng couldn’t overhear, before demanding, “Wasn’t she supposed to be hunting? How did she end up at the enemy camp?”

The guard explained, “On our way back from hunting, we heard emergency horns from the mountain base. When Lady Fan heard the back mountain’s defenses were weak, she charged in that direction.”

Gongsun Yin paced back and forth before quickly deciding: “The Marquis is still seriously injured. Don’t let him know about this for now. Quickly take a hundred light cavalry and follow her. You must ensure that young lady’s safety.”

The guard didn’t dare delay and left immediately to gather the troops.

Gongsun Yin muttered worriedly to himself, “At this crucial moment, we can’t afford any mishaps…”

At the back mountain, Fan Changyu lay with her remaining guard and eight soldiers on an earthen mound covered by shrubs, wearing makeshift hats woven from branches and vines.

Fan Changyu had been staring at the winding mountain path leading to the base for a while before asking puzzledly, “Are there no guards on this side?”

“They’re concealed in the forest,” the guard replied.

Fan Changyu made a sound of acknowledgment, wondering if they needed permission from the mountain pass guards to approach the enemy camp when she spotted a patrol of friendly troops coming up the winding mountain path. Their uniforms were stained with fresh blood, and they glanced around while walking with arrows nocked to their bows, appearing somewhat strange.

After watching the mountain path for a long while without seeing where they had emerged from, Fan Changyu quietly asked the guard beside her, “Are they changing shifts?”

The guard also seemed to find something odd and made several sharp bird calls with his hands cupped around his mouth. Suddenly, arrows flew toward their shrub-covered position like a swarm of locusts.

The guard’s expression changed drastically. He tried to pull Fan Changyu to cover, but she moved even faster, rolling behind a large tree.

Some panic-stricken soldiers tried to stand and run, only to become target practice.

Fan Changyu watched as people who had been hunting with her moments ago now lay on the ground, blood flowing freely, their eyes still open in death. Her lips pressed together, her heart heavy as her panther-like gaze turned toward the archers.

Even if she was slow to realize it, she could now see these men were suspicious. The bloodstained uniforms they wore were likely stripped from Yan state soldiers.

After the volley of arrows, the group approached with swords drawn, seemingly wanting to confirm their kills.

The guard hiding behind a tree opposite Fan Changyu used lip movements to signal that she should escape when she had the chance. Fan Changyu pressed her lips together without responding.

When the rebels disguised as Yan state troops were just steps away, the guard shouted and charged out. The surviving soldiers, though their hands trembled on their sword hilts, also shouted to boost their courage and charged forward.

Fan Changyu saw one who appeared to be just a youth about to charge out as well. She grabbed his collar as he struggled, kicking his legs: “You’re just a girl, save yourself! We men of Yan will take some of them with us even in death!”

Fan Changyu glanced at him and said, “You, go back and report this.”

She threw him with great force, sending him flying far away.

Several rebels spotted her and approached with drawn swords. Fan Changyu pulled out her bleeding knife and a bone cleaver in response. She struck the blades together, creating a harsh metallic screech, and rather than retreating, she charged straight at the rebels with a blade in each hand.

The guard was skilled in combat and after forcing back the rebels surrounding him, he looked back worried about Fan Changyu. He saw her take down a rebel with one strike. Though she avoided vital points, those she struck couldn’t get back up.

She whirled through the crowd like a small tornado, wielding her two butcher knives. What started as rebels hunting them had somehow turned into her hunting the rebels.

The guard watched in a daze, marveling that their Marquis had indeed fallen for no ordinary woman.

The youth Fan Changyu had thrown clear of the fight watched stupefied before coming to his senses. He scrambled up and rushed back to report: while the rebels made a show of taunting them from the front, they were secretly launching a surprise attack from the back mountain!

He hadn’t run far when he encountered another guard returning with reinforcements. The youth almost wept with joy upon seeing them and pointed behind him: “Hurry! The rebels have disguised themselves as our men and come up the mountain!”

The guard thought of Gongsun Yin’s instructions and quickly led the hundred light cavalry to help.

With reinforcements arrived, the rebels disguised as Yan state troops were quickly subdued.

After scouts checked the various posts on the back mountain, they returned shaking their heads heavily: “All our men were killed by arrows.”

The guard who had fought alongside Fan Changyu was so enraged he struck the captured rebel leader twice across the face.

The rebel leader spat out a mouthful of bloody spittle and laughed: “My brothers came up the mountain and took plenty with them – worth it!”

The guard landed another heavy punch on his nose.

After questioning, they soon learned how the rebels had made it up the mountain.

This group had donned Yan state uniforms stripped from dead soldiers on the battlefield, claiming to be from the reinforcement army below the mountain. They gained the mountain guards’ trust, then killed them with arrows once close enough.

Their goal in coming up the mountain was to take advantage of the chaos at the front to rescue Sui Yuanqing.

Both guards suggested taking these rebels back to camp for the Military Advisor and Marquis of Wu’an to deal with.

Fan Changyu looked again at the smoke rising from below the mountain and said, “Since they’ve all come up, shouldn’t the base be empty now?”

The guard who had gone for reinforcements feared Fan Changyu hadn’t given up and said, “Lady Fan, the rebels have many troops and complex deployments below. It’s not advisable to…”

“Wait a moment.”

Fan Changyu suddenly interrupted him, grabbing a bound rebel soldier and walking away.

She threw the soldier behind a tree and pointed down the mountain: “How many men do you have below? Where are they hidden?”

The soldier replied defiantly: “I’m not one to fear death…”

Before he could finish, a fierce punch landed on his nose.

The soldier cried out in pain as blood began flowing from both nostrils.

Fan Changyu glared and continued questioning: “Will you talk?”

“There are only a thousand troops left at this mountain pass, waiting below to provide support.”

Fan Changyu dragged him back. The other captured soldiers had only heard screams of pain but not the conversation. Seeing their comrade return with a bloody face, they all felt a chill.

Fan Changyu grabbed another soldier to question similarly.

This method she had learned from Constable Wang, who said that when questioning criminals at the county office, they would interrogate them separately to prevent collusion and more easily determine truth from lies.

Only after questioning three or four soldiers and receiving the same answer did she tell the two guards: “There are only a thousand men left below, all stationed at the foot of the mountain.”

The two guards exchanged glances, and one said: “Lady Fan, please wait a moment while I bring more troops.”

After that guard left to get reinforcements, Fan Changyu and the guard who had fought with her earlier led about a hundred of Xie Zheng’s trained cavalry down the mountain to secretly observe the movements of the thousand rebels stationed below.

The mountain path was steep, so the cavalry didn’t ride their horses. However, being cavalry meant their physical conditioning was naturally superior to infantry, and they could each handle two opponents – this was why the guard felt comfortable letting Fan Changyu go down the mountain.

They had planned to wait for more reinforcements before acting, but suddenly a swift horse approached. The scout seemed to say something to the rebel commander, and a thousand rebels stationed at the mountain’s foot abruptly turned and followed the scout.

Fan Changyu asked: “Why did they leave?”

The guard didn’t know the reason either and could only say: “Perhaps something happened at the front of the mountain.”

Fan Changyu understood the principle of gathering reinforcements for a fight. She immediately said: “Then we need to find a way to delay this group, or what if they’re overwhelmed at the front?”

While the guard was still hesitating, Fan Changyu had already run purposefully toward the rebels’ tents at this mountain pass.

Fearing for her safety, the guard had to follow, and the rest of the soldiers swarmed after them.

Fan Changyu burst into the rebel tents, ignoring everything else as she searched through boxes and cabinets for salt.

After finding where the rebels stored their grain and salt, she hoisted two bags of salt and ran.

Seeing this, the other soldiers followed suit and carried off-grain.

The rebels had barely gone far when they saw the Yan state troops coming down from the mountain to steal provisions, so they quickly turned back to try to surround Fan Changyu’s group.

This was just a small rebel outpost, without much stored grain. The hundred-odd soldiers couldn’t even get a bag each.

The guard, having campaigned with Xie Zheng for years, ordered everyone to run as soon as he saw the rebels turning back, and set fire to the empty tents.

Worried that Fan Changyu would struggle to carry two bags of salt, he took one to carry himself.

Fan Changyu acted like a bandit raiding the mountain. When her hands were free and thinking of how Changning and Yan Zheng had no blankets to sleep with at night, she grabbed two cloaks hanging in the tents as she ran.

Passing where the rebels cooked, she spotted a whole roasted lamb on a spit meant to taunt the Yan state troops on the mountain. She draped the cloaks over the salt bags, freeing her hands to grab the pole holding the roasted lamb.

The returning rebels watched dumbfounded as she ran swiftly while carrying a bag of salt in one hand and a roasted lamb in the other.

A rebel commander on horseback drew his bow to shoot at Fan Changyu.

The arriving scout shouted: “General, the Yan and Ji state forces below are going to burn the granary. Don’t delay the battle!”

The commander cursed: “The Yan thieves have all come down from the mountain to steal my provisions! They’ve burned my camp – can’t you see?”

His arrow flew wide due to the distance, and after the guard shouted a warning, Fan Changyu successfully blocked it with the bag of salt she carried on her shoulder.

The furious rebels had nearly caught up to Fan Changyu’s group carrying the provisions when the guard who had gone for reinforcements returned with more Yan state troops from the mountain.

The mountain troops forced the rebels to halt outside arrow range with volleys of arrows. Finally, the thousand Chong state troops could only watch in fury as Fan Changyu and the others carried the provisions and salt up the mountain.

When Fan Changyu climbed halfway up the mountain, she noticed thick smoke rising in the distance.

Catching her breath, she asked: “Are the rebels burning that side of the mountain?”

Seeing where the smoke was rising from, the guard was overjoyed. He put down his bag of salt and collapsed sitting, laughing: “After days of heavy rain, the mountain vegetation is soaked through – the rebels can’t burn it. That’s our people burning the rebels’ provisions!”

Fan Changyu leading them to steal provisions had inadvertently helped delay a thousand troops below, indirectly assisting their allies in burning the granaries.

He looked at Fan Changyu with new respect in his eyes: “Lady Fan has accomplished quite a feat today!”

The paper couldn’t contain fire forever. When Gongsun Yin suddenly dispatched large numbers of troops to the back mountain, Xie Zheng grew suspicious and asked: “Did something happen on the back mountain?”

Gongsun Yin’s expression froze as he said: “Some rebels disguised as our men snuck up the mountain, but they’ve all been captured. I sent men just to strengthen the defenses.”

Xie Zheng narrowed his eyes: “She hasn’t returned from hunting yet?”

Gongsun Yin knew he couldn’t hide it anymore and sighed, telling the truth: “Lady Fan is at the back mountain.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes grew cold as he snapped: “Nonsense! If you knew it was dangerous there, why did you let her stay?”

He struggled to rise, but Gongsun Yin quickly pressed him back: “I’ve sent Xie Seven and Little Five after her, along with a hundred light cavalry. They’ll bring Lady Fan back soon…”

As Xie Zheng was about to brush away his hand with a dark expression, a guard rushed excitedly into the tent: “My Lord, Lady Fan has returned!”

Xie Zheng’s expression softened slightly, and Gongsun Yin let out a relieved sigh. However, when they saw Fan Changyu enter the tent carrying a red wool cloak in one hand and a roasted lamb in the other, both men fell suddenly silent.

Where had she gotten that cloak bearing the Chong state insignia?

She’s lucky she’s the female lead because she’s all brawn 🤦🏻‍♀️

IM DEAD SHE’S SO FUNNY

sabiendo como es su marido y las rabietas que hace , ella va y se infiltra en un campamento ajeno militar del enemigo , cree que la va felicitar?

While hubby is all about careful planning and organizing, this girl is pure instinct-driven chaos. She’s clever and decisive in her strategies, but she’s also very reckless with regards to her own safety. This girl marches to the beat of her own drums no matter what. Hubby needs to instill some military discipline into this one quickly or he’s gonna have a tough time in the future.

She’s so funny 😭 whenever shes in action my brain imagines her like a cartoon in action, eg when shes running carrying all that then she has those cartoon super fast legs with things piled up in her hands and zooming up the mountain while the everyone’s eyes are popping out. I just cant imagine her like a normal Chinese delicate looking female…and doing all this.

Tian Xi Wei fit this role so much, cant wait for the drama!

fr😝😝

And she’s doing an absolute good job in the drama now. Love her Fan Changyu so much.

She’s extremely funny and strong but very reckless 😅 She needs more time to learn about strategies and planning because girlie might die early with her go-getter attitude hshshshs

This chapter was pure comedy gold 😂

fr

Her priority was salt for her hubby😅😂

this is the first time I am irritated at chang yu’s actions. her impulsiveness and recklessness quite literally cost the lives of the people who had been hunting with her. just like that. she was advised to go back but did not listen. she’s strong emotionally and physically and that is admirable but her flaw is always the lack of thinking before doing.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 79

Fanyu Changyu returned to the camp. While other officers dealt with cataloging the spoils, she first took the warm cloak and roasted lamb to find Yan Zheng.

Entering the tent, she found Gongsun Yin there as well and asked curiously, “Mr. Gongsun, are you visiting the wounded again?”

She had heard other soldiers in the camp call this handsome and refined man “Mr. Gongsun,” and assuming he was an advisor like Old Man Tao, she followed suit.

Gongsun Yin gave a dry “Yes” in response.

Fanyu Changyu said, “Good timing. I brought back a whole roasted lamb. We can eat lamb meat together later.”

She walked straight to Xie Zheng. The joy of today’s bountiful hunt had overshadowed any lingering awkwardness from the previous night. Spreading the cloak over Xie Zheng, she said with a smile, “I found you something warm to wear at night.”

Not seeing Ning, she held up the other cloak and asked in confusion, “Where’s Ning?”

Xie Zheng, noticing the obvious Chongzhou emblem on the cloak, furrowed his brow. He was about to ask where it came from but had to answer her question first: “She was tired. I had someone take her back to rest.”

Gongsun Yin, looking at the roasted lamb in Fanyu Changyu’s hands, asked uncertainly, “Miss Fan, did you hunt a sheep and roast it already?”

Fanyu Changyu, with her honest big eyes, said, “I snatched it from the rebels at the foot of the mountain.”

Gongsun Yin nearly choked on his saliva, while Xie Zheng’s expression suddenly darkened. He fixed his gaze on Fanyu Changyu and said in a harsh tone, “You went down the mountain?”

Fanyu Changyu nodded, “Yes.”

Xie Zheng snapped, “How reckless! It’s dangerous down there!”

Fanyu Changyu knew Xie Zheng was worried about her safety. Despite his harsh tone, she didn’t get angry and said, “I wanted to see if I could help. The rebels are gathered at the front of the mountain, so there must be fewer people at the back. We don’t lack food up here, but we’re short on salt. It would be good to grab some salt.”

Xie Zheng’s brows furrowed tightly. Realizing Fanyu Changyu had indeed gone down the mountain and engaged with the rebels, his heart was in his throat. Though she stood before him unharmed, he couldn’t help but feel fear in retrospect, and his tone grew even more severe: “The terrain at the back of the mountain is steep and unfavorable for troop movement. The rebels wouldn’t attack from there unless necessary. Today, our main force planned to burn the rebels’ provisions. Going down recklessly to seize food would only alert them and jeopardize our overall strategy. You’re not part of the military and not bound by military law. If you cause a major disaster, who knows how many soldiers’ lives it would cost? In the future, you must not act so rashly.”

Hearing his harsh words, Fanyu Changyu’s smile slowly faded. She stared at Xie Zheng for a while, then put down the roasted lamb and left without a word.

Gongsun Yin, watching the tent flap close, looked back at Xie Zheng and said, “She returned safely, why are you lecturing her so harshly? Do you think she’s one of your soldiers?”

Xie Zheng closed his eyes heavily and said, “The battlefield is no child’s play.”

Gongsun Yin sighed, knowing this was a case of concern leading to confusion.

Xie Zheng then ordered in a low voice, “Call Xie Seven and Xie Five here.”

Xie Seven and Xie Five were the two guards Gongsun Yin had assigned to protect Fanyu Changyu, both having years of battlefield experience with Xie Zheng.

In no time, Xie Seven and Xie Five, who were still handing over the seized provisions to the quartermaster, hurried over.

The two originally had looks of joy on their faces, but seeing Xie Zheng’s grim expression, they realized the problem. They quickly composed themselves, knelt, and bowed their heads, saying, “We know our crime, sir.”

Xie Zheng, thinking of Fanyu Changyu’s angry departure, felt a lump in his throat. With his wound aching at every movement, his mood worsened. When he looked up, his long black eyelashes swept out a somewhat fierce arc. He said, almost laughing in anger, “You know your crime? If you knew, why did you join in her recklessness? I told you to protect her, and you protected her right into the rebels’ den? What about military discipline?”

Xie Five, who had fought alongside Fanyu Changyu at the back of the mountain, moved his lips and said, “Please calm your anger, My Lord. We followed Madam to the back of the mountain, intending to just let her take a look from up there. Fearing we couldn’t persuade her otherwise, we reported to Mr. Gongsun. Who knew we’d encounter rebels disguised as our men sneaking up the mountain? I had planned to help Madam breakthrough, but unexpectedly, Madam turned out to be a formidable woman warrior, bravely killing enemies and capturing all the rebels who had come up the mountain. Madam then interrogated some rebel soldiers, learned about their troop dispositions below, and decided to retaliate, catching them off guard and avenging our fallen brothers. Unfortunately, before Xie Seven could bring back reinforcements, the rebels below showed signs of retreating. Madam worried that something might have happened at the front of the mountain, rashly went to raid the rebel camp to delay them.”

He paused, then continued, “Madam led us to seize five bags of coarse salt and sixty-two bags of grain, with no casualties on our side. I have failed in my duty and am willing to accept punishment. I beg My Lord not to blame Madam.”

Hearing these details, Xie Zheng didn’t speak immediately. His thick black eyelashes lowered, covering any emotion in his eyes.

Seeing this, Gongsun Yin said, “Miss Fan acted according to the situation, not recklessly. Her descent down the mountain did more good than harm. My Lord is overly concerned and confused. Now that you know the whole story, you shouldn’t discourage Miss Fan.”

Xie Zheng, with his eyes half-closed, finally spoke, “Dismissed.”

The words were directed at the two guards.

After the two guards left, Gongsun Yin looked at Xie Zheng and said, “Although Sui Yuanqing was rescued by the rebels, using him as bait to tie down Prince Changxin’s main force at the front of the mountain allowed the reinforcements from Yan and Ji Provinces to successfully burn the enemy’s provisions. Without supplies, the rebels won’t last long. Miss Fan’s accidental actions helped you complete this grand strategy. You’ve already scared her off with your anger, now think about how to make amends.”

Xie Zheng’s thin lips pressed together slightly, and he remained silent, but his brow clearly showed more self-loathing.

Gongsun Yin shook his head and left the tent, thinking he should play peacemaker and help Xie Zheng reconcile. He asked nearby sentries about Fanyu Changyu’s whereabouts, learned she had gone to the kitchen camp, and leisurely followed.

When he arrived, he found the entire kitchen camp bustling with activity. A group of soldiers had formed a circle, cheering at something.

Gongsun Yin approached and saw that Fanyu Changyu was butchering a pig.

The wild boar brought back from the hunt had been tied up and carried back alive, not killed on the spot.

After several days of continuous gloomy rain, the sun had finally come out today. The sunlight wasn’t too bright, but as it fell on Fanyu Changyu, who was rolling up her sleeves to butcher the pig amidst the crowd, even her hair seemed to emit a hazy golden glow.

Just as Gongsun Yin was thinking how serene and beautiful Fanyu Changyu looked at that moment, he saw her raise her knife and bring it down. The tightly bound wild boar let out a squeal, and blood gushed from its neck.

Gongsun Yin’s face paled slightly, and he quickly averted his eyes, thinking to himself that perhaps only Xie Zheng could handle this young woman.

The watching soldiers cheered loudly.

“Miss Fan’s pig-butchering technique is excellent! One stroke for a clean kill!”

“Look at that big basin of pig’s blood. We can make an extra dish for the soldiers today!”

Fanyu Changyu put down her knife. Hearing these praises, she felt they were affirming her pig-butchering skills and smiled along.

Looking up, she saw Gongsun Yin standing in the crowd, seemingly there specifically to find her. She said a few words to the head cook, then squeezed through the crowd to come over, asking, “Did you come to find me, sir?”

Gongsun Yin, not wanting to appear too obvious, coughed and said, “I came to check on the kitchen camp and happened to see you butchering the pig.”

He paused, then stated his true purpose: “Don’t take your husband’s words to heart. He’s just sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, worried you might encounter some accident down the mountain. The battlefield is full of dangers. Look at his injuries; you can see that every battle is a life-and-death struggle. Fortunately, you returned safely this time. If something had happened to you, with his injuries, he would want to save you but lack the strength to do so.”

Fanyu Changyu sat down on a stone stool and said, “I’m not angry with him. It’s just that after hearing what he said, I realized I might have done the wrong thing with good intentions. As you said, I was lucky to come back unscathed this time. If I hadn’t returned and caused the deaths of other soldiers, I would have truly become a sinner. Those soldiers have wives, children, and elderly mothers waiting for them to return home. Just thinking about it makes my heart heavy.”

Gongsun Yin was surprised to hear such words from Fanyu Changyu. He said, “Although Miss Fan is a woman, your character is no less than a man’s. What you’ve said is precisely the rare wisdom of a great general.”

Seeing Fanyu Changyu’s confusion, he explained, “For a general, every decision affects the life and death of the soldiers under their command. But no battle can be fought without shedding a drop of blood or losing a single life. The tactics devised by generals often involve sacrificing the few to save the many. Victory and defeat are common in warfare. If a general loses a battle and lacks mental fortitude, they might never achieve anything significant again in their life.”

Fanyu Changyu suddenly felt that those who become generals are not only formidable in martial arts but even more admirable in their mental strength.

She looked at Gongsun Yin and said, “Thank you for enlightening me, sir.”

Gongsun Yin, thinking that with Xie Zheng’s sour temperament, he probably wouldn’t humble himself to comfort her, said, “Your husband was afraid you were upset with him, so he asked me to come check on you.”

Fanyu Changyu picked up a small stick and poked at the mud on the ground, saying glumly, “I’m not upset with him. He’s been so severely wounded, he must have experienced life and death on the battlefield. He said those things because he was afraid I might cause trouble and get others killed. I… feel quite ashamed.”

Gongsun Yin raised an eyebrow in surprise and said truthfully, “He’s just worried about your safety.”

Fanyu Changyu’s poking at the ground paused briefly, but she still kept her head down without speaking.

Gongsun Yin, not knowing what the young woman was thinking, said, “I’ve delivered the message to you, Miss Fan. I have some other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”

He was about to leave when he heard people in the kitchen camp discussing loudly, “It’s a shame we caught such a big black bear up here on the mountain. If we were down below with all the ingredients, I could make a whole bear feast!”

Gongsun Yin turned on his heel and went over, asking, “You hunted a bear?”

Hearing his voice, the soldiers in the kitchen camp looked at him. Seeing his white robes and handsome appearance, they guessed his identity and quickly made way for him, calling out, “Military Advisor.”

Gongsun Yin saw that the black bear was enormous. Without a fierce general leading the hunt, it would have been difficult to capture. He praised, “We’ve dealt a great blow to the Chongzhou rebels today, and this bear is truly a good omen. Which general hunted it down?”

A nearby kitchen soldier excitedly said, “Miss Fan hunted it down!”

Gongsun Yin: ???

I just know bro stopped functioning at that AHAHAHHAHA 🤣🤣🤣

I know the Advisor is thorn between admiring or fearing our great FL hahahah

Imagining drama Gongsun Yin in these situations made reading the novel more fun! Can’t help but cackle heheheh

I can’t wait for this episode in the drama. It will be so epic, I think this is my favorite arc in the novel.

The people who were scolding fl for being all brawns,and so reckless. I guess their thoughts are now in jumbles. because if she didn’t do what she did, there’d be much more chaos. because the rebels were actually wearing Yan soldier’s outfit. and Sui Yuanqing was rescued,so they’d have attacked more fiercely. she was thinking straight ahead. that if she didn’t create chaos in the rebel tents, they’d create more trouble for the Yan army. I feel proud of her. she might not be overly intelligent but she certainly understands many aspects of battlefield.

and she actually acknowledged her mistakes. she understood what would’ve happened if she wasn’t so lucky. see, she’s not all brawns but also smart enough to grasp anything about the battlefield. 🙂

Zhu Yu – Chapter 80

Under the bright sun, Gongsun Yin looked at Fan Changyu standing a few steps away and suddenly felt like his ears must be playing tricks on him.

He asked again in disbelief: “Who hunted it?”

The men from the cooking unit answered cheerfully: “Lady Fan, of course!”

Gongsun Yin looked at the mountain-like black bear, then at Fan Changyu’s slender arms and legs, clearly struggling to imagine how she had managed to hunt such a beast.

Earlier, when he’d heard that Fan Changyu had gone down the mountain and raided the enemy camp, bringing back numerous provisions, Gongsun Yin had assumed she’d simply accompanied Xie Five and the others, offering strategic advice about what to steal.

As for butchering pigs, between what he’d learned from Carpenter Zhao and watching her dispatch the wild boar with several soldiers holding it down, he’d only concluded she was different from ordinary women.

Now suddenly being told that Fan Changyu had hunted a bear, Gongsun Yin’s previous understanding began to waver. He asked: “How did Lady Fan hunt it?”

One soldier who had gone hunting with Fan Changyu that morning eagerly jumped in to answer: “We found large predator tracks in the forest. We thought it was a wild boar and followed the tracks looking for its den, but instead, we stumbled upon a bear’s den! You can all see how big this bear is – it even had a bird in its mouth, all bloody and mangled. Those fierce black eyes stared right at us, and scared us all into a cold sweat!”

This soldier was quite the storyteller. His vivid description of encountering the black bear made the gathered crowd of kitchen staff gasp and tremble with tension.

Even Gongsun Yin discreetly rubbed away the goosebumps that had risen on his arms.

The soldier continued: “None of us had ever faced anything like that before. We only had regular swords and bows – probably couldn’t even pierce the bear’s hide. We scattered and ran. When the bear saw us flee, its predatory instincts took over and it gave chase. One brother had nowhere to hide but up a tree, but that bear was so strong it knocked down the bowl-thick trunk in just two rams. We all thought that brother was surely done for, but then Lady Fan untied the rope from her waist, quickly made a lasso, and with one throw caught it around the bear’s neck!”

The crowd held their breath as if their necks were in the bear’s grip.

The soldier demonstrated Fan Changyu’s movements: “Lady Fan braced one foot against a big tree, grabbed the rope with both hands and pulled back with all her might – ha! That bear was yanked right onto its back!”

The kitchen troops let out a collective gasp.

“How strong must she be?”

Someone who had just joined the crowd and hadn’t witnessed the scene questioned: “Is that true? How could anyone be that strong, especially a young woman?”

The soldier exclaimed: “Those of us who went hunting saw it with our own eyes! How could it be false?”

Others chimed in: “Lady Fan is no ordinary woman! I followed her today when we raided the rebel camp – you should have seen it! She hoisted two bags of salt weighing over a hundred catties each onto her shoulders! And still had hands free to grab cloaks and even take the rebels’ roasted lamb!”

Some had seen a soldier running while carrying salt bags and holding a roasted lamb but hadn’t known it was Fan Changyu. The gathered soldiers erupted in amazement and praise.

A Ji Prefecture soldier who had helped Fan Changyu carry provisions up the mountain said: “Carrying a hundred catties of salt is nothing! When we were building the dam upstream in Ji Prefecture, she carried nearly three hundred catties of stones from the mountain to the dam site! The news spread through our camp that night, and the officer in charge of quarrying rewarded her with a roasted chicken!”

The crowd gasped even louder. Gongsun Yin held his fan silently, but his expression had grown increasingly dazed.

Fan Changyu, uncomfortable with everyone’s attention, wanted to say something but felt nothing would be appropriate for the occasion. She could only stand there honestly while everyone sized her up.

The Ji Prefecture soldier, feeling that promoting Fan Changyu’s achievements also brought honor to Ji Prefecture, continued: “In the battle where we flooded Lu City to defeat the rebels, it looked like an easy victory with heaven and earth on our side, but it was quite dangerous! We had tens of thousands of men building the dam upstream of the Wu River, and the slightest carelessness could have revealed our movements to rebel scouts. We had to watch carefully and kill any scouts we found. But right before the battle, the rebels sent cavalry to raid our camp, helping some scouts escape! If that information had reached the rebel army, our plan to flood them would have been ruined! Three scouts had escaped, but Lady Fan, a woman alone, crossed the Wu Ridge on the rainy night and killed all three scouts!”

This military achievement would be considered significant anywhere.

The gathered soldiers now looked at Fan Changyu with pure respect in their eyes.

Fan Changyu could only nod sincerely and honestly at these excited faces while feeling completely bewildered inside.

The soldier who had described her bear hunt was also shocked by Fan Changyu’s achievements. He stumbled through the rest of his story: “The bear… Lady Fan later carved a bamboo spear and pierced its heart and lungs, then finished it off with the knife she’d used to butcher the pig earlier.”

When Fan Changyu left the cooking unit with Gongsun Yin, she noticed that the normally elegant scholar seemed to have aged into an old man. He walked with his hands behind his back, turning every few steps to look at her as if his understanding of the world had been shaken.

After what seemed like his hundredth backward glance, Fan Changyu finally couldn’t help asking: “Master Gongsun, are you alright?”

Gongsun Yin numbly shook his head: “I’m fine.”

Fan Changyu frowned and said sincerely: “You don’t look well.”

Gongsun Yin replied: “I suppose I’m not.”

He looked at Fan Changyu as if she were some strange creature, apparently quite puzzled: “So when you went down the mountain, what was your husband so worried about?”

Before knowing Fan Changyu’s achievements, he had understood Xie Zheng’s concern.

After hearing about them, he couldn’t understand anymore!

Fan Changyu’s lips moved: “He…”

Gongsun Yin raised his hand to stop her words, clearly still not recovered from his series of shocks: “Lady Fan, I need some time alone to think.”

Fan Changyu made a sound of acknowledgment and walked away, but turned back after some distance to look at Gongsun Yin sitting on a low slope, lost in thought and questioning life. She scratched her head in distress.

It seemed she had caused Master Gongsun quite some confusion.

Fan Changyu wandered back to her temporary quarters. Although she understood why Xie Zheng had lectured her earlier, for some reason she still felt dejected and didn’t want to go see him right now. Instead, she went to check on Changning.

Changning had already awakened from her afternoon nap. Xie Five had brought over some portions of the roasted lamb ribs. Changning sat on a small stool at the tent entrance, absentmindedly gnawing on a rib while her grape-like black eyes focused on Xie Five as he recounted her sister’s exploits of the day.

Fan Changyu spotted Changning from quite far away. Since everyone in camp wore military uniforms and Xie Five had his back to her, she didn’t recognize him at first and only called out: “Ning’er.”

Upon hearing Fan Changyu’s voice, Changning’s eyes lit up brightly as she looked over excitedly: “Elder Sister is back!”

Xie Five also greeted her with a smile: “Lady Fan.”

Fan Changyu nodded: “Ah, Brother Five. What brings you here?”

Fan Changyu had only become somewhat familiar with Xie Five and Xie Seven today and didn’t know their surname, only that they were called Little Five and Seven Brother, apparently brothers.

Xie Five explained: “The brothers reheated the lamb and sent some ribs over to Lady Fan. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have had such a treat today.”

Fan Changyu thanked him, and Xie Five left, citing other matters to attend to.

After he left, Fan Changyu stroked Changning’s head and asked with a smile: “What were you discussing with that brother just now? You seem so happy.”

Changning could barely contain her excitement even while holding the lamb rib: “He said Elder Sister was amazing! She killed a huge black bear all by herself! And Elder Sister went to raid the bad people’s camp and took their food and roasted lamb!”

She looked up, her beautiful black eyes full of admiration: “If only we could tell Bao’er about this! He trembles just talking about the bad person who imprisoned him, but if we told him this, he probably wouldn’t be so scared anymore. Elder Sister will go rescue him and Aunt Yu!”

Fan Changyu was also worried about Yu Qianqian’s situation and comforted Changning: “Yes, we’ll go rescue them once we get down the mountain.”

Changning happily took another bite of the lamb rib and said as she walked inside with Fan Changyu: “After we rescue Bao’er and Auntie, they can continue running their tavern, and Elder Sister can build a pig pen and open a butcher shop. Ning’er will learn to butcher pigs from Elder Sister, and we’ll earn lots and lots of silver!”

Fan Changyu was both amused and touched by the child’s vision, smiling as she said: “Alright.”

Changning counted on her fingers and found something missing, asking worriedly: “Then what will Brother-in-law do?”

Fan Changyu was momentarily lost in thought at this innocent question, but Changning had already come up with what she considered the best arrangement, saying happily: “Brother-in-law can raise pigs at the countryside pig farm!”

Outside the door, Xie Five, who had returned, suddenly burst into violent coughing.

Fan Changyu lifted the tent flap and saw Xie Five standing uncomfortably at the entrance, asking in confusion: “Does Brother Five have more business?”

Thinking of how when he’d reported back that Fan Changyu had returned but hadn’t gone to see him, and Xie Zheng’s murderously cold gaze, Xie Five quickly said: “Brother Yan is seriously injured and has no one to care for him. I just helped the army doctor deliver medicine and learned he’s been lying there all day, wanting water but with no one to boil it…”

He couldn’t continue making up the story and awkwardly trailed off.

Fan Changyu thought that Master Gongsun had just visited the wounded, but then realized that while Gongsun was an official, Yan Zheng was just a common soldier – how could he dare trouble Master Gongsun to serve him tea and water?

She had seen Yan Zheng’s wounds and felt uncomfortable at the thought. She said: “Thank you, young brother. I’ll go over shortly.”

Only then did Xie Five guiltily leave.

Changning also looked at Fan Changyu with concern: “Elder Sister, does Brother-in-law not even have someone to pour him water? How pitiful.”

Fan Changyu thought that after another fierce battle today, there would surely be more wounded in the medical tent, and it wouldn’t be convenient to bring Changning. She instructed: “Stay obediently in the tent and don’t wander off. Elder Sister will go check on him.”

Changning nodded: “Ning’er will be good and won’t go anywhere.”

Only then did Fan Changyu head to Xie Zheng’s quarters. It was indeed as Xie Five had said – the place was deserted. Not only were there no victory celebration participants, but no new wounded had been brought here either.

When Fan Changyu lifted the tent flap to enter, she saw Xie Zheng reclining against the bed’s headboard, his face pale, eyes half-closed as if dozing. The daylight streaming through the lifted flap fell on his raven-black eyelashes, making them appear soft and fuzzy, giving him an unexpectedly childlike vulnerability.

Probably sensing the light, Xie Zheng opened his eyes the moment the flap was lifted. That childlike vulnerability instantly vanished, replaced by a cold, gloomy gaze. When he saw it was Fan Changyu, he paused briefly before lowering his eyes and saying: “I thought you didn’t want to see me anymore.”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together without responding. After entering the tent, she went straight to the table and picked up the teapot, finding it empty as expected.

She turned to leave with the teapot when suddenly she heard from behind: “Wait.”

I love how the soldiers told her story like it was a fantasy and that made Gongsun confused like how was Xie Zhang so worried. lol
plus everyone thinking she an odd woman with super strength!

they should’ve went back for the Bear to proof she did it..lol

Others wondered why Xie Zheng was worried about Fan Changyu. He wasn’t worried about her as a general/marquis. He was worried about her as a husband worrying about his beloved wife. Doesn’t matter if she’s super strong because he will always worry about her as a husband you doesn’t want to lose his wife. It’s as simple as that.

All these common soldiers she meets, and even Gongsun, can communicate well with her, praise her, and help her understand military strategy and tactics in simple terms. Only her husband is unable to welcome her warmly and get all the facts before speaking harshly to her.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 81

Fan Changyu turned around, looking at Xie Zheng whose half-face was hidden in the interplay of light and shadow.

Due to the backlighting, his expression was unclear, but his voice was much lower than usual: “I spoke harshly to you earlier. I apologize.”

He had been proud for half his life, rarely taking the initiative to bow his head.

Fan Changyu still didn’t speak, directly lifting the tent flap and walking out.

Xie Zheng stared at the still gently swaying tent flap, his lips gradually pressing tighter.

A moment later, Fan Changyu returned with a water kettle, steam rising from the spout, clearly filled with freshly boiled water.

Ignoring the momentary confusion on Xie Zheng’s face, she picked up the wooden cup on the table, poured a cup of water, and handed it to him: “Would you like some?”

Xie Zheng took the cup, but the freshly boiled water was scalding hot. He didn’t bring it to his lips, instead holding it in his hand as he offered a belated thanks: “Thank you for finding the cloak.”

Fan Changyu glanced at the red woolen cloak draped over his body, still not responding to his words, only asking: “Have you changed the medicine on your wounds?”

Xie Zheng’s face was half-hidden in the rising steam from the cup, his long lashes fanning out like a fan. He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. His face was pale with a cold tinge, like a chilly moon hanging in a frosty forest, desolate and aloof. His brows and eyes were etched with a world-weary detachment, looking as if he was ready to fade away right there.

Fan Changyu thought this must be the benefit of having such a handsome face. Seeing him like this, she felt an inexplicable pang of sympathy in her heart.

Assuming there were too many wounded for the military doctors to attend to him, she wordlessly got up to find a doctor and get medicine.

Indeed, after today’s great battle, many more wounded had been added to the mountain. The few military doctors accompanying the army were rushing about the camp. The doctor who had examined Xie Zheng was supposed to change his dressings on schedule, but Xie Zheng had sent him away with a single sentence: “Go see to the other soldiers first.”

The doctors all knew Xie Zheng’s temperament, and his medicine had just been changed last night, so they didn’t insist. Now, seeing Fan Changyu come looking, they felt greatly relieved and quickly gave her the herbal medicine to be changed and the decoction to be taken.

Returning with several packets of medicine, Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng leaning against the bed head and said stiffly: “Take off your clothes.”

Seeing the medicine in her hand, Xie Zheng didn’t ask anything, obediently removing his light outer garment.

Compared to when Fan Changyu had first found him, he was now obviously much more robust. The muscles of his waist and abdomen were clearly defined, but the numerous scars, both deep and shallow, were equally eye-catching.

Fan Changyu kept a straight face as she unwrapped the bandages that wound diagonally from his shoulder to his ribs, but her movements were as gentle as possible.

The innermost layer of bandages was stained with herbal juices and fresh blood, and the smell was unpleasant. When she saw the wound, which was slightly better than before but still horrifically ugly, Fan Changyu felt a mix of emotions and looked away.

She was about to apply the herbal medicine when her hand was grasped. The warm touch on the back of her hand made her scalp tingle as if all the blood in her arm was flowing backward. She frowned and looked at Xie Zheng.

There seemed to be many emotions in his eyes, yet none could be discerned. He said calmly: “The wound is a bit ghastly. I’ll do it myself.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu’s lips turned downward. She applied a little force to her hand, applying the herbal medicine to him. Xie Zheng looked at his hand that had been shaken off, lowering his eyes, lost in thought.

After applying the medicine, as Fan Changyu was wrapping clean bandages around his wound, she finally said in a muffled tone: “I’m not afraid of your wound.”

Xie Zheng was momentarily lost in thought because of Fan Changyu’s words. Before he could say anything, he heard Fan Changyu say: “Brush the hair away from your left shoulder.”

Due to being bedridden for many days, his tied-up hair had long since become messy, with many loose strands falling. To wrap the bandage over his shoulder, the stray hair needed to be brushed aside, and Fan Changyu didn’t have a free hand.

Xie Zheng did as she said, but some loose strands remained.

Fan Changyu wrapped the bandage around, continuing her previous words: “I’m afraid you’ll die.”

Xie Zheng’s long lashes lifted slightly, and there seemed to be a hint of surprise in his eyes, as bright as stars.

The girl before him murmured: “Such a severe wound, almost piercing into your organs. It must have been so painful at the time…”

Xie Zheng stared unblinkingly at her brows and eyes, feeling as if a tree with reversed barbs had sprouted in his heart. With each inch the roots grew deeper into his heart, it brought a sour, swelling pain. Yet the extending branches at the treetop made him feel a delicate tenderness, causing it to grow more wildly, spreading its branches and leaves.

He said: “I won’t die.”

How could he bear to die when he hadn’t married her yet?

Fan Changyu seemed innately incapable of lying. Her clear apricot eyes looked at this man before her, who, though weakened, was still handsome and fierce. She said: “All people will die.”

Xie Zheng smiled and said: “I know.”

When he truly smiled, it was extremely dazzling. Fan Changyu didn’t know why he suddenly smiled and was momentarily stunned by that smile. She frowned and continued wrapping the bandage.

Xie Zheng asked her: “Are you not angry with me anymore?”

Fan Changyu’s hands paused briefly, and she said: “I wasn’t really angry to begin with. I’m not from the military camp, I don’t understand the rules, and what you said wasn’t wrong.”

Her words were dignified, but Fan Changyu thought of her previous actions and felt a bit embarrassed.

She had indeed been angry, but she didn’t understand why she was angry.

After she went down the mountain to seize salt and solve the most pressing matter on the mountain, when she casually took two cloaks, she had been thinking of Yan Zheng and Chang Ning.

But when she returned full of joy, what awaited her was a barrage of scolding. She knew Yan Zheng’s words made sense, but she couldn’t control the feeling of hurt in her heart, a sentiment similar to grievance.

If it was wrong, it was wrong. What was there to feel grieved about?

Fan Changyu felt she had become very strange, even somewhat unlike herself, which was why she had hurried out.

In the past, she wouldn’t have cared so much about Yan Zheng’s words, after all, it wasn’t the first day or two that Yan Zheng had despised and looked down on her.

Now she would feel hurt because of his words.

Fan Changyu didn’t know where the problem lay, she felt as if she had become worse. Being able to correct mistakes was the right thing to do.

Hearing her words, Xie Zheng was also slightly stunned, then said: “My words earlier were too harsh. Your trip to the back mountain wasn’t reckless at all. On the contrary, you uncovered the rebels’ plot. The merit far outweighs any fault.”

Fan Changyu only smiled shyly, lacking the intimacy and ease of their previous interactions, and even showing some of the polite distance one might have with strangers.

After bandaging him, she stepped back and sat on a round stool, lowering her eyes as she said: “Someone will bring you medicine in the evening, remember to drink it. Tomorrow I’ve also asked Xiao Wu Brother to come help you change your dressings and wipe down. Rest well, if you need anything, just tell Xiao Wu. I heard you were originally in the same squad, it’s good to have a familiar face to look after you.”

Xie Zheng finally sensed something amiss, his handsome brows furrowing, “What do you mean?”

Fan Changyu casually made up an excuse: “The number of wounded soldiers on the mountain has increased, and the military doctors are overwhelmed. I’m going to help out as an assistant, so I won’t have time to come here. I’ve told Ning Niang to stay in her tent these couple of days and not go outside.”

Until Fan Changyu left, Xie Zheng didn’t say another word.

Fan Changyu didn’t feel very good either. She went alone to sit on a quiet, low slope and zoned out for a while.

She knew that with Yan Zheng’s proud nature, he wouldn’t lower himself to ask her to take care of him again, even if he misunderstood that she might be disgusted by his wounds, he wouldn’t ask anything more.

But she was indeed in a messy state of mind right now. Fan Changyu didn’t know what was wrong with herself. The only solution she could think of at the moment was to stay far away from Yan Zheng for now-

Gong Sun Yin spent the entire afternoon accepting the fact that the girl Xie Zheng liked was a freak just like him. When he went to discuss the upcoming battle plans with Xie Zheng, to avoid walking into a minefield, he first asked Xie Wu, who had been standing guard in the shadows, and learned that Fan Changyu had visited Xie Zheng and even changed his bandages. He thought to himself that surely this must have smoothed things over.

But as soon as he entered the tent and saw Xie Zheng’s expression, Gong Sun Yin wished he could turn around and leave immediately.

That face was like death – far from having his feathers smoothed, it was as if his ruffled feathers had been plastered down with glue!

That gaze was so cold it could form icicles!

Gong Sun Yin coughed lightly and asked: “I heard Miss Fan came by?”

As Xie Zheng’s cold, deep gaze turned towards him, Gong Sun Yin suddenly felt that the clothes he wore tonight were far too thin. The spring chill was truly bone-piercing.

He rubbed his arms and asked: “Did you two argue again? No, I went to the Fire Head Camp and said a bunch of nice things about you. Xie Jiuheng, you’re a grown man of eight feet tall, can’t you just swallow your pride and coax her a bit?”

Xie Zheng leaned back in his round chair, with unfinished official documents still laid out before him. His expression was full of gloom and self-loathing: “I apologized.”

Gong Sun Yin said: “With young ladies, of course, you need to humble yourself and coax them gently. Don’t just apologize with that sour face of yours…”

One look from Xie Zheng, and Gong Sun Yin fell silent.

After a good while, Xie Zheng finally said: “I apologized properly, and she said she wasn’t angry, but then she said she won’t be coming by anymore.”

Gong Sun Yin declared with almost complete certainty: “Isn’t it obvious she’s still angry!”

Seeing that Xie Zheng’s expression still seemed somewhat confused, Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but say: “Aren’t all women like this, saying one thing and meaning another! When she says she’s not angry, it means she is angry! She even said she won’t be coming by for the next few days, can’t you hear what that means?”

This was the first time in Xie Zheng’s life that he liked a girl, and he didn’t understand the thoughts of young women. He asked: “How can I make her stop being angry?”

Gong Sun Yin thought for a moment and said: “Actually, Miss Fan’s anger isn’t without reason. She has excellent martial skills. Before coming here, when the news about the dam construction upstream of Jizhou was discovered by rebel scouts, she dared to cross Wuling Ridge alone on a rainy night to intercept and kill the scouts. This morning when she went hunting, she single-handedly hunted a bear and brought it back. Such valor, even among your top generals, few could match. According to Xiao Wu, Miss Fan’s decision to pursue the rebels was made after clearly understanding the enemy’s strength. Not only is she both brave and intelligent, but this action also established real military merit. You scolded her without considering any of this. How could Miss Fan not be angry?”

Fan Changyu had previously been afraid of worrying Xie Zheng and had only briefly mentioned her experiences in Jizhou. Xie Zheng didn’t know about her exploits.

Now hearing about them, and learning that she had single-handedly hunted a bear, he was not without surprise but became even more silent.

Seeing this, Gong Sun Yin sighed: “Miss Fan is no ordinary woman. I know your words that day came from concern and good intentions, but in the future, you must not treat a phoenix-like a sparrow. Although I haven’t interacted much with Miss Fan, I can sense that she’s a girl with an extremely soft heart. For now, you might consider showing some vulnerability.”

Xie Zheng’s handsome brows and eyes showed a trace of confusion: “Show vulnerability?”-

The next day, Fan Changyu indeed went to help the military doctors as she had told Xie Zheng yesterday.

The story of her seizing salt and killing a bear had spread throughout the army overnight.

As soon as she arrived at the wounded soldiers’ tent, many soldiers actively greeted her. Discovering that she was a beautiful young woman, they were even more surprised.

The military doctor, knowing Fan Changyu’s identity, didn’t dare let her bandage the wounded and instead sent her to decoct medicine.

A wounded soldier said: “It’s a pity Miss Fan isn’t a man. With Miss Fan’s martial skills, she could earn her way to being a general based on military merit alone!”

In this dynasty, there had been female generals before, but they were all from military families.

For ordinary women, even with excellent martial skills, they couldn’t even enter the military register, let alone talk about going to battle and earning military merits.

A man said: “I wonder which brother will be lucky enough to marry Miss Fan. It wouldn’t just be smoke rising from his ancestors’ graves, it would be a full-on fire!”

Someone immediately elbowed that man and said in a low voice: “What nonsense are you talking about? Miss Fan already has a husband!”

Those who didn’t know asked eagerly: “Miss Fan is married?”

Xie Seventh said he came to help, but he was mainly there to secretly protect Fan Changyu. He entered carrying a newly decocted pot of medicine, just in time to hear a group of people discussing Fan Changyu heatedly. He immediately felt angry on behalf of his master and said: “Miss Fan traveled thousands of miles to come to this mountain just to find her husband.”

A wounded soldier immediately asked: “Who is Miss Fan’s husband? Has she found him?”

Xie Seventh was about to answer proudly when a wounded soldier who had heard some rumors cut in: “She found him, but I heard he’s almost dead, just barely hanging on.”

Xie Seventh: “…”

The crowd first sighed, then began to discuss enthusiastically. Some even discreetly tidied their hair when Fan Changyu came in.

Those eager gazes seemed to be hoping that Fan Changyu’s husband, who was “just barely hanging on,” would stop struggling and pass away soon.

After leaving the wounded soldiers’ tent, Xie Seventh couldn’t resist hurrying to report to Xie Zheng-

Meanwhile, Fan Changyu had just put the medicine sent by the military doctor on to decoct when Xie Wu came rushing to find her: “Miss Fan! It’s terrible! Your husband suddenly started coughing up blood. You’d better go back and check on him quickly!”

Fan Changyu was also startled and hurriedly asked: “How is he coughing up blood?”

Xie Wu didn’t dare look Fan Changyu in the eye, only saying with a mournful face: “I don’t know either. When I went in to deliver medicine, I found him coughing with blood all over his body and bedding!”

Fan Changyu thought to herself that such severe coughing was serious indeed. She quickly called the military doctor who had previously examined Xie Zheng to go back with her to check.

The young soldier who was decocting medicine with her was the same youth she had thrown out of the siege earlier.

The youth watched Fan Changyu and the military doctor hurry away, sighing: ” Is Sister Fan’s husband going to die?”

prajurit-prajurit nya plisss🤣🤣, mood banget

ini genre nya apa to, ngakak mulu dr td wkwkwk

Lmao. Love that his boys are all in on the scheme to help him get her back. So this was what the advisor meant by “showing vulnerability.” I thought he telling Xei Zheng to open up more and talk to her, but NOPE. The plan is to exaggerate his illness so she would feel sorry for him and come back. Lmao. These idiots…

Such idiots… instead of being honest and doubling down on his wrongness, he digs a bigger hole.

cough of blood, such extreme power of jelousy… wait, love tactics🤣🤣

How dumb I just realized why the title is that🤣

For a couple who have had so many misunderstandings due to poor communications, the worst thing you could do is cover him in chicken blood.

HAHHAHAHAHHAA

Zhu Yu – Chapter 82

Inside the tent, Xie Zheng frowned as he looked at the chicken blood on his clothes and cloak. “Isn’t this too much blood?”

While directing Xie Qi to take the freshly slaughtered wild chicken to the cooking area for soup, Gong Sun Yin replied, “Haven’t you visited the wounded camp before? Those injured soldiers have lost arms and legs—they’re all covered in blood. Miss Fan has seen plenty while helping in the wounded camp. If we don’t use enough blood, how will we convince her?”

As he spoke, his sharp eyes caught sight of a piece of down feather that had fallen from the wild chicken’s struggle and stuck to the edge of the cloak. He quickly plucked it off.

Noticing that although Xie Zheng’s face was pale with faint dark circles under his eyes, he showed no signs of fever, Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but comment, “You spent all night in the cold wind and washed your hair with cold water, yet you still show no signs of fever?”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

Gong Sun Yin resigned himself to the situation: “Well, well, this display of injury should be enough to garner sympathy.”

From outside the tent came Xie Wu’s voice: “They’re right in here!”

Gong Sun Yin quickly stepped back, sitting on a nearby stool with a compassionate expression.

Fan Chang Yu hurried into the tent with the military physician and immediately saw Xie Zheng lying weakly on the bed, a large bloodstain conspicuous on his clothes.

Her heart tightened, and she rushed forward. “Yan Zheng!”

Xie Zheng lay with his eyes tightly closed, his thin lips cracked, his face as white as snow. His disheveled hair fell across his forehead, and the dark circles under his eyes made him look haggard and desperate.

Fan Chang Yu felt as if an iron grip had seized her heart, and the dark bloodstain on his cloak made her eyes sting with unshed tears.

How could someone who had been fine just yesterday deteriorate so much in a single night?

Her remaining rationality helped her step aside and turn to the military physician: “Please check his pulse quickly!”

The physician, also startled by the scene, hurriedly took Xie Zheng’s pulse, fearing the worst. Upon feeling the pulse beneath his fingers, the physician’s expression showed something peculiar, but a glance up revealed Gong Sun Yin giving him a meaningful look.

The military physician stroked his goatee and said with concern, “Miss Fan, your husband’s condition is gravely dangerous!”

Fan Chang Yu pleaded, “Physician, please save him!”

The physician continued with a troubled expression, “With him coughing up this much blood, his previous injuries must have left considerable blood stagnation in his lungs. He needs medicine to nourish the yin and moisten the lungs. Moreover, the excessive blood loss combined with liver fire requires blood-enriching and hemostatic treatments. I’ll prescribe some medicines to be decocted immediately, but someone should stay with him at all times to prevent him from choking on blood while unconscious.”

Fan Chang Yu, now thoroughly frightened, quickly responded, “I won’t leave his side for a moment.”

After the physician left to prepare the medicine, Fan Chang Yu looked at Xie Zheng lying amid the bloodstains, her nose stinging with emotion as guilt overwhelmed her.

How could she have gotten angry yesterday and said she wouldn’t come here anymore when Yan Zheng was still severely injured?

If anything happened to Yan Zheng, she would carry the guilt for the rest of her life.

Seeing Fan Chang Yu’s expression, Gong Sun Yin knew their ruse had succeeded and offered timely comfort: “Miss Fan, please don’t worry too much. Young Master Yan will surely be blessed by heaven.”

Only then did Fan Chang Yu notice Gong Sun Yin’s presence, having been completely focused on Xie Zheng since entering. “Sir Gong Sun, you’re here as well?”

Gong Sun Yin lied smoothly: “When Young Master Yan suddenly started coughing blood, Little Five panicked. I happened to be patrolling nearby, so I told him to fetch the physician while I watched over Young Master Yan.”

Fan Chang Yu thanked Gong Sun Yin on Xie Zheng’s behalf. Gong Sun Yin smiled and replied, “We’re all good sons of Great Yin fighting on the battlefield. Preserving life means continuing to protect our kingdom’s borders—there’s no need for thanks. Now that Miss Fan is here to watch over him, I’ll take my leave.”

After Gong Sun Yin left, Fan Chang Yu moved a small stool beside Xie Zheng’s bed and said quietly, “You must get better.”

Perhaps because she was sitting too close, Fan Chang Yu caught the scent of fresh blood on the cloak and sniffed carefully. Having slaughtered pigs regularly, she was sensitive to the smell of pig blood, and after recent battlefield experience, she was also familiar with human blood. Yet this blood on the bedding not only had a strong metallic smell but also carried a faint hint of chicken feathers.

Just as she leaned in to smell more carefully, the “unconscious” Xie Zheng’s long lashes fluttered, and he weakly opened his eyes.

Fan Chang Yu immediately forgot everything else and exclaimed joyfully, “Yan Zheng, you’re awake?”

Xie Zheng stared at her for a moment before saying, “You came.”

His voice was broken and hoarse as if his throat had been damaged from excessive coughing.

These few words were enough to stir Fan Chang Yu’s emotions. She tucked his blanket and said, “The physician says your blood-coughing is from internal injuries and needs careful treatment. I’ll stay here to care for you, so just focus on recovering.”

Xie Zheng’s pale lips were stained with blood, making him appear even more frail. He slowly said, “I heard about what happened to you in Ji Zhou.”

Fan Chang Yu didn’t know his meaning and remained silent, listening as he continued with apparent difficulty: “After everything you’ve been through, you’re no longer the simple butcher’s daughter from Lin’an Town. I was wrong to criticize you after your return.”

Hearing him apologize again for his harsh words from yesterday only made Fan Chang Yu feel more ashamed. She lowered her eyes and said quietly, “Your criticism was justified. My survival and the soldiers’ safe return were merely luck. If Brother A’Qi hadn’t brought reinforcements in time, the rebels’ horses might have trampled us all to death.”

Having prepared herself mentally, she finally dared to look directly at Xie Zheng and said, “Getting angry at your criticism was narrow-minded of me. I’ll change.”

At this moment, filled with remorse and seeing blood still on his lips, she went to get hot water to clean him up.

Xie Zheng watched her leave, his brows slightly furrowed.

How had the conversation turned to narrow-mindedness?

When Xie Wu brought the prepared medicine, Fan Chang Yu took charge of feeding it to Xie Zheng spoonful by spoonful.

The thick cloak they had taken from the rebel camp, which Xie Zheng was using as bedding, was now stained with blood. Knowing his preference for cleanliness, Fan Chang Yu went to her quarters to fetch the cloak she and Chang Ning used at night. She covered Xie Zheng with it first, planning to wash both the bloodstained cloak and his bloody clothes together.

Xie Wu, fearing Fan Chang Yu might discover something while washing them, quickly took them to wash himself.

By evening, Fan Chang Yu wanted to stay to watch over Xie Zheng but was also concerned about leaving Chang Ning alone in their tent. Noticing the spare military beds in this tent, she brought Chang Ning over to sleep there with her.

While making the bed, she wondered aloud, “The wounded camps are all crowded, yet there are so many empty beds here. Why haven’t they sent anyone over?”

The military physicians were already avoiding Xie Zheng, let alone daring to place wounded soldiers in his tent.

Oil and candles were precious on the mountain, so at night, all military tents used braziers for light.

The flames licked at the darkness, casting a warm yellow glow over half of Xie Zheng’s face. His refined features seemed drawn in ink, his facial contours sharp and clear. He turned his head slightly to watch Fan Chang Yu make the bed and fabricated seriously: “I don’t know, perhaps the physicians have their arrangements.”

Fan Chang Yu, not very familiar with military camp management, didn’t dwell on the question. After preparing the bed for the sleepy Chang Ning, she told Xie Zheng, “If you need water or need to relieve yourself at night, just call me.”

When Xie Zheng heard the words “relieve yourself,” his ears grew hot, and he stared at Fan Chang Yu in surprise.

Meeting his gaze, Fan Chang Yu suddenly realized the implication and blushed, turning away: “What are you thinking? I meant I’d call the patrolling soldiers nearby to help.”

To better care for Xie Zheng, the bed where Fan Chang Yu and Chang Ning slept was placed next to his, separated by less than three feet.

She was exhausted from recent days and fell asleep almost as soon as she lay down.

After hearing both sisters’ breathing become deep and steady, Xie Zheng turned his head to look at the side of the bed. A piece of wood still burned in the brazier, its weak flame flickering, casting wavering light across Fan Chang Yu’s face, giving her peaceful features an indescribable allure.

A surge of emotion sprouted in his heart, coming on strong like the bite of countless ants. Xie Zheng stared at Fan Chang Yu’s slightly pouting lips, pressed against the pillow as she slept on her side. The darkness in his eyes grew deeper than the night, but ultimately, he did nothing. He turned away and closed his eyes heavily.

The next day, a group of new wounded soldiers was assigned to the tent. Some had injured hands, others injured feet, but none were completely bedridden—they could all help each other.

Fan Chang Yu took on the task of decocting medicine for these wounded soldiers, which also made it convenient for her to care for Xie Zheng during the day. At night, she still slept with Chang Ning in their tent, and Xie Zheng entrusted the newly wounded soldiers to help watch over him.

The new wounded soldiers were all very agreeable and generally quiet. Fan Chang Yu felt they were different from the wounded soldiers she had cared for before, but thinking that everyone was different, she didn’t dwell on it.

Little did she know that these soldiers were all from Xie Zheng’s personal guard unit, whom he had asked Gong Sun Yin to transfer there the previous night after hearing Fan Chang Yu’s questions.

As the half-month passed in the blink of an eye, Fan Changyu tended to the wounded soldiers in her spare time. She would take out a few books from her bundle to study, and with Yuan Zheng by her side as a readily available teacher, she could directly ask him about anything she didn’t understand.

Xie Zheng noticed Fan Changyu holding a copy of “Mencius” and asked, “Have you finished studying the ‘Analects’?”

Fan Changyu answered honestly, “Yes, I have.”

The scene of her protecting Li Huai’an when they encountered the mountain bandits flashed through Xie Zheng’s mind. His slender phoenix eyes raised slightly as he inquired, “Did you learn it by reading on your own?”

Fan Changyu replied, “The texts are profound, and even with annotations, many parts were still difficult to understand. When I was working on the dam upstream of Jizhou, I met an old gentleman. Though he appeared cold, he had a kind heart and taught me until I finished learning.”

Speaking of Old Tao, Fan Changyu’s face showed respect: “You don’t know, but that old man was quite a remarkable person. He later became a military advisor. However, he was getting on in years and had no children. His only student abandoned him, which was quite pitiful. When he was digging stones with me in the mountains, he would curse that student of his every day!”

Relieved that she hadn’t learned from Li Huai’an, Xie Zheng listened to Fan Changyu’s account of being mistaken for a spy and forced to dig stones to build the dam. He felt a mix of emotions, knowing it was his strategy that led to this, but the troops responsible for building the dam were under He Jingyuan’s command. At the time, he was in Yanzhou and truly didn’t know Fan Changyu had been detained there.

In the end, he only commented on Fan Changyu’s words: “If his student doesn’t respect his teacher, now that he’s in power, he should teach that student a lesson.”

Fan Changyu glanced at Xie Zheng, saying with some displeasure, “Although Old Master Tao doesn’t mince his words, he has a broad and generous mind.”

When Xie Zheng heard the old man’s surname was Tao, his finger paused as it traced the page. He asked, “What’s his full name?”

Fan Changyu replied, “I don’t know. He only said his surname was Tao.”

Considering how many people in the world shared the surname, Tao, Xie Zheng thought about what Fan Changyu said about the old man cursing his ungrateful student every day. This seemed to have nothing to do with Grand Tutor Tao. If his teacher had come out of seclusion after many years, he would surely have come to find him.

Putting aside his thoughts, he said, “Since he showed you kindness, you can promote him in the future.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Fan Changyu staring at him with a strange expression.

Realizing his mistake but unable to retract it, Xie Zheng heard Fan Changyu say with furrowed brows, “Old Master Tao is already an advisor under General Tang. How could you promote him? You’re not a general. Don’t say such things carelessly. It wouldn’t be good if Old Master Tao heard about it.”

Xie Zheng was taken aback, and then said, “I meant in the future.”

Fan Changyu’s expression seemed somewhat helpless: “Are you so certain you’ll become a general?”

Xie Zheng’s expression shifted slightly as he looked up from his book: “What if I became an official even higher than a general?”

Fan Changyu looked puzzled: “What official is higher than a general?”

Xie Zheng said as if casually, “A marquis or a chancellor.”

Fan Changyu stopped reading and asked him, “Does your wound still hurt?”

Xie Zheng, who had been meticulously cared for for days, didn’t understand why Fan Changyu suddenly asked this question. He carefully replied, “It’s fine, just a sharp pain when I exert myself.”

In truth, it had almost completely healed. As long as he didn’t use too much force, it barely hurt at all.

Fan Changyu handed him the cooled medicine bowl, “Drink your medicine first. Think about becoming a marquis or a chancellor after you’ve recovered.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

Two more days passed, and Xie Zheng’s wound still showed no “improvement.” Gong Sun Yin, irritated by a pile of military and capital city memorials, came to visit the patient with dark circles under his eyes and a murderous aura.

Fan Changyu hadn’t seen him for some time and was startled by Gong Sun Yin’s exhausted appearance with dark circles and lifeless eyes. “What happened to you, Mr. Gong Sun?”

Gong Sun Yin reined in his murderous aura and forced out a gentle smile: “Just busy with trivial matters.”

Fan Changyu said, “Mr. Gong Sun, you should take better care of your health.”

Gong Sun Yin smiled and agreed, then asked, “How is your husband’s injury?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “The military doctor said his internal injuries are quite severe and need time to heal. His wound still hurts.”

Gong Sun Yin maintained his smile, though it looked more like he was gritting his teeth: “Is that so? I’ll go see him.”

As Fan Changyu went to brew medicine, Gong Sun Yin entered the tent and dismissed the personal guards who had been pretending to be injured for half a month, their wounds already scabbing over and only bandaged for show. Seeing Xie Zheng napping with a book covering his face, Gong Sun Yin ground his back teeth audibly. He snatched the book away and roared, “If your wound doesn’t heal soon, I’m going to work myself to death with all these official documents!”

The more effort he had put into strategizing initially, the more Gong Sun Yin regretted it now. While Xie Zheng was truly resting, he felt like a donkey pulling a millstone.

No! Even a donkey had it easier than him!

What sin had he committed to dig this hole for himself to fall into?

Without the book blocking the light, the harsh daylight made Xie Zheng furrow his brow. As he lazily opened his eyes, perhaps due to good food and rest these days, his recovered vitality made his face stunningly handsome. Gong Sun Yin’s eyes reddened at the sight, wanting to strangle him.

There was a time when he was the one with the graceful bearing and ethereal presence! But now, with Xie Jiuheng hiding here pretending to be ill, to avoid Fan Changyu’s suspicion, he barely touched the brush to paper. At most, he would have his equally “ill” personal guards come to relay messages and give orders.

Now, every time Gong Sun Yin closed his eyes, all he saw was the pile of unfinished documents on his desk. It was driving him mad!

Xie Zheng sat up, ignoring Gong Sun Yin’s outburst. He glanced at the crumpled book in Gong Sun Yin’s hand and raised an eyebrow, his eyes showing a hint of displeasure: “Hand it over.”

Seeing his reaction, Gong Sun Yin looked at the cover and saw the words “Mencius” written on it. He found it strange and said, “You learned the Four Books not long after you started your education. Why did you bring this book to the mountains?”

He asked suspiciously, “You value it so much, is it some kind of improper book?”

As he casually flipped through it, he found detailed annotations for every word and sentence. Although the handwriting was different, Gong Sun Yin immediately recognized it as Xie Zheng’s.

Before he could look further, Xie Zheng snatched the book back.

Gong Sun Yin became even more aggrieved: “I’m imitating your handwriting to approve documents for you until my hand is about to fall off, and you’re here leisurely annotating an entire book of ‘Mencius’?”

Xie Zheng didn’t offer much explanation, only saying, “There’s a rare copy of the Seven Sages in my library. You can take it when we return.”

Gong Sun Yin immediately stopped complaining. He opened his fan and, with panda eyes, smiled and flattered, “Sharing the Marquis’s burdens is the duty of an advisor.”

Xie Zheng, seemingly unsurprised by this quick change of attitude, moved on to discuss official matters: “Chongzhou is surrounded by 20,000 Jizhou troops led by Tang Zhaoyi. They can’t send out supplies. The rebels at the foot of the mountain have been attacking for many days, their provisions are exhausted, and they’re already weary. It’s time to capture them all at once.”

While the Yanzhou troops on the mountain had been resting and recovering, the Chongzhou troops at the foot of the mountain had been reduced to digging up roots and eating tree bark for the past two days.

After their provisions were burned, the Chongzhou army faced three choices: return to Chongzhou, eliminate the Yanzhou troops on the mountain, or retreat without fighting to preserve their strength.

The first option, returning to Chongzhou, was impossible with 20,000 Jizhou troops guarding outside the city. The rebels at the foot of the mountain couldn’t enter Chongzhou without heavy losses. Even if they managed to return, they would face certain death when the main forces of Yanzhou and Jizhou surrounded Chongzhou.

Prince Changxin, with his deep scheming, had only withdrawn half of his troops that day, possibly anticipating this very situation. The half of the Chongzhou army at the foot of the mountain was his lifeline for Chongzhou.

Jizhou was already secure, and He Jingyuan was mobilizing a large army towards Chongzhou. If Chongzhou couldn’t be held, the Chongzhou troops at the foot of Yixian Gorge only needed to break out and find a stable city to regroup, and they could rise again.

The leader of that army was Prince Changxin’s trusted general, Shi Yue.

To burn the Chongzhou army’s provisions that day, Xie Zheng had deliberately used Sui Yuanqing as bait, tying up most of the rebel forces. In the end, Shi Yue piled up corpses to reach the mountain pass. Although he rescued Sui Yuanqing, he lost a considerable number of troops. With the provisions burned as well, it was like adding frost to snow.

Shi Yue thought that without Sui Yuanqing as a hostage and after being trapped for many days, the Yanzhou troops on the mountain would have lost their will to fight. Upon learning that their provisions had been burned, he angrily ordered attacks on the mountain for half a month. However, the terrain of Yixian Gorge was treacherous, and they suffered heavy losses.

The reinforcements from Yanzhou and Jizhou roaming at the foot of the mountain were cavalry. They kept moving through the forests, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. Even when they encountered the Chongzhou army on narrow paths, the cavalry would fight if they could win and flee if they couldn’t. The infantry on two legs couldn’t catch up with the cavalry on four, frustrating the Chongzhou commanders to no end.

Now, with provisions exhausted at the foot of the mountain and the Yanzhou troops still defending the mountain like an iron bucket, Shi Yue realized he couldn’t starve the Marquis of Wu’an to death on this mountain or achieve this extraordinary feat. He quickly adjusted his battle plan, marching at night and secretly withdrawing part of his troops.

With the frontal assault failing, the best course of action now was to preserve their strength-

The mountain suddenly fell into a tense atmosphere of preparation for battle. Fan Changyu heard various discussions about this battle in both the infirmary and the kitchen camps.

Troops were constantly being deployed to various mountain passes. As soon as one left the main tent, one could see military flags billowing throughout the camp, with waves of people under the flags rushing to their designated positions.

All wounded soldiers who could still hold a weapon were ordered to return to their units, and naturally, Xie Zheng had to go as well.

Fan Changyu could tell just by looking at the battle formation that this fight would be extremely dangerous. But Yuan Zheng’s wound still caused him sharp pain whenever he exerted himself, and he probably couldn’t even hold a weapon. Wouldn’t sending him to the battlefield be sending him to his death?

She thought of the bloody hole in Yuan Zheng’s body, and her heart filled with anxiety and unease.

j’ai hâte de voir sa réaction quand elle découvrira que c’est lui le marquis 😅

Zhu Yu – Chapter 83

Before the army’s departure, orders were given for the kitchen unit to prepare a hearty meal for the troops.

Fan Changyu went to help with slaughtering pigs. An old soldier from the kitchen unit, who had been spreading tales of her exploits, said to a newly transferred recruit, “Miss Fan has the courage of Mulan!”

The recruit, illiterate, scratched his head and asked, “Who’s Mulan?”

The old soldier gave the recruit a disapproving look. “You don’t know about Hua Mulan? She was a great hero during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. Her father had no sons and was too old when the court called for recruits. Fearing her father would die on the battlefield, she disguised herself as a man and served in the army for eleven years, achieving glorious military feats!”

The recruit exclaimed in surprise, “How could a woman hide in an army camp for eleven years without anyone finding out?”

This question stumped the old soldier, who impatiently replied, “That’s how it’s written in the plays. She just had that ability. In the end, she even received an imperial title from the emperor!”

The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart.

Since learning of the army’s imminent departure, Fan Changyu’s heart had been in constant turmoil. Hearing the old soldier’s story about Hua Mulan, she paused while wiping blood from the butcher’s knife, a bold idea forming in her mind.

She had previously noticed that Xiao Wu seemed quite close to Yan Zheng, and upon inquiry, learned they had been in the same unit. Knowing Yan Zheng’s bad temper, she feared he might offend others and have no support on the battlefield. When she asked about others in their unit, intending to help Yan Zheng maintain good relationships with his comrades, Yan Zheng revealed that everyone else had died, leaving only him and Xiao Wu.

Now, with the entire army mobilizing, he and Xiao Wu would be assigned to different units.

With the new assignments and no familiar faces, it would be even harder to find support on the battlefield. Given Yan Zheng’s injuries, this campaign might be a one-way trip. If she could take Yan Zheng’s place in this battle, while he helped her look after Chang Ning with the logistics troops in the rear, they might have a better chance of survival.

If she replaced Yan Zheng on the battlefield, he wouldn’t be considered a deserter. Moreover, no one in the new unit except Xiao Wu knew Yan Zheng and Xiao Wu would surely keep the secret. Her substitution wouldn’t be noticed by others, and they could switch back upon return.

Once this idea took root, she couldn’t shake it off.

Throughout this journey, she had lost too many loved ones and friends. Just imagining Yan Zheng being hacked to death on the battlefield made her heart clench.

After leaving the kitchen unit, Fan Changyu went straight to the infirmary.

The physician wasn’t there. A young lad was brewing medicine for the severely wounded soldiers who were still bedridden.

The boy was called Wu Sanjin. It was said that his mother gave birth to him while fleeing from disaster. With adults being skin and bones during the famine, there was little nutrition for children. When he was born, he weighed only three jin (about 1.5 kg). His parents thought he wouldn’t survive, but to their surprise, he grew up well, so they named him Sanjin.

After enlisting, due to his small stature, he was assigned to the logistics unit.

Seeing Fan Changyu, Wu Sanjin greeted her warmly, “Sister Changyu, are you looking for Physician Han? He’s out.”

Physician Han was the one who had examined Xie Zheng.

Fan Changyu said, “I’m here to see you.”

Wu Sanjin, holding a palm-leaf fan, looked puzzled. “Me?”

When Fan Changyu felt guilty, her expression became even more righteous. She asked, “Do you know where the knockout powder is kept?”

Wu Sanjin, who had been doing odd jobs in the infirmary for days, knew exactly where the medicines were stored. He said, “I do. What do you need knockout powder for, Sister Changyu?”

Fan Changyu continued with her righteous facade, “I want to hunt some wild boars to prepare a feast for the army’s triumphant return. Mixing the knockout powder with coarse bran to set a trap will make it easier to catch them.”

Wu Sanjin, unsuspecting, quickly went into the tent and retrieved a packet of powder, handing it to Fan Changyu. “This is enough to catch ten wild boars.”

Fan Changyu thanked him, tucked the powder into her bosom, and left.

Inside the main tent, the personal guards who had been feigning illness for days were now donning their armor.

Xie Wu reported the frontline situation to Xie Zheng: “Our vanguard has intercepted the rebels. We’re just waiting for the main force to surround them. However, scouts have reported that the rebels secretly withdrew part of their troops last night, with Sui Yuanqing among them.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened. “Order Chen Liang to lead a thousand elite cavalry in pursuit.”

Xie Wu saluted, “This subordinate will relay the order immediately.”

Xie Qi, guarding the door, suddenly announced, “Madam is coming!”

Xie Zheng and the guards inside all changed their expressions slightly.

Fan Changyu entered the tent carrying a bowl of soup, only to find all the wounded soldiers fully dressed, as if ready to return to their units.

After awkwardly greeting Fan Changyu, they gathered their belongings and left.

Xie Wu glanced at Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng, then stood up and said, “I’ll go prepare as well.”

With only Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng left in the tent, Fan Changyu placed the soup on the table and asked him, “Have you prepared everything?”

Xie Zheng replied with amusement, “What else is there to prepare for battle besides weapons?”

Fan Changyu picked up the tattered armor hanging at his bedside, examined its poor condition, and frowned, “How can you wear armor in this state? Let me mend it for you.”

This set of common soldier’s armor was previously procured by Xie Wu. Other wounded soldiers in the infirmary all had their armor hanging by their bedsides. If they didn’t have armor there, it might arouse Fan Changyu’s suspicion.

Xie Zheng, originally lost in thoughts about the battle situation, inadvertently looked at Fan Changyu. Seeing her threading the needle, he became transfixed.

The last time he went to war, he didn’t even have a proper farewell with Fan Changyu. This time, he suddenly experienced a bittersweet feeling.

Neither spoke. Fan Changyu lowered her eyes, focusing on mending the tattered armor. A strand of hair fell, clinging to her fair cheek, her small, white ears peeking through her black hair. At this moment, her expression was gentle and serene.

Of course, if one looked at her stitching, it wasn’t quite as gentle or serene.

Unfortunately, Xie Zheng didn’t notice. His gaze lingered on Fan Changyu’s earlobe, half-hidden by her black hair. His heart pounded as if a wild beast was rampaging inside. As if possessed, he reached out to tuck that loose strand behind her ear, his fingertips brushing against her small, white ear. Fan Changyu looked up at him.

The wicked desire in his heart suddenly became uncontrollable. His fingers, which should have moved away, suddenly applied more pressure and slid to the back of her head.

He lowered his head and kissed her, gentle yet not quite gentle.

One hand forcefully tangled in Fan Changyu’s hair. Because she didn’t resist, when they parted, a vein throbbed at his temple, his breath hot, his eyes tinged with red, like a fierce wolf torn between devouring her whole and restraining itself due to the circumstances.

“Wait for me to return,” he said, his clear voice now hoarse.

Fan Changyu’s lips stung from his bite. She wanted to slap him but held back. She sincerely negotiated with him, “Yan Zheng, let me take your place on the battlefield.”

Xie Zheng’s handsome brows immediately furrowed. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Fan Changyu said, “Your wounds haven’t healed. What if you can’t even swing a sword on the battlefield?”

Xie Zheng, remembering his previous lie, awkwardly said, “I’m a sword infantryman in the infantry formation. I’m only responsible for clearing out scattered remnants after the vanguard’s charge. It’s not dangerous.”

Seeing his resolute attitude, Fan Changyu seemed somewhat disappointed. She said, “Then be very careful.”

She then asked, “Which infantry unit are you in? Under which general?”

Xie Zheng hadn’t expected Fan Changyu to become so familiar with the army’s organization during her days in the camp. He knew he shouldn’t continue deceiving her, but with matters at a critical point, he had to keep up the lie: “Third Unit of the Left Guard Army, under General Li Lian.”

Fan Changyu secretly noted this, then went to the table and brought over the bowl of chicken soup. “I caught a wild chicken and secretly stewed this for you. Drink it and then return to your unit with Brother Xiao Wu.”

Xie Zheng, unsuspecting, quickly drank the soup.

Fan Changyu watched him, her expression somewhat complex. She said, “When I’m not around, please help me look after Chang Ning.”

The whole world began to spin. Xie Zheng finally realized something was wrong and his expression changed. “You…”

But his body had already weakened. He had barely taken a step when he collapsed. Fan Changyu quickly caught him and whispered to the unconscious man, “I don’t want you to die.”

Fearing someone might search the infirmary tent and discover Xie Zheng’s identity, Fan Changyu carried him on her back to the tent she shared with Chang Ning.

Seeing Xie Zheng on Fan Changyu’s back, Chang Ning’s face turned pale. “Sister, is Brother-in-law dying again?”

Fan Changyu choked slightly and said, “No, he’s just temporarily unconscious. He’ll wake up in about half an hour. Ning, be good and stay in the tent with your brother-in-law. If you encounter any danger and he hasn’t woken up yet, use a needle to poke him awake.”

The knockout powder Wu Sanjin had given her was enough to knock out a wild boar.

Mainly because Yan Zheng’s willpower was stronger than most, she feared a normal dose wouldn’t be enough to subdue him.

After handing Chang Ning a needle, Fan Changyu untied the dagger strapped to her leg and gave it to her as well. “Just in case, take this dagger too. Remember, if there’s danger, wake your brother-in-law immediately by poking him with the needle, not the dagger. Once he’s awake, he’ll protect you.”

Chang Ning held the embroidery needle in one hand and the dagger in the other, nodding vigorously. But she couldn’t help asking, “What about you, Sister?”

Fan Changyu replied, “I’m going to fight those bad people who took you and Bao’er away. I’ll come back after defeating them.”

Chang Ning grabbed a corner of Fan Changyu’s clothes, her grape-like eyes brimming with tears and concern. “Please be careful, Sister.”

Fan Changyu stroked her head. “Don’t worry, Sister is going to avenge you!”

After instructing Chang Ning, she tucked the butcher’s knife and bone cleaver into her waist and left the tent, heading towards the Left Guard Army camp. As luck would have it, she encountered Xie Wu on the way.

When Xie Wu saw her wearing the Yanzhou army uniform, he had an ominous premonition. He stuttered, “Miss… Miss Fan.”

Fan Changyu asked puzzledly, “Brother Xiao Wu, haven’t you returned to your unit yet?”

Xie Wu stiffly replied, “I… I was going to find Brother Yan.”

Fan Changyu glanced around and pulled Xie Wu aside, whispering, “Brother Xiao Wu, you know my husband is still severely injured. His going to the battlefield is certain death. I’m taking his place in battle. Please pretend you don’t know about this. When we return from this campaign, I’ll switch back with my husband. No one will know.”

Xie Wu thought to himself, how could no one know?

Although the battle plan had been set in advance and several army units were moving down the mountain in an orderly manner, it would be suspicious if the Marquis never showed up from beginning to end!

Yet he didn’t dare to reveal Xie Zheng’s true identity to Fan Changyu on his own. He could only advise, “Miss Fan, don’t be foolish. This is a serious military offense punishable by beheading!”

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Wu, her slightly round almond eyes sincere yet determined, with a hint of coolness like a hunting tiger or leopard. She said, “I’m sorry, Brother Xiao Wu, I just don’t want my husband to die in vain on the battlefield. If he wasn’t injured, I wouldn’t resort to this. Sending him to the battlefield now, I’d be more effective at killing enemies than he would. This won’t cause any loss to the army. As for the punishment for violating military orders, I’ll bear it all when I return. My husband was drugged unconscious by me. To avoid implicating you, Brother Xiao Wu, I should knock you out here too.”

Seeing Fan Changyu raising her hand, Xie Wu quickly said, “I’ll help Miss Fan keep the secret. Let’s go kill enemies together. At least we can watch each other’s backs on the battlefield.”

Fan Changyu didn’t understand why he changed his mind so quickly, but since he said so, she lowered her hand and said, “Then let’s return to the unit.”

Xie Wu heaved a great sigh of relief. If it came to blows, he definitely wouldn’t be a match for this young woman.

The only plan now was to send a message to the other personal guards to search for Xie Zheng, while he followed Fan Changyu to protect her.

Xie Wu let out several sharp whistles. Fan Changyu suddenly turned to look at him, “What are you whistling for?”

Xie Wu broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, a hawk was flying across the sky. He pointed at it and said with a forced smile, “I heard an old soldier in the camp say that hawk training uses whistles like this to give commands. I wanted to see if it’s true.”

Fan Changyu asked, “Does it work on untrained hawks too?”

Xie Wu stiffly pointed at the hawk in the sky and said, “I tried it, but it doesn’t seem to work.”

Fan Changyu was very disappointed. She had been thinking that if it worked, she would learn it too and catch another falcon for Chang Ning.

The main force of the central route had already set out. Fan Changyu followed the banners to find the Third Unit of the Left Guard Army. As she and Xie Wu took their places at the back of the formation, the squad leaders were counting their soldiers.

The fully armored colonel stood at the front of the formation, looking imposing and majestic.

When the squad leader at the very back reached Fan Changyu and Xie Wu during the count, he barked, “Which squad are you from? How did you end up in my unit?”

Xie Wu, not intimidated at all, answered loudly, “We were reassigned from the disbanded infantry unit.”

He did this to draw Colonel Li Lian from the Third Unit over.

Sure enough, Li Lian noticed the commotion at the back of the formation and strode over, shouting sternly, “The army is about to move out. What’s all this noise about?”

The squad leader reported, “General, there are two extra people in the formation. They say they were reassigned from elsewhere.”

Li Lian had been part of the personal guard in his early years. Later, when he could handle things independently, Xie Zheng had assigned him to the Left Guard. He naturally recognized Xie Wu.

Those in the personal guard who had been granted the Xie surname were formerly nameless death soldiers, and they were the most loyal to Xie Zheng.

Xie Wu gave Li Lian a meaningful look. Li Lian didn’t question why he and another unfamiliar soldier had appeared in his unit, assuming it was for some secret mission. He just scolded the squad leader, “We lost so many men defending the mountain these past days. We finally got some reinforcements, and you’re complaining about having too many people in my unit?”

The squad leader, having been scolded, immediately fell silent.

The soldiers who had been curiously eyeing Fan Changyu and Xie Wu quickly stood at attention, not daring to look around anymore.

Fortunately, the soldiers Fan Changyu had interacted with before were all from the kitchen and infirmary units. Soldiers from other units had only heard her name but never seen her.

Now, wearing tattered armor and standing with her head lowered in the formation, the soldiers just thought this newcomer looked as thin as a monkey and paid her no further attention.

Li Lian returned to the front of the formation with his hands behind his back. Xie Wu, seeing this, became extremely anxious. He was about to suggest to Li Lian to find a way to kick him and Fan Changyu out of the unit – after all, he couldn’t let Fan Changyu go into battle. But just then, there was a commotion at the front of the army formation. A scout came galloping back with the news: “Shi Yue has led his men to tear open a gap in our vanguard and is trying to escape south. The Military Advisor orders the Left Guard Army to immediately go support the vanguard.”

The commander of the Left Guard Army shouted, “First three units of the Left Guard Army, march at full speed!”

The neatly arranged formation immediately broke into groups of five, rushing towards the battlefield.

Xie Zheng’s guards often used whistle signals to convey simple messages.

The sharp and urgent ones meant that Xie Zheng might be in danger.

Upon hearing Xie Wu’s whistle, the personal guards immediately went to search for Xie Zheng. Not finding him in the infirmary tent where he had been staying, they searched the surrounding area following clues and quickly found the tent of Fan Changyu and her sister.

Chang Ning had been holding the embroidery needle, guarding Xie Zheng. Hearing urgent footsteps approaching the tent, she quickly poked Xie Zheng with the needle.

The unconscious man opened his eyes almost instantly. The guard who lifted the tent flap was overjoyed to see Xie Zheng. Disregarding Chang Ning’s presence, he called out, “Marquis!”

Xie Zheng’s face was terrifyingly dark. He tried to walk out of the tent but, due to the lingering effects of the knockout powder, his body was weak. He managed to steady himself by grabbing a tent pole.

The guard hurried over to support him, “Marquis, what’s wrong with you?”

Xie Zheng noticed the dagger Chang Ning had placed by the bed. He picked it up and forcefully cut his palm. Blood dripped from the dagger’s tip onto the ground. Chang Ning let out a short, frightened cry, her little face turning pale.

The pain clearly helped Xie Zheng shake off some of the drug’s effects, but his expression grew even darker. He asked the guard, “Where is Li Lian’s Left Guard Army unit now?”

The guard answered, “Shi Yue has somehow recruited a formidable general with incredible strength. No one can stop him. Shi Yue is using this general to break through, and he’s torn open a gap in our vanguard. The Military Advisor has ordered the Left Guard Army to fill the gap in the vanguard.”

Xie Zheng couldn’t sit still for a moment. He strode out of the tent, coldly ordering, “Bring me my battle armor! And gather five hundred elite cavalry!”

The vanguard he had sent out this time included some of his best generals. If even the vanguard couldn’t stop Shi Yue, this battle didn’t look promising.

Soon, a guard came carrying his heavy set of dark scale armor to help him put it on. Chang Ning followed out of the tent in a daze. Seeing Xie Zheng’s icy expression, she swallowed the words “Brother-in-law” that had almost left her mouth.

She had never seen her brother-in-law with such a frightening expression before, as if he was about to devour someone whole. He didn’t look like the brother-in-law she remembered at all.

Moreover, these people were calling her brother-in-law “Marquis.” What was a Marquis?

A guard brought Xie Zheng’s war horse. He fastened his dark cloak and coldly instructed the guard beside him, “Send a message to Gong Sun Yin, tell him to tighten the encirclement at the rear. No need to send reinforcements to the vanguard.”

As he mounted his horse, he glanced at Chang Ning, who stood like a little cabbage at the tent entrance, and said to Xie Qi, “Look after her.”

Xie Qi saluted in acknowledgment. Xie Zheng had already spurred his horse and galloped away, with more than a dozen personal guards instantly following.

Chang Ning’s eyes were filled with tears. She wanted to cry but didn’t dare. Why had her brother-in-law become so fierce after waking up?

Xie Qi had no experience with children and awkwardly tried to comfort her. Chang Ning, probably realizing he wouldn’t scold her, suddenly burst into tears, “I want my sister!”

Xie Qi hadn’t seen Fan Changyu and was quite puzzled. He asked her, “Where did your sister go?”

Chang Ning sobbed, “Sister said she went to fight the bad people.”

Xie Qi’s heart sank. He continued to ask, “How did the Marquis… I mean, your brother-in-law, get here?”

Chang Ning sniffled, “Sister carried him back.”

Xie Qi choked, suddenly understanding why his Marquis had such a murderous expression when he woke up.

He looked at Chang Ning, thinking it would be best to take the child away from this troublesome situation. He said, “Don’t cry. Would you like to go see some wild chickens?”

Chang Ning was still sobbing uncontrollably. She was scared and kept calling for her sister. Xie Qi went through a list of all the wild animals he could think of on the mountain – wild boars, wild oxen – but when he mentioned falcons, Chang Ning’s sobs finally stopped. She looked up with her big, teary eyes and asked, “Falcons?”

Xie Qi, seeing an opportunity, quickly said, “Yes, white-headed gyrfalcons. Their wingspan is this big. Do you want to see them?”

Chang Ning looked at the size he was gesturing and nodded, “Yes.”

To facilitate quick access to messages, the gyrfalcons had been under the rotating care of the personal guards these days. Regardless of day or night, whenever a gyrfalcon returned with a message, the guard on duty would present it to Xie Zheng.

It happened to be Xie Qi’s turn on duty these days. He figured that taking the child along would allow him to watch both the child and the falcon, making things easier.

Fan Changyu didn’t know where the battlefield between the two armies was located. She only felt that as they ran along, what had been mountainous terrain with green trees gradually became barren ground trampled bare of grass. From far away, she could hear the deafening sounds of battle, coming in waves like the tide, each louder than the last.

The wind blowing over the hills carried the stench of blood.

This was Fan Changyu’s first real participation in a large-scale battle. She didn’t feel scared herself, but her heart was inexplicably racing, and goosebumps rose on her arms beneath her arm guards.

Standing in the middle-rear of the formation, she and Xiao Wu couldn’t see clearly what was happening on the battlefield ahead. They only heard some general roar in a voice that nearly broke, “Cavalry, charge!”

Then another wave of battle cries rose up, so loud it made their eardrums ache. The ground began to shake from the direction of the valley ahead, as if the entire earth was trembling.

Fan Changyu felt that Xiao Wu seemed even more nervous than her. He said to Fan Changyu, “Miss Fan, when we get to the battlefield, stay close to me. Don’t take any unnecessary risks!”

Fan Changyu responded with a “Yes,” but the infantry in front of them also let out a roar that instantly drowned out her voice. Everyone was drawing their swords and charging forward.

At this point, it was impossible to hear any orders. Everyone was simply following what the person in front of them was doing.

Fan Changyu’s heartbeat was like a drum. Perhaps due to nervousness, her blood felt like it was flowing backward, and she couldn’t even feel the fatigue from the long march. She followed the army as it poured onto the battlefield like a flood.

The ground was covered with corpses. They were practically stepping on bodies as they charged forward. When they engaged in close combat with the frenzied rebels, the deafening roars seemed to serve as a boost to their courage.

A soldier running in front of Fan Changyu was impaled by a rebel wielding a long spear. The squad leader of that soldier, who had earlier questioned Fan Changyu and Xie Wu’s identities, let out a ferocious roar. He raised his ring-pommel saber and brought it down on the rebel’s face, sending blood and flesh flying.

The remaining three soldiers in the squad, their eyes bloodshot, followed closely behind their squad leader in the charge. When one was knocked down, they worked together to rescue him.

Fan Changyu suddenly gained a deeper understanding of what Gong Sun Yin had told her on the day she raided the supply wagon.

It wasn’t just the generals who took responsibility for the lives of their soldiers; even small unit leaders like squad leaders and section chiefs were doing their utmost to protect their men.

Faced with living, breathing people, she still couldn’t bring herself to strike fatal blows as easily as chopping vegetables. She only aimed for non-vital areas, ensuring that her opponents were incapacitated but not killed.

When the squad leader nearly had his head chopped off, Fan Changyu deflected the fatal blow for him. He turned to look at her for a moment, said nothing, and continued fighting the rebels with his blood-covered face.

A mounted rebel general charged into their group of entangled infantry. Taking advantage of his horse’s momentum, he thrust his long spear, skewering many Yanzhou soldiers.

Even those who weren’t killed were knocked down by him, and the Chongzhou soldiers immediately swarmed in to finish them off. The Yanzhou infantry was clearly at a disadvantage.

Xie Wu, being a military man, was infuriated by the sight. Seeing that Fan Changyu’s martial skills were superior and that no nearby soldiers could harm her, he grabbed the saddle of the charging rebel general’s horse and used the momentum to flip himself up. His long sword came slashing down.

The rebel on horseback quickly raised his long spear to block the attack, but Xie Wu had already landed steadily on the horse’s back. At such close range, the rebel general’s long weapon was at a disadvantage. Xie Wu used his dagger to slit the rebel’s throat and pushed him off the horse.

“You little bastard, die!” Another rebel general, seeing this, charged over. He wielded a pair of spiked hammers that whistled through the air. As he charged, countless soldiers on foot were sent flying by his hammers, clearly demonstrating his immense strength.

Xie Wu’s fighting style relied on agility, and he didn’t dare to confront this opponent head-on. He quickly abandoned the horse and dodged. Li Lian, seeing his soldiers being slaughtered mercilessly by the rebel general, tried to stop him.

However, as soon as his horse-lance clashed with the opponent’s weapon, both he and his horse were forced back several steps. His hand was in excruciating pain, and he could barely hold onto his weapon. Li Lian’s face changed instantly.

The rebel general laughed loudly, “Not satisfying at all! Why is your hand as soft as noodles?”

From a distance, some general who had noticed Li Lian engaging the rebel general shouted, “General Li, be careful! That scoundrel has incredible strength. Even the commander was knocked off his horse by him!”

Hearing this, Li Lian was greatly alarmed. When the rebel general charged at him with his hammers, Li Lian managed to exchange a few moves, but he felt that this man truly had inexhaustible strength. Not only were the pair of spiked hammers heavy, but they were also incredibly nimble in his hands. Once hit, it would mean certain death or severe injury.

As the enemy launched another fierce attack, he swiftly raised his spear to block, but it was no match for the opponent’s incredible strength. The hammer still struck his body, causing him to spit out a mouthful of blood. Fortunately, most of the force had been deflected, saving him from instant death.

“Not a single worthy opponent among you!” the rebel general roared arrogantly.

As he was about to bring down his second hammer blow, a rope suddenly flew from an unknown direction, firmly looping around his neck. With a powerful yank, the rebel leader dug his feet into the stirrups, dropped one hammer, and grabbed the rope with his hand, engaging in a tug-of-war to avoid being pulled off his horse.

He glanced sideways towards the source of the rope, only to find a frail-looking Yan soldier holding the other end.

Li Lian seized this opportunity and thrust his spear forward. The rebel general deflected it with his hammer, nearly knocking the weapon out of Li Lian’s hands.

Failing to land a hit, Li Lian didn’t linger and quickly retreated on horseback.

The rebel general, a mountain of a man atop his horse, glared menacingly at Fan Changyu. He gripped the rope with both hands and yanked hard, attempting to pull what he perceived as a weak Yan soldier towards him.

Caught off guard, Fan Changyu stumbled forward but quickly planted her feet firmly on the ground, becoming as immovable as if she had taken root.

Refusing to give up, the rebel general pulled with all his might. Simultaneously, a rebel soldier tried to stab Fan Changyu with a long spear. She timed her move perfectly, releasing the rope and kicking away the attacking soldier.

Without resistance on the other end, the rebel general lost his balance and tumbled off his horse.

The sharp-eyed Yan soldiers rushed in with their spears, but the rebel general, despite his bulk, proved surprisingly agile. He rolled on the ground, drew a knife to cut the rope around his neck, then grabbed a soldier’s spear, lifting both the weapon and the man. He swung the unfortunate soldier like a flail, forcing back the attacking Yan troops before hurling the man into the densest group of enemies, knocking down many.

The Yan army suffered heavy losses, and the soldiers’ initial fearless spirit began to waver, showing signs of hesitation.

The rebel general retrieved his fallen hammers and casually crushed Yan soldiers underfoot as he strode towards Fan Changyu. He grinned maliciously, saying, “You skinny monkey, you’ve got some strength in those arms. Let’s see how many of grandpa’s hammer blows you can take!”

Xie Wu, having just sliced off a rebel soldier’s neck, shouted desperately at Fan Changyu, “Run!”

Fan Changyu wanted to flee, but watching the rebel general’s hammers swing and smash, sending Yan soldiers flying with cracked skulls and splattered brains, she found herself unable to move. Xie Wu, in an attempt to cover her retreat, charged fearlessly at the rebel leader.

She discarded the ring-pommel sword she had picked up and drew the black iron cleaver and bleeding knife from her waist. With a sharp metallic scrape, she rubbed the blades together and rushed towards the rebel general, her gaze as cold and piercing as lightning in a raging storm.

Xie Wu, relying on his agility, managed to slash a wound on the rebel general’s body but was quickly knocked to the ground by a powerful blow. Half his body went numb, and as he saw the hammer descending towards his face, he instinctively closed his eyes, expecting his head to explode in a spray of red and white. However, the fatal strike never came. Instead, he heard a tooth-grinding clash of metal.

Xie Wu opened his eyes to see Fan Changyu kneeling on one knee, her two black iron butcher knives crossed to block the rebel general’s descending hammer.

Her jaw was clenched tight, her knee half-buried in the ground.

Xie Wu’s eyes instantly welled up with tears. Fan Changyu managed to squeeze out a single word through gritted teeth: “Go!”

Xie Wu didn’t hesitate. As he rolled away from the hammer’s range, he threw a dagger at the rebel general.

The rebel general, who was about to strike Fan Changyu with his other hammer, was forced to use it to deflect the incoming dagger.

Fan Changyu seized this chance to escape, simultaneously flipping her butcher knives upward and pressing the blades down on the rebel general’s hand, cutting a deep, bone-deep gash.

As the rebel general swung his hammer in pain, Fan Changyu leaped backward to avoid it.

The rebel general glanced at the bleeding wound on his hand, his face contorting with rage. He bellowed, “You’re dead!”

With that, he ignored his injury and swung his hammers with even more ferocity, intent on taking Fan Changyu’s life.

His hammers were solid, weighing over eight hundred jin. When Fan Changyu had blocked the blow earlier to save Xie Wu, the impact had nearly split her palms. Her butcher knives were too short and light to effectively counter his hammers.

Now, Fan Changyu no longer tried to block his strikes, focusing solely on dodging. When she absolutely couldn’t avoid a hit, she was forced to parry, causing blood to stain her knife handles. As she found herself unable to dodge once more, one of her knives, the bleeding knife, was knocked from her grasp.

Seeing Fan Changyu lose one of her weapons, the rebel general grew even more excited. “I’ll flatten you into a meat pancake!” he roared.

Fan Changyu kicked up a fallen broadsword to replace her lost knife. However, when it clashed with the hammer, the military-grade broadsword snapped in two.

The Left Guard Army Commander, wounded by the rebel general’s hammer and unable to remount his horse, was dragged to safety by his personal guards. Watching Fan Changyu exchange blows with the rebel general for several rounds, he remarked with surprise, “Which unit is that soldier from?”

The surrounding guards all shook their heads, not knowing.

The Left Guard Army Commander observed closely and said, “If he had a suitable weapon, he might be able to match that rebel general. Someone, bring him my Modao!”

As a guard was about to take his long-handled, ornate Modao to Fan Changyu, the anxious Xie Wu rushed over, shouting, “Where is Left Guard Army Commander Yan Yi?”

Recognizing him as Xie Zheng’s personal guard, the Left Guard Army Commander quickly dismounted despite his injuries and replied, “I am here.”

Xie Wu, his eyes bloodshot, pointed towards Fan Changyu and said urgently, “Quick, send troops to rescue the Madam!”

The Left Guard Army Commander froze in shock. “Madam?”

Xie Wu, no longer caring about secrecy, explained, “The one fighting that rebel general is our Lord’s wife!”

The Left Guard Army Commander felt as if he deserved to lose several heads for this oversight. However, his wounds were so severe that he could barely hold a weapon. He could only dispatch a few junior officers with troops to provide support.

Xie Wu requested a horse from him, intending to return and assist Fan Changyu. The Left Guard Army Commander handed him the Modao, saying, “This might be useful!”

Xie Wu, with no time to waste, took the Modao and cut his way through the rebel soldiers, charging towards Fan Changyu.

Meanwhile, Fan Changyu had picked up several broadswords, all of which met the same fate of being broken. As another hammer blow came her way, she failed to dodge in time, and her helmet was knocked off. Her hair bun remained intact, but it was now clear that she was a woman.

The rebel general seemed surprised to discover that the person who had exchanged so many blows with him was a young woman. Despite her disheveled state, her beauty was still evident. He laughed heartily and shouted, “A woman? Capture her! Every Chongzhou soldier can be a groom tonight!”

The Chongzhou troops cheered and howled, their fighting spirit intensifying.

The rebel general now seemed less intent on killing Fan Changyu, focusing instead on capturing her alive. His hammer strikes, while less deadly, became even trickier to avoid.

Fan Changyu’s face remained cold as ice. She snatched a long spear from a Chongzhou soldier to use as a weapon. With the longer reach, her attacks instantly became more fierce, her moves grand and imposing. She even forced the rebel general to retreat a few steps. However, when he exerted his full strength, her spear snapped in two.

The rebel general threw back his head and laughed mockingly.

A streak of blood appeared on Fan Changyu’s face. She discarded the broken spear, her eyes fixed intently on the rebel general’s right hand hammer—his right hand had been deeply cut by her earlier, making it easier to target.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind her, “Catch the blade!”

Fan Changyu turned to see a long-handled Modao being thrown towards her.

As she reached out to catch it, the rebel general swung his hammer at her. If she continued to reach for the Modao, she would surely be struck by his hammer.

She feinted as if to catch the Modao, but instead tensed her foot and delivered a powerful kick to the rebel general’s armpit on his hammer-wielding arm. As he cried out in pain, Fan Changyu’s hand, which had pretended to reach for the Modao, swiftly grabbed his hammer. Without pause, she swung it forcefully at the rebel general.

The rebel general quickly raised his other hammer to block. The two massive hammers collided with a resounding “weng,” a metallic screech that momentarily deafened those standing nearby.

The spikes on the hammers were flattened on impact, and the rebel general staggered back a step, nearly losing his grip on his weapon.

His face twitched, finally realizing the gravity of the situation. With a weapon of equal power, this woman before him might actually defeat him.

Fan Changyu didn’t give him a moment’s respite, continuing to swing the hammer at him. The second blow caused the rebel general’s palm to split open. She grinned at his shocked expression and taunted, “Let me show you how to make a meat pancake!”

With those words, she gripped the blood-soaked hammer handle with both hands and brought it down hard on the rebel general. He instinctively tried to block with his own hammer, but the force sent both him and his weapon flying.

One of the hammers embedded deeply into his abdomen, truly pounding him into the ground.

He struggled to sit up but only managed to cough up a mouthful of blood before his eyes widened, and he fell back, lifeless.

The vast battlefield suddenly fell silent.

The rebel soldiers who had been eyeing Fan Changyu lecherously moments ago now looked as if they had seen a ghost, their faces pale as they scattered across the battlefield.

Even her own troops now regarded Fan Changyu with a hint of fear, the soldiers gathering at a distance, not daring to approach.

Several severely wounded generals lay on a nearby low hill, swallowing hard.

One of them said, “As expected of our Lord’s wife.”

Another quietly asked, “How did the Madam manage to send that mountain of a man flying with the same type of meteor hammer?”

This question was met with silence from the group.

Could their Madam possess even greater strength than the formidable general the rebels had brought?

After confirming the rebel general’s death, Xie Wu rushed to Fan Changyu’s side and asked, “Miss Fan, are you alright?”

Fan Changyu looked at him, feeling as if everything in her vision was tinged with a layer of blood. She felt nauseous, the world seeming to spin around her, yet she couldn’t faint.

She bent over, supporting herself with her hands on her knees, and dry-heaved for a while before managing to say, “I’m fine.”

Xie Wu quickly grabbed a water flask from his horse, unscrewed it, and handed it to Fan Changyu. “Miss Fan, drink some water and rinse your mouth. New recruits experiencing their first battle often have nightmares for a week or two afterward.”

After rinsing her mouth and drinking some water, Fan Changyu finally managed to suppress her nausea somewhat.

She had never witnessed such a large-scale and brutal killing field before. It seemed as if the swords and blades in their hands were no longer piercing humans.

But on the battlefield, if you don’t kill, you’ll be killed.

There was still some commotion among the troops in the distance. Xie Wu glanced in that direction, then picked up a sword and walked towards the fallen rebel general.

Fan Changyu asked, “What are you doing?”

Xie Wu replied, “Cutting off the enemy general’s head to intimidate the remaining troops into surrendering.”

Fan Changyu looked at her butcher knife lying nearby, remembering how her weapons had been knocked away several times and the insults she had endured. She said, “I’ll do it.”

Xie Wu was about to bring down his blade when he heard Fan Changyu’s words. He stepped aside.

Fan Changyu had killed before, but beheading someone was a first for her.

The black iron cleaver was incredibly sharp. With one stroke, it cleanly separated head from body.

However, as the man had been dead for a while, there was no spray of blood from her cut.

Xie Wu picked up the enemy general’s head and shouted towards the area where there was still unrest, “Your general is dead! Those who lay down their weapons and surrender will be spared!”

The distant rebels first looked at each other in confusion, then gradually began to drop their weapons.

A rumbling sound of hoofbeats, like distant thunder, approached from afar. The Yan army, though exhausted from the recent battle, forced themselves to be on alert once more.

Fortunately, a scout climbed the low hill to check the approaching army’s flags and shouted down, “It’s friendly forces!”

From the commanders to the common soldiers, everyone let out a long sigh of relief.

If not for the battlefield being littered with corpses and blood, Fan Changyu would have liked to sit down right there.

She was exhausted, experiencing true fatigue for the first time in her life. At that moment, she didn’t want to move a single finger.

The sound of hoofbeats drew closer. The setting sun looked like blood, and wild geese cried in the vast sky.

Fan Changyu looked towards the friendly forces approaching through the yellow dust cloud they had kicked up. They too seemed to have just been through a fierce battle, with fresh blood on their horses’ legs, armor, and weapons. Even the wind blowing from their direction carried the scent of blood.

Her gaze swept over the leading general riding a jet-black warhorse. It was just a casual glance at first, but her eyes suddenly darted back. She squinted and pulled Xie Wu aside, asking, “That general at the front, wearing the Qilin-shouldered Mingguang armor and riding the tall horse, why does he look a bit like my husband?”

Xie Wu looked at Fan Changyu, opened his mouth, but couldn’t bring himself to say a word.

Finally caught up to the synopsis! What will her reaction be?

oooof what a battle scene..i read it over and over. very well written with vivid emotions. I really want this to turn into a series and maybe get WangChuRan to play FCY

“That general at the front, wearing the Qilin-shouldered Mingguang armor and riding the tall horse, why does he look a bit like my husband?” 🤣🤣
He is your husband 😂

😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

This was AWESOME!!!, one of the most exciting fights ever!!, AMAZING!!.

I know it’s really her husband’s fault for not telling her but she needs to think sometimes. She’s really lucky she’s the fl 😂

The fighting scenes is images of tianxiwei’s=Fanzhangyu she is real strong her power is opposite her look a like 👍

Oh god, he is so dead! 🫣🤭
He had weeks to come clean, but he was too busy laying around, pretending to be sickly so that she would take care of him. She’s gonna flip her lid so hard in the next chapter. I fear for his beautiful face. 😂

can’t wait to see this in the drama 😭 our girl is so strong

Ha ha ha hahahahahahahahahaha !! he is so dead! 😂 😂 😂
This is soooo good!

im reading this for many times i cant wait for the series

I am gonna feel so bad for her the truth is gonnabe out

she’s so chef’s kiss. I love her so much ahhh

please I love this battle scene I can’t wait to see it in the drama 😭😭 and I know Xiewei is gonna slay this

Manifesting this badass fight scene to be adapted well in the drama. Can’t wait to see Xiwei’s Changyu kicking ass!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 84

As the sun set in the west, the tattered flags on the battlefield were bathed in a blood-red glow tinged with faint golden light. The corpses scattered across the ground painted a scene of endless desolation.

The approaching cavalry was like a steel blade thrust into this war-torn land. The rebel soldiers who had just surrendered grew increasingly anxious, huddling together like lambs awaiting slaughter.

As they drew closer, Fan Changyu could see the man riding alone at the front. His face was as cold as jade, his eyes like icy stars, fixed on her with the intensity of a hunting wolf on the plains. He cracked his whip and charged towards her.

Fan Changyu felt a jolt in her heart and stammered to Xie Wu, “He looks even more like him up close, doesn’t he?”

Xie Wu was on the verge of tears. Seeing Xie Zheng’s murderous expression, he instinctively shouted, “Miss, run!”

Fan Changyu’s helmet had long since fallen off, and her small bun had come loose after her fierce battle with the rebel general. Her disheveled hair made her stand out among the grimy soldiers.

Thinking Xie Wu was panicking because her disguise as a man had been exposed, Fan Changyu’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t have time to ponder why the approaching rider looked so much like Yuan Zheng. She turned and ran towards the crowd, hoping to hide.

However, her two legs were no match for the horse’s four. The large black steed, a head taller than a man, seemed to bring a gust of wind as it galloped. Before Fan Changyu could even pick up a helmet to cover herself, she was scooped up and placed on the horse’s back.

With her head and feet dangling, her stomach pressed against the saddle, she couldn’t catch her breath as the warhorse galloped back. All she could see was the scenery rapidly receding behind them.

A loud voice from the cavalry shouted, “The rebel commander Shi Yue has been slain by the Marquis at the gorge entrance! Here is his head as proof! The army returns victorious!”

The exhausted Yanzhou troops erupted in thunderous cheers.

Fan Changyu, kidnapped onto the horse, instinctively struggled. But having expended so much energy in battle, her limbs felt weak and sore. The hand pressing on her back was like an iron clamp, preventing her from breaking free.

As she struggled, she caught the scent of blood mixed with a bitter herbal smell. Her resistance weakened, and she turned her head to look at the man on the horse, his handsome face covered in a layer of frost. Uncertainly, she called out, “Yuan Zheng?”

Xie Zheng glanced down at her without a word, then looked ahead and suddenly spurred the horse, shouting, “Hiya!”

Though his voice was cold and filled with anger, Fan Changyu recognized it unmistakably as Yuan Zheng’s.

She suddenly stopped struggling, hanging limply on the horse like a dazed goose. Her eyes, reflecting the sunset and mountains, were filled with confusion and bewilderment.

Yuan Zheng wasn’t a common soldier, but a general.

Why had he lied to her?

Xie Zheng’s warhorse had left his guards far behind. The official road was flanked by mountains and streams.

Noticing Fan Changyu’s unusual behavior, Xie Zheng pulled the reins, slowing the horse. He reached out to pull Fan Changyu up but didn’t expect her sudden attack. She dodged his hand with a twist of her elbow, leaped up like a leopard, and pinned him down on the horse’s back. Her almond-shaped eyes blazed with anger as she shouted, “You lied to me!”

Xie Zheng’s cold expression faltered slightly. He said, “I can explain.”

The sky had grown darker. Fan Changyu looked at the man she had pinned down by his collar, and after the initial anger, she felt an inexplicable sense of hurt.

Fearing he would die on the battlefield due to his severe injuries, she had secretly taken his place in battle. But it seemed he had been deceiving her all along.

If his injuries were truly severe, how could he easily lift her onto the horse with one hand?

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together, her anger mixed with a sense of betrayal. She demanded, “Explain why you’ve become a general, or why you lied about your injury not healing?”

Her grip had caused her cracked tiger’s mouth to bleed again. Xie Zheng felt the warm, sticky sensation and, ignoring her questions, his expression changed: “You’re hurt?”

He reached to examine her hand, but Fan Changyu forcefully kept him pinned down.

Xie Zheng’s face grew colder. His heartbeat still hadn’t calmed, either from the wild ride or from fear of something. With barely contained anger in his eyes, he said, “I can explain everything you’ve asked. Let me take you back to treat your wound first.”

Fan Changyu’s anger hadn’t subsided. She coldly replied, “I don’t need your help.”

With no one holding the reins, the warhorse had slowed to a trot and stopped. As she released her grip on Xie Zheng and prepared to dismount, he suddenly grabbed her waist and pulled her tightly against him.

Fan Changyu had been sitting face-to-face with him after she had flipped him over. Now, with her waist in an iron grip and her chin forcefully held, she felt pain in her bones. His eyes were bloodshot as he almost snarled, “You don’t need my help? Then why did you drug me and go to the battlefield yourself? Do you know what a battlefield is? It’s a place where human life means nothing! Have you forgotten everything I told you when you went down the mountain to steal food last time?”

He seemed more furious than ever before. The veins on his temple bulged, his eyes fierce as if he wanted to devour her. Yet the hand on her waist gripped so tightly, his knuckles turning white as if desperately holding onto the most precious thing he had almost lost.

Fan Changyu was already angry and hurt by his deception. Now, being yelled at, she felt an inexplicable sting in her eyes. Fighting back tears, she gritted her teeth and shouted, “I was afraid you’d die on the battlefield!”

“Even if I died there, you shouldn’t have gone!”

As soon as these words left his mouth, Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, stubbornly refusing to let them fall. His heart felt as if it had been seared by a red-hot iron, the beating flesh contracting painfully. Both of their breaths trembled.

His face remained tense, but as he lowered his eyes, his voice softened, “If I died, you should take your sister and leave the military camp. Find a new place to settle down, open a pork shop build a pigsty to raise pigs, or just live well. In the future, marry a gentle and handsome scholar you like, have children…”

As a tear finally fell from Fan Changyu’s eye onto his hand, he watched as more tears began to fall silently. The bloodshot look in his eyes intensified, and he suddenly cupped her chin and kissed her fiercely.

“Boom—” A clap of thunder shook the sky. A flash of lightning split the night. After half a month of clear weather, a sudden spring rain finally arrived.

Large raindrops pelted down. Fan Changyu pushed hard several times but couldn’t break free. Rain slid down her eyelids, and she couldn’t tell if the wetness on her face was from rain or tears. She struck his body with her elbows several times, hearing grunts of pain, but the hand on the back of her head didn’t loosen at all. Instead, he kissed her even more fiercely, as if his life depended on it.

Lightning flashed across the mountains, illuminating the world for an instant before plunging it back into darkness.

When it came to madness, Fan Changyu was no match for him.

Her chest was a tangle of unfamiliar emotions, and she couldn’t even cry properly.

When it ended, he pressed his forehead against hers, his scabbed hand gently stroking her rain-soaked hair. His voice was soft, his eyes pitch black: “As long as I’m alive, you’ll never bear children for anyone else in this life.”

Fan Changyu had cried herself out, the terrible emotions in her heart released through her tears. When she looked up at Xie Zheng, she threw a punch at him without mercy.

She didn’t hold back, and Xie Zheng was knocked off the horse’s back by her blow.

Fan Changyu didn’t even look back at him. She grabbed the reins and shouted, “Hiya!”

The warhorse galloped away, kicking up mud and water.

Xie Zheng lay on his back in the rain, one hand covering his left eye where Fan Changyu had struck him. He sucked in a cool breath, then after a while, lowered his hand. Looking up at the rainy night sky, he burst into laughter.

Fan Changyu rode wildly, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. They hurt at the touch, undoubtedly swollen. The cool rain hit her face, but her cheeks felt oddly warm. She rubbed her lips harder as if trying to erase something.

Ahead on the official road, she encountered a group of personal guards searching for Xie Zheng, including Xie Wu.

Seeing Fan Changyu, Xie Wu hurriedly rode up and called out, “Miss Fan.”

Noticing that Fan Changyu was riding Xie Zheng’s mount, he looked behind her but didn’t see Xie Zheng. He asked, “Where’s the Marquis?”

Fan Changyu had thought Xie Zheng was just a general. Hearing Xie Wu call him “Marquis,” she was stunned for a moment, then scowled and said, “He fell and died!”

Without waiting for the guards’ reactions, she spurred her horse and continued forward.

Xie Wu quickly directed some men: “You escort the Madam back. The rest come with me to find the Marquis!”

The dozen or so guards split into two groups. One group followed Fan Changyu at a distance, while the other hurried to find Xie Zheng.

When they saw Xie Zheng on the official road, Xie Wu and his group quickly dismounted and approached. “Marquis!”

The pine resin torches burned despite the rain. The guards noticed the bruise at the corner of Xie Zheng’s eye and were stunned.

Had the Madam struck the Marquis?

Xie Wu, remembering that he had also deceived Fan Changyu and recalling how she had beaten the rebel general to death with a few hammer blows, swallowed hard.

Would the Madam beat him too when they got back?

Xie Zheng, unaware of his foolish thoughts, asked, “Where is she?”

This “she” could only mean Fan Changyu.

Xie Wu quickly came to his senses and replied, “Xie Jiu and others are escorting the Madam back.”

Xie Zheng didn’t ask anything more. He mounted the warhorse Xie Wu had brought and said, “Back to camp.”

Xie Wu is hilarious the first thing he thought of was he was going to be in trouble by the ML & FL especially after seeing her battle.

the ANGST of their love is something so intense and fierce- just like them, beautifully written too!!
Fan Changyu, please just accept you love him already girl 😩

I started crying when he was telling her what she should do if he ever died on the battlefield, listing off all the things she once told him about, all of her little hopes and dreams. He remembered them all. That was just so damn sad. No wonder Changyu started crying silently, too. He loves her so damn much, and she loves him just as deeply even if she doesn’t understand it yet. Everything they do is driven by their intense love for one another. The angst of it all is killing me so sweetly.

Jajajajajaja. que esperaba el Marqués después de engañarla por tanto tiempo, pero quiero que se declaren su mutuo amor YA.

Ella es la definición perfecta de un ser irreflexivo. No ha dejado de considerar al Marqués como un ser inferior, dependiente de ella. Esta actirid es consecuencia de su tempraba orfandad, se comprende. Puede compartir generosamente todo lo que sea material. Pero no puede compartir decisiones. Sus hazañas son regadas por el impulso. Ambos se atraen, cómo.no, pero sus respectivos egos y la gran diferencia cultural se interponen. Sin embargo, el Marqués ha sido más comprensivo con ella, en diversas ocasiones, de lo que ella ha sido con él.

Ha it’s about time for ml to do better at chasing his wife

Just as with the first kiss, I don’t like the physical violence between them. The author could have handled their encounter on the battlefield so differently, allowing him to de-escalate her anger by speaking gently, kissing her gently, etc. She could still be too angry and push him off the horse and ride away, but there wouldn’t have been the physical brutality between them. She was exhausted, had just killed a key enemy general and beheaded him. The physical violence between them is utterly unnecessary.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 85

Gongsun Yin was responsible for leading the central army in this battle. Halfway through, he suddenly saw a cavalry unit charge in, scattering the Chongzhou infantry and helping him complete the encirclement of the rear.

As the two armies joined forces, Gongsun Yin noticed an elderly man in plain clothes calmly holding an umbrella in the heavy rain. Surprise and delight flashed across his face as he hurried forward, cupping his hands in greeting: “The Marquis mentioned earlier that a master was overseeing the reinforcements below the mountain. I didn’t expect it to be you, Grand Tutor!”

His guards followed closely behind, holding an umbrella for him. Rain cascaded down the umbrella ribs, and the cold wind lifted the hem of his robe, giving him a somewhat graceful and carefree air.

Grand Tutor Tao said, “I was wandering in the area and decided to stop by for a look.”

He appraised the young man before him with an approving expression: “I’ve long heard that the Gongsun clan of Hejian produced a worthy descendant. It’s quite an achievement for that lad to have persuaded you to join his ranks.”

Gongsun Yin nodded, saying, “The Marquis cares for the world and empathizes with the common people. Gongsun admires his integrity and is willing to serve under him.”

After speaking, he led Grand Tutor Tao towards the carriage: “One of Shi Yue’s formidable generals, with immense strength, tore through the vanguard and helped Shi Yue escape. The Marquis went in pursuit and should be on his way back. Grand Tutor, please come up the mountain with me first for a cup of ginger tea to ward off the cold.”

It was already evening, and after this great battle, the soldiers also needed rest. The ready-made camp and defensive walls on the mountain made it the best strategy to remain there for now.

Grand Tutor Tao said “Much obliged” and boarded the carriage with Gongsun Yin. Raindrops pattered on the carriage canopy like scattered beans. As the carriage swayed along the mountain path, Grand Tutor Tao’s voice drifted leisurely amidst the rain: “I must trouble young friend Gongsun to find someone for me.”

Gongsun Yin was pouring tea for Grand Tutor Tao when he heard this. He smiled amiably and said, “Please tell me, Grand Tutor.”

Grand Tutor Tao said, “Among the Jízhōu troops who escorted the provisions up the mountain half a month ago, there was a young woman. She’s considered half a disciple of mine. She rashly went up the mountain that day and must have endured quite a bit of hardship these past days.”

Gongsun Yin’s hand paused while pouring tea. He thought to himself that among the reinforcements who brought supplies up the mountain last time, only Fan Changyu was a woman. Could Grand Tutor Tao be referring to Fan Changyu? Or was there another woman disguised as a man on the mountain now?

He pushed a cup of tea towards Grand Tutor Tao and asked, “May I know the name of Grand Tutor’s beloved disciple?”

Grand Tutor Tao replied, “Her surname is Fan, given the name Changyu. She’s an honest child.”

Gongsun Yin felt as if the mouthful of tea he had just drunk had suddenly turned into century-old vinegar, so sour that he could barely open his mouth. After a long while, he managed to say, “I’ve heard that you have quite high requirements for disciples’ aptitude?”

Grand Tutor Tao was no ordinary person. Hearing Gongsun Yin’s words, he realized that he must have had contact with Fan Changyu. Not wanting to admit that he had offered to take her as a disciple and been refused, he coughed lightly, stroking his goatee, and said, “That girl has good physical attributes. She’s a rare talent in martial arts that comes once in a hundred years. It’s just that she’s a bit lacking in wisdom, which is why I say she’s only half a disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Yin was no longer sour. He smiled and said, “I’ve met your disciple, sir.”

As soon as Fan Changyu returned to the military camp, she went to look for Changnin. Not finding her, she inquired around and learned that Changnin had been taken away by Xie Qi.

She immediately went to search for her and entered the tent to find Changnin asleep on Xie Qi’s bed. Beside the bed was a bamboo basket of unknown purpose, filled with dry grass. The Gyrfalcon was dozing inside it, but upon hearing footsteps, it immediately opened its round, bean-like eyes.

Fan Changyu was startled to see the Gyrfalcon, unable to determine if it had been tamed by Xie Zheng or if it had been his from the beginning.

Xie Qi was also unsure if his lord’s identity had been exposed. Seeing Fan Changyu, he tentatively called out, “Miss Fan.”

Fan Changyu glanced at him, picked up Changnin without a word, and started to leave.

The presence of the large falcon here indicated that he was aware of Xie Zheng’s identity. She had been deceived by them all this time.

Seeing Fan Changyu’s expression, Xie Qi realized she must have learned everything. Feeling both guilty and ashamed, he didn’t dare stop her as she prepared to leave.

Changnin, feeling herself being moved, drowsily opened her eyes. Seeing Fan Changyu, she murmured “Sister” before falling back asleep on her shoulder.

Fan Changyu carried Changnin with one arm, still able to hold an umbrella with her free hand. Seeing this, Xie Qi hurried forward and said, “Miss Fan, let me hold the umbrella for you.”

Fan Changyu stared at the young man before her, who was smiling stiffly, trying to please her. After a while, she decided not to make things difficult for him. After all, he had Xie Zheng above him, and deceiving her wasn’t his intention.

Raindrops made soft “puff puff” sounds as they hit the umbrella. Despite the unfavorable weather, every tent in the victorious military camp was lit up. Unable to celebrate openly, the soldiers were enjoying good wine and meat inside their tents.

Through the veil of rain, those sounds seemed both distant and clear.

Xie Qi, always quick-witted, carefully said, “Miss Fan, I know you’re probably upset that the Marquis has been concealing his identity from you. But this was a necessary measure. The Marquis has always been surrounded by threats. Miss Changnin was previously kidnapped by rebels, and the Marquis feared you might also be in danger. He had no choice but to resort to this strategy.”

Fan Changyu’s steps faltered slightly. She asked, “Changnin’s previous kidnapping was also related to him?”

Xie Qi hesitated, unsure how to respond. But Fan Changyu had already gleaned the answer she sought from his momentary silence, causing her heart to grow even more chaotic.

They had reached the tent where she and Changnin were staying. Fan Changyu turned at the entrance and said, “Thank you for escorting me, Brother Xie Qi. The inside hasn’t been tidied up, so I won’t invite you in to sit.”

Xie Qi hurriedly replied, “Miss Fan, you’re too kind. This is my duty.”

Fan Changyu said nothing more. After entering the tent, she didn’t even light a lamp. In the darkness, she placed Changnin on the bed, covered her with a blanket, and then sat down nearby, hugging her knees and staring blankly into the pitch-black night.

There was only one Marquis in the entire Northwest, so Yan Zheng was the Wu’an Marquis who struck fear into the hearts of the Northern Xue people.

Before, she had thought Yan Zheng was vivid and real. He had a bad temper, a sharp tongue, and was picky about food, but he was also kind. He complained about her lack of intelligence but always helped her, and he rarely broke his promises.

He had read many books and understood many principles. He was the smartest person she had ever met.

Perhaps the time she spent with Yan Zheng was the most difficult period after her parent’s death, which was why she often thought of him after he left.

Sometimes when she stewed pork intestines, she would imagine him frowning as he picked up his chopsticks, and she would find it amusing. Sometimes when she flipped through the books he had annotated, she would remember how he once said she had no proper posture when reading the classics, and she would immediately sit up straight to read. Sometimes when she went to the candy shop to buy pine nut candy for Changnin, the shopkeeper would ask why she no longer bought tangerine peel candy. Even though there was no one at home to eat it anymore, she would still instinctively buy some to take back…

When she encountered difficulties, she would think, if only Yan Zheng were still here. He was so clever, he would surely be able to help her find a solution.

The person she had traveled mountains and rivers to find, the one she fearlessly entered the battlefield to protect, was someone like that. But that person never really existed.

She couldn’t continue to see the Wu’an Marquis as Yan Zheng.

Behind that title were illustrious military achievements, the admiration of countless people, and a distance she could never bridge.

The rain-soaked hair she hadn’t wrung out yet was dripping water onto her freshly changed dry clothes, creating a small damp patch. The wet fabric clung to her skin, making her feel cold, but it also made Fan Changyu increasingly clear-headed.

Xie Zheng returned to the camp in the pouring rain. An aide came forward to take his horse, saying, “My Lord, Mister Gongsun sent someone earlier with a message asking you to visit him when you return. He said there’s an honored guest.”

The wet cloak hanging on his body was uncomfortable. Xie Zheng took it off and tossed it to the aide, saying, “I’ll change into dry clothes first.”

Striding into the central military tent, he found that his guards had already prepared hot water for bathing and fresh clothes.

After a quick wash, Xie Zheng roughly toweled off the water on his body, picked up a set of arrow-sleeved robes from beside the bed, and put them on, asking, “How is she after returning?”

Xie Qi, who was attending to him in the room, considered his words carefully: “The lady still seemed somewhat angry. I tried to persuade her, but she hardly said a word.”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly. After fastening his belt, he said, “I’ll go see her.”

Fan Changyu was still sitting in the tent lost in thought when suddenly she heard footsteps splashing through the rain outside, approaching. It sounded like more than one person.

Soon, the footsteps stopped at the tent entrance. It was Xie Qi’s voice: “Miss Fan, the kitchen has prepared some ginger soup. I’ve brought you a bowl.”

Fan Changyu’s mind was in turmoil, and she only said, “I have a strong constitution. I don’t need it. Please give it to the other soldiers.”

But the person outside didn’t leave. Instead, they lifted the tent flap and stepped inside.

Fan Changyu looked up and met Xie Zheng’s beautiful yet unruly eyes.

He entered the tent carrying the ginger soup. Behind him, Xie Qi carefully shielded a candlestick with one hand. Seeing Fan Changyu, he smiled awkwardly, placed the candlestick on the table, and retreated.

The warm candlelight seemed to drive away all the chill in the room.

Changnin always slept deeply. Wrapped in a scarlet cloak with only her chubby little face exposed, she sensed the light source, turned her back to the candlestick, smacked her lips, and her breathing became long and steady again.

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng. He had always looked good in plain clothes, but now dressed in an intricately embroidered brocade robe, his noble air was undisguisable. Only the bruise at the corner of his eye was a bit jarring.

By now, she had completely calmed down and thought through the pros and cons. Knowing that he was, after all, a Marquis, she realized that the punch she had thrown in her anger and hurt was ultimately inappropriate. She pressed her lips together and said, “I’m sorry for hitting you like that.”

Xie Zheng raised his eyebrows in surprise and said, “Compared to the last time you hit me, this should be considered light.”

Fan Changyu knew he was referring to the time when he was recruiting soldiers and got captured. She apologized again: “I’m sorry.”

Xie Zheng had only been half-joking with her, but hearing her response, he frowned and said, “Why do you keep apologizing to me? That time, I was indeed being a bastard.”

His dark eyes locked onto her, and beneath his casual demeanor, he seemed like a vicious dog that had retracted its fangs: “I’ve read many classics and understand propriety and shame, but with you, I sometimes can’t help wanting to do despicable things.”

He spoke these words with a hint of self-loathing.

Fan Changyu instinctively glared at him fiercely, but after a moment of silence, she softened her tone: “Ya- My Lord, let’s talk.”

Hearing the change in her form of address, Xie Zheng’s eyelids lifted, his gaze deepening. He said, “Alright, drink the ginger soup first.”

He handed her the bowl of ginger soup.

Fan Changyu took it and downed it in one go. After drinking the bowl of ginger soup, her entire stomach indeed felt warmer.

Only then did Xie Zheng speak: “I never intended to deceive you initially. I was being pursued and ended up in Qingping County by chance, where you happened to save me. If I had truthfully revealed my identity to you, it would likely have brought trouble. That’s why I kept it hidden all along.”

Fan Changyu said, “I don’t blame you for concealing your identity back then, My Lord.”

She suddenly adopted an extremely reasonable demeanor, which inexplicably made Xie Zheng feel uneasy.

the eery feeling when your mom/ wife calls you politely, using your surname….

hahahahahaha… Yes, you know your in trouble when they do that! ML is so in trouble.

I love how all the people surrounded with the ML And FL are all reliable preventing all the near misunderstanding of the couple and just create a good harmonious environment for them😊

Zhu Yu – Chapter 86

The tent flap wasn’t fully closed, allowing the cold wind to gust in. It made the candle on the table flicker, nearly extinguishing it, and causing the entire tent to alternate between light and shadow.

Xie Zheng’s fingertips tapped the table restlessly, his handsome face cut by shifting shadows from the wavering candlelight. His eyes grew increasingly dark and unreadable. “Are you upset because I kept this from you this time?”

Fan Changyu was about to speak when the cold wind completely extinguished the candle, plunging the tent into darkness.

The words on her lips changed to: “I’ll go light the candle first.”

As she rose, a hand grasped hers, the grip neither too tight nor too loose, but enough to prevent her from easily breaking free.

Xie Zheng’s deep voice resonated in the darkness: “I’ve told you before about a formidable enemy I have. The last time I nearly died at his hands was due to a traitor in the army. Rashly involving you and your sister could put you at risk. The fewer people who know, the less danger there is. That’s why I went along with your misunderstanding when you thought I was a common soldier. There’s one more thing I need to apologize for – your sister was kidnapped by the rebels because they mistook her for a member of the Xie family.”

Fan Changyu had already guessed that Changning’s abduction was related to Xie Zheng when Xie Qi mentioned it earlier. Hearing it directly from Xie Zheng now, her face still showed a moment of confusion.

Outside, the three-legged fire baskets used for lighting were covered with makeshift rain shelters. The faint glow from outside allowed for a vague outline of everything inside the tent.

Xie Zheng saw the expression on Fan Changyu’s face and continued, “You know the man who kidnapped Changning. It’s the rebel who impersonated a grain tax official and incited the mob to surround the city. He’s Sui Yuanqing, the Crown Prince of Prince Changxin.”

Now Fan Changyu was truly stunned. That scoundrel was the Crown Prince of the rebels!

Her wide almond eyes looked like amber as she turned her gaze to Xie Zheng, who momentarily darkened his gaze.

She asked, “The wound on your chest… was it inflicted by him when you rescued Changning?”

Xie Zheng’s handsome brow furrowed slightly, reluctant to admit he had been injured by Sui Yuanqing and bedridden for so long. He released his hold on Fan Changyu and said, “I captured him alive.”

If Fan Changyu had felt guilty about Changning’s ordeal after hearing Xie Qi’s words earlier, believing it was her closeness to Xie Zheng that had caused her sister’s misfortune, now that she understood the full story, her feelings were even more complex.

If it weren’t for her efforts to protect Qingping County, she wouldn’t have made an enemy of that scoundrel, and he wouldn’t have sought revenge at her home.

If he hadn’t gone to her home for revenge, he wouldn’t have seen that painting, wouldn’t have recognized Yan Zheng, and wouldn’t have kidnapped Changning to threaten Yan Zheng.

But there are no “ifs” in life, and even if she could do it all over again, she would probably still choose to kidnap someone to save Qingping County. This time, however, she would be more decisive and end the rebel’s life with a single stroke.

After a moment of silence to compose herself, Fan Changyu said, “Changning’s kidnapping isn’t entirely your fault; I bear some responsibility too. Besides, you were severely injured while rescuing Changning, so you don’t owe me anything. There’s no need to apologize. As for you deceiving me on the mountain…”

She paused before continuing, “You were looking out for my sister and me. I can’t blame you for that.”

Her uncharacteristic calmness made Xie Zheng’s brow furrow even more. He could vaguely guess what she was about to say next, and just thinking about it made the dark emotions in his heart harder to suppress.

He placed a hand on his brow, trying to control his agitation: “When you said we need to talk, were you planning to suggest we part ways again?”

Fan Changyu choked slightly, thinking to herself that they hadn’t really discussed this many times before, and besides, his previous fake marriage arrangement had been agreed upon in advance.

She honestly replied, “We’ve never really been together, so it can’t be considered parting ways.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she sensed a sudden shift in the atmosphere around the person beside her. Fan Changyu’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

Xie Zheng slowly raised his eyelids and asked, “Never been together?”

Fan Changyu met his intimidating gaze, her own eyes gentle but firm: “If you’re referring to those days in Qingping County, you entered into a fake marriage with me then, and we had an agreement. Moreover, you used a false name. There’s no such person as Yan Zheng in this world, so even that marriage certificate wouldn’t be valid. It doesn’t count as being together.”

Xie Zheng looked away from her, lowering his eyes. His thick black eyelashes were like the folded wings of a dark crow: “Then why did you come looking for me? Why did you want me to go back with you? And why did you take it upon yourself to try and fight in my place on the battlefield?”

The corner of his lips curled up in a cold smile.

Fan Changyu looked at him, her eyes gradually softening. But behind that gentleness, there seemed to be something stronger supporting her. She said, “Because, at that time, you were Yan Zheng.”

A rare hint of confusion flickered in Xie Zheng’s typically cold and arrogant eyes. He said hoarsely, “Wasn’t that still me?”

Fan Changyu replied, “The person hasn’t changed, but everything you represent has. When you were Yan Zheng, you were just yourself. As Marquis Wu’an, you’re more than just yourself. You’re a great hero admired by all, and the only son of General Xie. The one who’s worthy of the Marquis should be the kind of gentle, virtuous girl skilled in managing a household, as you once mentioned. I’m not well-educated, I only know a few characters. I can’t even play an instrument, paint, or recite poetry, let alone have I finished reading the Four Books. Naturally, I’m not fit to be the Marquis’s principal wife. But my parents raised me, and I can’t demean myself by becoming someone’s concubine.”

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes fixed on her: “How do you know I’m not willing to take you as my wife?”

Fan Changyu was stunned by his words.

Is he joking? The renowned Marquis Wu’an marrying a butcher’s daughter? Wouldn’t that make him the laughingstock of the entire world?

She blurted out in momentary panic, “Don’t say such nonsense…”

Xie Zheng coldly interrupted her: “You think this is nonsense?”

Fan Changyu frowned and said, “Those from humble backgrounds marrying up, at best, might be a rich family’s daughter marrying a poor scholar. Have you ever seen an imperial princess marry a poor scholar? Even the least favored princess would marry a newly crowned top scholar. I didn’t know your identity before, so that was different. Now that I know who you are, how can I take those previous words seriously?”

She at least had this much self-awareness.

Hearing her compare herself to an imperial princess, a vein throbbed at Xie Zheng’s temple. Then, listening to her subsequent words, he let out a cold laugh: “Who an imperial princess marries is decided by the Emperor. Who this Marquis marries is decided by me alone.”

He lowered his gaze to Fan Changyu: “So what if I’m Marquis Wu’an? I haven’t grown three heads and six arms to devour you. Why are you so frightened?”

Fan Changyu was shaken by his words and took a moment to gather herself before saying, “Let me tell you a story. When I was young, there was a tofu seller in town. Although she had lost her husband early on, she was hardworking and managed to make a good living with her tofu stall. Plus, she was pretty, so many widowers sent people to propose marriage, but she didn’t fancy any of them. Later, a young master from a wealthy family in the county came to Linan Town with a friend. He saw her and was smitten. He would visit her tofu stall every few days to buy tofu, and gradually, they became close. This young master wasn’t a frivolous playboy; he always treated the tofu seller with respect. Later, he even told his family that he wanted to marry her.”

Xie Zheng could probably guess the ending of this story and coldly interjected, “Don’t compare others to me.”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond and continued with the story: “How could the wealthy family agree to their son marrying a widow? The old ladies of the house fell ill from anger, and they locked up the young master. They even sent thugs to destroy the tofu seller’s stall. During that time, the whole town was filled with gossip about her. Everyone thought it was over between her and the young master, but unexpectedly, the young master went on a hunger strike to force his family’s hand. In the end, his family, loving their son, reluctantly agreed to the marriage, but only allowed the tofu seller to be a concubine. The tofu seller, remarrying into a wealthy family, didn’t expect to be the principal wife and was content with the young master’s affection. Even though it was just taking a concubine, the wedding was as grand as marrying a wife, with much fanfare and celebration.”

“The townspeople all said the tofu seller was lucky and would live a life of comfort from then on. In the years that followed, whenever she returned to town, she was always dressed in fine clothes, but she grew thinner year by year. The only constant was that some people still envied her, while others secretly spread unseemly gossip, saying she was vulgar and shallow, not a proper woman, and that after her husband died, she had seduced the young master to marry into a noble family. In the third year, the tofu seller was driven out of the wealthy family’s house. It was fortunate that she had been from a good family before; if she had been of slave status, she would have been sold off by the family.”

Xie Zheng’s expression turned cold: “That man simply changed his heart.”

Fan Changyu said, “I used to think so too, but my mother said that people from different paths, even if they come together for a while, will eventually part ways. It’s like someone choosing a common stone from a pile of gold and jade treasures. The world pities him for his choice, while the chosen stone is both envied and deemed unworthy. What they don’t realize is that the one who chose the stone can always go back and choose gold and jade, but the stone will never have another chance to be chosen. That’s how it was for the tofu seller. When the young master liked her, she was better than any noble lady. When he stopped liking her, she was no different from any tavern maid or tea house girl.”

Xie Zheng said coldly, “That man was weak-willed. When I decide I want something, I’ll take it to my grave.”

As he said this, his black eyes stared unblinkingly at Fan Changyu, with a fierce intensity hidden beneath his calm gaze that made one’s heart tremble.

Fan Changyu’s heart instinctively skipped a beat, but remembering her mother’s words from before, her eyes became resolute and clear: “My mother also said that it wasn’t just these things that led them to this point. A person can’t shed their past. The fact that the tofu seller was once a widow would follow her for life. She wouldn’t be favored by the mistress of the house and would face all kinds of scrutiny and disdain within the household. The rules and etiquette of a noble family aren’t something she could learn overnight. Being bullied by her mother-in-law, mocked by her sisters-in-law, and even looked down upon by servants – the voices and the pervasive sense of inferiority caused by the status difference would constantly erode the tofu seller.”

“The only thing she could rely on was the young master’s affection for her, but everyone else said she wasn’t good enough. Some words, when heard once or twice, might not shake one’s resolve, but when constantly repeated over the years, it’s hard not to be influenced subconsciously. The flaws that were once overlooked would suddenly become glaringly obvious. The young master was born into wealth and privilege. When he was learning to read, the tofu seller might have been helping her mother with housework. When he was drinking and socializing with friends, she might have been busy making tofu.”

“The young master lived a life of leisure, while the tofu seller lived a life of daily toil. The young master didn’t think much of the tofu seller’s cooking skills because his family had a multitude of servants. The tofu seller couldn’t understand the young master’s refined interests in poetry and painting. They were fundamentally different types of people. How could they truly understand what the other was thinking? What one considered their most precious offering might mean nothing to the other. Small conflicts accumulate over time, and before you know it, there’s an insurmountable gulf between them.”

At this point, Fan Changyu finally looked directly at Xie Zheng: “My Lord is a world-renowned hero, and only the daughter of a high-ranking official or noble would be a suitable match. I’m just a butcher; if you were to marry me, you’d be ridiculed by the world.”

Xie Zheng, having listened to her spin this tale to politely reject him, and then hearing her suggest he marry a nobleman’s daughter, laughed coldly in extreme anger: “Who I marry is none of the world’s business.”

Fan Changyu remained silent for a while before speaking: “I thought, after saying all this, my Lord would understand my meaning.”

Her knuckles unconsciously tightened, her chest feeling heavy and uncomfortable. For a moment, she wished he was still just Yan Zheng.

Separated by the table, they gazed at each other through the thin veil of night until Xie Zheng spoke: “Do you think everything I’ve told you before was also a lie?”

Fan Changyu was taken aback, not yet understanding the meaning behind his words, when he continued: “I told you long ago that I have no one left in my family, only myself.”

As he said this, his expression was cold, as if extremely reluctant to mention anything about his family.

Fan Changyu pursed her lips and replied, “I didn’t think these things you said were lies.”

Xie Zheng smiled, his expression enigmatic, simultaneously perverse and seemingly hurt, ultimately suppressed by his pride: “The story you told doesn’t apply to us. The Xie clan still has a few branch families. If you marry me, they’ll be falling over themselves to please you, not causing you trouble like in your story. If you don’t even want to hear their flattery, you needn’t see them at all. After we suppress the rebellion and I take my revenge on Wei Yan, I’ll request to be stationed in the Western Frontier. You can come with me to my fief, and we won’t return to the capital for ten or eight years. The number of noble ladies in the capital you’d need to interact with could be counted on one hand. With such avoidance, it would be difficult for them to gather together in this lifetime.”

“You fear the world’s ridicule, thinking I have other choices. I’ll ask the Emperor to decree our marriage. As long as I don’t rebel in this lifetime, I can only be with you, and no one in this world would dare object to this marriage.”

“As for the interests you mentioned, when I’m not practicing martial arts, I’m studying. You have a natural talent for martial arts and are diligent in your studies. It seems our interests align, and there’s no gulf between us.”

At this point, he finally paused. His clear, handsome eyes reflected the young woman’s image as he slowly said, “Fan Changyu if I were to marry you, would you marry me?”

Perhaps from the moment he realized his feelings, he had been planning for the future. Now, asking this question didn’t seem untimely or impulsive to him. He simply waited in this moment of silence for the decisive answer.

A rare hint of confusion flickered in Xie Zheng’s typically cold and arrogant eyes. He said hoarsely, “Wasn’t that still me?”

Naturally, I’m not fit to be the Marquis’s principal wife. But my parents raised me, and I can’t demean myself by becoming someone’s concubine.

Fan Changyu if I were to marry you, would you marry me?”

These lines makes my heart hurt so much!
They’re both expressing everything to eachother and I’m over just clenching my heart with every word!!

Yes, I can wait for this to come to life on the silver screen!

SAY YES

How much do I love that our ML and FL literally sat down and had a heart-to-heart conversation to air out all their reservations and doubts and worries. This is so damn refreshing.

They keep saying the FL lack wisdom, but I find her to be a contentious, thoughtful, and deeply insightful person. Using the story of the tofu seller to explain all her reservations to Xie Zheng was poignant and effective communication. I was so moved by her story and completely understood her worries.

Of course what she doesn’t understand (because she still has so much to learn about him) is that our Marquis cannot be compared to some vapid fickle young master from some no-name family. As if he would EVER let her suffer any such grievances. He will readily stand by her and take on the world with her.

She just needs to say, “Yes.”

peak

FINALLY they talk!!!!! And what beautiful dialog.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 87

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected Xie Zheng to say such things. It was impossible for her heart not to be moved, but she was also clearly aware that once she agreed, her future life might no longer be under her control. Just as he, as the Marquis of Wu’an, had to bear those responsibilities and carry out those missions, as his marchioness, she would also have to shoulder the burdens behind a first-rank noble lady.

He needed a wife who could walk alongside him as an equal, not someone he had to accommodate at every turn. A sparrow with phoenix feathers attached wouldn’t become a phoenix; only by going through nirvana could it grow true phoenix plumage.

The sound of rain outside the tent seemed to have lessened. The water that had accumulated on the tent’s roof earlier fell from the corners into puddles with a clear “drip-drop” sound, particularly distinct in this moment of silence.

Fan Changyu’s hands, resting on her knees, tightened. She finally raised her head to look at Xie Zheng.

With just one glance, Xie Zheng understood the answer she was about to give. Whether it was pride in his bones or not wanting to hear her verbally reject him, he suddenly said, “No need to answer me.”

At that moment, Xie Qi’s voice came from outside the tent: “Marquis, Master Gongsun is urging you to go over.”

Xie Zheng said “Farewell” and stood up, lifting the tent flap to leave.

After he left, Fan Changyu stared at the gently swaying tent flap for a long while.

Xie Qi had hidden far away after Xie Zheng entered the tent. When he came to relay the message earlier, he found the lamp inside extinguished and his heart skipped a beat, fearing he had ruined something.

But Xie Zheng came out immediately, his expression not looking too good. It didn’t seem to be what Xie Qi had guessed, so he dared not ask anything, only following behind Xie Zheng with bated breath.

Unexpectedly, Xie Zheng suddenly stopped and asked him, “I remember you have a sister?”

Xie Qi didn’t know why his lord suddenly asked about this. His expression darkened as he answered, “Yes.”

Orphaned at a young age, he and his sister were sold to a slave trader. To fetch a good price, the trader usually sold pretty girls to brothels and sent boys to the palace.

Some great clans that trained death soldiers would also select people from slave traders. He was bought by Wei Yan. Out of ten children of the same age, only one could eventually become a dead soldier. Of the rest, those with worse luck died, while the lucky ones who survived became household slaves.

In the final chaotic battle, he was stabbed several times and seemed beyond hope. He should have been wrapped in a straw mat and thrown into the wilderness to feed wolves, but he wanted to live. He clung to life with his untreated wounds until the next day.

At that time, the Marquis was just a young man but had already started working for Wei Yan. However, from objects to servants, he could only pick what Wei Xuan had left over.

Wei Xuan chose the victorious death soldier as his attendant. The Marquis looked through the dark dungeon and didn’t choose those with light injuries who could become household slaves of the Wei family. Instead, he picked him.

The steward said he might not survive, as it was rare for someone with such severe injuries to last a night.

The Marquis said since he was trying so hard to live, wouldn’t it be a pity if he died?

So he was taken out, received treatment from a physician, and when his wounds healed, he became the Marquis’s attendant, given the name Xie Qi.

From that time on, he was loyal only to Xie Zheng. Later, he even killed Wei Xuan’s attendant, who was a former death soldier, for Xie Zheng.

As for his sister, by the time he found her, she had already become a well-known courtesan in a small-town brothel.

Given his current identity, he dared not rashly recognize his sister, fearing that one misstep might put her in danger. After all, he had seen many instances of people being coerced through their family members.

He secretly gave his sister money and pressured the madam, allowing his sister to buy her freedom. She now runs an embroidery shop.

Xie Zheng asked, “When your sister married, there was a wealthy young master who admired her. Why did she still marry a blacksmith?”

This happened after Xie Qi’s sister had bought her freedom. When Xie Qi learned of his sister’s marriage, he didn’t dare to openly attend the wedding feast. He only asked Xie Zheng to leave and secretly went to observe the ceremony.

That wealthy young master was also there that day. He and several close brothers, including Xie Wu, had been watching him from the shadows, thinking that if he dared to cause trouble at the wedding, they would drag him into an alley and beat him up.

Unexpectedly, the wealthy young master just drank himself into a stupor at the feast.

They had mentioned this incident when they returned, and Xie Zheng must have heard about it. Now that he suddenly brought up this matter, Xie Qi was quite puzzled and only said, “As her brother, I think it’s not bad for my sister to marry a blacksmith.”

Xie Zheng stopped in his tracks and asked, “Why?”

Xie Qi answered, “My sister doesn’t know I’m still alive or that I’ve found her. If she marries a blacksmith and he treats her badly in the future, she can support herself with the embroidery shop and file for divorce easily. If things get messy, she’ll have neighbors to help her. If she had married that wealthy young master, she’d be alone facing an entire clan. If anything were to happen, it would be difficult for her to seek justice against such a large and influential family.”

This was another story of a tofu maker’s daughter, but in this story, she didn’t choose the noble young master.

Xie Zheng seemed lost in thought but said nothing more as he walked towards the central military tent.

The guard at the entrance saw him and quickly called out, “Marquis.”

As Xie Zheng approached, they lifted the curtain. The tent was brightly lit, and Xie Zheng immediately noticed the old man sitting below the main seat. His expression softened slightly, and he called out with some surprise, “Teacher.”

Tao Taifu looked at his prized student and stroked his beard, saying, “I heard you went to pursue the enemy. How did it go?”

He noticed the bruise at the corner of Xie Zheng’s eye, thinking it was an injury from the battlefield. He mused that the angle was indeed tricky.

If a fist could reach the face, had it been a blade, this eye might have been lost. Thinking of it this way, it could be considered fortunate in misfortune.

Gongsun Yin also noticed it. It was the first time he had seen Xie Zheng return from the battlefield with a bruised eye. Somehow, he suddenly thought of the bruise on his face when he saw him earlier in Lu City.

The more he looked, the more similar it seemed. For a moment, Gongsun Yin’s expression was quite peculiar.

Could it be that Fan Changyu had hit him again?

But he had just come down from the battlefield, so it shouldn’t be possible…

Xie Zheng seemed not to notice their scrutinizing gazes. He sat down in the main seat after lifting his robe and said calmly, “I have taken Shi Yue’s head.”

Tao Taifu nodded with satisfaction and asked with pride, “Shi Yue had a fierce general under his command, said to be his brother, called Shi Hu. He was born unusually large and strong. When I was at the foot of the mountain, I saw him engage with the Ji Zhou army. He’s a tough opponent. Did you kill both of them single-handedly?”

Xie Zheng immediately frowned, “I led five hundred elite cavalry, taking a shortcut from the mountain to pursue them. I only intercepted and killed Shi Yue, but didn’t see his brother.”

Gongsun Yin said in surprise, “Vanguard Ge Daqing is one of the fiercest generals under the Marquis, and even he was severely wounded by Shi Hu. If the Marquis didn’t engage Shi Hu in combat, who else in the army could have subdued this bandit?”

In this battle, the vanguard and the left wing suffered heavy casualties. Almost all the officers were too injured to get out of bed, and the military doctors had to go around bandaging them one by one.

Xie Zheng asked, “Doesn’t the battle report mention how many enemies the left-wing killed? How many enemy generals were captured?”

Gongsun Yin handed over the battle report nearby and said, “Neither the vanguard nor the left-wing mentioned killing Shi Hu, but Shi Hu is indeed dead. The Taifu and I thought you had killed him.”

Xie Zheng said, “Shi Hu did not die by my hand.”

Xie Wu, who had just entered with tea, heard this conversation and hesitated before finally speaking up, “Shi Hu was killed by the Madam.”

Upon hearing this, all three men in the tent turned to look at Xie Wu.

Gongsun Yin, unaware that Fan Changyu had secretly joined the battle, was shocked and asked in confusion, “She was on the mountain, how did she kill Shi Hu?”

Xie Wu glanced furtively at Xie Zheng and carefully said, “Madam didn’t know the Marquis’s identity before. Fearing something might happen to the Marquis in battle, she drugged him and mixed him into the left wing. I couldn’t stop Madam and, fearing she might encounter danger, followed her. The generals of the left wing fought with Shi Hu and were all defeated, causing the morale to collapse. When Madam confronted Shi Hu, she had no suitable weapon. After several fierce exchanges, she managed to seize Shi Hu’s war hammer and took his life with three strikes.”

Xie Wu had wanted to tell Xie Zheng about Fan Changyu’s battlefield exploits on the way, fearing he might be angry at her for joining the battle without permission, but he hadn’t found the opportunity.

Gongsun Yin was so shocked by Fan Changyu’s military achievement that he remained silent for a long time, not even thinking to joke about the rare embarrassment of Xie Zheng being drugged.

After a while, he stuttered, “Hunting a black bear, one could say the bear wasn’t smart enough but had brute strength. But Shi Hu… he wasn’t just brute strength. Vanguard Ge Daqing, who dares to hunt tigers and bears and is battle-hardened, couldn’t defeat him. Yet Miss Fan could seize his weapon and take his life with three strikes?”

Gongsun Yin drew a sharp breath and looked at Xie Zheng, “Under heaven, I thought only the Marquis had such courage.”

Xie Zheng leaned back in his chair, frowning silently, lost in thought.

When Tao Taifu heard Xie Wu say that the Madam had killed Shi Hu, he began to wonder. He thought this brat truly didn’t remember his old teacher at all, not even informing him of such a big event as his marriage.

Then hearing Xie Wu say that the Madam didn’t know Xie Zheng’s identity and went to battle in his stead, he became even more confused. Now hearing Gongsun Yin say the woman’s surname was Fan, he thought it couldn’t be such a coincidence – could it be Fan Changyu?

He raised his old eyes to look at Xie Zheng, “When did you get married? You didn’t even send a letter to inform this old man.”

Gongsun Yin had deliberately kept Fan Changyu’s relationship with Xie Zheng from Tao Taifu earlier. Now, despite his surprise, he still smiled at the two, just waiting for Xie Zheng to explain the ins and outs of his marriage to Tao Taifu himself.

However, Xie Zheng said, “It’s a long story. I was in dire straits at the time, and the wedding was simple. We’ll hold another ceremony later, and I’ll invite you, Teacher, to be the marriage witness.”

Tao Taifu knew that Xie Zheng’s marriage might even relate to the reshuffling of various powers in the court. Thinking of what Xie Wu said about that woman killing Shi Hu, he squinted his eyes and asked, “Is she from a military family?”

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment, then said, “No.”

Tao Taifu then said, “In any case, she must be a good child. You should treat her well.”

Xie Zheng thought of Fan Changyu’s words rejecting him, his heart sinking. He only replied with a “Yes.”

Tao Taifu then spoke about the current situation: “With Shi Yue dead, the Prince of Chang Xin is as if he’s lost an arm. The Chong Zhou army at the foot of the mountain – some dead, some fled, some captured and reorganized into the army – you could directly head south to surround Chong Zhou, join forces with He Jingyuan’s troops, and attack the city together. But will the court let you finish this war so quickly?”

The prolonged stalemate in Chong Zhou was partly due to court disputes.

At first, Wei Yan wanted to scheme for him to die on the Chong Zhou battlefield. Now, the court’s military pay and provisions were several months late, clearly indicating that someone didn’t want this war to end quickly.

Weapons, provisions, military pay – these were all money. With ongoing battles at the front, those in the court had a legitimate reason to ask the Ministry of Revenue for funds.

As for how much of these allocated funds reached their intended destination, it depended on whether the corrupt officials at each level still had any conscience.

Both the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue were Wei Yan’s people. Even if the Emperor ordered an audit, it would only show that the money, provisions, and weapons had all been delivered to him. If the rebels still weren’t eradicated despite sufficient funds and supplies, it would be Xie Zheng who was incompetent.

Xie Zheng said mockingly, “Wei Yan wants to cover up the mess Wei Xuan made in the northwest. Now he probably wants me to give up the military merit of destroying the Chong Zhou rebels.”

Tao Taifu’s eyelids drooped slightly as he said, “In my opinion, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

Gongsun Yin asked in confusion, “What do you mean, Taifu?”

Tao Taifu countered, “In the Da Yin Dynasty, who else has been made a marquis at the age of twenty? The moon wanes when full, and water overflows when full. With your Marquis’s merit in suppressing the rebels, what do you think the Emperor can award him when he returns to the capital? Now the Wei faction is at its peak, and the Emperor naturally hopes he and Wei Yan will fight to the death. When Wei Yan falls, who’s next?”

Gongsun Yin said, “I understand what you’re saying, Taifu, but even if the Marquis wants to retreat now, he’s already entangled in the capital’s situation and can’t back down.”

Tao Taifu smiled, “Young man-“

Gongsun Yin sensed there was more to Tao Taifu’s words and said, “I’d like to hear your wise opinion, Taifu.”

Tao Taifu said, “To what extent should one retreat? As long as your Marquis isn’t the next one the Emperor wants to bring down after Wei Yan falls.”

Gongsun Yin immediately understood Tao Taifu’s meaning, “You mean, let the Li family fight with Wei Yan first?”

He thought of Li Huai’an, Taifu Li’s grandson who was currently acting as He Jingyuan’s temporary replacement in Ji Zhou. His heart shook as he looked up at Tao Taifu.

Tao Taifu knew what he was thinking and said, “Even without your Marquis, Wei Yan still has the Ministry of War and He Jingyuan. Taifu Li has no military power, which is why he hasn’t dared to confront Wei Yan directly for so many years.”

The Li family’s foray into the northwest was an attempt to gain military power.

As long as Xie Zheng threw out the fat piece of meat that was the merit of suppressing the rebels, both the Li faction and the Wei faction would pounce on it like hyenas fighting over food.

Wei Yan had to fight for it because he had been pushed into a corner. If he didn’t fight, these powers falling into others’ hands would become weapons against him.

Xie Zheng could hold onto the military merit, but winning this war with Wei Yan cutting off all military supplies would drain him. Exchanging this for a token reward from the Emperor and pushing himself to the forefront seemed unwise from any angle.

The Li family wanted military power, but after arriving in the northwest, they remained inactive, as if they had calculated that Xie Zheng would throw out the military merit after weighing the pros and cons.

For Wei Yan to claim this military merit, he could only rely on He Jingyuan. But now Li Huai’an was managing Ji Zhou on He Jingyuan’s behalf, with access to all accounts and files in Ji Zhou. If he could catch even a small mistake, given the young Emperor’s current reliance on the Li family, it wouldn’t be difficult to seize power from He Jingyuan.

Xie Zheng, who had been silent until now, suddenly said, “In that case, it seems the Prince of Chang Xin’s rebellion was specially arranged to deliver military power to the Li family.”

Upon hearing this, both Gongsun Yin and Tao Taifu were shocked.

Tao Taifu said, “The Li family couldn’t have calculated the Prince of Chang Xin’s actions to such an extent.”

Gongsun Yin also said, “I heard that the Princess Consort of Chang Xin also died in the fire at the Eastern Palace back then, and the eldest son of the Prince of Chang Xin was burned so badly he couldn’t be seen in public. The Prince of Chang Xin has been lying low for many years; his resentment towards the court can’t be fake.”

However, Xie Zheng’s eyes changed slightly. The Emperor’s grandson had connections with the Prince of Chang Xin’s household, and Yu Qianqian’s son looked somewhat like the late Emperor. The Crown Prince Chengde had even more resemblance to the late Emperor. When Chang Ning was captured by Sui Yuanqing, she had also seen Yu Bao’er at the Prince of Chang Xin’s residence.

Something was becoming clear. He looked at Gongsun Yin and said, “After we come down from the mountain, send a message back to the capital to secretly investigate the Eastern Palace fire case from back then.”

Gongsun Yin asked in confusion, “Why suddenly investigate the Eastern Palace fire again?”

Xie Zheng’s lips curled slightly, “I suspect the Emperor’s grandson is at the Prince of Chang Xin’s residence.”

These words shocked Gongsun Yin and Tao Taifu even more, but regardless, it was just a guess for now and needed evidence to confirm.

The sound of patrolling soldiers calling out the hour came from outside the tent. Midnight had passed, and Xie Zheng told Tao Taifu and Gongsun Yin to go back and rest.

However, Tao Taifu didn’t get up to leave. Gongsun Yin assumed they had some private words to exchange as teacher and student, so he yawned and returned to his quarters.

Xie Zheng and Tao Taifu’s years of teacher-student relationship meant they could understand each other’s intentions with just a glance. He said, “Teacher, do you have something you want to ask me?”

Tao Taifu said, “With young Gongsun here earlier, I couldn’t ask you too much about your private affairs. This marriage of yours, did you take a wife or a concubine?”

Xie Zheng answered, “A wife.”

Tao Taifu was slightly stunned, then said, “You’re already twenty-one this year. Ordinary men at your age would already have children running around, yet you were still alone. It’s good that you can now marry according to your wishes, but I see your face is gloomy. Why is that?”

Xie Zheng had delayed marriage because he was from the Xie family but was raised by Wei Yan.

Although the Xie family was a centuries-old great clan, the larger the family, the more idle people it bred. By his father’s generation, the entire Xie family was already in decline. In their branch, only his father bore the backbone of the Xie family, while the collateral branches had no descendants capable of great responsibilities.

The greatest fear of a great clan was having no worthy successors. So when his father died in battle and his mother followed in death, and he was taken away by Wei Yan, the collateral relatives didn’t dare to speak up.

In some ways, Xie Zheng being taken by Wei Yan was a good thing. If he had stayed with the Xie family, he would likely have been raised to be useless.

Although Wei Yan treated him harshly, for the sake of his father’s prestige in the military and his old subordinates, he spared no effort in nurturing him, making him the sharpest blade in the entire Da Yin Dynasty.

When ordinary men reach marriageable age, female elders in the family would help arrange matches with suitable girls from families of equal status. But Xie Zheng was raised in the Wei family. Wei Yan didn’t arrange a marriage for him, and the Xie family didn’t dare to bypass Wei Yan to directly arrange a marriage for him.

There were attempts at improper matches, trying to push some cousin or distantly related daughter towards him. This self-demeaning behavior not only earned Wei Xuan’s mockery of Xie Zheng for a long time but even made Wei Yan somewhat despise the Xie clan.

Later, when Xie Zheng went to the military, the matter of marriage was further postponed.

By the time he had established his merit and reputation, his marriage had become an alliance between two clans, rather than simply marrying an individual.

The Qing Liu faction didn’t dare to marry their daughters to him. As for Wei Yan’s faction, Wei Yan was wary of him gaining support from his wife’s family and becoming harder to control, so naturally, his subordinates didn’t dare to offend Wei Yan. Neutral officials were even less willing to get involved in this muddy water.

As his status rose, arranging his marriage became even more difficult.

Xie Zheng informed Tao Taifu about his situation with Fan Changyu: “She saved me when I was at my lowest point. I had to conceal my identity from her. Now that she knows everything, she’s concerned about my status and has no desire to marry into a noble family.”

After hearing this, Tao Taifu praised, “She seems to be a clear-headed woman.”

Xie Zheng knelt before Tao Taifu, lifting his robe, and said, “Student wishes to ask a favor from the Teacher.”

Tao Taifu looked at him with narrowed eyes, “Is it related to that woman?”

Xie Zheng answered, “Yes.”

Tao Taifu said, “If she’s unwilling to marry you, what can an old man like me do?”

Xie Zheng raised his head, “Student humbly requests Teacher to adopt her as your goddaughter.”

Tao Taifu immediately understood Xie Zheng’s intention: “You want to give her a prestigious family background? To silence the gossip?”

Xie Zheng remained silent, which was as good as confirmation.

Tao Taifu changed the subject, asking, “What if that young lady still refuses and only wants to live an ordinary life?”

The young man kneeling on the ground pressed his lips tightly together. After a while, he said, “I will pave all the roads for her. If she’s willing to walk with me, I won’t let her stumble even once. If she still refuses, I’ll consider our fate to have ended here.”

Tao Taifu sighed, “Get up. It just so happens that this old man has no children. Adopting a goddaughter will give me something to look forward to in my latter years. But you must also help your teacher with something.”

Xie Zheng said, “Please tell me, Teacher.”

Tao Taifu, thinking of Fan Changyu, said, “Do you have any promising young men under your command? This teacher met a young divorced lady on the road and promised an elder to find her a good husband.”

Tao Taifu paused here, then added, “He must be honest and kind-hearted, with an open mind. The young lady has been divorced, so the young man must not mind this. She’s sincere and straightforward; I’m afraid she might be easily taken advantage of if she meets someone cunning. The military rank doesn’t need to be too high; she doesn’t understand the ways of noble ladies.”

Xie Zheng found these characteristics somewhat familiar, but remembering that Tao Taifu said the young lady was divorced and that he was asked by her elder to find her a husband, he didn’t think it could be Fan Changyu. After all, how could Fan Changyu know an elder acquainted with Tao Taifu? So he didn’t think further about Fan Changyu and agreed to everything.

The teacher is being dumb, how is he a teacher/military strategist? It’s so obvious that his potential student is the wife when they clearly said Fan, how could there a coincidence of two different people same surname in one military camp where women are not allowed? And that friend not telling them the whole story.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 88

The master and disciple, who hadn’t seen each other for many years, talked by candlelight for a while. Xie Zheng offered to personally escort Grand Tutor Tao back to his quarters, but the Grand Tutor said, “That’s enough, we don’t need to be so formal. You should go rest too. This old man can find his way back.”

Xie Zheng then asked Xie Qi to escort Grand Tutor Tao back. After a pause, he added, “If she learns that I asked you to take her as your adopted daughter, I fear she won’t accept the kindness. Tomorrow when we break camp, I’ll arrange for her to share a carriage with you down the mountain. When she has free time, she likes to read books and greatly respects learned people. Please guide her a bit, and coax her into accepting you as her adopted father.”

Hearing him plan so meticulously, Grand Tutor Tao lifted his aged eyelids slightly and asked, “Is it worth going to such lengths?”

Xie Zheng had already escorted Grand Tutor Tao to the tent entrance. Against the candlelight, his handsome profile was hidden in shadow as he replied with certainty, “She’s worth it.”

Grand Tutor Tao chuckled, “Alright, we’ll do as you say.”

He then asked, “What’s that girl’s full name? Do you know her birth date and time? Since I’m taking her as my daughter, this old man should give her a courtesy name.”

Xie Zheng answered, “Her surname is Fan, given the name Changyu. She’s sixteen this year, likely born in the first month of the second year of the Qingli era.”

He didn’t know Fan Changyu’s exact birth date. He had asked before when they were in Qingping County, but Fan Changyu hadn’t told him.

Grand Tutor Tao’s expression suddenly became extremely interesting. No wonder Gongsun Yin had said earlier that he had met Fan Changyu but was unwilling to reveal more information. So this was what he had been waiting for!

Seeing Grand Tutor Tao’s peculiar expression, Xie Zheng frowned and asked, “Is something wrong?”

Grand Tutor Tao looked at him and said with mixed emotions, “The girl I met on the road was also surnamed Fan, named Changyu.”

Xie Zheng remembered Fan Changyu mentioning before that she had met a knowledgeable old eccentric while working on the dam, who would curse his students every day. His eyelids twitched uncontrollably.

The entire tent suddenly fell into silence, with master and disciple momentarily at a loss for words.

After a while, Xie Zheng asked, “Were you captured by the troops working on the dam upstream of Jizhou while on the road?”

The memory of being forced to dig earth and stones on the mountain was not a pleasant one. Grand Tutor Tao found it embarrassing. His mustache quivered as he turned the tables, “That girl told me she had separated from her live-in husband?”

He glanced at Xie Zheng, “When you were in dire straits, did you become her live-in husband?”

Xie Zheng was silent for a moment, then slowly made an affirmative sound.

Grand Tutor Tao looked at Xie Zheng with surprise. How could he not know how proud his student was?

Earlier, when he heard Xie Wu mention that Fan Changyu had killed Shi Hu, he instinctively thought of Fan Changyu. But Fan Changyu’s ex-husband was a live-in son-in-law. Given Xie Zheng’s personality, how could he possibly have become a live-in son-in-law?

Moreover, Shi Hu was a formidable general. All the generals of the vanguard and left guard had been defeated by him. Although Fan Changyu knew martial arts, she was just a novice. How could she have achieved such an extraordinary feat?

Besides, the girl Xie Zheng spoke of was intelligent and perceptive, while Fan Changyu in his impression was a stubborn and simple-minded girl.

That’s why Grand Tutor Tao hadn’t connected the two, thinking it was just a coincidence that they shared the same name. Who would have thought that sometimes, the world could be so coincidental?

Looking at his prized student, whose brow now rarely showed signs of dejection, he stroked his goatee and coughed lightly, “If that’s the case, then let’s drop the matter of finding her another young man.”

Xie Zheng glanced at Grand Tutor Tao, who read a hint of “Did you think I would still look for someone?” in that look.

Xie Zheng said, “I still need to trouble you with taking her as your adopted daughter.”

Grand Tutor Tao shook his head and sighed, “You may not believe this, but when I met that girl on the road, I felt she was a promising talent. Although she’s a bit lacking in intelligence, she has a kind nature and strong will. With some polishing, she could become quite capable. I had intended to take her as my disciple, but she refused me repeatedly.”

Xie Zheng remembered how not long ago, Fan Changyu had sympathetically told him that the eccentric old man was lonely and probably wanted to take her as a disciple so she could care for him in his old age. She was in a hurry to find Changnin and couldn’t spare the energy to look after an old man with a strange temper, so she politely refused. The old man had been angry about it for a long time.

Now hearing Grand Tutor Tao explain the circumstances, Xie Zheng felt quite conflicted.

Seeing his silence, Grand Tutor Tao added, “Back then, she was unwilling to become my disciple. Now, asking her to accept me as her adopted father, this old man can’t guarantee that girl will agree.”

Xie Zheng said, “We can only do our best and leave the rest to fate.”

Grand Tutor Tao sighed, “You two are like a pair of stubborn mules coming together!”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

After Grand Tutor Tao left, he stood alone, hands behind his back, lost in thought as he gazed into the pitch-black night outside the tent.

The rain had stopped. In the distance, the regularly arranged military tents appeared as small dark bumps under the bonfires.

Xie Wu hesitantly approached and said, “My Lord, it’s a quarter past one. You should rest too.”

Xie Zheng’s mind was in turmoil, without a trace of sleepiness. He instructed, “Go and put some pressure on the Left Guard. Keep the matter of her killing Shi Hu under wraps for now.”

Xie Wu knew this was to protect Fan Changyu. If Fan Changyu didn’t plan to stay in the military in the future, spreading this news would only bring her trouble.

He immediately cupped his fist and said, “I understand, sir.”

After Xie Wu left, Xie Zheng ordered someone to bring his warhorse. Without allowing anyone to follow, he rode alone aimlessly around the camp. Without realizing it, he arrived in front of Fan Changyu’s tent. He sat on horseback, quietly watching for a while. A moment later, he tugged on the reins, and his glossy black warhorse turned and walked into the deeper darkness of the night.

Inside the tent, Fan Changyu lay fully clothed on the bed, also wide awake.

When the sound of hooves came from outside, she instinctively held her breath. The hoofbeats were very light as if trying not to disturb anyone, deliberately slowing their pace.

After stopping for quite a while, the faint sound of hooves resumed, clearly moving away.

Who else would come to look at her tent in the middle of the night?

Realizing this, Fan Changyu felt quite uneasy. The events of the past few months flashed through her mind, making her feel even worse.

She tossed and turned, trying to ease the restlessness in her heart, but almost woke Changnin. She rubbed her brow and sat up, thinking she might as well go out for a walk too.

She got up quietly, tucked a boning knife into her belt, and when she left the tent, she found an unfamiliar soldier guarding nearby. He looked like he was on patrol in the area, but there had been no one guarding this part of the camp at night before.

Fan Changyu’s eyes met his directly. He stared at her blankly at first, his gaze half panicked and half admiring. After a moment, as if remembering his duty, he quickly averted his gaze, looking guilty.

Fan Changyu guessed this was probably Xie Zheng’s doing, which made her even more conflicted.

She was very familiar with the camp and walked silently toward the outskirts of the encampment.

That guard was indeed assigned to protect the Fan sisters. Previously, Xie Wu and Xie Qi had been responsible for this task, but Fan Changyu had become familiar with them. If they were sent to guard her, she would recognize them immediately. Fearing she would be annoyed, Xie Zheng had assigned guards she hadn’t met before.

In the latter half of the night, the moon emerged from the dispersing clouds.

The mountains in the night seemed to be coated with a layer of silver light, making the surroundings visible without torches.

Fan Changyu walked on the soft, rain-soaked soil, following the sound of flowing water towards the river.

The wilderness was vast, with the sounds of insects and frogs rising and falling. The air after the rain was indescribably fresh. Taking a deep breath, she felt the heaviness in her heart dissipate a bit.

If the grass hadn’t been so wet after the rain, she would have liked to lie down with her arms spread, sinking into the soft green grass, and let the tranquil night soothe the restlessness and jumbled thoughts in her heart.

A rustling sound came from the nearby bushes, startling Fan Changyu. Looking closely, she saw a jet-black warhorse tethered to some shrubs, with the faint sound of water coming from the riverbank ahead.

Fan Changyu recognized the warhorse and was shocked. She turned to leave, but the person by the river had already noticed her.

“Who’s there?”

As this cold voice fell, several pebbles shot toward her like meteors. Fan Changyu quickly rolled on the ground, barely avoiding the stones that could have left holes in her body.

Just as she was about to get up, supporting herself with both hands on the ground, a sudden chill touched her neck. The person who had been by the riverbank a moment ago was now standing in front of her, dripping with water, a steel blade pointed at her throat.

“It’s you.”

Recognizing her face, the fierceness in Xie Zheng’s eyes dissipated. He put away his blade and looked her up and down before extending a hand to help her up, frowning as he asked, “Are you hurt?”

Fan Changyu shook her head and didn’t take his hand, getting up on her own. Inwardly, she marveled at his speed.

She had seen him kill before, but this was the first time she had witnessed his animal-like alertness.

The steel blade had been withdrawn, but she still felt the hair on that patch of skin on her neck standing on end.

That momentary feeling of having her life in someone else’s hands was truly heart-stopping.

Xie Zheng said, “I thought you were an enemy scout.”

She was wearing a common soldier’s uniform, and for convenience, her hair was tied in a small bun. From a distance in the night, at first glance, it was impossible to tell who she was.

Fan Changyu thought to herself that if she had been an enemy scout, even if she hadn’t been hit by those stones, she wouldn’t have escaped his blade in the end.

She awkwardly explained why she was there: “I couldn’t sleep at night, so I came out for a walk to clear my mind. I happened to see your horse and thought you must be by the river, so I was planning to avoid you.”

Xie Zheng was wearing only military trousers, having just come out of the river. His whole body was dripping with water. Not caring whether the grass was wet or not, he sat down directly. His wet long hair had fallen loose from his hair tie, sticking messily to his face and neck, adding a youthful air to his appearance.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, he looked up at her with some surprise: “You can’t sleep either?”

His collarbones became more pronounced due to his posture of sitting with his hands on the ground. In the moonlight, his skin took on a cool, frosty white hue. Water droplets fell from his hair tips onto his collarbones, sliding down his toned muscles, leaving a trail of water. Further down was his narrow waist…

Fan Changyu suddenly felt her face grow hot and quickly averted her gaze. Afraid he might misunderstand, she said, “I killed many people during the day. My heart feels heavy.”

The “too” in his words indicated that he couldn’t sleep either, which was why he came here.

As for why he couldn’t sleep, the reason was obvious.

Although she was indeed unsettled and sleepless because of his words, she had already clearly rejected him. Admitting now that she couldn’t sleep because of what he said would seem strange.

However, the events on the battlefield were indeed one of the reasons for her restlessness.

Xie Zheng remembered the scene in Lin’an Town when she had killed someone and was so afraid that she came to sit by his bed at night. His eyes softened.

He had already learned from Xie Wu that on the battlefield, she couldn’t bring herself to deliver fatal blows to common soldiers. She would only wound them in non-vital areas, rendering them unable to fight back.

Having such reverence for life, yet still going to the battlefield to fight for him.

How dare she?

Something seemed to scorch his heart, and a voice in his head screamed to embrace her. His fingers, supporting him on the ground, dug deep into the muddy grass, but he ultimately didn’t dare to take that step.

It felt as if insects were crawling in his blood, and his bones trembled with restraint. Finally suppressing the swelling, clamoring thoughts in his heart, he forced himself to calm down and lowered his eyes, saying, “The first time I came back from the battlefield, I had nightmares all night too.”

“The second time I went to battle and killed enemies, I killed even more people than the first time. That night, I didn’t sleep at all. I went to the training ground and practiced all night. In the end, I collapsed on the ground from exhaustion, closed my eyes, and fell asleep without any nightmares.”

As he spoke of these old memories, a cold sneer crept onto his lips. He didn’t even notice the layer of killing intent that rose around him.

He was like a stray dog on the streets, covered in wounds, instinctively baring its teeth and growling fiercely when sensing someone approach, as if this could prevent the next injury.

A hand rested on his wet hair. Even through the cold, wet hair, he could feel the warmth of her hand.

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes lifted, reflecting the silver moon and Fan Changyu’s sun-bright features.

She pressed her lips together and gently stroked his head, saying like she was comforting a child, “It’s all in the past now.”

He’s gonna grab her, isn’t he? I feel like he’s gonna lose control and grab her and she’s gonna punch him again. 🤭

Poor boy’s struggling to rein in his desires and this oblivious girl is out here stroking his head like he’s some harmless kitten. Girl, how’re you still so trusting of this boy after he’s grabbed and kissed you several times already? Lol

He needs to continue kissing her to get her used to it. 🙂

Zhu Yu – Chapter 89

The moonlight was soft, and the stream gurgled gently.

Xie Zheng tilted his head slightly, gazing at Fan Changyu who had been silent for a while.

Fan Changyu met his gaze, pausing for a moment before seemingly realizing the intimacy of the gesture. She awkwardly withdrew her hand and placed it on her knee.

The atmosphere between them became somewhat delicate. As she was about to suggest leaving, Xie Zheng suddenly said, “If you’re still feeling down, I can spar with you for a few rounds.”

To leave just like that, after her unconscious gesture of comforting him by touching his head earlier, would have felt strange.

Fan Changyu, recalling his ghost-like speed from before, indeed became interested in the idea of sparring with him. She nodded.

She only had a boning knife with her. Xie Zheng put on his upper garment but didn’t take any weapon, preparing to fight bare-handed.

Feeling underestimated, Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and said, “You should at least take a dagger.”

Xie Zheng put one hand behind his back and simply said to her, “Come.”

This posture of giving her a handicap made Fan Changyu press her lips even tighter. Without another word, her eyes suddenly sharpened like those of a hunting tiger. She charged forward like an arrow released from a bow.

She tried to control Xie Zheng’s single hand with one of hers while slashing at his neck with the boning knife. But as she got close, she found Xie Zheng as slippery as a fish. Whenever she tried to grab his hand, he would always avoid it a step ahead, calm and at ease. As he dodged her knife by sidestepping, a gust of wind from his palm swept towards her face. Fan Changyu hurriedly avoided it, but unexpectedly, that hand hooked her elbow and pulled downward, causing her to lose balance and nearly fall backward.

Xie Zheng changed his downward pull to a grip on her arm, intending to pull her up when he suddenly felt a chill at his neck.

He asked with a smile, “What’s this? Repaying kindness with enmity?”

Fan Changyu, with her boning knife against his neck, said, “All’s fair in war.”

Xie Zheng’s smile brightened even more as he looked at her and said, “You have a point.”

Fan Changyu gazed at his smiling dark eyes and withdrew her knife, pressing her lips together as she said, “I’m not as skilled as you.”

Noticing her dejection, Xie Zheng said, “Close combat excels in speed. You’re proficient with heavy weapons, and when using a light weapon, you can’t employ your broad, powerful moves. If it were just a contest of drawing speed, it would be unreasonable for me not to surpass you after over a decade of intense practice.”

Fan Changyu recalled the move he used to take her down and asked, “What was that move when you hooked my elbow and pulled downward?”

Instead of answering, Xie Zheng once again hooked her elbow and pulled downward. This time, Fan Changyu instantly tensed her body and didn’t budge an inch.

Xie Zheng asked her, “Do you understand now?”

Fan Changyu thought back to when she nearly fell earlier. His palm wind had forced her to dodge, causing her to shift her stance instead of standing firmly.

She frowned and said, “So the key isn’t in the downward pull?”

Xie Zheng nodded approvingly and said, “Sometimes, there’s no need to use brute force. Following the flow and using the opponent’s force against them can achieve more with less effort.”

Fan Changyu gripped her boning knife tightly and charged at him, saying, “Again!”

Their previous exchange had merely been a warm-up for Fan Changyu. Skilled in fierce attacks, she no longer followed Xie Zheng’s moves to maneuver but focused solely on offense. Her knife strikes became increasingly fierce, one after another. Despite wielding only a three-inch boning knife, she managed to create afterimages with her swings.

Xie Zheng noticed her playing to her strengths and avoiding her weaknesses, using offense as defense. He was somewhat surprised, a flash of astonishment crossing his eyes. She had been holding back earlier, merely probing his fighting style.

This realization brought a hint of amusement to his eyes, though he didn’t hold back in his techniques.

Only through such genuine practice could Fan Changyu learn and improve her martial skills most quickly.

Having learned from her previous mistake, Fan Changyu no longer tried to grab Xie Zheng’s hand. Her knife-wielding handled the attack, while her fist-clenching hand also struck, one hit following another, aiming to force Xie Zheng into a passive defense, leaving him no chance to counterattack.

But this round of sparring lasted only slightly longer than the previous one. After a few exchanges, she was once again outmaneuvered by Xie Zheng’s ghost-like movements. He got behind her, and using the momentum of her knife strike, pushed her shoulder and back. Fan Changyu was instantly propelled far away, half-falling into the grass.

In a sense, Fan Changyu was also a martial arts enthusiast.

She raised her head, a small flame seemingly burning in her eyes, and shouted, “Again!”

Xie Zheng stood not far away, his clothes fluttering in the night breeze, framing his cold, jade-like face, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance.

Like a young bull, Fan Changyu charged at him again with her knife.

In no time, her knife-wielding arm was redirected by Xie Zheng, and she stumbled into the grass once more.

The black cloud horse grazing nearby, perhaps annoyed that she had crushed a patch of tender grass, even came over and nudged her with its head.

Fan Changyu got up, clutching her boning knife, spitting out “ptui ptui” to get rid of the grass she had accidentally eaten. She looked at Xie Zheng and shouted, “Again!”

…

After being thrown out for the umpteenth time, Fan Changyu’s clothes, covered in grass stains and mud, were a mess. Her face was dirty, and there were even a few blades of grass stuck in her hair.

She lay on her back, looking up at the sky and breathing heavily. Her whole body was so sore that she didn’t want to move a finger, yet she felt exhilarated.

Her mind was blank, free of any distracting thoughts. She felt she could fall asleep in an instant if she closed her eyes.

Xie Zheng took a water flask from the horse’s back and handed it to her, saying, “Have some water.”

Fan Changyu had sweated a lot and was indeed very thirsty. She sat up, probably a bit dizzy from being thrown around so many times. She took the flask and started gulping down the water.

After drinking, she handed it back to Xie Zheng. He looked at it for a moment, then tilted his head back and took a few swigs.

Fan Changyu stared blankly, her mind finally registering that the water flask was Xie Zheng’s. She had drunk from it, and now he was drinking from it too. What did this mean?

Before she could feel embarrassed about it, she remembered him kissing her on horseback earlier. Fan Changyu unconsciously wiped her lips with the back of her hand again, suddenly feeling that sharing a water flask didn’t seem like such a big deal anymore.

There was grass and mud on the back of her hand too, and this wiping left some on her lips.

Xie Zheng finished drinking and screwed the cap back on. Noticing something unusual about her, he asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu said awkwardly, “There’s something dirty on my face. I’m going to wash my face.”

With that, she got up and walked towards the riverside.

Xie Zheng’s voice came from behind, “You’re covered in mud. Don’t you want to wash your clothes too?”

Fan Changyu thought he was being crude and turned back to glare at him. But seeing Xie Zheng’s serious expression, it seemed he wasn’t intentionally teasing her. She frowned slightly.

Xie Zheng realized she had misunderstood and said, “The army will break camp tomorrow and join forces with the Chongzhou and Jizhou armies to annihilate the rebels. You might not have spare clothes on the road.”

As he spoke, he took off his outer robe and hung it on a nearby tree branch, saying, “You can borrow my outer robe for now.”

With that, he turned and walked into the woods, seemingly to give her privacy intentionally.

Fan Changyu watched him walk away, then turned her gaze to the robe hanging on the tree branch.

Her hair was also covered in grass and mud. After a moment’s hesitation, she went over and took the robe, then hid behind a large rock by the riverbank. She placed the robe on the rock, let down her hair, and took off her mud-caked uniform. Then she immersed herself in the cold water.

Although it was late spring, the river water at night was still bone-chillingly cold. However, Fan Changyu had a strong constitution and wasn’t afraid of the cold. After washing off all the mud, she started scrubbing her long hair.

The sound of burning firewood came from the shore. She peeked out from behind the rock and saw Xie Zheng sitting by a fire with his back to her. He had gone into the woods to gather firewood.

Fan Changyu watched him for a while and noticed that he never turned his head. After washing her hair clean, she shivered as she got out of the water, wrung out her hair, and wrapped herself in the robe that was draped over the rock.

As she tied the robe, Fan Changyu realized there was a problem. The robe was too big for her, and even after tying it, the neckline was still wide open.

She frowned, then decided to wring out her washed undergarment as much as possible and put it on underneath before wrapping herself in the outer robe.

After doing all this, she finally came out from behind the rock and squatted by the river to wash her grass-stained and mud-caked uniform.

Xie Zheng seemed to hear the movement and turned to look at her, asking, “Don’t you want to dry your hair by the fire first?”

Fan Changyu thought about finishing washing her clothes first and then drying them by the fire. She said, “I’m not cold.”

Footsteps approached from behind, and as they neared, she looked up to see Xie Zheng, bare-chested, stepping into the river past her.

Fan Changyu frowned and asked, “Are you going to bathe?”

Xie Zheng glanced at her and said, “I was swimming here before you came.”

With that, he dove into the water like a silverfish, and in no time, he had swum several zhang away from the shore.

Seeing his intention to continue swimming in the river, Fan Changyu thought that with her washing clothes on the bank and him swimming in the middle of the river, they shouldn’t disturb each other. So she lowered her head and continued washing her clothes.

Suddenly, there was a disturbance in the water in front of her. Fan Changyu looked up to see Xie Zheng emerging from the water, holding a fish. The splash of water drenched Fan Changyu, and water dripped from his black hair and exquisite jaw. Like a young man, he laughed heartily, “We have fish to eat!”

The fish in his hand was struggling vigorously, constantly flapping its tail, splashing fishy water droplets onto Fan Changyu’s face.

Fan Changyu had to turn her face away and use her sleeve to shield herself, saying with a mix of helplessness and slight annoyance, “Put the fish away first!”

The originally gathered neckline of the robe scattered open due to this raised arm movement. Fan Changyu almost instantly felt a chill.

The person in front of her suddenly fell silent, staring at her blankly. The fish escaped from his hand and splashed back into the water, spraying his face, but he didn’t seem to notice.

Fan Changyu realized something was wrong and looked down. She saw that the neckline of the outer robe was wide open, and her undergarment underneath was wet, clinging to her body and revealing rounded curves. A hint of something small and protruding could be vaguely seen.

Her face instantly turned red enough to emit smoke. Without thinking, she kicked out, cursing, “You pervert!”

Xie Zheng, caught off guard, was kicked face-first into the river. He choked on a mouthful of water and couldn’t get up for a long time.

Fan Changyu, filled with shame and anger, initially thought he was pretending. But after a long while without seeing him surface, she finally realized something was wrong. She called out to the water, “Yan Zheng?”

She still habitually called him Yan Zheng.

There wasn’t even a ripple on the water’s surface. Fan Changyu feared that her kick might have knocked him unconscious. With a life at stake, she put aside all other concerns. She threw his outer robe onto the shore and went into the water to save him.

A moment later, she dragged the choking man out and threw him on the shore. She pressed hard on his chest several times. Seeing Xie Zheng turn his head and spit out a mouthful of water, slowly regaining consciousness, she finally sat down exhausted nearby.

She was tired, her breathing heavy, but her face was almost expressionless.

What kind of crazy things happened today?

Xie Zheng opened his eyes to see Fan Changyu sitting beside him, wearing only trousers and an undergarment. Her long, wet hair was scattered about, and the skin not covered by her black hair and undergarment was as white as frost and snow in the moonlight. Her expression was hard to read, either cold or a kind of resignation after too many shocks.

But her whole being seemed to tug at his heartstrings. He was first stunned, then felt a surge of heat in his nose.

Realizing what it was, Xie Zheng hurriedly raised a hand to cover his nose, his ears turning completely red. He hastily turned away, unprecedentedly flustered, “Sor… sorry…”

Fan Changyu was so irritated she wanted to hit someone. She snapped, “Shut up!”

She picked up the outer robe she had taken off earlier and wrapped it around herself. With no outlet for her pent-up frustration, she continued to warn him fiercely, “You didn’t see anything!”

With that, she walked far away and sat down, questioning her life choices.

Xie Zheng looked at her back, wrapped in his robe, then at the unfinished laundry by the river. He splashed some cold water on his face to drive away the heat, then finished washing her clothes. He hung them on tree branches at a distance from the fire to dry, then went back to the river to catch two more fish. After cleaning and gutting them, he skewered them on tree branches and placed them by the fire to roast.

When the fish were done, he took them over to Fan Changyu, carefully saying, “Have something to eat.”

Fan Changyu, wrapped in his outer robe, seemed to have not yet recovered from the series of shocks. She just stared at him with her wide almond eyes and threatened him again, “Don’t you dare tell anyone about tonight!”

Girl, you don’t know but this man had seen your whole being before.hahaha

Back then he had blindfolded himself

Zhu Yu – Chapter 90

Xie Zheng smiled faintly and asked her in return, “Who could I tell?”

Fan Changyu realized he was right. Being kicked into the river in front of her was quite embarrassing for him.

She glanced at him and said fiercely, “Anyway, don’t tell anyone.”

After Xie Zheng promised repeatedly, he handed her the fish, “Have some fish.”

She looked at the golden-brown, fragrant fish in his hand. Just as she stubbornly said, “I’m not hungry,” her stomach growled loudly.

The temperature in Fan Changyu’s face, which had just cooled down, rose again.

Xie Zheng struggled to suppress the upward curve of his lips and offered her a way out, “I grilled too much. I can’t finish it all.”

At this point, persisting would only embarrass herself. Fan Changyu resentfully extended her hand to take the fish, saying defiantly, “Don’t tell anyone about this either.”

Xie Zheng agreed with an “Alright,” holding back his laughter.

In the wild, without seasoning, most grilled game smells good but tastes bland or even fishy. However, the fish Xie Zheng grilled not only wasn’t fishy but had a subtle sour and spicy flavor.

After a couple of bites, Fan Changyu asked curiously, “Did you bring seasoning?”

Xie Zheng picked up some unused berries by the fire and showed her, “These wild fruits, some are sour, some are spicy.”

Fan Changyu mumbled, “Did you taste each one you brought back?”

With his excellent hearing, Xie Zheng heard her words. He just smiled slightly, continuing to remove fish bones from the fish in his hand. He said, “I joined the army at thirteen, starting as a small soldier in the vanguard. It’s been eight years now. Just like when you first came to this mountain, food wasn’t always available in the army. When we were starving, even grassroots and tree bark were delicacies. Of course, I’ve tasted wild fruits. I remember the taste of the edible ones. As for the inedible ones, after seeing fellow soldiers die from poisoning, I naturally wouldn’t touch them again.”

As Fan Changyu listened to him recount these past experiences, she found herself eating the fish without tasting it. She looked up at him, dazed.

When she first learned he was the Marquis of Wu’an, she felt he was very distant from her, as if they were two people from different worlds who shouldn’t have any connection.

Only now did she realize that behind that identity was not just glory, but also hardships others had never experienced.

The cruelty of the battlefield was something she had personally experienced.

Joining the army at thirteen, he was even younger than Wu Sanjin. Over these years, he had struggled his way up. Only he knew the hardships he had endured.

A complex emotion settled in her heart. Fan Changyu lowered her head and silently began removing fish bones.

A fish with all its bones removed was wrapped in a clean wild banana leaf and handed over. Xie Zheng took the fish from her hand and said, “Eat this one with the bones removed.”

Fan Changyu held the small piece of banana leaf with the cut fish but didn’t start eating.

Xie Zheng paused in removing fish bones and looked up at her, asking, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu said, “Yan Zheng, I’ll still call you Yan Zheng. Don’t be so kind to me. You’re a noble marquis, a legendary hero in the hearts of Da Yin’s people. The one who can match you should be a well-educated lady from a noble family. I’m just a crude girl from the border town who hasn’t even finished reading the Four Books. I’m not worthy of you.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes and continued removing fish bones, seemingly smiling, “But among all the women in the world, I’m only fond of you.”

Fan Changyu was stunned. This was the first time Xie Zheng had so frankly expressed his feelings to her. Her heart beat wildly for a few moments, followed by an endless bitterness.

She said, “Don’t like me. Your military achievements are unparalleled, you were enfeoffed as a marquis at a young age. You should marry a wife of equal status and live an open and aboveboard life, admired by all.”

Xie Zheng handed over the fish with all bones removed and said, “I reached this position through military merit, not the admiration of others. Besides, in this world, some respect me and those who hate me. They respect me because I drove back the northern barbarians and reclaimed lost territory. They hate me because they fear my ruthlessness in killing. If I’ve traded half a lifetime of warfare for this reputation, yet still fear public opinion when choosing a wife, I’d be too cowardly a marquis.”

He stared at Fan Changyu: “Before meeting you, I indeed thought of marrying a strong-willed girl from a noble family and living a life of mutual respect. If I were to die on the battlefield, she could still live well with the children, relying on the family fortune.”

“After meeting you, I stopped thinking about dying on the battlefield. How could I die?”

He laughed, lying down with his arms behind his head, looking at the star-filled sky: “After the war, I’ll request to be stationed in Liaoxi. As long as I keep the barbarians from coming south, the disputes in the capital will have nothing to do with me. Then I’ll ask the young emperor to arrange our marriage. I’ll bring you home in a grand wedding procession with eight sedan chairs, gongs, and drums, letting the whole world know you’ve married me.”

The youthful excitement and joy on his face made Fan Changyu’s heart feel like it was stuffed with damp cotton, moist and making her eyes sting.

“You haven’t seen the sunrise on Yan Mountain, nor the hunting grounds of Huizhou. I’ll take you to see them all. Liaoxi is so vast, you won’t be bored.”

“But you always refuse me, fearing you don’t match my status. Yet when I had nothing, you weren’t afraid to be with me.” He was still looking at the sky, seeming to laugh self-mockingly: “Throughout one’s life, we bring nothing when we’re born and take nothing when we die. We’re just constrained by that half-life of fame. What you think is a barrier between us is nothing.”

“You say I could meet a better girl, but how do you know that to me, you’re not the best girl?”

Fan Changyu opened her mouth but felt a painful dryness in her throat. She covered her face with her hands, tears spilling from her eyes.

Xie Zheng sat up to wipe her tears, saying, “I’m not telling you this to make you cry. I just want you to know that I’m fond of you, not for anything else, but because you’re Fan Changyu. I lost my parents when I was young, have no elders at home, and no sisters. At first, I didn’t understand much about the concerns you have, but after asking others, I came to understand the implications.”

“Whether you fear public opinion or worry about the future, I should have handled all this first. I asked my teacher to take you as his adopted daughter – the same Mr. Tao who taught you to read and wanted to take you as a disciple before. He’s a great scholar of our time and once served as the Imperial Tutor. Even if I hadn’t asked for this favor, he likes you very much. From now on, he’ll be your family. Even if you don’t marry me in the future, with your status as his adopted daughter, no one will dare to slight you.”

As he said the last sentence, Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, hiding the fierce look in them.

If that day came, it would probably be after his death.

Even if he died, he hoped she would live well.

He couldn’t bear to part with her.

She was the only sun he had ever embraced in his life.

But he hated becoming someone like his mother, so he hoped for her happiness.

As long as she spread her light and warmth in the world, he wouldn’t feel cold in hell.

Fan Changyu bit her lip hard, but still couldn’t hold back a sob. Her tears fell in large drops: “I’m not as good as you think…”

Xie Zheng raised his hand to wipe away the tears rolling down the corners of her eyes, saying gently, “You are the kindest and bravest girl I’ve ever met in my life. Do you think everyone dares to go to the battlefield?”

When he embraced Fan Changyu, she buried her face in his shoulder, still unable to stop sobbing.

After her parents’ death, she had been struggling along with her sister. Suddenly, someone burst into her life, cherishing her in every way. After the initial trepidation and caution, she still broke through that defensive wall in her heart. What spread beyond joy was also sourness.

Xie Zheng patted her back lightly and said, “I will also help you avenge your parents.”

Hearing something related to her parent’s death, Fan Changyu straightened up, hastily wiping her eyes with her sleeve, and said, “I will avenge my parents myself.”

Thinking of her previous attempt to check the archives at the Jizhou Prefecture office, which yielded no clues, Fan Changyu suddenly looked at Xie Zheng: “Do you know who killed my parents?”

Xie Zheng nodded slowly.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and asked, “Who is it?”

Xie Zheng uttered two words: “Wei Yan.”

Fan Changyu was stunned at first, then remembering his well-known relationship with Wei Yan, she asked, “Your uncle?”

Xie Zheng’s expression turned slightly cold as he said, “He doesn’t deserve that title.”

Fearing his expression might frighten Fan Changyu, he explained, “The formidable enemy I once told you about, it’s him.”

Fan Changyu was visibly confused: “Wei Yan is the current Prime Minister. My father was just an escort. Why would Wei Yan want to kill him?”

Xie Zheng looked at her for a while, and finally revealed the truth: “Your father once worked for Wei Yan.”

Fan Changyu was completely bewildered, but recalling what Old Man Fan had told her when her father got into trouble – that her father wasn’t Fan Erniu, but had been sold off as a child and returned on his own after more than a decade to continue living in Lin’an Town under the identity of Fan Erniu – she realized that what Xie Zheng said was very likely true.

Wei Yan had done many evil deeds. Had her father also followed him in doing evil in the past?

Fan Changyu’s heart suddenly tightened.

Noticing she was lost in thought, Xie Zheng seemed to guess what she was thinking and said, “Jizhou Governor He Jingyuan also works for Wei Yan, but he has never exploited the common people. He could call your father an old friend, so your father was probably like-minded with him.”

He Jingyuan was the upright official of the entire Jizhou. With Xie Zheng’s words, Fan Changyu felt much better.

She asked, “When did you start investigating my parents’ matter?”

Xie Zheng answered, “After leaving Qingping County.”

Fan Changyu thought about their parting at that time and still felt somewhat guilty. Then remembering that she had just kicked him into the river out of embarrassment, she felt even more ashamed and said, “I won’t hit you anymore in the future, and you shouldn’t keep kissing me on impulse.”

Xie Zheng paused in stirring the fire and said, “Just don’t hit so hard.”

Fan Changyu was stunned at first, then realizing the meaning behind his words, her face reddened in the firelight. She glared at him, “I’m being serious!”

Xie Zheng slightly raised his phoenix eyes, the naturally upturned corners giving him a look of both disdain and allure, “I’m serious too. When can I kiss you without you hitting me?”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help it and swung the empty banana leaf that wasn’t holding the grilled fish at him.

Xie Zheng tilted his head to avoid the banana leaf, laughing softly.

Fan Changyu sat by the fire, hugging her knees, sulking, and no longer paying attention to him.

I love this author, i should have known better than to doubt her. She does not create any unnecessary misunderstandings. Another recent novel I read made me want to punch someone with all the cliché misunderstandings.
And I love these two cuties too, they communicate so well and their love is so pure.

(If anyone is curious that other novel was the legend of the star general something, it made me too frustrated with the plot holes too. In comparison the novel is so precious)

Omggg! Same sentiments about the legend of the star general. I stopped reading that books precisely because of the character flaw and plotholes. The FL there have done so many things that seems so inconsistent with her supposed background as an intelligent general.

Did you mean legend of the female general? The one that has a drama?

I never want to finish this novel 😭 it’s too amazing

they are so cute…😍🥰

I like the smooth flow of events and the sincerity of the ML & FL to each other. Translation is also good. I planned to read Legend of the Star General But based on ur commentary, Will just drop it. Thank u for sharing.

love the flow of the novel, how the characters communicate, but knowing how ppl died, the drama is gonna be so painful to watch

Another good piece of dialog.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 91

The morning light filtered through the military tent, falling onto the camp bed.

Changning opened her sleepy eyes. Before she fell asleep last night, Fan Changyu hadn’t returned yet. Now seeing her elder sister lying beside her, sleeping soundly, she rubbed her eyes with her chubby little hands. Confirming it was indeed her sister, she grinned happily.

Being very considerate, she didn’t wake Fan Changyu. After draping her red fleece cloak over Fan Changyu, she crawled to the foot of the bed using both hands and feet, put on her shoes, and got off the bed.

She even put on her outer clothes by herself.

Previously, she needed Fan Changyu’s help to put on winter clothes because the sleeves always retracted. But after being kidnapped once by bad guys, she could now put on clothes and shoes without anyone’s help. Only her hair she still couldn’t comb by herself.

Changning scratched the little bun on top of her head and found the small wooden basin for washing her face from the corner of the tent.

After getting dressed in the morning, one should wash their face.

She was about to leave the tent when she suddenly sniffed the air and turned her head. Following the aroma, she discovered something wrapped in banana leaves on the table.

Changning climbed onto a low stool and reached for the banana leaf package. After fiddling with it for a while, she managed to untie the palm leaf binding on the outside. Opening it, she saw grilled fish with the fins removed. Her eyes immediately brightened, but her sister had taught her that cold meat shouldn’t be eaten directly, or it would cause stomach ache.

She thought for a moment, then retired the banana leaf with the palm leaf, carefully placed it in the wooden basin, holding it with both hands and pattered out of the tent.

She needed to fetch water to wash her face and also heat the fish to eat with her sister!

Changning didn’t know where to get hot water, but Xie Qi had been very kind to her yesterday, constantly comforting her and even taking her to see the falcon. So Changning instinctively toddled off to find Xie Qi-

Today the army was breaking camp, and the cooking unit had already started preparing rice porridge and steamed buns early.

A batch of troops stationed at the foot of the mountain had already moved out. The troops on the mountain would be the last to depart, so the soldiers were unhurriedly packing up.

When Changning arrived carrying her wooden basin, Xie Qi was dismantling tents with other guards. Seeing the little one suddenly squeeze into the crowd, he wiped his hands on his waist and led Changning to an open space. Crouching down, he asked her, “Did you come to see the gyrfalcon?”

Changning’s eyes immediately brightened even more. She nodded, then quickly shook her head, and thrust the small wooden basin towards Xie Qi.

Xie Qi saw something wrapped in banana leaves inside. Opening it to find fish meat, the sense of achievement from taking care of the child yesterday suddenly resurfaced. He patted Changning’s head, his smile extremely gentle: “You eat it, I’ve already eaten.”

Seeing he didn’t understand her intention, Changning became a bit anxious and pushed the wooden basin towards Xie Qi more forcefully, saying: “Cold.”

Xie Qi felt the temperature of the fish through the banana leaf and finally understood the child’s intention in seeking him out. Taking the basin, he asked: “You want me to help you heat the fish?”

Changning quickly nodded, then pointed at the wooden basin and said: “Ning’er needs to wash her face.”

Xie Qi, having misunderstood the situation, had mixed feelings as he handed the fish to a nearby comrade, asking them to take it to the cooking unit to heat it. He then poured hot water from a kettle that had just been filled with hot water for Changning to wash her face.

He had taken care of his sister before and had experience with children. He initially wanted to help Changning wash her face, but saw her roll up her sleeves high, exposing two sections of chubby arms like lotus roots. She then pressed her hands into the water basin, scooped up water, and patted it onto her round, chubby face. After her entire face was wet, she wrung out the cloth that Fan Changyu had cut from old clothes to use as a face towel and cupped it in both hands to wipe her face.

She wiped quite hard, making her face a bit red. The fine downy hair on her forehead, dampened, gathered at her hairline, creating a fluffy patch.

The guards packing up the tents nearby all stopped their work to watch, saying enviously: “If only I could have such an adorable daughter in this lifetime!”

One guard negotiated with Xie Qi: “Brother Qi, you were on duty yesterday. Today you rest, I’ll take good care of this little girl and the gyrfalcon.”

Xie Qi laughed and cursed: “Get lost, all of you!”

After Changning finished washing her face, Xie Qi asked her: “Where’s your sister?”

Changning said: “Sister hasn’t woken up yet.”

Xie Qi was supposed to bring breakfast to the two sisters this morning, but just at dawn, the Marquis had returned from outside covered in morning dew and instructed him to go over later.

Xie Qi didn’t think much of it, assuming the Marquis was being considerate to his wife. After all, he had heard from Xie Wu that the lady had been very brave in killing enemies on the battlefield, so it was understandable if she was tired and wanted to sleep in.

He had Changning sit on a small wooden stump nearby, undid her half-loosened buns, and redid her hair for her.

Having taken care of his sister before, it must be said that his hair-tying skills were quite good. After tying the buns, Xie Qi even plucked two orange wildflowers and inserted them into her buns.

Changning was so delighted that she squatted by the washbasin, looking at her reflection from left to right for quite a while before allowing Xie Qi to pour out the water.

When the fish was heated up in the cooking unit, they also sent over two bowls of porridge and two steamed buns. Seeing that Changning couldn’t carry everything by herself, Xie Qi helped her carry these things back.

Just then, Fan Changyu had woken up to the sound of the camp breaking up. Finding Changning missing, she hurriedly tidied up and was about to go out to look for her when she saw Changning bouncing back with Xie Qi.

Seeing her, Changning ran over, hugged Fan Changyu’s waist, looked up, and proudly said: “Sister, look at Ning’er’s hair!”

Fan Changyu saw the two small flowers in her buns, pinched her nose, and asked: “Where did you run off to early in the morning? Who tied your pretty buns? Was it Mr. Gong Sun?”

Changning said happily: “No, it was Uncle Xiao Qi. Ning’er washed her face by herself, and Uncle Xiao Qi helped heat the fish Ning’er brought over.”

Standing nearby, Xie Qi quickly greeted: “Miss Fan.”

Seeing him holding the washbasin in one hand and the banana leaf-wrapped fish in the other, Fan Changyu said politely: “Thank you for your trouble, Brother Xiao Qi.”

Xie Qi just said it was his duty.

Fan Changyu invited him to stay for a meal, but he repeatedly declined, saying he had already eaten.

Fan Changyu then told Changning to go inside the tent to eat.

Changning sat on the stool, sniffing at the enticing aroma of the grilled fish, but she stubbornly waited for Fan Changyu and didn’t touch the chopsticks. She just swung her legs and asked: “Sister, where did the fish come from?”

Fan Changyu casually washed her face with a basin of cold water and said: “I couldn’t sleep last night, so I went to the river to catch it.”

Changning’s words were startling: “Did brother-in-law grill it?”

Fan Changyu’s face-wiping motion froze, while Xie Qi standing nearby suddenly widened his eyes.

The Marquis had gone out last night and only returned this morning, and Miss Fan had also gone out last night? Recalling the Marquis’s instructions this morning, Xie Qi suddenly felt very uncomfortable. He didn’t dare look at Fan Changyu and just lowered his eyes, pretending to be a pillar.

Fan Changyu asked Changning: “Why do you think your brother-in-law grilled it?”

Changning explained honestly: “Before sister found Ning’er, brother-in-law grilled fish for Ning’er to eat, and it had this same taste.”

Fan Changyu, without any conscience about deceiving a child, said: “I grilled it.”

Thinking of what Xie Zheng had said last night, the discomfort in her heart grew stronger, and she took a forceful bite of the steamed bun in her hand.

……

After breakfast, the troops stationed on the mountain also began to move down.

Fan Changyu packed up the belongings of the two sisters and helped Xie Qi and others dismantle the military tent. When it was time to go down the mountain, they were arranged into a carriage.

Inside the carriage was an old man with white hair and beard, wearing only plain clothes. Every wrinkle on his face was very deep, yet it made people feel that those deep wrinkles were full of wisdom and understanding bestowed by the years.

A chessboard was set up in the carriage, and he seemed to be playing against himself. When he noticed the curtain being lifted, his aged eyes swept outwards, and he smiled: “Girl, we meet again.”

Although Fan Changyu had learned of this old man’s identity from Xie Zheng last night, she still habitually called him: “Mr. Tao.”

Changning saw that his beard and hair were completely white, yet he was extremely spirited, without any of the feebleness of ordinary old people. He looked exactly like the sages in paintings or the statues in Confucius’s temples. She pointed at him and exclaimed to Fan Changyu in surprise: “Immortal Grandpa!”

Her grape-like eyes were wide open.

Tao Taifu was amused by this childish remark, “The elder girl is a bit foolish, but the little one has a sweet mouth.”

He then beckoned to Changning: “Come here and let grandpa have a look at you, little girl.”

Changning looked up at Fan Changyu. In front of strangers, no matter how friendly they were, she would always wait for Fan Changyu’s approval before approaching.

Fan Changyu patted her head and smiled: “Go ahead.”

After being lifted into the carriage, Changning finally came before Tao Taifu.

Tao Taifu examined her features, and his originally kind expression suddenly became more solemn. He then carefully looked at Fan Changyu’s features and stroked his beard, saying: “The little girl is blessed. Your elder sister will protect you for the first half of your life, leading to great fortune in the latter half.”

Changning couldn’t quite understand Tao Taifu’s words, she just puffed out her chest and lifted her chin, saying: “Ning’er loves sister the most!”

Fan Changyu had always been worried about Changning’s health. Sometimes she would suddenly have difficulty breathing, and she had been taking medicine for years to improve her condition, without much effect. Hearing Tao Taifu’s words, she felt somewhat happy and asked: “Mr. Tao, can you also read fortunes?”

Tao Taifu simply said: “Living to this age, I’ve read many miscellaneous books and understand a bit.”

Fan Changyu said: “My sister has been weak since birth and suffers from wheezing. I only hope she can always be healthy.”

After pondering for a moment, Tao Taifu said: “Her future fate is too noble and wealthy to be suppressed, so her body will naturally be weaker. With you to anchor her, it’s not a big problem.”

These mystical words left Fan Changyu more confused. She scratched her head, wanting to ask but not knowing where to begin.

Tao Taifu saw her doubts and changed his approach: “Just keep her by your side until she comes of age.”

Fan Changyu understood this explanation and nodded: “Of course.”

The carriage had already descended the mountain with the main army. The road was uneven, making the carriage sway back and forth, yet not a single chess piece on Tao Taifu’s board was out of place.

He looked at Fan Changyu: “Girl, play a game of chess with this old man.”

Fan Changyu said somewhat embarrassedly: “I don’t know how.”

The mountain wind blew into the carriage through the window, making Tao Taifu’s wide sleeves flutter. He stroked his beard and said: “This old man will teach you personally. After watching a game or two, how could you not learn?”

With the old man having said so much, Fan Changyu could only agree.

When she was collecting the chess pieces, she realized that they seemed to be stuck to the board by some kind of magnetic force, which explained why they hadn’t rolled off despite the carriage’s swaying.

“In chess, black moves first. The whole game relies on qi (energy or breath). The black and white pieces fight, vying for each other’s qi…”

Tao Taifu’s voice was old yet resonant. His bony fingers placed pieces on the board while explaining. Fan Changyu listened with partial understanding, scratching her head and making moves based on guesswork and intuition.

After several games, Tao Taifu’s face had turned green: “You were taught by this old man personally, how can your chess be so terrible?”

Fan Changyu lowered her head, obediently accepting the scolding.

After venting his anger, Tao Taifu sighed to himself: “Never mind, never mind. In ancient times, even Yu Chi Gong De was a terrible chess player, yet he could still be a general and lead armies. After all, deploying troops and playing chess cannot be equated.”

He said, glancing sideways at Fan Changyu: “Girl, I heard you killed the rebel general Shi Hu. He was a figure of unparalleled bravery. Although you are a woman, with such great skills, it would be a shame to waste them. Do you want to achieve great things?”

Fan Changyu said: “Is Mr. Tao asking if I’m willing to stay in the army?”

Tao Taifu nodded: “Let this old man be frank. Someone has come to me, wanting me to take you as my adopted daughter. Just taking a daughter is nothing for this old man, but if you want to learn my skills…”

He snorted and laughed: “That would be difficult!”

He looked at Fan Changyu and asked: “Girl, are you willing to become this old man’s disciple and learn to be undefeatable on the battlefield?”

Aaaahhhh our future empress!

Right!!! She might marry Yu Bao’er.

Se sabe que la niña va a ser la próxima emperatriz junto a Bao’er 🫣

Finally the moment I was waiting for

Zhu Yu – Chapter 92

In the rumbling sound of carriage wheels, Fan Changyu remained silent for a while before asking, “If I stay with the army, I’ll have to kill many people in the future, won’t I?”

She raised her eyes, which reflected the sky and mountains outside the carriage window, with a hint of pensiveness. “Old Master, I don’t like killing people at all.”

“Yesterday on the battlefield, I saw many faces filled with panic and fear. They were slaughtered like pumpkins in a field. King Changxin rebelled, and in this war so far, it’s the common soldiers who have died the most. They didn’t volunteer for the battlefield either. They would be immediately executed if they tried to desert, and their wives, children, and parents are in Chongzhou City, so they have nowhere to retreat.”

“I know the rebels deserve to die, but facing those bewildered and frightened faces on the battlefield, I can’t bring myself to strike.”

“They are also people of Da Yin. If not for this war, they would be like ordinary civilians, either farming in the fields or peddling goods on the streets to earn some money for their families.”

“Seeing them reminds me of those people conscripted from among civilians in Jizhou Prefecture because of the siege of Lu City. They probably died like ants on the battlefield too.”

Grand Tutor Tao looked at her with some surprise and said, “Your thoughts are not wrong. How can those in power be so heartless for their ambitions, treating the people as worthless? But if there’s already an unjust army, wouldn’t it brew greater disaster if we don’t stop it?”

Seeing Fan Changyu’s apparent confusion, he asked, “Girl, tell me, why did you cross Wu Ling on that rainy night to intercept those three scouts?”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips and said, “You said that if they brought back the news, the entire population of Lu City would suffer.”

Grand Tutor Tao nodded, “You killed those three scouts because you felt their lives were tied to the lives of all the people in Lu City. Isn’t this war against the rebels also for the sake of all the people? King Changxin’s rebellion has caused how many civilians around Chongzhou to become displaced? If we allow him to grow stronger and continue to march south in the future, how many more civilians will continue to suffer from this war?”

“You intercepted the scouts to save the military and civilians of Lu City. The imperial army’s campaign against King Changxin is also to save the people of the realm.”

“Even if the current court is plagued with long-standing problems, we should seek reform and oppose Wei. Let the struggles play out in the official arena, rather than instigating war and placing civilians in peril. Between not having enough to eat and wear versus having nothing to eat and wear, which is the lesser evil? Do you understand, girl?”

As Fan Changyu listened to these words, she felt her heart grow heavier.

Grand Tutor Tao continued, “The army in King Changxin’s hands is his blade for marching south. If we’re reluctant to break that blade, more innocent souls will die under it.”

“Since ancient times, there has never been warfare without bloodshed and death.”

“Countless loyal bones are buried in that yellow sand battlefield, along with the wrongfully dead you mentioned who were forced onto the battlefield. But it is precisely because there have always been loyal bones to stop those unjust armies throughout history that a fragmented realm can once again welcome stability.”

“The art of war and stratagems are not meant for killing, but to end wars with as few casualties as possible.”

Fan Changyu rose from the carriage seat, knelt, and bowed solemnly to Grand Tutor Tao: “Changyu thanks the Master for his guidance.”

Grand Tutor Tao looked at her with a smile: “You, girl, still only wish to call this old man ‘Master’?”

Fan Changyu kowtowed three times on the spot, then picked up a wooden teacup filled with tea and offered it to Grand Tutor Tao: “Teacher.”

Grand Tutor Tao accepted the teacup, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening with his smile. He said, “You suit this old man’s fancy, girl. I’m willing to take you as my goddaughter. From now on, call me Godfather.”

Fan Changyu called out again: “Godfather.”

This time, Grand Tutor Tao’s face truly looked as if it would bloom into a flower. After taking a sip of tea and putting it down, he said, “Now that you’re this old man’s daughter, let me give you a courtesy name. You were born in the Year of the Tiger, so ‘Changyu’ is a proper and gentle name that has already suppressed the sharpness within. Having only a tiger’s courage might not be good if you go to the battlefield in the future. How about the courtesy name ‘Shanjun’?”

Fan Changyu asked in confusion, “Does it mean ‘gentleman of the mountain’?”

Grand Tutor Tao stroked his beard and smiled, “If interpreted literally, it could mean that. But ‘Shanjun’ also refers to the fierce tiger of the mountain.”

Traditionally, only men could receive courtesy names from their elders. Some women didn’t even have their names until they married, being called by their surname and family rank as “Nth Miss” before marriage.

Grand Tutor Tao’s thoughtfulness in giving her a courtesy name filled Fan Changyu with gratitude. She sincerely said, “Thank you, Godfather, for the courtesy name.”

Changning blinked her large black grape-like eyes and said, “Ning wants one too!”

Grand Tutor Tao shook his head with a laugh, “You’re still too young, child. Wait a few more years.”

Changning pouted, unhappy, and held out her pinky finger, “Then let’s make a pinky promise. You can’t trick Ning.”

Grand Tutor Tao laughed heartily, his aged finger touching Changning’s. He smiled and said, “Alright, this old man owes you a courtesy name, little girl.”

Having made the pinky promise, Changning was finally satisfied. She took off her shoes and stood on the carriage seat, peering out the window. When she saw a gyrfalcon flying low, she pointed excitedly and shouted, “It’s a falcon!”

Fan Changyu, afraid she might fall, held her with one hand.

Grand Tutor Tao said to Fan Changyu, “I imagine you know who my student is now. Shall I tell him about your wish to stay in the army?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Godfather, I want to stay with the Jizhou army.”

Grand Tutor Tao raised his wrinkled eyelids to look at her and asked, “Not going under his command, is it to avoid suspicion?”

Fan Changyu said, “That’s one reason. Ordinary soldiers earn their military merits through fighting on the battlefield. There are some paths I want to try walking alone, as far as I can go.”

If she went under Xie Zheng’s command, no matter how impartial he tried to be, he would likely be unwilling to let her face real danger.

Having decided to take this path, Fan Changyu wanted to temper herself.

Grand Tutor Tao laughed, “This old man indeed hasn’t misjudged you. As it happens, you’ve established merit in the battle to flood Lu City. The commander who led the troops to repair the dam that day was Tang Peiyi, the defender of Lu City. He’s a man of loyalty and righteousness. Going under his command won’t be a waste of your talents.”

Fan Changyu felt a mix of emotions and said, “Thank you, Godfather.”

Grand Tutor Tao smiled, “Why thank this old man? Your ambition brings great comfort to my heart.”

The carriage continued to wind its way along the mountain road.

Fan Changyu looked out the window. After a sudden downpour, the sky was clear for thousands of miles.

An eagle soared across the azure sky, its cry clear and far-reaching-

Two days later, Xie Zheng learned that Fan Changyu had joined the military but enlisted with the Jizhou army.

The main army was half a day’s journey from reaching Chongzhou, but the troops sent to pursue Yuan Qing reported back that Yuan Qing had escaped to his wife’s hometown of Kang City. With only five thousand cavalry, taking Kang City was hopeless.

The only option now was to divide the forces into two routes.

The Jizhou army led by He Jingyuan had already reached Chongzhou City and now had the rebels trapped. The fall of Chongzhou City was only a matter of time.

The court was still withholding military pay and provisions. He Jingyuan was Wei Yan’s man, and if Xie Zheng relinquished power now, the court would release the funds and supplies. As for who would ultimately claim the military achievements after taking Chongzhou, that would be a struggle between the Li family and Wei Yan.

After he gave up power, to avoid being marginalized, going to besiege Kang City was the best retreat.

After repeated discussions with Gong Sun Yin and other strategists, Xie Zheng still decided to attack Kang City.

The Yanzhou army changed course for Kang City, while the Jizhou reinforcements had to continue towards Chongzhou.

These past two days, Xie Zheng had been too busy handling military and political affairs to spare any time. He could only listen to his guards’ reports on Fan Changyu’s journey, learning that she spent almost all her time in Grand Tutor Tao’s carriage, either learning to play chess or reading books, often irritating Grand Tutor Tao to the point of fuming. Thinking of his teacher’s temperament, the corners of Xie Zheng’s lips curled up slightly.

However, on this day, after the two armies parted ways, while Xie Zheng was still discussing siege tactics for Kang City with Gong Sun Yin, Xie Wu rushed in urgently: “My Lord! Something terrible has happened! Madam and Grand Tutor Tao have gone with the Jizhou army!”

Xie Zheng raised his cold eyes from the map and frowned, asking, “What happened?”

Xie Wu took out a letter and handed it to Xie Zheng: “This is from Grand Tutor Tao, to be delivered to you, My Lord.”

Xie Zheng’s long fingers took the letter. After opening and reading it, his face was instantly covered with a layer of frost, with a hint of fury visible in his eyes. He said coldly, “Prepare the horses!”

Seeing his grim expression, Gong Sun Yin asked, “What does the letter say?”

But after the guards brought the war horses, Xie Zheng had already mounted and galloped away, leaving Gong Sun Yin to pick up the letter Xie Zheng had thrown to the ground and read it himself. After reading, he also let out a light “tsk”: “Are these two, old and young, trying to anger him to death?”

Then, stroking his chin, he said, “However… Grand Tutor knows that the battle results in Chongzhou will lead to a struggle between Wei Yan and the Li family, yet he still agrees to let that girl join the Jizhou army. Perhaps it’s not a bad thing?”

If the Li family overthrows He Jingyuan, and they have no one skilled in military command, they wouldn’t dare let the military power of Jizhou fall back into Xie Zheng’s hands. At this time, they would need someone capable of taking on great responsibility to stabilize the military power in Jizhou.

Fan Changyu dares to kill Shi Hu, and with Grand Tutor Tao’s assistance in military strategy, who knows, she might make a name for herself in Jizhou-

As Fan Changyu sat in the carriage holding Changning, she felt her right eyelid twitching constantly. She looked out the window and raised her hand to pinch her brow.

Grand Tutor Tao, who had been pretending to nap, suddenly opened his eyes and said, “You’ve been restless since noon. Do you regret not telling him yourself?”

Fan Changyu said, “Godfather has already explained clearly in the letter on my behalf.”

Grand Tutor Tao snorted with laughter, “You’ve figured out that brat’s stubborn temperament. If you had told him face to face, he probably would have tied you up and dragged you along with him.”

Fan Changyu lowered her head to look at her toes, too embarrassed to speak.

The carriage, which had been moving smoothly, suddenly came to an abrupt stop. Even sitting in the carriage, Fan Changyu felt herself stumble. If she hadn’t protected Changning in time, the child might have bumped her forehead.

Outside, there was a chorus of neighing horses.

Grand Tutor Tao wasn’t so lucky; the back of his head hit the carriage wall. He cursed, “It must be that damned brat!”

No sooner had he spoken than the curtain in front of them was lifted, and Xie Zheng’s handsome face, cold with anger, appeared at the carriage door. His pitch-black eyes showed no emotion as he stared at Fan Changyu and said, “Will you come out on your own, or do I need to carry you out?”

Grand Tutor Tao, holding the back of his head, scolded, “You ungrateful disciple, are you trying to kill your teacher?”

Xie Zheng’s black eyes turned towards him, and Grand Tutor Tao’s pretense of anger instantly weakened. He looked away guiltily.

Xie Zheng said, “This student asked the teacher to accept the woman he loves as a goddaughter, but the teacher left without a word. Doesn’t the student deserve an explanation?”

Grand Tutor Tao grumbled, “Didn’t I leave you a letter?”

He just hadn’t expected that the letter, which he had anticipated would only be seen tonight, had fallen into Xie Zheng’s hands so early, allowing him to catch up.

Fan Changyu, who had been silent, suddenly raised her head to look at Xie Zheng and said, “I’ll go with you for a while.”

She put Changning down in the carriage and said to Grand Tutor Tao, “Please help me look after Ning, Godfather.”

Seeing Xie Zheng’s expression, Changning became a bit frightened. She clutched Fan Changyu’s clothes, unwilling to let go, and called out softly, “Sister.”

Fan Changyu stroked her head, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid, Sister will be back soon.”

With that, she handed Changning to Grand Tutor Tao. Just as she lifted the carriage curtain and was about to jump down, a large hand directly lifted her onto the horse’s back.

The moment her back touched his chest, Fan Changyu felt his breathing was like that of a wild beast suppressing its fury.

He spurred the horse fiercely, and in an instant, they had left the Jizhou army’s procession far behind. Fan Changyu realized they were heading towards the road that would join the Yanzhou army. She calmly told him, “I am determined to join the Jizhou army.”

He wasn’t wearing armor, and Fan Changyu could feel his entire body tense up almost instantly.

He yanked the reins hard, and the warhorse neighed as it came to a stop. She was pulled down from the horse’s back and pinned against a large tree by the roadside, so thick that a person’s arms couldn’t encircle it.

The force of his hands was so fierce, and his eyes were even bloodshot with extreme anger. Yet when he spoke to her, his voice was unusually calm and even carried a hint of amusement, “Am I so repulsive to you? You’d rather join the Jizhou army just to get far away from me?”

El verdadero hermana déjate quererrrr, pobre hombre como sufre jaja

“the woman he loves”. That phrase had me giggling and kicking my feet.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 93

The mountain wind rustled through the treetops, causing the leaves to whisper. The person in front of her slightly lowered his head, gazing at her intently. They were barely half a foot apart, close enough to hear each other’s breathing as they spoke.

Fan Changyu looked at the man whose eyes were filled with a fierce glint. She instinctively sensed danger. His grip on her shoulder was forceful. She tried to struggle, but it only made him hold on tighter, causing a dull ache in her bones.

She frowned and said, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Xie Zheng coldly asked her, “Aren’t you going to Ji Prefecture to join the army?”

Fan Changyu replied, “I am going to enlist, but not in the way you think.”

Xie Zheng, angered to the extreme, let out a bitter laugh. “If it’s not what I think, why were you afraid of me knowing? Why did you leave without a word?”

Fan Changyu looked at his fierce, reddened eyes and felt a pang of guilt. Leaving without saying goodbye was indeed inconsiderate of her, but there were some things she didn’t know how to say to his face.

She pressed her lips together slightly and said, “I’m sorry.”

Xie Zheng looked at the girl before him, always so honest that she couldn’t even tell a lie. For a moment, he felt like strangling her. His hand, tightly gripping her shoulder, trembled as he pulled her into his embrace, his face contorted. He didn’t want her to see the even more terrifying look in his eyes.

Almost through gritted teeth, he said, “Fan Changyu, you should have stabbed me twice before leaving, leaving me too injured to get up. That would have been better.”

Black anger churned in his chest. The deep-seated fear, as if he were the only person left in the world, crept out from his bones and seeped into his flesh, making his arms that held her tight convulse uncontrollably.

All his pride and strength shattered like thin ice under the sun.

Why wouldn’t she stay with him?

Why did everyone abandon him?

That woman back then, and now her too.

He thought he had resolved all the obstacles between them.

But she still didn’t want him!

He had given her his whole heart, and she didn’t even care!

For a moment, Xie Zheng felt like he wasn’t himself anymore. He couldn’t control his body. He saw himself lower his head and, through her clothes, bite her shoulder fiercely.

Fan Changyu cried out in pain, but his teeth only clenched tighter. His phoenix eyes were filled with a bloodthirsty look. His arms locked around her, not loosening a bit no matter how she struggled, like a wolf biting its dying prey.

Fan Changyu cursed in pain, “What’s wrong with you?”

The man biting her finally let go. There was blood on his lips, but his face was pale. He looked down at her and murmured, “Fan Changyu, why can’t you like me?”

These words sounded more like a plea than a question.

A gentle breeze ruffled the messy bangs that had fallen over his forehead.

At that moment, his expression was unprecedentedly fragile.

Fan Changyu’s anger faltered. In her memory, Xie Zheng had always been proud. When had he ever looked so low, as if in the dust? Her heart softened, and she sighed, “How can I not like you?”

She raised her hand to stroke his hair, her eyes gentle yet determined. “If I didn’t like you, I wouldn’t have come to find you. I wouldn’t fear for your life and take your place on the battlefield.”

As her hand fell on top of his head, much of the ferocity in him dissipated. He stared at her for a moment, then curved his lips in self-mockery. “The person you like is the Yan Zheng you thought you knew.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected him to suddenly become so stubborn. She said, “I liked you when you were Yan Zheng. I like you as Xie Zheng too.”

“When you had nothing, I was willing to butcher pigs to support you. Now that you’re far more capable than me, I’m learning to become stronger too. That’s why I’m enlisting.”

Xie Zheng was completely stunned. His dark eyes stared at her blankly. His eyelashes, black as crow feathers, were thick and curled, looking fluffy in the sunlight. His cold, delicate face suddenly showed a hint of docility.

Like a child who had never received candy before, suddenly given a piece, his first reaction wasn’t joy, but confusion and bewilderment.

After a while, he scrutinized her and said, “Are you trying to coax me?”

Fan Changyu was exasperated, but seeing him like this, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of heartache.

She had always thought he was heaven’s favorite, getting whatever he wanted. But at this moment, she suddenly felt that what he possessed seemed so little.

So every loss felt like it was being forcibly torn from his flesh, as if it could cost him half his life.

She said, “I’m not coaxing you. I’m just telling you that I like you too, whether you’re Yan Zheng or Xie Zheng.”

“I rejected you before because I thought we wouldn’t have a good outcome together. When you were Yan Zheng, our worries were just about daily necessities. But you could earn money by copying books and writing essays, and I could make money by butchering and selling pork. Whatever difficulties we faced, we could support each other and overcome them.”

“But when you’re the Marquis of Wu’an, I don’t know how to help you with any of your problems. I don’t understand what you’re busy with or what you’re worried about. My mother says that for a couple to last a lifetime, they need to understand and support each other. Those who become resentful couples often wear out their past affection before they can accommodate each other for a lifetime.”

“I wanted to make a clean break, but you told me about watching the sunrise together at Yan Mountain, going hunting in Huizhou, and asking Master Tao to take me as his goddaughter because you were afraid I’d be bullied. I’m not made of stone. I would be sad and reluctant to part too.”

“I don’t know if I’ll regret choosing this path in the future, but at least for now, I’m willing to give it a try.”

She looked at him seriously. “I will become someone like you, to be with you openly and honorably.”

Under the blazing sun, Xie Zheng’s pitch-black eyes didn’t reflect any light, only mirroring Fan Changyu’s image. Like thick ink, it seemed to want to swallow her completely.

He hugged her tightly, his voice deep and hoarse. “No matter what identity you have when you’re with me, it’s always open and honorable.”

Fan Changyu said, “What I’m looking for is the confidence to walk alongside you forever. This confidence doesn’t come from how deep your feelings are for me, but from myself. Even a powerful eagle can’t carry another eagle while flying, right?”

Xie Zheng understood the meaning behind her words, but precisely because he understood, his thin lips pressed tighter. He straightened up and said, “The battlefield is not child’s play. One misstep could cost you your life. Even with the bravery of one man against ten thousand, accidents can still happen. I won’t let you take such risks.”

The battlefield could bring military merits, but buried beneath the yellow sand were countless white bones.

Fan Changyu looked at him and said, “I’m afraid of death too. I can’t bear to leave Ning’er and you. But if I don’t walk this path myself, others might force me into dangerous situations in the future. I still remember the two assassination attempts at home in Lin’an Town. I never knew my enemies were such powerful people. You almost lost your life to them once.”

“Rather than being carefully protected like a fragile vase, only to shatter when I fall, I’d rather train myself to have a body of copper and bones of iron. I said I want to walk alongside you. Those are my enemies too, and for the sake of avenging my parents, I should do this. I like you, but I can’t rely on you for the rest of my life. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be myself anymore.”

Xie Zheng couldn’t refute her words. Finally, he compromised, “Wouldn’t it be better to stay in the Yan Prefecture army?”

Fan Changyu replied, “That wouldn’t be much different from staying on the mountain before.”

They looked at each other, one with phoenix eyes full of restraint and silence, the other with clear and resolute almond eyes.

Finally, Xie Zheng relented, “Alright, you can go to Ji Prefecture to enlist, but take Xie Wu and Xie Qi with you.”

Fan Changyu knew this was the biggest concession he could make. She nodded, then said, “Take me back now, or Master Tao and Ning’er will be worried.”

She still wasn’t used to calling Tao Taifu her godfather. She turned to walk towards the black horse that was grazing nearby, but her hand was caught.

She looked at him in confusion. “Yan Zheng?”

Dappled sunlight filtered through the tree canopy, casting mottled shadows on the young man’s hair and jade-like face.

His pitch-black pupils locked onto her. He didn’t say a word but seemed to be silently asking for something.

Fan Changyu didn’t understand his meaning and asked again, “What’s wrong?”

He slowly said, “You said you like me.”

Fan Changyu was stunned at first. Meeting his gaze, she thought of what he had done to her before and suddenly understood the meaning behind his words.

He had done this to her many times, but this would be her first time.

It was different from when he was sick and kissed her eyelids, and she confusedly kissed his forehead in return.

At that time, she hadn’t thought much of it, feeling it was similar to planting a kiss on Changning’s face. This time, because she understood what it meant, her heart started pounding before she even did anything, as if a little deer was prancing in her chest.

She had never seen how others kissed, but every time Xie Zheng kissed her, he would just press down directly.

So the question of whether to close her eyes or not didn’t even cross Fan Changyu’s mind.

She was tall for a woman, but Xie Zheng still towered over her by half a head.

With a tense face, she stood on her tiptoes and quickly pecked his well-shaped lips.

Unlike after Xie Zheng kissed her, when her lips would be left swollen and painful, Fan Changyu was surprised to find his lips quite soft.

Then why did her mouth hurt so much before?

Could it be because he bit her?

As soon as this thought occurred to her, Fan Changyu felt that revenge should be swift. The bite mark on her shoulder still hurt, so she unhesitatingly bit his lip in return.

She didn’t bite very hard, but she felt the person in front of her catch his breath.

Fan Changyu knew when to stop. She quickly backed away and said, “Alright, let’s go back…”

Xie Zheng seemed to still be in a daze. There was a moment of bewilderment on his face, his long black eyelashes trembling slightly. He already had a beautiful, ascetic appearance, but because of his long experience on the battlefield and his high position, he usually gave off an aura of authority that made people feel unable to look at him directly.

It was rare for him to show such an expression. With less of his usual sharpness and dominance, the stunning impact of his features became even more intense. Fan Changyu’s heart pounded wildly a couple of times.

How could a man be so good-looking?

Xie Zheng raised his hand to touch his lower lip where Fan Changyu had bitten him, then looked at her again. His eyes were unreadable, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking. He put his fingers to his lips and whistled, and the black horse that had been grazing in the distance quickly galloped back.

After mounting the horse, he extended a hand to Fan Changyu. When she took it, he gently pulled her up onto the horse’s back.

Fan Changyu asked curiously, “Can this whistle summon the Gyrfalcon and also control horses?”

As she spoke, she looked at the finger he had used to whistle and noticed a ring of scar tissue, as if from some injury. It looked like a bite mark, but even more severe.

The person behind her answered, “Different lengths and pitches of the whistle correspond to different commands.”

For the rest of the journey, they didn’t talk much. Fan Changyu occasionally asked him a question or two, and he answered simply as if lost in thought.

It wasn’t until they could see the tail end of the Ji Prefecture army at a gentle slope ahead that Xie Zheng suddenly reined in the horse.

Fan Changyu thought he was worried about causing a stir by directly sending her back to the army camp, and was about to dismount when he grabbed her arm.

She turned back in confusion and found his black eyes locked on her again. He was so close that he could kiss her with just a slight lowering of his head, yet he didn’t move any closer.

His intention couldn’t have been clearer.

Fan Changyu swallowed slightly. As she leaned in to kiss him, she couldn’t help but wonder why this man, even when he wanted someone to kiss him, still had that stubborn attitude of wanting it but refusing to ask, as if he would immediately change his expression if she didn’t kiss him.

He Fell first and even fell harder 😂💜

😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

His love is so powerful it could kill him..

she’s so ahead of her time I love her

She’s absolutely correct. Right now she doesn’t know enough or understand enough to really support him. Sure, she’s very strong and skilled in martial arts. But war isn’t always a one-on-one fight against a formidable combatant. There is so much she needs to learn, and being by his side won’t give her the experience she needs to truly grow. He is so protective of her that he would never allow her to truly take risks or put herself in danger. And military merits cannot be earned without sacrifices of blood. She needs to be away from him for now in order to grow strong. Then come back to him and walk alongside him as an equal.

On a less serious topic, the biting is kinda hot. I like when he marks her, even though it pisses her off because he’s so rough. I really enjoy how passionate and intense the physical part of their relationship is. I hope we get more scenes of them kissing and bullying each other during intimacy. lol

He reminds me so much of Xie Wei but better cause he communicates so well. Hence Zhang Linghe is actually perfect for this.

(Xie Wei from the story of kunning palace)

I’m going crazy. They so hot and passionate to each other. I’m screaming! T.T

“I will become someone like you, to be with you openly and honorably.”

When she said this it really clenched my heart.

Some more great dialog as this couple sorts their relationship out, but I so dislike the biting or anything that causes physical pain or hurt. Nibbling is one thing. The biting is totally unnecessary. They would both have done better from the beginning to plant gentle kisses on the other when things started to get confused. Save the violence for their enemies.

Changyu is so wise in her own ways. someone who is thoughtful, kind, eager to learn, loyal, brave, high self worth, protective. She is one of well written character more than deserve to look up to!! luvvv

Zhu Yu – Chapter 94

Grand Tutor Tao thought he knew his stubborn disciple well enough, but after Fan Changyu was taken away, he suddenly felt uncertain. He kept looking out the carriage window and eventually got out to pace around the carriage, occasionally glancing in the direction Xie Zheng had taken Fan Changyu.

A young officer leading the troops came to inquire, “Grand Tutor, the army has been resting here for a while now. Should we… continue on our way?”

Grand Tutor Tao, hands behind his back, looked into the distance and said, “Let’s wait a bit longer.”

The young officer bowed and withdrew.

Changning poked her head out of the carriage window, resting her chin on the sill, and asked, “Grandfather, when will my sister come back?”

Grand Tutor Tao, his heart pounding, didn’t bother to correct Changning’s form of address and simply said, “She should be back soon.”

He reasoned that even if that brat got angry and wanted to take her away on the spot, there was still a little one here. Surely he wouldn’t leave the little one behind?

This thought made him feel a bit more at ease.

Changning, still leaning on the window sill, suddenly cried out in delight, “Sister!”

Grand Tutor Tao snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see that brat, who had left with a face full of dark clouds, now returning with a normal expression, leading the horse and bringing back his newly adopted goddaughter.

Seeing this scene, a strange thought of “every beast has its master” rose in his mind.

After dismounting at the gentle slope, Fan Changyu walked alongside Xie Zheng back. Her lips still felt numb and sore, and when she touched them, she realized they were probably swollen.

Fan Changyu felt she needed to learn her lesson. She couldn’t bite him every time, or she’d end up losing more than she gained. When he bit back, he was much more excessive than her. For a moment, she felt he might have truly wanted to devour her whole.

His breathing was very unsteady, and he held her, panting for a long time. Near the bite mark on her shoulder, he had bitten her a few more times.

It wasn’t biting, as it didn’t break the skin and didn’t hurt much, but it left several red marks.

When she saw Grand Tutor Tao, Fan Changyu was afraid he would notice her swollen lips, so she tried to speak with her lips pressed together: “Godfather.”

Before Grand Tutor Tao could examine her closely, Changning bounded out of the carriage like an agile fat rabbit, opening her arms towards Fan Changyu and saying, “Sister, hug!”

Fan Changyu picked up her sister and smiled indulgently, coaxing her, “Is Ning’er a little sticky rice cake? I’ve never seen anyone so clingy.”

Changning whimpered without speaking, clinging to her neck and refusing to let go. She caught sight of Xie Zheng watching her from the corner of her eye and obediently called out, “Brother-in-law.”

Ever since she had woken Xie Zheng with an embroidery needle and seen his terrifying expression like an evil ghost, Changning had been very afraid of him.

Xie Zheng nodded slightly in response to Changning’s greeting, then looked at Grand Tutor Tao.

Although his gaze had calmed down by now, Grand Tutor Tao still felt inexplicably uneasy under his stare.

Xie Zheng said, “I’ll leave her in your care, Teacher.”

Grand Tutor Tao understood this meant he should take good care of Fan Changyu. He composed himself and said, “I’ve finally taken a goddaughter. Of course, I’ll protect her like a precious treasure. You don’t need to tell me that.”

After Fan Changyu boarded the carriage with Changning, the army was ready to set off again.

Xie Zheng sat on his horse by the roadside, the wind blowing through the forest rustling his robes, wrapping around his tall, straight figure. Fan Changyu lifted the carriage curtain to look at him and said, “I’m leaving.”

Xie Zheng nodded and said, “Be careful on the journey.”

Changning squeezed her head out from the corner of the carriage window, clinging to the sill, and said, “Ning’er is leaving too.”

With her sister by her side, she wasn’t as afraid of her brother-in-law anymore and even waved her chubby little hand in farewell.

Xie Zheng had very little experience dealing with children and didn’t know how to coax them. He simply said, “Listen to your sister.”

Changning said proudly, “Ning’er is the most obedient.”

A hawk’s cry came from the sky and the Gyrfalcon that had found Xie Zheng dove straight down. He raised his arm, and the Gyrfalcon landed steadily on his forearm.

Changning’s eyes immediately lit up: “Falcon!”

To Fan Changyu’s surprise, Xie Zheng brought the Gyrfalcon to the carriage window and said, “Take the Gyrfalcon with you. It can deliver messages faster.”

Fan Changyu asked, “What about you?”

Xie Zheng said, “If you send it with a message for me, it can find me. If I send a message to you from here, it might not be able to find you.”

Before Fan Changyu could agree, Changning had already shouted, “Ning’er will raise chickens to feed the falcon!”

Grand Tutor Tao, standing nearby, said, “Girl, it’s rare for this brat to be so generous. Don’t be polite to him. He hasn’t shown any filial piety to me in all these years, but now he’s willing to give away all his good things…”

He was feeling a bit sour and disgruntled, thinking to himself that the old saying was true: boys forget their mothers once they have wives. His treatment as a half-father figure wasn’t much better.

But then he thought, this half-daughter-in-law was also his goddaughter. It wasn’t a bad thing for his simple girl to have a cunning brat protecting her. Not only did he stop feeling sour, but he even felt quite pleased.

In the end, the Gyrfalcon was taken into the carriage by Changning. As the carriage slowly moved forward among the infantry, Xie Zheng said to Xie Wu and Xie Qi, who were on horseback behind him, “Go on, take good care of her.”

Xie Wu and Xie Qi saluted and then rode off to follow the army.

Xie Zheng stood with his remaining personal guards at the entrance of the official road. Only when he could no longer see the tail of the Ji Prefecture army did he pull on the reins, turning his horse around and saying, “Back to camp?”

At the Yan Prefecture camp.

When Gong Sun Yin learned that Xie Zheng had personally gone after them but couldn’t bring her back, he came over with his fan, gloating and ready to offer some perfunctory words of comfort.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the camp, he found the Yan Prefecture generals and advisors crowded in a military tent. Xie Zheng, dressed in a dark arrow-sleeved robe, sat at the head, with maps of Kang City and its defenses laid out before him, discussing something with his subordinate generals. This was completely unrelated to the dejected image Gong Sun Yin had imagined.

Seeing him, Xie Zheng immediately tossed the map over, saying, “You’ve come at the right time. You can instruct them on the tactics for attacking the west gate.”

Gong Sun Yin barely caught the map thrown at him, looked at the areas Xie Zheng had newly circled, and exclaimed, “Weren’t we supposed to wear down Kang City and wait for He Jing Yuan to take Chong Prefecture before making a move?”

After all, his siege of Kang City was just to keep busy for the court to see, after giving up the military achievements in Chong Prefecture.

If he were to take Kang City with lightning speed, he would still have to send troops to aid Chong Prefecture afterward, and he might get caught up in the power struggle between Wei Yan and the Li family again.

Xie Zheng raised his cold, sharp phoenix eyes slightly, a thin smile on his lips as he asked, “Who said I was going to take Kang City directly?”

Gong Sun Yin looked more closely at the areas circled on the map and asked in confusion, “Aren’t you planning for a quick, decisive attack?”

Xie Zheng said, “Pulling out all the claws and fangs of the Kang City rebels, then letting them barely survive is also a way of wearing them down.”

Gong Sun Yin pondered this. It made sense, but wasn’t their initial strategy to surround the city without attacking, wearing down the patience of the rebels inside before launching an assault? Why had the tactics suddenly changed?

They continued discussing and planning until late into the night. After the generals and advisors in the central military tent had gradually left, Gong Sun Yin drank a cup of tea to moisten his throat before asking, “Is this because you couldn’t bring her back, so you want to fight a battle to vent your frustration?”

The bright candles in the tent cast a cold, eerie light on Xie Zheng’s dark iron wrist guards. He held a bamboo scroll and said, “In three days, I want Kang City to have no strength left to send out troops, only able to defend desperately.”

He looked up at Gong Sun Yin: “Three days later, you will lead the troops to surround Kang City. Wait for news of victory from Chong Prefecture before breaking open the city gates.”

Gong Sun Yin pondered the meaning of his words, then suddenly changed expression and accused, “You plan to dump this mess on me?”

Xie Zheng glanced at him: “I’ll beat the Kang City rebels until they can barely survive before I leave. If you still can’t hold it, there’s no need for you to work under me in the future.”

Gong Sun Yin could now guess why he had rushed back to deal with these matters. Thinking about how he had raced to intercept someone but still failed, Gong Sun Yin suddenly felt that being left in Kang City wasn’t so frustrating after all.

He waved his fan and, fearing that Xie Zheng might be blinded by impulse, still offered some words of consolation: “Alright, alright. You want to go to Chong Prefecture to find Miss Fan in three days, right? Don’t blame Miss Fan for being heartless. I think it’s not a bad thing for Miss Fan to go to the Ji Prefecture army. Although He Jing Yuan has handed over the tiger tally to you if Li Huai’an finds something in Ji Prefecture and brings down He Jing Yuan, this tiger tally will eventually be taken back by those above. At that time, if Miss Fan can become a general in Ji Prefecture, with Grand Tutor Tao there as well, at least the military power of Ji Prefecture won’t fall into the hands of others.”

But Xie Zheng said, “A man of ambition seeks to achieve great things, but ultimately it’s all for the sake of his wife and children. This Marquis is not so incapable as to need a woman to secure military power for me. If I want Ji Prefecture, I can simply not hand over this military tally. Whether it’s the Li faction or the Wei faction, can those court intrigues and schemes stand against iron horses and bloody blades? In the end, it’s just a matter of killing more people.”

As he said this, his expression was extremely cold, his eyes filled with nothing but indifference. Even Gong Sun Yin, who considered himself quite familiar with Xie Zheng, felt a chill run down his spine at that moment.

“But if we kill all these people, the Great Yan court will become an empty shell. The policies and national strategies issued need to be passed down level by level, and someone has to implement them, otherwise, the common people will only become more chaotic,” he said, idly turning the white jade qilin ring on his finger. “The reforms of past dynasties have taken ten or even several decades, after all, you need to nurture people who can fill those positions before you can take action.”

Then he snorted lightly: “The young Emperor should worry about these things. This Marquis won’t bother to worry about it for him.”

Gong Sun Yin thought to himself that it was a good thing Xie Zheng wasn’t interested in that position. Otherwise, with Wei Yan in front and this fierce wolf behind, the young Emperor would be living in constant fear, and it would be heaven’s mercy if he didn’t die of fright at an early age.

He asked in confusion, “So do you plan to go and bring Miss Fan back in three days?”

Given his nature, if he wanted to bring her back, he shouldn’t have returned empty-handed when he went after her today.

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes to look at the bamboo scroll in his hand and said, “This is her aspiration. I can protect her, but I shouldn’t hinder her.”

Gong Sun Yin shuddered, his skin breaking out in goosebumps, and said, “Then let’s hope Miss Fan can appreciate your sentiment.”

Xie Zheng suddenly said, “I hear there are many young ladies who admire you.”

Gong Sun Yin straightened his back a bit, his fan-waving becoming more elegant and charming: “Not many, not many. Just enough to fill a cart with fruits and melons when I go out.”

Without looking up, Xie Zheng continued to look at the bamboo scroll: “Are there any young ladies who, because of your great talents and your status as a worthy man of Hejian, have resolved to study hard and become a worthy person of the age themselves?”

Gong Sun Yin opened his mouth, not knowing how to respond when he heard Xie Zheng say, “She said she wants to walk the path I’ve walked, to become someone like me.”

Gong Sun Yin was stunned for a moment before finally realizing what Xie Zheng was trying to say in such a roundabout way.

No wonder he had come back with such an attitude!

Gong Sun Yin’s face twisted with sourness as he stood up, flicking his sleeves, and said, “I take my leave!”

😆 my wife is amazing! My wife loves me the best!

I agree he definitely said that!! lol

He was bragging! 😂
“Do your admirers love you like my wife loves me? Look at how much my wife loves me.” 😏💅

ha ha This story is very interesting. i like the way it’s written .

astagaaa novel ini sangat bagus!😭🤣aku kesini setelah menonton serialnya

Zhu Yu – Chapter 95

After a day’s march, they reached the borders of Chongzhou.

Fan Changyu needed to go to the military camp, but she couldn’t keep bringing Changning along.

Previously, while searching for Changning in Jizhou, she had helped the local authorities raid several mountain bandit hideouts involved in child and women trafficking. The generous reward she received allowed her to rent a small courtyard in a nearby town. She left Changning there, hiring a simple farm woman experienced in childcare to look after Changning’s daily needs.

As a precaution, she also left Xie Qi behind, taking only Xie Wu with her to the military camp.

This was common practice for soldiers stationed long-term beyond the border. Most of them had settled down in the frontier towns and could reunite with their families when not on duty.

After everything was arranged, Fan Changyu was officially enlisted in the Jizhou army through Taoist Tao’s recommendation. Her previous feat of killing three scouts was considered a genuine military achievement in the Jizhou army. Later, she had also slain the rebel general Shi Hu at Yixian Gorge, making it easy for her to request a rank.

However, on the way to the military camp, Taoist Tao suddenly asked her, “Girl, do you want a group of people at your command who aren’t close to you, or do you want to personally train a few capable individuals?”

Fan Changyu had experienced the brutality of the battlefield. Who would sacrifice their life to protect someone they weren’t close to?

Those generals in the army had risen through the ranks from squad leaders and platoon leaders. It was precisely because they had earned the trust of their subordinates and forged bonds of brotherhood that the soldiers would charge fearlessly into battle under their command.

Even during shifts in military power, the lower-ranking soldiers were more willing to stand united with the generals they had followed rather than obey the distant imperial authority.

Fan Changyu might not be brilliant, but she wasn’t foolish either. She quickly weighed the pros and cons and said, “On the battlefield, I need people I can entrust my back to.”

Implying that she chose the latter option.

Taoist Tao stroked his beard and smiled, saying, “That aligns with my thoughts. You’re new to the military and unfamiliar with everything here. Hastily granting you a high-ranking position without capable subordinates would only give you an empty title that invites jealousy. It’s better to start low-key, take it step by step, and build a solid foundation.”

With Taoist Tao’s words, Fan Changyu realized that at best, she might start as a squad leader in the military.

In the Great Yin Dynasty’s military system, five men formed a squad, ten men a platoon, five platoons a company, ten platoons a battalion, and five battalions a regiment. A regiment’s strength ranged from a minimum of five hundred men, with no set upper limit. ①

Several regiments combined to form an army.

The military ranks within were complex, with some having both official rank and actual power, some with official rank but no real power, and others with no official rank but actual authority.

For instance, a battalion commander in charge of a hundred men, also called a Centurion, technically had no official rank, but wielded considerable actual power.

On the battlefield, a hundred men could accomplish much, which is why throughout history, many famous generals have achieved remarkable military feats while serving as Centurions.

Fan Changyu was assigned to Tang Peiyi’s command. After the great victory over the rebels who had flooded Lucheng, Tang Peiyi’s newly recruited force of 20,000 had lost nearly 3,000 men during a night raid by the rebels. He had also dispatched 1,000 men with Taoist Tao to deliver supplies to Yixian Gorge, while he led the remaining troops to besiege Chongzhou.

The thousand men Taoist Tao had led, after joining forces with reinforcements from Yanzhou at Yixian Gorge and engaging in multiple battles with the rebels under the guidance of Yanzhou’s veteran soldiers, had rapidly grown into seasoned fighters. The few hundred who had survived and returned were now all battle-hardened veterans.

Tang Peiyi planned to disperse these men among the recruits to train them.

After besieging Lucheng, he had engaged in battle with Prince Changxin’s army once, suffering heavy losses. It wasn’t until He Jingyuan arrived with reinforcements from Jizhou that he dared to breathe a sigh of relief.

He couldn’t just let the remaining ten thousand or so recruits under his command remain idle. Now that the main force from Jizhou was holding the line, he wanted to train his recruits as quickly as possible.

When Taoist Tao approached him to recommend Fan Changyu’s enlistment, Tang Peiyi readily agreed.

If not for Fan Changyu killing those three scouts, Lucheng would have fallen, and he would have had to face execution.

He said, “To think that young lady could kill Shi Hu! Such valor is rare even among men. It’s truly Tang’s fortune to have such a talented general under my command!”

However, Taoist Tao replied, “Jade must be cut and polished to become a tool. Let her be tempered a bit more first.”

When Fan Changyu was finally assigned to a unit, she discovered that she hadn’t started as a common soldier or even a squad leader. She was directly appointed as a company commander, in charge of forty-nine men, with Xie Wu notably assigned to her company.

When the soldiers in the ranks realized their company commander was a fair-faced young woman, they began to whisper among themselves.

“How can there be a woman in the army?”

Fan Changyu’s immediate superior, Centurion Guo, was a burly man with a big beard, built like an iron tower. The officers among the recruits were all transferred from the regular Jizhou army.

When he discovered that one of his company commanders was a woman, he nearly burst with anger. He berated her in front of the soldiers, “I don’t know which general’s precious daughter has come to the army to seek fame again. Instead of directly appointing her as a colonel and having her guards protect her in layers, they’ve thrown her under my command. If she gets so much as a scratch, my entire life’s work will be for nothing.”

His words were meant to intimidate Fan Changyu. Those with thin skin might not be able to bear such public humiliation and would likely leave.

This was exactly what Centurion Guo hoped to see. After all, regardless of which general’s daughter she might be, or even if she were some high official’s son sent to experience military life, they didn’t want to deal with such individuals.

They couldn’t be disciplined or scolded, and on the battlefield, they’d have to risk their lives to protect these ‘treasures’.

If they got injured, the soldiers would face severe consequences. Not to mention that on the battlefield, where death was commonplace, swords and spears showed no mercy.

If anything were to happen to such a person, when the high officials investigated, there wouldn’t be enough heads to chop in the entire unit.

Therefore, the generals had an unspoken rule for those noble young masters sent to gain military experience: give them an honorary position, set up a tent for them, and assign personal guards to protect the ‘golden nugget’.

They didn’t seek merit, only to avoid trouble.

When the ‘experience’ was over, they’d add a few inconsequential military achievements to their record and send them back intact, considering the matter successfully concluded.

Most of those tiger girls from military families who came to gain experience were indeed skilled in martial arts and full of passion. However, they were too naive. Killing a few people was nothing compared to the hell of a real battlefield.

Moreover, these tiger girls were often the apple of some great general’s eye. No one dared to let them face any danger on the battlefield. Often, the number of enemies they killed was far less than the number of soldiers who died protecting them in battle.

Therefore, during actual battles, the generals rarely allowed these girls who came for ‘experience’ to participate in combat.

As for those useless young masters, they weren’t even worth mentioning.

The truly admirable descendants of military families were those who rose through the ranks step by step based on their military achievements.

The army didn’t recruit female soldiers, which was why Centurion Guo naturally assumed that Fan Changyu had joined the army through connections. As a martial artist himself, he could tell from Fan Changyu’s steady breathing that she was trained in martial arts. He guessed that she wanted to emulate those military family descendants who started from the bottom, which made him even more annoyed.

He didn’t care about other people’s lofty ambitions, but if those ambitions might lead to him and his brothers needlessly losing their lives on the battlefield, he despised them greatly.

Fan Changyu was unaware of these hidden circumstances. When Centurion Guo confronted her publicly, she showed no signs of embarrassment and continued to stand there with composure.

She had no reason to be angry if others misunderstood her.

Xie Wu spoke up for her: “Company Commander Fan came from the battlefield at Yixian Gorge. She killed Shi Hu and joined the ranks based on her real military achievements.”

This statement caused even more discussion among the troops.

They had heard of Shi Hu’s infamous reputation since joining the army. It was said he was a monster who enjoyed raw flesh and drank human blood. His pair of hammers had taken countless lives, no less than eight hundred if not a thousand.

Could this girl in Jizhou military uniform, who looked even slighter than most men, really have killed Shi Hu?

Centurion Guo scrutinized Fan Changyu again as if trying to determine if she truly dared to kill Shi Hu.

Someone in the crowd who had seen Fan Changyu carrying soil and rocks during the dam construction called out, “I know Company Commander Fan! When we were building the dam upstream in Jizhou, she could carry stone blocks weighing over three hundred catties down the mountain without breaking a sweat!”

With this concrete detail, the soldiers’ gazes toward Fan Changyu became even more respectful.

Xie Wu wanted to mention Fan Changyu’s bear-hunting exploits, but since he hadn’t witnessed it personally, he worried it might sound like boasting to others. Seeing that everyone’s attitude towards Fan Changyu had become more respectful, Xie Wu swallowed the words that had come to his lips.

Centurion Guo asked Fan Changyu, “What weapon are you skilled with?”

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and replied, “A butcher’s knife.”

Some soldiers in the ranks couldn’t help but snicker.

Centurion Guo’s face darkened as he barked, “You use a butcher’s knife to kill enemies on the battlefield?”

Fan Changyu nodded honestly.

Another wave of muffled laughter rippled through the crowd.

Centurion Guo was thoroughly annoyed now. He no longer believed she could have killed Shi Hu, thinking it was probably her backers who had fabricated this military achievement to build her reputation, as such things were not uncommon.

He decided not to give Fan Changyu any face at all and shouted, “Fine then, today I’ll see for myself what your butcher’s knife can do!”

He clenched his fist, which was as big as a sandbag, exuding a fierce aura as he yelled at Fan Changyu, “Come on!”

The soldiers, not expecting such excitement on the first day of reorganization, cheered and egged them on.

The commotion drew the attention of the generals on the high platform.

Tang Peiyi asked, “What’s going on over there?”

Fan Changyu’s formation was at the very back of the parade ground. Looking down from the high platform, one could only see a mass of small black squares formed by the standing soldiers, making it impossible to discern what was happening at the back.

An aide immediately responded, “This subordinate will go and check.”

Just as he left, another aide came to report, “General, Young Master Li is here to visit!”

Tang Peiyi asked, “Which Young Master Li?”

The aide wiped his sweat and replied, “The grandson of Grand Tutor Li, Young Master Li Huai’an!”

Tang Peiyi immediately looked towards Taoist Tao. Grand Tutor Li had taken that position two years after Taoist Tao had resigned. Although he was the leader of the Qingliu faction, half of the court and officialdom were his disciples, showing signs of wanting to contend with Wei Yan.

He said, “After Marquis Wu’an went to Kangcheng to clear out the remnants of the rebels, the court began sending military provisions via waterways. Li Huai’an holds the concurrent position of military supervisor and has come to verify the amount of provisions. He should be looking for Lord He. Coming to me now, he must be here for you, Taoist. Do you want to see him or not?”

Taoist Tao just smiled and said, “Since this young man knows I’m here, even if he avoids me today, he can’t avoid me tomorrow. Let’s meet him. I’d like to see what kind of child that old Li has raised.”

Tang Peiyi then told the aide, “Invite him over.”

In no time, Li Huai’an, dressed in a sky-blue Confucian robe, was led over by the aide.

As a fellow scholar, his appearance was somewhat plainer compared to Gong Sun Yin, but he was like a cup of clear tea, becoming more flavorful the more one savored it. Combined with his unique air of righteousness and elegance, he gave the impression of being the most refined student before a sage.

He immediately spotted the white-haired Taoist Tao and bowed respectfully, saying in a gentle voice, “Greetings, Grand Tutor.”

Glancing at Tang Peiyi beside him, he added, “Greetings, General.”

Taoist Tao, whose seniority and former official position far outranked Tang Peiyi, naturally took the lead in addressing Li Huai’an. He smiled at the young man before him and said, “You resemble your grandfather in his youth. For a moment, this old man thought he had somehow grown younger over the years.”

It was unclear whether this was a jest or had some deeper meaning.

Li Huai’an merely smiled faintly and replied, “Grandfather’s health has declined significantly in recent years. He can’t match your robustness, Grand Tutor.”

Taoist Tao stroked his beard and laughed, “This old man enjoys life. I haven’t had my fill of the world’s beautiful mountains and waters yet. With no burdens on my shoulders, I’m naturally more carefree than your grandfather.”

Li Huai’an said, “It’s because you knew when to retire from the turbulent waters, Grand Tutor. Grandfather often says that if he had your knowledge, he would be content with this life.”

Taoist Tao’s smile didn’t diminish, the wrinkles on his face deepening as he half-jokingly said, “That old fellow is getting less content as he ages. Isn’t it enough that his knowledge has produced disciples in half the court?”

Li Huai’an smiled along, his tone still gentle: “Half the court’s officials still can’t compare to a pillar of the state like Marquis Wu’an.”

Tang Peiyi was a rough man, but he hadn’t reached his position by being a fool. The more he listened to their conversation, the stranger it felt. Just as he was considering whether to say something to change the subject, the aide he had sent out earlier came running back, panting heavily.

The aide saluted and reported, “General, over there, a Centurion is having a martial arts match with his female company commander!”

Li Huai’an said with some surprise, “General Tang has women serving in his army?”

Fan Changyu had been recommended by Taoist Tao to join the army, and Tang Peiyi was unsure whether to conceal this fact for now. Just then, a wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the back of the military formation.

Li Huai’an glanced in that direction, seeming somewhat interested: “Is it possible to observe military sparring matches?”

There was no rule against observing sparring matches, and Tang Peiyi couldn’t just make one up on the spot. He could only reluctantly say, “Yes, it’s allowed.”

The thunderous cheers erupted when Fan Changyu executed a shoulder throw that sent Centurion Guo flying.

Centurion Guo had engaged her barehanded, so she couldn’t take advantage of him. After all, the last person who had let her use only one hand and a boning knife was Xie Zheng.

The throw was solid. Centurion Guo got up, grimacing and holding his waist. Looking at Fan Changyu standing not far away, he asked, “I’m skilled with the broadsword, not in hand-to-hand combat. Do you dare to face me with weapons?”

Fan Changyu readily agreed, “Certainly.”

Soon, someone brought over a weapons rack.

Centurion Guo chose a yan dao (a type of long-handled saber). Fan Changyu was most skilled with long-handled blade techniques, but she felt that in front of so many people if she made Centurion Guo lose too badly, it would be too embarrassing for him.

After some consideration, she chose two large iron hammers for herself.

Her main reason was that the hammer handles were short, and unlike swords or sabers, they wouldn’t leave a gash with a single swipe. As long as she held back her strength, she could exchange more moves with Centurion Guo.

Little did she know that her smaller frame compared to men made her look somewhat frail. Combined with her gentle and harmless expression, and now wielding two iron hammers weighing dozens of catties each, the scene looked rather bizarre.

Centurion Guo brandished his large saber, creating a whooshing sound in the air. When he shouted and struck, Fan Changyu initially didn’t engage, only dodging.

Seeing that she could move so nimbly despite carrying two large iron hammers, Centurion Guo’s composure began to crumble. Seeing her not engaging, he cursed, “Stop dodging and take one of my strikes!”

So Fan Changyu truly stopped dodging. As the saber came slashing down towards her face, the spectating soldiers gasped in fear.

Although Xie Wu trusted Fan Changyu’s martial skills, he remained vigilant, closely watching every move of their exchange, ready to intervene if Fan Changyu was in danger.

Centurion Guo realized his strike had lost momentum, but Fan Changyu neither dodged nor showed any sign of blocking. In that instant, cold sweat broke out on his back. Regardless of whether Fan Changyu was a general’s daughter, her presence in the army meant she had backing.

If he accidentally killed her here, it would truly be the end of him.

A loud “clang” rang out, so intense it made people’s eardrums ache.

The saber strike aimed at Fan Changyu’s face was forcefully stopped as she clamped it between her two iron hammers, completely halting its momentum.

Centurion Guo, gripping the saber’s handle, clearly felt a violent shock in his tiger’s mouth (the space between thumb and index finger), which became numb and painful, almost causing him to lose his grip. Large beads of cold sweat dripped down his forehead.

Those close to the scene saw clearly that Fan Changyu had directly clamped the blade between her two iron hammers, stopping Centurion Guo’s strike. Those standing further back, obviously not believing such a saber strike could be stopped by simply clamping it with iron hammers, began to whisper among themselves.

“Could it be that Centurion Guo is going easy on her because she’s pretty?”

“If I could win a beauty’s heart by losing face, I’d be willing to!”

However, in the next moment, Fan Changyu released the tightly pressed hammers.

The blade of Centurion Guo’s saber, which had been caught between them, instantly shattered like ice, tinkling to the ground in pieces.

The entire area, both inside and outside the ring, fell into stunned silence.

The soldier who had earlier suspected Centurion Guo of going easy on her swallowed hard.

Shattering a descending saber with a single hammer strike – how much strength did that require?

In the silence where one could hear a pin drop, applause came from outside the training ground. Fan Changyu turned her head to see Taoist Tao, Tang Peiyi, and other high-ranking officers approaching, with Li Huai’an among them.

As the commanding general and this being the training ground, it was naturally Tang Peiyi who spoke. He praised, “This martial display was excellent. A reward is in order!”

The soldiers cheered for Fan Changyu. Having seen others perform military salutes before, Fan Changyu imitated the gesture, clasping her fist and saying, “This humble officer thanks the General!”

Li Huai’an, upon seeing it was her, seemed quite surprised: “I wondered which female general under General Tang’s command could be so valiant. It turns out to be Miss Fan.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know why he was in Chongzhou as well. Thinking that he was an official and she should pay her respects, she saluted him, addressing him as “Lord Li.”

Not only Taoist Tao but even Tang Peiyi was confused. He asked, “You two know each other?”

Li Huai’an smiled gracefully and said, “Miss Fan once saved my life.”

Fan Changyu hurriedly said, “It was just a small gesture.”

Xie Wu, who had been among the hundred royal guards Xie Zheng brought back to Qingping County that day, naturally remembered Fan Changyu protecting Li Huai’an. Seeing Li Huai’an’s subtle attitude towards Fan Changyu, he suddenly frowned deeply.

Li Huai’an wasn’t surprised by Fan Changyu’s politeness towards him. After all, since she learned of his identity, even when she sought his help to investigate the files on her parents’ death, she had always addressed him politely as “My Lord.”

He said, “This encounter is truly a coincidence. That day when you set out alone for Chongzhou, saying you were going to find your younger sister, you left a Mrs. Zhao at the Jizhou government office. When I was about to depart for Chongzhou, Mrs. Zhao was worried about you and begged me to bring her to Chongzhou to find you.”

Fan Changyu was half confused and half delighted: “Mrs. Zhao?”

Li Huai’an nodded with a smile: “She’s at my lodgings now.”

Today, the army had just reorganized its ranks and didn’t need to drill, so they could take leave in the afternoon.

After the reorganization was complete, Fan Changyu requested half a day’s leave from the army, intending to bring Mrs. Zhao back to the courtyard she had rented.

Xie Wu naturally took leave to accompany her.

As the two of them boarded the Li family’s carriage, Li Huai’an looked at Xie Wu, his face still wearing a gentle smile, and asked without malice: “May I ask who this young man is?”

Fan Changyu now had to start from the bottom in the military camp. There was already much controversy about women serving in the army, and revealing her relationship with Xie Zheng would be even more disadvantageous to her. Although Xie Wu wanted to make this smiling tiger-like fellow understand the situation, he also knew he couldn’t cause trouble for Fan Changyu. He replied stiffly, “I am my Company Commander’s attendant!”

Hearing this response, Li Huai’an chuckled lightly, still appearing gentle and without any malice. He said to Fan Changyu, “Congratulations are in order, Miss Fan. With your martial skills, you’re sure to achieve great things in the military.”

Fan Changyu replied, “I only hope for peace in the world.”

When they picked up Mrs. Zhao, she saw Fan Changyu in a military uniform and learned that she had joined the army. Mrs. Zhao hugged her and cried for quite a while.

Xie Wu accompanied them the whole time. Wherever Li Huai’an was, he was there too. Li Huai’an noticed this young man’s inexplicable hostility towards him but continued to smile at him politely.

Fan Changyu took Mrs. Zhao back to the small courtyard she had rented. As it was quite a distance away and the surrounding towns were desolate due to the war, they couldn’t borrow a carriage. Li Huai’an offered to have his driver take them.

On the way back, Xie Wu sat outside with the driver while Fan Changyu and Mrs. Zhao sat inside the carriage talking, mainly about what had happened during their time apart.

Xie Wu listened intently the whole time, afraid of missing even half a word about that Li fellow.

When they arrived at the small courtyard, Changning saw Mrs. Zhao, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time, and burst into tears, throwing herself into Mrs. Zhao’s arms.

Thinking about how Changning had gone missing before, Mrs. Zhao was still frightened and couldn’t help but cry along with her.

As Fan Changyu busied herself comforting the old woman and the child, Xie Wu gave Xie Qi a look. Under the pretext of going to the kitchen to prepare food, he quickly told Xie Qi about meeting Li Huai’an that day, saying, “Tonight, you write a letter and have the sea eagle deliver it to the Marquis.”

Kneading the dough in the bowl vigorously, he said angrily, “That pretty boy is coveting our lady!”

Even the guards are protective like their Master. Nothing happened yet, but they already assume this pretty boy is coveting their lady hahahaha

All the guy did was smile at her a few times and these two are already running off to tattle to their master. 😂 They are so possessive of her on his behalf.

Really, like master like servants lolll. They have become an extension of him.

Hahahah!Love this novel!! Conversations was well written, esp bet FCY & XZ that night by the river discussing her perceived low status compared to his. I was touched by what he said to convince her of his love for her. So sweet!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 96

In the central military tent of Kangcheng.

A scout hurriedly entered from outside and knelt, saluting, “Marquis, today the rebels inside Kangcheng are still stubbornly guarding the city gates and refusing to come out!”

The person seated at the head, dressed entirely in black, wasn’t wearing armor. His figure was tall and slender, with long, pale fingers holding a military treatise. His phoenix eyes were calm and unperturbed as if he had anticipated this situation. He simply said, “Continue the siege until the rebels can’t even fill the battlements with heads.”

The scout quickly accepted the order and left.

Xie Zheng tossed aside the military treatise in his hand and called to his guard, “Bring me my battle armor.”

Gong Sun Yin, who was beside him, asked, “Are you going to challenge them to battle?”

Xie Zheng replied, “The remaining troops in Kangcheng are no longer a threat. Only Sui Yuanqing remains a concern. Now that the morale within the city is crumbling, if I go to challenge them, he won’t be able to refuse.”

Gong Sun Yin understood the pros and cons of this strategy. Sui Yuanqing was the only formidable fighter left in Kangcheng, and Xie Zheng wanted to eliminate him before leaving.

Challenging them to battle after two days of siege was undoubtedly putting Sui Yuanqing on the hot seat. If he accepted the challenge, it would play right into Xie Zheng’s hands, allowing him to eliminate this major threat on the battlefield. If he didn’t accept, the already low morale within the city would likely plummet even further.

At the foot of Kangcheng’s city wall, the Yanzhou army, which had been fiercely attacking, suddenly halted. Before the soldiers on the city wall could catch their breath in relief, they noticed a change in the Yanzhou army’s formation below.

The black ant-like military formation split apart, creating a narrow path wide enough for two people to walk abreast.

Through the yellow dust and smoke, a man on horseback slowly advanced from the rear of the narrow path to the front of the formation. The qilin shoulder armor on his shoulders looked both majestic and fierce under the scorching sun. A black cape draped over his horse’s back, and he held a long halberd with a black handle and gold-lacquered coiled dragon pattern at an angle.

Just the sight of the black armor and horse was enough to make the soldiers on the city wall’s pupils constrict in fear, their legs trembling.

When they saw the iron halberd handle with the dragon pattern near the blade, it further confirmed the identity of the newcomer, and the soldiers on the city wall grew even more anxious.

“The black gold dragon-patterned halberd, it’s Marquis Wu’an!”

“Marquis Wu’an has come in person. Kangcheng surely can’t be defended today!”

Ordinary military commanders would never dare to use weapons with dragon patterns. That black gold dragon-patterned long halberd was personally commissioned by the Emperor, who had ordered hundreds of craftsmen to forge it as a reward for Marquis Wu’an when he recaptured Jinzhou, avenging the shame of losing territory seventeen years ago. The Emperor had been greatly pleased.

When conferring the title of Marquis Wu’an, the Emperor also said, “With such a Marquis Wu, our Great Yin can be at peace.”

In the current court and military, any ambitious military commander aspired to match Marquis Wu’an’s achievements.

But Marquis Wu’an’s numerous military accomplishments were indeed a peak that they could not surpass in their entire lives.

Two rows of war drums were set up on the war chariots below the city wall. When the deep drum sounds echoed across the vast battlefield, the soldiers defending the city wall broke out in goosebumps, almost unable to hold their swords steady.

The soldiers at the battlements with bows and arrows found their hands shaking like chicken claws, unable to aim their arrows properly.

Amidst the drumbeats, the young general on horseback raised his head to look up at the city wall. His phoenix eyes were extremely indifferent, his handsome face as if carved from jade. He raised the halberd in one hand, pointing directly at the city wall, and shouted arrogantly, “Where is Sui Yuanqing? Come out and face your death!”

The messenger on the city wall almost tumbled and crawled as he rushed back to report.

Although Kangcheng had only been besieged for a few days, the city lord’s mansion was already in a state of gloom and despair.

Everyone knew that it was Marquis Wu’an who had surrounded Kangcheng. Not only were the common soldiers afraid, but even the servants in the city lord’s mansion knew that the fall of the city was only a matter of time.

But fear aside, no one dared to discuss the war. In recent days, several servants who had rashly discussed how Kangcheng would soon fall had been beaten to death.

The messenger who had rushed back from the city gate hurried through the deep courtyards and was finally led to Sui Yuanqing.

He knelt on one knee, his voice trembling as he reported, “Young Master, Marquis Wu’an is challenging you to battle at the city gate, demanding that you come out to fight.”

It was approaching summer, and the sunlight was scorching. The bamboo curtain at the window of the study was half-raised. The entrance was bathed in bright sunlight, but further inside, not a ray of light penetrated, giving it a gloomy atmosphere.

Sui Yuanqing sat on the floor with his hair loose and feet bare. The low table in front of him was cluttered with books, brushes, and ink.

He had previously fallen into Xie Zheng’s hands and suffered greatly. After being rescued, he had spent many days recuperating. Although the wounds on his body had healed, he had lost a lot of weight, and the gloom in his brow had deepened. Hearing the report, he only said darkly, “Don’t go. Just continue to defend the city gates.”

The messenger hesitated, “Young Master, the morale of the soldiers in the city is crumbling, and their spirits are low. If this continues, Kangcheng might fall without a fight. You once defeated Marquis Wu’an on the battlefield of Chongzhou. If you go out to fight, it might at least boost the soldiers’ morale somewhat.”

Sui Yuanqing sneered, “If I went out to fight, I’d be falling right into Xie Zheng’s trap. He’s left Chongzhou untaken and come to Kangcheng personally to capture me. Isn’t it because he’s eager to extricate himself from the court’s power struggles? As long as Chongzhou doesn’t fall, he won’t dare enter Kangcheng’s gates for a single day.”

The messenger had no choice but to withdraw.

Once alone in the study, Sui Yuanqing suddenly let out an angry roar, sweeping the books and scrolling off the low table. The inkstone filled with ink smashed on the ground, splattering black ink across the wooden floor.

Sui Yuanqing supported himself on the low table with both hands, the veins on the back of his sinewy hands bulging, his pale jaw clenched tightly.

There was a time when surpassing Xie Zheng had always been his obsession. After all, for all these years, he had been living in Xie Zheng’s shadow, learning what he had learned, practicing the martial arts he had practiced.

When they first crossed swords on the battlefield of Chongzhou, he thought he had won, and that Xie Zheng would thereafter be his defeated opponent.

Only now did he realize how naive he had been then.

He even had a premonition that he might die at Xie Zheng’s hands.

This premonition was like a fog shrouding his heart, making him grow gloomier with each passing day. These days, he had confined himself to his study.

He needed to stay calm. As long as he could find the point to restrain Xie Zheng and understand the purpose of his sudden attack on the city, he would surely find a way to deal with it.

Sui Yuanqing closed his eyes heavily.

Outside, footsteps approached tremblingly.

When Sui Yuanqing opened his eyes, the young girl was startled, almost dropping the plate of pastries she was holding.

She placed the plate of exquisite-looking pastries on the low table with shaking hands and said in a trembling voice, “It’s me, Cousin.”

The girl, raised in the inner chambers, had a face as small as a palm, with skin as delicate as congealed cream. Her almond-shaped eyes were brimming with tears, timid and reminiscent of the phrase “rain beating on pear blossoms.”

Sui Yuanqing narrowed his eyes. This was a beauty entirely different from the wild cat he had encountered. The wild cat had a fierce temperament and would scratch and bite.

The girl before him was like a delicate flower trembling as it bloomed in the rain and dew, waiting to be plucked.

She was too fragile as if anyone could do anything to her, and she would be powerless to resist. Even if she did resist, it would probably only be with those watery eyes silently shedding tears at her abuser.

When Sui Yuanqing raised his hand to grip her chin, her whole body trembled. She hurriedly picked up a delicate pastry from the plate, trying to feed him, “Mother said… said that Cousin has been exhausting himself these days to defend Kangcheng, so she had the kitchen make some pastries and asked me to bring them over.”

Sui Yuanqing didn’t open his mouth. Looking at the beautiful face before him, he asked casually, “Why is Cousin trembling so much? What are you afraid of?”

The girl shook her head frantically.

Sui Yuanqing released his grip on her chin and picked up the pastry she had tried to feed him. He looked at it, suddenly smiled, and instead held it to the girl’s lips, saying, “I don’t like sweets. Cousin should eat it.”

The girl’s face instantly turned a few shades paler, and she kept shaking her head, “I… I don’t like them either.”

Sui Yuanqing held the pastry, lowering his head with a smile still on his lips, but his expression was extremely gloomy. He asked in a low voice, “Why?”

The girl’s resolve finally crumbled under his pressure. She burst into tears and said, “Cousin, you should flee quickly. Father heard that Marquis Wu’an is personally challenging you at the city gate. Fearing that the Liu family will be executed if the city falls, he had the kitchen make these poisoned pastries, planning to poison you and then cut off your head to present at the city gate and surrender.”

Sui Yuanqing’s mouth twitched, his smile growing wider. He said, “Is that so?”

With that, he directly took a sword from the sword rack and left.

With the Yan army attacking the city, the main forces were stationed at the four main city gates, leaving only a few hundred household troops guarding the city lord’s mansion.

The girl thought Sui Yuanqing had taken the sword to escape the mansion. She walked out of the study with weak limbs, not knowing how to report back, when she heard a chorus of wailing cries from the front hall.

Her heart jumped in shock. She didn’t even bother to pick up the light gauze that had fallen from her arm, but lifted her skirts and ran quickly towards the source of the cries. As soon as she entered the front hall and saw the room full of corpses, she nearly fainted on the spot.

When she saw her parents lying in pools of blood, she collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed. The extreme sorrow and fear left her unable to even cry out, with only tears rolling down her cheeks like broken strings of pearls. It took her a long while to regain her composure before she finally wailed, “Father! Mother!”

She looked at Sui Yuanqing, who stood in the center of the hall with his sword still dripping thick blood as if he were an evil spirit. Her voice choked with sobs as she asked, “Why… why did you kill my parents? With your martial skills, you could have escaped. Couldn’t you have just fled the City Lord’s mansion?”

Sui Yuanqing coldly gazed at the delicate young woman who was crying so hard she could barely breathe, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

This cousin of his, couldn’t tell if she had been raised to be too naive or if she was simply too foolish.

Or perhaps the Liu family knew that the nobility only married well-bred ladies carefully groomed to be matriarchs, so they deliberately raised their daughter to be this weak and easily manipulated to serve as a concubine.

In a sense, the young woman before him had long been a disposable pawn for her family.

Pitifully, she was still crying her heart out for her parents who were ready to trade her away like an object at any moment.

He crouched down in front of her and touched her face with his bloodstained hand, asking in return, “They were going to offer my head to surrender. Why shouldn’t I kill them?”

Liu Wan’er’s snow-white cheeks were now marked with his bloody fingerprints. She opened her mouth but couldn’t utter a word. Her long lashes fluttered as tears streamed down, making her appear even more fragile and pitiful.

She was exceptionally beautiful. Perhaps no man in the world could harden his heart against such a beauty.

But for some reason, Sui Yuanqing suddenly recalled the cold and vicious look in Fan Changyu’s eyes when she had stabbed him.

He used to prefer beauties like Liu Wan’er – docile, delicate, like vines that would wither and die without a tree to cling to, so they would desperately cling to him with all their might.

But after seeing so many such beauties, he could hardly remember their faces. They all had the same temperament, the same coquettishness. He might not even notice if one was added or removed from his side.

The nobility’s competition for such beauties was merely for the most beautiful one, but beauty always fades quickly. In just three to five years, new beauties, as tender as spring onions, would enter their sights again.

Who would still remember what the beauty they had fought over a few years ago looked like?

Just like the courtesans in brothels, when they aged, new ones would take their place.

After seeing too many identical beauties, it was that cat who only knew how to hurt him that he couldn’t forget.

Sui Yuanqing withdrew his hand and looked at the woman prostrate on the ground, her waist and hips shaking with her heart-wrenching sobs. He said, “You’re a good child. You told me the truth, so I won’t kill you.”

He sheathed his sword and walked to the door. He paused, turned his head, and said, “From now on, you’re no longer the daughter of the Liu family. Hide among the common people and live well on your own.”

Liu Wan’er stared blankly at Sui Yuanqing’s retreating figure, then looked at her parents who had died with their eyes wide open. Never in her eighteen years had she encountered such a catastrophe. At this moment, besides crying, her mind was filled only with fear and confusion about the unknown future.

She couldn’t even consider that this man had just killed her parents. Almost instinctively, she clung to the door to stand up and stumbled after him, crying, “Cousin…”

The midday sun was scorching. Sui Yuanqing, who hadn’t left his study for too long, stopped as he passed through the flower gate. He squinted at the round sun hanging in the sky.

The strong light made him lose color vision for a moment, and the whole world seemed to darken.

He smiled lazily as if calmly accepting his fate.

There was another way to live in this world – to live towards death.

The Yanzhou army had been challenging them at the city gate for a long time, but Sui Yuanqing didn’t come out to fight. Instead, they saw a truce flag hung on the city tower.

The Yanzhou army below cursed even more fiercely. The small soldiers of Chongzhou on the city tower looked increasingly numb, their expressions almost lifeless. Compared to the daily torment of the siege, they now hoped that the Yanzhou army would quickly take over Kang City.

After Xie Zheng and Gong Sun Yin returned to the camp, Gong Sun Yin angrily fanned himself with his folding fan. “That cowardly turtle Sui Yuanqing! He dared to challenge you arrogantly on the battlefield at Yixia Gorge, but now he’s just hiding with his tail between his legs! Truly shameless!”

Xie Zheng said, “He’s not provoked into battle because he understands that I’m here to wear him down while waiting for Chongzhou to fall first. But after today, the morale of the rebels in Kang City will be completely gone. If there are any in the army having second thoughts, internal strife will give them a headache first. They certainly won’t take the initiative to attack in the short term.”

Gong Sun Yin’s anger subsided, and he said, “Alright, alright. So you’re going to Chongzhou now, aren’t you?”

He clicked his tongue twice. “You said three days later, but you can’t sit still after just two and a half days?”

Xie Zheng simply said, “This Marquis has some personal matters to attend to. Sui Yuanqing knows I’m here and won’t act rashly. After I leave, just find someone to impersonate me in the tent.”

Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but ask suspiciously, “Going to see her isn’t your matter? What other personal matters do you have?”

Xie Zheng said, “I ordered a weapon to be made for her.”

He had heard from Xie Wu about how Fan Changyu was almost overwhelmed when fighting Shi Hu last time because she didn’t have a suitable weapon.

Almost as soon as they came down from the mountain, he had ordered someone to find a blacksmith to forge a weapon. He had intended it as a surprise for Fan Changyu, not knowing she would make up her mind to join the army and go to the Chongzhou battlefield.

Calculating the days, that weapon should be ready by now. He could go get it and deliver it to her.

Gong Sun Yin, remembering his previous embarrassment, only heard the beginning before immediately saying, “Alright, alright, you’d better go quickly!”

However, outside the tent, a personal guard came in with a rolled-up letter: “My Lord, the Gyrfalcon has sent a letter back.”

The Gyrfalcon had been taken away by Fan Changyu, so if it suddenly sent a letter back, it must be news from Fan Changyu’s side.

Xie Zheng raised his hand to receive it, quickly scanning through it. His previously gentle expression instantly darkened. He threw the letter into the charcoal basin used for burning important documents and said coldly, “Prepare the horses!”

Gong Sun Yin felt as if a cat’s paw was scratching his heart. He hurriedly asked, “What’s wrong?”

But Xie Zheng didn’t answer him at all, directly lifting the tent flap and striding away.

Gong Sun Yin caught sight of the letter in the charcoal basin that hadn’t completely burned, blown out by the wind. Unable to resist his curiosity, he picked it up and looked at it.

Although the letter had been mostly burned by the charcoal fire, the words “Li Huai’an harbors ill intentions towards your wife” were still clearly visible at the end.

Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but laugh, unable to resist gloating, “Ah, Xie Jiuheng, your retribution has come too quickly!”

Far away in Chongzhou, Fan Changyu had just finished running dozens of li around the mountain with the training army. The soldiers below her had collapsed like boiled noodles. When some soldiers discovered a river ahead, the small soldiers covered in sweat quickly scrambled up, clamoring to go to the riverside to wash.

The weather was getting hotter, and Fan Changyu had also sweated quite a bit. But as a woman, she still had many inconveniences at such times and naturally couldn’t go into the water to wash with them. She just stood in the shade of a tree and drank a few mouthfuls of water.

Previously, she had felt that Mentor Tao directly helping her obtain the rank of Squad Leader was quite ostentatious. But after the military tents were allocated, she learned that at least a Squad Leader rank was needed to have an independent military tent. She then realized Mentor Tao’s thoughtfulness.

She went to thank Mentor Tao, but he said that if they had made her a Section Leader, with only nine people, minus Xie Wu, there would only be eight left. She could manage that with her eyes closed.

It would be a waste of time to learn such things when she already knew that one plus one equals two, so they had her start as a Squad Leader.

She needed to learn how to manage more and more people. Now it was dozens, later it would be hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands.

With so many people, she couldn’t personally manage and teach each one, so she needed to promote people who could be useful to her.

This involved more complex matters – winning people’s hearts.

Xie Zheng had said before that Fan Changyu wasn’t good at this. She was used to being straightforward, and it was indeed difficult for her to suddenly consider so many twists and turns.

However, on the battlefield, the low-ranking soldiers first sought to survive, then to seek prospects and wealth – those external things.

The hearts of people here were relatively less complicated.

Fan Changyu was now like a toddler who had just learned to walk, stumbling along this path.

Her previous martial arts match with Captain Guo had been a blessing in disguise, establishing her authority in the army. At least among the hundred men under Captain Guo, no one dared to look down on her anymore.

The Corporals and Sergeants under her command also showed her great respect.

Xie Wu had told her that among these people, some might become her trusted aides in the future, or perhaps none of them could be used.

She had to figure out for herself who could be used and how to use them; and for those who couldn’t be used, since they were already under her command, how to deal with them…

Now, Fan Changyu trained with the troops during the day, and when she had free time, she would go to Mentor Tao to study military books. At night, when she wasn’t pondering the parts of the military books she didn’t understand, she was thinking about how to use people.

But perhaps because she was too tired, she often fell into a deep sleep after just two breaths of thought.

During this moment of leisure, Fan Changyu was staring at a few of her subordinates who hadn’t gone to the riverside, once again pondering on how to select trusted aides, when she suddenly sneezed several times without warning.

Xie Wu, who was guarding Fan Changyu nearby, hurriedly asked, “Squad Leader, have you caught a cold?”

Fan Changyu waved her hand and said, “There’s an old saying that sneezing means ‘first thought, second curse, third mention.’ Maybe Ning Niang is thinking of me.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she sneezed again.

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment.

Xie Wu, thinking of the letter he had asked Xie Qi to send back, suddenly felt guilty.

“Li Huai’an harbors ill intentions towards your wife” were still clearly visible at the end.

His subordinate really a gossiper 🤣

Right 🤣 I think if they were in the modern time he would have even sent a photo

Zhu Yu – Chapter 97

The battle between the imperial army and the Chongzhou rebels had been going on for nearly a year.

All the armor and weapons needed by the army were issued by the Imperial Armory. However, during wartime, if armor or weapons were damaged, they couldn’t be sent back to the capital for repairs. Therefore, most stationed armies would requisition nearby armories in the provinces.

In addition to repairing damaged weapons, the blacksmiths in these workshops could also forge new weapons to supply the army.

Although He Jingyuan controlled the military power of Jizhou, Xie Zheng could mobilize the entire northwestern forces, including He Jingyuan’s Jizhou army.

Initially, only the Xie family army from Huizhou engaged with the Chongzhou rebels. Later, when the Northern Xue people attacked Jinzhou, the Xie family army went north to support them. Prince Changxin attempted to take advantage of this and move south to seize Jizhou, which is why the Jizhou army became involved.

Before He Jingyuan led the remaining Jizhou forces to Chongzhou to join Tang Zhaoyi, the only Jizhou troops that had set foot in Chongzhou were the more than ten thousand recruits under Tang Zhaoyi’s command.

Tang Zhaoyi was a cautious person. When besieging Chongzhou, he wasn’t sure if Xie Zheng would come to Chongzhou to jointly annihilate the rebels after dealing with the rebels at the foot of Yixia Gorge. Therefore, he didn’t dare to take over the armories near Chongzhou.

Even now, those armories were still managed by the remaining Huizhou troops under Xie Zheng’s command. So when he came to collect the weapon forged for Fan Changyu, there was no need to conceal his identity.

As soon as the young commander stationed there heard the announcement, he hurried out to welcome him: “Greetings, Marquis.”

Xie Zheng handed the reins of his warhorse to the small soldier who came forward and strode into the camp, asking, “How is the forging of that Modao coming along?”

The young commander had to walk briskly to keep up with Xie Zheng’s pace and replied, “It just needs one more firing before it’s ready.”

As soon as they entered the weapon forging workshop, a wave of heat hit their faces, as if they were in a steamer.

Several rows of furnaces extended towards the back, seemingly endless at first glance.

Bare-chested blacksmiths stood at their workstations, taking turns with iron hammers, striking the iron blocks on their anvils. Their arm muscles bulged, full of strength. The clanging sounds of hammering mixed with deep and powerful shouts, make one’s heart tremble.

The furnaces blazed with fire, and beside each blacksmith was an assistant responsible for working the bellows, also bare-chested and dripping with sweat.

The young commander led Xie Zheng to the furnace where long-handled weapons were being forged. Next to the furnace was a temporary weapon rack, on which lay a Modao with a three-chi long blade and a five-chi long handle.

The bright blade and black iron handle showed faint circular patterns formed by the repeated folding and forging of the steel layers at the blade’s edge, visible in the firelight.

The young commander said, “The blade is made of hundred-times folded steel.”

Xie Zheng’s gaze passed lightly over it. He picked up the handle, tested its weight, and performed a flourish. The blade’s sound was like a tiger’s roar, and the young commander stepped back in fear of the blade’s wind.

Xie Zheng examined the cold gleaming edge and asked, “The blade’s edge is already sharpened, why does it need to be fired again?”

The young commander couldn’t answer this question. The old blacksmith responsible for forging this Modao was hammering a new weapon, not looking up as he spoke in a hoarse voice like a broken gong: “It’s a rule left by our ancestors. When forging a weapon for the battlefield, after sharpening the edge and letting it taste blood, it needs to be fired once more before it can leave the forge.”

Whether it was because he had spent years by the furnace or not, the old blacksmith’s voice was so hoarse it was almost grating.

These were all folk beliefs. Weapons that drank blood on the battlefield were said to have heavy resentment, and historically, few martial generals met good ends. This led to the saying that weapons that had tasted too much blood would bring misfortune to their masters. Therefore, when forging weapons, after sharpening and tasting blood, they needed to be fired once more, supposedly to subdue the spirit of the weapon.

Fearing Xie Zheng’s displeasure, the young commander hurriedly said, “This old man is from the same school as Yunzi, who forged the halberd for you years ago, My Lord. If it weren’t for you using black iron to forge this Modao, I’m afraid we couldn’t have persuaded him to come out of retirement.”

Black iron was precious, and ordinary blacksmiths didn’t dare to use such valuable material to forge weapons.

Even those famous master weapon forgers rarely had access to such good material. Most of the time, it was royalty or nobility who paid hefty sums to invite them to forge weapons.

Xie Zheng had stopped believing in ghosts and spirits since the day he went to the battlefield.

But this Modao was being made for Fan Changyu. Even knowing it was a baseless superstition, he was willing to seek some peace of mind.

He asked, “What blood is used?”

The old blacksmith raised his aged eyes. It was clear in the firelight that one of his eyes was dead, but the other eye’s gaze was as sharp as a hawk’s. He looked at Xie Zheng without fear and said, “Deadly weapons are for killing people, so it’s best to use human blood for the firing. Here, we usually use black dog blood.”

The young commander quickly said, “My Lord, we’ve already sent someone to fetch black dog blood.”

But Xie Zheng said, “No need to trouble yourselves.”

He looked impassively at the cold gleaming Modao, raised his hand to grab his collar, and with a forceful tug, threw off his robe embroidered with intricate dark patterns, revealing his muscular upper body.

The young commander caught his robe with both hands, realizing what he was about to do. His expression became alarmed: “My Lord, you mustn’t! Your body is worth ten thousand gold…”

Xie Zheng ignored him, gripped the Modao, performed a flourish, and then slashed across his own back. The sharp edge instantly left a deep bloody gash on his muscular back.

As he turned the blade back, blood from the edge dripped a circle of droplets on the ground.

Seeing this, the old blacksmith looked at Xie Zheng with some surprise, then immediately shouted in his broken-gong voice: “Stoke the fire!”

The man responsible for the bellows quickly began pumping furiously. The flames in the furnace instantly rose higher, the heat wave scorching enough to make one’s skin and flesh ache.

The blood-tasted Modao was placed back into the furnace to be reheated. The young commander quickly called for someone to apply medicine to Xie Zheng’s back.

When the Modao’s blade was red-hot, the old blacksmith lifted his hammer and carefully hammered it again. After quenching it in water, there was a hissing sound and a puff of white smoke rose instantly.

After it had completely cooled, the old blacksmith picked up the Modao and examined it closely. Seeing that the blade now had the same black color as the handle, with the folded patterns showing a golden-red hue and only the edge remaining snow-gray, he was so overjoyed he almost shed tears.

He muttered, “It’s done, it’s done…”

The surrounding craftsmen also raised a clamor, gathering around to see this second weapon forged from black iron.

The old blacksmith used tools to re-polish the edge and finally wiped away the dirt left from polishing with a cloth. The edge, which had turned grayish-white after being reforged, instantly became dazzlingly bright. Just looking at it, one could feel the sharpness of the blade.

The golden-red forging patterns on the blade now showed a unique, otherworldly beauty.

The old blacksmith presented the Modao to Xie Zheng with both hands, saying with undisguised excitement: “I beg the Marquis to choose a worthy master for this Modao. All of this old man’s life’s learning is in this blade. If one day this weapon can become famous across the land along with its master, this old man will not lose to that Yunzi!”

Xie Zheng replied, “Certainly.”

When he saw this long-handled Modao, he knew it couldn’t be more suitable for Fan Changyu.

A Modao could both chop and slash, making it an excellent weapon whether used on horseback or by infantry.

Xie Zheng ordered the long blade to be placed in a scabbard. Just as he was leaving the camp, a personal guard rode up from the direction of Kang City: “My Lord, a letter from the Grand Tutor!”

Xie Zheng’s long eyebrows furrowed. Xie Qi had just sent him a message via the Gyrfalcon, and now Grand Tutor Tao was sending a letter. Could there be changes in Chongzhou?

He took the letter handed over by the guard, opened it, and read it, then put it back in his bosom. He glanced at the guard: “You come with me to Chongzhou.”

The guard quickly agreed.

In his letter, Grand Tutor Tao said that after Li Huai’an went to Chongzhou, he had been staying with the army. Grand Tutor Tao suspected that Li Huai’an had found some leverage against He Jingyuan in the archives of the Jizhou treasury, and had also confirmed that the imperial grandson might be in Chongzhou, which was why he had been staying with the army.

The remnants of the setting sun shattered in Xie Zheng’s eyes. His gaze grew increasingly cold as he mounted his horse, pulled hard on the reins, and shouted: “Ride!”

When Grand Tutor Tao went to find He Jingyuan, He Jingyuan was half surprised and half relieved. He said, “After flooding the rebels attacking Lu City, General Tang dared to besiege Chongzhou with less than twenty thousand newly recruited soldiers. I should have known it was you, Grand Tutor, advising General Tang.”

Grand Tutor Tao said, “The Northwest has been in chaos for so long, and the Li and Wei factions in the court have fought almost to exhaustion. It’s time to restore peace to the common people of the world.”

He Jingyuan sighed: “The people of our Great Yin have suffered greatly.”

Hearing this, Grand Tutor Tao asked him: “Since you worry about the livelihood of the people, is one act of kindness enough for you to sell your life for Wei Yan all these years?”

He Jingyuan smiled bitterly: “The year Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie died in Jinzhou, there were no more generals to guard the border, and Great Yin was in grave danger. It was the Prime Minister who held up the backbone of Great Yin. Regardless of the current situation, the fact that the Marquis could lead troops north and recapture Jinzhou is due to the foundation built during those years of recovery. In those years, the Prime Minister did much for Great Yin. If I hadn’t met the Prime Minister, I would have been nothing more than a frozen corpse by the roadside decades ago. I dare not forget such kindness.”

Grand Tutor Tao said: “That old man of the Li family, who considers himself a pure official, has ambitions no smaller than Wei Yan’s. Wei Yan’s faction, having gorged themselves from the national treasury, can still do a few things for the common people. If Wei Yan falls and the Li faction takes over, a group of hungry people will take charge. By the time they’ve filled their bellies and let a few crumbs fall to the people below, I fear the national treasury will be empty.”

He looked at He Jingyuan: “I disagree with Wei Yan’s policies, but I despise even more the Li faction who, to fight Wei Yan these years, have withheld disaster relief grain causing masses of victims to starve to death, and then used this to impeach Wei Yan. You’re also aware that the old man of the Li family and Wei Yan are competing for the military merit of Chongzhou. Li Huai’an has now come to Chongzhou, presumably having obtained some leverage against you. Wei Yan probably won’t protect you anymore, but remembering the kindness you showed to my wife and children years ago, this old man is still willing to save your life. Are you willing to tell this old man what leverage Li Huai’an has obtained?”

Hearing Grand Tutor Tao mention the kindness from years ago, He Jingyuan recalled the past and couldn’t help feeling melancholic.

The reason Grand Tutor Tao appreciated him was not only because of his clean governance and love for the people, but also because years ago during the war, when Grand Tutor Tao’s wife and children died tragically in the conflict, he had helped to bury them.

It had been over twenty years since his wife and children passed away, and Grand Tutor Tao had remained alone all this time, looking a full generation older than his fellow scholars who had passed the imperial examinations in the same year.

After Xie Zheng set out on his campaign, feeling that his life’s learning had found an heir, he resigned from office and retired, only coming out of retirement now.

With Grand Tutor Tao’s assurance, He Jingyuan remembered what he had promised Xie Zheng. He suddenly stood up and bowed deeply, saying: “He has lived in shame until today only because the burden on his shoulders could not yet be put down. If there truly comes such a day, His life is not worth cherishing. I implore the Grand Tutor to protect the lives of a pair of sisters on He’s behalf.”

Grand Tutor Tao found this answer somewhat strange and asked, “Who are they?”

He Jingyuan said: “They are the daughters of He’s late friend.”

Grand Tutor Tao’s aged brows furrowed unconsciously, and then he heard He Jingyuan continue: “That late friend, I believe the Grand Tutor also knows.”

interesting

Zhu Yu – Chapter 98

Grand Tutor Tao returned from He Jingyuan’s place and went straight to look for Fan Changyu. Upon reaching her camp, he was informed that she had gone home.

The recruits weren’t required to fight yet, and the commanders had one day off every five days. The lower-ranking soldiers could also enjoy this day of leisure. Those like Fan Changyu, who had their residences near the garrison, could return home for a day.

Grand Tutor Tao clasped his hands behind his back and glanced at the sky, muttering, “Fate plays tricks on us. How have all these matters become so entangled?”

When Xie Zheng found the small courtyard Fan Changyu had rented, following the address Xie Qi had provided in his letter, the sun was already nearing dusk.

The courtyard was somewhat secluded, with a stone path leading to the entrance. A pomegranate tree stretched its branches over the courtyard wall, its red flowers had all fallen, leaving small pomegranate fruits the size of fingernails on the stems.

The gate was open. A woman in her fifties sat on the threshold, slowly trimming a basket of greens. A young woman, now dressed in women’s clothing, sat on a low stool, helping the older woman with the vegetables.

Inside the courtyard, a skinny old man was working on some tools, while a young man beside him was bent over, helping to plane wood.

Xie Zheng stopped, holding his horse’s reins, and quietly observed the scene for a long time.

Perhaps it was the glow of the setting sun, but everything before him was bathed in a warm, golden light, giving him an unexpected feeling of home.

The undercurrents of the imperial court seemed far away, leaving only tranquility in his heart.

Footsteps and the sound of a child happily humming an off-key nursery rhyme came from down the road.

Xie Zheng turned to look and saw Chang Ning skipping ahead, her two little buns bouncing with each step. Xie Qi followed behind, herding a mother duck and a group of ducklings. He said with some exasperation, “Young Miss, please slow down. Be careful not to fall…”

The gyrfalcon waddled along as well. When a duckling fell behind, and Xie Qi couldn’t manage them all, the gyrfalcon would peck at it, frightening the fluffy yellow duckling into chirping loudly and scurrying forward.

Xie Qi looked up and was startled to see Xie Zheng standing by the road with his horse. He quickly called out, “Mar… Master.”

Chang Ning also exclaimed in surprise, “Brother-in-law?”

Fan Changyu, sitting at the courtyard entrance, heard the commotion and looked out. Seeing the man and horse standing in the sunset, she was first stunned, then wiped her hands on her clothes and stood up. She wanted to go help Xie Zheng with his horse but hesitated and remained where she was.

Madam Zhao, however, was delighted to see Yan Zheng. She urged Fan Changyu, “Quickly, Little Yan has come. Why aren’t you going to greet him?”

Fan Changyu was purely surprised that Xie Zheng had appeared in Chongzhou so quickly.

Wasn’t he supposed to be leading troops to attack Kangcheng?

Why had he suddenly come here?

Fan Changyu approached with a head full of questions. Just as she was about to offer to take the horse, Xie Wu, who had been helping Carpenter Zhao plane wood in the courtyard, rushed over and took over the task.

He grinned and said, “The cow pen is empty. I’ll tie up the horse there first.”

This courtyard had originally belonged to a farming household, complete with a pigsty and cow pen.

After Madam Zhao arrived, besides growing some vegetables nearby, she also raised a brood of chickens and ducks. Every day, Chang Ning would beg Xie Qi to take her along to herd the ducks to the river for a swim before bringing them back.

Carpenter Zhao, as a craftsman and veterinarian, was conscripted into the army and didn’t need to train with the main force. His schedule was even more flexible than Fan Changyu’s. After Fan Changyu brought Madam Zhao back, she went to find him.

Carpenter Zhao hadn’t expected to see his wife again in a foreign land. When he was conscripted, he had prepared himself to die away from home. Now that the old couple could be together, he spent most of his time back in the small courtyard.

Being unable to sit idle, he noticed that the tables, chairs, and stools in the courtyard were old and began crafting various household items.

The once desolate and dilapidated small courtyard gradually filled with the warmth of home.

Fan Changyu looked at the man she had been separated from for only a few days and asked honestly, “Weren’t you going to Kangcheng? Why have you come here?”

The orange-red sunset fell on her cheeks, making her face appear as if it were covered with a layer of rouge. Xie Zheng stared at her for a moment before saying, “If the mountain won’t come to me, I must go to the mountain.”

Fan Changyu, having been forced to study under Grand Tutor Tao these days, listening to his lectures on the great principles peppered with classical particles, had indeed improved her knowledge. She understood his allusion, and her face, already lit by the sunset, grew even redder.

Madam Zhao had already stood up with the trimmed vegetables and said happily, “Little Yan, come sit inside.”

She was delighted to see Xie Zheng. Since ancient times, few people returned alive from war. With her old man safe and sound, and Changyu’s husband also well, Madam Zhao felt it was a great joy. She turned and instructed Carpenter Zhao, “Old man, quick, slaughter that speckled old hen from the chicken coop.”

Xie Qi, who had just herded the ducks back into their pen, said, “Madam, let me do it.”

As he spoke, he picked up an old hen from the chicken coop near the duck pen and headed toward the kitchen.

Madam Zhao, unaware of Xie Zheng’s true identity, feared he might misunderstand and said, “That was Little Qi just now, and the one who helped you with your horse earlier was Little Wu. They’re both soldiers under Changyu’s command. You don’t know, but Changyu has become quite capable now. She’s an officer in the military camp! She’s in charge of dozens of men.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t told the elderly couple about Xie Zheng’s true identity when she first arrived. Firstly, she was afraid of frightening them, and secondly, their previous marriage arrangement was no longer valid. Fearing that something might happen in the meantime, she had planned to explain everything once the dust had settled.

Who would have thought that Madam Zhao would praise her small position as a squad leader in front of Xie Zheng? She quickly interrupted, “Madam, what shall we eat tonight?”

Madam Zhao’s attention was indeed diverted as she pondered the welcome dinner, muttering to herself, “We have the chicken, but unfortunately, there’s only one mother duck, and we need to keep her for the ducklings. We can’t kill her. Let’s make a pork rib soup as well…”

Presumably, to give the “long-separated” couple some time alone, Madam Zhao asked Carpenter Zhao to help with the fire when she went to the kitchen, and she coaxed Chang Ning to go to the kitchen as well.

Xie Wu, who had gone to tie up the horse, had yet to return, leaving only Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng in the courtyard.

She said somewhat awkwardly, “I haven’t told Madam Zhao and the others about your identity yet.”

Xie Zheng said, “It’s fine.”

He then asked her, “How have things been in the military?”

Although the two had parted on good terms, Fan Changyu now felt uncomfortable all over. She drew circles on the ground with her toe and said, “Adoptive Father secured me a position as a squad leader. Everything is going well at the moment.”

Xie Zheng gave a faint “Mm” in response.

Fan Changyu couldn’t find anything else to say. Noticing the long, person-height wooden box he was leaning on, she asked, “What’s that?”

Xie Zheng said, “It’s for you.”

“For me?” Fan Changyu glanced at him curiously and reached out to take it, finding it quite heavy.

Opening it, she saw a mohu saber with a black blade streaked with golden-red forging patterns, only the edge gleaming brightly. It looked brand new.

Fan Changyu picked up the long saber and weighed it in her hand, feeling that its weight was perfect for wielding. She lightly brushed her fingertip along the edge, and it immediately broke the skin, drawing tiny beads of blood.

She exclaimed in surprise, “What a sharp blade!”

Looking up at Xie Zheng, she asked, “Did you have it specially made?”

Xie Zheng neither confirmed nor denied, merely raising an eyebrow and saying in a lazy tone tinged with a hint of amusement, “I’m waiting for you to quickly achieve merit and establish yourself.”

Fan Changyu realized the meaning behind his words, her face burning again. She gripped the saber’s hilt tightly but still raised her eyes to look at him determinedly, saying, “I will.”

Xie Zheng was slightly taken aback by her gaze, his eyes deepening. He asked, “Do you want to try out the new saber?”

Fan Changyu thought he wanted to spar with her and said happily, “Sure!”

She had already assumed a fighting stance.

But Xie Zheng said, “Let’s go outside.”

Fan Changyu thought he found the courtyard too small for them to move freely, and readily agreed, “Then let’s go to the riverbank. The terrain there is more open.”

She called out to the kitchen, saying they’d be back later, then picked up her newly acquired saber and followed Xie Zheng outside.

By this time, dusk had fallen over everything, and there was no one at the riverbank.

Xie Zheng casually picked up a wooden stick to use as a weapon. In the past, Fan Changyu had wielded two butcher knives, employing a broad and forceful fighting style. Now, with a well-balanced long-handled mohu saber in hand, she was able to maximize her advantages even further.

In the moonlight, the weapons in their hands clashed so quickly that only blurred shadows could be seen. The clash of metal against wood produced contrasting sounds – one clear and ringing, the other low and muffled.

Compared to short knives, Fan Changyu’s movements with the long-handled saber were more fluid, but because she had few opportunities to use such a weapon in actual combat, and because her opponent was Xie Zheng, her technique still showed some inexperience.

However, for some reason, Xie Zheng seemed not to be using his full strength tonight. He rarely matched her brute force, mostly using skillful techniques. Fan Changyu, accustomed to favoring offense over defense, found herself unable to unleash her full power against such evasive tactics. When she became impatient, her saber strikes left openings.

After one of her chopping attacks, Xie Zheng exploited a gap in her defense. His wooden stick knocked the mohu saber from her hand. She stumbled on loose gravel and stepped back, her back hitting a post on the dock. As she reached to retrieve her saber, Xie Zheng’s wooden stick was already pointing at her chest, half an inch away.

Fan Changyu was inwardly startled. She had worked up quite a sweat from the fight, her breathing heavy and her chest heaving noticeably. Her clothes almost brushed against the wooden stick Xie Zheng was pointing at her.

In the darkness of night, Xie Zheng’s expression was unclear, but she heard him say, “You’ve lost.”

His voice was unexpectedly hoarse.

Fan Changyu replayed the recent moves in her mind, pursing her lips. She wanted to move but found that Xie Zheng showed no intention of withdrawing his wooden stick. Somewhat unwilling to concede, she said, “Again!”

The man before her, however, only stared at her unblinkingly.

Fan Changyu raised her eyes to meet his gaze, startled by the darkness in his eyes. She instinctively wanted to look away but felt as if bewitched, only able to stare at him blankly.

When he lowered his head to kiss her, her breath caught slightly. Listening to the gentle sound of flowing water by the river, her long lashes trembled, and she slowly closed her eyes.

Compared to before, his kiss was gentler this time, but particularly lingering.

Fan Changyu felt she could hardly breathe and tried to push him away, but he caught her hands and pinned them above her head. His other hand gripped her jaw as he kissed her deeply.

Perhaps due to their recent sparring, his entire body was burning hot. His breath was like fire, and the thin summer clothes could hardly block the intense heat from his body.

The heat intensified his scent. It wasn’t perfume or sweat, but a unique fragrance that belonged only to him. It smelled good.

Possibly due to lack of oxygen, unlike the previous kisses that left only her lips and tongue numb, Fan Changyu felt her limbs growing weak, barely able to stand.

The man before her seemed to be in an even worse state. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, his breathing as heavy as a beast on the verge of madness, his breath scorching against her neck.

Fan Changyu instinctively sensed danger and tried to turn her head away as much as possible. After thinking hard, she suggested, “Should we have another fight?”

The man suddenly bit a small piece of flesh on her neck in frustration, sucking on it as if in revenge.

The subtle yet distinct pain made Fan Changyu draw in a sharp breath, not daring to speak again.

Her knowledge of matters between men and women was limited, but she sensed that upon hearing her slight gasp, his body seemed to tense even more, with sweat beginning to seep from his temples.

Fan Changyu noticed his intense discomfort and gently patted his back in an attempt to soothe him.

He released her neck from his bite and gazed at her from half a foot away, his pupils darker than the night. His hoarse voice carried a soft tone, “Fan Changyu, when can I marry you?”

He was truly handsome, with damp, messy hair falling across his forehead. His deep phoenix eyes held a mix of dominance and a barely noticeable hint of compromise and grievance. His lips were tightly pressed, making one want to kiss them.

Fan Changyu’s heart softened. She raised her hand to touch his face and said very seriously, “When I’ve saved enough ‘dowry’ for myself, I’ll marry you.”

The dowry she wanted was not money, of course, but what she had mentioned to him before – the confidence to walk alongside him.

Xie Zheng stared at her, “Good, I’ll wait for you. In this life, I’ll marry no one but you and you must not marry anyone else.”

Fan Changyu said with amusement, “I’ve only ever liked you in my entire life. If I don’t marry you, who else would I marry?”

These words left Xie Zheng stunned for a good while.

Fan Changyu felt a bit embarrassed after saying this and looked away, saying, “Madam Zhao has probably finished cooking. Let’s go back.”

But Xie Zheng suddenly asked, “What about your former fiancé?”

So much had happened since Fan Changyu left Qingping County that she had almost forgotten about Song Yan. Hearing Xie Zheng mention him now, she looked at him in disbelief, “You think I would like him?”

Xie Zheng stiffly squeezed out two words, “In the past.”

Fan Changyu never expected him to suddenly bring up old matters. After all, he had always been utterly dismissive of Song Yan in the past.

She said somewhat helplessly, “Whether you believe it or not, not even in the past.”

She scratched her head, a bit embarrassed, and said, “Actually… I wasn’t very familiar with him. In the past, it was mostly our parents who interacted. From childhood to adulthood, his mind was full of nothing but the classics. When I was little, I ran wild with all the children in the alley, and when I grew up, I was confined by my mother. I rarely saw him, and even when we did meet, we hardly exchanged a few words. I always felt he was quite arrogant and didn’t seem to want to marry a butcher’s daughter like me. I even privately suggested to him that we call off the engagement.”

Xie Zheng suddenly blurted out, “You sent him a pair of clay dolls.”

Fan Changyu was utterly dumbfounded. For the first time, she felt this man’s memory was a bit too good.

She stammered, “No, I was not even eight years old then. Sending him a pair of clay figurines wasn’t because of any romantic feelings. It was just because his father had just passed away, and I felt sorry for him, that’s why I sent them.”

Xie Zheng’s lips tightened, and he said nothing.

Fan Changyu scratched her hair and asked, “Haven’t you ever given gifts to little girls in the past, just out of courtesy?”

He coldly dropped two words, “Never.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know how to handle the current situation. It was as if she were some kind of playboy who, upon meeting a girl he liked, suddenly found her concerned about his past.

She sighed, “If you mind…”

He interrupted her, “I don’t mind.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

What else could be said?

She and the man before her stared at each other, wide-eyed.

Finally, Xie Zheng lowered his long, dark lashes and said, “Let’s go back.”

His departing figure in the moonlight was both graceful and lonely.

When Fan Changyu caught up with him, carrying the mohu saber, she was still bewildered, not knowing how she had suddenly become a heartless woman who had deeply hurt someone.

Back then, Fan Changyu tried to talk to Xie Zheng again, but he mostly responded with only one or two words.

Fan Changyu also realized that he didn’t want to engage with her for the time being, so she simply closed her mouth and didn’t say another word to him until they got home.

During the meal, Madam Zhao probably also sensed the strange atmosphere between the two.

After the meal, Xie Wu and Xie Qi rushed to clean up the bowls and chopsticks. Xie Zheng sat in the courtyard, chatting intermittently with Uncle Zhao, while Fan Changyu went to find bedding for sleeping on the floor.

There were only three rooms in the courtyard. Usually, Madam Zhao and Chang Ning shared one room, Xie Qi had one to himself, and the remaining one was left for Fan Changyu.

Whenever Fan Changyu returned, Carpenter Zhao and Xie Wu would usually come back together. At such times, Chang Ning would generally sleep with Fan Changyu, the elderly Zhao couple would share a room, and Xie Wu would squeeze into Xie Qi’s room.

Tonight’s situation meant that someone would inevitably have to sleep on the floor.

As she was about to return to her room with the bedding, Madam Zhao blocked the doorway, her face somewhat serious, and said, “Changyu, Auntie has something to say to you.”

Fan Changyu thought it must be something urgent, so she put down the bedding for the time being. After Madam Zhao closed the door and sat down inside the room, she said, “Please speak.”

Madam Zhao looked at her and sighed, “Changyu, Auntie knows that you’ve become successful now, but there’s a saying among common people: ‘A wife who has shared your hardships should not be abandoned.’ When times were tough for you, it was Little Yan who stood by your side and helped you through. Later, he was even conscripted. This bond is incomparable to others. Little Yan is good-looking and well-built. No matter what, Auntie still hopes you two can get along well. Don’t be like those heartless men who forget their roots once they become wealthy.”

Fan Changyu found it hard to explain and could only say stubbornly, “We’re doing fine.”

Madam Zhao frowned and said, “When he first arrived, everything seemed fine. How come after you two went out, he came back with that expression? You must have quarreled. Don’t try to fool Auntie. I’ve been through it all. I can tell something’s wrong just from the look in your eyes.”

She thought for a moment and asked, “Little Wu has always been by your side. If Yan Zheng is concerned about this, why don’t I act as a matchmaker and find a wife for Little Wu?”

Fan Changyu quickly said, “It’s not about that. Auntie, please don’t worry. It’s not a big deal. I’ll find an opportunity to talk it out with him.”

Madam Zhao was half-believing, half-doubting. She looked at the bedding Fan Changyu had taken out, stuffed it all back into the cabinet, and closed the cabinet door, saying, “Then you two sleep in the same room tonight and talk things through properly. I’ll take care of Ning.”

Fan Changyu made a last-ditch effort, “One blanket isn’t enough.”

Madam Zhao glared at her, “How is it not enough? It’s already summer. You can each use a corner of the blanket. Why are you taking so many blankets? Are you trying to force him to sleep on the floor?”

As she was pushed back into the room, Fan Changyu felt even more aggrieved.

This wasn’t the mood she wanted to create!

Soon after, Xie Zheng also came into the room, undoubtedly persuaded by Madam Zhao.

Fan Changyu sat on the edge of the bed, their eyes meeting. She squeezed out a dry “Are you going to rest?”

Xie Zheng then removed his outer robe, wearing only his middle garment, and lay down on the outer side of the bed.

Fan Changyu looked at the large space he had left for her. Given how strained their relationship had become, she didn’t have the heart to suggest he sleep alone.

She blew out the lamp and groped her way to the inner side of the bed, past his feet. She also lay down close to the inner edge, leaving a large space in the middle.

In the darkness, neither of them spoke for a long time. Finally, Fan Changyu sighed and said, “How can you be so unreasonable? When I gave gifts as a child, I had no idea what the Song family would become, nor did I know I would meet you. You can be upset about current matters, but how can you mind things from the past? What do you want me to do?”

The person lying on the outer side didn’t move. A deep voice sounded in the darkness, “When I was four years old, I lost both my parents.”

Hearing this sudden statement, Fan Changyu thought he was referring to her giving Song Yan clay dolls because his father had passed away, and now he wanted a gift from her too.

She said helplessly, “Those clay dolls were made by Uncle Zhao for me to play with, just like the grass grasshoppers Chang Ning plays with. How about I make a pair of dolls for you with my own hands?”

As she asked the last three words, she reached out and took his hand, gently shaking it.

It felt as if a feather had lightly brushed across her heart.

He remained silent for a long time before answering with a single “Okay.”

He wasn’t minding; he was jealous.

Jealous that in the years before he met her, while he was trudging along alone, there was another child who, because of the pain of losing his father, could receive her sympathy, have something she had given, could grow up with her, see what he could no longer see – her appearance in every year of her past – and even had been engaged to her.

Just thinking about these things made an indescribable malice spread in his heart.

But he didn’t dare tell Fan Changyu these things. He was afraid she would think he was crazy.

Having received his response, Fan Changyu felt she had finally appeased him and said, “Then it’s settled.”

As she was about to withdraw her hand, he firmly grasped it, giving her no chance to pull away.

Fan Changyu looked at him in surprise, only to see him with his eyes closed, as if he had already fallen asleep.

She felt both helpless and amused, her heart melting. She fell asleep lying flat, holding his hand.

After Fan Changyu’s breathing became steady, the man who had been pretending to sleep suddenly opened his eyes. He turned his head slightly, gazing at her unblinkingly in the darkness of the night.

they are so in love 😭

Aww, I want to give him a big hug. This guy is supplying such delicious angst for the entire novel. God bless him.

“gently patted his back in an attempt to soothe him”
She is finally figuring out that Zheng needs to be reassured with gentle touches and kisses. If she had rolled over and given him a light good-night kiss on the cheek and said “I love you,” it would have been even better.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 99

In the courtyard on the other side of the wall, Madam Zhao was crouching beneath the window sill. She hadn’t heard any arguing from inside, nor any other sounds, which made her somewhat puzzled.

When Xie Wu and Xie Qi came out and saw this scene, they silently retreated and closed their door.

Carpenter Zhao stood under the eaves. After coughing twice to get Madam Zhao’s attention, he also went inside.

Madam Zhao looked back once more at the still-silent main room before tiptoeing back to her room. As she closed the door, she glared at Carpenter Zhao and said, “You think I was eavesdropping? I was worried about the young couple. They didn’t seem right. I was afraid they might quarrel.”

Carpenter Zhao didn’t know what was going on between Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng, but he said, “Earlier when the girl Changyu was taken to work on the dam, she told me when she found me that she and the boy Yan Zheng had already separated.”

This news startled Madam Zhao. She instinctively said, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Forgetting to lower her voice in her excitement, she quickly glanced outside again before sitting on the edge of the bed and saying, “When Yan Zheng was conscripted, Changyu was depressed for days and prepared so many things for him. How could that look like they had separated? Besides, when I went to persuade them, didn’t they sleep in the same room?”

Carpenter Zhao then told Madam Zhao what Fan Changyu had told him earlier.

Regarding the fact that their initial marriage was just a pretense, Madam Zhao was first shocked but then thought carefully. Yan Zheng was literate and handsome; his willingness to marry into the family did indeed seem to be as Carpenter Zhao had said.

She sat worriedly on the bedside for a while, then said, “Even if their marriage at the beginning of the year wasn’t mutual, they did formally bow in the ceremony. How could they not be husband and wife? A single man and woman living under the same roof day after day, especially when they’re both so good-looking, how could they not develop feelings? Remember when Yan Zheng was bedridden with injuries? Changyu was afraid the medicine would be bitter for him. Even though they were living so poorly, she still bought sugar for him! Such a bond forged through hardship can’t be fake!”

Carpenter Zhao glanced at Chang Ning, who was quietly listening with pricked ears and sighed, “Alright, alright. Those two kids have probably made up. Ning is still here. Let’s not talk about this anymore.”

Chang Ning blinked her bright, dark eyes.

Madam Zhao helped her remove the silk flowers from her hair buns, pinched her chubby cheeks, and said with a smile, “Our Ning is blessed too. Your sister is now an officer in the army, commanding a large group of people. In the future, Ning’s husband won’t dare to bully her.”

Chang Ning smiled, showing her small white teeth. After thinking for a moment, she counted on her fingers and added, “Brother-in-law is powerful, Uncle Xie Qi is powerful, and Xuan is powerful too! No one will bully Ning!”

Madam Zhao was amused by her, “What a clever little girl.”

After putting Chang Ning to sleep, Madam Zhao lay in bed but thought of another matter.

According to what the old man had said, could it be that the young couple still hadn’t consummated their marriage?

On one hand, Madam Zhao hoped they would get along well, but on the other hand, considering Fan Changyu’s current position in the army, if she were to become pregnant, it could be extremely troublesome. She couldn’t help but worry, tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep. Several times, she even thought about getting up to eavesdrop on the neighboring room-

The next morning, as soon as Fan Changyu got up, Madam Zhao pulled her to a quiet place.

Fan Changyu had slept well, but for some reason, Madam Zhao’s eye bags, which were already prominent, looked frighteningly dark.

Fan Changyu asked in confusion, “Madam, didn’t you sleep at all last night?”

Madam Zhao looked around before lowering her voice and saying, “Changyu, your mother passed away early, and you don’t have any elders above you. There are some things no one has taught you. I see you as my child, so I’ll speak frankly. You’re in the army now. If you were to have a child, it would be inconvenient. Do you want me to find a doctor to prepare some contraceptive medicine for you?”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected Madam Zhao to be worried about this. Her face instantly turned red down to her neck. She shook her head and said, “No need.”

Hearing this answer, Madam Zhao didn’t know whether to feel relieved or continue worrying about the young couple.

While she was still conflicted, Fan Changyu had already gone to the courtyard to fetch water to wash her face.

It was summer, but the well water was still a bit cool in the morning.

Seeing her wash her face with cold water, Madam Zhao couldn’t help but nag, saying she was afraid Fan Changyu would accumulate cold in her body, and told her to go to the kitchen for hot water.

Fan Changyu had a strong constitution and didn’t take Madam Zhao’s words to heart. When Chang Ning put her hands in the basin, seemingly ready to wash her face with cold water too, Fan Changyu wouldn’t allow it. She made Chang Ning take her hands out and obediently go to the kitchen for hot water.

After washing Chang Ning’s face, Fan Changyu yawned as she helped Chang Ning tie her hair buns by feel.

The child, who used to accept whatever hairstyle Fan Changyu gave her, now looked at her reflection in the water basin and pouted, “I want Uncle Xie Qi to do my hair.”

Fan Changyu looked at the messy buns she had tied and felt a bit guilty.

The child had grown up and now knew about beauty. She wasn’t as easy to fool as before.

Fan Changyu said, “Alright then, go find your Uncle Xie Qi to do your hair.”

Chang Ning took her comb and toddled across the threshold to find Xie Qi. She searched each room but couldn’t find him. Hearing faint voices coming from the main room, she ran over, her little feet pattering. As soon as she pushed open the door, she was frightened and burst into tears with a loud “Wah!”

In the room, Xie Zheng had his back to the door, his upper body bare. Bloodstained white cloth was scattered at his feet, and a sword wound spanning most of his back was red and ghastly. Xie Qi was applying medicine to his back.

When Xie Qi heard Chang Ning’s cry, he realized the situation was not good. The master had specifically waited for his wife to leave before asking him to help apply medicine. Now it seemed they couldn’t keep it hidden anymore.

Sure enough, although Xie Zheng quickly wrapped himself in a single layer of clothing, Fan Changyu, who had heard Chang Ning’s cry, had already arrived at the door.

When she saw the circle of bloodstained white cloth on the ground, Fan Changyu’s expression changed. She raised her eyes to look directly at Xie Zheng and asked, “You’re injured?”

Xie Zheng tied his robe and answered, “It’s a minor wound.”

Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed tightly. Looking at the circle of white cloth on the ground, she knew the wound on his body was likely not small. No wonder he had mostly used skillful techniques to avoid heavy attacks when sparring with her last night.

She crouched down and patted Chang Ning’s shoulder, comforting her for a few words, then said to Xie Qi, “Please take my sister out first, Brother Xie Qi. She was frightened last time and is a bit afraid of blood.”

Xie Qi then coaxed Chang Ning out of the room.

Fan Changyu closed the door and turned around. Her face still expressionless, she looked at Xie Zheng and said, “Let me see the wound on your back.”

Xie Zheng’s handsome brows furrowed slightly. He hadn’t expected Fan Changyu to discover this and answered evasively, “The medicine has already been applied.”

Fan Changyu stared at him and said slowly, enunciating each word, “I said, let me see.”

After a moment of standoff, Xie Zheng still didn’t move. Fan Changyu then stepped forward to untie his robe.

When Xie Zheng caught her hand, she was afraid of tearing the wound on his back and didn’t dare to struggle, but her expression was extremely displeased.

Her almond eyes were cold and sharp, her tone unusually forceful: “Either you untie your clothes, or you leave now and never appear before me again.”

Xie Zheng’s hand gripping her wrist didn’t let go. His phoenix eyes were half-lowered, long lashes casting a beautiful arc of shadow. His jaw appeared somewhat pale in the morning light filtering through the window screen. He asked with a lazy smile, “Your tone… why does it sound like you’re forcing me into prostitution?”

Fan Changyu’s lips tightened, “I am forcing you.”

Xie Zheng met her gaze. It was the first time he had seen Fan Changyu so assertive. Those almond eyes no longer held their usual clear innocence; instead, her gaze was sharp and aggressive.

It was as if a lazy cat had suddenly transformed into a tiger or leopard that could easily tear apart its prey.

Yet that gaze seemed to have hooks that caught Xie Zheng’s heartstrings.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he lowered his eyelashes, resisting the urge to grab her jaw and kiss her deeply. He obediently untied his robe again, slightly raising his eyes. The pitch-black color of his pupils had lightened somewhat in the morning light, making them look particularly beautiful. His profile seemed to be coated in a soft glow.

His long fingers untying the sash revealed some small scars. The body hidden beneath his robes was not as delicate and beautiful as his face might suggest, but rather lean and sturdy, even giving off a sense of pressure.

This wasn’t the first time Fan Changyu had seen Xie Zheng bare-chested, but previously he had either been lying injured or it had been too dim in the moonlight. She had never seen him this before.

When her eyes met Xie Zheng’s invasive gaze, her previously built-up momentum faltered. She couldn’t help but pursed her lips and shifted her gaze from his taut abdomen to look at the wound on his back.

Seeing the long, diagonal wound among the crisscrossing old scars, Fan Changyu was speechless for a while before asking hoarsely, “How did you get injured?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer, only saying, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Fan Changyu glared at him with reddened eyes, “I asked you how you got injured?”

He still didn’t speak, so Fan Changyu stared at him and voiced her guess, “Was it that bastard Yuan Qing who hurt you?”

He was fine with everything else she said, but when she mistakenly thought he had been injured by Yuan Qing, Xie Zheng finally spoke up, “I did it to myself.”

Seeing Fan Changyu look at him as if he were crazy, Xie Zheng wasn’t sure what he was thinking at that moment. He just locked his pitch-black eyes on her and said, “I drew blood to consecrate your sword.”

Fan Changyu indeed cursed him, “You madman!”

But the redness in her eyes intensified. She pressed him to sit down and picked up the unfinished medicine bottle from the table to apply it to him. Straining to keep her voice cold and hard, she said, “If there’s a next time, I won’t care even if you die of pain! And I don’t want that damn sword either!”

The wound medicine was potent, and when it was sprinkled on the wound, it stung like salt in a fire. As Xie Zheng listened to Fan Changyu’s scolding words, his hands resting on the chair’s back, he couldn’t help but smile.

His dark, obsessive, and abnormal thoughts hadn’t frightened or disgusted her; they had only earned her pity.

He was scarred and mottled like moss in a dark alley, damp and sticky, yet his sun was still willing to shine on him.

The gloomy clouds lingering in his heart seemed to dissipate considerably all at once.

Fan Changyu finished applying for the medicine and re-bandaged him. Seeing that he still had the mood to smile, she didn’t spare him verbally, “Has the pain made you stupid?”

Taking advantage of her posture as she reached around his back to wrap the bandage, Xie Zheng raised his arms and hugged her, resting his chin in the crook of her shoulder. His tone carried a hint of laziness, “I remembered you’re going to give me dolls. It makes me happy.”

Fan Changyu tied off the bandage and glared at him-

Regarding what kind of doll to give Xie Zheng, Fan Changyu had pondered for quite a while.

She had originally planned to make a pair of clay figurines, but thinking of Xie Zheng’s expectations and how easily clay dolls could be damaged, she decided, while watching Carpenter Zhao work with wood, that it would be better to carve a pair of wooden dolls for him.

Carpenter Zhao was not only skilled at crafting various household items, but he could also carve lifelike flowers on boxes and cabinets.

However, Fan Changyu had no foundation in woodworking and couldn’t produce a finished product in a short time. Fortunately, her years of knife work meant she had a very steady hand.

The army only had one day off. She had returned yesterday afternoon and had to go back to the army this afternoon, leaving only half a day to learn wood carving from Carpenter Zhao.

As Fan Changyu practiced in her room with a pile of wood scraps left over from Carpenter Zhao’s furniture making, Xie Zheng frowned at the stack of white paper on the table. His knuckles lightly tapped the desk as he asked, somewhat uncertainly, “You want me to help you copy books?”

Fan Changyu, without looking up, said, “Last time, Adoptive Father tested me on the ‘Zhuangzi.’ I recited one sentence incorrectly, so he punished me by making me copy that passage ten times.”

Xie Zheng’s fingertips touched the crisp white papers, noticing that only the top sheet had a few lines written on it. He slowly raised his eyes to look at Fan Changyu, “So you haven’t even finished copying it once?”

Before their eyes met, Fan Changyu already felt a wave of guilt. She kept her head down as she whittled the wood, trying to make her voice sound firmer, “I’ve memorized it, but Adoptive Father said my handwriting is ugly. He wants me to copy it neatly ten times, that’s why it’s taking so long.”

Xie Zheng held the top sheet of paper with one hand, examined it for a moment, and said, “Your handwriting is indeed quite ugly.”

Fan Changyu said angrily, “Are you going to help me copy or not?”

Xie Zheng said, “My handwriting is different from yours. It would be difficult for me to imitate your style.”

Fan Changyu heard the implication in his words—he couldn’t write such ugly characters.

Her hand gripping the knife tightened repeatedly. After taking a deep breath, she seemed to accept reality and said, “Forget it, I’ll copy it myself. I can’t carve this wood properly in such a short time anyway. I’ll practice slowly when I have time.”

She put down the wood and the boning knife, reaching out to take the stack of white paper from in front of Xie Zheng. However, a few knuckled fingers pressed down on the edge of the paper.

Fan Changyu looked up, unsurprised to see Xie Zheng’s handsome face, now dark with displeasure.

He pressed his temple and said, as if he had no choice, “Fine, you can’t improve your handwriting in a day or two. I’ll help you copy it.”

Fan Changyu’s scheme had succeeded. Her eyes narrowed, and the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile like a cat that had stolen cream. She picked up the boning knife and continued practicing wood carving.

Xie Zheng dipped his brush into thick ink and glanced at the person sitting across from him, engrossed in carving wood. Sunlight streamed through the gauzy window, casting a halo around her hair, while the characters on the paper in front of him starkly contrasted with her appearance.

With a wry smile, he tried to mimic her handwriting, continuing to ink the paper. In his eyes, a softness emerged that even he was unaware of.

Xie Zheng become “suami suami takut istri”🤣

These two… 😂
Can’t believe this girl is making the Marquis of Wu’an do her homework. I love these kinds of moments between the two of them, where they are really casual with one another, behaving like a pair of best friends.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 100

In the afternoon, just as Fan Changyu returned to the military camp, she was summoned by Grand Tutor Tao.

She thought Grand Tutor Tao wanted to check the books she had been assigned to copy. Carrying the stack of papers that Xie Zheng had helped her transcribe, she went over, only to find that there was someone else with Grand Tutor Tao.

The man appeared to be nearing forty, with a scholarly and upright demeanor in his eyes. He wasn’t wearing armor and looked more like a civil official.

Fan Changyu didn’t recognize him, so she only greeted him, “Adoptive Father.”

From the moment Fan Changyu entered the tent, the middle-aged man had been observing her intently. His gaze was kind but carried a hint of gravity, along with an indescribable mix of relief and concern.

Fan Changyu felt quite strange, but seeing no malice in the man’s demeanor, she allowed him to look her over.

Grand Tutor Tao, upon seeing Fan Changyu, said, “You’re here.”

He didn’t seem inclined to introduce Fan Changyu to the man, only saying, “This is a general from our army. He heard that you killed Shi Hu and was quite curious, wanting to see your martial skills.”

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected that the man in scholarly robes was a general. She quickly cupped her hands in salute, “Greetings, General.”

The middle-aged man was, in fact, He Jingyuan. Seeing traces of an old acquaintance in Fan Changyu, his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He asked, “You know martial arts?”

Fan Changyu replied, “A little.”

Even though he already had his suspicions, He Jingyuan still asked, “Who taught you martial arts?”

Fan Changyu answered, “My father.”

He Jingyuan inquired, “Would you mind sparring with this old man for a few moves?”

Fan Changyu looked toward Grand Tutor Tao.

Grand Tutor Tao stroked his beard and said, “This general is also skilled in blade techniques. Let him give you some pointers.”

Fan Changyu then cupped her hands and said, “Please instruct me, General.”

The space inside the military tent was too cramped for a proper demonstration.

The two went outside the tent to spar, each wielding a long-handled broadsword.

Fan Changyu initiated the attack, her blade swift and fierce. He Jingyuan initially only defended without attacking, retreating while fighting, aiming to observe Fan Changyu’s techniques.

Just as they were about to reach the edge of the military tent, he suddenly switched from defense to offense, using the very moves Fan Changyu had just employed.

Compared to Fan Changyu’s relentless aggression, his blade work was noticeably more steady, capable of both attack and defense, with a measured rhythm.

As Fan Changyu attempted to change her offensive strategy, he seized upon a gap in her defense, his blade pointing directly at her neck.

Fan Changyu’s blade hadn’t even completed its arc. She was inwardly shocked. Although she lacked real combat experience, her only joy while confined at home had been practicing this set of blade techniques taught by her father. Fan Changyu believed she was intimately familiar with every move.

Yet in this exchange with the general, she had the strange feeling that he was even more familiar with this set of techniques than she was, seeming to know exactly how to counter each move.

Seeing her stunned, He Jingyuan withdrew his blade and asked, “Do you know where the flaw was in your last move?”

Fan Changyu respectfully cupped her hands and said, “I humbly request the General’s guidance.”

He Jingyuan said, “This set of blade techniques, it seems you’ve practiced each move for too long in isolation. Your strikes are too rigid, needing to complete one move before starting the next. But on the battlefield, situations change in an instant. If one strike fails, you must immediately switch to another. How can you lose your composure just because someone breaks through your technique?”

These words indeed pointed out the flaw in Fan Changyu’s blade work. When using a butcher’s knife, she could often catch her opponents off guard.

With the long-handled blade technique, she would undoubtedly triumph against those less skilled in martial arts. But when facing experts like He Jingyuan and Xie Zheng, who were proficient in various weapons, she was at a severe disadvantage.

Fan Changyu’s respect grew immensely, and she gratefully said, “Thank you, General!”

Seeing that she understood, He Jingyuan’s eyes, besides complexity, showed a hint of subtle satisfaction. He said, “Let me show you a few more techniques.”

The two continued to spar in the open space outside the military tent. With each move Fan Changyu made, He Jingyuan pointed out its shortcomings and taught her how to counter them.

It wasn’t until a soldier who looked like a personal guard came looking for him that He Jingyuan stopped, telling Fan Changyu to go back and contemplate what she had learned today on her own.

After bidding farewell to Grand Tutor Tao, Fan Changyu left with her mind full of blade techniques.

Grand Tutor Tao, seeing that Fan Changyu had gone far, noticed He Jingyuan still staring in the direction she had left, lost in thought. He said, “I’ve always felt that child has an honest heart and a resilient nature. No matter where she finds herself, she maintains a sense of kindness. She’s good material. Later, when you told me she was that old man’s descendant, I finally understood. This seeming simplicity that belies great wisdom is a trait she inherited from her maternal grandfather.”

He Jingyuan bowed solemnly to Grand Tutor Tao: “The orphan of an old friend, I hereby entrust her to you, Grand Tutor.”

Grand Tutor Tao sighed: “A son and a daughter, both equally dear. But the past is in the past. When those events occurred, both girls weren’t even born yet. How can it concern them? Regardless, this old man will protect them both.”

He Jingyuan bowed deeply once more.

Grand Tutor Tao said, “For now, let’s keep this from Jiuheng.”

He Jingyuan worriedly said, “I fear that paper can never fully wrap up fire.”

Grand Tutor Tao patted his shoulder: “Jingyuan, oh Jingyuan, you still don’t understand your Chancellor well enough. Do you think it took him over a decade to discover that Meng Suyuan’s daughter and son-in-law were hiding in Qingping County under your protection?”

He Jingyuan was stunned.

Grand Tutor Tao, hands behind his back, gazed at where the distant mountains met the horizon and said, “The incident from back then might not be as you imagine. You and I both know Meng Suyuan’s character; he would never have done something so reckless. Alas, after Jinzhou fell, he took his own life in his tent, and his senior officers also perished in subsequent battles, leaving no way to learn the truth of that time. But if we say Wei Yan orchestrated all of this, and Meng Suyuan’s descendants still held evidence of his frame-up, I fear he would rather kill a thousand innocents than let one person escape. How could he possibly allow them to flee to the borderlands and live in hiding for over a decade?”

He Jingyuan smiled bitterly and said, “Back then, when Brother Qi Lin came to me with General Meng’s only daughter, he told me that the Chancellor had ordered him to kill her. He couldn’t bring himself to do it, so he faked their deaths by claiming they had fallen off a cliff. If, as you say, the Chancellor initially intended to leave them a way out, why did he later order me to kill my former brother-in-arms, and repeatedly send assassins to the Fan family to search for that item?”

If there were old generals present, they would know that the “Qi Lin” He Jingyuan spoke of was Wei Qilin, a member of the Wei family’s household troops.

Wei Qilin wasn’t originally surnamed Wei, nor did he have a name. He was just a servant bought by the Wei family to be trained as an assassin. Because of his natural great strength and aptitude for martial arts, he was cultivated as a key member of the Wei family’s forces.

Wei Yan originally had no military power at all. It was thanks to He Jingyuan and Wei Qilin’s repeated military achievements on the battlefield that he gradually gained prestige.

Later, when Wei Yan married his sister to Xie Linshan, the Wei family’s interactions with the Xie family became more frequent. Wei Qilin even worked under Xie Linshan for a time, earning the appreciation of Xie Linshan’s old general, Meng Suyuan. As Old General Meng only had one daughter, Wei Qilin married into the Meng family.

This Wei Qilin later became known as Fan Er’niu.

What He Jingyuan had always feared was that Wei Qilin had become the blade, the one who caused Old General Meng to delay the grain supply.

However, regarding the Jinzhou incident, Wei Qilin had told him very little. In the past decade or so, apart from when Wei Qilin actively sought him out for help, they hadn’t even met face to face, just to avoid arousing Wei Yan’s suspicions.

He sighed heavily: “If only I had opened and looked at those items when he handed them over to me back then, I wouldn’t have to be so full of doubts now.”

But if he had looked at that time, unless he directly rebelled against Wei Yan, he wouldn’t have been able to protect the Fan Changyu sisters.

Grand Tutor Tao comforted him: “Nothing is set in stone yet. Let’s wait and see. The reason I’ve come out of retirement is that I’m worried some people might use the Jinzhou battle from back then to manipulate Jiuheng. Linshan’s death is still an insurmountable hurdle for that child. I fear he might fall into someone else’s trap.”

He Jingyuan believed he had a clear enough view of the current situation, but his mind was still full of doubts. He said, “I may be slow-witted, but when rumors about the questionable points of the Jinzhou battle first spread among the people, they were directly pointing at the Chancellor. Is Grand Tutor suggesting that someone is trying to pit the Marquis against the Chancellor in a fight where both sides lose?”

Grand Tutor Tao said, “I’m not particularly close to Wei Yan. For years, whether among the common people or in the court, he’s been universally condemned. Perhaps sitting in that position for too long has indeed clouded his judgment. But as you said, if we look back fifteen or so years, he was indeed diligent in his service to the Great Yin dynasty. When he asked me to take Jiuheng as a student back then, he went through the roundabout way of having a teacher from the Nanshan Academy use Xie Linshan’s name to persuade me. It seemed he was worried that I might refuse to take Jiuheng as a student because I disagree with him.”

Grand Tutor Tao was indeed a graduate of the Nanshan Academy.

He Jingyuan hadn’t expected Wei Yan to have planned so meticulously for Xie Zheng. He used to be considered one of Wei Yan’s confidants and had occasionally witnessed Wei Yan’s interactions with Xie Zheng. Wei Yan had always been cold towards this nephew.

Even when Xie Zheng achieved brilliant military exploits and received commendations, he would first reprimand him before offering a few lukewarm words of praise.

The entire Chancellor’s mansion knew that Wei Yan disliked his nephew Xie Zheng, but behind the scenes, he had made grand gestures like inviting Grand Tutor Tao to teach him. Even Wei Xuan, as Wei Yan’s son, probably didn’t receive such treatment.

For a moment, He Jingyuan became even more confused.

He said, “It’s also a fact that the Chancellor sought to have the Marquis meet his death on the Chongzhou battlefield.”

Grand Tutor Tao’s aged eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp and penetrating. He said, “The Jinzhou case from back then must be related to Wei Yan, but there might be some hidden circumstances that have caused him to be so inconsistent. I’ll go to the capital to see him personally. Before I return, don’t tell Jiuheng about the Meng family matters.”

He paused, then continued, “The Li family has uncovered quite a bit of information and is likely to make a move. My daughter has been tempered enough; let her go to the battlefield and earn some more military merits. If the Li family stirs up trouble and that rascal learns of this prematurely, at least she’ll have someone she can rely on by her side, and I won’t have to worry about her.”

He Jingyuan felt that the tangled threads of his thoughts had finally found a starting point, and he quickly agreed-

In the capital.

After the morning court session, civil and military officials gradually exited the Golden Hall, with Wei Yan and Grand Tutor Li leading their respective groups of officials on either side.

As Wei Yan descended the white jade steps, he came face to face with Grand Tutor Li, who was coming down the white jade steps on the other side of the dragon-carved barrier.

Both were old foxes who had navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for years. In this encounter, one appeared strong and imposing, while the other seemed amiable and approachable.

After a brief moment of eye contact, Grand Tutor Li took the initiative to cup his hands towards Wei Yan: “Chancellor Wei.”

He was thin and frail, with white hair and beard, looking much older than Wei Yan. However, his amiability lacked the openness of Grand Tutor Tao, making him seem approachable yet difficult to truly get close to.

Wei Yan merely raised his hand slightly in response, saying, “Grand Tutor Li.”

Having usurped imperial power for over a decade, the aura of authority he exuded was no less than that of an emperor.

Grand Tutor Li said with a smile, “On the northwestern front, the rebels are being contained by Marquis Wu’an and General He on separate fronts. They now have no strength to retaliate. His Majesty is greatly pleased, and I expect the news of victory will reach the capital soon. Allow me to congratulate the Chancellor in advance.”

Wei Yan’s face showed no trace of emotion as he replied, “It’s a matter of national importance, we all share in the joy.”

With this, their brief encounter came to an end.

Regardless of the current political situation or how much criticism Wei Yan faced from the public, he was undoubtedly the most powerful figure in the Great Yin’s officialdom. He directly bypassed Grand Tutor Li, his crimson official robes billowing in the wind as he descended the next set of white jade steps with measured steps. No one dared to say a word against him.

Only after Wei Yan had walked far away did the officials behind Grand Tutor Li dare to speak out angrily: “Wei Yan is far too arrogant! The Great Yin imperial family still bears the surname Qi!”

Grand Tutor Li cast a calm glance at the speaker: “Shouyi, mind your words!”

His voice wasn’t loud, and he didn’t even seem angry, but it was enough to frighten the official into bowing hastily and repeatedly saying, “This lowly official spoke out of turn…”

Grand Tutor Li said nothing more and left with the other officials. The chastised official nervously glanced back at the Golden Hall, wiping cold sweat from his brow with his sleeve.

Three generations of the Li family had served in the court. Besides Grand Tutor Li, who stood as a pillar against Wei Yan, and Li Huai’an who had gone to the northwest, Grand Tutor Li had several other sons working in the court. However, the only one remaining in the capital now was his eldest son, who was also Li Huai’an’s father.

After Grand Tutor Li and his son boarded the carriage to return home, his eldest son, Li Yuanting, said, “Father, Marquis Wu’an didn’t attack Chongzhou but instead turned to besiege Kangcheng. It seems he saw through our intention to steal the glory of Chongzhou and deliberately stayed out of it. But in today’s morning court, His Majesty still praised Marquis Wu’an highly, hinting at the intention to marry the Imperial Princess to him. Wei Yan hasn’t fallen yet, but His Majesty has already begun to be wary of our Li family.”

Grand Tutor Li closed his eyes and asked, “How is the situation with the Empress?”

Li Yuanting replied with some difficulty, “Her Majesty… still hasn’t conceived.”

Grand Tutor Li was the Emperor’s teacher. Years ago, to support the Li family against Wei Yan, the young Emperor had married a Li family girl who was not yet thirteen as his Empress.

But years had passed, and the Empress still hadn’t conceived.

Grand Tutor Li asked, “What did the Imperial Physicians say?”

Li Yuanting replied, “The Imperial Physicians couldn’t find any illness.”

Grand Tutor Li opened his eyes and said meaningfully, “His Majesty has indeed grown up.”

Li Yuanting asked in confusion, “What do you mean, Father?”

Grand Tutor Li looked at his eldest son and asked, “Do you remember how Wei Yan chose His Majesty, who had no maternal clan support, from among all the princes to succeed to the throne?”

After pondering for a moment, Li Yuanting’s face suddenly showed shock: “Is His Majesty deliberately preventing the Empress from conceiving?”

When Wei Yan chose the current Emperor to succeed to the throne, he had counted on the fact that the young Emperor had no powerful maternal relatives. For the young Emperor to secure his position, he had to listen to everything Wei Yan said.

This way, Wei Yan had naturally usurped imperial power.

The young Emperor, seeking protection, had played the obedient role in front of Grand Tutor Li for over a decade, but now he was slowly showing his claws.

Under his years of support, the Li family had risen to great prominence in the court. Now the young Emperor feared that if the Wei faction fell, the Li family would become the next Wei faction, so he dared not let the Empress conceive.

After all, he hadn’t yet reclaimed his imperial authority. If the Li Empress were to become pregnant, should he ever have thoughts of eliminating the Li family in the future, the Li family might strike first, following Wei Yan’s example of supporting a young prince to ascend the throne.

Grand Tutor Li didn’t respond, effectively confirming his son’s words.

Li Yuanting’s face showed anger: “No wonder His Majesty wants to marry the Imperial Princess to Marquis Wu’an. He plans to use Marquis Wu’an to keep our Li family in check after Wei Yan falls! They say when the birds are gone, the bow is put away. Wei Yan still controls the court, yet His Majesty already treats our Li family like this. Once Wei Yan is removed, will our Li family have any place left to stand?”

Grand Tutor Li, however, said, “Enough. The hearts of emperors have always been hard to fathom.”

Li Yuanting urged, “Father, we must think of a way. How His Majesty treats Wei Yan today, our Li family may face the same treatment tomorrow.”

Grand Tutor Li spoke slowly, “In this world, isn’t there still someone else most qualified to inherit the throne?”

Li Yuanting’s body tensed: “You mean… the Imperial Grandson?”

Grand Tutor Li didn’t continue this topic, instead asking, “What did Huai’an find out in Jizhou?”

Li Yuanting realized the implications of his conversation with Grand Tutor Li, and cold sweat involuntarily covered his back. He replied, “Wei Yan has indeed maintained his position as Chancellor for so many years because he has some capable people under him. He Jingyuan has been in Jizhou for over a decade without a hint of corruption. Huai’an investigated for months and only found a suspicious case about a butcher’s family that Wei Yan sent many assassins to kill last year.”

Grand Tutor Li moved his eyelids slightly and asked, “Weren’t those assassins sent to kill Marquis Wu’an?”

Li Yuanting said, “Huai’an found records of troop movements in Jizhou Prefecture. When Wei Yan sent the assassins, He Jingyuan also dispatched troops to assist. It seems one wanted to kill, while the other wanted to save. But despite He Jingyuan’s actions, when Wei Xuan caused trouble in the northwest with his grain requisition, He Jingyuan urgently sent something back to Wei Yan, and Wei Yan showed no signs of blaming him.”

He glanced at his father’s expression and continued, “The butcher couple, according to the records, died at the hands of mountain bandits. But when Huai’an later interrogated the captured bandits, they all consistently said they hadn’t killed the butcher’s family. Huai’an delved deeper into the butcher’s case files and found that he had only returned to Qingping County seventeen years ago, bringing with him a woman of unknown origin. Seventeen years ago, that butcher’s livelihood was borrowed from an escort.”

Grand Tutor Li said, “In the entire Jizhou Prefecture, only He Jingyuan would have the authority to forge household registration documents and other background papers.”

He looked at his eldest son: “Are you saying that He Jingyuan was helping that butcher conceal something? And has been protecting that butcher’s family all along?”

Li Yuanting nodded: “That’s correct.”

Grand Tutor Li remained silent for a long while.

Seventeen years ago – this number was too sensitive.

How many things happened seventeen years ago?

Seventeen years ago, Xie Linshan’s old general, Meng Suyuan, disregarded military orders to rescue 100,000 border town civilians trapped on the grain supply route, delaying military operations. This led to the deaths of Crown Prince Chengde and Xie Linshan in Jinzhou. Meng committed suicide in apology, bearing eternal infamy.

The same year, there was a fire in the Eastern Palace, and the Crown Princess and the Imperial Grandson were both burned to death.

Grand Tutor Li slowly said, “What do you think He Jingyuan gave to Wei Yan?”

Li Yuanting was startled and said, “Unfortunately, He Jingyuan is very cautious. Huai’an couldn’t find anything else.”

Grand Tutor Li, however, said, “If we can’t find it, let those who can find it do the searching.”

Li Yuanting hesitated and asked, “You mean… report it to His Majesty?”

Grand Tutor Li answered, “The Censorate’s Lord Zhao is right – this Great Yin empire still bears the surname Qi.”

The Lord Zhao of the Censorate he mentioned was the official who had spoken out angrily after Wei Yan left earlier.

Li Yuanting understood that he had guessed his father’s intentions correctly.

The carriage had stopped, and Li Yuanting personally helped Grand Tutor Li alight. With many servants and guards at the family gate, the two didn’t discuss state affairs further. After entering the mansion, Li Yuanting said, “Using His Majesty’s hand to remove He Jingyuan would cut off one of Wei Yan’s arms. But Father, since you want to support the one in Chongzhou, if we let His Majesty bestow the Imperial Princess in marriage to Marquis Wu’an, gaining his support, I fear the subsequent situation would be extremely unfavorable for us.”

Grand Tutor Li raised his eyelids slightly and said, “I hear from Huai’an that there’s a woman by Marquis Wu’an’s side?”

Li Yuanting quickly replied, “It’s that butcher’s daughter. When Huai’an first went to Jizhou and encountered bandits, it was Marquis Wu’an’s guards disguised as Jizhou Prefecture troops who went to rescue that woman. Now that woman is in the Jizhou army and has even been adopted by Grand Tutor Tao as his goddaughter. It seems she’s highly valued by Marquis Wu’an.”

Grand Tutor Li’s steps faltered slightly: “That old fox Tao Yi?”

His eyelids drooped, his pupils pale with age. After a moment, he said, “Find a way to let this news reach the Imperial Princess’s ears.”

Li Yuanting agreed.

He also understood that becoming Grand Tutor Tao’s goddaughter meant that a woman’s status was no ordinary matter. Marquis Wu’an didn’t intend to merely take her as a concubine.

The Imperial Princess, being proud and arrogant, would surely not tolerate this.

The Emperor wanted to use the bestowed marriage to draw Marquis Wu’an closer, but whether this would end in alliance or enmity was now unclear-

A few days later, a memorial accusing He Jingyuan of forging case files and harboring rebels was presented to the Emperor.

He Jingyuan was Wei Yan’s man, and he was currently leading troops to suppress the rebels in Chongzhou. It was difficult for the Emperor to punish him at this time, so he simply handed the memorial to the court officials for discussion on how to handle it.

The officials were in a dilemma. The accuser was Grand Tutor Li’s man, while the accused was Wei Yan’s man. They didn’t dare involve themselves in this deadly factional struggle, even if they had a hundred times more courage.

During that day’s morning court session, only the Wei faction and the Li faction argued heatedly.

In the end, the Emperor used the ongoing war as a reason to temporarily set aside the matter.

After the court session, Wei Yan and Grand Tutor Li once again found themselves face to face at the end of the white jade steps.

Grand Tutor Li still wore a smiling face and cupped his hands, saying, “I’m old now, and my disciples have grown willful. I can’t control them anymore. Chancellor, please don’t take the morning court incident to heart.”

The one who had accused He Jingyuan was indeed Grand Tutor Li’s disciple.

This time, Wei Yan didn’t even return the courtesy. His eagle-like eyes swept over, intimidating without anger: “Grand Tutor Li has grown old. Perhaps you should learn from Grand Tutor Tao. When Grand Tutor Tao retired from the political arena years ago, not only the court officials but even His Majesty still spoke well of him, didn’t they?”

Grand Tutor Li’s smile faded slightly.

Only then did Wei Yan slightly raise his hand and say, “Wei shall take his leave first.”

After Wei Yan had walked far away, Grand Tutor Li’s expression also turned somber-

Wei Yan boarded his sedan chair and kept his eyes closed, his face stern and solemn.

Grand Tutor Li’s move was forcing the Emperor to investigate He Jingyuan.

The Emperor had temporarily set aside the matter due to the war in Chongzhou, but once the battle was over, even without the Li family’s prompting, the Emperor would put this matter back on the agenda.

Seventeen years had passed, and the young Emperor’s wings had gradually grown strong. He wanted to seize power from Wei Yan’s hands.

Once He Jingyuan’s act of forging identities for that traitor was exposed, the tragic Jinzhou incident from years ago would inevitably be mentioned. Meng Suyuan was already a convicted criminal, and his case was closed. With his confidant protecting the descendants of a criminal, the Jinzhou case that Wei Yan had always wanted to suppress would likely face a re-investigation.

After a long while, he opened his eagle-like eyes and slowly said, “He Jingyuan… need not be kept anymore.”

A shadow quickly darted away from outside the sedan chair.

i’m here for this whole family web—rather tree and to understand more the military side deeper. this chapter was a lifesaver. i can now watch the drama in peace without getting lost.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 101

Fan Changyu spent three days thoroughly mastering the techniques He Jingyuan had taught her.

Unfortunately, without a sparring partner, she couldn’t gauge how much she had improved.

Fan Changyu counted the days—she could return home after tomorrow. When she did, she would have to properly spar with Xie Zheng.

During her last visit to the military camp, Xie Zheng had mentioned coming to Chongzhou with official business. From what he’d implied, he would likely stay in Chongzhou for some time.

So each day, besides training with the army, Fan Changyu squeezed in time to practice her woodcarving skills.

After ruining countless pieces of wood, she finally managed to carve something resembling a small figurine.

However, at the end of that day’s training, Commander Guo suddenly announced: “From today onward, the military camp is sealed. No one is permitted to leave, and daily training hours will be doubled.”

The soldiers whispered among themselves, while Fan Changyu and another Squad Leader exchanged bewildered glances.

“What are you muttering about?”

With Commander Guo’s stern rebuke and fierce glare sweeping across them, the deliberately hushed discussions immediately subsided.

He gruffly ordered, “The two Squad Leaders stay behind. Everyone else, return to the barracks and await orders!”

The soldiers dispersed in small groups, quiet discussions spreading once more.

Fan Changyu and the other Squad Leader remained in place, waiting for Commander Guo’s instructions.

Commander Guo looked at them both and said, “Your opportunity for glory has arrived. The main force lacks sufficient numbers, so we’ll be assigned to the right flank behind the vanguard to support the main army’s assault. Some soldiers serve for ten years and only trail behind the main army, cleaning up battlefields. This time, we’ve caught a lucky break. Since ancient times, wealth and glory have always been sought amid danger. I’ve never been a coward in my life, so don’t bring me a den of cowards and make me lose face!”

Only after Fan Changyu and the other Squad Leader repeatedly promised to intensify their training did Commander Guo dismiss them.

The battle in Chongzhou had been at a stalemate for a long time. Fan Changyu hadn’t expected such a major confrontation between the two armies so soon. As she walked back with her mind heavy with concerns, Commander Guo called her back. With half his face hidden behind his thick beard, he said gruffly, “I know you must have connections higher up, and your martial skills aren’t bad. But if you face danger on the battlefield, no one in my troop will sacrifice themselves to save you. If you want to find someone higher up to reassign you elsewhere, there’s still time.”

Fan Changyu merely glanced at Commander Guo once, then left without saying a word.

Back at the barracks, the soldiers who were friendly with each other gathered in groups, seemingly still discussing the implications of Commander Guo’s words.

Seeing Fan Changyu, someone asked, “Squad Leader Fan, are we going to war?”

To appear more authoritative, Fan Changyu rarely spoke when in public and maintained a stoic expression.

Surprisingly, this method was quite effective. She hardly ever lost her temper, yet the soldiers under her command seemed rather afraid of her.

Of course, this might also have been influenced by how, on her first day leading the squad, she had shattered Commander Guo’s large saber with two iron hammers.

After she stiffly grunted “Mm,” the soldiers fell silent for quite a while. Their faces showed apprehension about the unknown and sadness at the thought of possibly never seeing their parents, wives, and children again.

Fan Changyu knew that even soldiers feared war. After all, before donning their uniforms, they were just laborers seeking a livelihood or diligent farmers.

She didn’t offer any inspiring words, only saying, “In the coming days, everyone should practice their sword and spear skills diligently. We aren’t seeking fortune and glory, but we need survival skills to stay alive on the battlefield and return home to our wives, mothers, and children when the war is over.”

After a pause, she added, “I survived One Line Gorge with just a butcher’s knife because those rebels haven’t killed as many people as the pigs I’ve slaughtered before.”

She thought hard, finally remembering the term, and stated with an air of authority, “Practice makes perfect applies everywhere. You’re afraid on the battlefield, but the foot soldiers among the rebels are afraid too. When everyone’s afraid, it comes down to who can swing their sword or thrust their spear faster while afraid.”

The soldiers burst into laughter, and the tense atmosphere dissipated considerably.

With the upcoming training directly affecting their survival, and with Fan Changyu’s “practice makes perfect” statement as motivation, the several dozen men under her command trained with exceptional diligence.

Xie Five was particularly generous in teaching them numerous lethal combat techniques.

On the eve of their departure for battle, a soldier from the troop approached Fan Changyu and entrusted her with all the military pay he had received since enlisting.

He said, “Squad Leader, I’m my mother’s only son. I’m from Huangping County in Jizhou. If I die, please help me take this silver to my mother.”

He ran off after saying this. Fan Changyu stared at the pieces of silver in her palm for a long time before finally putting them away.

In the past, she had also feared the battlefield, but thinking of her parents’ vendetta, of Yu Qianqian trapped inside Chongzhou city, and of Xie Zheng, she became fearless.

Military merit was currently the best path she could think of to accomplish all these things herself.

Now, however, she had another conviction in her heart—she hoped to lead every soldier under her command off the battlefield alive.

With several hours left before deployment, Fan Changyu lay awake, unable to sleep. She retrieved her half-carved wooden figurine from under her pillow and continued carving.

She had already carved the hair and now rotated the blade to slowly carve out the eyes.

Since it was a round-headed doll figurine, she made the eyes slightly larger.

Recalling Xie Zheng’s appearance, she carved the outer corners of the eyes upward as she finished. The previously dull-looking doll suddenly acquired a haughty air, as if looking down its nose at people.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but smile. She poked the doll’s chubby cheeks and muttered softly, “Quite resemblant.”

She wondered where he might be now.

The moon had reached its zenith, startling crows in the forest.

Zhao Xun was forced to kneel, surrounded by corpses—all his guards.

His face was deathly pale, cold sweat covering his forehead, his pupils reflecting the blood still dripping from a sword tip in the firelight. Trembling, he called out, “M-Marquis…”

Xie Zheng shook off the thick blood from his sword and slightly turned his gaze toward him: “Even a cunning rabbit has only three burrows, but Young Master Zhao has so many that it truly made it difficult for this Marquis to find you.”

A cool breeze swept through the treetops, and in the night, with only the sound of wind, his voice was cold and somewhat nonchalant.

Days earlier, after Fan Changyu had returned to camp, Xie Zheng had gone to see Grand Tutor Tao. He had intended to discuss matters concerning the Imperial Grandson and the Li family with Grand Tutor Tao, but Tao had mentioned urgent business requiring him to visit the capital. He asked Xie Zheng to thoroughly investigate the connection between the Crown Imperial Grandson and the Prince of Changxin before his return.

Xie Zheng had agreed and had initially wanted to find He Jingyuan to demand answers about Fan Changyu’s origins.

But unfortunately, He Jingyuan was personally inspecting provisions and military equipment shipped by the court with Li Huai’an. Xie Zheng was officially in Kangcheng, and appearing suddenly in Chongzhou would only give the Li faction an excuse to accuse him of deserting his post. Thus, he directly began investigating the Crown Imperial Grandson matter.

The person directly connected to the Crown Imperial Grandson was Zhao Xun, so naturally he started his investigation there.

Since the Zhao family was in the business world with extensive connections, Zhao Xun had already left the city before Chongzhou was surrounded.

The Zhao family’s business interests were vast, with numerous outposts, and Xie Zheng had expended considerable effort before finally cornering his target.

When Zhao Xun saw Xie Zheng appearing in person, he already knew things were dire. He struggled to respond: “The Marquis jests. If there’s anything the Marquis needs from Zhao, I would certainly offer my utmost loyalty…”

Xie Zheng looked at him with a half-smile: “That’s exactly what Young Master Zhao said when you found me in Qingping County earlier this year.”

Zhao Xun’s expression froze.

Xie Zheng’s blood-stained sword rested on his shoulder. Zhao Xun swallowed with difficulty and said hoarsely, “Please calm your anger, Marquis. My worthless life is in others’ hands. In many matters, I had no choice.”

Xie Zheng applied slightly more pressure, forcing the blade down. Zhao Xun was so frightened that he dared not say another word. Cold sweat poured down his temples like beads, and his body became rigid as iron.

The bloodied sword brushed across his clothing at the shoulder, leaving a glaring bloodstain.

Though there was still a layer of clothing between them, Zhao Xun seemed to already feel the cold of the blade and the stickiness of fresh blood soaking his garment. The smell of blood stimulated his senses, leaving his face so white it seemed devoid of blood, his entire body trembling like a sieve.

Xie Zheng withdrew his sword and handed it to a guard behind him, saying casually, “Don’t mind it, just borrowing Young Master Zhao’s clothes to wipe off some blood.”

Zhao Xun collapsed completely, pleading, “Please, Marquis, grant this lowly one a chance to live.”

A thin smile touched Xie Zheng’s lips as he said, “When this Marquis was in dire straits, Young Master Zhao purchased two hundred thousand stone of grain for me. One could say we’re old acquaintances. Let me ask Young Master Zhao a few questions. If you answer truthfully, this Marquis won’t make things difficult for you.”

His mention of the grain purchase only made Zhao Xun’s face turn even paler.

He had bought the grain then because he’d seen that Wei Yan wanted him dead, while Grand Tutor Li was watching the tigers fight, only wanting to escalate matters to better impeach Wei Yan. Thus, he had proactively stockpiled grain for Jinzhou.

But Zhao Xun had deliberately left clues for He Jingyuan, letting him know that Xie Zheng had bought the grain.

Originally, he had hoped to pit Xie and He against each other, since one had fallen out with Wei Yan while the other remained loyal to him. Unexpectedly, He Jingyuan had taken no action, which led to Wei Xuan forcibly requisitioning grain, Sui Yuanqing impersonating grain requisition officials to kill people, and fanning the flames.

He kowtowed deeply to Xie Zheng, his forehead touching the ground, his voice trembling: “Please calm your anger, Marquis. This lowly one did advise His Highness at the time, but my humble position carried little weight, and I could not sway His Highness’s decision. What happened then was certainly not my intention.”

Xie Zheng asked, “You claim to serve the Crown Imperial Grandson. How can this Marquis believe that the person behind you is indeed the Crown Imperial Grandson?”

A hint of struggle flashed in Zhao Xun’s eyes, but he finally answered, “My mother was a senior palace maid serving the Crown Prince’s Consort. Later, when she reached the appropriate age, she was released from the palace—ostensibly to marry my father, but actually to manage the Crown Prince Consort’s properties outside the palace in secret.”

Xie Zheng had already ordered men to check the records regarding the Eastern Palace fire case and knew that the Crown Prince’s Consort indeed had a senior palace maid who was released from the palace at age twenty-five.

The defeat at Jinzhou and the Eastern Palace fire had occurred one after another. With the death of Crown Prince Chengde, followed by the tragic fate of the Crown Prince’s Consort and the Crown Imperial Grandson, any clear-sighted person could see that these two events must be connected.

Behind the Eastern Palace fire might lie the truth about the tragedy at Jinzhou.

One of Xie Zheng’s hands behind his back unconsciously tightened as he asked coldly, “Didn’t the Crown Prince’s Consort and the Crown Imperial Grandson all die in the Eastern Palace fire?”

Zhao Xun answered, “The Eastern Palace fire was set by the Crown Prince’s Consort herself, to give the Crown Imperial Grandson a chance at survival.”

Xie Zheng’s brows furrowed severely as he asked, “Who wanted the Crown Imperial Grandson dead?”

Zhao Xun smiled bitterly: “This lowly one truly doesn’t know. My mother only received a letter personally written by the Crown Prince’s Consort about the Crown Imperial Grandson’s whereabouts after the Eastern Palace fire. But the letter made no mention of who was plotting against the Eastern Palace.”

Xie Zheng’s gaze turned cold, his face showing contempt: “So Young Master Zhao has fabricated a lie to fool this Marquis?”

Zhao Xun hurriedly replied, “I wouldn’t dare! If the Marquis doesn’t believe me, there’s still the Crown Prince Consort’s handwritten letter and token as proof.”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes were deep and inscrutable in the firelight, their true emotion impossible to discern. He asked, “Is the Crown Imperial Grandson the eldest son of today’s Prince of Changxin?”

Having extracted so much information already, and knowing that Zhao Xun had close dealings with the Prince of Changxin’s household—plus Changnin’s previous mention that Yu Bao’er and her son were being held at the Prince of Changxin’s residence—everything pointed to one answer, making Xie Zheng’s final question quite certain.

Zhao Xun dared not conceal the truth and nodded.

Xie Zheng narrowed his slender eyes.

Everything aligned. The Prince of Changxin’s rebellion could only proceed under the banner of eliminating Wei Yan and “purifying the court,” but he dared not directly invoke the Crown Imperial Grandson’s legitimate claim because the Prince of Changxin was unaware that his son had been switched.

Nor did the Crown Imperial Grandson dare reveal himself.

After all, if the Prince of Changxin was willing to rebel outright, once he discovered his son had been replaced all these years, he likely wouldn’t spare the Crown Imperial Grandson’s life.

Xie Zheng asked, “Was Sui Yuanqing’s appearance in Qingping County earlier this year also the Crown Imperial Grandson’s doing?”

Sweat dripped from Zhao Xun’s eyelids as he answered, “Yes.”

Through Zhao Xun, the Crown Imperial Grandson had learned that Xie Zheng was in Qingping County and had arranged for Sui Yuanqing to go there, intending to use Xie Zheng to eliminate Sui Yuanqing.

At that time, Chongzhou showed no signs of defeat. If the Prince of Changxin could take advantage of the Xie family army being tied up with the Northern Xue, he might seize Jizhou in one decisive move and continue south. Marching to the capital to force the Emperor’s hand wasn’t impossible.

But the Prince of Changxin had established Sui Yuanqing as his heir. If they conquered the empire, Sui Yuanqing would inherit the throne.

That’s why the Crown Imperial Grandson wanted Sui Yuanqing dead.

Now, with the Prince of Changxin defeated, the Crown Imperial Grandson also knew that reclaiming the throne by force was no longer viable, which was why he had been repeatedly showing goodwill toward the Li family.

Xie Zheng sneered coldly: “So this is what the descendant of Crown Prince Chengde amounts to?”

Zhao Xun smiled bitterly: “To replace the Prince of Changxin’s eldest son during his childhood, His Highness had half his face burned off, leaving him with chronic ailments. Over the years, his moods have become increasingly unpredictable. Though I am merely a merchant covered in the stench of copper, I can distinguish right from wrong. I secretly admire world-class heroes like Your Lordship, and I understand clearly that should His Highness inherit the throne one day, the common people would suffer greatly.”

After an apparent internal struggle, he finally risked expressing his thoughts: “His Highness already has offspring—I believe Your Lordship has met them. The female proprietor of Yixiang Pavilion in Qingping County is His Highness’s escaped concubine, and her child is the Imperial Great-Grandson. In today’s world, as Your Lordship has seen, imperial power wanes, factional struggles persist, and the common people suffer. Your Lordship surpasses even the former Wei Yan in capability. If Your Lordship is willing to emulate Wei Yan and support the Imperial Great-Grandson’s ascension, this lowly one is willing to serve Your Lordship with utmost loyalty!”

Xie Zheng showed not the slightest interest in his words, as if he couldn’t be bothered with any of it. His upturned lips carried a hint of mockery as he said: “You can betray your master and turn to this Marquis. How can this Marquis be sure you won’t turn to someone else next?”

Throughout history, servants of two masters have always been despised.

Zhao Xun understood this principle well and finally revealed everything: “This lowly one simply wants to secure survival for myself and my mother. Since the Imperial Great-Grandson was found, His Highness’s temperament has become increasingly erratic. He even sent shadow guards to monitor me and my mother, just to prevent us from supporting the Imperial Great-Grandson instead. His Highness’s suspicions grow daily, and this lowly one fears he might take action against me and my mother someday.”

He paused, then added, “This lowly one also felt from the first glance that Your Lordship is a man of great character, which is why I dare speak such presumptuous words before Your Lordship.”

Xie Zheng ignored his flattering remarks, half-lowering his dark lashes as if contemplating the current situation.

The pine resin torches crackled as they burned, sounding particularly clear in the night where only the wind could be heard.

Xie Zheng asked, “Where are the Imperial Great-Grandson and his mother now?”

Zhao Xun answered with difficulty, “They are still in Chongzhou city with my mother.”

They were essentially hostages, ensuring his loyalty while he worked outside.

Hearing this, Xie Zheng’s brows slightly furrowed.

The Crown Imperial Grandson was now cooperating with the Li faction. To help the Li faction claim military credit for Chongzhou, they would first need to bring down He Jingyuan.

With the capital and Chongzhou a thousand miles apart, news of the court’s impeachment of He Jingyuan had not yet reached Xie Zheng’s ears.

He asked, “What leverage have you obtained against He Jingyuan?”

Fan Changyu spent the entire night carving her wooden doll, finally completing both the head and body.

It wasn’t exactly beautiful, but the longer she looked at it, the more endearing it seemed.

She was quite satisfied with her first creation.

While washing up, Xie Five produced a heart-protecting mirror from somewhere and told her to carry it inside her uniform.

Fan Changyu looked at the size of the protective mirror and decided that the two steel plates she had forged while traveling from Jizhou to find Changnin would be safer.

When Xie Five learned she intended to bind a steel plate both front and back, he was stunned speechless.

Fan Changyu thought that Xie Five was shocked because he’d never seen someone as afraid of death as she was, but adhering to the principle that survival was paramount, she resolutely tucked away the plates.

Generals wore heart-protecting mirrors because their armor already protected other vital areas, with the chest being the final layer of defense.

The common soldier’s uniform she wore probably couldn’t even stop a single blade strike, so in crucial moments, the steel plates would be her lifesaver.

Since Xie Five felt the palm-sized heart-protecting mirror was inconvenient and would affect his agility, Fan Changyu secretly gave it to the soldier who had entrusted her with his silver.

When he received the heart-protecting mirror, he looked at Fan Changyu with tears in his eyes, as if regarding a parent who had given him a second life, making Fan Changyu particularly embarrassed.

When Commander Guo inspected the troops and found that Fan Changyu hadn’t left, his eyes showed a complex emotion—whether fear of trouble or something else was unclear.

He shouted, “On the battlefield, killing one enemy means breaking even, killing two means profit! For those who return alive, I’ll host a celebration!”

Fan Changyu joined the surrounding soldiers in shouting “Good!”

Fear, passion, and concern—all seemed to be released in that single shout.

Unlike her previous battlefield experience, this time Fan Changyu’s unit wasn’t positioned as far back, nor were they sent as mid-battle reinforcements. They could see the full battle formation before the armies engaged.

The two sides looked like two black ant colonies facing off. From such a distance, they could only see the red tassels tied to the rebels’ long halberds forming a continuous line.

When the horns from both sides sounded, the vanguard troops from both armies roared forward, quickly colliding with what seemed like a muffled boom.

Fan Changyu thought that among the soldiers, those in the vanguard must have the greatest courage.

After all, those behind followed those in front, but those in front charged directly into the enemy’s blades and spears.

What surprised and reassured her was that the several dozen soldiers under her command followed her almost inseparably. Wherever she struck, they immediately rushed over.

Fan Changyu couldn’t tell if they stayed so close to protect her or to seek her protection.

But their formation acted like a wedge, with Fan Changyu as the tip. There was no place she couldn’t pierce through, with Xie Five always following just three steps behind her.

In Fan Changyu’s hands, the glaive became a blur of motion. As she advanced, she could initially see the shadows of the vanguard, but later found that all within her sight were enemy troops.

Remembering they were supposed to support the vanguard, she grew anxious when she could no longer see them. While continuing to charge forward and fight, she asked Xie Five, “Can you see the vanguard’s battle flag?”

The vanguard was responsible for breaking through the rebel camp. They were supposed to squeeze through the gap opened by the vanguard, allowing the infantry behind them to widen this gap and divide the rebel forces.

If they became cut off at any point and surrounded by rebels, they would be trapped like dumplings—a situation with only the slimmest chance of survival.

Xie Five’s face was covered in blood. He swung his blade horizontally at a charging rebel and replied somewhat desperately, “The vanguard has been scattered! We’ve become the vanguard now!”

Fan Changyu uttered a confused “Ah,” using her glaive’s reach advantage to force back an attacking soldier. Looking back, she realized that the soldiers following her had grown from the initial few dozen to a vast multitude.

Commander Guo was not far behind her, leaning on his long sword and panting heavily. He cursed, “You fool, charging forward like you’re rushing to reincarnate! You’ve turned my right flank into the vanguard!”

Xie Five ignored Commander Guo and wiped the blood from his face before telling Fan Changyu, “I’ll go retrieve the vanguard flag. The soldiers behind can’t see the flag and don’t know which direction to charge.”

On the battlefield, the most dangerous thing was a disrupted formation that allowed the enemy to divide and consume smaller forces.

Fan Changyu kicked an attacker away and demanded, “Where’s the flag?”

Xie Five, with his excellent lightness skill, leaped forward several steps by stepping on the rebels’ heads and pointed Fan Changyu in a direction. She then advanced toward it like a sharp knife.

The commanders observing the battle from high ground watched with grave expressions as the vanguard’s wild goose formation was scattered, seemingly foreseeing defeat in this first engagement. Unexpectedly, from the right flank troops protecting the vanguard’s charge, a new spearhead emerged, penetrating like a bee’s sting with remarkable sharpness into the enemy’s main formation.

The commanders looked at each other in surprise. When this newly formed spearhead joined with the scattered remnants of the vanguard and raised the vanguard flag, pushing the rebels into steady retreat, their expressions grew increasingly strange.

One commander said, “I’ve heard of rear guards becoming vanguards, but this is the first time I’ve seen a right flank become a vanguard. To stabilize attack and defense without even changing formation must require the sharp instincts of a veteran general with comprehensive battlefield awareness.”

Another commander said, “This right flank was temporarily assembled by General Tang from recruits. General Tang truly has talented people under his command.”

Tang Peiyi responded with a forced smile, his eyes fixed on the battlefield below, trying to identify who was leading the charge. But the distance was too great—even as he strained his eyes nearly cross-eyed, he couldn’t make out who it was. He racked his brains but couldn’t recall having such a capable person among his subordinates.

Only He Jingyuan gazed at the battlefield below without saying a word.

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Zhu Yu – Chapter 102

The fierce wind howled, and yellow sand filled the air.

The Chongzhou army, its formation brutally shattered by the Jizhou forces, was in disarray on the battlefield. The young officers were still trying to maintain some semblance of order, but the Jizhou army at their heels was too relentless. The gaps in their ranks grew wider until the Jizhou forces eventually divided and surrounded them in smaller groups.

On the battlefield, momentum is crucial. Once morale falters, even the fiercest army can be driven back. The Chongzhou forces found themselves retreating step by step under the ferocious assault of the Jizhou army.

The Jizhou soldiers at the vanguard, their eyes bloodshot, fought with increasing ferocity.

Among the Chongzhou ranks, from the generals down to the common soldiers, faces began to show signs of panic. Even the young officers’ rallying cries lacked their earlier conviction.

Some soldiers even began to flee from the battlefield.

Enraged, the Chongzhou commander-in-chief drew his sword and cut down several retreating soldiers, shouting hoarsely, “Those who retreat will be executed without mercy!”

But his voice was drowned out by the greater din of battle and clashing weapons, having little effect.

As the commander was about to lead a charge himself, drum beats suddenly resonated from the towers of Chongzhou City behind them.

The walls of Chongzhou were tall and imposing, with horse-face walls extending along the mountain ridges on both sides. Dozens of war drums began to beat in unison. The sound, blocked on three sides, surged towards the only opening like an avalanche.

The terrain formed a horn-like shape, causing the drum beats to echo across the battlefield, making hearts tremble.

Fan Changyu, leading the right-wing forces at the forefront, instinctively looked towards the Chongzhou city gates upon hearing the drums.

The massive gates, which would normally take half a day of battering to breach, now slowly opened, visible through the smoke and banners on the battlefield.

Dust filled the air as long pikes and spears advanced side by side. The city’s defenders, their faces contorted, rushed out wielding their weapons and roaring, like a flood released from a dam.

After two advance units maintained the front formation, an imposing figure emerged from the city. He was an old general with hair and beard half black and half white, wearing golden mountain-patterned armor and riding a fine steed. Drawing the sword at his waist, he shouted, “Charge!”

More Chongzhou defenders poured out from the city gates behind him, yelling as they rushed towards the battlefield.

Someone among the rebels shouted, “The Prince has joined the battle himself! Chongzhou will be victorious!”

This cry, like a stone causing ripples in still water, quickly spread across the battlefield.

With reinforcements arriving and Prince Changxin personally joining the fray, the previously demoralized Chongzhou army suddenly regained their fighting spirit.

Fan Changyu had earlier seized a horse during the battle, with the vanguard’s battle flag inserted into the stirrup. She stepped on the flagpole with one foot to keep it upright.

After the prolonged fighting, her warhorse was exhausted. Though Fan Changyu’s strikes with her mo dao were still fierce, she was only human, and her arms had grown weak and sore.

In brief moments of respite, her hands holding the blade trembled uncontrollably.

It wasn’t fear, but rather her muscles spasming from extreme fatigue.

Noticing the rebel reinforcements flooding onto the battlefield, Fan Changyu, with her elevated view from horseback, assessed the disparity in forces on both sides. She realized that if they were surrounded by the rebels now, none of them would make it back alive.

She forcefully pressed down on the stirrup, yanking the reins to change direction. Sweat-soaked strands of hair clung to her face, which was covered in a mixture of sweat and grime. Her eyes blazed with the intensity of a tiger or leopard as she shouted, “Break through the middle of the Chongzhou forces we’re engaged with! Don’t let them trap us here!”

The vanguard’s banner fluttered behind her. Despite her tattered common soldier’s armor, no one mistook her for a mere foot soldier.

The Jizhou troops behind her, seeing her change direction, immediately followed suit in a dragon-like maneuver, staying close behind.

The rebels, who had been on the defensive against this formidable Jizhou vanguard, now had reinforcements at their backs. They threw caution to the wind in their attempts to block the retreat.

The rebel commander even withdrew his rear guard, deploying all his forces to encircle the Imperial vanguard that had penetrated their lines, determined to annihilate them.

He Jingyuan and his officers stood on high ground, observing the unfolding battle below.

Tang Peiyi, furious, struck a nearby pine tree and saluted He Jingyuan, requesting, “General, I volunteer to lead troops to relieve the right-wing forces!”

After a moment’s contemplation, He Jingyuan replied, “Sui Tuo was once enfeoffed as a prince for his military exploits. Though he’s old now, the power of his lion-headed spear is not to be underestimated. I’ll personally engage him with three thousand troops. General Tang, you lead two thousand men to support the right-wing forces.”

Tang Peiyi’s worry turned to joy. He quickly saluted and said, “This subordinate accepts the order!”

Amidst the chaos of moving figures, Fan Changyu swung her blade almost mechanically. Hot, stinging sweat—or was it blood?—trickled from her brow into her eyes.

She clenched her back teeth tightly. As her blade cut through the rebel soldiers blocking their path, it was hard to tell whose expression was more ferocious—theirs or her own.

There was a time when she hesitated to strike down rebel soldiers on the battlefield.

But now, those following behind her were comrades who had entrusted their lives to her. If she showed mercy to these rebels, the next moment their blades might fall upon those who had followed her without hesitation.

As an outsider, she could feel pity for the lowest-ranking soldiers on both sides. But now that she was part of it, just as she had once wielded her blade against mountain bandits to protect her neighbors, protecting her fellow soldiers had become her mission.

Fan Changyu fought like a frenzied leopard, each swing of her mo dao bringing forth a spray of blood.

The rebels seemed to realize she was a formidable opponent. When their soldiers were forced to charge at her horse, their faces showed clear hesitation and fear, allowing Fan Changyu’s unit to slowly and painfully retreat.

But soon, a unit of soldiers wielding hook-sickle spears took their place. Their weapons differed from ordinary soldiers’, with spear tips and crescent-shaped hook-sickle blades that could both thrust and slash from a distance.

When Xie Wu saw these hook-sickle spear wielders, his face changed dramatically. He shouted to Fan Changyu, “Be careful!”

The rebel unit worked in coordination. One group stood tall, aiming their spear tips at Fan Changyu on horseback. As she deflected their thrusts with her blade, another group knelt on the ground, sweeping their hook-sickle spears at her horse’s legs.

Despite Xie Wu and others’ efforts to eliminate these soldiers, Fan Changyu’s warhorse still had its hind leg severed. It neighed in pain and collapsed.

As Fan Changyu was thrown from her mount, countless rebels swarmed around her like hyenas drawn to the scent of blood on the savanna, thrusting their spears at her.

Using the banner from her horse as support, Fan Changyu leaped into the air. She kicked off the chest plates of the rebel soldiers, clearing a circle around her before landing steadily.

Her hands were slick with blood, making it difficult to grip the black iron handle of her mo dao. The banner pole was about ten feet long with a spear tip at the end. Fan Changyu rolled up the flag tightly against the pole and wielded it as a weapon.

Soldiers who approached within fifteen feet of her were swept away by the banner.

By this time, Xie Wu had fought his way to her. As the spearhead of the vanguard, Fan Changyu was like the lead goose in a flying formation—undoubtedly the most exhausted.

Her strength was severely depleted. Xie Wu took the banner from her hands. His once-handsome face was now unrecognizable, covered in blood—whether his own or others’ was unclear.

Panting, he said, “Squad Leader, I’ll lead the army’s retreat!”

The banner unfurled in his hands, once again flying proudly in the wind, guiding the Jizhou forces to rally around them.

Fan Changyu, exhausted, leaned on her mo dao to catch her breath. A rebel attempted to ambush her from behind, but Guo Baihu roared and nearly cleaved the attacker in two with his great sword.

Fan Changyu looked back. Half of Guo Baihu’s face was hidden by his beard, only his bloodshot eyes visible, gleaming fiercely. “I said I wouldn’t look after you on the battlefield, but you haven’t disgraced me! After this battle, even if I die here, it will have been worth it!”

Without warning, Fan Changyu swung her mo dao towards him. Guo Baihu broke out in a cold sweat.

The next instant, a spray of blood-soaked half his shoulder.

He froze, then turned to see a rebel who had silently approached, intending to strike him down but was killed by Fan Changyu’s swift blade.

His thick beard twitched, but he dared not lose focus again. He simply shouted at Fan Changyu, “We’re even now!”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond. The blood on her hands hadn’t dried, making her grip on the mo dao slippery. Her fingers were so sore she could barely hold the blade.

Her lips were dry and cracked, and she didn’t want to waste energy speaking.

She tore a long strip of cloth from her battle robe and wrapped it around her hand before gripping the mo dao’s handle again.

Xie Wu, holding the army flag, was undoubtedly a moving target. Countless blades and swords came at him. He managed to avoid the fatal blows, but the accumulation of non-lethal wounds had dyed half his battle robe red with blood.

A rebel officer on horseback charged towards him, aiming to take Xie Wu’s life. Xie Wu had just used the banner to drive back the soldiers surrounding him and had no time to defend or dodge.

Fan Changyu leaped forward, just as she had saved him from Shi Hu’s war hammer at Yixian Gorge, using her mo dao to block the officer’s spear thrust.

The prolonged fighting had left Xie Wu dizzy. He stayed close to Fan Changyu, knowing that if she wasn’t the most exhausted in this army, he certainly was second.

He not only had to look after himself but also constantly watch out for Fan Changyu.

Seeing her block the spear meant for him, he instinctively called out, “Squad Leader…”

Fan Changyu pushed him back towards the advancing Jizhou troops, coldly commanding, “Get behind me!”

As she spoke, her mo dao’s edge clashed violently with the officer’s spear tip, sending sparks flying.

The officer was thrown back by Fan Changyu’s force, and his attack was delayed by half a beat. Before he could recover from the shock of her strength, Fan Changyu had already ducked low, swinging at his horse’s legs.

The mo dao’s long, razor-sharp edge, combined with Fan Changyu’s powerful strike, almost cleanly severed the horse’s front legs. As blood gushed forth and the horse stumbled forward, the momentum flung the officer from his saddle.

Fan Changyu swung her blade again, and the officer’s head rolled to the ground.

Guo Baihu, who had been about to help with his crescent moon blade, swallowed hard at the sight and said to Xie Wu, “By my mother, how can she fight like that?”

Xie Wu didn’t respond. Concerned for Fan Changyu’s safety but unable to stay close while carrying the flag as a living target, he thrust the banner into Guo Baihu’s hands. “The army flag is yours now.”

Before Guo Baihu could speak, Xie Wu had already picked up a long sword and rushed forward to join Fan Changyu in clearing a path for the army.

Guo Baihu looked down at the blood-stained banner in his hands and cursed, “Do I look like someone who’d hide behind a flag?”

He passed the banner to a soldier behind him, growling, “You lot protect the vanguard flag and keep up!”

With that, he swung his great sword, cutting down a rebel soldier, and caught up to Fan Changyu and Xie Wu in a few strides. As he fought, he berated them, “I’m the one who’s a Baihu here, you two little brats! Who said you could fight ahead of me?”

The soldiers behind them were initially bewildered, but some wounded officers understood that the flag served as a beacon in the chaotic battlefield and must not be lost. They quickly ordered about a hundred men to form a protective circle around the flag bearer.

The rest maintained their wedge formation on the outside, like ants clustering together in a raging fire, following the bloody path Fan Changyu and the others were carving out, slowly pushing their way out of the rebels’ encirclement.

I can’t wait to see this scene in action. To see Fan Changyu in her glory.

I need this LIVE!!

excited for the series.. maybe next year haha waiting

The fight scenes are what excites me the most for the upcoming drama, Changyu is already one of the best FL, I hope the drama doesn’t disappoint me with the portrayal of FL

ха-ха-ха, тань сивей в роли такой героини, смех да и только😆

Zhu Yu – Chapter 103

When they finally caught sight of the reinforcement banner led by Tang Peiyi, Fan Changyu and the weary soldiers behind her felt a renewed hope of breaking through.

Many soldiers became excited, fighting with increased vigor.

Guo Baihu exclaimed joyfully, “I almost thought I’d be leaving my life here!”

Tang Peiyi also spotted Fan Changyu’s vanguard flag and led his reinforcements towards them. Seeing that encircling them was no longer possible, the rebels’ signal officer rode around on horseback, rapidly waving flag signals.

The rebels pursuing Fan Changyu and her group eased their pressure, and they soon joined with Tang Peiyi’s reinforcements.

Tang Peiyi, seated on his horse, looked at Fan Changyu with surprise and said, “So you’re the one who adapted to the battlefield situation and led the right-wing forces as vanguard into the enemy formation?”

Fan Changyu was in a sorry state. Her helmet had long since been lost, though the small bun atop her head remained intact. Her face was covered in blood and dust, with only her eyes still dark and piercing, like a fierce tiger descending from the mountains.

She was exhausted, leaning on her mo dao to stand steady. She was about to salute in response, but Tang Peiyi, noticing their group’s exhaustion, raised his hand to indicate it wasn’t necessary. He said, “The right-wing forces have rendered great service in this battle. Once it’s over, I’ll personally request commendations for you from General He!”

The weary soldiers behind Fan Changyu perked up at these words, their joy evident on their faces.

At that moment, a commotion erupted on the battlefield ahead. Through the mass of figures, Fan Changyu and her group couldn’t see what was happening, but Tang Peiyi, looking back from his horse, quickly grew serious. He ordered, “The rebels are trying to surround General He. Follow me to provide support!”

This time, with Tang Peiyi’s forces clearing the way, Fan Changyu and the right-wing troops followed behind, finally able to catch their breath.

Tang Peiyi led his cavalry to open a path through the rebels surrounding He Jingyuan’s five thousand troops, quickly creating an opening.

Fan Changyu then led the right-wing forces through this gap, engaging the rebel soldiers on both sides to widen it, making it easier for the Jizhou forces trapped in the formation to retreat if necessary.

This time, with Tang Peiyi, He Jingyuan, and other senior officers attracting the main rebel forces, they only needed to clear the surrounding foot soldiers, which was much easier than before.

However, Tang Peiyi’s cavalry formation suddenly became chaotic for unknown reasons, even allowing rebels attacking from both flanks to penetrate their ranks.

Fan Changyu and her group couldn’t help but look towards the center of the formation, but the mass of figures obscured their view.

Guo Baihu cursed, “Damn it, what’s happening up there?”

Someone on the rebel side shouted, “He Jingyuan is dead!”

As this cry spread, the rebels became instantly excited.

Among the Jizhou forces, both Tang Peiyi’s cavalry and the right-wing troops led by Fan Changyu showed momentary shock and dismay.

With He Jingyuan, the commander of this Chongzhou campaign, dead, how could they continue the battle?

Fan Changyu pressed her cracked lips together, glancing at the chaotic battlefield ahead. She turned to the surviving soldiers in her small squad and said, “Stay here to protect Baihu Guo. You don’t need to follow me anymore!”

With that, she charged towards the direction of the commotion on the battlefield.

Xie Zheng had once told her that He Jingyuan was an old friend of her parents.

She had been in Chongzhou for so long, staying dutifully in the military camp, never using Tao Taifu or Xie Zheng’s names to directly approach He Jingyuan with questions. She wanted to rise through the ranks on her merit, to be qualified to meet He Jingyuan and then ask about her parents.

She wanted to avenge her parents by her abilities, not relying too much on Tao Taifu and Xie Zheng in this matter.

Who would have thought that in this first major battle, while she was unharmed, the commander He Jingyuan would die?

Regardless, she wanted to fight her way to the front to see for herself.

Xie Wu followed her without a word. Some loyal soldiers who saw this also wanted to follow with their weapons, but they were stopped by Guo Baihu, who had just decapitated a rebel. His beard nearly askew with anger, he berated them, “Are your heads sitting too comfortably on your necks?”

One soldier, startled by the shout, began crying with snot and tears, “General He is dead. Squad Leader Fan must be going in to find him. I want to go in and retrieve General He’s body too.”

He Jingyuan was known for loving his people and soldiers like his own children and was greatly admired by both the military and civilians in Jizhou.

Hearing the sudden news of his death on the battlefield caused the lower-ranking soldiers to lose their composure.

Guo Baihu slapped the soldier’s face, cursing, “It’s not your place to play hero! Don’t you know your limits? Guard this gap for me!”

Fan Changyu fought her way forward, seizing a horse from the rebels to better observe the battle ahead.

She didn’t recognize He Jingyuan, but seeing Tang Peiyi engaged with a Chongzhou general, she spurred her horse towards them.

Tang Peiyi, turning his horse, spotted Fan Changyu and shouted, “Quickly, save General He back to camp!”

Hearing Tang Peiyi’s words, Fan Changyu felt greatly relieved.

He Jingyuan wasn’t dead!

The earlier news was likely spread by the rebels to disrupt their morale.

She scanned the area and saw a Jizhou officer who had fallen from his horse, struggling against rebel officers nearby. She quickly cut through rebel soldiers to reach him, shouting hoarsely, “Are you General He?”

The old general looked up. Even with his beard stained red from coughed-up blood and his face covered in gore, Fan Changyu immediately recognized him as the general who had previously instructed her in swordsmanship.

Her heart pounded, and many thoughts flashed through her mind, but given the dangers of the battlefield, she had to suppress them for now. She swung her mo dao, cutting a bloody path to the old general, and extended a hand, saying, “General, this subordinate will lead you out!”

He Jingyuan, having just cut down a rebel soldier, could barely stand, supporting himself with his long sword. He raised his tired, aged eyes to examine Fan Changyu, a faint look of satisfaction in them. “It’s you… cough cough cough…”

He covered his mouth as he coughed violently, and despite his efforts to conceal it, blood seeped through his fingers.

Fan Changyu realized He Jingyuan’s condition was likely dire. Her gaze lowered, and she saw an arrow with its tail cut off embedded in He Jingyuan’s chest armor, the surrounding area stained red with blood.

Seeing more rebel officers circling like hyenas, and He Jingyuan too severely wounded to wield his sword, she acted without hesitation. With a shout, she leaped from her horse and charged at them with her blade.

When Xie Wu arrived, Fan Changyu yelled at him, “Quickly, take General He away!”

He Jingyuan recognized Xie Wu and understood that his presence on the battlefield was likely due to Xie Zheng’s orders to protect Fan Changyu.

Perhaps sensing his impending doom, He Jingyuan thought of the entanglement between the Xie and Fan families in the previous generation. Watching Fan Changyu engage several Chongzhou officers to cover his retreat, he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

Xie Wu helped He Jingyuan onto a horse. Fan Changyu fought while retreating, striving not to be trapped within the rebels’ encirclement.

Meanwhile, Tang Peiyi was finally overpowered by Prince Changxin, knocked from his horse by a staff blow. He rolled on the ground, barely avoiding the thrusting spears of the foot soldiers.

Seeing He Jingyuan being rescued, Prince Changxin spurred his horse in pursuit, shouting, “Where do you think you’re going, Wei family dog!”

He thrust out his lion-headed spear. Xie Wu tried to parry with his weapon but was forced to one knee by Prince Changxin’s strike, his kneecap sinking into the yellow earth. The back of his blade pressed against his shoulder, nearly drawing blood through his armor.

Xie Wu bit down so hard he tasted blood, his knuckles white as he gripped his sword hilt, yet he couldn’t raise the lion-headed spear resting on his blade even slightly.

Prince Changxin applied more force, causing Xie Wu to cough up blood, but he still didn’t let go, his eyes fixed on Prince Changxin.

Prince Changxin laughed heartily, “Good lad! For a mere foot soldier to have such skill, you’re truly wasted in Jizhou. How about coming to serve under me?”

Xie Wu spat viciously in response.

Prince Changxin’s expression turned cold. “You don’t know what’s good for you!” he barked.

As his lion-headed spear moved to take Xie Wu’s life, He Jingyuan, still on horseback, managed to deflect it with his spear.

He Jingyuan not only had an arrow wound but also severe internal injuries. The exertion caused him to cough uncontrollably, feeling as if his internal organs were about to shatter.

After blocking that single strike, he collapsed on his horse, coughing incessantly. He urged Xie Wu, “Don’t worry about me, save yourself!”

Prince Changxin sneered, “What are you afraid of? None of you will escape today!”

He swung his lion-headed spear in a wide arc, thrusting at Xie Wu again, but a black iron long sword suddenly extended to parry his weapon.

The force of the clash numbed Prince Changxin’s palm. He looked at the unexpected newcomer in surprise.

The opponent wore tattered Jizhou soldier’s armor, face covered in blood and dust. Though slight in build for a man, he stood there holding a long sword with an air of “one man guarding the pass, ten thousand unable to break through.”

Prince Changxin mused, “How strange. Today, these Jizhou foot soldiers seem to be getting more formidable one after another.”

Fan Changyu growled, “We foot soldiers are more than enough to kill a traitorous rebel like you!”

Her voice was extremely hoarse, sounding like that of a young man, which didn’t arouse Prince Changxin’s suspicions about her identity.

Prince Changxin sneered, “Arrogant brat! Taste my spear!”

He urged his horse forward, his lion-headed spear delivering a series of rapid thrusts. Fan Changyu parried and dodged, but this was her first time facing such a formidable general aside from Xie Zheng and He Jingyuan. Her opponent’s attacks were fierce and from tricky angles, leaving Fan Changyu in a particularly difficult position.

Seeing Fan Changyu at a disadvantage and knowing Prince Changxin’s ruthlessness, Xie Wu felt his heart burning with anxiety. When Tang Peiyi finally fought his way through the group of foot soldiers, Xie Wu told him to escort He Jingyuan to safety while he went to help Fan Changyu.

Tang Peiyi, concerned for both Fan Changyu and He Jingyuan’s condition, retreated with He Jingyuan to the Jizhou lines. Seeing He Jingyuan’s lips turning pale, he cursed, “That dog Prince Changxin! What kind of warrior attacks treacherously during a duel? If not for this arrow wound, you might not have been his match.”

He Jingyuan’s face turned ashen as he recalled the circumstances of his arrow wound.

While being hit by a stray arrow on the battlefield wasn’t uncommon, he had a sinking feeling about who had truly intended for him to die by Prince Changxin’s blade.

Was the Chancellor so eager to eliminate him because he feared He Jingyuan would reveal the truth about the Fan couple?

Was Wei Qilin truly innocent in the grain transport mishap from years ago?

He suddenly grasped Tang Peiyi’s hand and said with difficulty, “Go, bring that child out.”

Tang Peiyi was momentarily stunned, then guessed He Jingyuan was referring to Fan Changyu. He was also reluctant to let such a promising talent die at Prince Changxin’s hands, so he quickly said, “I’ll go help her right away. Sir, please return to camp for medical treatment first!”

Fan Changyu and Xie Wu fought together but still struggled greatly against Prince Changxin’s attacks.

Her swordsmanship had improved, but compared to a veteran like Prince Changxin who had fought on battlefields for decades, she was still too inexperienced. Moreover, her body was exhausted, and her attacks were much weaker than before.

Prince Changxin, recognizing her fighting style, looked at Fan Changyu and suddenly asked, “What is He Jingyuan to you?”

Fan Changyu, leaning on her mo dao and panting, shouted, “He is the commander of our Jizhou army!”

Prince Changxin sneered, “This swordsmanship was created jointly by the two Wei tiger generals, He Jingyuan and his sworn brother. His sworn brother passed away years ago, and now only He Jingyuan knows this style. How did a mere foot soldier receive his true teachings?”

Fan Changyu was stunned by these words.

This swordsmanship was taught to her by her father, and when He Jingyuan had instructed her that day, he was particularly familiar with it.

Could her father have been He Jingyuan’s sworn brother from years ago?

Before she could process this, Prince Changxin’s spear tip had already turned, and he charged straight at her on horseback: “Let this prince capture you and use you to negotiate with He Jingyuan while he still clings to life!”

Fan Changyu wasn’t foolish enough to meet this mounted attack head-on. As Xie Wu called out a warning, she had already dodged aside.

Just then, Tang Peiyi returned on horseback to assist them. As he engaged Prince Changxin, Fan Changyu, taking advantage of her mo dao’s length, swung at Prince Changxin’s horse’s hind legs.

The warhorse stumbled sideways. Prince Changxin planted his spear tip on the ground and leaped up, avoiding a fall. He landed and assumed an attacking stance, his tiger-like eyes fierce and imposing.

Tang Peiyi’s charge having failed, he turned his horse around and roared, “Rebel, surrender your life!”

However, in the moment of close combat, Prince Changxin imitated Fan Changyu’s earlier move, turning to make a stabbing thrust that wounded Tang Peiyi’s mount.

The injured horse panicked and bolted across the battlefield. Tang Peiyi hurriedly abandoned his mount, jumping down and rolling several times to dissipate the force of his fall.

By this point in the battle, Fan Changyu and Xie Wu were not only exhausted but also covered in various wounds. Xie Wu, in particular, had suffered internal injuries when blocking Prince Changxin’s earlier attack and was now barely holding on.

Fan Changyu understood that even if she and Tang Peiyi joined forces, they were no match for Prince Changxin.

She was utterly exhausted, barely able to swing her mo dao. If this continued, Prince Changxin would surely overpower them.

Her gaze fell on a Chongzhou officer riding to assist Prince Changxin. She suddenly charged at him.

The officer, noticing Fan Changyu’s intent, quickly thrust his spear at her, but she grabbed the spear shaft and pulled him from his horse. Fan Changyu clung to the saddle with one hand and, as the horse galloped, swung herself onto its back. Taking advantage of Prince Changxin’s focus on Tang Peiyi, she swung her blade at him.

Prince Changxin barely dodged and tried to pursue Fan Changyu, but his two legs couldn’t match the horse’s four. Tang Peiyi, catching Fan Changyu’s eye signal, also quickly retreated.

As other Chongzhou officers arrived to assist, Prince Changxin seized a horse and gave chase.

Fan Changyu lay flat on her horse’s back, not engaging in combat, merely leading Prince Changxin on a chase.

She was panting harder than the galloping warhorse beneath her, trying to lead Prince Changxin in circles to regain some strength before fighting again.

Prince Changxin seemed to realize her intention and took up the great bow from his saddle, nocking a white-feathered arrow and shooting at Fan Changyu.

Feeling the arrow whiz past her scalp, Fan Changyu truly felt she might lose her life here today and could only try to keep her body as low as possible.

Unable to hit her, Prince Changxin turned to shoot at Fan Changyu’s horse.

When an arrow struck the horse’s leg, it neighed in pain and collapsed. Fan Changyu was thrown to the ground, her mo dao falling nearby. She could only gasp for breath, seemingly without the strength to resist further.

Prince Changxin pressed his lion-headed spear against Fan Changyu’s neck. Not seeing an Adam’s apple, he frowned deeply: “A woman?”

Fan Changyu, her face showing extreme fatigue, remained silent.

He thrust his spear tip through Fan Changyu’s chest armor from below her ribs, seemingly intending to lift her onto his horse.

However, as he grabbed Fan Changyu’s collar to hang her upside down on his saddle, she suddenly attacked. She drew the boning knife hidden under her arm guard and plunged it into Prince Changxin’s unarmored armpit.

Thanks to her butchering experience, she knew exactly where the bones, fascia, and cartilage were located in the armpit.

That knife went into the hilt without encountering any resistance.

“You…” Prince Changxin looked at his sleeve, instantly soaked with blood, then back at Fan Changyu, almost speechless.

He tightly pressed his lips against the blood surging in his throat and drew a short sword to stab at Fan Changyu’s neck.

Fan Changyu’s chest armor was still impaled on Prince Changxin’s lion-headed spear, leaving her unable to dodge. She could only grab the sharp blade with her bare hands, gripping tightly to prevent Prince Changxin from pressing it down towards her neck.

It became a desperate gamble – would Prince Changxin die first from the knife in his side, or would she lose her grip due to exhaustion and pain, dying by his sword?

Fan Changyu’s vision was blurring from the intense pain and blood loss. Sweat streamed down her temples. Just as she was about to lose her grip, Prince Changxin suddenly shuddered, and the blood he had been holding back in his throat spurted out.

A white-feathered arrow had pierced through his chest, its triangular arrowhead even breaking through his mountain-patterned armor in the front, revealing a bloody tip.

As Prince Changxin fell from his horse, Fan Changyu, her chest armor still impaled on his lion-headed spear and her hands in agony from the sword cuts, couldn’t free herself in time and was pulled down with him.

In that moment of falling, she caught sight of the archer on horseback in the distance.

The man had a fierce scar running from his nose bridge across his left cheek, his right eye covered, as if the scar extended up to his right eye.

Fan Changyu recognized him – he was the one who had saved her when she had nearly drowned in the icy lake at the hands of mountain bandits.

As she fell, the man was already spurring his horse towards her. Though the battlefield was filled with fighting, everything around seemed to freeze, with only the dust kicked up by his galloping horse visible.

A blade flashed across her chest armor, the lion-headed spear fell to the ground, and she was swept up onto horseback.

As her back pressed against the man’s chest, Fan Changyu called out his name: “Yan Zheng?”

But she didn’t hear his response. As she smelled his familiar scent, the tension in Fan Changyu’s mind relaxed, and she fainted from exhaustion and blood loss.

So she didn’t know how tightly he held her, his arms even trembling slightly-

Fan Changyu woke up two days later.

It wasn’t that her injuries were particularly severe; she was simply exhausted.

When she opened her eyes and found herself in her military tent, she let out a big sigh of relief. She tried to get up but was shocked to find her entire body aching, and both her hands wrapped up like zongzi.

She took a shallow breath, recalling the person she had seen before losing consciousness, unsure if it had been real or a hallucination.

She habitually called out, “Xiao Wu?”

Hearing no response, she remembered that Xie Wu had also been injured by Prince Changxin on the battlefield and was probably still recovering in the wounded soldiers’ tent.

She tried to slowly get up, supporting herself with her hands wrapped like two balls, when the tent flap was lifted.

Xie Wu entered, carrying a steaming bowl of medicine: “Did Squad Leader call for me? I was just outside brewing medicine for you.”

Fan Changyu quickly asked, “How are your injuries?”

Xie Wu replied, “Just some minor wounds, they’re almost healed.”

His voice was the same as before, but his entire demeanor seemed much more subdued, making Fan Changyu feel something was off.

She looked at him curiously, noticing he seemed to have grown taller.

Fan Changyu asked, puzzled, “Xiao Wu, how old are you this year?”

Xie Wu answered, “Seventeen.”

Fan Changyu nodded in sudden realization: “No wonder you look much taller than before. You’re still growing.”

She extended her hands, wrapped like two balls, to take the medicine bowl from Xie Wu. He hesitated and said, “Squad Leader’s hands are injured. Let me feed you the medicine.”

Fan Changyu gave him an even stranger look.

Xie Wu lowered his eyes and explained, “The military doctor said Squad Leader’s meridians in both hands were injured. Without proper care, it might be difficult to wield weapons in the future.”

Fan Changyu looked at her tightly wrapped hands, “I didn’t realize my injuries were so severe.”

Her tone showed no particular concern. She only asked, “How are the casualties in our squad?”

Xie Wu replied, “Thirteen were killed in action, seventeen were severely wounded, and the rest have minor injuries.”

Sensing that Fan Changyu, being new to the military, might not be familiar with typical battle casualties, he added, “Total annihilation of the vanguard is common. Having over half survive is fortunate. Squad Leader need not blame herself too much.”

Despite these words, Fan Changyu’s heart grew heavy. She said, “When the military compensation comes, send it along with my reward money to their families.”

Xie Wu looked at Fan Changyu and said, “Squad Leader killed Prince Changxin, achieving the greatest merit in this battle. The reward should be at least a thousand taels.”

Fan Changyu was stunned: “I killed him?”

Xie Wu nodded.

Fan Changyu carefully recalled the events before she lost consciousness. She remembered stabbing Prince Changxin, but it was Xie Zheng who had finished him off with an arrow.

She frowned and asked Xie Wu, “Didn’t he… come to the camp? I remember seeing him on the battlefield. He shot Prince Changxin with an arrow and saved me.”

Xie Wu’s eyes were unexpectedly somber, as dark as the depths of an ocean that hadn’t seen sunlight for millennia. He said, “The Grand Tutor was ambushed on his way to the capital and has disappeared. The Marquis, worried about the Grand Tutor’s safety, has gone to investigate those who abducted him. He hasn’t been in Chongzhou.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu’s face immediately changed: “Foster Father!”

In her agitation, she tried to get up but fell back due to her aching muscles. Xie Wu quickly supported her, noticing the teeth marks on his index finger, and instantly withdrew his hand.

Fan Changyu, her mind occupied with too many concerns, didn’t notice Xie Wu’s momentary oddness. She muttered to herself, “Why did Foster Father suddenly go to the capital when he was fine here?”

Thinking of Prince Changxin’s death, she said with certainty, “I only stabbed Prince Changxin in the armpit. That arrow in his body wasn’t shot by me. Someone helped me, a scarred man with one eye…”

She wanted to say that person should have been Xie Zheng.

Xie Wu interrupted her, saying, “When General Tang and I caught up, Squad Leader had fallen from the horse, still gripping a broken arrow. It was undoubtedly the Squad Leader who killed Prince Changxin. Could Squad Leader be having nightmares from the battlefield?”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu’s face showed a moment of confusion.

Could it be that she had been unclear-minded and remembered wrongly? Had she stabbed Prince Changxin with an arrow herself but subconsciously believed she had been rescued?

While she was still in a daze, someone approached from outside the tent, asking gruffly, “Is Squad Leader Fan staying here?”

Xie Wu lifted the tent flap and replied, “Yes, may I ask why this brother is looking for our Squad Leader?”

The person said, “General He has summoned Squad Leader Fan.”

I feel like Xie Zheng is disguised as Xie Wu.

first it was a suspicion because of the description of his eyes and how he, all of a sudden, is taller. But then after it was mentioned that he had a scar on his finger, I knew for sure it is him. i’m just confused why he’s doing this? Why is he giving the credit and deceiving her?

the most important: where is Xia Wu???
He can’t die…. 😭

because of desertion, he’s not supposed to be there.

Wait, I don’t understand. How can Xie Zheng disguise as Xie Wu? Was his face covered? How about the voice? 🧐😖

Zhu Yu – Chapter 104

Fang Changyu heard this conversation clearly from inside the tent. Regarding the matter of her parents, she indeed had a belly full of questions she wanted to ask He Jingyuan. She immediately said, “Please ask the brothers outside to wait for a moment. I’ll change into presentable clothes and come over.”

As she went to look for clean robes, she suddenly remembered another question. When she came down from the battlefield that day, her military uniform was already too dirty to look at. Who had changed her clothes while she was unconscious?

Moreover, with both her hands now bandaged like this, even if she had the robes, she couldn’t put them on by herself.

Just as Fang Changyu was frowning, another voice came from outside the tent: “Changyu, is it convenient for Aunt to come in?”

Recognizing Madam Zhao’s voice, Fang Changyu was both surprised and delighted. She quickly said, “Please come in, Aunt.”

After Madam Zhao lifted the curtain and entered, she took the set of robes and began putting them on Fang Changyu, saying, “I heard a general is calling for you. Xiao Wu asked me to come and help you change into some clothes.”

Fang Changyu said, “Xiao Wu is quite thoughtful.”

She then asked, “When did you arrive at the military camp, Aunt?”

Madam Zhao sighed and said, “Xiao Wu brought me here two days ago. Child, you nearly scared me to death. Your clothes were all bloody, but thankfully you didn’t suffer any major injuries. If anything had happened to you, what would Ning’er do?”

It seemed that Madam Zhao had also helped change her clothes while she was unconscious.

But Fang Changyu remembered that Xie Wu’s injuries on the battlefield were no less severe than her own. How could he have run back home to fetch Madam Zhao that day?

A faint confusion appeared in Fang Changyu’s eyes. “Xiao Wu wasn’t injured?”

After helping Fang Changyu put on the outer robe, Madam Zhao was tying her waist sash as she said, “That, I don’t know. But during these two days, while you were unconscious, Xiao Wu has been keeping watch in your tent. I was worried he’d tire himself out and tried to send him away to rest, but he wouldn’t budge no matter how I tried to shoo him away.”

As she brought up this topic, Madam Zhao lifted her head, and her expression became somewhat strange. Looking at Fang Changyu, she said, “He’s been through life and death with you on the battlefield. Changyu, could it be that Xiao Wu has developed other feelings?”

She seemed to suddenly develop a headache: “Xiao Wu is a good boy, but you’re already engaged to Yan Zheng, aren’t you? Perhaps I should find a match for Xiao Wu?”

Fang Changyu knew that both Xie Wu and Xie Qi were Xie Zheng’s men. Their loyalty to her was merely on Xie Zheng’s orders. She helplessly said, “Aunt, don’t overthink it. It’s not what you imagine.”

However, Madam Zhao’s mention of Xie Wu keeping watch over her these past two days still made Fang Changyu feel a bit odd.

After changing into proper clothes, she left the tent to meet He Jingyuan first.

Xie Wu, now considered her guard, accompanied her to the central military tent but could only wait outside and wasn’t allowed to enter with her.

The messenger who brought Fang Changyu over negotiated with the guards at the entrance of the central military tent. After the guard went in to report something, they finally allowed Fang Changyu to enter alone.

As she lifted the tent curtain, Fang Changyu immediately smelled a strong scent of medicine. Remembering the etiquette she had learned in the military these days, she lowered her gaze slightly, not daring to look directly at her superior. She cupped her hands and said, “This subordinate Fang Changyu greets the General.”

He Jingyuan had been an official in Jizhou for many years. Whether it was the common people below him or the generals under his command, they were all more accustomed to addressing him as “General” in private.

Come to think of it, he was too gentle and scholarly, more like a civil official than a military one.

A voice, clearly lacking in vigor, came from the direction of the bed: “No need for formalities… cough cough cough…”

Fang Changyu saw the person on the bed start coughing violently before finishing his sentence. She hesitated for a moment where she stood, then stepped forward and used her bandaged hands to pat his back gently, asking, “General, should I call for the military doctor?”

Now that she was standing closer, she dared to discreetly observe the old general on the bed.

He seemed to have lost a lot of weight, with sunken cheeks and a very poor complexion. His once black hair, which had only a few strands of silver, was now half black and half white, making him look much more aged in an instant.

Fang Changyu suddenly realized that his condition was very poor.

He Jingyuan coughed for quite a while before he could finally suppress the itching in his throat.

As he lay back on the pillow, it took several breaths before he recovered.

However, the arrow wound on his chest had started bleeding again due to the violent coughing, staining his snow-white undergarment with a spot of blood about the size of a fingernail.

He weakly waved his hand and said, “The injury reached my internal organs. The coughing has been quite severe these past two days.”

Noticing that both of Fang Changyu’s hands were bandaged, he asked, “How are your injuries?”

Fang Changyu replied, “This subordinate’s only major injuries are these two hands.”

Hearing this, He Jingyuan smiled, but as he laughed, he couldn’t help but start coughing again, though not as severely as before.

He said with satisfaction, “The young are indeed formidable. The Prince of Changxin was a renowned figure in Da Yin. Trading your hand injuries for his life is certainly worth it.”

However, what flashed through Fang Changyu’s mind was the scene of the scarred man shooting an arrow at the Prince of Changxin, and then galloping over on horseback to pick her up.

She remembered the strength with which he pulled her onto the horse and that familiar scent.

If it weren’t for that additional arrow he shot, even if the Prince of Changxin would eventually die from the stab wound she inflicted on his internal organs, she probably would have lost her grip on the prince’s sword due to exhaustion and died by the blade.

But Xiao Wu said Xie Zheng wasn’t in Chongzhou at all.

Fang Changyu felt that either she had truly misremembered due to her hazy consciousness, or Xiao Wu had lied to her.

The only one who could make Xiao Wu lie to her was Xie Zheng.

As she realized this, Fang Changyu’s heart almost skipped a beat. She wanted nothing more than to return to the camp immediately and interrogate Xiao Wu about Xie Zheng’s whereabouts.

Only the presence of He Jingyuan held her back from acting on this thought.

Knowing that Xie Zheng’s current identity shouldn’t be revealed, Fang Changyu didn’t rashly mention his disguised appearance on the battlefield to save her. She humbly replied, “The General praises me too much. This subordinate was merely lucky to have managed to stab the Prince of Changxin.”

He Jingyuan’s eyes showed even more satisfaction: “You’re a good child. With this kind of steadiness, you’ll be able to go far in the future.”

Fang Changyu said stiffly, “Thank you for your praise, General.”

He Jingyuan noticed her tension and pointed to a small stool beside the bed, saying with effort, “Sit down. It’s time I told you some things.”

As Fang Changyu sat on the stool and heard He Jingyuan’s words, her fingertips instinctively curled, unable to grasp anything. She then realized that both her hands were bandaged into balls.

She unconsciously straightened her back and asked, “Is it about my parents?”

He Jingyuan looked surprised as if he hadn’t expected Fang Changyu to already know about his relationship with her parents. He then slowly nodded, “I heard from Wen Chang that you looked through the archives of Jizhou Prefecture, wanting to find out who harmed your parents…”

He sighed lightly: “When your parents entrusted you and your sister to me, they didn’t want you to be entangled in the karma of the previous generation. They only wished for you to live a peaceful life. But alas, life is unpredictable.”

Fang Changyu remembered the peaceful and warm days when her parents were alive, as well as their sudden death and the assassination attempts she faced in Qingping County. Her heart sank as she asked, “What exactly was my parents’ identity?”

He Jingyuan looked at her, seeming to see a shadow of old friends through her. His tone was not without a sense of vicissitude: “Your father was once a family guard of the Wei household. Due to his outstanding abilities, he was granted the Wei surname and named Qi Lin. After the Prime Minister married his sister to General Xie Linshan, your father went to work under General Xie. Later, he married into the family of Old General Meng, who was under General Xie’s command.”

When Fang Changyu heard this, her pupils couldn’t help but constrict: “Meng Juyuan?”

This was the notorious culprit responsible for the tragedy in Jinzhou, known even to three-year-old children in the Da Yin Dynasty.

He Jingyuan understood her state of mind at this moment and sighed, “Old General Meng was General Xie’s most trusted veteran. Your father marrying his only daughter at that time was supposed to be a joyous occasion, strengthening the ties between the Xie and Wei families. Unfortunately, later when Jinzhou was besieged, Old General Meng made a mistake in escorting supplies, leading to that irreversible great error.”

Learning that her maternal grandfather was the culprit who had caused the starvation of a hundred thousand soldiers in Jinzhou, resulting in the death of Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie Linshan at the city gates, and forcing the court to cede territory for peace, Fang Changyu felt as if she had been plunged into an ice cellar.

In that instant, only one thought occupied her mind — her entire family were criminals against Da Yin.

She was also a criminal in front of Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng hated her grandfather so much; how would he react upon learning that she was a descendant of the Meng family?

Fang Changyu’s mind was in chaos, instinctively avoiding this question, she asked, “So Wei Yan wanted to kill my parents to avenge General Xie?”

However, He Jingyuan shook his head: “After Jinzhou fell, your grandfather committed suicide to atone for his crime. Whether there were hidden circumstances behind the delay in military operations remains unknown to this day. But the Prime Minister did indeed order your father to kill your mother back then. Your father couldn’t bring himself to do it, so he faked their deaths and escaped with your mother. They came to me for help, asking me to forge new identities for them and conceal their whereabouts.

“But after more than a decade, the Prime Minister suddenly issued another assassination order against them, this time to retrieve an item.”

Fang Changyu looked up at him in surprise.

He Jingyuan suddenly found it difficult to continue. He looked at Fang Changyu and said with difficulty: “When the Prime Minister ordered me to kill your parents, they seemed to have anticipated such a day long ago. They only begged me to spare you and your sister’s lives. They also gave me a box, telling me not to open it and to give it to the Prime Minister when he asked for it. After entrusting me with these matters, they committed suicide in front of me.”

Fang Changyu felt her hands and feet turn cold. She had never imagined that behind the cause of her parent’s death, which she had always wanted to investigate, lay so many heavy burdens.

He Jingyuan said, “The several assassination attempts at your home were the Prime Minister’s men searching for that box.”

Having received so much explosive information at once, Fang Changyu felt a dull ache in her head. She struggled to organize her thoughts.

What was known to the world now was that her grandfather’s failure in transporting supplies had led to the devastating defeat at Jinzhou. But her father had once been Wei Yan’s man and had also been ordered by Wei Yan to kill her mother, only to later betray Wei Yan and fake their deaths to escape.

Her parents held something that made Wei Yan want to hunt them down and retrieve it even after more than a decade.

So could her grandfather’s supply transport failure possibly be related to Wei Yan as well?

But Wei Yan was just a minister. At that time, not only was the Crown Prince of Chengde trapped in Jinzhou, but also his brother-in-law General Xie. What was Wei Yan’s motive in orchestrating all this?

However, remembering that Xie Zheng had said Wei Yan was his enemy and that he had nearly died at Wei Yan’s hands, and considering that Wei Yan now held great power, even overshadowing the royal family, Fang Changyu felt her suspicions were not unfounded.

If Wei Yan didn’t have a guilty conscience, why would he try to kill Xie Zheng?

It seemed likely that her grandfather’s failure in transporting supplies was indeed related to Wei Yan.

After a while, Fang Changyu asked He Jingyuan, “Previously in Lin’an Town, when my family faced assassination attempts, was it you who sent troops to protect us in time?”

He Jingyuan nodded.

Fang Changyu knew well that the only clue now probably lay in the box her parents had left behind. After careful consideration, she still asked He Jingyuan, “General, have you looked inside the box my parents left?”

He Jingyuan’s face showed a mixture of bitterness and mockery: “If I had looked, not only would the Prime Minister not have spared you sisters’ lives, but even I, He, would likely not have escaped death.”

Fang Changyu was silent for a moment, then voiced her speculation: “My grandfather’s delay in transporting supplies, which led to missed military opportunities, was Wei Yan’s doing, wasn’t it?”

He Jingyuan sighed: “The great crime of Jinzhou’s defeat was entirely attributed to your grandfather when the matter was settled. When I discussed it with Grand Tutor Tao, we also felt that Old General Meng, being such a cautious person, couldn’t have been unaware of the situation in Jinzhou at the time, to the point of risking delaying military operations to save those hundred thousand refugees. But how the Prime Minister’s handle fell into your father’s hands is worth pondering.”

Fang Changyu understood his implication —

Her grandfather couldn’t have made such a foolish mistake. So perhaps it was her father who had become Wei Yan’s pawn, which is why her father had something in his possession that Wei Yan wanted to retrieve even after more than a decade, to the point of killing them.

This outcome did not bring much comfort to Fang Changyu.

Although her grandfather was not the main culprit, her father had been used as a pawn by others, bearing the blame for so many years. Just thinking about it made Fang Changyu feel a tightness in her chest.

In her memories, her father had always been a silent man, not good with words, and rarely smiled. Even when running a pork business, he was not adept at bargaining; only in front of her mother did his expressions come alive and become rich.

He always quietly did many things, clumsily trying to please her mother. Because her mother was afraid of the cold and could not find genuine sable fur coats in the market, he would venture into the mountains alone for four or five days, hunting back a pile of silver sables to make a cloak for her.

As for her mother? Although she was gentle on most days, speaking softly, if angered, it was a different story.

Fang Changyu remembered being scolded by her mother with a broom when she was young. When her mother got angry, even her father did not dare to intervene.

It was precisely because of this that Fang Changyu felt that, given her mother’s temperament, she would never have chosen to return to seclusion with her father after learning that he had harmed her grandfather.

Suddenly, she asked He Jingyuan, “General, did my mother know the secret of that box when she left?”

He Jingyuan recalled the scene of the couple committing suicide in the snow and felt a twinge of sadness in his heart. He nodded and said, “The Madam was very composed; she must have known.”

Fang Changyu then asserted, “If my father harmed my grandfather, my mother would never forgive him. There must be more to the story from back then.”

He Jingyuan was somewhat surprised. He wanted to speak but was interrupted by a tickle in his throat. After coughing for a while, he said, “Grand Tutor Tao has also raised doubts about this. However, it has been seventeen years, and aside from these speculations, we have no concrete evidence. Even if we wanted to investigate, there’s no way to start again. Grand Tutor Tao decided to go to the capital to meet the Prime Minister in person, but unfortunately, there has been no news since.”

He looked at Fang Changyu earnestly and said, “I have heard about your engagement with the Marquis. I have thought about keeping these matters to myself, taking them to the grave. The affairs of the previous generation should die with them… dust to dust, earth to earth.

“But I fear… that in the future if the truth comes to light, the enmity of killing one’s father cannot be easily overlooked. Rather than waiting until it’s too late, I’d rather inform you of everything now, allowing you to make your own choices.”

Fang Changyu felt a mix of emotions in her heart. Kneeling before He Jingyuan’s bed, she solemnly bowed her head to him, saying, “Thank you, General He.”

He covered his mouth with his hand and coughed for a while before gasping, “If you don’t hate me, just call me ‘Uncle.’ Your father and I were once sworn brothers. The set of sword techniques you use was created by him and me together.”

Fang Changyu looked at this elderly man, who seemed to be nearing the end of his days, and her eyes became slightly moist as she called out, “Uncle.”

He Jingyuan seemed to have waited many years for this day. A smile spread across his face, and the wrinkles deepened as he replied, “Ah.”

Stepping out of the central military tent, Fang Changyu felt a heaviness in her breath.

She did not see Xie Wu outside the tent. After searching around and finding no one, she asked the personal guard stationed outside, “Have you seen the young brother who came with me?”

The guard replied, “That tall kid? He went that way a quarter of an hour ago.”

Fang Changyu frowned. Xie Wu had been by her side for some time, but he had never been this rude before.

Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and hurriedly headed in the direction the guard indicated.

But after just a few steps, she saw Xie Wu walking toward her.

It was Xie Wu.

He didn’t seem as tall as when she first woke up. Perhaps due to his injuries, his steps were a bit unsteady. When he saw her, he called out, “Team Leader.”

He did not dare to meet Fang Changyu’s gaze directly, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile. He began to explain why he had left early: “I… I’ve been taking medicine these past two days and drank too much water, so I just went to the restroom…”

However, Fang Changyu did not listen to his excuses. She suddenly yanked the bandages off her hands and grabbed his collar, asking, “Where is he?”

Having found the real Xie Wu, she assumed he had been gone for a while.

Fang Changyu’s grip was surprisingly strong. The wound from when she had caught the Prince of Changxin’s sword earlier began to bleed again, but her gaze was terrifyingly cold.

This was the first time Xie Wu had seen Fang Changyu like this, and he was greatly alarmed. Fearing that her injuries would worsen, he quickly said, “The Master has left the camp.”

Fang Changyu threw Xie Wu aside and went after Xie Zheng.

She had been careless. When she woke up, her mind was unclear, and too much information had distracted her. She had sensed something was off at the time but had not reacted quickly enough; that Xiao Wu was Xie Zheng in disguise.

Why had he come to the battlefield to save her but not let her know? Why did he have to pretend to be someone else while staying by her side?

Her intuition told Fang Changyu that Xie Zheng must have discovered some matters from seventeen years ago before coming, which was why he chose to act this way.

She didn’t know what she would say to him if she caught up, but a voice inside her insisted that she must pursue him.

At the very least, she wanted to apologize on behalf of her deceased elders.

She also wanted to tell him that even if he ended this relationship because of his father’s enmity, she would continue to investigate.

He could not understand why she firmly believed that her father had never betrayed her mother or her grandfather simply because of her mother’s attitude toward her father. She would keep searching for the truth.

She would also kill Wei Yan to avenge her parents.

Once, he had reached out to her, but she had hesitated to walk with him due to the many obstacles ahead. He had silently paved the way for her.

Now that he wanted to stop, she would resolutely continue forward until she brought the truth to him, showing him that it was not a barrier between them.

Fang Changyu chased to the entrance of the camp but did not see Xie Zheng. She asked the guards on duty if anyone had left the camp and learned that a one-eyed scar-faced man had recently ridden out. She quickly borrowed a horse and continued her pursuit.

Fortunately, she was now considered a person of some importance in the Jizhou army. The guards at the camp entrance not only did not stop her but also showed her great respect.

The wound on her hand was deep. As she climbed onto the saddle, pain washed over her, turning her face pale. Ignoring the fresh blood that stained the bandages, she forcefully cracked the whip and shouted, “Go!”

The warhorse galloped away, and Fang Changyu chased for four or five miles before finally spotting a figure on horseback in the distance.

Fearing to attract trouble to Xie Zheng, she did not dare to call him by his real name, instead shouting, “Yan Zheng!”

The person on horseback seemed to glance back at her. She pressed her legs against the horse’s belly, and within a few breaths, she was close enough to see his face.

Even with one eye covered and a scarred mask on his face, Fang Changyu recognized him at a glance.

The warhorse slowed down, carrying her forward slowly.

Fang Changyu held the reins, and from several paces away, she locked eyes with Xie Zheng. Her eyes suddenly stung, and she said hoarsely, “You came to see me but didn’t want me to know?”

Xie Zheng stood on horseback, looking at Fang Changyu without speaking.

His dark phoenix eyes were calm and deep, his posture straight and upright, like a rock standing firm against the wind and sun on a cliff, exuding a cold and rugged aura that had been tempered by years.

Fang Changyu’s throat tightened. “What General He told me today, you already knew, didn’t you?”

Xie Zheng finally spoke slowly, “Yes.”

After interrogating Zhao Xun, he had guessed the general situation but had not dared to be certain.

Hearing He Jingyuan’s conversation with her today was like a conclusion to the matter.

— It was the worst outcome he had anticipated after interrogating Zhao Xun and learning of Grand Tutor Tao’s disappearance.

Fang Changyu looked at him with red-rimmed eyes, choking out, “I’m sorry.”

She continued, “My grandfather would never betray General Xie, and my father would never do anything to wrong my mother. Whether you believe it or not, the events of that year were not as you think…”

A wave of unprecedented sadness and fear washed over her, making her explanation come out in a jumble. She struggled to keep her voice steady, but by the end, she could barely make a sound.

“Fang Changyu.” Xie Zheng suddenly called her name.

Fang Changyu stared blankly at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes showed no emotion as he said, “Let’s leave it at that. From now on, I will only consider you a junior sister.”

He would never love another girl like this again, but his father’s death was a mountain that had weighed on his heart for many years, a nightmare that had haunted his entire childhood and youth.

The enmity of killing his father was something he could not easily let go of.

If the events of that year truly had other circumstances, Wei Yan would not have rushed to kill He Jingyuan, nor would he have detained Grand Tutor Tao.

But even knowing the truth of that year, it was likely that her father had been Wei Yan’s pawn, and he could not bear to harm her in the slightest.

To uproot someone he had planted in his heart was truly painful.

So he would keep his distance.

He would give her connections and military achievements.

And they would never meet again.

Fang Changyu looked at him in disbelief, her breath trembling, tears streaming down her face as she murmured, “It’s not like that…”

Xie Zheng met her gaze, gripping the reins tightly.

He could never stand to see her cry.

She was like his poison; when she cried, he felt like killing someone.

He wanted to hold her.

He wanted to comfort her, to make her stop crying.

But the taste of blood lingered in his mouth, and the eye exposed to the outside was tinged with a faint red. In the end, he could not utter a single word.

In his life, before being haunted by endless nightmares, he had briefly experienced familial love.

He could no longer remember what the man who died in Jinzhou, his body displayed on the city wall, looked like, but he still remembered the times he had trained with him in the garden and the body full of holes that had been brought back in a coffin.

That woman had washed that body before hanging herself, and the corpse had sixty-seven arrow wounds, not to mention countless knife and sword injuries.

It was said that when the Northern Jue people had opened him up, all they had found inside were weeds and tree roots.

That woman had fainted countless times while holding that body, and when she regained consciousness, she would repeatedly tell him to seek revenge.

Before the supplies and reinforcements arrived, his father had died in such a tragic manner in Jinzhou when he was just a child.

All these years, he had never forgotten to seek revenge.

Xie Zheng stared at Fang Changyu, feeling as if his heart was being torn open as he watched her cry.

Even if she stabbed him a few times, he would still hold her tightly and not let go.

But her father had helped Wei Yan kill his father!

Xie Zheng’s jaw clenched tightly, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Fang Changyu as he said softly, “Don’t cry.”

He seemed to want to comfort her, but the blood in his eyes only deepened. “When I found out this result, I hesitated for several days before daring to see you.”

He removed his eye patch and mask as if wanting to take one last good look at her before leaving. “I also hope your father is not the instigator, but I can find no evidence that he isn’t. On the contrary, He Jingyuan, like me back then, was almost silenced on the battlefield. The old man was detained in the capital, while your father held evidence that could threaten Wei Yan…”

He looked at Fang Changyu, his dark eyes filled with fragments of despair. “Tell me, how can I believe your father isn’t the instigator?”

Fang Changyu’s tears fell even more fiercely.

She wanted to continue explaining but found herself at a loss for words. The deep affection between her parents was not enough to convince Xie Zheng that her father was truly innocent.

Xie Zheng’s gaze fell on her hands, stained red with blood. “You just had your wounds bandaged. How did it get like this again?”

He sounded like he was scolding her. Lowering his eyes, he untied the bandages to treat her wounds, just like before, and tore off a piece of his robe to wrap around her hand, calmly instructing her, “Don’t let it touch the water before it heals, and don’t lift heavy objects…”

“Xie Zheng.”

The person in front of him called his name with a choked voice, a single tear landing on his hand.

She was trembling all over.

Xie Zheng’s hand stiffened for a moment as he silently tied the bandage on her hand. When he looked up, he suddenly cupped her face and kissed her fiercely.

It was more passionate than any kiss they had shared before, their lips and tongues entangled as if he were madly devouring her.

Fang Changyu even tasted blood and the saltiness of tears.

But he quickly pulled away.

He pressed his forehead against hers, and the love, hatred, and unwillingness in his eyes were visible to her.

He said, “Fang Changyu, the one who died in Jinzhou, whose body was displayed after being opened up, was my father. I can choose not to hate, but I cannot allow myself to love the daughter of Wei Qilin again. This is the best path I can choose for you.”

He held her face in both hands, watching her cry so hard that he even gently wiped her tears, but his words were resolute: “If I kill Wei Yan and survive, I will never leave the North again in this lifetime. I will never see you again, and when you marry in the future, don’t let me know.”

He smiled self-deprecatingly, but his eyes were devoid of any light: “I know what kind of person I am. If one day I regret today’s decision, even if I die, I will drag you into my coffin and bury you with me.”

He looked at her and said softly, “I can do that.”

It was unclear whether he was saying this for Fang Changyu to hear or for himself.

Fang Changyu stood there, tears streaming down her face.

Perhaps fearing to frighten her, Xie Zheng gently stroked her cheek with his thumb and finally said softly, “I’m leaving.”

After saying this, he withdrew his hand and rode away.

It was as if he feared that if he stayed for even a moment longer, he would regret it.

Fang Changyu only came to her senses after Xie Zheng had gone far away. She shouted, “Stop!”

The person riding away truly halted his horse at her words.

Seeing this, Fang Changyu felt the tightness in her chest surge even more.

Taking a deep breath, she said, “I will uncover the truth of that year, clear my grandfather’s name from these seventeen years of infamy, and give your father and all the soldiers who died unjustly in Jinzhou an explanation.”

After saying this, without waiting for Xie Zheng to respond, she turned her horse around and fiercely cracked the whip, heading back.

😭 I knew there were too many chapters left to avoid something terrible happening…dammit. I admire his resolve in a way – it is true that this is an enmity that would lay between them.

It reminds me a little of another novel, I think by the same author, Transmigrated as the Princess Consort of a Fallen Nation. The novel that the FL transmigrated into has this plot line initially, where the OG FL’s dad is supposedly responsible for the death of the OG ML’s dad, so he takes out his hatred on her and she ends up eventually proving her own father was set up to take the fall. Thank goodness the novel deviates from that because it sounds like a lot of angst…and here I am reading a similar plot 😆

what the title?

I rarely read historical novel because of this. The plot! I know 170+ chapters are too good to be true. Why Xie Zheng whyyyy!

ok this was a perfect match because change linhe is going to kill in this role angst king

yes

ugh so complicated!!! the true will be reveal

I mean it was already inevitable that this would happen but this still made me cry 😭

This is good, atleast they talked, unlike the other stories I’ve read where the ML would suddenly change attitude and hurt the fl.

even I’m glad they were honest to each other standing by their opinions and still laid out their hearts to each other

Reading at 1am. Am i crying? Yes!

Ughhh the angst is so good!

It’s hurt..😭😭🫶💜

This angst is absolutely delicious! I love it. 😭
He’s resolute now because the news is fresh and it’s painful. But can he bear it when some other male starts hanging around her? This girl is pretty and amazing. She is not going to be short on suitors. How will he handle that? It’s probably going to drive him mad. His love and obsession with her is already pretty unhinged as it is. I’m looking forward to all the juicy angst to come.

So this is a ‘lovers to kinda enemies/kinda strangers’ trope? Please be lovers again with happy ending T-T my precious babies. Their communication even while parting was so good, I don’t think I’ve seen another couple do this. They are officially my favourite couple.

the way my smile faded 😭😭 I knew something other than the war would happen when it has 170+ chapters but I wasn’t prepared for this.

I need a drink.

I already had this hunch that the truth about Changyu’s parents will put a wedge in her relationship with Xie Zheng but reading this now, I can’t stop myself from shedding tears. They are such a power couple who genuinely love and care for each other and so it’s hard to see them part ways plus I don’t even wanna think about the marriage suggestion between Xie Zheng and the Imperial princess arghhh I hope that won’t happen ever! Sighhh, I am legit hurting for them huhuhu my babies 😭😭

I hope Li Huai’an courts her & XZ will die of jealousy. Remember When they wished each other to Find partners who are gentle, kind, etc?

Pendejos no duran nada siendo felices 💔

I did not read 100 chapters just for them to do this but at the same time I already knew this was coming. Like give xie heng and fan girl some break but hopefully she already have some achievement when it all get resolved so that they could stand beside each other proudly. I neglected work because of this so you better make this worth it.

I hate him!!
She was okay without him, but he made her believe they could have a future together! Why people promise things they can’t fulfil??

What if they had already remarried? What would he do? Divorce her? I just hope he doesn’t end up married to the princess before he ends up married to her.

Reading this chapter while listening to a sad Chinese music was just such a potent mix

Why do I read something about hating Xie Zheng? His father died, his mother killed herself out of grief, he lost his parents at the young age and all his life he live it for revenge. what do you want him to do after knowing everything? Give it up for the fl? is that even fair? if the situation is reverse I know you can’t say that.

he loves her but apparently his vengeance is far greater than that love.

even if it was indeed her family who caused his father’s death, which I highly doubt, he knows she’s innocent of it all. it happened years before she was even born, so I don’t understand why she has to be burdened by guilt by the very person who promised to never leave her. but I guess I also understand that rationality rarely takes precedence when you’re angry.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 105

The sun retreated behind the clouds as the wind stirred the reeds on both sides of the gentle slope. The beige tassels drooped low, and the figure of a young woman in riding attire grew increasingly distant among the waves of reeds across the wilderness, eventually becoming a tiny reddish-brown dot.

Xie Zheng sat mounted and motionless, his bangs fluttering in the gentle breeze. Beneath those loose strands, his eyes were bloodshot, the whites webbed with crimson vessels.

That distant reddish-brown speck finally vanished into the depths of his blood-threaded pupils.

His face remained expressionless as he pulled the reins to turn his horse around. With casual indifference, he clicked his tongue, and his warhorse began trotting in the opposite direction.

Yet the hand gripping the reins was taut with bulging veins, and upon closer inspection, the reins were stained a rouge color—clearly, his palm had been pierced by his fingernails.

Fan Changyu whipped her horse vigorously, galloping wildly until no one could be seen before or behind her. Only then did she stop.

In the mild weather, even the wind was hushed, with only the fine down of reed flowers dancing gently in the breeze.

Seated on horseback, she lifted her head to gaze at the vast expanse of heaven and earth, forcing herself to take deep breaths. Her chest felt leaden, making it difficult to breathe.

She had never felt so helpless since her parents’ death.

Her maternal grandfather had been condemned as a criminal by the world for seventeen years. If this wrongful accusation couldn’t be cleared, he might become infamous for generations to come.

Her father, whom she had once revered most, was Wei Yan’s man. Even his marriage to her mother might have been part of a conspiracy.

The Crown Prince of Chengde, General Xie, and thousands of soldiers had died tragically when Jinzhou fell because reinforcements and supplies never arrived.

The weight of all these lives pressed heavily on Fan Changyu, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

She certainly believed her father could never have committed such a foolish act, but her unwavering trust meant nothing without concrete evidence.

Faced with such a monumental historical crime, how could she not feel overwhelmed?

Even with her head held high, tears rolled uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes, trailing down her cheeks to fall upon the desolate wilderness.

She knew she shouldn’t blame Xie Zheng for not believing her, but she couldn’t help feeling devastated.

Fan Changyu reached out to wipe her cheeks clumsily, finally letting out an audible sob.

Her warhorse, seeming to understand its master’s mood, remained still. Horse and rider stood motionless in the reed-filled wilderness, accompanied only by muffled crying.

When Fan Changyu returned to the military camp, only a slight redness beneath her eyelids betrayed that she had been crying.

Xie Wu waited anxiously at the camp’s main gate. Upon seeing Fan Changyu return, he hesitated briefly before stepping forward to take her horse’s reins as he had always done, carefully addressing her: “Squad Leader.”

Fan Changyu dismounted and walked toward the camp with her usual composure. Once they were far from the gate sentries, she asked, “Did he tell you to stay?”

Her voice was somewhat hoarse but otherwise betrayed no emotion.

Xie Wu, hearing this, realized she must have caught up with Xie Zheng. He replied, “When the Marquis sent Seventh and me to accompany Squad Leader to Chongzhou, we were permanently assigned to you.”

Fan Changyu paused, and Xie Wu explained, “With the Marquis, once something is given, it’s never taken back.”

Looking at Fan Changyu, he added awkwardly, “If Squad Leader doesn’t wish to keep us either, we can only return to military service, starting again as foot soldiers.”

Fan Changyu kept her eyes lowered, her thoughts unreadable. After a while, she said, “Then you two shall stay.”

She paused before adding, “Whatever fortune I gain, you’ll share in it too.”

Xie Wu quickly clasped his hands in salute: “Following Squad Leader into battle and protecting the common people is our aspiration.”

Fan Changyu patted his shoulder without further comment.

The bandages on her hands were thinner now, allowing for basic movement.

Xie Wu’s words had effectively ended any thoughts she might have had about sending him and Seventh Xie away.

So far, she hadn’t found any orderlies in the military camp who could match Xie Wu and Seventh Xie’s capabilities. They had served beside Xie Zheng for years and were thoroughly familiar with military affairs. Sending them away and training new orderlies would be a long and troublesome process.

With countless matters requiring attention, Fan Changyu didn’t want to create additional problems for herself just to prove a point.

Moreover, having Seventh Xie watch over affairs in Changning gave her peace of mind.

Upon returning to her quarters, Fan Changyu found not only Centurion Guo but also several unfamiliar centurions waiting for her, each having brought gifts.

Looking at the table piled with pastries, wine, medicinal tonics, and the array of eager smiling faces, she finally understood they had come to visit her.

However, among them were some leaning on crutches or with arms in slings, which caught Fan Changyu by surprise.

In her memory, she barely had any connection with these people, and some appeared even more severely wounded than herself. Why would they make a special trip to see her?

Centurion Guo, noticing her looking oddly at the roomful of silent visitors, took the lead as both her immediate superior and the most familiar face present: “After you returned from the battlefield, you were unconscious for two days and nights. Everyone was quite worried. When they heard you had awakened today, they decided to come visit together.”

Fan Changyu responded politely: “Changyu is grateful to all the officers.”

The group quickly waved off her formality, saying she was being too distant.

Fan Changyu privately mused that except for Centurion Guo, she had probably met the others no more than three times before today. How could they claim to be close?

Nevertheless, she graciously invited them to sit: “Officers, you’re all injured, please don’t remain standing.”

The men just smiled warmly, though after sitting, they found little to say.

Since Fan Changyu’s quarters didn’t have enough chairs, Xie Wu borrowed several benches from other tents.

Fan Changyu felt the atmosphere in the tent was rather strange, with everyone seemingly uncomfortable yet trying hard to appear familiar with her.

Only Centurion Guo, eyeing a jar of wine someone had brought, spoke directly: “Squad Leader Fan, since everyone’s here, why don’t we open a jar of wine?”

In the military camp, camaraderie was built not only on the battlefield but also over drinks.

A shared jar of wine could turn strangers into confidants.

Fan Changyu, noting that Centurion Guo’s head was still wrapped in white cloth, hesitated: “Everyone’s injured…”

The soldiers, probably also feeling the awkward atmosphere, unanimously insisted it was fine. One said, “Even during victory celebrations, we’re usually covered in wounds. If we had to avoid drinking because of injuries, we’d never get to enjoy wine and meat!”

This comment drew laughter from the other soldiers.

Some more perceptive ones, noting Fan Changyu’s injured hands and her being a woman, said, “Let us brothers make merry, but don’t pressure Squad Leader Fan. Her injuries seem serious, we shouldn’t urge her to drink.”

The quicker-witted ones caught on and added, “Yes, yes, we brothers just crave the wine. We’re used to joking around, Squad Leader Fan shouldn’t take it seriously.”

The centurion who had brought the wine chimed in at the right moment: “You bastards, this is Du Kang wine I’ve been saving for ages, and you’re trying to mooch it from Squad Leader Fan!”

Even if Fan Changyu wasn’t well-versed in social niceties, she could see they were trying to curry favor with her.

After brief consideration, she understood why.

Her performance in the battle at Chongzhou City had made her famous. Everyone in the military knew she was due for a promotion. During the past two days, while she was unconscious, they couldn’t visit to establish connections. Today, as soon as she awoke, she was summoned by He Jingyuan. Anyone could see she had earned He Jingyuan’s appreciation.

This promotion might not be just one or two ranks.

For low-ranking military officers like Centurion Guo and the others, if they didn’t establish good relations with her before the official promotions came through, they might struggle even to have a conversation with her in the future.

She recalled Tutor Tao’s words in the carriage when she first joined the military.

Was it better to have an empty title with no capable subordinates, or to start from the bottom and cultivate your talented team?

After being appointed Squad Leader, she had focused solely on selecting capable people from her few dozen subordinates. Only now did she truly understand the meaning behind Tutor Tao’s words.

After her promotion, the truly useful people would be found here.

She suddenly understood why Centurion Guo wanted her to treat everyone to drinks.

Fan Changyu turned to Xie Wu and said: “Go fetch some wine cups. I’ll personally pour for all the officers!”

Xie Wu was startled at first, then understood Fan Changyu’s intention. He hurried out and returned with a stack of wine cups, arranging them on the table.

While some still tried to decline, Fan Changyu said: “We must drink until we’re drunk. Just think of it as satisfying your craving for wine.”

With things put that way, no one wanted to spoil the mood.

Due to her injured palm making it difficult to bend her hand, Xie Wu helped remove the red cloth sealing the wine jar, and she filled each cup.

Once all the centurions held their cups, Fan Changyu raised hers and solemnly addressed them: “I’m new to the military, and I thank all the officers for their guidance these past days. I hope we’ll have the chance to share wine again in the future!”

Whether her words were sincere or diplomatic didn’t matter; she drained her cup in one go.

Today she toasted those in her tent; in the future, others would be toasting her.

Seeing this, the centurions raised their cups and replied: “Squad Leader Fan is too kind. We all hope to drink with Squad Leader Fan again!”

They too drained their cups.

As they set down their cups, the centurions were visibly more cheerful, their expressions much more relaxed than when they first arrived.

This shared drink represented an unspoken alliance and choosing of sides.

Military merit wasn’t easy to earn on the battlefield, especially for those who had already reached the position of centurion. For ordinary soldiers who had served for ten years and reached this rank, without meeting an influential patron or possessing extraordinary talent, this was typically as far as they could advance.

Their initiative in showing goodwill to Fan Changyu demonstrated their clear understanding that her upcoming promotion was based on military merit and that she would need capable subordinates. If she could promote some of them, they would consider themselves fortunate to have found a patron.

At the moment Fan Changyu accepted their goodwill.

After finishing the wine and exchanging a few more pleasantries, the gathering gradually dispersed.

Centurion Guo was the last to leave. Once alone in the barracks, Fan Changyu rose and bowed respectfully to him, “Thank you for your guidance earlier, Centurion Guo.”

Centurion Guo, being straightforward, didn’t mince words, “Drop the formalities, it’s making my teeth ache. And it wasn’t guidance. Even if you hadn’t drunk with those brutes today, they’d still be willing to work under you when you’re short-staffed.”

He glanced at Fan Changyu and continued, “But they’re all old hands in the military camp. They might appear to respect you on the surface but secretly harbor resentment. Not even sharing a bowl of wine with them shows you don’t respect them. That’s an unwritten rule in the camp.”

Fan Changyu nodded, “I’ll remember that.”

She added sincerely, “If there’s anything else I don’t understand in the future, I’ll come directly to you for advice, Centurion Guo. Please don’t find me troublesome.”

This was a subtle attempt at alliance-building.

Centurion Guo responded candidly, “I outrank you for now, so I won’t mince words. When you get promoted, if you can use me, I’ll follow you. I misjudged you earlier, thinking you were just here for military merit. I’ve fought many battles, but never killed so satisfyingly on the battlefield. I thought being a centurion was my limit, but now I want to fight for a general’s rank too!”

After Centurion Guo left, Xie Wu said to Fan Changyu, “Congratulations, Team Leader!”

She now had a group of people under her command who could be useful to her.

Fan Changyu rubbed her brow tiredly and said, “This skill of telling people what they want to hear isn’t something just anyone can master.”

Xie Wu simply smiled, “The Team Leader has figured out how to build connections in the military camp.”

Fan Changyu lifted her eyelids to look at him, “What I said to you on our way back wasn’t just pleasantries. I’ll assign both you and Xiao Qi as my guards.”

Without waiting for Xie Wu’s response, she instructed, “I have a headache. You may go now.”

Xie Wu gave Fan Changyu a look before withdrawing.

Fan Changyu sat alone, lost in thought. She could vaguely see that what she would face in the future would be even more complex.

But to uncover the truth about the past, she had to get closer to the center of power.

Her gaze fell on the halberd on the weapon rack, recalling Xie Wu’s words, “What the Marquis gives away, he won’t take back.” Her emotions became complicated once again.

If she hadn’t noticed and followed him then, he might have left without a word.

Was Xie Wu’s statement meant to reassure her that she wouldn’t have to return everything he had given her?

The bitterness she had managed to suppress on the way back began to spread in her heart again.

Fan Changyu didn’t want to dwell on these unpleasant emotions. Her head was also aching from processing too much shocking information, so she decided to rest for a while.

As she inadvertently touched the silver pieces under her pillow, she remembered the soldier in her team who had given her all his pay before the expedition. Sleep suddenly eluded her.

Earlier, when she had woken up, Xie Zheng, disguised as Xiao Wu, had told her that thirteen men in her team had died in battle, and seventeen were severely wounded.

She had intended to visit her men then, but Marquis He Jingyuan had sent someone to fetch her, causing a series of delays.

Fan Changyu immediately called for Xie Wu and, taking the pastries and supplements the centurions had given her, went to the lower barracks.

The soldiers weren’t as well-informed as Centurion Guo and his peers, but they knew that once the rewards were announced, Fan Changyu would likely be promoted directly to general.

They wanted to ingratiate themselves too, but Fan Changyu had been unconscious for the past two days. Today, when she finally woke up, Marquis He Jingyuan had summoned her away. By the time she returned, the centurions had already gone to pay their respects. There was simply no opportunity for the soldiers.

So when they saw Fan Changyu’s approach, they were surprised and stammered, “T-Team Leader.”

The large military tent had communal beds, with each tent accommodating twenty-five men. It was cramped, but given that they were at war, conditions couldn’t be much better.

A few beds were empty, clearly belonging to the soldiers who had died in battle.

There were no tables in the tent, so the only place to put things was on the military beds. The items Fan Changyu brought were placed on the empty beds.

Fan Changyu asked, “Whose bed is this?”

A nearby soldier with his arm in a sling and bandages around his head immediately teared up and said, “Reporting to Team Leader, it’s Ge Mazi’s. He was my fellow villager. He… he might have been trampled on the battlefield. I searched for two days but couldn’t find his body.”

Towards the end, the soldier wiped his eyes with his good arm, his voice trembling with suppressed sobs.

Fan Changyu asked, “Does he have any family?”

The soldier replied, “His mother and sister.”

Fan Changyu said, “When the rewards and pensions come, I’ll set aside a portion from my reward to send to his family.”

She looked at the other soldiers in the tent and promised, “The same goes for all of you. In the future, no matter who dies, their parents, siblings, and children will become our parents, siblings, and children. We’ll take care of them together.”

These words brought tears to many soldiers’ eyes, and they shouted hoarsely, “Agreed!”

Whether it was due to the heart-protecting mirror she had given him or not, the soldier who had entrusted her with his pay before the battle had indeed returned alive, with only minor injuries.

Fan Changyu returned the silver to him, saying, “From now on, you needn’t worry about your parents having no one to support them.”

The soldier took the silver, smiling sheepishly with reddened eyes, and agreed. He then tried to return the heart-protecting mirror to Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu said, “Keep it. I don’t need it.”

The soldier thanked her again and, under the envious gazes of his comrades, carefully put away the precious mirror.

One of the bolder soldiers asked hopefully, “Team Leader after you’re promoted, can we still follow you?”

Fan Changyu replied, “Of course you can.”

In this battle, although they had defeated the Chongzhou army, it was a narrow victory.

Marquis He Jingyuan had been hit by a stray arrow, and the Chongzhou rebels spread rumors of his death, causing chaos among the Jizhou army, and resulting in heavy losses.

If they hadn’t luckily killed Prince Changxin and turned the tables on Chongzhou, the outcome of that day’s battle would have been uncertain.

Her ability to stab Prince Changxin when he was off guard was largely due to his underestimation of her upon discovering she was a woman.

After the rebels retreated into the city that day, they had kept the city gates tightly closed for the past two days. It was said that Prince Changxin’s eldest son was temporarily in charge within the city.

Marquis He Jingyuan didn’t order an immediate follow-up attack for two reasons: first, his injury was indeed quite serious, and second, although the Jizhou army’s situation was slightly better than that of the rebels inside Chongzhou city, it wasn’t much better. They had suffered severe losses in manpower and needed time to recover.

At this point, there weren’t enough troops. Even if Fan Changyu were promoted, she wouldn’t be directly assigned to a new troop. Most likely, she would be tasked with leading this current unit under a higher-ranking general.

With Fan Changyu’s assurance, the soldiers were visibly more at ease, feeling that as long as they followed her, even going into battle wasn’t so frightening.

Fan Changyu’s heart was filled with mixed emotions. She carefully inquired about the condition of each wounded soldier under her command and earnestly remembered the names of every soldier who had died in battle.

After leaving the barracks, she let out a deep breath and gazed at the distant horizon, her eyes growing increasingly determined.

The more she understood the cruelty of the battlefield and the hardships of the low-ranking soldiers, the less she could tolerate the possibility that the Battle of Jinzhou seventeen years ago was a conspiracy.

The reputations of Crown Prince Chengde and General Xie were still highly praised among the common people.

The tragic deaths of this heir apparent and this pillar of the nation were mourned by the people, but those soldiers who died unjustly on the battlefield also had families waiting for their return.

The truth should not be buried by the intrigues of those in power—

Kang City.

Dark clouds pressed down on the city, threatening a thunderstorm.

Cold winds whipped the banners on the city tower, making the lonely, towering walls appear even more low and weak beneath the rolling thunderclouds.

Fine raindrops seemed to strike their faces, intensifying the chill.

The deputy commander, standing at the battlement of the city wall, looked down at the sea of black that was the Yanzhou Xie family army, no less imposing than the thunderclouds. His voice began to tremble, “Young… Young Master, news from Chongzhou says that the Prince has fallen. Chongzhou city will likely be taken in a matter of days. Marshal Wu’an gathering his troops to attack our city now means he’s determined to take Kang City…”

“If he attacks, we defend. That’s all there is to it.”

The person beside him spoke these words without inflection, a pale jaw in the cold wind and fine rain, carrying a frost-like chill.

For a moment, it was impossible to tell whether this was indifference born of resignation or confidence.

Compared to last time, Sui Yuanqing seemed to have lost even more weight, the dark circles under his eyes deeper, and the whites of his eyes laced with bloodshot lines.

The deputy commander knew that attacking a city during a rainstorm didn’t favor the attackers, but with Marshal Wu’an commanding the opposite side, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

Marshal Wu’an was known for his unconventional tactics, never following the strategies in military books. It was even rumored that if one were to compile all the tactics Marshal Wu’an had used in his battles, it would make for an entirely new military treatise.

The deputy commander carefully peered out from the battlement and saw that the Yanzhou army below hadn’t even brought scaling ladders for the siege.

The army spread out like black iron beyond the range of the tower’s archers and had crossbowmen at the forefront. These were not ordinary crossbows that could be drawn by arm strength alone; the crossbowmen had to lie on the ground and use the power of their waist and legs to cock them. Assistants beside them would load three arrows into the slots, and when fired in unison, the arrows flew toward the city tower like a meteor shower.

The defenders at the tower battlements didn’t even have time to react before they were shot through, both men and arrows.

Although not as powerful as siege crossbows that could penetrate city walls, at this range, the damage to personnel far exceeded that of ordinary arrows.

The deputy commander’s face turned pale with fright. He pulled at Sui Yuanqing, nearly ducking and running into the city tower. He panicked, “Young Master, this is bad! Marshal Wu’an intends to launch a direct assault!”

Below the city tower, behind the crossbow formation and in front of the cavalry, stood a war chariot.

Gong Sun Yin, emulating his predecessors, held a feather fan, his white robe billowing in the battlefield’s fierce wind, appearing almost divine.

He glanced at the thick black thunderclouds gathering over half the sky, then looked at the person beside him, whose men and horses all exuded a cold, murderous aura. He asked puzzledly, “It’s about to rain heavily. If we want to attack Kang City, we don’t need to rush it in a day or two. Why insist on deploying troops at this time?”

The Ferghana warhorse under Xie Zheng stomped its hooves restlessly. Xie Zheng held a halberd in one hand, his palm wrapped with a small bandage. A faint wet streak appeared on the black iron blade as raindrops slid across it.

He coldly gazed at the Kang City tower dozens of zhang away, the taotie beast’s head on his pauldron fierce and ominous, accentuating the ruthlessness between his brows: “Before the thunderstorm descends, Kang City should fall.”

Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but look at him again. He knew this man had always been arrogant, but he never imagined he could be this arrogant.

Recalling his seemingly normal yet subtly abnormal behavior since returning from Chongzhou, he suddenly frowned and said, “Why do I feel like you’re fighting this battle as if you’re venting?”

He is venting his broken heart.

I hate Xie Zheng! He pressured her so much to follow him, what would had happened to her if she had agree?? He would have just discarded her now and she would be left without anything but a broken heart! I’m so happy she decided to stand by herself instead of been supported by him…

Totally agree!

Had changyu made a different choice she would have been no different from the tofu maker story she told xie zheng😢

the story of the tofu lady is just about the status while their situation exceed beyond that. This is about his dead parents. He can’t just throw it away for her

I’m not on Xie Zheng side. As a reader, we read both of their POV so I just can’t understand where the hate for Xie Zheng is coming from. Yeah, maybe he chased her so much but that’s before he knew about the enmity of the past generation. So we can’t judge his decision when all his action is rationale. He never actually hurt her or said words to hurt her. He distance himself respectfully and honestly.

finally a sane comment! even if xie zheng is well read and smart how can he overlook something so traumatizing especially without any evidence

I agree with you! Both of our leads know themselves well, to the point that they even know what things could change/break their hearts. Xie Zheng knows that ignoring past enmity would only come to haunt him in the future, as he didn’t the closure he’s been fighting for most of his life. If not now, later when things get hard, he might develop hatred towards the woman he loves so he knows it’s better to end it before he passes the point of no return. I believe Changyu also understands this, that’s why she’s determined to uncover the truth so that it gives both of them the closure & ability to put aside the their tangled history. Xie Zheng leaving her wasn’t because he hates her, but because he loves her too much to subject her to the possibility of being hated/used as pawn to take him down. He refused to tangle her even more in his quest for revenge. He loves her that much, to set her free so she could live without being hurt by his revenge. But what he doesn’t know is that Fan Changyu has reasons to believe that his grandfather & father were innocent & had been manipulated. How can you convinced someone who’s been hellbent on pursuing revenge just from your knowledge that your father would never do such a thing? Both of our leads are in such dilemmas and this creates the bitterest angst. We can only hope that Changyu would uncover the truth soon, and that the truth would mend both of their broken hearts (and ours!)

Xie Zheng makes me mad. if he is so learned, it seems out of character for him to decide to separate. Changyu herself did nothing wrong to him and she also lost her parents because of Xie Zheng’s Uncle. both are hurt due to the other’s relatives but its not directly Changyu or Xie Zheng’s fault.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 106

His eyes gazed blankly at the people in front, then suddenly turned to give him a cold sideways glance.

Just then, a gust of cold wind blew past. Gongsun Yin wasn’t sure if it was the wind or that look that sent a chill down his spine.

He quickly shifted his gaze towards the distant city wall, waving his feather fan a couple of times to change the subject: “The rebels on the city wall have been subdued by our crossbowmen. We can begin the assault now!”

Xie Zheng also withdrew his gaze, once again looking towards the city wall of Kang City, which appeared somewhat diminished under the pressure of the thunderclouds. His thin lips uttered two words: “Begin assault.”

The herald officer beside him, having received his instruction, climbed onto a temporary platform erected in the middle of the formation and shouted: “Begin assault—”

The sprawling military formation extended to the open fields outside Kang City’s gate. The command couldn’t be relayed by shouting alone to such a distance. Over a hundred flag officers, upon hearing the order from the front, raised their command flags and rode their horses along a small path left open in the formation for horses and men to pass. They galloped towards the various square formations neatly arranged at the rear, shouting: “Begin assault—”

In an instant, beneath the city wall of Kang City, the black iron army could be seen advancing like a tidal wave with an overwhelming force. In the dark mass of troops, scarlet command flags rolled like swimming dragons in the black sea waves. The battle cries shook the low-hanging thunderclouds in the sky, making them seem to sag even further. In the distance, the city wall of Kang City appeared like a fragile small boat that could be capsized by a single wave in this surging black military tide.

The defenders on the city wall, already demoralized by the earlier rain of arrows that had swept through like a plague of locusts, now saw the Yanzhou army charging towards them like hungry wolves and tigers. Their faces turned pale with fright.

Even though the Yanzhou army had entered the range of the city wall’s archers, not a single person on the wall reacted to loose arrows.

Everyone had only one thought in mind: It’s over.

There was no point in continuing this battle!

Sui Yuanqing, enraged, drew his sword and struck down the nearest archer, shouting: “What are you doing standing there? Loose arrows!”

The defenders on the city wall finally started to nock arrows and draw their bows with trembling hands, but they were shaking so badly they could barely draw the bows. The few arrows they managed to lose barely flew a few zhang before falling, causing no damage at all.

The deputy commander, though having seen a few major battles, still felt his soul tremble at the sight of the Yanzhou army surging forward like a sea tide below the city wall.

The end of that military formation seemed to merge with the dark thunderclouds pressing down from above, making it feel as if all of Kang City had been enveloped by this blackness.

Let alone the common soldiers, even he felt his calves weakening, unable to muster any fighting spirit.

He pushed past several archers trembling as they loosed arrows at the battlements, found Sui Yuanqing, and said anxiously: “Young Master, Kang City is surely lost. Let me cover your retreat. As long as the green hills remain, one need not worry about firewood!”

Sui Yuanqing coldly turned his dark, gloomy eyes to stare at the deputy commander like a dead object: “Retreat? Where can we retreat to?”

The deputy commander’s beard twitched, his eyes darting about, not daring to meet Sui Yuanqing’s gaze. Of course, he knew that besides Chongzhou, Kang City was the Sui family’s only retreat.

Covering Sui Yuanqing’s retreat was a pretense; he simply didn’t want to throw away his life in this inevitably lost battle.

Sui Yuanqing, perhaps seeing through his thoughts, suddenly placed the sword he had just used to cut down the archer against the deputy commander’s neck.

The cold blade, still sticky with fresh blood, pressed against the skin of his neck. The deputy commander’s neck instantly broke out in goosebumps, his eyes revealing terror.

Sui Yuanqing had been pleased by his reaction. Looking at him, he smiled and said in a voice both gentle and sinister: “If General Ma speaks such words that demoralize our troops again, this Young Master will surely take your head.”

The deputy commander knew Sui Yuanqing’s capabilities well. Even if he couldn’t hold Kang City, taking his life before the city fell would be more than easy. He immediately professed his loyalty: “Even if this subordinate dies, he will die on this city wall. This subordinate was only concerned for the Young Master’s safety!”

His words were high-sounding, and Sui Yuanqing didn’t bother to scrutinize their truth. He just looked at him with a mix of mockery and indifference: “General Ma’s loyalty and bravery comfort me greatly. Go command the soldiers to defend the city.”

The deputy commander, having escaped death by a hair’s breadth, felt immensely relieved and quickly saluted before hurrying away.

When Sui Yuanqing turned back to look at the battlefield below, his face could no longer maintain even that cold smile. The hand propped on the stone brick of the wall’s battlement showed bulging veins, his jaw clenched tight.

Launching an assault before a thunderstorm, and with such a grand display – throughout history, perhaps only Xie Zheng had ever done this.

Anyone who had read even a bit of military strategy knew not to engage in large-scale siege warfare during a rainstorm. The gale and rain would greatly reduce the range and damage of arrows.

Yet Xie Zheng did the opposite and succeeded.

The range of bows and arrows would be limited by the strong winds before a storm, so he used crossbows with greater range and power than regular bows.

Dark clouds pressed down on the city, and the Yanzhou army’s formation spread out like a black ocean. A man borrowed the power of nature – the visual impact alone was enough to terrify the defenders of Kang City.

The highest strategy in the art of war had always been to attack the enemy’s mind.

Before this battle, he had never imagined that someone could use psychological warfare in such a simple, direct, yet brilliantly effective manner.

In the past, he had always refused to acknowledge Xie Zheng, thinking that he was merely a few years older, with the reputation his father Xie Linshan had left in the army, and some lucky breaks on the battlefield that had allowed him to establish his military achievements.

He thought that if it were him, he wouldn’t do any worse than Xie Zheng.

But after several encounters, the sense of predestined defeat in his heart grew stronger and stronger.

In this life, he could never become Xie Zheng.

He had reached his current position by studying military strategies and stratagems, but Xie Zheng was someone who could create new military strategies and stratagems.

In this world, what makes people most envious and most powerless is that one-tenth of natural talent can’t be matched even with ten-tenths of effort.

The Yanzhou army had reached the base of the wall. Scaling ladders were set against the city wall, and the defenders on the wall frantically shot arrows and threw rolling stones, only to be blocked by the round shields made of fine steel carried by the Yanzhou soldiers climbing the ladders.

At the city gate, dozens of men carrying a battering ram were shouting their cadence as they rammed the gate. The defenders above lifted logs and stones to throw down, but Yanzhou soldiers joined their round shields to form a large, semi-circular iron shell protecting those carrying the battering ram.

The stones and boulders thrown from the city wall fell onto the shields and rolled to the ground. The Yanzhou army at the base of the wall suffered almost no casualties.

Sui Yuanqing watched all this coldly, like an outsider. Stripping away all emotions of jealousy, anger, and unwillingness, looking at this siege battle, he almost wanted to praise it as perfect.

A general on horseback should die on the battlefield. If he were to die in such a grand battle, Sui Yuanqing even felt a sense of relief and liberation in his heart.

After a tremendous crash, the city gate was finally broken open. The deputy commander, his face covered in blood, pushed through the panicked defenders scurrying on the wall to find Sui Yuanqing. He knelt before him and said, “Young Master, the gate has been breached. Kang City truly cannot be held!”

The fine rain was falling more densely now. Sui Yuanqing turned his head slightly, looking at him with a casual smile, and uttered just two words: “Get lost.”

The deputy commander didn’t understand his meaning, but Sui Yuanqing had already taken his weapon from a guard and was walking towards the base of the city wall, his steps leisurely and casual, against the flow of defenders scattering like headless flies.

The deputy commander watched his retreating figure, secretly sighing that this man must have gone mad.

With the gate breached, the city’s defenders fled in panic.

The fine drizzle that had been falling like cow hair gradually turned into raindrops the size of soybeans, falling very sparsely from the black clouds in the sky.

Xie Zheng rode in with a dozen members of his guard, encountering Sui Yuanqing in the barbican.

Sui Yuanqing stood there alone on horseback, with the corpses of over a dozen Yanzhou soldiers lying beneath his horse’s hooves. His long spear dripped with fresh blood as he looked at Xie Zheng provocatively and said, “Xie upstart, do you dare come forward to die?”

The personal guards on either side of Xie Zheng showed anger on their faces and immediately wanted to spur their horses forward, but were stopped by Xie Zheng’s halberd held across their path.

He said calmly, “Fall back.”

The dozens of personal guards looked at each other and retreated several zhang.

Seeing this, the bloodlust and excitement in Sui Yuanqing’s eyes grew even stronger. He gripped his long spear, forcefully squeezed his horse’s belly, and with a great shout, charged towards Xie Zheng to kill.

This attack, with man and horse as one, was almost unstoppable.

But Xie Zheng sat motionless on his horse, not moving an inch. His Ferghana warhorse, having accompanied him on battlefields for many years, showed no fear at this sight.

Only when Sui Yuanqing’s weapon was almost at his face did Xie Zheng raise his halberd to block?

With a sharp clang that set one’s teeth on edge, the crescent-shaped blade below the tip of the halberd firmly caught Sui Yuanqing’s spearhead. The collision of two immense forces sent Sui Yuanqing and his horse staggering back half a step.

He clenched his jaw, his face contorted.

But before he could pull out his weapon, the shaft of the long halberd struck him heavily in the waist and abdomen.

In an instant, Sui Yuanqing felt as if his internal organs had been shattered. As he flew off his horse, he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

When he hit the ground, his vision went dark and he saw double.

Only the soybean-sized raindrops falling on his face still gave him some sense of coolness.

The “Sui” banner on the city wall was cut down by the Yanzhou soldiers who had climbed up, its pole severed. The wind wrapped around the banner, blowing it down to fall at Xie Zheng’s horse’s feet.

The horse’s hoof mercilessly trampled on it, and the halberd blade wrapped in dark gold dragon patterns was placed against Sui Yuanqing’s neck.

Xie Zheng held the halberd with one hand, looking down at him from horseback with the indifference of one looking at an ant: “Has Young Master Sui’s decade and more of martial arts training all been practiced on his tongue?”

Sui Yuanqing ignored this taunt. His mouth full of blood, he looked at the blurry figure before him, as unassailable as a mountain, and laughed with a sense of perverse joy, saying, “Kill me, make it quick.”

Xie Zheng looked at him coldly but withdrew his halberd, ordering his guards behind him: “Tie him up and take him back.”

As the guards came forward to drag Sui Yuanqing away, he shouted hoarsely, “Xie Zheng, if I’m to die, dying by your blade would be more satisfying. Those executioners are not worthy of taking my head!”

The raindrops were falling more densely now, leaving bean-sized watermarks on the city bricks on the ground.

Xie Zheng had already ridden his horse a few steps forward. Hearing this, he turned back to look at him and said coldly, “There’s someone Young Master Sui might see who could make him not so eager to die.”

Sui Yuanqing was soon bound and taken away by the guards.

Gongsun Yin arrived late, using his feather fan to shield his head from the increasingly dense raindrops. He clicked his tongue and said, “So it’s true that as soon as this thunderstorm started, Kang City fell?”

Xie Zheng ignored him and continued riding into the city, ordering his subordinate commanders: “Once the main army enters the city, do not harm the civilians.”

All the commanders saluted and agreed.

…

The thunderclouds that had gathered above Kang City eventually turned into a rainstorm that did not cease for a day and a night.

Inside the room, bright candles burned high. Xie Zheng was bare-chested, his taut muscles appearing even more defined in the dim candlelight.

On his back was a diagonal wound that stretched across his entire back. The ends of the wound had scabbed over, but the middle part had split open again, with black-brown scabs and bright red flesh mixed, looking particularly gruesome.

He hadn’t even applied medicine, simply wrapping clean white cloth around his body. Though the pain made cold sweat bead on his forehead, he didn’t even blink.

The discarded clothes were messily piled on a nearby low table. Among them, a crudely carved wooden figurine with proudly upturned eyes stood out conspicuously.

The door was suddenly pushed open, and Gongsun Yin came in excitedly to report: “I took that Zhao fellow to see Sui Yuanqing. You don’t know…”

His words came to an abrupt halt as he saw Xie Zheng’s bloodied and mangled back. He frowned and asked, “When did you receive such a serious injury?”

Xie Zheng’s expression was extremely cold. He quickly finished bandaging himself, tied a knot, and put on his outer robe, saying, “I was injured when capturing Zhao Xun.”

Gongsun Yin was very surprised: “The Zhao family could afford such formidable guards?”

Xie Zheng directly changed the subject: “How is Sui Yuanqing doing?”

Gongsun Yin had lost all his previous excitement and simply said, “He no longer wants to die, he only wants to kill his way back to Chongzhou to behead his false brother and save his mother.”

After speaking, he brought up Xie Zheng’s injury again. He glanced at the low table, not seeing any medicine bottle, and his brow furrowed even deeper. He asked Xie Zheng, “Your back wound has split open like that? You’re not applying any medicine?”

He asked suspiciously, “I’ve been thinking you’ve been acting strange since you came back. Could it be that you’ve had another quarrel with Miss Fan?”

Xie Zheng suddenly spoke coldly, dismissing him: “If there’s nothing else, leave.”

Gongsun Yin was startled, realizing he had guessed correctly. He rarely saw Xie Zheng looking so displeased and figured they must have had quite a serious conflict. He no longer felt like teasing.

From years of friendship, he knew the temperament of the man before him. It wasn’t good to say much at this time. As he was leaving the room, he glanced at the figurine on the low table again.

There wouldn’t be such an ugly ornament in Xie Zheng’s room. It must be something he brought back from Chongzhou this time.

After walking far from the room, Gongsun Yin called over a guard and whispered instructions: “Go to Chongzhou…”

“ Xie Zheng was bare-chested, his taut muscles appearing even more defined in the dim candlelight” hubba hubba! Sigh!

this poor couple 😭

Un ugly figurine 😬🤭

Zhu Yu – Chapter 107

After Gongsun Yin left, Xie Zheng sat silently in front of the low table.

His hair was still damp from bathing, with wet strands scattered across his forehead. In the candlelight, his high bridge nose cast a shadow, and his thin lips were lightly pursed, giving him an air of stubbornness and wildness.

His long fingers picked up the ugly yet adorable and proud doll, examining it for a while before gently stroking it twice with his fingertips.

Beneath the low table lay a large package brought by his guard from Yan Prefecture.

He untied the rope, revealing two sets of clothing, a pair of unworn double-stitched short boots, and a pack of dried tangerine peel candy.

It was the package Fan Changyu had entrusted to Carpenter Zhao to deliver to him.

The rainy weather had caused some dampness, and the items inside carried a faint hint of moisture.

Xie Zheng unwrapped the oiled paper containing the dried tangerine peel candy. Some of the candies had melted slightly, with a few sticking together.

As if he hadn’t noticed, he picked up one piece and put it in his mouth. Instead of letting it dissolve slowly, he immediately chewed and swallowed it.

After swallowing one, he picked up another and continued chewing.

The bitterness, sourness, and sweetness of the dried tangerine peel candy spread across his tongue.

Towards the end, he could barely taste the sweetness, only the sourness and bitterness remained.

In Chong Prefecture.

The rain poured heavily outside, while a single candle flame inside the tent kept the cold, damp air at bay.

Fan Changyu sat cross-legged on the military bed, staring blankly at the empty chest beside her.

She had taken out all the clothes and placed them on the bed, but still couldn’t find the crudely carved wooden doll.

Although she was the only one living in this military tent, occasionally she would call in squad leaders and corporals to discuss matters. She always kept her personal belongings neatly organized.

Her spare clothes were stored in the chest, and she would take out the wooden doll to carve whenever she had free time, and then put it back in the chest with her clothes.

Earlier, when she casually picked out some clothes to change into before meeting He Jingyuan, she hadn’t noticed anything amiss.

Now, in the quiet of the night, she wanted to take out the doll to carve it more delicately, but it was nowhere to be found.

Footsteps sounded outside the tent, followed by the sound of an oil-paper umbrella being closed. Soon after, Mrs. Zhao entered, holding a dripping oil-paper umbrella in one hand and a bowl of medicine in the other. She used her elbow to lift the tent flap, muttering, “This rain is frighteningly heavy!”

She placed the oil-paper umbrella against the tent wall and walked towards Fan Changyu with the medicine bowl. Seeing all the clothes taken out of the chest, she asked, “Why have you taken out all these clothes?”

Remembering that Mrs. Zhao had been taking care of her daily needs during her two days of unconsciousness, Fan Changyu quickly asked, “Mrs. Zhao, when you were tidying up my clothes, did you see a wooden doll in the chest?”

Mrs. Zhao shook her head, “I didn’t see any wooden doll.”

Noticing Fan Changyu’s distressed look, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu just shook her head, her almond-shaped black eyes reflecting confusion and bitterness in the candlelight.

How could the doll have suddenly disappeared?

Xie Wu, though her guard, would never overstep and touch her personal belongings.

During the two days she was unconscious, the only person who had entered this military tent was Xie Zheng, disguised as Xie Wu.

Did he take the doll?

Mrs. Zhao said, “Drink this medicine while it’s hot. I need to go back to your Uncle Zhao’s tent to help him brew some more medicine.”

Fan Changyu’s hand injury hadn’t healed yet, so Mrs. Zhao had been staying in the military camp to take care of her. During the day, when she had time, she would help the military doctors brew medicine or wash the soiled clothes of the seriously wounded soldiers.

This battle had resulted in heavy casualties among the troops. Even Carpenter Zhao, a veterinarian, had been called upon to bandage and treat the wounded soldiers.

He had initially been anxious, fearing his limited medical skills might harm the wounded soldiers. However, he soon discovered that the newly recruited military doctors for treating the wounded were even less familiar with various medicinal properties and prescriptions than he was.

Upon inquiry, he learned that they were mostly country doctors, some even just herb gatherers who could identify medicinal plants. Carpenter Zhao felt somewhat uneasy about this.

But he also understood that this was unavoidable. With thousands of wounded and only a handful of military doctors, many injuries required prompt treatment. How could the military doctors manage it all?

They had no choice but to recruit anyone with even a bit of medical knowledge within a hundred-mile radius to treat the wounded soldiers.

Regardless of their medical expertise, having some treatment was better than none at all.

Drawing on his experience of treating Xie Zheng’s severe injuries, Carpenter Zhao successfully saved many wounded soldiers and was exceptionally promoted to official military doctor.

The military has always shown great respect for doctors. Carpenter Zhao no longer had to work as a carpenter or veterinarian and even had his separate military tent.

Fan Changyu snapped back to reality. For the past two days when she had been unconscious, Mrs. Zhao had no choice but to watch over her at night. Now that she was awake, Mrs. Zhao didn’t need to take care of her constantly. She took the medicine bowl and said, “It’s pouring rain, and it’s dark in the camp. It might be difficult to walk. I’ll have Little Wu escort you there. You can rest at Uncle Zhao’s place after you’re done, no need to come back here.”

Her tent was quite a distance from the wounded soldiers’ tents, and it would be tiring for the old lady to go back and forth.

Fan Changyu understood Mrs. Zhao’s desire to do something for the wounded soldiers.

The Zhao couple had lost their son on the battlefield years ago. When Mrs. Zhao came to the military camp and saw the soldiers in the infirmary, she was reminded of her fallen son and cried. She treated those wounded soldiers like her own children, keeping herself busy without a moment’s rest.

Perhaps it was to make up for the regret of not being able to do anything when they learned of their son’s death on the battlefield years ago.

Mrs. Zhao, however, was still worried, “Will you be alright alone at night?”

Fan Changyu, holding the bowl, said, “My hand injury is only skin deep and affects the tendons, the bones are fine. It’s not a big deal.”

Mrs. Zhao hesitated for a moment before saying, “Alright then. If you need anything, just send Little Wu to call me.”

Fan Changyu agreed and then called for Xie Wu, asking him to escort Mrs. Zhao to Carpenter Zhao’s tent.

After the tent flap closed again, shutting out the rain and the endless darkness, Fan Changyu finally sank into silence.

She held the medicine bowl, and as she lowered her head, it seemed as if drops of water had fallen into the dark medicine, creating ripples.

She drank it all in one go, not minding that the bitterness of the medicine made her stomach cramp slightly. After placing the empty bowl on the small stool by the bed, she stuffed the clothes back into her chest, shook out a thin blanket to wrap herself in, and went straight to sleep with her head covered.

It was half a month later when the battle report of the slaying of King Changxin was sent to the capital and the imperial envoy arrived in Chong Prefecture with the imperial edict of rewards.

When the imperial envoy entered the camp, Fan Changyu was the only person below the rank of colonel in the welcoming party.

The arrival of the imperial edict was as if the emperor himself had come, and all civil and military officials had to wear their official robes.

He Jingyuan, still not fully recovered from his severe injuries, forced himself to don the heavy armor and lead his subordinate generals to welcome the imperial envoy at the main camp gate. His face was so thin that his cheekbones protruded, his cheeks were sunken, and he even had a sickly gray color, causing his subordinate generals to feel distressed at the sight.

Fan Changyu’s heart sank as well. He Jingyuan’s injuries were not just from arrows; when fighting against King Changxin, he had also taken a lion-headed spear blow meant for Tang Peiyi, injuring his internal organs, which was why his condition had not improved.

When He Jingyuan wrote the memorial to send to the capital, he had already stated that he was seriously injured and feared he could no longer serve as the main general in the attack on Chong Prefecture. It was unclear what instructions this imperial edict would bring.

She stood at the back, only seeing a group of people walking majestically towards the main camp from outside. The person in the lead wore an official robe she had never seen before, unlike those of civil officials or military generals. His face was old and wrinkled, yet pale and beardless, giving an indescribably strange appearance.

Upon seeing He Jingyuan, the person raised his eyelids haughtily and said in a high-pitched voice, “Governor of Ji Prefecture, He Jingyuan, receive the imperial edict—”

Fan Changyu then realized that this person must be one of the legendary eunuchs who served on the emperor’s side.

He Jingyuan led everyone to kneel. Fan Changyu, fearing she might offend and bring trouble upon him, didn’t dare to look at the eunuch proclaiming the edict anymore and only kept her eyes on the ground in front of her.

“By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The rebels in Chong Prefecture have disrupted our land and oppressed our people. Governor of Ji Prefecture, He Jingyuan, has upheld the state and executed the rebels, greatly comforting Our hearts. Now learning that you are gravely injured, We hereby bestow upon you the title of Great General of Huaihua, award you a thousand taels of gold, temporarily transfer command to General of Xuanwei, Tang Peiyi, and permit you to return to Ji Prefecture for recuperation.”

As soon as the words fell, the crowd kneeling at the main camp gate showed various expressions.

This imperial edict granted He Jingyuan a higher military rank in name but stripped him of his military power.

Tang Peiyi was kneeling just behind and to the left of He Jingyuan. He had been promoted by He Jingyuan himself and held great respect for him. Upon hearing this edict, he became visibly agitated, wanting to say something to He Jingyuan, but constrained by the fact that the eunuch hadn’t finished proclaiming the edict, he could only kneel in place, burning with anxiety.

The eunuch continued reading: “General of Xuanwei, Tang Peiyi, for his meritorious service in building dams to block the rebels and for the exceptional performance of the right-wing army he trained on the Chong Prefecture battlefield, demonstrating the talent of a great general, is hereby promoted to General of Cloud Cavalry and awarded five hundred taels of gold.”

“The subordinate generals have also shown great bravery. Wang Daqing, for slaying the rebel vanguard, is appointed as General of Roving Cavalry and awarded one hundred taels of gold; Gou Si, for slaying a rebel colonel, is appointed as Colonel of Determined Fruit…”

This imperial edict was quite lengthy, almost bestowing titles and rewards on all the military officers kneeling at the main camp gate. Fan Changyu now understood why she had been called to come as well – it was for the collective rewards.

The battle merits reported to the emperor were all written by He Jingyuan, so he probably had an idea of who would be rewarded, which was why he had called these people over in advance.

However, Fan Changyu’s name was not mentioned for a long time.

Just as her knees were starting to go numb from kneeling, she finally heard the eunuch mention her name: “Right-wing Army Commander Fan Changyu…”

Fan Changyu was startled and instinctively looked towards the eunuch, who happened to be looking at her as well.

That gaze seemed to be smiling, but it inexplicably made Fan Changyu shudder. She couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but it made her whole body uncomfortable, so she quickly lowered her head.

The eunuch continued reading: “For slaying King Changxin, achieving extraordinary merit, is hereby appointed as Colonel of the Valiant Cavalry and awarded three hundred taels of gold. By imperial decree!”

Fan Changyu didn’t know how significant the rank of Colonel of the Valiant Cavalry was, but hearing that the reward was three times that of Wang Daqing, a subordinate of Tang Peiyi, she surmised that this position must not be insignificant.

After the eunuch finished reading the imperial edict, the arrogant expression on his face disappeared, and he smiled at He Jingyuan, saying, “General He, please accept the edict.”

His eyes also glanced towards Fan Changyu.

Even in his illness, He Jingyuan’s voice remained strong: “He Jingyuan accepts the edict!”

The eunuch then handed the imperial edict to He Jingyuan, his face wearing a smile that seemed friendly but made people inexplicably uncomfortable. He said, “Congratulations, General. Felicitations to you.”

He Jingyuan looked at the imperial edict in his hands, his eyes showing a hint of weariness. He smiled and said, “It is His Majesty’s grace.”

Tang Peiyi immediately said with indignation, cupping his fists: “General, this subordinate is not worthy of the position of commander. I beg the General to continue leading the army!”

He Jingyuan shouted, “Nonsense! Are you intending to defy the imperial edict?”

Tang Peiyi wanted to say more, but seeing the eunuch smiling and watching like a spectator, he finally held back.

He Jingyuan then turned to the eunuch and said, “Your Excellency has come from afar, it must have been a tiring journey. We have prepared a humble tent in the camp. If you don’t mind, please go and rest for a while.”

The eunuch smiled and said, “Not tiring at all, not tiring at all. It is loyal ministers like General He who toil on the frontlines that are truly exhausting. But whether it’s a minister like you or a servant to His Majesty like me, we eat the emperor’s food, so we must share his worries, isn’t that right?”

He Jingyuan understood the implied meaning in the eunuch’s words. His face remained impassive as he replied, “Your Excellency’s words are most astute.”

The eunuch looked at He Jingyuan, his smile deepening: “It’s good that General He understands.”

After the subordinates led the eunuch and his entourage away, Tang Peiyi could no longer contain himself. He spoke up for He Jingyuan, “General, how could His Majesty simply strip you of your military power?”

Half angry and half indignant, he lowered his head: “I can’t take over your duties! I can’t handle this situation in Chong Prefecture!”

He Jingyuan simply said, “Foolish!”

“General…”

Tang Peiyi wanted to say more but was interrupted by He Jingyuan, who said, “This military power, if not falling to you, will be given to someone else sent from the court. Compared to the latter, I’d rather have you take over the Ji Prefecture army.”

As he spoke, he patted Tang Peiyi’s shoulder.

Tang Peiyi, a man of eight feet, actually reddened his eyes and said, “If it weren’t for the General saving me that day…”

He Jingyuan suddenly sighed and said, “Peiyi, I am indeed getting old.”

Tang Peiyi looked at his graying temples and emaciated form, which had changed so much in just half a month. His eyes filled with sorrow, and he could no longer utter a word of refusal.

Fan Changyu also felt quite uncomfortable watching this.

Since ancient times, it seemed that the fate of military generals was always to be discarded once their usefulness was over.

Because of the worries in her heart, even though she had been awarded a military rank and received a reward, she couldn’t feel any happiness at all.

He Jingyuan let everyone disperse, but for some reason, she stood rooted to the spot, not leaving.

He Jingyuan saw her and didn’t seem surprised. He said, “Walk with your elder uncle for a while.”

Fan Changyu responded with an “Mm” and followed half a step behind He Jingyuan.

Due to his injuries, He Jingyuan moved slowly, and despite wearing full armor, his scholarly elegance and gentle demeanor remained evident.

After walking for a while in a quiet area, he said slowly, “I haven’t concealed the matter of killing King Changxin from you. Now the entire court knows about you. From now on, you need to be vigilant; countless eyes are watching you in the shadows.”

Fan Changyu replied, “Changyu understands.”

He Jingyuan sighed, “The Chancellor can no longer tolerate me. I don’t know when he might strike at you sisters. You can’t hide from this. Letting everyone know about you will make the Chancellor think twice before acting against you.”

Pausing for a moment, he continued, “The faction of Grand Tutor Li has already traced your parents. He wants to bring down Wei Yan, and he will go to any lengths to protect you for now. Li Huai’an remains in the military as a commander. Although he is humble and courteous, and of good character, he is still a member of the Li family—do not trust him too readily.”

Fan Changyu sensed the elder’s good intentions and felt a wave of gratitude. She replied earnestly, “Changyu will remember this.”

Only then did He Jingyuan look at her and nod gently, his gaze reflecting a mixture of affection and pity that an elder has for a younger person. “This path has been difficult for you.”

Thinking of her parent’s deaths, the enduring shame her grandfather had faced for seventeen years, and the day she parted ways with Xie Zheng, her dark apricot eyes remained solemn yet sparked with determination. “It’s not difficult.”

I wish it have a love triangle here 😂 … still waiting for romantic scenes but the fighting scene are more 🤭😅😅😅

We love strong female lead.

I’m already mas at Xie Zheng. if there’s is honest 2ML, I’ll be on his side hahahahba

I wonder when The imperial Princess will make an appearance ?

And then XZ will receive another punch in the face from an upset FCY. 😀

Yo no quiero un triángulo amoroso es los más estresante jaja prefiero seguir leyendo sobre guerras y cerdos que un tercero en discordia 😩

Zhu Yu – Chapter 108

By the time Fan Changyu returned, news of her appointment as Xiaoqi Duwei had already spread throughout the camp. Everyone who saw her said, “Congratulations, Duwei Fan!”

Fan Changyu merely nodded slightly to acknowledge these faces, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Although she had mentally prepared herself, when the day arrived, she still felt uncomfortable. With her promotion, she naturally moved to a new tent. Those who came to congratulate her far outnumbered the previous Baihu visitors, most of them being officers of General and Xiaowei rank.

Fan Changyu dared not be negligent, but the social graces required weren’t something she could master overnight. She was far from being at ease, but fortunately, the battle wasn’t over yet, and private feasts were inappropriate in the military camp. This saved her from having to host banquets for these visitors.

Faced with a chorus of congratulations, she imitated the manner of promoted military officers she had heard about from storytellers, clasping her fists and saying “Thank you” to each well-wisher.

It was only then that she realized the military camp wasn’t short of flatterers. Several unfamiliar officers were practically hailing her as a prodigy.

“I heard of Duwei Fan’s reputation back when the great dam was being built in Jizhou. Even as a commoner, she was concerned for the world, intercepting three scouts on a rainy night, allowing the rebels to be lured into the river valley, and implementing the plan to flood them!”

“The battle at Yixia Gorge where she beheaded Shi Hu was truly brilliant. Armed with just two butcher’s knives, she managed to take Shi Hu’s head! And now she’s performed another extraordinary feat, saving Lord He and killing the King of Changxin!”

The crowd exclaimed in admiration, “Truly, heroes can come from anywhere!”

Fan Changyu humbly replied, “You all flatter me. My ability to kill the King of Changxin was merely luck.”

An officer immediately interrupted her, “Duwei Fan, don’t be so modest. Even if it was luck, not everyone has such fortune!”

As others agreed, an officer with a small mustache on each corner of his mouth and chin lamented on her behalf, “By rights, beheading the King of Changxin should be the greatest merit. It was also the Duwei who led the right-wing army into the heart of the rebel forces after the vanguard was scattered. How come the court only awarded a fifth-rank official position of Duwei, with a mere three hundred taels of silver as a reward?”

Fan Changyu was slightly startled, silently noting that Xiaoqi Duwei was a fifth-rank official position.

She remembered when Xie Zheng, disguised as Xie Wu, had told her that beheading the King of Changxin should be worth a thousand taels of reward.

Yet she had only been given three hundred taels. This reward, written in the imperial edict, wasn’t something any official would dare to embezzle, so it must have been the Emperor’s decision to give her only this much when determining her reward.

For a moment, Fan Changyu couldn’t figure out the reason.

But this man’s words implied that Tang Peiyi had claimed credit for her military achievements.

With so many people present, many of whom were unfamiliar faces, the man’s words would undoubtedly lead to gossip if spread.

He Jingyuan’s warning still fresh in her mind, Fan Changyu became alert and immediately said, “The tactics for attacking Chongzhou and the troop deployments were all the hard work of Lord He and General Tang. They are the ones who truly deserve the credit. For a mere squad leader like me to be promoted five ranks at once is already a great imperial favor from His Majesty. Moreover, my experience in the military is still shallow, and I feel uneasy about holding the position of Duwei. I’ll need everyone’s support in the future.”

In the military camp, an unranked military officer in charge of fifty men should accurately be called a Squad Leader, but because there were both senior and junior Squad Leaders, people were accustomed to calling the senior Squad Leader “Squad Chief” and the junior Squad Leader “Squad Deputy.”

Fan Changyu’s words left no room for misinterpretation. The other officers had already broken into a cold sweat when that man made his ambiguous statement.

They had only come to congratulate Fan Changyu because they would be working under her from now on. If those words reached Tang Peiyi’s ears and caused him to disapprove of Fan Changyu, how could they, as subordinates, have any prospects if their immediate superior wasn’t favored by the commander?

So when they heard Fan Changyu’s modest words that also praised He and Tang, everyone in the room breathed a sigh of relief and quickly agreed, “The Duwei speaks the truth. Both generals have great merit, but the Duwei is also worthy of this position!”

The matter seemed to be settled. Fan Changyu was preparing to see her guests off when an unexpected visitor arrived outside the tent.

“It seems quite lively in the Duwei’s quarters.”

This voice, as mild as a gentle breeze in March, was unmistakable.

Fan Changyu turned her head to see a page lifting the tent flap, and a man in a sky-blue Confucian robe walked in with a smile. It was Li Huai’an.

The military officers in the tent suddenly became nervous. Fan Changyu wondered if he had also come to congratulate her on her promotion, but she maintained proper etiquette and saluted, “Lord Li.”

Li Huai’an’s handsome eyebrow twitched slightly. His eyebrows were light in color, with a slight curve at the ends, making him appear even more gentle and harmless. Thus, this gesture, which might have seemed frivolous to others, remained pleasing to the eye on him.

He smiled lightly and said, “Duwei Fan is still so formal with me.”

He took a brocade box from his page behind him and said, “I heard that Duwei Fan received an imperial reward, so I prepared a small gift for the Duwei.”

Xie Wu, who was standing guard at the door like a door god, saw this scene and his eyes widened. If his gaze could become tangible, he would have burned two holes in the back of Li Huai’an’s head.

Although the Marquis was currently separated from the Duwei, Master Gong Sun had sent Xie Thirteen to Chongzhou to gather information for him, and the Marquis had immediately started dealing with the Kangcheng rebels upon his return, clearly unable to let go of the Duwei.

As for the Duwei, there was no need to mention – he had caught her staring blankly at that black iron saber several times.

What was Li Huai’an doing here, trying to curry favor? Taking advantage of the situation?

Xie Wu’s heart was in turmoil as he stared at Fan Changyu, hoping she wouldn’t accept the gift.

Fan Changyu furrowed her brow and said to Li Huai’an, “I appreciate Lord Li’s kind intentions, but private exchanges of gifts are not allowed in the military. I absolutely cannot accept this gift.”

The Baihu who had visited her earlier had come under the pretext of checking on her health, and what they brought were just inexpensive pastries and wine, which couldn’t be considered private exchanges. The military officers who came to congratulate her today weren’t foolish enough to directly give her gifts in the military camp, so they all came empty-handed. Therefore, it wasn’t difficult for Fan Changyu to refuse.

Hearing this, Li Huai’an smiled and said, “The Duwei misunderstands. This box only contains a few military treatises that I’ve annotated in my spare time.”

As he spoke, he opened the brocade box, and indeed, there were only a few half-worn military books inside, nothing else.

He discreetly tapped the bottom of the brocade box with his fingertip, his smile unchanging, “My humble gift is truly modest, making me the laughingstock. I hope the Duwei won’t mind.”

With him putting it this way, and it being just a few books, Fan Changyu truly found it hard to find a reason to refuse.

Moreover, Li Huai’an’s subtle gesture seemed to be hinting that she should accept the brocade box first.

Fan Changyu thought for a moment, feeling that if it was just a simple gift, he didn’t need to choose this moment when a group of military officers had come to congratulate her.

Her gaze swept lightly over the face of the mustachioed officer who had tried to sow discord between her and Tang Peiyi earlier, recalling what He Jingyuan had told her about Li Tafu’s faction not harming her at present. After a moment’s hesitation, she still accepted the brocade box Li Huai’an handed over, saying, “Then Changyu will respectfully comply.”

Li Huai’an’s expression seemed to relax a bit. He smiled and said, “My knowledge of military strategy is shallow. I only hope these annotated military treatises can be of help to the Duwei.”

Fan Changyu could only respond politely, “My Lord is too modest.”

After finally seeing off all the well-wishers, Fan Changyu collapsed into a chair, feeling a burning pain in her temples.

Who said the military was full of rough men? None of these people who had climbed their way up from foot soldiers to officer positions were fools.

That officer who deliberately set a trap for her, intending to drive a wedge between her and Tang Peiyi, was someone to be wary of in the future. However, such obvious thorns were easy to remove; it was the hidden ones that were worrisome.

Li Huai’an’s behavior was also inexplicably strange.

After everyone left, Fan Changyu carefully examined the box and found no hidden compartments. There were no notes tucked inside the military treatises, and the annotations on them were indeed just annotations.

She had no clue what it meant. Sighing, she asked Xie Wu, “Xiao Wu, what do you think Li Huai’an meant by hinting for me to accept these military books?”

Fan Changyu was asking about serious matters, so Xie Wu had to suppress his personal bias and help analyze, “With the change in military power in Jizhou, although the lower-ranking officers trust Old General He, now that he’s no longer in charge, they need to find a way forward under the new superiors. Just like when those Baihu came to curry favor with you earlier, Duwei. Accepting their goodwill, it’s a form of aligning and drawing support.”

He paused at this point, glanced at Fan Changyu, and then continued, “Li Huai’an… is probably trying to win you over as well.”

Fan Changyu understood, “By accepting these military books he sent, I’m now aligned with the Li family?”

Xie Wu nodded and added, “But he deliberately gave the gift in front of others, clearly wanting someone specific to know.”

Fan Changyu pondered carefully. The only one who wanted to kill her was Wei Yan, but whether she accepted the protection of Li Tafu’s faction or not, Wei Yan wouldn’t back down.

So the only one who could make Li Huai’an go to such lengths in this military camp seemed to be the eunuch who had just arrived today to deliver the imperial edict.

But the eunuch who delivered the edict was the Emperor’s man.

Could it be that the Emperor intended her harm? But why would the Emperor want to harm her? He Jingyuan hadn’t been interrogated yet, which meant her true identity wasn’t known to the court. Even if the Emperor was angry at her because of her maternal grandfather, why would he still grant her an official position?

Although this official position seemed to have been deliberately lowered.

The more Fan Changyu pondered, the more confused she became. She frustratedly ran her fingers through her hair.

In the past, she had Tao Tafu to teach her how to analyze situations. Now, with no news from Tao Tafu and He Jingyuan about to be recalled to Jizhou, she would have to figure things out on her own in the future.

Thinking of this, Fan Changyu’s gaze fell on the three hundred taels of gold displayed on a red silk tray on the table.

Each gold ingot weighed ten taels, and there were thirty ingots in total on the tray, gleaming brightly and catching the eye.

She thought for a moment and instructed Xie Wu, “Take out thirteen ingots and send them along with the allocated compensation to the families of the thirteen fallen soldiers. Take two more ingots to buy some tonics for the severely wounded soldiers. Also, find me some truly capable advisors; you can decide on their payment.”

Xie Wu nodded and said, “Duwei, you’re now a fifth-rank official. It’s proper to have a few advisors. But… isn’t the amount for the fallen soldiers too much?”

Ten taels of gold converted to about a hundred taels of silver, plus the five taels of official compensation from the court, totaling 105 taels.

Fan Changyu said, “This is what I promised the soldiers.”

The group of Baihu led by Baihu Guo could be useful to her in the future, but they couldn’t become her guards.

She still had too few people around her who were both useful and loyal enough.

She wanted to select two from the soldiers she led to become her guards.

Xie Wu was stunned by her answer but said nothing more.

As he was about to leave, Fan Changyu called him back, “Take these military books and let the soldiers read them too.”

Xie Wu was dumbfounded.

Fan Changyu said, “It’s beneficial for them to read more about military strategy.”

Realizing that Fan Changyu was letting him dispose of the books, Xie Wu was almost ecstatic. His smile nearly reached his ears, but fearing Fan Changyu would notice, he quickly composed himself and hugged the brocade box, saying, “Alright, I’ll take them down right away!”

After Xie Wu left, Fan Changyu stared at the Mo dao on the weapon rack for a while before taking out the books that Xie Zheng had annotated for her before and slowly began to read them.

Reading could make one smarter, and she needed to read more.

Li Huai’an’s gift of annotated books, whether coincidental or intentional, seemed too “coincidental” – from their first encounter on the mountain road to later helping her investigate the case files of her parents’ murder, discovering her questionable background, and then tracing He Jingyuan’s role in forging various documents for her parents.

In the Imperial Palace.

Among the jade pavilions and pearl towers, a beautiful woman in a bright red palace gown strode quickly, with sixteen palace maids with double buns following behind her with lowered heads and quick steps.

The old eunuch guarding the Imperial Study saw the woman from afar and immediately plastered a forced smile on his wrinkled face. He approached her, saying, “What wind has blown the Princess here…”

The woman’s face, as beautiful as a lotus, was cold. She pushed aside the old eunuch blocking her way with her sleeve and rebuked, “Get out of my way!”

The old eunuch cried out “Aiya” as he fell to the ground. Seeing that he couldn’t stop this ancestor, and fearing the wrath of the one inside, he could only cling to one of the woman’s legs and said in a shrill voice, “Princess, you can’t go in! His Majesty is tired and has just retired…”

As he spoke, the woman had already pushed open the doors of the Imperial Study.

The rich aroma of ambergris wafted out, causing her exquisitely made-up face to show a hint of disgust.

The old eunuch had already prostrated himself at the doorway, “Your Majesty, please quell your anger. This old slave deserves death for failing to stop the Princess…”

“Enough, withdraw,” came a young male voice from inside.

The old eunuch felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. As he bowed and retreated, he closed the doors of the study.

The Princess fearlessly looked at the person behind the dragon desk, dressed in bright yellow dragon robes, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand and looking exhausted. She coldly questioned, “You’ve arranged a marriage between me and the Marquis of Wu’an?”

The Emperor looked at the beautiful woman below the jade steps. The corners of his mouth curved up in a smile that seemed as innocent as a naive youth, but his eyes were like a venomous snake flicking its tongue in the darkness. “I’ve found a world-class hero as a husband for my Imperial Sister. Is my Imperial Sister not pleased?”

The Princess angrily said, “The Marquis of Wu’an met a commoner woman when he was in trouble and has already committed to her for life. Is Your Majesty trying to make me the villain who breaks up a loving couple?”

The Emperor said, “My Imperial Sister overthinks. She’s just a crude commoner woman. How could she compare to the pearl of our Great Yin Dynasty, my Imperial Sister? The Marquis of Wu’an has already cut ties with that woman.”

The Princess furrowed her beautiful brows and said firmly, “Impossible. The Marquis of Wu’an even asked the long-retired Tao Tafu to adopt that woman as his goddaughter so he could marry her as his principal wife. How could he have cut ties?”

The Emperor smiled, “Then my Imperial Sister truly doesn’t understand men. Can the weight of a crude commoner woman in his heart withstand the temptation of overwhelming power and the most beautiful woman in the world?”

The Princess’s face grew colder, “I cannot tolerate any deception.”

The Emperor said casually, “Don’t worry, my Imperial Sister. Once you’re married, you’ll never see that commoner woman again.”

The Princess’s face suddenly changed, “You killed her? Aren’t you afraid the Marquis of Wu’an will harbor resentment against you?”

The Emperor curved his lips slightly, “What’s strange about a general dying on the battlefield? The Marquis of Wu’an should blame and hate the rebels, shouldn’t he?”

In his early years, he had been marginalized by Wei Yan and had pretended to be foolish and timid to avoid arousing Wei Yan’s suspicion of his ambitions. Later, to win over Li Tafu, he acted docile and easily controllable in front of him. Over the past two years, he had gradually revealed his fangs.

Hearing his words, the Princess’s eyes revealed shock. She was speechless for a long time, seemingly frightened by his ruthlessness.

The Emperor looked at the woman before him, his smile benevolent and docile, just like the young emperor who used to pretend to be obedient and foolish, but his eyes were full of ambition and desire that he could no longer suppress.

He stroked the gilded dragon head on the armrest of the dragon throne, his casual tone filled with endless expectations, “Once Wei Yan falls, imperial power will return to my hands. With the Marquis of Wu’an by our side, what is there to fear from that old fox of the Li family?”

He tilted his head, smiling in an extremely good mood, “Given the Li family’s embezzlement over the years, execution of their entire clan would be justified.”

The Princess had never felt her weak and kind younger brother so unfamiliar. Goosebumps rose on her arms beneath the light gauze sleeves. She asked, “What about the Marquis of Wu’an? He commands a large army, aren’t you worried?”

The Emperor seemed about to say something, but as he looked at the Princess standing below, his smile deepened. He suddenly stopped and said, “Of course I’m not worried. After all, I have my Imperial Sister to keep an eye on him for me.”

“In this world, the person I trust the most is my Imperial Sister.”

The cold feeling in her limbs slowly crept up her spine.

The Princess forced herself to remain calm and curved her lips, “It is my fortune that Your Majesty trusts me so much.”

The Emperor seemed extremely pleased with her change in attitude. He said, “I knew my Imperial Sister would always stand by my side. My Imperial Sister can go back and prepare for a grand wedding.”

The Princess responded “Yes,” and after a slight bow, she turned and left the Imperial Study, trailing her magnificent palace gown, just as proud and straight-backed as when she had arrived, her expression still full of disdain for others, with the sixteen palace maids following closely behind.

No one knew that the thin gauze on her back was soaked with cold sweat, hidden only by her black hair.

After returning to her palace, the Princess closed the doors and angrily smashed a floor full of porcelain.

When she was tired of smashing things, she sat down on a nearby soft couch, supporting her forehead with one hand. Her snow-white brow remained furrowed, clearly still troubled.

The head palace maid carefully offered a cup of floral tea, coaxing, “Princess, please don’t make yourself ill with anger…”

The Princess took the cup, intending to drink, but remembering the Emperor’s words, she still couldn’t control her anger and threw the cup away. The shattered porcelain flew everywhere, startling the nearby maids.

“Who does he think he is? Born of a lowly palace maid, without any maternal relatives, yet he thinks to drag me into this muddy water!”

The Princess’s beautiful face was full of anger.

She was the most beloved daughter of the late Emperor, but not his first daughter. She only became the eldest princess because the princesses before her had all died young.

Her birth mother was of noble status; she and the Emperor were not full siblings.

The Emperor had probably been relying on her maternal family’s support all these years, which was why he had been close to her.

The head palace maid had been outside the hall and didn’t know what had been discussed inside. She thought her Princess was still angry about the arranged marriage. After careful consideration, she finally advised:

“Princess, Gong Sun San Lang has been avoiding you and refuses to take office, not even setting foot in the capital. Why do you still think of him? The Marquis of Wu’an has achieved great military merits and was enfeoffed as a marquis before the age of twenty. He is truly a first-class husband…”

“Shut up!” The Princess’s face suddenly turned cold, her nails almost breaking from the force with which she gripped the wooden armrest of the soft couch.

The head palace maid was completely stunned.

The Princess seemed to realize her reaction was excessive. She lowered her fan-like eyelashes to hide the emotions that had leaked out in that moment of loss of control. She covered it with a cold laugh and said, “Do you think the Marquis of Wu’an can have a good end?”

The head palace maid’s face showed shock. Realizing it probably involved court politics, she urgently said, “The imperial edict has been issued, and the imperial messenger has already left the capital. What can be done now?”

The Grand Princess sat in silent contemplation for a moment with her eyes closed, then suddenly said, “Grind the ink for me.”

– Kang City –

A troop of soldiers halted by the riverside. The captured bandits, tied up with thick ropes, were huddled together like zongzi dumplings. Over a dozen armored guards with swords stood watch over these caught fish.

The green grass along the riverbank was lush, though having entered summer, the stems had grown a bit old. The warhorses nuzzled around with their noses, searching for tender shoots to eat.

When Gong Sun Yin received the letter brought back by the personal guard he had sent to Chong Prefecture, his entire brow furrowed.

He asked, “Did the imperial court only bestow the title of Xiao Qi Du Wei upon Miss Fan for killing the King of Chang Xin?”

Xie Thirteen nodded, “It’s true. A eunuch from the Department of Ceremonial personally went to announce the decree.”

Gong Sun Yin was puzzled, “Is the head of the King of Chang Xin worth so little?”

He waved his hand, signaling Xie Thirteen to withdraw first. Then he glanced at the man standing by the riverside with his upper body bare, currently allowing a personal guard to pour water down his entire back to clean his wounds. Walking over, he deliberately raised his voice and said, “Miss Fan is truly a heroine among women. After beheading the King of Chang Xin, she was bestowed the fifth-rank title of Xiao Qi Du Wei.”

The water trickling down Xie Zheng’s back was tinged with a faint rouge color.

Hearing Gong Sun Yin’s words, his half-lowered eyelids only lifted slightly, but he still didn’t say a word, appearing cold and uninterested.

Over the past half month, he had been suppressing bandits everywhere, destroying all the bandit lairs around Kang City. The wounds on his back were constantly on the verge of healing before splitting open again.

Yet he hadn’t applied medicine even once.

After the personal guard once again filled a water bottle and poured it over the continuously bleeding wounds on his back, he seemed to feel it was enough and waved his hand to dismiss the guard. He then took his outer robe and put it on directly.

Gong Sun Yin watched with a furrowed brow and said, “If you keep treating your injuries like this, they’ll eventually cost you your life.”

Xie Zheng seemed too lazy to even reply. He tidied his collar and walked back, saying, “The bandit problem around Kang City has been eliminated. I have a business to attend to in Hui Prefecture. I leave this place to you.”

Looking at his sickly pale face under the sun, Gong Sun Yin wanted to curse at him directly but held back, only saying, “I heard Li Huai An annotated several volumes of military texts as a congratulatory gift for Miss Fan. My friendship with Miss Fan is somewhat better than his with her. I happen to be escorting Sui Yuan Qing to Chong Prefecture, so I won’t be staying in Kang City. I might as well bring a gift for Miss Fan too.”

Xie Zheng’s footsteps paused slightly. He said “As you wish” and continued walking without looking back.

Gong Sun Yin watched his silhouette as he mounted his horse, and finally cursed angrily, “Xie Jiu Heng! You’ve got guts! If you can let go, when you get back, throw that ugly doll in your room into the fire pit and burn it!”

The warhorse kicked up dust as it departed. The man on horseback didn’t give him any response.

The armored guards left behind were stunned for a moment before quickly following with the group of captured bandits.

Only Gong Sun Yin remained, still cursing and grumbling.

Xie Zheng only took two personal guards with him, traveling day and night to return to the Xie family home in Hui Prefecture.

His father had been stationed in the northwest years ago and had settled in Hui Prefecture. In a sense, the Xie family home in Hui Prefecture was the true ancestral home.

The Xie residence in the capital was only acquired when his father got married. Every blade of grass and every tree in that residence had been arranged according to that woman’s preferences.

The housekeeper guarding the Xie family home in Hui Prefecture was quite surprised to see Xie Zheng return in the middle of the night.

Though called a housekeeper, he was more of a family servant. They were all people who had followed his father in battle and lost an arm or a leg, unable to return to the battlefield in this lifetime.

The Xie family would support these people for life.

Xie Zheng didn’t disturb too many people. He went directly to the ancestral hall and knelt before the tablets above for an entire night.

It wasn’t until dawn the next day that the door of the ancestral hall was opened again from the outside.

A middle-aged man with a lame leg and a missing arm, but with a very martial appearance, limped into the ancestral hall. Looking at the person kneeling on the prayer mat, straight-backed like a tall cypress, he said calmly, “I heard the Marquis returned last night. Why didn’t you send someone to inform us?”

Xie Zheng said, “Uncle Zhong, I’ve come back to request punishment.”

The middle-aged man with a lame leg and missing arm showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, which quickly subsided. He asked, “How much punishment do you request?”

The Xie clan had ancestral rules. When any male of the Xie family committed a grave mistake, they had to come to the ancestral hall to request punishment.

In these seventeen years, the only time Xie Zheng had requested punishment was when he recaptured Jin Prefecture. He had retaliated in kind, as the Northern Yue people had slaughtered the Great Yin civilians, he too had ordered the slaughter of all Northern Yue people within Jin Prefecture.

The Xie clan had produced benevolent generals since ancient times. After the massacre, people only remembered his name as a killing general, no longer recalling the Xie clan’s tradition of benevolent generals.

For one who commands troops, being unable to control one’s murderous aura is a great taboo.

That one time Xie Zheng requested punishment, he asked for the heaviest family punishment in the Xie clan’s ancestral rules: one hundred and eight lashes.

Today, kneeling before the spirit tablets of the Xie ancestors, he also answered, “One hundred and eight lashes.”

This number made the middle-aged man’s eyes show surprise again. He asked, “What offense has the Marquis committed?”

Xie Zheng looked at the tablet in the center of the ancestral hall, Xie Lin Shan’s tablet, and said, “Uncle Zhong will know in due course.”

Xie Zhong had also been a battlefield veteran and was particularly sensitive to the smell of blood. The blood stains on Xie Zheng’s robe, wet from his reopened wounds, were especially obvious.

He hesitated and said, “The Marquis seems to have quite serious injuries.”

Xie Zheng only answered, “It’s nothing.”

Xie Zhong then took the python skin whip hanging on the wall nearby. After silently looking at Xie Zheng for two breaths, he asked, “Shall we begin?”

Xie Zheng gave a subdued “Mm” in response.

“Our ancestors were truly illustrious, their deeds recorded in Yin’s history. They taught their sons and grandsons, all based on righteous methods.”

Along with the recitation of the ancestral precepts came a heavy lash across Xie Zheng’s back.

Xie Zheng’s body trembled, his back as taut as a steel plate. His hands, hanging at his sides, clenched into fists to keep from falling forward.

But the clothing on his back was directly torn open by that lash, and a red, swollen welt, almost bleeding, rose on his skin.

The Xie family’s rule was that during punishment, the ancestral precepts were recited with each lash, to let the punished person know why they were being punished, and also to engrave the precepts into their bones.

“Looking up to interpret these teachings, further promoting auspiciousness. To all descendants, listen to my instructive chapters.”

“Crack!”

Another heavy lash came down, the welt overlapping with the wound on his back that had split open countless times. Blood and flesh splattered. Xie Zheng’s lips turned white with pain, cold sweat rolled down his temples like pearls, and the veins on his clenched fists bulged, but he still didn’t make a sound.

The Xie clan’s ancestral precepts fell with each lash of the whip. Xie Zheng’s entire back was crisscrossed with welts, already soaked in blood beyond recognition. Sweat hung from his eyelids, but he still kept his eyes open, staring unblinkingly at Xie Lin Shan’s tablet above the ancestral hall.

By the ninety-eighth lash, the blood flowing from his back had soaked through his robe, even pooling on the floor tiles.

He could no longer kneel steadily and his whole body began to fall forward. Shadows swam before his eyes, and he could barely see the tablets in the ancestral hall.

Xie Zhong’s arm was already sore, and the python skin whip in his hand was covered in blood.

He was the punisher for this generation of the Xie clan. No matter how reluctant he felt, he couldn’t go easy during punishment.

Only this time, he said, “Marquis, let’s stop here.”

Xie Zheng lay prostrate on the ground. The wooden doll tucked in his bosom fell out. His palm was already bleeding from clenching it so tightly in pain. When he picked up the doll, the palm-sized wooden figure was also stained with blood. He slowly moved his eyelids and asked, “How many lashes are left?”

Xie Zhong answered, “Ten lashes.”

Xie Zheng then used one hand to support himself on the ground, clutching the wooden doll with the other and slowly knelt up again. He straightened his back, covered in bloody marks, and said, “Continue.”

A flash of reluctance passed through Xie Zhong’s eyes, but he still recited the ancestral precepts loudly and swung the whip down hard.

Blood spattered on the floor tiles below, blooming like grotesque flowers.

Ten lashes, neither too many nor too few. When it was finished, Xie Zheng’s entire body was covered in blood. His fingertips had almost embedded into the wooden doll from gripping it too tightly. He hung his head, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Fearing that his injuries were too severe and might lead to complications, Xie Zhong hurriedly walked out of the ancestral hall to call someone to fetch a doctor.

Xie Zheng knelt on the ground, gasping for breath. His back had become almost numb from the pain.

After a while, when he had regained some strength, he forced open his eyelids that felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Looking at Xie Lin Shan’s tablet, he kowtowed once and said in a hoarse voice, “Your child has been unfilial.”

He had grown a person in his heart. He had carved out his entire heart, yet he still couldn’t bear to let go.

At first, constant battles and killing could temporarily numb his nerves, but later, even the pain of repeatedly reopening wounds couldn’t suppress his longing to see her.

Though his whole body was convulsing with pain, he just couldn’t wake up.

Or perhaps, he was already awake.

He just wanted to see her.

The longing made every bone in his body ache.

After enduring this punishment of one hundred and eight lashes, he could go find her.

Demi bersama Changyu, pengorbanan cambukan ini, benar2 membuat saya terharu 🥺

Xie Zheng hanya bertahan dua bab putus ama Changyu, haha…

my goodness..this hurts me through the screen..

poor Xie Zheng.. punishment himself

Can u stop hurting yourself, every corner of you skin bruised by u

I’m in tears right now…Xie Zheng….

I get why he’s done this. I just hope that he can go back to her without anymore self-hatred.

😣 Jesus christ, that was a tough read. I was stressed tf out the whole time, thinking, “Can this scene end already?” The things this man does to himself to deal with emotional and mental stressors are utterly horrific. Someone please get this man married to his little sun asap so she can start healing him already. 🙏

I do get why he did that, first he was suppressing his desire by hurting himself then he felt like he couldn’t have her without paying a huge price for it. This I believe is the mentality of someone who grew up in these kind of societies where punishment extreme and physical, this thinking was barbaric but also reality as they did live in a harsher world. This is fictional else I don’t think irl you’d survive through all these injuries not just ml but others also I noticed.

My heart 💔

Me rompe el corazón todo el sufrimiento de Zheng, pensar en ver este sufrimiento en la serie me entristece más 😞

if he love her so much, I couldn’t him give her the benefit of the doubt?
he doesn’t have any prove that her parents and grandparents were traitors and she would him she was sure they weren’t. he could have finished the investigation and decided after…. but no! he made they both suffer…

If he love her so much, I couldn’t him give her the benefit of the doubt?

He doesn’t have any prove that her parents and grandparents were traitors and she would him she was sure they weren’t.

He could have finished the investigation and decided after…. but no! he made they both suffer…

your perception of the story is so interestingly biased I almost forgot we’re reading the same one

He was a traumatised child, forced to live a life with no affection and restrained emotions. He held on to that hate for the people responsible for the deaths of his father. This has been his world view and to fight that world view is a very painful cognitive dissonance. He reacted emotionally with the reality that the person he loves is related to the person possibly responsible for his Father’s death, it’s not easy to shake that off. He needed time to process everything and here we see that his longing for her stronger than any hate he harbored. This was such a hard page to read.

The hardest chapter to read so far. The way he punished himself for falling for the alleged enemy’s daughter….how deep is his love for her? How can people doubt his love and devotion for Changyu? Oh Xie Zheng, you tortured soul. I hope you heal soon – let Changyu love you out of your misery T_T

Zhu Yu – Chapter 109

On the day He Jingyuan returned to Jizhou, Fan Changyu, Tang Peiyi, and other commanders personally went to see him off.

He Jingyuan’s injuries had not yet healed, so he couldn’t ride a horse. A green-canopied carriage waited for him outside the camp.

Before He Jingyuan boarded the carriage, Tang Peiyi bowed solemnly and said, “My lord, please rest easy in Jizhou. I will certainly capture Chongzhou and take Sui Yuanhuai alive, living up to your high expectations!”

He Jingyuan looked at him, nodding with satisfaction as he patted Tang Peiyi’s shoulder. His gaze swept over Fan Changyu and the other commanders who had once followed him, a hint of weariness in his eyes.

Everyone present today was one of his own, so he spoke without much restraint, “Peiyi, I entrust my niece to your care from now on.”

Tang Peiyi hastily replied, “Although Colonel Fan is a woman, she’s a fierce general admired by everyone in the army. It was Colonel Fan who intercepted and killed those three scouts, preventing our plans from being foiled. If Lucheng had been lost, even I would bear unforgivable guilt. In the future, it is I who will rely on Colonel Fan’s support.”

His promotion to commander was partly due to the military achievements of the Right Wing Army, so these words were not merely flattery.

He Jingyuan said, “This girl can be quite stubborn at times. Guide her in matters of the court.”

This time, Tang Peiyi didn’t say much more, simply accepting the responsibility.

He Jingyuan then turned to Fan Changyu. With mixed emotions, she called out, “Uncle.”

He Jingyuan said, “Serve well under General Tang and achieve great things.”

His eyes held complex emotions about many things from the past seventeen years, but those words could no longer be spoken in front of others.

Fan Changyu nodded firmly.

A commander standing beside Fan Changyu, with a circle of light beard on his chin and an overall martial appearance, reddened his eyes at this moment: “My lord.”

He Jingyuan just smiled at him and said, “I’ve kept you by my side for so many years, and your temperament has been tempered enough. Wenchang, go and make a name for yourself on the battlefield under General Tang’s command.”

This man was Zheng Wenchang, who had been transferred from Jizhou not long ago.

Previously, when rebels attempted to take Jizhou and attacked its gateway, Lucheng, He Jingyuan personally went to Lucheng to oversee the battle. He left Zheng Wenchang in charge of affairs in Jizhou, effectively making his eyes there to monitor Li Huai’an.

Now that Li Huai’an had found what he wanted and remained on the Chongzhou battlefield, and He Jingyuan was being transferred back to Jizhou, He Jingyuan feared Fan Changyu might be isolated in the army, so he transferred Zheng Wenchang over as well.

In the past, both Tang Peiyi and Zheng Wenchang were his subordinates, but Tang Peiyi was merely his superior, not as close as Zheng Wenchang, who was his student.

Now that Tang Peiyi held great power, He Jingyuan had to be cautious about many things.

After bidding farewell, He Jingyuan boarded the carriage returning to Jizhou.

As Fan Changyu returned to camp, she glanced at the vast sky, feeling a sense of melancholy.

As this journey progressed, it seemed that those close to her were leaving one by one, but she had to continue.

Just the night before, He Jingyuan had summoned her privately.

He told her to remain calm and first accumulate military merits on the battlefield. After suppressing the rebels and returning to the capital to receive the Emperor’s commendation, the matter of him helping her parents forge identities would be re-examined.

Once Wei Yan was implicated, with the Emperor and the Li family personally investigating, he wouldn’t be able to keep the events of seventeen years ago hidden.

He also told her that Zheng Wenchang was his man, and she could seek help from Zheng Wenchang if she encountered any difficulties.

Fan Changyu was incredibly grateful for He Jingyuan’s thoughtful arrangements.

Since her parents’ passing, apart from Madam Zhao’s family, she had never received such care from an elder.

As a high-ranking officer now, she could participate in discussions in the central military tent, but she hadn’t read many military books. Most of the time, she just listened to Tang Peiyi and others discussing in front of the sand table, occasionally getting so excited that it seemed they might come to blows.

Fan Changyu went from being completely lost at first to now understanding what they were saying, but the strategy for continuing the attack on Chongzhou was still not settled.

However, one thing was certain: in the next battle, she would be leading the vanguard.

Fan Changyu was assigned a cavalry unit of two hundred men. Although the number was small, it was sufficient as the spearhead of the vanguard.

Surprisingly, the leader of this cavalry unit was someone Fan Changyu had met before.

During the dam construction, when she was forced to dig for soil and stones, there was a man of immense strength among the detained civilians who always got chicken legs at mealtime.

Now, this small cavalry unit leader was that very man.

When he saw Fan Changyu, he didn’t seem particularly surprised, possibly because he already knew he would be assigned under her command.

Only one of his subordinate cavalrymen stared at Fan Changyu in astonishment: “By my mother’s name, isn’t this the lady who kicked down the women’s barracks door on the day the dam was destroyed and the rebels attacked?”

This cavalryman was also among the refugees from that day.

To improve battlefield coordination, Fan Changyu now had to split her time between training infantry and working with the cavalry.

Fortunately, the cavalrymen seemed to hold her in high regard, either having heard of her brave feat of beheading the Prince of Changxin or her exploits during the dam construction.

Fan Changyu also had to deal with the headache of learning about current affairs and world situations from the advisors Xie Wu had found, leaving her no time to closely manage what her subordinates were gossiping about in their spare time.

By the time the rumor of her ability to kick down city gates with one foot had spread throughout the army, Fan Changyu was completely bewildered.

She asked Xie Wu, “When did I ever kick down a city gate?”

Xie Wu replied, “I heard it was when the rebels attacked the Jizhou troops during the dam construction.”

Fan Changyu explained in shock, “I didn’t kick down a city gate, it was the door of the women’s barracks.”

Xie Wu chuckled and said, “Let the rumor spread. It’s all beneficial for the Colonel and has no downsides. It might even intimidate the enemy when we face them on the battlefield.”

Fan Changyu had recently read quite a few military books, and after several advisors had lost half their hair, she had finally grasped the Thirty-Six Stratagems, albeit in a rough manner.

Unfortunately, even after she offered several times the usual pay, none of the advisors were willing to stay and continue teaching her.

At this moment, she understood that what Xie Wu was talking about was a method of psychological warfare, and she couldn’t help but sigh, “So-called military strategy is just about who has the blacker heart, isn’t it?”

Xie Wu smiled sheepishly, “If outsmarting the enemy can save lives, then it’s a good thing.”

Fan Changyu nodded and then said, “Alright, find me a few more advisors.”

Xie Wu’s smile froze on his face.

One shouldn’t underestimate those pedantic scholars who didn’t enter official service but instead became guests in people’s households. They had incredibly efficient networks for sharing information.

He had spent considerable effort to find several truly talented advisors for Fan Changyu. When they heard they would be working under a newly promoted female general, they had reservations, but after hearing of Fan Changyu’s military exploits, they were willing to come and offer their services.

Unfortunately, after teaching for less than half a day, they all wanted to resign, complaining of headaches.

Fan Changyu hadn’t even finished reading military treatises, so how could they teach her?

Moreover, when it came to court politics, she didn’t even know which officials were in the court, let alone which ones belonged to the Wei faction, which to the Li faction, and which were neutral purists. It was exhausting to explain all of this to her.

The advisors felt their prospects were bleak. A military commander with only bravery and no wisdom was unlikely to advance in their career, and it would be a blessing from heaven if they didn’t die confused on the battlefield.

Forced by several large swords, they gloomily finished teaching Fan Changyu “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. They ate half a bowl less at each meal, visibly becoming thinner with worry.

Fan Changyu, feeling both guilty and embarrassed, feared these old scholars teaching her military strategy might die of depression under her command, and finally agreed to let them go.

After returning home, the advisors drowned their sorrows in wine and complained, vowing never to work as advisors for Fan Changyu even if it meant dying in poverty. This reputation quickly spread among the scholarly community.

Now, when trying to find advisors for Fan Changyu, people would pack up and leave before Xie Wu could even finish speaking.

Xie Wu carefully said, “Colonel, I’m afraid we won’t have enough money to find more advisors…”

Understanding that Xie Wu meant they couldn’t find anyone to be her advisor even for several times the usual pay, Fan Changyu sighed deeply and said, “My godfather is so capable, and he even wanted to take me as his disciple at first. Could it be that the old man’s eyes were failing him?”

Xie Wu said, “Colonel possesses great wisdom, and Mentor Tao must have seen this in you.”

Fan Changyu knew there was a saying about “great wisdom appearing foolish,” but was this saying she looked rather stupid?

She wasn’t sure if Xie Wu’s words were meant to comfort her or to twist the knife further, so she said helplessly, “Alright, you may go now.”

She then immediately wrote a letter home, asking Xie Qi to hire a tutor for Changning.

With the war in Chongzhou, private schools had long since closed, but the sons and daughters of wealthy families could still hire private tutors.

Fan Changyu felt that she couldn’t let Changning follow in her footsteps; she must ensure Changning received a good education from a young age.

A carrier pigeon fluttered its wings and landed on top of the pigeon coop. Through the round holes in the wooden coop, one could vaguely see the pigeons inside peering out curiously.

The servant watching the pigeon coop noticed this newly returned white pigeon and hurried forward to retrieve the message from its carrier tube. After returning the pigeon to the coop, he hurried towards the military tent.

“Young Master, a message has arrived from within Chongzhou city.”

The person writing at the desk, hearing this, put down his brush and extended a long, slender, and fair hand to receive the rolled-up message from the servant.

Unlike the delicate, boneless fingers of a woman, these hands had the sinews of a man, yet they lacked the prominent knuckles of a warrior who had practiced martial arts for years. Instead, they bore a thin layer of calluses from years of wielding a brush.

Li Huai’an unrolled the message and read it, his handsome brow still slightly furrowed. He murmured, “Wei Yan is extremely cunning; he shouldn’t have taken the bait so easily.”

The message was sent by Sui Yuanhuai, who was trapped in Chongzhou city.

When the Li family discovered He Jingyuan’s involvement, Wei Yan feared that if the Emperor interrogated He Jingyuan, he might implicate Wei Yan. Wei Yan attempted to assassinate He Jingyuan but failed.

Now, not only did He Jingyuan have his assassins protecting him, but the Li family also had secret guards watching over him. Wei Yan could no longer make a move.

Sui Yuanhuai proposed to pretend to cooperate with Wei Yan: Wei Yan would help him hold onto Chongzhou, and in return, he would help Wei Yan secure military power in Jizhou.

After all, if Chongzhou fell, Sui Yuanhuai, the “son of a rebel,” would face execution, and the military power of both Jizhou and Chongzhou would fall into the hands of the Li family, which would be extremely unfavorable for Wei Yan.

At present, cooperation between the two parties seems to be the best choice.

However, Wei Yan’s quick agreement to Sui Yuanhuai’s proposal made Li Huai’an hesitant.

Enticing Wei Yan to cooperate with Chongzhou was a strategy he and Sui Yuanhuai had devised to quickly bring down Wei Yan.

Originally, he and his grandfather had planned to use the events from seventeen years ago, but after investigating for so long, the only lead—that letter—had been cut off at Wei Yan. Even if they were to confront him in court one day, Wei Yan would have a hundred ways to exonerate himself.

That’s why they came up with this scheme involving the military power of Chongzhou and Jizhou.

Once Wei Yan agreed to cooperate with Sui Yuanhuai’s side, the evidence they obtained this time would be irrefutable.

Even without the truth from seventeen years ago, they could still use this incident to bring down Wei Yan.

But it was precisely because the plan was progressing too smoothly that Li Huai’an had a feeling that Wei Yan might have already seen through their scheme and was merely playing along with them.

I’m starting to fell that maybe Wei Yan inst the mastermind of 17 years ago incident

Zhu Yu – Chapter 110

A pavilion built by the water caught breezes from all sides. The lush bamboo shadows filtered through the half-rolled fine bamboo blinds, casting patterns on the floor tiles inside. Specks of sunlight scattered between the flowing robes of the person engaged in a game of weiqi, making the brocade’s subtle patterns shimmer.

The cicadas’ cries were restless. On the lake surface covered with lotus leaves, a brocade carp would occasionally leap up, catching a petal of a blooming lotus in its mouth before plunging back into the water, stirring up countless ripples.

Xie Zheng’s long fingers, scarred with dark scabs, picked up a black stone and placed it on the board, instantly surrounding and capturing the opponent’s white stones.

Xie Zhong held a white stone, staring at the board for a long while. Unable to find a place to play, he finally chuckled in defeat, “The Marquis’s skill at Weiqi has improved again. I am no match.”

Sitting across from him, the man had not tied up his hair. Due to the unhealed whip marks and open sword wounds on his body, he wore only a light inner garment with a loose outer robe draped over it. His handsome face still bore traces of pallor from illness. Feeling an itch in his throat, he covered his mouth and coughed lightly twice before saying, “Practice makes perfect.”

With repeatedly splitting sword wounds and one hundred and eight lashes, Xie Zheng had to lie face down for three full days before he could get up.

When the physician came to treat his wounds, he kept shaking his head, saying repeatedly that there wasn’t a patch of intact skin left on Xie Zheng’s back. Any ordinary person would have died from the pain alone.

But Xie Zheng, perhaps due to years of battling on the battlefield, had developed a strong will. Apart from physical exhaustion, no matter how painful, he never lost consciousness.

When the physician used tweezers to carefully pull out bits of cloth deeply embedded in his wounds, Xie Zheng remained conscious. He didn’t make a sound throughout the process, but the cold sweat from enduring the pain had soaked through the bedding beneath him.

Before leaving, the physician said that with such severe injuries, Xie Zheng would likely need to lie face down for ten days to half a month before getting up. But he was able to get up on his own after only three days of recovery.

Xie Zhong thought he was in a hurry to return because of the news Gong Sun Yin had sent on the first day of his recovery – a eunuch from the palace had arrived in Kang City with rewards and an imperial edict. Gong Sun Yin had made an excuse that he was inspecting the border defenses, so the eunuch was waiting in Kang City.

He said, “Border inspections take several months at most, and at least a month. With Master Gong Sun temporarily placating the people from the palace, it wouldn’t be too late for the Marquis to return after his wounds have healed.”

Xie Zheng tossed the black stone in his hand back into the bowl, his phoenix eyes half-lowered, looking disinterested. He said, “This Marquis hasn’t taken the young Emperor’s edict seriously.”

Xie Zhong thought for a moment and asked, “Is it because of the changes in the Chong Prefecture situation?”

“With Long Xin Wang dead, breaking through Chong Prefecture is just a matter of time. But He Jing Yuan’s sudden severe injury and the court’s last-minute change of commander have likely demoralized the Ji Prefecture army, perhaps no better than the rebels within Chong City. This move, I’m not sure if it’s the young Emperor’s idea or Wei Yan’s.”

Xie Zheng asked in return, “Uncle Zhong, who do you think can take over the military power of Ji Prefecture for Wei Yan after He Jing Yuan steps down?”

Xie Zhong thought carefully and shook his head, “I’m afraid there’s no one. His son Wei Xuan is brave but lacks strategy. The military power of Ji and Chong Prefectures is a piece of fat meat that the Li and Wei factions must fight for. Wei Yan wouldn’t be foolish enough to send the impulsive and easily manipulated Wei Xuan to the Chong Prefecture battlefield. The Emperor promoted Tang Pei Yi as the chief commander. Although Tang Pei Yi was promoted by He Jing Yuan, he is a genuinely loyal minister. With the military power of Ji Prefecture in Tang Pei Yi’s hands, the Emperor should feel at ease.”

Xie Zheng said, “If Chong Prefecture falls, the military power of both Ji and Chong Prefectures will either fall to the Li faction or back into the young Emperor’s hands. If Wei Yan wants to prevent this piece of fat meat from being snatched away by others, he can only let the situation in Chong Prefecture continue to stalemate, slowly wearing them down. With Li Huai An still serving as the supervising official in Chong Prefecture, they can always find faults with the Li family.”

Xie Zhong was startled: “Does the Marquis mean that Wei Yan might deliberately create some mishap on the battlefield, as he has done before to you and He Jing Yuan, to incriminate the Li faction or Tang Pei Yi, and gradually regain control over the military power of Ji Prefecture?”

Xie Zheng shook his head: “Wei Yan won’t use the same trick a third time. Besides, if we can deduce Wei Yan’s method to break the deadlock, the strategists employed by the Li family aren’t eating for nothing. They should be able to anticipate this much. Yuan Wai is the eldest imperial grandson who escaped from the Eastern Palace fire, and he has now allied with the Li Grand Tutor’s faction. Chong Prefecture is already in the Li family’s pocket. To eliminate future troubles, they might even set a trap to deliberately lure Wei Yan in.”

Xie Zheng paused at this point, his gaze growing colder inch by inch: “To definitively incriminate Wei Yan, they must incite outrage among the officials and the common people. Uncle Zhong, what do you think could shock the world?”

After pondering for a while, Xie Zhong said in horror: “That could only be Wei Yan colluding with rebels and harming loyal subjects. To make this matter big enough, the number of deaths must be significant…”

Xie Zhong dared not continue and only said, “The Li Grand Tutor shouldn’t be so bold as to…”

Xie Zheng said, “If they were only fighting for power in the court, I wouldn’t mind handing over the military power of Ji and Chong Prefectures. But if they intend to use the lives of thousands of soldiers to fabricate a great historical case for seizing power, I might as well keep the military power in my own hands.”

“After all… sooner or later, I’ll have to clash with them anyway.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhong’s face showed a hint of faint satisfaction, “The Marquis understands righteousness deeply and doesn’t tarnish the Xie family’s reputation. If the General knew in the underworld, he would be proud of the Marquis.”

Xie Zheng didn’t respond, only sat back a little, his black hair scattered over his shoulders. In the dense shade of the green bamboo, he looked at the scenery outside the waterside pavilion and said, “If only Uncle Zhong had left the capital a bit later and taken me back to Huizhou after my mother’s passing.”

Without those ten-plus years of recognizing a traitor as his father, perhaps his heart would have felt a bit better.

Thinking of the past, Xie Zhong sighed with emotion: “After the General’s death, Madam was inconsolable and her temperament changed drastically. We originally wanted to stay in the capital to maintain the Xie family’s prestige for the General after his passing. However, in her grief, Madam often blamed us for not protecting the General well enough. Every time she saw us, she would cry so bitterly that she nearly fell seriously ill. That’s why the maid by Madam’s side advised us not to stay in the capital.”

Xie Zhong lowered his head and said bitterly, “For the sake of Madam’s health, we returned to Huizhou. Who knew that soon after, we would hear that Madam had taken her own life to follow the General and that the Marquis had been taken back to Wei Yan’s mansion to be raised? We servants, of course, had no right to question the master’s decisions, so we remained in the Xie family home in Huizhou.”

Xie Zheng’s back stiffened for a moment, and he asked, “It was my mother… who sent you back to Huizhou?”

Xie Zhong hurriedly said, “Don’t blame Madam. She was heartbroken and didn’t know that I had lost an arm and broken a leg at the time, and hadn’t gone to the Jinzhou battlefield with the General. That’s why she blamed me for not protecting the General. I felt guilty too, and fearing that staying in the capital would keep reminding Madam of her sorrow, I left voluntarily.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, seeming to be thinking about something, and remained silent for a long time.

In the bamboo path outside the waterside pavilion, a young servant came hurrying along. He stopped outside the pavilion, bowed, and held up a letter, saying, “Marquis, a letter from Master Gong Sun.”

Xie Zhong limped out of the pavilion, took the letter, and brought it back to hand to Xie Zheng. After opening and reading it, a fierce anger suddenly rose in Xie Zheng’s cold phoenix eyes.

Extreme anger seemed to choke something in his chest, and he couldn’t help but cover his mouth and cough lowly. His quiet voice was filled with endless coldness: “Prepare the carriage. We’re returning to Kang City.”

After waiting for many days, the eunuch who had come to Kang City to read the imperial edict finally received news of Xie Zheng’s return. He immediately led a grand procession to announce the edict and bestow rewards.

Outside the city lord’s mansion where Xie Zheng was temporarily staying, he loudly proclaimed: “The imperial edict has arrived—”

The guard at the door glanced at him and did go in to report, but the imagined scene of a group of people trembling in fear and joy did not materialize.

Gong Sun Yin was known for his good temper, and whether intentionally or not, he was always willing to use flattering words to placate people. The group around Xie Zheng had taken after their master, and each of them was too lazy even to put on an act.

The eunuch stood outside the main gate for the time it took three incense sticks to burn before someone finally came out. It wasn’t Xie Zheng, but judging by the armor, it was only a personal guard.

The guard, showing no fear of the eunuch, said, “The Marquis suffered some minor injuries while suppressing bandits a few days ago and is not able to come to the gate to welcome you, sir. Please move to the front hall.”

The eunuch’s face immediately darkened.

The young eunuch beside him, never having experienced such cold treatment outside the palace, immediately pointed at the guard and shouted, “You…”

The eunuch stretched out a hand to stop the young eunuch. They were in Kang City, not in the palace, and he could still distinguish between benefits and drawbacks. He only looked at the guard with a fake smile and said, “The Marquis is worth his weight in gold, of course, he can’t risk any mishap. I’ll go to the front hall to read the edict. Please lead the way, young general.”

The guard didn’t give the eunuch any more attention and said, “Please follow me, sir.”

The eunuch and his entourage then entered the gate and headed towards the front hall.

The sun outside was scorching, but the layout of this front hall had been cleverly designed by the craftsmen. As soon as one entered, a cool breeze swept in, the sudden change from hot to cold making the eunuch’s heart inexplicably skip a beat.

He looked up towards the high seat and saw a young man in a black robe embroidered with dark gold and red patterns, sitting half-reclined against the couch back with poor posture. His face was like cold jade, his eyes like a chilly pond.

Sitting there without armor, he truly looked like a noble young master nurtured by a centuries-old family.

The eunuch steadied himself and called out loudly, “Wu An Marquis, receive the edict—”

The person sitting above didn’t move, and even the deputy generals standing on either side of the steps kept their eyes straight ahead.

The eunuch’s sense of unease grew stronger, but he didn’t dare offend Xie Zheng at this moment. He only put on a smile and said, “Marquis, please quickly receive the edict. These are all rewards from His Majesty for you. Once you receive this edict, this old servant can go back and report my task complete.”

Xie Zheng half-raised his phoenix eyes and finally spoke slowly: “If you don’t read this imperial edict, you can still say the edict wasn’t announced when you return to the capital. But if you read it and I don’t accept it, do you know what that means?”

The eunuch was frightened by Xie Zheng’s outrageous words. He pointed at him, both shocked and angry, and said, “Defying the imperial edict? Wu… Wu An Marquis, do you want to rebel too?”

As soon as these words were spoken, armored soldiers who had somehow gathered outside the door suddenly poured in, surrounding the eunuch and his entourage.

Seeing this situation, the eunuch’s legs went weak. His face, covered in powder, turned deathly pale. He shouted with false bravery, “Do you want to rebel?”

Xie Zheng drew the sword from the deputy general at his side and walked down from the high seat step by step. His black robe trailed on the steps, seeming to be weighed down by heavy bloodshed and resentment.

The eunuch’s legs gave way completely, and he collapsed to the ground.

Xie Zheng stopped three steps away from him, tapping the eunuch’s face lightly with the cold sword tip. His phoenix eyes were half-lowered, his tone lazy yet uncharacteristically good-natured:

“The Xie family has been loyal ministers to the Great Yin for a hundred years. My father died tragically on the Jinzhou battlefield seventeen years ago, earning the name of a lifelong hero. I don’t want to tarnish his reputation, so I’m still willing to be a good minister for now. Go back and deliver a message to the little Emperor.”

“If he’s tired of sitting on that throne, this Marquis doesn’t mind finding someone to replace him.”

“Seventeen years ago, Wei Yan could put him on the dragon throne. Today, this Marquis can also pull him down.”

The eunuch was greatly shocked. He pointed at Xie Zheng, trembling, and shouted in extreme anger and fear: “You… Xie family! Traitorous rebels!”

“Ah—”

The next moment, the eunuch’s scream echoed throughout the city lord’s mansion.

Xie Zheng had sliced off one of his ears with a single sword stroke.

The eunuch covered his ear with one hand, screaming continuously. Blood kept flowing from between his fingers, instantly staining a large patch of his sleeve red.

He looked at the bloody ear lying on the ground, wailing as if he was about to faint.

The young eunuch supporting him was shaking like a sieve, staring blankly at the ear on the ground, unaware of the foul smell coming from his crotch.

Xie Zheng tossed the sword to the personal guard who had come up, straightened up lazily, and looked with disgust at the room full of wailing people. His thin lips uttered a sentence: “Get lost and deliver the message.”

Only then did the eunuch, supported by the young eunuchs, crawl and stumble towards the door.

The personal guard watched the eunuch and his group’s retreating figures and said to Xie Zheng with some concern: “Marquis, aren’t you afraid that His Majesty…”

Xie Zheng also looked at the eunuch’s sorry figure, his gaze lazy yet ice-cold: “This Marquis indeed intends to depose the Emperor.”

That’s what the emperor gets for playing with the lives of his people. Keep stressing them out and you break them…or they come back to break you. What terrible rulers and ministers in this novel. Decreeing a marriage was clearly the last straw, and if Xie Zheng finds out he was planning for Fan Changyu to die in battle, well…🤷🏻‍♀️ reap what you sow.

That’s why historically emperors always feared reputable generals and stripped them of power during peace time. If they don’t placate the generals and the generals bore ill intentions toward the throne, there’s nth the emperors could do as military power trumps all. If the emperors too strongly suppressed them, the generals could retaliate and rebel. The dragon-throne sitters have to strike the right balance, a stalemate, with their generals in that both sides are satisfactory.

The emperor might be sitting on the golden dragon chair but he will always be just a puppet installed in there. He think he can outsmart the person who has great military power, Xie Zheng was used before ofcourse he doesn’t want to be used again..

that is why dynasties fall, just like the Chiense monarchy did. Dumb emperors

The little emperor is playing with the big boys now but still wet behind the ears. Trying to marry the imperial princess to Xie Zheng is just to obvious of his true intentions.

Still can’t wrap my head around the stupidity of the Emperor thinking that he can pull the Marquis to his side by plotting to KILL his beloved wife. Like, that’s retard level of foolishness. 🤦‍♀️ Of course this murderous warlord is going to lose his shit and go scorched earth when he finds out. All the Emperor had to do was leave well-enough alone and he would get to keep his throne. But he is unwise, impatient, and has poor judgement. He way overstepped and pushed the wrong person on the wrong issue. The Marquis was still deciding which way to lean, and this has tipped the scale.

I get everyone’s comment and agree, but am also thinking if the Marquis was not the ml then looking at everything from the Emperor’s pov isn’t he the picture of pitiful ruler? Put on the throne at a young age, has been controlled by everyone and called a useless puppet emperor, now he’s trying to establish himself and creating an alliance with the ml as he’s not directly involved in the current power struggle. How are you most likely to ensure someone’s loyalty? And remember rulers are suspicious by nature so Marriage is the only way. And men were fickle enough especially back then that offer them a princess for discarding a commoner and they would take it. Only reason I’m saying all this is, because the emperor yet doesn’t seem to have committed crimes or tyrant behaviour other than his incompetence and no love for people, so his actions seem typical emperor behaviour.

Instead of forcing the ML to his side through marriage, he could have sent letters and stuff through birds. They now have a common enemy in Wei Yan. There are other ways he could have gone about this.

I already guessed that Yu Bao’er would be made king later but I don’t expect Xie Zheng to declare it outright like this.

The Emperor’s faul was not know his enemies well. From what we have seen, he doenst even know about the crowns princes son. Unless we have a big twist, he is an idiot and should know his own limits. The ML in How Dare You? is also a puppet ruler in the begging, but he planned better how to take power

Zhu Yu – Chapter 111

Upon hearing about the eunuch’s hasty departure from Kangcheng, Gong Sunyin hurriedly sought out Xie Zheng. As soon as he entered the study, he said:

“That eunuch who came to deliver the imperial edict is the adopted son of Wang Xi, the Head Eunuch. You cut off one of his ears, which is tantamount to slapping the Emperor’s face. Are you truly ready to break ties with the imperial court?”

Xie Zheng sat behind his desk, his left arm resting on the armrest of the yellow pearwood Grand Tutor chair. On the desk lay a map of Great Yin’s military deployments. He gazed at the map, a thin smile on his lips but cold fury in his eyes. “The young Emperor is still playing dumb under Wei Yan’s thumb. He doesn’t even care about the lives of the generals fighting for him on the battlefield. Do you think he’ll be benevolent when he truly comes to power?”

Gong Sunyin was momentarily speechless. After a brief silence, he admitted, “His Majesty has been stripped of imperial power for years. First by Wei Yan, then by Grand Tutor Li. In terms of patience and temperament, he could be considered outstanding among emperors throughout history. But precisely because he has endured for over a decade, his desire for imperial power must have reached its peak. There’s likely little room left in his heart for benevolence, only ruthless means to reclaim power.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly. “Your judgment of people remains as accurate as ever.”

With that, he tossed a thick bundle of documents to Gong Sunyin.

Gong Sunyin caught it with both hands and asked, “What’s this?”

Xie Zheng simply replied, “Read it, and you’ll understand.”

Gong Sunyin opened it and began to read carefully. His brow furrowed more and more, until finally, anger was visible on his face. He asked, “Is all of this true?”

Xie Zheng answered, “This is new evidence Zhao Xun provided to persuade me to support the Emperor’s great-grandson.”

Gong Sunyin flipped through the stack of documents, his jaw tightening in anger. “The drought two years ago, the floods in Jiangnan last spring—how many people died? It’s one thing for Li and Wei to engage in factional struggles, but for the inspectors sent by Grand Tutor Li to conceal the extent of the disasters, just to let more people die so they could impeach Wei Yan—and this was all on the Emperor’s orders? Crown Prince Chengde died for tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Jinzhou, but now the person sitting on the Dragon Throne is willing to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of disaster victims to fulfill his ambitions for power?”

In the past two years, Central China and Jiangnan have suffered severe droughts and floods in succession. The court had nearly emptied the national treasury for disaster relief, with the funds passing through Wei Yan’s people. Although the Li faction had sent inspectors along, in the end, more than half of the disaster victims still died of starvation and disease!

The entire country was outraged. At court, the scholars led by Grand Tutor Li berated Wei’s faction mercilessly.

It was also during that time that Wei Yan, under pressure from the entire court and the whole country, suffered his first defeat before Grand Tutor Li. He pushed out several of his high-ranking officials to take the blame, which finally settled the matter.

But Wei Yan’s reputation among the common people had become as notorious as that of Meng Shuyuan, who had been severely criticized as a great traitor after the Jinzhou tragedy years ago.

Xie Zheng spoke with an extremely cold expression, “The ambitions of that old man from the Li family are no smaller than Wei Yan’s. It’s just that he comes from a scholarly background and is more afraid of public condemnation. The young Emperor wants to use him to bring down Wei Yan, but he’s also worried that one day the Emperor’s blade will turn towards the Li family. So he took advantage of the Emperor’s lack of power at the time to leave himself an escape route.

“The inspectors he sent for disaster relief wrote a total of eleven urgent reports to the capital. The postal stations in various prefectures and states all have records of express horses heading to the capital, but there’s no record of the palace receiving these urgent disaster reports.”

At this point, there was nothing Gong Sunyin didn’t understand.

Deliberately concealing the extent of a disaster, resulting in the death of more than half of the victims, was a major crime no matter when it was brought up.

The Emperor wanted to pin this blame firmly on Grand Tutor Li, but Li was too cunning. He had his subordinates send urgent reports to the capital, but since the palace didn’t receive them when the truth came out in the future, it would be a case of the Emperor’s word against his minister’s, and it would be up to the public to judge.

Gong Sunyin couldn’t help but ask, “How did Zhao Xun get hold of those urgent reports sent to the palace by Grand Tutor Li’s people?”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes slightly, “Who do you think is covering for the young Emperor in the palace?”

Gong Sunyin thought for a moment and said a name: “Wang Xi?”

Xie Zheng didn’t speak further, which was as good as confirmation.

Gong Sunyin pondered briefly and understood the various interests at play. With imperial power in decline, the palace eunuchs couldn’t possibly secure just one escape route for themselves.

Wang Xi had been the Head Eunuch for many years. He hadn’t offended Wei Yan and was still valued by the young Emperor, which showed he was quite astute.

Using disaster relief to fabricate a major case as the first step to bringing down Wei Yan, the Emperor wanted Grand Tutor Li to take the blame, while Li wanted to implicate the Emperor. The urgent reports sent to the palace couldn’t reach the young Emperor, so Wang Xi had to intercept all the reports himself.

As long as the Emperor and Grand Tutor Li maintained a united front and didn’t expose each other’s misdeeds, he would be safe.

In the future, when the Emperor and Grand Tutor Li turned against each other, he could support whoever was winning, which would be beneficial without any downside.

If the young Emperor won, he would have destroyed the eleven urgent reports about the disaster, so the blame would firmly rest on Grand Tutor Li’s head.

If Grand Tutor Li won, he could produce those eleven urgent reports and serve as a witness himself, which would undoubtedly be solid evidence of the young Emperor’s lack of virtue.

Even if Wei Yan ended up winning, he could quickly produce this evidence to restore Wei Yan’s reputation and expose the young Emperor and Grand Tutor Li’s conspiracy to frame him.

After his initial fury subsided, Gong Sunyin suddenly felt a sense of sadness. He sighed, “The waters of the Great Yin court have long been too murky to see through.”

The Wei faction might be a group of corrupt officials, but the Emperor and Grand Tutor Li, who used the lives of hundreds of thousands of disaster victims to provoke nationwide outrage just to bring down Wei Yan, were no better.

He turned to look at Xie Zheng and said, “With the one on the Dragon Throne having lost all virtue, and now planning to meddle in military affairs, I know you must be unwilling to serve such a ruler. But even if we cooperate with Zhao Xun to support the Emperor’s great-grandson, who knows if he won’t turn out like the young Emperor in ten or twenty years?”

Xie Zheng only said, “I won’t become a second Wei Yan.”

Gong Sunyin said, “I know your ambitions are different from Wei Yan’s, but even if you retreat to the Northwest and no longer involve yourself in court affairs, as long as you hold military power, whoever sits on that Dragon Throne will always covet it when they grow up.”

This time, Xie Zheng remained silent for a long while.

After standing quietly for a moment, Gong Sunyin sighed, “Well, that’s a worry for more than a decade from now. For now, we should…”

“If the new Emperor has a benevolent heart and loves the people, I can return to military power at that time and become a carefree person. The Xie family wasn’t born to command troops. As long as someone continues to guard Great Yin’s territory, I have no objection to relinquishing power.”

Gong Sunyin’s words were interrupted. He turned his head to look, only to see the sharp, handsome profile of the person sitting in the Grand Tutor chair.

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes, “If he turns out like the young Emperor, I can remove him from the Dragon Throne the same way I put him there, and choose a new emperor.”

Hearing these words, Gong Sunyin was first stunned, then chuckled softly, “Indeed, that’s more like you.”

Changing the subject abruptly, he suddenly said, “The Grand Princess informed me in her letter that the young Emperor plans to move against Miss Fan. It would be extremely unfavorable for Miss Fan to remain in Chongzhou. Should I send more men to protect her?”

Feeling another itch in his throat, Xie Zheng pressed his lips tightly to suppress the urge to cough. He said, “That won’t be necessary.”

Now Gong Sunyin’s expression became extremely peculiar.

He had thought that Xie Zheng was in such a hurry to return because he had received his letter, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Thinking of the news Xie Thirteen had just brought back, he said mischievously, “That’s fine. Although He Jingyuan is no longer in Chongzhou, he sent his prized student over. What was his name… Zheng something Wen? I heard he’s not only handsome but also skilled in both civil and military affairs. More importantly, when Miss Fan was being pursued by Wei Yan’s assassins in Lin’an Town, this man led troops to rescue her. In that sense, he could be considered to have saved her life, right?”

The thick wolf-hair brush in Xie Zheng’s hand snapped in two. His face remained expressionless as he calmly uttered two words: “Get out.”

Gong Sunyin, apparently unsatisfied with his reaction, continued to fan the flames: “I’m thinking, from now on, these two will be on the battlefield together countless times, facing life and death situations. What’s that phrase? Oh yes, love born from long acquaintance!”

Xie Zheng suddenly raised his eyes to look at him. Gong Sunyin instinctively took a big step back.

But Xie Zheng didn’t show anger. He only said, “You haven’t been to the capital for three years, yet the Grand Princess still knows where you reside. Is it that the Grand Princess’s people are too capable, or that you deliberately let someone know your whereabouts?”

The frivolous smile disappeared from Gong Sunyin’s face. He looked at Xie Zheng with some surprise and said, “You’re using this to jab at me. It seems I’ve angered you.”

After Gong Sunyin left, Xie Zheng finally tossed aside the broken brush.

Fine, sharp wood splinters had pierced his fingertips. He pulled them out with an expressionless face. The knife and whip wounds on his back still ached faintly, but the sharp pain in his heart that he couldn’t suppress when he heard Gong Sunyin say she might develop feelings for someone else over time, and that momentary desire for destruction, were equally clear.

He suddenly didn’t want to wait anymore.

When he parted from her, he knew that such a good girl, even if she didn’t meet him in this life, would meet other good men.

But when that moment truly came, he was shocked to find all the blood in his body surging in reverse. In that instant, his mind was filled with endless jealousy and murderous intent, yet he remained outwardly calm.

In a flash, he had even thought of how to make the person she liked die without a trace.

When he calmed down, all that remained was extreme self-loathing, his palms covered in cold, clammy sweat.

He knew his condition seemed to be getting worse. He didn’t want to become the type of person he despised the most.

Xie Zheng leaned back, allowing himself to slump bonelessly into the Grand Tutor’s chair. He draped his arm over his eyes, covering most of his face. The dark arrow sleeves accentuated the sickly pallor of his jaw, an aura of gloom surrounding him.

When the personal guard who had been ordered to prepare troops before Gong Sunyin’s arrival entered the room, he knelt on one knee, clasped his fist, and said, “My lord, the carriages to escort Sui Yuanqing are ready. The army can depart at any time.”

Xie Zheng spoke in a gloomy voice: “Let’s depart.”

When Gong Sunyin finally received the news, he ran to the city wall and watched the departing army, nearly jumping three feet high in anger. He fumed, “No wonder that Xie Jiuheng said there was no need to send more men. He’s taking the army himself. What’s the point of sending more?”

In Chongzhou.

After the death of the Prince of Changxin, the Jizhou army and the rebels inside Chongzhou city had engaged in two small-scale skirmishes. The Jizhou army won each time. Although these were minor victories, they served to boost morale.

After attending another war planning meeting in the central military tent, Fan Changyu received a new order—the vanguard force she led would soon engage in a large-scale battle.

Whether it was due to He Jingyuan’s earlier instructions or not, Tang Peiyi had arranged for Zheng Wenchang to be the commander responsible for supporting and receiving the vanguard troops.

Xie Zheng being possessive and jealously 😂

celos ,celos de tu ojos cuando miras otro tipo tengo celos ,celos, celos de tus manos cuando tocas a otro tipo tengo celos 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😂ve a recuperar a tu esposa

Bro’s resolve to never see her again in this lifetime lasted less than a month. 😆

I knew he couldn’t do it. He loves her too deeply to ever let go or to hand her over to anyone else. In this dark, murky, malevolent world, she truly is the only sun he has ever known. The way that she loves him and cares for him, so compassionately and selflessly… how could he ever uproot her from his heart? I figured once the initial shock of finding out the truth subsided, he was gonna go look for her again. He even preemptively beat himself into a bloodly pulp to atone for going back to her in the future. This crazy bastard is too madly in love with his wife to stay away for too long.

Honestly! 😭 he said he won’t see her in this lifetime with such conviction that I thought we’d have at least a year separation and he didn’t last a month??? Lolll

damn.. why even break her heart in the first place then!?

cuz he’s hurt too u know. U will feel
like him if you’re in his position.😭

I got my answer here lol, this emperor is a tyrant that needs to be taken down. Children corrupted from a young age with turn like this especially growing up in that muddy water and with power at reach. Also I like the princess I wish she could be the ruler.

His resolution for jealousy, is killing. I can’t with him 😂

His wife’s solution to every problem used to be kidnapping
His is to make someone die without a trace
🤣
I can’t with these two
Like other comments I was actually thinking I’d take longer before he decides to go back to her.
But 1 month was all Bro could endure
I don’t blame him

Looks like there’s a second couple with the grand princess and Mr Gong. I hope we see more of their story.

hahaha 🤣🤣

In a flash, he had even thought of how to make the person she liked die without a trace.

but Im sure he said “if you meet another man in the future don’t bother telling me” where is this resolve gone?

I like to think that he said that coz he knew his resolve is thinner than paper, then there’s Gong who likes to tattle and play with fire🤣🤣

Zhu Yu – Chapter 112

Emerging from the central military tent, a young officer congratulated Fan Chang Yu: “The past few battles have greatly dampened the rebels’ spirits. With Long Xin Wang dead and the rebel prince Yuan Qing captured by the Marquis after Kang City fell, there was no one left in Chong Prefecture who can fight. If Captain Fan breaks through the city gates tomorrow and achieves this first merit, we’ll be left far behind.”

This seeming compliment carried a hint of sourness.

Fan Chang Yu’s roots in the army were still shallow, having gained the favor of superiors through several remarkable achievements. Many didn’t speak openly, but privately they were somewhat envious.

Fan Chang Yu only said: “It’s all thanks to General Tang and Master Li’s day and night strategic planning. We merely charge into battle with courage. How can this be called the first merit? The general is too kind.”

Once she brought up Tang Pei Yi and Li Huai An, the young officer didn’t dare say more and just agreed with an awkward smile.

Li Huai An came out of the central tent shortly after, having heard an unknown amount of their conversation. He smiled and said: “All the generals’ brave fighting against the enemy is seen and appreciated by His Majesty and General Tang. The peace of Great Yin still relies on all of you generals.”

The phrase “seen and appreciated” made the young officer’s face changed slightly, fearing his previous words had offended Li Huai An. He clasped his fists and repeatedly agreed.

Fan Chang Yu also clasped her fists and agreed, her expression neither servile nor arrogant.

Li Huai An glanced at her without saying more, only stating: “A great battle is imminent. All generals should go rest and conserve their energy. We must take Chong Prefecture tomorrow.”

Fan Chang Yu, along with the others, clasped her fists once more before preparing to return to her tent.

After walking some distance, she realized Li Huai An had been following her, neither too close nor too far as if he were just casually walking and happened to be going the same way.

During the meeting in the central tent, personal guards were not allowed inside. Other generals had come alone, so Fan Chang Yu couldn’t bring Xiao Wu to wait outside. Now she was also alone.

Being straightforward by nature, she frowned slightly before stopping and turning to ask directly: “Does the Master have something he wishes to instruct this subordinate?”

Li Huai An was caught off guard by Fan Chang Yu’s sudden question. He paused for a moment before shaking his head with a wry smile: “You with your ‘Master’ and ‘this subordinate’ – you’re getting more and more distant each time.”

Fan Chang Yu said: “Propriety must not be neglected.”

Li Huai An’s expression became slightly serious. He suddenly asked: “Is this how you address the Marquis as well?”

Fan Chang Yu remained silent, not answering.

Li Huai An realized he had misspoken. His brows furrowed tightly, perhaps annoyed at himself for saying such words despite his usual composure and self-restraint. He said: “I spoke out of turn. Miss Fan, please don’t take offense…”

But at this moment, Fan Chang Yu raised her head, her expression firm yet calm: “The Marquis’s status is noble. Naturally, this subordinate cannot be disrespectful.”

This time, Li Huai An was stunned for even longer.

Fan Chang Yu said: “If the Master has no other matters, this subordinate will take her leave now.”

Li Huai An stopped her: “You’re blaming me for Master He’s situation, aren’t you?”

Fan Chang Yu said: “This subordinate wouldn’t dare.”

Li Huai An gazed at her for a long time. He was standing in the shadow of a military tent, half of his robe gently swaying in the night breeze under the bright moonlight. His eyes and brows were hidden in darkness, concealing that mask-like gentle smile on his face. Instead, he seemed more genuine.

He said: “The secret Miss Fan’s parents are guarding might be the key to bringing down Wei Yan. Wei Yan has usurped imperial power for years. Only by removing the Wei faction can we restore clarity to the Great Yin court. Master He could conceal it out of loyalty, but Huai An cannot. If Miss Fan blames me, Huai An has no other choice.”

Fan Chang Yu pressed her lips tightly and said: “The Master’s words are too heavy. The Master is upholding the law, and this subordinate has no right to comment. But the Master used this subordinate to uncover Master He’s wrongdoing, causing my benefactor to fall into his current predicament, yet still expects this subordinate to have no misgivings. The Master is indeed making it difficult for this subordinate.”

Hearing her speak this way, Li Huai An seemed somewhat surprised and said: “So you know everything.”

Fan Chang Yu didn’t respond.

The night wind blew his loose scholar’s robe, outlining his bamboo-like figure. His voice was low, almost like a sigh: “Wei Yan’s assassins all perished at Miss Fan’s home. Huai An was originally ordered to thoroughly investigate this matter in Ji Prefecture. Meeting Miss Fan on the mountain road was a coincidence, but as of today, sincerely wanting to befriend Miss Fan is true. Regardless of how Wei Yan’s side might deal with Miss Fan, the Li family will ensure Miss Fan’s safety.”

Fan Chang Yu only said: “This subordinate will repay the Li family’s great kindness in the future.”

Though she spoke of repaying kindness, wasn’t the Li family’s willingness to protect her also for the sake of dealing with Wei Yan?

Hearing these words, even Li Huai An felt ashamed and somewhat amused.

Seeing her distantly and politely distancing herself from the Li family, Li Huai An couldn’t quite describe the feeling in his heart, but it was certainly not pleasant.

Perhaps thinking of something, he suddenly said: “Miss Fan should also be careful of that eunuch who came from the palace.”

Fan Chang Yu asked: “Is His Majesty trying to deal with me?”

Li Huai An said: “The matter of Master He harboring your parents for seventeen years hasn’t yet reached His Majesty’s ears. But His Majesty has already issued an imperial edict betrothing the Marquis to the Princess. It’s been heard that the Marquis and Miss Fan were once a couple in distress when he was in trouble. They fear the Princess might take offense…”

He didn’t continue, but his meaning was already very clear.

Fan Chang Yu suddenly asked: “If I weren’t an official military officer now, just an ordinary civilian woman, would I already be dead?”

Li Huai An didn’t speak, seeming to confirm her statement.

Fan Chang Yu spoke as if she truly couldn’t understand, her voice extremely low: “Being born into the royal family allows one to view commoners’ lives as insignificant as ants?”

At the moment she heard this news, besides the sadness of Xie Zheng being betrothed, there was also a sense of bewilderment at suddenly not being able to see the path ahead clearly.

The Emperor, in the hearts of common people, was like the sky above their heads.

Fan Chang Yu had previously hoped to clear her grandfather’s name by establishing military merits, like those sung about in operas – presenting grievances before the golden hall, then having injustice redressed and good and evil judged.

But the reality before her seemed vastly different from the operas. In the operas, the high officials or emperors who ultimately judged good and evil were always impartial and just. In reality, even the Emperor could have selfish motives.

That Emperor, sitting firmly on the dragon throne thousands of miles away, didn’t even know of her grievances. Just because she might interfere with the Princess’s marriage, he wanted her dead.

Li Huai An saw that her expression was extremely poor. He wanted to offer some comfort, but those words that could cost one’s head couldn’t be revealed at this time. He only gave a promise: “General Meng has borne a bad name for seventeen years. If it was Wei Yan’s doing, the Li family would certainly help General Meng get justice.”

He didn’t say much about her father, seemingly also acknowledging that her father was Wei Yan’s man, having helped Wei Yan frame her grandfather years ago.

Fan Chang Yu only numbly expressed thanks, then said she was tired and would return to her tent to rest.

Li Huai An watched her retreating figure for a long time, muttering to himself: “How foolish, why did I tell her about the Emperor’s betrothal at this time?”

Perhaps… he disliked her polite yet distant attitude towards him.

But after telling her and seeing the sadness that momentarily surged in her eyes, his heart didn’t feel much better either.

In the end, Li Huai An gave a self-mocking smile.

After Fan Chang Yu returned, she had never felt so exhausted before. Her whole body felt heavy as if all the fatigue from the past month had accumulated to this moment.

Lying down on the military bed fully clothed, she felt even breathing was laborious. A sense of suffocation enveloped her, making her feel as if she had fallen into a swamp, hands, and feet being pulled down, unable to struggle free no matter how hard she tried.

She turned her head to look at the deerskin wristguard tied to her sleeve. After untying it, she wanted to throw it away but couldn’t bear to. She placed it on the low stool beside the bed where clothes were kept. Enduring the dull pain in her chest from breathing deeply, she exhaled a long breath of turbid air, then covered her eyes with one hand to sleep.

There was still a hard battle to fight tomorrow; she needed to rest well.

But in the darkness, her trembling breaths betrayed her emotions. The moisture from the corner of her eye, seeping into her hair at the temples, had gathered enough to dampen the pillow.

When he left that day, he had spoken so clearly and so resolutely. The Emperor’s betrothal meant he could gain more power to deal with Wei Yan by marrying the Princess. It was a good thing for him; he probably wouldn’t refuse.

Even though she saw everything clearly, she still couldn’t control the sadness in her heart at that moment.

Fan Chang Yu’s hand remained covering her eyes. She silently told herself that she was only allowed to be sad for this one night. After tonight, that person’s affairs would no longer have anything to do with her.

The Emperor wasn’t good in her eyes, but she shouldn’t let the common people endure more warfare. She would fight well in tomorrow’s battle.

Moreover, it was precisely because she had become a military official of the court that the Emperor didn’t dare to openly move against her. She needed to be wary of the eunuch the Emperor had placed in the army and climb even higher herself.

The advisors she had invited had explained to her the current balance of power in the court. The Emperor wanted to eliminate Wei Yan so badly, yet still had to consult Wei Yan on all state affairs because Wei Yan held great power.

Those who could be easily eliminated were only so because they didn’t have enough power in their hands.

Even now, Fan Chang Yu still doesn’t like fighting for so-called power, but if that thing concerned the lives of herself and those around her, she would fight for it with her life.

The next day when Fan Chang Yu woke up, her eyes were swollen as expected.

Xie Wu saw her and was startled: “Captain, your…”

Fan Chang Yu lied without blinking: “There were many mosquitoes last night. My eyes were bitten.”

Xie Wu opened his mouth, then closed it again, only agreeing: “The mosquitoes are quite numerous.”

Fan Chang Yu was no longer tied to the deerskin wristguard Xie Zheng had given her. She fastened the fine iron vambrace that matched her armor with one hand and said: “Choose a few from the several dozen men I’ve personally trained and place them by Chang Ning’s side, under Xiao Qi’s command. Have them escort Chang Ning and Madam Zhao back to Ji Prefecture.”

Xie Wu keenly sensed something: “Captain, are you worried Miss Chang Ning might be in danger?”

Fan Chang Yu didn’t hide it from Xie Wu, but she didn’t say much either, only: “Prevention is better than cure.”

Whether it was Wei Yan or the Emperor, they both saw her as a thorn in their side.

Fan Chang Yu wasn’t afraid of them dealing with her, but she feared they might stoop to harming Chang Ning.

Once she was on the battlefield, she would be stretched thin. At present, Ji Prefecture is still He Jing Yuan’s territory. Sending Chang Ning and Madam Zhao back to Ji Prefecture would be relatively safer for them.

Having received these instructions, Xie Wu didn’t waste time and immediately went to make arrangements.

Returning to the battlefield, and as the commander of the vanguard, Fan Chang Yu felt little fear in her heart, but rather a heaviness.

So many people had entrusted their lives to her. She wanted to win this battle while also ensuring that those soldiers whose names she couldn’t even remember could return home alive.

Tens of thousands of troops tightly surrounded Chong Prefecture.

Fan Chang Yu was responsible for attacking the East Gate. The cavalry and infantry under her command had become very coordinated through this period of training and small-scale battles.

But as she led the vanguard towards the East Gate, entering the shooting range of the rebels’ archers, the Chong Prefecture soldiers on the city wall appeared very panicked. A few were trying to shoot arrows but could barely draw their bows.

Behind these soldiers, several larger built troops were whipping them. Some of the smaller soldiers even knelt, seemingly pleading.

Fan Chang Yu, riding on her galloping warhorse, looked at the opposite city wall, confusion rising in her eyes.

The archers behind her, seeing they had reached the range to shoot at the city wall, immediately shouted: “Release arrows!”

Arrows flew like locusts towards the rebel soldiers on the city wall. Wails arose as a group of soldiers in Chong Prefecture uniforms scrambled on the narrow walkway of the city wall, not even knowing to use the battlements for temporary cover.

Someone on the city wall cried out hoarsely: “Don’t shoot! We’re all civilians from the city…”

As the shrill cry echoed, the person wailing was immediately beheaded by the ruthless Chongzhou soldiers behind them. However, it seemed that only a minority of the Chongzhou troops were guarding the civilians. More and more people on the city wall disregarded the pressure from the Chongzhou soldiers, crying out that they weren’t Chongzhou troops, but merely civilians from the city forced to fill the ranks.

Fan Changyu harshly reined in her horse. Her warhorse neighed and reared up on its hind legs. She made a gesture to temporarily halt the arrow fire and shouted, “Shoot the Chongzhou soldiers standing in the back rows!”

Xie Wu, following closely beside her, acted as both her personal guard and signal officer. He immediately began signaling with flags from horseback.

On the battlefield, shouts filled the air, making verbal commands difficult to hear, but flag signals were visible.

The archers behind them stopped firing en masse and instead aimed at the more robust-looking soldiers on the city wall.

Since most of the people filling the battlements were civilians with no combat experience, Fan Changyu and her elite troops crossed the most dangerous arrow range with little effort.

Upon reaching the base of the city wall, as soon as the siege ladders were placed against the battlements, the real Chongzhou soldiers seemed to panic. They hurriedly whipped the civilians, forcing them to lift stones and throw them down.

Fan Changyu, hugging the wall to avoid falling rocks and logs, shouted upwards, “Listen, civilians of Chongzhou on the city wall! You’re all being coerced. After the city falls, the imperial court won’t punish you. The rebels’ luck has run out. If you help the imperial army defeat the enemy, you’ll be rewarded when the city is taken!”

The civilians forced onto the city wall had been driven there at swordpoint. They dared not resist the Chongzhou soldiers, partly due to their ingrained respect for officials and soldiers, and partly because they didn’t know if they’d be executed as rebels along with the others when the army outside breached the city.

With Fan Changyu’s words, even though most civilians remained timid, some hot-blooded men roared, seizing weapons from the rebel soldiers and turning on them.

As chaos erupted on the city wall, it became easier for the Jingzhou troops below to climb up the ladders.

After climbing up, Fan Changyu cut down several Chongzhou soldiers as easily as slicing vegetables. Seeing how few people remained behind the city wall, she realized something was wrong. Scanning the area, she spotted a fully armored general-like figure about to flee. Fan Changyu cut through the few soldiers blocking her path, and before she even reached him, her eight-foot-long black iron blade flew through the air.

The commander was pierced in the calf, howling in agony. He tried to pull the large blade from his leg but touching the wound only intensified the pain.

By this time, Fan Changyu had caught up. She stepped on the commander’s injured leg and picked up her blade, asking, “Where is the eldest son of the Prince of Changxin?”

The young commander cried out in pain, “My leg… my leg…”

Fan Changyu eased the pressure and coldly barked, “Speak!”

Seeing that Chongzhou had fallen, the young commander, disregarding everything else, spilled the truth, “The Young Master left the city gates last night.”

Fan Changyu’s face changed dramatically. She pointed the tip of her blade at his throat and shouted, “You’re lying!”

The young commander begged repeatedly, “My lady, whether I’m lying or not, just look at how few soldiers are left in the city. It can’t be false, can it?”

This was true. The East Gate, Chongzhou’s main gate, barely had enough soldiers and civilians in military uniforms to man the entire wall. It didn’t look right at all.

Fan Changyu said with a grim expression, “All four main gates were heavily guarded. How could the rebels inside have escaped the city?”

The young commander pleaded, “The main force inside the city withdrew from the West Gate last night. Where the West Gate guards went, I truly don’t know!”

Fan Changyu knew she wouldn’t get any more information from this rebel commander. She had him bound and quickly sent scouts to report to Tang Peiyi.

The rebels escaping from the West Gate last night without making a sound was no small matter.

Outside the four main gates, beyond the range of arrows and catapults from the city walls, five thousand troops were stationed.

For the Prince of Changxin’s eldest son to escape with his army, he’d have to fly or burrow underground.

Fan Changyu’s mind was in turmoil. She ordered Xie Wu to watch the city gate and strictly commanded the entering Jingzhou troops not to harass the city’s civilians. She then captured a Chongzhou soldier, ordering him to lead the way as she and her men headed for the Prince of Changxin’s mansion.

Upon arriving at the mansion, they found only servants remained. Fan Changyu interrogated several people, all of whom said Sui Yuanhuai had fled the night before.

Unable to find Yu Qianqian and Yu Bao’er, Fan Changyu questioned more servants. She learned that months ago, Sui Yuanhuai had brought back a mother and child. The woman was indeed surnamed Yu, but they didn’t know her full name. They only knew she was Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine, and the child was born after she had escaped.

Hearing this result, Fan Changyu remained silent for a while.

After coming to her senses, she ordered her soldiers to detain the people in the Prince of Changxin’s mansion, then sat inside the room, lost in thought for quite some time.

She realized she had been slow. Since Chang Ning mentioned meeting Yu Bao’er at the Prince of Changxin’s mansion, she should have guessed Yu Qianqian’s identity wasn’t simple.

Although she hadn’t known Yu Qianqian long, it was clear she was a strong-willed person. Having escaped once, she likely wasn’t willingly serving as Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine.

The trouble now was that both she and Yu Bao’er had been captured by Sui Yuanhuai, and all the servants in the Prince of Changxin’s mansion knew about his son.

Fan Changyu worried that if Sui Yuanhuai was eventually caught, Yu Bao’er might also be implicated.

Rebellion was punishable by the execution of nine generations of one’s family.

A knock at the door interrupted Fan Changyu’s thoughts.

“Commander, General Tang has entered the city with the main force and urgently summons you for a meeting,” came Xie Wu’s voice.

Fan Changyu replied, “Alright, I’ll go right away.”

When Fan Changyu arrived at the meeting hall, she found the atmosphere, as expected, extremely tense.

Tang Peiyi sat at the head with a grim expression, while the officers below all hung their heads. Fan Changyu also lowered her head as she took her place in the last row.

But having arrived late, her entrance caught Tang Peiyi’s attention. He asked her directly, “Commander Fan, I heard you went to search the Prince of Changxin’s mansion after the city fell. Did you find anything?”

Fan Changyu stepped forward, saluted, and reported, “In response to the General, only about a hundred servants remained in the mansion. They all said the Prince of Changxin’s eldest son left the city last night. I’ve ordered the mansion to be sealed and all the servants to be detained for now.”

This news didn’t improve Tang Peiyi’s mood. He waved for Fan Changyu to step back.

As soon as Fan Changyu returned to her place, Tang Peiyi violently overturned the table in front of him. The tea cups crashed to the ground along with the table, scattering shards everywhere. Everyone in the room was startled and grew even more tense.

Everyone knew this was absurd.

For tens of thousands of rebel troops to abandon the city so brazenly after being besieged, it was unclear how to even write this in the battle report to the capital.

If the Emperor became enraged, it was uncertain whether Tang Peiyi, the newly appointed commander of the Jingzhou army, would keep his head.

Li Huai’an entered the hall, saw the scene, and calmly said, “General Tang, please don’t be angry. We’ve uncovered the details of how the rebels escaped from the West Gate last night.”

Tang Peiyi finally looked up and asked, “What happened?”

Li Huai’an answered, “The Weiweizhou Colonel guarding the West Gate, Lu Dayi, was an old acquaintance of an advisor under the Prince of Changxin. They had been in secret communication. Lu Dayi’s recent military achievements were all due to this advisor secretly informing him of the rebel force deployments. Last night, after you decided on today’s attack, the advisor hurriedly wrote a letter of surrender, attached it to the city’s defense map, and shot it by arrow outside Lu Dayi’s camp as proof of his sincerity. He promised to open the city gate at the Hour of Zi, helping him take Chongzhou without losing a single soldier and claiming the first merit.”

Tang Peiyi, his eyes almost red with anger, shouted, “That fool believed it?”

Li Huai’an nodded gravely, “To claim this first merit, Lu Dayi feared that troop movements might alert the scouts, so he withdrew the scouts near the West Gate. At night, he led the guards outside the West Gate into the city, following the advisor’s instructions. They were ambushed and killed by arrows in the dark alleys inside the city. The rebels then used this opportunity to escape.”

“Lu Dayi had a strategist who, upon seeing the letter last night, advised him against such a risky move. Lu Dayi thought the strategist was cowardly and feared he might ruin his plans, so he tied him up and left him in the tent. I led men to investigate the situation at the West Gate earlier and only then discovered him.”

Tang Peiyi took the surrender letter the advisor had written to Lu Dayi from Li Huai’an and cursed, “Lu Dayi deserved to die! This good-for-nothing! Who can bear the responsibility for such a catastrophe?”

Li Huai’an raised his amber eyes slightly and said meaningfully, “Lu Dayi was recommended by the Prime Minister.”

Hearing this, Tang Peiyi slammed the armrest of his chair even harder, shattering the well-made chair into pieces. “Wei Yan has wild ambitions! Lord He entrusted the Jingzhou military power to me, and Lu Dayi was so eager to claim merit—was he trying to help Wei Yan reclaim control of the Jingzhou army?”

He turned back to the table angrily, gnashing his teeth, “Even if this general is willing to be flayed alive, Wei Yan won’t be able to stay out of this!”

Li Huai’an lowered his eyes and said, “The most urgent matter now is to find the rebels’ next destination.”

Tang Peiyi blurted out, “Lu City! If the rebels go further north, they’ll enter the territory of Marquis Wu’an’s Xie family army, which would be suicide. The hometown of the Prince of Changxin’s wife in Kang City has also been taken by Marquis Wu’an. The rebels can only go south now. Between Tai and Jing Prefectures, Tai Prefecture’s army hasn’t moved, while all of Jing Prefecture’s forces have rushed to Chongzhou. If they break through Lu City, the gateway to Jing Prefecture, the rebels can march south unimpeded!”

His teeth were chattering uncontrollably as he said, “Deploy troops to Lu City immediately.”

Li Huai’an shook his head, “The rebels moved at the Hour of Zi last night. Even if our main force pursues at full speed, we probably won’t catch up. We can only send scouts ahead to report and dispatch a cavalry unit for support first.”

Tang Peiyi, his mind in a frenzy, hurriedly said, “Yes, yes, let’s do as you say, nephew.”

Zheng Wenchang, a native of Jing Prefecture and nurtured by He Jingyuan, immediately stepped forward and said, “General, I humbly request to lead the cavalry back to Lu City for support!”

Fan Changyu, knowing that He Jingyuan was likely too injured to fight again and worried about Chang Ning and the others she had sent back to Jing Prefecture with Xie Qi earlier that morning possibly encountering the rebel army on the road, also stepped forward and said, “I am also willing to go to aid Jing Prefecture.”

Tang Peiyi looked at the two of them, aware of their martial prowess and deep respect for He Jingyuan. He immediately said, “You two will lead three thousand cavalry to Lu City first!”

But at that moment, a shrill voice came from outside, “Wait—”

A eunuch who had previously come to the military camp was being supported by a young eunuch as he slowly crossed the threshold and entered.

When Li Huai’an saw this eunuch, his brow twitched.

At this moment, Tang Peiyi was in a state of distress. Seeing the eunuch, he couldn’t muster a pleasant expression. “May I ask what brings the Honorable One here?”

The eunuch who had come to deliver the imperial edict, his face caked with thick powder, smiled insincerely, his face creasing into layers of wrinkles. “When His Majesty sent this humble one to comfort the soldiers of Jizhou, he also bestowed upon me the title of Imperial Inspector. General Tang, I trust you’ll heed my words here?”

He was already using his status to pressure others. An Imperial Inspector held supervisory authority in the military. Tang Peiyi could only reluctantly reply, “How could I not, Honorable One? It’s just that the current military situation is urgent, and I…”

“This humble one came specifically because of the urgent military situation,” the eunuch interrupted Tang Peiyi.

As his gaze swept over Fan Changyu, she felt as if she had been struck by a poisonous snake’s tail – that cold and slimy sensation made her feel both nauseated and terrified.

Fan Changyu pondered the words Li Huai’an had spoken to her the previous night, wondering if this wretched eunuch was about to set some trap for her.

Sure enough, the next moment, the eunuch spoke slowly, “General Tang has besieged Chongzhou city for days with tens of thousands of troops under his command. Capturing the rebels should have been as easy as catching a turtle in a jar, yet it has come to this. The three thousand cavalry sent to Lucheng – it’s uncertain whether they can catch up with the rebels. Even if they do, can just three thousand men repel nearly twenty thousand rebel troops?”

His wrinkled eyelids drooped halfway, giving him an appearance of detachment as he continued unhurriedly, “This humble one must report the frontline situation to His Majesty promptly so that the Ministry of War can dispatch troops and make preparations south of Jizhou as quickly as possible.”

Hearing his words implying that Jizhou couldn’t be held, Tang Peiyi’s face filled with barely concealed anger. He replied coldly, “If the Honorable One wishes to return to the capital to report to His Majesty, by all means, do so. This official will lead his subordinate commanders and spare no effort to rush to Lucheng’s aid.”

The eunuch seemed to have heard a joke and smiled, “This humble one will surely put in a good word for General Tang’s loyalty and patriotism before His Majesty. However, if this humble one were to set out just like this, I fear I might encounter rebels and be unable to deliver this news to His Majesty.”

Changing his tone, he finally revealed the purpose of his visit: “General Tang, assign two thousand of your cavalry to this humble one, to escort me back to the capital to report.”

Tang Peiyi’s eyes bulged with rage. “Two thousand? If you take away two thousand troops, what am I supposed to use to rush to Lucheng’s aid?”

The eunuch looked at him with half-closed eyes, “General Tang, you’re merely deceiving yourself now, thinking that Jizhou hasn’t fallen yet. Let me ask you, if Jizhou falls, what can your three thousand cavalry do once they reach Lucheng? Give this humble one two thousand, and I can take a detour through Taizhou to return to the capital and report, getting the news back first.”

Tang Peiyi shouted, “If you want to go back and report, no one’s stopping you. But you’re not getting my two thousand cavalry. No way!”

The eunuch snorted coldly, dropping the smile from his face. “Tang Peiyi, are you defying an imperial order?”

Tang Peiyi, already dizzy with anger, no longer wished to humor this powdered-faced eunuch. He bellowed, “Today, I am defying the order! You castrated good-for-nothing, it’s one thing to wag your tongue in the palace, but bringing that nonsense here? Today, even if I kill you and report to His Majesty that you died at the hands of rebels, what can you do about it?”

His bandit-like aura truly intimidated the eunuch.

Li Huai’an spoke up at the right moment, “General Tang, don’t be rash.”

Tang Peiyi brushed Li Huai’an aside and ordered Fan Changyu and Zheng Wenchang, “You two, lead the troops to Lucheng immediately!”

Fan Changyu knew that the current situation was beyond what she and Zheng Wenchang could handle. As long as Lucheng was held, Tang Peiyi wouldn’t be punished, and the civilians in Jizhou could be spared from the ravages of war. She and Zheng Wenchang immediately saluted and left.

The eunuch was still shouting behind them, “Tang Peiyi, how dare you treat an imperial envoy like this…”

Tang Peiyi looked back at the eunuch and ordered those around him, “Tie him up! Throw him in the pile of corpses, let him see how many people have died in this battle!”

He glared at the eunuch with fierce eyes, his jaw clenched, and said, “The message will be sent back to the capital by my men. You, Honorable One, can stay here with my fallen soldiers!”

With that, he shouted, “Army, move out!”

After he left the hall, Li Huai’an glanced at the eunuch who had been tied up like a dumpling and was being dragged away. With an indescribable expression, he caught up with Tang Peiyi and said, “General Tang, why trouble yourself like this?”

Tang Peiyi, a man eight feet tall, had once again reddened his eyes because of today’s events. He said, “Nephew, look, the peace we risk our lives for is nothing but a matter of words for those around His Majesty.”

He grinned, “It’s not that I look down on scholars. Since ancient times, pretty words have always been spoken by scholars. Whether they have integrity or not, I don’t know. But those white bones on the battlefield, having spent all their flesh and blood, can hardly hope for their names to be remembered by future generations.”

“That eunuch thinks Jizhou must be lost, but I know Lord He. Even if he has only one breath left, he will hold out until reinforcements arrive.”

“Those two youngsters leading the cavalry to provide aid first are also full of loyalty and courage. If they can delay for even a moment longer, our chances of victory increase.”

Li Huai’an thought of the grand plan devised by this grandfather and the imperial grandson to overthrow Wei Yan and suddenly felt an endless guilt in his heart. He said, “If Jizhou falls, perhaps the situation won’t be as bad as we fear. We can always recapture it.”

Tang Peiyi looked at him, his face stern, and said, “How can warfare be taken lightly? When Jinzhou was lost to foreign invaders years ago, how many years passed, how much blood of Da Yin’s sons was spilled before we recaptured it?”

Just then, a personal guard came hurrying over, saluted Tang Peiyi, and said, “General, the army has begun to move, and your warhorse has been brought!”

Tang Peiyi then said to Li Huai’an, “I’ll entrust Chongzhou to you, nephew.”

Li Huai’an watched his retreating figure, striding like a tiger, his thoughts in tumult.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Jizhou would have already been taken by Sui Yuanhuai by now.

He wasn’t worried about the civilians in Jizhou because he knew Sui Yuanhuai was the imperial grandson and wouldn’t harm innocents.

This was just a play. A battle that was originally certain to be won had turned sour because Wei Yan’s subordinates had messed things up, allowing the rebels to escape from the resource-depleted Chongzhou and occupy Jizhou.

Not only would the court be enraged, but the entire nation would be incensed. Wei Yan would become the target of public criticism.

Soon after, Jizhou would be recaptured, and the “rebels” would be brought to justice, confessing everything. They would reveal that their escape from Chongzhou wasn’t due to Wei Yan’s subordinates seeking glory, but because they had reached an agreement with Wei Yan. Wei Yan had helped them escape the heavily blockaded Chongzhou, and in return, they had helped Wei Yan prolong the Chongzhou campaign, preventing his military authority from being recalled too quickly.

As for the death of Lu Dayi, it would naturally be attributed to Wei Yan silencing witnesses.

To make this play convincing enough, it was necessary to keep Tang Peiyi and others on the chessboard in the dark. Only with enough deaths could this matter be blown up to the desired proportions.

Perhaps it was because of Tang Peiyi’s words, but Li Huai’an suddenly felt extremely uneasy.

He kept asking himself one question: Was it right or wrong to devise this plan to overthrow Wei Yan?

Once, he believed that with Wei Yan controlling the court politics of Da Yin, there would be no future for Da Yin as long as Wei Yan remained in power.

To remove Wei Yan, this great traitor, what did the political maneuvering in the court matter? Over these years, as the Li family rose to power, how many people had they sacrificed to contend with Wei Yan? Why did he now feel guilt over those fallen soldiers?

Their deaths could lead to Wei Yan’s downfall, allowing all the people under heaven to live better lives.

Sacrificing the small self for the greater good – shouldn’t that be right?

Li Huai’an closed his eyes, unwilling to think deeper.

A carriage advanced along the winding mountain road, while a snow-white gyrfalcon soared in circles in the distant sky.

As the carriage stopped near the riverbank at the foot of the mountain, a young man went to fetch water but slipped and fell flat on his back. The other young men guarding the carriage burst into laughter.

The youth grimaced as he got up, noticing traces of cooking smoke hidden under weeds. He muttered, “The riverbank is fine, where did this fire pit come from?”

Spotting several areas covered by weeds that were distinctly different from the surrounding wild grass, he went over and kicked them open one by one, discovering fire pits underneath. Scratching his head, he wondered, “Strange, so many fire pits. How many people must have cooked here?”

A small head poked out from the carriage. Chang Ning, holding a fluffy yellow duckling, asked excitedly, “Are we going to cook?”

The young man was one of the personal guards Fan Changyu had sent to protect Chang Ning and Madam Zhao. He was the one who had given his money to Fan Changyu for safekeeping before his first battle, named Qin Yong.

He glanced at the sun and smiled, “Cooking here would save us the trouble of digging pits.”

Xie Qi, sitting on the carriage shaft some distance from the riverbank, hadn’t seen the fire pits. Hearing Qin Yong mention numerous pits near the riverbank, he instinctively became alert. Jumping down from the carriage, he asked, “How many fire pits are there?”

Qin Yong counted the pits by the riverbank and replied, “Just on this side, there are seven or eight, all covered with weeds.”

Xie Qi, having served as a scout in the army, was more attuned to environmental reconnaissance. He walked along the river valley for a while and, finding numerous fire pits extending for a mile or two on both sides, said with certainty, “An army of at least ten thousand people must have passed through here.”

At these words, the other young soldiers also became alert, hesitating, “The rebels are trapped in Chongzhou City, and General Tang is leading the Jingzhou army to eliminate them. Where could such a large army have come from at this time?”

Xie Qi didn’t answer, but felt the temperature of the ashes in the fire pits, muttering, “The ashes are cold. It’s nearly noon now, and large armies don’t light fires to cook at night, so it must have been this morning.”

Qin Yong, who had been fetching water, asked, “Could it be the Marquis’s troops heading to Chongzhou after taking Kang City?”

Xie Qi stood up from the fire pit and said, “Going from Kang City through here to Chongzhou would be a detour.”

His expression grew serious as he returned to the carriage to find paper and brush. He quickly wrote something, rolled it into a small scroll, and looked at the gyrfalcon soaring in the sky. He gave a long whistle, and the bird swooped down.

After placing the message in the iron tube attached to the gyrfalcon’s leg, he stroked its feathers and said, “Go find the master.”

The gyrfalcon spread its wings and flew back into the sky.

Qin Yong watched this scene with great admiration. The white gyrfalcon that had been following them in the sky was incredibly fierce, and apart from this brother called Xie Qi, none of the others dared approach it.

He asked, “Are you sending the gyrfalcon to find the Commander?”

Before Xie Qi could answer, Chang Ning’s lips had already turned down. “Where did Uncle Xiao Qi send the falcon?”

Xie Qi reassured Chang Ning, “The gyrfalcon will deliver a message and come back.”

Qin Yong was even more excited now, his respect for Fan Changyu growing even stronger. “Is it going to find the Commander? I didn’t know the Commander kept such a fierce bird.”

Xie Qi, having heard from Xie Wu about Fan Changyu’s special attention to this young soldier on the battlefield and even giving him a heart-protecting mirror, unconsciously cooled his expression and said, “The gyrfalcon is going to deliver a message to our Commander’s husband.”

All the young men perked up their ears.

Qin Yong stammered, “The… the Commander is married?”

Xie Qi raised an eyelid and said, “Of course.”

A nearby soldier asked curiously, “What kind of person is the Commander’s husband? Is he also from our army?”

Another soldier chimed in, “He’s from our army. I heard from the brothers who went to aid Yixian Gorge that the Commander joined the army to find her husband after he was taken by the conscription.”

The others hurriedly asked, “Is that true?”

Xie Qi nodded coldly yet proudly, saying with a hint of glory, “How could it be false?”

So the other young soldiers urged the one who knew some inside information to tell them more about Fan Changyu’s husband.

That soldier said, “I heard that the Commander’s husband was seriously injured in the battle at Yixian Gorge and is now half-paralyzed.”

The young soldiers sighed, secretly lamenting Fan Changyu’s misfortune.

Xie Qi, who had just opened his water bottle for a drink, nearly choked to death.

Madam Zhao, sitting in the carriage, couldn’t help but scold, “What nonsense are you talking about!”

Qin Yong and the others didn’t know who this old lady was to Fan Changyu, but seeing how respectful Xie Qi was towards her, they all shrank their heads and accepted the scolding.

Chang Ning, though young, knew that the husband they were talking about was her brother-in-law. She leaned on the carriage window, looking up to ask Madam Zhao, “Granny, what does ‘half-paralyzed’ mean?”

Madam Zhao spat twice before saying, “It means saying someone is a cripple.”

Chang Ning then defended Xie Zheng, “My brother-in-law is not a cripple.”

The soldier who had spoken earlier scratched his head awkwardly and said, “I… I just heard it from others in the army.”

Madam Zhao, unaware of the subsequent events involving Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng, feared that with Fan Changyu’s high official position, those around her might have many thoughts. She liked Xie Qi because she saw him as honest, capable, and without ulterior motives.

To prevent Xie Zheng from becoming a discarded husband, she deliberately said in front of everyone, “Changyu’s husband is quite handsome, well-educated, and skilled in martial arts.”

Qin Yong, being simple-minded, thought that since the Commander was so capable, her husband must be equally impressive according to the old lady. He immediately said, “Then our Commander’s husband must also be a colonel or a general?”

Madam Zhao didn’t know Xie Zheng’s military rank but remembered that when he came looking for Fan Changyu last time, he seemed to have a lower rank than Fan Changyu’s position as a squad leader. Not daring to exaggerate, she lowered her eyes and focused on entertaining Chang Ning, not answering the question.

Qin Yong, unaware that he had said something wrong, looked at his companions in confusion when Madam Zhao didn’t respond.

It was Xie Qi who finally said, “When you meet the Commander’s husband in the future, you’ll know who he is.”

This topic was temporarily put to rest.

As they stopped to rest and cook, Xie Qi gazed at the horizon where the gyrfalcon had flown, his expression still not relaxed.

He had written down the situation they had observed on the road and sent the gyrfalcon to find Xie Zheng.

The gyrfalcon recognized the Xie family’s military flag. If the army that had passed through here was Xie Zheng’s, they could only have traveled a few dozen miles in half a day, and the gyrfalcon should have been able to quickly return with a reply from Xie Zheng.

If it wasn’t for Xie Zheng, sending the gyrfalcon to deliver the message to him would at least ensure the timely delivery of military intelligence.

The black-armored troops flowed like molten iron through the winding mountains, the “Xie” character wolf banner stretched taut by the mountain wind, flapping loudly.

A clear falcon cry came from the sky. The personal guard riding close to a carriage in the military formation looked up and respectfully said to the person inside, “Marquis, it’s the gyrfalcon.”

The person resting inside the carriage opened a pair of cold, sharp phoenix eyes.

He had left the gyrfalcon with her. She wouldn’t use it to send him any messages; only Xie Qi or Xie Wu would.

Had something happened on her side?

A tickle rose in his throat. He raised his lips and coughed softly, suppressing a fit of coughing as he lifted the thick brocade curtain of the carriage.

Seeing him, the gyrfalcon circled down, its iron-like claws firmly gripping the edge of the carriage. It raised the foot with the message tube.

After reading the message, Xie Zheng’s eyes turned cold. He commanded in a deep, cold voice, “Change course, march at full speed to Lu City.”

The personal guard outside the carriage looked at the sky and hesitated, “Marquis, if we go to Lu City now, we might not arrive before dark.”

From inside the carriage came an unquestionable, cold voice, “Bring my warhorse. The cavalry will ride with me.”

The golden crow was setting in the west, the remaining sunlight like blood.

The entire wilderness outside Lu City’s gates was wrapped in a layer of brilliant golden red.

Fan Changyu had come to dislike sunsets at some point. The color was too vivid, always reminding her of blood on the battlefield.

Like now.

Having rushed back to Lu City with three thousand cavalry without stopping, seeing the fresh blood on the soil dyed that gorgeous color, her heart sank.

Lu City hadn’t fallen, but the pile of corpses at the base of the city gates was already thick, almost higher than the gates themselves.

Today, when attacking Chongzhou City, she had seen ordinary civilians forced onto the city walls at swordpoint by the rebels. But here at Lu City’s walls, she saw civilians voluntarily defending the city.

He Jingyuan, dressed in full armor, stood in the center of Lu City’s walls, like a mountain, deterring the attacking forces from advancing.

Just seeing that figure from afar brought tears to Fan Changyu’s eyes.

He had led the civilians to defend the city gates until now, despite Lu City’s severe shortage of troops.

Zheng Wenchang let out a hoarse roar, leading the cavalry to pierce through the rear of Chongzhou’s rebel army formation. Fan Changyu followed closely.

Whether it was because the rebels were exhausted from the prolonged siege or because their cavalry charge was truly divinely aided, they cut through to the front of the formation. The rebel side, lacking capable leaders beyond their human wave tactics, didn’t engage them head-on and temporarily retreated.

They successfully entered the city.

The defenders on the city walls cheered, weeping with joy. Fan Changyu followed Zheng Wenchang to find He Jingyuan on the city wall.

The deputy commander, looking at the elderly man whose stern eyes were fixed in the distance, excitedly said, “Sir, Lu City has held!”

The old man didn’t respond, his expression unchanged.

The deputy commander’s heart sank. He hurriedly reached out to touch the old man, finding his body already stiff, yet still standing upright, leaning on his sword.

The deputy commander cried out in anguish, “Sir!”

Fan Changyu and the others, who had just reached the top of the city wall, heard this cry and felt their hearts suddenly grow cold.

Li Huai’an, your family has become traitors as well. What corrupt things has Wei Yan done? Framing people, letting the people starve for his own quest for power…what has the Li family done? Tried to take power in the same way. I like Li Huai’an, but there is going to be a reckoning I’m not sure he’ll survive. I can’t believe his “Sui Yuanhuai was the imperial grandson and wouldn’t harm innocents.” The guy sitting on the throne is an imperial son and harms innocents all the time.

Funnily enough it was li’s fault for starving the people, wei yan literally did nothing besides that thing 15 ears past

I can’t 😂😂😂they don’t know that their commander is the wife of their Marquis 😂😂😂

“wei yan evil this” “wei yan evil that” but the li faction and the current descendants are no better!

Li Huai’an still thinking they are the good guys, while deliberately allowing hundreds of thousands of disaster victims to suffer and starve to death… all just so they could have ammunition to impeach Wei Yan in court—absolutely despicable! These self-righteous scums are even worse than Wei Yan. They all need to be wiped out.

EVERYONE IS EVIL DAMMIT

makes me too angry that Li Hauian won’t think more deeply about what is going on. I really loathe this chraer.

I understand Xie Zheng point of view, but I really hate how je almost made Changyu became another tofu makers daughter.

She wouldn’t have suffered so much if he hadn’t promises things to her that he wasn’t capable to sustain…

The more I think, the more I suspect that Chancellor Wei didn’t plans Zheng’s father downfall…. I think he just used an opportunity. The true responsible still hiding…

Zhu Yu – Chapter 113

Zheng Wenchang, walking in front, noticeably stumbled before pushing past the still-anxious soldiers on either side of the city wall stairs and rushing up to the top of the wall even faster.

Fan Changyu was a step behind. When she reached the top of the wall and saw the kneeling, weeping soldiers and civilians wiping away tears, whether from overwhelming grief or fatigue from just coming off the battlefield, for a moment she felt the world spinning and her head heavy. A sense of desolation and uncertainty welled up within her.

Although she had imagined the scene if Lucheng fell on the way here, seeing this elder die standing with his sword on the battlefield with her own eyes, the surge of grief in that instant was truly like a tidal wave, gripping her so tightly she could hardly breathe.

“My Lord?”

Zheng Wenchang’s throat tightened as he struggled to call out to the now-rigid elder. The eight-foot-tall man’s eyes were bloodshot, and after that one utterance, he was already choking with sobs.

After helping to close the eyes of the deceased elder, which had remained angrily open even in death, he knelt and kowtowed heavily to the elder, banging his head until it split open, tears and mucus flowing as he repeated only one phrase: “This student came too late, I came back too late…”

A nearby vice general, seeing this, reddened his eyes with sympathy and supported Zheng Wenchang, saying, “Wenchang, don’t be like this. The Lord had not yet recovered from his serious injuries and was already ill from overwork. When he heard the rebels had suddenly attacked Lucheng, he ignored his illness and rushed here on horseback. With his last ounce of strength, he held out until you arrived to support Lucheng. Surely the Lord would be comforted by this. Now, with the great enemy before us, don’t waste your strength. Driving back the rebels is what the Lord would want to see!”

Zheng Wenchang raised his blood-filled eyes to look at the vast rebel army below the city wall, muttering, “Yes, the rebels. They must die!”

The joints of his clenched fists cracked audibly as he stood up and immediately ordered, “All soldiers, hear my command! Follow me out of the city to meet the enemy in battle. Cut off Sui Yuanhuai’s head to avenge our Lord!”

The vice general hurriedly advised, “Wenchang, don’t be rash! There are now twenty thousand rebel troops surrounding the city. Rushing out to meet them in battle would be like eggs smashing against rocks!”

The cavalry Fan Changyu and her group had brought back numbered only three thousand, and after the fierce battle to enter the city, only two thousand remained.

Two thousand against twenty thousand – they might be able to defend the city, but opening the gates to meet the enemy in battle would be suicide.

The veins on the back of Zheng Wenchang’s hand bulged as he stared at the war chariot drawn by eight horses at the center of the army below, protected by countless soldiers. His back teeth clenched tightly: “I’ll go out of the city alone to take Sui Yuanhuai’s head!”

With these words, he picked up his long spear and was about to head down from the city wall. He was like a maddened bull; even when the vice general reached out to pull him back, he couldn’t stop him.

As he passed by Fan Changyu, the previously silent woman suddenly acted. Her hand moved like lightning, delivering a heavy chop to the back of Zheng Wenchang’s neck. His vision went black, and he collapsed.

“Wenchang!”

The vice general hurriedly supported Zheng Wenchang. Though initially worried, upon seeing that he had only fainted, he quickly understood Fan Changyu’s good intentions. There was only one female general in the entire Northwest military, so the vice general easily guessed her identity. He gratefully said, “Thank you, Commander Fan, for your help!”

Fan Changyu said, “Take General Zheng down and let him rest for a while.”

The vice general beckoned some soldiers to carry Zheng Wenchang down, then called for a stretcher to carefully place He Jingyuan’s body on it.

After the elder’s eyes were closed, his face remained stern, but there was a sense of peace in his brow.

As the soldiers carried He Jingyuan’s body away, Fan Changyu quietly gazed at the deceased elder for a moment and softly called out, “Uncle.”

Then she promised, “I will defend Lucheng and not let the rebels set foot on an inch of Jizhou soil.”

The first phrase was spoken as the daughter of an old friend to this elder of high integrity, while the latter was a promise made as a subordinate.

The vice general, watching this, felt quite moved and said, “Commander Fan, please accept my condolences as well.”

He Jingyuan’s body had been carried away by the soldiers. Fan Changyu nodded silently and was about to turn back to observe the situation below the city wall when a scout who had been watching the rebels’ movements ran over to report to the vice general: “General, the rebels are preparing to attack the city again!”

Hearing this, the vice general was shocked and hurriedly walked to the wall to look down.

He saw that the rebels below had reorganized their formation, which had been scattered by Fan Changyu’s cavalry charge. Once again, they were advancing towards the city wall with a shield formation and archers in the lead, protecting the rebels carrying scaling ladders.

The vice general, flustered, issued orders: “Archers, quickly! Fill all the embrasures, two men to a group, taking turns!”

Turning to Fan Changyu, he asked, “Commander Fan, how many skilled archers are there among the cavalry? First, send people to fill the embrasures on the city wall!”

Fan Changyu quickly instructed Xie Wu: “Call all the archers who can still fight to the top of the city wall.”

Those who could become cavalry were usually the elite among ordinary soldiers. Drawing a long bow required considerable arm strength, so soldiers skilled in both riding and archery were even rarer in the army.

Of the three thousand cavalry Fan Changyu had brought back, there were originally five hundred archers. After entering the city and suffering casualties, only about three hundred remained who could fight. Xie Wu brought them all up to fill the embrasures on the walls of Lucheng.

The civilians who were originally on the city wall helping to defend the city voluntarily went down to the inner city to help transport weapons, stones, and logs.

Fan Changyu had fought in several siege battles before, but this was her first time defending a city.

Unlike attacking a city, where one could charge forward with valor, looking down from the city wall at the rebels surging up like a tidal wave to attack the city had a much greater visual impact. The formation of troops below could be seen clearly for miles, greatly increasing the psychological pressure and easily causing people to lose heart.

The vice general was experienced. As the rebels’ archer and shield formations approached within range, he shouted to boost the soldiers’ morale: “The rebels’ first wave of attacks was repelled by less than a thousand men on our walls. Now we have several thousand elite soldiers coming to our aid. We must drive the rebels back even with our eyes closed!”

As soon as the rebels’ archer and shield formations came within range, he shouted, “Release arrows!”

Instantly, arrows flew from the city wall like shooting stars. At each embrasure on the wall stood two archers. While one was shooting, the other was nocking an arrow and drawing the bow. When the first archer retreated, the one behind immediately stepped up to shoot, ensuring a constant stream of arrows from the city wall.

Fan Changyu followed the vice general to look down from the embrasures and saw that although soldiers in the rebel army were constantly falling, there were so many of them that as those in front died, those behind stepped over the corpses and continued to charge forward.

Relying on these human wave tactics, they eventually managed to set up scaling ladders against the city wall once again.

Having experienced the previous defense, the defenders on the city wall reacted quickly this time. In addition to the archers shooting arrows, other soldiers and civilians began throwing stones and logs, pouring barrels of oil down, and then tossing down torches. The scaling ladders and the rebel soldiers climbing them were engulfed in flames. The soldiers screamed as they tried to put out the fires on their bodies, but with their clothes soaked in oil, they ultimately became human torches, falling from the ladders.

When Fan Changyu first went to the battlefield, she would feel nauseated at the sight of corpses and want to vomit. Now, witnessing this scene of human hell firsthand, she still felt sick but no longer felt the urge to throw up.

She could even analyze the battle situation with the vice general: “General He, I see we’re running low on oil. Should we use it more sparingly? Some ladders can be destroyed with stones and logs, so let’s use those instead.”

The military supplies in Lucheng had been transported to Chongzhou along with the city’s garrison after the initial siege of Lucheng was lifted.

After all, at that time, no one had imagined that the rebels, already trapped like cornered beasts, could still escape under the siege of tens of thousands of troops and counterattack Lucheng.

Vice General He sighed and said, “I initially had the same thought as Commander Fan, but Lord He said we can’t let the rebels know we’re short on supplies. If we repel their attacks several times, even with human wave tactics, they’ll tire out. If we let them know we’re running low on supplies, they’ll only become more eager to attack the city.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu fell silent.

Vice General He’s words made sense. In this siege, they were the weaker side. With insufficient troops, if their supplies ran out, the rebels’ morale would surely soar, and taking Lucheng would become as easy as turning over one’s hand.

In this round of the rebels’ assault, Lucheng managed to hold out once again thanks to the two thousand cavalry who had entered the city and the help of the civilians.

Watching the rebels retreat like defeated dogs at the sound of the gong, the soldiers and civilians on the city wall rejoiced.

However, after the quartermaster checked the remaining military supplies on the city wall, he came to Vice General He with a grave face and said, “General, we’re running out of arrows, and there are only a few barrels of oil left.”

Vice General He glanced at the rebels below the city wall, who seemed to be reorganizing their formation again, and asked Fan Changyu, “Commander Fan, how long before General Tang’s army arrives?”

Fan Changyu said, “Lucheng is over a hundred li from Chongzhou. Even if General Tang’s troops travel light and march at full speed, we still need to hold out for at least two more hours.”

Vice General He looked back at the smoke-filled battlefield below the city and said, “Then we’ll hold for two more hours.”

Xie Wu, standing behind Fan Changyu, showed a strange expression but said nothing.

On the entire city wall, only the lowest-ranking soldiers were cheering for this brief victory. The officers above seemed to know that they were running out of arrows, oil, stones, and logs and that Lucheng couldn’t be held.

Everyone’s face was heavy with the weight of the situation, but no one said much. They all continued to do their duties methodically.

Rather than preparing for the next round of defense, it was more like welcoming a heroic death.

At such a time, even grief seemed superfluous.

Fan Changyu looked at the faces, some heavy with worry, others beaming with bright smiles. After a moment of silence, she suddenly said to Vice General He, “This subordinate has an idea that might allow Lucheng to hold out a bit longer.”

Vice General He quickly asked, “What idea?”

Fan Changyu said, “This subordinate will lead a dozen men out of the city to challenge the enemy, engaging their leaders in single combat. During this time, Vice General He can seal the city gates.”

Hearing that she was proposing to sacrifice her life to buy a few more moments, Vice General He hurriedly said, “Impossible!”

Fan Changyu said, “This is the only way this subordinate can think of to buy time.”

She looked at Vice General He and continued, “The rebels fled here overnight, so their supplies must be running low as well. Once they enter the city, it’s the civilians who will suffer. Lord He gave his life to defend Lucheng; how can we let it fall because we value our own lives? The city still needs Vice General He to manage the overall situation, so this subordinate requests to fight.”

Vice General He’s face showed his difficulty.

Xie Wu urgently said, “If the Commander insists on going out to fight, this subordinate is willing to go in your place.”

For the first time, Fan Changyu spoke harshly to Xie Wu: “You’re not qualified.”

Vice General He said with difficulty, “Commander Fan…”

Fan Changyu’s lips tightened slightly as she saluted and said, “Vice General He, this subordinate is Meng Changyu, a descendant of General Meng Shuyuan of Changshan. Deceiving the emperor is already a great crime. This subordinate cannot investigate the truth of the Jinzhou incident in this lifetime to clear my ancestor’s name, but doing something good for the common people can be considered as continuing the Meng family’s good name. I hope Vice General He will grant this request!”

Vice General He was greatly shaken. After a struggle, he finally closed his eyes tightly and said, “Granted.”

Fan Changyu gratefully said, “Thank you, General.”

With these words, she headed down from the city wall.

Xie Wu hurriedly followed, saying, “This subordinate will go out with the Commander to challenge the enemy.”

Fan Changyu stopped in a less crowded area and spoke with unexpected calmness: “Xiao Wu, thank you for your support during these days in the army. I know you and Xiao Qi stayed by my side because of his wishes. But he’s about to marry a princess now, and if I keep you two around, I won’t be able to face myself.”

Xie Wu had been by Fan Changyu’s side all along and didn’t know about the emperor sending an envoy to arrange the marriage. Hearing this suddenly, he found it strange and was also anxious about what Fan Changyu was about to do. He urgently said, “Commander, there must be some misunderstanding. Who told you that the master is going to marry a princess?”

Fan Changyu didn’t answer, only saying, “I don’t blame him. The Jinzhou tragedy shocked the world; no one could forgive it. I’ve always felt that my father and grandfather were innocent, but that’s just my own belief. If I die in Lucheng today, consider it atonement for them. I have only one more thing to ask of you, Brother Xiao Wu. If I’m gone and Lucheng is held, avoid the eyes and ears of the palace and Wei Yan, and find a good family to adopt Ning Niang.”

She paused for a long while before saying, “She’s all I can’t let go of now.”

There was another person she couldn’t let go of in her heart, but that fate had long since ended in this life.

Xie Wu’s eyes reddened: “Commander…”

Fan Changyu bowed to him: “I’m counting on you.”

Before Xie Wu could say anything more, Fan Changyu had already turned and walked towards the troops gathered at the bottom of the barbican.

The dozen or so men were all locals from Jizhou, their faces showing a solemn readiness to die.

Fan Changyu’s gaze swept across their faces one by one as she said, “We’re going out of the city. If we can hold out for one more moment until reinforcements arrive, then our comrades and fellow citizens inside the city won’t have to die. We might be remembered by future generations, and our families will receive compensation from the court, ensuring they won’t worry about food and clothing for the rest of their lives.”

“If we can’t hold out and the city falls, we’ll just be one of the countless skeletons under the yellow sand. Our wives, children, and elders at home might be displaced by the war, or they might die at the hands of the rebels.”

Having said this, she mounted her horse and shouted with spirited authority to the soldiers guarding the city gate: “Open the gates!”

The heavy city gates slowly opened with a creaking sound like cartwheels turning. As Fan Changyu rode out of the city with her sword drawn, the mass of rebel soldiers in the distance was visibly stunned.

Sixteen elite soldiers followed her out, forming a goose formation behind her, like wings sprouting from her back.

The sun had only a last trace of red left, and the Jizhou flag on the city wall fluttered in the wind. In this deathly silent battlefield, Fan Changyu’s voice tore through the long wind, reaching everyone’s ears: “Meng Changyu, a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, is here. Does any rebel general dare to come out and fight?”

😭

sungguh heroik sekali changyu
dunia akhirnya tahu changyu keturunan meng hanya untuk bisa mempertahankan kota 😭

“Meng Changyu, a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, is here. Does any rebel general dare to come out and fight?”

I freaking love this FL! She is the epitome of badass! 👑

sobbing 😭😭😭 my changyu

Omg im crying legit tears😭😭

She is very strong minded 😢 Fanchangyu.another chapter that made me..!😭😭🫶👍

Fkking bawled my eyes out this entire chapter! When she proudly identified herself as a descendant of the Meng clan, my heart felt like it was being ripped in two. This poor child. Just 16 years old and yet she has already shouldered so much hardship, pain, and heartache.

😭😭😭 😭😭😭. I couldnt hold back tears reading this chapter .
“There was another person she couldn’t let go of in her heart, but that fate had long since ended in this life”. So sad that she accepte her fate with XZ.
I got goosebumps when she took ownership of her family name and said “Meng Changyu, a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, is here. Does any rebel general dare to come out and fight?” I was so proud of her. Now she can walk on the same level as XZ.

Gosh I love her
I’ve never really been close to anyone from the military and so haven’t really considered how heavy that responsibility is.
This novel has made me ponder on how selfless and strong these people of service are/have been.
Changyu might be my favourite fml.

Chengyu is wonderful!! I’m really impressed how the author made she become more mature but keeping her essence

My beloved Meng Changyu, no one compares to you. So young, so brave, so formidable. I can’t believe she was insecure at one point because her status did not match Xie Zheng. I would even argue she is out of his league. I can’t fathom how someone so special could deserve nothing less than the world.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 114

On the battlefield, apart from the howling wind, only deathly silence remained.

Several dozen zhang away, the rebel troops paused briefly as they reorganized their formation. A few young commanders on horseback looked back with varying expressions, awaiting orders from the central army.

Fan Changyu sat tall on horseback, her eyes calm and resolute, gripping her long saber tightly without a trace of fear.

For some unknown reason, no response came from the distant enemy camp.

Fan Changyu frowned. After Shi Yue and Shi Hu died at Yixian Gorge, and the Long Xin Prince was beheaded in Chongzhou, the rebels lost many of their great generals. Now, there were hardly any capable military commanders under Yuan Huai’s command.

Her risky strategy was meant to buy time.

If Yuan Huai saw through her intentions and was unwilling to sacrifice more of his capable generals, instead ordering his main force to advance, she and the dozen or so soldiers behind her would not be able to hold out for long.

After a moment’s thought, Fan Changyu formulated a plan. Pointing her long saber, she shouted, “Listen up, rebels! The Long Xin Prince has already fallen to my blade. Yuan Qing was captured at Kangcheng. The one you’re following is nothing but a coward who can’t even lift a sword. He doesn’t have a single brave general left who can fight for him on the battlefield. How could he possibly lead you to the capital? How could he promise you riches and glory? If you abandon the darkness and come into the light, all can be forgiven!”

These words caused visible unrest among the rebel troops opposite them.

Vice General He and others on the city walls, perceiving Fan Changyu’s intention, joined in the taunting: “Yuan Huai is nothing but a coward! He’s like a stray dog, fleeing from Chongzhou to Lucheng. He doesn’t have a single capable fighter left. He’s just counting on you rabble to sacrifice your lives to clear a path for him to escape south!”

“The Yuan family’s fortunes have long since run out. At least Yuan Qing was brave and skilled in battle. Everyone knows Yuan Huai is just a medicine pot barely clinging to life! Following Yuan Huai is nothing but seeking your deaths!”

The commotion among the rebel troops grew even greater.

A scout hurriedly ran back to report to the rear formation. After nervously relaying the situation at the front, a cold sneer emerged from within a carriage surrounded by several experts: “Meng Changyu?”

The voice from within the carriage was cold and eerie, like a chill wind blowing through a dark forest, raising goosebumps on the back of one’s neck.

He seemed to chuckle lowly: “What a good attempt at sowing discord and disrupting morale. Sui Ping, take some men and capture that Meng clan remnant alive.”

The burly family guard standing outside the carriage immediately cupped his fist: “This subordinate obeys the command!”

The military advisor, who had come upon hearing the news, quickly interjected: “Young Master, you must not! You must not!”

He reasoned: “That female general opposite us is using the technique of provocation. Currently, only General Sui Ping is capable of shouldering great responsibilities in our army. If anything were to happen to General Sui Ping, even if we take Lucheng, once Tang Peiyi and the Marquis of Wu’an hear the news and rush here, without a commander to lead the troops, how could we possibly resist the enemy? It would be better to focus on attacking the city immediately, using corpses and blood to fill the moat, and first climb the walls of Lucheng.”

A hand wearing a white jade ring lifted the carriage curtain. Due to long illness and lack of sunlight, the hand was pale and thin, with blue veins and tendons visible on the back.

The scout who inadvertently caught sight of this scene felt his heart tremble and quickly lowered his head.

There were already rumors in the army that the Young Master was plagued by a stubborn illness and had a gloomy, violent temperament. Those who served him closely often met with sudden deaths.

As the curtain was fully lifted, Yuan Huai was revealed with a large cloak draped over his shoulders. His pale face bore obvious signs of illness, but his thin lips curled in a faint smile, his entire being exuding a somber, sinister air.

He spoke unhurriedly: “The military advisor has worked hard, but after suffering several defeats, the army’s morale must be raised. That female general killed my royal father. If this grudge is not avenged, I have no face to see my father.”

The military advisor still had reservations: “But…”

Yuan Huai raised his hand to stop the advisor’s words. He slightly lifted his eyelids, and although he was a long-term invalid, the moment his eyes met the advisor’s, the latter felt an inexplicable sense of pressure.

Hurriedly averting his gaze, the advisor inwardly mused that this Young Master might not be the useless invalid sustained only by medicine as rumors suggested.

Yuan Huai took in the advisor’s expression fully, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly as he said, “The main army left the city at midnight. Even if Tang Peiyi discovered something amiss after attacking Chongzhou and gave chase, it would take at least half a day to arrive. The Marquis of Wu’an is entrenched in Kangcheng and cannot come to their aid in time. It’s just one woman, what is there to fear? Don’t let those government dogs on the city walls laugh at us.”

The military advisor had only wanted to take Lucheng quickly to avoid unforeseen circumstances. After Yuan Huai’s explanation, his concerns were somewhat alleviated. He bowed and retreated.

Watching the military advisor walk away, Yuan Huai tapped his fingers on the carriage window one by one, then instructed his guards: “You go to assist as well. As long as the Meng woman is alive, it’s fine. Kill the rest without mercy.”

Half of the experts surrounding the carriage immediately dispersed.

Lan, the mother of Zhao Xun, carefully glanced at Yuan Huai and cautiously spoke: “Does Your Highness intend to use the Meng woman to expose the Jinzhou tragedy orchestrated by Wei Yan years ago?”

Yuan Huai half-lifted his eyelids, looking at Lan with an ambiguous smile, saying nothing.

Lan couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Ever since finding Yubao’er, Yuan Huai’s vigilance towards her mother and son had increased daily. She understood what Yuan Huai was worried about. Over the years, she had never harbored any different intentions, but once the seed of suspicion is planted in the heart of an imperial family member, it becomes a thorn that never goes away.

As there had been no further news from Zhao Xun’s side, Yuan Huai’s trust in her mother and son was likely diminishing even more.

After all, this was the child she had watched grow up. Lan felt somewhat uncomfortable and immediately lowered her head: “This old servant spoke out of turn.”

Yuan Huai suddenly suppressed the hostility in his demeanor, adopting a gentle countenance. He poured a cup of tea for Lan and said, “Aunt Lan has grown distant from me. Wei Yan is old and cunning. Even if the Meng woman were to identify Wei Yan, she wasn’t even born seventeen years ago, and the only evidence has fallen back into Wei Yan’s hands. Wei Yan would have plenty of ways to refute it. I’m just puzzled why Aunt Lan would think I want to use her to bring down Wei Yan?”

When he became gentle, he truly bore some resemblance to Crown Prince Chengde.

The sadness that had just arisen in Lan’s heart immediately dissipated. She asked, “Then why did Your Highness order her capture alive?”

Yuan Huai’s lips curled slightly: “That usurper of a foolish emperor thought he could win over the Marquis of Wu’an through an arranged marriage, but the Marquis cut off one ear of the eunuch delivering the imperial edict in defiance. Although the news was suppressed by that person in the palace, there are no walls in the world that don’t let wind through. Aunt Lan, for whom do you think the Marquis of Wu’an refused the arranged marriage with the Princess?”

Lan immediately understood: “Your Highness intends to use that woman to control the Marquis of Wu’an?”

She hesitated: “But… since she is a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, even if Meng Shuyuan was manipulated back then, her birth father was Wei Yan’s man. She must be connected to the Jinzhou case. With such a blood feud between them, would the Marquis of Wu’an still care about her life and death?”

Yuan Huai merely smiled: “The stage is set, now we just watch the show.”

Lan pondered the meaning behind his words, but Yuan Huai said no more.

Since Zhao Xun’s disappearance, he had indeed become more wary of this mother-and-son pair. This joint plan with the Li family to frame Wei Yan was also kept secret from Lan.

After the fire in the Eastern Palace, he would never fully trust anyone again.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in a carriage behind them. Yuan Huai frowned impatiently: “What’s going on?”

Before the shadow guard outside the carriage could go to inquire, a servant came to report: “Master, the young master has fallen ill.”

A flash of disgust passed through Yuan Huai’s eyes as he coldly said: “If he’s sick, call for the army doctor. What’s all this fuss about?”

The servant answered in a low voice: “It’s… it’s Concubine Yu making a scene, demanding to see the master.”

Yuan Huai rotated the ring on his finger without speaking. The servant who had come to deliver the message kept his head lowered, but in just a moment, he felt as if his back was covered in thorns, cold sweat streaming down.

Lan was also somewhat puzzled. That Concubine Yu had always avoided His Highness, why would she suddenly request to see him today?

She glanced at Yuan Huai, thinking that with the two armies facing off, His Highness should have no time to deal with that woman. She replied on Yuan Huai’s behalf: “With the impending attack on the city, the Young Master is preoccupied with various matters. I’ll go with you to check on the young master.”

Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, Yuan Huai said: “I’ll go see for myself.”

With his usual cold smile on his lips, but with an indescribable interest in his eyes, he seemed to be in a good mood.

Lan frowned, feeling that His Highness was being too capricious when it came to matters concerning Concubine Yu.

Yuan Huai, supported by his most trusted shadow guard, got out of the carriage and walked unhurriedly towards the carriage behind.

When they reached the carriage, a servant had already lifted the curtain. Yuan Huai stepped on the back of the carriage driver to board, looking at the woman who was sitting as close to the corner as possible. The cold smile on his lips deepened.

His gaze swept over Yu Bao’er, who was lying with his eyes tightly closed on her lap, his small body slightly trembling. He said playfully: “Wasn’t it said that this little beast was sick?”

Yu Qianqian looked at him and said calmly: “Bao’er isn’t sick. I wanted to see you.”

The smile on Yuan Huai’s lips froze for a moment. He raised his eyes, reassessing the woman before him.

She wanted to see him voluntarily? This was simply a joke.

She would never voluntarily see him unless she had something to ask.

A flash of gloom passed through Yuan Huai’s eyes as he sneered: “You have something to ask of me?”

Yu Bao’er dared not pretend to be asleep anymore and tightly grasped Yu Qianqian’s sleeve.

Yu Qianqian discreetly squeezed his little hand, calmly meeting Yuan Huai’s gaze.

The bangs that had once been cut evenly across her forehead had grown out over the past half year. With all her hair pulled back, it revealed a smooth forehead, making her face appear even more like a silver plate, grand yet not lacking in grace.

She said: “I was once acquainted with that female general who is challenging us. Why involve a woman in a dispute between men? Please spare her life.”

She didn’t know that Yuan Huai had already ordered Fan Changyu to be captured alive. There was only one famous female general in the entire Northwest. When Yu Qianqian heard that the challenging female general called herself Meng Changyu, she had already guessed it was Fan Changyu.

Yuan Huai had an army of twenty thousand. How could the remaining two thousand worn-out soldiers in Lucheng possibly resist?

She couldn’t save more people, but she thought she could ask Yuan Huai for a favor to at least protect Fan Changyu.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Huai immediately let out two cold laughs, “You can barely protect yourself, yet you have sympathy for some random people outside?”

Yu Qianqian’s full lips tightened slightly as she said, “That’s why I’m begging you.”

Without warning, those pale, cool fingers gripped her chin, forcing Yu Qianqian to tilt her head up. Meeting Sui Yuanhuai’s dark eyes, she felt as if ensnared by a venomous serpent’s tongue – cold, damp, and sticky. Her body instantly stiffened.

Sui Yuanhuai, barely half a foot away, looked down at her scornfully. “Is this how you beg someone?”

Years of taking medicine had infused his body with a bitter herbal scent. Standing so close, Yu Qianqian could smell nothing but the medicinal odor on him. The cool touch of his fingertips on her chin remained vivid.

Yu Qianqian’s delicate long eyebrows furrowed slightly as she looked at the pale, gloomy man before her. “How do you want me to beg you?” she asked.

Sui Yuanhuai seemed unprepared for her calm retort. For an instant, hatred contorted his eyes. Disregarding Yu Baier’s presence in the carriage, he suddenly lowered his head roughly and kissed her.

Yu Qianqian felt a sharp pain on her lips. Coming to her senses, she quickly covered Yu Baier’s eyes with her hand.

Fortunately, he pulled away soon. Yu Qianqian wiped her lips with her hand and, unsurprisingly, saw blood. It was somewhat painful, causing her to furrow her brows.

Seeing the blood on her lips, the malevolence in Sui Yuanhuai’s eyes diminished slightly. He lowered his gaze, his tone mocking, as if using sarcasm to conceal some emotion deep inside. He left with a parting remark: “Come to my room tonight.”

Even after he lifted the curtain and exited the carriage, Yu Qianqian remained silent.

Yu Baier, with his large, dark eyes, looked at his frail yet resilient mother and called out softly, “Mother…”

He clutched Yu Qianqian’s sleeve tightly, his lips pressed firmly together.

He didn’t want his mother to meet that man alone.

Yu Qianqian embraced the child, patting his back rhythmically. “Don’t be afraid, it’s alright. What’s this compared to saving your Aunt Changyu?”

Yu Baier still said nothing.

Yu Qianqian watched the carriage curtain swaying in the wind, her voice calm. “Ning Niang is even younger than you. She’s already lost her parents. If she loses her elder sister too, what will become of her?”

Finally, a flicker of emotion appeared in Yu Baier’s pitch-black eyes.

Yu Qianqian stroked his head and said, “Just endure a little longer.”

After several rounds of verbal sparring on the battlefield, Fan Changyu saw the enemy’s battle formation part, creating a path wide enough for several people.

A burly warrior rode out on horseback, wielding a double-bladed axe. He shouted, “Cease your arrogance! Let this general face you!”

Accompanying the warrior were more than ten others. Though uniformly dressed, they didn’t appear to be ordinary military generals. The moment Fan Changyu laid eyes on them, her right eyelid began to twitch uncontrollably.

An inexplicable sense of discomfort enveloped her entire body.

The fully armored warrior had already charged forward with a long cry. Fan Changyu pushed aside her thoughts and spurred her horse to meet him.

As they clashed, propelled by their horses’ momentum, the Modao and double-bladed axe struck sparks. After passing each other by several zhangs, they turned their horses around to strike again.

In mere moments, Fan Changyu had exchanged several moves with the enemy general. Though his arm strength was commendable, his techniques were too rigid. If she truly wanted to take his life, she could have unseated him within three moves.

However, her current goal was to buy time, so Fan Changyu deliberately held back. The two continued their back-and-forth, circling a large portion of the open battlefield without concluding.

After about a quarter of an hour, the group of more than ten observers on the opposite side realized she was intentionally stalling. They all spurred their horses forward together.

Fan Changyu sensed trouble and quickly used the back of her blade to knock the enemy general off his horse.

The group charging from the opposite side numbered exactly sixteen.

The sixteen elite soldiers behind Fan Changyu, thinking the enemy wanted one-on-one combat, all urged their horses forward.

But this quickly turned into a one-sided massacre.

The sixteen opponents moved with ghost-like techniques. The spear and sword-wielding Jizhoujun soldiers couldn’t even get close before being decapitated by precise and vicious blade work.

They seemed like executioners who had practiced for years, each swing of their blades solely meant to kill.

Fan Changyu used the advantage of her Modao’s longer reach to save a soldier very close to her, but the enemy’s blade flipped unexpectedly, leaving a long gash on her arm.

She quickly raised her blade to force the opponent back, creating a safe distance.

Her heart pounded, and her palms were so sweaty she could barely grip the blade handle.

Fan Changyu had never felt so close to death before. The group before her were not ordinary people who knew fear or cowardice.

They were like killing machines – tireless and impervious to pain.

People around her kept falling. Fan Changyu managed to strike one enemy soldier, nearly severing his entire arm, but he didn’t even cry out in pain. Instead, he rolled along her blade, inflicting another wound on her waist and abdomen.

Fan Changyu supported herself with one hand on her blade, the other pressing against the still-bleeding wound on her abdomen. She gritted her teeth, watching the dozen or so men surrounding her from a zhang away.

She had figured out their fighting style. Against other soldiers, they always went for fatal strikes.

But the man just now had a chance to take her life and instead slashed at her waist and abdomen.

Suddenly, she understood – they wanted to capture her alive.

A bead of sweat fell from her eyelid. Fan Changyu untied the binding on her hand and tightly wrapped it around her abdomen to staunch the bleeding.

The men opposite her, seeming to sense she was at the end of her strength, didn’t attack at this moment.

On the city wall, Xie Wu watched until his eyes turned red. He shouted hoarsely, “Those aren’t military men, they’re specially trained death squads! Open the gates quickly, let me go help the Commander!”

Deputy General He, seeing those elite sixteen soldiers slaughtered in an instant, was also shocked. However, opening the gates now would allow the enemy to attack the city.

He said painfully, “We can’t open the gates. Commander Fan and those sixteen brave men went out for the sake of Lu City’s people. If we open the gates now, what about the lives of the hundreds of thousands of civilians inside?”

Xie Wu, watching Fan Changyu surrounded below, remembered her previous instructions. He angrily pounded the city wall once.

Finally, seeming to have made a decision, he suddenly raised his head and said, “Bring me some rope!”

Below the city wall, Fan Changyu finished binding her abdominal wound and took out a pair of deerskin wrist guards from inside her armor, fastening them on her hands.

She had originally planned to discard those guards, but when breaking camp to rush to Lu City, she inexplicably tucked them into her bosom.

Now they were proving quite helpful.

As she gripped her Modao tightly with both hands again, one of the death squad members approached like a ghost, his blade aiming for her waist and abdomen once more. Fan Changyu swung her Modao in a full circle, forcing him back and managing to slash his abdomen in the process.

The man landed and glanced at his wound, exchanging a look with the other death squad members. Suddenly, they all attacked Fan Changyu at once.

The soldiers on the city wall cursed hysterically, “You sons of bitches! More than ten men against one woman – only the Sui family’s dogs would do such a thing!”

There were small murmurs within the rebel army’s ranks, but in the life-and-death moment of battle, no one could spare any attention for other matters. The dozen or so death squad members ignored the curses from the city wall, constantly changing their killing techniques.

Fan Changyu couldn’t tell if it was blood or sweat smeared on her face. She focused all her attention on the blade-wielding men closing in.

Their fighting styles were different from any generals she had encountered on the battlefield before.

Venomous, cunning, unpredictable.

Fortunately, she had experienced several assassination attempts with Xie Zheng before, and when practicing with him later, she had been startled by the strangeness of his techniques and his incredible speed. She had learned a few moves from him.

With this foundation, and given that the group intended to spare her life, she managed to hold out against the dozen or so men’s encirclement for another quarter hour.

Chop, hack, slash, thrust, strike… Her Modao had become a blur of afterimages.

The prolonged blade-wielding left both her arms aching terribly. Fresh blood dyed her entire arms red, yet she dared not stop.

Time seemed to slow down, to the point where she could see every raise of the hand and swing of the arm from each death squad member. Her Modao precisely deflected all attacks. Even in places her eyes couldn’t see, the fluctuations in the airflow and the sound of blades cutting through the air became extraordinarily clear.

Fan Changyu recalled her father saying that after entering the door of martial arts, one’s techniques must be faster than the eye can see.

But as one progresses further, there’s a return to simplicity – no matter how fast the technique, being able to see the opponent’s moves is the highest level.

She had always been stuck at this point, never grasping what her father meant about the eye being faster than the technique. But at this moment, she broke through that bottleneck.

Those seemingly unavoidable blade strikes were dodged time and again, and she even managed to kill three death squad members in counterattacks.

The remaining death squad members were all wounded as well.

They were Sui Yuanhuai’s most elite death squad, never having lost even when facing Wei Yan’s top-tier death squads. Yet today, sixteen against one, they were firmly held back by a single woman.

The leading death squad member’s gaze towards Fan Changyu changed, and his next attacks became noticeably more vicious.

Fan Changyu barely managed to exchange a few moves with him. With no energy left to defend, her back was slashed by another member.

Blood seeped from the corner of her tightly pressed lips. She could see every move and technique of that death squad member clearly, but due to her severe injuries and exhaustion, even though her eyes could follow, her blade movements had become sluggish.

The final chop coming towards her clashed with the tip of her Modao, losing most of its force before slashing towards her right arm.

With a sharp “clang,” the blade that came slicing down was blocked by Xie Wu, who had slid down a rope from the city tower.

Knowing full well that death awaited them, nearly ten soldiers voluntarily followed Xie Wu, using ropes to descend from the tower to assist.

Fan Changyu was utterly exhausted, barely able to stand with the support of her long sword.

Seeing her in such a dire state, Xie Wu’s eyes turned red with urgency. “Deputy Commander, hurry and go!”

Seven or eight soldiers followed Xie Wu, risking their lives to fend off the attacking assassins, while the others helped Fan Changyu, urging her to retreat. “Deputy Commander, there are ropes on the tower! We’ll take you back! General He said you’ve already delayed the enemy for over half an hour; that’s enough. For the remaining time, we’ll all fight to defend Lu City together… uh…”

The soldier supporting Fan Changyu suddenly fell silent.

A long blade had pierced through his entire chest.

He glanced at the bloodied tip of the blade protruding from his chest, and as he fell, he repeated only one phrase: “Deputy Commander, go…”

Behind them, only Xie Wu was holding back the dozen or so assassins. Outnumbered, he was stabbed multiple times and, with his back to Fan Changyu, collapsed into a pool of blood, never to rise again.

Fan Changyu could no longer lift her sword. Witnessing this scene, blood surged in her eyes, and a roar-like wail escaped her throat as she swung her long sword down, severing the head of a nearby assassin.

Another assassin, intent on killing the soldier supporting her, was also cleaved in half by her blade, collapsing to the ground while still twitching, blood and organs spilling from his waist.

Such a brutal beheading made even the seasoned assassins shudder in horror.

The long sword in Fan Changyu’s hand dripped with blood as she slowly raised her head. Her eyes were filled with a terrifying crimson hue, her hair disheveled, resembling a demon crawling out of hell.

The assassins felt a chill in their hearts and dared not advance.

From the rear of the army, someone shouted, “The Lord has given the order, to attack the city—”

The soldiers who had been resting and observing the battle prepared to charge the city gate again. With the army’s support, the few assassins who had been stunned by Fan Changyu regained their composure and were about to strike again when the ground beneath them began to tremble.

Fine grains of sand shook as if a giant beast was cleaving mountains and trampling valleys, threatening to split the earth apart.

“Woo—”

At the sound of the first horn, the soldiers of the Jizhou army on the tower were caught off guard.

“Woo woo—”

When the piercing horn sounded again, the Jizhou soldiers erupted in joy, shouting, “Reinforcements have arrived!”

The Chongzhou soldiers below instinctively turned to look. In the distance, the yellow sand billowed, but the approaching sound of hooves was like thunder.

Moments later, a crimson “Xie” flag appeared above the swirling sand.

“It’s the Marquis of Wuan! The Marquis of Wuan has come with the Xie family army!”

The Jizhou soldiers on the tower felt invigorated, and Vice Commander He, overwhelmed with excitement, stammered, “Quick, open the city gates! All soldiers within the city, follow me out to fight the enemy!”

However, the Chongzhou soldiers, upon seeing the Xie flag, felt a wave of fear wash over them. The once orderly formation quickly descended into chaos.

The soldier saved by Fan Changyu knelt on the ground, overwhelmed with joy, shouting to her, “Deputy Commander, the Marquis of Wuan has come personally! We are saved!”

Fan Changyu seemed not to hear. She was already too exhausted, her limbs weak and unresponsive. Leaning on her sword, she slowly knelt before Xie Wu.

To her, both Xie Wu and Xie Qi felt like family.

She looked at the young man before her, covered in blood and pierced by several blades, and felt a sharp pain in her throat. Tears mixed with blood rolled down her face, and she couldn’t even choke out a single “Xiao Wu.”

The few surviving soldiers, after the initial joy of surviving, looked around at the devastated battlefield and their fallen comrades, their expressions turning sorrowful.

Though the Chongzhou army numbered twenty thousand, repeated assaults had already worn down their morale. Seeing Xie Zheng personally leading his troops and with no prominent commander among them, they were instantly terrified and quickly fell to the combined forces of the Xie family army and the Jizhou army. Only a small portion of the elite troops managed to cover Yuan Huai’s escape amidst the chaos, while capable generals under Xie Zheng pursued them.

When Xie Zheng and his light cavalry entered the city, Vice Commander He led all the notable commanders within to greet him.

Upon seeing Xie Zheng, He was nearly in tears. “Thank goodness the Marquis arrived in time; otherwise, Lu City would have fallen, and I would have no face to meet the elders of Lu City. In the afterlife, I would have no face to see Lord He!”

Xie Zheng, still nursing his injuries, wore light armor and had rushed over on horseback. After fighting, the whip marks on his back had cracked, soaking his clothes with blood. Yet, he was accustomed to enduring pain; apart from a slight pallor, he showed no signs of discomfort.

Hearing Vice Commander He’s words, a flicker of emotion crossed his eyes. “General He… has passed?”

Vice Commander He wiped his tears and replied, “He stood on the tower until the end.”

It was rare for military generals to meet a good end.

After a moment of silence, Xie Zheng asked, “Has a mourning hall been set up? I wish to pay my respects to the old general.”

Vice Commander He looked ashamed. “Not yet; we haven’t had the chance to set it up. The rebels came on strong, and we couldn’t attend to Lord He’s affairs. If it weren’t for Deputy Commander Fan and Deputy Commander Zheng bringing three thousand cavalry to our aid, and if Deputy Commander Fan hadn’t single-handedly delayed the rebel leader, Lu City might not have held out until the Marquis arrived.”

Xie Zheng suddenly raised his gaze. “The Cavalry Deputy Commander is here?”

The Cavalry Deputy Commander was Fan Changyu’s title.

Vice Commander He, unsure why Xie Zheng reacted so strongly, replied, “Yes, she is here, but Deputy Commander Fan fought against over ten fierce rebel leaders and was gravely injured. She is currently with the military physician…”

Before he could finish, Xie Zheng’s figure blurred as he was seized by the collar. The person before him had a cold expression, unusually agitated as he demanded, “Where is the military physician?”

Vice Commander He, still in shock, pointed in a direction, feeling the grip on his collar loosen, allowing him to breathe easily.

Before he could process what had happened, he looked up to see Xie Zheng had already walked away.

“What’s wrong with the Marquis?” He wondered, suddenly recalling what Fan Changyu had said before leaving the city about being a descendant of General Meng Shuyuan. His heart sank.

Everyone knew that the National Protector General Xie Linshan and the Crown Prince of Chengde had been trapped in Jinzhou due to Meng Shuyuan’s delay in delivering supplies. Was the Marquis urgently seeking Deputy Commander Fan because he already knew her identity and wanted to avenge his father?

Vice Commander He broke out in a cold sweat and hurried to catch up. “Marquis, please don’t act impulsively! No matter what Meng Shuyuan did, Deputy Commander Fan is a loyal patriot!”

—

Fan Changyu lay on the injured soldier’s bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Her eyes, still bloodshot from earlier, had not yet returned to normal, making everything appear somewhat hazy as if viewed through a thin mist.

The military physician had said she needed several days of rest to recover.

Her wounds had been bandaged by the female medic, with the most severe injury being the gash on her abdomen.

Having not slept a wink the entire night and enduring two battles from this morning until now, Fan Changyu was utterly exhausted, yet she still felt no inclination to sleep.

The deaths of He Jingyuan and Xie Wu’s severe injuries weighed heavily on her.

When she had come down from the battlefield, she had seen Xie Wu pierced by several blades and thought he was dead. She had looked at him, drenched in blood, and had even been afraid to touch him.

Xie Wu and Xie Qi had been with her in the military camp for so long that she had come to regard them as her brothers.

If Xie Wu were to die, it would feel like losing another family member.

Fortunately, the soldiers carrying Xie Wu discovered he still had a breath of life left and quickly summoned the military physician to treat his wounds.

Now that he had been brought back, the physician said his injuries were too severe, and whether he would survive depended on his resilience.

The weight of that “life” pressed heavily on Fan Changyu’s heart.

When the door opened, she thought it was the female medic returning to urge her to take her medicine. Still staring blankly at the ceiling, she hoarsely replied, “Aruo, I can’t eat. Don’t worry about me; go take care of the other soldiers.”

Aruo was the name of the female medic.

At that moment, she truly couldn’t eat anything. Not only could she not drink medicine, but even a sip of water made her stomach cramp violently, leaving her retching bile.

After her words fell, there was a long silence at the door, with no one speaking or leaving.

Fan Changyu sensed something was off; her gaze shifted toward the entrance.

Even though she had imagined many scenarios for their reunion, seeing that tall figure in reality made her heart tighten painfully.

Her vision was still somewhat unclear, but she could tell he had lost a lot of weight as if he were ill.

The figure wrapped in dark armor looked noticeably frail, even his lips lacking color. He appeared no better than her, a recent battlefield casualty, yet his eyes were sharper than ever.

Had he not been well since their separation?

Their gazes met, and neither spoke.

Fan Changyu wanted to exchange a few pleasantries, but recalling the words he had said during their farewell, and knowing the Emperor had already betrothed him to the Eldest Princess, her heart was filled with a mix of bitterness and indescribable pain, making it even harder to speak.

“Marquis! Marquis! Wait for me, your subordinate!”

At that moment, Vice Commander He rushed over in a panic. Seeing the two of them—one lying on the bed and the other standing at the door, both silent—he felt it was strange but also relieved.

Then he thought, could it be that Fan Changyu didn’t know that the person before her was the Marquis of Wuan?

Seeing that Xie Zheng didn’t confront her immediately, He’s courage grew. He quickly gestured to Fan Changyu, “The Marquis is here to personally check on the soldiers’ injuries. Deputy Commander Fan, you should greet the Marquis.”

Fan Changyu realized and thought, so that’s why I encountered him here.

She gathered her thoughts, forcing herself to rise, a slight smile on her lips as she cupped her hands in salute. “This subordinate, Fan Changyu, greets the Marquis.”

He had once said he would only regard her as a fellow disciple from now on.

If it weren’t for the connection with Taifu Tao, he probably wouldn’t want to have anything to do with her anymore.

Now that the truth was unclear and he was already betrothed, Fan Changyu could no longer say anything to convince him of her grandfather and father’s words.

It was better to act as if they had never met, to spare both of them the awkwardness.

She thought this was the best course of action, but as her words fell, the room fell into a deathly silence.

The sound of a pin dropping could be heard.

The figure standing at the door quietly regarded her for a long moment before smiling. “What did you call me?”

Xie wu 😭

sinceramente aunque es mi personaje favorito , Xie Wu debería haber muerto en este capitulo , tantas espadas eheridas cuchillas que recibio alguien normal no sobreviviría , eso habría ayudado mas al personaje de Fan Changyu, la rabia con el que habria salido de ahi y matar al enemigo hubiera sido descomunal , siento a este autor aunque es buenisimo le tiembla la mano en matar a personajes importantes , espero que en el drama lo corijan , nadie habia sobrevivido a esto aunque me alegro que este vivo

Girl bye! They better not kill off Xie Wu in the series! 😩😩😩

I think they will. I checked the characters in MyDramaList. Xie Wu is under the “guest roles”. It’s what they did to General Wei Liang in The Prisoner of Beauty so no surprise here.

I care more for Xie Wu than anybody else!! he can’t die

I know this man ain’t tryna be funny rn! You literally broke her heart my guy!

You think he didn’t break his own heart when he chose to let her go? Hell, he even broke his own back with those 108 lashes. You make it sound like he’s some heartless lover who discarded his beloved so easily. 🙄

this wasn’t supposed to be funny but I broke into laughter and probably woke everyone in my house 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Xie Wu💔
I didn’t know I was attached to Xie Wu until this chapter

Zhu Yu – Chapter 115

As Fan Changyu heard that light chuckle, her heartstrings inexplicably trembled. However, she concealed it perfectly, maintaining her greeting posture without a trace of emotion on her face, and calmly replied, “Marquis.”

After her words, another long silence ensued.

The smile on Xie Zheng’s lips didn’t diminish, but even a blind person could sense the suddenly chilled atmosphere around him. The air in the room seemed to thin.

Vice General He sensed the subtlety between the two and thought something was amiss. He wanted to help Fan Changyu and opened his mouth, but didn’t know what to say to persuade Xie Zheng to leave.

Fortunately, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

It was Xie Zheng’s guard. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he reported with a salute, “Marquis, the rebel Sui Yuanhuai has been executed, and his concubine and only son who fled with him have been brought back!”

Fan Changyu’s blood-colored pupils contracted slightly, and her saluting hand tightened.

Ru Shanshan and Ru Bao’er had been brought back?

Traitors and rebels were to be executed along with their entire clan!

Her mind was in turmoil, and she unconsciously looked towards Xie Zheng.

Hearing this news, Xie Zheng frowned for some unknown reason but showed no other emotion on his face. Capturing the remaining rebels was the top priority. He gave Fan Changyu one last look, his gaze lingering for a few moments on her blood-red eyes and bandaged wounds.

His tightly pressed thin lips moved slightly, but in the end, he said nothing and turned to leave.

Vice General He, watching Xie Zheng’s receding figure, was about to follow, but the Marquis’s unusual forceful questioning earlier was truly abnormal. He couldn’t help but ask Fan Changyu, “Do you and the Marquis know each other from before?”

Given the current situation, Fan Changyu didn’t want others to misunderstand her relationship with Xie Zheng, so she only said, “I wouldn’t dare to claim such an association with the Marquis. I was merely fortunate enough to have been appreciated by Grand Tutor Tao, who took me as his adopted daughter.”

Vice General He nodded, “I see.”

In his heart, he still felt it was strange, but thinking of the blood feud between them, he didn’t dare to guess further. He also didn’t feel it was appropriate to ask Fan Changyu anything more, so he just advised her to rest and recover well, then prepared to go after Xie Zheng.

However, Fan Changyu called out to him and asked, “General He, how will the rebel’s family members be dealt with?”

In the current Lu City, apart from Xie Zheng, Vice General, He had the most authority.

She guessed that Vice General He should know how Ru Shanshan and Ru Bao’er would be handled.

Vice General He replied, “They will be executed immediately, of course.”

Hearing this answer, Fan Changyu’s heart sank even further.

She knew that rebels deserved death. Countless soldiers had died on the battlefield because of them, and the people of the entire Northwest had been displaced because of them.

But Ru Shanshan and her son had done nothing evil. Ru Shanshan hadn’t willingly followed that rebel. Their crimes didn’t warrant such a punishment.

She slightly pursed her lips and asked, “Is there no other possibility?”

Vice General He gave her a strange look and said, “How can we not root out the remnants of the rebels? The concubines in the Changxin Prince’s mansion who haven’t borne children can be exiled or sold. Why is Commander Fan asking about these things?”

Fan Changyu evaded, “I’ve been in the military for a short time and am not familiar with these laws. I was just asking out of curiosity.”

After Vice General He left, Fan Changyu lay back on her bed and remained lost in thought for quite a while.

How could she save Ru Shanshan and Bao’er?

After Xie Zheng walked out of the courtyard, he asked, “How did her eyes get injured?”

The personal guard beside him had just arrived in Lu City and didn’t know what had happened to Fan Changyu. He quickly replied, “This subordinate will investigate immediately.”

It was already dusk. The wind made the lanterns hanging under the eaves sway incessantly, and the bamboo planted by the low wall cast disorderly shadows.

Xie Zheng’s pale face didn’t gain much warmth under the lamplight. He ordered in a deep voice, “Find the best physician to treat her wounds, and look for Xie Wu to see if he’s still alive.”

He could, of course, guess that all her injuries were brought back from the battlefield.

But for her to be injured to such an extent, how brutal must the battle have been?

If he hadn’t received Xie Qi’s letter and rushed here, would she have died here?

After the personal guard accepted the order and withdrew, Xie Zheng stood alone under the corridor for a moment. Suddenly, he heavily punched the stone wall, causing the hard bricks to crumble and scatter on the ground.

His hand was also cut, oozing droplets of crimson blood.

The few personal guards accompanying him were startled by this sudden outburst, but none dared to speak.

When Vice General He rushed over, the coroner had already finished examining the body.

He peeked at the corpse covered with a white cloth, with only a corner of the cloth lifted at the head, and asked the coroner, “Are you certain this is Sui Yuanhuai?”

The coroner respectfully answered, “In response to the General’s question, Sui Yuanhuai’s face was disfigured in that great fire in the Eastern Palace when he was young. It’s said that he never left the Prince’s mansion in all these years, being too weak and relying on medicinal soups to sustain his life. Because his face was so hideously disfigured, few servants in the mansion had ever seen him.”

“This humble one observed that the deceased has old burn scars on his body, and his five fingers are long and thin without calluses, suggesting a life of luxury. His tongue coating is dark with a bitter medicinal taste, which is the result of long-term medication. Therefore, this humble one concludes that this person is undoubtedly Sui Yuanhuai.”

Vice General He scrutinized the face that was burned beyond recognition, unable to discern anything. He turned to look at the person sitting in the chair of state, whose face was as frosty as frost, “Marquis, what do you think?”

Xie Zheng, surrounded by a gloomy aura, only raised his eyes and said, “The rebel remnants have been eliminated. Naturally, it’s a cause for celebration.”

This meant he agreed that this was indeed Sui Yuanhuai’s corpse.

With Xie Zheng’s nod, Vice General He felt relieved.

With this, the rebels who had been causing havoc in the Northwest for so long were finally completely eradicated.

He cautiously asked, “Then, regarding Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine and only son…”

“Send them to the capital to await the court’s decision.”

Vice General He saw that Xie Zheng’s expression was truly unpleasant and inquired, “The Marquis doesn’t seem pleased?”

Xie Zheng coldly laughed and asked in return, “General Tang’s tens of thousands of troops surrounded Chongzhou City. How did the rebel army come to Lu City?”

When Fan Changyu and Zheng Wenchang brought troops to aid, they had already explained how the rebel army had escaped the siege of Chongzhou. After he truthfully informed Xie Zheng, the Marquis let out a cold laugh and ordered his subordinates, “Bring the person in.”

The person dragged in by two personal guards was one of Sui Yuanhuai’s advisors. Even though he was tied up, upon seeing Xie Zheng, he still kowtowed frantically, begging for mercy, “Marquis, I was truly forced to stay in the Changxin Prince’s mansion. I originally just wanted to make a living, so I became an advisor at the Changxin Prince’s mansion. After the Changxin Prince rebelled, I wanted to escape, but the Changxin Prince feared we would leak secrets, so anyone who proposed leaving the mansion was silenced. That’s why I didn’t dare to leave.”

A personal guard at Xie Zheng’s side demanded, “How did Sui Yuanhuai manage to escape Chongzhou City with the rebel army? Tell the truth!”

The advisor hurriedly said, “It was Wei Yan colluding with Sui Yuanhuai! I accidentally overheard Sui Yuanhuai and the military advisor plotting this. Wei Yan’s people planted in the army would secretly help them leave the city.”

Lu Dayi was indeed someone Wei Yan had recommended to the army.

All evidence seemed to point to Wei Yan colluding with the rebels.

Vice General He hadn’t expected that the near-catastrophic battle in Lu City was a political struggle. His eyes reddened with anger as he shouted, “Outrageous! Lord He died because of these scoundrels’ schemes!”

He immediately knelt before Xie Zheng: “I beg the Marquis, after returning to the capital, to seek justice for Lord He and the soldiers who died in Lu City!”

Xie Zheng, with half his face hidden in the shadows of the candlelight, replied, “This blood debt, I will collect.”

With these words from Xie Zheng, Vice General He, thinking of He Jingyuan’s unjust death, couldn’t help but wipe his tears with his sleeve.

Xie Zheng only said, “General, please restrain your grief.”

His gaze fell on the corpse covered with the white cloth, his eyes cold as ice.

The dead man wasn’t Sui Yuanhuai.

But from now on, there would no longer be a person named “Sui Yuanhuai” in this world.

Although the truth about Jinzhou seventeen years ago remained obscure, this bloody incident in Lu City was enough to completely overthrow the Wei faction.

It was precisely because this evidence was too perfect, and he knew Sui Yuanhuai’s true identity, that he became increasingly suspicious of the truth behind this bloody incident.

Sui Yuanhuai, like himself, had a grudge against Wei Yan. How could he collaborate with Wei Yan?

This might be another bloody incident identical to the Jinzhou tragedy seventeen years ago.

But the mastermind knew that he also harbored a deep hatred for Wei Yan, so they deliberately sent the evidence to him, making him the blade to chop off Wei Yan’s head!

Xie Zheng’s fingertips exerted force, breaking the wooden armrest of the chair of state.

What he couldn’t tolerate most in his life was this kind of “scheme” that used the lives of countless soldiers as pawns in political games!

General Tang Yi’s army arrived at the Hour of the Dog.

Upon entering the city and learning that Lu City had been defended but He Jingyuan had died, Tang Yi, a man of eight feet, immediately burst into tears with a “huo” sound. He knelt before the hastily set up funeral hall, blaming himself, “It’s this subordinate’s incompetence. This subordinate has failed Lord He and betrayed his trust!”

Vice General He and other officers who had served under He Jingyuan all tried to console Tang Yi.

“General Tang, don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault. It’s Wei Yan colluding with the rebels, his heart is despicable!” Vice General He, in his grief and indignation, told everyone about what Sui Yuanhuai’s advisor had confessed.

The military officers, born and bred on the battlefield, valued loyalty above all. Upon hearing that so many brothers had died in two rounds of bitter fighting today due to the schemes of treacherous individuals, they all cursed loudly, vowing to punish Wei Yan.

Li Huai’an had come to Lu City with the army. Amidst the chaotic cursing, he quietly gazed at He Jingyuan’s coffin in the center of the funeral hall, his eyes swirling with complex emotions.

Everything was proceeding according to the plan to bring down Wei Yan, but he suddenly felt a heaviness in his chest.

Lying in that coffin was a good official and a respectable elder.

But he had died in the grand plan to overthrow Wei Yan.

Was the path he and his family had chosen truly wrong?

A general heavily patted his shoulder. Li Huai’an turned to see only the general’s grief-reddened eyes: “Lord Li, you must petition the Emperor to seek justice for Lord He and the soldiers who died in Lu City.”

Li Huai’an looked at those sincere and sorrowful eyes, and after a long while, he only managed to say, “It’s my duty, it should be done.”

Did he feel guilty?

He did.

But he and the Li family had no way to turn back now.

A commotion arose outside the funeral hall, and the chaotic crying and cursing subsided.

Li Huai’an looked up and saw Xie Zheng walking in from outside, treading on the thick night. The cold moonlight shone on his face, seeming to coat it with a layer of frosty chill.

As soon as he arrived, everyone instinctively fell silent.

Li Huai’an only glanced over reflexively, but his gaze happened to meet Xie Zheng’s.

The coldness in that gaze sent an indescribable chill down his spine.

It was as if he had already become the doomed prey in the eyes of a wild wolf.

He forcefully composed himself, furrowed his brow, and looked again, trying to discern something, but Xie Zheng had already walked past him.

An attendant handed over lit incense. Xie Zheng took it, bowed three times before He Jingyuan’s spirit tablet inserted it into the incense burner in front of the spirit tablet, then raised his eyes to look at He Jingyuan’s spirit tablet. Still without a word, he left.

His arrival had been sudden, and his departure equally so, but no one dared to comment.

After the crying and the curses denouncing Wei Yan were interrupted, the room full of seven-foot men didn’t continue to wail and sob. Vice General He arranged for people to take turns keeping vigil and let the other generals who had rushed back, travel-worn, go and rest.

Li Huai’an walked alone towards his temporary lodging, recalling the look in Xie Zheng’s eyes when they had made eye contact. His brows involuntarily furrowed.

Had he already learned something?

As he reached a small path ahead, he noticed someone who seemed to have been waiting for a long time in the nearby waterside pavilion. He was slightly startled, then immediately clasped his hands together and bowed, “Marquis.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 116

The night was cool as water, with rippling waves reflecting off the red-lacquered pillars of the waterside pavilion.

A figure stood in the pavilion with his hands clasped behind his back, his dark robes seeming to merge with the thick darkness of night.

“Has Official Li decided how to write the memorial to the capital?”

The deep voice carried from the pavilion, wrapped in the night wind, adding a hint of chill to the air.

Li Huai’an respectfully replied, “I shall report truthfully to His Majesty.”

As Imperial Inspector, he was the Emperor’s eyes in the Northwest, responsible for immediately reporting all frontline military developments back to the capital.

Xie Zheng turned around, his phoenix eyes piercing with cold intensity: “Official Li, as Imperial Inspector present in Chongzhou, surely you bear some responsibility for the rebels’ nighttime escape from the city?”

Li Huai’an maintained his formal bow, his wide sleeves reaching his knees swaying in the lake breeze, still every bit the proper gentleman.

He nodded: “Indeed, this official has failed in his duty of supervision. I will report this to His Majesty and request punishment.”

The wind was strong by the lake, with the two men standing in opposition ten feet apart, their hair and robes billowing in the night breeze.

Xie Zheng stood half a head taller than Li Huai’an, and with the other man bowing, he was almost looking down at him.

He remained silent for a long while.

With his cold severity hidden beneath that refined and stern face, others could not detect a trace of his emotions, nor guess at his thoughts.

But Li Huai’an felt no lessening of the pressure bearing down on him.

He couldn’t help but discreetly observe the young man standing ten feet away.

Made a Marquis before the age of twenty—truly he could be called heaven’s favored son.

Before the Battle of Chongzhou, Xie Zheng had never known defeat, nor had he ever concealed his sharp edge. Everyone knew he was Great Yin’s sharpest blade.

But now, he no longer flashed that edge so openly, more like a crag that remained majestically unmoved despite years of wind and sun.

Xie Zheng asked him: “Surely a learned man like Official Li is familiar with ‘Battle South of the City’?”

Though they were of the same generation, for some reason Li Huai’an felt the kind of tension he usually only experienced before his grandfather.

He struggled to suppress his turbulent emotions and calmly met Xie Zheng’s gaze: “What does the Marquis wish to say?”

Xie Zheng said: “This Marquis would like to share two lines from ‘Battle South of the City’ with Official Li: ‘Soldiers stain the wilderness, while generals act in vain. Thus we know weapons are instruments of ill omen, which the sage uses only when he must.'”

His cold tone struck each word heavily into Li Huai’an’s heart.

Though he had suspected it, hearing these words directly made Li Huai’an’s pupils contract sharply.

He truly knows everything!

The guilt and terror of knowing the Li family would bear eternal infamy once the truth came out tore at his heart, instantly soaking his back with cold sweat.

As Xie Zheng passed by Li Huai’an’s side while leaving the pavilion, he paused briefly: “I hope Official Li will carefully contemplate ‘Battle South of the City.'”

Even long after he had gone, Li Huai’an remained rooted to the spot.

Ever since his grandfather decided to ally with the Imperial Grandson to scheme against Wei Yan, he knew many would die.

But compared to overthrowing Wei’s faction and purging the court, what did the deaths of some soldiers in this frontier region matter?

Throughout history, when had reform ever been bloodless?

Minor reforms should prioritize people over laws, but major reforms must prioritize laws over people.

To thoroughly defeat Wei Yan, a massive upheaval was necessary to breathe new life into Great Yin’s corrupt officialdom.

When people became secondary to the cause, sacrifice became inevitable.

Yet after Xie Zheng quoted “which the sage uses only when he must,” Li Huai’an found himself without even the courage to argue that it was all for the sake of protecting the realm.

From Chongzhou to Lucheng, he had marched with the army and witnessed the battlefield’s brutality—corpses piled like mountains, blood flowing like rivers.

To overthrow Wei Yan, they had engineered a man-made hell.

Li Huai’an covered his face and suddenly burst into bitter laughter.

He realized they had been wrong—

Just as Xie Zheng returned to his temporary residence, Xie Shiyi hurried over with news: “Master, we secretly arranged for Zhao Xun to examine Sui Yuanhuai’s corpse. As you suspected, it wasn’t Sui Yuanhuai but a body double raised beside him since childhood.”

Lady Lan, once in the Crown Princess’s service, had always been cautious. After the Eastern Palace fire, she had prepared a body double for Sui Yuanhuai as a precaution.

The double not only matched Sui Yuanhuai’s build but to avoid detection by others in the prince’s mansion even had burn scars matching Sui Yuanhuai’s, branded on one by one with a hot iron.

For the sake of reclaiming the dragon throne someday, Sui Yuanhuai had endured excruciating pain to have his burn scars gradually replaced, while the body double maintained the appearance of burn injuries.

Since all servants in Sui Yuanhuai’s courtyard were Lady Lan’s people, and he had a reputation for violent temper, other servants of Lengxin Prince’s Mansion rarely dared enter his quarters.

He seldom saw anyone, and even when meeting the Princess of Lengxin, he wore a mask.

Thus, over all these years, almost no one in the entire Lengxin Prince’s Mansion had seen Sui Yuanhuai’s true face.

It seems Lady Lan had prepared the body double from the start, anticipating the day Sui Yuanhuai would need to slip away from Lengxin Prince’s Mansion.

Xie Zheng removed his dark outer robe and handed it to the guard at the door, remaining silent.

Xie Shiyi carefully added: “Zhao Xun went to see the imprisoned mother and child, and says they’re not Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine and son either.”

Xie Zheng sat down behind his desk and poured himself a cup of tea, saying: “I know.”

The woman by Sui Yuanhuai’s side was Yu Qianqian, and when that mother and child were brought back, he had already checked—they weren’t Yu Qianqian and her son.

He hadn’t known earlier that Sui Yuanhuai’s attack on Lucheng was a ruse, but now it was clear that Sui Yuanhuai had long prepared for his escape.

Even body doubles for Yu Qianqian and her child had been arranged from the start.

If he hadn’t arrived in time today, Lucheng would have fallen, but once Tang Peiyi’s reinforcements arrived, the rabble inside couldn’t have held the city for long.

But before that, those masses would have killed many people.

Sui Yuanhuai wouldn’t control them—he wanted Lucheng to be filled with devastation and suffering after its fall.

Only then could the imperial censors use each tragic case as a sharp blade in their memorials, pinning Wei Yan to these blood-curdling crimes that would enrage both gods and men.

Understanding all this only made Xie Zheng’s expression grow colder.

Seeing his displeased expression, Xie Shiyi thought it was because Sui Yuanhuai and his people had all escaped, and said: “Xie Yi and the others are searching every inch of the city, surely there will be results soon.”

However, upon hearing this, Xie Zheng ordered: “Tell them to return first.”

Xie Shiyi was confused: “Marquis, why?”

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes reflected the two candle flames on the bronze stand: “Sui Yuanhuai had already connected with the Li family. Since Zhao Xun hasn’t returned, if he’s cautious enough, he won’t seek shelter through the Zhao family’s influence after escaping, but must first seek protection from the Li family. If he doesn’t show himself, searching is futile.”

Hearing this, Xie Shiyi immediately understood the complexity of the situation and asked: “Marquis, so we can only wait now?”

Instead of answering, Xie Zheng asked: “The Princess of Lengxin is dead too?”

Xie Shiyi nodded: “Found dead by suicide in the tent alongside Sui Yuanhuai’s body double.”

“Suicide”—naturally to avoid being captured alive and questioned.

The generals pursuing the fleeing soldiers had identified the corpse as Sui Yuanhuai not only because of the rich clothing and burn scars but also because the Princess of Lengxin had died beside him.

Even when fleeing Chongzhou, Sui Yuanhuai had brought the Princess of Lengxin along, presumably to ensure his escape would be foolproof.

Xie Zheng said: “Pass this news to Sui Yuanqing.”

Xie Shiyi, being the youngest of Xie Zheng’s guards and less steady than others like Xie Wu, scratched his head and asked: “Marquis, Sui Yuanqing is just a prisoner now. Even with this revenge for his mother’s death, what use is telling him when we can’t find Sui Yuanhuai?”

Xie Zheng simply said: “Just do as I say.”

His words to Li Huai’an tonight had been deliberate.

Li Huai’an didn’t know how much he had discovered, only that their plan had been exposed, and would certainly try to contact Sui Yuanhuai to discuss countermeasures.

They only needed to watch Li Huai’an closely and wait for them to reveal Sui Yuanhuai’s hiding place themselves.

As Xie Shiyi was about to withdraw, he suddenly remembered another urgent matter and hesitantly said to Xie Zheng: “Marquis, I’ve also learned the truth about Miss Fan’s situation…”

Moonlight filtered through the gauze window into the side room, casting a silvery frost across the floor.

The young woman on the bed lay with her black hair spread across the pillow, her head slightly turned, sleeping deeply.

By the window, a figure who had sat silently in the round chair for unknown hours cast a slender shadow before the bed.

Xie Zheng held the bloodstained bandages removed from Fan Changyu, quietly watching the slight figure under the thin quilt.

She had lost much weight, with countless wounds large and small across her body.

Her curled-up sleeping position was like that of a leopard remaining vigilant even in dreams.

Xie Shiyi’s words still rang in his ears: “When the rebel army was pressing the city earlier, Miss Fan feared Lucheng couldn’t hold and volunteered to leave the city to duel rebel commanders to buy time. They say Miss Fan called herself Meng Changyu, a descendant of General Meng Shuyuan of Changshan, willing to die to honor her ancestor’s name.”

“The sixteen opponents on the rebel side used vicious and unusual martial arts techniques, not seeming like military men. Miss Fan fought one against sixteen, and being outnumbered, nearly lost her life to their blades…”

Each word landed heavily in Xie Zheng’s heart, making it difficult to breathe.

Sharp yet dense pain grew in his chest, and his throat itched. Fearing to disturb her, Xie Zheng covered his mouth and coughed softly twice before suppressing the urge to cough.

Just thinking that she had truly gone out ready to die, that if he had arrived a moment later she would have been a cold corpse beneath the city walls, he suddenly couldn’t control the fury and fear howling in his bones.

The bloodstained bandages in the clothes basket from when she changed her dressings became unbearably glaring.

Earlier that day when he first saw her, her wounds had been bandaged and showed no obvious signs, but hearing from Xie Shiyi that she had fought more than ten death-sworn warriors under Sui Yuanhuai, he learned what she had been through.

Those death-sworn warriors around Sui Yuanhuai had belonged to the Crown Prince of Chengde and left to the Crown Princess. After the Crown Princess’s self-immolation in the Eastern Palace, these shadow guards served Sui Yuanhuai. Each was a supreme martial artist, and few survived encounters with them.

Xie Zheng felt his jaw aching as if insects were gnawing at his blood vessels. The veins at his temples bulged, making even the pain of the whip wounds on his back seem insignificant.

The realization that she had nearly died awakened nightmares that had haunted his entire youth, gripping him anew.

Nothing else mattered now, as long as she was still alive.

In the darkness, Xie Zheng pressed his aching temples, his pale face in the moonlight appearing cold yet with an indescribable beauty. His black eyes fixed unblinkingly on the sleeping Fan Changyu.

Perhaps sensing his excessively grim gaze even in sleep, the sleeping figure shrank slightly.

Xie Zheng tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingertips barely touching her cheek, as if wanting to touch yet forcefully restraining himself. He said softly: “In this world, no one has the right to let you die.”

the perfect song for this is Let The World Burn. Xie Zheng being protective in Changyu.. waiting for the series.. 2026

Fr I can’t wait

You picked the perfect song – it could not be more perfect!

“Xie Zheng felt his jaw aching as if insects were gnawing at his blood vessels. The veins at his temples bulged, making even the pain of the whip wounds on his back seem insignificant.”

This text reminded me just how not normal our dude is. And I love that for our fl as it protects her cause if this man was a villain it would definitely be a novel where villain wins.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 117

Fan Changyu hadn’t slept well for two days and one night. After a day of travel and exhausting herself in battle, this sleep was more like passing out than actually sleeping.

When she woke up again, it was already the afternoon of the next day. Besides the bleeding cuts, the muscle soreness throughout her body had reached its peak today. Every movement made her wince in pain. Fan Changyu could barely get out of bed on her own.

The female medic, A’hui, came to change her bandages. Fan Changyu mentioned that her back felt particularly sore.

Looking at the bruises and purple marks on her body, A’hui said sympathetically, “Commander, you have more than just sword and axe wounds. Your entire back is bruised. I’ll massage some medicine for sprains and bruises on it for you.”

Fan Changyu thanked her.

On the battlefield, she had been forced off her horse by those death soldiers, rolling on the ground several times while dodging incoming spears and axes. Such falls and impacts weren’t obvious yesterday, but today the bruises had swollen up, looking frighteningly severe.

To make it easier for A’hui to apply the medicine, Fan Changyu removed her robe and sat on a round stool, half-leaning on the table nearby.

The knife wound on her abdomen wasn’t deep and hadn’t injured any internal organs, but the cut was extremely long, almost extending to her waist. Fortunately, her injured arm was on the same side. When lying flat on her back aggravated the bruises, Fan Changyu would sleep on her other side.

A’hui helped her brush her long black hair to the front and scooped up some medicinal oil to gently massage the bruised areas on her back. As she massaged, her eyes reddened.

Fan Changyu’s skin had a warm white tone, but due to her injuries, she had lost some color, making the bruises and wounds appear even more striking.

When a teardrop fell on Fan Changyu’s back, she turned her head in surprise and saw the young girl’s eyes as red as a rabbit’s. She asked, “What’s wrong?”

A’hui wiped her eyes awkwardly with her sleeve and choked out, “Commander must be in a lot of pain, right?”

Realizing that the young girl was feeling sorry for her, Fan Changyu was slightly taken aback. She then smiled and said, “It’s not that painful.”

She leaned back on the table, her smiling lips slowly pressing into a lonely curve.

How could it not be painful?

In the past, when she practiced martial arts with her father and occasionally injured herself, she was afraid of losing face and stubbornly said it didn’t hurt. But when her mother took her to her room to apply medicine, she would grimace and cry out in pain, while her mother gently scolded her. It all seemed like it had happened just yesterday.

But now she no longer had parents, and there was no one left in this world with whom she could cry out in pain without reservation when she was hurt.

A’hui silently finished massaging the medicinal oil on the bruises on her back, then suddenly exclaimed, “Oh! Commander, you’re injured here too.”

She rubbed the area near Fan Changyu’s shoulder at the back of her neck with her oil-coated hand and said, “It’s red.”

Fan Changyu didn’t pay much attention: “Maybe I was scraped by some stones on the ground when I fell from the horse.”

A’hui stared at the two fingernail-sized red marks for a moment longer. The other scrapes on the Commander’s body were black or purple, but only these two were red as if they had just appeared recently.

She had just come of age this year, and because her father was a military doctor, she had grown up learning medical skills by osmosis. Since Fan Changyu was also a woman, they had specifically asked her to bandage and change Fan Changyu’s dressings.

She had once seen similar red marks on the neck of a flower girl who came for treatment. At the time, when the flower girl noticed her staring, she had covered her mouth with a silk handkerchief and giggled coquettishly.

Her mother had seen this and scolded her with a cold face, later telling her that the woman wasn’t a proper lady and that she shouldn’t associate with such people too much.

A’hui had asked her mother if the woman was sick because of the red marks on her neck, but her mother had scolded her even more severely, saying that a young lady should know shame.

To this day, A’hui didn’t know what those marks meant, but she privately guessed that they weren’t something good.

But now similar red marks had appeared on the Commander’s neck…

A’hui pondered deeply but couldn’t conclude. She could only think to herself that the red marks on the Commander’s body must have also come from the battlefield, different from those on the flower girl’s body.

Fan Changyu was unaware of all this. For lunch, A’hui brought her a bowl of lean meat porridge.

The military doctor had said that since she hadn’t eaten for a long time, she was too weak to handle rich food. For now, she should avoid eating too much at once and instead have small, frequent meals.

Fan Changyu hadn’t felt particularly hungry at first, but after finishing the bowl of meat porridge, she felt no sense of fullness at all. She held the empty bowl and looked at A’hui, who couldn’t bear her puppy-like gaze. A’hui furrowed her brows in distress: “Father said that Commander can only have one bowl of porridge for lunch first…”

Fan Changyu didn’t want to trouble the young girl, so she handed the empty bowl back to A’hui and asked Xie Wu: “How is my brother doing?”

A’hui replied, “He hasn’t woken up yet, but this morning when I was giving him medicine, he was able to swallow unconsciously. Father said that since he can take in food, his life is considered saved.”

This was probably the best news Fan Changyu had heard in the past two days. She held onto the bedpost to stand up: “I’ll go see him.”

A’hui hurried over to support her: “Commander, you’re still seriously injured. Father said you need to stay in bed for a few days to recover.”

Fan Changyu simply said, “I’m tough, it’s not a problem.”

Fan Changyu was tall for a woman, and A’hui was more than half a head shorter than her.

As she supported her, A’hui could see Fan Changyu’s beautifully contoured jaw with just a slight turn of her head. The afternoon sunlight fell on her pale face, still showing signs of her severe injuries, and even the fine downy hair was visible.

A’hui blushed at the sight and said playfully, “Commander is not tough at all. Commander is the most beautiful girl A’hui has ever seen.”

She had once seen a type of orchid in the courtyard of the city lord’s mansion. Its leaves were like swords, sharp and hard, forming a large, iron tree-like plant. But the flowers it bloomed were pure white as snow, blossoming in the center of the layered sword-like leaves, in large clusters, breathtakingly beautiful.

The servants in the mansion wanted to pick them, but the flowers were protected by the sword-like leaves, making them difficult to pluck.

When she saw Fan Changyu, covered in wounds, trembling as she helped bandage her, yet turning around to comfort her instead, A’hui thought of that orchid with sword-like leaves.

She thought that only a world-class hero from storybooks would be worthy of a girl as good as the Commander.

Xie Wu was still unconscious. After visiting him, Fan Changyu personally asked the military doctor about Xie Wu’s condition. The doctor said that given the severity of his injuries, it was already fortunate that he had survived. His left arm had been slashed, and although the arm was still attached, the bones inside were broken. Even after the wound healed, that hand would be useless.

Fan Changyu looked at the young man on the sickbed, remembering how he had led people to rescue her in such a dangerous situation, and felt a deep sadness in her heart.

But the fact that he could keep his life after being stabbed multiple times was already fortunate.

Fan Changyu, with slightly reddened eyes, said, “As long as he’s saved, that’s what matters.”

Worried that the military doctor’s team might be short-handed and Xie Wu might not receive proper care, she thought about assigning two people from the army to help. However, A’hui said that someone had come to watch over Xie Wu last night. She didn’t recognize the person and asked a few questions. The person said they were Xie Wu’s comrade from the army.

Fan Changyu immediately thought of Xie Zheng.

Since he had come to Lu City, his guards must have come with him.

The one who came to watch over Xie Wu last night was most likely one of his original comrades.

After knowing that Xie Wu’s life was no longer in danger, Fan Changyu finally had the peace of mind to slowly ponder the events of yesterday.

She hadn’t expected to see Xie Zheng in Lu City either.

After the Li family and Wei Yan began to compete for control over the military power in Chongzhou and Jizhou, he went to Kang City under the pretext of capturing the remaining rebels and hasn’t returned since.

From Kang City to Lu City was even farther than coming from Chongzhou. For him to arrive in such a short time, his troops must have been on the road early.

Had he received advance information, or was it just a coincidence that his troops were near Lu City?

Fan Changyu had a belly full of questions, and… what did his cold laughter and aggressive questioning mean when he heard her call him “Marquis”?

Thinking of the look he gave her before leaving, Fan Changyu felt increasingly uneasy.

She forcibly stopped her thoughts, not wanting to think about Xie Zheng anymore.

Now that Xie Wu was out of danger, the top priority was how to save Ru Shanshan.

The military doctor and A’hui kept a close watch on Fan Changyu. She used the excuse of wanting to pay respects to He Jingyuan before the doctor reluctantly allowed her to leave the courtyard where the wounded military officers were recuperating. Worried about her severe injuries hindering her movement, he specifically asked A’hui to accompany her.

The funeral hall was filled with white mourning clothes, with a large black coffin in the center bearing an enormous character for “condolence” that weighed heavily on one’s heart.

Fan Changyu, enduring the pain from her abdominal wound, knelt and kowtowed three times before offering incense to He Jingyuan.

Madam He helped Fan Changyu up. Despite the deep sorrow on her face, she still spoke kindly: “You must be Changyu. I often heard my husband mention you.”

She had received the news only this morning and had rushed from Jizhou with her two children, wearing a white mourning dress with black embroidery. Her brows showed signs of fatigue, and silver strands were faintly visible at her temples. But from the moment Fan Changyu saw her, she felt a sense of closeness.

She said in a hoarse voice, “Aunt He.”

Madam He responded with a sorrowful smile, then comforted her: “Good child, don’t cry. Lu City has been defended. If your uncle knows this in the afterlife, he can rest in peace.”

Fan Changyu nodded, strongly holding back the tears in her eyes.

Madam He sighed and said, “I heard you’re also in the army. If you see Wenchang, please tell him for me that neither I nor his uncle blame him. Tell him not to feel guilty.”

Only upon further inquiry did Fan Changyu learn that her blow had been so heavy that Zheng Wenchang didn’t wake up until this morning. Upon waking, he had come to kneel before He Jingyuan’s spirit tablet, refusing to eat or drink, or speak. It wasn’t until Madam He arrived with her two children that he left, feeling too ashamed to face Madam He.

Fan Changyu readily agreed.

Although she hadn’t worked with Zheng Wenchang for long, she knew he greatly respected He Jingyuan. He Jingyuan’s death must have been a tremendous shock to him.

Fan Changyu was planning to go back to the military camp to find someone, but as soon as she left the funeral hall, she saw a person in a secluded spot by the courtyard wall, beneath some climbing vines.

The person was looking at her with a gloomy gaze as if specifically waiting for her.

As Fan Changyu prepared to go over, A’hui grabbed her arm and stammered, “Co-Commander, that person looks fierce. Does he have a grudge against you? You’re injured now…”

Fan Changyu said, “It’s General Zheng, don’t be afraid.”

A’hui finally relaxed.

Supported by A’hui, Fan Changyu approached and called out, “General Zheng.”

Zheng Wenchang was leaning against the wall, with most of his face hidden in shadow. Light blue stubble covered his jaw, and his whole being exuded an air of dejection.

“Has the Commander achieved her wish of playing the hero?” He raised his head, looking at Fan Changyu with a mocking gaze.

Hearing this person disparage Fan Changyu, A’hui forgot her fear and immediately said fiercely, “How dare you speak like that? What do you mean by playing the hero? Don’t you know the Commander was brought back from the battlefield with barely half her life left? If it weren’t for the Commander, Lu City wouldn’t have held out until the Marquis arrived with his army!”

Listening to this rebuke, the mockery and grief in Zheng Wenchang’s eyes only deepened. He stared at Fan Changyu and said, “I wish it had been me who died outside the city! Rather than being knocked unconscious by someone, only to wake up and have everyone tell me the battle was over, with no chance left to avenge my teacher! I’ve become nothing but a laughingstock!”

Fan Changyu had knocked him out at the time because she feared he would, in his excessive grief, rashly rush out of the city and throw his life away.

She said coldly, “If the prized student taught by Lord He was to die senselessly on the battlefield due to impulsiveness, that would truly be a laughingstock!”

Her leaving the city was a tactical move to buy time while waiting for reinforcements. If Zheng Wenchang had left the city, he would have recklessly charged into the enemy ranks to seek revenge on Sui Yuanhuai.

How could one person, no matter how skilled in martial arts, stand against an army of twenty thousand?

One volley of arrows would have turned him into a pincushion.

Zheng Wenchang’s jaw clenched tightly at Fan Changyu’s words. He stared at her intently, suddenly taking a step closer. A’hui was startled and frightened, fearing he might attack Fan Changyu. She hurriedly shouted, “What are you trying to do?!”

Zheng Wenchang heavily punched the wall beside Fan Changyu and coldly threw out a sentence: “When your wounds have healed, let’s have a match.”

With that, he turned and left without looking back.

However, due to A’hui’s shout, many people who had come to mourn He Jingyuan today had already turned to look in their direction.

As the crowd buzzed with chatter, someone remarked, “Isn’t that General Zheng and Colonel Fan? What’s going on?”

Another person stuttered in a hushed tone, “It… it looks like General Zheng has cornered Colonel Fan against the wall…”

The main reason for this perception was the punch Zheng Wenchang had thrown towards Fan Changyu’s side. Due to the angle, from a distance, it truly resembled a kabedon.

Following that comment, someone else chimed in, “Could it be that General Zheng has feelings for Colonel Fan?”

This statement stirred up a storm of speculation. Given that both were unmarried and worked closely together, even sharing life-and-death experiences on the battlefield, upon careful consideration, some thought it wasn’t so surprising after all.

Fan Changyu hadn’t heard these discussions when she left. She hadn’t given much thought to the incident with Zheng Wenchang either.

It wasn’t until she went to Tang Peiyi for a token to visit the imprisoned Yu Qianqian and her child that she realized how outrageously the rumors had spread.

The incident began after she paid respects to He Jingyuan. She had learned from other military officers about where the rebels’ families were being held. Though she couldn’t rescue Yu Qianqian and her child, she thought she could at least bring them some food and necessities, and instruct the jailers to ensure they weren’t mistreated in prison.

At the prison gates, however, the guards informed her that she needed a token from either Xie Zheng or Tang Peiyi to enter.

Fan Changyu naturally wouldn’t ask Xie Zheng for such a favor.

After fabricating an excuse to obtain a token from Tang Peiyi, as she was about to leave, Tang Peiyi smiled and said, “I hear Colonel Fan and General Zheng are close to tying the knot?”

Fan Changyu was bewildered. “What makes you say that, General?”

Tang Peiyi, assuming she was just being modest, chuckled, “No need to be coy, Colonel Fan. Your relationship with General Zheng is the talk of the military camp. No wonder Lord He assigned General Zheng to Chongzhou to assist you before he left.”

Fan Changyu grew even more confused. “Are you referring to General Zheng’s declaration that he wants to duel me once I’ve recovered? What does that have to do with Lord He assigning him to Chongzhou?”

Tang Peiyi’s eyes widened. “At this point, are you still pretending ignorance?”

Fan Changyu wasn’t pretending; she was genuinely clueless.

Seeing her apparent lack of awareness, Tang Peiyi also became puzzled. He explained, “I heard that you and General Zheng have feelings for each other. Yesterday, when he wanted to leave the city to avenge Lord He, you were worried for his safety and knocked him unconscious, going in his place.”

Fan Changyu felt as if she’d been struck by lightning.

She finally understood the meaning of “lies spread faster than the truth.”

She recounted the actual events to Tang Peiyi, her face full of helplessness. “I feared General Zheng would throw his life away needlessly. Vice General He was there too; you can ask him if you don’t believe me.”

Tang Peiyi hadn’t expected such a misunderstanding. Perplexed, he asked, “Then why did General Zheng seek you out today?”

The rumor he had heard was that Zheng Wenchang, upon learning that she had been severely injured while fighting in his stead, was both touched and angered. He had supposedly confronted her in public, backing her into a corner to “question” her.

Fan Changyu’s eye twitched as she explained, “He resented me for knocking him out that day and nearly fought me. Seeing that I was injured, he said we’d settle it another time.”

Tang Peiyi slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed, “Outrageous! I’ll reprimand him later!”

Fan Changyu felt this was akin to tattling. If Tang Peiyi truly confronted Zheng Wenchang, future encounters would be even more awkward. She said, “Thank you for your concern, General, but it’s best if General Zheng and I resolve this privately. After all… Lord He’s death is truly an insurmountable grief for General Zheng.”

Lord He’s kindness weighed heavily on Tang Peiyi as well. Unable to arrive in time with his troops, he felt guilty and could empathize with Zheng Wenchang’s feelings. He sighed, “Very well, I’ll leave this matter for you two to settle privately.”

Leaving Tang Peiyi’s presence, Fan Changyu heaved a frustrated sigh.

A’hui hung her head in remorse, “It’s all my fault for shouting. I’ve caused you to be the subject of gossip, Colonel.”

Fan Changyu patted A’hui’s head, saying, “It’s not your fault.”

A’hui had only shouted out of fear that Zheng Wenchang might attack her. Who could have imagined that such a trivial matter would be blown out of proportion by rumor-mongers?

At the prison, after Fan Changyu showed her token to the guards, she was told that only she could enter. She instructed A’hui to wait outside while she went in with her packages to see Yu Qianqian.

The jailer led her to the innermost cell and respectfully said, “It’s here, Colonel. But there are rules from above, and I’m in a difficult position. You can only stay for the time it takes an incense stick to burn.”

Fan Changyu saw a woman in prisoner’s garb huddled in the darkest corner of the cell, shielding a child. Though she couldn’t see her face clearly, her hair was disheveled, suggesting she had endured much hardship.

With a heavy heart, Fan Changyu managed to keep her composure and told the jailer, “I understand. You may go now.”

After the jailer left, she addressed the woman in the cell, “Qianqian, I’ve come to see you. I haven’t found a way to get you out yet, but I’ve brought some things for you and the child. Here are the pine nut candies that the little one likes…”

The woman inside, hearing her voice, cowered even more, clutching the child tightly and burying her face in her knees, remaining silent.

Fan Changyu found this strange and called out again, “Qianqian?”

The woman still didn’t respond, but the child in her arms, hearing about the pine nut candies, timidly raised his head and looked at Fan Changyu.

As soon as she saw the child’s face, Fan Changyu’s expression changed.

This wasn’t Yu Bao’er!

Realizing the child had lifted his head, the woman looked up in panic and quickly pressed the child’s head back into her chest, seemingly not wanting Fan Changyu to discover they were impostors.

But in that brief moment, Fan Changyu had seen the woman’s face beneath her messy hair – it was a stranger.

Fan Changyu didn’t know whether to feel relieved or more anxious.

If the mother and child brought back weren’t Yu Qianqian and her son, then the one who had been executed probably wasn’t Sui Yuanhuai!

She stared at the woman huddled in the corner for a while, then silently passed all the food and bedding she had brought into the cell before leaving without a word.

Yesterday, after Xie Zheng was called away by his guard, he must have seen this mother and child. Did he not know they were impostors, or did he know but accept them as Yu Qianqian and her child anyway?

If it was the former, then she was the only one who knew that some rebels were still at large.

If it was the latter, what was Xie Zheng’s purpose in accepting that all the rebels had been executed?

As she left the prison, supported by A’hui, Fan Changyu was lost in these thoughts.

Suddenly, A’hui gripped her uninjured arm tightly and stammered, “Co… Colonel.”

“Hmm?” Fan Changyu snapped out of her reverie and turned to look at A’hui.

But A’hui seemed like a choked chicken, using her eyes to signal Fan Changyu to look ahead.

Fan Changyu had an ominous feeling, and sure enough, as she looked up, she saw a group of people approaching.

The leader wore a crimson brocade robe embroidered with cloud and wave patterns, his face as handsome as jade, his eyes like cold stars.

It was none other than Xie Zheng.

He had tied all his long hair up, accentuating his cold and sharp features, suppressing the last trace of youthfulness about him. He looked exceptionally handsome and imposing.

Behind him followed several civil officials, seemingly on their way to interrogate prisoners.

Fan Changyu inwardly lamented the unfortunate timing of this encounter.

Until now, she hadn’t known how to face him or what attitude to adopt, or even how to address him properly.

After a moment’s consideration, she clasped her hands in a military salute and said, “Greetings, Marquis.”

To her surprise, he didn’t even glance in her direction. His handsome face was covered with a layer of frost as he walked straight past her toward the prison as if she were invisible.

Fan Changyu was momentarily stunned.

A’hui gently called out, “Colonel, what’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu came to her senses, suppressing the bitterness rising in her heart, and calmly said, “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”

This, she thought, was how their next meeting was meant to be.

I just know Xie Zheng is dying inside, from all those rumors! Let the miscommunication commence 🤣😂🤣

He’s gonna lose his shit pretty soon, I just know it. His jealousy streak is pretty wild. I fear for that Wenchang guy. And for Changyu, too, since this dude is a known biter. 😆

ohhh those red marks at the back of her neck….is that xie zheng’s artwork? 🫣🤭

Hahahaha! When did He bite her without her knowing it?

She’s already so injured, why keep biting her?

it’s becoming hard and hard to like Xie Zheng…

why nobody is looking for Great Tutor Tao??

Xie Zheng, you really dont have manners.. towards sick person…

Zhu Yu – Chapter 118

In the pitch-black dungeon.

The torch flame in the wall niche illuminated the filthy bloodstains on the ground. The various torture instruments laid out on wooden racks were coated with a layer of dark red blood, while the stench of decay and blood permeated the chamber filled with screams of agony.

“Will you confess or not?”

“Will you confess or not!”

Each crack of the snakeskin whip sent droplets of blood flying.

The man chained to the torture rack was disheveled and covered in blood, barely having the strength to breathe. Yet with each strike of the snake-like whip upon his body, he couldn’t suppress his agonized screams before finally falling unconscious from the pain.

Beneath his blood-soaked prison garments, a fresh layer of blood had formed, mixed with small pieces of torn flesh.

The jailer’s arms had grown weak from wielding the whip. He cast a hateful glance at the prisoner who remained tight-lipped even after dozens of lashes. With barely visible cold sweat on his temples, he turned and nervously bowed to the observer behind him: “Marquis, this man is stubborn and still won’t confess. If we continue the torture, I fear he won’t survive.”

After receiving no response, his anxiety grew. He carefully raised his head to look into the shadows and saw the man reclining in the master chair, his elbow resting on the armrest, partially supporting his forehead. His eyes were lowered, long thick eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath them, seemingly lost in thought.

The jailer gathered his courage and called out again: “Marquis?”

In the next moment, the man who had appeared lost in thought suddenly raised his eyes.

Those wolf-like cruel and cold eyes made the jailer shudder. He instinctively stammered: “We… we’ve tried all forms of torture, but… but he still won’t confess.”

Xie Zheng swept his gloomy, ice-cold gaze toward the half-dead man on the rack and asked, “How many lashes?”

The jailer respectfully answered, “Forty-seven lashes, my lord.”

Hearing this number, Xie Zheng’s eyes showed no ripple of emotion, though his brows furrowed slightly with impatience. He said, “Eleven.”

Xie Eleven, who had been standing beside him, stepped forward and gestured to the jailer. Immediately, another jailer brought a bucket of cold water and doused the blood-covered man.

The unconscious man slowly regained consciousness, his filthy hair dripping with water, his body held upright only by the iron chains that bound him. Though his breath was barely a whisper, he still instinctively responded, “I truly… know nothing, nothing at all…”

Xie Eleven merely smiled and said to him, “You have a daughter who married into the Gao family in Jinan Prefecture.”

Upon hearing these words, a flash of terror appeared in the bloodied man’s unfocused eyes.

Xie Eleven continued unhurriedly, “Your younger son is studying at the Song Mountain Academy. Let me guess – the Li family used your children’s futures and lives to buy your silence? If you die, your son will receive a position in the Li family after he passes the imperial examinations? Your son-in-law will be promoted to a position in the capital?”

“How… how do you know?” the man bound to the rack asked in horror. Realizing his slip, he hurriedly denied it, “I have no children, I am alone in this world, I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

From behind, Marquis Xie Zheng, seated in the master chair, had completely lost his patience. He spoke coldly, “My men could find your two children – do you think those hypocritical Li family scholars can protect them? A freshly severed head sent by fast horse to Jizhou Prefecture should take no more than three days.”

As he spoke, he rose leisurely and lowered his head to meet the eyes of the man bound to the rack. His sharp phoenix eyes were both casual and ice-cold: “My patience has never been good, Official Liu. Have you thought it through?”

The blood-covered man trembled like a sieve, his will completely crushed. He confessed in a quavering voice, “The person is hidden in Yueyue Mountain Villa.”

The two civil officials taking notes were first shocked, then overjoyed, quickly writing down the confession.

Having obtained this answer, Xie Zheng’s eyes frosted over. Without looking back, he walked out of the dungeon, with Xie Eleven hurrying to follow.

Since that night when Xie Zheng had warned Li Huai’an, he had kept the Li family under close surveillance. However, the Li family members were all as cunning as foxes and extremely cautious in their actions. They had finally managed to capture one of Li Huai’an’s chief clerks, but the man had proved remarkably stubborn.

Xie Zheng had ordered a thorough investigation into his background and discovered that after entering the Li family’s service, the man had changed his name and identity, presumably to protect his family should matters ever come to light. His family, known only to the Li clan, had become the Li family’s leverage over him.

Xie Eleven hurriedly caught up with Xie Zheng’s steps and asked, “Marquis, shall we dispatch troops to Yueyue Mountain Villa immediately?”

Walking out of the prison, the incoming wind carried a hint of coolness.

Xie Zheng narrowed his eyes, watching yellow leaves spinning down from the treetops.

Autumn had already arrived.

He said casually, “Select three hundred elite cavalry from the Tiger Step Camp to surround Yueyue Mountain Villa under the pretense of capturing bandits. Continue watching the Li family closely.”

Xie Eleven hesitated for a moment before saying, “Marquis, this matter is of great importance. Perhaps we should send the Blood Robe Cavalry instead?”

The eight hundred Blood Robe Cavalry under Xie Zheng were his troops, hand-trained by him. The first nineteen men who had been granted the Xie surname were the finest among them.

If the person hidden in Yueyue Mountain Villa was truly the Crown Prince of Chengde’s descendant, this mission would require Xie Zheng’s core troops.

However, Xie Zheng coldly curved his lips and said, “Yueyue Mountain Villa is merely bait laid by the Li family. Why rush?”

Xie Eleven was both shocked and confused. After all this effort investigating Liu, could it be they were merely playing along, putting on a show for the Li family?

His eyes instantly blazed with admiration, and as he was about to follow Xie Zheng, he heard the man walking ahead suddenly command: “Keep a close watch on that General Zhang under He Jingyuan as well.”

His tone was cold enough to form ice-

At the Li residence.

Li Huai’an sat before his desk wearing an indigo scholar’s robe, leaning back somewhat wearily. His head tilted back slightly, his long fingers half-covering his brow as he asked the messenger, “Have the Marquis of Wu’an’s men gone to Yueyue Mountain Villa?”

The man below answered, “This servant personally saw several hundred riders secretly leave Lu City.”

Li Huai’an lifted his eyelids, his light-colored eyes showing a jade-like luster in the beautiful floating light filtering through the window lattice. “Send word to the side residence, tell them to proceed to the capital quickly.”

Yueyue Mountain Villa was merely a decoy. Once the Marquis of Wu’an’s men were lured away, the imperial grandson’s party could secretly enter the capital.

This was a ploy to draw the tiger from the mountain.

The memorial impeaching Wei Yan had already been sent to the capital. They only needed to wait for Wei Yan’s downfall, then announce they had found the Crown Prince of Chengde’s descendant and “persuade” His Majesty to abdicate. Even though the Marquis of Wu’an commanded troops in the Northwest, he would be powerless to change the situation.

Unless he raised his banner in rebellion.

The Xie family was known for their unwavering loyalty. Li Huai’an knew that even to protect the reputation of the Xie ancestors, Xie Zheng would never take that step.

Moreover… there were still others in this world who could restrain him.

The messenger had already withdrawn, and the half-closed window had been blown open by the evening wind, letting in a shaft of sunset light.

Li Huai’an frowned slightly as he gazed at the recently completed painting on his desk.

In the painting, snow, and wind are pressed down on green cypress trees across the mountains. Within the vast expanse of white, a tiny apricot-colored figure on the winding official road was the only bright color in the painted world.

Looking closely, it was a woman wearing an apricot-colored jacket and skirt, walking forward with her back turned on the rough official road. Her face couldn’t be seen, but it seemed she had been walking in the snow for a long time, as frost and snow had settled in her black hair. One bare foot without shoes or socks was frozen red.

A general’s success is built upon a mountain of bones.

The Li family had reached this point with no way to turn back.

Yet even now, he still didn’t want to involve her.

She was the most sincere and passionate girl he had ever met, like a sun that left no place for the world’s filth and darkness to hide-

On the fourth day of Fan Changyu’s bed rest, Xie Seven and the personal guards she had sent finally escorted Chang Ning and Madam Zhao to Lu City. The group had little trouble finding where she was staying.

When Chang Ning and Madam Zhao saw Fan Changyu’s injuries, they embraced her and nearly cried themselves to exhaustion. Fan Changyu had to expend great effort to calm the old woman and child.

With so many people, they couldn’t all stay in the small courtyard allocated by the military for wounded officers to recover. Fan Changyu had Xie Seven find a residence in the city, and after making arrangements, she moved there with the similarly severely wounded Xie Five to live with Madam Zhao and the others.

Xie Five and Xie Seven were as close as brothers, and with Xie Seven looking after him, plus Madam Zhao’s daily variety of nutritious soups, his face, which had grown thin during his injury, quickly began to round out again at a visible rate.

Chang Ning, having heard the rebels had been subdued, asked Fan Changyu nervously with her large round black eyes, “Elder Sister, what about Bao’er and his mother?”

Fan Changyu had also been concerned about finding Yu Qianqian, but she had been ordered to stay home and recover and knew little about military movements.

She could only pat Chang Ning’s little topknot and comfort her, “They weren’t with the army, perhaps they escaped beforehand.”

Chang Ning’s chubby little face immediately wrinkled up. “Is that so? We can’t find Bao’er and his mother, and they can’t find us…”

She fidgeted with her fingers and asked quietly, “Will we ever see them again?”

Fan Changyu said with certainty, “We will.”

Only then did Chang Ning become cheerful again, saying, “Before Ning was taken away, I told Bao’er I would find Elder Sister and Brother-in-law to save him. Ning can’t break her promise.”

Fan Changyu smiled and rubbed her head, though her eyes held many worries.

She had yet to hear any news about surviving rebels and didn’t know if Xie Zheng truly didn’t know, or had suppressed this information.

Thinking of their chance encounter when she left the prison that day, her heart still felt somewhat heavy.

She thought perhaps she hadn’t yet grown accustomed to such a reunion.

Though she wondered who he had gone to interrogate in the prison that day, surely it couldn’t have been that mother and son…

Worried, after He Jingyuan’s funeral ended, she proposed returning to her military duties. However, Tang Peiyi suggested she take this opportunity to rest longer, waiting until the capital’s rewards were announced before returning to the army.

Fan Changyu couldn’t voice her true thoughts. She wanted to use military resources to secretly search for Yu Qianqian and her son and also wanted to know if Xie Zheng was secretly continuing to pursue Sui Yuanhuai.

They no longer had any connection, and after experiencing the tragic battle of Lu City, she couldn’t bring herself to drive Xie Five and Xie Seven away, treating them only as her brothers. Now she knew nothing of Xie Zheng’s movements.

If Xie Zheng wanted to deal with Sui Yuanhuai privately, perhaps they could cooperate, as long as Yu Qianqian and her son’s lives could be protected.

If Xie Zheng truly didn’t know of this matter, Fan Changyu felt she would have to find a way to locate Sui Yuanhuai herself and end this threat.

Yu Qianqian had lost the Yixiang Tower, and as a widow with her son Yu Bao’er, they likely had nowhere to go. Yu Qianqian had shown her kindness in the past, and now that she had established herself, she was willing to take in Yu Qianqian and her son.

Fan Changyu didn’t know if years later she would regret this current decision, but Yu Bao’er was now just a child who had done no wrong. He had been captured and taken to the Prince of Changxin’s mansion along with Yu Qianqian. He shouldn’t have to forfeit his life because of circumstances of birth he couldn’t choose.

Fan Changyu also believed Yu Qianqian could raise Yu Bao’er well.

If the worst happened, and Yu Bao’er turned out like his father and the Sui family, attempting to ignite warfare across the land, the child would be under her watch, and she wouldn’t show mercy in preventing him from causing great calamity-

After being confined at home to recover for several days, an unexpected visitor suddenly arrived.

At the time, she was being forced by Madam Zhao to drink a bowl of freshly made old hen soup when Xie Seven entered to announce that Zheng Wenchang was visiting and waiting outside.

Fan Changyu wondered why this fellow had suddenly come calling.

Could he be here to challenge her to a duel?

If so, with her injuries not yet fully healed, she would probably need to rest in bed for several more days after such a match.

She said, “Show him in first.”

The two of them had recently been the subject of baseless rumors in the military, and Fan Changyu didn’t want people to see anything that might spark more nonsense.

However, Xie Seven wore a strange expression as he said, “Commander, you’d better go see for yourself.”

Fan Changyu changed into attire suitable for receiving guests and went to the main gate. Upon seeing Zheng Wenchang kneeling shirtless at the entrance with a bundle of thorny branches on his back, her eyelid twitched violently.

She quickly gestured for Xie Qi to let her help the man up herself. “General Zheng, what are you doing? Please, stand up!”

Zheng Wenchang remained motionless on his knees. Seeing Fan Changyu, he finally clasped his fist in salute and said, “I, Zheng, am ashamed and have come bearing thorns to beg forgiveness from Commander Fan. My first offense: on the day the rebels attacked the city, the Commander feared I would act rashly and knocked me unconscious. I failed to recognize her good intentions and nearly came to blows with her outside Lord He’s funeral hall. This was dishonorable.”

“My second offense: my dispute with the Commander led to misunderstandings among others, damaging her reputation. This was discourteous. I implore the Commander to flog me with these thorny branches. Otherwise, I have no face to see the Commander, nor will I have the courage to face Lord He in the future!”

Zheng Wenchang was always rigid and stern to a fault.

Fan Changyu sighed, “General Zheng, there’s no need for this. Lord He’s kindness to me was equally profound. I understand your state of mind at the time and haven’t dwelt on that day’s events. Lord He would be comforted to see you regain your spirit. As for those absurd rumors, they’re baseless gossip not worth acknowledging.”

Zheng Wenchang, usually cold and unyielding, showed a hint of shame on his face today. He lowered his head and said, “I’m ashamed. Despite my years of military experience, my perspective and temperament still fall short of the Commander’s.”

Fan Changyu replied, “Regarding Lord He’s affairs, General Zheng was simply overly concerned, nothing to be harshly criticized for. I’ve never paid attention to rumors, and you needn’t blame yourself. We are comrades who both received Lord He’s teachings. We shouldn’t have let ill feelings come between us. In our future work together, I hope for your guidance, General Zheng.”

Zheng Wenchang bowed deeply to her once more: “I wouldn’t dare to guide you. In the future, I am at the Commander’s disposal.”

With this, she and Zheng Wenchang had fully reconciled.

Although Zheng Wenchang’s act of bearing thorns to beg forgiveness was somewhat dramatic, it effectively quashed the previous rumors.

Her relationship with Zheng Wenchang, beyond their previous comradeship, now held an additional bond of shared discipleship due to He Jingyuan.

Half a fortnight later, a victory banquet was held in the military camp.

The rebels had been completely subdued, but the rewards were yet to be announced. They would have to go to the capital, where the Emperor would personally bestow honors in the Golden Hall. The court was in an uproar over the impeachment memorial against Wei Yan, so the Emperor couldn’t spare time to draft the reward decree just yet.

Not all soldiers could accompany them to the capital, so the victory banquet naturally had to be held at the Jizhou military camp.

As a meritorious official in defending Lu City, Fan Changyu, despite her fifth-rank position, was seated near the front, directly behind Vice General He. One seat behind her was Zheng Wenchang, whose rank was one level higher than hers.

The few officers who had left the city with Xie Wu, though of lower rank, also had seats at the banquet. Apart from Xie Wu, the others were clearly both delighted and nervous.

Fan Changyu pondered that the seating arrangement must be based on the magnitude of their contributions.

The head seat at the very front was empty, obviously reserved for Xie Zheng.

The first table on the right side, in the civil officials’ section, was also empty.

Fan Changyu guessed that the seat must be for Li Huai’an.

As the military officers gradually took their seats, the hall began to bustle with activity. Even before the banquet officially began, many officers came to toast Fan Changyu, apparently aware of her great achievements and imminent promotion upon reaching the capital.

Although Fan Changyu’s injuries had mostly healed, she still insisted on using tea instead of wine, citing her wounds as an excuse.

Firstly, her injuries weren’t completely healed, and secondly, her alcohol tolerance wasn’t particularly high. Once the toasting started, it wouldn’t stop. Drinking with one officer but not another could easily offend people.

If she drank with everyone, she feared she’d be drunk at her seat before the banquet even began.

After declining the toasts, with Vice General He on her left and Zheng Wenchang on her right, Fan Changyu found herself without anyone to casually chat with to pass the time.

If the seating hadn’t been fixed, she would have squeezed in next to Xie Wu and the others.

Finally, as the banquet was about to start, Xie Zheng arrived just in time. However, the seat opposite, meant for Li Huai’an, remained empty. Fan Changyu didn’t know if he was late or simply not coming.

Fearing that meeting Xie Zheng’s gaze would only increase the awkwardness, she kept her head down, focusing on the cold dishes already laid out on the small table in front of her.

After the maidservants had finished bringing in the aromatic meat dishes, Fan Changyu had already nibbled on the braised pork knuckle a few times before she heard Xie Zheng’s deep voice from the head of the table: “Lord Li has caught a cold and won’t be able to attend this victory banquet. Nevertheless, everyone should enjoy themselves tonight. The Chongzhou rebellion lasted a year and a half before it was finally quelled. You are all great contributors to the Da Yin dynasty. I’ll first toast to all of you!”

Fan Changyu saw from the corner of her eye that people to her left and right were standing up with raised cups, so she followed suit. As she looked up, she saw Xie Zheng standing at the head of the hall, and the phrase “Heaven’s pride” suddenly came to her mind.

He wore a black satin robe embroidered with golden pythons, his long hair half-tied with a golden crown. His cold, stern features exuded authority. As he raised his cup, the five-colored cloud patterns on his wide sleeves shimmered in the candlelight, as if mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas were all contained within them.

There was a time when Fan Changyu feared that he would shine brilliantly among the crowd, while she remained as ordinary as a grain of sand, eventually parting ways with him. That’s why she had wanted to work hard to catch up to him, to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Now she had come far enough on this path, but what drove her forward was no longer him.

As that cup of wine went down, it suddenly evoked a sense of melancholy in Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu thought to herself that her alcohol tolerance couldn’t be this poor, getting tipsy after just one cup.

After the banquet began, the sound of clinking cups filled the air. Vice General He, Tang Peiyi, and other senior officers went to toast Xie Zheng. Zheng Wenchang, probably noticing that Fan Changyu had been silently eating, took the initiative and said, “I’d like to propose a toast to Commander Fan.”

Fan Changyu raised her teacup in return.

Just as she put down her cup after drinking, she felt an icy gaze, almost tangible, fall on her head, as if it would drill a hole through her scalp.

Fan Changyu instinctively looked up towards Xie Zheng but saw him turn sideways, saying something to Tang Peiyi.

Fan Changyu felt puzzled, thinking to herself, could it not have been him?

Under Xie Zheng’s command, military banquets strictly prohibited entertainment by dancing girls.

After three rounds of drinks, everyone was slightly tipsy. Some musically inclined officers started playing the huqin right in their seats. The civil officials, inspired, began reciting poetry. Towards the end, the drunken crowd started singing military battle songs.

“Who says we have no clothes? We’ll share the same uniform. The king raises an army, we’ll repair our spears and halberds…”

The deep, stirring voices rose to the rafters. The battles they had experienced along the way seemed as if they had happened just yesterday, and Fan Changyu felt quite moved to listen to the song.

The dead are gone, but the living must carry on. They still had a long road ahead of them.

A drunken officer came to toast Fan Changyu, hiccuping as he spoke, “Commander Fan, you must… *hic*… must drink with me, old Chen. I admire… admire you from the bottom of my heart. Before meeting Commander Fan, I didn’t believe… *hic*… that women could go to the battlefield.”

The man was already drunk, and Fan Changyu’s excuse of being injured and unable to drink fell on deaf ears. He kept insisting on toasting her.

Fan Changyu couldn’t refuse any longer and finally drank the cup he offered.

Little did she know that this drink would stir up a hornet’s nest. All the officers who weren’t passed out stood up swaying with their cups, saying they wanted to toast Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu managed to drink five or six cups before she started feeling lightheaded. Her face flushed red as she waved her hands, saying she couldn’t drink anymore.

Xie Zheng, seated at the head table, heard the commotion and glanced over, his eyes already tinged with frost.

Xie Wu, noticing the situation, came over saying he would drink on Fan Changyu’s behalf, but his status wasn’t high enough, and the officers wouldn’t let him substitute.

Just as Fan Changyu was about to pretend to be drunk and lay her head on the table, Zheng Wenchang suddenly said, “Commander Fan is injured. I’ll drink in her stead.”

With that, he picked up the wine bowl and drank it dry.

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst into teasing laughter.

Although the rumors between him and Fan Changyu had dissipated after he came to apologize with thorns on his back, this abrupt gesture suddenly made them suspect there might be something more to it.

Fan Changyu hadn’t expected Zheng Wenchang to help her either and was quite taken aback.

Tang Peiyi, hearing the commotion, looked over and chuckled to Xie Zheng, “That lad…”

But Xie Zheng couldn’t laugh. The cup in his hand shattered, shards of porcelain embedding themselves in his knuckles, drawing blood.

Tang Peiyi noticed something amiss and looked back. Xie Zheng merely said in a flat voice, “I can’t hold my liquor well and dropped the cup. Generals, please continue enjoying the banquet. I’ll take my leave for a moment.”

Tang Peiyi watched Xie Zheng’s retreating figure as he left through the side door, then looked at Fan Changyu surrounded by a group of officers. He nudged Vice General He with his elbow, “Old He, don’t you think there’s something odd between the Marquis and Commander Fan?”

Vice General He, recalling what he had seen that day, poked at the few peanuts left on his plate, pretending to be oblivious as he mumbled, “How would I know…”

After that round of toasts, Fan Changyu quickly pretended to be drunk and had two maidservants help her leave the banquet.

Once in a quiet place, Fan Changyu dismissed the two maidservants, planning to find a place to sit and let the wind sober her up.

But after walking for a while, it seemed the effects of the alcohol were catching up with her. Earlier, she had only felt her face burning, but now her steps were becoming unsteady.

Fan Changyu thought about washing her face with some water. She looked around but couldn’t find a washroom. She only found a row of water vats filled to the brim at the base of a wall far from the front hall, meant for fire prevention.

She walked unsteadily to the water vats and scooped up two handfuls of water to splash on her face. Still feeling hot, she decided to dunk her whole head into the water.

Just as she was starting to feel a bit more clear-headed, someone grabbed her collar and pulled her up, apparently mistaking her for someone drowning while drunk.

Fan Changyu said “Not drunk” twice, then stared blankly at the frost-faced person in the moonlight, not caring that she was still being held by the collar.

After a while, she finally realized who it was. Her alcohol-addled brain took a moment to process before she managed to make a saluting gesture with both hands and respectfully said, “Greetings, Your Lordship.”

The hand holding her collar suddenly let go, and Fan Changyu fell to the ground, sitting against the wall.

She was as soft as a ball of cotton now, so falling to the ground didn’t hurt. She just instinctively started brushing off the dust on her clothes.

But somehow, as she was brushing herself off, a great sense of grievance suddenly welled up in her heart. Her eyes stung, and a tear fell.

Fan Changyu stared at the droplet on the back of her hand, not even realizing it was her tear.

The person standing beside her crouched down. His face, illuminated by the moonlight, seemed carved from cold jade, his expression equally cold. He reached out to wipe away the tear from the corner of her eye and asked, “Besides ‘Your Lordship,’ what else do you call me?”

His tone seemed self-mocking, yet also filled with great resentment.

His fingertips were wounded, carrying the scent of blood – cut by the shattered cup at the banquet earlier.

Fan Changyu was drunk, and her entire demeanor had become extremely dull. She didn’t even remember why she had suddenly wanted to cry earlier. She stared at the jade-like face before her for a good while before uttering two words: “Yan Zheng.”

She reached out to pat his head and said, “You’re Yan Zheng!”

Xie Zheng’s hand, resting near her face, froze. The emotions surging in the depths of his dark eyes were chilling.

Unfortunately, Fan Changyu had become a drunkard and couldn’t see this. Her attention was drawn by the smell of blood on his hand covered in cuts. Her delicate brows furrowed as she mumbled, “You’re bleeding…”

She lowered her head, fumbling with her robes, seemingly trying to find which was her undergarment. Just as she finally found it and was about to tear off a corner, her chin was suddenly gripped forcefully. She winced in pain as her head was tilted up, only catching a glimpse of a pair of bottomless dark eyes before her breath was stolen away.

As her teeth were forcibly parted and her lips and tongue ravaged, she finally belatedly realized what the person before her was doing. She angrily pushed at him but to no avail. Instead, she found herself pressed against the wall.

Just before Fan Changyu was about to suffocate, the person finally released her.

Her lips stung, her mind was in a fog, but she still remembered she was angry. She continued to push him, trying to force him away, but it was futile.

She was pulled forcefully into his embrace, so tight that her bones ached.

The person buried his face in the crook of her neck. Despite his forceful actions, his posture was fragile and desperate, like someone who had walked too long in the desert and finally saw the way home.

“Fan Changyu, I regret it.”

Warm moisture seeped through her clothes, spreading across Fan Changyu’s shoulder.

ahhh. more romantic scenes, Marquis tama yan gumalaw kana di na kinaya ang selos hahaha kilikilig ako pag ginawa to ni Zhang Linghe

uy pilipins

uy pilipins(2)

uy pilipin(3)

Uy pilipins (4)

Lmao pilipins assemble

uy pilipins (5)

Haha Laban pilipinas

di na kinaya ang silos ni yan zheng

Ughhh I’m so happy the writers made him suffer for doing our girl like that! Eat ur heart out Xie Zheng!

Riiight. Like he hasn’t been suffering from the moment he let her go. Like his reason for doing so is as shallow as y’all are making it out to be. 🙄

yan napapala ng punyetang pride na yan xie zheng

Pride? San nanggaling yan? It’s clearly about his father’s death. Pride has nothing to do with that. Sana marunong kang intindihin binasa mo. lol

at last may reader na din na rational mag isip Hindi bias. diko tlga gets San nanggagaling hate Kay Xie Zheng eh. kikitid ng mga utak

hindi na natiis

bakit may chemistry din sila ni general zheng? lalo na noong nag argue sila na dahilan ng misunderstanding. Sino kayang gaganap na Zheng Wenchang!?

Awww my baby huhuhu 😢 I feel so fuzzy whenever Xie Zheng exudes so much jealousy but I also feel hurt for him and Changyu because he clearly misses his wife 🥺

Dios mío este hombre me tiene mal, me pone muy triste que nadie lo entienda y piensen que él no ha sufrido después de dejarla. Girlsss literal es el que más ha sufrido, el que más ama al final es el que más sufren y en este caso es claramente él. Dejando eso de lado, casi salto de emoción al leer que está ¿llorando? se podría decir, realmente pensé que ese hombre tenía un problema en los conductos lagrimales y que por eso nunca lloraba jaja

grabe from chapter 1 up until now mukha ni Linghe tlaga nakilita ko..ung FL din si Tian Xiwie din..iyong emotions ko from 😊😁😍😢😞😭 grabe paiba iba every chapter..cant wait lahat ng best scene dito sa novel maipakita sa drama

Zhu Yu – Chapter 119

As dawn broke, a fine layer of morning dew clung to the purple bamboo leaves in the courtyard.

Fan Changyu opened her eyes groggily, feeling a throbbing pain in her head. Had she been drunk last night? She frowned, rubbing her temples. As she breathed in, she noticed an unfamiliar scent on the bedding. Instantly alert, she instinctively looked down, relieved to find her clothes still intact.

Her gaze fell upon a dark comforter adorned with diamond-shaped bird patterns. The gauze curtains, embroidered with intertwining lotus motifs, were only half-drawn near the headboard. The golden morning light filtered through, making the dark lotus patterns shimmer.

Thinking she had been temporarily placed in the City Lord’s mansion after passing out drunk, Fan Changyu sighed in relief and sat up, supporting herself on the bed.

“Awake?” A low, clear voice sounded from beyond the bed curtains.

Fan Changyu froze, turning to look outside. Through the golden silk gauze, she could vaguely make out a figure sitting by the window opposite her. Clad in a dragon robe with a jade belt, his ink-black hair was half-tied with a golden crown. He had been sitting there like a statue in the morning light, for who knows how long.

Xie Zheng? Was she in his room?

For a long moment, Fan Changyu’s mind went blank.

The hangover headache was intense, forcing her to press her temples as she carefully recalled the events of the previous night.

She remembered pretending to be drunk and being helped out of the front hall by a maid. But later, when she was looking for a place to sober up, she seemed to have truly become intoxicated. Her last memory was of washing her face in a water vat when Xie Zheng suddenly lifted her.

Had he encountered her in her drunken state? Given their current relationship, why didn’t he simply have a maid send her to a guest room to rest? Why had he brought her to his chambers?

Fan Changyu had many questions, but she couldn’t remember anything after getting drunk. Fearing there might be some misunderstanding, she first said, “I apologize, I was drunk last night. I… I hope I didn’t cause any trouble for the Marquis?”

Through the gauze curtain, she couldn’t see the expression of the man sitting in the red wooden chair opposite her, but she could feel the atmosphere in the room suddenly grow tense.

Fan Changyu wasn’t sure if it was her words that had displeased him or if she had truly been discourteous the night before.

She could hear the early-rising servants moving about in the courtyard. Worried that if she left Xie Zheng’s room any later, someone might see her, she lifted the golden silk curtain and got up. As she put on her boots, she said, “If I truly offended you last night, I’ll make amends to the Marquis another day…”

The man who had been silent until now suddenly let out a derisive laugh. “What offense could you possibly commit against me?”

His voice was hoarse as if his throat was filled with sand, likely from sitting there all night. Yet his words were sharp and cold as if he deeply resented her constant attempts to distance herself from him.

Fan Changyu’s hand paused as she was putting on her boots. A deathly silence spread between them.

After she finished putting on her boots and looked up, without the gauze curtain obstructing her view, she saw his pale face. The corners of his eyes were tinged with red from staying up all night, and his hands resting on his knees had scabs on the fingertips.

Anyone could see how exhausted he was at this moment. Yet he was like a tightly drawn bowstring, making one fear that when that facade of calmness shattered, madness and distortion would seep through the cracks.

Seeing him like this, Fan Changyu felt an inexplicable dull ache in her heart.

In her memory, Xie Zheng had always been proud and aloof. Even when he was on the brink of death and she had saved him, he had never shown any sign of weakness.

Now, however, she felt that his pride and acerbity, like a body covered in thorns, were merely a thin layer of ice on a lake’s surface. With just a bit of sunlight, it could crack open.

Seemingly aware that his previous words had been too harsh, Xie Zheng remained silent for a moment before standing up and walking towards the door. “What would you like to eat?” he asked, his tone so natural it was as if there had never been any rift between them due to their fathers’ enmity.

Some memories of their past interactions were awakened. Fan Changyu had thought she could face this calmly, but at this moment, she was still gripped by a heart-wrenching sadness.

“Xie Zheng.”

The man, his hand already on the door latch, stopped abruptly at her words.

Fan Changyu looked at his slender back, took a deep breath, and when she spoke again, her voice carried a hint of hoarseness: “Since we parted in Chongzhou, we haven’t talked. Why don’t we take this opportunity to speak openly?”

The man facing away from her didn’t respond, but he also showed no intention of leaving, seemingly waiting for her to continue.

Fan Changyu said, “I’m very sorry about General Xie’s death.”

At the mention of Xie Linshan, Xie Zheng remained silent. With his back to Fan Changyu, she couldn’t see his expression, but his hand gripping the door latch was tense, veins bulging from the effort.

“I don’t blame you for the choice you made that day, or for the things you said. Before the truth about what happened seventeen years ago is fully uncovered, I won’t ask you to believe what my grandfather and father said. You once said, out of respect for Mentor Tao, that you would only see me as a fellow disciple from now on. But I can’t be as detached as you, Marquis.”

Fan Changyu stared at his back, her eyes already brimming with unshed tears. Still, she continued, enunciating each word carefully: “From now on, let’s remain strangers. I apologize for intruding today.”

When her mother was alive, she always said Fan Changyu had a carefree nature. But for those she truly cared about, losing even one could cost her half her life.

She didn’t easily like someone, but once she did, how could she simply let go?

The blood feud between their fathers, the imperial marriage decree – too much stood between them now. They could never go back to how things were.

“Crack—”

The sound of splintering wood came from the door. Xie Zheng had broken the door latch with his bare hands.

Fan Changyu’s heart skipped a beat involuntarily.

She saw his fingers, already crusted with dried blood, ooze fresh droplets from the force. Yet he seemed oblivious to the pain as he asked, still facing away from her, “What if I say I regret it?”

Fan Changyu’s pupils dilated, not immediately grasping his meaning. “What?”

Xie Zheng turned around, his eyes now pitch black. A bright red drop of blood slid down his pale, slender fingers, falling to the ground and splattering like a tiny flower of blood, resembling a teardrop of blood.

“I said, I regret it,” he repeated slowly, his tone bland yet obstinate.

These words sent a numbing shock through Fan Changyu’s heart, followed by an endless bitterness. She remained silent for a long time.

The doorframe blocked the morning light streaming in from outside. Xie Zheng stood there, his entire being seeming to meld into the shadows. Fan Changyu stood directly opposite the window, the morning sun falling entirely upon her, vibrant and warm.

The line between light and darkness seemed like an insurmountable chasm.

After a long while, Fan Changyu heard herself ask hoarsely, “You regret it, so what?”

Xie Zheng looked at her silently, his pitch-black pupils devoid of any light. “Can we go back to how we were before?”

He had tried to give her up, but the greatest torment and pain he had ever experienced in his life had been during these recent days.

At first, he thought he would gradually get used to it, just as he had when he couldn’t accept the fact of his parents’ deaths in his childhood. No matter how painful, he believed he could endure it.

If not in a day, then in a month; if not in a month, then in a year… But he couldn’t even last a month.

The emptiness in his chest was overwhelming. The longer he was away from her, the more intense that hollow feeling became, almost driving him mad.

Endless killing and pain couldn’t alleviate it one bit.

Many times, Xie Zheng felt as if he had already died.

No, death would probably be easier to bear than this torment.

She seemed to be an integral part of his life, so once he lost her, he became lost and dispirited, like a walking corpse.

Countless days and nights, she and the horrific scene of Xie Linshan’s death in Jinzhou seventeen years ago alternated in his dreams, leaving him struggling in endless darkness, covered in blood.

It seemed that in this life, he was only meant to live for revenge, undeserving of even a shred of joy or tenderness in this world.

But from her, he had received the purest, most fervent love.

It was she who made him realize that life wasn’t only about bitterness.

But Xie Linshan’s abdomen, gutted and emptied of organs, finally sewn up crookedly by the army doctor, those deep, bone-deep wounds from swords and axes, also constantly left him breathless.

When he was nearly driven mad by the torment of hatred and love, he realized that he hated her too.

Her father’s generation had killed his father! Causing him half a lifetime of pain.

She had shown him what love was, yet the emotions that grew from it tortured him day and night, denying him peace for the rest of his life!

At the height of his hatred, he had even thought about taking her with him to death after his revenge was complete.

If they couldn’t share a bed in life, then they could share a grave in death.

He would no longer have to endure such pain and torment, and on the Bridge of Helplessness, he could hold her hand as they went to the next life together.

In the next life, they probably wouldn’t be separated by such a blood feud. Perhaps he could meet her as children, grow up as childhood sweethearts… She liked scholars, so he would become a gentle scholar, take the imperial exams, and on her coming-of-age day, marry her, have children…

But these were just fantasies.

If he could bear to harm her even a little, he wouldn’t have merely said he would never see her again in this life.

Seeing her again, learning that she had already been to the gates of death and back, that feeling of fear and anger that made his teeth chatter and his whole body tremble with powerlessness – he never wanted to experience it a second time in this life.

Xie Zheng looked at the young woman in military attire standing in the morning light. Even her hair seemed to glow with a faint golden light, like a deity who had mistakenly entered the mortal realm.

The scene from last night, when Zheng Wenchang toasted her at the banquet, flashed before his eyes again, and the jealousy in his heart grew wild like weeds.

Could she be a deity for him alone?

After a long silence without a response from Fan Changyu, Xie Zheng unconsciously clenched his fists. The slight pain from the wounds on his fingertips made him increasingly alert, his black eyes growing ever more profound.

Fan Changyu was purely dumbfounded.

Go back to how they were before. How could they possibly do that?

There was a blood feud between their fathers. Even if the truth about the Jinzhou tragedy seventeen years ago could finally be uncovered, the emperor had already decreed a marriage. He was about to marry a princess. What would this make them?

Fan Changyu had heard that some high-ranking officials and nobles kept mistresses. Could it be that he wanted her to be his mistress?

Fan Changyu suddenly felt short of breath. A sharp pain rose from the depths of her heart, blurring her vision. She held back the surge of bitterness in her eyes and asked in return, “How does the Marquis think we can go back to how we were before?”

“Can the Marquis pretend the Jinzhou incident never happened? Or can he have the Emperor retract the marriage decree?”

As she spoke the last sentence, even though she clenched her jaw tightly, a tear that had been held back for so long finally escaped, falling heavily to the ground.

Xie Zheng’s expression turned terrifyingly dark as he heard the first half of her words. But upon hearing the latter half, he suddenly looked up sharply: “Who told you the Emperor has arranged a marriage for me?”

El personaje de Xiezheng es peor y mas Red flag ,que Xiewei, no deja que otro hombre la toque , no quiere que otro hombre la mire, mataría a quien sea si tan solo hablase con ella , debes ser alguien de su circulo o mandado por el para hablar con ella ,
Xiewei hacia las cosas inconscientemente, pero Xiezheng
las haces consientes y queriendo , mas de 3 veces a dicho que la mataría y la enteraría con ella o simplemente la mataría o la enteraría viva para que nadie mas la vea osea WTF , se que algunas son pensamientos pero lo haria, tan solo mira como la trato , cuando el psicopata de Sui Yuanghui dijo que la habia besado , por poco la viola por rabia y celos WTF ,tu decidiste terminar tu tambien decides volver sin preguntarle , no tiene derecho a dar su opinión en esa “relación”?

In what chapter did he almost rape her??? If he wanted to cage her, he wouldn’t have let her join the Jizhou army, give the guy some credit. Just because he has dark thoughts doesn’t necessarily mean he will do it. I’m sure once in your life you thought about killing someone but did you actually kill someone? 🙄

Ay hermana parece que leíste el libro con las patas, él tipo la ama profundamente hasta crees que sería capaz de hacer lo que pensó en su momento de locura por no tenerla. Pensar no quiere decir hacer, ese hombre seguro se mocha una mano antes de lastimarla gravemente.

Agree! He was so nice, but then became so red flag!!!!

His dark, demented mind makes complete sense to me, knowing his childhood, his upbringing and what he’s been doing for the past 8 years. This man is a warlord, drenched in blood, brutality, and violence for most of his life. If people expect a man with that kind of background to have zero psychological issues, then they are the crazy ones. All of his intrusive thoughts, his deep insecurities, his uncontrollable obsession, his dark fantasies about dying with her and being together in death… all of these things make perfect sense for his character.

But despite all the demons he carries with him, he could never bear to truly hurt her. I think he would sooner take his own life, than willingly harm her.

Exactly! The fact that he can be so dark and still be a good person makes him so precious imo.
And look at that king and his current ministers massacring cities of people for their power striggles.

‘At the height of his hatred, he had even thought about taking her with him to death after his revenge was complete.

If they couldn’t share a bed in life, then they could share a grave in death.’

I already know he’s crazy but sometimes I still get shocked

I’m glad we get to see his thoughts and the fact that he doesn’t act on these dark thoughts is very telling

I’m glad he met her

He is always injuring himself 😫

Zhu Yu – Chapter 120

Before Fan Changyu could answer, he chuckled softly: “Li Huai’an, isn’t it?”

He had cut off one ear of the eunuch who came to announce the imperial edict, causing the eunuch to flee back to the capital without even opening the decree.

The young Emperor would want to save face and would surely suppress this matter.

With the imperial edict unannounced, his supposed arranged marriage to the Princess was merely a rumor. It hadn’t even spread in the capital yet, so for her to know about his betrothal while far away in the Northwest, it could only have been through Li Huai’an.

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment by the murderous aura emanating from him, then looked directly into his eyes and said, “It doesn’t matter who told me. You already have a marriage arrangement, so you shouldn’t say such things to me. What do you take me for? And what do you think of our past that you speak of?”

She had always been slow when it came to emotions, but as she said the last sentence, she felt a sharp, sorrowful pain in her heart, with bitterness threatening to spill from her eyes.

In her heart, he had always been a good person. Even if the two of them could only part ways in the future due to the grudges between their fathers, she still hoped he would have a smooth life, continue to be admired by thousands, and remain the illustrious, awe-inspiring Marquis of Wu’an.

Even if things had changed, she didn’t want anyone to ruin those beautiful memories of the past.

Not even him!

Listening to Fan Changyu’s questioning, the murderous aura surrounding Xie Zheng stagnated, and he lost focus for a moment.

The sun had risen higher, and where he stood, a beam of morning light slanted through the latticed window, gilding half of his jade-like profile with a warm glow. His long, dark lashes were half-lowered, and for a moment, he seemed as pure as a child.

After a long while, he finally raised his head to look at Fan Changyu again. His eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night. Though his face was so calm, it made people even more afraid of his tranquility at this moment.

As he stepped forward, Fan Changyu instinctively took a step back, but she was already standing in front of the bed. This retreat caused her back to hit the bedpost directly.

All the alarm and momentary bewilderment in her eyes fell into the sight of the person walking towards her against the light.

Xie Zheng’s face still showed no trace of emotion. He simply reached out with his still-blooded hand to cup Fan Changyu’s face, lowering his head to meet her gaze. With eyes that seemed to be covered in a web of blood, he quietly looked at her and said, “Did Li Huai’an tell you that I cut off one ear of the eunuch who came to announce the edict, making him roll back to the capital without even announcing it?”

Fan Changyu was stunned.

He gently caressed her cheek with his bloodied fingers and softly asked, “When we met again in Lu City, you kept your distance from me. Was it because of what Li Huai’an told you?”

Fan Changyu’s throat was too choked up to speak, and large teardrops rolled down from her eyes.

Xie Zheng wiped them away with his thumb, softly comforting her: “Don’t cry.”

He was as gentle as before.

Fan Changyu was so gripped by that heart-wrenching sadness that she could hardly breathe. Her tears fell like rolling pearls as she looked at Xie Zheng, almost pleadingly: “Don’t do this… Xie Zheng, please don’t do this…”

Her heart wasn’t made of stone. It had taken her so long to heal the cracks in her heart so that when she saw him again, she wouldn’t be devastated to the point of heartbreak.

She didn’t want his gentleness to tear open those wounds that had once made her tremble with pain at night.

If they were destined to have no future together, if his life was burdened with tragic pain while hers was burdened with injustice, she had to move forward.

Even if it meant breaking her bones, she would crawl, step by step, towards that truth.

Seeing her like this, the bloodshot look in Xie Zheng’s eyes intensified.

He embraced her shoulders and lowered his head to rest his forehead against hers, stubbornly asking, “Fan Changyu, can we be like we were before?”

Like before.

These words echoed in Fan Changyu’s ears again, leaving her with nothing but heartache and a sense of helplessness in the face of fate.

She struggled to control her emotions: “Don’t you care about the truth of the Jinzhou case anymore?”

After she spoke, a deathly silence fell between them again.

Fan Changyu could feel his grip on her shoulders tightening, the blood from his fingertips staining her robe red.

They were too close. Even the scent of blood couldn’t mask his crisp aroma mixed with a faint soap fragrance.

This was probably the closest she would ever be to him.

Fan Changyu closed her eyes sadly, trying to control her trembling breath in his all-encompassing presence.

Then she heard a hoarse voice near her ear: “I don’t care anymore.”

Tired and broken, as if it was a decision made while drenched in blood, with a desperate resolution that chilled to the bone.

Fan Changyu’s pupils trembled, and her vision blurred with tears. She tried hard to open her eyes wide, wanting to see the person in front of her clearly, and asked chokingly, “Do you know what you’re saying?”

Xie Zheng’s bloodshot eyes were equally full of pain. He suddenly fiercely pulled her into his embrace, his jaw against her temple, his voice hoarse: “Then what do you want me to do?”

“Fan Changyu, tell me, what can I do?”

He questioned her viciously, out of control, laying bare his wounded self for her to see, like a beast driven to the brink.

The moisture rolling down from his jaw wet Fan Changyu’s temple, burning her skin.

“I’ve tried to let you go, I’ve used every method I could think of. I have no other way…”

He held her so tightly, yet his whole body couldn’t stop shaking.

Like a drowning man grabbing onto a lifesaving piece of driftwood.

“Whether you’re Fan Changyu or Meng Changyu doesn’t matter anymore. Can we just be together?”

Fan Changyu felt her vision blurred by tears, her heart gripped by another kind of wrenching pain that made her gasp for air. Her throat couldn’t suppress a sob.

After two months and seven days, she once again allowed herself to cry unrestrained in this embrace.

The morning sun poured through the carved window lattice, filling the room with warm light, dust motes dancing in the beams.

The woman with her back against the bed frame was grasped by the waist by the man in front of her, her chin held as he kissed her deeply, inch by inch. The lotus-patterned bed curtains hanging from golden hooks were scattered, all struggles became futile, and she couldn’t even cry properly anymore.

An autumn rain came suddenly, with raindrops pelting down like beans, turning the yellow earth on the official road into a muddy mess.

A merchant caravan struggled forward in the heavy rain. Spotting a dilapidated temple ahead where they could take shelter, the caravan’s carts and horses hurried towards it.

The servants used the broken door planks from the temple to start a fire, cleared a clean spot on the ground, and without bothering to dry their soaked clothes, took out stools from the carriages to set up. Only then did someone go to carefully escort the person from inside the carriage.

The wide brim of an oilpaper umbrella hid the face of the man alighting from the carriage, but his ink-blue brocade robe embroidered with cloud patterns was extremely luxurious. Despite it being only September, he already had a thick cloak draped over his shoulders, suggesting a weak constitution.

The man who stepped down from the carriage behind wore a snow-white scholar’s robe, elegant and gentle. Before entering the dilapidated temple for shelter, he paused to look back at the road they had come from, then stepped into the temple.

The servants and guards all remained outside. By the fire in the broken temple, there was only the man wearing the cloak and a deaf-mute servant attending to him closely.

Li Huai’an said, “Your Highness, please rest for a moment. Once the rain eases a bit, we must continue on our way. Li’s family’s death squad has been almost entirely wiped out, barely managing to shake off the Blood Robe Cavalry under the Marquis of Wu’an. If they catch up to us again, I’m afraid we’ll be in trouble.”

Qi Min’s face was gloomy as he looked at the elegant young man before him: “My people must be brought back to me.”

After pretending to be Sui Yuanhuai for over a decade, now that he had shed that identity, he was no longer the useless prince confined to the back courtyard of the Changxin Prince’s Manor after his face was burned in a great fire. Soon, he would become the master of this realm.

Li Huai’an bowed respectfully and said, “The Li family will do everything in our power to rescue the Imperial Great-grandson and his mother. But right now, Your Highness’s safety is of utmost importance.”

The deaf-mute servant boiled tea over the fire and poured a cup for Qi Min, but Qi Min angrily knocked it to the ground.

The shattered porcelain flew, and hot tea splashed everywhere, even spattering onto Li Huai’an’s shoes.

This commotion alerted the guards outside, but Qi Min’s Royal Shadow Guards firmly guarded the temple entrance. Even though the Li family’s guards were worried about Li Huai’an, they didn’t dare to act rashly.

Li Huai’an calmly knelt on the dusty ground: “Please calm your anger, Your Highness.”

Qi Min stared at him coldly: “It was your Li family who sent word to me, saying that Xie Zheng had been lured away to Bieyue Manor, telling me to quickly set out for the capital. But what was waiting for me on the road? It was hundreds of Xie Zheng’s Blood Robe Cavalry and that madman Sui Yuanqing!”

The Blood Robe Cavalry was already a cavalry unit that struck fear throughout the entire Da Yin dynasty. Sui Yuanqing, bent on avenging his mother’s death, was like a god of death incarnate, vowing to take his head.

Half of the Royal Shadow Guards around Qi Min were lost, and the experts sent by the Li family were almost completely wiped out before they managed to break out of the encirclement with just him. Yu Qianqian and Yu Bao’er fell into the hands of the Blood Robe Cavalry.

Upon learning that Xie Zheng had not fallen for the trap, Li Huai’an had set out from Lu City that very night.

The Marquis of Wu’an had the authority to mobilize all the military forces in the Northwest. Once the Blood Robe Cavalry brought back the Imperial Great-grandson and his mother, he would have no more chances to leave.

Hearing Qi Min’s reprimand now, Li Huai’an only bowed calmly, almost numbly: “This was this humble servant’s fault. I failed to detect that the Marquis of Wu’an was turning the tables on us, putting Your Highness in danger.”

The game had already progressed to this point. Every decision he made from now on would just be implementing the Li family’s original plan. He had become too numb to ponder the rights and wrongs of it all.

The more he displayed such an expression, the more it fueled Qi Min’s anger. He suddenly bent down and grabbed Li Huai’an’s collar.

Although he was a chronically ill person, with fingers as pale as a normal person’s, he had a strength in his hand no less than that of a normal adult male.

Perhaps only those Royal Shadow Guards knew that Qi Min had been secretly studying martial arts with them to overcome his sickly body.

Apart from those Royal Shadow Guards, he didn’t trust anyone, including the Lan mother and son who had served by his side for many years.

Qi Min’s voice was terrifyingly cold: “You think as long as I safely enter the capital, the Li family has already won? Xie Zheng doesn’t dare to rebel in the Northwest on his own, but now that he has that child in his hands, do you think he still won’t dare?”

Finally, other emotions stirred in Li Huai’an’s calm, unruffled eyes.

Qi Min released his grip on his collar and coldly ordered: “I don’t care what methods your Li family uses. Either bring my people back unharmed or… kill that child and bring his mother back.”

Just then, a clap of thunder roared outside the broken temple. The flash of lightning swept across the temple, making even the smiling face of the Buddha statue in the shrine appear cold and eerie.

Li Huai’an’s heart shook violently. The cold wind blew in through the dilapidated doorway, and he suddenly realized his whole body was cold.

He slowly bowed his head and said: “This humble servant obeys the command.”

How can he be chronically sick but also able to practice martial arts enough to have average strength? There are certain things that are not compatible. He can be stronger than a sick person but I can’t imagine he can have rge strength of an average adult man.

sometimes the simplest answer I can provide is plot armor 👍

Also…I think Li Huai’an may finally be realizing what kind of person his family is promoting.

The angst is so good in this chapter. 😔 I really feel for Xie Zheng. When he described being haunted by the image of his beloved father gutted, mutilated, and displayed on the city wall like some butchered livestock… it’s horrific beyond words. No wonder he went crazy and massacred the whole city after retaking it. With that kind of soul crushing hatred… how deep must his love be for Changyu that losing her is even more painful and unbearable than that blood debt. Their abiding love for one another is breathtaking.

How come you say exactly what I want to say? I was thinking the same.

exactly. and yet some close minded people still thinks he doesn’t deserve her.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 121

The sun climbed high in the sky as Tang Peiyi strode into the courtyard where Xie Zheng resided. The guard stationed outside intercepted him, saying, “General Tang, the Marquis drank heavily last night and hasn’t risen yet.”

Tang Peiyi found this puzzling. Xie Zheng was renowned in the military for his incredible alcohol tolerance. He hadn’t drunk that much last night, so how could he be intoxicated?

Despite his internal skepticism, Tang Peiyi clasped his hands and said, “I heard from the servants that Young Master Li seems to have departed for the capital without notice. It struck me as strange, so I came to discuss the matter with the Marquis.”

Though a rough man, Tang Peiyi clearly understood the power struggle between the Li and Wei factions in the court. Li Huai’an’s abrupt departure, missing even last night’s victory banquet, surely indicated some hidden agenda.

Having now taken command of the troops in Chongzhou and Jizhou, Tang Peiyi knew that aligning too quickly with either the Li or Wei faction could lead to irreversible consequences if he made a misstep.

Rather than picking sides so hastily, it seemed wiser to curry favor with the Wu’an Marquis, who stood apart from the fray.

Firstly, from a certain perspective, the Wu’an Marquis could be considered his direct superior.

Secondly, compared to those civilian officials ignorant of frontline hardships, Tang Peiyi felt that the Wu’an Marquis, with his military background, would better understand the needs of the troops under his command.

Hearing Tang Peiyi’s purpose, the guard outside the courtyard replied, “Please return and wait for a while, General Tang. Once the Marquis rises, we’ll inform him of your visit.”

Tang Peiyi nodded and turned to leave, but he ran into Xie Wu carrying a stack of clean clothes. Recognizing Xie Wu, he called out, “Aren’t you Garrison Commander Fan’s guard? What are you doing here?”

Xie Wu’s expression froze slightly, and he hastily fabricated an excuse, “The Commander drank too much last night and is resting in the west wing. I’m… I’m bringing him a change of clothes.”

Tang Peiyi pointed out, “The west wing is in that direction. You’ve walked to the east wing.”

Xie Wu stubbornly persisted, “It’s my fault for being foolish. I’m not familiar with the layout of the residence and took a wrong turn.”

Tang Peiyi waved his hand dismissively, “Alright, alright. Hurry and bring those to the Garrison Commander.”

Xie Wu had no choice but to turn around and head towards the west wing, carrying the brand-new set of clothes.

As Tang Peiyi passed through a flower-draped gate, he encountered Zheng Wenchang coming from the opposite direction. Zheng Wenchang clasped his hands in greeting, “Greetings, sir.”

The previous night, Zheng Wenchang had drunk on behalf of Fan Changyu, eventually becoming intoxicated himself and collapsing at the banquet. The servants had temporarily accommodated him in one of the side rooms of the residence.

Tang Peiyi nodded and asked, “Have you just risen as well, Wenchang?”

Zheng Wenchang replied, “I’m ashamed to say I overslept due to the wine.”

Tang Peiyi had come to find Xie Zheng early in the morning, even before eating breakfast, upon receiving a report from his subordinates. Now planning to have his meal, he invited Zheng Wenchang, “Have you had your morning meal? If not, join me.”

Zheng Wenchang responded, “I’ve already eaten in the west wing.”

Hearing that Zheng Wenchang had also been in the west wing, Tang Peiyi remarked with a smile, “What a coincidence. I heard Garrison Commander Fan was also accommodated there.”

Zheng Wenchang furrowed his brow upon hearing this and said, “There are twelve rooms in the west wing, all occupied by generals of the Tiger Guard. Garrison Commander Fan wasn’t there.”

Tang Peiyi recalled Xie Wu carrying fresh clothes to Xie Zheng’s courtyard and connected it to Xie Zheng’s unusual decision the previous night. His face displayed a range of emotions.

Seeing Tang Peiyi remain silent for a while, Zheng Wenchang asked again, “Could General Tang have misheard?”

Tang Peiyi eventually muttered, “I must have been mistaken.”

A breeze from somewhere stirred the gauze curtains, filling the room with a pleasant warmth.

Fan Changyu found herself pinned against the bedding, struggling to breathe as her companion’s forceful and fierce kisses overwhelmed her.

Amid the faint taste of blood, she could smell his unique, crisp scent, reminiscent of the morning frost in the northern lands.

What had begun as an emotionally charged kiss had imperceptibly shifted into something more.

Xie Zheng’s breathing had deepened, no longer satisfied with merely kissing her lips and tongue. He held her jaw with one hand, trailing kisses from the corner of her mouth to her chin, then down her vulnerable neck.

Fan Changyu’s neck was particularly sensitive, perhaps because it was one of the body’s most fragile areas. She couldn’t help but tremble all over.

Xie Zheng’s thin lips pressed against the delicate, thin skin of her neck, almost feeling the rush of blood beneath the flesh.

His eyes darkened further, unable to resist the maddening desire to bite. He grasped a small patch of skin between his teeth, sucking hard enough to leave a red mark before stopping.

Fan Changyu, dazed by the kisses, felt her entire body burning. A large hand slipped inside her disheveled collar, and when the scorching palm inadvertently touched the three-inch-long scar on her abdomen, she suddenly snapped back to reality. She pushed Xie Zheng away forcefully and clutched her clothes tightly around herself.

Stunned for only a moment after being pushed away, Xie Zheng asked, “Did you get this wound in the battle at Lu City?”

Fan Changyu nodded silently.

The scar was quite long, extending from above her navel to her left side. Most of the scab had fallen off, but it left a very noticeable scar, its color distinctly different from the surrounding skin, twisted like a centipede.

She hadn’t paid much attention to it before, but when Xie Zheng’s palm touched it just now, she had almost reflexively pushed him away.

She couldn’t explain why, but she simply didn’t want him to see it.

The desire in Xie Zheng’s eyes had completely receded. He gazed at Fan Changyu steadily and said, “Let me take a look.”

When he had visited her before, her wounds were already bandaged. He knew she had an injury on her abdomen but didn’t know how severe it was.

Uncomfortable under his gaze, Fan Changyu lowered her eyes to avoid his and said, “What soldier doesn’t have a few scars? There’s nothing worth seeing.”

She raised her hand to fasten the ties of her collar, changing the subject, “I’m feeling a bit hungry. I wonder if the kitchen still has any food left…”

Her hand, fumbling with the knot, was suddenly grasped. Xie Zheng stared at her and repeated his earlier words: “Let me take a look.”

Fan Changyu remained silent for a while before finally releasing her grip on the ties.

Very well, she could hide it from him for now, but not forever.

The standard ochre-colored underrobe worn by military officers was pushed down to her elbows, hanging loosely on her arms. Her shoulders, seemingly carved from stone, were slender but not frail, reminiscent of rock bamboo growing from barren cliffs – angular yet resilient.

On her left collarbone, there was still a very faint set of teeth marks, left by him long ago. Her chest was wrapped in plain cloth, rising in an alluring curve. Below, her waist was lean and slender, with taut muscles showing not a trace of excess fat.

It was a beauty distinct from the willowy waists of dancing girls, more akin to aged spirits – once tasted, one could never again be satisfied with cloying sweet wines.

Xie Zheng’s gaze fell on the centipede-like scar on her left abdomen. He stared at it silently for a long while before reaching out to touch it, asking, “Does it still hurt?”

Fan Changyu’s skin, exposed to the air for a while, had cooled. When his warm fingertips suddenly caressed it, it felt like ants crawling over her skin – both numb and itchy. She straightened her upper body, slightly uncomfortable.

She frowned slightly, trying to keep her voice steady: “The scab has fallen off. It stopped hurting long ago.”

She was about to close her robe, but Xie Zheng hadn’t withdrawn his hand. His eyes were half-lowered, making it impossible to see his expression at that moment. His calloused palm gently caressed the long, jagged scar as he asked, “What were you thinking when you were wounded?”

Fan Changyu recalled the perilous situation of that day and was lost in thought for a moment. Then, she smiled nonchalantly and said, “There was no time to think about anything. I just felt that there were so many enemies – long swords, long halberds, axes – all coming at me. The soldiers who left the city with me were falling one after another, but I couldn’t save them. I couldn’t even protect myself…”

As she finished speaking, she felt the hand on her waist and abdomen suddenly tighten. She was forcefully pulled into his embrace.

Her head was pressed against Xie Zheng’s shoulder, and she could feel that every muscle in his body had tensed. The air in the room seemed to thin with the intensity of his anger.

He said in a hoarse voice, “I was too late.”

Fan Changyu was slightly stunned, then hugged his lean waist in return, comfortingly. She rested her face against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, and slowly said, “I didn’t think you would come at that time. The distance from Kang City to Lu City was too great. When I left the city to buy time, I only thought that Lord He had died defending the city until reinforcements arrived. I was willing to risk my life to delay for as long as possible. If I died in battle outside the city, even if I couldn’t clear my grandfather’s name, future generations would no longer think of the Meng family as traitors who brought disaster to the country.”

The arm around her waist kept tightening, almost to the point of hurting her bones.

Xie Zheng’s other hand pressed against the back of her neck, pulling her even closer to himself.

Unable to see his expression, Fan Changyu only heard him say, “From now on, I won’t let you face these things alone again.”

A mixture of joy and bitterness welled up in Fan Changyu’s heart. She raised her head to look at him and said earnestly, “I will uncover the truth about what happened back then. Wei Yan killed my parents; he must know the hidden truth about the Jinzhou bloodbath. Now that he’s colluding with rebels and nearly caused Lu City to fall into their hands, General Tang and others say the Wei faction is about to fall. Once we return to the capital, I will reveal my true identity in the Imperial Court and force the Emperor to investigate Wei Yan, bringing the truth of the Jinzhou bloodbath from seventeen years ago to light.”

Thinking of the machinations of the Li family in the battle of Lu City, Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened. He stroked Fan Changyu’s long hair on her back and said, “Wei Yan has been scheming for many years. There are hidden aspects to the Lu City incident. The Li faction is now verbally attacking Wei Yan, but when the time comes, it’s uncertain who will fall from power.”

Fan Changyu looked confused. Xie Zheng hesitated briefly but decided to tell her about how the Li family had allowed Wei Yan’s subordinates to collude with the enemy.

This was a tactic the Li family often used, similar to their actions during the flood relief efforts years ago.

The more people suffered and died, the greater the crimes they could pin on Wei Yan.

Once they started denouncing Wei Yan, the common people would be grateful to them. It was said in the streets that the Li family were the true upright officials, but little did people know that it was these supposedly upright officials who had coldly watched their suffering and death.

After hearing this, Fan Changyu fell into a long silence.

“So many soldiers died outside Chongzhou and Lu City. How can their consciences be at ease?” she finally murmured, her hands at her sides clenched into fists.

Lord Li had quite a good reputation among the common people. They all said that while Wei Yan did evil, only Lord Li truly cared for the people.

It turned out that all this good reputation was manufactured.

She suddenly looked up at Xie Zheng: “What about Li Huai’an? Did he run away?”

Given that Xie Zheng already knew about the Li family’s misdeeds, and Li Huai’an was absent from last night’s victory banquet, Fan Changyu easily deduced that Li Huai’an had likely fled.

Xie Zheng nodded slightly, and seeing her anger, added, “I deliberately let him go.”

Fan Changyu frowned: “Why?”

Due to their earlier embrace, the bindings on her chest had loosened somewhat. Xie Zheng inadvertently glanced down and caught sight of the ample curves barely contained by the bindings. His throat bobbed as he averted his gaze and said, “To let him lead my men to find someone.”

Fan Changyu was completely oblivious to this, still puzzled by his words. She asked, “Find who?”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes flashed with a cold light: “Sui Yuanhuai, or rather, we should call him Crown Prince Qi Wen.”

The information in this sentence was too much for Fan Changyu to process immediately.

He knew that the Sui Yuanhuai who died was a fake.

But how did this relate to the Crown Prince?

Too many questions piled up in her mind, and she couldn’t grasp the thread. She only frowned and asked, “The Emperor doesn’t even have a son yet. Where did a grandson come from?”

She had, after all, hired several advisors at great expense. Although she couldn’t remember the complex web of marriage and teacher-student relationships among the court officials, she had at least memorized how many people were in the current imperial family.

Xie Zheng slightly choked: “The Crown Prince I’m referring to is a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde.”

Fan Changyu was even more confused: “Didn’t that Crown Prince die in the Eastern Palace fire seventeen years ago?”

After a brief contemplation, she quickly grasped the key point and urgently raised her head, saying, “Just like the one who died wasn’t Sui Yuanhuai, the one who died in the Eastern Palace seventeen years ago wasn’t the Crown Prince, right?”

Because she suddenly straightened her back, the loosened bindings created a deeper shadow in the middle.

Xie Zheng wanted to respond to her, but as he looked down, the view before him made it impossible to avert his gaze. His mind felt like it had been doused in glue, with all the blood in his body rushing to his scalp. A hunger that reached his very marrow surged through his body, making him wish he could devour the person before him bite by bite.

Noticing his strange gaze, Fan Changyu looked down and finally realized the situation. She quickly clasped her robe shut, her face burning like a boiled shrimp.

She angrily warned him, “Don’t look!”

They had kissed many times, and he had kissed her collarbone and shoulders, but nothing beyond that had ever transpired.

Earlier, when he was looking at the wound on her abdomen, his eyes held only pity, without any ulterior motives, which was why she had let her guard down.

Xie Zheng didn’t say a word. He pinned her down on the bedding and kissed her thoroughly, slightly calming his breathing before raising his eyes, filled with desire and a predatory gleam, to say, “Sooner or later, you’ll let me see everything.”

Fan Changyu couldn’t control herself and slapped him off the bed.

Perhaps because the commotion was too loud, it alerted the guards outside the courtyard. One guard hesitantly knocked on the door and reluctantly spoke, “Master, a team from the Blood Riders has returned.”

Xie Zheng seemed to have anticipated this news from the guard. After getting up from the floor, he handed Fan Changyu her outer armor. Despite being hit again, he was in an extremely good mood and said, “Don’t be angry. I’ll take you to meet two people you want to see.”

Xie Zheng so naughty

xie zheng like to collect bruises in his face 😅

xiezheng es de otro mundo que personaje mas salvaje 🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣 “tarde o temprano me dejaras verlo todo” WTF 😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😎

Literalmente, lo amoooo

I’m starting to think Xie Zheng is a masochist xDDDDDD

My babies have finally made up. Thank Jesus! Hallelujah. 😭

he loves getting slapped by her 🤣🤣🤣

Xie Zheng can take all her beatings as long as he could get kisses from her 😆

I’m soo weak! I hate him so much for the beak up, but now I love him again

It’s one thing to nibble. It’s another to bite where you draw blood and it hurts. I can do without that entirely. Zheng needs to leave that kind of biting to his enemies. He is quite capable of treating her with the loving tenderness she deserves.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 122

Fan Changyu, still reeking of alcohol from her drinking the night before, changed into the clean robes brought by Xie Wu. Seeing Xie Zheng’s men harnessing horses to a carriage as if preparing to go out, she grabbed two large steamed buns from the breakfast tray and headed outside.

This action amused Xie Zheng. “Are you that hungry?”

Fan Changyu ignored him and climbed into the carriage, munching on her bun.

The steamed buns from the City Lord’s mansion were soft and fragrant, much better than those served in the army.

Xie Zheng hadn’t felt hungry, but watching her eat suddenly made him want to try one. He leaned against the other side of the carriage, staring at her for a moment before asking, “Are they that good?”

Fan Changyu, realizing he hadn’t eaten anything this morning either, generously offered him the other bun in her hand. “Here, take it.”

Instead of accepting it, Xie Zheng leaned forward and restrained her other hand. He took a bite of the half-eaten bun that was meant for her mouth.

Fan Changyu glared at him angrily. He chewed and swallowed nonchalantly, then nodded. “It is quite sweet.”

His double entendre made Fan Changyu’s face flush with embarrassment and annoyance. She retorted furiously, “You’re just copying what I said!”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow. “How does taking a bite of your food relate to ‘copying what you said’?”

Seeing Fan Changyu’s slightly confused expression, Xie Zheng paused for a moment before asking, “Do you think that when someone bites the same food you’ve eaten, it means they’re copying what you said?”

Fan Changyu nodded honestly and asked, “Isn’t that what it means?”

Xie Zheng rubbed his temples, speechless. “What on earth has the old man been teaching you?”

Fan Changyu mumbled, “I figured that out on my own from reading books.”

This response both amused and exasperated Xie Zheng. He looked at her with half-raised phoenix eyes and said, “Well, aren’t you quite the scholar.”

Fan Changyu wasn’t foolish; she could tell this wasn’t a compliment. She quickly finished the last bun and said, “We spent money on advisors during wartime. Now that we’re not at war, I’ll hire a tutor for myself.”

Xie Zheng replied, “There’s no need to go to such trouble.”

“‘Shi’ means to pick up or collect; ‘ya hui’ refers to others’ words. To pick up others’ words and use them as your own often implies plagiarism or imitation.”

His voice was deep and magnetic as he patiently explained the idiom. The fierce aura of a military general faded, replaced by an elegance that Fan Changyu couldn’t quite describe.

Noticing her distraction, Xie Zheng lightly tapped her forehead and said, “From now on, come to me for two hours of study each day. Otherwise, when the old man returns and sees how you’ve turned out, he might have a fit.”

Fan Changyu, rubbing her forehead where he had tapped her, forgot her anger upon hearing about Master Tao. She asked, “Do you have news of your adoptive father?”

Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened slightly. “No, but it’s certainly connected to Wei Yan.”

His voice turned ice-cold as he finished speaking.

Just then, the carriage came to a stop, and Xie Shiyi’s voice called from the front, “Master, we’ve arrived.”

Xie Zheng stepped out of the carriage first, extending a hand to assist Fan Changyu. She was wearing a fitted outfit and easily jumped down with her long legs, turning back to raise an eyebrow at Xie Zheng.

The autumn sunlight filtered through the tree leaves, dappling her face. The smile playing at the corners of her mouth was a radiant blend of youthful masculinity and femininity—pure, bright, warm, and vibrant.

Seeing her smile, Xie Zheng’s lips curved slightly. “I was worried you might pull at your wound.”

Fan Changyu dismissively said, “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

She walked along the path strewn with yellow leaves. Xie Zheng followed a step behind, yet managed to grasp her hand precisely. “I know, but I worry it might hurt you.”

His words caught Fan Changyu off guard, causing her heart to skip a beat.

She turned her head to look at Xie Zheng but saw him gazing straight ahead. He said, “We’re here.”

At the end of the secluded path stood a separate courtyard. Dozens of black-armored guards stood watch outside. Upon seeing Xie Zheng, they all dropped to one knee. “Marquis.”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly and ordered, “Open the gates.”

As the red-lacquered doors slowly swung open, a mother and son inside the courtyard looked up towards the entrance.

Fan Changyu, delighted and surprised, quickly walked into the courtyard. “Qianqian?”

Yu Qianqian was equally shocked and pleased. She grasped Fan Changyu’s hands, looking her over. “I never thought I’d see you here…”

She then urged her son, who had grown considerably taller, to greet Fan Changyu. “Bao’er, this is your Aunt Changyu. Quick, say hello.”

Yu Bao’er glanced towards the gate, and seeing only Xie Zheng had entered with Fan Changyu, he turned to her and said, “Aunt Changyu.”

After this greeting, he nervously squeezed his hands hidden in his sleeves and asked, “Where’s Sister Changning?”

It had been nearly half a year since he had last seen Changning at the Prince of Changxin’s mansion. He didn’t know if she had been rescued or taken elsewhere by those people.

Fan Changyu patted his head and said, “I only just found out you were here. Ning’er is at home. We’ll bring her over later.”

Yu Bao’er visibly relaxed and obediently agreed.

Yu Qianqian, seemingly aware of Xie Zheng’s identity, appeared somewhat flustered upon seeing him again. “Thank you, Marquis, for your kindness in rescuing us.”

Xie Zheng avoided Yu Qianqian’s bow, simply saying, “It is our duty as officials.”

This subtle form of address made both Fan Changyu and Yu Qianqian sense something unusual.

Just then, Xie Shiyi hurried into the courtyard, apparently with urgent news to report but hesitant to speak due to the crowd.

Xie Zheng said, “You all chat for now,” and left the courtyard.

After Xie Zheng departed, Yu Qianqian sat down with Fan Changyu and poured her some tea. She then asked, “The Marquis is still your husband, right?”

After being taken back by Qi Min, she knew little of recent events. Now, learning that Xie Zheng was the Marquis of Wu’an, she was unsure of the current situation between him and Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu held her teacup, thought for a moment, and said, “Not really. Our marriage was fake from the start.”

Yu Qianqian’s hand paused as she poured her tea, thinking Fan Changyu was now following Xie Zheng without any official status. She looked at Fan Changyu with complex emotions and sympathy. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up such matters…”

Fan Changyu brushed it off. “It’s no big deal.”

Seeing her genuinely unbothered, Yu Qianqian relaxed a bit. She then shook her head and smiled, “You’re so carefree, I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse… Well, with your military achievements, you’ll surely be granted an official position in the future. Living on a government salary, you won’t need to worry about marriage.”

Fan Changyu was confused by this sudden turn to the topic of marriage. She coughed and said, “That’s still far off.”

Yu Qianqian sighed and asked, “So you and the Marquis plan to continue like this?”

Fan Changyu scratched her head, pondering the meaning of “continue like this.” Master Tao was still missing, Wei Yan hadn’t been overthrown, and the Meng family’s injustice remained unresolved. With so many pressing matters, of course, they needed to settle these issues before thinking about marriage.

So Fan Changyu nodded and said, “This is fine for now.”

The sympathy in Yu Qianqian’s eyes grew more evident. She hit Fan Changyu’s arm and scolded, “You foolish girl!”

She then sighed deeply and advised, “I know the Marquis is an extraordinary man. No woman in the world wouldn’t admire such a hero. But he will marry someday, and if you follow him without any official status, you’ll only hurt yourself in the end.”

Fan Changyu finally realized Yu Qianqian’s misunderstanding. She scratched the back of her head awkwardly and said, “He wants to marry me, but I think it’s not the right time yet…”

Yu Qianqian was speechless, realizing she had worried unnecessarily.

Yu Qianqian pretended to be angry, and Fan Changyu honestly revealed her background. Yu Qianqian’s expression changed several times before she said with complex emotions, “Despite the enmity between your families, the Marquis treats you so well. His sincerity is as clear as day.”

Fan Changyu smiled gently. “I won’t let him suffer from a guilty conscience for the rest of his life, nor will I allow my maternal grandfather to be wrongly accused for eternity.”

Infected by Fan Changyu’s determination and spirit at that moment, Yu Qianqian also smiled and said, “Then keep investigating. If you hit a dead end, you might try looking into the Sui family.”

Fan Changyu asked in surprise, “The Sui family?”

Yu Qianqian nodded.

She only learned of Qi Min’s true identity after being rescued by the Black Clothes Cavalry.

Before, she had only felt that Qi Min’s relationship with the Prince of Changxin’s household was strange. Lan Shi and Zhao Xun were ostensibly servants of the prince’s household, yet they were constantly guarding against the prince’s people.

At first, she had guessed that the Sui brothers were not on good terms, given they were not full brothers.

Later, when the Prince of Changxin and Sui Yuanqing successively lost power, Qi Min played a game of deception with her and Bao’er, going so far as to kill his aunt, the Princess of Changxin, who had treated him like her own son. Only then did Yu Qianqian realize how terrifying he truly was.

At that time, his face was splattered with the blood of the Princess of Changxin whom he had just killed. He placed the dagger in the hand of the princess’s body, which had not yet stiffened, to create the illusion of suicide. Unfortunately, Yu Qianqian had accidentally pulled back the curtain and witnessed the scene. The look Qi Min gave her when he raised his head still haunted her nightmares.

He was like a viper lurking in the darkness, coiled and waiting for the perfect moment to strike fatally.

Yu Qianqian said, “I always felt that Qi Min seemed to harbor a particular hatred for the Sui family. When the Crown Princess of Chengde chose the Sui family as Qi Min’s hiding place back then, there must have been a reason.”

The speaker may be unaware, but the listener takes note.

On the way back from Yu Qianqian’s place, Fan Changyu was lost in thought.

Xie Zheng rapped his knuckles on the low table in the carriage and asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Fan Changyu said, “Qianqian mentioned that Qi Min seems to hate the Sui family. When the Crown Princess of Chengde hid him with the Sui family back then, it probably wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.”

Xie Zheng narrowed his eyes. “The Prince of Changxin is dead, and Sui Yuanqing is still in my custody. Once we capture Qi Min and bring him back, we’ll interrogate him thoroughly.”

Fan Changyu asked, “When Shiyi came to find you earlier, was there news about Qi Min?”

Xie Zheng nodded. “The Black Clothes Cavalry has found him, following Li Huai’an.”

During the last raid by the Black Clothes Cavalry, the Li family’s death squads and the imperial shadow guards with Qi Min had helped him escape. Xie Zheng had lost their trail.

Li Huai’an secretly left Lu City to rendezvous with Qi Min, inadvertently leading Xie Zheng’s men right to him—

The torrential rain had stopped, but water still dripped from the eaves of the dilapidated temple. Below the eaves, the puddles were stained a lurid rouge.

Corpses littered the ground, their blood dyeing the rainwater red.

Li Huai’an lay at the temple entrance, blood trickling from his mouth. Seeing Sui Yuanqing approach Qi Min with a spear, he struggled to get up and stop him, but it was too late. He could only cry out hoarsely in anguish, “Your Highness, run! Run quickly…”

Sui Yuanqing stepped on Li Huai’an’s hand, staring at his pain-contorted face with a sneer. “The Li family truly excels at breeding loyal dogs. Pity your loyalty is misplaced.”

He walked step by step towards Qi Min, who sat by the fire. The tassel below the spear tip, stained red with blood, dripped thick droplets onto the temple’s stone floor as he moved.

Outside the temple, the Black Clothes Cavalry, having dealt with the remaining death squads, saw Sui Yuanqing about to take Qi Min’s life and shouted, “The Marquis orders us to capture him alive!”

Sui Yuanqing flashed a crazed grin at the speaker, his eyes wild with the anticipation of imminent vengeance. “Xie Zheng’s orders mean nothing to me! Do you think I fear the poison you’ve given me? Once I kill this bastard, I’ll gladly join my father and mother in the underworld!”

Several Black Clothes Cavalry members rushed in to stop him but were sent flying by a sweep of his spear.

He pointed the spear tip at Qi Min’s throat, sneering, “You’ve been living under someone else’s name for over a decade. I suppose you have no last words…”

Qi Min calmly called out, “Brother Qing.”

A vein bulged on Sui Yuanqing’s temple, and he viciously slashed with the spear tip, opening a gash from the corner of Qi Min’s mouth to his cheek.

He snarled, “You’re not worthy of calling me that!”

Sui Yuanqing had been cunning and deceitful for half his life, yet this was the first time he’d been so thoroughly deceived.

Fifteen years of brotherly affection—all a lie!

The brother with the burned face and mercurial temper, who always gently called him “Brother Qing” and urged him to study hard—also a lie!

Qi Min’s face remained calm despite the blood from his split lip. He lowered his eyes and said, “At this point, I should still apologize to you. Whether you believe it or not, I never intended to harm you in the slightest.”

These words were like oil on fire. In his fury, Sui Yuanqing abandoned his spear and stepped forward to roughly grab Qi Min’s collar, shouting hoarsely, “Never intended to harm me? You just didn’t have the chance, right? My mother treated you like her own son. How could you bring yourself to—ugh…”

Before he could finish his question, Sui Yuanqing felt a sudden chill in his chest.

A metallic taste rose in his throat. He looked down to see a dagger plunged into his left chest, its handle gripped by Qi Min.

He struggled to raise his head, looking at Qi Min with a smile more painful than tears. “…Never intended… to harm me?”

Qi Min, without blinking, drove the dagger an inch deeper, coldly watching Sui Yuanqing’s convulsing body. “And you believed such words. You deserve to die.”

Suí Yuánqīng could no longer hold himself upright and collapsed onto his knees. Tears welled up in his bloodshot eyes as he pleaded, “…I’ve always… always regarded you as my elder brother…”

Qí Mín, his face expressionless, pulled out the dagger without a second glance at the lifeless body behind him. His voice was cold and venomous, “This is what the Suí family owes me!”

Li Huái’ān, who lay stunned at the dilapidated temple’s entrance, was utterly shaken by the sudden turn of events.

When Qí Mín stepped closer to him, he paused briefly and said, “I originally thought you were with them. Since you’ve shown loyalty to Gu, I’ll spare your life.”

Blood covered the half of Qí Mín’s face that had been cut, and he lowered his gaze slightly as he spoke, looking like a malevolent spirit cloaked in human skin.

Li Huái’ān, under that piercing gaze, felt paralyzed, as if he couldn’t move a muscle.

Outside the temple, a group of Blood-clad Riders noticed the shift in the situation and were preparing to attack Qí Mín together. But suddenly, a second wave of Shadow Guards descended from the temple roof, striking with lightning speed and killing the Blood-clad Riders in the blink of an eye.

Cold sweat drenched Li Huái’ān’s back—Qí Mín’s Shadow Guards hadn’t been annihilated at all!

He had planned for this from the very start!

Qí Mín looked coldly as a Shadow Guard searched a dead Blood-clad Rider’s body and pulled out a dark iron medallion. Picking it up, he tossed it to Li Huái’ān, his gaze as chilling as a viper’s stare. “Go, and bring Gu’s men back.”

Li Huái’ān caught the bloodstained medallion and turned to glance at the first corpse that had blocked Qí Mín’s path—Lady Lán, lying lifeless by the fire pit. A shiver ran down his spine.

Is this the person the Li family wants to support? Would he truly be a wise ruler once seated on the dragon throne?

Just seeing the problem, hmm? If the current emperor is power mad after being suppressed for so long, how do you think Qi Min feels after living under an assumed identity, marginalized because of his burns, and with the weight of hIs mother’s life and expectations on him since he was a child? He’s crazy, and the Li family should have researched him before allying – I don’t think it was a secret that he killed his servants all the time.

I don’t believe that his shadow guards could so easily kill Xie Zheng’s elite squad. Even Changyu was able to kill some of the guards, so it’s kinda unbelievable that they were able to overwhelm XZ’s men without a serious fight.

they were holding back when fighting with changyu because they were supposed to bring her back alive

Then who’s going to be the Emperor bc all of them have committed atrocities against humanity! I’m guessing Bao’er is the best bet but they would never let the mother become empress dowager 🤔

The best part about this is that bao’er is going to be king and Channing is going to be his empress.. these people fell in love as toddlers 🤣🤣🤣 I really hope we get a bit of their grown up love story

Zhu Yu – Chapter 123

Xie Zheng seemingly had no intention of letting Tang Peiyi and the others know that a descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde still lived.

To prevent any leaks, he temporarily arranged for Yu Qianqian and her son to be hidden in a secluded villa in the suburbs. When Changning heard that Bao’er and his mother were in Jizhou, she insisted on going to see them. Fan Changyu thought it would be good for the children to have a playmate, so after informing Xie Zheng, she took Changning to visit the villa.

The reunion of the two children surprised Fan Changyu. Instead of immediately playing together, they stood with reddened eyes, silent.

Fan Changyu teased Changning, “Didn’t you insist on coming to see Bao’er? Why are you so quiet now that you’ve seen him?”

Changning tugged at a corner of her clothes, biting her lip before looking at Yu Bao’er, who stood beside his mother Yu Qianqian. “I didn’t lie to you. I said my sister and brother-in-law would come to rescue you, didn’t I?”

Fan Changyu and Yu Qianqian smiled, but Yu Bao’er only nodded slightly at Changning. “I know.”

Yu Qianqian said to Fan Changyu, “The children haven’t seen each other for a long time. They seem a bit shy now, but let them play for a while. They’ll be familiar with each other again in no time.”

She invited Fan Changyu inside to sit, leaving Changning and Bao’er to play outside.

The courtyard was spacious, with guards posted outside. There was no need to worry about their safety.

Changning hung her head, scuffing the ground with her shoe, looking unhappy.

It wasn’t for any particular reason, other than the fact that Yu Bao’er, who used to be the same height as her, had grown half a head taller in the six months they hadn’t seen each other.

She shook a handful of small toys and thrust them all at Yu Bao’er, saying, “These are new butterflies and crickets that Uncle Zhao wove for me. They’re all for you.”

Yu Bao’er, unsure what had upset her, asked, “After that man took you away, he didn’t hit you, did he?”

Reminded of when Sui Yuanqing had taken her to the battlefield, Changning perked up. She sat on a stone stool, gesticulating wildly as she described, “He was so fierce! He put me on a horse taller than several of me stacked up, and we galloped through the mountains and wilderness in the pitch-black night. So many people died, and the ghosts on the mountain were wailing in the wind…”

Yu Bao’er’s face darkened. “He took you to the battlefield?”

Changning finally remembered that the place where those people fought was called a battlefield, and nodded quickly. “Luckily, my brother-in-law came to save me. That bad guy couldn’t beat my brother-in-law. He threw me up in the air and tried to stab me with his spear as thick as a bowl, but my brother-in-law beat him back with a weapon thicker than a pillar!”

She spread her arms wide to show how thick it was.

Yu Bao’er tried to imagine Xie Zheng swinging a pillar-like weapon on horseback, furrowed his brow, and said as she wished, “Your brother-in-law is impressive.”

Changning immediately puffed out her little chest proudly. “My sister is the most impressive, and my brother-in-law is second. Don’t be afraid in the future. If bad people come again, I’ll protect you! My sister is a general now, and she commands many people! Uncle Xiaowu, Uncle Xiaoqi, and Uncle Xiaoqin…”

While Fan Changyu was talking with Yu Qianqian inside, she glanced outside and saw the two children sitting on the steps, fiddling with a pile of small toys and whispering to each other.

Yu Qianqian smiled and said, “Bao’er used to be so outgoing. I don’t know what he went through during that time he was confined in the Prince of Changxin’s mansion. When I saw him again, he didn’t like to smile or talk anymore. I heard they even found him a playmate, but he wouldn’t interact. Seeing him play with Ning’er again puts my mind at ease.”

Fan Changyu said, “Perhaps he was frightened.”

Yu Qianqian said, “In this life, I have no other wishes. My only concern is Bao’er.”

Fan Changyu heard the worry in her voice about Yu Bao’er’s future situation and reassured her, “Don’t be afraid. Bao’er is not the remnant of a rebel now. He is the descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde. No one would dare to harm him.”

Yu Qianqian smiled bitterly, “Would the one in the palace tolerate the descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde?”

This question stumped Fan Changyu.

The Li family had already allied with Qi Min, intending to force the young Emperor to abdicate. The young Emperor likely saw the descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde as a thorn in his side.

Fan Changyu was silent for only a moment before saying, “I will do everything in my power to protect you both.”

Fan Changyu did not have a good impression of the Emperor in the palace. Back when the rebellion had not yet been quelled, the Emperor had been willing to condemn a military general like herself to death just to ensure Xie Zheng would marry the Princess without worry.

Loyalty seemed to matter little; anyone who stood in the way was to be eliminated.

As for Qi Min, if he could devise such a cruel plan with the Li family to bring down Wei Yan, treating the lives of countless soldiers as a mere trifle, Fan Changyu didn’t believe he would make a good emperor if he ascended to the throne.

Perhaps because she had spent the first decade and a half of her life as a commoner concerned only with her survival, Fan Changyu respected imperial power but was not blindly loyal to it.

That evening, after returning, she went specifically to find Xie Zheng. He was dealing with a pile of official documents on his desk, so she sat nearby, lost in thought.

Xie Zheng asked her, “Something on your mind?”

Fan Changyu asked, “What if the Emperor wants to kill Bao’er?”

Xie Zheng scoffed, “He can barely protect himself right now.”

He handed Fan Changyu a letter that had arrived from the capital.

These official documents were all written in flowery language, making it difficult for Fan Changyu to read. After struggling to understand the meaning, she exclaimed with wide eyes, “The Li family wants Qi Min to formally appear in court?”

The letter described how officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had observed unusual movements in the Emperor’s star while observing the night sky.

Several elderly ministers in the court claimed to have dreamed of the late Emperor, who wept bitterly, saying he could not bear to see the descendants of the Crown Prince of Chengde wandering among the common people.

Now, rumors were spreading throughout the capital that the Emperor’s eldest grandson was not dead. People were also saying that the floods and droughts of recent years were because the Emperor’s virtue did not match his position.

The common people had long been dissatisfied with Wei Yan’s manipulation of imperial power, and the young Emperor had always been seen as weak and incompetent. Now, they had found an outlet for their frustrations, clamoring for the descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde to ascend the throne as the rightful heir.

The Emperor had previously relied on the Li family to suppress Wei Yan, but now the Li family had turned against him. He lacked the real power to challenge anyone.

Xie Zheng said with near certainty, “Wei Yan is also setting a trap. When the Li family reveals their true intentions, that will be when Wei Yan springs his net.”

In the capital, inside the Imperial Palace.

At the foot of the dragon throne in the Imperial Study, memorials had been strewn across the floor, and all the cups and utensils that could be smashed had already been broken.

“Traitors! They’ve all turned traitors!”

With nothing left to throw, Emperor Qi Sheng pushed over the dragon throne itself. His voluminous dragon robe trailed on the ground, causing him to accidentally step on it and trip, striking his forehead on the steps and drawing blood.

Today’s fury contrasted sharply with the wild joy he had felt when the Li family’s first memorial denouncing Wei Yan had arrived.

It turned out that the Li family’s move to bring down Wei Yan wasn’t at his behest, but because they had long harbored treasonous intentions!

A terrified eunuch rushed forward to help him up. “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you alright?”

Qi Sheng violently pushed away the eunuch trying to assist him, his expression sinister as he pointed at the eunuch. “I know. None of you have ever truly seen me as the real Son of Heaven. I know it all…”

His expression was so fierce it seemed he might devour someone.

The eunuch, ignoring the cuts from the broken porcelain when he fell, hurriedly kowtowed to express his loyalty. “Your Majesty, heaven and earth can attest to this old servant’s devotion to you!”

But Qi Sheng paid no attention, almost talking to himself. “Xie Zheng dares to defy my imperial edict, and now the Li family wants to enthrone another puppet to replace me…”

As he spoke, his face suddenly contorted, and he shouted hysterically, “I am the true Dragon Son of Heaven! No one but me will sit on that dragon throne!”

The eunuch stared in shock at Qi Sheng’s loss of composure, for a moment even wondering if the Emperor had gone mad.

But Qi Sheng, dragging his dragon robe with half its sleeves torn, began pacing back and forth in the Imperial Study. He didn’t even care that the golden crown on his head was askew, muttering to himself, “There’s still a way… there’s still a way…”

The eunuch, terrified by this frenzied behavior and recalling the rumors in the court and among the people, tried to inconspicuously leave the Imperial Study. He had almost reached the door when Qi Sheng, who had been pacing back and forth, suddenly noticed him and tilted his head to look at him. “Where are you going?”

Cold sweat instantly broke out all over the eunuch’s body. Having served in the imperial presence for so many years, he managed not to stammer as he spoke. “Your… Your Majesty seems troubled. This old servant thought to brew some tea for Your Majesty.”

“Is that so?” Qi Sheng seemed unconvinced. He took a dragon-engraved sword from a nearby rack and dragged its tip along the steps as he walked towards the old eunuch.

The old eunuch was terrified out of his wits. His legs were so weak he could barely walk. He collapsed to the ground, begging for mercy. “This old servant truly intended to brew tea for Your Majesty…”

Qi Sheng looked at him and smiled. “If you’re going to brew tea, then go brew tea. Why are you shaking like this?”

The sharp sword tip pierced the eunuch’s leg, causing him to cry out in agony. Qi Sheng felt the malice screaming in his heart find an outlet in that scream of pain, and every pore in his body suddenly felt relieved.

In an excellent mood, he stabbed the old eunuch again, watching as the blood stained his imperial yellow dragon robe red. He laughed with satisfaction. “What a beautiful color. No wonder Xie Zheng’s eight hundred personal guards are called the Blood Robe Cavalry.”

The old eunuch was already convulsing in pain, trying to crawl away on all fours. However, Qi Sheng, as if discovering a new toy, began wielding the dragon sword like a cleaver. Gripping the hilt with both hands, he hacked at the old eunuch as if chopping vegetables, venting all his rage.

The old eunuch’s pleas for mercy soon turned into incoherent screams, and eventually, he could no longer even cry out.

The floor tiles of the great hall were splattered with blood and bits of flesh.

Qi Sheng only stopped when his arms grew too tired to swing the sword. He looked at the corpse he had hacked into a pile of mangled flesh, threw aside the sword, and called for young eunuchs to come in and clean up. Then he returned to his dragon throne to catch his breath.

The young eunuchs who entered the hall turned pale at the sight of the bloody mess in the center of the hall, retching repeatedly.

Qi Sheng, finding their miserable state amusing, finally laughed with satisfaction. “Gao Gong harbored treasonous thoughts against me. He deserved worse than death! This is the fate of anyone else who dares to harbor such thoughts against me!”

The group of young eunuchs, ashen-faced, knelt to pledge their loyalty.

Qi Sheng looked at this scene with great satisfaction, feeling a rush of exhilaration through his body. This was the taste of power he craved!

One day, the Li family and the Xie family would also kneel before him, begging for mercy!

But before that, he would have to continue to endure for a while longer.

Having vented his rage, Qi Sheng calmed down completely. With a gloomy expression, he ordered, “Someone come and help me change my clothes.”

As autumn nights grew colder, the mournful cry of cicadas could be heard.

Since being accused by the Li family of colluding with rebels, Wei Yan had claimed illness and stopped attending court.

Moonlight cast a frost-like whiteness on the stone path in the courtyard as if a light snow had fallen.

A small light shone from the window of the study. An attendant passed through the layers of tiger warriors guarding outside the courtyard and pushed open the door. He addressed the old man sitting on the floor before a low table, playing chess against himself: “Lord Prime Minister, an important guest has arrived.”

Wei Yan, his chess game interrupted, slightly raised his eyelids, which were full of wrinkles. In the light of a candle beside the chessboard, he looked imposing without anger: “Didn’t I say not to receive anyone, no matter who it is?”

The attendant held up an object with both hands for him to see.

It was a jade ring carved with dragon patterns.

This was an item worn by the Emperor.

Wei Yan merely glanced at it before looking away, seemingly unimpressed. By this time, he had already recalled where he wanted to place his next chess piece. His old but strong index and middle fingers pinched a black piece and placed it on the board, instantly reversing the situation in the fierce battle of the chess game.

He said, “After learning from that old Li for so many years, you still can’t keep your composure.”

The attendant dared not comment, waiting for further instructions.

Wei Yan said, “Since he’s here, let him in.”

Soon after, Qi Sheng appeared outside Wei Yan’s study, dressed in ordinary clothes and wearing a large cloak.

As he tried to enter the study, the Tiger Warriors in the courtyard crossed their halberds, signaling he couldn’t proceed further.

Qi Sheng stood still for a moment, his face darkening. Thinking of what the Li family planned to do, he disregarded his dignity. Just as he had done countless times in front of Wei Yan over the past decade or so, he began weeping openly: “Prime Minister, save me! The Li family wants to depose me and install a new ruler!”

No one in the study responded. Through the shadows on the door screen, Qi Sheng could tell Wei Yan was playing chess alone.

Qi Sheng gritted his teeth secretly and continued his tearful plea: “Prime Minister, I will be obedient. All the past incidents were due to the Li family’s deception. I know only you truly have my best interests at heart. The Li family even wants to frame you for colluding with rebels. I will seek justice for you, Prime Minister!”

Qi Sheng had said all the flattering words he could think of, but the figure in the study seemed to ignore him completely.

Only then did Qi Sheng truly feel afraid. Thinking about being forced off the throne and possibly even secretly killed, he no longer cared about flattery and just sobbed uncontrollably.

He didn’t even notice when the study door opened. It wasn’t until Wei Yan’s deep, authoritative voice cut through the cold autumn night that he heard: “Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven and should behave as such.”

Qi Sheng quickly looked up to see Wei Yan standing at the study door, wearing only a simple cloth robe. Despite his plain attire, Wei Yan had the bearing of a towering mountain. Qi Sheng immediately begged like a lost dog: “Prime Minister, save me…”

Wei Yan coldly interrupted him: “Have rebel troops reached the city, or has Li Sui staged a coup?”

Li Sui was the given name of the Grand Tutor Li.

Qi Sheng was at a loss for words. After all these years, fear of Wei Yan seemed to have become an instinct ingrained in his bones.

“The imperial city stands, the palace is secure. What does Your Majesty fear?” Wei Yan continued to question. His voice wasn’t loud, but it made Qi Sheng feel suffocated.

However, these words did reassure Qi Sheng somewhat.

He continued to act like a helpless child, looking at Wei Yan in distress: “I… I have acted improperly tonight.”

Wei Yan turned and closed the door: “If that’s the case, Your Majesty should return to the palace.”

Qi Sheng shouted: “Prime Minister!”

An attendant stepped forward, respectfully gesturing Qi Sheng to leave, though his manner was forceful.

Qi Sheng stared at the closed study door and continued: “Seventeen years ago, it was the Prime Minister who put me on the throne. I know only you will always be of one mind with me. In this world, I trust only you, Prime Minister.”

No more sounds came from Qi Sheng outside the courtyard; he seemed to have been led away by the attendants. Wei Yan sat before the chessboard, and for once, his usually inscrutable eyes showed a trace of deep-seated disgust.

It was unclear whether he was disgusted with Qi Sheng or with the fact that his lies sounded so much like someone from the past.

After a long while, he finally spoke: “Since the Li family wants the Emperor’s eldest grandson to appear before the world, select a bait from the dungeons. If he’s truly a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde, he won’t remain unmoved.”

Xie Zheng had been very busy lately, and even Fan Changyu rarely saw him in the military camp.

Occasionally, when she indirectly asked Tang Peiyi about it, he claimed not to know. But the way he looked at her always made Fan Changyu feel uncomfortable, so she didn’t dare ask more.

The meritorious officers were to enter the capital for an investiture, and today the army was preparing for their journey to the capital. With Tang Peiyi and Vice General He busy with these matters, Fan Changyu was happy to have some free time.

That night, as she slept in her room, she sensed someone approaching. She quietly adjusted her breathing, and just as the person was about to touch her bed, she swiftly grabbed their wrist and twisted it back. She was about to pin the intruder down when her knee was hooked, causing her to lose balance and fall.

Xie Zheng held her tightly in his arms and didn’t let go. His voice, tinged with faint exhaustion, praised her: “Your vigilance is commendable.”

Fan Changyu had guessed it was him the moment she was caught. She struggled twice but couldn’t break free, so she elbowed his chest and asked, “Where have you been these past two days?”

Xie Zheng opened his eyes in the darkness upon hearing her question: “Were you looking for me?”

He currently had only two places to stay in Jizhou: the military camp and the city lord’s mansion.

Since they had reconciled, Fan Changyu rarely sought him out except for official business. Now, hearing his question, she felt a bit embarrassed and said, “I hadn’t seen you for several days, so I was just asking.”

Xie Zheng didn’t point out her evasion. He stole two kisses on her face before releasing her and said, “I had some matters to handle, gathering people and making arrangements.”

Fan Changyu asked, “What matters?”

While undoing her clothes, Xie Zheng replied, “News came from the capital that some of your grandfather’s subordinates who were involved in the grain transport didn’t die. They’ve been under Wei Yan’s control all this time.”

Upon hearing it was related to the grain transport from years ago, Fan Changyu’s attention was immediately captured. When she felt a chill on her shoulder, she realized what Xie Zheng was doing and quickly slapped his hand hard, hissing, “What are you doing?!”

Xie Zheng felt somewhat wronged by the slap. He placed a small iron box in Fan Changyu’s hand and said, “I had someone find this scar-removing ointment for you. I came specially to apply it for you.”

Fan Changyu glared at him but still said fiercely, “If you give me the ointment, I can apply it myself. What do you mean by undressing me without a word?”

Xie Zheng had been to the Xie family home in Huizhou these past few days to arrange for his men to return to the capital and investigate. The day and night journey had left him exhausted. He had come to her room in Jizhou just to give her the ointment and sleep beside her to catch up on rest.

In recent days, whenever he felt troubled, he could only find peace by her side.

But seeing her so startled and alert now, like a bristling tiger cub, his eyes suddenly darkened. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her from head to toe before biting her shoulder resentfully: “You’re making me suffer.”

His bite wasn’t gentle, and Fan Changyu grimaced for a while before pulling open his clothes, intending to bite him back.

He seemed to have bathed before coming, as there was no unpleasant smell of sweat on him, only a faint scent of soap. Fan Changyu’s sharp canine teeth closed in, eliciting a muffled groan from him as his entire body tensed like a rock.

“Get off,” Xie Zheng’s voice was already abnormal.

Unfortunately, it was nighttime, and his voice was already low. Fan Changyu didn’t notice the change. She bit his shoulder and ground her teeth, unsatisfied, mumbling, “So you can bite me, but I can’t bite you, your dog…”

In the next moment, Xie Zheng flipped her over, reversing their positions.

Without a word, he just looked at her once before lowering his head to kiss her fiercely and frantically, one hand exploring inside her already loosened clothes.

Fan Changyu usually bound her chest for convenience when in the military camp, but at night when resting, she would untie the bindings.

Xie Zheng didn’t know about her dressing habits and thought she would have another layer of clothing underneath. When his calloused hand unexpectedly touched a soft, smooth warmth, they both froze for a moment.

Fan Changyu reflexively tried to kick him, but Xie Zheng pressed down on her leg.

As he buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing heavily, his breath seemed to be on fire.

Fan Changyu was furious with embarrassment and snapped, “Get off me!”

Xie Zheng didn’t speak, but Fan Changyu felt him squeeze once, which made her entire body feel like it was about to burst into flames. She berated him, “You lecher!”

The subsequent commotion was like they were trying to tear the bed apart. Someone’s foot kicked the bed frame, making the entire bed shake precariously.

Madam Zhao, who had gotten up to use the bathroom, heard the noise from Fan Changyu’s room and knocked on the door, asking, “Changyu, what’s that sound in your room?”

Fan Changyu replied resentfully, “A rat got into the room, I’m trying to catch it!”

Madam Zhao asked, puzzled, “Why don’t you light a lamp to catch the rat?”

Fan Changyu could only continue to make up an excuse: “I… I have good eyesight, I don’t need a lamp. I’ve already killed the rat. Auntie Zhao, please go back to sleep.”

After Madam Zhao instructed her to sleep early too, she returned to her room.

Due to their earlier struggle, Fan Changyu was already sweating. Their limbs were entangled, neither having subdued the other. As Fan Changyu breathed, her chest was still heaving violently.

Xie Zheng’s shoulder had been clawed at by her earlier, and his robe was now disheveled. One arm was pinning down one of Fan Changyu’s hands, pressing her into the bedding. The places where their skin touched felt like they were on fire as if the flesh beneath was sizzling.

Fan Changyu’s other hand was against his jaw. It was a situation where both had lost.

Fan Changyu said quietly, “I’ll count to three, and we’ll let go together.”

Xie Zheng replied hoarsely, “Alright.”

Fan Changyu began counting: “One, two… three!”

After the count of three, neither of them let go.

Fan Changyu accused, “Why didn’t you keep your word?”

Xie Zheng only said, “You didn’t let go either.”

They both fell silent.

After a moment, it was Fan Changyu who spoke: “One of us has to compromise. Do you want to stay like this all night?”

“…It wouldn’t be so bad.”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu nearly bristled again and said fiercely, “In your dreams! You’re just taking advantage of me!”

Xie Zheng’s voice was a bit hoarse: “You’ve torn the front of my robe.”

Fan Changyu’s eyes blazed: “That was from fighting, not because I had any designs on you!”

The air was silent for about two breaths, then Xie Zheng suddenly said, as if giving up all pretense, “It’s true that I have designs on you.”

Fan Changyu was stunned, not expecting him to be so forthright at this moment. She stammered, “Well, at least you admit it.”

To her surprise, he asked, “So what should we do about it?”

Fan Changyu glared at him: “Of course, you should let me go immediately and leave my room.”

Unexpectedly, he said, “Keep dreaming.”

Fan Changyu was exasperated.

After all this commotion, Xie Zheng seemed to be tired too. He kissed her shoulder a couple more times before helping her wrap her clothes properly and holding her in his arms. Exhausted, he said, “Don’t move. Let me hold you while I sleep for a while. I’ll leave at dawn and won’t be back for half a month.”

Hearing that he had just returned but would be leaving again for half a month, the anger in Fan Changyu’s heart dissipated. She finally stopped resisting and asked, “Where are you going?”

Xie Zheng lay on his side, his chin resting on her shoulder, inhaling her scent as he mumbled, “I’m going to the capital. Whether the news released is true or false, it’s related to the truth behind Jinzhou. I have to go and investigate the facts.”

no visto a nadie tan pervertido como Xiezheng 🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣me gusta que ella no deje que el haga lo que quiera con ella a pesar de estar enamorada de el ,hay que tener un poco de respeto y privacidad hacia uno mismo , porque si fuese por el hacia mucho que …😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

this couple must’ve been dogs in their past lives they sure love biting

biting is really their love language 🤣🤣😂🤣🤣🤣

That was both hot and hilarious. I feel like there will never be a dull moment in their bedroom once they’re married. Their tit-for-tat mentality means they’ll be taking turns dominating and bullying each other in bed more often than not. I love when they are playful and childish with one another like this.

HAHAHAHHAHA I absolutely love this couple! Their love language seems to be biting 🫦 rawrrrr.

earlier chapters emphasized he was born in the year of the dog and she was born in the year of the tiger🤣 that makes sense. rawr!😄

Grabe ang hilig nila sa biting each other ha ahahahaha

Zhu Yu – Chapter 124

Fan Changyu remained silent for a moment before saying, “Since this is related to my maternal grandfather’s grain transport, I’ll go with you.”

Xie Zheng opened his eyes in the darkness. The truth from seventeen years ago concerned not only himself but also the person before him.

In the moonlight streaming through the window, he could faintly make out Fan Changyu’s facial features. Her eyes were filled with solemnity.

Xie Zheng’s hand still rested on her waist. Through the thin fabric of her clothes, he could vaguely feel the raised scar on her abdomen.

This journey ahead might still be a trap.

The elite “Tian” rank soldiers under Wei Yan’s command were likely no easier to deal with than the Imperial Shadow Guards on Qi Min’s side.

He said, “Wait for the young emperor’s edict to arrive, then return to the capital with the main army. Following me into the capital without an edict could get you beheaded if discovered.”

Fan Changyu glared at him. “You think I’m afraid?”

Knowing her temperament, Xie Zheng’s lips curled into a slight smile, his gaze softening. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply before saying, “I know you’re not afraid, but we should always prepare for all possibilities.”

His palm gently caressed the scar on her waist. “The empress dowager and her son are still in the separate courtyard. I’ll feel more at ease with you here. If I fall into a trap and disappear like the old man, take this token. You can mobilize the Blood Robe Cavalry and the Hui Prefecture Xie family’s forces. If things become desperate, don’t rush into the capital. Convince Tang Peiyi to support the young prince’s claim to the throne. With the blood of the Chengde Crown Prince, even if you temporarily retreat to a corner of the Northwest, no one in the court will dare label you as rebels.”

Fan Changyu felt an oval-shaped token, still warm from his body heat, being pressed into her palm. Her heart filled with mixed emotions as she turned to look at Xie Zheng and asked, “What about you?”

Seeing the worry in her eyes, Xie Zheng pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m only describing the worst-case scenario. Wei Yan can’t make me disappear without a trace.”

Fan Changyu still held the token he had given her, her heart in turmoil. She buried her face in his solid chest and muttered, “You must be extremely careful.”

Xie Zheng’s robe had already been loosened earlier, and now the woman in his arms pressed her cheek against his chest, her breath warming his skin as she spoke.

At the prime of his youth, with the woman he loved lying beside him, he struggled to control himself. His Adam’s apple bobbed several times as he stared at the dark canopy above, nearly giving in to his desires. “If you’re that worried, why don’t I leave an heir for the Xie family?”

The tender emotions in Fan Changyu’s heart faltered for a moment. With a straight face, she reached out and pinched his taut waist hard, eliciting a muffled, laughing groan from Xie Zheng. “Attempting to murder your husband?”

Fan Changyu tried to pinch him again, but Xie Zheng caught her hand.

What started as playful roughhousing soon turned into something more as she found herself pinned to the bed. Xie Zheng propped himself up, gazing at her for a few breaths before suddenly lowering his head to kiss her.

His long, loose hair occasionally brushed against Fan Changyu’s neck and shoulders, cool and slightly ticklish.

Unlike their previous kisses, he was in no rush to conquer. Instead, he became extremely patient, his gentleness seeming to bewitch her.

And indeed, Fan Changyu found herself enchanted-

The next day, when Fan Changyu woke up, the sun was already high in the sky.

The sunlight pouring in through the doors and windows was a bit dazzling, causing her to squint.

There was a weight on her chest as if something was pressing down on the blanket.

Upon closer inspection, she saw that it was Channing lying on top of the covers.

Madam Zhao had already helped her wash up and get dressed. Her hair had grown longer now, and the two little buns on either side were neatly tied, adorned with two small fluffy flowers with bells.

Channing rested her chubby hands on her round chin, smiling as she said, “Sister is a big sleepyhead today, only getting up when the sun is high enough to shine on your bottom.”

Still drowsy, Fan Changyu instinctively wanted to reach out and pat Channing’s head. But as memories of the previous night flooded back, she abruptly stopped herself from taking her hand out from under the covers. Her expression became somewhat unnatural as she said, “Sister was indeed lazy today. Ning’er, could you help fetch some water for washing my face?”

Her voice was a bit hoarse, probably due to having just woken up.

Channing rarely had the chance to be of service to Fan Changyu, so upon hearing her request, she immediately responded with an obedient “Alright.” She jumped down from the bed, put on her shoes, picked up the copper basin from the wooden rack, and pattered off to the kitchen to find Madam Zhao.

Once alone in the room, Fan Changyu lifted the covers and sat up. Her undergarments were loosely draped over her body, with a trail of red marks extending from her neck down to her shoulders.

Her chest still ached a bit, likely from being nipped by teeth.

Fan Changyu rubbed her messy hair, feeling somewhat despondent.

She wasn’t sure how things had escalated to this point last night.

Wanting to change clothes, her gaze fell upon her right fingertips. Remembering what Xie Zheng had left on her hand the night before, even though it had been washed clean, she instinctively wiped her hand on the clothes she was about to change into.

That’s right, he had used her undergarments to wipe her hand last night!

Fearing that things hadn’t been cleaned thoroughly and that Channing might discover something, Fan Changyu’s eyes darted around the room, searching for the undergarments she had soiled the night before.

When she spotted the half-dried clothes hanging on the wooden rack, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, an odd feeling arose in her heart—he had washed her undergarments clean before leaving.

Her cheeks burning, Fan Changyu rubbed her face and hurriedly found a chest binding from the clean clothes box, quickly binding her chest before Channing returned.

To facilitate wearing military attire, Fan Changyu usually bound her chest.

However, today it was somewhat painful. As Fan Changyu tied the binding, she glanced down and saw that the tips were swollen. She pressed her lips together, recalling the chaotic moments from the night before. Half embarrassed and half annoyed, she silently cursed Xie Zheng in her mind.

Fortunately, autumn had arrived. Fan Changyu chose a robe with a higher collar to cover the marks on her neck.

However, during mealtime, Madam Zhao’s sharp eyes somehow caught sight of them. Recalling the sounds she had heard the night before, Madam Zhao asked, “Changyu, why haven’t we seen Yanzheng since you returned from Chongzhou?”

Fan Changyu instantly choked on her mouthful of rice.

Originally, fearing that Madam Zhao and the others would worry, she hadn’t mentioned her separation from Xie Zheng. As for her true identity and relationship with Xie Zheng, she didn’t know where to begin explaining, so she still hadn’t clarified it to Madam Zhao and her husband.

At this moment, she could only poke at the rice grains in her bowl and mumble vaguely, “He went with the main army to Kangcheng to eliminate the remnants of the rebels. He should return when the army enters the capital.”

Madam Zhao’s expression became somewhat strange. Wondering about the marks on Fan Changyu’s neck, she could only probe indirectly, “You two haven’t fought, have you?”

Fan Changyu looked bewildered. “No, we haven’t.”

Seeing her reaction, Madam Zhao grew increasingly worried. She hesitated before asking, “In the future… do you plan to live alone with Yanzheng or…”

Misunderstanding Madam Zhao’s meaning, Fan Changyu responded frankly, “Of course, I’ll still bring Ning’er and you along. You and Uncle are like half my family. How could I leave you behind?”

Madam Zhao slapped her thigh in frustration. “Who’s asking about that? I’m asking if you’re going to be like those heartless men who suddenly become successful, keeping several women at home and several more outside?”

Xie Wu, who was sweeping the courtyard, and Xie Qi, who was playing with Channing, both looked horrified upon hearing Madam Zhao’s words.

This time, Fan Changyu choked, pounding her chest and gasping for air, her face turning almost the color of pig liver.

“Child, eat slowly. I just asked you a question, how did you end up choking…” Madam Zhao patted her back, and seeing no effect, quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it to Fan Changyu.

After downing a cup of tea, Fan Changyu finally caught her breath.

She asked in confusion, “Madam, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Madam Zhao glanced at Xie Wu and Xie Qi in the courtyard, who were busy with their tasks but eavesdropping, then pointed at her neck.

Fan Changyu quickly pulled her collar closer, knowing she couldn’t hide it anymore. Feeling embarrassed about the marks, she hung her head and said quietly, “Yanzheng came back last night.”

Madam Zhao’s face immediately lit up with joy. She asked, “Where is he?”

Fan Changyu finished the tea in her cup and said, “He left again.”

Afraid that Madam Zhao would continue to ask questions, she put down her teacup and headed out. “Madam, don’t worry about these things. I have matters to attend to in the military camp, so I’m heading there now.”

In truth, there wasn’t much going on in the camp recently. Fearing the embarrassment of others seeing the marks on her neck, Fan Changyu decided to visit Yu Qianqian and her son in the separate courtyard instead.

Three days after Xie Zheng’s departure, Fan Changyu learned from Xie Wu that the Blood Robe Cavalry had captured Li Huai’an and brought him back.

Thinking of the deaths of He Jingyuan and the soldiers outside Lucheng, Fan Changyu’s teeth itched with hatred. She couldn’t wait to confront Li Huai’an in person.

And indeed, she went to do just that.

When she saw Li Huai’an sitting calmly among the dried grass in Xie Zheng’s private prison, dressed in tattered clothes with disheveled hair, Fan Changyu couldn’t suppress the anger rising in her heart. She said coldly, “With loyal bones scattered outside Lucheng, I wonder if Minister Li has been sleeping and eating well these days?”

Li Huai’an opened his eyes and looked at her outside the cell. A fleeting expression of pain and shame crossed his face before turning into bitterness. “If I said I haven’t had a moment of peace, would Miss Fan believe me?”

The image of He Jingyuan’s body standing on the walls of Lucheng, along with the soldiers who had followed her out of the city only to fall one after another, was still vivid in Fan Changyu’s mind. Her gaze was as sharp as a knife. “Minister Li should save these words for the day when the truth comes to light, to be heard by the thousands of unjustly killed soldiers! The common people all believe that the Li family is like Minister He, all good officials. But it was your Li family who treated their lives as worthless grass!”

Li Huai’an still only smiled bitterly. “Huai’an has always admired Miss Fan’s unrestrained nature, her clear-cut love and hate. But living in this world, many things aren’t simply black and white; there are always trade-offs. What the Li family has done may be wrong now, but in a decade or two, it might bring about a golden age for the Great Yin.”

Fan Changyu clenched her teeth and struck the prison wall with all her might.

The hard bricks cracked, scattering debris on the ground, and Li Huai’an’s words abruptly ceased.

He looked up, seeing the anger on Fan Changyu’s face, and was slightly taken aback.

Fan Changyu stared at him coldly. “What makes you so arrogant as to utter such words? Is it because you were born into wealth and don’t have to worry about your next meal like ordinary people? Is it because you’ve read too many books by sages, and the suffering you see is nothing more than light words on paper? It’s not you who died, nor your family members. What right do you have to say that their deaths are exchanged for a golden age for the Great Yin?”

This questioning left Li Huai’an completely stunned.

Fan Changyu gave Li Huai’an one last cold and mocking look before turning to leave the prison. However, as she approached the prison gate, there was a commotion.

Several men wearing Blood Robe Cavalry uniforms and carrying bloodied swords burst in, coming face to face with Fan Changyu.

In an instant, Fan Changyu realized these men were impostors. She drew the boning knife she always carried at her waist.

The men attempting the jailbreak exchanged glances, then charged at Fan Changyu with their swords raised.

The prison corridor was narrow. As Fan Changyu’s blade clashed with theirs, sparks flew. Using her brute strength, she forced the assassins to retreat, their blades scraping against each other.

One of the assassins tried to sneak attack, but Fan Changyu kicked his arm, instantly dislocating it. Unable to hold his sword, it clattered to the ground with a metallic ring.

After dealing with the few assassins who had reached the prison, Fan Changyu turned to Li Huai’an. “Minister Li is imprisoned here, yet there are still people willing to risk their lives to rescue you. Those soldiers who died outside the city that day never received such help, even until their dying breath!”

Li Huai’an lowered his head, his messy hair covering most of his face. He said, “Go save the young prince and his mother.”

Fan Changyu’s expression changed slightly. “What do you mean?”

Li Huai’an’s voice was calm to the point of numbness. “The jailbreak is just a decoy.”

In a flash, Fan Changyu understood that this was a diversionary tactic!

Those men had disguised themselves as Blood Robe Cavalry and fought their way to the prison, catching the real Blood Robe Cavalry off guard. The Blood Robe Cavalry would certainly dispatch more troops here for reinforcement, tying up their forces at the prison. If anything were to happen at the separate courtyard, there wouldn’t be enough time to send forces there!

Fan Changyu rushed out without delay, encountering many fake Blood Robe Cavalry along the way. In a moment of carelessness, her arm was injured. Unable to distinguish friend from foe, she resorted to swinging her blade at anyone she encountered.

When Xie Shi’yi arrived with his men, he met Fan Changyu face to face. Just as he was about to speak, he nearly got slashed by her blade. He quickly raised his sword to block and shouted, “Commander, it’s me, Shi’yi!”

Fan Changyu, clutching her bleeding arm, glanced at the hundred or so men he had brought and said, “Quickly, to the separate courtyard! Their real target is the separate courtyard!”

Xie Shi’yi’s face changed dramatically. He immediately ordered his subordinates, “A few of you stay here to clean up. The rest, follow me to the separate courtyard!”

Fan Changyu said, “I’m coming too.”

Xie Shi’yi looked at Fan Changyu, realizing he couldn’t stop her. He tossed her a bottle of wound medicine and said, “Then be extra careful, Commander!”

soooo…. they have done the deed right? muahahahaha!!

no i don’t think so.. i think they just had a preview..

“preview” HAHAHAHHA I laughed out loud at that 🤣 🤣 but yeah, I agree. It seems like the biting couple only did some kind of foreplay to quench their desires but did not go all the way 😉

No I think they got to second base. But I don’t think they finished the deed.

lo hicieron o no lo hicieron? o es que solo se estaban dando mimos pero no terminaron🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣xiezheng , porque no dejo aqui un heredero para la familia Xie antes de irme? 🤣🤣🤣😂😂🤣mas pervertido y no nace

me encanta lo fuerte que es Fan Changyu y su capacidad de reaccionar a tiempo ante el peligro , y como no le teme a nada ni a nadie,
bueno excepto a xie zheng con sus segundas intenciones😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Nah, they didn’t go all the way. But they definitely got naked together and did some heavy petting. At least we know he finished on her hand.

Anyways, that boy needs to chill! 😂 How’re you gonna leave that many marks on the poor girl that even a high collar coat can’t hide? She can’t even bind her breasts properly because they were so sore and swollen. 😏

Xie Zheng had to much fun biting his wife 😉😉

I thought the author was building up to this level of intimacy happening several chapters ago, when they ended up at the river together, swam, cooked fish, he gave her his dry outer robe to wear, and they had a chance to clear up some misunderstandings. I was disappointed when it didn’t.

OK, so here is fine, too, thought it could have been a second time instead of a first. No, she wasn’t deflowered, but the “heavy petting” allowed them to reinforce their commitment to the relationship.

Ah, so it was just him who got the happy ending? 😂😂 It’s understandable why she was in a bad spirit in the morning. 😏
at least she learned some anatomy lessons . Next time, girl be smart and think about your own satisfaction 😹😎

Zhu Yu – Chapter 125

Fan Changyu and Xie Shiyi’s group rushed to the villa on horseback, but they were still a step too late.

The entire villa was engulfed in flames. Several corpses of Blood Robe Riders lay scattered at the main gate, and the blood on the steps looked both desolate and eerily beautiful in the firelight.

Clinging to a sliver of hope, Fan Changyu dashed into the villa, calling out, “Qianqian?”

She searched several rooms without finding anyone. Finally, at the kitchen door, she spotted the unconscious cook. She propped her up and helped her out of the courtyard.

As Xie Shiyi and her team were counting the Blood Robe Rider corpses at the gate, they discovered one still barely alive. They quickly administered a life-saving pill.

The man weakly opened his eyes, and seeing his people, hurriedly explained the situation: “Someone disguised as Blood Robe Riders attacked the villa. We couldn’t distinguish friend from foe and were caught off guard…”

Xie Shiyi asked, “What about the Imperial Great-Grandson and his mother?”

The man feebly pointed in a direction, “East… They went east…”

Xie Shiyi promptly reported this information to Fan Changyu. Fan Changyu ordered a small group to stay behind and handle the aftermath, while the rest continued the pursuit eastward.

The villa was located in the suburbs, making it impossible to seal off the city for a thorough search. If they couldn’t catch up now, they might lose all trace of Yu Qianqian and her son.

Anxious, Fan Changyu mounted her horse, cracked her whip, and continued the chase eastward.

All Blood Robe Riders were originally scouts. Xie Shiyi noticed that the bandage on Fan Changyu’s hastily wrapped arm was already stained red with fresh blood. She tried to comfort her, “Commander, don’t worry too much. There are fresh wheel tracks on the ground. They took the Imperial Great-Grandson and his mother by carriage. We can catch up.”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond, her lips pressed tightly together.

Yu Qianqian was one of her few friends, and the child was even more crucial to their cause. Xie Zheng had already entered the capital; she couldn’t let anything happen to Yu Qianqian and her son now.

After a frantic chase of over ten miles, a volley of arrows suddenly shot out from the dense forest on both sides of the official road.

Fan Changyu quickly raised her blade to deflect them. Although the accompanying Blood Robe Riders were all elite warriors and avoided injury, some of their horses were hit and fell.

Xie Shiyi said bitterly, “They must have heard our hoofbeats and left some men to set up an ambush here in advance!”

Fan Changyu glanced at the few dozen Blood Robe Riders left after the ambush and told Xie Shiyi, “I’ll take some men and continue the pursuit. You deal with those in the forest.”

Xie Shiyi knew that recovering the Imperial Great-Grandson and his mother was the top priority. She quickly said, “Then be careful, Commander!”

Fan Changyu led a portion of the Blood Robe Riders, galloping straight down the official road. Arrows from the forest on both sides flew towards them, but they only raised their swords to deflect them briefly.

If any were unfortunate enough to be hit, they rolled to cover and joined Xie Shiyi’s group in clearing out the enemies in the dense forest.

Using this method, Fan Changyu managed to break through the arrow barrage on the official road with some of her men.

They continued to follow the wheel tracks, and after a few miles, they indeed spotted a carriage speeding along the official road, guarded by over a dozen riders.

Fan Changyu shouted, “Any skilled horse archers? Shoot at them but avoid the carriage!”

She had read some military manuals, and although she couldn’t recite them word for word, she had been in the army long enough and fought in over ten battles, big and small.

Pursuit often relied on momentum. With enough momentum, you could break the enemy’s spirit from a distance.

Shooting arrows while chasing at a certain distance was undoubtedly the best way to build that momentum.

Under the pressure of the archers, the carriage couldn’t outrun the warhorses carrying single riders. They had to split off seven or eight guards to hold off Fan Changyu’s group.

Long-handled weapons had the advantage in mounted combat. Fan Changyu swung her Mo dao in a wide arc, forcing the approaching shadow guard to dodge before they could even get close to her.

The carefully selected Blood Robe Riders were far superior to the ordinary soldiers who had accompanied Fan Changyu out of the city that day. Although their martial skills might not match Xie Wu’s, they wouldn’t be easily defeated. A few of them working together could hold off one shadow guard, which was much better than when Fan Changyu had faced over a dozen shadow guards alone that day.

Taking advantage of the fact that most of the intercepting shadow guards were tied up by the Blood Robe Riders, Fan Changyu slapped her horse’s rump hard and charged toward the carriage ahead.

Suddenly, a shadow guard riding alongside the carriage drew his bow and shot at Fan Changyu. She cut one arrow in half with her blade, then, due to her horse’s speed, she lowered her body as much as possible, lying flat on the horse’s back.

Seeing that he couldn’t hit Fan Changyu, the guard aimed at her horse instead.

When Fan Changyu’s horse was hit by an arrow and fell, she was less than two zhang away from Yu Qianqian’s carriage.

Gritting her teeth, she threw a rope that hooked onto the corner of the carriage roof. As she leaped from her horse’s back, her whole body was pulled towards the carriage by the force of the rope.

A shadow guard riding around the carriage swung his blade at Fan Changyu, but she rolled on the carriage roof to avoid it. The place where she had just been lying was split in half.

Yu Qianqian’s frightened cries for help came from inside the carriage. Fan Changyu gripped the rope tightly with both hands and swung down, kicking the carriage driver off with one foot. She lifted the curtain and reassured, “Qianqian, don’t be afraid. It’s me!”

Inside the carriage, Yu Qianqian was clutching the window frame with one hand and tightly holding Yu Bao’er with the other. Still shaken, she asked, “Changyu?”

Fan Changyu had just responded when a shadow guard riding alongside the carriage swung his blade at her. She quickly leaned back, and the blade struck the carriage door instead.

Fan Changyu kicked upwards, hitting the man under his arm. He was stunned for a moment, then felt as if half his ribs had been broken by that kick. Clutching his side in pain, he fell from his horse.

Fan Changyu sat up and tried to control the reins to turn the carriage around, not forgetting to reassure Yu Qianqian, “Don’t be afraid. I won’t let them take you away!”

Yu Qianqian looked through the window at the pursuing shadow guards closing in and said calmly, “This won’t work. Changyu, take Bao’er and ride away!”

Before she could push Yu Bao’er towards Fan Changyu, one of the shadow guards shot an arrow into the front leg of the carriage horse.

The warhorse neighed in pain and stumbled forward, causing the entire carriage to overturn.

Yu Qianqian and her son were thrown from the carriage. Fan Changyu managed to protect them with her body but slammed her back hard against a rocky outcrop by the side of the road. The impact left her face pale with pain, and she couldn’t stand up for a while.

The heavy carriage dragged along the ground for a distance before most of its weight tipped over the edge of the cliff. Finally, the carriage, along with the injured horse, tumbled down the precipice.

Yu Qianqian sat up and saw that Fan Changyu’s clothes were torn and bloodied from the rough rocks. When she touched Fan Changyu’s back, her hand came away wet with blood. Panicked, she began to cry, “Changyu, are you alright?”

Fan Changyu struggled to open her eyes. Seeing the shadow guards who had been protecting the carriage advancing towards them, she propped herself up with her Mo dao and glared coldly at the nameless shadow guard less than three zhang away. She ordered Yu Qianqian, “Run!”

The Blood Robe Riders fighting the other nine shadow guards were gaining the upper hand due to their numerical advantage. If they could reach the Blood Robe Riders, they might still have a chance.

Yu Qianqian knew she had no martial arts skills and would only be a burden to Fan Changyu if she stayed. With tears in her eyes, she looked at Fan Changyu one last time before reluctantly taking Yu Bao’er’s hand and running toward the Blood Robe Riders.

Yu Bao’er, however, kept looking back at Fan Changyu. His young face was marked with bloody scratches, and his eyes reflected the image of Fan Changyu struggling to stand up with her long blade in the setting sun. The hand not held by Yu Qianqian was clenched into a tight fist.

That day outside Lu City, Fan Changyu had faced sixteen shadow guards. She had lasted so long only because they were holding back, trying to capture her alive.

Today, she was already injured, and facing these five shadow guards who were going all out was exceptionally difficult.

One of the shadow guards, seeing that Fan Changyu was tied up with his four companions, went after Yu Qianqian and her son.

The mountain path was steep, and Yu Qianqian’s elaborate dress made it difficult to run. She tripped on her skirt and fell. In her panic, she could only push Yu Bao’er forward, urgently saying, “Bao’er, run!”

Yu Bao’er refused to leave her behind and tried to help her up, his small body acting as a human crutch.

In this short time, the shadow guard had caught up to them.

From the Blood Robe Riders’ side came a shout: “Commander!”

It was Xie Wu and Xie Qi, who had somehow received news and ridden over.

Seeing that they couldn’t take both Yu Qianqian and her son today, the shadow guard who had caught up to them hardened his gaze and suddenly, without warning, swung his blade at Yu Bao’er.

Fan Changyu was still entangled with the four shadow guards and couldn’t break free. Perhaps it was maternal instinct, but when Yu Qianqian saw the blade, she didn’t think and threw herself over Yu Bao’er.

The blade struck her back, and the spurting blood splattered all over Yu Bao’er’s face.

“Quick… go!” Yu Qianqian, her eyes full of pain, could only manage these two words as she looked at Yu Bao’er.

Yu Bao’er, seeing his mother lying in a pool of blood, was completely stunned.

That person wanted to kill him and his mother?

When the shadow guard realized Yu Qianqian had taken the blow for Yu Bao’er, he froze for a moment. Remembering Qi Min’s orders, his face turned extremely ugly. He quickly took out a bottle of hemostatic powder and poured it all over the wound on Yu Qianqian’s back.

When Fan Changyu saw Yu Qianqian cut down, she let out a roar, slashing several times to force back the four shadow guards surrounding her. Then, using the momentum from a running start, she swung her blade and sent the shadow guard who had injured Yu Qianqian flying.

She had no strength left but still tried to pick up Yu Qianqian and run.

It was Yu Qianqian who weakly grabbed Fan Changyu’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears as she instructed, “Take Bao’er… take him away. They won’t kill me, but they’ll kill Bao’er…”

Fan Changyu looked at the entire bottle of wound medicine sprinkled on her back. Although she didn’t know exactly what was going on, she understood that Yu Qianqian wasn’t lying. Using the last of her strength, she picked up Yu Bao’er, who seemed to have been frightened into a daze and ran towards the direction where Xie Wu and Xie Qi were approaching on horseback.

The four shadow guards who had been fighting with Fan Changyu caught up. Two of them helped Yu Qianqian retreat, while the other two raised their sleeves and shot several dart arrows at Yu Bao’er in Fan Changyu’s arms.

Without thinking, Fan Changyu used her own body to shield Yu Bao’er.

“Commander!”

Fortunately, Xie Wu and Xie Qi had caught up. Xie Wu, with one arm disabled, jumped off his horse and swung his sword one-handed to knock away the incoming dart arrows.

Xie Qi drew his bow and returned fire at the shadow guards.

The sound of thundering hooves came from the end of the official road — it was Xie Shiyi and the others who had finished clearing out the shadow guards in the forest. Seeing reinforcements arrive, the few shadow guards who had been engaged with the Blood Robe Riders no longer lingered. They took out smoke bombs and threw them forcefully on the ground, instantly filling the official road with dust and smoke.

When the smoke cleared, there was no trace of the shadow guards anywhere.

Xie Shiyi hurried over and, seeing Xie Wu and Xie Qi, exclaimed excitedly, “Fifth Brother, Seventh Brother!”

Then, turning to see that half of Fan Changyu’s back was covered in blood, her face changed dramatically: “Commander, you’re injured?”

Xie Wu and Xie Qi’s expressions were also extremely grave. Before leaving, Xie Zheng had instructed that in his absence, the Blood Robe Riders were to follow Fan Changyu’s every command.

He had only been gone for two days, and Fan Changyu was already injured like this.

Fan Changyu herself didn’t seem to think it was a big deal, saying only, “It’s just a flesh wound, nothing serious.”

She looked at Yu Bao’er, who was in her arms, neither crying nor making a sound, as if he had lost his soul. She frowned and comforted him, “Don’t be afraid, Bao’er. I’ll find a way to save your mother.”

Yu Bao’er buried his face in Fan Changyu’s shoulder. Though no sound of crying could be heard, his teeth were clenched, and his small body was shaking.

Without the carriage, they could only ride horses on the way back. Yu Bao’er was in shock and kept clutching Fan Changyu’s clothes, refusing to let go, so Fan Changyu carried the child and rode together.

The guards at the villa had already fortified it into an iron bucket, yet Qi Min’s people had still found a way in. After much consideration, Fan Changyu decided to first hide Yu Bao’er in the military camp.

No matter how capable Qi Min was, he couldn’t move freely within the military camp as if it were no man’s land.

Just as she had entered the military camp and settled Yu Bao’er, Tang Peiyi sent someone over, saying he had something to discuss with Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu knew that with such a commotion caused by the Blood Robe Riders leaving the city today, it would be impossible to keep it from Tang Peiyi.

Before leaving, Xie Zheng had said that if they reached a dead end, they could try to persuade Tang Peiyi to support Yu Bao’er’s claim to the throne, but they hadn’t reached that point yet.

Fan Changyu was at a loss, unsure whether to tell Tang Peiyi about Yu Bao’er’s identity. She used the excuse of needing to treat her wounds before going over to dismiss Tang Peiyi’s guard. Then she called for the female doctor, A Hui, to help treat the wounds on her back.

A Hui cried the entire time she was applying medicine, making Fan Changyu feel quite embarrassed. She kept reassuring A Hui that she wasn’t in pain.

But A Hui said, “Commander is a woman of great courage, not one to shed tears lightly. But these wounds pain A Hui just to look at them. A Hui is crying on the Commander’s behalf.”

Fan Changyu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but because A Hui had bandaged her so meticulously, her entire upper body was wrapped in bandages, making her look almost paralyzed. Thinking about her imminent meeting with Tang Peiyi, she didn’t suggest rebandaging.

When Fan Changyu was carried on a stretcher by two personal guards to see Tang Peiyi, she gave him quite a fright.

He could hardly remain seated; instead, he rushed to the side of the stretcher to examine Fang Changyu. “What happened to you, Commander Fang?”

Fang Changyu looked weak and weary. “The bandit problem outside the city is severe. I went out to eliminate them and unfortunately fell off a cliff.”

Tang Peiyi had summoned Fang Changyu to inquire about her reasons for leaving the city. Now that she had voluntarily explained, even if it were a half-hearted excuse, he felt it inappropriate to interrogate her further in light of her injuries. “But there was a campaign against bandits in Jizhou last year. What kind of formidable bandits could injure you like this?”

Fang Changyu turned pale. “The terrain in the mountains is complicated. I misstepped and fell…”

As she spoke, a fit of painful coughing erupted from her.

Tang Peiyi waved his hand dismissively. “Enough, enough! Hurry back and recuperate! You’re a stubborn one. You should have sent someone to inform us of your severe injury instead of coming here yourself. Now everyone in the army will have their own opinions about me!”

Lying on the stretcher, Fang Changyu weakly clasped her hands. “I take my leave…”

She was not one to lie easily, and her guilt made her unable to meet Tang Peiyi’s gaze.

Tang Peiyi huffed, glaring at her. “Stop with the formalities! Just get back to your tent and rest!”

Once she was carried out of the main tent, Fang Changyu let out a quiet sigh of relief. At least today, she had managed to get away with it.

Looks like Yu Bao’er (who probably has an official name) is slowly being forged into someone who will willingly go for the throne. After living as a commoner and then seeing the damage done by the whims of powerful people, he will hopefully be a good emperor. And Ning’er will fulfill her noble destiny by becoming his empress (my guess).

Zhu Yu – Chapter 126

The layers of gauze curtains obscured the view, and the lingering scent of borneol incense in the air made one feel drowsy. Yu Qianqian was familiar with this scent. Her entire back felt as if it had been split open, and she lay motionless on the soft bed, her eyes half-closed with lowered lashes, appearing to still be unconscious.

A cold, low voice in the room reached her ears: “The person was taken by Xie Zheng?”

The shadow guard kneeling before the table, drenched in cold sweat, clasped his hands and replied, “The Marquis of Wu’an’s men took advantage of our engagement with Wei Yan’s trained henchmen to rescue the former Meng family subordinate. I await Your Highness’s punishment.”

“Crack—”

A faint sound of something breaking was heard. It was Qi Min crushing the white jade thumb ring in his hand.

Half of his face was backlit, his chiseled features appearing even more sinister in the shadows. He slowly raised his head and spoke languidly, “You failed? Then why are you still alive and coming to see me?”

The air in the room became thin. A drop of sweat fell from the shadow guard’s forehead to the ground. He hurriedly took something out from his bosom and handed it to Qi Min. “When this subordinate rescued the former Meng family member from Wei Yan’s private prison and revealed my identity, he gave me this.”

Another shadow guard hidden in a dark corner of the room came forward, took the object held high above the kneeling guard’s head, and presented it to Qi Min.

The object was about an inch high and three inches long, completely black, shaped like a tiger or leopard, with ancient inscriptions carved on it. It was half of a tiger tally.

Qi Min recognized the origin of the tiger tally from its inscriptions, his long eyes narrowing slightly. “This is the Changzhou tiger tally from seventeen years ago.”

According to the Great Yin law, each region had one tally. Only by obtaining the other half of the tiger tally from the imperial court could one mobilize the local troops.

He looked at the shadow guard kneeling on the ground. “What did the former Meng family subordinate say?”

Knowing his life was spared, the shadow guard quickly replied, “He begged Your Highness to clear General Meng’s name!”

Qi Min’s eyebrows raised slightly.

Yu Qianqian, lying on the bed, also tensed up and listened carefully, but suddenly no more conversation could be heard from outside.

Qi Min raised his hand to signal the shadow guard to be silent, listening to the trembling breath coming from behind the layers of curtains on the bed. The corner of his lips curled slightly, and he suddenly said, “You may go. That arm of Xuanjian’s, you go and cut it off. Those who have hurt my people should learn a lesson.”

Yu Qianqian listened with fear, her instincts telling her that the Xuanjian Qi Min mentioned was the shadow guard who was to kill Bao’er.

The kneeling shadow guard outside didn’t ask anything more, only responded with a “Yes” before leaving.

Yu Qianqian heard the sound of the door closing. She didn’t know why Qi Min had stopped the shadow guard from continuing to talk about the truth of the Jinzhou battle, feeling anxious but helpless.

When she heard the low footsteps approaching the bed, Yu Qianqian quickly pretended to be asleep.

The layers of gauze curtains were lifted and hooked onto the golden hooks on the side.

Even with her eyes closed, Yu Qianqian could sense that the light around the bed had suddenly become much brighter.

The bed sank slightly on one side, and she guessed that Qi Min had sat down on the edge.

Even without opening her eyes, she could imagine his snake-like gaze scanning over her body. Her whole body instinctively tensed up, her fingertips hidden under the covers almost turning white from clenching.

She tried hard to feign sleep, unaware that the person sitting on the edge of the bed was watching her black eyelashes tremble uncontrollably, a mocking smile curling at the corners of his lips.

Her back was injured. After applying medicine, Qi Min didn’t even allow the maids to change her clothes. In the silver-red soft silk bedding, her bare half-back was smooth and delicate. The hideous knife wound added a sense of violated beauty, like a delicate orchid crushed by someone.

Qi Min looked at the person trying hard to pretend to be asleep, the curve of his lips growing larger. He reached out with his pale, cool hand and stroked her back.

Sure enough, the next moment, goosebumps appeared all over Yu Qianqian’s arm.

Yu Qianqian knew she couldn’t pretend anymore. She opened her watery eyes and coldly glanced at Qi Min. “Take your hand off me!”

Not only did Qi Min not withdraw his hand, but he also gripped her chin, asking leisurely, “Not pretending to sleep anymore?”

Yu Qianqian felt as if she had been bitten by a poisonous snake. She said with disgust, “If I didn’t pretend, how could I hear your secret plans? Even tigers don’t eat their cubs, yet you want to kill your son. I don’t know why those people are loyal to you. Aren’t they afraid that you’ll take their lives one day too?”

Qi Min released her chin, indifferently curling the corner of his lips. “Are you angry that I want to kill that little bastard?”

Anger flashed in Yu Qianqian’s eyes, but he suddenly leaned close to her, speaking coldly and mockingly, “If you and he had obediently stayed by my side, wouldn’t I have left him alone? You ran away with him and fell into Xie Zheng’s hands. You’re so clever, surely you know that Xie Zheng can use him to command the feudal lords?”

Yu Qianqian didn’t speak, but her face paled a few shades. She still glared at Qi Min.

Qi Min’s pupils were cool and cold, like those of a snake. His thin lips almost touched Yu Qianqian’s ear as he said maliciously, “It’s not that I want to kill him, it’s you who’s forcing me to kill him.”

He pulled back slightly, admiring Yu Qianqian’s trembling, whether from fear or anger, and spoke with pity, “Qianqian, the one who almost got that child killed was you.”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Yu Qianqian said angrily. Due to her emotional state, the wound on her back was affected, causing her face to show signs of pain and turning even paler.

Qi Min frowned slightly, retracting his mocking demeanor, and held her shoulders. “Don’t move, be careful not to reopen the wound.”

Yu Qianqian’s forehead was covered in cold sweat from the pain, but she suddenly sneered, “Qi Min, you might as well kill me too.”

Qi Min’s fingers on her shoulders suddenly tightened, almost digging into her flesh. He stared at Yu Qianqian darkly for a few breaths and said, “I won’t kill you, and you don’t want to die either.”

He released Yu Qianqian, paused, and then softened his tone: “If you like children, we can have more in the future. You can have as many as you want. That child… he came at the wrong time from the beginning.”

Yu Bao’er was born as his substitute.

He couldn’t love a child who could replace him at any time. Even not killing Yu Bao’er was already the greatest mercy he could show.

He would have an heir, but it should be a child born after he had reclaimed everything that belonged to him and held absolute power.

He despised anything that threatened him.

Tears were forced from the corners of Yu Qianqian’s eyes. Enduring the severe pain in her back, she spat at him fiercely, closing her eyes and saying, “If I had known it would come to this, I should have let you die by the lake back then!”

As soon as these words left her mouth, the air around Qi Min suddenly became oppressive.

In the end, he only looked at Yu Qianqian with a cold smile: “It’s too late to regret now. You were the one who pulled this evil spirit back into the human world. Everything now is what you deserve to suffer!”

He strode away, leaving only the pearl curtains on the bed swaying gently from being touched.

Yu Qianqian hugged the quilt, her face still pale from the severe injury, but her gaze towards the door was clear and cold, calm to the point of indifference-

As soon as Qi Min left the room, the shadow guard waiting outside bowed and called out, “Your Highness.”

Qi Min said grimly, “Watch her closely.”

The shadow guard respectfully complied. After Qi Min had walked away, he glanced at the tightly closed door.

His Highness had always been suspicious. Even Lan Shi, after proposing to bear His Highness an heir, had lost his trust. Only the woman inside seemed to have cast some spell on His Highness, as he had always treated her, especially over the years.

After Qi Min had walked a few steps, the shadow guard who had reported to him earlier in the room followed him again, with a few spots of blood on his collar. “Your Highness, I have carried out your order and cut off Xuanjian’s arm.”

Qi Min, still playing with the half-tiger tally behind his back, showed no interest in what the shadow guard was reporting and only asked, “What’s the story with that half-tiger tally?”-

An autumn rain brings a chill.

The rainwater cascading from the eaves splashed into small puddles under the corridor. The cold wind carried moisture to the base of the wall, where the redwood, having stood for many years, was darkened by the rain. The hem of the young man leaning against the wall was similarly marked with faint water stains.

The copper wind chimes hanging in the corridor swayed wildly in the wind, clashing together to produce a desolate and broken sound.

Occasionally, heart-wrenching cries of pain could be heard from inside the room. Xie Zheng seemed oblivious, simply leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, lost in thought as he watched the sudden autumn rain.

The cold wind ruffled the loose strands of hair at his temples. On his jade-like face, a thin blood mark stung in the wind. His lowered eyes were as cold as the blood mark on his face.

After a while, the doctor who had been treating the patient inside came out carrying his medicine box. Xie Zhong, who had also been waiting in the corridor, immediately stepped forward to ask, “How is General Zhu?”

Xie Zheng’s gaze also turned slightly towards them.

The court physician shook his head silently and sighed, “The tendons and bones in his legs have been broken for over a decade. They’re long dead. There’s no possibility of him standing up again.”

Xie Zhong, who had lost a leg and an arm himself, knew the pain involved. After a moment of silence, he only said, “Do your best to treat him.”

The physician nodded and left to prepare the medicine.

A servant who had been attending inside hurriedly came out to call, “My Lord, General Zhu says he wants to see you!”

The truth he had been seeking for so long was right before his eyes, yet Xie Zheng hesitated for a moment before stepping into the room.

The physician had scraped away the rotting flesh and re-treated the wounds, making the smell of blood in the room particularly pungent.

The man lying on the bed was covered in facial hair, his head a mess of dry grass-like hair with lice crawling through it. Except for a pair of sharp, spirited eyes, his features were barely distinguishable.

Both his legs were broken, and he had been confined in a dark dungeon for seventeen years. His legs were so thin they were almost just skin and bone.

Xie Zheng looked at this old general who had once served under Meng Shuyuan and his father, and only said, “General Zhu, you’re home.”

Zhu Youchang stared fixedly at Xie Zheng, suddenly letting out a sorrowful cry: “Seventeen years… it’s been seventeen years! The descendant of General Xie has grown into such a fine, upstanding man! I, old Zhu, in my lifetime… can see the descendant of the General again!”

When he reached the most sorrowful part, this man who had once been on the battlefield could only pound the edge of the bed forcefully, weeping and wailing.

Xie Zhong limped forward to support Zhu Youchang, his eyes red as he asked, “General Zhu, please compose yourself first. Why were you imprisoned by Wei Yan for seventeen years? Was there some hidden truth behind the delayed grain transport back then?”

At the mention of the grain transport failure from years ago, Zhu Youchang became even more agitated. He choked out, “That Wei Yan is worse than a beast! General Meng suffered a great injustice that will go down in history! Poor old General died with resentment, and the loyal Meng family was wiped out without even leaving a single descendant!”

Qi Min is such a fvcking asshole.. how he so cruel in his son, poor child for having such a father like him. qi min only wants power he doesn’t even care in his own child

The emporer is awful, Qi Min is awful, Wei Yan is awful…….poor people of this country have no chance.

How many times are the rebel soldiers going to trick them with using their own uniforms. This has to be the 3rd or 4th time they done this and military units are always caught off guard! Wtf come on now yall get it together!

not a single redeemable rulers… is bao’er gonna shoulder such burdens from his young age? poor child

Something I noticed about the story is the trope of saving a man at his lowest and the comparison the author creates with these different relationships. We have the main couple Fan Chengyu and Xie Zheng, but we also have Sun Yuanqing and the woman that saved him at the stronghold. Then we have Qi Min and Yu Qianqian. XZ repaid FCY with kindness, SYQ repaid the woman with just enough to call it even (bringing her out of the stronghold while they were being chased by soldiers), and QM repaid kindness with enmity. Idk I just think that the author did a pretty good job at weaving these plot lines together

Zhu Yu – Chapter 127

Everyone knew that Meng Shuyuan’s two sons had died on the battlefield, and only his youngest daughter remained, who had married a minor military officer. However, after Meng Shuyuan took his own life at Luo City, his daughter, returning from worshipping at a temple, died when her carriage overturned and fell off a cliff, leaving no remains.

Later, when the imperial court passed its final judgment, they claimed that Meng Shuyuan had gone to Luo City to rescue disaster victims, delaying military operations and causing Xie Linshan and the Crown Prince of Chengde to suffer a devastating defeat at Jinzhou. As people cursed Meng Shuyuan, the most common insult was, “It serves him right that the Meng family line has ended.”

Xie Zhong, being a retainer of the Xie family, certainly knew how severe the accusation against the mastermind of the Jinzhou bloodbath was. Upon hearing Zhu Youchang say that Meng Shuyuan had been wronged, he couldn’t help but feel sorrowful. Just as he was about to console Zhu Youchang, Xie Zheng, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up: “The descendants of Old General Meng are still alive in this world.”

This statement stunned not only Zhu Youchang but also Xie Zhong.

Disregarding his disabled legs, Zhu Youchang tried to get up, supporting himself on the edge of the bed, but was fortunately stopped in time by Xie Zhong.

“I implore the Marquis to tell us where Old General Meng’s descendants are now. Is Sister Lihua… is she still alive?” Zhu Youchang clasped his hands towards Xie Zheng, his mouth twisted as if both crying and laughing, with muddy hot tears rolling into his unkempt beard.

Xie Zheng didn’t know the name of Meng Shuyuan’s daughter, but upon hearing “Lihua,” he instinctively recalled the name “Lihua” written on Madam Fan’s ancestral tablet in Lin’an Town.

Lihua, Lihua – it seemed that the Fan couple had feared trouble and dared not use even their original names.

Xie Zheng met Zhu Youchang’s eager gaze and, after a moment of silence, said, “General Zhu, please accept my condolences. Old General Meng’s beloved daughter is no longer in this world, but two granddaughters remain.”

As one of Meng Shuyuan’s top generals and almost an adopted son, Zhu Youchang had been very close to Meng Shuyuan’s children. Meng Lihua, in particular, was like a sister he had watched grow up. Although he had long suspected she was no longer alive, hearing Xie Zheng say that Meng Shuyuan still had descendants had raised a glimmer of hope that Meng Lihua might still be living.

Now, learning that Meng Lihua was indeed dead, grief overwhelmed him, and he covered his face, letting out two sobs.

Xie Zhong was puzzled by how much Xie Zheng knew about the Meng family’s descendants. Given the Marquis’s temperament, even those who had served him closely in the past didn’t dare mention the Meng family in his presence.

How had he managed to uncover all the details about the Meng family’s descendants without letting any information slip? The more Xie Zhong thought about it, the stranger it seemed. His brows furrowed into almost a “川” shape. He wanted to ask Xie Zheng but knew this wasn’t the right moment, so he could only pat Zhu Youchang’s shoulder and echo, “Please accept our condolences, General.”

Zhu Youchang also understood that given Xie Zheng’s position, he should have harbored a deep hatred for the Meng family before knowing the truth. How did he come to know so much about the Meng family’s descendants? Could it be for revenge?

This thought made Zhu Youchang’s heart race. Suppressing his grief, he scrutinized Xie Zheng and asked, “May I ask the Marquis, where are my two grand-nieces now?”

Xie Zheng answered, “They are both safe now. The elder one is sixteen this year. When rebels surrounded Lu City, she braved the night rain to cross mountains and kill rebel scouts while the army was damming the river upstream of Jízhou to flood the rebels. Later, she accompanied the army to deliver supplies to Yixia Gorge, where she beheaded Stone Tiger, a valiant general under King Changxin. She was adopted by Tao Yi, Tao Grand Tutor, who recommended her to join the army…”

His voice low and steady, Xie Zheng recounted Fan Changyu’s military journey. Each scene he briefly mentioned flashed vividly in his mind.

Their reunion on the mountain at Yixia Gorge, where she wept bitterly at his bedside; on the corpse-strewn battlefield, where she stood atop a pile of bodies, a fierce look on her face as she wielded a bone-chopping knife…

The path of a soldier was not easy. He knew all the hardships she had endured, the blood and tears she had shed.

“In the battle of Chongzhou, she led the right-wing army as the vanguard, saving He Jingyuan from certain death and beheading King Changxin on horseback. She was awarded the rank of Fifth-grade Valiant Cavalry Commander. During the battle of Lu City, she called herself Meng Changyu and volunteered to defend the city to death, buying time and declaring her willingness to die to restore her ancestor’s good name.”

As Xie Zheng detailed these events, hot tears never stopped rolling down Zhu Youchang’s cheeks.

After Xie Zheng finished speaking, Zhu Youchang was so choked up that he couldn’t speak for a while. Covering his face, he wept bitterly before finally saying in a trembling voice, “This is the blood of a general, the blood of a general!”

Xie Zhong was also shocked. He had long heard of a female general in the Northwest but never imagined she was a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, and that his own Marquis knew her background so thoroughly.

He secretly wondered if Xie Zheng had known all along that the failure to deliver supplies back then was not Meng Shuyuan’s fault.

Lost in these thoughts, he failed to hold Zhu Youchang, who pushed away his hand and fell from the edge of the bed.

With both legs broken, Zhu Youchang could only maintain a kneeling position by supporting himself with his hands on the ground. He bowed to Xie Zheng.

“What are you doing, General Zhu? Quickly, get up!” Xie Zhong moved forward to help Zhu Youchang, but he refused to rise.

Xie Zheng was also startled by this sudden turn of events and couldn’t avoid Zhu Youchang’s bow in time. He half-squatted to help Zhu Youchang personally: “General Zhu, whatever it is, please rise and then speak.”

Zhu Youchang still refused to get up. This man, who hadn’t shed a tear even when his legs were broken on the battlefield, now wept bitterly.

Choking with emotion, he said, “This bow is on behalf of the Meng family to thank the Marquis. Despite not knowing the truth of that year, you still allowed that child to make a name for herself in the army. This old Zhu thanks the Marquis for his great righteousness and open-mindedness!”

Xie Linshan had been disemboweled and hung on the city tower of Jinzhou. Even today, civilians would shed tears when mentioning it, cursing the Northern Yue people for their brutality. Xie Zheng, being Xie Linshan’s son, would naturally harbor more hatred towards the mastermind of the Jinzhou case than any civilian.

Zhu Youchang didn’t know how Xie Zheng had managed to treat the Meng family’s descendants equally in the army. At this moment, he was overwhelmed with gratitude and respect.

Hearing Zhu Youchang’s words, Xie Zheng’s hand, which was helping him up, paused slightly. He asked, “General Zhu, what exactly was the hidden truth of that year?”

Recalling the events of that time, Zhu Youchang couldn’t help but gnash his teeth: “It wasn’t that the Old General disregarded military orders and delayed the supply delivery. It was the Sixteenth Prince accompanying the army who was overly ambitious. Seeing only a few thousand Northern Yue soldiers guarding Luo City, with a hundred thousand civilians trapped inside, he ignored the Old General’s orders and insisted on going to Luo City for the rescue. In the end, the Sixteenth Prince was also captured. The Northern Yue people demanded that the Old General exchange the army’s supplies for the Sixteenth Prince, or else they would use the Sixteenth Prince’s blood to consecrate their banner!”

Xie Zhong’s face changed dramatically, and Xie Zheng’s eyes also darkened.

It wasn’t just that. The matter of the Sixteenth Prince seemed to have been deliberately erased over the past decade or so, with no historical records mentioning what the Sixteenth Prince had done in the battle of Luo City.

When Xie Zheng had heard rumors and reinvestigated the Jinzhou case, retrieving files from the Da Li Temple, the records stated that Changshan General Meng Shuyuan had disregarded military orders to rescue the hundred thousand civilians trapped in Luo City. In the end, he was defeated and failed to save the people in the city, causing the death of the accompanying Sixteenth Prince. The delay in supplying provisions indirectly led to the fall of Jinzhou on the front lines, and he ultimately committed suicide out of guilt.

But the Northern Yue army that had occupied Luo City at that time was hardly a threat. They were few and without supplies, only able to cling to life in that small space due to Luo City’s easily defensible terrain.

The imperial court initially ignored Luo City for two reasons: firstly, the situation in Jinzhou was more perilous, and secondly, the rebels in Luo City hadn’t yet reached the end of their rope, and forcibly taking the city would have consumed considerable time.

In comparison, holding Jinzhou as a gateway to keep the main Northern Yue army outside the border would allow them to deal with the Northern Yue forces in Luo City without worry later, like trapping a rat in a corner.

This was also why Xie Zheng had hated Meng Shuyuan for so many years.

Not aiding Luo City would have resulted in many deaths, but losing Jinzhou would have left Da Yin wide open, allowing the foreign race to advance unchecked, leading to ten or a hundred times more deaths.

It was Meng Shuyuan’s momentary soft-heartedness that had made him disregard military orders and commit an irreversible grave error!

So it turned out that Meng Shuyuan’s aid to Luo City wasn’t due to misjudging the situation, but because the Sixteenth Prince was also involved?

Xie Zhong frowned and asked, “Did Old General Meng delay the supplies to save the Sixteenth Prince?”

Zhu Youchang urgently replied, “How could General Meng, the most trusted old general of the Grand General, have failed to prioritize properly? Lord Xie, you fought alongside the Grand General back then, surely you must know our general’s character!”

Xie Linshan had been titled the Nation-Protecting Grand General, and in all of Da Yin, only he could be called “Grand General.”

Xie Zhong was a retainer of the Xie family, serving as part of Xie Linshan’s guard. “Du Qi” was his official title back then, and Zhu Youchang was using the old form of address.

Hearing this, Xie Zhong unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

Zhu Youchang spoke with resentment: “The Marquis is still young and may not know how much the former emperor doted on the Sixteenth Prince. Lord Xie should be aware of this.”

He looked towards Xie Zhong as he spoke.

Xie Zhong nodded: “The Sixteenth Prince’s maternal clan was powerful, and his mother, Noble Consort Jia, was the most favored in the harem. There were frequent rumors that if not for Crown Prince Chengde’s kindness and respect for the worthy, which earned him a good reputation among officials and commoners alike, the former emperor might have named the Sixteenth Prince as Crown Prince.”

Xie Zheng remained silent, lowering his eyes to conceal his thoughts.

It was strange that for such a prominent Sixteenth Prince, only fragments of information remained after seventeen years.

After Xie Zhong corroborated his statement, Zhu Youchang continued: “General Meng couldn’t disregard the Sixteenth Prince’s life, but he also couldn’t delay the crucial supply delivery. So he sent an urgent war report back to the capital, requesting the former emperor’s instructions on how to rescue the Sixteenth Prince. Meanwhile, he ordered the main army to continue escorting supplies to Jinzhou, leaving only a small force to negotiate outside Luo City.”

“Two days later, an imperial tiger tally arrived by urgent dispatch from the capital, along with a personal letter from Wei Yan.” At the mention of Wei Yan, Zhu Youchang’s jaw unconsciously tightened, as if he wanted to tear into his flesh: “That despicable man wrote in the letter that His Majesty had ordered the general to return to Luo City immediately to rescue the Sixteenth Prince and that troops from Chongzhou would escort the supplies to Jinzhou.”

Chongzhou’s geographical location was between Luo City and Jinzhou. With urgent situations on both sides, it indeed made sense for Meng Shuyuan’s supply troops to turn back to attack Luo City, while the army stationed in Chongzhou would escort the supplies to Jinzhou without delay.

Xie Zheng keenly spotted a flaw and asked, “If it was a troop deployment, with only a personal letter from Wei Yan and not even an imperial edict, did the old general believe it?”

Zhu Youchang instinctively reached into his collar, but finding nothing, he regretfully pounded the edge of the bed: “There was a military tally as proof! Unfortunately, when I was rescued from prison, someone claiming to be from the Crown Prince of Chengde’s faction came. Fearing I might not survive to leave, I hurriedly handed over the military tally to that person, begging them to clear General Meng’s name!”

Xie Zheng, who had taken advantage of the fight between Qi Min’s people and Wei Yan’s trained assassins to rescue Zhu Youchang, of course, knew that Qi Min’s people had also participated in the prison break.

He said, “I’ve checked the records of tiger tally usage from seventeen years ago. There was no record of the court issuing another tiger tally before Jinzhou fell.”

Zhu Youchang urgently replied, “There was! It was that ungrateful Wei Qilin who personally brought the tiger tally and letter! I didn’t recognize the Chongzhou tiger tally, but the general couldn’t have mistaken the Changzhou one. The general only changed course to Luo City after confirming both tallies matched!”

As the truth of that year was gradually uncovered, Xie Zheng remained unusually calm. He asked, “Two tiger tallies were used at once, with the Changzhou army responsible for escorting military supplies. Why was there no imperial edict?”

Recalling this, Zhu Youchang was also heartbroken: “That ungrateful Wei Qilin said that since the Sixteenth Prince had caused such trouble if His Majesty issued an edict, the crime would be officially recorded. Without an edict, only granting the tiger tally, if we could hold Jinzhou and recapture Luo City, it would be a great achievement, and the matter would be overlooked. Everyone at court knew the Sixteenth Prince was favored. When we saw the tiger tally and Wei Yan’s letter, we believed his lies!”

Xie Zheng suddenly asked, “Wei Qilin, did he betray Old General Meng?”

Zhu Youchang gritted his teeth: “Wei Qilin was always Wei Yan’s dog! After seeing the tiger tally and letter, the general temporarily left the supplies on the road with guards and led the main army to rescue the Sixteenth Prince in Luo City. Wei Qilin took the Chongzhou tiger tally to deploy troops there! Who would have thought that after we fought bitterly with the general in Luo City for days, we’d receive news that Jinzhou had fallen and the Crown Prince of Chengde and General Xie had died!”

Getting emotional, Zhu Youchang couldn’t help but cover his face and weep: “There were no Chongzhou troops delivering supplies at all! The soldiers in Jinzhou were starved until they had no strength left, and were slaughtered like animals by the Northern Yue people!”

Hearing this long-hidden truth, even Xie Zhong felt a sinking dread in his heart.

No matter how one looked at it, Wei Yan was not innocent in this matter.

Yet Xie Zheng, unaware of this, had been raised under Wei Yan’s care and had called him uncle for over a decade!

Xie Zhong looked at Xie Zheng with a complex expression. The latter had his head half-lowered, most of his face hidden in shadow, making it impossible to see his expression at that moment. They only heard him ask, “Did Wei Qilin ever return?”

Zhu Youchang said hatefully, “If he dared to return, I’d be the first to slaughter him!”

Something still felt amiss.

Xie Zheng remembered the letter Wei Yan’s assassins were looking for at Fan Changyu’s home. He slowly asked, “Before his death, did Old General Meng leave any instructions besides giving you the Changzhou tiger tally?”

Recalling that day’s events, Zhu Youchang still felt as if his heart was being cut by a knife. With reddened eyes, he said, “News of Jinzhou’s fall reached our camp in the morning. When we went to the general’s tent to find him, he was utterly devastated, sitting there unwilling to say a word. Knowing the general blamed himself and fearing he might do something rash, I stayed in the tent guarding him. It was then that he gave me the tiger tally.”

“The general said that from that day forward, the Changzhou tiger tally was lost, and told us to bring it out again when the time was right.”

“I didn’t understand the general’s meaning at the time. In the brief moment I turned to fetch some food, the general knelt facing Jinzhou in the tent and took his own life…”

Zhu Youchang choked with emotion: “Soon after, the court’s accusations came down. The general had only turned towards Luo City after receiving the troop deployment order, yet it became that the general had disregarded military orders, delaying the supply delivery and causing Jinzhou’s tragic defeat!”

Even after seventeen years, Zhu Youchang still cried out from the depths of his heart for Old General Meng: “General Meng was wronged!”

Outside, the heavy rain hadn’t stopped. Cold wind gusted through the wide-open doors and windows into the room, bitingly cold, as if even the heavens were mourning this great injustice against the Meng family.

Xie Zheng helped Zhu Youchang up. Though his face remained calm, one hand at his side had already tightened into a fist. He asked, “General Zhu, with the tiger tally as iron-clad evidence, why didn’t you clear Old General Meng’s name back then?”

Zhu Youchang replied emotionally: “How could I not have thought of it? I wanted to return to the capital and reveal this matter before the emperor, but all the officers under General Meng were demoted by several ranks and scattered to various places. I didn’t even have a chance for an imperial audience! I thought the Eastern Palace would thoroughly investigate this matter, but soon after, a great fire broke out in the Eastern Palace, and the Crown Princess and the eldest imperial grandson died in the fire…”

Zhu Youchang pounded the bed forcefully, his expression pained. He cried, “My only hope was General Xie’s former subordinates. At first, I wasn’t sure if this matter was related to Wei Yan, after all, General Xie’s wife was his sister! But when I finally managed to connect with General Xie’s former subordinates under the pretext of paying respects to the general, everything I said was overheard by Madam Xie. When the matter was exposed and Wei Yan had us detained, it was Madam Xie who threatened suicide to prevent Wei Yan from harming our lives!”

“Who would have thought that this ordeal would last seventeen years!” Zhu Youchang cried out in anguish.

The cold wind, mixed with rain, blew into the room, ruffling Xie Zheng’s bangs. His face was unusually pale as he whispered, almost inaudibly, “Mother.”

Xie Zhong’s expression also changed, saying with shock, “So when Madam asked us to return to the Xie residence in Huizhou, it was also to prevent us from being implicated in this matter? Then Madam’s death…”

Xie Zhong stopped mid-sentence, looking at Xie Zheng with an extremely sympathetic expression.

Sending Xie Zheng to be raised by Wei Yan was Madam Xie’s idea, wasn’t it? To make Wei Yan completely at ease with this child’s existence.

Xie Zheng’s lips were almost pressed into a cold, straight line. His fist, tense to the point where his tendons were visible, smashed violently into the sturdy pear wood table in the room. The table shattered into pieces as a name filled with endless hatred and bloodthirst escaped from his throat: “Wei Yan—”

I feel so bad for all the children (including our leads) and women in this novel.

Me too! Even Changyu with her military power seems so powerless in face of those political intrigues

Zhu Yu – Chapter 128

Zhu Youchang was still unaware of Qi Min’s collaboration with the Li family. He angrily exclaimed, “Marquis, the Imperial Grandson is still alive. I can testify as a witness, and the tiger tally given to the Imperial Grandson serves as physical evidence. We can surely bring down Wei Yan!”

Xie Zhong also felt pained for the injustice Meng Shuyuan had borne for so many years. However, as an outsider, he was somewhat more level-headed. He advised, “Marquis, General Zhu when we think carefully about the events of that year, there are still many suspicious points. Wei Yan is also very cunning. We should plan this carefully.”

Xie Zheng and Zhu Youchang remained silent. He continued, “Wei Qilin was a Wei family retainer and later became General Meng’s son-in-law. The Changzhou tiger tally he took was genuine, yet now, Marquis, you can’t find any records of its use in the archives. This means that the Emperor indeed used the tally to cover up the loss of the Sixteenth Prince, and therefore didn’t let the Ministry of War record it. Or… Wei Yan was already powerful enough at that time to privately deploy troops using the Ministry of War’s tiger tally!”

Outside, the wind and rain hadn’t stopped. The damp chill of the rain seemed to have seeped through the air, leaving a layer of moisture in the room. The truth behind the Jinzhou bloodbath and the real cause of his mother’s death made the veins on Xie Zheng’s temples bulge, his mind throbbing with pain.

His handsome face was pale with cold, like snow on a knife’s edge, with a hint of not-so-obvious bloodshot at the corners of his eyes. “Going to such lengths to make General Meng delay the grain shipment, the real purpose of those behind the scenes was to let Jinzhou fall.”

Or rather, to let the Crown Prince of Chengde die.

Everyone knew what the fall of Jinzhou meant for Da Yin.

Even if the Crown Prince of Chengde hadn’t died in the battle of Jinzhou, he would likely have been stripped of his position as Crown Prince upon returning to court.

Xie Linshan was a victim of this struggle for imperial power.

With Xie Zheng’s hint, Xie Zhong quickly understood the key points. He exclaimed in shock, “Could it be that the Sixteenth Prince deliberately put himself in danger? Just to let the Crown Prince of Chengde die in Jinzhou, so he could compete for the position of Crown Prince?”

Zhu Youchang was a simple man, not as quick-witted as Xie Zhong. Hearing this, he asked in confusion, “But wasn’t that too risky for the Sixteenth Prince? He put himself in the tiger’s mouth. Was he so certain that the Emperor would spare no effort to save him?”

The Sixteenth Prince did die in Luocheng.

Luocheng was easy to defend but difficult to attack. When news of Jinzhou’s fall reached Luocheng, the imperial army was devastated. With both the Crown Prince of Chengde and Xie Linshan dead, the army’s morale crumbled.

When the Bei Que people in Luocheng learned that the Bei Que army could march straight through, they no longer kept the Sixteenth Prince as a hostage and killed him to raise their banner.

With the most popular heir apparent and the Emperor’s most favored son both dead, Zhu Youchang suddenly realized that the reasons behind Jinzhou’s fall were not at all simple.

After Zhu Youchang’s explanation, Xie Zhong also felt that his earlier guess didn’t hold water.

He pondered, “As the saying goes, ‘When the snipe and the clam grapple, the fisherman profits.’ Back then, the Emperor favored the Sixteenth Prince. To win hearts in the military, the Crown Prince of Chengde personally went to Jinzhou to oversee the battle. The Sixteenth Prince, to compete for military merit, also petitioned the Emperor and picked up a military position overseeing supplies to follow to the front lines. In the end, both the Crown Prince of Chengde and the Sixteenth Prince died…”

He suddenly looked at Xie Zheng: “Could there be other princes pushing things along to compete for the dragon throne?”

Zhu Youchang thought for a moment and quickly gritted his teeth, “Wei Yan! It must be Wei Yan! After the Crown Prince of Chengde and the Sixteenth Prince died, the Emperor also passed away from excessive grief. Wei Yan quickly overrode all opposition and supported the Nineteenth Prince, who had no foundation, to ascend the throne! That beast, worse than pigs and dogs, for the sake of power, didn’t even spare his sister and brother-in-law! If he wasn’t afraid of arousing suspicion, he would probably sit on that dragon throne himself!”

Speaking of the sad parts, Zhu Youchang couldn’t help but cry out in a hoarse voice, “Wei Qilin truly lived up to being Wei Yan’s loyal dog. General Meng treated him well! Little sister Lihua was even pregnant at the time, how could he bear to help Wei Yan frame General Meng?”

Fearing that Xie Zheng might harbor resentment towards Meng’s descendants because of Wei Qilin, he added, “Marquis, if any of little sister Lihua’s children have Wei Qilin’s blood, you need not treat them as Wei family members. The Meng family doesn’t recognize that ungrateful dog Wei Qilin! They are only Meng family blood!”

Hearing Zhu Youchang mention Wei Qilin again, Xie Zheng’s pale face showed no emotion. His dark lashes lowered as he only asked, “The personal letter Wei Yan wrote to General Meng can also serve as evidence to expose Wei Yan. Does General Zhu know the whereabouts of that letter?”

Zhu Youchang said regretfully, “When news of Jinzhou’s fall came back then, there was chaos throughout the military. I didn’t anticipate Wei Yan framing General Meng at that time and didn’t think that letter would be of great use. By the time the imperial court’s accountability came down and I wanted to find that letter again, it was already gone…”

The headache was still intense, making Xie Zheng frown involuntarily.

The letter had ultimately ended up in Wei Qilin’s hands. Had something else happened that even Zhu Youchang didn’t know about?

The paler his face became, the calmer he appeared. Having obtained the answers he wanted, he said, “Wei Yan has colluded with rebels and has been impeached by the Li family. He will be held accountable in the Imperial Court soon. General Zhu, please rest well for now. The blood debt from seventeen years ago, this Marquis will make that Wei dog pay for it all!”

After leaving Zhu Youchang’s residence, Xie Zhong kept following Xie Zheng closely, several times on the verge of speaking but stopping himself.

The rain was gradually lessening, with only small beads of water falling from the eaves of the corridor, like a curtain of pearls.

Xie Zheng, dressed in a reddish-brown robe, stood silently under the eaves with one hand behind his back, looking at the lush green bamboo in the courtyard. His handsome brows and eyes seemed casual, yet gave people a startling feeling that all his nobility couldn’t suppress that gloomy killing aura.

After much hesitation, Xie Zhong finally spoke up, “Marquis…”

Xie Zheng’s eyelids didn’t move as he only said, “No need to follow me. Go down.”

Xie Zhong rarely overstepped but said, “Madam’s actions back then were likely to protect the Marquis, she had no choice. Marquis, please don’t be heartbroken. If the General and Madam knew of your abilities now from the underworld, they would surely smile.”

Xie Zheng’s gaze suddenly turned cold, “Go down.”

Xie Zhong raised his eyes to look at Xie Zheng’s cold, hard back and sighed softly in his heart.

He had always known that Madam Xie’s suicide was an unresolved knot in Xie Zheng’s heart.

Now that the truth was out, it would likely be even more painful for Xie Zheng.

For the past decade and more, he had hated Madam Xie for being weak, hated her for cruelly abandoning him, leaving him to be raised by his enemies.

But Madam Xie hanged herself to protect Zhu Youchang and the old subordinates of the Xie family after discovering Wei Yan’s plot.

Wei Yan could imprison Zhu Youchang and others for life, but he couldn’t imprison his sister forever. As long as Madam Xie was alive, Xie Zheng would one day know the truth about that year.

With Wei Yan’s methods, he would likely cut the grass and eliminate the roots.

Madam Xie chose to hang herself to save Xie Zheng’s life. Her last words asking Wei Yan to raise Xie Zheng were also intended to send Xie Zheng right under Wei Yan’s nose, to put Wei Yan completely at ease.

A year ago, when Xie Zheng heard those rumors and began to reinvestigate the Jinzhou case, Wei Yan indeed set up a deadly trap, intending to have him die in the Chongzhou rebellion.

The mother he had hated yet missed for over a decade had died for him. Xie Zhong couldn’t imagine how painful it must be for this young man who had shouldered the honor and disgrace of the entire Xie family on his thin shoulders since his youth.

Knowing Xie Zheng’s temperament, he didn’t know where to begin with any words of comfort. After bowing to Xie Zheng, he finally withdrew.

The vast corridor was empty, with only Xie Zheng remaining. The cold wind picked up again, blowing the fine rain sideways, drifting under the eaves, brushing past his pale face, leaving only a trace of icy dampness.

Xie Zheng leaned against a corridor pillar, propped up one leg, and sat on the wooden railing. His thick black lashes half-covered his eyes like fans as he stared unblinkingly at the rainwater on the distant bamboo leaves, which had accumulated too much and could no longer be supported, dripping from the leaf tips.

He tried very hard to remember, but still couldn’t recall that woman’s face. In his mind, there was only a blurry shadow smiling very gently, as if there was no fault in this world that she couldn’t forgive.

But the last memory she left him was only of him standing at the door, looking into the room at half a skirt floating in the air.

This scene tormented him for countless nights, making him wake up from nightmares in cold sweats and convulsions.

He hated her for being weak and selfish, yet she had gone to protect him.

The wind blew his bangs onto his eyelids. Xie Zheng tilted his head slightly, raised his hand to cover his eyes, and maintained this posture for a long time, motionless.

Wei Mansion.

This autumn rain seemed intent on washing away the dust of heaven and earth.

In front of the grand gates of Wei Mansion, two lamps were lit, hidden in the thick shade of the phoenix trees in the night, like a pair of blood-red beast eyes.

In front of the study window, a patch of wild chrysanthemums stood with their buds in the cold wind and desolate rain, their thin stems struggling to support them, unclear whether it was pride or stubbornness.

Everyone in the court knew that Wei Yan loved chrysanthemums, but he didn’t like those famous varieties, preferring only the wild chrysanthemums that could be seen everywhere on hills and plains.

Throughout the entire Chancellor’s mansion, the most widely planted were these wild chrysanthemums that grew in patches. With their almost overbearing growth, if the servants were a bit negligent in their care, the wild chrysanthemums could force other flowers and plants in the flower beds to have nowhere to grow.

Three feet of warm light spread before the desk, where a strong-boned old man picked up his brush to review documents. On this cool night with autumn rain still falling, he wore only a single garment, yet his figure didn’t appear thin.

The person kneeling below, drenched in cold sweat, reported the day’s events: “…Two groups of people came to break into the prison. You’ve been searching for the Changzhou tiger tally for years without success, but Zhu Youchang had sewn it into his severed leg. When the first group of people took him out of prison, they were entangled with the Tian group. Fearing he would slow them down due to his inability to walk, he picked up a dagger and cut open his leg flesh, giving the tiger tally to those people…”

“Then another group of people came, their martial arts style seeming to be from the Xie family. They took advantage of the Tian group chasing after the first group who took the tiger tally and rescued Zhu Youchang…”

The old man’s brush didn’t stop, the ink traces reflected in the dim candlelight were strong, each hook and horizontal stroke as if bending iron and breaking gold.

People of the time revered cursive script, and those in official positions were highly esteemed for writing good Palace style, but Wei Yan was famous for his Slender Gold style.

The character was like the man, lean and strong-boned.

Not hearing the old man speak, the person kneeling below gathered more and more cold sweat on his forehead. When the unknown fear reached its peak, he kowtowed heavily towards the desk, his forehead touching the cold floor tiles, and said tremblingly, “Please punish me, Chancellor!”

The old man finally stopped his brush and cast a faint glance downward: “Go to the torture chamber yourself to receive punishment.”

For the death squads raised by the Wei mansion, entering the torture chamber once was tantamount to losing half one’s life. However, upon hearing the old man’s words, the person kneeling below felt only wild joy at having his life spared at this moment.

After kowtowing to the old man once more, he silently retreated from the study.

The attendant came forward to help the old man wash his ink brush and said in a low voice, “My Lord, I’m afraid the truth about that year… can no longer be concealed.”

Wei Yan stood up and paced to the window, letting the cold wind fill his sleeves and flutter loudly. The trembling candlelight cast his shadow exceptionally long, like a mountain.

Looking at the wild chrysanthemums in the desolate cold rain throughout the courtyard, he said, “Send a message to the palace. It’s time to let the Western Expedition Army enter the capital to receive their honors.”

the blood bathe is coming

Zhu Yu – Chapter 129

As autumn deepened, the northern lands grew colder day by day. In the early mornings, a layer of frost coated the bare branches of the elm and poplar trees in the courtyard.

During the month Fan Changyu spent recuperating from her injuries, her attire had changed from light summer garments to thick autumn clothes.

She had injured her back while protecting Yu Qianqian and her son, leaving her unable to practice martial arts for a short period. Bored with lying around, she turned to the abstruse Four Books and Five Classics.

In truth, Fan Changyu was more interested in military treatises, but the tactics and strategies mentioned in them often required knowledge of astronomy and geography, which gave her headaches. She decided to start with more basic texts, progressing gradually.

Changning, who had previously studied with a tutor, often skipping lessons, now saw Fan Changyu reading every day. With Yu Bao’er as a playmate, she suddenly became interested in studying again, competing with Yu Bao’er to see who could recognize more characters.

Yu Bao’er could already recite simple poems, which Changning couldn’t match. Her competitive spirit aroused, and Changning demanded a tutor to teach her.

The tutor who had been hired for her during their temporary stay in Chongzhou hadn’t followed them to Jizhou.

As they didn’t have a stable place to stay, Fan Changyu postponed hiring a new tutor for her.

Yu Bao’er volunteered to teach Changning, but the girl’s strange pride prevented her from accepting. Fan Changyu, though not widely read, had been forced by her mother to learn all the characters, so she began teaching Changning herself.

Yu Bao’er was eager to learn and joined Fan Changyu’s lessons every day.

The two children often competed to recite poems, seeing who could memorize them faster. Usually, Yu Bao’er had the upper hand, which nearly brought Changning to tears. Too proud to cry openly, she would sneak into Fan Changyu’s room at night with her pillow, pretending she wanted to sleep together but trying to get ahead in her studies. This amused and exasperated Fan Changyu.

Using this method, Changning managed to beat Yu Bao’er a few times. However, Yu Bao’er learned quickly, and soon suggested they learn two poems a day instead of one.

Changning, already feeling guilty about her secret studying, couldn’t find a reason to refuse. She fidgeted nervously, unable to speak.

Fan Changyu, somewhat oblivious, saw that Changning had caught up and thought both children were learning quickly. She agreed to the new arrangement.

As expected, Changning lost again when they started learning two poems a day.

When Madam Zhao brought them snacks, Changning sat on a small stool in the corner, facing the wall, her pigtails drooping.

Madam Zhao asked with a smile, “What’s wrong with Miss Ning? Her little mouth is pouting so much you could hang an oil bottle on it.”

Fan Changyu, sitting on a lounge chair in the sun with a book, laughed and replied, “She lost a recitation competition with Bao’er.”

Madam Zhao called Changning over to eat some water chestnut cakes, saying cheerfully, “Come and eat the cakes I made. Ning, you’re Bao’er’s little aunt, after all. It’s only right to let him win.”

Changning turned her head in surprise, exclaiming excitedly at Yu Bao’er, “I’m your little aunt!”

Yu Bao’er, hearing this for the first time, furrowed his brow in confusion: “But Ning is younger than me. Shouldn’t she be Little Sister Changning?”

Madam Zhao laughed heartily: “Generational order isn’t determined by age. You call Changyu ‘Aunt,’ and Ning is Changyu’s sister, so that makes her your little aunt, doesn’t it?”

Changning, young but clever, realized she had gained an advantage over Yu Bao’er in terms of family hierarchy. She immediately cheered up, grinning from ear to ear, and said to Yu Bao’er, “Quick, call me Little Aunt!”

Fan Changyu shook her head and smiled at the two little mischief-makers.

Yu Bao’er pressed his lips together, then suddenly looked at Fan Changyu: “Then I won’t call Changyu ‘Aunt’ anymore. I’ll call her ‘Elder Sister’ instead.”

Fan Changyu had just turned a page in her book when she heard Yu Bao’er’s question. She found herself both amused and exasperated: “That won’t do.”

Yu Bao’er’s face, no longer as round as before, wrinkled in confusion, showing traces of a young boy’s features. He asked, “Why not?”

Fan Changyu explained, “If you call me ‘Elder Sister,’ wouldn’t that put me and your mother in different generations?”

Yu Bao’er fell silent, looking glum.

Only Changning was gloating, her smile reaching her eyes.

As the sun rose higher, the morning frost on the eaves and bare branches melted away. Sunlight streamed into the room as Changning and Yu Bao’er resumed their studies, swaying their heads as they read. Fan Changyu watched them with amusement for a while before stretching lazily on her lounge chair.

Xie Wu entered from outside the courtyard and reported, “Commander, an esteemed guest has arrived.”

Fan Changyu raised an eyebrow slightly, wondering who could be visiting her in Jizhou.

Soon, Gongsun Yin appeared, walking gracefully into the courtyard. He wore a white robe with a silver fox fur cape draped over his shoulders. Despite the cold autumn, he smiled as warmly as a spring breeze: “It’s been a long time since we parted at the Yixian Gorge battlefield. I can finally congratulate you in person on your promotion to Commander, Miss Fan.”

Surprised to see Gongsun Yin, Fan Changyu rose to greet him: “Master Gongsun, what an unexpected pleasure.”

Yu Bao’er, having never met Gongsun Yin before, eyed the handsome stranger warily.

Changning, however, dashed towards Gongsun Yin like a little firecracker, exclaiming joyfully, “Uncle Gongsun!”

Gongsun Yin patted the top of Changning’s head, commenting sincerely, “Your hair is finally neatly tied.”

Changning shook the bells and fluffy flowers on her hair bun, saying, “Madam Zhao did it.”

Gongsun Yin replied, “I guessed as much.”

Fan Changyu coughed lightly, interrupting the conversation between the adult and child: “Our humble abode is simple, Master Gongsun. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

Madam Zhao, sensing that Fan Changyu had business to discuss, coaxed the two children to leave with her.

Xie Wu helped Gongsun Yin pour a cup of tea, and Fan Changyu asked, “Weren’t you in Kangcheng, Master Gongsun? What brings you suddenly to Jizhou?”

Gongsun Yin took a sip of hot tea and raised an eyebrow: “Haven’t you received the news, Miss Fan? His Majesty has decreed that all generals who contributed to quelling the rebellion are to go to the capital for investiture.”

Fan Changyu replied, “I’ve been recovering from my injuries and haven’t been on duty at the military camp, so I was indeed unaware of this news.”

She asked curiously, “Is Master Gongsun joining the troops to head to the capital together?”

Gongsun Yin opened his folding fan, speaking mysteriously, “The Gongsun family doesn’t involve itself in court affairs. I’m here at Xie Jiuheng’s request.”

Noticing Fan Changyu’s momentary confusion, he paused and asked, “Didn’t Xie Zheng tell you his courtesy name?”

Fan Changyu shook her head. Previously, she hadn’t known Xie Zheng’s true identity, and after finding out, they quickly parted ways, leaving no opportunity to discuss such details.

She remarked with some interest, “So his courtesy name is Jiuheng.”

Gongsun Yin said sourly, “Grand Tutor Tao personally chose his courtesy name, so of course it’s good.”

Fan Changyu said, “My adoptive father gave me a courtesy name too.”

Gongsun Yin’s strikingly handsome face instantly twisted with jealousy. Gripping his teacup, he looked at Fan Changyu with extreme resentment and said, “Alright, let’s drop this topic.”

Fan Changyu looked bewildered, not understanding Gongsun Yin’s sudden change in mood.

She hadn’t received any letters from Xie Zheng for a long time. Before he went to the capital, he had told her that if anything happened to him, she shouldn’t heed the summons to the capital and should stay in the northwest instead.

Now that the summons had arrived, but there was no news from Xie Zheng, Fan Changyu wasn’t sure whether to stay put or bring Bao’er to the capital as ordered.

She asked, “What did he ask you to do in Jizhou?”

Gongsun Yin looked at Fan Changyu and said thoughtfully, “Well, that’s a secret for now. However, he’s suddenly started investigating matters related to the Sixteenth Prince in the capital, which might be connected to the truth about the Jinzhou incident.”

At the mention of the Jinzhou massacre, Fan Changyu’s heart sank, and she momentarily lost focus.

Gongsun Yin said, “I came here today firstly to visit you, Miss Fan, and secondly, to meet the descendant of Crown Prince Chengde.”

Tapping his closed fan against his palm, he asked, “That child in the room earlier, he’s the descendant of Crown Prince Chengde, isn’t he?”

Fan Changyu nodded.

Gongsun Yin continued, “I heard that Miss Fan was seriously injured while saving that child. Your departure from the city caused quite a stir, and you brought the child with you to the capital afterward. Tang Peiyi is bound to be suspicious. Before you set out for the capital, Miss Fan, you should think about how to explain the child’s background to Tang Peiyi.”

Fan Changyu asked, “Does Master Gongsun have any suggestions?”

Gongsun Yin looked at Fan Changyu with some surprise, noting that her time in the military had indeed matured her. He said, “General Tang is an honest man, and with Lord He’s connection, he can be won over.”

This aligned with Fan Changyu’s thoughts.

Gongsun Yin stayed for less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea before leaving. Changning and Yu Bao’er were playing in the courtyard, and when they saw Gongsun Yin leave, Changning followed him like a little tail to the main gate before finally letting him go.

Looking at the child’s large, moist eyes that resembled black grapes, the usually miserly Gongsun Yin gritted his teeth and gave Changning all the silver he had on him, telling her to buy some candied hawthorn fruits.

Changning’s calls of “Uncle Gongsun” became even sweeter.

She was generous, though, and didn’t forget to share the candied hawthorn fruits with Yu Bao’er. For the first time, Yu Bao’er, who had never refused anything she offered before, declined. He said seriously, “Eating too much sugar will give you cavities, and that’s ugly.”

Changning wasn’t afraid of cavities, but she was afraid of being ugly. She hesitated, holding the candied hawthorn fruits, not daring to eat them.

Yu Bao’er continued earnestly, “My mother says that people who randomly buy sweets for children are usually bad. I think that man from earlier looked very suspicious.”

Changning’s mouth gaped open in an “Ah,” and she clutched her clothes, conflicted. “But Uncle Gongsun isn’t…”

Yu Bao’er suddenly asked, “Are you close to him?”

Changning nodded. Because she was dressed warmly and had been playing in the courtyard for a while, she had worked up a sweat. Her cheeks were rosy, and in the sunlight, the fine hairs on her face were visible, making her look adorably pink and white.

She said, “Uncle Gongsun’s hairstyles are so pretty!”

Yu Bao’er looked at her soft, fine hair tied into little buns and pressed his lips together tightly. He said, “I can do pretty hairstyles for you in the future.”

Changning couldn’t do her hair and found it troublesome. When she heard Yu Bao’er’s offer, she was quite tempted. Her large black grape-like eyes looked at Yu Bao’er: “Do you know how to do hair?”

Yu Bao’er said, “I can learn.”

The next day, when Madam Zhao was doing Changning’s hair early in the morning, a little figure stood beside them, observing. Madam Zhao laughed and told Yu Bao’er not to rush, saying they could go out to play after Changning’s hair was done.

Yu Bao’er watched very attentively and said, “I’m not in a hurry, Madam Zhao. Please take your time.”

Madam Zhao praised the child for being so understanding.

Fan Changyu knew nothing of this. Her injuries had fully healed, and on her first day back at the military camp, Tang Peiyi told her about the imminent departure for the capital. He then kept her behind to ask about Yu Bao’er, as she had expected.

Fan Changyu saluted and said, “I feel guilty for concealing this from you until now, General. That child… indeed has an unusual background.”

Tang Peiyi sighed, “If you’re planning to bring the child to the capital with the troops and you don’t give me some insight, I won’t know how to react if something unexpected happens on the way.”

Fan Changyu nodded: “It was careless of me. That child… is a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde.”

Upon hearing this, Tang Peiyi exclaimed in shock, “Wasn’t the Crown Prince’s eldest son killed…?”

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing the implications.

With this child appearing now, and the Blood Clothes Riders secretly protecting him, who had tried to kill the child before?

Tang Peiyi was unaware of Qi Min’s existence and assumed it was the Emperor who wanted to kill Yu Bao’er. He broke out in a cold sweat.

After pacing back and forth in the tent several times, he said to Fan Changyu, “I understand now. You may go. I’ll secretly assign more men to protect the young prince during our march.”

Fan Changyu bowed and said, “This subordinate thanks the General.”

Tang Peiyi pointed at Fan Changyu and said with some resignation, “You…”

He sighed, “Preserving this bit of Crown Prince Chengde’s bloodline is fulfilling our duty as subjects.”

After two months of marching, the army finally reached the capital.

With Tang Peiyi’s secret support, the carriage carrying Yu Bao’er was protected like an iron barrel throughout the journey, and no further incidents occurred.

The soldiers camped at the Western Mountain Camp outside the city. Tang Peiyi selected only a few hundred of the most distinguished and meritorious officers to enter the city with him.

The court officials who came to receive them had specially prepared newly forged Mingguang armor, to make the army look more magnificent and imposing as they entered the city.

After changing and resting, the army headed towards the North City Gate.

Fan Changyu had achieved great merit in quelling the rebellion. Even though the court hadn’t officially bestowed rewards yet, the entire capital knew that a female general had emerged from the northwest.

Flag-bearing ceremonial troops led the way, with crowds of cheering citizens lining both sides of the long street to welcome their triumphant return.

Fan Changyu rode her horse just behind and to the side of Tang Peiyi, with He Jingyuan’s eldest son riding beside her.

Citizens along the street threw flowers at them. As the only female general in the army, and with her outstanding appearance and demeanor, many citizens called out to Fan Changyu enthusiastically. The cries of “General Fan” were full of admiration and joy.

Some young women even threw handkerchiefs at Fan Changyu.

Faced with this situation for the first time, Fan Changyu felt somewhat at a loss. Afraid of losing her dignity, she tried to maintain a stern expression on horseback.

Little did she know that her cold demeanor only made her appear more like the awe-inspiring female general the citizens had imagined.

Among the crowd, the loudest cheers were for Fan Changyu.

Young girls, in the bloom of their youth, even shed tears, lamenting, “What a pity that General Fang is a woman; otherwise, I would marry her!”

“I wonder if General Fang has any brothers. If I can’t marry her, I’d be happy to be her sister-in-law!”

Amidst the bustling crowd, the officers and soldiers trying to maintain order struggled to hold back the excited citizens rushing to welcome the victorious army. Yet, in this sea of faces, Fang Changyu’s keen eyes caught sight of a gaze directed at her from a nearby tavern.

She tilted her head to look up. Most of the windows on the second floor of the tavern were wide open.

In one half-opened window, she recognized a familiar figure, who was quietly watching her.

The vibrant red chrysanthemums on the windowsill couldn’t overshadow the elegance of his features.

Fearing detection, Fang Changyu offered a slight smile to Xie Zheng as she passed.

Inside the private room, Xie Zheng gazed at the female general, now surrounded by cheers as she rode triumphantly down the street. For a moment, he was lost in thought.

A year ago, he had seen her in a tavern in Lin’an, wielding a cleaver as she led a group of ruffians, exuding an aura of defiance.

Now, she rode back on a silver-saddled steed, clad in armor, a dazzling presence basking in the cheers of the crowd, a radiant general who shone like the sun.

Xie Zheng admired the sight of her, upright and poised like a young bamboo on horseback, and he too couldn’t help but raise the corners of his lips in a faint smile.

Bao’er, you’re too young to be a little vinegar jar🤭

Yu Bao’er you little gentleman

Haha,I can smell jealousy 🤭

it just me Yu Bao’er and master song are jealous?

Is Gong sun a bad guy?! Ouuh drama 🤭

Bao err is jealous of Gongsun 🤣🤣 Wahat a little one …

yu bao err kalau sudah dewasa kayanya cemburu an melebihi xie zheng ini 😅😅

wow.. is changning become queen someday because bao er married her?

I can just imagine Yu Bao’er fixing Chaning’s hair when they’re emperor and empress.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 130

The grand army passed through Zhengyang Gate and waited silently in front of Wumen Gate for the imperial summons.

The three-sided city terraces, each thirty zhang high, were connected. Above them rose the East and West Yan Wing Towers and corner pavilions. The main hall with its multi-layered yellow-tiled roof and white marble balustrades housed a row of armored and sword-bearing Golden Feather Guards, creating an atmosphere of solemn majesty.

Before these towering terraces and halls, even the plaza below, capable of holding nearly ten thousand people, seemed cramped.

Atop her horse, Fan Changyu gazed up at the palace buildings, looming like enormous beasts. She wondered if those who dwelled on those high platforms for too long might lose sight of the common people’s suffering, viewing their lives as insignificant as ants.

How else could one explain why the emperor on his dragon throne, while she was at the frontlines slaying enemies, was only concerned about her interfering with his marriage arrangements and decided to eliminate her?

Two years ago, during the drought and flood disasters, to promote the Li family and suppress Wei Yan, he had acted just like Qi Min. They colluded with the Li family to allow corrupt officials under Wei Yan to embezzle layer upon layer of disaster relief funds and grain. Only after enough people had died did they turn to punish Wei Yan.

The common people suffered unbearably, cursing the corrupt officials and hoping their “Heaven” would open its eyes. Little did they know that their “Heaven” had been watching all along, merely as a cold observer.

The emperor was obsessed with power games, while those seated in the high halls of state were concerned not with the people’s hardships, but with how to overthrow political rivals and perpetuate their family’s prosperity.

Fan Changyu suddenly found the yellow glazed tiles on the flying eaves painfully glaring. She lowered her eyes and clenched her fists.

Once inside Wumen Gate, civil officials could no longer ride in sedan chairs, and military officers could not ride horses. As they waited, palace attendants came to lead away their war horses.

Tang Peiyi noticed Fan Changyu’s unusual expression and thought she might be nervous about her first audience with the emperor. He glanced back at the majestic palace and said, “An ancient poem says, ‘In heaven stands the White Jade Capital, with twelve towers and five cities.’ I imagine the White Jade Capital in that poem couldn’t be much grander than this. Countless scholars and warriors spend their entire lives without qualifying to even glimpse inside. Commander Fan, at such a young age, you’re already granted an imperial audience in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Truly, the young are to be feared. We’ve been summoned to the capital for rewards and honors, so you needn’t worry. Just accept your appointment when we enter the hall.”

Fan Changyu didn’t explain anything, merely cupping her hands and saying, “Thank you for your guidance, General.”

Tang Peiyi patted her shoulder and said no more.

After about a quarter of an hour, the summons finally penetrated through several palace gates, reaching Wumen Gate.

“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”

The eunuch’s voice outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony was high-pitched and drawn out.

“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”

The Golden Feather Guards standing with swords at the foot of the white marble steps had deep, rough voices.

“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”

The final call echoing outside the Yan Wing Towers resounded between the thirty-zhang-high city terraces on both sides, creating countless reverberations, majestic and awe-inspiring.

Even the generals who had just come from the blood-soaked battlefields of the Northwest couldn’t help but feel their hearts tremble, truly understanding what it meant to “pay respects to the Son of Heaven.”

The east side gate slowly opened. Led by Tang Peiyi, the military officers lined up neatly behind him. They entered Wumen Gate, crossed the Golden Water Bridge, traversed Taihemen Gate, and finally reached the Hall of Supreme Harmony where civil and military officials held court.

As far as the eye could see, there were vermilion walls and yellow-tiled roofs. Even the ground was paved with white marble, truly deserving of the name “Heavenly White Jade Capital.”

Among the accompanying officers, many were facing the emperor for the first time. They were so overwhelmed by the majestic halls that they dared not even breathe loudly.

Fan Changyu followed behind Tang Peiyi, walking alongside He Jingyuan’s eldest son. With her mind weighed down by too many heavy matters, she showed little interest in the magnificent gold-inlaid and jade-carved halls.

Even on the white marble steps before the Hall of Supreme Harmony stood rows of Golden Feather Guards, each towering in stature. However, their eyes held more arrogance than the bloodthirst honed on battlefields.

Entering the great hall, Fan Changyu didn’t need to look around to sense the golden splendor. Civil and military officials were lined up on both sides of the hall, making way for them to approach.

However, the positions at the head of both civil and military officials were empty. Xie Zheng had specially requested to return to the capital a few days later, while Wei Yan had claimed illness and hadn’t attended court for many days. Fan Changyu guessed those might be the positions of Wei Yan and Xie Zheng.

Tang Peiyi led the group of military officers in clasping their fists and kneeling on one knee: “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

Fan Changyu also bowed. She had originally planned to reveal her identity as a descendant of the Meng family in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, forcing the emperor to investigate Wei Yan. But too many things have happened since then. The Li family and Wei Yan seemed to still have cards up their sleeves, and Xie Zheng was plotting something, making her decide to hold back for now.

From atop the enormous gilded dragon throne carved in relief came the emperor’s pleased voice: “Rise—”

Fan Changyu stood just behind Tang Peiyi. As she raised her head, she immediately saw the Son of Heaven seated on the dragon throne, clad in bright yellow dragon robes.

He looked much younger than Fan Changyu had imagined an emperor would be. Wearing the imperial crown with dangling jade beads, he smiled in a way that made him seem unexpectedly approachable, almost like a young man rather than the supreme ruler of an empire.

Qi Sheng naturally saw Fan Changyu as well. When his gaze swept over her, even though he was still smiling, it made her feel as uncomfortable as when she had encountered the eunuch delivering the imperial edict outside Chongzhou City.

Qi Sheng pointed at them and said to the assembled court officials with a smile, “My loyal ministers, behold the pillars of our Great Yin Dynasty!”

The civil and military officials on both sides of the great hall exchanged glances, and a very low murmur of discussion arose. However, no one echoed the emperor’s words. The civil officials managed to maintain their composure, but many of the military officers couldn’t hide their dissatisfaction, only refraining from openly contradicting the emperor because they were in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The main issue was that the title of “pillar of the state” was far too grand a compliment.

Such praise might be fitting for the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers, but among those who had come with Tang Peiyi for this audience, the lowest-ranking was Fan Changyu, a fifth-rank Valiant Rider Commander.

Among officials in the capital, only those of fifth rank or above in important positions could attend court audiences, though they lacked the right to remonstrate. For local officials, one had to be of the fourth rank or higher to be granted an imperial audience.

Qi Sheng’s words had, in effect, pitted the meritorious military officers against the entire court.

Even Fan Changyu, new to officialdom, sensed something was amiss. When Tang Peiyi heard the emperor’s praise, cold sweat had already begun to fall from his temples. He hastily cupped his fists and said, “We humble servants dare not accept such praise. Serving Your Majesty loyally is the duty of all subjects. Moreover, in this campaign to suppress the rebellion, the truly meritorious were Lord He and the Marquis of Wu’an.”

He Jingyuan had devoted his entire life to service and had already passed away, while Xie Zheng’s illustrious military achievements were beyond dispute for any court official.

By bringing up these two, Tang Peiyi made the emperor’s praise more fitting and deserved.

Qi Sheng’s smile didn’t diminish, as if his previous overwrought praise hadn’t been intentional: “Lord He and the Marquis of Wu’an are indeed pillars of the Great Yin Dynasty. With winter approaching in the northern territories, the Marquis of Wu’an has memorialized his intention to return to Jinzhou to inspect the military defenses before coming back to the capital. With the Marquis of Wu’an, I and all my loyal ministers can rest easy!”

At these words, all the officials voiced their agreement.

Qi Sheng smiled again and said, “When Lord Xie returns to the capital, I shall bestow upon him the Nine Bestowments.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the officials looked at each other, none daring to speak. The entire court fell into a deathly silence.

Fan Changyu stood with her head bowed in the hall, wondering if the Nine Bestowments were some kind of taboo, otherwise why would the court officials be so tight-lipped?

Fortunately, Qi Sheng quickly changed the subject himself: “Lord He’s death in battle at Lucheng pains me greatly. I have been unable to eat for days. Today, I posthumously confer upon him the title of Duke of Jing, with the honor of ancestral worship in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Is his son He Xiuyun present?”

He Xiuyun, who had been standing next to Fan Changyu, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your humble servant is here.”

He Jingyuan had been a renowned scholar-general in life, and his eldest son had inherited his scholarly nature. Though skilled in martial arts, he was more proficient in Confucian studies. During He Jingyuan’s time in Chongzhou, He Xiuyun managed all affairs in Jizhou, with Zheng Wenchang staying behind as his deputy.

Qi Sheng said, “You have passed both the imperial examinations and have gained years of experience in Jizhou under your father. Henceforth, you shall take the position of Governor of Jizhou.”

He Xiuyun thanked the emperor for his grace: “This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for this great honor. I shall not dare to disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations.”

Qi Sheng bid him return to his place. When his gaze turned to Tang Peiyi, whether because he had heard something from the eunuch who had gone to Chongzhou to deliver the edict or for some other reason, though he was still smiling, there seemed to be a hint of malice: “General Tang showed great foresight and judicious use of personnel in suppressing the rebellion. I hereby appoint you as the Great General Who Pacifies the West, with a reward of a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of fine silk.”

After Tang Peiyi stepped forward to express his gratitude, Qi Sheng’s gaze fell on Fan Changyu.

He said, “I have long heard that a female general has emerged from among the common people of our Great Yin Dynasty. Step forward and let me see you.”

Fan Changyu stepped forward and cupped her fists: “Your humble servant Fan Changyu pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Qi Sheng said, “Raise your head.”

These words caused no small stir among the court officials. Fan Changyu was a military officer with battle merits, yet Qi Sheng’s frivolous words seemed more like selecting consorts in the harem.

Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed unconsciously as she raised her head, her gaze resolute. Her face showed none of the shyness of a young girl, only the spirit of a battle-hardened warrior.

Qi Sheng’s lips curved into a smile as he praised, “What a golden peony of the battlefield!”

At these words, the expressions of the court officials became even more interesting. Even Tang Peiyi felt anxious for Fan Changyu.

For the emperor to praise her appearance rather than her achievements was strange no matter how one looked at it. Fan Changyu also felt that something was off.

Especially since she knew that the emperor on the dragon throne had already harbored thoughts of killing her before. Now, being stared at by his ambiguous smile made her feel as if she had thorns on her back.

Sure enough, the next moment, Qi Sheng asked, “Does my loyal subject have a marriage partner?”

Fan Changyu felt a chill run through her entire body. Her hands, still clasped in a salute, tightened involuntarily. A sense of anger at being insulted and despised rose in her heart. She pressed her lips tightly together and answered in a clear, ringing voice: “In response to Your Majesty, this humble servant is already married.”

Although Xie Zheng had used a false name when he married into her family, there was indeed a true marriage certificate recorded in the official documents. Her words could not be considered deceiving the emperor.

Qi Sheng seemed rather disappointed and continued to ask, “Where is your husband now?”

Fan Changyu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: “At the beginning of the year when troops were being conscripted, my husband went to Chongzhou. Worried for him, I accidentally joined the army while searching for him. The battle to suppress the rebellion was fierce, and my husband’s fate remains unknown to this day.”

During wartime, it was not uncommon for soldiers to go missing. Some deserted, some were trampled into unrecognizable pulp by thousands of horses and men, and others died in the wilderness by accident. There were countless such cases.

There was indeed a “true name” roster of soldiers in the army, but now no one by that name could be found in the ranks. What Fan Changyu said was, in essence, the “truth.”

Given what she had said, her journey of a thousand li to find her husband would be seen as an act of deep love and loyalty by anyone. Her husband was a soldier missing in action from the Battle of Chongzhou, making her practically a widow of a war hero. If Qi Sheng were to continue with his frivolous remarks, it would undoubtedly be seen as coveting a subject’s wife – the behavior of a degenerate ruler.

Qi Sheng had long been clear about Fan Changyu’s relationship with Xie Zheng. His confrontation in the Hall of Supreme Harmony was merely an attempt to vent his anger over Xie Zheng cutting off the eunuch’s ear that day. Now that Fan Changyu had rebuffed him neither humbly nor arrogantly, causing him to lose face in front of his officials, he was on the verge of flying into a rage from embarrassment.

Struggling to maintain the smile on his face, he said: “In my seventeen years on the throne, this is the first time I’ve seen a talented woman general. Lord Fan, you beheaded the King of Changxin in the Battle of Chongzhou and single-handedly held Lucheng until reinforcements arrived. Your contributions are undeniable. I hereby appoint you as Cloud and Plume General, and confer upon you the title of Second-Rank Commandery Princess.”

Cloud and Plume General was a third-rank military position with real power, while Commandery Princess was an honorary title.

Fan Changyu was likely the first and only person in the history of the Great Yin Dynasty to earn the title of Commandery Princess. Even the wives of prime ministers received their titles through their husbands.

Fan Changyu bowed her head in gratitude: “This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for this great honor.”

After the rewards came the punishments.

As Fan Changyu returned to her place, she heard the emperor ask, seemingly somewhat wearily: “Do any of my loyal subjects have matters to report?”

An elderly man with graying hair and beard, standing at the forefront of the civil officials’ ranks, stepped forward with his jade tablet and said: “This old servant has a matter to report.”

Qi Sheng said: “What does the Grand Tutor wish to report?”

Hearing the words “Grand Tutor,” Fan Changyu guessed that the old man must be Grand Tutor Li.

Thinking of the things the Li family had done in collusion with Qi Min, she raised her eyes to observe the old man who had stepped forward diagonally in front of her. She couldn’t see his face clearly, but the figure beneath the crimson official robe embroidered with cranes looked extremely thin, like a gnarled old pine tree.

It was deeply ironic to Fang Changyu that those who treated the lives of common folk and soldiers as mere trifles could put on such a façade of loyalty and dedication to the people.

Ahead, Grand Tutor Li’s voice rang out with fervent indignation. “Lu City was nearly lost, resulting in the tragic deaths of countless soldiers. He, He Jingyuan, sacrificed himself, all because Wei Yan colluded with the rebels. I implore Your Majesty to hold Wei Yan accountable and seek justice for the thousands of fallen soldiers and Duke Jing!”

With that, he knelt in his robe.

Seeing this, members of the Li faction stepped forward, and a large number of civil officials quickly followed suit, kneeling en masse. Some minor officials, who had initially hesitated to take sides, looked around and, fearing ostracism in the court, reluctantly held out their tablets and joined the chorus, crying out, “We implore Your Majesty to hold Wei Yan accountable and seek justice for the thousands of fallen soldiers and Duke Jing!”

War general and commandery princess. Our FL has achieved so much and to think that all she ever dream was to raise 200 pigs!

esta humillación que el Rey quiso hacer pasar a Fan Cangyu ,que se prepare porque si su esposo se entera, le va humiliar el doble , como se atreve despues de todo lo que ella hizo y pasado, me gusto el titulo que la nombraron 😎😎😎😎

I hope she meet her ex

Zhu Yu – Chapter 131

Tang Peiyi already felt immensely guilty about He Jingyuan’s death. Although he didn’t want any involvement with the Li faction, when he heard their demand to hold Wei Yan accountable, he immediately hitched up his robes and knelt: “This humble official also implores Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate the matter of Prime Minister Wei colluding with rebels, and provide an explanation to the soldiers fighting on the frontlines and the common people of the realm!”

As Tang Peiyi knelt, the military officers who had accompanied him to the Golden Hall for the conferment ceremony all followed suit and knelt as well.

Qi Sheng rested his elbow on the armrest of the dragon throne, pressing his temple, his expression visibly displeased: “What is the meaning of this? Have you all learned to pressure me now?”

Grand Tutor Li, clutching his official tablet, with his white hair and beard hanging low over his brows and eyes, spoke in a hoarse voice: “We subjects dare not. But if treacherous officials are not removed and injustices not righted, how can we console the loyal souls in the netherworld? If this old official does not remonstrate, I would not be worthy of wearing these official robes and eating Your Majesty’s salary. I might as well retire and return to my hometown!”

Fan Changyu watched Grand Tutor Li’s figure, as thin as a bamboo pole. If she hadn’t known about the Li family’s collusion with Qi Min, she would have truly believed that Grand Tutor Li was a good official who cared for the country and its people, just like He Jingyuan.

A loud “bang” resonated.

It was Qi Sheng who had thrown down a stack of memorials from the dragon table. He laughed in extreme anger: “If you want to remonstrate, then remonstrate. Why does the Grand Tutor pressure me with talk of retiring to his hometown?”

Grand Tutor Li bent his spine forward a few more degrees, “This old subject dares not!”

In the past, it had always been the emperor and Grand Tutor Li working in tandem to suppress Wei Yan. Now, as Grand Tutor Li denounced Wei Yan, the emperor was vigorously protecting him. It was truly the first time the civil and military officials of the entire court had witnessed such a scene.

The more astute ones quickly recalled the earlier rumors, secretly speculating whether the matter of finding a descendant of the Chengde Crown Prince was true.

The Wei faction, who had been silent until now, noticed the emperor’s attitude and immediately stood up to say: “The Prime Minister has worked hard and achieved great merit, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the Great Yin’s rivers and mountains for so many years. He has fallen ill due to overwork and is recuperating at home. Is this how you slander the Prime Minister?”

The people of the Li faction angrily retorted: “It was the person recommended by the Prime Minister to the military who let the Chongzhou rebels escape, nearly losing Lu City. The captured rebel strategist also pointed out that Wei Yan indeed had connections with the rebels. With both testimonial and physical evidence present, what is there to quibble about?”

“Lu Dayi was overly ambitious and acted rashly against military orders, falling into the rebels’ trap. Even if blame is to be assigned, the Prime Minister is at most guilty of misjudging character. How dare you accuse the Prime Minister of colluding with rebels? Your intentions are malicious! Can the words of a rebel strategist be trusted? What if this is a ploy by the rebels to sow discord!”

“What use is your clever rhetoric? The evidence is irrefutable. You won’t believe it until you see the coffin!”

The two factions in the great hall argued incessantly, almost to the point of rolling up their sleeves and coming to blows. Qi Sheng on the dragon throne seemed to have a headache from the noise and shouted sternly: “Enough!”

The court officials who had been hurling accusations at each other finally restrained themselves and returned to their original positions, holding their official tablets.

Qi Sheng’s expression was very unpleasant: “What kind of behavior is this, shouting and clamoring? Do you think this Golden Hall is a marketplace?”

The group of officials lowered their heads and brows, not daring to utter another word.

Qi Sheng, pressing his aching temple, said: “All testimonial evidence in the case of Wei Yan colluding with rebels will be temporarily held at the Court of Judicial Review and submitted to the Three Judicial Offices for joint investigation. The court dismissed!”

After saying this, Qi Sheng swept his sleeves and left the Golden Hall first. The eunuchs attending to him called out in their shrill voices “Court dismissed!” before hurriedly running to catch up with Qi Sheng.

The civil and military officials at the bottom of the great hall knelt and bowed towards the empty dragon throne above: “Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live!”

As Fan Changyu rose with the other court officials, she slightly furrowed her brow and glanced at the gilded dragon throne at the top of the great hall.

Would the investigation of Wei Yan go smoothly?

As they left the great hall, Grand Tutor Li’s expression was not pleasant.

His eldest son followed closely behind him, speaking in a low voice to Grand Tutor Li: “Has His Majesty turned to Wei Yan for protection again?”

Grand Tutor Li, who had been Qi Sheng’s teacher for over a decade, understood this emperor who had been forced onto the dragon throne at a young age all too well. He shook his head and said: “It’s not the first time he’s done something like this.”

When Qi Sheng first ascended to the throne, he was just a child. The civil and military officials of the court respected him on the surface, but in reality, no one took this young emperor without real power seriously.

At that time, to secure his position on the throne, Qi Sheng followed Wei Yan’s lead in everything.

Later, as his power grew, he realized he was nothing more than a puppet emperor. To wrest power from Wei Yan’s hands, he began to draw closer to Grand Tutor Li.

Perhaps it was because he had never truly held that imperial power that Qi Sheng could not tolerate anyone sharing power with him.

He was too impatient. Before Wei Yan had fallen, he was already guarding against the Li family at every turn, which ultimately led to the Li family turning to cooperate with Qi Min. Only then did he panic, and out of necessity, he turned back to seek Wei Yan’s support.

As long as Wei Yan didn’t fall, even if he continued to be a puppet emperor, the throne would still be his.

Li Yuanting, Grand Tutor Li’s eldest son, showed a look of disdain: “He has schemed against Wei Yan so many times, how can Wei Yan still protect him? When the time comes, they will both be nothing but defeated dogs!”

Grand Tutor Li paused his steps and gave his eldest son a cool look.

Li Yuanting realized he had misspoken and looked around, seeing that the officials were all leaving the palace in small groups and no one was near them. Only then did he breathe a slight sigh of relief.

Grand Tutor Li said: “No matter when, always be careful. Calamity comes from the mouth.”

Li Yuanting lowered his head and agreed.

At the foot of a white jade stone staircase ahead, Fan Changyu and Tang Peiyi, along with a group of generals who had suppressed the rebellion, were walking down. Some minor officials were congratulating Tang Peiyi, and the group walked and talked, all wearing appropriately courteous smiles on their faces.

Grand Tutor Li’s gaze lingered for a few moments on the female general in red robes and silver armor, as radiant as the proud sun.

Li Yuanting had long known Fan Changyu’s true identity. He lowered his voice and said: “I heard that the Marquis of Wu’an refused the bestowed marriage for this woman, and personally led the Xie family cavalry to rush to Lu City’s aid, with his father’s death in between. He truly seems to have been bewitched.”

Grand Tutor Li didn’t respond. After walking a few steps, he suddenly asked: “Is there still no news from Huai’an?”

Li Yuanting shook his head and added: “We’ve sent more people to search.”

Grand Tutor Li grunted and continued walking forward.

Fan Changyu, Tang Peiyi, and others were not officials from the capital and had no residences in the imperial city. The Ministry of Rites had arranged for them to stay at the Court of State Ceremonial.

According to the customs of the Great Yin’s officialdom, when princes and nobles with fiefs outside the capital were summoned to the imperial city, they would all stay at the state guesthouses. Officials returning from provincial posts would stay at the Court of State Ceremonial.

Although Fan Changyu and the others had received rewards, whether they would remain in the capital or be reassigned to provincial posts still depended on the imperial edict.

If they were to stay in the capital, the Emperor would bestow mansions upon them or allocate land for them to build their residences. If they were to be assigned to provincial posts, they would have to depart for their respective prefectures and counties.

Fan Changyu, now a third-rank official, was assigned an independent courtyard. Madam Zhao, her husband, Changning, and Bao’er moved in with her, and it didn’t feel cramped at all.

Carpenter Zhao was now officially registered as a military physician. He should have been on duty with the Jizhou army, but with the war over, he felt he wasn’t of much use in the military. As Fan Changyu was heading to the capital to receive her title, he requested leave and accompanied them on the journey.

During the half-day Fan Changyu spent in the palace, the elderly couple, accompanied by Xie Wu and Xie Qi, had taken Changning and Bao’er for a tour of the capital’s main streets.

When Fan Changyu returned, she saw that the round table was almost covered with snacks Changning had bought. Before she could scold Changning, the girl was already excitedly gesturing about the various novelties she had seen on the streets.

“Sister, sister! There was a yellow-bearded man breathing fire on the street! And people performing with flower spears, and breaking stones on their chests…” Changning’s eyes sparkled as she counted on her fingers, almost running out of digits.

Seeing her so happy, Fan Changyu couldn’t bring herself to scold her. She just pinched Changning’s chubby cheeks and said, “When you go out to play, you mustn’t be naughty or runoff. Stay with your Madam Zhao and Uncle Xie Wu, alright?”

Changning nodded carelessly, then hugged Fan Changyu’s arm and started swinging it. “Sister, sister, when will you have time? Let’s go play that arrow-throwing game. If you win, you can get a little rabbit!”

Fan Changyu asked with a smile, “You want to keep a rabbit?”

Changning nodded vigorously. “I’ll fatten it up and feed it to Xuan Xuan!”

This answer left Fan Changyu torn between laughter and exasperation. When Xie Wu used to accompany her in the army, the gyrfalcon was always fed by Xie Qi and Changning. Later, when Xie Wu was injured and resting at home, he also helped with the feeding.

They both knew how to train gyrfalcons. Each day, if Changning overfed the bird, Xie Qi would take it out at night to let it fly for a while.

During the days when Fan Changyu was recovering from her injuries in Lu City, Madam Zhao couldn’t sit idle. To supplement the diet of the wounded soldiers in the infirmary, she bought a brood of chicks from the market and raised them near the camp.

Occasionally, hawks would come to steal the chicks, worrying Madam Zhao to no end. Every day when she returned to the small courtyard, she would sigh and fret. Later, Xie Qi often let the gyrfalcon fly around the military camp. If it encountered other hawks trying to steal chickens, the gyrfalcon would chase them and peck off half the feathers from their wings.

Madam Zhao praised the gyrfalcon for being so intelligent and immediately rewarded it with a pile of chicken giblets.

After entering the capital’s territory, to avoid attracting attention, even at night, neither Xie Qi nor Xie Wu dared to take the gyrfalcon out to fly. Inevitably, the bird, constantly fed by Madam Zhao and Changning, became noticeably rounder.

Fan Changyu said, “If you keep feeding it like this, your Xuan Xuan will be too fat to fly.”

Madam Zhao also advised, “Ning’er, be good. We’re staying in an official courtyard in the capital now. It’s not our place, so it’s not convenient to raise rabbits. If we leave the capital later, it’s easy to take inanimate objects, but not so easy with living creatures.”

Only then did Changning lower her head, twisting her chubby fingers together and reluctantly agreeing.

The elderly Zhao couple pulled Fan Changyu aside to ask about her audience with the Emperor. Having lived most of their lives in a small border town, they never imagined they’d one day come to the capital. Hearing that Fan Changyu had been granted a high official position, they cried and laughed, wiping away tears and saying they would burn some paper money for Fan Changyu’s parents to tell them the good news.

Changning squatted outside the door, picking up a small stick to draw circles on the ground, her little mouth pouted as she still thought about the snow-white rabbit in the merchant’s cage.

A pair of small embroidered boots appeared in her line of sight. Yu Bao’er stood in front of her and said, “I’ll help you win the rabbit.”

Changning said unhappily, “But you don’t know how to throw arrows, and Uncle Xie Wu and Uncle Xie Qi won’t help me either…”

Yu Bao’er said, “Give me two days. I can learn it.”

Children’s thoughts are exceptionally sensitive. It was fine when no one comforted her, but as soon as Yu Bao’er said this, Changning’s eyes reddened. The weather had turned cold, and Madam Zhao had dressed her in many layers. Squatting on the ground, she looked like a soft, chubby rabbit herself. She said pitifully, “What if someone else wins the rabbit?”

Yu Bao’er said, “The merchant will have other rabbits.”

Changning’s eyes reddened even more. She wiped her eyes and said, “But I only want that rabbit from today.”

Yu Bao’er suddenly asked, “Didn’t you say you wanted to raise it to feed your falcon? As long as it’s a rabbit, wouldn’t any do?”

Changning hung her head without speaking, tears clinging to her long lashes, looking both pitiful and wronged.

Yu Bao’er stared at her for a while, then changed his words, “I’ll help you win today’s rabbit, but you have to keep it as a pet. You can’t feed it to your falcon.”

Changning thought for a moment, feeling that the little rabbit was quite cute, so she nodded vigorously.

She asked, “How will you win it?”

Yu Bao’er said, “Don’t worry about that.”

After talking with the elderly Zhao couple for a while, Fan Changyu saw them out of the room, intending to ask Xie Wu how to contact Xie Zheng in the capital, but couldn’t find him.

She called out to Xie Qi, who was tidying up the courtyard, “Xiao Qi, where did Xiao Wu go?”

Xie Qi, leaning on his broom, answered, “The young master said he needed to go out to buy some things and asked Fifth Brother to accompany him.”

Yu Bao’er’s identity was sensitive. Except for the elderly Zhao couple who always called him Bao’er, Xie Wu and Xie Qi addressed him as a young master.

Worried about potential incidents, Fan Changyu asked, “Is only Xiao Wu with him? Do you know where they went?”

Xie Qi quickly replied, “Don’t worry, General. The young master said they were only going to the two streets we visited this morning. General Tang has also secretly sent people to follow them.”

Fan Changyu breathed a sigh of relief but felt strange that Xie Qi so quickly addressed her as General. She wasn’t used to it herself. She said, “That’s good,” and then asked, “Do you know… where he is now?”

Although Fan Changyu didn’t specify who, Xie Qi could tell from her tone that she was asking about Xie Zheng. He said, “The master entered the capital secretly. We haven’t received any news from him yet. Although the Xie family has a residence in the capital, the master has always been cautious and probably won’t stay there. The meritorious officials from the rebellion suppression are all temporarily staying at the Court of State Ceremonial. For now, we can only wait for the master to contact us.”

Fan Changyu recalled the figure she had seen in the window of a street-side tavern when entering the city. She wondered if he had been there specifically to watch the army enter the city.

Seeing her lost in thought, Xie Qi asked, “General, do you have urgent business with the master?”

Fan Changyu said, “It’s not urgent. You can go back to your work.”

She mainly wanted to ask Xie Zheng about his next deployment. The Crown Prince had temporarily disappeared, and Yu Qianqian was also nowhere to be found.

The Emperor was starting to favor Wei Yan. With the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices, it was uncertain what the outcome would be.

Whether Li’s faction won or Wei’s faction won, Fan Changyu felt that the court was in a terrible state.

She returned to her room and closed the door, just as she let out a soft sigh, a deep voice sounded, “What did you want to see me for?”

Fan Changyu looked up in surprise and saw a figure leaning against the bed curtain with folded arms.

She exclaimed, “When did you arrive?”

Xie Zheng answered, “I’ve been here all along.”

Seeing the confusion still in Fan Changyu’s eyes, he raised a disguise mask in his hand.

The area near the bed curtain was dim, and only when he walked out did Fan Changyu notice he was wearing the uniform of a Court of State Ceremonial guard.

He had disguised himself as a guard here!

Before Fan Changyu could speak, he took out another set of guard’s clothes and threw them to her, saying, “Put these on. I’m taking you to meet someone.”

Many eyes were watching the Court of State Ceremonial, monitoring which officials from outside the capital went where and whom they met, with every detail being reported to the palace.

To avoid those watchful eyes, they naturally had to disguise themselves to slip out.

Fan Changyu glanced at Xie Zheng. He wasn’t wearing the mask, and his face was still handsome and refined, but she felt that his mood seemed off.

To be precise, from the moment she saw him at the tavern when entering the city, she had sensed something was wrong with him, which was why she had deliberately smiled at him as she passed by.

Now, holding the guard’s uniform, Fan Changyu didn’t ask whom he wanted to take her to meet, but hesitated and said, “What’s wrong? Is something not going well with your return to the capital…”

Before she could finish the last word, she was pulled into a hard, chilly embrace.

Xie Zheng didn’t do anything else, just held her tightly, burying his face in the crook of her neck, like a drowning man clinging desperately to a piece of driftwood.

Fan Changyu was slightly stunned. Because both her hands were still holding the clothes, she couldn’t return his embrace.

She tried to free one hand to gently pat his back and ask what was wrong, but before she could, she was pulled even tighter into his arms.

“Don’t move. Let me hold you for a while.”

Xie Zheng’s voice was filled with exhaustion and hoarseness.

For a moment, it gave Fan Changyu the illusion that he seemed vulnerable.

Fan Changyu couldn’t quite describe the feeling in her heart. She only felt as if a large hand had gripped her heart tightly, causing a dull ache.

She let go of the guard’s uniform, letting it fall to her feet, and instinctively wrapped her arms around his slim, firm waist. Just as she had comforted Changning on countless nights after their parents had passed away, she now softly comforted the man before her, her voice calm and gentle: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 132

After a few moments, Xie Zheng straightened up. His face, cold as jade, now showed no trace of emotion. It was as if the vulnerability from moments ago had truly been just an illusion in Fan Changyu’s mind.

He reached out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind Fan Changyu’s ear, simply saying, “Go change your clothes.”

Though Fan Changyu had many questions, she had no choice but to suppress them for now.

The Presentation Institute was full of people and prying eyes. If she let him wait outside, a guard of the Institute leaving her room would be seen and could lead to unsavory rumors if word spread.

To avoid unnecessary complications, it was best not to let him leave the room at all.

She picked up the guard uniform that had fallen to the floor and, after a moment’s hesitation, stepped behind the folding screen.

As she unfastened the soft armor she wore, Fan Changyu peeked out worriedly to glance at the man standing with his back to her in the room.

Except for the night before he entered the capital, even when they had shared a bed, they had always slept fully clothed. She had never undressed in front of him in broad daylight before.

Fan Changyu felt very uncomfortable.

Unexpectedly, Xie Zheng, with his back to her, spoke as if he had eyes in the back of his head, “Don’t worry, I won’t look.”

Fan Changyu felt a pang of embarrassment at having judged his character unfairly. She withdrew her head and began to rustle out of her clothes.

From beyond the screen came the latter half of Xie Zheng’s calm statement: “Haven’t I already seen everything there is to see, both what should and shouldn’t be seen?”

Fan Changyu’s hands froze in the act of untying her sash. Her eyes flashed dangerously as she gripped the folding screen behind her with one hand. As the wooden screen creaked under her grip, she enunciated each word: “Xie. Zheng!”

A very soft chuckle came from outside: “I’m just teasing you. Hurry up and change.”

As Fan Changyu put on the guard uniform, she glanced toward the screen again out of the corner of her eye, unconsciously furrowing her brow.

Xie Zheng was doing this on purpose.

He seemed to not want her to ask too many questions, which was why he deliberately changed the subject like this.

After Fan Changyu finished changing and walked out, she didn’t pursue the matter further. While fastening the vambrace on her sleeve, she asked, “Who are you taking me to see?”

The guard uniform was dark blue. She had tied all of her long hair up into a small bun on top of her head, exposing her long, fair neck. Her features were naturally sharp, giving her a unique air of heroism.

However, with the leather belt cinched tight around her waist, she looked too slender, unlike a man.

Xie Zheng leaned against the carved openwork moon gate separating the inner and outer rooms, quietly watching Fan Changyu, his eyes as deep and dark as an ancient well that never saw daylight: “You’ll know when we get there.”

As Fan Changyu approached, he suddenly raised his hand, with its slightly protruding veins, to unfasten the collar she had just secured.

Fan Changyu started in surprise and dodged sideways. The delicate skin of her neck brushed against his cool fingertips, instantly making half her neck tingle.

She rebuked him in a low voice: “What are you doing?”

Xie Zheng looked down at her. The windows and doors were tightly shut, making the room dim and accentuating his handsome, sculpted features.

“Your waist is too thin. You’ll be recognized. We need to bind two pieces of cotton armor.”

His voice was very calm as his fingertips moved to the right, hooking and pulling to unfasten Fan Changyu’s securely tied collar without any obstruction this time.

With such a dignified reason given, Fan Changyu couldn’t bring herself to be angry with him anymore. But he was standing too close; his breath was filled with that cold scent of northern snow mixed with soap. Combined with the almost-but-not-quite touch of his fingertips, it made the tip of Fan Changyu’s nose break out in a fine sweat.

As he began to undo the leather belt at her waist, Fan Changyu stepped back, quickly unfastening it herself with both hands. “I’ll do it myself.”

Without the belt to hold it closed, her outer robe fell open, revealing the loose white undergarment beneath. Only two ties at the front held it in place, and the slender curve of her collarbones was now visible.

The teeth marks on her left collarbone had faded considerably, leaving only two rice-grain-sized marks at the top and bottom.

As she bent her head to tie two pieces of cotton armor around her waist, a loose strand of hair fell forward, dangling right at her shoulder and neck.

Xie Zheng reached out to brush away that strand of hair. The sensation of the hair being drawn across her skin was indescribably ticklish. Fan Changyu instinctively shrank her neck, frowning slightly as she looked up at Xie Zheng. His calloused fingertip came to rest on the two tiny marks left by his teeth.

Fan Changyu’s shoulders twitched again—his fingertips were very cool.

Xie Zheng made no further untoward moves. His gaze merely swept over the now noticeably flatter curve of her chest as he asked, “Bound your chest again?”

Though he was only touching her collarbone with two fingers, Fan Changyu felt as if he were holding some sharp weapon to her throat. It seemed all the strength in her body was being drawn out through his fingertips.

She struggled to maintain her composure as she replied, “It’s more convenient when wearing armor.”

Xie Zheng gave a noncommittal “Mm,” his fingertips idly tracing the teeth marks on her collarbone. Suddenly, his right arm flexed powerfully, wrapping around Fan Changyu’s waist and lifting her onto the round table.

Fan Changyu leaned back unexpectedly, barely managing to steady herself by bracing her hands on the table’s surface. Before she could react, Xie Zheng had gripped her chin and was kissing her.

This position left her with no choice but to submit, making it easy for Xie Zheng to deepen the kiss.

Even as he kissed her, he managed to free a hand to securely tie the cotton armor around her waist, then close and fasten her outer robe. Lowering his gaze to glance at her, he bit the collar of her left shoulder and pulled it down, covering the faded teeth marks with a fresh red mark before adjusting her collar back into place.

Fan Changyu’s breathing was very unsteady. Though her clothes were no longer disheveled after his adjustments, her cheeks were flushed pink, and her hands gripping the edge of the table had white knuckles from the effort.

Xie Zheng raised his head and placed two more quick kisses on her slightly swollen red lips before saying, “If you keep looking at me like that, we won’t be leaving this room today.”

His voice was lower than usual as if he’d been drinking, with a husky magnetism.

As Fan Changyu’s gaze gradually cleared, she grabbed his collar from her current position, pulling him down close to her. She opened her mouth and bit down hard on the junction of his neck and shoulder.

Xie Zheng let out a soft hiss, but before he could react, Fan Changyu had already released him and jumped down from the table.

She took several steps away before turning back to look at him, her eyes holding the wildness and defiance of a leopard: “Let’s go.”

Xie Zheng pulled up his collar to cover the teeth mark on his neck and shoulder, lightly tracing the mark with his fingertip before unhurriedly following her.

Since Xie Zheng had said someone would inform Xie Qi and the others of her whereabouts, Fan Changyu didn’t specifically seek out Xie Qi to explain.

Using the pretext of going shopping, the two left the Presentation Institute and entered a shop selling brushes, ink, and paintings. They were led to the second floor, where servants brought them clothes to change into.

Fan Changyu stood by the window of the private room, pushing it open a crack. She watched as two Blood Riders wearing the guard uniforms they had just discarded left, immediately followed by several plainclothes individuals who discreetly tailed them. Startled, she turned to ask Xie Zheng, “Did you know all along we were being followed?”

Xie Zheng sat at the table, his long fingers with their light scabs holding a cup of clear tea. He raised his eyelids slightly and said, “Guards and servants leaving the Presentation Institute are always followed.”

Fan Changyu understood the meaning behind his words. Those people were the eyes of the palace.

Even when sending servants or guards out on errands, the Emperor would have them secretly watched.

She returned to sit at the round table covered with exquisite embroidered satin and asked, “Where are we going next?”

As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of horses neighing as a carriage stopped could be heard from downstairs.

Xie Zheng set down his teacup: “The carriage is here.”

Seeing him stand up, Fan Changyu also picked up the veiled hat brought by the servant and followed.

This veiled hat was used by noble ladies or young misses in the capital to cover their faces when going out. With this hat on, Fan Changyu wouldn’t need to apply any disguising cosmetics to her face.

As they were leaving, a “husband and wife” pair from the carriage were being led upstairs by the shop’s servants. Fan Changyu noticed that the couple’s clothes were identical to what she and Xie Zheng were wearing.

Seeing the servant give an almost imperceptible nod to Xie Zheng, and the “couple” enter the private room they had just vacated, Fan Changyu guessed that these were also Xie Zheng’s people.

As it wasn’t the right time to speak, she remained silent. Following Xie Zheng downstairs, he bought two calligraphy scrolls before leading her to the carriage waiting by the road.

The driver cracked his whip, and the carriage set off into the busy market. After they had gone some distance, Fan Changyu lifted a corner of the curtain to look back. Confirming that no one was following them, she lowered the curtain and asked Xie Zheng, “Are the people in that shop yours?”

Xie Zheng sat leaning against the carriage wall. The curtain at the window fluttered in the breeze, casting shifting light on his disguised face, which still couldn’t hide his superior bone structure.

He answered, “That’s a Zhao family business.”

Fan Changyu remembered the Zhao family bookstore that had opened in Qingping County, but she hadn’t realized the Zhao family also had businesses in the capital.

After Xie Zheng closed his eyes to rest, Fan Changyu lifted a small corner of the curtain to observe the street scenes along the way.

The capital was indeed more prosperous than any place she had ever been. No wonder Chang Ning had been so excited after going out for a stroll.

Fan Changyu watched for a while, resting her elbow on the window, then turned her head to stare at Xie Zheng with his eyes lightly closed.

He had something on his mind, but he was unwilling to tell her.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together slightly. She didn’t much like the dejected feeling rising in her heart because of this.

As she was lost in thought, staring at him, the man who had been keeping his eyes closed suddenly opened them: “What are you looking at me for?”

Caught red-handed, Fan Changyu felt both guilty and embarrassed. She quickly sat up straight, coughed lightly, and said, “I was curious about what material your face mask is made of.”

Making a human skin mask isn’t easy. When they left the Presentation Institute, Xie Zheng wore a human skin mask that fit the contours of his face, while Fan Changyu applied some disguising cosmetics.

When they changed clothes at the bookstore, the cosmetics on her face had been cleaned off.

Hearing her say this, Xie Zheng raised his hand to his face and peeled off the scarred face mask, handing it to her.

Fan Changyu took it and felt it carefully, frowning as she said, “I can’t tell what it’s made of.”

Xie Zheng said, “I thought you might guess it was human skin.”

Fan Changyu’s expression changed instantly. Her almond eyes widened, her pupils contracting, looking just like a startled cat.

Seeing her like this, Xie Zheng lowered his gaze to hide the amusement in his eyes. The gloom that had been accumulating in his chest seemed to dissipate a little.

Fan Changyu’s face showed a complex expression. Using just her two thumbs to pinch the edge of the mask, she handed it back to Xie Zheng with a conflicted look, saying, “They say that debts are settled when a person dies. But to skin, someone after they’re dead to make a mask is really bad karma. You shouldn’t use this anymore.”

Xie Zheng propped his chin on one hand, gazing at her intently as he deliberately said, “But there’s no material more suitable than human skin. It’s extremely flexible and fits perfectly…”

As he spoke, he pushed the mask Fan Changyu had returned closer to her: “If you don’t believe me, try it on yourself.”

Fan Changyu’s face had almost turned green. She looked at the skin mask so close to her as if facing a great enemy, stiffening her neck as she said, “I won’t try it!”

She looked like a leopard cat about to bristle.

A muffled laugh escaped from Xie Zheng’s throat: “You believed it?”

Fan Changyu realized she had been tricked and glared at him without speaking.

Xie Zheng chuckled and said, “It’s made of donkey glue by an alchemist.”

The curtain was occasionally lifted by the wind, revealing scenery that had changed to the outskirts of the city.

Fan Changyu held the mask in one hand, her other hand clenched into a fist. As the driver reined in the horses to stop, she threw the mask at the opposite seat, immediately followed by several “bang bang” punches flying out.

When Xie Zhong heard the horse’s neigh and came out of the estate, he heard a series of loud “crash bang” noises from inside the carriage stopped at the estate’s gate.

A moment later, a young lady in a lotus-colored gauze dress jumped down first. She had bright eyes and white teeth, with a beautiful face, though she looked a bit fierce. However, her eyes were clear, giving her somewhat of an honest, easily fooled appearance—quite a spirited young lady.

Xie Zhong didn’t recognize Fan Changyu but thought that since she was brought here by the Blood Riders’ carriage, she must not be an outsider.

Shortly after, Xie Zheng walked out of the carriage. For some reason, he had put the scarred face mask back on.

Seeing him, Xie Zhong quickly cupped his hands in salute: “My Lord.”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly, his voice betraying no emotion: “How is General Zhu’s recovery?”

Xie Zhong replied, “Everything else is fine, but his legs can’t be healed.”

This was something the doctor had warned about early on.

Xie Zheng turned his head to look at Fan Changyu, whose anger hadn’t completely subsided, and said softly, “The person I wanted you to meet is inside.”

happen again. domectic violence. ohhhh i love u both

Zhu Yu – Chapter 133

The slight annoyance in Fan Changyu’s heart instantly disappeared.

She looked at Xie Zheng, then at the middle-aged man missing an arm and a leg who had come out to greet them from the estate. Although still puzzled, she pushed open the half-closed gate and hesitantly stepped inside.

Xie Zhong stared at Fan Changyu’s back, noting her steady gait and deep, even breathing, unlike typical noble ladies. He suddenly had a guess and turned to Xie Zheng: “My Lord, this young lady… could she be the descendant of the Meng family?”

However… the relationship between the Marquis and this young lady seemed somewhat unusual.

Xie Zheng neither confirmed nor denied.

The sun was setting, casting a faint golden glow on half of his face and eyelashes. His pupils reflected Fan Changyu’s retreating figure, the look in his eyes too deep to fathom.

He said, “Later, you escort her back.”

Xie Zhong was slightly taken aback. Remembering what day it was, his eyes also showed a hint of gloom: “If you’re going there, please take more people with you. I’m worried Wei Yan might…”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Xie Zheng interrupted Xie Zhong’s words. He took one last look at Fan Changyu’s silhouette bathed in the evening glow, then turned and left.

The setting sun stretched his shadow extremely long, falling under the myriad rays of sunset light, making him appear even more solitary and isolated.

As Fan Changyu entered the small courtyard, she heard chaotic voices coming from a room with its door half-open.

“I’m not drinking this medicine that’s so bitter it makes me want to vomit bile! Bring me some wine!”

“General Zhu, please don’t make things difficult for me. With your old injuries, the doctor has repeatedly warned that you absolutely must not touch alcohol.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake! I’ve been locked up for seventeen years. If I don’t taste that burning liquor again, my tongue will rust!”

Fan Changyu approached and peered inside through the half-open door. She saw a square-faced man with a big beard leaning against the head of the bed, with a young man who looked like a servant standing beside the bed, holding a bowl of medicinal soup.

Fan Changyu was standing in a spot that blocked some light, catching the attention of those inside.

The square-faced, bearded man turned his head to look outside, his eyes suddenly reddening as he called out uncertainly: “Sister Lihua?”

Fan Changyu didn’t recognize the person he was calling for. She stood at the door without moving or responding.

After carefully examining her, the man suddenly changed his words: “No, those eyes don’t look like Lihua’s… Lihua is no longer in this world…”

He seemed both joyful and sorrowful, almost afraid to recognize her, his voice trembling as he asked: “You… are you Changyu?”

Hearing him call out her name, and thinking of Xie Zheng’s purpose for coming to the capital earlier, as well as his sudden decision to bring her to meet someone today, Fan Changyu guessed that this man must be one of her grandfather’s former subordinates. Her heart was immediately filled with excitement and grief.

She pushed open the door and entered, saying, “You know me? May I ask who you are…”

The man almost covered his face as he wept, his voice choked with emotion: “Heaven has eyes! To think that in my lifetime, I, old Zhu, could see General Meng’s descendant again!”

Seventeen years of wrongful imprisonment and deaths had separated them. Even though Zhu Youchang was a grown man seven feet tall, seeing the daughter of his old friend again made him weep uncontrollably. He looked at Fan Changyu and said: “I’m your Uncle Zhu. I joined your grandfather’s army at fourteen, rising from a frontline soldier to the Commander of the Tiger Vibrating Battalion. Your mother was like a half-sister to me.”

Upon truly learning that this man was an old friend of her parents, Fan Changyu felt overwhelming excitement. But standing closer, she noticed that Zhu Youchang’s two legs hidden under the blanket had an unnaturally thin contour, not at all like the size an adult man’s legs should be.

She suddenly felt a lump in her throat, trying her best to control her emotions as she asked: “Uncle Zhu, what happened back then? And your legs… what happened to them?”

Zhu Youchang’s face was also full of pain. He angrily said: “General Meng’s failure in transporting supplies was a frame-up by that dog Wei Yan! As for these useless legs of mine…”

As he spoke, he patted the thin leg bones hidden under the thin blanket, forcing a bitter smile as if it didn’t matter: “They were injured on the battlefield of Luo City. It’s not worth mentioning. I haven’t had any feeling in them for over a decade, which spared me from pain while in prison.”

Fan Changyu remembered what Xie Zheng’s man had said at the gate about Zhu Youchang’s legs being beyond healing, and felt deeply saddened.

She asked: “Wei Yan imprisoned you for seventeen years?”

At the mention of Wei Yan, Zhu Youchang gritted his teeth in hatred: “As long as the Tiger Tally remains unfound, that dog will never rest easy. He had to imprison those of us who wanted to clear General Meng’s name and avenge General Xie and Crown Prince Chengde.”

Fan Changyu exclaimed in shock: “The deaths of General Xie and Crown Prince Chengde are also related to Wei Yan?”

Zhu Youchang explained in detail how Wei Yan had used the Tiger Tally and a personal letter to make Meng Shuyuan turn back to Luo City to rescue the Sixteenth Prince. He also shared his and Xie Zheng’s conjectures about the situation.

He clenched his jaw: “That dog has the heart of a wolf and the ambition of a jackal. He must have been planning to put a puppet on the throne and control the court himself back then. Otherwise, why would he use the military power of the Wei and Xie families to forcefully recommend the Nineteenth Prince, who had no foundation, to succeed the throne immediately after Crown Prince Chengde and the Sixteenth Prince died, and the previous emperor passed away?”

After learning the true reason for the supply transport failure and the truth behind her grandfather’s unjust reputation, Fan Changyu was lost in thought for a long time.

Besides sadness and anger, she felt that the truth of that year must still be partially hidden.

Her father had lived in Qingping County for over a decade. Although he was a man of few words, he was honest and kind. When selling pork, he would intentionally charge less for poor families.

Whenever a family was in trouble, he would help as much as he could. Even when encountering beggars, he would give them some alms.

It was precisely because of this that when Old Scholar Song died, and Madam Song and her orphaned child knelt in the street begging for a simple coffin, her parents unhesitatingly helped the Song family.

Since her father had been an important general under her grandfather’s command, he must have known what a delay in transporting supplies would mean for the Meng family, Jinzhou, and the entire Da Yin dynasty.

Fan Changyu didn’t believe he would have helped Wei Yan frame her grandfather for the sake of so-called power, causing her grandfather to bear the infamy of being a sinner for all time, as well as the blood debt of tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

Moreover, Yu Qianqian had once said that Qi Min hated the Sui family. Perhaps there was a reason why the Crown Princess had chosen the Sui family to help Qi Min escape back then.

The army her father had gone to find to take over the supply transport was precisely the Sui family’s Chongzhou army.

Something must have happened in between!

Fan Changyu suddenly raised her head to look at Zhu Youchang: “Uncle Zhu, Wei Yan may indeed be a great villain, but I don’t believe my father would have helped Wei Yan do such a heartless thing! If he had truly betrayed my grandfather, my mother would have been the first to not forgive him. How could she have lived in seclusion with him for sixteen years?”

Upon hearing that Meng Lihua had gone into seclusion with Wei Qilin, Zhu Youchang angrily said: “It must be that cunning Wei Qilin who deceived your mother!”

But Fan Changyu shook her head and said: “If my mother had been completely unaware of what happened back then, she wouldn’t have followed my father in death after he was forced to take his own life.”

Zhu Youchang’s eyes reddened severely, his voice suddenly changing: “Your mother followed your father in death?”

Fan Changyu lowered her eyes to hide the pain in them: “Or rather… she also took her own life to protect me and my little sister.”

Zhu Youchang asked urgently: “What exactly happened?”

As the sealed memories were opened, Fan Changyu seemed to see once again that bleak winter in Lin’an Town last year. White paper money fluttered down with the snow, covering the thin layer of snow on the road. The government had returned her parents’ bodies on a wooden cart…

She said hoarsely: “Sixteen years ago, with the help of Uncle He Jingyuan, my parents were able to forge household registrations and settle in Qingping County. The personal letter Wei Yan wrote to my grandfather was also in my parents’ possession all along.

“In early winter last year, Uncle He was instructed by Wei Yan to take my parents’ heads. Uncle He originally wanted to warn my parents and let them escape to another place with me and Ningniang. My parents were afraid of implicating Uncle He and also guessed that with Wei Yan’s methods, he certainly wouldn’t spare me and Ningniang. They chose to take their own lives and put that letter in a box, giving it to Uncle He. They asked him to hand over the box to Wei Yan when he came to search our house, to protect mine and Ningniang’s lives.”

Speaking of those past events again, Fan Changyu’s throat became uncontrollably choked: “My parents must have known some inside information, which is why Wei Yan wanted to silence them. And my father certainly never betrayed my mother and grandfather! The only ones who might know the inside story are probably the Sui family, but unfortunately, both the Prince and Princess of Changxin are dead. We can only interrogate the Sui family’s servants to see if we can learn anything.”

Others who didn’t know Meng Lihua’s personality might not take Fan Changyu’s words as evidence.

But Zhu Youchang, who was as close as a brother to Meng Lihua, knew her better than anyone. He said: “I may not trust others, but I trust your mother. She may have seemed gentle, but she had a strong spirit at her core.”

“Back then, when your grandfather fell for a diversionary tactic and his camp was ambushed by a squad of Northern Xue soldiers, your mother, a frail woman, cleverly killed two Northern Xue soldiers who broke into the tent. Later, if your father hadn’t arrived in time, your mother would have slit her own throat rather than let the Northern Xue soldiers capture her to use as a hostage against your grandfather.”

As he spoke of these past events, Zhu Youchang’s expression couldn’t hide his loneliness.

Seventeen years! Old friends were long buried beneath the ground, and everything had changed!

He looked at Fan Changyu: “You’re right. If Wei Qilin had truly betrayed the old general, and your mother knew about it, she would have been the first to kill him with her own hands.”

Fan Changyu was momentarily lost in thought because of what Zhu Youchang had just said.

In her memory, her mother had always been gentle and soft-spoken, rarely even raising her voice to scold someone. The mother Zhu Youchang described was a side of her she had never seen, yet one that burned as brightly as a flame.

She smiled slightly, feeling proud of that version of her mother, yet grieving that she would never see her mother again, no matter what she was like.

Zhu Youchang said: “I’ve heard about the Sui family’s rebellion. If the Sui family truly knew the inside story, wouldn’t they have had a hold over Wei Yan? When they raised their banner in rebellion, they should have announced it to the world.”

These words brought Fan Changyu’s thoughts back to the present.

She said: “Indeed, shortly after the Sui family’s rebellion, rumors about Wei Yan orchestrating the Jinzhou bloodbath did start circulating.”

It was after hearing such rumors that Xie Zheng had gone to investigate the past events, only to be nearly killed by Wei Yan’s scheme on the Chongzhou battlefield.

Fan Changyu felt that all those scattered clues seemed to be slowly connecting.

Zhu Youchang immediately asked: “Were those rumors spread by the Sui family?”

Fan Changyu pondered for a long while, then shook her head: “We can’t be certain right now. We’ll have to wait until we’ve interrogated the Sui family’s servants before making any conclusions.”

Zhu Youchang’s earlier words had enlightened Fan Changyu. If the Sui family knew the inside story of that year and had solid evidence, why didn’t they directly announce it to the world, exposing Wei Yan’s crimes?

Instead, they spread some baseless rumors.

Thinking back to what Yu Qianqian had told her before, Fan Changyu could only tentatively deduce one possibility—the Sui family’s hands were not clean in the Jinzhou incident!

As for why Wei Yan had left this potential threat from the Sui family unaddressed until now, that remained unknown.

To verify her guesses, Fan Changyu couldn’t wait to go back and interrogate the Sui family servants who had been escorted to the capital.

After bidding farewell to Zhu Youchang, she hurriedly went out the courtyard gate, but only saw the middle-aged man missing an arm and a leg by the carriage outside.

The man, missing an arm, couldn’t cup his hands in salute to her, so he simply nodded his head and said: “This slave is Xie Zhong, a retainer of the Xie household. By the Marquis’s command, I am waiting here to escort the General back.”

Just from the words “retainer of the Xie household,” Fan Changyu would never treat him as a mere servant. Guessing that his missing arm and leg were likely lost on the battlefield, she felt even more respect for him.

She also nodded slightly to Xie Zhong in acknowledgment.

Because Xie Zheng wasn’t present, she couldn’t help but ask as she got into the carriage: “Where did the Marquis go?”

Xie Zhong, who was using one hand to hold a cane and lead the horse, paused when he heard Fan Changyu’s question. After observing her for a moment and considering briefly, he did something presumptuous behind Xie Zheng’s back for the first time.

He said: “Today is the anniversary of the Lady’s death. The Marquis has likely gone to the Xie family mausoleum.”

Xie Zheng had returned to the capital secretly. Paying respects during the day might alert people lying in wait, so he specifically chose to go at dusk.

This answer made Fan Changyu’s hand pause as she was lifting the carriage curtain—all of Xie Zheng’s unusual behaviors now had an explanation.

She had never heard him mention a single word about Madam Xie, but after hearing Zhu Youchang talk about the details of their imprisonment back then and Madam Xie’s death, even Fan Changyu, an outsider, felt saddened. How much more so for Xie Zheng, who was Madam Xie’s son.

He didn’t want to tell her about this, probably because he didn’t want her to see him in moments of vulnerability and pain.

Fan Changyu’s fingers involuntarily tightened on the thick fabric of the carriage curtain. After thinking for a moment, she felt it was better to respect Xie Zheng’s decision.

Very well, she would return to the Presentation Institute first.

Xie Zhong seemed to see through Fan Changyu’s decision and continued: “The Blood Riders rescued General Zhu, so Wei Yan now knows that the Marquis is hiding in the capital. I’m afraid Wei Yan might use this opportunity to set an ambush at the Xie family mausoleum. I wanted the Marquis to take more people with him, but he goes to pay respects alone every year, and I couldn’t persuade him…”

Fan Changyu’s expression changed slightly, her lips pressed together. After a moment of silence, she asked Xie Zhong: “Can you take me to the Xie family mausoleum?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 134

Twilight enveloped the surroundings as the wind blowing from the mountainside carried the first chill of early winter. The Xie clan, a prestigious family for centuries, had their ancestral cemetery occupying half the hillside in the city outskirts. Frost-white moonlight spilled onto the bluestone path, creating an illusion of a light snowfall.

Amidst the eerie atmosphere of the surrounding tombs at night, a figure approached, treading in the moonlight. The lantern in their hand swayed in the cold wind, casting a hazy yellow glow. The person stopped before the joint grave of Xie Lin and his wife. The dark gold embroidery on their brocade boots flickered in the dim lantern light, difficult to discern clearly.

An elderly servant carrying a food box crouched down beside them. He opened the box and carefully arranged the offerings on the stone table before the tomb. “Young Miss, the Marquis has come to see you. He’s brought your favorite dessert, longevity alfalfa cake.”

After setting out three offerings, the old servant took out flint and yellow and white joss paper. He lit them and slowly burned them in the charcoal brazier before the tomb, muttering:

“Chef Nie from the main kitchen, who makes the longevity alfalfa cake, has become increasingly shortsighted these past two years. Since you married, the Marquis has kept him on for twenty-one years for his skill with this dessert. In a couple more years, he’ll likely be unable to continue and will have to retire home.”

The flame from the burning joss paper overpowered the lantern’s glow, revealing the old servant’s weathered and melancholic eyes. The calligraphy engraved on the tombstone became visible, with the words “Tomb of Wei Zhi, Wife of the Great General of National Protection” particularly striking.

Wei Yan, with a silver fox fur cape draped over his shoulders, silently gazed at his sister’s grave in the flickering firelight. After a long while, he said to the old servant, “Wei Quan, you may go now.”

The old servant rose to leave: “Then, as in previous years, this old servant will wait for the Marquis at the foot of the mountain.”

Wei Yan nodded slightly, and the old servant left the lantern by the tomb before bowing and retreating.

The wind grew stronger, blowing Wei Yan’s cape hem and scattering the burning joss paper’s embers and ashes from the brazier. Wei Yan stooped to pick up a stack of unburned joss paper by the brazier, tearing off small pieces to burn completely.

He remained silent, unable to utter a word of his innermost feelings even before this lonely grave.

When Xie Zheng arrived, stepping through the night as thin as water, this was the scene he encountered.

Standing ten paces away, he twisted his lips in a sarcastic smile and spoke with icy sharpness: “You forced her to her death, yet you come to see her every year on this day. Who are you putting on this show for? Or are you afraid she’s too peaceful in her grave, so you come to disturb her annually?”

When he heard the footsteps, Wei Yan already knew who had arrived. He stood sideways to Xie Zheng, not even lifting his eyelids, ignoring him completely as he finished burning the joss paper in his hand. Only then did he brush the ashes from his clothes and stand up.

As he was about to brush past Xie Zheng on his way back, he paused and left a parting remark: “I thought you’d been skulking about for months, lacking even the courage to come here and pay respects today.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow, his gaze cold as an ice blade. His face, illuminated by moonlight, seemed covered in frost. He sneered, “Did Grand Secretary Wei visit the Xie clan cemetery late at night just to see if this Marquis would come to burn incense? This Marquis certainly isn’t afraid to come here. The one who needs to borrow courage to return is you, isn’t it, Grand Secretary? After all, a mountain of blood debts must eventually be repaid, mustn’t they?”

Wei Yan cast a sidelong glance at Xie Zheng, his expression unreadable, and wordlessly moved to leave.

He had taken only two steps when Xie Zheng, his expression cold and gloomy as he stared at his parents’ stark tombstone nearby, the night wind ruffling his bangs, his eyes like cold stars roiling with killing intent, unexpectedly drew his sword and slashed at Wei Yan from behind. The sword wind was overwhelming, as swift as lightning.

“Clang!”

A teeth-jarring metallic clash rang out in the night.

Short weapons collided, ringing sharply, striking sparks.

The guards hidden around the cemetery all revealed themselves, eyeing Xie Zheng warily, firmly protecting Wei Yan behind them.

Xie Zheng’s lips curled into a cold, mocking arc as he stared icily at Wei Yan standing behind more than ten guards. He raised his sword: “Between you and me, there must eventually be a reckoning. Why not today?”

As he spoke, his eyes flashed fiercely, and he suddenly closed in on one guard. His sword struck dozens of times in an instant, sparks flying. The immense force made the guard’s hand bleed, soaking the knife handle, and forcing him to retreat repeatedly.

Xie Zheng’s handsome face twisted like a fierce ghost at this moment, his body seeming to emanate a tangible aura of bloodthirst. His sword moved so fast in his hand that only afterimages remained as he furiously questioned Wei Yan: “My father supported Crown Prince Chengde, obstructing your path, so you schemed to kill him. My mother discovered your plot, so you had to kill her too?”

With the final sword strike, the guard’s long knife shattered with a “ding,” breaking into two pieces.

He stared wide-eyed in terror but was still struck across the waist by the undiminished force of that final blow. He collapsed, twitching, unable to rise, as a crimson pool slowly spread beneath him.

A gust of wind blew, and the stench of blood became nauseating.

The remaining guards eyed Xie Zheng with increasing wariness.

Those accompanying Wei Yan this time were all top-tier guards. These guards, trained by the Wei household, could rival military generals on the battlefield, yet they couldn’t last half a quarter hour against Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng stood a short distance away, holding his blood-dripping sword. His face was spattered with fine droplets of blood, leaving only a malevolent, murderous air on that excessively handsome countenance.

He asked Wei Yan: “How have you had the face to come here these past seventeen years?”

The wind scattered the burned paper ashes, his tall figure in dark clothes seeming to merge with the thick night.

Wei Yan listened to his pointed accusations without a word. Ash from the joss paper settled on his shoulders, and at that moment, the already graying hair at his temples seemed to whiten even more.

A guard vigilantly watching Xie Zheng, who was blocked by other guards, said to Wei Yan: “Grand Secretary, it’s dangerous here. Shall this lowly one escort you away first?”

Wei Yan, however, raised his hand, signaling the guard to stand down.

The guard’s face showed a hint of bewilderment, but he dared not disobey Wei Yan’s wishes and withdrew his sword, retreating to Wei Yan’s side.

Wei Yan gazed at Xie Zheng from two zhang away, his eyes inscrutable: “Your hatred for me is justified. If you don’t think of killing me, one day I will take your head. But you shouldn’t have been so arrogant as to confront me here.”

He brushed the paper ash from his cape: “With your strength alone, you can’t eliminate all my top-tier guards. Your mother is watching, and I won’t trouble you here, disturbing her peace.”

Wei Yan turned and walked towards the bluestone path where the night was deeper.

Xie Zheng stood holding his sword, suddenly laughing coldly: “When she was alive, you couldn’t tolerate her. Now that she’s dead, you put on this act. Do you think she can know anything in the underworld?”

Wei Yan’s figure paused briefly, then continued forward without a word.

The guards surrounding Xie Zheng, however, dared not relax their vigilance. Their palms were sweaty as they gripped their sword hilts, fearing Xie Zheng might suddenly attack again.

Only after confirming Wei Yan had gone far did they point their swords at Xie Zheng, retreating a certain distance before turning and swiftly departing.

The entire cemetery fell silent once more. Being early winter, even the insects were quiet.

A lantern that had been knocked over during the fight lay on the ground. Its paper shade and bamboo frame had burned away, leaving only the spilled lamp oil slowly burning on the bluestone path. The faint blue flame illuminated Xie Zheng’s blood-spattered face as if coated in a layer of frost.

He turned his head to look at his parents’ grave nearby, standing motionless like a statue.

Scenes from the past flooded his mind, memories of the sixteen years spent in the Wei household had never been so clear.

Since he was five years old, every Qingming Festival or death anniversary, Wei Yan would bring him to the Xie clan cemetery, leaving the carriage driver and guards waiting at the foot of the mountain.

Wei Yan said his mother liked peace in life, and bringing too many people here would disturb her tranquility.

Fearful of Wei Yan’s severity and resenting his mother for heartlessly abandoning him, each time he knelt before the grave, he would only burn joss paper and kowtow, saying nothing else.

Wei Yan was the same, always silent, coming here only to stand quietly before the grave for a long time before leaving.

The spilled lamp oil burned out, and the blue-tinged flame flickered and died with a “puff.”

In the world, save for the cold moonlight, not a trace of other light remained.

Xie Zheng finally moved towards his parents’ grave. Looking at the words “Wei Zhi” engraved on the cold stone tablet, he raised his hand to touch them. His lowered eyelashes were bathed in moonlight, casting a faint shadow beneath his eyes.

Suppression, gloom, suffocation, and hatred enveloped him like a tidal wave, dragging him into an endless abyss.

Xie Zheng’s other hand at his side unconsciously clenched, his jaw tightened, a vein bulging at his temple, and a hint of bloodshot visible in his eyes.

Rapid footsteps approached from the distance, tap, tap, tap…

As if treading on someone’s heartstrings.

Xie Zheng lifted his eyes to look and saw a small warm light quickly approaching him in the night.

He saw the hem of a young woman’s skirt illuminated by the lantern’s yellow glow, her hair flying in the night wind as she ran, and her face flushed from the hurried journey, eyes full of concern.

It was a strange feeling; the dark, gloomy emotions in his heart began to gradually recede.

Finally, one day, though he was covered in wounds, he was illuminated by the sun running towards him.

Fan Changyu had smelled blood on the wind at the foot of the mountain and, worried Xie Zheng might have fallen into an ambush, ran up the mountain while Xie Zhong secretly kept an eye on Wei Yan’s carriage left at the bottom.

On her way up, she had already seen large bloodstains on the ground. Seeing blood spattered on Xie Zheng’s face, she hurriedly used her lantern to check if he was injured anywhere else, her voice unconsciously tightening: “How are you? Did Wei Yan’s men ambush you here? Are you hurt?”

She fired off a series of questions, still panting from her rush.

As she anxiously checked Xie Zheng for injuries, the man before her only lowered his gaze to stare at her unblinkingly.

Fan Changyu found no wounds on Xie Zheng’s front, but the smell of blood on him was so strong that she worried he might be injured on his back. She quickly said, “Turn around and let me see!”

Xie Zheng didn’t move.

Fan Changyu had already learned from Xie Zhong about his return to the Xie clan ancestral hall to receive 108 lashes. Thinking of how he later came to find her in Lu City, she naturally knew why he had endured those 108 lashes.

All the way here, she hadn’t been able to suppress the sting in her eyes.

Seeing Xie Zheng uncooperative, she worried he might truly be injured on his back. Anxious, she reached out to pull his arm, wanting him to turn so she could check.

Unexpectedly, the man before her suddenly raised his arm to press her neck, forcefully pulling her into his embrace.

The strength that nearly broke her waist made it difficult for Fan Changyu to breathe.

The lantern in her hand fell to the ground in her stumble, instantly consumed by flames.

“You shouldn’t have come.”

Fan Changyu’s cheek was forced against his hard chest as she heard his low, hoarse voice from above.

Though his words were rejecting, Fan Changyu had the feeling she could never break free from his restraint.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 135

The sky seemed drenched in thick ink, and all was silent. The embracing pair were so close they could only hear each other’s heartbeats.

Fan Changyu pressed her lips tightly together, suddenly pushing Xie Zheng away forcefully.

After confirming he was unharmed, her worry along the way transformed into lingering fear, along with a sudden surge of anger and a sense of grievance she didn’t quite understand herself.

She questioned him: “I shouldn’t have come. But you came alone. If you had fallen into Wei Yan’s ambush, what about the Xie family? What about the officers under your command?”

Xie Zhong had told her that he had knelt before the Xie clan ancestors’ memorial tablets and received 108 lashes. After the punishment, his entire back was raw flesh, unable to even stand from the pool of blood. The scene seemed vivid before her eyes.

Fan Changyu didn’t know if it was the mountain wind blurring her vision, but a hint of redness was visible in her eyes.

She stared at the man before her, her hands clenched into fists within her sleeves, trembling uncontrollably. Forcing a hard expression on her face, she asked the final question: “What about me?”

These words made Xie Zheng suddenly look up, his pupils quivering imperceptibly as if he couldn’t believe she would say such a thing.

Fan Changyu’s eyes were red-rimmed as she glared at him fiercely, biting her teeth, like a cornered and wounded leopard: “From the day I learned of your identity, I never thought we’d have any more interaction. It was you who kept provoking me!”

“Later, it was you who said we should part ways. I don’t blame you, given the great enmity with General Xie. But after the victory banquet in Lu City, it was also you who said that regardless of whether my surname was Fan or Meng, you just wanted to be with me! Are you trying to deny it now?”

Those emotions that had been compressed in her chest surged up like a tidal wave, nearly overwhelming her reason.

Since she was old enough to understand, Fan Changyu had rarely shown her grievances in front of others. This was the only time she couldn’t control her emotions, shouting hatefully at the man before her: “Xie Zheng, you bastard!”

Why didn’t he bring any guards?

He could have not told her that today was his mother’s death anniversary. After all, there was no concrete evidence that her father was innocent. Bringing the possible daughter of an enemy to pay respects might have made him feel guilty towards his parents.

She didn’t blame him for that.

But why did he put himself in danger?

Ever since learning that he had accepted punishment before coming to find her in Lu City, Fan Changyu understood that Xie Linshan’s death was ultimately a mountain weighing on his heart.

In front of her, he showed no signs, but behind her back, he was using his methods to atone for his parents.

Coming alone tonight, was it also for “atonement”?

Fan Changyu had always been slow in matters of emotions. When she heard from Xie Zhong that today was his mother’s death anniversary, she had only briefly lost focus. It wasn’t until this moment that those feelings of sadness and grievance she had deliberately downplayed broke through their cocoon, rushing to her heart all at once, choking her throat.

Her eyes stung fiercely, but Fan Changyu didn’t want to cry. She stubbornly refused to blink, not letting the tears pool in her eyes. Xie Zheng’s figure a few steps away became blurred in the light of her restrained tears.

Even though she could no longer see clearly, Fan Changyu still stared at him intently, her voice hoarse yet determined: “Without concrete evidence, I can’t prove to you that my father was innocent. Perhaps we’ll never find evidence to uncover the truth, so my father will always potentially be the culprit who helped Wei Yan kill General Xie.”

“Being with me, you’ll always feel guilty, spending the rest of your life in pain and struggle.”

It felt as if her chest had been cut open by the cold wind, painfully icy.

Fan Changyu’s throat was sore and hoarse. The tear she had been holding back in her eye spilled over her eyelid, rolling down like a broken pearl, not even lingering on her face.

She took a deep breath and said: “Rather than this, we should just separate. I don’t want this. Seeing you suffer alone, I don’t feel good at all. Perhaps you shouldn’t have come back to find me in the first place. Sometimes, short pain is better than long pain… Mmph…”

Before she could finish her sentence, someone suddenly gripped her neck, pinning her heavily against the trunk of a bowl-thick cypress tree in front of the tomb.

Her back ached, but Fan Changyu had no time to care about that.

Xie Zheng’s hot breath was right in front of her. His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw muscles tight, fierce, and violent, like a beast on the verge of madness.

The hand on her throat, with veins bulging, exerted a force so great it was alarming.

He lowered his head to look at her, seeming to be struggling to control his emotions, not wanting to do anything to hurt her. The remaining rationality was pulling against the roaring black anger in his chest as he spoke with difficulty and determination: “Don’t say such things again…”

For a moment, there was indeed hatred in his eyes.

“You’re right to curse me. I am a bastard. Even if I die, I’ll only drag you into my coffin with me. You’re telling me to separate?”

He laughed softly, his blood-spattered face beautiful yet pale in the moonlight. Suddenly, he lowered his head and bit her shoulder fiercely, his eyes showing a nearly insane love and a desperate determination.

Fan Changyu groaned in pain, wanting to struggle, but was pinned against the tree by him, restrained firmly with all his strength.

When Xie Zheng raised his head again, the wind had messed up his bangs, blood stained his lips, and his face appeared even more alluring, like those demons described in novels that come out at night to feed on human essence.

He murmured in a low voice: “Separate? Fan Changyu, why didn’t I just chew you up and swallow you bit by bit?”

Fan Changyu looked up, staring at him expressionlessly. When he raised a hand to touch her face, she suddenly attacked, her whole body surging up, grabbing his hand and flipping him over forcefully.

Caught off guard, Xie Zheng was thrown to the ground by her brute force, his back hitting the bluestone pavement in front of the tomb with a dull thud.

Before he could get up, Fan Changyu pounced on him like a leopard, one hand locking his throat, her legs pressing down on both sides of his waist to restrain his movement, pinning him down tightly just as he had done to her earlier.

She said hatefully: “Then who was it that came to this cemetery alone, knowing Wei Yan was watching, walking right into the trap?”

“If you’re concerned about my identity and didn’t want to tell me, couldn’t you at least have brought a few guards?”

Towards the end, Fan Changyu’s voice became choked with emotion: “You feel guilty and remorseful towards General Xie and Madam Xie when you’re with me. Do you think I feel any better about that?”

Xie Zheng looked at the fierce and disheveled young woman pinning him down and locking his throat, his expression slightly stunned. He finally understood the reason behind her words. He raised a hand to press on her back, pulling her forcefully towards himself, and said: “It’s not what you think…”

Fan Changyu broke free from his embrace, sat up, and glared at him hatefully: “Then tell me, what is it?”

Xie Zheng’s hand was shaken off by Fan Changyu, but he didn’t get up. He just lay on his back on the bluestone ground in front of the tomb, looking at the pitch-black night sky with dimmed eyes: “I never told you about my mother, did I?”

“She hanged herself not long after my father’s coffin returned to the capital. I was four years old that year. On the day she died, she made osmanthus cakes for me, wore her favorite clothes, and applied her makeup in front of the mirror. In the short time it took me to go out and eat a cake at her urging, I returned to find her body hanging from the beam.”

Fan Changyu was stunned.

“She entrusted me to Wei Yan, and I spent sixteen years living under his roof. When I was young, Wei Yan’s beloved son would put snakes in my bedding in the height of summer, pour cold well water on my bed in the depths of winter, and tear up the homework assigned by the teacher…”

“At those times, I would always think of her and also hate her. I hated her for being weak as the matriarch of a great family, unable to bear the responsibilities of her position. I hated her as a mother for failing in her maternal duties and heartlessly abandoning me. On more nights than I can count, I would see in my nightmares that vivid strip of her beautiful skirt hanging beneath the beam.”

Xie Zheng smiled: “I thought Wei Yan hated me because I was greedy for that plate of osmanthus cakes, leaving my mother alone, allowing her to hang herself. I hated myself too…”

Fan Changyu listened to him speak of his childhood experiences in such a calm tone as if he were talking about someone else’s story. Her hands, resting on her knees, unconsciously clenched.

She had only heard from Zhu Youchang that Madam Xie had died to protect Xie Zheng and the old Xie family members involved in exposing Wei Yan. She didn’t know there were so many misunderstandings between Xie Zheng and his mother.

When her parents died accidentally, if it weren’t for Long Ning, she wouldn’t have been able to pull herself together so quickly.

He had lost both parents at such a young age, it must have felt like the sky was falling. He blamed himself for his mother’s death in his heart and was also bullied in the Wei household.

Fan Changyu remembered how he had wanted to give her a pair of clay figurines when he learned that she had given Song Yan a pair when she was young.

At that time, she had thought him childish in her heart, but now she vaguely understood.

It was precisely because he had never received any warmth or comfort since childhood that he wanted even the pair of clay figurines she had given Song Yan.

The pain in her chest was intense.

Fan Changyu looked at the person lying beside her and reached out to gently stroke his head, saying, “Madam Xie’s death was not your fault.”

Xie Zheng said self-mockingly: “I hated her for a full seventeen years before I learned she died for me.”

“Not telling you today was her death anniversary wasn’t because I minded your identity, but because I hadn’t figured out how to face her myself…”

Fan Changyu felt a mix of emotions and said softly, “I’m sorry.”

She had misunderstood him.

Xie Zheng turned his head to look at her and asked with a smile, “What are you apologizing for? I never told you these things, so, understandably, you misunderstood.”

He sat up, bending his knees, the shape of his shoulder and back muscles visible under his robe: “Was it Xie Zhong who told you I was here?”

Fan Changyu, fearing he would blame the old man with the limp, quickly said, “I didn’t see you after I finished with Uncle Zhu, so I asked him on my initiative.”

Xie Zheng said, “His mouth is getting looser and looser.”

Fan Changyu pressed her lips together and said, “He was just worried about you. In any case, coming alone to pay respects to Madam Xie was too dangerous.”

Xie Zheng lowered his eyes without speaking. The moonlight cut out the profile of his face, revealing a hint of hardness and stubbornness.

Fan Changyu thought he was still upset about Madam Xie’s matter and didn’t say more, only saying, “It’s good that nothing happened.”

Xie Zheng suddenly spoke: “In the past, when coming to pay respects to my mother, he taught me not to bring others.”

Fan Changyu asked in confusion, “Who?”

But Xie Zheng didn’t speak anymore. He stood up, looked at his parents’ tombstone behind him, and knelt to kowtow three times.

Fan Changyu guessed who he meant by the person who taught him, and after much thought, the only possibility seemed to be Wei Yan.

She was secretly shocked, wondering why he still remembered what Wei Yan had said in the past, given that he now knew Wei Yan was the enemy who had killed his parents.

But thinking about how Wei Yan was, after all, his uncle, and for those dozen or so years, Xie Zheng had treated him as his only relative in this world, even becoming Wei Yan’s most handy tool.

No matter how harshly Wei Yan treated Xie Zheng, he never shortchanged him in martial arts or studies.

Even though they were now at odds, Xie Zheng probably still had extraordinary feelings for Wei Yan, right?

Fan Changyu looked at his tall, slender figure from behind, her emotions extremely complex.

After kowtowing, Xie Zheng stood up and suddenly turned to Fan Changyu: “Come and kowtow to my parents.”

Vampire pala Xie Zheng😂

hahaha hilig mangagat ng leeg.. akala ko ako lang pinoy nagbabasa ng c novel😂😂😂

Dami kaya natin, tahimik lang kasi 😁

I found my people!

lo de Xiezheng es una mezcla de amor y obsesión hacia Fan Changyu , la ama tanto que no sabe que hacer con todo ese amor , y eso es peligroso porque le lleva hacerla daño , ya sea mordiéndola , agredirla(cogerla del cuello) o decirla que es capaz de matarla si no esta con el , puede ser romántico para algunos , pero mirando el panorama general no lo es , imagina tener un esposo que te dice que te mataría o que te enteraría con el , simplemente porque esta celoso o no quieres estar con el , si la ama pero su amor es muy peligroso , espero que no acabe mal

concuerdo!

“What about me? ” T. T
ang sad naman

Oo nga. Mabuti nag kakaliwanagan sila.

Lo siento yo sí amo demasiado la manera loca de amar de Xie Zheng, es tan intenso que no puedo evitar apreciarlo

I tried – not so hard but I tried – and it’s final: I don’t like Xie Zheng. I hope they fix his character in the tv show.

But I found fascinating how Changyu is literally a sun that warms and protects we everybody around her while Xie Zheng seems like a Black Hole that can destroy everything around him. complete opposite

As of today, they’re only so many episodes into the show, but so far, they have “fixed” his character. Their first kiss occurred earlier than in the novel, and though it was momentary and their intended second kiss was interrupted by the arrival of assassins, so far, he has only been tender with her and angry and violent with those who would harm her. All due respect to the author, but at least up to this episode, I am so tired of the bloody biting and other violence between them. The passion is clear but their ability to sit and talk quietly with each other is always hampered. Ok, so she’s 16/17, he’s 20/21, neither has been in a passionate relationship before, and he’s carrying tremendous anger from his dysfunctional upbringing, but give me a break. Hopefully, the author reels him back from this utterly extreme behavior in later chapters.

Had so much emotions in the chapter!! this author is incredible. for a moment I really hated Xie Zheng but by the end I understood him.

also, loved how the author didn’t forget how he treated Changyu and had her calling him up.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 136

Fan Changyu stood frozen in place like a dazed goose.

Seeing her standing there stupidly without moving, Xie Zheng said, “No need to be shy.”

Fan Changyu glared at him slightly annoyed, but mindful that they were in front of the tomb of General Xie and Madam Xie, she still maintained a degree of restraint.

She withdrew her gaze and turned to look at the tombstones of General and Madam Xie. Realizing that just moments ago she had been quarreling with Xie Zheng in front of the tomb, her face immediately became even more uncomfortable.

She knelt on one knee: “This junior Changyu, a descendant of Meng Shuyuan, pays respects to the General and Madam.”

With that, she bowed her head and kowtowed three times.

Her maternal grandfather had once been a key general under Xie Linshan’s command, so the connection between the two families was not insignificant.

Hearing her pay respects to his parents as a descendant of the Meng family, Xie Zheng showed no reaction on his face. He only addressed the tombstones silently in the night, saying, “This is your future daughter-in-law.”

For once, Fan Changyu’s face turned red. After standing up, she fiercely said to Xie Zheng, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly: “In this lifetime, if I don’t marry you, who else could I marry? You’ll be their daughter-in-law sooner or later, how is that nonsense?”

Fan Changyu simply ignored Xie Zheng and turned her head to look at the path they had come from. “We’ve delayed for so long, let’s hurry down the mountain. Otherwise, Uncle Zhong will be worried at the foot of the mountain.”

The overturned lantern had long since burned out. By the moonlight, one could faintly make out her reddened earlobes, like firethorn berries adorning a firethorn tree covered in snow – so red and alluring that one wanted to take a bite.

Xie Zheng stared at Fan Changyu’s earlobes with deepening eyes.

When Fan Changyu turned her head after speaking, she met Xie Zheng’s dark, unfathomable eyes. She was slightly stunned and unconsciously pinched her burning earlobe, urging, “Let’s go.”

With that, she took the lead in striding away.

Xie Zheng watched her almost fleeing figure, the corner of his lips lifting slightly as he unhurriedly followed behind.

After the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), the street where the Chancellor’s mansion was located became dead silent, with barely even a dog’s bark to be heard.

Wei Yan’s carriage stopped in front of the mansion gates. As the cold wind blew, the frost-covered yellow leaves on the elm and poplar trees lining both sides of the long street fell to the ground, creating a desolate and bleak scene.

Just as Wei Yan stepped down from the carriage using the footstool, Wei Xuan strode out from the mansion gate, his face anxious as he hurried forward to greet him: “Father, you’ve finally returned…”

Wei Yan’s aged but even more imposing phoenix eyes glanced at his only son, immediately chiding him: “What’s with this panicked manner? Where’s your dignity?”

Wei Xuan was arrogant in front of others but feared Wei Yan. This seemed to have become an instinct ingrained in his bones. He bit his lip and said with some distress: “Mother has fallen ill, you…”

Wei Yan stepped up the stone stairs in front of the mansion gate and instructed the old servant following behind him: “Wei Quan, take my token and go to the Imperial Hospital to request Imperial Physician Hu.”

Wei Xuan followed closely behind him. Seeing Wei Yan enter the mansion and head towards his study, Wei Xuan’s hands at his sides clenched into fists. He finally shouted at Wei Yan’s back: “Can’t you go see Mother?”

This shout was his way of speaking up for his mother.

But the servants accompanying them visibly tensed, not daring to breathe loudly.

This was the first time Wei Xuan had ever talked back to his revered father. He stubbornly stared at Wei Yan’s back and said chokingly: “The doctor has already come to see her. He said Mother’s illness is caused by worry and sorrow. Mother didn’t want me to come find you… She said she didn’t want to trouble you. Please go see her…”

Wei Xuan wiped his eyes somewhat awkwardly with the back of his hand. In front of outsiders, he was as arrogant as a tyrant, but before Wei Yan, no matter when he was still as restrained as a child.

Wei Yan paused in his steps, only coldly glancing at Wei Xuan before wordlessly heading towards his study.

The group of attendants hurriedly followed, leaving only Wei Xuan standing in place, his smile more painful than crying as he sneered at himself.

After everyone had left, the steward Wei Quan approached and said: “Young Master, don’t worry. This old servant has already sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to request Imperial Physician Hu. The Chancellor has many matters to attend to these days, truly lacking the energy to handle affairs within the household.”

A vein bulged on Wei Xuan’s neck as he gritted his teeth and said: “Is it because I’m not as accomplished as Xie Zheng that Father dislikes me and takes it out on Mother as well?”

Wei Quan hurriedly said: “Young Master, don’t speak such nonsense. If these words reach the Chancellor’s ears, you’ll be punished again.”

Wei Xuan laughed out loud, his eyes full of resentment: “So be it if I’m punished. All these years, it’s only when I do something wrong and he punishes me that he’ll look at me properly. I can’t compare to Xie Zheng, or those favored disciples under him. Apart from having his blood flowing in me, what else do I have that’s worth him giving me a second glance?”

Wei Quan looked at the weeping Wei Xuan with complex emotions, only saying: “Young Master, don’t belittle yourself. Sitting in the Chancellor’s position, there are too many things to consider and worry about. Understandably, he has no time to attend to the inner household. Let this old servant escort you back.”

How could Wei Xuan not know the reason in Wei Quan’s words?

Sometimes he didn’t know if he was resenting Wei Yan or himself.

Besides his mother, the official wife, Wei Yan had no other concubines.

But from as far back as Wei Xuan could remember, Wei Yan would only go to his mother’s courtyard to have a meal during the New Year’s Eve dinner. He wouldn’t even stay overnight, residing in his study for the past decade or more.

The servants in the Wei mansion were all extremely proper, never daring to show any disrespect to mother and son. His mother had all the honor due to a first-rank titled lady.

But as Wei Xuan grew older, he felt increasingly sorry for his mother.

Wei Yan had never had eyes for his mother; he seemed innately uninterested in women, loving only power and status.

Yet his mother came from an ordinary background. It was only through Wei Yan’s support that her maternal family managed to secure a fifth-rank official position in the capital, finally gaining a foothold in the city.

In the past, to get Wei Yan to discipline him more, Wei Xuan had repeatedly misbehaved, staying overnight in brothels and keeping songstresses – he had done all these despicable things. Even now, there were still a group of beauties in his courtyard. He was all too familiar with the affairs between men and women.

He couldn’t understand why his father, who only cared about power, had married his mother who had no background to speak of. The Wei family was a centuries-old prestigious clan. In his youth, Wei Yan was even known as one of the “Twin Pillars of Civil and Military Affairs” alongside Xie Linshan. When he was to marry, he could have had his pick of noble ladies from all over the capital.

Having married his mother, and with no one else by his side all these years, Wei Xuan thought his father must have had feelings for his mother when he was young.

It was only because he had disappointed his father that both he and his mother were now neglected.

Wei Xuan, who was usually rough in front of others, only showed his childish side in front of Wei Quan, his father’s old servant. Sitting on the stone steps, he covered his eyes with his hand and said bitterly: “If only I were Xie Zheng. With such an accomplished son, Father would probably be happy, wouldn’t he?”

His mother practiced vegetarianism and recited Buddhist scriptures. Whenever she mentioned Wei Yan, her tone was always full of respect. The words she said most often to him were to study hard, practice martial arts diligently, become a capable person, and be of use to his father…

But Wei Yan seemed to dislike children. From a young age, Wei Xuan had been afraid of him, yet because of his mother’s and others’ attitudes towards Wei Yan, he also held deep admiration for him.

When he was little, he tried to do everything perfectly, hoping to get a word or two of praise from Wei Yan.

But before Xie Zheng came to the Wei mansion, Wei Yan would occasionally be kind to him, and although strict when instructing him in his studies, he wouldn’t be excessively harsh.

After Xie Zheng arrived, he never saw Wei Yan smile at him again. They ate and lived together, and every time Wei Yan saw them, his face was always gloomy.

Xie Zheng was always very clever. No matter what he learned, he could grasp it as soon as the teacher taught it.

Occasionally, when Wei Yan tested their knowledge, even if Xie Zheng was afraid, he could still draw inferences and answer questions. On the contrary, when he answered questions in front of Wei Yan, as soon as Wei Yan’s piercing phoenix eyes moved from the book to him, his whole body would tremble like a sieve, unable to say a word.

He resented Xie Zheng for making him lose face and also resented him for making him look like a fool, causing Wei Yan to never again look at him with approval.

More than once, he thought how good it would be if Xie Zheng didn’t exist in this world.

So in his childhood, he spared no effort in bullying Xie Zheng. Once or twice when Wei Yan found out, he was punished to kneel in the ancestral hall. Afterward, he became even more ruthless towards Xie Zheng, and Xie Zheng didn’t even dare to complain anymore.

But he didn’t feel very happy about it. At first, when he put snakes and insects in Xie Zheng’s bedding, he could still scare Xie Zheng into screaming in panic. Later, Xie Zheng would just kill the snakes and insects he put in without batting an eye.

In the severe winter, he poured ice-cold well water onto Xie Zheng’s bedding. Xie Zheng would throw the soaked bedding on the ground and sleep on the bare bedboard fully clothed for a night. The next day, despite having a high fever, he could still beat him in the martial arts field.

In the academy, he led a group of sycophantic children of officials, pouring ink all over Xie Zheng’s desk. Behind the rockery, he led people to beat him up, grinding his face into the mud and water, sneering: “So this is all the son of Xie Linshan amounts to.”

He hoped Xie Zheng would just become that puddle of mud.

But Xie Zheng never begged for mercy. Even when he was held down by his lackeys, with his face being stepped on and pressed into the mud, the look in his eyes was still cold, so dark it was chilling.

Later, Xie Zheng went to the military, and when they met again, he returned from the battlefield with illustrious military achievements, making him feel even more insignificant in comparison.

It was also on a rainy day when Xie Zheng broke several of his ribs, stepping on his face and grinding it into the pouring rain, coldly mocking: “So this is all Wei Yan’s offspring amounts to.”

Everything he had once done to Xie Zheng, Xie Zheng had paid back in full.

From that time on, he hated Xie Zheng even more. When he heard that Xie Zheng had died on the Chongzhou battlefield, no one knew how happy he was.

But even after Xie Zheng “died” and went to the Northwest, he couldn’t manage the army under his command well. Instead, he messed up the entire Northwest, giving the Li faction another handle to impeach Wei Yan.

After many years, Wei Xuan finally admitted that he was just jealous of Xie Zheng, jealous to the point of hating himself for not being him.

Hearing his words, Wei Quan only said: “The Marquis is the Marquis, and the Young Master is the Young Master. There’s no need for the Young Master to compare yourself with anyone.”

Wei Xuan lowered his head and smiled bitterly, looking at the bamboo shadows reflected on the ground. Not wanting to embarrass himself further in front of Wei Quan, he stood up and said: “I’m going back to accompany Mother.”

Wei Quan nodded and respectfully saw him off.

When he reached the courtyard where Madam Wei resided, before Wei Xuan even entered the room, he heard heart-wrenching coughs coming from inside.

Remembering Wei Yan’s cold and distant departing figure, his heart felt even more sour. Seeing a maid carrying a freshly brewed medicine from the small kitchen, he said: “I’ll take it to Mother.”

The maid was somewhat afraid of him and didn’t dare to refuse, respectfully handing over the tray with the medicine.

Wei Xuan, being rough and tough, directly picked up the gold-rimmed celadon medicine bowl from the tray and strode into the room.

“Mother, it’s time for your medicine.” As soon as he entered the room, a servant brought over a round stool and placed it beside the bed.

Madam Wei was ill and her complexion was not good. She couldn’t be considered a traditional beauty, with ordinary features, but after years of a vegetarian diet and Buddhist recitations, there was a sense of compassion between her brows.

She comforted her only son: “It’s just an old ailment, nothing serious. I’ll be fine after resting for a few days.”

Wei Xuan lowered his head, stirring the brown medicine in the bowl with a spoon, and said: “Father heard that you’re ill and is very worried. It’s just that the current political situation is unclear, and there are many officials discussing matters with Father, so he really couldn’t get away. But he has already sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to request an Imperial Physician.”

Hearing Wei Xuan say this, Madam Wei’s originally calm eyes changed slightly. She asked: “Did you go to find the Chancellor? Didn’t I tell you not to trouble the Chancellor with such small matters…”

Wei Xuan said: “I didn’t go to find Father. The mansion is only so big, how could we hide the fact that you’re ill and need a doctor…”

Madam Wei coughed even more severely. Looking at her son with some difficulty, she opened her mouth: “Don’t try to deceive me, why do you…”

She sighed somewhat helplessly: “Why don’t you ever listen to your mother’s words?”

Having his lie seen through by his mother, Wei Xuan lowered his head a bit awkwardly, his hand gripping the medicine bowl tightly: “Mother, is it because I’m not accomplished enough that you feel ashamed to go to Father?”

Madam Wei covered her mouth and coughed a few times, saying weakly: “Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about?”

Wei Xuan raised his head with red-rimmed eyes: “It’s because I’m not capable enough to please Father that you’re also being neglected.”

Madam Wei was slightly stunned, complex emotions churning in her eyes. She said gently: “Don’t think nonsense. The Chancellor is a man who does great things. A true man doesn’t dwell on sentiments between husband and wife and children. You must not say such things in front of the Chancellor.”

Wei Xuan said hatefully: “But all these years, Father only comes to have a meal with you during festivals. Mother, don’t you feel wronged?”

There was a moment of wistfulness in Madam Wei’s expression as if recalling some past events. She only said: “Silly child, don’t think like that. Your mother has never felt wrong. The Chancellor is your mother’s benefactor. You should be accomplished, like your cousin Xie, and help share the Chancellor’s burdens.”

Wei Yan’s rift with Xie Zheng was unknown to Lady Wei, a woman who did not concern herself with the affairs of the household. She simply believed that Xie Zheng had been away in the north for years and hadn’t returned home.

Wei Xuan keenly picked up on a phrase in Lady Wei’s words and asked, “Mother, why do you say that Father is your benefactor?”

Lady Wei lowered her eyes, pausing before answering. After a fit of coughing to clear her throat, she said, “Being born a woman is like a second birth when one gets married. When I was a girl, as a daughter of a concubine, I had to rely on others for everything—food, clothing, and all my needs. In these twenty years since marrying into the Xiang family, my husband has treated me kindly, and for that, I am content.”

Wei Xuan understood that his mother was not one to seek power or contention. He silently prepared her medicine, choosing not to ask more questions.

By the time Fang Changyu and Xie Zheng returned from the Xie family cemetery, it was nearly the hour of the pig, and the city gates had closed. Fang Changyu would have to wait until morning for the gates to open before she could return to the court.

Fortunately, before leaving, she had instructed Xie Qi that even if she didn’t return that night, there shouldn’t be any trouble.

Xie Zhong drove them back to their estate outside the city. As soon as their carriage arrived at the entrance, a rider in bloodied clothing awaited them, presenting a letter. “Master, this is news from the Grand Princess, sent from the palace.”

Xie Zheng reached out to take the letter. After tearing open the envelope, he quickly scanned the paper under the light of the lantern at the door. His expression suddenly turned icy.

Fang Changyu, intrigued that he was corresponding with the Grand Princess, noticed his change in demeanor and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Xie Zheng handed her the letter, squeezing out a few words through clenched teeth. “Wei Yan has been secretly involved with a consort!”

Fang Changyu hadn’t yet had the chance to read the letter, but her heart sank at the revelation. If Wei Yan had indeed been involved with a consort, did that mean there were traces linking him to the conspiracy from seventeen years ago in Jinzhou?

Is there a secret behind lady Wei’s identity? Hm. Too much intrigue for my poor memory to keep up.

sera que wei xuan no es hijo de wei yan por eso le trata así?🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

OH!!! so that’s why in the drama cast&crew info, the current emperor’s character’s name is credited as “Wei Sheng” and not “Qi Sheng” as is supposed to be if he’s truly the late emperor’s son. He’s Wei Yan’s son.

so what you mean is wei yan has an affair with a concubine of the late emperor? but nobody knows it

Zhu Yu – Chapter 137

Fan Changyu unfolded the letter and read its contents, her brows furrowing involuntarily.

The Princess Imperial had helped investigate matters concerning the Sixteenth Prince, but he had died many years ago. Imperial Consort Jia had also passed away shortly after the Sixteenth Prince’s death, following the late Emperor. The original palaces were now occupied by Emperor Qi Sheng’s favored consorts, and the palace staff had been replaced several times over. Finding someone from that time who knew the truth proved extremely difficult.

After many days of covert investigation, the Princess Imperial discovered an old palace maid serving in the Cold Palace who had once attended to Imperial Consort Jia. However, she had gone mad seventeen years ago and was banished to the Cold Palace to fend for herself.

The Princess Imperial’s people approached the deranged maid over several days, bringing her food and clothing. They discreetly observed that the maid seemed to be feigning madness, but she remained vigilant and refused to let her guard down.

When the opportunity arose, the Princess Imperial’s people inquired about the Sixteenth Prince. The maid became visibly agitated and, under the guise of her insanity, blurted out: “Dead, all dead, I’ll die too… Wei Yan had an illicit affair with an imperial consort, anyone who knows must die…”

Before the Princess Imperial’s people could probe further, the matron in charge of the Cold Palace entered the courtyard.

Everyone in the palace was shrewd. The Princess Imperial’s people suddenly frequenting the Cold Palace and bringing gifts to a mad maid would arouse suspicion in anyone.

The Princess Imperial’s people offered substantial bribes to the Cold Palace matron, claiming they had passed by chance and, seeing the mad maid eating rotten food from a bowl, took pity on her and decided to help.

Although the Cold Palace matron didn’t pursue the matter, the Princess Imperial’s people didn’t dare return to the Cold Palace to gather more information for some time, just to be safe.

Fan Changyu turned to Xie Zheng and said, “For now, we need to figure out which imperial consort Wei Yan had an affair with…”

Xie Zheng knew what she was suspecting. After the deaths of Crown Prince Chengde and the Sixteenth Prince, Wei Yan supported the Nineteenth Prince, who had no power base, to ascend the throne. The Nineteenth Prince’s birth mother was the most suspicious.

He said, “It couldn’t have been the young Emperor’s birth mother. She was just a palace maid who was favored by the late Emperor when he was drunk. She died in childbirth after giving birth to him.”

The main reason Wei Yan supported Qi Sheng’s ascension to the throne was likely because he was young and had no maternal relatives, making him easy to control.

The only breakthrough left was the mad maid in the Cold Palace.

His eyes were as cold as snow as he said, “I’ll infiltrate the Cold Palace myself.”

Fan Changyu recalled the towering city platform over ten zhang high that she had seen outside the Meridian Gate when she entered the palace to receive her title. She said, “The imperial palace is heavily guarded. It won’t be easy to enter without a summons on ordinary days. I heard from General Tang that there will be a celebratory banquet in the palace soon. Why don’t we explore the Cold Palace then? It will also avoid alerting our enemies.”

Xie Zhong, concerned for Xie Zheng’s safety, nodded and said, “The Cloud and Mist General’s thoughts are thorough. Marquis, please make some preparations first and go on the day of the palace banquet.”

Xie Zheng considered for a moment, then slowly nodded and walked into the courtyard without a word.

Fan Changyu watched his lonely, aloof figure retreat, a hint of worry appearing in her eyes.

She had originally doubted whether Wei Yan had single-handedly engineered the Jinzhou tragedy, but with the addition of his illicit affair with an imperial consort, it seemed to be an indisputable fact.

In the past, she had thought Wei Yan was simply Xie Zheng’s enemy, but tonight’s visit to the Xie family cemetery made her realize that Xie Zheng’s feelings towards Wei Yan were quite complex.

With each step deeper into uncovering the truth of the past, it seemed like pushing a knife lodged at his heart one inch further-

They had been busy until late into the night, and Fan Changyu and the others hadn’t even had dinner yet.

Xie Zhong ordered the kitchen to prepare a meal. Zhu Youchang had already retired due to his old ailment, so only Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng were left to dine. However, since returning to his room, Xie Zheng hadn’t come out again, only instructing his subordinates to take good care of Fan Changyu.

Xie Zhong ordered a servant to deliver a portion to Xie Zheng’s room separately, but it was returned untouched.

Understanding Xie Zheng’s temperament, Xie Zhong sighed helplessly and dismissed the Blood Robe Cavalry who had delivered the food. He said to Fan Changyu, “General, please eat. Let the master be alone for a while.”

Fan Changyu remembered the lonely figure of Xie Zheng standing before his parents’ graves when she had rushed to the cemetery. She said, “I’ll take it to him.”

A flash of surprise crossed Xie Zhong’s eyes, but recalling the many special considerations Xie Zheng had shown her, a relieved smile appeared on his face. “Then I’ll trouble the General.”

Faced with Xie Zhong’s knowing gaze, Fan Changyu quickly asked where Xie Zheng’s room was to hide her embarrassment after picking up the tray of food-

The moon was bright and the stars were sparse. The lanterns under the eaves cast shadows of bamboo on the door and stone steps.

Fan Changyu looked at the warmly lit room, holding the carved wooden tray with one hand, and raising the other to knock on the door.

From inside, Xie Zheng’s cold and impatient voice came from a distance: “I said no need to send food. Withdraw!”

Fan Changyu said, “It’s me.”

The room fell silent for a while before that cold, hoarse voice continued: “The door isn’t bolted.”

Fan Changyu pushed the door open and didn’t see anyone in the outer room at first glance. Only faint sounds of water came from the washroom. She had originally wanted to come and comfort Xie Zheng with a few words, but now she suddenly felt a bit awkward. Turning her back to the washroom, she said, “I’ll put the food on the table for you. Remember to eat when you’re done washing.”

There was no response from the washroom, and even the sound of water had stopped.

Puzzled and worried that something might have happened to Xie Zheng, Fan Changyu called out again: “Xie Zheng?”

Still no response.

Fan Changyu turned her head and glared in that direction, saying, “If you don’t answer, I’m going to call someone to come in and check!”

Finally, a low, mellow, and slightly hoarse voice came from inside: “Help me bring the change of clothes by the bed.”

A faint blush colored Fan Changyu’s ears. She turned and said, “I’ll go ask Uncle Zhong to help you.”

The sound of water splashing loudly came from the washroom, and the person inside said, “Forget it, I’ll come out and get it myself.”

This was followed by a muffled thud, then the sound of something ceramic breaking. Even through the cloth curtain, Fan Changyu could smell alcohol.

How could there be alcohol in the washroom?

Worried that Xie Zheng might have fallen while drunk as he got out of the bath, and fearing he might cut himself on the broken porcelain, Fan Changyu didn’t hesitate. She quickly lifted the curtain and went in: “Are you alright?”

Seeing the situation inside, Fan Changyu suddenly felt at a loss for what to do with her hands and feet.

The weather had turned cold, and the entire washroom was filled with a layer of misty vapor. Xie Zheng was leaning against the edge of the bath, his handsome face gloomy and slightly flushed from drink. A red mark on his shoulder and back showed where he had bumped himself. His elegant brows were slightly furrowed in irritation, evidently from his fall against the edge of the bath.

Outside the bath, a wine jar lay shattered. Judging by the amount of spilled wine, most of it must have been drunk by Xie Zheng. Another empty wine jar lay on its side nearby.

He had drunk two jars of wine. Judging by the smell, it was strong liquor. No wonder he looked somewhat drunk.

Seeing that he wasn’t injured, Fan Changyu’s heart settled somewhat, but his appearance… was far too alluring.

His long hair, half-tied, was mostly wet from the water, clinging to his shoulders and back where the muscle contours were clearly defined. The coexistence of handsomeness and strength easily brought to mind a fierce beast in the jungle, dangerous yet graceful.

His long lashes were like fans, with tiny water droplets clinging to them. On his shoulder, near his neck, there was still a tooth mark she had left before going out, suddenly giving the illusion that this temperamental, beautiful wild beast could be tamed.

Even knowing it was inappropriate, Fan Changyu felt heat rushing to her face. She quickly turned her back: “I… I’ll go call Uncle Zhong…”

She had just taken a step when a hoarse voice sounded behind her: “No need.”

Xie Zheng pressed his faintly throbbing temples, the irritation on his face increasing. Even with such a fine appearance, his angry expression was extremely attractive. He said, “I can manage.”

The water rippled as he supported himself on the edge of the bath, trying to stand up forcefully. However, his posture was unstable, and he nearly fell again. Fortunately, Fan Changyu heard the movement and supported him in time.

Feeling most of his weight pressing against her, Fan Changyu gritted her teeth in frustration: “I’ve never seen anyone as stubborn as you!”

Because he wasn’t dressed, Fan Changyu tried to keep her head up, not daring to look around.

Water droplets from Xie Zheng’s wet bangs fell onto her neck, the cool sensation making her instinctively shrink her neck.

Fan Changyu remembered that his clothes were still outside. She rubbed his shoulder, trying to push him back into the bath. “You wait here first, I’ll go get you clean clothes.”

The half-drunk man slightly lowered his head, staring at her moving red lips, unsure if he had heard what she said. When she turned to leave again, he simply pulled her into his embrace.

The water droplets on his body soaked through Fan Changyu’s clothes. Her heart leaped in an instant, but he only buried his face in the crook of her neck, and after a long moment, said hoarsely, “A’Yu, I only have you left.”

This was the first time anyone had called her by such an intimate name. The overly familiar address left Fan Changyu at a loss for how to respond.

They were too close, and his body was scorching hot. Fan Changyu felt her neck and half her ear burning and tingling. A strange feeling rose in her heart as if she was walking on clouds, light and dizzy.

Fan Changyu remained stiff for a long while before finally reaching out to pat his back, comforting him: “I’ve always been here.”

The skin of his back that her palm touched was not smooth; she could feel the slight ridges of scars.

Remembering what Xie Zhong had said about the one hundred and eight lashes he had received, Fan Changyu’s eyes flickered, and her tone became coaxing: “Sit down, let me wipe your back for you.”

This was something Fan Changyu would never voluntarily offer under normal circumstances. Xie Zheng seemed to be about to obey and sit down. Due to the alcohol, his thinking had become slow. The corners of his eyes carried a hint of redness, and his usually cold face even exuded a bewitching charm. But some remaining sobriety seemed to remind him of something. He took Fan Changyu’s hand and kissed it, saying, “Next time.”

Then he shook his head slightly, feeling the alcohol-induced pain, and tried to support himself on the edge of the bath to stand up. However, Fan Changyu forcefully pressed down on his shoulders. She had moved behind him and saw his back, still covered in crisscrossing scars even though they had healed.

Fan Changyu froze.

Seeing those twisted, overlapping whip marks with her own eyes, she finally understood what Xie Zhong meant by “not a piece of good flesh left.”

In the past, she had also applied medicine to the wounds on his back. At that time, he was as wretched as a stray dog on the street, and the injuries on his body were not as horrific and dense as they were now. Fan Changyu could hardly imagine what he must have looked like when this body full of wounds was freshly bloodied.

Her heart ached terribly.

The diagonal sword wound that spanned his entire back was from when he had cut himself to consecrate his sword with blood. It had split open countless times, leaving an especially wide and horrifying scar.

When Fan Changyu’s fingertips touched it, they couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Her throat tightened as she asked hoarsely, “How long were you planning to hide these scars from me?”

A’YU?? i literally screamed, xie zheng i wish u would treat her and yourself better pls… dont be so toxic

la verdad si es muy toxico,mas toxico y no nace

lmao!

Ahhhh, he called her A’Yu! 🥰
Be still, my heart. ❤️❤️❤️

what does a’yu mean T.T

Zhu Yu – Chapter 138

The water in the bathtub had grown lukewarm. When Fan Changyu’s warm, delicate fingertips traced along his back, Xie Zheng’s shoulder muscles involuntarily tensed, the bluish veins prominent on his hand that rested on the tub’s edge.

His head still throbbed from the alcohol, but hearing the hoarseness in her voice, he managed to maintain his clarity as he answered, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Fan Changyu’s fingertips traced down the sword scar on his back. Looking at the nearly half-inch wide scar, she said, “It may not hurt now, but what about before it healed?”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes lowered slightly. The candlelight cast a warm glow on his thick black lashes, momentarily softening his features.

Lost in thought, his long lashes cast shadows on his eyelids as he replied, “It didn’t hurt then either.”

Fan Changyu felt as if her chest was stuffed with damp cotton. She tilted her head back, blinking to force back the tears welling in her eyes. Unable to bear the sight of his whip-scarred back any longer, she turned away and whispered hoarsely, “Liar.”

She spoke bitterly, “How could you torture yourself like this? Weren’t you afraid of dying on the battlefield? Didn’t you want revenge against Wei Yan? Is this how you planned to achieve it?”

After a moment of silence, Xie Zheng finally spoke softly, “The pain from these wounds reminds me I’m still alive.”

Fan Changyu froze.

His voice was low and hoarse as he gave a slight laugh. “When you pursued me to Chong Prefecture despite your injuries, when I saw you crying on horseback, I thought: to hell with revenge, I don’t care anymore—just please stop crying. But I’m an Xie. My father was Xie Linshan. Though his face has grown dim in my memory, I still remember his chest and abdomen roughly sewn together after being cut open, the shape of those sixty-seven arrow wounds on his body…”

“If I were dead, perhaps I could be with you without guilt. But as long as I live, I cannot have even the slightest connection with you.”

At the mention of General Xie’s death, Fan Changyu’s heart ached with sorrow as well.

“I never blamed you,” she choked out. “Back then, I never blamed you…”

General Xie’s brutal death grieved even her, an outsider—how much more must it pain his son?

Even Zhu Youchang had once believed her father was a traitor. How much more Xie Zheng, who had never known her father? Without evidence, she had no way to prove her father’s innocence to him.

Even now, remembering those times still filled Fan Changyu with suffocating pain and helplessness.

Xie Zheng reached up to wipe away the crystal tears rolling down her cheeks. Whether drunk or sober, he murmured, “Why are you crying again?”

His thumb caressed her cheek, his dark intoxicated eyes reflecting her face and the flickering candlelight. “You were always crying in my dreams during those days. At first, I thought if I never saw you again in this life, I could eventually let go.”

“But even though I forced myself not to seek any news of you, you still haunted my dreams, giving me no peace.”

“Sometimes one moment I’d be in Lin’an Town, hearing you call my name with a smile, and the next you’d be in wedding attire, marrying another man. He was refined and scholarly-looking. The wedding hall echoed with blessings that pierced my ears. You bowed to heaven and earth with him, your veiled lips curved in joy…”

He couldn’t continue. His alcohol-hazed eyes suddenly turned frighteningly cold. His fingers tightened on her face, his tone fierce yet tinged with hurt: “You always knew how to torment me. What were those wounds compared to the heart-wrenching pain of seeing you marry another in my dreams? I wanted to hack that man to pieces. When I woke to see my bed curtains, the rage was still there, but I was relieved.”

“I realized then that I couldn’t bear to see you marry another. Thankfully, it’s not too late.”

Even through his alcohol-addled state, he stopped himself from completing his last thought.

If she married another, he would destroy their entire clan to take her back! He would chop anyone who dared marry her into pieces and feed them to dogs!

She was his! Only his!

Anyone who dared to desire her deserved death!

That deep-seated darkness and twisted possessiveness were like a final valve in his heart that he constantly guarded against. He despised it himself and couldn’t let her know of it.

If she knew, she would surely avoid him like a plague…

Fan Changyu’s cheeks stung from Xie Zheng’s rough caress, but she didn’t pull away. Hearing about his time in Kang City after their separation filled her heart with pain.

The more she understood this man, the more she realized how difficult that choice had been for him.

She grabbed his hand that was wiping her tears and pressed it firmly against her cheek. Her tear-filled eyes met his steadily in the candlelight as she said hoarsely, “Xie Zheng, let’s stay together from now on, and you must stop hurting yourself.”

When she gazed at him with those bright eyes, the world seemed to lose all other colors, leaving only the warm, gentle light in her eyes, like winter afternoon sunlight melting icicles from the eaves.

Xie Zheng stared back at those eyes in a daze before gently stroking her face. “I wasn’t hurting myself.”

Remembering the crisscrossing scars on his back, Fan Changyu still felt distressed. “Your back is in such a state, how is that not self-harm?”

“The Xie clan rules state that for grave offenses, one hundred and eight lashes will absolve the sin. After taking those lashes, I could rightfully come find you, and properly marry you into the Xie family with all traditional rites.”

Fan Changyu’s eyes trembled. Despite her efforts to control herself, a tear rolled down her cheek and fell into the bath, creating ripples.

No wonder he had told her after the victory feast in Lu City that he no longer cared whether she was a Fan or a Meng—he had already redeemed himself in this way.

She covered her eyes with her hand and tilted her head back, unable to hide the choke in her voice: “What am I to do with you?”

Whether from drunkenness or emotion, Xie Zheng’s eyes held a hint of redness as he asked hoarsely, “I wish to take Lady Meng Changyu as my wife. Will you accept?”

The ache in her chest grew stronger, with no outlet for release.

Fan Changyu felt the bitterness rise to her nose as she stared at the devilishly handsome man before her, his black hair completely wet, and said seriously, “If you marry me, I will wed you.”

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes locked onto hers: “No regrets?”

Fan Changyu met his gaze and challenged, “Are you already taking back what you just said?”

She glared at him, her tone defiant.

Xie Zheng remained silent.

A large hand cupped the back of her head, forcing her to lean down, and then he claimed her breath.

Xie Zheng had drunk heavily. As he parted her lips, the rich taste of alcohol spread between them, and Fan Changyu found it different from when she drank herself.

His kiss was fierce, not releasing her until her lips and tongue were nearly numb with pain.

Fan Changyu half-supported herself on the edge of the tub, left only with the ability to breathe.

Her face was flushed from the restricted breathing, her almond-shaped eyes glistening with moisture.

The front of her clothes had become thoroughly wet, revealing the outline of her bindings.

Xie Zheng’s breath caught, his eyes darkening further.

In the cold air, it was as if a fire had been lit, making his blood surge through his body with a sizzling heat.

He suddenly stood, his long legs stepping out of the tub. He lifted her onto a nearby table, glanced down at her slightly swollen lips from his kisses, then claimed them again, the darkness in his eyes threatening to consume her entirely.

Fan Changyu’s back hit the screen behind the table, barely letting out a muffled sound before her breath was stolen again.

Her eyes showed defiance as she tried to gain the upper hand, but she was firmly restrained. As she grew dizzy, she felt a coolness against her chest as her bindings loosened, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around Xie Zheng’s head.

His wet hair clung to her warm skin, the cold sensation sending shivers through her, making her shoulders unconsciously contract.

He was like a starved wolf on the winter wasteland suddenly given meat, not knowing where to begin his feast.

His movements were far from gentle, almost uncontrollably rough.

Fan Changyu slightly furrowed her brow, drawing in a sharp breath. She lightly patted his firm shoulder, her voice breathless and soft: “Be… gentler.”

The last time he left Ji Prefecture that night, he had left marks, and she hadn’t dared to wear her bindings for several days.

Xie Zheng placed a gentle kiss, finally releasing her. When he raised his head, his eyes were blood-red, a vein standing out on his neck, looking somewhat frightening.

His breath was scorching hot, but his voice remained steady, though extremely hoarse: “Aren’t you afraid?”

Fan Changyu’s eyes reflected the candlelight, soft and warm, with a mistiness like a morning fog in the forest, as if holding the day’s first dawn light, both warm and bright. She asked in return: “What is there to fear?”

Xie Zheng couldn’t help but grip her chin and kiss her again. After a long while, he pressed his forehead against hers, his blood-red eyes showing near self-abandonment as he said, “The man you’ve decided to marry isn’t a good person.”

Fan Changyu reached out to touch his face and said, “I have eyes. I can see clearly what kind of person you are.”

Xie Zheng said harshly, “What if I’m deliberately pretending in front of you?”

Hearing these strange words, Fan Changyu raised her bright eyes and deliberately said, “Then… perhaps I should reconsider?”

The hands on her shoulders suddenly tightened, the force nearly enough to crush her shoulder blades. Xie Zheng spoke with a hint of malice: “It’s too late.”

His eyes carried resolution and a trace of ruthlessness, while beneath his calm expression lay fragments of self-mockery that even he didn’t recognize: “Fan Changyu, you’re bound to this wretch for life now.”

Fan Changyu had only meant to tease him, but hearing him speak of himself this way caused her heart to ache once more.

How could she not know what kind of man he was?

She leaned forward to place a kiss on his cheek and said, “Then let’s be bound together. They say good people don’t live long—if you’re a bad person, perhaps that will make me happier.”

demasiado tarde😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏😏🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂🪔️

paka wild talaga

na imagine ko si Zhang linghe. Super hot T. T haha

ito na kaya yung sinasabi ni Linghe n bath scene?

SALVAJES😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂 lo sabia y el mismo lo confirmo , a parte de amarla y estar obsesionada con ella ,tambien la desprecia , xiezheng tiene suerte de no tener un digno rival enserio , aunque quien se atrevería a meterse con la mujer esposa del Marques de W’uan, esto es desear la muerte 🤣🤣😂😂

I’m definetly sure this won’t be a part of the drama. LOL C-drama is limiting the creativity but then thank God for the translated novel.

I think it’s a part of the drama. As per what the actors said when asked what scene is memorable. Both agreed on a bath/water scene. It could be this one!

Their bathtub scene is much hotter than Bridgerton😂

“Be… gentler.”
Finally! She speaks up.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 139

In the flickering candlelight, Xie Zheng’s gaze upon her was dark and intense.

He suddenly leaned forward and kissed her, forcefully claiming her lips while his hand gripped her nape, leaving her no room to struggle. The kiss was fierce and wild, carrying undertones of unleashed restraint. Fan Changyu could only endure as she tilted her head back, breathing in the clean, mellow scent of wine and the faint soap fragrance from his recent bath.

Only when her already swollen lips began to sting did he release them, gripping her chin as he traced kisses downward. Her chest heaved from labored breathing, and without her binding bands, the curves beneath became particularly prominent. Her damp clothes clung to her form, half-concealing yet highlighting her alluring silhouette, the shadows beneath the snow-white skin stirring one’s blood.

Xie Zheng buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing heavily. When he raised his head again, his eyes had turned an alarming crimson.

“You brought this upon yourself!” he declared.

He grabbed her half-wet garments at both shoulders and forcefully pulled them down, letting the fabric pool at her arms. In the yellow candlelight, Fan Changyu’s skin held the warm luster of jade, though the battle scars on her arms and shoulders now stood out starkly.

Xie Zheng had never seen her body in its entirety before. He knew of the long sword scar that ran from her abdomen to her waist, sustained during the battle at Lu City, but he hadn’t realized how many overlapping scars marked her upper arms.

The dark desire in his eyes receded slightly as he gently kissed the deepest scar on her shoulder. “How did you get this one?”

He knew it must have been from battle, but wondered which engagement.

The kiss was so light, as gentle as a feather’s touch.

During her recovery period and the journey to the capital, Fan Changyu had read many books. The phrase “treasuring like a precious jewel” came unbidden to her mind.

Her long lashes trembled, and her heart felt as if it had been immersed in warm water, suffused with tenderness.

Her face flushed pink, not from physical arousal, but from the bashfulness that young women naturally feel before their beloved.

She turned her head slightly, examining the sword scar on her right upper arm. Though she had never particularly minded it before, at this moment she felt somewhat self-conscious about its appearance.

She tried to cover it with her hand, affecting a casual tone: “It’s also from the battle at Lu City. Fortunately, the Crown Prince’s men were trying to capture me alive. If the blade had struck just a bit lower, this arm might have ended up as useless as Little Five’s.”

Xie Zheng moved her shielding hand aside and bent to place another gentle kiss on the scar. His damp forehead hair and lowered lashes concealed his expression. “I’m sorry I arrived too late.”

Fan Changyu smiled, one hand lightly caressing his jade-like face. “Why are you apologizing again? What warrior doesn’t carry scars? I chose this path, and these experiences come with it.”

Mentioning the battle at Lu City again, she voiced a question that had long puzzled her: “General Tang said you happened to be escorting Sui Yuanqing back to Chong Prefecture when you passed through Ji Prefecture, but by my calculations, you had just returned to the Xie residence in Hui Prefecture to accept punishment. Your wounds would likely still have been bleeding – why did you set out in such haste?”

Xie Zheng’s eyes, reflecting the candlelight, took on a shadowed cast: “The Princess sent word to Gong Sun Yin about the young Emperor’s marriage decree, and that the eunuch sent to Chong Prefecture to announce it intended to harm you.”

Fan Changyu remembered that eunuch whose gaze had made her uncomfortable.

But hearing him mention his arranged marriage to the Princess, and now the Princess delivering such important information, she felt complex emotions she couldn’t quite untangle.

She bit her lip slightly and asked, “Are you… close with the Princess?”

Xie Zheng lifted his phoenix eyes, hearing the real question in her words. He pinched her cheek lightly. “Not at all. Gong Sun Yin is the one who has connections with her. Having the Princess investigate the Sixteenth Prince’s matters in the palace was arranged through his mediation.”

Fan Changyu cleared her throat lightly. “No wonder when I met Master Gong Sun in Ji Prefecture, he said he was handling something at your request. Was that the matter?”

“No,” Xie Zheng replied.

Fan Changyu’s confusion deepened. “Then what was it? Master Gong Sun was quite secretive at the time, saying he couldn’t tell me yet.”

Xie Zheng’s palm gently caressed the scars on her shoulder and arm. “Indeed, it cannot be revealed yet. Once he arrives at the capital, you’ll understand.”

His mysterious attitude only piqued her curiosity further. “Master Gong Sun will be coming to the capital later?”

Xie Zheng’s calloused hand traced upward from her arm, pressing firmly when he reached the bite mark he had left at her tomb earlier that still bore traces of blood.

Fan Changyu let out a soft hiss of pain, looking up only to be caught in his dark, intense gaze.

“At this moment, are you sure you want to discuss other men?” he asked.

Fan Changyu tried to glare at him but found herself captivated by his predatory gaze. He grabbed her hand and pressed it against his thin undergarments, which were still damp.

Fan Changyu’s face instantly turned crimson.

He had been out of the bath for so long that his undergarments were cold, yet the heat beneath nearly scorched her hand.

Half embarrassed and half flustered, her mind became muddled like spilled paste, and she inexplicably asked, “Did you only remove your upper garments while bathing?”

Previously, fearing to see something improper, she had avoided looking at his lower half entirely. Later, when distracted by his kisses, she hadn’t noticed. Only now, with his bold gesture, did she realize he was only bare-chested.

Xie Zheng was momentarily taken aback by her ill-timed question, then explained: “It’s a habit of many years. Assassins don’t care if you’re bathing when they try to take your life. In earlier years, I always kept a dagger strapped to my leg, never without it.”

Fan Changyu recalled meeting him by the river during a nighttime walk in Chong Prefecture when he had been equally vigilant.

He must have endured such hardship over the years. While she had faced life-threatening situations in more than ten battles against rebels, he had joined the army at a young age and faced the fierce Northern Yue forces. The dangers he had experienced must have been even greater, leading to such intense vigilance.

The more she thought about it, the heavier her heart felt. Not wanting him to sink into such thoughts, she changed the subject: “No wonder you asked me to bring your clothes earlier…”

By now, Xie Zheng had sobered considerably from his drunkenness. He merely smiled. “You were so reluctant then – did you think I meant to take advantage of you?”

Fan Changyu felt somewhat embarrassed but, maintaining her principle of never backing down, stared back defiantly. “How was I to know your bathing habits?”

Yet her earlobes had turned completely red.

Xie Zheng stared at her ears, which looked like fire berries against snow, just as they had under the moonlight at the tomb. The candlelight even revealed an enticing pink tinge to her ear shells.

His eyes darkened, and his voice deepened: “Your guess wasn’t wrong – I think constantly about taking advantage of you.”

With that, he leaned forward and bit her earlobe.

Fan Changyu had barely processed his words before letting out a soft “ah.”

Her earlobe felt both painful and numb, his hot breath falling entirely on her ear shell, creating an itching sensation like crawling ants. A strange feeling spread through her limbs as if all her strength was being drawn out between his teeth.

Her face burned intensely; Fan Changyu felt she might combust.

She whispered, “Don’t… bite…”

Her voice trembled uncontrollably.

As she lost herself in a blinding white light, he guided her hand beneath his cold, damp undergarments.

…

When Fan Changyu was washing her hands by the bath barrel using the now-completely cold water from his bath, her face remained flushed.

Xie Zheng’s breathing had not yet steadied, and his typically cold, sharp phoenix eyes held a satisfied gleam. He quietly watched her graceful figure from a distance – she had rushed to wash her hands before properly securing her garments.

Her clothes, wrinkled from the dampness and his handling, fit poorly, revealing her fair neck and a small portion of her shoulders. Several intimate red marks stood out starkly against her skin, while loose strands of black hair falling across them added to the sensual atmosphere.

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his eyes darkening. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and scooped her up in his arms.

Fan Changyu was utterly shocked. As her body suddenly became airborne, she instinctively clung to his muscular shoulders. “You…”

Xie Zheng strode out of the washroom and pressed her onto the bed in the outer chamber. He lowered his head to kiss her swollen lips, his dark eyes filled with a predatory gleam that suggested he wanted to devour her whole. “It’s still early. I was just afraid of hurting you before.”

He took her hand and kissed it, then moved to lower the curtains hanging from the golden hooks. Fan Changyu lay among the bedding that carried his scent, her heart pounding like a drum.

Catching sight of the food on the round table from the corner of her eye, she quickly pressed her hand against his chest, fiercely saying, “Go eat. If it’s cold, have the kitchen reheat it.”

He hadn’t even had dinner at this hour.

Her hand was sore, still feeling weak, and unable to exert much strength.

Xie Zheng’s gaze swept over the dishes on the table, and he suddenly asked, “Have you eaten?”

Fan Changyu wanted to lie and say she had, but her stomach betrayed her with an ill-timed growl.

Seeing her embarrassed yet prideful expression, Xie Zheng’s eyes softened. He chuckled lightly and stood up, pulling her to her feet as well. “Why didn’t you eat first?”

Fan Changyu grumbled, “Who knew calling you for dinner would take so long…”

Xie Zheng suddenly laughed, “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Fan Changyu froze, then realizing the meaning behind his words, her face reddened again. She could only glare at him angrily.

Her hair was disheveled, and in her current disheveled state, coupled with that expression, she looked rather like a small leopard baring its teeth and claws.

Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened slightly. Any look she gave him now felt like a hook tugging at his heartstrings. Unable to resist, he pulled her close and kissed her thoroughly before releasing her, his voice husky as he said, “Don’t tempt me.”

Her clothes were already half-wet. Xie Zheng found one of his outfits from the wardrobe and handed it to her. “There are no women’s clothes on the estate. This will have to do for now.”

Although they had been nearly naked together in the washroom earlier, that had been in the heat of passion. Now, changing clothes in front of him made Fan Changyu feel embarrassed.

She took the clothes and went to the washroom. While changing, she caught sight of the red marks on her body and noticed the faint scent of valerian in the air. Remembering how he had pressed her against the table earlier, his suppressed gasps seemingly still echoing in her ears, her face suddenly felt hot enough to fry an egg.

Even though she had helped him that night when he entered the capital…

Was it because she had woken up to find him gone that time, that she hadn’t felt this embarrassed?

Fan Changyu covered her face with her damp clothes for a moment, making sure her face wasn’t burning before changing into the outfit Xie Zheng had given her.

He looked slender, but his clothes were several sizes too big for her. After putting them on, the sleeves were as long as those worn by opera performers on stage. She rolled up the sleeves and trouser legs to avoid tripping while walking.

When she came out, Xie Zheng had put on an outer robe and lit a charcoal brazier. The cold dishes from the table had been moved to a small iron table and were being warmed over the brazier.

“They’ll be ready to eat in a moment…” Xie Zheng’s words trailed off as his gaze swept over her.

His clothes were too large for her, with the sleeves and trouser legs rolled up, accentuating the slenderness of her wrists and ankles. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, like peach blossoms blooming on March branches. A few strands of sweat-dampened hair clung to her cheeks, and her almond eyes, as if washed by water, looked at him uncomfortably, like a small beast that had wandered into a hunting ground.

Fan Changyu tugged at her sleeve, saying awkwardly, “The clothes are a bit big.”

Xie Zheng’s hand, holding the silver-inlaid ebony chopsticks, tightened. Using all his self-control, he managed to shift his gaze from her, lowering his eyes to continue setting the table.

He said, “Make do with these for now. I’ll dry your clothes in a bit.”

What he thought, however, was that in the future, there would be no need to prepare her undergarments. It would be better if she wore his.

From the inside out, she should be entirely his.

Fan Changyu was completely oblivious to these thoughts. She just found it strange that throughout the meal, Xie Zheng barely looked at her, except when serving her food, and didn’t speak much. But remembering what they had done in the washroom earlier, she felt uncomfortable, so she didn’t think too much of it.

During the meal, Xie Zheng only asked one question: “Did Xie Zhong ask you to bring the food?”

Fearing he might blame the old man, Fan Changyu said, “I heard you had sent back the food that was brought, so I volunteered to bring it to you.”

Xie Zheng merely responded with a soft “Mm,” and said no more.

The meal prepared for Xie Zheng by the servants was already generous, and as it was late at night, the two of them sharing it was just right to finish without overeating.

After the meal, Xie Zheng cleared away the table and went to the washroom to fetch Fan Changyu’s wet clothes, placing them over the charcoal brazier to dry.

Fan Changyu watched him skillfully doing these things, remembering the time on the riverbank in Chongzhou when he had sat by the fire, drying her soaked clothes in the same manner. The memory overlapped with the scene before her, filling her heart with warmth, with something intense threatening to overflow.

She scratched her head awkwardly, “Um… I can dry them myself.”

Xie Zheng didn’t even look up, just saying, “If you’re tired, go lie down on the bed and rest for a while. I’ll call you when the clothes are dry.”

Perhaps because of what they had done earlier, Fan Changyu wasn’t sleepy at all. She felt unusually alert, but the lingering awkwardness made her squat by the charcoal brazier, not knowing where to put her hands and feet.

Xie Zheng seemed to sense her discomfort and said, “There are some military books on the bookshelf. They’re what I’ve been reading these days. You can take a look if you’d like.”

It wouldn’t do for them to just sit together in silence. Reading military books was indeed a good way to pass the time.

Fan Changyu immediately went to the bookshelf, took a military book, and sat down opposite Xie Zheng to read. The books he read were much more abstruse than those Fan Changyu had read herself. Even with his annotations, she had to ask about several points before she could turn to the next page.

Xie Zheng’s expertise in military strategy was indeed exceptional. The obscure content became clear when he explained it, and Fan Changyu found it much easier to understand than when listening to the advisors she had hired at great expense.

To help her understand some historical battles, Xie Zheng even brought out several maps for her to compare the terrain.

What had started as a way to avoid awkwardness soon had Fan Changyu completely engrossed in the military books.

After Xie Zheng had dried her clothes and told her to change in the washroom, she still managed to ask two more questions before going.

After changing back into her clothes, Fan Changyu had just picked up the military book again when Xie Zheng went out to call someone in to clear the dishes.

Seeing Fan Changyu sitting at the low table reading, with several maps on the floor and one spread out, the servant assumed that his lord was discussing military matters with the Cloud and Mist General. He quietly collected the bowls and chopsticks and left the room.

Only then did Xie Zheng say to Fan Changyu, “Where did Xie Zhong arrange for you to stay? I’ll escort you there.”

Fan Changyu looked up from the book, slightly startled, and said, “The east wing.”

His current calmness was a stark contrast to how he had almost devoured her in the washroom earlier. Fan Changyu felt a strange sensation in her heart.

As she got up and was about to reach the door, she was suddenly pressed against the door panel, her chin gasped as he kissed her.

When they parted, Xie Zheng, slightly out of breath, said to her, “I want you to stay too, but my Ayu will become the Marchioness of the Marquis’s mansion in the future and will command three armies. I must follow the proper betrothal customs and marry you properly to not dishonor you.”

He had drunk earlier, and in his intoxicated state, hearing her words, he had been unable to control his passion.

But during the meal, he had completely sobered up. Xie Zhong had asked her to bring the food, and if she didn’t leave his room tonight, anyone with eyes would know what had happened.

Even though everyone on this estate was a trusted confidant who would die for him, Xie Zheng didn’t want them to think that Fan Changyu had simply spent the night in his room.

In matters of the heart, she seemed cautious, considering everything before giving her heart away.

But once she truly gave her heart, she didn’t care at all about worldly etiquette.

She had given him her most sincere and passionate self, and he couldn’t help but cherish her for it.

His Ayu deserved the best of everything this world had to offer.

Ah kamay kamay lang😂

pati yung una nila noh kamay kamay lang din HAHAHAHA

A’yung Palad

nakakaloka si Xie Zheng dito sa novel. how about sa series I can’t imagine to Zhang Linghe

Baka i censor nila, pero naiisip ko patin si zlh while reading. Minus ligtas points nanaman🤭🫣

same po tayo si ZLH naiimagine ko dito 😅

si añaden estas escenas al dama , ese drama no podra pasar la censura, de seguro lo van a tapar , Zhang linghe y Tiang Xiwei 😏😏😏😏😏

ZIENIZJEISKW DAMING PINOY AH

haha madami talaga, tahimik kasi hahahahaha

dude where are the English comments 😭

😂😭

todo esto para al final no hacer nada ,sigo diciendo que este hombre esta obsesionado con ella ,me hubiera gustado ver a Fan Changyu celosa tambien , como seria ,no solo XZ

Xie Zheng is so possessive towards A’Yu and I’m loving it 🤣 Didn’t expect the romance in this novel to be so heart-throbbing and so many intense kiss scene 🤭

MY AYU AHHHHHH POOTANGMOTHER

I be confused as hell! Like did they do it or not? And what’s up with the hand washing? The last time they got freaky it said that Xie Zheng had wiped her hand with her under garments? Like is she shaking dice or what?

Ambigu

They only did second base, using their hands to get each other off.

ok, I’ll explain it to you…. he wants for her to come into marriage like a virgin ( because he respects her)…but at the same time he is so lustful, he can’t hold it so they just play safe with hands.. just like the last time, she uses her hands to pleasure him…. off course, she has to wash her sticky hands after 😉

taena makikita ko ba yan sa cdrama ung kamay kamay? hahahahahhaa momol couple talaga to

Como amo a este hombre, no importa cuan loco este y cuánto lo funen por cada burrada que hace yo seguiré aferrada 🫣❤️‍🩹

The 2nd Phase has become too frequent may our eyes bless us when they get married.

Kamay kama huhuhuhuh

“A’yu” ackkk yung puso koo…please lng kahit isang xie zheng lng po ibigay nyo sakin.

“A’yu” goshhh such an endearing nicknameee

Zhu Yu – Chapter 140

Fan Changyu was stunned for a good while after hearing his words.

Suddenly, she cupped his face and quickly stood on her tiptoes to give him a quick peck on the lips.

Before Xie Zheng could react, she swiftly opened the door and bounded out a few steps. Only then did she turn back under the dim glow of the eaves lantern, trying to maintain her composure with a straight face? “Um… I can go back by myself. Don’t escort me. It’s late, you should rest early too.”

Without waiting for Xie Zheng’s response, she walked towards a small path.

Xie Zheng raised his hand to touch his lips, still somewhat dazed.

With her back to him, he couldn’t see the deep blush on her face. All he could glimpse were the tips of her ears, tinged pink in the moonlight.

He called out, “Changyu.”

Fan Changyu didn’t turn around, only raising a hand to wave behind her, “I said you don’t need to escort me. I’ll be there in a few more steps.”

He tugged at the corner of his mouth slightly, saying softly, “You’re going the wrong way. That leads to the kitchen.”

Fan Changyu stumbled, nearly falling over.

The air was silent for several breaths before she turned around, walking towards another path with a seemingly normal expression. She explained matter-of-factly, “It’s too dark. I couldn’t see the path.”

As she continued walking forward, she heard a faint chuckle from Xie Zheng behind her.

Fan Changyu ignored him, half annoyed and half embarrassed at herself. For some reason, her heart was still beating rapidly, as if a small deer was prancing inside her chest.

She returned to the east wing with her head down. The Blood Robe Riders on night duty saw her return and immediately brought her hot water for washing up.

After a quick wash, Fan Changyu flopped onto the bed, staring at the dark canopy above. Remembering her embarrassing moment on the way back, she silently pulled the nearby blanket over her head.

How could she have made such a fool of herself?

Yet her heart was still pounding, a mix of embarrassment and an indescribable joy enveloping her.

Perhaps it was because she had been too slow in matters of the heart, or because she had been preoccupied with too many thoughts before. Only after this night of opening up completely did she realize that liking Xie Zheng seemed to be an extremely joyful thing.

Thinking of him made her want to smile for no reason.

It became too stuffy under the blanket, and she was about to poke her head out for some air.

At that moment, the window made a soft sound. Fan Changyu instantly became alert, her hand reaching for the boning knife hidden under her pillow.

The edge of the bed sank slightly, and Xie Zheng’s clear voice was particularly distinct in the darkness: “Are you asleep?”

Fan Changyu released her grip on the knife handle and poked her head out from under the blanket.

Her hair was mussed, with a few strands sticking up. Her eyes were clear, and her face was slightly flushed from being under the blanket for too long. She exuded a charming naivety as she asked, “Why did you come over?”

Xie Zheng lay down directly, still clothed. His large hand slipped under the brocade quilt, wrapping around her waist and pulling her into his embrace. “Don’t worry, no one saw me come. I’ll leave before dawn.”

Fan Changyu choked slightly, “Isn’t this too much trouble…”

Xie Zheng’s firm chest pressed against her back as he lowered his head to inhale the faint fragrance of her hair. “It’s no trouble,” he said.

His breath tickled Fan Changyu’s nape, making her feel a bit itchy. She tried to move away, but Xie Zheng pulled her back. However, after that, he behaved very properly, as if he had truly come just to sleep while holding her.

Fan Changyu was about to let it be, but after being held for a while, she felt something pressing against her from behind. Her expression changed slightly, and she couldn’t help but say, “You… maybe you should go back to sleep?”

Xie Zheng held her motionless, his voice deep and husky as he replied, “Don’t talk. Sleep.”

Fan Changyu heard the restrained tone in his voice and didn’t dare move. She didn’t speak again either, just lying there in his arms, feeling as if she were on pins and needles. Perhaps she was truly tired, as her breathing gradually evened out.

Xie Zheng listened to her steady breathing, opening his eyes to gaze at her sleeping face in the darkness. After watching silently for a while, he lowered his head and caught a soft patch of skin on her neck between his teeth, gently nibbling and sucking until he left a red mark before releasing it.

He pulled her even tighter into his embrace, slightly adjusting his position. With his chin resting on the hollow of her shoulder, he too closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

When Fan Changyu woke up the next day, Xie Zheng was indeed gone, as promised.

After washing up, she went to the front hall to have breakfast with Xie Zheng. He needed to prepare for his “return to the capital,” and Fan Changyu, after her discussion with Zhu Youchang yesterday, wanted to go to the prison to interrogate the loyal servants of the Sui family who had been brought to the capital, hoping to extract some useful information.

Zhu Youchang, upon learning that Changning was also in the capital, wanted to meet her. However, given the current unclear situation, to avoid exposing the location of the estate and potentially attracting Wei Yan’s assassins, it was decided to wait until Wei Yan was officially convicted before arranging a meeting.

Outside the estate, a carriage was prepared to take Fan Changyu back. She had come empty-handed, but when leaving, Xie Zheng gave her all the military books with his annotations and several maps from his room.

Fan Changyu didn’t refuse, accepting them all without hesitation.

Xie Zheng still had to arrange various matters for his “return to the capital,” including submitting a memorial to the young emperor about his return. Only after he led his troops through Zhengyang Gate would he be able to officially appear in the capital.

So it was Xie Eleven who ended up escorting Fan Changyu back.

She had already settled in the carriage when the heavy curtain was suddenly lifted.

It was a rare fine day. Xie Zheng held up the curtain with one hand, pressing it against the carriage door. The warm sunlight fell on his dark eyelashes, softening his usually stern features.

He looked at Fan Changyu and said, “Take these military books back and read them slowly. If there’s anything you don’t understand, write it down and ask me next time.”

Fan Changyu had the stack of books on her lap, with the topmost one already open, clearly having started reading as soon as she got in the carriage.

She nodded, glancing at Xie Zheng before her gaze returned to the open page of the book.

When she focused on something, her whole being exuded a sort of earnest silliness that was inexplicably endearing. Because of the sunlight streaming in through the carriage door, her long lashes were half-lowered, creating a fluffy fringe. Her swollen lips appeared even fuller.

Xie Zheng looked at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. Suddenly, he said, “Is there already something you don’t understand? Let me see.”

With that, he lowered the curtain and stepped into the carriage.

Fan Changyu stared at him in bewilderment. Aware that the carriage was right at the estate’s gate and that any slight movement inside would draw the attention of the guards at the door, she didn’t dare struggle when Xie Zheng held the back of her head and kissed her.

As the kiss ended, Xie Zheng glanced at the open page of the military book on her lap. His breathing was not yet steady, but his tone was as cool as ever, betraying no abnormality: “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. Thus, the highest form of generalship is to balk at the enemy’s plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy’s forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy’s army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities. Therefore, in military strategy, attacking the enemy’s strategy is of supreme importance. Most often, this involves attacking the enemy’s mind.”

Fan Changyu listened to him grandly summarizing this page of military strategy while panting slightly, continuing to glare at him.

Her hands had already clenched into fists, but remembering that Zhu Youchang and the others were just outside, she ultimately held back.

For the first time, she realized how shameless this man could be!

Xie Zheng seemed to read her thoughts from her wide-open almond eyes. He tugged at the corner of his mouth in a silent smile, then leaned down to kiss her lips again before saying in a low voice, “I’m going now.”

Only after Xie Zheng had jumped down from the carriage did Xie Eleven, who had been stroking the horse’s mane and checking if the reins were securely fastened in front, climb onto the driver’s seat.

Zhu Youchang, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed out of the main gate by a Blood Robe Rider to see Fan Changyu off.

As the carriage disappeared into the distance, Xie Zheng also mounted his horse and left the estate with several Blood Robe Riders to join the second wave of troops returning to the capital, creating the illusion that he had “just” returned from the northern territories.

Zhu Youchang said with great satisfaction, “If the old general knew that niece Changyu had attained the position of a third-rank official in the court and gained the Marquis’s favor, allowing the Meng family to continue serving the Xie clan, he would be able to face General Xie with a smile in the afterlife.”

Xie Zhong watched the carriages and horses heading south and north without saying a word.

His lord’s feelings for the Cloud and Mist General were probably not as simple as comradeship…

Fan Changyu had often been in military camps before, so Zhao Daniang and her husband, along with Changning, were already accustomed to her being away from home for several days at a time.

Yesterday, when she left the Memorial Institute, she had also instructed Xie Seven, so when she returned, the elderly couple and Changning thought she had gone to handle some official business and weren’t overly worried.

Changning excitedly held up a bamboo basket with a rabbit inside, showing it to her: “Sister, sister, look at Ningniang’s little rabbit!”

Fan Changyu had previously said she wouldn’t let Changning keep pets, fearing it would be troublesome when they left the capital. But now that the rabbit was already here, she didn’t scold her. She just smiled and said, “Did you persuade your Seventh Uncle to win this for you, or was it your Fifth Uncle?”

Changning’s large grape-like eyes were shining brightly as she exclaimed happily, “Bao’er won it for me!”

Fan Changyu was surprised: “Bao’er knows how to play pitch-pot?”

That child wasn’t much older than Changning and usually seemed quite gentle. He had a good memory for reciting poetry and books, but in terms of being lively, he wasn’t as playful as Changning.

Xie Five, who had accompanied Yu Bao’er out yesterday, smiled and answered, “The young master spent the whole afternoon playing pitch-pot at the vendor’s stall. He almost pawned his jade pendant to the vendor, but finally managed to win. The vendor was so pleased that he even gave him a rabbit lantern.”

It turned out that Yu Bao’er had gone out yesterday to act as a fortune god for someone, leaving Fan Changyu both amused and exasperated.

She looked at Yu Bao’er, who was standing quietly with pursed lips, and squatted down to him. “When your aunt has time tomorrow, I’ll take you back to that vendor and win back everything from his stall!”

Changning perked up at this, clapping her hands in delight. “Win everything back! Then Ningniang will also set up a stall and let people play pitch-pot!”

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but chuckle, pinching her soft, chubby cheeks. “Ningniang is quite the little money-grubber, isn’t she? Already knows how to make money!”

Changning glanced nervously at Yu Bao’er, twisting her fingers. “Bao’er spent all his money playing pitch-pot. I’m his little aunt, so I have to earn it back for him.”

This made both Aunt Zhao and Uncle Zhao burst into laughter.

Aunt Zhao praised, “Our Ningniang is acting like a little aunt now.”

Changning’s eyes squinted with joy, her lips curling up, and her little chest puffed out a bit.

Only Yu Bao’er shot a glance at Changning, looking somewhat displeased.

After watching the two little ones, Fan Changyu returned to her room to put away the military books Xie Zheng had given her, but Yu Bao’er followed her like a little shadow. “Changyu Auntie.”

He clenched his fists, hesitating to speak.

Fan Changyu asked, “What’s wrong, Bao’er?”

Yu Bao’er looked at her and said, “I want to learn martial arts.”

This question gave Fan Changyu a slight headache. Given Yu Bao’er’s noble status, the hardships of practicing martial arts would be considerable, and falling and getting hurt were common.

She replied, “Learning martial arts is very tough. Why do you suddenly want to learn?”

Yu Bao’er lowered his long lashes, pursing his lips in silence. After a while, he said, “I just want to learn. If I can be as strong as Aunt Changyu, I can protect my mother in the future.”

The incident when the Crown Prince’s men tried to abduct Yu Qianqian and her son left a significant shadow in Yu Bao’er’s heart.

Hearing him say this, Fan Changyu’s expression turned serious.

She said, “Learning martial arts is hard, but the most valuable part is persistence. Studying is like rowing upstream; if you don’t advance, you will retreat. Learning martial arts is the same. How about this: I’ll teach you the basics first. If you can endure this hardship and stick with it, I’ll teach you more later.”

Yu Bao’er nodded vigorously. “Okay.”

Changning, having overheard their conversation, suddenly popped up and declared, “Ningniang wants to learn too! In the future, I’ll punch a bad guy flat and slap a pig unconscious!”

As she spoke, she waved her little fists.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but facepalm, remembering how Changning had once helped with the pig slaughtering.

She said, “You shouldn’t mess around since your health isn’t good.”

Changning had a wheezing condition and often struggled to breathe.

When Fan Changyu’s mother was pregnant with her, she encountered the Jinzhou incident, and it was Fan Changyu’s father who rescued her. They had fled to Jizhou, suffering along the way, and it was only because Fan Changyu was strong that she was born safely.

However, her mother’s health had not improved over the years. It wasn’t until she was nearly ten that she had Changning. Due to her mother’s weak constitution, Changning was born small and frail, and she had a congenital wheezing condition, which meant she had to take medicine constantly from the moment she started eating.

When she was little, she refused to drink goat’s milk because of its strong taste, and it was only when Fan Changyu secretly mixed in some sugar that she was coaxed into drinking it.

After joining the army, Fan Changyu earned money but never stopped providing medicine for Changning.

When Changning heard Fan Changyu refuse her, she hurried over, tugging at her sleeve insistently. “No, no! Ningniang wants to learn!”

Perhaps afraid that Fan Changyu would still disagree, her eyes began to redden, and her voice turned nasal as if she was about to cry from grievance.

Fan Changyu’s heart softened. She bent down to pat Changning’s head and said, “Ningniang, be good. Your sister will find the best doctor in the capital to treat you. If the doctor says you can learn martial arts, then I’ll teach you, okay?”

Changning finally nodded, albeit reluctantly.

Having gained a lead on investigating Wei Yan from Zhu Youchang, Fan Changyu was busy with a multitude of matters. However, getting a doctor for Changning was equally urgent, so that afternoon, she sent Xie Five out to inquire about renowned doctors in the capital.

As Fan Changyu hurried off, Yu Bao’er looked at the still unhappy Changning and said, “It’s okay if you can’t learn martial arts. In the future, I’ll protect you.”

Changning pouted, her face scrunching up in anger. “No way!”

Yu Bao’er asked, “Why not?”

Changning’s chubby fingers fiddled with the pearl button on her clothes, feeling awkward. “If you get stronger than me, I won’t be able to beat you anymore.”

Yu Bao’er replied, “Then in the future, if you hit me, I won’t fight back.”

Changning’s round eyes glanced at him sideways. “Really?”

Yu Bao’er nodded. “Really.”

Changning’s lips finally curled up uncontrollably, and she extended her chubby little pinky. “Then let’s make a pinky promise. If you go back on your word, you’ll be a little dog.”

Yu Bao’er linked her pinky with hers, saying earnestly, “Okay, it’s a promise.”

—

**In the Palace.**

Qi Sheng stared at the memorial that had just arrived in the palace that morning, pacing anxiously in the hall. “Xie Zheng is about to return to the capital, but Wei Yan hasn’t informed me of his response to the accusations against the Li faction…”

His eyes were bloodshot with rage as he kicked the dragon table. “If Xie Zheng turns against me like that old bastard from the Li family and sides with the heir of the Chengde Crown Prince, then his return will mean he’s trying to push me off this dragon throne!”

“I need to think of a way, think of a way…”

The newly appointed chief eunuch was a shrewd man and immediately flattered, “Your Majesty, don’t worry. The Marquis of Wuan holds a strong military force. If he turns against the heir of the Chengde Crown Prince, it’s only to bring down Wei Yan. Once the heir of the Chengde Crown Prince usurps the throne, he can be promised rewards. You can promise the Marquis of Wuan the same now. As long as he helps you, first deal with the Li family, then bring down Wei Yan, and give him the position originally meant for Wei Yan. That’s better than helping the heir of the Chengde Crown Prince and having to share power with the Li family.”

Since Xie Zheng had defied the imperial edict and even cut off the ear of the eunuch who delivered it, Qi Sheng had always remembered the hatred of being disrespected by imperial authority.

He was a thousand times unwilling to let Xie Zheng take Wei Yan’s position, but now it was clear that Wei Yan could do nothing about the Li family. Qi Sheng began to waver about whether Wei Yan could help him keep his throne.

His slightly bulging eyes fixed intently on the eunuch. “I’ve already made enemies with him to this extent. Can you think of a way to win him over?”

This question left the eunuch speechless. Under Qi Sheng’s seemingly predatory gaze, he could only force a smile and say, “For men, what can be used to win them over? It’s nothing but power, wealth, and beauty.”

This statement was essentially useless.

Qi Sheng, however, sat back down on the dragon throne, propping his head with one hand. His slightly bulging eyes were bloodshot. “Beauty? I wanted to marry her to him and my elder sister. How has he treated me?”

The eunuch’s eyes darted, and he suddenly said, “The Princess Chang seems to have connections with the Marquis of Wuan…”

Qi Sheng’s eyelids shot up, and he sneered, “He Xie Zheng rejected my marriage proposal and then turned around to have dealings with my elder sister. What does he want? My elder sister has also disappointed me. I’ve treated her so well, and she’s looking for a way out for herself?”

His gaze turned cold as he suddenly looked at the eunuch. “How did you find out about this?”

The eunuch’s legs went weak, and he knelt. “I wouldn’t dare deceive Your Majesty. I have a godson who has become a matchmaker with a maid in Princess Chang’s palace. When that maid went in to serve tea, she accidentally overheard the Princess giving orders to her trusted eunuch to ensure that a letter was delivered to the Marquis of Wuan.”

Qi Sheng’s fingers began to tap rhythmically on the armrest of the dragon throne, the sound of his nails clashing with the metal was particularly grating. “What movements have the Princess made recently?”

The eunuch discreetly observed Qi Sheng, speaking in a low voice, “I’ve heard that people from Princess Chang’s palace have been frequently visiting the Cold Palace lately, getting quite close to a mad maid from the late Concubine Jia’s palace…”

Qi Sheng’s fingers dug in harder, the neatly trimmed nails were worn down by the carved armrest, leaving uneven notches. He murmured, “She’s helping Xie Zheng investigate the matter of the Sixteenth Prince… What does Xie Zheng want with the Sixteenth Prince?”

One of his nails broke under the pressure.

This slight pain jolted Qi Sheng from his thoughts, and he suddenly raised his head.

His bulging eyes gleamed ominously, causing the eunuch to break out in goosebumps under his gaze.

Qi Sheng smiled, a strange excitement flickering in his expression as he fixed his gaze on the chief eunuch. “Go, bring that mad maid from the Cold Palace to me. Make sure she’s clean and doesn’t let my elder sister catch wind of anything.”

Yu Bao’er :“Then in the future, if you hit me, I won’t fight back.”

Bao’er and Changning love story start from baby 😍

Changing may look cut but in the futur, growing up under the Marquis reputation she can become very arrogante. somebody needs to start grounding her so she becomes a considerate adulte not overprotect and spoiled

wtf are you taking… she is a child , only 5 years old. as a kid who lost her parents early,, got kidnaped already, has only sister by her side ( ML is not close to Ning) and has asthma attacks very often, she is perfect. not to mention that she stays alone with her neighbors or guards all the time..

Zhu Yu – Chapter 141

The intricately carved wooden door creaked open, allowing sunlight to pour into the hall through the wide entrance and tall window frames. Wisps of fragrant smoke rose languidly from the boshan incense burner, drifting through the air.

Long Princess Qi Shu, dressed in an elaborate dark cyan palace gown, stepped into the small Buddhist shrine set up in her mother’s palace. Her hair was piled high in an ornate style, adorned with numerous pearl hairpins and ornaments. Her upturned eyes were alluring yet somewhat disdainful, her red lips vibrant. A light cyan gauze shawl was draped around her slender waist and arms. Every movement exuded charm and grace. She was truly the most exquisite peony of the Great Yin dynasty, worthy of being called a national beauty.

In the center of the shrine stood a white jade statue of Guanyin, about one foot tall. Its smooth, lustrous appearance indicated it was carved from a single piece of high-quality mutton-fat jade by skilled craftsmen, making it extremely valuable.

Qi Shu looked at the beautiful woman in sandalwood-colored Buddhist robes kneeling on a prayer mat with her back turned, and spoke haughtily, “Mother, why have you summoned me?”

Consort An continued fingering her prayer beads—half white jade, half emerald—without answering, quietly murmuring Buddhist scriptures.

The incense used in this shrine was the heavy-scented Dazang, with an ancient and profound aroma that Qi Shu disliked.

Seeing her mother call her here only to ignore her, Qi Shu frowned. Usually, her mother only treated her this way when she had done something wrong. Thinking of the recent investigation she had undertaken at Gong Sun Yi’s request, she clasped her hands tightly in front of her, but quickly masked that moment of unease with her innate royal pride.

Consort An finally finished reciting the sutra. She rose to light a stick of incense before the Guanyin statue, then spoke unhurriedly, “What have you been busy with lately?”

Qi Shu replied nonchalantly, “Learning to play the zither from Court Lady Qin of the Imperial Music Department, and copying some Buddhist scriptures for you in my spare time, Mother.”

Consort An sat down on the noble consort’s chair, holding her string of blue and white prayer beads. She raised her eyelids slightly to look at her daughter. “Is that all?”

Mother and daughter bore a slight resemblance, but their alluring eyes were identical, although Consort An’s eye corners showed fine lines from the passage of time.

Qi Shu had been spoiled since childhood and had always been strong-willed. She looked at the consort and said, “Mother, if you don’t believe me, why bother asking?”

Hearing her daughter’s fiery response, Consort An frowned slightly and shook her head gently.

She asked, “Why have your palace maids been frequenting the Cold Palace recently?”

Qi Shu’s heart skipped a beat, causing her eyelashes to flutter. She stubbornly replied, “I have dozens of maids and eunuchs in my palace. How could I know everything they do in private?”

Consort An’s expression darkened completely. She called out, “Shu’er!”

When Consort An was truly angry, Qi Shu became afraid. However, she dared not fully disclose her collaboration with Xie Zheng.

Consort An knew about the Emperor’s decree of marriage between her and Xie Zheng. But Xie Zheng hadn’t even allowed the imperial messenger to announce the edict and had even cut off one of the messenger’s ears—truly outrageous behavior.

Although few people knew about this incident, Xie Zheng’s defiance of the imperial edict and refusal of marriage was not only a slap in Qi Sheng’s face but also in Qi Shu’s. Consort An had quite a few complaints about Xie Zheng.

Qi Shu was secretly delighted, as she had gone to great lengths to pass this news to Xie Zheng. However, fearing her mother would blame her for meddling in court affairs, she had kept quiet all along.

Now, facing Consort An’s barely concealed anger, she carefully considered her words before speaking, “Some people from my palace happened to discover a maid in the Cold Palace who used to serve in Consort Jia Gui’s palace. Seeing her in a pitiful, deranged state, they helped her once or twice. But they heard some shocking news from this mad maid’s mouth.”

When Consort An heard that there was still a maid from Consort Jia Gui’s palace in the Cold Palace, her hand paused in fingering the prayer beads, and her expression changed.

Qi Shu carefully observed her mother’s reaction and continued, “That mad maid said that Grand Chancellor Wei had once… committed adultery in the harem, having an affair with a consort…”

With a snap, the prayer beads in Consort An’s hand broke, scattering blue and white precious stones across the floor.

“Who else knows about this?” Consort An suddenly stood up and asked Qi Shu sternly, her expression unprecedentedly grim.

Qi Shu was startled by her mother’s rare display of great anger. Her mind raced as she replied, “This matter is of utmost importance. That maid might have been spouting nonsense in her madness, and she didn’t specify which of Father Emperor’s consorts had an affair with Grand Chancellor Wei. How could I dare to tell others rashly?”

Consort An sat back down on the noble consort’s chair, saying wearily, “Let this matter rest. Don’t investigate further. Pretend you never heard the mad maid’s ravings.”

Qi Shu found Consort An’s reaction today very strange and pressed on, “Why? If Wei Yan truly had such audacity, this crime alone would be enough to execute his entire clan and reclaim power from his hands.”

Although as long as the Great Yin dynasty bore the surname Qi, she would always be its most noble princess, this nobility also depended on the rise and fall of imperial power.

For instance, with Qi Sheng on the throne but with power usurped by Wei Yan, the entire royal family had to live at Wei Yan’s mercy.

Hearing Qi Shu’s words, Consort An laughed coldly, “Execute Wei Yan’s entire clan? If that were possible, the long steps of Taixian Palace wouldn’t have been washed in blood seventeen years ago.”

Taixian Palace was the residence of emperors throughout the generations.

Qi Shu’s alluring eyes widened suddenly, “Wei Yan staged a coup?”

A chill ran through her body, “Then Father Emperor… didn’t die from illness?”

Consort An didn’t answer. She knelt before the Guanyin statue with her hands clasped and said, “Don’t ask anything, and don’t investigate further. I survived to this day as the only one of the four consorts by keeping my palace doors tightly shut and not meddling in anything.”

Perhaps due to royal pride, Qi Shu couldn’t help but ask coldly, “Wei Yan has bullied our royal family to this extent. Even if the Prince is incompetent, rumors are spreading throughout the court that the eldest brother of Crown Prince Cheng De still has descendants in this world. If we unite with the Li family and the Marquis of Wu’an who commands heavy troops, along with Grandfather and the others, I don’t believe we can’t overthrow Wei Yan!”

Consort An raised her eyelids, “Do you think Consort Jia Gui’s family was weak back then? Jia Min could still be the most favored in the harem at her age, relying on her family’s power. The Sixteenth Prince even dared to contend for the throne with the Crown Prince. But what happened in the end? Count how many officials surnamed Jia above the fifth rank you can find in the entire court now.”

Qi Shu felt a chill run down her spine. She asked tremblingly, “If Wei Yan has such overwhelming power, why… does he still support the Prince’s ascension to the throne?”

Her gaze shifted, “Could it be that the Prince…”

Consort An interrupted her, “Don’t make wild guesses. Wei Yan is like a mad dog. Who knows what he’s planning? I only have you as my daughter. Don’t get involved in the rights and wrongs of the court. We, mother and daughter, and the An family can always live in peace.”

Qi Shu looked at Consort An and said, “Mother, do you know which consort had an affair with Wei Yan back then?”

In Taixian Palace, Qi Sheng looked at the trembling maid kneeling at the bottom of the steps. Sitting on the dragon throne with one hand supporting his chin, he spoke with interest, “What did the person who came to see you in the Cold Palace ask you?”

The maid’s hair was disheveled, and her dirty palace maid outfit was stained with large patches of blood, clearly having been tortured by the inner court officials before being brought here. She no longer dared to pretend to be mad.

Looking up at the emperor in dragon robes, she shook like a sieve, “They… they didn’t ask this slave anything, just took pity on this slave and gave me a few meals…”

Qi Sheng sneered, “Weren’t you mad all these years in the Cold Palace? How come you’re not mad now?”

The maid shook even more violently, not knowing how to respond.

The head eunuch beside Qi Sheng immediately said sternly, “You wretched slave, if you dare to deceive His Majesty again, you’ll be beheaded at the Wu Gate immediately!”

The maid’s face turned pale with fright. She stammered, “Your Majesty, spare me, spare me… This slave did this… for self-preservation.”

She trembled and wept, “All the servants from Consort Jia Gui’s palace died back then. This slave had made a mistake and was punished by working in the laundry by Consort Jia Gui before that, which is why I escaped. Fearing that someone would discover that I was the only survivor from Consort Jia Gui’s palace, I had no choice but to pretend to be mad and go to the Cold Palace to fend for myself.”

She spoke earnestly, but Qi Sheng seemed uninterested in her confession. He sank into the dragon throne and said to the head eunuch, “Gag her and use another set of torture.”

The maid was terrified and kowtowed repeatedly, crying and begging, “Your Majesty, everything this slave said is true! Mmph…”

She couldn’t continue pleading as several strong eunuchs quickly gagged her and held down her hands and feet.

Fearing to dirty the floor of Taixian Palace, the eunuchs dared not use severe torture. Instead, they took needles and began inserting them into the gaps between the maid’s fingernails.

The pain of all ten fingers connected to the heart is truly known only to those who have experienced it firsthand.

In the palace, this torture method was sometimes more effective than caning.

As soon as the first needle was inserted, the maid’s body convulsed in pain. She struggled desperately on the ground, but several eunuchs held her arms firmly, pinning her legs and back with their knees. All her agonized screams were muffled by the cloth stuffed in her mouth. The maid bit through her gums in pain, and blood seeped through the gag, staining it red.

Qi Sheng didn’t call for a stop, so the eunuchs inserted a second needle, then a third…

By the end, the maid had no strength left. She lay limp on the ground, cold sweat from the pain soaking her hair and tattered palace robes. Her ten fingers, embedded with steel needles, lay at her sides, with only a few small pools of blood dripping onto the floor. The maid had almost lost sensation from the pain, her lips as white as her face. Her fingertips still trembled due to the tension in her muscles and nerves.

The head eunuch fawned at Qi Sheng, “Your Majesty, the torture is complete.”

Qi Min, who had observed the entire ordeal, seemed to be in a much better mood now compared to his previous disinterest. “Now answer me, why did you pretend to be mad in the Cold Palace?”

With the steel needles still in her fingernails and  extreme pain, the maid could barely think. She instinctively replied, “For… self-preservation.”

Confirming she wasn’t lying, Qi Sheng’s eyes suddenly lit up alarmingly, hiding a strange excitement: “Who was so capable as to silence everyone in Consort Jia Gui’s palace?”

Even though she felt like she had already died once from the pain, upon hearing this question, the maid couldn’t help but tremble all over. As if touching upon some taboo, she uttered that name with extreme fear: “It… it was Wei Yan.”

The head eunuch beside them was stunned. After a moment of surprise, Qi Sheng’s eyes flashed with a hint of darkness as he continued to ask, “Why did he kill the people in Consort Jia Gui’s palace?”

The maid’s voice was shaking uncontrollably: “Not just Consort Jia Gui’s palace, everyone who knew about Wei Yan’s adultery in the harem was killed by him.”

These words struck like a thunderbolt. Cold sweat began to form on the head eunuch’s forehead.

He never imagined such a shocking secret was hidden within this matter.

Qi Sheng’s face also darkened, “You say Wei Yan committed adultery in the harem?”

The maid nodded fearfully.

Qi Sheng sat back on the dragon throne, his face gloomy: “Continue the torture.”

The steel needles had already been used, so the head eunuch instructed the other eunuchs to apply finger clamps to the maid’s hands and feet.

A row of thin rods clamped all her fingers. Two strong eunuchs on either side tightened the binding ropes, squeezing the finger bones until they deformed and even broke.

The maid was held down by her shoulders by several eunuchs, unable to struggle. Her tears had dried up, and her teeth clenching the gag were softened. Her mouth was filled with the taste of blood.

After this round of torture, the maid lay on the ground, completely unable to kneel. She kept mumbling, “Please spare this slave… everything this slave said is true…”

Qi Sheng didn’t speak again. The head eunuch beside him didn’t dare to speak rashly, carefully observing Qi Sheng’s expression.

After Crown Prince Cheng De and the Sixteenth Prince both died at the hands of the Northern Khui people, the previous emperor passed away due to illness. Subsequently, Wei Yan took control of the court and supported Qi Sheng, who had no foundation, to ascend to the throne.

Combined with what the maid said about Wei Yan’s adultery in the harem…

The head eunuch dared not think further, fearing that after today, his head might roll.

Qi Sheng began to uncontrollably scratch at the dragon armrest’s carvings with his fingernails, his bulging eyes looking extremely sinister: “Who had the affair with Wei Yan?”

The maid confessed with a pale face: “It… it was Consort Shu.”

Qi Sheng suddenly let out a sigh of relief. Consort Shu was one of the four consorts. According to the royal archives, Consort Shu, like Consort Jia Gui, had passed away following the previous emperor’s death.

His eyes began to show an indescribable excitement again: “Did Wei Yan kill Consort Shu to cover up his misdeeds?”

“This slave doesn’t know… Back then, Consort Shu was diagnosed with pregnancy, but the fetus’s age didn’t match the records in the imperial bedchamber register… The previous emperor was furious and beat to death the palace maids in Consort Shu’s palace, then confined Consort Shu to interrogate her. One night, Consort Shu’s Qingyuan Palace suddenly caught fire, burning everything to ashes. Consort Shu was also burned to death. The imperial guards on night patrol… saw Wei Yan that night.”

Qi Sheng sneered, “How convenient that all evidence and witnesses were destroyed. Wei Yan is truly ruthless.”

He stared at the maid: “Did my imperial father just allow Wei Yan to act so lawlessly?”

The maid, pale as a sheet, said: “The fire in Consort Shu’s palace burned until dawn. At daybreak, Wei Yan led troops to massacre the palace. The previous emperor and Noble Consort Jia… both died by Wei Yan’s sword…”

Qi Sheng was so angry that the muscles in his face twitched. He said coldly, “Well, well! Wei Yan committed adultery in the palace, and when exposed, he murdered the emperor and seized power, massacring the palace to silence everyone. How very good indeed!”

He made a gesture, and the head eunuch understood, ordering the young eunuchs in the hall to take the maid away.

When the head eunuch returned, he carefully observed Qi Sheng’s expression and cautiously said, “The Long Princess is helping the Marquis of Wu’an investigate this matter, presumably to bring down Wei Yan. It’s a pity that there’s only the maid’s word, without concrete evidence.”

Qi Sheng suddenly laughed coldly: “I should thank Wei Yan. He’s given me a good way to control Xie Zheng.”

The head eunuch looked confused, but Qi Sheng said no more.

However, the plan in his heart made his protruding eyes light up eerily again: “This blade forged by Wei Yan will ultimately be used for my benefit.”

A few days later, Xie Zheng led the Northern Expedition army back through Zhengyang Gate in triumph.

The entire capital was once again deserted as people flocked to the streets. The main road from the North City Gate to Zhengyang Gate was packed with citizens welcoming the victorious army.

Fan Chang Yu had received the news in advance and booked three private rooms in a street-side restaurant early on, just to bring Chang Ning and Bao’er to see Xie Zheng’s triumphant return.

As for why she booked three rooms, it was because Xie Wu had mentioned fears of eavesdropping through walls. Fan Chang Yu reasoned that if people could eavesdrop through one wall, she might as well book the rooms on both sides to solve the problem.

When Xie Wu and Xie Qi heard Fan Chang Yu’s solution, they were speechless but felt it made sense, so they went along with it.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Zhao had been out on the streets these days, it was never as lively as today. Looking down from the restaurant window, the entire street was filled with people.

Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er were too short to reach the window, so they had to stand on chairs to see the situation below.

Fearing that Yu Bao’er might be noticed by the Imperial Grandson’s people, Fan Chang Yu prepared a flower-patterned mask for each child. The two kids found them fun and wore them throughout the event.

Since the army hadn’t reached this area yet, there was only a cacophony of noise below. Chang Ning and Yu Bao’er watched for a while, got bored, and sat at the round table to eat from the array of pastries and dishes.

When cheers erupted outside, the two children squeezed into the window to look. Mr. and Mrs. Zhao also wanted to see the excitement and joined them at the window, keeping an eye on the children as well.

On the way there, Chang Ning encountered a flower seller and bought a basket of petals.

She leaned out the window, listening to the enthusiastic cheers of the people below, excitedly throwing petals at the approaching army.

When she saw the young general with cold, handsome features riding a tall horse, her eyes widened: “Brother-in-law?”

She tugged at Yu Bao’er’s sleeve excitedly, “Bao’er, look quickly, that’s my brother-in-law!”

Mr. and Mrs. Zhao, being older, didn’t have eyesight as good as Chang Ning’s. Mrs. Zhao squinted for a while before saying, “It does look like Yan Zheng!”

Mr. Zhao nodded in agreement, “That’s right, it’s Yan Zheng.”

Mrs. Zhao turned to Fan Chang Yu with delight, “Chang Yu, come quick and look! Yan Zheng has made something of himself too. Look, he’s riding at the very front! How impressive! Has he earned himself a high official position too?”

Hearing this, Xie Wu and Xie Qi both had slight smiles on their faces.

Fan Chang Yu, taking advantage of her height, had a full view of the entire street from behind.

She had of course seen Xie Zheng riding at the front of the army, wearing a qilin-shouldered armor that absorbed light. But in front of Xie Wu and Xie Qi, she didn’t know how to respond to Mrs. Zhao’s words. She just coughed twice and said, “He has indeed done well for himself.”

In the entire Great Yin dynasty, there was no one of his generation more successful than him.

As she spoke, whether it was because Xie Zheng sensed too many eager gazes from the restaurant window, he suddenly looked up.

As their eyes met, Fan Chang Yu’s eyelids trembled, and she suddenly felt a sense of guilt.

hahaha waiting sa reaksyon nila

If this shtty emperor again starts forcing his sister and Xie Zheng to marry—I swear to God!
Mag-iisekai talaga ako para sakalin lang tong gag*ng to. Pila’y pusta si Consort Shu gyud iyang tinuod na mama, gi-baby-swap lang ni Wei Yan.

The Emperor is cruel and dumb. He’s the only idiot how thinks that he can manipulate Xie Zheng, all the other villains know that Xie Zheng only does what he wants and can’t be tamed

Gagoo prang ako yung natotorture, ang vivid ng imagination ko. That poor maid

This emperor is dumb

Zhu Yu – Chapter 142

Changning excitedly tugged on Fan Changyu’s sleeve, turning her head: “Sister, is Brother-in-law looking at us?”

She strained her voice, shouting “Brother-in-law” towards the street below, but the crowd’s thunderous chants of “Marquis Wu’an” drowned out her childish voice.

As the troops passed beneath, Xie Zheng slightly nodded toward the upper floor of the tavern. It was unclear whether he had heard Changning’s shouts or was simply acknowledging Fan Changyu.

A burst of short exclamations came from the neighboring private rooms, followed by a clatter of objects falling from the windows.

“Marquis Wu’an is looking at our young lady!”

“Nonsense, he nodded at our miss!”

The accompanying maids argued on behalf of their mistresses, so excited that they tossed their flower baskets down to the street.

In the open-minded society of Great Yin, it was common for unmarried ladies to throw flowers and handkerchiefs at victorious troops on such joyous occasions. When Fan Changyu entered the city with Tang Peiyi, she received numerous handkerchiefs.

Uncle Zhao and Aunt Zhao watched as young ladies from both upstairs and downstairs threw handkerchiefs at Xie Zheng. Displeased, they said, “Surely Yanzheng was looking at us just now?”

Despite her age, Aunt Zhao leaned half her body out of the window, shouting, “Yanzheng! Yanzheng! Changyu is here!”

Embarrassed, Fan Changyu tried to retreat, but Aunt Zhao grabbed her arm, urging, “Quick, throw a handkerchief to Yanzheng!”

Fan Changyu responded awkwardly, “Aunt, I’d rather not…”

Aunt Zhao glared at her, “Child, what are you afraid of? That’s your husband down there, bound to you by heaven. If other young ladies can throw handkerchiefs at him, why can’t you?”

She then pushed Fan Changyu towards the window.

Changning clapped her hands in delight, “Sister, throw a handkerchief! Throw one!”

Fan Changyu sighed, “I don’t have a handkerchief. In the army, I only use large sweatcloths.”

Aunt Zhao was momentarily taken aback by Fan Changyu’s words but persisted, “Well… do you have a sachet or something? Just throw something down there.”

Naturally, Fan Changyu didn’t carry sachets either.

After some thought, she untied the reddish-brown hair ribbon from her hair.

Fan Changyu reluctantly approached the window with the ribbon. Compared to the fragrant, intricately embroidered silk handkerchiefs of other young ladies, her hair ribbon was excessively plain. The material wasn’t even of good quality; if thrown on the street, no one would bother to pick it up.

Just as Fan Changyu was about to toss it for appearance’s sake, Xie Zheng suddenly looked up directly at her.

Their eyes met mid-air, causing Fan Changyu’s heart to skip a beat. She momentarily forgot to throw the ribbon in her hand.

Aunt Zhao, anxious beside her, urged, “Changyu, throw it quickly! Yanzheng is looking at you!”

Fan Changyu snapped back to reality, her heart pounding as if it would leap from her throat. She clenched her fist and, with a do-or-die attitude, threw the ribbon down.

Despite her excellent martial arts aim, the ribbon was too light, and a gust of wind threatened to blow it past Xie Zheng’s head. Suddenly, the stoic young Marquis on horseback raised his hand, catching the reddish-brown ribbon with five fingers.

The watching crowd erupted in a deafening cheer.

Throughout the journey, countless young ladies had thrown silk handkerchiefs at him, but he hadn’t spared them a glance even when they fell near him. Now, his sudden action to catch a hair ribbon was truly extraordinary.

Xie Zheng, maintaining his composure, tucked Fan Changyu’s ribbon into his clothes. He cast a glance in her direction before facing forward and continuing to ride.

The spectators and young ladies’ cheers grew even louder, with some girls bursting into tears.

“Whose ribbon was that?”

“Could it be that Marquis Wu’an has a sweetheart?”

People on both sides of the street craned their necks, trying to identify which room in the tavern the ribbon had come from. However, they only saw three rooms with tightly closed windows, unable to determine which one housed the esteemed guest who had thrown it.

All three rooms had been rented by Fan Changyu.

When Xie Zheng caught the ribbon and looked at her after tucking it away, Fan Changyu felt as if her heart had been struck by lightning. Her heart raced, making her anxious, and her mind went slightly numb.

Almost reflexively, she closed the window and returned to her seat at the round table. Under Aunt Zhao’s bewildered gaze, she blushed from the base of her neck to the tips of her ears.

After a moment of shock, Aunt Zhao said with a mix of amusement and exasperation, “You silly girl, you’ve been married for so long, what are you still shy about?”

Fan Changyu remained silent, pinching her burning earlobe, her long black eyelashes fluttering rapidly, seemingly still in a state of nervous excitement.

Even Changning couldn’t help but laugh, “Sister is shy.”

Xie Wu and Xie Qi stood silently in the corner, trying their best to blend into the background.

After a while, Fan Changyu recovered, the flush on her face subsiding somewhat. She pinched Changning’s chubby cheek and said, “Ningniang, you’ve become quite bold, even teasing your sister now?”

With one cheek pinched by Fan Changyu, Changning’s smile on the other side nearly reached her ears, “Brother-in-law looked at Sister, and Sister got so scared she closed the window.”

Fan Changyu’s face, which had just regained its normal color, threatened to flush again due to Changning’s innocent remark. She put on a stern face and said, “You impertinent girl, Sister was worried about prying eyes causing trouble.”

Changning stuck out her tongue, not daring to tease further.

Carpenter Zhao, still in awe of the grand spectacle he had just witnessed, took a sip of tea before saying, “I heard many people shouting ‘Marquis Wu’an,’ but I didn’t see him. Could it be that Marquis Wu’an’s procession is behind the main army?”

The young ladies’ cries and shouts had been drowned out by the louder cheers, and the Beijing accent made it difficult for Carpenter Zhao to discern what little he had heard.

He didn’t understand the order of precedence for the army’s entry into the city, but he recalled that when Fan Changyu and the others entered Beijing, Tang Peiyi had been at the front. Logically, as Marquis Wu’an held the highest rank, he should have been at the front as well. So why was Yanzheng leading?

The fame of Marquis Wu’an spread throughout Great Yin like wildfire after he recaptured Jinzhou and recovered the twelve commanderies of Liaodong.

Carpenter Zhao was quite eager to catch a glimpse of this legendary general.

Fan Changyu silently wiped her face.

Finally, the conversation had reached this point…

She scratched her head and said, “Well… Uncle, Aunt, there’s something I haven’t told you yet.”

Seeing her awkward expression, Aunt Zhao immediately said, “Child, are you still treating us like outsiders? Whatever it is, just say it.”

Fan Changyu looked at the elderly couple and said, “Actually, Yanzheng is Marquis Wu’an.”

Carpenter Zhao’s hand trembled, spilling half a cup of tea on himself. Ignoring the heat, he hastily stood up, shaking his clothes a couple of times. His aged eyes, now wide open, stared directly at Fan Changyu. “What?”

Aunt Zhao also gaped, looking from Fan Changyu to Carpenter Zhao, too shocked to utter a word.

Fan Changyu had expected the elderly couple to be surprised upon learning Xie Zheng’s true identity, but she hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction.

Seeing that they both looked as if they doubted their ears, she repeated, “Yanzheng is Marquis Wu’an.”

“Good heavens…” Carpenter Zhao’s legs weakened, and he sat back down in his chair. He swallowed hard and said, “You mean the Marquis Wu’an who recaptured the twelve commanderies of Liaodong and slaughtered the barbarians of Jinzhou?”

Fan Changyu nodded.

Aunt Zhao began to stutter, “I… I heard that Marquis Wu’an had three heads and six arms, and ate raw meat and drank blood. Yan… Yanzheng looks like the leading actor in an opera troupe. How can he be Marquis Wu’an?”

Fan Changyu found Aunt Zhao’s description of her perception of Xie Zheng both amusing and exasperating.

She said, “Those are just rumors. Generals on the battlefield need a fierce reputation to intimidate the enemy. Didn’t I have the nickname ‘Yaksha’ in the army?”

Even after Fan Changyu’s explanation, it took the elderly couple quite some time to recover from their shock.

Aunt Zhao looked at Fan Changyu and asked, “So… now that Yanzheng has become a Marquis, do we need to kowtow to him when we see him?”

This question caught Fan Changyu off guard. In the past, when she was still in Lin’an Town, her first thought upon meeting a high-ranking official would probably have been about how many times to kowtow.

Now, in the court and beyond, the only person left who could make her kowtow was the one sitting on the dragon throne.

She suddenly realized how far she had come on this journey, feeling quite emotional.

She said, “Uncle and Aunt were once his benefactors. He wouldn’t accept such a grand gesture from you.”

Back then, when Xie Zheng was severely injured, none of the doctors in the town’s medical halls dared to treat him. If it weren’t for Carpenter Zhao, who relied on his decades of experience as a veterinarian to prescribe a few doses of medicine as a last resort, Xie Zheng might not have survived.

With Fan Changyu’s words, the elderly Zhao couple seemed to recall their days in Lin’an Town, and their sense of distance from Xie Zheng diminished significantly.

Aunt Zhao looked at Fan Changyu with hesitation, inevitably worrying about her future: “Then… does this mean your previous wedding ceremony is invalid?”

What she wanted to ask was how the two of them planned to proceed from here.

When Fan Changyu had risen to prominence, Aunt Zhao knew the girl she had watched grow up inside and out and wasn’t worried about her abandoning Yanzheng after achieving success.

However, now that Yanzheng had become a Marquis, Aunt Zhao pondered that high-ranking officials typically had multiple wives and concubines. Just moments ago, when the troops passed below, Yanzheng had accepted the hair ribbon from Fan Changyu, suggesting he had feelings for her. But Aunt Zhao wondered to what extent these feelings ran.

Hearing Aunt Zhao’s words, Fan Changyu thought about how their initial marriage arrangement had been a mutual agreement to fake the uxorilocal marriage. She nodded in response.

Aunt Zhao became anxious upon hearing this and said, “Even if the uxorilocal marriage was fake at first, you two became husband and wife during difficult times. Now that you’ve achieved success together, how can you separate?”

Fan Changyu finally understood Aunt Zhao’s concerns. Remembering Xie Zheng’s words that night about wanting to properly marry her, she felt her face burning again. She said, “You’re overthinking things.”

As long as the truth behind Jinzhou remained unclear, her grandfather’s innocence could not be proven.

Only after clearing the Meng family’s name could she, as a descendant of the Meng family, be with Xie Zheng openly and honorably, and only then could she console the spirits of her grandfather and parents in heaven.

But the court situation was complex, and the elderly Zhao couple were simple folk. Fan Changyu felt that explaining too much would only confuse and worry them unnecessarily.

She said, “Don’t worry, he’s not that kind of person.”

With Fan Changyu’s reassurance, Aunt Zhao’s worries were put to rest.

The victorious army had gone to wait for an audience at the Meridian Gate, and the noisy crowd in the streets gradually dispersed.

Fan Changyu, the two elders, the two children, and Xie Wu and Xie Qi returned to the Messenger’s Hostel.

On the way, Changning saw a candy figurine vendor and begged to buy some. Fan Changyu took her and Bao’er to purchase candy, with Xie Wu accompanying them in case of any unexpected situations.

Xie Qi, responsible for driving the carriage, stayed with the elderly Zhao couple.

Despite having toured the city multiple times, Aunt Zhao couldn’t help but lift the carriage curtain to look out, marveling at the prosperity of the capital.

Seeing that it would take a while for Fan Changyu and the others to buy candy, she thought that with the New Year approaching, she should buy some red fabric to sew large red pouches for the children to hold their New Year’s money. After informing Xie Qi, she went to a nearby fabric stall.

As Aunt Zhao was browsing through fabrics, feeling overwhelmed by the choices, she overheard several women discussing Xie Zheng while selecting materials: “Did you hear? When Marquis Wu’an entered the city, he accepted a handkerchief thrown by a young lady. I wonder which fortunate girl in the capital caught his eye!”

Another woman chimed in, “The entire street was packed just a short while ago. Who knows which young lady threw that handkerchief? Besides, it’s just a handkerchief. Marquis Wu’an is of such high status; he probably just caught it reflexively and kept it to avoid embarrassing the girl by dropping it on the street.”

“Oh? Was it a handkerchief? I heard it was a hair ribbon,” a third woman said. “A handkerchief might be easily accepted in such a situation, but a hair ribbon is different. In my opinion, Marquis Wu’an must truly favor some young lady.”

The first woman who spoke said, “In the entire capital, the only one who could be considered both talented and beautiful is the youngest daughter of Minister Li. I heard that the young lady is sixteen years old and still unmarried. Perhaps she’s waiting for Marquis Wu’an!”

Aunt Zhao had initially not wanted to involve herself in the women’s gossip, but upon hearing the last comment, she could no longer focus on selecting fabric. She turned to the woman and said, “That hair ribbon belonged to my daughter.”

The women glanced at Aunt Zhao and suddenly burst into laughter, covering their mouths with silk handkerchiefs.

Although Aunt Zhao’s clothes were not of poor quality, they were far from those worn by wealthy families’ matriarchs. Moreover, her hands were rough from years of labor, and she spoke with a foreign accent. None of the women took her seriously.

One of them asked teasingly, “Madam, how old is your daughter?”

Aunt Zhao, calculating Fan Changyu’s birth date, answered, “Almost seventeen.”

Upon hearing this, the women laughed again behind their handkerchiefs, exchanging glances that clearly showed they found the situation amusing.

The woman said, “A seventeen-year-old spinster throws a hair ribbon, and Marquis Wu’an picks it up and tucks it away? Madam, is your daughter some kind of celestial beauty?”

Although these women didn’t use any vulgar words, their contemptuous and mocking behavior was unmistakable to Aunt Zhao.

Hearing Fan Changyu being ridiculed by these people made Aunt Zhao’s chest tighten. She gripped the fabric in her hand more tightly and glared at the women, saying, “My daughter may not be a celestial beauty, but she’s a female general who protects our country!”

The increasingly far-fetched claims made the women think they had encountered a deranged old woman. One of them dropped the fabric she was holding and said, “Has she gone mad? Let’s not get too close to her.”

With that, they all stepped back as if afraid Aunt Zhao might harm them.

The vendor, seeing that he was losing business and having heard Aunt Zhao’s words, snatched the fabric from her hands and scolded, “You crazy old woman, don’t come here ruining my business.”

Although Aunt Zhao was kind-hearted, she wasn’t one to be bullied easily. She immediately yelled back at the vendor, “You little rascal, how unreasonable! I’m buying your goods, and you dare to insult me? Everyone, come and judge, is this man allowed to bully an old woman on the street? Is there no justice?”

The vendor hadn’t expected this seemingly easy target to be so tough. Seeing that a crowd had gathered, he hurriedly explained, “This old woman is talking nonsense, saying one moment that Marquis Wu’an accepted her daughter’s hair ribbon, then claiming her daughter is a female general, and now she’s causing a scene at my stall!”

Aunt Zhao, hands on her hips, angrily retorted, “Why can’t my daughter be a female general?”

Hearing Aunt Zhao’s response, the vendor became even more agitated. He quickly turned to the onlookers and said, “Everyone heard that, right? This crazy old woman is just raving! In all of Great Yin, the only female who can be called a general is the Cloud Banner General. Are you saying your daughter is the Cloud Banner General?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd burst into mocking laughter and commentary.

“She really must be crazy. How could the Cloud Banner General, such a heroic woman, have such an uncouth mother?”

Aunt Zhao had only argued with the vendor because she was angered by his rudeness and insults. Hearing these comments, she immediately regretted getting into an argument with these people. Fan Changyu held an official position in court, and Aunt Zhao’s actions might have caused trouble or embarrassment for her. She felt guilty.

Aunt Zhao said, “I’m her neighbor. She’s a girl I watched grow up!”

With that, she tried to leave, but the crowd had formed a tight circle, blocking her way. The onlookers, sensing her embarrassment and desire to leave, refused to let her go.

One man with a rat-like face and a small mustache loudly mocked, “Oh, so you’re just the Cloud Banner General’s neighbor? Well, I’m her uncle!”

Everyone laughed derisively.

Suddenly, a crisp, spirited female voice came from outside the crowd: “Aunt, haven’t you chosen your fabric yet?”

The noisy crowd suddenly fell silent, automatically parting to create a small path. They turned to look behind them.

There stood a tall young woman, holding a little girl with a candy figurine in her left arm and holding hands with a boy eating a candied haw stick in her right. Both children wore colorful masks sold on the street, making them look like twins at first glance.

Fan Changyu felt strange being stared at by so many people.

After buying candy for Changning and Bao’er, she returned to the carriage and heard that Aunt Zhao had gone to buy fabric but hadn’t returned. Seeing the crowd gathered here, she came to check what was happening.

To her surprise, as soon as she spoke, everyone looked at her with varying expressions. Aunt Zhao’s face instantly darkened. Despite her age and usually poor mobility, she almost sprinted over, picked up Yu Bao’er, and said to Fan Changyu, “Let’s go quickly! Hurry!”

Fan Changyu was bewildered but followed Aunt Zhao toward the carriage, carrying Changning.

Someone in the crowd whispered, “That… that looks like the Cloud Banner General.”

Another person agreed, “Yes, it’s the Cloud Banner General. A few days ago, when the generals from Jizhou entered the city, I saw her at the city gate. She was riding a tall horse, right behind General Tang, looking so impressive!”

After this comment, the crowd fell into an eerie silence again.

After a while, someone cautiously asked, “So… the hair ribbon that Marquis Wu’an tucked away really belonged to the Cloud Banner General?”

The vendor and the women who had been buying fabric all wore expressions as if they had seen a ghost.

Who would have thought that the outlandish claims made by a country-old woman in her imperfect official dialect would turn out to be true?

Then another person weakly added, “Those twins the Cloud Banner General was carrying… they couldn’t be… hers and Marquis Wu’an’s, could they?”

Everyone collectively gulped. Had they inadvertently stumbled upon an enormous secret today?

The vendor, snapping out of his daze, grabbed several bolts of fabric and ran after Fan Changyu and Aunt Zhao, shouting, “Cloud Banner General, Madam! These fabrics are my gift to you! I was blind and didn’t recognize you earlier, please forgive me!”

Aunt Zhao, fearing she had brought trouble to Fan Changyu, turned her head and fiercely yelled at the vendor, “She’s not! You’ve got the wrong person!”

But her protest somehow seemed to be too much.

Throughout this entire scene, the only one who remains completely bewildered is Fan Changyu herself.

🤦🏻‍♀️ aren’t they trying to keep Bao’er hidden and safe? This is such an unnecessary chapter, with all of them bringing way too much attention to their group and the connection to the Marquis. Aunt Zhao should have kept her mouth shut 😑

Like why Bao’er is always outside. This is clearly not safe

Most annoying chapter, i so agree with the comment uphere, so annoying

This is why Changyu doesn’t want to tell you things too early, Auntie. Your mouth is too big and your judgement is too poor. You learn the Marquis’s identity just a little earlier and now here you are, causing a scene and calling unnecessary attention to your group. What a stupid woman. 🤦‍♀️

Auntie, respectfully, shut your mouth 😭 you’re blowing off their cover!

I actually love this chapter. At first, it was kind of annoying how Aunt Zhao burst everyone’s bubble without thinking about the consequences, but when FCY showed up and people started gossiping about her relationship with XZ, I felt like it would be better for the rumors to spread.
Knowing this is the capital, it would undoubtedly become a famous romance story that girls would love to hear. Sure, there would be jealous ladies, but FCY has now earned a great status that perhaps there would be even more ladies who becomes inspired by her and would support this relationship. That way, if the emperor starts trying to force XZ into marriage again, people would criticize the emperor’s decision.

As for Bao’er, I do agree that it would be unsafe for this little boy to be out and about in the open, but I remember General Tang has secret escorts arranged for him. Not sure how that little mask could hide his identity, though. His father is as much a psychopath as the current emperor, so letting him roam around is very concerning.

Changyu should have cautioned the Zhao couple to keep the secret. Unfortunately, loose lips sink ships. This may lead to a big problem later.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 143

It wasn’t until they boarded the carriage and Xie Qi cracked the whip, driving away from the bustling market, that Madam Zhao finally let out a long sigh of relief.

Fan Changyu, puzzled, asked, “Madam, what exactly happened?”

Madam Zhao, feeling somewhat guilty, said, “Changyu, I’ve been foolish and might have caused trouble for you.”

She recounted her argument at the fabric stall, too ashamed to raise her head: “I overheard those women saying that the hair ribbon Yan Zheng picked up belonged to some Miss Li. I couldn’t help myself and spoke up rashly. Who knew it would turn into such a scene…”

Her calloused hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly. She finally looked at Fan Changyu and said, “I’ve heard that officials can easily be impeached. This… this won’t lead to you or Yan Zheng being impeached, will it?”

Carpenter Zhao, fearing his wife’s actions might bring trouble to Fan Changyu, immediately pointed at Madam Zhao and scolded, “You! At your age, why engage in such pointless arguments?”

Madam Zhao, feeling guilty, remained silent even as her husband reprimanded her.

Fan Changyu intervened, “It’s not a big deal. Don’t blame yourself, Madam. However, to avoid unnecessary complications, it’s best not to engage in such verbal disputes in the future.”

The Emperor, Wei Yan, and even the Li family were already aware of her relationship with Xie Zheng. If word spread that Xie Zheng had come to the city to pick up a woman’s hair ribbon, they could easily guess it was her.

As for the rest, she and Xie Zheng would marry sooner or later, so it wouldn’t matter if the public knew.

The more troublesome issue might be her “widowed” status. Some people would inevitably feel she wasn’t worthy of Xie Zheng.

But those who thought she wasn’t worthy would still think so even if they knew she had once been married to Xie Zheng.

In the past, Fan Changyu might have been concerned about this. But after being tempered by the battlefield for so long, having faced life and death, if she still feared public opinion, she would truly be regressing.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, Madam Zhao finally put her mind at ease. She repeatedly said, “No, no, it won’t happen again.”

As the carriage smoothly returned to the Memorial Pavilion, Chang Ning, sitting in Fan Changyu’s lap, noticed that Uncle Zhao and Madam Zhao were unusually quiet. She asked, “Sister, will Brother-in-law also go to the imperial palace to receive the Emperor’s reward?”

She remembered that her sister had gone with the generals after entering the city that day.

Fan Changyu nodded slightly and answered, “Of course he will.”

Only officials of the fifth rank and above needed to attend daily court sessions with the Emperor.

Officials summoned from outside unless specifically instructed by the Emperor, only needed to stay at the Memorial Pavilion or go to their respective offices to handle official business.

Fan Changyu and Tang Peiyi’s group of generals, who had just returned from the northwestern battlefield, were currently idle. The Emperor would likely find positions for them after the New Year.

However, the current political situation at court was treacherous. Since his ascension, the young Emperor had little real power. The courtiers’ respect for the royal family, except for those who were pure loyalists, was mostly superficial. Behind the scenes, they allied themselves with either Wei Yan or the Li family, forming various factions.

The young Emperor’s achievements were mediocre, but his ambitions were not small. Previously, he had tried to ally with the Li family to overthrow Wei Yan. However, he acted too hastily. Before Wei Yan fell, the Li family saw the knife the young Emperor had placed on their necks, causing them to turn and collaborate with the Crown Prince, Qi Min.

Now, the young Emperor could only turn back to seek Wei Yan’s protection. The outcome of the struggle between the Wei faction and the Li faction would likely be decided in the case of Wei Yan’s alleged collusion with rebels, which was being jointly investigated by the Three Judicial Offices.

In recent days, Fan Changyu has frequently attended hearings at the Court of Judicial Review to investigate what the Sui family had done in the Jinzhou case years ago. She was trying to find clues linking Wei Yan’s current collusion with rebels to the orchestration of the Jinzhou tragedy back then.

However the progress of the joint investigation was extremely slow, and the case might drag on for a month or two.

The variables on the Dragon Throne were still unknown even months later.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, Chang Ning’s eyes brightened: “What will the Emperor reward Brother-in-law with?”

This question plunged Fan Changyu into brief contemplation.

Xie Zheng had been granted the title of Marquis at the age of twenty, and in terms of military achievements, he was second to none in the entire court. During her last audience with Tang Peiyi in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Emperor had hinted at bestowing the Nine Bestowments upon Xie Zheng.

The courtiers, however, remained silent as the grave.

She found it strange at the time and asked Tang Peiyi about the Nine Bestowments after returning to the Memorial Pavilion.

Tang Peiyi answered cryptically, “Since ancient times, only when an emperor had no higher titles to bestow would he grant the Nine Bestowments to a subject. These include chariots, horses, ceremonial robes, musical instruments, the right to ascend the imperial steps, battle axes, bows and arrows, and other items, symbolizing supreme imperial power. But throughout history, those who received the Nine Bestowments were all treacherous ministers who met unfortunate ends.”

Currently, the court is divided between the Li faction and the Wei faction.

Was the Emperor’s words that day meant to push Xie Zheng into the spotlight, letting Wei Yan and Grand Tutor Li deal with him?

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel worried. She adjusted Chang Ning’s collar and simply said, “How would I know what the Emperor will bestow? We’ll have to wait and see.”

Chang Ning was not satisfied with this answer and pouted, burying her face in Fan Changyu’s embrace.

The wind occasionally lifted a corner of the carriage curtain. Fan Changyu gently patted Chang Ning’s back, her gaze sweeping towards the direction of the imperial palace through the carriage window, her brows slightly furrowed.

Imperial Palace.

“Announcing, Marquis of Wu’an, Xie Zheng seeks an audience—”

The summons echoed through the long palace corridors, bouncing off the ten-zhang-high city platforms on either side of the Yanchi Tower, creating countless reverberations, solemn and majestic.

The Golden Crow Guard, armored and armed, stood in two rows before the Meridian Gate, their expressions cold and stern.

The sun was at its zenith, gilding even the glazed tiles atop the palace roofs with a layer of gold.

Xie Zheng, clad in full armor, walked slowly through the wide-open palace gates, his black cloak billowing behind him, seeming to drag a ground full of blood and killing intent.

His eyes were casual yet tinged with coldness, the qilin head ornament on his shoulder snarling fiercely under the scorching sun. Though originally an auspicious beast, it now seemed to carry a sense of ferocity and evil, as if having long drunk human blood on the battlefield, making people dare not look directly at it.

For a moment, even the red walls and golden tiles on either side of the palace path seemed to lose their usual solemnity and grandeur, cowering humbly before him.

As Xie Zheng ascended to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, all the civil and military officials turned to watch him enter.

The position at the head of the military officials was still vacant for him. Grand Tutor Li, standing at the head of the civil officials on the left, glanced at Xie Zheng, his wrinkled brows furrowing slightly.

This wolf cub raised by Wei Yan had indeed grown up. In terms of arrogance and tactics, he was truly no less than Wei Yan in his youth.

He withdrew his gaze and held his jade tablet, continuing to look straight ahead.

Xie Zheng ignored all the scrutinizing gazes, raising his eyes to look at the young Emperor seated above in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. When Qi Sheng’s eyes met his, the smile on his face became somewhat forced.

Xie Zheng’s lips curled in what seemed to be a mocking smile. He didn’t even bother to kneel in salutation, merely inclining his body slightly forward, cupping his hands in salute: “Your subject greets Your Majesty.”

Having been granted the title of Marquis, he no longer needed to address himself as a general when meeting the Emperor.

Qi Sheng, both fearing and secretly hating him to the core, barely maintained the smile on his face and said, “Beloved Minister Xie, please rise.”

He then turned to address the assembled officials: “Beloved Minister Xie is a pillar of our Great Yin Dynasty. We specially permit him to enter the palace wearing a sword, to enter court without haste, and to address Us directly without using his name.”

These were privileges Qi Sheng had granted Xie Zheng since he was made a Marquis. It could be said that from that time, he had been planning how to drive a wedge between Wei Yan and his nephew Xie Zheng.

The civil and military officials lined up on both sides dared not comment on Qi Sheng’s words.

Seeing the silent court, Qi Sheng’s resentment towards the decline of imperial power deepened, but he had no other choice. He could only look at Xie Zheng with a forced smile and say, “To quell the rebellion in Chongzhou this time, Beloved Minister Xie risked his life countless times and achieved the greatest merit. The Northern Court is also fortunate to have Beloved Minister Xie guarding it, allowing it to remain stable until now. Today, We specially bestow upon you the Nine Bestowments.”

As he finished speaking, he lightly clapped his hands, and eunuchs brought forward the prepared rewards on trays covered with yellow silk, placing them before Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng’s gaze swept over the various exquisite objects held by several internal supervisors, the coldness in his eyes intensifying. He still merely inclined slightly and expressed his gratitude: “This subject thanks Your Majesty for the great honor.”

The court session finally concluded without incident. The Wei faction, due to Wei Yan’s claimed illness keeping him from the court for many days and their deep understanding of Xie Zheng’s temperament and methods, dared not say much throughout. The Li faction, on the other hand, was extremely wary of Xie Zheng.

But since Grand Tutor Li hadn’t spoken, those below him didn’t dare to provoke Xie Zheng rashly.

Only a few eunuchs who had carried the trays to present the imperial gifts to Xie Zheng were still trembling even after they had left.

Grand Tutor Li, along with his eldest son and several trusted disciples, were among the early ones to leave after the court session.

His eldest son, Li Yuanting, seeing that they were surrounded by their people, couldn’t help but ask Grand Tutor Li while they were still on the Golden Water Bridge: “Father, Marquis of Wu’an’s current momentum seems to have already surpassed Wei Yan. As long as he doesn’t leave the capital, our plans…”

Despite his indignation, Li Yuanting didn’t dare to continue with the rest of his words.

The crane pattern on Grand Tutor Li’s official robe glimmered dazzlingly in the sunlight. Unlike his son’s impatience, his steps remained unhurried, and his expression was calm: “Why the rush? The boat will straighten itself when it reaches the bridge.”

Just as he finished speaking, a casual yet overwhelmingly oppressive voice came from far behind them: “Grand Tutor, please wait.”

Grand Tutor Li stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the young military marquis who was slowly walking towards him on the white jade steps. He asked noncommittally, “What guidance does the Marquis have for me?”

Xie Zheng’s lips curled slightly: “Not guidance, just something I wish to hand over to the Grand Tutor.”

As he approached casually, the group of civil officials surrounding Grand Tutor Li grew tense, unconsciously swallowing.

Perhaps due to a strong psychological suggestion, they felt that as Xie Zheng drew near, a faint smell of blood seemed to envelop them. The more timid ones even paled slightly.

Grand Tutor Li, however, remained composed, his old but bright eyes looking at Xie Zheng: “This old man has little personal interaction with the Marquis. I wonder what the Marquis wishes to hand over to me?”

Xie Zheng stopped three steps away from Grand Tutor Li. As he raised his hand, a jade pendant tied with a red cord fell from his hand, glinting in mid-air. The pendant was engraved with the character “An”.

Upon seeing the jade pendant, Li Yuanting’s face changed dramatically: “This… this is Huai’an’s jade pendant!”

Xie Zheng’s fingertip loosened, and the jade pendant nearly fell to the ground, but fortunately, Li Yuanting was quick enough to grab the cord.

Xie Zheng said casually, “Returning the jade intact.”

Li Yuanting, anxious, loudly questioned Xie Zheng: “What have you done to my son?”

Xie Zheng coldly raised his eyes, looking at the Minister of Revenue languidly: “Didn’t this Marquis just say? Returning the jade intact.”

Li Yuanting, worried sick about his son, was already red-faced and neck-bulging with anxiety. Xie Zheng, however, no longer paid him any attention. He turned to look at Grand Tutor Li, his long eyes fragmenting in the sunlight, making his expression even more unreadable: “The item has been returned. This Marquis will take his leave first.”

As soon as Xie Zheng left, Li Yuanting couldn’t help but say to Grand Tutor Li: “Father, Huai’an has fallen into Xie Zheng’s hands. What does he mean by this?”

Grand Tutor Li watched the young military marquis’s retreating figure, a flicker of light passing through his aged eyes. He said, “He’s threatening this old man.”

Прошёл всего лишь год как она поступила на воинскую службу, ей 17 лет, стрёмно читать когда пишут- ,, сколько лет ты уже замужем, сколько то лет ты уже служишь 😣…
такое ощущение, что прошло минимум десяток лет

Zhu Yu – Chapter 144

Li Yuanting still didn’t understand the meaning behind Grand Tutor Li’s words. He saw his father already heading towards the palace gates and hurried to catch up, asking, “What does he want us to exchange for Huai’an?”

Grand Tutor Li’s wrinkled eyelids drooped slightly, concealing the depth in his eyes. “Huai’an won’t do anything to betray the Li family.”

Li Yuanting was stunned by his father’s words.

Won’t betray the Li family? Did that mean even if Li Huai’an fell into Xie Zheng’s hands, Xie Zheng wouldn’t be able to obtain evidence of their involvement in the rebels’ escape from Chongzhou and near capture of Lu City?

Was it because Xie Zheng couldn’t get Huai’an to talk that he was using Huai’an’s jade pendant to negotiate with them?

The sedan chairs for the Li father and son were already being carried to the street outside the Meridian Gate. Li Yuanting quickly stepped in front of Grand Tutor Li as he was about to get in, his emotions agitated. “Father, do you intend to abandon Huai’an?”

Grand Tutor Li gave his eldest son an impassive look. “Do you think the Li family has any other choice right now?”

From the moment the Li family fully supported the Crown Prince, they had already become treasonous rebels in the Emperor’s eyes, worthy of immediate execution.

The Crown Prince also held letters and physical evidence of their correspondence, essentially controlling their fate. The Li family had no choice but to continue supporting the Crown Prince.

Sacrificing Li Huai’an was the only way to protect the Li family’s interests to the greatest extent possible.

After Grand Tutor Li got into the sedan chair, Li Yuanting remained rooted to the spot, stunned by those words.

Even though he understood the Li family’s current predicament, he still found it hard to believe that his father would so easily abandon the youngest and most promising child of their generation.

A servant waiting nearby cautiously asked, seeing that Grand Tutor Li’s sedan chair had already left, “My lord, shall we depart?”

Thinking of his son who had now become a sacrificial pawn, Li Yuanting felt a surge of grief in his heart. His face drained of color as he turned to enter the sedan chair. “Let’s go back.”

In the Imperial Palace.

After leaving the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Qi Sheng didn’t even return to Taiqing Palace before smashing vases and jade ornaments in a side hall.

When he tired of smashing things, he leaned on a table with both hands, panting heavily and glaring viciously at the pile of broken porcelain on the floor. “Does Xie Zheng still show any respect for me as emperor?”

The attending eunuchs were frozen in fear. Even those usually skilled at flattery didn’t know how to placate this temperamental emperor at the moment.

After catching his breath for a while, Qi Sheng let out a sinister laugh. “Let him be arrogant for now. Xie Zheng’s good days are coming to an end.”

Thinking of something, his mood suddenly improved. He even straightened out his dragon robe that had been disheveled from his earlier fit of rage. With a curved smile on his lips, he said, “Return to Taiqing Palace.”

However, just as he walked out of the side hall, he let out a short, sharp scream at the sight of blood splattered on the white jade steps.

Qi Sheng collapsed on the threshold of the side hall, his terror-filled pupils reflecting the image of one of his trusted eunuchs lying dead with eyes wide open and a long sword still dripping with blood.

He looked at the man in full armor standing coldly at the bottom of the great hall, holding the sword, and stammered, “Duke… Duke Wu’an, are you… are you planning to assassinate the emperor and rebel?”

Xie Zheng flicked his wrist lightly, cleaning the blood droplets from the sword tip. He leisurely sheathed the long sword into the empty scabbard of a nearby Imperial Guard, completely ignoring the guard’s pale face. He raised his eyes and looked calmly at Qi Sheng. “Your Majesty wrongly accuses this subject. I heard that this eunuch was speaking treasonous words and harming Your Majesty. Since Your Majesty has granted me the power of life and death, I dared to eliminate this scourge on Your Majesty’s behalf.”

The dead eunuch was the one who had previously gone to Chongzhou to deliver the imperial edict.

He had received Qi Sheng’s secret orders. If not for the Li family later allowing Wei Yan to join forces with the Crown Prince and pull off an escape from Chongzhou City to attack Lu City, the next step would have been to make a move against Fan Changyu on the battlefield.

Even though the scheme failed, when Tang Peiyi was about to dispatch cavalry to support Lu City, this eunuch still interfered.

If Tang Peiyi hadn’t been so resolute and had allowed the eunuch to take away most of the cavalry under the pretext of returning to the capital to report, Lu City really wouldn’t have been able to hold out. After returning to the capital, this eunuch greatly exaggerated the events in Chongzhou when reporting to Qi Sheng.

If Tang Peiyi and the others hadn’t won the battle, leaving Qi Sheng with no outlet for his anger, Tang Peiyi and Fan Changyu might not have survived their return to the capital, or at least would have been severely punished.

Xie Zheng hadn’t had time to deal with these vermin before.

Now that he had “returned to the capital” in a righteous manner, it was time to settle accounts one by one.

Qi Sheng watched the man approach him as casually as if taking a stroll in the garden. His face turned pale as paper. He wanted to call for protection, but in this vast hall, only one Imperial Guard remained outside.

He didn’t know where Xie Zheng had sent the rest of the guards. Qi Sheng became even more frightened, his hands shaking uncontrollably as he propped himself up on the ground. Staring at the approaching Xie Zheng, he tried to sound fierce but his voice betrayed his fear: “What… what do you want to do?”

His sorry state no longer held any trace of imperial dignity.

A faint hint of mockery flashed in Xie Zheng’s eyes. He bent slightly at the waist and extended a hand towards Qi Sheng. With his naturally handsome features, when he smiled slightly, it was extremely deceptive. “This subject’s handling of the treasonous servant has inadvertently frightened Your Majesty. I truly deserve death for this offense. Allow me to help Your Majesty up.”

Looking at the handsome face before him, Qi Sheng felt it was more terrifying than seeing a night demon or evil spirit.

He didn’t dare accept Xie Zheng’s help and tried to support himself on the door frame to stand up. However, his elbow was seized by an iron-like grip.

This was the first time Qi Sheng realized how terrifying a military officer’s strength could be. A muffled groan escaped his throat as he felt his entire arm might be crushed by Xie Zheng’s grip. Cold sweat rolled down his temples like beads.

Xie Zheng’s lips still held that thin smile as he asked slowly and deliberately, “Were Your Majesty’s disrespectful words towards the Cloud and Plume General in court earlier also due to that servant’s instigation?”

Qi Sheng’s heart jolted violently as he finally understood that Xie Zheng’s actions today were to avenge Fan Changyu.

He was both shocked and furious that Xie Zheng dared to show such disrespect for imperial authority, giving rise to a twisted malice. However, at this moment, it was all covered by fear. A bead of sweat rolled down his sideburn as he agreed with a pale face: “Yes… it was that dog servant who spoke slanderous words to me.”

Xie Zheng raised his dark lashes slightly, finally loosening his grip on Qi Sheng’s elbow. He said pointedly, “That’s for the best.”

Qi Sheng of course heard the threatening intent in Xie Zheng’s words.

He had come today to warn him not to set his sights on Fan Changyu again.

No matter how resentful he felt inside, the severe pain in his elbow kept Qi Sheng clearheaded. He didn’t dare say anything inappropriate in front of Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng gave him a faint glance and clasped his hands in a perfunctory salute. “Now that the treasonous official has been eliminated, this subject shall take his leave.”

Only after Xie Zheng had completely left his sight did Qi Sheng manage to stand up by supporting himself on the door frame of the side hall. Despite the harsh winter cold, his back was soaked with cold sweat.

The head eunuch, who hadn’t dared to breathe loudly throughout the encounter, finally approached with a pale face to support him. In his shrill voice, he cursed, “Xie Zheng truly has wild ambitions! The Xie family has always been loyal, how dare he disregard the law like this! He’s bringing shame to the Xie family!”

Qi Sheng’s face was gloomy as he roughly pushed away the head eunuch who had come to support him. Looking in the direction Xie Zheng had left, he muttered, “We can’t keep him around any longer!”

As the former Garrison Commander of the capital, Xie Lingshan had a mansion in the city, so Xie Zheng’s residence didn’t need to be arranged separately.

Shortly after the court was dismissed, people from the palace delivered the Nine Bestowments granted by the emperor to his mansion.

Xie Zheng only went back to change into casual clothes. He didn’t even bother to meet the eunuchs who came to deliver the gifts and went directly to the Memorials Office to find Fan Changyu.

However, his trip was in vain.

It turned out that shortly after Fan Changyu returned with Mrs. Zhao and the others, Tang Peiyi had sent someone to summon her.

The progress of the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices was not only closely watched by Fan Changyu but also by Tang Peiyi, who was determined to seek justice for He Jingyuan.

Today, when Xie Zheng returned to the capital, the Court of Judicial Review interrogated the captured Sui family officers and servants again, and another person died from excessive torture. However, the matter was temporarily suppressed and hadn’t been reported to the court yet.

Tang Peiyi was worried that there were Wei Yan’s people in the Court of Judicial Review. If all the main witnesses from the Sui family died during the joint trial process, it would be even more impossible to implicate Wei Yan.

There was another interrogation scheduled for this afternoon. Fearing that something might go wrong again, Tang Peiyi decided to bring Fan Changyu, He Jingyuan’s eldest son and Zheng Wenchang to observe the proceedings.

At the Court of Judicial Review.

The weather had been getting colder day by day since winter began. Fan Changyu, now a third-rank military officer, had a seat in the observation area with a charcoal brazier placed under the low table to her left for warmth.

The chief judge on the court bench was the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, flanked on his left and right by officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate.

Under their brocade-covered desks were also charcoal braziers, providing even more warmth than the observation seats below.

The rebel remnants kneeling below wore only tattered, thin prison uniforms, their faces, and hands already blue from the cold.

Officials who had worked at the Court of Judicial Review for a long time knew that interrogations in the dead of winter were the best opportunity. Without using any torture methods, just freezing the prisoners for a night or two could make them confess on their own.

Fan Changyu had been observing for a while. The chief judges were merely going through the motions of asking questions, but before answering, the prisoners were always dragged out to be beaten with thirty heavy strokes. The executioners were extremely harsh, and after thirty strokes, the prisoners were almost flayed.

Tang Peiyi said this was to demonstrate power. After suffering, the prisoners wouldn’t dare to speak falsehoods when answering questions.

However, those being interrogated this afternoon were all minor figures. Even though the execution bench outside was dripping with blood, no important information had been obtained.

During the intermission, the observing officials all went to the side rooms to drink some tea or went outside for some fresh air.

Seeing that no one was around, Tang Peiyi lowered his voice and said, “A death occurred during this morning’s interrogation, and this afternoon they’re only questioning some insignificant servants. Even though Wei Yan is claiming illness at home, his reach is still quite long!”

Hearing this, Fan Changyu frowned and asked, “If he has people in the Court of Judicial Review, should we assign more protection to that advisor from Prince Changxin’s mansion?”

He Xiuxun, He Jingyuan’s eldest son, said, “Grand Tutor Li’s people are more anxious than us. The Li family won’t let him die an unnatural death.”

Tang Peiyi nodded in agreement and added, “The Li family is still struggling to find physical evidence to implicate Wei Yan. Later, they’ll probably need to interrogate Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine again. With her child as leverage, she shouldn’t be able to hide any secrets.”

Fan Changyu suddenly asked, “Was Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine interrogated this morning?”

She of course knew that the concubine of Sui Yuanhuai imprisoned in the jail was fake, but since she had been used by Qi Ren to replace Yu Qianqian and her son, she must also be from the Sui family.

However, given Qi Ren’s methods, he would never send someone who knew his secrets into the hands of the court.

Under severe torture, they might not be able to extract evidence of Wei Yan’s collusion with the Sui family, but who knows if they might uncover the news that “Sui Yuanhuai” was not dead.

The emperor was already wary of Xie Zheng, and on the first day when Tang Peiyi brought the Jingzhou troops back to the capital for an audience, he had deliberately created obstacles.

If there was another excuse, that the rebel remnants weren’t dead, all the generals who participated in suppressing the rebellion would not only fail to receive rewards for their merits but might even be punished. The situation would be extremely unfavorable for them.

Fan Changyu clenched her fist, her expression becoming grave.

So Qi Ren had dug another pit here waiting for them!

As long as the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices went smoothly after Wei Yan was brought down by the Li family, they would also be punished for falsely reporting the elimination of rebels to gain military merit.

This was truly killing two birds with one stone!

Seeing Fan Changyu’s unhappy expression, Tang Peiyi said, “They didn’t get to interrogate her. Before summoning Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine, they first interrogated one of Sui Yuanhuai’s close servants, and that servant was beaten to death. Who would have thought that when the concubine was brought to the court, she passed by the courtyard and saw the dead servant on the execution bench, and fainted on the spot? The people at the Court of Judicial Review were afraid she might die from shock, so they called for an imperial physician. That’s how the news spread.”

Fan Changyu responded with an “I see.”

With matters weighing on her mind, she had no interest in listening to the rest of the interrogation and found an excuse to leave the courtroom.

She wandered towards the location of the prison. The guards at the entrance saw her wearing the uniform of a third-rank military officer and blocked her path, saluting, “Sir, the prison area is restricted. You can’t go any further.”

Fan Changyu clasped her hands behind her back, slightly raising her eyelids with a cold nod, truly embodying the demeanor of a great general who doesn’t reveal emotions. She turned and wandered off in another direction, as if she had been lost in thought earlier and had mistakenly walked to this place.

Those undergoing joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices, being major criminals of the state, could not be interrogated alone without an order, nor could they receive visitors.

Fan Changyu wanted to familiarize herself with the layout of the Court of Judicial Review and the distribution of guards, planning to sneak in at night.

As she walked along the high wall, continuing to discreetly observe the layout of the Court of Judicial Review, something suddenly hit her shoulder.

Fan Changyu lowered her eyes to look and saw a tightly wrapped plum blossom bud that had fallen to the ground.

She looked up and noticed Xiè Zhēng perched on the gray-tiled wall, one leg bent. With one hand, he brushed aside a branch of red plum blossoms, tilting his head slightly to look at her. His complexion was as exquisite as jade, rivaling the vibrant plum blossoms that surrounded him.

With his phoenix eyes half-closed, he lazily asked, “Have you been sizing up the area from the south wall to the north wall, planning to commit theft?”

I really enjoy having a ML that is so cunning, capable, and powerful. I feel reassured just having him around. Like even if the sky fell down, I know he will be able to protect our girl. It’s so satisfying watching him bully everyone into submission with the sheer force of his aura. 😙

Same feeling 🤗

Ditto

Zhu Yu – Chapter 145

The afternoon sunlight was dazzlingly bright, almost blinding. Fan Changyu tilted her head back, gazing at the young man sitting on the high wall, momentarily lost in thought.

Hearing Xie Zheng’s question, she felt a twinge of embarrassment at having her thoughts discovered.

Her long eyelashes, rimmed with sunlight, fluttered like small fans. Having walked around the Court of Judicial Review and with the sun being fierce, her fair cheeks were tinged with a faint pink. The fine down on her face was visible, yet she clasped her hands behind her back, trying to appear composed. “What are you doing here?”

Xie Zheng smiled and leaped down from the wall, landing right in front of Fan Changyu. “I saw someone circling the walls of the Court of Judicial Review from Yanchi Tower, looking like a thief. I came to see what kind of little thief it was.”

Hearing this teasing remark, Fan Changyu unconsciously clenched one hand into a fist, glaring at Xie Zheng with a warning look, as if ready to fight if he continued to joke about her.

Xie Zheng knew when to stop and changed the subject, “Are you planning to infiltrate the prison at night?”

Thinking of her plan, Fan Changyu glanced around. Even after confirming that no one was nearby, to be safe, she took two steps closer to Xie Zheng and whispered in his ear, “I heard they’re going to interrogate that woman impersonating Yu Qianqian again. I’m afraid she might reveal that Sui Yuanhuai isn’t dead, so I’m planning to break her out of jail.”

She kept her voice extremely low. As she spoke, her soft breath brushed against Xie Zheng’s ear, causing a tingling sensation as if insects were crawling along his ear.

Xie Zheng obligingly leaned in slightly to listen to Fan Changyu, his expression unchanged, but the tips of his ears were beginning to redden. The hand behind his back involuntarily tightened its grip, as if forcibly restraining something.

Fan Changyu, completely oblivious, looked up at Xie Zheng after finishing, “What do you think?”

These days, she was accustomed to putting on a cold face in front of others to establish authority, but when speaking to those close to her, her clear, bright eyes still revealed a touch of honest simplicity, like a fierce tiger rolling in the snow with the demeanor of a fat cat.

Combined with her words, she truly appeared both naive and fierce.

Xie Zheng’s dark eyes gazed steadily at the bright-eyed young woman before him. It took some effort to shift his gaze from her slightly dry lips. The hair ribbon tied around his wrist seemed to burn. The remaining bit of rationality barely allowed him to grasp the meaning of her words.

He said, “Breaking out an important prisoner under joint investigation by the Three Judicial Offices, aren’t you afraid of being investigated?”

Fan Changyu blinked her clear, innocent eyes twice. “If they suspect anyone, shouldn’t it be Wei Yan? In military strategy, this is called… called diverting disaster eastward!”

Xie Zheng couldn’t help but smile, “Is this your military strategy?”

Fan Changyu froze for a moment. She couldn’t recall what this tactic was called and had made it up on the spot. Being called out by Xie Zheng, she immediately felt embarrassed.

She coughed twice and said, “Well, that’s the general idea.”

Xie Zheng leaned against the wall, his eyes half-lowered, and slowly said, “The guards outside the Court of Judicial Review change shifts at dusk. There are only eighteen-night guards inside the prison, but if anyone is discovered breaking in, the guards on duty will ring the golden bell. All exits in the prison will be locked, and the soldiers outside will form an iron-clad defense in layers.”

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment, then grabbed her hair in frustration and asked, “So, breaking her out is impossible?”

Xie Zheng lightly raised his eyelids: “We’ll do it.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

The night was cold and dewy. A dog’s bark came from somewhere, startling crows from the bare tree branches.

The Court of Judicial Review, lit by two dim lanterns, stood like a silent tomb in the night.

Deep in the prison, torches were inserted in wall niches. The smell of pine resin mixed with the musty odor of years without sunlight, floating in the air, making people drowsy.

The prison cells in the Court of Judicial Review were laid out in a cross shape. Each branch of the cross extended deep inside, with about twenty to thirty cells. Four jailers, divided into two pairs, patrolled these single corridors back and forth.

At the intersection of the four corridors were the torture chamber and the guard room. The head jailer and deputy head jailer usually waited here, convenient for receiving high officials who came to interrogate prisoners. If there were any jailbreakers, they could quickly ring the large bell in the guard room upon hearing any disturbance.

On this night, the head jailer and deputy head jailer sat at a square table, having yawned countless times.

“I can’t take it anymore. I need to splash some cold water on my face to wake up,” the deputy head jailer said, yawning as he stood up.

The head jailer, propping up his chin with his elbow, was also drowsy. He said, “Bring me a basin of water too. It’s so easy to get sleepy in this cold winter.”

The deputy head jailer acknowledged and went to fetch water.

As the head jailer yawned again with bleary eyes, he suddenly noticed a large, dark shadow looming over him.

The head jailer’s heart jolted, but before he could turn around, he was struck on the back of the neck with a karate chop. His eyes went black, and he passed out completely.

Two patrolling jailers at the intersection were about to speak when they felt a wind near their ears. Then they felt a pain in the back of their necks and collapsed limply to the ground, with a faint sound of bones dislocating.

Xie Zheng knocked out the head jailer and turned to see Fan Changyu, dressed in black night clothes, crouching on the ground, setting the bone of one of the jailers.

Faced with his puzzled look, Fan Changyu said awkwardly, “I wasn’t careful and hit too hard. I dislocated his shoulder.”

The moment the arm was put back in place, the intense pain woke the jailer. But before he could even cry out in pain, he was knocked unconscious again with a slap.

The deputy head jailer, returning with a basin of cold water, saw this scene and was so shocked that he dropped the wooden basin. He was about to shout that someone was breaking into the prison when the black-clad figure standing beside the head jailer moved like a ghost, instantly approaching him. Using his hand like a sword, he jabbed the deputy’s throat, while his toe flicked up the falling water basin.

The deputy head jailer felt a pain in his throat and could no longer make any sound, not even a hysterical scream. The water basin that was about to fall to the ground was caught effortlessly by the black-clad figure, who even managed to catch every drop of water that had splashed out back into the basin.

The deputy head jailer was terrified and tried to run, but Fan Changyu, who had rushed over to help, leaped forward in one swift move. Her elbow struck the back of his neck, and he fainted, his eyes rolling back.

Fan Changyu let out a soft breath and said quietly, “The last one.”

Before coming to this guard room, they had already sneaked in through the windows and knocked out the other patrolling jailers in the prison.

Xie Zheng took a string of keys of varying lengths from the head jailer and said, “The Sui family members are held in cell A9.”

Fan Changyu followed Xie Zheng toward the corridor of cells marked with the letter “A”.

Lighting torches were placed every few zhangs in the narrow passageway, so they didn’t need to carry lanterns.

Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine and only son, as important imperial prisoners, were held alone in a small cell.

The iron chains on the cell door were as thick as a baby’s arm. Xie Zheng could only try the keys one by one. The faint sound of the iron chains alarmed the prisoners in the nearby cells.

However, they dared not make a sound, unsure if the newcomers were there to kill or save them.

The mother and child in the isolated cell—the woman looked even more disheveled than when Fan Changyu first saw her. As she tightly hugged the child in her arms, her thin clothes stretched taut, revealing the protruding bones of her back.

She looked at Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu outside the cell, her eyes showing not hope, but terror. Even the hands holding her child were trembling uncontrollably.

To avoid complications, Fan Changyu remained silent, only keeping watch at the front of the passageway for Xie Zheng.

Unexpectedly, in the cell opposite, a white-haired old man suddenly shouted hysterically, “Jailbreak! Murder!”

Through the egg-sized round holes near the top of the cell used for ventilation, a flurry of torch lights could be seen, indicating that the old man’s shout had alerted the guards outside the prison.

Xie Zheng’s eyes turned cold, and Fan Changyu also tensed up immediately.

Originally, they had plenty of time, having knocked out the jailers in the prison unnoticed by using a light dose of sleeping incense. Now, because of that old man’s shout, all exits of the Court of Judicial Review would soon be surrounded.

There wasn’t enough time to try each key individually anymore.

Fan Changyu gritted her teeth. While Xie Zheng was still calmly trying the keys, she rushed over and said, “Let me!”

She couldn’t break the iron chains as thick as a baby’s arm, but with a few powerful kicks to the pillars of the cell, she managed to break the wooden posts as thick as fists.

Taking advantage of her larger male physique, Fan Changyu squeezed in and grabbed the woman and child from the cell, one in each hand, like picking up small chickens.

At the uneven gap of the cell, she thrust the stunned child into Xie Zheng’s arms and hoisted the woman onto her shoulder. She shouted at Xie Zheng, “Let’s go!”

Xie Zheng looked at the small child thrust into his hands and the woman on Fan Changyu’s shoulder. He wanted to say he would carry the woman, but considering the woman was only wearing a thin garment, he remained silent. He simply held the child with one hand and quickly followed Fan Changyu towards the exit.

The old man, seeing Fan Changyu and the others taking away Sui Yuanhuai’s “concubine,” became extremely agitated. Whether he truly didn’t know the mother and child were impostors and were eager to protect his master, or for some other reason, he kept shouting while gripping the wooden bars of his cell: “Help! Jailbreak!”

Xie Zheng frowned slightly and cast a cold glance back as they were about to leave.

After hearing the cries for help from the prison, the guards outside the Court of Judicial Review rushed in en masse. Upon entering the prison and finding all the jailers knocked out, they knew the situation was dire and headed straight for the cells holding the Sui family members. They found that none of Sui’s servants or captured subordinates were missing, but Sui Yuanhuai’s concubine was gone. Cold sweat broke out on their foreheads.

The head guard shouted, “Guard all exits! Search every inch, even if you have to dig three feet into the ground!”

But seeing the irregularly broken wooden pillars of the cell in the torchlight, he couldn’t help but feel shocked.

Such superhuman strength—who on earth were these jailbreakers?

Having scouted the terrain during the day, Fan Changyu, carrying the woman on her shoulder, quickly found the weakest part of the surrounding wall and nimbly climbed over.

Xie Zheng, holding the child, leaped over right after her.

Once outside, fearing the woman might recognize the route, Fan Changyu took out a sack she had prepared earlier from her bosom and swiftly covered the head of the woman, whose mouth was already stuffed with cotton.

She then took out a smaller one and handed it to Xie Zheng, “Put this over the child’s head too.”

The practiced ease of her movements gave Xie Zheng a moment’s pause.

husband and wife going on a date late at night

Pls never change, changyu 😭

Girl, you’re nothing but bandit 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😂

akhirnya ide penculikan dari changyu ada yang benar-benar dilakukan😂

Our girl is a professional kidnapper! As a butcher that was her answer to everything 🤣😩🤣

love her. things not going my way? kidnap them.

love that until this point of the novel, changyu’s answer to her problems still is: KIDNAPPING

lmao, of course she would be an expert at kidnapping people. This was her favorite pastime back at Lin’an town.

God this little side quest was so fun. It’s been ages since our couple has been able to get into shenanigans together. I loved it when they used to team up and do things like this back in her hometown. They work so well together and it’s always hilarious because Changyu is chaos incarnate. 😂

This girl never changes when it comes to kidnapping 😂 love her so much.

Our girl Changyu is such a kidnapping expert that even Xie Zheng is too stunned to speak HAHAHAHAHHA

I think natupad na ni changyu wish niya na mang kidnapped 😭

Finally, FCY successfully kidnapped someone! 😂 That’s one thing off her bucketlist.

menculik orang dengan karung,akhirnya!:D

Zhu Yu – Chapter 146

As Fan Changyu noticed Xie Zheng hadn’t taken the bag, she looked up at him quizzically. “What’s wrong?”

Xie Zheng took the small sack with a subtle expression and said, “Nothing.”

It was just that this scene felt all too familiar.

In the distance, the sound of hoofbeats and chaotic footsteps could be heard. The officers from the Court of Judicial Review had begun searching the streets.

Fan Changyu didn’t dare let her guard down for a moment. Hoisting the person onto her shoulder, she said, “We need to leave here quickly!”

Late at night, the streets were under curfew, with every household’s doors tightly shut.

The sound of carriage wheels and horse hooves would be far too obvious in the silent night. To facilitate their escape after the jailbreak, they had come without carriages or horses.

If the officers from the Court of Judicial Review caught up on horseback, it would be difficult to shake them off.

Xie Zheng held the child, whose head was also covered with a sack, with one hand. He put his index finger to his lips and whistled. His guards, who had been hiding in the shadows, jumped down from houses and trees.

Xie Zheng said calmly, “Go lead the pursuers away.”

Several guards were also dressed in night clothing, carrying large burlap sacks on their shoulders that looked bulky, with unknown contents inside. Upon hearing the order, they quickly departed in pairs towards the direction from which the officers were coming.

Fan Changyu watched in surprise. “You even prepared a backup plan?”

Xie Zheng said, “I couldn’t let you take such risks without a foolproof strategy.”

The phrase “foolproof strategy” made Fan Changyu feel inexplicably guilty.

Both were generals accustomed to deploying troops and planning battles. In comparison, it seemed she had fallen short.

Although her original plan had been quite thorough, who could have anticipated that the old man in the prison would suddenly shout and alert the guards outside?

On the battlefield, it was precisely these unexpected failures that were most feared.

Xie Zheng noticed her sudden silence and flushed cheeks, assuming she had suddenly become shy. He couldn’t help but glance at her again, feeling a tingling sensation in his heart. That feeling of ants biting at his heart from earlier in the day returned.

He quickly averted his gaze and said, “Follow me.”

As Fan Changyu followed him through winding alleys, they could still hear the Court of Judicial Review officers galloping past on the main street, carrying torches.

From a distance, they heard shouting: “The jailbreakers are heading east! Hurry after them!”

“Sir! Sir! Captain Yuan says they also spotted two people in black carrying someone on their shoulders running in the Five Willows Alley in the north, Golden Gong Alley in the south, and Shunkang Ward in the west!”

“Damn it! How many smoke screens did they set up for us? Split up and chase them all. One of them must be real!”

…

Amidst the curses of the officer in charge, Xie Zheng knocked on the back door of a house in a dark alley.

An old man opened the door. Upon seeing Xie Zheng, he asked no questions and respectfully ushered them in, bowing deeply.

Fan Changyu noticed that the rooms they passed along the corridor all had plaques hanging on the doors with the characters for “Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow.” She silently deduced that this must be an inn.

After being led to a room different from the other guest rooms, and once the old man had withdrawn, Fan Changyu asked, “This seems to be an inn. Is it also one of your properties?”

Xie Zheng answered, “It’s one of the Zhao family’s businesses.”

Fan Changyu inwardly marveled, thinking that the owner of the Zhao family bookstore had quite an extensive array of enterprises.

As if knowing her thoughts, Xie Zheng explained, “The Zhao family of Xiling made their fortune in the tea trade. During Emperor Chengzu’s reign, the Zhao family was even granted the title of Imperial Merchants. Later, they declined from their peak, but even a lean camel is larger than a horse.”

Fan Changyu nodded, acknowledging the lesson.

For some unknown reason, the woman whose head was still covered trembled uncontrollably upon hearing Xie Zheng mention the Zhao family.

Xie Zheng frowned slightly and removed the sack from the woman’s head. His dark eyes were particularly cold and penetrating in the dim candlelight. “Do you know Zhao Xun?”

The woman still had cotton stuffed in her mouth. Upon hearing this, her face turned deathly pale. She shook her head vigorously, but her eyes were already brimming with tears of fear.

Just then, a young man’s voice came from outside: “I hear that distinguished guests have arrived late at night. Please forgive any lack of hospitality. Zhao has some matters to report to the esteemed guests. May I inquire if it’s convenient?”

Fan Changyu recognized the voice as Zhao Xun’s and glanced at the woman.

“Think carefully before you answer,” Xie Zheng’s cold voice resonated in the small room as if slowly torturing her.

The room’s soundproofing was good. Unless one raised their voice, those outside could hardly hear anything.

The woman, eyes brimming with tears, nodded fearfully.

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng exchanged a glance, finding this result both unexpected and, upon reflection, somewhat reasonable.

Zhao Xun stood outside the room for less than half a quarter of an hour before the door opened.

Despite his young age, he had managed to take over the Zhao family business and secretly expand it throughout the Great Yin dynasty, demonstrating considerable ability. Upon entering the room, he didn’t even raise his head, merely sweeping a glance with his peripheral vision before smiling slightly and bowing respectfully to Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu. “Greetings to the two distinguished guests.”

Xie Zheng disliked pleasantries and got straight to the point, “Do you recognize this woman?”

Zhao Xun was taken aback. He raised his head and carefully observed the mother and child sitting dejectedly on the bed for a moment. Then, with a slight curve of his lips, he said to Xie Zheng, “I do.”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow slightly, indicating for him to continue.

Zhao Xun said, “When Zhao was working for the Crown Prince, I frequently visited the Chanxin Prince’s mansion. Naturally, I had to conduct some business with the Sui family and maintain social relationships. I had shared drinks with the steward of the Chanxin Prince’s mansion a few times and saw this young woman at his house. She is the daughter-in-law of the Chanxin Prince’s mansion steward, and her husband was a personal attendant to Sui Yuanqing.”

Fan Changyu frowned slightly and looked at the woman, “Was your husband the attendant who was beaten to death earlier today?”

The woman nodded, her eyes red.

Fan Changyu had originally thought that the old man who suddenly shouted during the jailbreak was afraid they would harm Sui Yuanwei’s concubine, and had called out to protect his master. Now, she had a vague idea of the hidden truth. She asked, “Was the old man who called for the guards in prison your father-in-law?”

The woman was too frightened to speak and could only nod, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Fan Changyu’s frown deepened.

No wonder this woman had been chosen as Yu Qianqian’s substitute to be sent to her death. Even if she hadn’t taken on this role, due to her husband’s family connections, she and her child would have been hard-pressed to escape death.

She asked, “What do you know about the Sui family’s affairs?”

The woman raised her tear-filled eyes. The journey to the capital had taken its toll on her, as she appeared even thinner than when Fan Changyu had first seen her in the prison in Lu City. Her eyes seemed exceptionally large, brimming with tears, making her look even more pitiful and wretched.

She seemed to recognize Fan Changyu as the person who had brought her food and clothing in prison. With tears streaming down her face, she said, “Miss, I’m just a woman. I used to be a house-born slave in the Sui family. After marrying my husband, I no longer worked for them. How would I know what the men were doing?”

It seemed nothing more could be learned from this woman, but that old man was the steward of the Chanxin Prince’s mansion and likely knew a great deal about the Sui family’s affairs.

Keeping this mother and child alive might prove useful. Later, when they found an opportunity to rescue the old man, having his grandson as leverage might help extract some information from him.

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng, who didn’t ask any further questions. He only said to Zhao Xun, “The entire city is under lockdown tonight. It’s inconvenient to take this mother and child away. Would it be possible to leave them here for now?”

Zhao Xun readily agreed, “Of course, you can come to collect them anytime.”

Xie Zheng nodded slightly, and Zhao Xun walked to the door and lightly brushed his palm. In no time, the old man returned.

Zhao Xun instructed, “First, take the mother and child inside downstairs and settle them in. Assign more people to keep a close watch on them.”

After the woman was taken away, Zhao Xun clasped his hands and said to Xie Zheng, “You previously asked me to secretly monitor the movements of the Wei mansion. Wei Yan has claimed illness and stayed at home for several months and the hawks and hounds he keeps rarely go out. However, his son Wei Xuan has caused quite a bit of trouble again. Recently, he got into a fight with the son of Minister Han at the Jingque Tower.”

Wei Xuan fighting over a courtesan wasn’t a rare occurrence, and Xie Zheng’s expression remained impassive.

Noticing this, Zhao Xun quickly added, “I heard that Minister Han’s son was disrespectful towards the Prime Minister’s wife.”

Upon hearing that it involved Madam Wei, Xie Zheng’s dark eyes lifted slightly.

Madam Wei’s presence in the entire Wei mansion was extremely low. If it weren’t for Wei Xuan constantly causing trouble since childhood, Xie Zheng might have forgotten about this aunt of his.

She spent her days reciting Buddhist scriptures and never left her courtyard. The servants in the mansion rarely mentioned Madam Wei. Why would Minister Han’s son suddenly disrespect her?

Xie Zheng asked, “What happened?”

Zhao Xun hesitated for a moment, as if unsure whether it was appropriate to say such things. “Currently, there are many impeachment memorials against Wei Yan in the court. Rumors in the streets say that Wei Yan’s days as Prime Minister are numbered. Some dissolute young masters were saying that after the Wei mansion is confiscated since Wei Yan doesn’t keep beautiful concubines or dancing girls, there won’t be any new additions to the government brothels. So some troublemakers brought up Madam Wei, saying that Wei Yan has only kept one wife for twenty years without taking any concubines. They speculated that even though Madam Wei is middle-aged, she must still be a beauty…”

Xie Zheng’s expression had already turned unpleasant, but Zhao Xun, having started this topic, could only continue, “Minister Han’s son, drunk on wine, joked that Madam Wei’s appearance couldn’t compare to even the common maids in his household. He said that she was able to marry Wei Yan because, as a young girl, she went to the military camp to find Wei Yan and became pregnant in secret, and that’s how she became Madam Wei. He said she must have extraordinary skills to have kept Wei Yan tied down for over twenty years…”

As he finished speaking, cold sweat had already formed on Zhao Xun’s forehead.

Xie Zheng asked, “How badly did Wei Xuan beat him?”

His tone was so calm it seemed as if he didn’t care about the matter.

Zhao Xun answered, “It’s said he broke four ribs and one leg. Minister Han has threatened to submit a memorial impeaching Wei Xuan.”

Xie Zheng’s thin lips coldly uttered two words: “Fool.”

Minister Han was affiliated with the Li family. His daring to speak of impeaching Wei Xuan was undoubtedly because he was certain Wei Xuan wouldn’t dare bring up the disrespectful words about Madam Wei in court.

Zhao Xun pondered these two words, unable to gauge Xie Zheng’s attitude towards Madam Wei, and could only remain silent.

Logically, given Xie Zheng’s enmity with Wei Xuan, he shouldn’t have any good feelings towards Madam Wei either, right?

But Xie Zheng only said coldly, “You may leave.”

After Zhao Xun left, Fan Changyu said, “Are all the wealthy young masters in the capital so despicable?”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow and looked at her, “Are you defending her?”

Fan Changyu said, “Wei Yan is a treacherous official who has committed all sorts of evil, and Wei Xuan is no better. But even if Madam Wei is a vicious woman, she can be criticized for being bad or cruel, but she shouldn’t be insulted by such words. It’s as if no matter what mistake a woman in this world makes, she must be labeled with that kind of name to satisfy others. Yet Wei Yan and his son have committed so many evil deeds, why don’t we hear others slandering them in this way?”

Xie Zheng lowered his long lashes and remained silent.

Fan Changyu looked at him, “You don’t seem very happy either. Was Madam Wei good to you?”

Xie Zheng answered, “Not particularly good, not particularly bad.”

In the past, when he despised Wei Xuan, seeing Madam Wei’s Buddha-like smile during the only family meal of the year made him feel it was hypocritical and nauseating.

But years after leaving the Wei mansion, when he occasionally received one or two winter clothes sewn by her in the northern region, he realized that Madam Wei might truly not have known about the things Wei Xuan had done to him.

Hearing Xie Zheng’s answer, Fan Changyu frowned slightly, thinking that since she knew he had lost his mother at a young age, perhaps in his childhood, he had received some motherly care from Madam Wei.

But because of what Wei Yan had done to his parents, that hatred must surely be irreconcilable.

She rolled up her sleeves and said, “Why don’t we take advantage of the darkness and go beat up that Minister’s son again?”

Although she had never met her, Fan Changyu couldn’t help but admire an official’s daughter who dared to seek out Wei Yan in the military camp before she was even married.

Xie Zheng slowly turned his dark eyes towards her.

Fan Changyu blinked, feeling restless, “If the father doesn’t teach, it’s the father’s fault. That Minister still has the nerve to impeach others. It seems he’s no good either, probably indulging his son’s bullying and tyrannical behavior all along. We might as well beat him up so he can’t attend court!”

😆 she never changes her ways. Beat them up, beat them all up!

It’s kind of crappy for the woman’s FIL to sound the alarm. Does he not want his grandson to escape? Was he just being spiteful towards his DIL since his son died?

he probably thought it was somebody trying to kill her to get hide of the evidences. he was trying to protect them

I love that her go to is still throwing a sack over someone and kidnapping … and beating lol

hahaha never change, Changyu. Never change.

Injustice can’t be legally demanded by law, but it can be demanded from fanchangyu.by her own way…☠️👍😂

changyu’s solutions to her problems:
1) kindap someone
2) beat them up

I love the simplicity of her mind. No complex scheming. Just… these people are annoying so let’s beat’em up. 😂

No matter how high her status gets, she’ll always be a thug at heart. The Marchioness of Wu’an, kidnapping ppl with a sack to beat them up. She’ll even bring her husband along so he can be her lookout. It’s beautiful. 😭

Gangsta talaga tong si FCY 😂

Seems familiar….. hmmm you both beaten up your ex Song yan before

Zhu Yu – Chapter 147

The north wind howled outside the window, but within the room, a warm glow dispelled the cold of the winter night.

Xie Zheng gazed at the young woman, her bright eyes clear in the candlelight. The dark emotions in his heart were miraculously soothed. He gently raised his hand and, under Fan Changyu’s startled gaze, pulled her into his embrace.

His dark eyes were calmly fixed on a point in the distance, but beneath that calm, there seemed to be more chilling emotions hidden. “The Han family is nothing. There will be plenty of opportunities to deal with them later. Tonight, we’ve already alerted the officials of the Court of Judicial Review. It’s not wise to go to the Han residence now. Get some rest. I’ll take you back to the Petition Institute at the fifth watch.”

Staying at the Petition Institute undoubtedly meant exposing one’s every move to the royal family’s scrutiny.

Fan Changyu had managed to leave tonight by once again disguising herself as a guard out on an errand for the Petition Institute. At the fifth watch tomorrow morning, when the kitchen staff would go out to buy ingredients, Fan Changyu could change her clothes and blend in with them to return.

Fan Changyu leaned against Xie Zheng’s chest. After the prison break earlier that night, she wasn’t tired. However, the way Xie Zheng was pressing on the nape of her neck made it difficult for her to lift her head. She had to crane her neck awkwardly to look up and say, “I’m not sleepy right now. I was thinking, since the steward of the Prince of Changxin’s mansion is also in jail, why don’t we strike while the iron is hot and break him out too?”

When she said this with her clear, innocent eyes, she looked like the most diligent student suddenly telling her teacher that she wanted to go commit arson and murder.

Xie Zheng’s hand, which had been stroking her hair, paused. He didn’t speak for several breaths.

Fan Changyu asked awkwardly, “Is that not possible?”

Xie Zheng raised his hand to rub his temple. When he looked down at her, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “It’s not possible tonight. The Court of Judicial Review’s prison is different from other official prisons. Once it’s on high alert, not even a fly could get out. Although many officials are out searching for the prison-breakers tonight, most of them are from the Five Wards Commandery. The Court of Judicial Review won’t lower its defenses. Going there for another prison break now would be walking into a trap.”

Fan Changyu said sheepishly, “I see.”

She wasn’t very familiar with the deployment of troops in the capital and had thought that since many guards had been drawn away from the Court of Judicial Review tonight, it would be an excellent opportunity to strike unexpectedly with another prison break.

Xie Zheng glanced at her and asked, “It seems you haven’t been studying your military strategy diligently?”

Fan Changyu scratched her head. “I’ve only been back in the capital for a short while, and I’ve been confined to the Petition Institute every day. I’m just not very clear about the responsibilities of each government office in the capital. In the military, I would never be so rash. A battle concerns the lives of hundreds or thousands of soldiers! I only suggested this because I was sure that with our martial skills, even if we couldn’t break out that steward, we certainly wouldn’t fall into the hands of the officials.”

Xie Zheng then asked, “Have you finished reading those military strategy books I gave you?”

Fan Changyu unconsciously straightened her back, like a student about to recite poetry for her teacher. “I’ve finished two of them, and I’ve just started the third one.”

“Which two did you read?”

Just as Fan Changyu was about to answer Xie Zheng’s question, a commotion erupted outside.

“Open the door! Open the door!”

“Officers… this… this is not acceptable! The people staying at our inn are guests. How can we disturb their sleep in the middle of the night?”

“The Court of Judicial Review has lost an important prisoner of the imperial court. We must search every household. If anyone dares to obstruct us, they will be treated as accomplices of the criminal!”

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng, both martial artists with keen hearing, listened to the commotion outside and their expressions grew grim.

The officials had already entered the courtyard. If they went out now, they would certainly be discovered, and if recognized, all their efforts would be in vain.

As the footsteps of the officials approached, Xie Zheng quickly extinguished the candle with a sweep of his sleeve. He looked up at Fan Changyu and said, “Replace the hot tea in the teapot with the cold water from the washbasin.”

Fan Changyu picked up the teapot on the table and poured all the tea into a potted plant in the room, then filled it with the cold water from the washbasin.

The tea had been brewed by the old innkeeper when he showed them to the room. Fan Changyu didn’t know what Xie Zheng had in mind, but given the urgency of the situation, she didn’t ask and simply followed his instructions.

By the time she put the teapot back on the table, Xie Zheng had already found some mechanism at the head of the bed. Fan Changyu heard the muffled sound of stone slabs sliding.

In the faint light from the torches outside the door and windows, she could barely make out that a section of the bed had sunk, revealing a hidden compartment just large enough for two people to lie down.

Xie Zheng looked at her. “Hide inside.”

As soon as Fan Changyu lay down, Xie Zheng activated the mechanism and stepped in.

The space, barely larger than a coffin, became even more cramped with two people inside. Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng were almost neck to neck, shoulder to shoulder, their breaths audible in the confined space.

Fortunately, it was pitch black in the hidden compartment, so neither could see the other’s face. Lying face-to-face like this would have been too awkward otherwise.

Fan Changyu could smell the faint scent of soap on Xie Zheng’s clothes, mixed with the crisp scent of ice and snow, probably due to the winter season. He didn’t dare put his full weight on her, using one hand to prop himself up slightly, but in this narrow space, this posture was undoubtedly very strenuous.

Fan Changyu hesitated for a moment before saying, “Should I be on top instead?”

Even though it was pitch black, Fan Changyu still felt that Xie Zheng had suddenly turned his head to look at her. Unable to see, their perception of their surroundings relied solely on instinct. The feeling of being stared at by a predator in the dark became increasingly apparent, and Fan Changyu’s arm hair stood on end.

When Xie Zheng grasped her waist, her entire body tensed.

After they had awkwardly switched positions, both were sweating. Fan Changyu thought it must be due to the lack of air circulation; the small hidden compartment was hot enough to make one’s heart race.

She strained her ears to listen to the movements outside, but her heartbeat was quickening inappropriately, whether due to extreme nervousness or something else.

Fan Changyu suspected that Xie Zheng could hear her drumming heartbeat.

However, Xie Zheng’s chest also seemed to contain a drum, which she could hear clearly as she lay on top of him.

It wasn’t beating as fast as hers, but each beat was extremely heavy as if it were pounding on someone’s heart.

Xie Zheng’s breathing remained steady, but the breath that fell on her ear seemed to have grown hotter.

Fan Changyu’s ears were very sensitive, and she instinctively wanted to move away.

But as soon as she slightly shifted her head, Xie Zheng forcefully pressed down on her shoulder. His voice was calm, but to keep it low, it was much hoarser than usual: “Don’t move.”

At that moment, there was a loud noise outside, clearly the sound of the door being kicked open violently.

Fan Changyu immediately stopped moving and lay still on top of Xie Zheng, focusing all her attention on the sounds outside.

“Officers, this room is empty. No guest has stayed here yet!” The innkeeper, who had been following anxiously, saw that the room showed no signs of occupancy and immediately began to plead pitifully.

The leader of the search party ignored him, allowing his subordinates to roughly open all the boxes and cabinets in the room. Even the bedding was pulled to the floor after being checked for residual warmth.

Seeing that they were still rummaging through the bottles and jars on the shelves, seemingly looking for any hidden compartments, the innkeeper wailed, “Oh, officers, please be gentle! These are porcelain wares from the entertainment district. If they break, I won’t be able to explain it to the owner…”

The leader still made no move to restrain his men. He sat down pompously on a stool and lifted the lid of the teapot on the table.

Fan Changyu, lying on top of Xie Zheng, heard the footsteps of the officers searching near the bed move away and had just begun to relax when suddenly there was a loud crash of breaking porcelain outside, followed by an officer’s angry shout: “How dare you!”

Her heart immediately tensed again, and her fingers unconsciously gripped Xie Zheng’s clothes tighter.

Xie Zheng seemed to sense her tension. The hand that had been gripping her shoulder moved to the back of her neck, pressing her closer to him. His burning fingers touched her delicate skin, and although there was no further impropriety, the heat made Fan Changyu instinctively shrink her neck.

Her nose lightly brushed against the skin of Xie Zheng’s neck, and his breathing suddenly deepened.

Fan Changyu felt that he was constantly radiating heat. With her hand on his chest, she could feel the dampness beneath his not-so-thick long robe.

Why was he still sweating?

Was it because the space was too small and the two of them were squeezed together, making it too hot?

Fan Changyu thought about moving away from him inconspicuously to let him breathe better, but the hand on the back of her neck was like a branding iron, holding her firmly in place, even seeming to tighten its grip.

Outside, the innkeeper’s terrified voice could be heard: “Officers, what’s the matter?”

Fan Changyu had no intention of moving anymore and just listened carefully.

The leader slammed his fan-sized palm heavily on the round table. “I’m searching for criminals in the middle of the night, and I wanted a cup of hot tea. Not only is the tea in your teapot cold, but it doesn’t even taste like tea. How dare you show such disrespect!”

The innkeeper could certainly hear the implied meaning in the leader’s words. It was common for officers of the Five Wards Commandery to find excuses to extort money from merchants. On a night like this, they certainly couldn’t squeeze anything out of ordinary households, but in places like inns and taverns, where all sorts of people mixed, even if they couldn’t find any suspects, they still expected some “gratitude” from the innkeeper.

The innkeeper’s face remained frightened, but his eyes had already calmed down. He immediately cursed, “Where has that lazy waiter gone off to again? He didn’t even change the cold tea in the room!”

Then he bowed and scraped to the leader, saying, “Please calm down, officer. Please calm down. I’ll have someone bring you our finest tea right away.”

While flattering the officer, he didn’t forget to slip a money pouch into the leader’s hand.

The leader weighed the pouch, and the anger on his face finally dissipated somewhat. He said, “Alright, I have important search duties to attend to. I don’t have time to drink your tea now!”

With that, he stood up to leave, and the subordinates who had found nothing after turning the room upside down followed suit.

The innkeeper glanced at the space under the bed from the corner of his eye before bowing and closing the door as he left, continuing to flatter the leader as he saw him off.

Inside the room, Fan Changyu listened to the receding footsteps of the officers and let out a big sigh of relief. Her forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat, either from the stuffiness or the heat.

She said softly to Xie Zheng, “They’re gone.”

The person beneath her didn’t respond.

Fan Changyu found it strange and reached out to feel along the stone wall, trying to find the switch to open the hidden compartment. However, the hand on the back of her neck suddenly applied force, with such intensity and a sense of desperation that Fan Changyu inexplicably felt afraid.

But in the cramped space, even struggling became impossible. She could only lower her head as her lips were forcefully claimed in a kiss that seemed intent on devouring her whole. Her teeth were roughly parted, and a tongue invaded her mouth.

Xie Zheng was like a wolf that had starved through the entire harsh winter, staring at a piece of fat meat for three days without daring to take a bite. At the moment when his reason finally gave out, he could no longer suppress the hunger rising from his very bones. He bared his sharp teeth and bit into his prey.

Eyeroll. The constant biting is annoyingly repetitive, uninteresting, and NOT sexy. The writer needs new material. The romance scenes are all basically the same, and seriously, the biting is just silly.

you don’t understand it, xie zhang was born in dog year. so he’s like to bitting because he is a dog. understand now?

Agree!

Actually it’s a refreshing change . I love their relationship and their unusual intense passion they show only to each other.

Is the writer single and never been in a relationshipbefore? These supposedly intimate scenes become so monotonous and boring when they keep repeating over and over again. The ravenous biting and kissing isnt realistic at all. Does the writer writing about a pair of wolves instead of human? 🙄

Besides, all these intimacy scenes happen at the most inopportune moments! When a person is going through a severe emotional shock, when he narrowly escaped death, he will not think about having an affair with a girl. Sometimes passion is appropriate, but here the characters are turned into lustful animals, not deeply and tenderly in love people.

Agree!

That’s his kink. He’s a biter. He likes to nip at her when they are intimate. Why would he suddenly change his sexual habits for no reason? It wouldn’t be consistent with who he is.

Personally, I love it. I find these scenes very satisfying.

exactamente

Perfectly said.

Nibbling is one thing. Biting is something else. It’s made me dislike him. And Changyu has asked him a couple times in earlier episodes to be more gentle with her.

Y’all never read dark romance in your life then 🙄. That’s obviously his kink. He likes to give and receive pain.

I personally love it 🙂‍↕️. That’s just who he is, and Changyu likes it too.

Bite ME, bite ME, bite ME some more!…Ahhhh! Hahahaha! So sexy!

biting is his kink….fl character has no problem and bites him back …idk why people are pissed…
ever read dark romance in life…I guess you would faint

anyways you can hear bite me by enhypen…its a really good song and suits this chapter ver much

I don’t really judge the biting. FCY bites back anyways. 😅 Although I personally do not want any love mark (biting or otherwise) to be visible when I’m wearing casual clothes outside, Idc about other people’s kinks.

What does bother me is the non-consensual advances. That time when XZ left Lin’an really pissed me. I felt like it was NOT NECESSARY and was only written that way for the plot. Realistically, if you were gonna leave someone you really cared for, there’s a much easier and more reasonable option—like telling FCY he likes her to some degree even if it was ambiguous and then, chances are, he COULD VERY MUCH kiss her. Properly.

Like idk. During the separation at Lin’an, I felt like it took MORE EFFORT to take advantage of her than be a little honest with her. They were already harmonious before he left, the feelings and signs were there, so it just didn’t click well with me WHY XZ chose to do it that way.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 148

When Zhao Xun received news that the soldiers had withdrawn, he hurried back and found the room’s lights still extinguished.

Earlier, to prevent the mother and son from being discovered by the soldiers, he had personally led them to a secret chamber beneath the inn, instructing only the tavern keeper to handle matters here.

Now, seeing no movement from within the room, he dared not push the door open rashly. Instead, he cupped his hands outside the door and said, “Esteemed guests, the searching soldiers have all departed.”

A heavy sound of a stone chamber opening came from inside, accompanied by a muffled thud, as if something had collided heavily with the stone wall.

Zhao Xun stood outside with his hands cupped, perplexed but not daring to show curiosity. He simply waited silently for a summons from within.

After a while, the door finally opened. He discreetly glanced inside, noticing that Marquis Wu’an and Cloud Banner General appeared normal, though the Marquis had donned a mask, presumably for convenience when returning later. The Cloud Banner General’s expression seemed somewhat stern and cold.

With just that glance, Zhao Xun quickly lowered his head again and said, “There’s half a quarter-hour until the fifth watch. As per the Marquis’s earlier instructions, a carriage has been prepared at the inn’s entrance.”

As he spoke, he signaled towards the door with his eyes. Immediately, a maidservant entered carrying clothing, which she respectfully placed on the table before quietly retreating.

Zhao Xun said, “These are the clothes prepared for the Marquis and the General.”

In front of others, to avoid revealing Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng’s identities, he always addressed them as “esteemed guests.” Only when alone did he use their official titles as honorifics.

After Zhao Xun withdrew, Xie Zheng stripped off his outer robe, picked up the clothes from the tray, put them on, and fastened the leather belt, considering himself changed. He glanced at Fan Changyu and tactfully said, “I’ll wait for you outside.”

After the door opened and closed again, Fan Changyu picked up the other set of clothes from the tray and ground her back teeth.

That man was like a dog!

As they were kissing, he started using his teeth on her body, as if he couldn’t devour her whole.

As she removed her outer robe and changed into the guard’s uniform, the flickering candlelight illuminated a patch of porcelain-like skin below her neck. The two red marks on her collarbone were particularly eye-catching. Further down, another mark was half-hidden by the collar of her undergarment, inevitably inviting imagination about whether similar marks might be found on the skin completely covered by clothing-

Throughout the journey back to the Memorial Institute, Fan Changyu feigned sleep in the carriage, not giving Xie Zheng a single glance even as they approached the main gate.

Xie Zheng watched her distant figure blend in with the guards from the carriage, his lips curling into a silent smile.

It seemed he had truly angered her this time.

But since their separation at the countryside estate last time, they hadn’t met again until yesterday. The little favor he’d taken seemed far from enough to him-

After a night of playing thief, Fan Changyu returned, briefly washed up, and went straight to bed. When she woke again, it was nearly noon.

After finishing a combined breakfast and lunch, a messenger came from Tang Peiyi, saying there was an urgent matter requiring her presence.

Fan Changyu changed into clothes suitable for receiving guests and went to Tang Peiyi’s courtyard.

Upon entering, she discovered that He Xiujin and Zheng Wenchang were also present, though all their faces looked grim.

Seeing her arrive, Tang Peiyi instructed, “Bring a seat for General Fan.”

A servant in the room brought a chair and placed it next to He Xiujin. After Fan Changyu sat down, she asked, “Has something happened at court again?”

Tang Peiyi slammed his hand heavily on the table and said angrily, “Wei Yan is utterly outrageous! Yesterday, he had a key suspect beaten to death in broad daylight, and last night he dared to raid the prison cells of the Court of Judicial Review to rescue someone! Does he think this empire belongs to the Wei family now?”

Fan Changyu, who was drinking the tea a servant had just served, nearly choked upon hearing this. She coughed several times before regaining her composure.

Faced with the gazes of Tang Peiyi, He Xiujin, and Zheng Wenchang all fixed upon her, Fan Changyu felt a pang of guilt. She then heavily put down her teacup and, with an honest expression, said, “That’s too much indeed!”

The three men finally withdrew their gazes.

He Xiujin noticed the faint dark circles under Fan Changyu’s eyes and suddenly asked, “Did General Fan not sleep well last night?”

Fan Changyu, being poor at lying, picked up her teacup again to drink as a cover and said, “Mm, I was reading a military book before bed. I didn’t understand many of the attack strategies and got so engrossed in studying them that I lost track of time.”

Hearing this, He Xiujin grew even more curious: “What military book could have captivated General Fan to such an extent?”

Fortunately, she had genuinely read those military books Xie Zheng had given her recently. So now she could say without blushing or her heart racing, “I’m embarrassed to say, it was ‘Master Wei Liao’ annotated by the Duke of Weiguo from the previous dynasty.”

Although Xie Zheng had added many new insights to those annotations.

He Xiujin said “No wonder” and smiled, saying, “The ‘Master Wei Liao’ annotated by the Duke of Weiguo is now a unique copy. It’s no surprise General Fan would forget food and sleep upon obtaining such a treasure.”

Fan Changyu wasn’t very familiar with the origins of these military books and tactics. She hadn’t realized that the book Xie Zheng had casually given her was so precious. Surprised internally, she repeatedly said “I’m unworthy” to appease He Xiujin.

Fearing he would continue questioning, she quickly turned to Tang Peiyi and asked, “Has it been confirmed that Wei Yan’s men broke into the prison? Was this matter discussed in the morning court session today?”

Unexpectedly, upon hearing her questions, Tang Peiyi turned his head away and sighed heavily.

Zheng Wenchang, sitting nearby, said, “The Court of Judicial Review, together with the Five Wards Commandery’s men, searched through the night but found no evidence. This morning, the son of Minister Han was found hanged in his room with his tongue cut out and eyes gouged. Minister Han wept bitterly in the Hall of Golden Chimes, begging His Majesty for justice, saying his son must have been killed by Wei Yan because he argued with Wei Xuan a few days ago. However, without evidence, they couldn’t charge Wei Yan with the crime.”

Fan Changyu’s expression immediately changed.

She had learned about Wei Xuan’s altercation with Minister Han’s son, resulting in a severe beating, when Zhao Xun reported to Xie Zheng last night.

But she hadn’t expected Minister Han’s son to be found hanged in his room last night with his tongue cut out and eyes gouged.

Such brutal methods – was Wei Yan declaring to the entire court that his power as Prime Minister was far from over?

Tang Peiyi smiled bitterly and said, “The imperial power of Da Yin has long been in name only… The current Emperor… Alas…”

Although he didn’t say more, everyone present knew what he left unsaid.

Qi Sheng was merely a puppet placed on the dragon throne by Wei Yan. He still relied on Wei Yan to help him keep the throne, so how could he punish Wei Yan?

He Xiujin, remembering his father’s death, unconsciously clenched his fists on the table: “If the Li family truly found a descendant of the Chengde Crown Prince…”

Tang Peiyi immediately interrupted him: “Zifu.”

Zifu was He Xiujin’s courtesy name. He closed his mouth and said no more.

Even if the one sitting on the dragon throne was just a monkey, as long as he wore those dragon robes, plotting against him would be a grave offense punishable by the execution of nine generations of one’s clan.

Tang Peiyi changed the subject: “Alright, this contest with Wei Yan isn’t over yet. War has been intense these past few years, and the national treasury is depleted. The palace has announced that the victory celebration will be combined with the New Year’s banquet. None of you should go out today. Later, people from the palace will come to measure you for tailoring.”

On the way back, Fan Changyu was deeply worried.

When Xie Zheng was helping the Li family impeach Wei Yan, he said that Wei Yan must have kept some tricks up his sleeve. Now, at this critical juncture, he dared to directly order his subordinates to kill the son of a third-rank official in the court. His actions could be described as both ruthless and arrogant.

Was he confident that the Court of Judicial Review couldn’t obtain evidence to convict him, or had he truly become so arrogant that even if the Court had witnesses and physical evidence, he wouldn’t care?

If it was the former, it meant Wei Yan still had some scruples in his actions.

If it was the latter… after lying low for so long, whatever Wei Yan was planning was truly terrifying.

Zheng Wenchang, who left a step behind her, called out, “General Fan, please wait.”

Fan Changyu temporarily set aside her thoughts and turned back to ask, “Does General Zheng have something to discuss?”

Zheng Wenchang was taciturn but hardworking. Among He Jingyuan’s disciples, his talents weren’t considered the best, but because of his diligence and upright character, he was highly regarded by He Jingyuan.

He said somewhat shyly, “I hope I’m not being presumptuous, but I’d like to borrow General Fan’s copy of ‘Master Wei Liao’ annotated by the Duke of Weiguo for a day.”

Fearing that Fan Changyu might not have finished reading the precious book and be reluctant to part with it, he quickly added, “Even borrowing it for one night would be fine. I’ll copy it and return it to General Fan first thing in the morning.”

With him putting it this way, Fan Changyu had no reason to refuse.

She said, “Alright, I’ll have someone send the book to General Zheng’s quarters when I return. There’s no need to rush to return it; take your time copying it.”

Unique copies were precious, and it was common for people of the time to copy books for circulation and reading.

Hearing Fan Changyu’s words, Zheng Wenchang felt as if a great weight had been lifted from his heart. He expressed his thanks and returned with a beaming face.

Fan Changyu went back, found the book in her room, and had Xie Wu deliver it to Zheng Wenchang.

Just then, the palace matrons arrived to measure her for tailoring court robes. Fan Changyu spread her arms, allowing them to use soft measuring tapes, but she noticed this was different from when ordinary tailors measured her for clothes.

The Imperial Wardrobe matrons measured with utmost precision, from her forehead down to her ankles, even measuring around her ribs.

Fan Changyu guessed that measuring her ankles was for making official boots, but why measure her head? She was a military official and didn’t need to wear an official hat.

Being straightforward, Fan Changyu immediately asked.

The matron in charge of measuring, though stern-faced, dared not put on airs in front of Fan Changyu, a third-rank military official. She respectfully replied, “General, we also need to tailor a set of second-rank conferment robes for you. The head measurement is for making the phoenix crown.”

The headpiece that went with the conferment robes for a Titled Lady was indeed a phoenix crown adorned with pearls and jade.

If Fan Changyu were still an unmarried lady, the Emperor wouldn’t have conferred this title on her. But because of her previous fake marriage to Xie Zheng, which was recorded in the Ministry of Revenue’s documents, and her admission of having a husband in the Hall of Golden Chimes, she was additionally granted this title.

Understanding the purpose of the measurements, Fan Changyu asked no more questions and continued cooperating with the matron’s measuring.

After each measurement, the matron would quietly instruct a maidservant beside her to record it on paper.

Chang Ning, accompanied by Madam Zhao, watched from the side, her eyes bright with excitement and her face flushed.

After the palace staff finished taking measurements and left, she ran over and buried herself in Fan Changyu’s arms: “Are they making new clothes for Big Sister?”

Fan Changyu said, “They’re court robes.”

Chang Ning didn’t quite understand. She clung to Fan Changyu’s waist, looked up, and continued asking, “What are court robes?”

“They’re the clothes worn when meeting the Emperor.”

Chang Ning made an “oh” sound, then asked, “Can Ning’er see the Emperor too?”

Madam Zhao laughed and said, “You silly girl, saying such foolish things. How could just anyone see the Emperor? Only high officials can see him.”

Chang Ning made a disappointed “oh” sound, then immediately asked, “Can Ning’er become a high official?”

Fan Changyu crouched down, patted her head, and said, “Not now, but if Ning’er studies hard, by the time you grow up, perhaps women will be able to enter official service too.”

Having come this far, besides wanting to uncover the truth behind the Jinzhou incident and clear her grandfather’s name, Fan Changyu also wanted to add a clause to the Da Yin Code allowing women to inherit their parents’ property and establish their households.

What had nearly driven her and Chang Ning to desperation back then was the attempt by Fan Da’s family to seize the house left by her parents, relying on the law.

She was resilient and could weather many hardships, stumbling through all the pitfalls along the way. But in this world, many orphaned girls couldn’t make it through.

Chang Ning seemed encouraged by Fan Changyu’s words and immediately started clamoring, “Big Sister, Big Sister, please hire a teacher for Ning’er! Ning’er wants to study!”

When Fan Changyu had free time, she could teach the two little ones herself, but when busy, she naturally couldn’t manage it.

Thinking that the palace wouldn’t reassign them for a while, she said, “Alright, I’ll hire a teacher for you tomorrow.”

Chang Ning’s smile nearly split her face as she tugged at Fan Changyu’s sleeve, “Big Sister is the best!”

Seeing Chang Ning bouncing off to tell Yu Bao’er this good news, Fan Changyu shook her head and smiled.

Just then, Xie Wu returned from delivering the book. Fan Changyu said to him, “Xiao Wu, keep an eye out for suitable tutors in the capital. I want to hire a private teacher for Chang Ning and Bao’er to teach them reading and writing for now.”

After a pause, she added, “There’s no need to hire those famous scholars with profound knowledge. The children are still young; hiring such teachers would be a waste of their talents.”

Xie Wu acknowledged everything, but his expression was somewhat peculiar.

Only then did Fan Changyu notice the book in his hand. She asked in confusion, “Didn’t General Zheng want it?”

Xie Wu said, “It’s not that. When the young master of the Li Grand Tutor’s family gifted you several annotated military books, you rewarded them to your subordinate generals to read. This book had been passed to General Zheng, and when I went to deliver the book just now, General Zheng had me bring this military book back, saying he was returning it to you.”

Fan Changyu frowned slightly. She had almost forgotten about Li Huai’an gifting her military books.

Those few books had indeed been given to her subordinates as rewards, but Zheng Wenchang, being straightforward, probably felt uneasy about borrowing another book from her and decided to return this one.

Fan Changyu didn’t think much of it and said, “Alright, just put it on that shelf over there.”

Xie Wu walked in with the book and glanced at the books Fan Changyu often read on the shelf, which included the Four Books that Xie Zheng had initially annotated for her, as well as the military books he had annotated later.

Xie Wu hesitated for a moment, then chose the most corner position and placed the military book annotated by Li Huai’an there-

In the blink of an eye, the day of the New Year’s banquet arrived.

Each day, Fán Chángyù continued to hear from Táng Péiyì about the ongoing disputes between the Wei faction and the Lǐ faction in the court, with both sides stubbornly arguing without end.

However, following the shocking death of the son of Minister Hán, no one dared to openly criticize Wèi Yán, whether in the court or among the common folk.

Xiè Zhēng was busy preparing for the palace banquet that evening, planning a covert exploration of the Cold Palace and the retrieval of the steward from the Dàlǐsì. During this time, he was also secretly tracking the movements of Tào Tàifù, leaving him with little opportunity to breathe. Various factions were closely watching, and he only managed to slip into the Jìnzòuyuan to see Fán Chángyù once, bringing her a dagger capable of cutting through iron as a gift.

On the night of her entrance to the palace, Fán Chángyù felt an odd sensation as her left eyelid twitched persistently.

With Xiè Zhēng preoccupied with numerous plans for New Year’s Eve, Fán Chángyù was anxious about any unforeseen events. Before leaving, she strapped a small bone knife to her left thigh and the iron-cutting dagger to her right, thinking that even if trouble arose, she would have a weapon for self-defense.

After she prepared a large red envelope for both Cháng Níng and Yú Bǎo’ér, she climbed into the carriage to the palace, her heart racing under Cháng Níng’s eager gaze, accompanied by Táng Péiyì and others.

Channing will definitely see the emperor. Our future little empress.

Something wicked this way comes!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 149

The palace banquet was held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. This was an external banquet, where only the Emperor and court officials dined together.

Before entering the grand hall, eunuchs led servants carrying trays to collect the swords worn by the military officials.

Fan Changyu had discovered during her first palace visit that they only verified waist tokens and confiscated visible weapons carried on one’s person, without conducting individual body searches. This was why she had strapped short blades to her legs before leaving.

With her long boots on, no one could tell.

After all, those attending imperial audiences or banquets, apart from nobles, were all high-ranking officials. If every court meeting or palace banquet required searching each official’s body before allowing entry, it would not only be time-consuming and laborious but also damage the officials’ dignity and the relationship between ruler and subject.

The rule prohibiting military officials from carrying weapons into the hall, issued throughout dynasties, was firstly to avoid disrespecting the Emperor, and secondly to prevent military officials from challenging the Emperor in the grand hall.

But for those truly harboring rebellious thoughts, what could they achieve with just one blade brought into the grand hall? If someone were to force the Emperor’s abdication, they would surely have already turned the entire palace’s Jinwu Guards.

Ordinary officials would never dare to privately carry weapons into the hall, an act punishable by beheading.

Therefore, the imperial palace had never had the custom of searching officials’ bodies; only palace maids and eunuchs were treated this way.

Fan Changyu’s last palace visit was during the day, when the entire imperial palace already appeared majestic and solemn. Tonight, with snow fluttering, the entire palace city was brightly lit everywhere, hidden in the boundless night like a giant beast whose skin had been burned and cracked, revealing the glowing red charcoal beneath – both magnificent and eerily shocking.

But the darkness untouched by the lamplight also revealed endless wounds and gloom.

Upon entering the Hall of Supreme Harmony, servants guided the officials to their respective seats.

The left side was for civil officials, the right for military officials.

The seats for the Three Excellencies, Nine Ministers, and imperial relatives were closest to the front. Fan Changyu, as a third-rank official, was led by a young eunuch to a seat in the middle of the right side.

In the entire grand hall, among both civil and military officials, Fan Changyu was the only woman.

As soon as she took her seat, she drew glances from all directions – some curious, some appraising.

Previously in the Hall of Golden Chimes, although the court officials had seen Fan Changyu once, it was during a court session. She had faced the Emperor and stood at the front of the hall with Tang Peiyi and others. Officials at the back could only see the trailing scarlet cape behind her armor. Tonight was the first time these courtiers truly saw Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu knelt on her knees before the low red sandalwood table, her face composed and calm. The third-rank crimson military official robe she wore gave her a unique air of heroism. She kept her back straight as a rod, like a green bamboo growing among craggy rocks, having developed a formidable presence through repeated rooting down and growing up. Among these seasoned officials, she showed not the slightest timidity.

The Emperor hadn’t arrived yet, and the chief seats in both civil and military sections were still empty. The atmosphere in the grand hall was fairly harmonious, with familiar officials chatting in small groups.

Fan Changyu intended to wait quietly for the banquet to begin, but unexpectedly, a young unfamiliar military official walked directly to her table. “I’ve long admired General Fan’s reputation. We only briefly met in the Hall of Golden Chimes before, and tonight I’m fortunate to see General Fan again. Let me toast to General Fan!”

With that, he drained his cup with both hands and turned it upside down for Fan Changyu to see.

The implication was clear: if Fan Changyu didn’t drink, she would be disrespecting him.

At the previous victory celebration in Lu City, Fan Changyu could decline by citing her injuries as a reason not to drink. But at tonight’s palace banquet, even the lowest-ranking official was of the fifth rank. It wasn’t appropriate to refuse such a toast.

The generals in Lu City were at most enthusiastically insistent, but this military official coming to toast before the banquet even began made even the usually unperturbed Fan Changyu sense some undercurrents.

She glanced at the fourth-rank court robe worn by the military official and simply said, “The General is too kind.”

She picked up her own cup, drank it down, and like him, turned her wrist to invert the empty cup.

The military official immediately praised Fan Changyu: “General Fan has an impressive capacity for alcohol!”

He Xiujin also sensed something amiss. Fearing other military officials might approach Fan Changyu to drink, he stood up with his cup and said, “General Song, why not have a drink with me?”

Zheng Wenchang followed suit, standing up and saying, “Who do you think you’re looking down on? In the Chongzhou rebellion suppression campaign, I put in no less effort than General Fan. General Song, you must drink a cup with me too!”

With Zheng Wenchang’s words, the generals who had come to the capital together from Jizhou for their appointments also came forward one after another to drink with that military official.

Now it was that military official’s turn to be unable to refuse. He was forced to drink seven or eight cups before he could return to his seat.

After this commotion, others who had intended to come over for a toast saw the situation clearly. If they drank with Fan Changyu, they would inevitably be forced to drink another round with He Xiujin and the others. The banquet hadn’t even started yet, and they didn’t dare to be too unruly, so no one else approached Fan Changyu for a toast.

Fan Changyu gave Zheng Wenchang a somewhat surprised look. She had previously thought him too rigid, but tonight it seemed his mind was quite sharp, and he played the part of a rough military man quite convincingly.

He Xiujin’s seat was next to Fan Changyu’s. After things settled down, he lowered his voice and said to her, “The Emperor’s praise for our Jizhou army in the Hall of Golden Chimes earlier has likely made many generals discontented. They won’t miss the chance to drink us under the table at tonight’s palace banquet.”

Fan Changyu finally understood why that military official had suddenly come to toast her.

The toast was a pretense; the real intention was to give them a hard time by having people take turns drinking with her.

Fortunately, He Xiujin and Zheng Wenchang were perceptive and intervened in time.

Fan Changyu nodded imperceptibly and said, “I understand.”

Her gaze swept across the grand hall, considering that those who would actively come to toast with her would likely be officials of lower rank or equal to hers. Higher-ranking officials probably wouldn’t lower themselves to do this.

For those lower-ranking military officials, the Jizhou generals banding together should be able to handle the situation.

Before long, Xie Zheng and Grand Tutor Li also arrived for the banquet.

The two men once again found themselves face to face at the entrance of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Grand Tutor Li maintained his usual scholarly demeanor and greeted casually, “Marquis.”

Xie Zheng wore a dark military marquis court robe, with auspicious cloud patterns embroidered in gold and red threads on the knee flaps, shimmering in the lamplight, so intricate it made one dizzy. His jade-like face showed a hint of cold weariness as he lazily lifted an eyelid and said, “What a coincidence, meeting the Grand Tutor again.”

He shifted his body slightly, but his tone lacked any of the respect his words implied: “Grand Tutor is a senior statesman of three reigns. Please, Grand Tutor, after you.”

Grand Tutor Li said, “The Marquis’s military achievements are world-renowned, and you’ve also contributed greatly to this recent rebellion suppression. Tonight’s New Year’s banquet is also a victory celebration. The Marquis should go first.”

Compared to Xie Zheng’s arrogance and casual manner, Grand Tutor Li’s attitude could be considered exceedingly modest. The followers accompanying Grand Tutor Li all showed indignant expressions. Li Yuanting, who usually spoke up first in such situations, was unexpectedly silent this time.

Xie Zheng’s gaze passed over Grand Tutor Li and fell on Li Yuanting, his eyes showing a hint of cold mockery.

He said, “Since the Grand Tutor is so courteous, it would be impolite for me to refuse.”

With that, he stepped into the grand hall. One of Grand Tutor Li’s disciples, unable to contain his indignation, was about to speak up and step forward when Grand Tutor Li raised his hand to stop him.

The censorate official asked in confusion, “Grand Tutor, are we just going to let him be so arrogant? Even Wei Yan has never behaved like this in front of you.”

Grand Tutor Li’s eyes, seemingly covered with a faint blue-gray layer due to age, gave his gaze an indescribable coldness: “Young and vigorous, let him be at the height of his arrogance for now. He will stumble eventually.”

Hearing Grand Tutor Li’s ambiguous words, the Li faction officials showed various expressions.

As Xie Zheng and Grand Tutor Li took their seats, the previously noisy Hall of Supreme Harmony suddenly fell silent.

Fan Changyu looked towards Xie Zheng’s seat. Perhaps because she hadn’t seen him for a long time, or because it was her first time seeing him in court robes, she found herself staring for a moment.

She had always thought that the saying “clothes make the man” didn’t apply to Xie Zheng. Blessed with such an exceptionally handsome appearance, he would exude an air of jade-like quality even in beggar’s clothes.

But this military marquis court robe truly made him look too good.

The gold and red embroidery on the dark black court robe, when illuminated by the hall’s candles, seemed to have a faint golden glow floating around it, making his eye color appear even deeper and the coldness between his brows more pronounced.

As if sensing Fan Changyu’s gaze, Xie Zheng turned to look at her, his eyes also rippling with a barely noticeable wave.

She probably didn’t realize how heroic and dashing she looked in that crimson military official robe.

All the young noblemen in the capital couldn’t match that streak of vigor and brightness between her brows, as if it had been pulled down from the rising sun itself.

With so many people at the banquet, their gazes only met briefly before moving away, but Fan Changyu’s heart still skipped a beat.

When the Emperor arrived, the officials merely went through the motions of rising and bowing.

Fan Changyu also noticed that the court officials seemed to show more respect to Xie Zheng and Grand Tutor Li than to the Emperor.

Wei Yan was still absent from this New Year’s banquet, claiming illness. Grand Tutor Li’s seat should have been the first among civil officials, but he had ordered his seat to be moved back two feet, not daring to directly occupy Wei Yan’s position.

Fan Changyu wasn’t sure if this was caution or pretense on Grand Tutor Li’s part.

He was the one who had dug a big pit to impeach Wei Yan, and that position seemed to be within his grasp, yet he still adhered to every etiquette and never overstepped his bounds.

One could only say that this man was extremely patient and had very deep schemes.

Perhaps because Fan Changyu had been staring at Grand Tutor Li for too long, the elderly man, who was only eating soft, easily digestible food at the banquet, suddenly glanced towards Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu didn’t avoid his gaze, meeting Grand Tutor Li’s eyes directly.

One gaze seemed gentle but unfathomable, while the other was pure and resolute, as if hiding a blazing sun within.

In the end, Grand Tutor Li was the first to look away, his thin hand using chopsticks to pick up some light vegetables and eat slowly.

Suddenly, a crisp sound of breaking porcelain came from the military officials’ side.

A serving eunuch accidentally spilled wine on Xie Zheng’s court robe. Frightened, the eunuch’s hand weakened, and the wine pot he was holding also fell to the ground.

The attention of everyone at the banquet was drawn to this scene.

The eunuch’s face turned pale with fear. Ignoring the spilled wine on the ground, he kowtowed repeatedly, begging for mercy: “Spare me, Marquis, please spare me…”

The Emperor, sitting on the dragon throne, saw this scene and couldn’t suppress the excitement in his eyes. He directly called to the Jinwu Guards outside the hall: “Come, take this slave who soiled the Wu’an Marquis’s robe and behead him!”

The court officials gasped, but no one dared to plead for mercy.

Fan Changyu knew that Xie Zheng would probably use this opportunity to leave his seat. She had just frowned when she heard Xie Zheng’s cold voice speak unhurriedly: “It’s just spilled wine. This is the New Year’s banquet; it’s best not to see blood. What does Your Majesty think?”

Qi Sheng had no intention of arguing with Xie Zheng over this matter and immediately said, “Since the Wu’an Marquis has pleaded for you, you stupid slave, quickly thank him for his grace!”

The eunuch kowtowed repeatedly: “Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Wu’an Marquis!”

Qi Sheng barely suppressed the malice rising in his heart and the wild joy of nearly achieving some wish. He put on a normal expression and instructed the head eunuch: “Lead the Wu’an Marquis to change his clothes.”

This was all part of Xie Zheng’s plan. He said “Thank you, Your Majesty” to Qi Sheng and then followed the eunuch out of the grand hall.

As soon as Xie Zheng left, Qi Sheng seemed much happier. In high spirits, he raised his cup to the court officials and said, “Since Our ascension to the throne, Da Yin has faced endless internal and external troubles. Fortunately, with the support of all you loyal ministers, the Da Yin empire has reached its current state. We can say We have not failed Our ancestors’ legacy. Tonight, all loyal ministers should drink to your heart’s content. Don’t leave until you’re drunk!”

His sudden speech naturally led all officials to raise their cups in toast.

Grand Tutor Li said, “Your Majesty’s wisdom is our fortune.”

The court officials then followed with a loud cheer: “Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!”

Fan Changyu felt that using the word “wise” to describe Qi Sheng was somewhat ironic.

After joining in the toast, she sat back down, but her eyelid started twitching uncontrollably again.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 150

The cold moon hung in the sky, casting a silvery light on the long stairs. Fine snowflakes drifted slowly under the dim palace lanterns, settling on black satin-covered boots, instantly becoming faint damp marks.

A young eunuch led Xie Zheng towards the side hall, his face wearing a flattering smile. “My lord, please watch your step.”

Xie Zheng wore a cloak with fox fur trimmed over his shoulders. He stood tall as a pine, his profile coated in moonlight, appearing cold and handsome. He gave a faint “Mm” from the tip of his nose.

Hidden beneath his wide sleeves embroidered with gold thread, his fingertip flicked out a small stone. It hit a snow-covered branch not far away, causing the boughs to shake and instantly drop a pile of snow. Startled, the young eunuch craned his neck to look, shouting, “Who’s there?”

In the next moment, the young eunuch felt a pain in the back of his neck and lost consciousness.

Xie Zheng picked up the lantern the eunuch had dropped, lifted the cover to blow out the candle inside, then picked up the eunuch with one hand and laid him down by a pillar outside a hall.

After doing all this, Xie Zheng raised his eyes and coldly surveyed the surroundings before abruptly pulling off his cloak and court robes.

Beneath the court robes was a suit of night-walking clothes.

He took out a face mask from his bosom and put it on, then hid his court robes in a cave of a rockery in the Imperial Garden. Following the palace map he had studied earlier, he avoided the patrolling guards and with a few leaps over the high wall, arrived at the Cold Palace.

Compared to the other brightly lit palaces, the Cold Palace was terrifyingly desolate. Even the lantern at the main gate, emitting a fist-sized yellow glow, was covered in dust and cobwebs.

Those living in the Cold Palace were all concubines who had committed grave offenses—some mad, some dead, with rumors of ghosts. Except for the on-duty palace servants who came to throw some food like feeding dogs, even the lowest-ranked eunuchs and maids were unwilling to come here for a glance.

Following the intelligence provided by the Princess, Xie Zheng easily found the dwelling of the mad palace maid in the outer quarters after scaling the Cold Palace wall.

The small room was likewise filled with dust and cobwebs. The only piece of furniture seemed to be the bed by the window. In the moonlight, one could see the straw peeking out from under the thin mattress where it wasn’t fully covered. The palace maid slept curled up on top, covered only by a thin, mildewed blanket.

There was a faint smell of burnt incense and candles in the room. As worship was forbidden in the palace, it seemed the maid had secretly burned paper money for someone in her room.

Xie Zheng uncoiled the flexible sword wrapped around his arm, pointing it at the maid’s nape. “I know you’re awake. If you want to live, don’t turn around. I only have one question.”

“Who was the imperial concubine who had an affair with Wei Yan back then?”

The maid seemed too frightened, her body shaking like a sieve. “It… it was…”

The change happened in that instant. The maid suddenly turned around, throwing a handful of powder towards Xie Zheng.

Xie Zheng quickly turned his head to avoid it, closing his eyes and holding his breath in time to prevent inhaling the unknown powder or getting it in his eyes. The maid, however, took the opportunity to pull out a dagger from under her pillow and stab at Xie Zheng. He instinctively raised his arm to block, throwing her several meters away.

The maid’s back hit the wall. When she rolled to the ground, a trace of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. But there was no hatred in her eyes, only boundless allure. She wiped away the blood from her lips with her finger, sucked on it, and hooked her gaze towards Xie Zheng, coquettishly complaining, “Your strength is so great, you’ve hurt me.”

Her voice was sickeningly sweet, like a pot of sugar boiled into a thick syrup and poured down one’s throat.

When the maid’s two fingers came out again, they were covered in saliva. She tugged at her clothes, pulling them down bit by bit, giggling, “Don’t you want to see where you’ve hurt me?”

Xie Zheng’s eyes held only intense disgust as if looking at maggots writhing in a gutter. He sheathed his sword and turned to leave the room, but the sound of chains rattled at the door.

Xie Zheng’s eyes suddenly turned cold. He raised his sword to break open the door, but at that moment, he found his limbs had become weak and powerless, almost unable to stand. He supported himself against the wall with one hand, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

The sound of chains also came from the window, followed by a thin bamboo tube extending through a small gap, releasing a faint white smoke into the room.

The woman behind him said in a sweet voice, “Are you finding your limbs powerless?”

“You’ve been smelling the bone-softening powder since you entered the room. Your fight with me earlier accelerated its effects. It’s only taking effect now… Your body is so robust… It makes this slave girl crave…”

The woman was simply half-sprawled on the ground, her black hair scattered, her white sleeping robe open, revealing a red-hot belly wrap and one shoulder. Her expression was one of unbearable desire as she stared at Xie Zheng.

Hearing her say he had smelled it since entering the room, Xie Zheng immediately looked at the brazier where the money had been burned. So burning joss paper and lighting incense was to cover up another smell.

The drug’s effects came on as violently as a mountain torrent bursting its banks. All strength seemed to be drained from his body. Xie Zheng could no longer even stand while leaning against the wall. He slid down to sit, his body experiencing another reaction—his blood seemed to be on fire, his limbs and bones itching as if insects were crawling over them.

What was being blown in through the bamboo tube at the window was self-evident.

The woman also seemed affected by the drug mist blown in through the bamboo tube. Compared to her earlier feigned allure, her face now showed more instinctive reactions. She crawled slowly towards Xie Zheng with seductive eyes. “This slave girl feels so uncomfortable… won’t you help her…”

The drug’s effects made Xie Zheng’s face flush red even through his mask, but his eyes remained icily cold. “Do you want to die?” he asked.

His voice was very soft, like the chilling ghost air floating from the River of Forgetfulness when the ghost gates open during the Zhongyuan Festival, sending a chill up one’s spine.

The woman’s eyes were already hazy, but these words brought back some of her senses.

She looked at the handsome man sitting against the wall, unable to even stand due to the bone-softening powder. With little rationality left under the aphrodisiac’s influence, she soon giggled, “You’ll want to join this slave girl in experiencing the ultimate pleasure between life and death.”

She crawled panting to Xie Zheng’s feet, raising her alluring eyes. Before she could utter a coquettish complaint, her neck was gripped tightly by an iron-like large hand.

The overwhelming smell of blood and sense of suffocation finally sobered the woman somewhat. This man had torn open his palm to maintain clarity!

The woman hadn’t taken the bone-softening powder and was also a trained fighter. She tried to pry open Xie Zheng’s hand but found all her efforts were in vain.

Xie Zheng had bitten down so hard that there was an iron taste in his mouth. He coldly stared at the woman struggling in his grip. “Qi Sheng found someone like you to impersonate a Cold Palace concubine, intending to replicate Wei Yan’s crime on me?”

The woman wanted to speak, but could only make faint “gu gu” sounds from her throat. Her eyes went from terrified to despairing. As her fragile throat bones broke, Xie Zheng’s five fingers dug several bloody holes in the side of her neck.

The woman fell to the ground with eyes wide open, the blood from her neck quickly pooling on the floor.

Xie Zheng sat against the wall, breathing like a wild beast. His hands were covered in blood, indistinguishable between his own from his torn palm and the woman’s from her neck.

The people who had locked the doors and windows and released the aphrodisiac smoke into the room heard no movement inside. After a moment’s hesitation, they unlocked the door to check the situation.

However, as soon as they pushed the door open with a lantern, they saw the woman’s unseeing face staring at the door. The eunuch’s pupils contracted in fright, and he quickly raised the lantern to look for the other person in the room.

A dagger slashed across a throat, spraying blood. The fallen lantern instantly ignited, illuminating the blood-covered dagger. In the cold gleam of the blade was reflected a pair of icy, cold eyes.

Xie Zheng walked out of the room, treading on the bloody floor. Blood dripped steadily from the back of his left hand.

The guards stationed outside the room saw the gruesome state of the palace maid and eunuch through the wide-open door, and couldn’t help but feel alarmed.

The dose of bone-softening powder burned in the room was enough to knock out a bull. How could he still walk out? Could he have taken an antidote beforehand?

However, the blood on Xie Zheng’s hands and the slight stumble in his steps showed that he had indeed been affected by the drug, but was still forcing himself to move.

The Cold Palace gates were long since locked. One of the guards immediately shouted to a companion behind him, “Set a fire! Draw everyone here!”

Princess Qi Shu had been confined by Consort An for many days.

Tonight was New Year’s Eve, and the mother and daughter had only eaten a simple New Year’s Eve dinner before Consort An returned to her small Buddha hall to continue chanting sutras.

Qi Shu felt stifled. She swept out of the warm pavilion, with Consort An’s old maid following closely behind. “Where is the Princess going?”

Qi Shu, spoiled for over ten years, was not one with a good temper. She immediately retorted, “This Princess is feeling stuffed and wants to go for a walk. Mother has locked all the palace gates, what are you worried about?”

The old maid, having been snapped at by Qi Shu, showed no anger. She simply curtsied and said, “Then the Princess should take a cloak. The wind and snow are heavy outside, be careful not to catch cold.”

Qi Shu couldn’t be bothered with these people around her mother. They had been with Consort An for so long that they all seemed to have become Buddhas, speaking with the same demeanor and tone. Qi Shu found it extremely annoying.

She only took her maids, holding her head high as she walked past the old maid.

The old maid curtsied behind her, “Respectfully seeing off the Princess.”

Once outside, Qi Shu truly felt the cold. Standing on the corridor bridge, she looked at the cold moon hanging high in the sky, holding a copper hand warmer with carved openwork, and muttered, “I wonder what that Gong Sun blockhead is doing now…”

Her voice was too soft for the maids standing nearby to hear clearly. One asked gently, “What did the Princess say?”

Qi Shu pouted and said, “Nothing. Let’s go to the plum garden for a walk.”

Consort An had been favored in her youth, and the previous emperor had ordered an entire plum forest to be planted in her palace. When winter came, the whole garden of plum blossoms would bloom in competition, a sight of unsurpassed beauty.

Tonight it had snowed lightly, and the bluestone paths in the plum forest should have been covered with a thin layer of snow. But the sweeping little eunuchs, fearing that the masters might have the elegant interest of admiring plums on New Year’s Eve, had early on cleared the accumulated snow from the road surface.

Qi Shu walked for a while with her maids, then suddenly said, “You all stay here and don’t follow me anymore. I’m going to hang a blessing sachet.”

The maids softly responded, “Yes.”

Qi Shu walked alone for a short distance into the depths of the plum forest. She found a branch of plum blossoms that had bloomed exceptionally beautifully and took out from her bosom the sachet full of her maiden thoughts. Her fingertips gently caressed the embroidery on it. Just as she was about to stand on tiptoe to hang it up, she heard faint feminine giggles coming from behind the fake mountain, obscured by plum branches in front of her.

Could someone be engaging in intimacy here?

Qi Shu’s face immediately changed color. She wanted to make a scene, but after squeezing the sachet in her hand, her expression softened again. She was about to leave, pretending she hadn’t heard anything, when she heard, “Why would I deceive you? The Princess has been closely watched by the Consort these days, she hasn’t gone anywhere…”

A somewhat effeminate voice rang out, “Have the people from the Long Princess’s side stopped visiting the Cold Palace?”

The woman answered, panting slightly, “As servants, without Empress Dowager’s token, we can’t leave Shouyang Palace anymore…”

Shouyang flower is another name for plum blossom. Empress Dowager An’s palace was named after this plum grove.

Qi Shu shouted sternly, “Who’s there? Show yourselves to this princess!”

This shout startled not only the man and woman behind the rockery but also the palace servants waiting outside, who hurriedly rushed over.

From behind the rockery, a pair of disheveled palace maids and eunuchs came out, stumbling and crawling. Both were so frightened their faces had turned pale, and they kowtowed to Qi Shu repeatedly, “Princess, spare our lives! Princess, spare our lives!”

Qi Shu had long known that palace maids and eunuchs sometimes formed couples, but at this moment, she felt only disgust. She recognized the palace maid as someone from her palace, but the eunuch looked unfamiliar.

She coldly stared at the palace maid, “Were you spying on me?”

The palace maid trembled like chaff in the wind, her face streaked with tears, “This servant wouldn’t dare… wouldn’t dare…”

Qi Shu turned to look at the eunuch, “Which palace are you from?”

The eunuch glanced up at Qi Shu before quickly lowering his head again. Though frightened, he seemed to have more confidence than the palace maid, “This… this servant is from the Ceremonial Department. High Eunuch Gao by His Majesty’s side is my adoptive father.”

Qi Shu let out a cold laugh. So it was the Chief Eunuch on Qi Sheng’s side that gave him this confidence.

But since he could ask the palace maid those questions, it was clear that her involvement in helping Xie Zheng investigate the mad palace maid in the Cold Palace had already reached Qi Sheng’s ears.

A chill ran up her spine, and Qi Shu felt her knees weaken. She looked at the eunuch with an expression that seemed ready to devour him and commanded harshly, “First, bind this filthy eunuch for me and lock him up!”

She then turned and strode quickly out of the plum grove, grabbing the hand of one of her trusted palace maids and instructing, “Quick, take my token and go to Taiji Palace immediately. Find General Yun Wu and tell him there’s trouble at the Cold Palace!”

The palace maid ran swiftly, but before she could leave the plum grove, she was intercepted by Empress Dowager An and her people.

Empress Dowager An looked at her daughter, her face, though marked by the passage of time, still elegant but now clearly showing anger, “Shu’er, what mischief are you up to now?”

Qi Shu urgently replied, “Mother! This isn’t mischief! I’ve already gotten involved in the Cold Palace affair. It’s not like before when we could just close the palace gates and be safe. If Marquis Wu’an falls victim to Qi Sheng’s plot, he’ll hold us accountable too! Even if Qi Sheng wins, with his depraved nature, will he continue to let us mother and daughter live in peace?”

Just then, the palace servants brought out the bound palace maid and eunuch from the plum grove. Qi Shu pointed at the two and questioned Empress Dowager An, “Qi Sheng has already extended his reach into our palace. Mother, do you still want to remain uninvolved?”

Empress Dowager An looked at the two tightly bound individuals, weighing her options for a moment before finally saying, “Open the palace gates.”

At Taiji Palace.

The banquet had been going on for some time, and Fan Chang Yu raised her eyes to look at Xie Zheng’s empty seat, the worry between her brows growing heavier. Just as she was about to find an excuse to go out and check, a palace maid coming to refill the wine discreetly bumped her elbow.

Under the cover of her wide sleeves, Fan Chang Yu felt something being pressed into her palm, which she immediately grasped.

After the palace maid left, Fan Chang Yu pretended to stumble as she stood up. A palace maid standing behind her seat came forward to support her, asking where she wanted to go. Fan Chang Yu made an excuse about needing to use the restroom, and the palace maid respectfully led her toward it.

After Fan Chang Yu left her seat, Grand Tutor Li, sitting at the head of the civil officials’ seats, glanced at her retreating figure, then looked at the empty seat at the head of the military officials’ side opposite him, his old eyes concealing inscrutable emotions.

Shortly after, an attendant came forward and whispered something to Grand Tutor Li.

The usually unflappable Grand Tutor Li’s expression changed noticeably. After dismissing the attendant, he stood up and bowed to the Emperor, who was visibly in high spirits at the head of the table, saying, “This old minister is ashamed. Tonight, the ruler and subjects are enjoying themselves to the fullest, drinking merrily. This old minister should rightfully celebrate with Your Majesty and colleagues until the new year, but alas, I’m old and useless now, feeling quite weary. I must humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to return home first.”

The show hadn’t even started yet, and Qi Sheng was displeased. He said, “If the Grand Tutor is tired, you can rest in the side hall for a while.”

But Grand Tutor Li repeatedly expressed his unworthiness and earnestly said, “Your Majesty is too kind to this old minister!”

Qi Sheng was in a good mood today and, fearing his intention to keep people might be too obvious, said, “If that’s the case, Grand Tutor may leave first.”

After Grand Tutor Li left the main hall with his son, Qi Sheng swirled his wine cup and said pointedly, “Why hasn’t Marquis Wu’an returned from changing his clothes? Could it be that he’s also tired and resting somewhere?”

The officials dared not respond. Qi Sheng laughed to himself, “Continue drinking, my dear officials. Don’t let the absence of the Grand Tutor and Marquis Wu’an dampen the atmosphere.”

Just then, a small eunuch came running in, tumbling and scrambling, “Your Majesty, terrible news! There’s a fire at the Cold Palace!”

Qi Sheng’s eyes couldn’t suppress his excitement, but he still put on an angry face and scolded, “How could a fire start of nowhere?”

The eunuch helplessly replied, “This… this servant doesn’t know.”

Qi Sheng cursed “Useless!” and rose from his dragon throne, “There are still many discarded consorts living in the Cold Palace. At this time of the new year transition, we mustn’t let lives be lost. Come with me to take a look!”

With the Emperor heading to the Cold Palace, the officials attending the banquet had no choice but to follow.

The snow was falling heavier now, and the wind had picked up. Fan Chang Yu, dressed in eunuch’s clothing, was sprinting along the corridor towards the Cold Palace, feeling as if ice-cold knives were slashing across her face.

In the distance, the Cold Palace was already engulfed in flames, and the approaching wind carried the smell of burning.

Fan Chang Yu gritted her teeth, wishing she could go faster, even faster.

The note the palace maid had given her read “Trouble at the Cold Palace, Marquis Wu’an in danger.” After leaving, she had dismissed the palace maid who was escorting her to the restroom and quickly found the maid who had passed her the note.

That palace maid claimed to be from the Long Princess’s side and even showed her the Long Princess’s token. After confirming the maid’s identity, Fan Chang Yu didn’t dare delay a moment longer.

Her official robes were too conspicuous, so she knocked out a eunuch on the way and put on his clothes before heading straight for the Cold Palace.

The Cold Palace was in a remote location, and tonight was New Year’s Eve. The palace maids and eunuchs were also slacking off. By the time the fire had started, only a few eunuchs were carrying water buckets to fight the fire.

Fan Chang Yu ran so urgently that others thought she was going to help fight the fire and didn’t suspect anything.

She was quick on her feet and soon left the eunuchs going to fight the fire far behind. When she reached the Cold Palace, she found that the fire had started in some abandoned halls used for storage, and hadn’t yet reached the inhabited areas.

Fan Chang Yu ran forward a few steps and immediately noticed the palace gate that had been violently smashed open, leaving a large hole. A huge lock still hung on the door ring.

The splintered wood around the smashed opening was stained with fresh blood.

There was also a trail of blood on the ground extending into the distance, though it was now faintly covered by the heavy snow and the darkness of night.

Fan Chang Yu’s heart suddenly began to race. She bent down and entered the Cold Palace through the hole in the door. By the light of the burning halls in the distance, she immediately saw the courtyard full of corpses.

There were eunuchs and members of the Imperial Guard.

Fan Chang Yu’s heart tightened. She didn’t dare call out Xie Zheng’s name, only shouting, “Yan Zheng? Are you here?”

Seeing signs of a struggle in one of the rooms, she rushed over to look. At the doorway, she saw a eunuch with his throat slit, and in the center of the room, a woman with disheveled clothes and a broken neck.

In an instant, she understood the Emperor’s plan. A chill rose from the soles of her feet, and extreme anger caused the veins on Fan Chang Yu’s clenched fists to bulge.

“Murder… murder!”

“Quick! Go call for help! There are dead people in the Cold Palace!”

Outside, a chorus of wailing erupted. It was the group of eunuchs who had come to fight the fire.

Fan Chang Yu dared not linger any longer. She guessed that Xie Zheng must have smashed through the palace gate to escape, but he was likely injured and couldn’t have gone far.

She climbed directly over the wall on one side of the Cold Palace and jumped out.

Unlike other places, the areas not illuminated by the fire were pitch black, and even the bloodstains on the ground were indistinguishable. But Fan Chang Yu keenly detected the smell of blood on the palace wall. Looking closely, she saw bloody handprints on the wall.

She reached out to compare, and after confirming it was Xie Zheng’s handprint, she had already bitten her lip so hard that she could taste blood.

How severely was he injured that he could only walk by leaning against the wall?

Fan Chang Yu followed the scent of blood, moving quickly forward.

She had to get him away before the Imperial Guard arrived!

After taking quite a detour, she finally saw a person half-submerged in the water by the rockery of Taiye Pool. Fan Chang Yu almost wept with joy. She quickly approached and called out in a low voice, “Xie Zheng!”

Xie Zheng’s eyes were tightly closed, and he didn’t respond. His disguise mask had fallen off somewhere, and in the moonlight, his lips were almost as pale as his face.

Fan Chang Yu’s heart skipped a beat, and she reached out to touch his face, “How are you…”

Before she could finish speaking, her outstretched arm was twisted behind her back as she was dragged into the water, her throat simultaneously locked in a tight grip.

In that moment of suffocation, Fan Chang Yu was certain he was using all his strength to take her life. She struggled to pry away the hand choking her throat, managing to gasp out, “It’s… me.”

All she could see from the corner of her eye were Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes, blood-red as if the blood vessels had burst, cold and merciless.

He no longer recognized anyone.

The intense suffocation weakened Fan Chang Yu’s struggles, but perhaps because the choking motion brought them too close, he caught her scent. Xie Zheng’s hand on her throat suddenly loosened.

“A Yu?” His face was unusually pale, wet hair scattered behind him, his drenched collar slightly open, revealing delicate collarbones. Combined with his blood-red eyes, his entire being exuded an indescribable, otherworldly allure.

He gently caressed Fan Chang Yu’s reddened neck with his hand, its wounds already whitened from the water. Though his body was as cold as ice from being soaked in Taiye Pool, his breath was still scorching.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was you…”

His voice was hoarse beyond recognition as if he was desperately suppressing something. The fingertips caressing Fan Chang Yu’s delicate neck skin suddenly became burning hot, causing him to uncontrollably lower his head to kiss her cheek.

His thin lips were cold as ice, his breath hot as fire, just like his current appearance – strange yet beautiful.

Fan Chang Yu had now recovered her breath and realized his symptoms were due to being drugged. She leaned back to avoid his lips and supported one of his arms, saying, “The Cold Palace is on fire. It’s not safe here. I’ll get you out of the palace first.”

She felt a warm sensation under her palm, but it wasn’t the temperature of his arm – it was blood.

Realizing his arm was also injured, Fan Chang Yu lifted his sleeve to look and saw his left arm covered in a dense pattern of knife wounds, now pale from being soaked in water.

It was clear he had cut himself to stay conscious.

Her eyes reddened with anger, and she asked through gritted teeth, “Where else are you hurt?”

After relaxing, Xie Zheng could no longer resist the drug’s effects. He could only stand with Fan Chang Yu’s support. The fire within him seemed to be burning away all his blood. Looking at the person so close to him, Adam’s apple bobbed, and water droplets from his wet hair slid past his eyelids and fell into the lake. His entire being was as alluring as a mythical creature that survived by consuming human essence.

He could no longer hear clearly what she was asking. All he could see were those red lips that captured all his attention, opening and closing. He cupped her face directly and kissed her forcefully.

xie zheng ah xie zheng all that talk about foul proof planning just to be in this situation

I can’t believe he doesn’t have a single underling infiltrated into the palace that he could call on to help in this situation. This was so risky. Luckily he’s a tough mf that refuses to die no matter what, lol.

Ahhhhhh se confió demasiado el Marqués.

I am bewildered by thought that Xie Zheng did not have a backup plan and truly entrusted his safety to intelligence he received from the princess. Did he not think of the possibility that the emperor might find out about the princess snooping around?? But I guess this happened entirely for the progression of the plot 😅 Still my strong baby did his best to survive sighh

I thought he thoroughly preared??? What were all those DAYS of preparation for?
Anyway, they better bail out fast. His bloody trail of handprints wasn’t exactly inconspicuous. 😅

Zhu Yu – Chapter 151

As Qi Sheng led a group of court officials hurrying towards the Cold Palace, they were greeted by the sight of towering flames and a ground littered with corpses.

The officials couldn’t help but be shocked. The fire in the Cold Palace on New Year’s Eve was no accident, and a murder had occurred!

When Qi Sheng saw the body of the woman carried out by the Imperial Guards who had gone to fight the fire, his face darkened. Clinging to a sliver of hope, he demanded, “What happened? Did someone dare to break into the Cold Palace at night and cause trouble with the imperial concubines?”

The commander of the Imperial Guards who had gone to fight the fire, sweating profusely, bowed and replied, “This humble servant doesn’t know. When we arrived after seeing the flames from the Cold Palace, it was already like this.”

Disregarding royal decorum, Qi Sheng, his eyes bulging with rage, pressed further, “Where is the intruder who broke into the Cold Palace?”

The Imperial Guard commander bowed even lower: “This humble servant has already dispatched the Imperial Guards to search the entire palace. As long as the culprit hasn’t left the palace, they will surely be caught.”

Qi Sheng’s face was as dark as if he could devour someone.

He had planned everything so meticulously, even obtaining the long-lost prohibited drugs Ruogu San and Raozhi Rou. Why had Xie Zheng still managed to escape?

Weren’t Ruogu San supposed to be able to incapacitate even wild oxen, and Raozhi Rou said to make even the most chaste and virtuous women more wanton than brothel girls?

Could it be that they did not affect Xie Zheng?

The frustration of his carefully laid plan failing and the fear of Xie Zheng’s retaliation tore at Qi Sheng, making his expression even more ferocious. Under the shocked and confused gazes of the court officials, he kicked over a half-bucket of water placed on the ground for firefighting and ordered harshly, “Search! Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, find that intruder for me!”

The Imperial Guard commander accepted the order and led his men to search the entire palace.

Qi Sheng turned around in the increasingly fierce firelight, looking grimly at the anxious-faced officials: “This is preposterous! What do they think my imperial palace is? Tonight, I only invited the court ministers for a banquet, and your servants are all waiting outside the Meridian Gate. Could it be that the one who snuck into the Cold Palace to fish in troubled waters is one of my beloved ministers?”

The crime of causing trouble in the imperial harem was no small matter. The officials looked at each other, feeling that Qi Sheng’s words were utterly absurd.

Qi Sheng, however, didn’t seem to notice and continued with his insinuations: “To be able to kill so many of my Imperial Guards, this person’s martial arts must be extraordinary!”

The only one who had been absent from the banquet for a long time was the Marquis of Wu’an. Qi Sheng’s implications were too obvious, making the officials even more silent.

Qi Sheng might be the emperor, but since he ascended the throne, he had been nothing more than a puppet propped up by Wei Yan. The officials’ fear of him was not as great as their wariness of Xie Zheng.

After all, one was just an emperor without real power, while the other was a border-guarding military marquis commanding tens of thousands of troops.

The more astute officials had already figured out that tonight’s fire was likely a deliberate act by Qi Sheng. Bringing them here was intended to make them witnesses, using the power of the entire court to pin a crime punishable by the execution of nine clans on the Marquis of Wu’an.

However, something had gone wrong in the middle, resulting in the current situation.

The court officials who realized this felt endless trepidation. If the Marquis of Wu’an fell into Qi Sheng’s hands, it would be nothing, but if he escaped this calamity and they were forced to become “witnesses,” wouldn’t they be silenced by the Marquis of Wu’an afterward?

At once, not a few officials found their backs soaked with cold sweat.

Tang Peiyi, He Xiuyun, and others following at the end of the group heard Qi Sheng’s words. Thinking of Xie Zheng’s long absence from the banquet and Fan Changyu’s failure to return, they exchanged a glance, their brows furrowed with worry.

At Taiye Pool, after Fan Changyu was kissed by Xie Zheng, she feared the Imperial Guards would search her. She was anxious but didn’t dare push too hard as Xie Zheng was injured. She ended up being held and kissed for half a breath.

As Xie Zheng’s lips moved down to nuzzle and peck at her neck, Fan Changyu vigilantly surveyed the Taiye Pool area. Confirming it was temporarily safe, she seized the opportunity to half-drag, half-pull the barely conscious man out of the water.

During this time, Xie Zheng nudged open the collar of her clothes, seeking that faint fragrance on her body as he attempted to continue kissing downward. Fan Changyu, whether from heat or extreme nervousness, found her face burning red. She pushed away his head, wanting to scold him but knowing he was under the influence of drugs and not in control. She could only grit her teeth and say, “Bear with it for a moment, I’ll get you out of the palace.”

Fan Changyu placed Xie Zheng on the ground, his back against a fake mountain. His face, previously pale from the cold pool water, now had a thin flush. His breathing was heavy, his strong chest heaving violently. The wet clothes clinging to his body revealed a glimpse of his chest, as white as porcelain. The soaked inner garments adhered to his toned muscles, almost as if they weren’t there.

His wet black hair clung to his collarbone and shoulders, clear and bewitching. His blood-red eyes, though devoid of clarity, still fixed steadily on Fan Changyu. “Help me…” he said.

He had taken Ruogu San and could barely maintain any strength except by cutting himself with a knife. Even sitting up was difficult.

Having endured for too long, the veins on his neck were protruding, as if the blood vessels under his skin were about to burst.

Seeing him in this state, Fan Changyu felt heartache. Thinking of the emperor’s despicable plot, she was also filled with rage.

She hastily wrung out their soaked robes as best she could, then cupped Xie Zheng’s face with her hands, still cold from the water. “We can’t stay here. Someone could come at any moment.”

His face was burning hot, either from the drug or from being in the cold water for too long. As soon as Fan Changyu’s hands touched him, he grabbed her wrists with his own hands, the wounds on his palms already white from the water, trying to press closer.

Fan Changyu asked him, “Where did you put your court robes?”

He wasn’t wearing his court robes. If the Imperial Guards found them and took them to the Cold Palace to frame him, tonight’s situation would still not be resolved.

Perhaps soothed somewhat by the coolness of Fan Changyu’s hands, Xie Zheng regained a bit of consciousness. As he sucked and kissed her fingers, he answered breathlessly, “In the rock cave of the fake mountain in the Imperial Garden.”

Taiye Pool covered a vast area, divided into east and west pools. The east pool was close to the Cold Palace, where they were now. The west pool served as the axis of the entire inner palace, with the Imperial Garden also by its shore, even built with a cluster of fake mountains and rock formations.

Knowing that Xie Zheng planned to investigate the Cold Palace at night, Fan Changyu studied the map of the entire palace thoroughly.

So when Xie Zheng mentioned the rock cave in the Imperial Garden’s fake mountain, Fan Changyu immediately knew the location.

With the Cold Palace on fire, the water in the large vats along the imperial road had been used up. The eunuchs and imperial guards fighting the fire, for convenience, would likely come to the east pool for water. The west pool area should still be safe for now.

Fan Changyu used her teeth to tear a hole in her eunuch’s outfit, then ripped it into strips with both hands. She wrapped these around the wounds on Xie Zheng’s palms and arms, saying, “I’ll take you there now.”

The fire at the Cold Palace was intense, and the nearby patrolling Imperial Guards had probably gone to help fight the fire. Fan Changyu, carrying Xie Zheng on her back, encountered almost no obstacles on their way to the fake mountain and rock formations in the Imperial Garden.

If there was any hindrance, it was that Xie Zheng kept kissing the back of her neck as she carried him, loosening her collar. Fan Changyu nearly stumbled several times, so she finally darkened her face and knocked him unconscious with a chop.

After finding the rock cave, Fan Changyu discovered that the entrance was narrow, but the inside was quite spacious.

Fearing detection, she didn’t dare light a fire stick. Fortunately, there was an oval-shaped opening at the top of the rock cave. Looking up, she could even see the not-quite-full cold moon. The moonlight shining through the top opening allowed Fan Changyu to barely make out objects.

After finding the cloak and court robes Xie Zheng had previously placed inside, she was about to remove his wet clothes and wrap him in these dry ones. However, a flash of torchlight passed outside the fake mountain, followed by the sound of armor clashing.

“Quickly! Seal the palace gates! An assassin has infiltrated the palace! A concubine has been killed in the Cold Palace!”

Fan Changyu, holding Xie Zheng, immediately dared not move, fearing any noise would alert the Imperial Guards outside.

Unexpectedly, Xie Zheng woke up at this moment. As soon as a hoarse moan escaped his lips, Fan Changyu, in her urgency, silenced him with her lips.

He instinctively entwined his tongue with Fan Changyu’s. Weakened by the Ruogu San, his kiss was gentler than before, but still left Fan Changyu breathless.

His body was much hotter than when they were by the Taiye Pool earlier. The blood under his skin seemed to be boiling as if he had reached a critical point. If this continued, he might start bleeding from all seven apertures.

Even through the wet clothes, Fan Changyu could feel the iron-like heat below.

Both their breathing grew heavier, but footsteps were approaching.

Xie Zheng was completely unconscious now. Fan Changyu allowed him to gnaw at her neck while her eyes coldly and vigilantly watched the cave entrance. Her hand even reached for the boning knife hidden in her boot.

The footsteps drew closer. Fan Changyu’s grip on the knife handle tightened involuntarily. Xie Zheng, sucking on a soft spot on her neck, suddenly raised his eyes. His blood-red phoenix eyes no longer looked human, filled only with cold, bloodthirsty killing intent, like an alpha wolf whose territory had been invaded.

Suddenly, several shrill cat cries came from the top of the fake mountain, sounding almost like a baby’s wail.

The Imperial Guard searching in this direction sighed in relief and chuckled, “So it’s just the palace cats in heat.”

He struck the branches near the fake mountain with his scabbard, startling two cats into screeching and scattering.

The Imperial Guard sheathed his sword and walked back. His companion ahead asked, “Did you find anything over there?”

The guard replied, “Just two wild cats. False alarm.”

As the footsteps faded completely, the tension in Fan Changyu’s body eased, and she slumped slightly. She leaned against Xie Zheng, catching her breath.

The heat from Xie Zheng’s body had steamed his wet clothes warm. He lowered his head to kiss Fan Changyu’s cheek, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly, sweat forming on his neck.

Fan Changyu gently stroked his face, her fingers sliding from his temples into his hair. Looking at his lip corner, bitten and bleeding from extreme restraint, her eyes, reflecting the moonlight, were full of pity. She pressed her lips together and said, “I’ll help you.”

At the Cold Palace, the Imperial Guards who had gone searching quickly returned, carrying an object: “Your Majesty, we followed the blood trail and found this mask by the east shore of Taiye Pool.”

Qi Sheng took the scarred-face mask and examined it closely, unable to hide his excitement. He asked, “Where’s the person?”

The Imperial Guard commander lowered his head: “We haven’t found the person yet. The blood trail ends at the edge of the east pool. This humble servant suspects the intruder escaped by swimming. We’re currently ordering people to search along Taiye Pool.”

Qi Sheng’s hand suddenly tightened on the mask as he berated the Imperial Guard commander: “Useless! You found the intruder’s belongings but couldn’t catch the person? What use are you a lot of rice buckets to me? Go back and continue searching!”

The Imperial Guard commander hastily retreated with the order.

The cold moon cast a frost-like, clear light.

Fan Changyu’s temples were slightly damp with sweat. She turned her head to look at Xie Zheng’s profile as he rested on her shoulder.

He seemed not to have fully recovered yet. His long black eyelashes lightly covered his eyelids, his pale face tinged with a faint blush. There was no trace of the fierceness from moments ago when he had been gnawing at her neck as if he wanted to devour her whole. Now he looked quiet and docile.

Fan Changyu’s breathing was still unsteady. She wiped her hands on her wet eunuch’s outfit and asked, “Are you feeling better?”

Xie Zheng opened his eyes slightly and nodded, then raised his hand to press against the back of Fan Changyu’s head, kissing her for a good while before letting go.

Earlier, apart from their heavy breathing, all of Fan Changyu’s senses had been almost numb. She didn’t even know how much time had passed. She just handed him his court robes to put on, saying, “The Imperial Guards are searching the entire palace. We need to leave.”

His undergarments were still wet, but the inner clothes had dried from his body heat.

However, Xie Zheng said, “Wet the court robes too.”

Fan Changyu frowned, “You’ll catch a cold.”

Xie Zheng pressed his forehead against hers: “I can’t explain everything to you right now. Just do as I say.”

So Fan Changyu went out, soaked his court robes in water, wrung them out, and put them on him. She wrapped the night-stalking clothes in a large stone and sank them into Taiye Pool.

When everything was ready and Fan Changyu supported Xie Zheng out, she felt that his feet were still somewhat unsteady, apparently not just from the aphrodisiac.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Xie Zheng said, “The effects of Ruogu San haven’t worn off yet.”

Fan Changyu’s fingers gripping his wrist tightened. So he had also been drugged with Ruogu San!

No wonder Qi Sheng dared to place only a dozen guards outside the Cold Palace to stop him.

Fan Changyu gritted out three words: “Dog! Of! An! Emperor!”

She rarely cursed, and this was the first time Xie Zheng had heard her swear so vehemently.

He turned to look at Fan Changyu in surprise, feeling as if his heart had been immersed in a pool of warm water. The malevolence that had risen in him from tonight’s scheme dissipated somewhat, and he found himself comforting Fan Changyu instead: “Let’s get out of the palace first. We’ll settle this score with Qi Sheng later.”

Fan Changyu didn’t speak again, but her lips were pressed tightly together.

The two of them didn’t manage to leave as they had hoped. On their way to Taiji Palace, they ran into Qi Sheng, who was leading a group of court officials.

Qi Sheng was fiddling with something leather-like in his hand. Upon seeing the two, he immediately sneered, “Minister Xie went to change clothes and didn’t return. You truly had me worried.”

The flush on Xie Zheng’s face had completely faded, leaving only the paleness from blood loss and being in Taiye Pool for too long. He could only walk with Fan Changyu’s support, but his voice was as clear and steady as ever: “It is my fault for causing Your Majesty concern.”

Qi Sheng glanced at Xie Zheng’s court robes, which hadn’t been changed, and his eyes flashed with a strange light. He pressed, “I see Minister Xie’s wine-stained robes haven’t been changed. Where has Minister Xie been all this time?”

Tang Peiyi, He Xiuyun, and others cast worried glances at them.

Seeing the situation, Fan Changyu couldn’t help but feel anxious for Xie Zheng, but his response was exceptionally composed: “I’m ashamed. This humble minister was led by an attendant to change clothes but saw a thief passing over the wall. Thinking that nothing should go wrong on this New Year’s Eve feast, I went to chase the thief. Unexpectedly, being drunk, I wasn’t at my best. I was injured by the thief and accidentally fell into Taiye Pool. If not for the Cloud and Banner General passing by, I’m afraid I would have become a lost soul in Taiye Pool.”

So this was why he had asked her to soak his court robes as well.

While Fan Changyu was still marveling at his ability to lie so smoothly, Qi Sheng and the court officials’ gazes all swept toward her, with her hair and official robes soaked through.

Acting as a human crutch, she put on her best poker face, opening her large, slightly round almond eyes and nodding, looking as honest as could be.

However, her palms were covered in cold sweat.

Xie Zheng seemed to notice and, under the cover of his wide sleeves, discreetly squeezed her hand.

Qi Sheng sneered and asked Fan Changyu, “May I ask why the Cloud and Banner General happened to be at Taiye Pool?”

Fan Changyu put on a stern face and said, “This subordinate had drunk too much and wanted to relieve myself. As soon as I left the main hall, I saw the fire in the direction of the Cold Palace. I was on my way to help fight the fire when I passed by Taiye Pool and found the Marquis who had fallen into the lake.”

Receiving this answer, Qi Sheng’s face turned extremely ugly. He held up the face-changing mask in his hand: “The Imperial Guards found this mask following the blood trail by the east shore of Taiye Pool. Does Minister Xie recognize it?”

Xie Zheng examined the mask closely for a moment, then said, “It looks somewhat familiar. Although the thief I fought with had his face covered, I remember he had a sword scar across his brow and nose. It seems the thief had changed his appearance, and this mask must be his.”

Qi Sheng was gnashing his teeth in hatred at such sophistry. With a false smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he said, “What a coincidence. The thief who broke into the Cold Palace was injured, and Minister Xie was also injured. I wonder, has anyone else seen this thief Minister Xie speaks of?”

He was determined to pin the crime of breaking into the Cold Palace on Xie Zheng.

Fan Changyu looked at Qi Sheng, her gaze filled with barely suppressed coldness.

However, Xie Zheng calmly said, “The palace servant who led me to change clothes also saw him.”

A flash of surprise crossed Fan Changyu’s eyes, and even Qi Sheng’s expression changed dramatically. He demanded, “Where is that eunuch now?”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes, still not completely drained of color, met Qi Sheng’s gaze. There seemed to be a faint smile in his eyes, but beneath that smile was an undisguised bloody killing intent that made Qi Sheng involuntarily shudder, the ferocity on his face receding somewhat.

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and said softly, “He was startled by the sight of the thief and cried out, causing the thief to knock him unconscious. He’s now in the side hall of Linde Palace.”

Qi Sheng’s back was already soaked with cold sweat. He knew that if Xie Zheng couldn’t be convicted today, it would be his turn to wash his neck and wait for Xie Zheng to come and take his head.

Even though his heart was filled with fear, he still gritted his teeth and said, “Set up court in Linde Palace.”

He was certain that Xie Zheng was bluffing.

Fearing that Xie Zheng would notice, he hadn’t used anyone who knew about this plan as the eunuch who led Xie Zheng to change clothes. He knew there was no thief in the palace, so he was sure Xie Zheng was making it up.

As long as they found that eunuch and interrogated him, they could convict Xie Zheng!

Qi Sheng led the group, walking at the front, but his hands behind his back were covered in cold sweat.

He kept reassuring himself that everything would be fine once they found that eunuch…

The group headed grandly to Linde Palace.

Fan Changyu, supporting Xie Zheng, clearly felt that his arm had become burning hot again. Although he was trying hard to control his breathing, it was still somewhat heavy.

She cast a worried glance at Xie Zheng, but he was looking straight ahead, his face showing no signs of distress.

Fan Changyu couldn’t tell if this was a fever from catching a cold or if the effects of that vile drug were resurfacing. It wasn’t the time to speak, so she remained silent. But throughout the journey, Xie Zheng’s grip on her arm had been getting increasingly tight, and although his gaze remained clear and sharp, sweat had begun to form at his temples.

The Imperial Guards quickly found the eunuch collapsed under the corridor pillar. When the eunuch was awakened by a bucket of cold water, instinctively recalling what he had heard before being knocked unconscious, he shouted, “There’s an assassin!”

Hearing this, Qi Sheng’s face grew even more ferocious. He kicked the eunuch directly in the chest: “You dog slave, what assassin? Tell me!”

The eunuch was knocked to the ground, in too much pain to get up for a long time. Seeing the emperor and all the ministers surrounding him, he looked even more flustered.

At this moment, Xie Zheng spoke up: “When the eunuch was leading this Marquis to change clothes, didn’t you see a thief passing over the wall?”

The eunuch had only heard a noise from the top of the wall at the time, but having been kicked by Qi Sheng and questioned about the assassin, with so many court officials watching him, he was terrified and his mind was blank. He immediately nodded along with Xie Zheng’s words: “Yes, yes, yes, there was indeed someone passing over the palace wall!”

With this eyewitness account, Xie Zheng could now completely prove his innocence for tonight.

Qi Sheng staggered back a step, and the eunuch who hurriedly supported him also looked extremely frightened.

Qi Sheng’s face was ashen. At this moment, only one thought was in his mind: It’s over, he’s done for!

A flush had risen again on Xie Zheng’s face. He covered his mouth and coughed lightly twice, his cold gaze passing lightly over Qi Sheng: “This minister was injured fighting that thief, and then caught a chill from nearly drowning in Taiye Pool. Being ill and indisposed, I lack the strength to help Your Majesty search for that thief, so I shall take my leave from the palace first.”

Qi Sheng’s mind was buzzing, and he could barely hear what Xie Zheng was saying.

Without waiting for Qi Sheng’s permission, Xie Zheng left, and the court officials dared not speak.

At this moment, an urgent report came from the narrow passage of the Long Gate: “Report — An assassin attacked the Court of Judicial Review at night and rescued the important prisoner of the Sui family!”

Upon hearing this, the court officials couldn’t help but be in an uproar.

Fan Changyu knew that it must be Xie Zheng’s men who had successfully rescued the person from the Court of Judicial Review, and she felt relieved.

Unexpectedly, despite such a major incident occurring, there wasn’t a ripple on Qi Sheng’s face. He didn’t even question the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review who was among the officials attending the palace banquet. Even the order for the court officials to disperse and return home was relayed by the Chief Eunuch.

Tang Peiyi and others had been holding their breath for Xie Zheng ever since they followed Qi Sheng to the Cold Palace. It was only now that they could finally breathe easy.

As the group left the palace together, Zheng Wenchang, with his sharp eyes, noticed that the Marquis of Wu’an ahead seemed to be seriously injured. He was leaning heavily on Fan Changyu’s slender shoulders as she supported him. He immediately wanted to go forward to help.

Tang Peiyi grabbed him and asked, “What are you doing?”

Zheng Wenchang said, “The Marquis seems to be quite badly injured. How can we let General Fan, a woman, support him alone? I’m going to help the Marquis.”

Tang Peiyi looked at him with an expression that was hard to describe, and finally just said, “Don’t bother.”

Zheng Wenchang was very confused: “Why not?”

He Xiuyun, standing nearby, coughed lightly and put his arm around Zheng Wenchang’s shoulders, saying, “Brother Wenchang, you can support me instead. I’m a bit drunk.”

Zheng Wenchang was He Jingyan’s student and also a close friend of He Xiuyun. How could he not know his drinking capacity? He immediately shrugged off He Xiuyun’s arm: “You’re still about seventy percent away from being drunk!”

He looked at his friend in confusion: “Why are you and General Tang acting so strange?”

He Xiuyun sighed and finally chose to speak directly: “Are you a blockhead? Can’t you see that the Marquis and General Fan are about to become a couple?”

Zheng Wenchang frowned deeply: “Because General Fan jumped into Taiye Pool to save the Marquis and they had skin contact?”

He immediately said, “Then you don’t understand General Fan at all. General Fan has the spirit and courage that doesn’t lose to any great man. How could she be bound by such mundane customs…”

Tang Peiyi and He Xiuyun’s expressions became even more indescribable as they looked at him.

Hadn’t this man noticed anything unusual at all when they were in Lu City?

Finally, He Xiuyun just patted Zheng Wenchang’s shoulder and said, “Brother Wenchang, if you have trouble finding a wife in the future, come ask your sister-in-law to play matchmaker for you.”

Zheng Wenchang stood rooted to the spot, watching Tang and He walked away, his face growing increasingly bewildered.

How had this suddenly become related to his future marriage?

poor wenchang 🤣

What qn inocent guy. Wenchang 😁

Jajajajajajajajaa

Wenchang is so innocent. 😂

So this is the reason why she already exercised her handwork it for 2 times😂😂😂 good girl

Zhu Yu – Chapter 152

At the palace gate, under everyone’s watchful eyes, Fan Chang Yu couldn’t openly board the Xie family’s carriage.

She handed over Xie Zheng, whose condition was worsening, to Xie Eleven who came forward to meet them. Xie Eleven immediately noticed something was wrong with Xie Zheng and hurriedly asked, “General, what’s wrong with the master?”

Time was pressing, so Fan Chang Yu only instructed in a low voice, “Take him back to the Xie residence immediately, and send someone to fetch a doctor.”

As Fan Chang Yu tried to withdraw her hand and leave, Xie Zheng gripped her wrist tightly. The blood-red color that had faded from his eyes slowly returned, looking somewhat fierce in the lamplight at the palace gate.

Unable to free her hand, Fan Chang Yu helped him into the carriage and said quietly at the carriage shaft, “Let go first, I’m not leaving. I’ll go give Xie Five some instructions and come right back.”

Accompanying Fan Chang Yu into the palace tonight was still Xie Five, who had been through life and death with her since she was a squad leader.

Only then did Xie Zheng release her hand. As he collapsed onto the carriage seat, sweat had already soaked his hair roots, and a faint blush colored his pale face. In the soft bamboo-filtered light inside the carriage, he had a breathtakingly beautiful appearance.

Fan Chang Yu steeled her heart and lowered the carriage curtain. After jumping down from the carriage, she said to Xie Eleven, “You go ahead first.”

Xie Eleven vaguely understood something and didn’t dare delay at all. With a crack of the whip, he drove the carriage away.

By now, many court officials were also leaving the palace, and their expressions varied as they witnessed this scene.

Just then, Tang Peiyi caught up and greeted Fan Chang Yu, “General Fan, shall we return to the Memorials Office together?”

Fan Chang Yu wanted to go back to find Xie Zheng, fearing that if she left with Tang Peiyi and the others, it would be difficult to slip away later. She was about to refuse when she saw He Xiuyun give her a meaningful look. Thinking they might have something to discuss with her, she nodded, “Alright.”

As their carriages headed towards the Memorials Office together, the court officials coming out behind them didn’t dare to speculate openly.

Xie Five had earlier seen Fan Chang Yu supporting Xie Zheng out of the palace. After Fan Chang Yu boarded the carriage, he asked, “General, did something happen at the palace banquet?”

Fan Chang Yu’s nerves had been tense all night, and now her temples were beginning to throb. She massaged her brow bone and said, “It’s a long story. You go back to the Memorials Office alone later and report to my aunts that I’m safe. I’ll go to the Xie residence for a while.”

She was still worried about Xie Zheng’s condition.

Xie Five had just agreed when he suddenly pulled the reins with a “whoa.”

Fan Chang Yu heard someone outside calling her “worthy sister.” She lifted the carriage curtain and saw that Tang Peiyi and the others’ carriages had stopped at a fork in the road.

He Xiuyun leaned out from the carriage window and said to Fan Chang Yu, “Sister Long Yu, Tang General, Brother Wen Chang, and I want to go see the New Year’s Eve lantern festival. We won’t be going with you.”

She called He Jing Yuan “Uncle,” so He Xiuyun always acted as an elder brother to her.

Even if Fan Chang Yu was slow-witted, she understood that Tang Peiyi and the others were helping her avoid gossip.

Her jumping into Taiye Pool to “rescue” Xie Zheng tonight would inevitably cause speculation among the court officials. If she were left alone, it would surely lead to wild conjectures. Leaving with them would at least somewhat silence the rumors.

She was grateful, but now was not the time for thanks. She nodded and said, “Then Elder Brother, go with General Tang. The New Year’s Eve market in the capital is a grand sight. Once Elder Brother is familiar with the place, you can bring Sister-in-law to see it again in the future.”

He Xiuyun smiled and agreed, then lowered the carriage curtain.

The north wind was biting cold, carrying fine snow that danced in the streets filled with the smell of firecrackers and fireworks.

The clear sounds of horse hooves and rolling carriage wheels were particularly distinct. A shadow seemed to flit past, and the candlelight inside the carriage flickered as a cold breeze swept in through the window.

Fan Chang Yu supported Xie Zheng, who was leaning on the seat with blood seeping from his bitten lip again. Her brows furrowed tightly as she asked, “How are you feeling?”

Xie Zheng’s breath was like fire. He opened his blood-red phoenix eyes, recognized who had come, and directly raised his hand to press against the back of her neck, sealing her lips with a kiss.

The effects of the bone-softening drug seemed to be slowly dissipating, but the force of his hand on the back of her neck was still intense. His lips and teeth were also ravaging her fiercely. Fan Chang Yu could only tilt her head back and endure.

Soon, the carriage stopped, and Xie Eleven awkwardly said from outside, “Master, we’ve arrived.”

Fan Chang Yu braced herself against Xie Zheng’s chest, feeling a slight sting on her shoulder from his canine teeth. She tightly gripped the front of Xie Zheng’s clothes, a faint pink coloring her face as she pressed her lips together, enduring the strange sensations coursing through her body from his kiss.

“Enter through the side gate. Don’t disturb the others in the mansion,” Xie Zheng said, his eyes hazy and his voice hoarse and deep.

Following the order, Xie Eleven quickly turned the horses around and drove the carriage towards the side gate. After presenting the token, the Xie household servants opened the side gate, and the carriage entered the compound almost silently, stopping in front of the main courtyard.

Xie Eleven went to fetch the resident doctor, while Fan Chang Yu, having slightly recovered, supported Xie Zheng as they got out of the carriage.

As soon as they entered the room, she was pinned against the door by Xie Zheng. He kissed and nibbled her neck and shoulder frantically, his breathing heavy and erratic. His low, rich voice had lost its usual coolness: “Chang Yu, A Yu…”

The delicate flesh of her neck was gnawed by sharp teeth, and it felt as if a string was tightening in the nerves under her skin. Even though Fan Chang Yu clenched her jaw, a subtle tremor still traveled from her neck to her fingertips.

Her eyes were covered with a layer of moisture. She didn’t say a word, just glared at Xie Zheng with a slightly pained and annoyed look. This caused the precariously taut string in his mind to snap completely with a “crack.”

Her intricately embroidered, high-quality third-rank military official’s court robe was forcefully torn open by him, and he lowered his head to kiss her exposed skin.

Fan Chang Yu’s back was pressed against the carved wooden door, sweat sliding down from her jaw, her lips pressed white.

She pushed him once, saying, “Your wounds… need to be treated first.”

Xie Zheng’s breathing was very unstable. He raised his head and said “okay,” but unexpectedly, as soon as he stood up, he coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed, his face as white as snow.

Fan Chang Yu was startled and hurriedly supported him, asking, “Xie Zheng, what’s wrong?”

She moved him to lie on the soft couch and called loudly for Xie Eleven to quickly bring the doctor. Her half-wet court robe had been torn open by Xie Zheng and was not fit to be seen, so she rushed to the chest where Xie Zheng kept his clothes, intending to grab a set of his to wear temporarily. After putting on a long-sleeved robe, she found it fit surprisingly well.

Fan Chang Yu paused for a moment, then tried on several more robes, finding they all fit her perfectly.

It seemed that this chest of clothing had been prepared for her by him long ago.

Fan Chang Yu looked at the pale-faced, unconscious man on the soft couch, and for a moment, her heart tightened with an indescribable feeling.

Xie Eleven quickly brought the physician. After taking Xie Zheng’s pulse, the physician’s brows furrowed tightly.

Fan Chang Yu hurriedly asked, “Doctor, how is he?”

The physician used a silver needle to draw a drop of blood from Xie Zheng’s fingertip, his expression extremely complicated as he said, “The Marquis is suffering from an excess of heart fire. This fire originates from the life gate, travels through the triple burner, and accumulates in the liver and kidneys. When it becomes too strong, it damages the internal organs, causing him to cough up blood. I’ve used the Shangyang acupoint to release blood, which can only provide some relief for the Marquis. It treats the symptoms but not the root cause. If this fire is not dispersed, I’m afraid the Marquis is in great danger…”

As Xie Eleven escorted the physician back, he knelt at the door for Fan Chang Yu. He lowered his head, seemingly aware that what he was about to say was presumptuous, but still choked out, “I beg the General to save the Marquis.”

Fan Chang Yu sat on a stool, looking at Xie Zheng, who was still unconscious despite the physician’s acupuncture treatment. She only said, “Go out.”

Xie Eleven kowtowed to her once before closing the door and leaving.

Fan Chang Yu walked over and sat down in front of the soft couch. She leaned down to kiss Xie Zheng’s lips once, then raised her head slightly and said to him in a low voice, “You’ve married into my family.”

…

That night, the entire imperial city was extraordinarily lively. The palace was brilliantly lit, and the one hundred and eight wards outside the city walls were also brightly illuminated. The laughter of children and the calls of street vendors could be heard several streets away.

As midnight struck, the golden temple in the city immediately began to toll its bell. One sound after another, distant and prolonged, seemed to announce to the world that the old year had passed and the new year had arrived.

Thousands of fireworks were simultaneously launched into the snowy night sky from all over the wards. In an instant, the entire sky was filled with dazzling colors. Neighbors also set off firecrackers to welcome the new year, with the “pili pala” sound of firecrackers echoing continuously, creating a lively atmosphere.

Fan Chang Yu lay on the warm white marble stone by the hot spring pool, her long hair wet and clinging to her cheeks, her entire body tinged with a faint pink. She had lost count of how many times she had watched the fireworks. Now she was completely exhausted, no less than if she had just fought a great battle.

The person behind her pressed against her back, enveloping her entirely in his embrace. When he began to kiss her shoulder again, Fan Chang Yu instinctively shrank her shoulder inward and turned her head to ask him, “The drug’s effects still haven’t worn off?”

Her cheeks were flushed, with strands of sweat-dampened hair clinging messily to her face. Her lips were swollen, and her bright eyes were also glazed with a layer of moisture.

Her expression was still stubborn, but now with a hint of pitifulness.

Xie Zheng looked at her, his eyes unfathomably deep. His Adam’s apple slowly bobbed as he let out a hoarse “Mm.”

As the water rippled, Fan Chang Yu also let out a muffled groan.

She was already out of strength and simply lay on the edge of the hot spring pool, resting her head on her arm and enduring.

In her mind, however, she was thinking that she must have neglected her martial arts practice due to being entangled in various affairs since coming to the capital. Hadn’t Xie Zheng been affected by the bone-softening drug? How was his stamina still better than hers?

From tomorrow on, she will have to practice martial arts diligently.

That night, others also couldn’t sleep.

After all the officials attending the palace banquet had left, an inconspicuous carriage drove out from the West Hua Gate. The wheels pressed over the thick snow on the road, heading straight for the Prime Minister’s mansion.

Compared to the festive decorations throughout the city, the Prime Minister’s mansion remained as solemn as ever. Even the row of red lanterns hanging under the corridor didn’t add much festivity to the place. On this night so quiet it made one’s heart uneasy, it instead exuded a gloomy atmosphere.

This time, due to the heavy snow outside, Qi Sheng was finally led into Wei Yan’s study.

He hadn’t even taken off his cloak, and the fine snow on the brim of his hat had melted from the charcoal fire inside the room, leaving mottled wet marks that made him look as bedraggled as a stray dog.

Wei Yan sat behind a low table. Even on this cold night, he wore only a thin cloth garment. His old but still sinewy hand held a purple brush, writing something on the table with swift, powerful strokes, treating the emperor standing below as if he were invisible.

Qi Sheng didn’t care at all. Whether it was the coldness of the New Year’s Eve snow or the overwhelming fear after the failure of tonight’s plan, his voice trembled as he spoke: “Prime Minister, save me, save me, Xie Zheng wants to commit regicide!”

Wei Yan’s brush didn’t pause, and without even raising his eyes, he asked, “Why does he want to kill you?”

Qi Sheng glanced at Wei Yan and said, “He… he’s investigating the matter of Sixteenth Brother and found a mad palace maid in the Cold Palace who once served Consort Jia. That mad palace maid said the Prime Minister had secret liaisons with imperial concubines!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the purple brush in Wei Yan’s hand was immediately crushed. He slowly raised his eyes to look at Qi Sheng, his gaze no different from looking at a dead man.

Qi Sheng was also startled by that look. He had originally planned to use the palace maid as leverage to threaten Wei Yan, but immediately changed his story.

As he lied, he strained his eyes, making his protruding eyes even more prominent: “Xie Zheng wanted to find that palace maid to verify this matter. I feared he would use this against the Prime Minister, so I planned to frame Xie Zheng for the great crime of having secret liaisons with imperial concubines and violating the sanctity of the imperial harem. It was planned perfectly, but unexpectedly, he broke through this scheme tonight…”

He even began to cry, with snot and tears: “Xie Zheng has long harbored ill intentions, he will surely kill me! I did all this for the Prime Minister’s sake, the Prime Minister must save me!”

Wei Yan put down the cracked purple brush: “So, what exactly did Your Majesty hear from that palace maid?”

This calm tone, which yet made one feel the killing intent from every pore, made Qi Sheng’s crying stop abruptly, and he froze.

For a moment, he felt as if the shadows of Xie Zheng and Wei Yan, uncle and nephew, seemed to overlap.

me gusta mucho como describen las escenas de sxo en esta ,no son tan explicitas como en The prisioner of beauty que rozaba la vulgaridad ,a veces era incomodo leerlo no digo que este mal pero se pasaban , Fan Changyu amiga estas teniendo relaciones sexuales por primera vez y lo unico en lo que piensas es en tus artes marciales WTF concéntrate en lo que te estan haciendo🤣🤣😂😂🤣 el dándolo tod y ella se le ocure preguntar si todavia no e le a pasado los efectos de la droga 🤣🤣😂😂😂amiga le drogaron con un Afrodisíacos muy fuerte que este em pie es ua suerte ,para 3 personas

Nene, te falta calle jajajjajaja te abochornas por las escenas de Prisionero de la Belleza? No has visto o leido nada.

Another totally s3ggless s3g scene, although it looks like this time they actually had sex to save Xie zheng’s life 🙄 due to the aphrodisiac he inhaled. 🙄

I skip through every “romantic” scene in this novel because they are so badly written. Gnawing on and biting are not only uns3xy, but they seem to be the writer’s idea of romance. It’s tiresomely repetitive and NOT S3XY.

Youre right, those scenes are much too lame. The writer is either has a twisted lecherous mind or they have never been in a relationship before. 🤣 also even if it’s to relieve aphrodisiac effect, cant she just perform hj? 🤣 the point is to just relieve the heat. It’s much too lame to have s3gg just because he was poisoned.

Realmente a ti no te gusta nada querida, te llevo viendo desde Coroner’s Diary y te quejas de TODO, no importa si es romance dulce o obsesivo ya que nada te gusta. Sería mejor que te pusieras a escribir tú un libro, ya que nada parece ser suficiente para ti.

Agree!

Xiexheng tiene un cuarto , en ese cuarto hay uns bañera , porque en vez de ir a meter ruido con vuestros gemidos que no dejaron a la gente dormir en la piscina , porque no ir a tener intimidad en su cuarto ? si la cama no os llenaba podrias haberos metido a la bañera , no en la piscina al aire libre en una casa donde duerme mucha gente , se pasan, si , Xuezheng es dueño el señor pero los sirvientes también tienen derecho a dormir🙄🙄

Tranquila son personas ficticias no te pueden hacer daño jajaj no se en que parte dicen que los sirvientes no pueden dormir gracias a los gemidos? no está bien inventarse cosas solo porque si eh. Digo como sea sigue siendo el amo ahí, estoy segura que ningún sirviente podría sentirse incómodo por algo como eso

Whats uo with these people complaining about bites aren’t those just some lovebites. It’s normal guys😭

They hate hickeys. lmao

Hickeys are one thing. Biting to the point of drawing blood when it’s not consentual is just downright abuse.

of course it’s consensual. if it isn’t, she would’ve kicked him and leave. but bdsm here is subtle . it’s not abuse, it’s a foreplay . it’s ok if you’re not into it, but some people are, and that’s totally normal

Y’all are crazy. These scenes are hot as hell. I love the biting, the forceful kisses, and the roughness of their intimacy. I’m kinda glad they didn’t just get married and consummate their marriage on the wedding night like normal people. That’s too lame and boring. I think this is way more wild and fun and much more in line with their style.

finally someone with normal comment. thank you

I love when people complain about things that are literally not an issue 😇 do u think she’d allow him to do this repeatedly if she didn’t like it?

Also, I’m glad they didn’t do the deed yet. Their playing around is so funny and steamy!

Now they did do it😁

MUchos mordiscos para mi gusto, pero mucha pasión…No creo que las escenas de pasón de Xie Zheng y Fan Chan Yu, se parezcan a las del Prisonero de la Belleza, que si bien son más explicitias no me parecen vulgares. Las novelas chinas que he leído no son vulgares, se ve que no han visto las novelas románticas occidentales que exageran en sus descripciones. jajajaja

People complaining about biting …fan chang yu doesn’t take shit…so lets stop imagining it is happening without her consent…

guys, chill out… it’s ok if you don’t like their romantic encounter, but remember the setting of the story where it is in the time when people are not concern with the consent or gentleness of romantic encounter unlike in modern day. lets… take out your modern perspective glasses and enjoy the story…

It’s the couple’s kink, I don’t judge that. But I would love to read that she actually ENJOYED it. It all only says she ‘endured’. It doesn’t have to be even explicit, something like, “a desire within her was surfacing and she let it flow”. Author could word it better, but I’m looking for something like that. Now naturally he’s drugged so this isn’t the ideal setup for them. Honestly, I wish the drug faded away peacefully. Instead of the circumstances forcing them to do it.
I’m not that conservative, but it would have been better that they both enjoyed their 1st time together, marriage or not, or even if they were led to it by circumstances.

Continuation: Of course I mean XZ should do better and make it enjoyable for FCY. How would she enjoy it otherwise? 😅

For any oldies out there who watched Mr Spock on Star Trek go through “Pon Farr” (the Vulcan male sexual frenzy time that occurs every seven years so they can mate and reproduce), this reminded me a little of that.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 153

Fan Changyu couldn’t remember if she had fainted or fallen asleep from exhaustion. In her hazy state, she felt a warm, sticky rain clinging to her, which she couldn’t shake off no matter how fast she ran in her dreams.

When she finally woke up, she opened her eyes to find that daylight had already broken. Faint voices could be heard from the outer room.

“…The Li family will surely make desperate moves, and Wei Yan’s contingency plans won’t be so simple. Notify Gongsun’s side that they can proceed.”

“Understood, sir.”

This was followed by the sound of departing footsteps and the creaking of the door opening and closing.

When Xie Zheng returned to the inner room, he saw Fan Changyu sitting up, wrapped in the blanket. His usually cold eyes softened slightly. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, tucking a stray lock of her disheveled hair behind her ear, his gesture intimate and natural: “You’re awake? It’s still early, why don’t you sleep a bit more?”

The snowstorm hadn’t stopped last night, and today there was already more than two fingers’ depth of snow outside. The room was heated by the floor furnace, so it wasn’t cold at all.

When Fan Changyu sat up, she realized she was wearing an ill-fitting undergarment, with a neckline so large it kept slipping off her shoulders.

She glanced down and saw marks from her shoulders to both arms, a pitiful sight…

As memories of last night’s chaos returned, she silently pulled the collar back up. After Xie Zheng entered the room, she looked him over twice before asking her first question: “Are you alright now?”

Xie Zheng’s hand that had brushed away her hair was still resting on her ear, touching her snow-white neck. Hearing her question, his black eyes gazed at her quietly for a moment before he suddenly gripped the back of her neck, pulled her close, and kissed her lips twice. Then he said softly, “How are you so lovable?”

Fan Changyu’s clear black and white eyes looked at him frankly: “You held back until you coughed up blood last night…”

Xie Zheng seemed to greatly enjoy touching her. His fingertips gently caressed the back of her neck as he asked, “If I hadn’t coughed up blood, would you still indulge me like this?”

The experience of losing consciousness at the end was too embarrassing. Fan Changyu felt it was a humiliation due to her inferior stamina. She awkwardly lowered her head and changed the subject: “I’m a bit hungry.”

Seeing her like this, a dark look flashed across Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes. He said, “The kitchen always has food prepared. I’ll have someone bring it.”

Fan Changyu nodded, but Xie Zheng didn’t leave. Instead, he knelt in front of the bed, took both her hands, and kissed them. With a very serious expression, he said, “Letting you be with me like this, I’ve truly wronged you. When everything settles down, I’ll give you a grand wedding unparalleled in the world.”

Whether it was because Fan Changyu was carefree or because she no longer cared so much about worldly etiquette after experiencing so much, she wasn’t that concerned about these promises Xie Zheng made to her.

But when he spoke to her so solemnly, it was as if a small pebble had been thrown into the lake of her heart, causing ripples to spread.

This feeling of being cherished and loved made her feel that even if the road ahead was treacherous, she would fearlessly walk it together with the man before her.

So she cupped Xie Zheng’s face and leaned down to plant a kiss on his forehead, her face flushed red, but her eyes bright and clear: “You haven’t wronged me. I will marry Xie Zheng, but Yan Zheng is the one who has married into my family.”

Seeing Xie Zheng’s silence, she glared at him with a slightly red face: “We haven’t divorced yet unless you want to deny it.”

Xie Zheng tightly gripped her wrist and after a long moment raised his head to ask her: “Are you still in pain?”

Fan Changyu was stunned at first, but when she realized what Xie Zheng was asking about, the tips of her ears turned bright red. Extremely annoyed, she threw a punch at him: “Get out!”

Xie Zheng wasn’t angry about being punched. He caught her hand mid-swing, pressed her back into the bedding, and kissed her fiercely for a while. Then he took her clenched fist and kissed it too, his eyes and brows filled with irrepressible joy and delight: “Rest a bit more after you eat. I need to go arrange some things to speed up the conclusion. I’ll take you back to the Memorial Hall later.”

Fan Changyu was still catching her breath when she heard him mention making arrangements. She immediately recalled the conversation she had overheard in the outer room when she first woke up.

She asked, “Did something happen with the Li family again?”

The smile at the corner of Xie Zheng’s lips was extremely cold: “They were just outmaneuvered by Wei Yan.”

“The strategist the Li family arranged to accuse Wei Yan of colluding with rebels was Wei Yan’s man. During the final trial, he suddenly recanted his testimony, saying everything was orchestrated by the Li family. He even provided evidence of correspondence as proof.”

Fan Changyu was astonished. She knew how tight the security at the Court of Judicial Review had become after their previous jailbreak.

Initially, Grand Tutor Li thought Wei Yan wanted to kill the witness. Because Wei Yan had people in the Court of Judicial Review and the Li family only controlled the Western Bureau of Punishments, Grand Tutor Li feared Wei Yan would continue to attempt to kill the witness. He had strongly advocated for the Censorate’s forces to be stationed at the Court of Judicial Review and had heavy troops from the Five Armies Camp guard it.

Now that the strategist had recanted, it could be said that Grand Tutor Li’s previous actions had backfired on him.

She said, “When you said earlier that you were afraid the Li family would make desperate moves, was it because of this?”

Xie Zheng nodded: “Last night, Xie San led people to break into the Court of Judicial Review to rescue someone. They happened to encounter the Li family’s people distracting the Five Armies Camp guards outside the court, intending to deal with that strategist. They inadvertently disrupted the Li family’s plan. Unable to kill the man and destroy evidence, they can only fight to the bitter end now.”

Fan Changyu was greatly shocked: “Wei Yan’s schemes are far too deep.”

She frowned and said, “He must have known from the beginning that the Li family was setting him up, and deliberately left ‘evidence’ with Qi Min to lure them in.”

Xie Zheng’s brows darkened slightly, his long eyes downcast, his tone cold and sarcastic: “Isn’t he always like this, stopping at nothing?”

Fan Changyu squeezed his hand and said, “Your people have also rescued the old steward from Prince Changxin’s mansion. We might be able to find out about some dealings between Wei Yan and Prince Changxin from him. Heaven’s net is vast and loose but lets nothing through. We will eventually find evidence to convict him.”

Xie Zheng looked at the hand gripping his tightly. The gloom and anger swirling in his heart dissipated somewhat, and he responded softly, “Alright.”

After eating, Fan Changyu didn’t remain idle. She went with Xie Zheng to the private prison in the Xie mansion to interrogate the steward from the Prince’s household.

At first, the steward was extremely tight-lipped, refusing to say anything when questioned and only pretending to be confused and senile.

Later, when Xie Zheng ordered Zhao Xun and the mother-son pair to be brought in, the steward saw that feigning confusion was no longer working. Even with his grandson as leverage, he still refused to speak.

Xie Zheng ordered torture to be used. The old man, who looked like he was on his last legs, was surprisingly tough. He was willing to bite off his tongue rather than confess, showing a degree of loyalty to Prince Changxin that truly surprised Fan Changyu.

Xie Zheng also keenly noticed this point. The old man’s body was frail, and further torture might kill him in the prison. He shifted to psychological tactics instead.

The firelight from the brazier illuminated the dark, damp dungeon. Xie Zheng sat in the armchair, taking a cup of hot tea handed to him by a nearby guard. He casually scraped the tea lid twice and said in a leisurely manner: “Your son has already been beaten to death in the public court. I don’t like to have children’s blood on my hands, but my patience is limited. If you continue to be so uncooperative, the people around me are all experts in lingchi. They will slice the flesh from your grandson’s body piece by piece to feed to the dogs. I guarantee that when they reach his internal organs, he will still be alive, able to cry out and call you ‘Grandfather’ one last time.”

After speaking, he raised his eyes and looked coldly at the old man opposite him through the rising steam from the teacup.

Upon hearing Xie Zheng’s description, the woman holding the child had already fainted in fright. Only the child beside her was still crying, calling “Mother” and “Grandfather,” like the innocent bleating of a lamb about to be slaughtered, causing everyone’s hearts to involuntarily tighten.

Fan Changyu knew that to break through the old man’s psychological defenses, this intimidation was necessary. She forced herself to sit in the armchair beside Xie Zheng and observe coldly.

The old man watched his grandson lying on the ground crying while trying to shake his mother awake. He was also weeping with heartache, but only said: “Grandfather has let you down, Grandfather has let you down, but Grandfather has no choice…”

Xie Zheng’s long eyes narrowed impatiently, and he called out, “Eleven.”

Xie Eleven made a gesture towards the outside, and soon servants led in several fierce, drooling wolfhounds. Upon seeing the child inside, the dogs began to bark furiously, frightening the child into screaming and crying loudly.

The old man, covered in blood from the torture, had tears clouding his eyes. He kept kowtowing to Xie Zheng: “The child is innocent, please give him a quick death. The Prince’s kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain. Without the Prince, my family would have been long gone. These decades of my life were borrowed from the King of Hell. I swore an oath not to betray the Prince!”

The wolfhounds held by the guards were almost upon the child. The old man could only weep bitterly and kowtow, begging for a quick death for the child, still refusing to say a word.

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng. Xie Zheng made a gesture, and the guards pulled back the straining wolfhounds and left.

Fan Changyu said to the old man: “You’re loyal to Sui Tuo? But the one you’re loyal to now isn’t Sui Tuo’s descendant, is he? You don’t need to pretend to be confused with me. The one who died in Jizhou wasn’t the real Sui Yuanhuai. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have let your daughter-in-law and grandson pretend to be his concubine and son.”

The old man’s cries halted as he stared at Fan Changyu: “What do you mean by your first sentence?”

Fan Changyu glanced at Xie Zheng before saying to the old man: “I mean it was a case of swapping a musk cat for the crown prince. Seventeen years ago, during the great fire in the Eastern Palace, Prince Changxin’s wife and son were also invited to the Eastern Palace. The one who died in the fire was Sui Yuanhuai. The one whose face was burned beyond recognition was the Imperial Grandson. It was all a plan for the cicada to shed its golden shell.”

The old man’s expression became panicked, seemingly unable to believe it. He repeated over and over: “How is this possible… How is this possible…”

Fan Changyu continued: “The young Princess Changxin and Sui Yuanqing also died by his hand.”

The old man’s form slumped, but his eyes suddenly flashed with ferocity: “Didn’t the Princess kill herself to cover for the Young Master? As for the Heir, didn’t he die by your hands? Don’t try to deceive this old man with such lies. I won’t fall for it!”

Zhao Xun spoke up at the right moment: “I can testify that the man indeed wasn’t the Young Master of your Prince Changxin’s mansion.”

The old man spat at him viciously: “The words of a traitor cannot be trusted!”

The old man’s stubbornness was truly giving Fan Changyu a headache.

When Fan Changyu went out with Xie Zheng to get some air after being cooped up in the dungeon for so long, she kicked at the snow on the ground and sighed: “He’s a tough nut to crack. What do we do if we can’t get him to talk?”

She had initially been confused about why Xie Zheng didn’t tell the old man that Sui Yuanhuai was an impostor and instead started threatening him with the child.

Only after this experience did she realize that for someone so stubborn and unwilling to face reality, without concrete evidence, it was impossible to convince him.

Fine snow began to fall again from the gloomy sky.

Snowflakes landed in Fan Changyu’s hair. As Xie Zheng reached out to brush them away, he looked down at her and said: “I want to use the Imperial Great-grandson to stage a play. Are you willing?”

Fan Changyu hesitated for a moment before nodding: “As long as Bao’er won’t be hurt, I’ll get him to cooperate.”

The old man was willing to disregard his own grandson’s life for the sake of loyalty to the Sui family, but he certainly wouldn’t ignore Yu Bao’er’s safety.

To get him to talk, it seemed they could only rely on Bao’er-

That afternoon, Fan Changyu secretly returned to the Memorial Hall to fetch Yu Bao’er. Chang Ning, who hadn’t seen her all day, saw her return only to leave with Yu Bao’er and not take him along. He immediately started crying golden pearls of tears in distress.

Fan Changyu was at a loss. No matter how she tried to persuade him, she couldn’t stop Chang Ning’s tears. Thinking that Xie Zheng’s mansion was also safe and that bringing Chang Ning along shouldn’t cause any problems, she informed Madam Zhao and then, under the pretext of taking the children out to play, left the Memorial Hall with them.

Little did she know that this coincidental decision would save both children from a calamity.

Finally 😂💥

HAHAHAHAHA pinagod

todavia te duele? 😏😏😏😏😏😏WTF🤣🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂que hombre mas salvaje

Wait. It saved the children but what about the old Zhao couple?? NOOOOOOOO I don’t want them to dieeeee 😭 Even if they had to, I don’t want them to suffer for even a minute! A quick painless death would be better, but I still don’t want them to die. 🥺

Zhu Yu – Chapter 154

Yu Bao’er was very understanding. When Fan Changyu told him they would perform a play to trick the Sui family’s old steward into confessing, he immediately nodded in agreement to cooperate.

The dungeon was gloomy and dark. Fan Changyu didn’t let Chang Ning come along, instructing Xie Qi to take her to play in the mansion for a while.

To intimidate the old steward, Xie Zheng ordered people to change Bao’er into tattered clothes stained with blood. They also applied makeup to make his face pale and sickly, even drawing some convincingly fake wounds.

When he brought Bao’er back to the dungeon, the old steward indeed became extremely agitated. He gripped the prison bars tightly, his wrinkled face showing extreme anguish: “Young Master… What have you done to the Young Master?”

Yu Bao’er stood outside the cell covered in “injuries,” his gaze empty and bewildered, as if he had suffered much abuse.

Xie Zheng stood behind him with his hands clasped behind his back. The light from the wall niche cast his shadow over Yu Bao’er completely. In the dim dungeon, the dark gold embroidery on his collar gleamed faintly in the candlelight. His delicate features were exceptionally cold: “Flaying your grandson’s flesh doesn’t concern you. I wonder if your mouth will remain as tight when we flay this child before your eyes.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Bao’er immediately cooperated by starting to tremble, fear filling his large, dark, and hollow eyes.

The old steward wept as he slid down the prison bars to his knees, choking out: “Don’t hurt the Young Master, don’t hurt him. This old servant will confess to whatever you want to know…”

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng exchanged a glance before asking the old steward: “Seventeen years ago, Wei Qilin, the Huaihua Commander under General Changshan, brought the tiger tally to Chongzhou to request troops. Why didn’t Chongzhou send any troops?”

The old steward, who had been weeping uncontrollably, suddenly paused upon hearing this. He raised his aged eyes to examine Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu’s eyes immediately turned fierce: “Answer!”

Xie Shiyi also lashed out with a whip at the right moment: “How dare you! Who gave you the audacity to look directly at the General?”

The whip was held back in strength, enough to cause pain to the old steward but not seriously injure him. As the whip landed on his back, it felt like a knife cutting and burning. The old steward’s body shook uncontrollably, and he lowered his head, not daring to look up again. He muttered almost instinctively: “I don’t know… What tiger tally, what troop request, how would this old servant know…”

Fan Changyu frowned deeply, about to speak, when Xie Zheng said: “Shiyi.”

Xie Shiyi picked up Yu Bao’er and went to the torture chamber outside the cell. From the old steward’s perspective, he could see several wolf dogs confined in iron cages dripping with dark red, almost black blood. After Yu Bao’er let out a shrill scream, a bloody piece of meat was thrown into the iron cage, and the wolf dogs immediately rushed forward to fight over it.

The old steward couldn’t help but retch just from watching. He cried out hoarsely: “Stop cutting! Stop cutting! I’ll confess, I’ll confess everything!”

Xie Zheng coldly watched the old man crawling on the ground like an insect, crying and retching. He said slowly: “Old fool, the fact that I can ask you these things should tell you that I’ve already uncovered quite a bit. What I’m asking may not necessarily be what I haven’t discovered yet. If you dare to deceive me even once, not only will I flay alive the remnants of the Sui family, but I’ll also feed your grandson to the dogs!”

The old steward’s face turned as white as paper. He kowtowed while crying: “This old servant wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare.”

Only then did Xie Zheng slowly ask: “Now tell me, why didn’t Chongzhou send troops seventeen years ago?”

The old steward’s dry, bloodless lips trembled as he spoke: “Huaihua Commander Wei Qilin did indeed come to Chongzhou with the tiger tally and Wei Yan’s letter. But the Prince said the tiger tally was fake. The Prince tried to join the two pieces of the tiger tally in front of all the Chongzhou officers, but they couldn’t fit together at all. The Prince suspected Wei Yan had ulterior motives and wanted to arrest Wei Qilin to question Wei Yan.”

Both Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng’s expressions changed.

It seemed that Wei Yan had indeed harbored ill intentions back then, even daring to forge the tiger tally.

But Xie Zheng quickly said: “You’re lying. The tiger tally Wei Yan ordered Wei Qilin to take to Meng Shuyuan in Changzhou was real. How could the Chongzhou tiger tally be fake?”

He coldly ordered: “Shiyi.”

Soon, the sound of a blade cutting flesh came from the torture chamber again. Yu Bao’er screamed, calling for his “Mother,” and another piece of bloody meat was thrown into the iron cage for the wolf dogs to fight over.

The mother and child who were acting as stand-ins for Yu Qianqian seemed to have been brought to watch the torture as well. They also screamed hysterically. For a moment, the shrill cries of women and children echoed throughout the dungeon, piercing one’s eardrums.

The old steward desperately kowtowed on the ground, soon drawing blood. He cried out miserably: “Don’t cut anymore! Don’t cut! This old servant is telling the truth. This old servant is just a steward in the Prince’s mansion, I don’t know that much. After Wei Qilin was captured, he found an opportunity to escape not long after. Soon after, news of Jinzhou’s defeat arrived, followed by the imperial court blaming General Meng, pinning the loss of Jinzhou entirely on the failure to transport supplies…”

The old steward wept: “Only then did the Prince realize that Wei Qilin had brought the tiger tally to request troops for the urgent situation in Jinzhou. But the Prince wasn’t certain beforehand that old General Meng had gone to Luocheng. Although there was Wei Yan’s letter, there wasn’t even an imperial edict. With a fake troop-summoning tiger tally, how could the Prince dare to act rashly?

After Jinzhou fell, the Prince was full of remorse. He quickly led troops to set up defenses in the cities below Jinzhou, which finally stopped the Northern Yue army’s unstoppable momentum. The Prince wanted to request punishment from the capital after the war situation stabilized somewhat. But soon after, news came of the fire in the Eastern Palace, the death of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, and the tragedy that befell the Princess Consort and the Eldest Young Master, whose face was severely burned…”

At this point, the old steward became even more heartbroken, almost weeping blood with each word: “The Crown Prince was dead, the Sixteenth Prince was dead, and the Eastern Palace suddenly caught fire. How could the Prince not understand that the Princess Consort and the Eldest Young Master had been caught up in the struggle for the throne among the princes?

If it was true as Wei Yan’s letter said, that the previous Emperor wanted to protect Jinzhou and save the Sixteenth Prince, and therefore resorted to this strategy of sending old General Meng to Luocheng and having the Prince transport supplies, why use a fake tiger tally to request troops? Or was the tiger tally switched by someone with ulterior motives, causing the Prince to not dare deploy troops, leading to the tragedy in Jinzhou?”

The more Fan Changyu listened, the colder her hands and feet felt, and her head began to spin. She asked: “When the imperial court made its final judgment, placing all blame for the Jinzhou defeat on General Meng, didn’t Prince Changxin think about revealing the truth?”

The old steward, with tears clouding his eyes, said: “At that time, the Prince hadn’t yet been enfeoffed for his merits in repelling the Northern Yue’s continued southward advance. Although he had been promoted to general, what did he have to fight against those who had planned all this? If Wei Qilin were still in the Prince’s hands, perhaps there would have been a witness who could identify Wei Yan. But the capital directly denied ever sending anyone to Chongzhou to request troops. Even old General Meng’s journey to Luocheng was said to be due to his ambition to attack Luocheng. There was no evidence at all. How could the Prince reveal the truth to the world?”

So…

The Chongzhou tiger tally had been switched by Wei Yan.

He had privately communicated with the imperial concubines and plotted to kill the Crown Prince of Chengde and the Sixteenth Prince, all to monopolize power.

Wei Yan wanted to hunt down her parents because they were the witnesses who could accuse him of all his crimes.

Although she had speculated about various truths before, when it was finally laid bare, Fan Changyu still felt a dull pain in her head. A cold, stifling feeling swept over her, making her want to scream out loud to release it, but she felt powerless even to do that.

Fan Changyu unconsciously took a step back. Xie Zheng grasped her wrist, and a constant stream of warmth flowed from his palm to her cold wrist, barely helping Fan Changyu regain some composure.

The oil in the wall niche lamp seemed to be almost exhausted, the bright spot at the wick had shrunk to the size of a bean, making the entire dungeon even darker.

The dim light cut out Xie Zheng’s handsome profile. He held Fan Changyu’s wrist with one hand, his long lashes half-lowered, his face showing no trace of emotion. He was so calm that it made one’s heart inexplicably anxious: “According to what you say, Prince Changxin lay low in Chongzhou for many years before finally rebelling, just to overthrow Wei Yan?”

The old steward nodded: “Half of the Prince’s wish was indeed for this purpose.”

Xie Zheng continued to ask: “Were those rumors spread back then about Wei Yan being involved in the Jinzhou tragedy also released by Prince Changxin?”

The old steward choked out another “Yes” before continuing to beg: “Marquis, I have truthfully confessed everything you asked. Please spare that last drop of blood of the Young Master…”

Xie Zheng slowly raised his eyes, his gaze cool: “I’ll take what you’ve said as true for now, but what General Yun told you earlier is also not false at all. The Eldest Young Master who your Sui family has been nurturing in secret for seventeen years is not Sui Tuo’s eldest son, but the Crown Prince’s son who escaped by switching identities.”

The old steward was stunned, his weathered face showing nothing but bewilderment and shock.

Xie Zheng spoke unhurriedly: “If the Sui family was truly as loyal and innocent as you say, there were so many high-ranking officials and nobles attending the palace banquet that day. Why did the Crown Princess choose the Sui family to shelter the Crown Prince’s son? The Crown Prince’s son seems to have killed Princess Consort Changxin and Sui Yuanqing without batting an eye, showing no gratitude for the Sui family’s kindness?”

His gaze fell on the old steward, neither warm nor cold. There was no killing intent, yet it made the old steward tremble like a sieve, weeping profusely: “I truly don’t know about these things you speak of…”

Xie Zheng withdrew his gaze and said lightly: “Think carefully again about what you might have forgotten from those years. After all, that Eldest Young Master you swore to serve faithfully has finished setting up Wei Yan using the Sui family as a stepping stone, and is about to rely on the Li family to compete for the dragon throne. With Wei Yan gone, everyone will be happy, but the entire Sui Tuo family has been schemed to death by him. You claim to be loyal to the Sui family, don’t you want revenge?”

The old steward was completely bewildered by this news. He truly believed that what Fan Changyu had said earlier was a trick conceived by Zhao Xun to deceive him.

Now that he had confessed everything he knew, hearing Xie Zheng’s words, his aged face showed nothing but desolation and utter despair, with no other emotions.

Xie Zheng didn’t miss the slightest change in the old man’s expression. Seeing that he seemed to truly know nothing more, he finally left the dungeon holding Fan Changyu’s wrist. The old steward seemed to come to his senses only then, kneeling in the cell, weeping bitterly.

Fan Changyu’s face was also extremely heavy.

Outside the cell was the torture chamber. Yu Bao’er and Xie Shiyi stood in the blind spots on either side of the cell. On the table, a tray still held several bloody pieces of freshly butchered pork.

The meat pieces thrown earlier into the wolf-dog cage opposite had been cut from this tray.

Yu Bao’er had only cooperated by screaming miserably. The mother and child pair were imprisoned in the adjacent cell. Like the old steward, from their cell’s perspective, they could only see the cage holding the wolf dogs. Hearing Yu Bao’er’s agonized screams and seeing the wolf dogs gnawing on those bloody meat chunks, they thought Yu Bao’er was being flayed alive, which scared them into screaming.

Yu Bao’er saw Fan Changyu and wanted to go to her, but seeing her extremely poor complexion, he stopped in his tracks and only called out: “Aunt Changyu.”

Fan Changyu nodded with difficulty and said: “Thank you for your hard work, Bao’er. You can go out and play with Chang Ning now.”

Yu Bao’er looked at Fan Changyu worriedly, then glanced at Xie Zheng beside her, before finally leaving the dungeon with Xie Shiyi.

After so long, Fan Changyu still felt a tightness in her chest. There was a tea table and armchairs in the torture chamber. Fan Changyu poured herself a cup of cold tea and drank it down, which stabilized her emotions somewhat. As she raised her hand to pour a second cup, Xie Zheng pressed down on her hand holding the teapot.

“Changyu.” His voice was very deep, his large hand completely covering hers on her back, as if to give her some support: “If you feel upset, just cry it out.”

Since hearing the truth about why her father couldn’t bring reinforcements, Fan Changyu had remained relatively calm, only her face turning a bit pale.

She looked up at Xie Zheng, her stubborn eyes tinged with red, but still not crying. She only said to him: “My grandfather, my father, they were both wronged.”

Before, she had no evidence and couldn’t say these words to him with such certainty and seriousness. Now she could.

Her voice was very tense, but Xie Zheng felt an inexplicable pain in his heart when he heard it.

He forcefully pulled her into his embrace. “I’m sorry.”

I’m sorry. You’ve carried no less of a burden than I have, yet back then, before the truth could come to light, I let you bear so much on your own.

Fan Changyu forcefully pushed back the sting in her eyes, her hands hanging at her sides clenched tightly into fists: “I will clear my grandfather’s and father’s names of this seventeen-year injustice.”

From the moment she learned of her true identity, there wasn’t a moment when she wasn’t thinking about these things. But at that time, she had no evidence at all.

In her heart, she told herself over and over again that no matter how difficult it was, she had to keep walking this path.

Now that she had solid proof, corroborating what she had insisted on all along, she had taken a big step closer to that goal. That’s why she was overwhelmed by various emotions.

Why?

For his selfish desires, Wei Yan had branded her grandfather with seventeen years of infamy!

If she couldn’t clear her grandfather’s name, he would remain a sinner for all of history!

Even thousands of years later, he would still be cursed by future generations.

That was a loyal soul who had fought for the Great Yin for most of his life!

Because Prince Changxin didn’t dare to make a big fuss about the incident back then, Wei Yan turned a blind eye and allowed her parents to escape and live in hiding for sixteen years.

When the Prince of Changxin rebelled, he revisited the old grievances of the past. Wei Yan feared that her parents would step forward as witnesses, so she was determined to kill them at any cost!

It was rare for Fan Changyu to lose control of her emotions. Yet, at this very moment, she could clearly feel the seething resentment and fury churning within her heart, like a wild horse breaking free of its reins. The anger surged through her blood, reaching every part of her body and even seeping into her bones, making the joints of her hands crack loudly under the pressure of her clenched fists.

Xie Zheng’s large hand, which rested firmly on her back, did not relax in the slightest. He stated, “This is your grudge, and it is mine as well.”

It was not a mere consolation but something far beyond it.

Taking a deep breath, Fan Changyu forcibly suppressed the intense emotions roiling inside her. She looked up and asked him, “What are you planning to do?”

Just at that moment, Xie Shiyi hurriedly entered the dungeon with Yu Bao’er and Changning in tow. His normally calm demeanor was replaced by rare panic. Upon seeing the two embracing, he didn’t have time to avert his gaze. Instead, he quickly lowered his eyes and reported anxiously, “Master, something’s wrong. The troops from the Five Armies Camp have surrounded the Xie Residence!”

When Xie Shiyi led the two children inside, Fan Changyu immediately pulled away from Xie Zheng. After hearing his report, she no longer cared about avoiding embarrassment, and instead, a deep furrow appeared between her brows.

Daring to besiege the Xie Residence so openly—if this wasn’t under imperial orders, then it must be a desperate act of rebellion, fearing that Xie Zheng would spoil their plans and thus deciding to strike first.

She turned to look at Xie Zheng, but he appeared not to be surprised at all. He simply remarked, “Grand Preceptor Li is acting like a cornered beast, far too quickly.”

Calm and composed, he issued his instructions to Xie Shiyi: “Take the two children and leave the city through the secret passage first.”

Then, he glanced at Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu raised an eyebrow, exuding an uncontainable sense of heroism and defiance. “I am a general who fought my way to military merits on the battlefield. The people outside are my enemies. Don’t you dare suggest that I hide along with you.”

Her unrestrained confidence and spirit were more dazzling than the sun itself.

That slight lift of her eyebrow and the sharp gaze in her eyes were like hooks that latched onto Xie Zheng’s heart.

He looked deeply at Fan Changyu and simply said, “Follow me.”

Okay so it was the Xie Residence, not Changyu’s…at least not yet. And the babies are still safe. Anyway, I trust Gongsun. More importantly, I trust plot armor.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 155

Due to the snowfall, darkness fell earlier than usual.

When Xie Zheng led Fan Changyu into the study, the light was already dim. Only after lighting a lamp could they see the furnishings inside.

Xie Zheng took out a map from the bookshelf, unfolding it on the desk to show Fan Changyu: “The Li family failed in their plot against Wei Yan, instead falling into his trap. Their only recourse now is to control the entire capital and support the Crown Imperial Grandson’s succession for any chance of survival. The Wumen gate towers are no lower than the capital’s gates. If the Li family attempts a forceful attack, they won’t succeed quickly, but having established themselves in the capital for many years, it’s hard to say whether they have informants within the Imperial Guards.

Since Wei Yan has pushed the Li family this far, he must have prepared countermeasures. However, with me still in the capital, both the Li and Wei families will do everything possible to drag me into the conflict first, fearing I might reap the benefits of their struggle.”

As Fan Changyu listened to Xie Zheng analyze the current situation, her hand resting on the desk gripped tighter and tighter.

She raised her head and asked, “So the Li family moved against you first, ordering the Five Army Camp to surround the Xie residence?”

The corner of Xie Zheng’s lips lifted slightly, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes: “This is merely the opening act.”

Just then, the guard outside the door reported again: “Master, the Five Army Camp outside is demanding to search the residence, claiming someone saw a fugitive from the Court of Justice enter the Marquis’s mansion last night.”

Fan Changyu looked at Xie Zheng with worry in her eyes. Xie Zheng only replied to the guard, “Then tell the men from the Five Army Camp that if they dare to break down the gates of my Xie residence, they are welcome to enter and search.”

After the guard acknowledged the order and withdrew, Fan Changyu asked, “Did we leave traces behind?”

The candlelight danced in Xie Zheng’s eyes but revealed little warmth: “This is just Wei Yan’s scheme to drag me into the water. When you and I broke into the prison, leading the Li family to believe Wei Yan had freed the prisoners, Wei Yan must have already begun plotting. Last night, the Blood Shadow Riders captured the steward from the Sui residence, uncovered the Li family’s plot to kill the strategist who changed his testimony, and discovered the location where correspondence between the Li family and Qi Min was hidden. With such leverage in my hands, how could the Li family remain calm? Whether there are witnesses or not, they would find some pretext to surround the residence.”

Fan Changyu also understood that the Li family was determined to go all the way. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat as she said, “Qi Min knows Bao’er is still with us. Could the Court of Complaints also be surrounded?”

Xie Zheng nodded: “With the manpower of the Five Army Camp, surrounding the Court of Complaints would be trivial.”

Fan Changyu immediately frowned: “General Tang and Madam Zhao are still at the Court of Complaints…”

Xie Zheng raised his eyes to look at her: “That is precisely what I need you to do next.”

Fan Changyu’s expression immediately became more solemn.

Xie Zheng’s slender index finger pointed to the palace gates on the map: “The Five Army Camp is divided into five camps and seventy-two guards, with forces numbering no less than twenty thousand. Four of the camps might be used by the Li family, but the commander of the Left Army Camp, Shen Shen, is on good terms with me. The Shen family has also been loyal and upright officials for generations. Xie Thirteen will take my token to find him and have him prevent Wei Yan from deploying the Divine Machine Camp’s troops. However, we still need bait to divert the attention of both the Li family and Wei Yan. I’ve already given you the command token for the Blood Shadow Riders. When the time comes, lead all the Blood Shadow Riders from the residence back to the Court of Complaints and bring out Tang Peiyi and the others.”

Fan Changyu suddenly looked up: “If I take all the Blood Shadow Riders, what about you?”

Xie Zheng’s phoenix eyes swept toward the snowy window, showing a casualness that suggested he had been waiting for this day for a long time: “They won’t believe I’ve assigned all the Blood Shadow Riders to you; they’ll think I still have hidden forces in the capital.”

At this point, he lifted the corner of his lips slightly and looked at Fan Changyu: “When falsehood appears as truth and truth as falsehood, who would dare to gamble everything on an uncertain outcome?”

Fan Changyu was still concerned: “Even if the Li family only has troops from four main camps, that’s still over fifteen thousand men. How will you deal with them?”

Xie Zheng simply said, “Both the Li and Wei families are holding back reserves. They won’t commit all their forces against me in a life-or-death battle. But even in the worst case, if it comes down to a fight to the death, the few hundred Xie family soldiers I brought into the capital will make them pay dearly.”

As Fan Changyu slowly processed his words, she suddenly asked: “Why are your men going to block the Divine Machine Camp’s troops instead of the Li family’s men?”

Xie Zheng raised his hand and gently touched Fan Changyu’s cheek: “The Imperial Guards directly report to the young Emperor. Wei Yan is now in the same boat as the young Emperor, so the Imperial Guards will certainly be at his disposal. With the addition of the elite Three Thousand Camp, he can hold the palace city for a short time and maintain a stalemate with the Li family. But with the Divine Machine Camp’s cannons and devices, no matter how numerous the Five Army Camp troops are, they will eventually be nothing but dismembered flesh under the artillery fire.”

He paused at this point: “By sending Shen Shen, rather than merely blocking the Divine Machine Camp, it’s more accurate to say that various forces will be competing for the Divine Machine Camp’s weapons. Do you understand?”

Fan Changyu finally grasped the importance of this strategic deployment. She said, “Then after rescuing General Tang, I’ll temporarily hand over all available forces in the capital to General Tang’s command, and I’ll personally go to the Western Garden. If General Shen fails to stop the Divine Machine Camp’s men, I’ll stop them!”

The Divine Machine Camp’s weapons were stockpiled in the Western Garden outside the palace city.

Xie Zheng stared at her for a long while. Fan Changyu frowned: “Don’t you believe I can stop them?”

Xie Zheng forcefully pulled her into his embrace: “If you can’t stop them, then don’t. Just come back to me alive.”

Fan Changyu looked up: “Those aren’t the words you should be saying to a general.”

Xie Zheng lowered his head slightly, his loose hair casting a faint shadow over his eyelids, hiding the softness concealed in his deep, cold eyes: “You are a general to thousands of people, but you are also my wife. I’m instructing my wife.”

Even knowing the urgency of the current situation, Fan Changyu’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing his words. She pressed her lips together and stared at him intently.

She said, “I’m leaving.”

Just as she reached the door, she suddenly turned back, strode forward, and forcefully grabbed his collar, pulling him down to firmly kiss his lips. Then, lowering her long eyelashes like folding fans, she said in a muffled voice: “I know what you’re planning to do.”

With that, she opened the door and strode away.

Xie Zheng stood in place, watching her retreating figure as she walked away with large strides. The depths of his pitch-black eyes brewed profound, obscure emotions: “If she suffers even the slightest harm, none of you need bother returning.”

A shadow seemed to swiftly depart from the room.

With the Blood Shadow Riders—each worth a hundred men—clearing the way, the contingent from the Five Army Camp surrounding the Xie residence posed no real threat. Fan Changyu quickly led her forces through an opening and rode directly toward the Court of Complaints.

Being the New Year, most shops along the street were closed tight—either because the proprietors had gone home for the holiday or because the imposing presence of soldiers coming and going had frightened the shopkeepers into closing. Ordinary households along the street also had their doors firmly shut.

With Fan Changyu’s group forming such a large moving target, a portion of the Five Army Camp soldiers surrounding the Xie residence split off to pursue them. Meanwhile, scouts riding in the opposite direction successfully escaped notice.

The main gate of the Court of Complaints had already been broken open. A commander, hand on the sword at his waist, stood in the courtyard, shouting gruffly: “Search everywhere! If you find any male child, kill without question!”

Tang Peiyi and He Xiujun, along with other officers, emerged upon hearing the commotion. Seeing that those who had broken in were men from the Five Army Camp, they didn’t rashly confront them directly. Tang Peiyi clasped his hands and asked: “May I ask, General, why you’ve suddenly deployed troops to the Court of Complaints?”

Though this commander was several ranks below Tang Peiyi, he merely smiled coldly: “The Three Courts joint investigation has traced the rebel mother and son who escaped from the Court of Justice to be hiding in the Court of Complaints. This general has come by order to search the premises.”

Tang Peiyi, straightforward by nature, already showed displeasure at the man’s contemptuous attitude. He Xiujun, meticulous and observant, immediately said: “Since you’ve come by order to search, may the General please show us the search warrant to avoid misunderstandings and preserve harmony.”

Unable to produce a search warrant, the commander only said: “Once we have the human evidence, you can all go to the Court of Justice to see the search warrant!”

He Xiujun exchanged glances with Tang Peiyi and Zheng Wenchang, all understanding the situation clearly.

He Xiujun smiled amiably: “What the General says is peculiar. Since we were summoned to the capital, except when called by His Majesty, we haven’t left this Court of Complaints. How could fugitives from the Court of Justice be hidden here? There must be some misunderstanding. It’s cold and windy—let your men search while you come inside with us to warm yourself by the fire and have some tea to ward off the chill.”

As he spoke, he moved forward to take the commander’s elbow.

The commander’s eyes flickered slightly. Just as he was about to refuse, He Xiujun suddenly attacked, grabbing his arm and twisting it backward, then tripping his foot, causing the commander to fall to his knees with his arm pinned behind him.

Zheng Wenchang, equally coordinated, drew the sword from his waist and pressed it against the commander’s throat, shouting at the soldiers trying to approach: “Stand back!”

The commander realized he had been careless and gritted his teeth, looking at Tang Peiyi: “If you let me find and take the person, we can all part peacefully. But if you insist on wading into these troubled waters, you won’t escape so easily.”

Tang Peiyi stared at him for a long while before simply saying: “Bind him!”

Immediately, guards approached with ropes and secured him tightly.

Tang Peiyi, He Xiujun, and Zheng Wenchang shared quarters, so Tang Peiyi knew very well whether they were harboring any male child. Fan Changyu, being a female general, resided in a separate courtyard. Tang Peiyi wasn’t certain whether Fan Changyu had broken someone out of prison or if these officials were just using any pretext to arrest Yu Bao’er.

The group held the commander captive as they made their way to Fan Changyu’s courtyard. The soldiers who had been searching everywhere were intimidated by their commander’s capture and dared not act further. They merely pointed their weapons at Tang Peiyi’s group, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Upon reaching Fan Changyu’s courtyard, they saw Xie Five holding a sword in one hand while protecting an elderly couple behind him.

With only one hand available to wield his weapon and having to protect two elderly people, he was clearly at a disadvantage. There was blood on his body, and the doors to several side rooms in the courtyard stood wide open, apparently having been broken into and searched by the soldiers.

Tang Peiyi immediately shouted: “Stop!”

The soldiers surrounding Xie Five, seeing their commander captured, exchanged glances and gradually eased their assault.

Tang Peiyi gave He Xiujun a look, and He Xiujun immediately led two guards forward to help the elderly Zhao couple. He supported Xie Five and asked in a low voice: “Where is the young master?”

Xie Five answered: “The General secretly took him away.”

Receiving this answer, He Xiujun couldn’t help but feel relieved. He turned to question the Five Army Camp commander: “We are temporarily residing in this Court of Complaints by imperial order. You search without authorization—I’d like to see who will be in the right when we report to the Court of Justice!”

The commander still insisted: “The rebel’s son who broke out of the Court of Justice is hidden in the Court of Complaints. You are harboring rebels—could it be that you also harbor rebellious hearts?”

Tang Peiyi’s expression had become quite grim.

After He Xiujun gave him an inconspicuous nod, Tang Peiyi understood that Yu Bao’er was no longer present. He immediately patted the face of the bound commander and smiled coldly: “Then let your men search. If they find nothing, you’ll leave a hand and a foot here.”

Upon hearing this, the commander looked around, not seeing Fan Changyu, and shouted: “Has the rebel offspring already been taken away by the Cloud Banner General?”

Just then, urgent and chaotic hoofbeats sounded outside the Court of Complaints, followed by the clash of weapons.

Tang Peiyi and the others took the commander to the front courtyard. Just as they passed through the hanging flower gate, they saw a soldier at the main entrance kicked violently, flying horizontally down the stone steps and crashing into a flower bed, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Fan Changyu entered, wearing tight-fitting battle clothes with a long sword on her back. Seeing that Tang Peiyi and the others had captured the commander of these soldiers, she let out a faint sigh of relief and called out: “General Tang!”

Tang Peiyi, looking through the main gate at the Blood Shadow Riders battling the soldiers outside, hurriedly asked: “Niece Changyu, what’s happening?”

Fan Changyu parried an attacking soldier with a backhand strike and said concisely: “The Li family is revolting!”

Tang Peiyi and He Xiujun’s faces changed color at her words.

Fan Changyu had no time to wipe away the blood splattered on her face during the fight. She quickly stepped forward and looked at Tang Peiyi: “The Great Yin dynasty is about to change. Let’s see what General Tang intends to do.”

Tang Peiyi’s rugged face rarely showed such gravity. After about a breath’s time, he looked at Fan Changyu: “What does the Marquis plan to do?”

Blood from a wound at Fan Changyu’s temple during the fighting trickled down to her jaw. Her gaze was cold yet resolute: “The one on the dragon throne is an unvirtuous, foolish ruler. The one the Li family wants to support, though a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde, lived as the Prince of Changxin’s eldest son in the Sui family for seventeen years. It was he who conspired with the Li family to plot against Wei Yan. The siege of Lucheng and the death of Grand Secretary He all arose from this. If this person ascends the throne, he will certainly not be benevolent.”

Only today did Tang Peiyi and the others learn of these hidden truths. After their initial shock, anger rose in their faces.

So the poisonous scheme to empty Chongzhou and redirect the siege to Lucheng was conceived by the Li family and the Crown Imperial Grandson?

Tang Peiyi looked at Fan Changyu: “Isn’t the child you’ve been keeping by your side a descendant of Crown Prince Chengde?”

Fan Changyu said, “That child is the son of the Crown Imperial Grandson.”

He Xiujun glanced at the Five Army Camp commander he was restraining, a cold smile appearing on his usually gentle face: “So the Five Army Camp suddenly surrounded the Court of Complaints because the Crown Imperial Grandson ordered the child’s death?”

Fan Changyu nodded gravely.

Before Tang Peiyi could respond, He Xiujun—harboring deep hatred toward the Crown Imperial Grandson due to his father’s death—was the first to stand with Fan Changyu: “I will follow the Marquis in supporting the Imperial Great-Grandson!”

Tang Peiyi looked at He Xiujun.

As the oldest and most steady among the young officers, He Xiujun bowed to Tang Peiyi and said:

“This humble officer’s action is not impulsive vengeance for my father’s death. The Crown Imperial Grandson, while contending for the throne, lacks a heart that cares for the people. Like the Li family, he sought to build a great crime against Wei Yan using the lives of countless soldiers. Publicly, he lacks the benevolence of an emperor. Privately, in his struggle for the throne, he could even bring himself to kill his only son—even wolves and jackals aren’t so cruel. If the empire falls into such hands, how would it differ from when Wei Yan controlled the court? And what face would we have to show the soldiers who died outside Lucheng’s walls?”

Zheng Wenchang immediately also stood by Fan Changyu’s side, followed by two or three other Jizhou generals who had entered the capital.

The devastating battle at Lucheng remained a great thorn in the hearts of these Jizhou generals.

Tang Peiyi sighed deeply and looked at Fan Changyu: “I don’t know if I’ll regret today’s decision in the future, but neither the one supported by Wei Yan nor the one the Li family wishes to protect deserves that dragon throne. Whether this endeavor succeeds or fails, I, Tang Peiyi, will follow the Marquis to change the heaven for Great Yin!”

Only after Tang Peiyi nodded did Fan Changyu feel her heart settle firmly.

With Tang Peiyi’s assistance, Xie Zheng’s chances of stabilizing the capital tonight had increased by thirty percent!

Outside the Court of Complaints, the Blood Shadow Riders were still battling with the Five Army Camp soldiers. A bloody head was thrown out from the main entrance of the Court, rolling several times on the ground tiles before stopping.

The glaive in Fan Changyu’s hand still dripped fresh blood. Under the flickering lights, her eyes revealed the ferocity of a tiger descending from the mountains. Her cold, clear voice tore through the clamor of the winter night: “Zhou Tong, Assistant Commissioner of the Right Wing Army, is dead. If you surrender now, tonight’s crimes can be forgiven!”

The Five Army Camp forces stationed in the capital were divided into five camps: Central Army, Left and Right Wing Armies, and Left and Right Scout Armies, with the Central Army Camp being the largest.

The soldiers who had been fighting fiercely stopped when they saw the bloody head.

Tang Peiyi then announced, “This general will assist the Marquis of Wu’an in arresting the traitors. If you do not surrender, all who surrounded the Court of Complaints tonight will be charged with treason.”

Without their commanding officer, and hearing these threatening words, the Right Wing Army force that had come to surround the Court of Complaints became fearful. After looking around anxiously, they all laid down their weapons.

Seeing that the situation at the Court of Complaints had stabilized, Fan Changyu immediately turned to Tang Peiyi: “General Tang, I leave this to you.”

Tang Peiyi asked: “Won’t you come with us to the palace?”

Fan Changyu mounted her horse, the cold wind lifting the loose strands of hair that had fallen over her forehead during the fighting: “I’m going to stop the Divine Machine Camp from reinforcing the palace city.”

With just that one sentence, Tang Peiyi understood Fan Changyu’s intention.

He said: “Then take more men with you!”

As he spoke, he assigned several more men to Fan Changyu, including Zheng Wenchang.

Fan Changyu didn’t refuse. Sitting astride her horse, she saluted Tang Peiyi: “Thank you, General!”

Fan Changyu led Zheng Wenchang and the others, along with the Blood Shadow Riders, toward the Western Garden.

After watching them ride away, Tang Peiyi shouted to the surrendered Right Wing Army: “All of you, follow me to ‘rescue the Emperor’!”

Twilight deepened, and the snow and wind intensified. The lantern covers hanging from the corridor eaves had accumulated a thin layer of snow.

The dim light beneath the eaves cast swaying bamboo shadows onto the illuminated windows of the side room, where two indistinct figures could be seen sitting on either side of a low table, engaged in a game of Go.

One figure was thin and ethereal, with sparse hair tied into a small bun at the back of his head, secured with a long hairpin. From time to time, he would stroke the equally sparse long beard hanging from his chin.

The other figure was muscular and strong, sitting upright as a pine tree on a rush cushion, placing stones with a decisive, commanding air.

Both men resembled mountains—one with the elegant tranquility of flowing water over high peaks, the other with the majestic grandeur of Mount Song.

As the old, thin fingers placed another white stone on the board, Grand Tutor Tao looked at the man across from him and sighed faintly: “Yi Gui, in this game, you’ve walked into a dead end.”

“Gui” refers to a jade ceremonial object. “Yi Gui” was Wei Yan’s courtesy name.

In the entire court, only the elderly man with the weathered face sitting opposite him dared to call him by this name now.

The wind was strong outside, making the bamboo shadows sway. Wei Yan put the black stone in his hand back into the bowl and simply said: “Not necessarily. Perhaps by dawn, there will be a way out of this predicament.”

…Qi Min is not the grandson of the Crown Prince Chengde, he’s the son that was saved from the fire and placed with the Sui family. Bao’er is the grandson of the Crown Prince. Did the author forget?

Ma’am, you should make a note for this story. It is quite confusing.
please refer to chapter 101: Late Emperor died because his son, Great Prince Chengde, died in the battle (alongside Great General Xie). The Crown Princess died because she sets fire to the Eastern Palace herself to give a chance of survival of the Crown Prince (grandson), which is Qi Min. Crown Princess died and a child burn in the fire, but with a severe burn of his face, couldn’t be acknowledged. truth be told, Qi Min, with the help of Zhao Xun’s mother escaped the fire. Later, Crown Princess asked Zhao Xun’s Mother to hide Qi Min in the Sui family. the child who died is the eldest son of Prince Changxin. so Qi Min is the grandson, and Bao’er is the great-grandson.

penulis sering menyebutkan cucu kerajaan untuk Qi kin, berarti Qi min adalah putra putra mahkota, cucu dari kaisar.sedangkan bao’er sering disebut sebagai cicit kerajaan, anaknya Qi min,.cucu dari putra mahkota..kaisar adalah buyutnya bao’er

Isnt Crown Princess (the one that set fire) is the wife of Crown Princess Chengde? So Qi Min is the son & Baoer is the grandson. That’s what I understand.

refer to it this way:
emperor (father)
crown prince (son)
qi min (grandson)
bao’er (great grandson)

The crown prince’s son is the emperor’s grandson obviously. Hence bao er is the late emperor’s great grandson.

Qi Min is the son of late crown prince Chengde, and grandson of the late emperor.

Yu Bao’er is the grandson of the late crown Prince, and great grandson of the late emperor.

The translation in this chapter is wrong.

Either the author or translated have the generations confused here. Qi Min is the son of Crown Prince Chengde. Qi Min was believed to be killed in the eastern palace fire 17 years ago, but he actually killed and took the place of the eldest Sui son. He burned himself to stage the switch. Bao’er is Qi Min’s son, and therefore he is Prince Chengde’s grandson.

I had to read this two times trying to figure it out, before realizing the author of translator messed it up.

Earlier Qi Min is always referred to as the son of Crown Prince Chengde in which case Bao’er is the grandson. Here however the word used is Imperial Grandson and Great grandson. The Emperor is the Imperial, The Crown Prince (Chengde) is the Imperial Son, Qi Min (Chengde’s son) is the Imperial grandson and Boa’er(Qi Min’s son) is the Imperial grandson).

Whether the author confused or the translation was wrong, let’s clearly state this:
– The one who died in battle with Xie Zheng’s father is Crown Prince Chengde.
– The one who was swapped with another boy during the fire at the East Palace is Qi Min, the son of Crown Prince Chengde, = Imperial Grandson. **(the swapped boy is the rebel Prince’s eldest son, the real Yuanhuai)**
– Yu Bao’er is the son of Qi Min, = Imperial Great-grandson.

En los comentarios podemos ver cómo las lectoras leen la información importante con las patas jsjsja

It’s always the New Year, lol. There’s always some sort of calamity during the New Year sa novel na to. Galit yata si author sa New Year. 😅 Last time sa Lin’an, nag-conspire yung mga rebelde, taking advantage of the grain procurement. This year naman, the Li family is revolting after being backed into a corner.

Tapos itong si Wei Yan, laro lang nang laro ng Go sa bahay niya, both back then and even now. Sana mapudpod daliri mo, WY.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 156

When Tang Peiyi arrived at the Xie Manor with his men, they witnessed one of the front courtyard buildings engulfed in flames, the fire reaching toward the sky. The cobblestone courtyard was stained crimson with blood that continued to spread outward. The goose-feather snowflakes falling from the night sky melted instantly as they touched the blood-soaked ground.

Corpses lay scattered everywhere. Xie Zheng stood among them, holding a halberd in one hand. His dark armor was dyed deep red with blood, and crimson droplets dripped from his ancient beast-patterned weapon. With his head slightly bowed, his expression was hidden, save for the fire-lit glimpse of his pale jaw, stark against the chaos.

Behind him stood several hundred palace guards, their murderous aura palpable after the massacre. In the darkness, they appeared almost otherworldly. Even Tang Peiyi and his men, seated on horseback, drew sharp breaths at the sight. As the blood slowly consumed the snow and crept toward their horses’ hooves, the steeds seemed to sense the killing intent, stepping backward.

Only then did Xie Zheng raise his eyes to cast a cold glance at Tang Peiyi.

“Marquis,” Tang Peiyi called out with a salute from horseback, finding no other words to speak.

Observing the corpses before the manor, it was clear that at least five battalions from the Central Army had been deployed for the siege. A cannon was positioned nearby—they had even brought artillery—yet all had fallen to Xie’s few hundred guards.

Wasn’t it said that the Marquis of Wu’an only commanded eight hundred Blood Riders? Fan Changyu had already taken seven to eight hundred men with him, so who were these warriors?

Tang Peiyi was utterly astonished.

The blazing fire cast light on the varied expressions of those on horseback.

Xie Zheng kicked aside a corpse at his feet, his blood-stained face showing an almost detached calmness. “They dare bombard the gates of my Xie family with merely two thousand men?” He sneered, “Truly tired of living.”

Among the seventy-two battalions of the Five Military Commands, each varied in strength, but the Central Army alone commanded eight thousand men. Though the Li family had deployed a quarter of the Central Army to surround the Xie Manor—showing their wariness toward Xie Zheng—they had still underestimated him.

The clatter of hooves echoed from the other end of the street, where torches wove like dragons through the night. Both Xie’s blood-soaked elite guards and Tang Peiyi’s men turned to look. An unfamiliar commander sat astride his horse, but his armor marked him as being from the Three Thousand Unit.

Xie Zheng watched coldly, his expression remaining remarkably detached. He handed his halberd to a guard behind him and took up a crossbow, aiming casually. “So the vultures have come to claim their spoils.”

The wind and snow raged, scattering ancestral prayer papers through the empty street. This once-festive New Year’s night had taken on an eerie atmosphere.

Outside the Meridian Gate, amidst blazing torches, troops crowded the official square between the East and West Swallow-Wing Towers. The front ranks held thick shields overhead to block arrows from the tower archers. Without proper siege rams in the capital, soldiers hoisted heavy ceremonial cauldrons from the square, using them to batter the palace gates.

Behind the military formation, Grand Tutor Li, wearing his official crane-patterned robes, observed the surging troops. He spoke to a pale, gloomy-faced man in a cloak beside him: “We have our people among the Palace Guards. The gates will break within the burning of an incense stick.”

Qi Min raised his eyes lazily, illness evident in his features. “No movement from the Marquis of Wu’an?”

Grand Tutor Li glanced at him, maintaining his composure despite the implied doubt of House Li’s preparations. “We have turned four commands of the Five Military Commands to our side. The Marquis of Wu’an entered the capital without an army, and his eight hundred personal guards were led away by the Meng woman. Even with his military genius, what waves can Xie Zheng make without troops?”

Qi Min’s expression softened slightly.

Grand Tutor Li smiled faintly. “The Imperial Observatory has also spread the word that the recent droughts and floods are due to disturbances in the dragon veins and improper succession. The common people have long resented Wei Yan’s control over the court. The Crown Prince of Chengde’s reputation remains strong among the people. Your Highness, as his descendant, ascending the throne would fulfill both the people’s wishes and the officials’ desires.”

Qi Min remained silent, his eyes fixed on the illuminated Swallow-Wing Towers in the distance.

The night pressed heavily, making even the palace with its New Year’s red lanterns seem to bow down, as if ready to submit to him.

After seventeen years, he had finally returned to this place.

Qi Min fingered the jade ring on his thumb, his expression faint, but the feeling of having everything within his grasp inflamed his ambition like the torches burning among the palace halls, expanding wildly at this peak of power.

Heaven and Earth, the vast cosmos…

Even the rise and fall of the sun and moon seemed insignificant now—he would soon be Emperor of all under heaven.

The palace gates finally gave way under the relentless battering, and the Five Military Commands’ troops surged into the palace with battle cries. Blood sprayed across the narrow palace corridors.

As Qi Min followed Grand Tutor Li into the palace, he frowned slightly at the fallen Palace Guards, his tone impossible to read as either mockery or genuine question: “After controlling the court for over a decade, is this all Wei Yan can manage?”

The commander who had rushed ahead to capture the young emperor from Taiqian Palace hurried back: “Grand Tutor! There’s no one in Taiqian Palace!”

Both Qi Min and Grand Tutor Li’s expressions changed.

Grand Tutor Li shouted furiously: “Then search the entire palace! Find them!”

Though the commander obeyed, neither Li nor Qi Min could settle their hearts.

Was the palace’s weak defense intentionally drawing them into a trap?

As if confirming their suspicions, the sound of armored troops came from outside the gate. Climbing the Swallow-Wing Tower, they saw nearly two thousand cavalry in the square before the Meridian Gate, each in full armor—far superior to ordinary Five Military Commands soldiers.

A straight-backed, vigorous elder stepped forward from the cavalry formation, his eagle eyes sweeping toward Qi Min and Li on the tower: “Li Xing plots rebellion. Arrest all these traitors!”

Though Grand Tutor Li’s expression was grave, he remained composed, shouting down with authority: “Old dog Wei, do you think your Three Thousand Unit alone can control the Five Military Commands?”

Wei Yan replied: “Of course not, but Grand Tutor Li has never commanded troops and doesn’t know the military maxim ‘warfare prizes deception.'”

Before Li could grasp his meaning, Wei Yan made a gesture. The archers on the tower walls who had been aiming downward suddenly turned their arrows toward Li and Qi Min’s group.

Their guards quickly drew swords, watching the archers nervously, but arrows were indiscriminate, and the situation had reversed too quickly. Even the guards showed signs of panic.

Of the four commands that had pledged loyalty to him, two were Wei Yan’s men! The remaining two commands and Li’s guards looked at each other in confusion.

Grand Tutor Li ground his teeth, staring at Wei Yan with unwilling rage: “These two commands were your men? Since when?”

Wei Yan stood before his troops with his hands behind his back, the cold wind defining his robust figure: “Grand Tutor Li might ask himself—when you couldn’t even protect your grandson, how could you expect others to trust you?”

Grand Tutor Li’s jaw tightened, and despite his attempts to appear strong, his face paled considerably.

Qi Min, who had been silent until now, suddenly clapped and laughed: “Well said, but I wonder if the Prime Minister can maintain the troops’ loyalty when his wife and children are captive?”

Wei Yan raised his eyes coldly toward Qi Min, who showed no fear despite the countless arrows aimed at him, instead curling his lips in amusement.

Outside the cavalry formation came urgent news as a messenger from Wei Manor arrived on horseback: “Prime Minister, the Wei Manor has been attacked! The Madam and Young Master have been taken!”

The messenger’s arm was bleeding, clearly having just survived a fierce battle.

Wei Yan looked again at Qi Min, knowing from their previous encounters that Qi Min commanded a group of shadow guards left by the Crown Prince of Chengde—all skilled warriors who had received the Crown Prince’s favor years ago and followed only Qi Min’s orders.

Many of his elite guards had fallen to those shadow guards.

Few men were visible around Qi Min now—they had been sent to the Wei Manor.

Hearing this, Grand Tutor Li was overjoyed and immediately berated Wei Yan: “Wei Yan, we’ll see if you care for your wife and son! If you can harden your heart to abandon your only son and grasp power like a eunuch, at least you’ll amuse future historians!”

Before Wei Yan could respond, a casual yet chilling voice carried through the cold wind: “The palace is quite… lively tonight.”

Everyone looked toward the back of the military formation. Wei Yan’s cavalry instantly changed formation, pointing their spears toward the group approaching unhurriedly.

Xie Zheng, in his blood-stained dark armor, led several hundred Xie family elite troops and Tang Peiyi’s men, walking toward the official square outside the Meridian Gate as if taking a stroll.

Qi Min, who had maintained his composure even when Wei Yan appeared with the Three Thousand Unit, finally darkened his expression at the sight of Xie Zheng.

He turned to Grand Tutor Li: “Wasn’t he supposed to be trapped at the Xie Manor?”

Grand Tutor Li noticed Tang Peiyi and the troops from Jizhou, saying angrily: “Tang Peiyi must have gone to break the siege. We underestimated these warriors!”

The darkness prevented him from seeing how Xie Zheng and his several hundred elite troops’ armor seemed to have been bathed in blood, allowing him to make such an assessment.

Seeing Qi Min’s increasingly dark expression, he quickly added: “The Emperor’s great-grandson is in Xie Zheng’s hands. He likely wants to use tonight’s chaos to follow Wei Yan’s example from seventeen years ago and place that child on the throne. The outcome is still uncertain!”

Qi Min’s eyes grew dark with hidden thoughts. Suddenly, he called out to Xie Zheng: “Since the Marquis of Wu’an has joined tonight’s excitement, why not ally with me?”

When Xie Zheng didn’t immediately respond, he continued: “Seventeen years ago, my father and General Xie died in Jinzhou. Surely I’m not the only one who wants revenge?”

Xie Zheng lazily raised his eyes. “Does Your Highness know the truth behind the Battle of Jinzhou?”

Qi Min burst into laughter: “How could I not know?”

Pointing at Wei Yan, he declared: “The fall of Jinzhou, the massacre of its citizens, the cession of twelve commanderies in Liaodong to the barbarians—it was all Wei Yan’s scheme to seize the Great Yin throne!”

These words plunged the entire palace into dead silence.

Most present knew nothing of Jinzhou’s true story. Even Grand Tutor Li, who knew bits and pieces, couldn’t help but flinch at Qi Min’s certainty.

The depression that had gripped Great Yin after Jinzhou’s fall had taken over a decade to recover from. If this was truly Wei Yan’s doing, a thousand deaths would be too lenient.

The hatred suppressed in his chest for over a decade finally found its target. Qi Min’s eyes reddened as he sneered at Wei Yan: “Seventeen years ago, you bathed the palace in blood and thought no one would know of your plot to usurp the throne!”

Wei Yan’s face remained impassive, though his eyes turned completely cold. Cutting off Qi Min’s words, he commanded in a deep voice: “Attack.”

Unlike in the prior chapter, this chapter specifically mentions the former Emperor and notes that Bao’er – in Xie Zheng’s custody – is the great-grandson of the late emperor, which is correct.

I genuinely really feel like there’s more to wei yan’s reason with the way he has been acting…or maybe that’s just me grasping at straws

Zhu Yu – Chapter 157

The cavalry beneath the palace walls moved in unison, their dark mass shifting as one. On the Yanchi Tower, the troops from the two camps faced each other, poised for action.

Behind the Wumen Square, the sound of unsheathing blades rang out from the military formation. Wei Yan turned his head slightly, seeing the cold glint of swords reflected in the firelight.

Xie Zheng tugged lightly at the corner of his lips, fingering the reins in his hand. His casual smile carried an overwhelming pressure as he said, “Let him continue.”

Just one step away from the truth, he maintained a composed smile, but his eyes held nothing but endless coldness.

From beyond the crowd came another commotion. A carriage rushed in, its curtains drawn back. The Shadow Guards pushed Wei Xuan and Madam Wei out of the carriage, shouting, “Madam Wei and Wei Xuan are here!”

Atop the city wall, Qi Min’s smile grew more unhinged. His hand, pale to the point of having a faint blue tinge, rested on the cold brick of the wall as he looked at Wei Yan and said, “How convenient that your wife and child are here. I guarantee that if your men take one step forward, their heads will roll!”

Madam Wei and Wei Xuan were both bound tightly, their mouths stuffed with cotton. Madam Wei looked at Wei Yan with fear and guilt in her eyes. She tried to speak but could only make muffled sounds, shaking her head vigorously at him.

Wei Xuan’s eyes were bulging with rage, seemingly at the peak of fury. He had been struggling against his bonds so forcefully that the veins in his neck were protruding. The rope around his neck had chafed his skin raw from the prolonged friction.

When Xie Zheng saw Madam Wei, his cold phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his lips, which had been curled up coldly, pressed down a bit.

Wei Yan’s followers all looked to him for instructions. After a moment of silence, he issued another command: “Storm the city.”

This time, Wei Yan’s trusted subordinates didn’t hesitate. They drew their swords and shouted, “Storm the city!”

In an instant, the troops from the five military camps and two major camps loyal to different masters clashed on the city wall. Below, part of the Three Thousand Camp cavalry charged at the newly barricaded palace gates, while the rest continued to face off against Xie Zheng’s men.

Qi Min made a gesture to the Shadow Guards below from atop the wall. The guard immediately removed the cotton from Wei Xuan’s mouth. Wei Xuan, being extremely strong-willed, was like a rabid hyena with bloodshot eyes. He roared, “If you’ve got the guts, just kill me!”

The Shadow Guard didn’t kill him. Instead, he forced Wei Xuan to kneel, then thrust his blade into his shoulder blade from behind and twisted it violently. Blood immediately soaked through his clothes and gushed out.

Wei Xuan let out an agonizing scream that pierced the eardrums of those nearby.

When the guard withdrew the blade, Wei Xuan could barely kneel. He collapsed to the ground, his face pale and covered in fine sweat from the pain. His dirty hair, matted into clumps, was soaked in the pool of blood from his wound.

After regaining some strength, his lips moved, but he only managed to say, “Kill me…”

Madam Wei was right next to him, controlled by another Shadow Guard. Her mouth was still stuffed with cotton, preventing her from making any sound. She wanted to rush to her son but was held back by the guard’s hand on her shoulder. Her eyes, swollen and red from crying, were on the verge of fainting.

Xie Zheng watched all this with cold eyes, his grip on the halberd tightening slightly.

On the city wall, Qi Min sneered, “The Prime Minister’s heart is truly as hard as iron, not even caring about the life of his son.”

He then turned to look at Madam Wei, who was crying so hard she could barely stand, and said leisurely, “But Madam Wei need not grieve so. After all, killing his child is not something the Prime Minister is doing for the first time.”

This statement was like a stone causing a thousand ripples. Not only was Grand Tutor Li shocked, but even Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened a few shades.

Had Wei Yan had other children before?

Wei Yan, who had been silent until now, suddenly raised his eyes coldly, his voice stern and imposing: “Silence!”

Qi Min’s gaze finally returned to Wei Yan, their eyes meeting across the distance of the city wall. After seventeen years of waiting for revenge, he felt an immense satisfaction in his heart. He chuckled and said, “What is the Prime Minister afraid of? When you were sneaking into Qinghe Palace to have an affair with Consort Su, when you orchestrated the Jinzhou tragedy to protect the bastard in Consort Su’s belly, causing the deaths of my royal father and Sixteenth Uncle, did you not think of this day?”

Compared to Qi Min’s joy at the impending revenge, Wei Yan’s eyes held nothing but killing intent, devoid of any other emotion. He slowly ordered, “Kill everyone present today without exception.”

His trusted aide released a signal flare, its long trail of sparks about to rise into the sky when an arrow shot it down. The sparks exploded among the crowd like a firecracker.

Wei Yan turned to look behind him and saw Xie Zheng sitting on horseback, holding a bow in one hand. His expression was icy, masking a bone-deep hatred as he looked at Wei Yan: “So this is why you killed my parents?”

Qi Min laughed loudly from the city wall: “Killing his sister and brother-in-law? That’s nothing! When the truth was about to come out, the previous emperor wanted to punish Consort Su. Wei Yan set fire to Qinghe Palace, burning Consort Su and her unborn child alive, destroying all evidence!”

He emphasized the last four words heavily.

The fighting at the palace gates seemed to pause for a moment.

Standing in the cold, desolate wind, Wei Yan opened his lips and uttered only one cold word: “Kill.”

The three factions clashed again. Seeing that Wei Yan truly didn’t seem to care about the lives of Madam Wei and Wei Xuan, a fierce look flashed across Qi Min’s face. He shouted to the Shadow Guards below, “Since Prime Minister Wei is so cold-blooded, send Madam Wei and Young Master Wei to hell first!”

When Wei Xuan heard Qi Min reveal the truth, he lay in the pool of blood, staring unblinkingly at Wei Yan’s distant profile. His facial muscles were tense, but bloodshot eyes still welled up with tears that rolled down his cheeks and fell into the blood beneath him.

As the Shadow Guard’s blade fell, he didn’t even want to struggle anymore.

Only Madam Wei was still shaking her head and crying, looking at him as if trying to say something but unable to due to the gag in her mouth.

As the blade swung toward Madam Wei, Xie Zheng swept his halberd, sending that Shadow Guard flying back several meters.

The blade aimed at Wei Xuan was blocked by Wei Manor’s death squad members who appeared out of nowhere.

Seven or eight signal flares rose into the night sky simultaneously. Even if someone wanted to shoot them down with arrows, it was impossible to stop them all.

The Central Army Camp and Right Wing Camp were still under the Li family’s control, with the Central Army Camp’s strength equal to two camps. Although Wei Yan had the support of the other two camps from the Five Army Camps, as well as the Imperial Guards and the Three Thousand Camp, there was still Xie Zheng and Tang Peiyi’s formidable force to contend with below the city. The three factions were barely able to keep each other in check.

But when a massive explosion suddenly sounded from within the Imperial Palace, dozens of Central Army Camp soldiers were blown away by the artillery fire. Everyone realized that the balance of this game had completely tipped in Wei Yan’s favor.

The Imperial Guards’ insider who had been bribed by Grand Tutor Li had already had his throat slit. Li looked at the artillery and military equipment that the Imperial Guards’ commander was pulling out from the palace, his hand pointing at Wei Yan trembling slightly: “You… you had already moved the Divine Machine Camp’s weapons into the palace?”

Snow fell heavily as Wei Yan stood on the Wumen Imperial Road, which was as bright as day from the fires. He let the cold wind blow through his wide sleeves, making them flutter: “If I hadn’t used the Divine Machine Camp as bait, how could I have lured you all to fight over it?”

Qi Min’s hand, supporting him on the wall, clenched until his knuckles turned white. He gritted his teeth and glared coldly at Wei Yan below, his expression grim.

Tang Peiyi and the others’ faces also darkened. He asked Xie Zheng, “Marquis, Fan General went to the Western Garden. Could she have fallen into Wei Yan’s trap?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer. His eyes roiled with killing intent. Suddenly, he let out a cold shout, yanked on the reins, and charged directly at Wei Yan with his halberd raised. The wind from his passing horse choked Tang Peiyi.

He hurriedly ordered the officers around him to follow and provide cover, then said to He Xiuyun, “Nephew, stay here with the Marquis and me to deal with Wei Yan. You quickly lead some men to the Western Garden to assist Chang Yu!”

He Xiuyun had just knocked a cavalry officer off his horse. His neatly tied long hair had come loose, making him look a bit disheveled. He took a moment to reply, “If Wei Yan has truly set a trap in the Western Garden, sending more people won’t help. The only way to save General Fan and the others is to take down Wei Yan!”

Tang Peiyi looked at Xie Zheng, who was fighting like a god of war, forcing several of Wei Yan’s generals to retreat. He slapped his horse’s rump and said, “Then I’ll go assist the Marquis!”

A golden mace swept in from the side. Tang Peiyi hurriedly leaned back, almost lying flat on his horse’s back to dodge the strike. Immediately after, another heavy mace fell, aiming for Tang Peiyi’s waist. He quickly raised his spear horizontally to block, but the impact left both his hands and arms numb and tingling.

“General!”

He Xiuyun saw Tang Peiyi’s predicament from a distance. The white-tasseled spearhead twirled in the air before thrusting towards the attacker’s vital point. The opponent raised his mace to block, giving Tang Peiyi a chance to spur his horse away and regroup with He Xiuyun.

He spat on the ground, still shaken: “Damn, who is this guy? I’ve been in the army for decades and never seen anyone like him.”

The man deflected He Xiuyun’s spear thrust with his mace, then struck the spear shaft again. He Xiuyun and his horse were forced back several steps by the impact. His numbed fingers loosened and then re-gripped the spear shaft as he said, “He’s a tough one.”

The man across from them just smiled: “He Jingyuan’s son? Your skills are far inferior to your father’s.”

He Xiuyun demanded, “You knew my father? Who exactly are you?”

The man coldly replied, “Dead men don’t need to remember my name, and the son of that traitor He Jingyuan is even less worthy of knowing it.”

He Xiuyun’s jaw clenched. Angered, he spurred his horse forward and charged at the man with his spear: “My father devoted his life to the people! What right does Wei Yan’s dog have to judge him? After I kill you, I’ll slay Wei Yan to avenge my father!”

The man merely tilted his head slightly to avoid He Xiuyun’s spear thrust. His mace swung up, striking He Xiuyun’s arm. He Xiuyun felt as if his arm bones were about to shatter and let out a muffled groan. The opponent then rammed his horse into He Xiuyun’s mount while simultaneously striking He Xiuyun’s abdomen with his mace.

It felt as if all his internal organs had ruptured from that single blow. He Xiuyun coughed up a spray of blood as he was sent flying off his horse.

“Nephew!”

Tang Peiyi’s eyes bulged as he roared, charging at the man again. However, he too was quickly knocked off his horse by a swing of the mace.

The man on horseback looked down at Tang Peiyi and He Xiuyun, sneering, “Revenge? What revenge? If it weren’t for the Prime Minister rescuing He Jingyuan from among the disaster victims, he’d still be fighting with wild dogs for a bowl of rotten porridge in the snow. How could he have today’s glory?”

He Xiuyun, clutching his agonizing abdomen, glared at him hatefully and managed to say, “This… debt of gratitude… my father repaid by serving Wei Yan loyally for most of his life. What right… did Wei Yan have to kill my father?”

The man on horseback laughed coldly: “Because if He Jingyuan were still alive, your He family wouldn’t be gaining titles and promotions now, but would instead be thrown into prison by imperial decree!”

Not wanting to waste more words, he raised his mace to end He Xiuyun’s life. A dull thud of heavy weapons clashing rang through the air.

A long halberd engraved with the pattern of a qiongqi beast had intercepted the golden mace.

The man looked up at the cold-faced young man on horseback who had blocked his weapon with one hand. He grinned, “The young Marquis’s martial skills have improved quite a bit over the years. You haven’t disgraced General Xie’s name.”

Hearing Wei Yan’s man mention Xie Linshan, Xie Zheng’s eyes seemed to conceal an ice-cold blade, but he didn’t spare the man a single glance. He only instructed Tang Peiyi, “Take him away.”

Both Tang Peiyi and He Xiuyun were injured, knowing they couldn’t be of much help here. They supported each other as they retreated to a safer place.

The man withdrew his mace that Xie Zheng had blocked, flexing his wrist. His smiling eyes held a knife-edge’s sharp killing intent: “Wei Sheng may be unworthy, but I was the Marquis’s martial arts instructor for a few years. Today, I’ll show the Marquis what I can do.”

He was one of the oldest death squads following Wei Yan, having been granted the Wei surname long ago.

As he finished speaking, his golden mace activated some hidden mechanism, transforming into a nine-section golden whip. Iron chains connected each section of the golden whip, lashing out at Xie Zheng like a venomous snake’s tongue.

Xie Zheng coldly watched the golden python-like whip approach, not even raising his halberd to block. Only when it was about to reach his face did he sidestep, simultaneously reaching out like lightning to grab a section of the golden whip.

Wei Sheng pulled hard, realizing he was evenly matched with Xie Zheng in strength. He showed no surprise, instead smiling at Xie Zheng.

In the next instant, numerous golden barbs sprouted from the joints of the whip. Xie Zheng’s hand, gripping the golden whip, was instantly covered in blood.

The nine-section whip was known for its viciousness among weapons, with many using it as a hidden weapon. Wei Sheng’s version, improved from a golden mace, was even more lethal.

He said nonchalantly, “The last lesson I’ll teach the Marquis is that rules only apply to those who follow them. For those who don’t, talking about rules and morality is just a joke.”

On the city wall, with the Imperial Guards’ firearms suppressing them, the two camps under Grand Tutor Li and Qi Min quickly lost ground.

Seeing that Xie Zheng wasn’t faring well against Wei Yan below, Qi Min’s Shadow Guard immediately said, “Your Highness, we’ll escort you out! As long as the green hills remain, there’s no fear of having no firewood!”

Years of effort were destroyed in a day, and who knew when they could rise again?

Qi Min gritted his teeth, squeezing out a word filled with hatred: “Retreat!”

But retreat was almost impossible. The Five Army Camps’ two divisions and the Imperial Guards blocked the palace gates on both sides, while the Three Thousand Camp cavalry waited outside the palace walls.

Qi Min’s guards fell one by one. Even with skilled Shadow Guards clearing the way, progress was extremely difficult.

Grand Tutor Li was left behind. The man who had maintained a poker face in court for over a decade now looked pale and flustered as he called out, “Your Highness!”

Qi Min only looked back once before continuing with his Shadow Guards.

As a cannonball shot from a cannon flew over the long palace gate corridor, heading straight for Qi Min’s group, he felt the world was full of clamor, yet he couldn’t hear anything.

His most loyal Shadow Guard shouted something and pushed him aside. Qi Min didn’t even feel the pain as his back hit the cold, hard city bricks. The explosion of the cannon nearly burst his eardrums, leaving a ringing in his ears for a long time.

When he was pulled up to continue running, Qi Min looked back. He glimpsed the huge crater left by the cannon, blackened and charred. Several bricks from the city wall had been blasted apart. Several of the Shadow Guards who had been protecting him earlier were already dead.

Half of Grand Tutor Li’s face had been blown off, but his intact half still stared in Qi Min’s direction with open eyes.

Countless arrows were still raining down, dense as a large net.

There’s no escape… Qi Min thought despairingly.

Suddenly, his mind flashed back to the day when the Eastern Palace was engulfed in flames. His mother pressed his face forcefully towards a charcoal brazier, crying as she told him, “Wenmin, this is the only way you can survive…”

Seventeen years ago, he had to have half his face burned to barely survive. Today, seventeen years later, what would he have to sacrifice to live on?

When an arrow pierced his chest, he stumbled. Under the alarmed gaze of his Shadow Guards, he slowly knelt, supporting himself against the cold palace wall. Blood spilled from his mouth, but he was surprisingly calm.

He laughed hoarsely, “I prided myself on being a master schemer, but I never thought I’d still fall short before this ruthless old dog of the Wei family.”

The Shadow Guard leader cut off the arrow protruding from his back and said, “As long as we draw breath, we’ll get Your Highness out of here!”

Qi Min just shook his head lightly. Sitting against the wall, the sounds of battle below gradually became clearer. He turned his head to look down through the carved stone railings and saw Xie Zheng surrounded by Wei Sheng and over a dozen of Wei’s death squad members. He laughed self-mockingly, “My royal father and Xie Linshan died in Jinzhou. Who would have thought that seventeen years later, I and Xie Zheng would still die together at the hands of this old dog Wei Yan.”

The golden hooks hidden in Wei Sheng’s whip had barbs. If forcibly pulled out, they would tear off a large chunk of flesh and skin.

The fingers are connected to the heart, and Xie Zheng’s face paled somewhat, but he didn’t even let out a muffled groan. The coldness and killing intent in his eyes intensified, and his grip on the golden whip seemed to tighten even more.

A hint of surprise finally appeared in Wei Sheng’s eyes. But before he could make another move, Xie Zheng had already wrapped the golden whip around his hand and pulled hard. Caught off guard, Wei Sheng was yanked from his horse, stumbling towards Xie Zheng.

However, Wei Sheng was an old hand. His other golden mace quickly activated its mechanism, transforming into a whip that lashed directly at Xie Zheng’s neck.

Being caught around the neck by this nine-section whip with its hidden golden hooks and barbs would mean certain death.

Just as Xie Zheng raised his halberd to block it, another of Wei’s death squad members charged at him with a sword. Xie Zheng’s halberd was still entangled with Wei Sheng’s golden whip. He swung it forcefully, making Wei Sheng let go, then used the halberd’s blade to block the other’s sword.

With just one hand, he forced the opponent, who was gripping his sword with both hands, unable to press down even an inch further.

All this happened in the blink of an eye. Wei Sheng, having lost his other golden whip, seized the opportunity. Grabbing the golden whip that Xie Zheng was still holding, he swung towards him like a pendulum, his other hand forming a claw aimed at Xie Zheng’s throat.

This seemed to be a deadly situation, but no one expected Xie Zheng to suddenly release his grip on the whip. The half-inch-long barbs dug deep into his palm. As he abruptly let go, the barbs, under Wei Sheng’s full weight, tore his entire palm to shreds.

Yet Xie Zheng used that bloodied hand to accurately lock onto Wei Sheng’s throat, lifting him with one hand.

So much skin and flesh had been torn away that the blood-stained fingernails were almost visible through the flowing blood. His face still showed no sign of pain, his eyes even holding a trace of casual coldness: “A lowly thing made by a lowly person, nothing more than this.”

Nearby, Wei Yan’s trusted aide watched this scene and couldn’t help but feel a chill. He swallowed and looked towards Wei Yan: “Prime Minister, look…”

Wei Yan’s cold, stern gaze rested on Xie Zheng for a long time before he said, “Shoot.”

The aide glanced at Wei Yan again, not daring to execute the order immediately.

Wei Yan still didn’t move his gaze. Standing there with his hands behind his back, he was as cold and hard as a stone, a piece of steel. He said coldly, “Raised him for over a decade, only to become a brash warrior with no strategy. Daring to come and attempt a coup with just these few men, he should have been prepared to lose his head.”

A short arrow shot out from the middle, heading straight for Xie Zheng’s back.

With a crisp “ding,” that short arrow was deflected by another arrow.

At the end of the long street, the sound of galloping hooves thundered. The female general riding at the front had blood-soaked robes, holding a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other, not even gripping the reins. Her eyes were as fierce as a tiger’s: “Despicable old thief!”

The heavy snow had stopped at some point, and a faint red glow could be seen on the misty horizon.

Dawn was breaking.

Fan Changyu’s hair, flying in the cold wind, seemed to shine with brilliance as dazzling and intense as the morning glow.

Xie Zheng turned his head to meet her gaze from afar. Both had been through more than one bloody battle, their faces stained with undried blood. Their fierce gazes only softened slightly when they met each other’s eyes.

Wei Yan looked at Fan Changyu galloping towards them, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. After a moment of silence, he continued to order, “Shoot.”

This time it wasn’t just one arrow, but a swarm of arrows like a disturbed beehive. Fan Changyu on horseback was almost biting her jaw to the point of bleeding.

Too many! She couldn’t block them all!

Fortunately, Xie Zheng was prepared this time. He threw Wei Sheng aside, swung his halberd to sweep away the death squad member, and blocked the dense rain of arrows.

Wei Sheng, thrown aside by Xie Zheng, recovered and picked up a long sword from the ground, stabbing toward Xie Zheng’s back. Fan Changyu was anxious beyond measure. She was still several zhang away from Xie Zheng and reached back for an arrow, but her quiver was empty. She could only shout, “Watch out!”

“Thud—”

It was the sound of a sharp weapon piercing flesh, blood gushing out in spurts.

But it wasn’t Xie Zheng who was stabbed.

Wei Xuan looked down at the bloody sword that had pierced his chest, then raised his head to look at Xie Zheng. He grinned, his face showing his usual arrogant and contemptuous expression: “I’ve been… been your brother for… for over ten years but I… I never saw you as a brother. Today… today is no different. This… this sword is to repay… repay the debt for saving my mother.”

With these words, he fell to his knees, spitting blood. His gaze, however, was fixed on Wei Yan, full of the resentment and grievance of a son.

Madam Wei, who had just been untied by Wei Yan’s men, stared blankly at this scene. This time she didn’t even cry out but fainted directly.

Wei Yan’s expression remained as cold and hard as ever, his eyes seemingly not even rippling with the slightest emotion.

Wei Sheng, realizing Wei Xuan had died by his hand, was stunned for a moment. The archers in the distance looked at each other, arrows still nocked, but as Wei Yan didn’t give any further orders, they didn’t dare to continue shooting.

Xie Zheng quietly looked at Wei Xuan kneeling before him. He half-squatted down, supporting himself with his halberd, and used his mangled hand to close Wei Xuan’s eyes.

Fan Changyu practically tumbled off her horse. She glanced at Xie Zheng, her previous fury and fear not yet subsided. She immediately raised her blade and swung it at Wei Sheng, roaring, “Die, you despicable wretch!”

With her extraordinary strength, she wielded the blade taller than herself, using broad, sweeping moves. Wei Sheng, still in shock from Wei Xuan’s death and without a proper weapon in hand, lost the initiative and found himself constantly on the defensive, forced to retreat repeatedly.

Being a death squad member for the longest is…not an advantage when you’re talking about battles. Experience is good, but age inevitably catches up. After decades, men who were elite soldiers are going to slow down and accumulate injuries that weaken them. Particularly when their lives are constantly being thrown away. If not constantly replaced, it’s a wonder Qi Min has any men left from his father’s men…and that they’re still loyal to him.

Qi Min had numerous plot armor towards the story

Qí Min si fue una cucaracha dura de matar…

I love the contrasting brotherhood here and how different they both turned out:
Xie Zheng & Wei Xuan vs Qi Min & Sui Yuanqing

Qi Min & Sui Yuanqing
– Raised as brothers and QM was cherished well by SYQ as an older brother
– QM wanted revenge for what happened 17 yrs ago
– QM killed SYQ’s mother
– SYQ vowed for revenge but SYQ couldn’t kill QM at the last second and was killed by QM instead

Xie Zheng & Wei Xuan
– Supposed to be raised as brothers, but WX bullied XZ instead, leading to a bad relationship between them (WX animosity mostly caused by WY’s neglect)
– XZ wanted revenge for what happened 17 yrs ago
– XZ saved WX’s mother
– WY saved XZ by taking a deadly stab for him

Both XZ and QM are schemers.
Both their parents died 17 yrs ago because of WY.
And yet, they turned out so differently.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 158

As Shen Shen arrived with the troops of the Left Wing Camp, he dismounted and called out, “Jiuheng!” to Xie Zheng.

Slightly out of breath, he surveyed the current situation and said with a grim expression, “The firearms of the Divine Machine Camp aren’t in the Western Garden!”

After engaging with both the Divine Machine Camp and the Right Wing Army sent by Grand Tutor Li, his Left Wing troops had lost nearly half their strength. Coming to support Xie Zheng now was truly risking their lives.

“I know,” Xie Zheng replied, rising to his feet. His gaze swept over the corpse-strewn, blood-soaked ground before meeting Wei Yan’s eyes.

His expression at that moment was indescribable—cold, calm, and indifferent.

As daylight burst forth, howling north winds whipped up waves of snow. The glow from the clouds in the east cast a golden-red hue over half the imperial city. Standing there with his halberd, half his face splattered with blood and illuminated by the dawn’s golden light, he looked as beautiful as a deity, yet surrounded by an aura as fierce as a war god.

Wei Yan silently returned his gaze for a moment before looking at the Left Wing troops behind him. With the air of someone in control of the situation, he asked calmly, “Do you think adding one Left Wing Camp can turn the tide today?”

Xie Zheng raised his head casually and sneered, “Whether it can or not, we have to try to know.”

He smiled faintly and added, “This Marquis is curious, though. The Prime Minister doesn’t even care about his own son’s life. For which bastard son is he fighting for this position?”

Wei Yan’s austere phoenix eyes instantly frosted over with a layer of cold anger. He berated, “Outrageous!”

Xie Zheng’s smile, not reaching his eyes, turned extremely cold as he raised his halberd, pointing it directly at Wei Yan. “You have no right to lecture this Marquis!”

Wei Yan, seemingly enraged by Xie Zheng, didn’t immediately order his death squad to act. Instead, he shouted coldly, “Bring me a blade!”

Soon, a crescent blade about eight feet long was brought forth. The blade was ancient in appearance, and where the blade met the hilt, there was an engraving of a blackened azure dragon. At first glance, the blade seemed to be shrouded in a layer of black mist, quite terrifying.

The long blade, which required two soldiers to carry, Wei Yan lifted with one hand. His wide sleeves caught the wind, his bearing no less impressive than those old generals who had fought on battlefields.

From afar, when He Xiuyun saw Wei Yan lift the crescent blade with one hand, his face looked as if he had seen a ghost. He turned to Tang Peiyi and asked, “Uncle Tang, does Wei Yan know martial arts?”

Tang Peiyi replied with a somewhat peculiar expression, “He should. In his early years, he was as renowned as General Xie and even guarded the Northern Court. But by the time I enlisted, Lord He was already in charge under him, and he had taken the path of a civil official. I never heard about his martial arts skills.”

Meanwhile, after lifting the crescent blade with one hand, Wei Yan looked at Xie Zheng with a cold, austere gaze. “This old man who taught you can certainly discipline you!”

Xie Zheng watched as the man dragging the long blade charged towards him. He stood motionless, but his eyes revealed a hint of cold hatred. As his fingers tightened around the halberd, the fresh blood from his palm, where a large chunk of skin had been scraped off, dyed a section of the halberd shaft red.

In the past, he had received instruction from Wei Sheng alongside Wei Xuan and the newly selected death squad members and had also been guided by Wei Yan.

In terms of martial arts alone, his later fighting style was greatly influenced by Wei Yan. Wei Yan’s moves were all about delivering fatal blows, never wasting a single move.

As the crescent blade was about to strike a vital point, Xie Zheng forcefully clashed his halberd against it.

Sparks flew as the blade’s edge met the halberd’s side blades. Wei Yan spun around, his backhand swing of the blade striking the halberd shaft. Xie Zheng’s whip-like kick met Wei Yan’s blocking elbow, sending snow flying from the ground.

Their moves were so swift that they were almost imperceptible to the naked eye.

The contest between the two was direct and forceful, simply a matter of who could strike faster and harder.

The personal guards of both the Wei and Xie families stood on either side, watching the battle with intense focus.

When Xie Zheng’s halberd nearly swept across Wei Yan’s neck, Tang Peiyi slapped his thigh and shouted, “Well struck! Cut down that old villain!”

Beside him, Fan Changyu, who was entangled in combat with Wei Sheng, let out a fierce roar. Her blade, capable of shattering gold and breaking jade, came down in a horizontal slash. Even though Wei Sheng managed to block it with one of his golden maces in time, the immense force still sent him staggering back several steps, his hand splitting open, in an utterly wretched state.

Tang Peiyi felt as if the stagnant blood that had been clogging his chest due to his earlier injury was no longer as uncomfortable. He wanted nothing more than to grab a blade and join the fray himself, shouting, “Keep chopping at him, niece Changyu!”

His extreme excitement nearly caused him to cough up blood, alarming the personal guards around him. He Xiuyun also raised his hand to pat Tang Peiyi’s back and help him catch his breath.

The weight of the Mo blade in Fan Changyu’s hand was not light. After that powerful slash, she almost didn’t have the strength for a second strike. But she spun on the spot, using the momentum of her body, and with a long cry, she managed to bring the blade down forcefully once again.

Wei Sheng, ignoring his split palm, continued to block with his golden mace. This time, however, there was a sharp sound of metal breaking.

The Mo blade had cleaved the improved golden mace into two pieces. If it weren’t for two of Wei’s household death squad members who sprang forward and knelt on the ground, using their swords to block the remaining force of the Mo blade, Wei Sheng would have been split in half by Fan Changyu’s strike.

After this slash, Fan Changyu was also somewhat exhausted, standing in place and leaning on her blade handle to catch her breath.

Xie Shiyi and his men stood behind Fan Changyu, glaring vigilantly at the two Wei household death squad members opposite them, ready to fight to the end if they dared to make another move.

Wei Sheng spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. As he was being supported by the Wei household death squad, he looked at Fan Changyu and asked, “Wei Qilin’s offspring?”

He shook off the support of the death squad members, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, and said, “You’re indeed more formidable than your old man. The Prime Minister shouldn’t have spared the lives of you sisters back then.”

The ferocity in Fan Changyu’s eyes hadn’t subsided. She stared at him coldly and said, “Heaven’s net is wide-meshed, but lets nothing through. What Wei Yan owes to my parents, to my maternal grandfather, and to the tens of thousands of soldiers who died tragically in Jinzhou, must be repaid!”

The early sun rose behind her, its brilliant light so dazzling that it was hard to keep one’s eyes open.

Upon hearing her mention Meng Shuyuan, Wei Sheng suddenly fell silent.

On the other side, after several exchanges, Wei Yan also began to show signs of fatigue in his battle with Xie Zheng.

He was getting on in years, and in this pure test of strength and endurance, his body was finally giving out.

Xie Zheng’s attacks, on the other hand, were becoming increasingly fierce. His long halberd darted about like a flower in bloom, thrusting and parrying around Wei Yan with the force of ten thousand pounds, forcing Wei Yan to retreat and defend passively.

The Wei household death squad wanted to rush forward to rescue him, but they couldn’t find an opening to squeeze in.

Xie Zheng seemed to be filled with hatred, his jaw clenched tightly, yet he still managed a cold smile, his eyes full of mockery. “Discipline? Who are you disciplining for? For my father, whom you had killed in Jinzhou? Or for my mother, whom you drove to her death?”

Accompanying his final question was a powerful thrust.

In the shadow of his disheveled hair, whether from the cold wind or not, his eyes seemed to have reddened slightly.

The long halberd plunged deep into the hard granite of the Wumen Square. Wei Yan rolled clumsily on the ground, barely avoiding that fatal thrust.

The death squad members hurriedly helped Wei Yan to his feet, retreating several steps while eyeing Xie Zheng warily.

The cold wind choked his lungs. Supported by his trusted aide, Wei Yan coughed heartrendingly before raising his eyes to look at Xie Zheng. “Mere brute force. This old man can’t match you now, but if you think you can settle things tonight with just brute force, that’s laughable!”

As he finished speaking, archers on the city wall and below all aimed their crossbows at Xie Zheng and his group. The Jinwu Guard even rolled out several large cannons and positioned them on the city platform.

Shen Shen’s expression changed. He immediately ordered the Left Wing Camp archers to draw their bows, but they were vastly outnumbered. It was almost like a desperate struggle of trapped beasts.

Wei Yan gazed at Xie Zheng from afar. For a moment, there was iron and blood in his eyes, but also a hint of world-weariness.

Tang Peiyi, half-lying on the ground, said to He Xiuyun, “That old villain infuriates me! If we hadn’t been guarding the frontier all this time and had no influence in the capital, how could he speak such nonsense!”

He Xiuyun coughed twice, sharing the sense of a hero’s last stand, and said, “General Shen is truly heroic!”

Knowing that Wei Yan had the Divine Machine Camp’s firearms, yet still bringing the remnants of his troops to help, this courage alone was admirable.

Tang Peiyi said, “If we die here today, at least we’ll have the company of heroes on the road to the underworld. How delightful!”

Fan Changyu looked at the dark cannon muzzles and countless glinting arrowheads on the city wall. At this moment, her heart was unexpectedly calm. She turned her head to look at Xie Zheng.

The early sun and the firelight from the city wall intertwined on his face, covered with traces of fresh blood and smoke, stern and resolute. It was the most handsome she had ever seen him.

Upon discovering that the Western Garden was Wei Yan’s trap, she already knew what she would face by rushing here.

She wasn’t afraid of death; she just couldn’t accept it. Couldn’t accept that they had lost like this!

And there was also some… reluctance.

The elders always said that after death, one must cross the Bridge of Helplessness, and drink Meng Po’s soup to forget everything from this life before being reincarnated.

As she walked over to stand shoulder to shoulder with Xie Zheng, without turning her head, she passed an object soaked with fresh blood from her palm into his hand.

Xie Zheng noticed and turned his head slightly to look at her, but Fan Changyu didn’t look back. She only said softly, “Xie Zheng, do you believe in reincarnation?”

“I don’t believe in ghosts and gods,” he replied, his voice deep and slow.

Fan Changyu continued to look straight ahead at the opposing imperial troops, chatting with him as if they were having a casual conversation. “I didn’t believe either, but after my parents passed away, I started to want to believe.”

She paused, then said in an extremely soft voice, “If there is a next life, come find me.”

Xie Zheng suddenly turned his head, staring at Fan Changyu with a look that only he understood.

On this clear day after the snow, the newly risen sun was not yet warm. The morning breeze carried the scent of gunpowder and ice. As everything fell silent, only the sound of the burning Yanchi Tower, which had been bombarded earlier, could be heard.

In this deathly silence, hearts were pounding loudly.

He said, seemingly out of nowhere, “This old fellow probably doesn’t have any more tricks up his sleeve, so let’s not waste time with him.”

Before Fan Changyu could react to the meaning of his words, a signal flare had already risen into the sky from Xie Zheng’s hand.

Everyone present was momentarily stunned by his sudden action.

Xie Zheng glanced coldly at Wei Yan: “The Prime Minister sits high in the imperial court, unrivaled in manipulating power, but in military strategy, he’s perhaps still a step behind.”

A muffled sound of armor clashing came from afar, vast and mighty like the tide of the sea.

As everyone turned to look, they saw a great army bearing the “Xie” banner surging like a tidal wave from several long streets outside the Wumen Gate towards the square below. The Jinwu Guards standing on the city wall had a higher vantage point and a broader view. Seeing the seemingly endless troops on those long streets, their faces turned pale almost instantly.

And this was just the visible army. Who knew how many more were blocked at the outer city gate, unable to enter? This was truly a force of thousands upon thousands!

Shen Shen’s worry turned to joy as he looked at Xie Zheng: “Jiuheng, you were prepared all along?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer, but an elegant man in a brocade white robe and snow-white fox fur emerged from the troops, fanning himself with a feather fan. Upon seeing Xie Zheng, his first words were: “I waited half the night for your signal, thinking you might have been wiped out inside the city!”

He then gave a slight bow with his fan to Shen Shen: “Brother Shen, it’s been many years since we last met.”

Despite his disheveled appearance, Shen Shen couldn’t help but smile: “Brother Gong Sun!”

Xie Zheng gave Gong Sun Yin a faint glance: “You were just eager to enter the city and watch the excitement, weren’t you?”

Gong Sun Yin wasn’t offended by Xie Zheng’s retort. He bowed again to Fan Changyu: “General Fan.”

Fan Changyu was both surprised and delighted: “Mr. Gong Sun? You’ve been outside the city all along?”

Tang Peiyi, He Xiuyun, and the others were also shocked beyond measure.

Tang Peiyi immediately burst into laughter: “I knew our Marquis was a military genius! How could he possibly be defeated by that old villain Wei Yan!”

He shouted at Wei Yan: “Old villain, tell your men to surrender immediately!”

He Xiuyun was also smiling, though his injuries were more severe, and smiling caused pain throughout his body, so he had to restrain his laughter.

Gong Sun Yin nodded slightly to Fan Changyu. Seeing the blood on her face and body, he raised an eyebrow and said: “It seems there was a fierce battle in the city last night.”

As the army continued to pour towards the square below like a tide, their side was chatting and laughing, but the Jinwu Guards and the Five Armies soldiers on the city wall were in a dire situation. Even though they still held their bows and crossbows, their faces were filled with fear.

This was no longer just a matter of numerical disparity. A group of capital troops who had only trained in the outskirts of Beijing, facing the Xie family army that had drunk the blood of barbarians on the northwestern battlefield – there was no need for actual combat. Just this distant face-off was enough for the killing intent emanating from the thousands of troops below to intimidate them.

The advisors accompanying Wei Yan also looked desperate, but Wei Yan alone remained calm, quietly gazing at Xie Zheng’s back through the crowd.

Xie Zheng’s face was cold and resolute. He surveyed the East and West Yanchi Towers and spoke in a deep voice: “Listen, all soldiers who have followed Li and Wei in rebellion! Those who lay down their arms and surrender will be treated leniently. Those who stubbornly resist will all be charged with treason!”

His voice, clear as ringing gold and shattering jade, echoed throughout Wumen Square.

Anyone could see that Wei Yan’s situation was hopeless.

A Jinwu Guard threw down his sword, which clattered on the stone tiles. Then, the sound of weapons falling to the ground began to ring out one after another, like beads on a broken string – once the first one fell, the rest couldn’t be held back.

In an instant, the only ones still supporting Wei Yan in Wumen Square were the death squad nurtured by the Wei household.

Gong Sun Yin lightly fanned himself and said: “Prime Minister, you’ve held high office for a long time. You should know best what it means to go with the flow. Given the current situation, do you still want to struggle in vain?”

Wei Yan looked at Xie Zheng, his eyes filled with complex emotions. In the end, he only said: “I underestimated you.”

Xie Zheng coldly returned his gaze without speaking.

As the army surrounding Wei Yan and his group tightened their encirclement, the death squad members around him drew their weapons, intending to fight their way out. However, Wei Yan calmly raised his hand, stopping their action.

The people around him called out: “Prime Minister!”

Wei Yan only said: “This old man made a miscalculation and lost the entire game.”

As the Iron Guard escorted Wei Yan and the remnants of Li’s faction to the imperial prison, the uncle and nephew almost brushed shoulders, but neither said another word.

When one mountain falls, another will rise.

The golden light of the rising sun flooded the imperial city. Below, soldiers began to treat the wounded and clear the battlefield. Injured generals like Tang Peiyi and He Xiuyun were also carried to the nearby Imperial Medical Institute for treatment.

The bloodshed and chaos of the night seemed to fade in the hazy dawn. Only the scorched marks on the ground and towers that had been bombarded by artillery remained, like scars carved into the magnificent imperial city.

Xie Zheng stood silently in this world, his long eyelashes slightly lowered, lost in thought.

At the edge of the sky were auspicious morning clouds. The wind seemed to have softened, blowing the loose strands of hair by Fan Changyu’s ears. She turned her head to look at Xie Zheng: “Does this mean we’ve won?”

Xie Zheng gave a soft “mm” in response, raising his eyes to look at the wounded yet majestic towers and palaces before him. A layer of sunlight fell on his thick, long eyelashes, leaving only his eyes still profound.

Everything had settled.

Gong Sun Yin walked over casually and asked: “How will Wei Yan be dealt with?”

Xie Zheng answered: “Keep him locked up for now.”

He no longer had the heart to stay here. The fatigue from a night of fighting washed over him. He tightly held one of Fan Changyu’s hands and said to Gong Sun Yin: “I’ll leave this place to you.”

Gong Sun Yin looked at his blood-covered body and, unusually magnanimous, agreed: “Alright, I’ll take care of things here. With all your injuries, you should quickly go back and see a doctor.”

Xie Shiyi cleverly found a carriage. Xie Zheng pulled Fan Changyu’s hand and boarded the carriage. Most of the people present had already left, and not many noticed them. Even those who did notice were under Xie Zheng’s command and dared not speak or look too much.

Fan Changyu sometimes seemed to react half a beat slower. Even after getting into the carriage, she was still asking: “Mr. Gong Sun probably brought about twenty thousand troops. You said yesterday that he could set out, but Mr. Gong Sun can’t enter the capital so quickly with such a large army in just one day. They must have been near the capital early on. Was this the thing you said earlier that you couldn’t tell me about?”

Xie Eleven drove the carriage quickly. As the carriage jolted, the curtains swayed, and sunlight shone into the carriage. Fan Changyu was in a disheveled state, but under her long eyelashes, which were rimmed with a faint golden light, her eyes appeared even more pure and clear.

Xie Zheng propped himself up with one hand beside her, silently looking at her, his eyes deep and dark. Instead of answering, he raised the object in his hand and asked Fan Changyu: “What is this?”

Fan Changyu looked at the thing in his hand, soaked with fresh blood, and only now felt embarrassed. Fortunately, her face was already dirty with blood and sweat stains, so the heat rising to her face could be concealed.

She coughed lightly and turned her face away, saying: “Hair.”

Xie Zheng’s breathing became heavier for some reason as he stared at her unblinkingly.

Fan Changyu felt as if his gaze could burn a hole in her temple. She pressed her lips together, remembering her state of mind when she cut that lock of hair and felt a bit bitter. As if giving up all pretense, she said: “I heard that only by tying hair together can one become husband and wife. After discovering the trap in the Western Garden, I thought going back to find you would likely be a journey of certain death, so I cut a lock of hair. We’ve bowed to heaven and earth, even though it was fake, but we haven’t tied our hair together. If this life was only going to be this long, tying a bit of hair together would at least mean we had been husband and wife.”

Xie Zheng’s heavy breath fell on Fan Changyu’s cheek as he asked in a deep voice: “Knowing it was almost certain death, you still came back to find me. Weren’t you afraid?”

Fan Changyu said: “Of course I was afraid, but my enemy was there, and you were there too. How could I not go?”

She raised her hand to touch his face, still feeling a lingering fear as she thought of the cold arrows Wei Yan had ordered to be shot: “Fortunately, I went.”

Xie Zheng wanted to say that he would have been fine even if she hadn’t come, that he had sent her away from the battlefield in the palace precisely because he didn’t want her to be in danger. His standoff with Wei Yan had reached that point because he feared Wei Yan or Qi Min might have another move that would ruin everything. But at this moment, he couldn’t say anything.

His heart felt so full it was almost painful, yet it also felt numb as if soaking in warm springs. He lowered his head, tightly gripping one of her hands, his breathing becoming heavier with each breath. When he raised his head again, his gaze had inexplicably turned fierce.

Fan Changyu felt a jolt in her heart at that look, not knowing what she had done to provoke him again. Just then, the carriage stopped, and she lost her balance, falling into his embrace. From outside came Xie Shiyi’s voice: “Master, General, we’ve arrived at the Marquis’s mansion.”

Xie Zheng immediately pulled Fan Changyu out of the carriage and strode towards the main courtyard.

Seeing this situation, Xie Shiyi, who had originally intended to find the household doctor, slowed his steps, awkwardly scratching the back of his head in embarrassment and uncertainty.

Should he still go call for the physician?

As soon as they entered the room, Xie Zheng kicked the door shut. Fan Changyu was pushed down onto the soft couch, with him propping himself up just half a foot away from her. Their breaths intertwined, and the smell of blood on his body stimulated Fan Changyu’s senses. He seemed about to kiss her, but suddenly stood up and left, finding a dagger from somewhere. He cut a section of his long hair and tied it in a dead knot with Fan Changyu’s blood-soaked lock.

His voice was deep and hoarse: “Tying hair to become husband and wife, two hearts bound in love and trust. In life, I shall return; in death, I shall long for you eternally. I had wanted to tie our hair together on our wedding day, but you gave me yours early. I won’t return it now.” ①

Fan Changyu looked at his stern brows and eyes. Although her heart was filled with joy, at this moment she suddenly felt a lump in her throat, her eyes faintly stinging. She glared at him: “Who asked you to return it?”

Xie Zheng only stared at her for a moment before lowering his head to kiss her, fierce yet tender.

Having just been through a brutal battle, his whole body’s blood was still boiling. Seeing her risk her life to save him, and hearing her promise of the next life, the surging love in his chest coursed through his limbs along with the sizzling blood, urgently seeking an outlet.

In the chaos, blood-stained armor was thrown from the outer room to the edge of the hot spring pool in the inner chamber. In the misty vapor, as Fan Changyu leaned against the pool’s edge, applying golden wound medicine and bandages to his mangled hand, his other hand tightly gripped her waist. The water rippled, and though his hair roots were already soaked with sweat, he still locked his deep, dark gaze on her, unwilling to blink even once.

Fan Changyu stubbornly pressed her lips together, her eyes covered with a layer of misty moisture. Her neck was covered in sweat, and several times she almost dropped the bandages into the water due to her trembling hands.

Later, when she finally finished bandaging him, he pressed her nape, pulling her completely into his embrace. His actions below showed no mercy, his eyes dark and bottomless.

Fan Changyu held on until the end, finally collapsing against his shoulder in exhaustion. In her daze, she heard him whisper hoarsely against her ear: “Changyu, my wife.”

The blood flowing through the thin layer of sinews was still agitated, yet in this warmth, it found the most extreme tranquility and tenderness.

oh my god.. “Changyu, my wife” nakakakilig naman. Xie Zheng is so clingy and possessive.. i hope this scene in series also

Sis, please, they are not going to show him giving it to her in a pool while she’s bandaging his hand. 😅 I wish we could see it, too, but the show is probably going to be very pg13.

It will not pass the censorship 😂

they did the deed while changyu’s applying medicine on xie zheng’s injury right? on the pool? whoa

esa piscina , ya es la segunda vez que lo hacen ahí, no hay camas? o es que ahí se siente mas cómodos? no espero que ella le terminase de vendar las heridas ,salvajes 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂 Xiezheng te pasas con por a sangre ,despues de pelear toda la noche , llegan y eso es lo que hacen

i had to reread the last paragraphs cause I wasn’t sure if they did it or not but now I’m certainly am 😳😳😳😳

“ Later, when she finally finished bandaging him, he pressed her nape, pulling her completely into his embrace. His actions below showed no mercy, his eyes dark and bottomless.

Fan Changyu held on until the end, finally collapsing against his shoulder in exhaustion. In her daze, she heard him whisper hoarsely against her ear: “Changyu, my wife.”

Bite ME, bite ME, They did it!

Zhu Yu – Chapter 159

Fan Changyu remembered that when they returned to the mansion, it was a clear day after the snow. When she woke up and opened the window, she saw it was snowing again outside.

Having slept well, she felt refreshed, except for some soreness in her body.

She was also a bit hungry.

Fan Changyu went to the familiar chest to find her clothes, but after searching to the bottom, she found only outer robes and no matching undergarments.

The scattered bed curtains were lifted by a well-defined arm, covered in light red scratches from the arm to the shoulder, with a faint bite mark visible on the shoulder. The man’s voice, still husky from just waking up, had a low, mellow rasp: “Won’t you sleep a bit more?”

Fan Changyu answered honestly: “I’m hungry.”

Xie Zheng seemed to chuckle softly. He got up, putting on his clothes. The muscles on his waist and abdomen were clearly defined, and there were even more light red scratches on his sturdy back and shoulders. His armor had been stained almost entirely with others’ blood, and the worst injury on his body was just the skinned flesh on his left palm.

As memories of the previous chaos flooded back, Fan Changyu lowered her head, not daring to look further. She only heard him say: “I’ll have someone bring food.”

Fan Changyu then asked: “Do you have any other clothes for me here?”

Xie Zheng turned his head to look at her.

Fan Changyu said: “There are only outer robes in that chest.”

Her previously soaked undergarments from falling into the water could have been worn in a pinch, but this time, all her clothes were thoroughly soaked in blood. Fan Changyu couldn’t even make do with them. What she was wearing now was borrowed from him.

Xie Zheng said: “I haven’t prepared any yet. Wear mine for now, and I’ll have someone bring a set for you later.”

Fan Changyu didn’t notice anything amiss. After thinking for a moment, she realized this was the only option and nodded.

Efficient servants quickly set up the meal in the outer room. After a simple wash-up, Fan Changyu ate three bowls before stopping.

The snowy day was gloomy, making it hard to tell the time. After the meal, Fan Changyu looked at the hourglass in Xie Zheng’s room and frowned: “It’s not past noon yet?”

When they had returned from the palace, it was already the Hour of Chen (7-9 AM). He had then carried on wildly for a while, and Fan Changyu felt she had slept for quite a long time. Had only two hours passed?

Xie Zheng, who was drinking tea, heard her question and suddenly coughed lightly, covering his mouth with his hand. His handsome face unusually showed a hint of awkwardness: “It’s the second day of the month now.”

Fan Changyu stared with her clear, large eyes for two breaths before reacting. Her face instantly darkened.

It wasn’t just two hours that had passed; a whole day and night had gone by!

With the Li and Wei factions suppressed, the young emperor missing, and numerous matters to attend to, how could he sit here so calmly?

Xie Shiyi, carrying a stack of documents, came to find Xie Zheng. Before reaching the door, he heard a series of loud crashes from inside. He steeled himself and said: “Master, Mr. Gong Sun says these memorials need your review.”

“I understand. Just leave them at the door,” came the clear voice from inside, though the breath sounded a bit unsteady.

Xie Shiyi, his ears bright red, put down the documents and left.

Inside the room, Xie Zheng was pinned to the ground by Fan Changyu, her legs locking his neck. Looking at her slightly open collar, he said with slightly heavy breathing: “Ancestor, if you’ve vented your anger, please get up. If you don’t get up soon, we won’t be getting up at all today.”

Fan Changyu, her face and ears red, pressed down on him even harder, glaring: “Stop talking nonsense!”

Xie Zheng grabbed one of her feet with his uninjured hand and suddenly exerted force. Fan Changyu felt a whirl of dizziness as she was pinned back down.

A hand explored into her wide-open collar, gripping not too gently. This time, Fan Changyu’s face truly felt hot enough to steam. She struggled more fiercely, angrily scolding: “You… scoundrel!”

Xie Zheng’s breathing was already irregular. He lowered his head slightly to look at her, his eyes pitch black: “Haven’t we done even more scoundrelly things?”

“You!” Fan Changyu was speechless. Truly at his mercy now, she learned to strategically show weakness: “I… I’m still sore.”

Her clear, large eyes darted towards the outside of the room: “Um… Shiyi is also looking for you. With so many matters in court, aren’t you going to review them?”

Her timid yet unwilling-to-admit-defeat appearance was truly endearing. Xie Zheng felt an itch from his teeth. He held her chin and thoroughly kissed her from inside to out before finally releasing her.

Gaining freedom, Fan Changyu immediately tightened her clothes and sat far away, seeming both annoyed and embarrassed. She said: “I don’t want to wear your clothes anymore. I want my own.”

Xie Zheng reached out his long arm and pulled her back, burying his face in the crook of her neck and laughing softly: “Alright, whatever you say.”

His breath on her neck was a bit ticklish. Fan Changyu expressionlessly pushed his face away a bit, lowering her eyes, her lips pressed tightly together, inexplicably feeling a bit stuffy.

He said he’d do whatever she wanted, but clearly, she was the one being bullied!

When Xie Zheng took the memorials Xie Shiyi had left at the door and went inside to read them carefully, Fan Changyu had already found a large sword from the armory and was practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

Fine snow fell steadily. She wielded the large sword in the courtyard, her movements creating gusts of wind. With each chop and slash, her eyes contained a fierce aura, as if she was cutting down some unknown person in the falling snow.

Xie Zheng watched for a while, propping his chin on his hand, a faint smile appearing in his eyes. He lowered his gaze to continue reading the memorials in his hand.

When he came to one of them, he raised an eyebrow slightly: “The Lingnan Military Governor has come to the capital at this critical moment?”

Fan Changyu, who had just finished a set of sword techniques, turned her head, leaning on the long sword, and asked: “Is it Wei Yan’s backup plan?”

Xie Zheng shook his head: “The scouts say he came to the capital alone.”

Just then, Xie Shiyi hurriedly entered the courtyard to report: “Master, Madam Wei requests an audience.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he only said: “Please escort her to the front hall.”

Soon after, Xie Zheng brought Fan Changyu to the front hall.

Madam Wei was dressed in mourning clothes. Upon seeing Xie Zheng, she knelt without a word.

Fan Changyu didn’t know Xie Zheng’s state of mind, but she was indeed startled by Madam Wei’s sudden action. By the time she came to her senses, Xie Zheng had already reached out to help her up: “Aunt, what are you doing?”

Madam Wei refused to rise, her face extremely pale. She forced a smile and said: “My Lord, please don’t address me like this. This humble woman doesn’t deserve it.”

Xie Zheng’s eyes darkened: “Regardless of what Wei Yan has done, I still consider you my aunt.”

But Madam Wei shook her head, her expression somewhat sorrowful: “This humble woman truly doesn’t deserve to be called aunt by My Lord. I only survived in the Wei household for over twenty years and raised Xuan because of the Prime Minister’s protection…”

Fan Changyu sensed something unusual, and Xie Zheng slowly asked: “What do you mean by this?”

Madam Wei revealed the hidden truth with a sigh: “This humble woman was originally just a concubine-born daughter from a small family, never worthy of the Prime Minister in this life. My family arranged for me to be a second wife to a sixth-rank official, whose son was several years older than me… I was unwilling and privately pledged myself to a guard in the family. He joined the army to save money to marry me. When the official came to propose, I was already three months pregnant. When my family found out, they wanted to take me to abort the child. I ran away to the military camp to find Xuan’s father, but who knew he had died in battle…”

At this point, Madam Wei’s eyes were almost numb, yet clear tears still fell from the corners. She smiled bitterly: “At that time, I truly felt all hope was lost. My family had chased me to the military camp, saying they would take me back to be drowned in a pig cage to give the official’s family an explanation. I thought, since death was inevitable, I might as well end my life and join Xuan’s father.

I was about to throw myself against a pillar when someone stopped me. The Prime Minister claimed the child in my womb as his own, saying he would come to propose soon. He also suppressed the incident of that day, and to this day, few people know about it. The Prime Minister said that Xuan’s father was one of his subordinates, and he had never intended to marry again in this life, but his family was pressuring him. It just so happened that I was pregnant and had nowhere to go, so this was a solution that benefited both parties.”

“Wei Xuan is not Wei Yan’s son?” Xie Zheng’s eyes were filled with complex emotions.

“No, he’s not.” Madam Wei shook her head: “The Prime Minister is a man who observes propriety. Over these years, he would only come to my chambers for a meal during festivals to prevent Xuan from being looked down upon by the household.”

She looked at Xie Zheng with a sorrowful expression: “This humble woman has come today to beg My Lord. I am just a woman and don’t know much about what the Prime Minister has done, but he has shown great kindness to me and Xuan. This great favor, I can only try my best to repay. I beg My Lord, for the sake of Xuan taking that knife for you, please spare the Prime Minister’s life!”

Fan Changyu was extremely surprised, not expecting there to be so many hidden truths in the marriage between Madam Wei and Wei Yan.

The hand with which Xie Zheng was helping Madam Wei up loosened its grip. His eyes showed no emotion as he only asked: “Wei Yan… didn’t marry because of Consort Su?”

Madam Wei shook her head and said: “This, I do not know. But given the Prime Minister’s personality, if he truly had a relationship with Consort Su, I don’t believe he could have done something like burning Consort Su and her unborn child to death.”

Hearing this, even though Fan Changyu hated Wei Yan to the bone, she also began to find it suspicious.

Qi Min had said that Wei Yan had orchestrated the Jinzhou incident, killing the Crown Prince and the Sixteenth Prince, for the sake of Consort Su and the child in her womb.

Wei Yan had no children of his own. If he was later able to purge the palace, force the old emperor off the throne, and support a young child with no foundation to ascend the throne, with such capabilities, why would he need to burn Consort Su to death?

She looked at Xie Zheng, who said to Madam Wei: “Wei Yan’s crimes will be investigated thoroughly and announced to the world before any judgment is made. Madam, please return home for now.”

Having said this much, Madam Wei couldn’t press further. She kowtowed once and retreated sorrowfully.

Fan Changyu then said: “Now that Wei Yan has been apprehended, I’ll take some people to search his mansion to see if we can find anything.”

Xie Zheng said: “Gong Sun has already led a search. Wei Yan is cautious in his actions. Having decided to force the emperor’s abdication, he was prepared for military defeat. Any incriminating letters have been thoroughly burned. Nothing can be found.”

At this point, he paused slightly and looked at Fan Changyu: “The teacher has been held at his mansion since entering the capital. He has now been brought back to the Xie residence. You can go see him later.”

Fan Changyu was both surprised and delighted: “Foster Father has been found?”

Xie Zheng nodded.

Fan Changyu then said: “Then I’ll go see Foster Father now.”

Xie Zheng called someone to escort Fan Changyu. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she heard Chang Ning’s voice slamming the table: “I want Elder Sister!”

“Your Elder Sister has gone to suppress the rebellion.” It was an old but still vigorous voice: “You little one, don’t cause trouble. Are you intentionally helping that boy disrupt this old man’s game?”

Fan Changyu quickly walked to the door and called out: “Ning’er.”

Chang Ning, who had her entire chin resting on the chessboard, turned her head almost instantly. Not even bothering to put on her shoes, she ran towards Fan Changyu in her silk stockings with open arms: “Elder Sister, hug!”

Fan Changyu picked up Chang Ning with one arm and looked at Grand Tutor Tao, who still looked skinny but seemed to have suffered no hardship at all. The sadness she had been preparing all the way suddenly got stuck, and in the end, she only called out dryly: “Foster Father.”

Grand Tutor Tao, holding a chess piece, gave a faint “mm” and glanced at Fan Changyu, saying: “I hear the girl has reached the third rank. You’ve made quite some progress.”

Fan Changyu felt she should be modest and replied: “It’s all thanks to Foster Father’s good teaching.”

Unexpectedly, Grand Tutor Tao lightly raised an eyelid, “This old man didn’t teach you much. It was that boy who taught you, wasn’t it?”

Perhaps due to the guilt of having slept for a day and a night, Fan Changyu blushed from her face to the tips of her ears. Her neck was probably red too, but because there were too many marks, she had worn a rabbit fur scarf to cover it.

Grand Tutor Tao knew this honest girl had a thin skin. Thinking about her straightforward nature and how she would inevitably suffer at the hands of that slick boy in the future, he couldn’t help but bristle his mustache and glare: “So what if he taught you? What are you embarrassed about? Not to mention that he’ll have to marry you from this old man’s house with a grand procession in the future, but he’s also your senior brother, so teaching you is only natural!”

Upon hearing Grand Tutor Tao’s lecture, Fan Changyu instinctively sat up straight and responded firmly: “Foster Father’s instruction is correct!”

Grand Tutor Tao was finally satisfied and softened his tone: “Come, sit down and play a game of chess with your Foster Father.”

Yu Bao’er, who had been forced to play chess for most of the day, let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief and quickly made room for Fan Changyu: “Please, Aunt Changyu.”

Fan Changyu: “…”

As she wracked her brain thinking about where to place her next move, Grand Tutor Tao casually asked her about the situation in the capital: “The Li family has fallen, and that old fox from the Wei family has also reached this point. Do you know what that boy plans to do next?”

Fan Changyu nodded. She was about to place a white piece but suddenly raised her head and asked: “Grand Tutor, may I ask you some questions about Wei Yan?”

Grand Tutor Tao slightly raised his wrinkled eyelids: “Are you asking for yourself, or on behalf of that boy?”

Fan Changyu said: “I’m asking for the truth from seventeen years ago.”

Grand Tutor Tao then smiled: “You… you…”

He put the chess piece back in the basket, poured a cup of tea from the small red clay stove, took a sip, and then looked at the flying snow outside the window: “That rascal, he’s probably gone to see Wei Yan in prison by now.”

Fan Changyu remained silent. She had sensed earlier that Xie Zheng seemed to want to see Wei Yan alone, which was why she had suggested coming to see Grand Tutor Tao when Xie Zheng mentioned he was at the mansion, giving him time to meet Wei Yan privately.

Grand Tutor Tao slowly remarked, “Wei Yan has no children of his own, but that rascal he raised at his knee—he’s grown up to be exactly like Wei Yan in his youth. Once he’s set his mind on something, not even ten oxen could drag him back…”

Did he really burn Consort Su to death? Or is there a hidden Wei child floating around that he could pretend is of imperial blood?

I really don’t understand how Wei Yan staged his coup all those years ago and it was a huge secret. A palace burned, the emperor and a bunch of people were killed….and only a few people knew this??

I feel
Like the emperor that he put on the throne was his son.

Yeah I think the conspiracy is too big to have been this effectively squashed, a secret affair with a consort, a fake son, a fake imperial heir, not to mention the mischief that led to the death of the Crown Prince and Xie Zheng’s father.

It’s a whole lot and it doesn’t necessarily make sense either. It just feels like the author is just adding stuff into the pot without care fir the outcome or the story being concise .

Its funny fo me how both of Zhang
Linghe’s characters surnamed Xie are
morally dark grey scoundrels who fell
in love to the point of obsession and
torture their beloveds to the point of
tears lol. Who also has a thing and
power for overthrowing kingdoms if
they see fit.

His next two characters (Overdo and The Road To Glory) are basically the same as well 😂

Obviously WY has other motives behind his actions and silence. I honestly cannot think it’s just out of greed for power and control, otherwise he would have long since swallowed the nation and purged all opposition like the Li family. It just doesn’t click. I would rather believe that WY is a descendant of an enemy territory like the Northern Yue people.

Whatever his cause is, I still cannot approve of his action/inaction/silence which brought death to many innocent people. A lot of civillians suffered.

Zhu Yu – Chapter 160

Fan Changyu had witnessed Xie Zheng’s stubborn nature firsthand, but she knew little about Wei Yan. Everything she knew about this powerful minister was hearsay, and her only encounter with him was on the night of the palace coup.

She couldn’t judge how similar these uncles and nephews were.

Wei Yan’s first impression of her, however, perfectly matched the rumors about him among the people: cold-hearted and ruthless, stopping at nothing to achieve his goals.

Unlike Grand Tutor Li, who at first glance appeared to have the noble and pure demeanor of a Confucian scholar like an old cypress tree, Wei Yan was as cold and hard as a blade or a rock, seemingly without any weakness.

Fan Changyu sat upright on the bamboo mat and hesitantly asked, “May I ask, adoptive father, was there something between Wei Yan and the former Consort Shu?”

Grand Tutor Tao raised his eyelids and re-examined Fan Changyu. “Why do you ask such a question?”

Fan Changyu then recounted the confession of the palace maid from the Cold Palace and Qi Min’s accusations.

Grand Tutor Tao put down his teacup, his wrinkled hands caressing the rim. His eyes showed the wear of time as he spoke, “I wasn’t in the capital back then, so I’m not very clear about what happened in the palace. But since she was from the Qi family, no matter how cruel Wei Yan might be, I don’t think he could have brought himself to set fire to Qinghe Palace.”

Seeing Fan Changyu’s confused expression, he continued, “Consort Shu was originally a daughter of the Qi family. When she was still unmarried, she was good friends with that rascal’s mother. At that time, the Xie family wasn’t as prominent as it is today. The pillar supporting the entire Da Yin was Old General Qi. Both Wei Yan and Lin Shan had been trained under Old General Qi. Later, when Old General Qi passed away, Lin Shan became the backbone of the Northwest, while Wei Yan gave up the military path and entered the civil service. The Qi family girl entered the palace around that time.”

Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed slightly. According to Grand Tutor Tao, Wei Yan, and Consort Shu must have known each other since they were young, and the two families seemed to have had quite a good relationship.

With this connection, it made even less sense that Wei Yan would later orchestrate a bloody purge in the palace and burn Consort Shu.

She mentally calculated Consort Shu’s age. Consort Shu must have been of the same generation as her parents, and Crown Prince Chengde was also of the same generation as her parents. By this calculation, wouldn’t the Emperor be old enough to be Consort Shu’s father?

Although she knew that some wealthy old gentlemen would still marry several young and beautiful concubines, realizing this point made Fan Changyu frown involuntarily. “If Wei Yan had feelings for Consort Shu, why didn’t he ask to marry her before she entered the palace?”

Grand Tutor Tao let out a long sigh. “Do you know who Crown Prince Chengde’s birth mother was?”

Fan Changyu shook her head.

Grand Tutor Tao said, “Empress Dowager Xiao Zhong Su Ci Qi was Old General Qi’s younger sister, Consort Shu’s aunt.”

Fan Changyu was quite stunned. So, Consort Shu and Crown Prince Chengde were cousins?

Although throughout history, there had been cases of aunts and nieces serving the same husband, given the presence of Crown Prince Chengde and Old General Qi, she pondered that Empress Qi, whose son had already been named Crown Prince, wouldn’t have needed to bring her niece into the palace to secure her favor, would she?

Everything she was thinking was written all over her face, as Grand Tutor Tao continued, “The court today is a muddy pool, and it wasn’t much cleaner back then. The chronic ailments of this dynasty have accumulated generation after generation. When the old ones are cleared, new ones attach themselves over time, and there’s never a moment when they can be completely cleared…”

Grand Tutor Tao sighed softly again, seeming to be filled with emotion. “Since you’ve already investigated the palace maids around Consort Jia, you should know how favored Consort Jia was back then. Half of the civil and military officials in the court almost bore the surname Jia. In the early years, with Old General Qi as the pillar of the nation, no matter how favored the Sixteenth Prince was, the Crown Prince could still sit securely in the Eastern Palace. But when Old General Qi passed away, the Empress lost her support, and the Crown Prince’s path became difficult.

The streets were filled with curses about Consort Jia bewitching the Emperor and her family interfering in politics. After Old General Qi’s death, the Empress also fell ill and was bedridden. Fearing that if she were to pass away, the Crown Prince would be left without support in the back palace, she used the excuse of needing care to bring the Qi family girl into the palace. I had seen that girl before; she was intelligent and well-read from a young age, with the beauty to captivate all who saw her. This period of care lasted for a year. A year later, Empress Qi passed away, and shortly after the girl returned home, she entered the palace with the selection of imperial concubines and was given the title of Consort.”

Fan Changyu fell silent upon hearing this.

The reason for Consort Shu’s entry into the palace was heavier than she had imagined.

The power struggle among princes involved bloodshed and death. If Crown Prince Chengde were to fail, the fate of the Qi family line would be uncertain.

With the lives of the entire family resting on her shoulders, what choice did Consort Shu have?

A thought flashed quickly through her mind, and Fan Changyu suddenly raised her head: “Adoptive father, both Wei Yan and General Xie had been promoted by Old General Qi in the military, and later they both supported Crown Prince Chengde. Consort Shu in the palace was also helping Crown Prince Chengde contend with Consort Jia and her son. Looking at it this way, Consort Shu’s death and the charge of having an affair with her that was pinned on Wei Yan both seem very suspicious!”

Grand Tutor Tao nodded: “If all this was indeed done by the Jia family, then Wei Yan’s purge of all Jia surname officials in the court after he took sole power wasn’t just about cleaning up the court.”

He sighed softly: “When that rascal initially believed Wei Yan was behind the Jinzhou tragedy, I thought there must be some hidden truth, so I came to the capital to seek out Wei Yan. That man may have a heart of iron and stone now, but back then, he and Lin Shan were brothers who entrusted their lives to each other on the battlefield. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have betrothed his beloved sister, whom he cherished like the apple of his eye, to Lin Shan.”

Hearing all this, Fan Changyu recalled what Xie Zheng had said when she found him at the Xie family mausoleum – that Wei Yan used to take him alone to pay respects every year, not allowing servants to follow. Her emotions became complex.

She asked, “Did you hear any rumors about these events in the palace later?”

Grand Tutor Tao’s gentle and calm smile took on a bitter edge: “Girl, do you know how long the Da Yin empire was in chaos after Jinzhou fell and the Northern Yue invaded from the south? The Crown Prince died, the generals perished, and the Emperor passed away. Those barbarians thought to take the opportunity to strike directly at the capital! The mountains were filled with bones, the rivers ran with blood, and nine out of ten homes in the countryside were empty…

The front lines holding back the Northern Yue’s advance were so brutal, and in the face of national survival, the deaths of a few consorts in the palace were but a few grains of dust in the bloody waters of this chaotic world. Both of my children also died in the war. Fortunately, Jing Yuan was able to collect their bodies, so they at least have a thin coffin and a grave.”

Fan Changyu felt bitterness in her throat and lowered her head in shame: “I’m sorry, adoptive father, I…”

Grand Tutor Tao waved his hand and simply said: “It’s all in the past. After the fall of Jinzhou, Da Yin and Northern Yue continued fighting for another three years. The national treasury was empty, people were displaced by the war, farmland was abandoned, and even military rations couldn’t be collected from the civilians… If the war had continued, Da Yin would have fallen apart before the foreign tribes even reached the capital. It was at this time that Wei Yan stepped forward and single-handedly brokered the deal to cede twelve counties in Liaodong in exchange for twenty years of peace for Da Yin.

At that time, I told him that in future history books, he would surely be condemned for this action. He replied that a minister who loses the country would also be cursed by future generations. Since he would be cursed either way, he might as well gamble on the future by ceding territory for these twenty years, while the barbarians beyond the passes were also exhausted after years of fighting.”

Fan Changyu, having been a general herself and having spent much time in military camps, understood the situation at that time from Grand Tutor Tao’s explanation.

After the fall of Jinzhou City, Da Yin, like a centipede that continues to move even after death, managed to hold out against the Northern Yue for another three years. During these three years, there must have been countless loyal souls like General Xie and Grand Tutor Tao standing at the forefront, allowing them to hold out for so long.

But Northern Yue could no longer sustain the war, and they were unsure how much longer Da Yin could hold out. That’s why they agreed to Wei Yan’s proposal to withdraw from the twelve counties of Liaodong in exchange for twenty years of peace to recuperate.

Perhaps the Northern Yue people didn’t expect that it wouldn’t take twenty years for Jinzhou to be recaptured by the descendant of the Xie family who had died there, and for the twelve counties of Liaodong to be taken back.

Thinking of Wei Yan’s harsh treatment of Xie Zheng, and his request for Grand Tutor Tao to become Xie Zheng’s teacher, Fan Changyu felt she understood Wei Yan less and less. She couldn’t tell if his actions were to protect Da Yin or simply to maintain his power.

But he had indeed pinned an eternally infamous reputation on her maternal grandfather and killed her parents.

Fan Changyu couldn’t help but purse her lips: “Adoptive father, is Wei Yan… ultimately a good person or a bad person?”

Grand Tutor Tao’s gaze, complex yet broad-minded as if it could contain a hundred rivers, rested quietly on Fan Changyu. He simply said: “Those of the time can only do what is necessary in their situation. Whether it was right or wrong, meritorious or blameworthy, let future generations judge.”

Fan Changyu responded softly, lowering her gaze to the chessboard before her. She held a chess piece in her hand but remained silent for a long time.

After leaving Grand Tutor Tao’s place, Fan Changyu took Chang Ning and Bao’er to Mr. and Mrs. Zhao’s home. She thought that since Qi Min had also been captured along with Grand Tutor Li, finding Yu Qianqian shouldn’t be too difficult.

Xie Wu was injured while protecting Mr. and Mrs. Zhao. Fan Changyu called for Xie Qi and instructed him to arrange for people to search for Yu Qianqian’s whereabouts. Xie Qi informed her that Gong Sun Yin had already sent people to find Yu Qianqian, but for some reason, Qi Min hadn’t brought her to the capital. Instead, she was being held in a prefecture guesthouse. It would take another day or two for the people sent to retrieve Yu Qianqian to return.

Regardless, knowing that Yu Qianqian was safe, Fan Changyu felt relieved.

She had always remembered the kindness Yu Qianqian showed her when she was at her lowest. Even when Qingping County was in turmoil and Yu Qianqian fled south with Yu Bao’er, she still thought of taking Fan Changyu and Chang Ning along. How could Fan Changyu not appreciate her goodness?

She inquired about the current situation from Xie Qi and learned that Grand Tutor Li was indeed dead. Qi Min, who had been shot with an arrow, was still clinging to life. Gong Sun Yin wasn’t sure how Xie Zheng would deal with this descendant of Crown Prince Chengde, so he had the imperial physicians keep him barely alive.

The young Emperor had also been found in Wei Yan’s mansion, but he was in a state of madness. It was unclear whether he had truly gone insane or was merely pretending.

The statement about “dragon veins in chaos and improper ascension to the throne” that Qi Min and Grand Tutor Li had the Imperial Astronomer’s Office release before the palace coup now seemed to work in Yu Bao’er’s favor.

Currently, the court officials are looking to Xie Zheng for leadership. All that was needed was an appropriate opportunity to place Yu Bao’er on the throne.

Thinking about the still unclear truth behind the Jinzhou tragedy, Fan Changyu felt a heaviness in her chest. She thought about returning to practice some sword techniques to calm herself.

Lost in thought, she accidentally bumped into Xie Zhong, who was limping while carrying a stack of items to Xie Zheng’s study.

The box in Xie Zhong’s hands fell to the ground, and its contents scattered.

“I’m sorry, old sir,” Fan Changyu said, feeling guilty. Seeing that Xie Zhong had difficulty moving, she quickly crouched down to help pick up the items.

Xie Zhong’s expression, initially cold, softened when he saw it was Fan Changyu. He spoke gently, “It was this old servant who saw the General lost in thought and didn’t dare to disturb you. My legs aren’t nimble, so I couldn’t avoid the collision…”

Fan Changyu was about to comfort the old man when she noticed that among the items that had fallen out of the box were not only letters but also three tiger tallies. Her expression immediately changed.

All three tiger tallies bore the small seal script of Chongzhou. They were all Chongzhou tiger tallies.

But why were there three?

Weren’t tiger tallies always in pairs, left and right? The left tally was given to the military commander, while the right one remained with the Emperor.

Fan Changyu’s breathing suddenly became rapid. Her hands trembled slightly as she tried to fit the three tiger tallies together.

The left and right halves of the tiger tallies easily fit together, with the seal script at the cut perfectly matching.

The extra one was a left tally!

And the one her father had been responsible for delivering was the right tally given by the Emperor!

The family steward had said that King Changxin had attempted to match the tally her father delivered in front of his subordinate generals, but the tallies didn’t fit!

So it wasn’t that her father had delivered a fake tally, but that the Sui family had produced a fake one!

This realization made Fan Changyu’s blood seem to surge. She suddenly looked up and asked Xie Zhong, “Where did these items come from?”

Seeing her grim expression and how tightly she was gripping the tiger tallies, Xie Zhong quickly answered, “The strategist who previously accused Wei Yan in the Court of Judicial Review later recanted and implicated the Li family. He also revealed the location where the Sui family hid their correspondence with the Li family. The Marquis had earlier ordered people to retrieve this evidence, and it was just rushed back from Chongzhou today.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Changyu, without further explanation, began searching through the letters. “Old sir, I need to look for something. I’ll explain to Xie Zheng later.”

Xie Zhong’s attitude was unexpectedly calm: “General, if you need anything, feel free to look. The Marquis instructed early on that you have free access to everything in the mansion.”

The urgency to uncover the truth about the Jinzhou tragedy from seventeen years ago overshadowed the slight oddness Fan Changyu felt upon hearing these words.

Unfortunately, there was no correspondence between the Wei and Sui families among the letters.

Fan Changyu stared at the three tiger tallies in her hand for a moment, then stood up and said, “Old sir, I’ll borrow these tiger tallies for a while.”

Xie Zhong simply replied, “General, please feel free to use them as you see fit.”

Fan Changyu took the three tiger tallies and went straight to find Grand Tutor Tao.

When the door was kicked open, Grand Tutor Tao had just poured himself a cup of tea. The loud “bang” startled him, causing his hand to shake and spill tea all over his robe. He began to scold, “You girl, didn’t you just leave? Why are you back in such a rush? What’s the matter now…”

Fan Changyu presented the three tiger tallies: “Adoptive father, look at these tiger tallies. Are they real or fake?”

Grand Tutor Tao’s drooping eyelids lifted, his scolding abruptly ceased, and his expression immediately became serious. “Let me see them.”

Fan Changyu handed over the tiger tallies. Grand Tutor Tao held them up to the light coming through the window and examined them carefully before saying, “These are Chongzhou tiger tallies, without a doubt.”

Fan Changyu’s hand at her side clenched tightly. She lowered her head slightly, her calm voice struggling to suppress something: “The tally my father delivered back then was real. It was the Sui family who had ulterior motives!”

Grand Tutor Tao’s wrinkled brows furrowed: “This Sui family is truly strange. When they were needed to deploy troops to save the situation, they didn’t. But after Jinzhou fell, they promptly stepped up. If the loss of Jinzhou was entirely the Sui family’s fault, why did that old Wei Yan cover for them?”

Fan Changyu turned to leave: “The Imperial Grandson… The Imperial Grandson is still alive. He harbors a deep hatred for the Sui family. Perhaps he knows something!”

Grand Tutor Tao watched Fan Changyu’s rapidly departing figure, then turned to look at the unfinished game on the chessboard and sighed softly: “You old stubborn fool, what secret could be so important that you’d take it to your grave?”

In the dark dungeon, only a beam of light filtered through the skylight. Fine snow particles drifted in, forming a thin layer beneath the skylight.

At the end of the prison, chains rattled. A pair of brocade boots slowly walked along the green brick pathway, stopping in front of one of the inner cells. Cold eyes gazed at the old man sitting cross-legged inside, his posture still straight and proud, without saying a word.

The dungeon was so cold that the snow on his cloak showed no signs of melting.

Wei Yan lifted his cold phoenix eyes to look at the young man standing outside the cell, the one who would soon become the backbone of Da Yin, and spoke calmly: “The victor becomes the king, the loser becomes the outlaw. Since you’ve defeated me, you surely haven’t come here today just to see how I’m faring.”

Xie Zheng just looked at him silently, his expression cold and indifferent: “The Chancellor has guessed correctly. This Marquis came today to see what a man who has spent his entire life grasping for power looks like after losing it all.”

Wei Yan sneered: “It seems I’ve disappointed you.”

Xie Zheng tilted his head slightly. His long hair was meticulously bound by a golden crown. The light from the distant skylight fell on his profile, making his features appear even more profound. His eyes held a bone-chilling indifference, with something else lurking in their depths that was hard to discern. “I wouldn’t say disappointed. Chancellor, with your serpent’s heart and wolf’s nature, I fear you’ve forgotten what it means to be human. How can I judge something that can’t even be considered human?”

A flash of coldness appeared in Wei Yan’s eyes, not just anger, but also the sternness of an elder towards a junior.

Xie Zheng looked down at him with cold phoenix eyes: “Angry? What right does the Chancellor have to be angry? Or perhaps you want to tell this Marquis that you had no choice but to kill your sister and brother-in-law?”

Wei Yan’s facial muscles tensed, and he simply closed his eyes, refusing to respond.

Xie Zheng continued casually: “The woman you married and kept in your household for over twenty years came to plead with me for your life. That’s when I learned you were unmoved by Wei Xuan’s death because he wasn’t your flesh and blood. Were you equally unmoved when you killed my parents?”

He slowly raised his eyes, a mocking smile on his lips, but his voice was filled with cold derision: “Or perhaps my mother wasn’t your real sister either, and once she stood in your way, she had to be eliminated?”

His words were extremely sharp, and in his phoenix eyes full of cold mockery, there was a faint trace of bloodthirst.

“Silence!” Wei Yan suddenly shouted coldly. In those phoenix eyes so similar to Xie Zheng’s, a flash of deep pain appeared momentarily.

Xie Zheng suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Wei Yan’s collar forcefully, causing him to crash against the cell door with his shackles. The hatred suppressed beneath his calm exterior broke through the thread of reason in his mind, and his expression became somewhat fierce. He shouted coldly at Wei Yan: “Then tell me, why did you kill my parents? You’ve had me call you uncle for over twenty years, are you worthy of it?”

Wei Yan’s hands were bound in iron shackles. As Xie Zheng yanked him forcefully, both sides of his temples hit the wooden pillars of the cell hard, quickly drawing blood. But his gaze only became fierce as he said, “As you said, they stood in my way, so they had to die.”

The last two words were spoken with extreme heaviness.

Xie Zheng’s jaw clenched tightly, his eyes reddening. The hand gripping Wei Yan’s collar had veins bulging. He forcefully threw Wei Yan away and stood up somewhat awkwardly, only gritting out three words: “You’re lying!”

Wei Yan fell back onto the straw pile, slowly catching his breath. Hearing this, he no longer responded.

Xie Zheng slammed his palm hard against the solid wooden pillar of the cell, his eyes filled with hatred as he stared at Wei Yan: “You disown all your relatives, focused solely on power. Now that you’ve lost your power, who are you still covering for by concealing the truth about the past?”

Wei Yan still didn’t answer.

Finally, Xie Zheng left in anger, his steps rapid. When the door at the end of the corridor was opened and then slammed shut, it made a loud “bang,” and the chains attached to it rattled, indicating the fury of the person closing the door.

The jailer dared not speak or ask questions. He simply fiddled with the chains on the door and reattached the lock.

The heavy snow hadn’t stopped, drifting down slowly through the skylight that cut a line of white light into the dungeon.

Wei Yan lay on the pile of dry straw, watching the flying snow intertwine with the dim light in the cell, looking too clean to belong in this dungeon.

He closed his eyes.

His path of retreat had been sealed off seventeen years ago.

Even if it meant being reviled for ten thousand years, even if he deserved to be cut into a thousand pieces, it was enough for him alone to bear it.

That person, as pure as spring snow, should remain clean, without leaving any shameful mark in the history books.

Hm. Why is Fan Changyu suddenly Duan? Is this translation thing?

I guess this is a redemption of sorts for Wei Yan. He’s still a bad person, but it sounds like he may have done it all for love, much as Xie Zheng is obsessively devoted to Changyu. I’m very curious to find out the fate of Consort Shu…and to finally get to the truth of the extremely twisted Jinzhou affair. It also sounds like some of his decisions may ultimately have had positive results overall for the country, even though they were bought with the lives of many innocent people. I don’t know how to feel about that.

I need a spin off of Wei Yan’s story. It may has a sad ending but the love between him and Consort Shu is indeed intriguing.

I Feel that if Fan Changyu has died Xie might have followed in Wei Yans footsteps

Now that I am rereading this again because I am frustrated about the problem that I created (watching the POJ knowing that it is still on going) I realized that Xie Zheng and Wei Yan is too alike. Their ruthlessness, loyalty for their beloved and devotion

Zhu Yu – Chapter 161

The entire imperial palace was now under Xie Zheng’s control. The official announcement regarding the night of the palace coup stated that Grand Tutor Li and Wei Yan had plotted a rebellion, causing the Emperor to fall gravely ill from shock. All involved parties had been imprisoned, but the specific charges would be determined after the Emperor “recovered.”

The court officials were well aware that after the scandalous events at the palace banquet, the Emperor’s “illness” was unlikely to improve. It seemed the Dragon Throne was about to change hands.

Qi Min was severely injured and had been temporarily placed in a detached palace by Gong Sun Yin, with heavy guards both inside and out.

To seize the firearms from the Divine Machine Camp, Qi Min had sent many elite shadow guards to the Western Garden. After a fierce battle with Fan Changyu’s Extreme Left Wing Camp, those shadow guards were all lost. The remaining few who had stayed to protect Qi Min during the cannon fire and arrow barrage were now under arrest.

When Fan Changyu entered the detached palace, she saw a pale man lying half-dead on the bed, coughing.

Fan Changyu had never seen Qi Min before. She noticed that he bore some resemblance to the young Emperor, probably due to their uncle-nephew relationship. Both had a layer of deep melancholy in their eyes.

He noticed her presence and, after finishing his cough, leaned against the soft pillows. His voice was weak but still carried a mocking tone: “Cloud Banner General? What a rare guest.”

He acted as if he weren’t a prisoner, but still the descendant of Crown Prince Chengde about to ascend to a high position.

Fan Changyu didn’t engage in his pretense and got straight to the point: “The Jinzhou bloodbath seventeen years ago, what exactly did Wei Yan and the Sui family do?”

Why hadn’t the Sui family sent troops to aid Jinzhou, and why hadn’t Wei Yan exposed the Sui family’s delay in military action all these years, even when they rebelled?

Qi Min lowered his eyes and smiled faintly: “Naturally… they did things worse than beasts.”

Fan Changyu shouted coldly: “Speak!”

His smile deepened as he negotiated with Fan Changyu: “With the Blood Robe Cavalry’s acumen, you must have found my concubine’s whereabouts. If you want to know about Wei Yan and the Sui family’s dealings, fine, let me see her once.”

Fan Changyu immediately replied: “Dream on!”

Her gaze was clear and cold, like a frost-covered blade.

Fan Changyu still vividly remembered how this man had tried to kill Yu Bao’er, a mere child, to prevent her from falling into their hands.

Yu Qianqian had barely escaped his clutches; she wouldn’t let Yu Qianqian see this scoundrel again.

Qi Min lowered his eyes: “Then… I have nothing to say.”

Fan Changyu suddenly drew her sword and pressed it against his throat, her expression icy: “I’m not here to negotiate with you.”

Her time in the military camp and at court had taught her how to threaten someone with a fierce demeanor.

But Qi Min just smiled faintly: “Since I’ve fallen into your hands, death is my only fate anyway. If Cloud Banner General only wants my life, you might as well do it now.”

He began using royal pronouns, and despite his disheveled state, an air of arrogance emanated from his very bones, as if telling Fan Changyu that there was nothing left to discuss.

Fan Changyu held her sword against him for a moment, the blade cutting through the thin skin of his neck, drawing blood. Yet he showed no fear.

Fan Changyu frowned deeply and finally withdrew her sword. She pressed her lips tightly together and left the detached palace without another word.

As soon as she stepped out of the palace gates, she saw someone ascending the white marble steps outside. His gold-embroidered brocade cloak was covered in snowflakes, his face as cold as jade, his eyes like drops of ink.

Fan Changyu was slightly startled. “Why are you here?”

Seeing her, the coldness in Xie Zheng’s eyes softened a bit. Noticing she was wearing only thin armor, he immediately pulled off the cloak from his shoulders and draped it over her. “I came to the palace to investigate some matters. Hearing you were at the detached palace, I came to check on you.”

The cloak still carried his body heat and his icy, snow-like scent. Fan Changyu was shorter than him, and she was almost entirely enveloped in it, with only her beautiful face and high-tied long hair exposed. She looked like a small boy who had stolen his elder brother’s clothes, her features clear and bright, yet not lacking in heroic spirit.

She raised her hand to adjust the cloak and walked down the steps alongside Xie Zheng. She told him about the Sui family’s forgery of the tiger tally and their deliberate failure to send troops. “I thought the Imperial Grandson might know something, so I came to question him. He said he would only speak if he could see Qianqian.”

Upon hearing about the Sui family’s forgery of the tiger tally, frost immediately colored Xie Zheng’s eyes again: “The palace maid from the Cold Palace died three days ago.”

Unable to get answers from Wei Yan, he began investigating the matter of him and Consort Shu after leaving the dungeon.

Fan Changyu wasn’t surprised: “Was it the Emperor’s doing?”

Calculating the time, the palace maid had died right after New Year’s Eve.

But Xie Zheng shook his head: “I interrogated the eunuch close to Qi Sheng. After the Cold Palace plot failed, Qi Sheng went to Wei Yan in the middle of the night seeking protection. That palace maid was his leverage to threaten Wei Yan for protection. He wouldn’t be foolish enough to destroy his lifeline.”

Fan Changyu looked at him: “Was it Wei Yan?”

Xie Zheng didn’t respond, clearly confirming it.

Fan Changyu couldn’t understand: “Wei Yan killed that palace maid before Grand Tutor Li’s coup. Was he afraid of his scandal being known to Grand Tutor Li? Or did he not want any evidence falling into others’ hands?”

Xie Zheng gazed at the snow covering the distant palace walls and simply said: “He has always been ruthless. Having forced the Li family into a corner where they could only attempt a coup, upon learning of another hidden threat in the palace, he certainly wouldn’t leave it be.”

Fan Changyu recalled Grand Tutor Li mentioning that Wei Yan’s sister and Consort Shu were close friends before marriage and that Wei Yan had served under Old General Qi. This meant Wei Yan and Consort Shu must have known each other before their respective marriages. Coupled with the fact that Wei Yan had only taken a wife in name, the relationship between Wei Yan and Consort Shu seemed increasingly complex.

She hesitated: “Then the affair between Wei Yan and Consort Shu must be true?”

If it were false, why would Wei Yan silence the palace maid after controlling the young Emperor?

Xie Zheng remained silent, walking steadily through the heavy snow. Without his cloak to shield him from the wind and snow, his cold, hard figure suddenly seemed somewhat thin, reminiscent of the orphaned child he once was. After a while, he spoke in an indifferent tone: “Perhaps, as Qi Min said, he did disrupt the imperial harem and plot for the throne, which led to the loss of Jinzhou.”

Fan Changyu glanced at him and suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“What’s wrong?”

Xie Zheng turned to look at her, snow covering his shoulders, his black gold-embroidered dragon robe making his face appear as white as frost and snow.

Fan Changyu suddenly raised her arms and hugged him tightly, her voice muffled but firm: “I’ll walk the path ahead with you.”

He had hidden his emotions well, but at that moment, Fan Changyu still sensed something was off.

Indeed, no matter how evil Wei Yan might be, he was still the uncle Xie Zheng had called for over twenty years, his only living relative in this world.

Yet this only relative was also the murderer of his parents.

How could he not be upset? He just… didn’t know how to be upset anymore, perhaps?

Xie Zheng lowered his gaze, silently looking at the black hair of the girl in his arms. The force with which she had crashed into his embrace wasn’t great, but it made his heart tremble. A tingling sensation and a faint pain, wrapped in that tremor, spread to his fingertips.

He remained stiff for a while before raising his hand to press against her back through the cloak, fully embracing her. His half-lowered long lashes were dotted with fine snow, and he spoke stubbornly and earnestly: “Of course, you can’t escape.”

Snow fell like cotton, and the two continued walking side by side.

After failing to learn about Consort Shu from the palace maid, Fan Changyu visited Consort An on Xie Zheng’s behalf.

When Xie Zheng initially had Gong Sun Yin use the Princess Royal to investigate the Sixteenth Prince’s affairs, his real intention was to approach Consort An.

Although the palace staff had changed many times over, Consort An was a consort who had remained uninvolved in palace affairs since seventeen years ago. She must know more about the events of that time than ordinary palace servants.

Perhaps because the current situation had become clear, Consort An didn’t evade the topic at all when Fan Changyu visited and explained her purpose.

“This grieving one and Consort Shu were acquainted since our maiden days. Even now, this grieving one still prefers to call her Rong Yin.”

The hall doors were closed, and the light in the small Buddhist shrine was dim.

Consort An, dressed in Buddhist robes, lit incense and then used her well-maintained delicate hands to replace the gold-inlaid openwork carved cover of the incense burner. Wisps of blue smoke seeped through the gaps, slowly rising to the ceiling of the shrine.

She paused, her expression momentarily wistful: “She also liked it when this grieving one called her by her maiden name.”

Fan Changyu sat upright on the other side of the low table, silently noting Consort Shu’s maiden name, Qi Rong Yin.

She thought it was indeed a beautiful name.

Consort An returned to the low table and sat down gracefully, her every movement exuding an elegance refined by the passage of time: “This grieving one entered the palace with her. Because of Empress Dowager Qi, she was given the title of Consort upon entering the palace, while this grieving one was only made a Worthy Consort. At that time, Noble Consort Jia was highly favored. Any consort who gained the late Emperor’s favor would suffer at Noble Consort Jia’s hands. She once helped this grieving one out of a difficult situation. With our acquaintance from our maiden days, we became quite close.”

The sound of water was clear and melodious as Consort An pushed a cup of brewed tea towards Fan Changyu. She seemed lost in memories and smiled faintly.

“Rong Yin was a person of very mild temperament, not at all like someone who had entered the palace to vie for favor for the Qi family’s honor. But it was precisely this detachment from worldly affairs that made the late Emperor want to give her everything, causing Noble Consort Jia to be jealous for quite some time.”

Consort An’s smile faded, and she shook her head: “Perhaps it had nothing to do with temperament. After all, what man wouldn’t be moved by such a beauty? Cold as a secluded orchid when not smiling, yet radiant as a lotus when she did. At that time, in the capital, Wei Yan and General Xie were the twin pillars of civil and military beauty among men, while Rong Yin and Wei Wan were the twin beauties among women.”

Fan Changyu knew that Wei Wan was Xie Zheng’s mother.

Perhaps it was Consort An’s clear, calm voice that carried a sense of time-worn melancholy, but Fan Changyu found herself absorbed in listening to this tale of the past, holding her teacup without taking a single sip.

“In the palace, Rong Yin was never truly happy. No matter what the late Emperor bestowed upon her, it was difficult to make her smile. She liked high places, and the Star-Plucking Tower was a place she often visited. Sometimes she would stand there for an entire morning. Later, for some unknown reason, the late Emperor ordered the Star-Plucking Tower to be demolished and neglected Rong Yin for quite some time.”

“This grieving one asked Rong Yin what she always looked at from the tower. She said she was homesick.”

Consort An poured herself a cup of tea as well. After taking a small sip, she continued smiling, though with a hint of sadness at the passage of time: “This grieving one doesn’t know if her words were true, but in her second year in the palace, Wei Yan got married and had a son by the end of the year. That New Year’s Eve, the late Emperor had intended to bring her to meet the court officials, but she fell ill. In the end, it was Noble Consort Jia who accompanied the late Emperor. Noble Consort Jia thought Rong Yin was showing weakness and became quite smug for a while. During that period, the palace was relatively peaceful.”

Fan Changyu had already begun to guess something and asked, “Was Consort Shu’s death truly related to Wei Yan?”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 162

Perhaps Fan Changyu’s question was too direct, and the matter too weighty.

The smile gradually faded from Consort An’s lips. After a long pause, she shook her head and said, “This Grieving One does not know.”

This answer startled Fan Changyu, but then Consort An continued, “In the early winter of the 16th year of Qishun, the battle at Jinzhou was intense. The Sixteenth Prince, who had long been vying for the position of Crown Prince, caused trouble in Luocheng. Although Precious Consort Jia’s side kept it tightly under wraps, there were no completely impenetrable walls. This Grieving One still heard some rumors.”

She looked at Fan Changyu and asked, “Do you know about the trouble the Sixteenth Prince caused?”

Fan Changyu nodded.

If it weren’t for the Sixteenth Prince’s reckless ambition that led to him being trapped in Luocheng, her grandfather wouldn’t have found himself in such a dilemma back then.

Consort An spoke softly, “This Grieving One in the inner palace was unaware of how the late Emperor arranged matters in the outer court, but I imagine he wouldn’t have left the Sixteenth Prince unattended. During that time, Precious Consort Jia also quieted down considerably. It seemed the late Emperor intended to give her the cold shoulder and stopped visiting her palace. He frequently went to Rong Yin’s quarters instead.”

“At that time, This Grieving One also thought that after this incident, both Precious Consort Jia and the Sixteenth Prince would fall out of favor. Once the Crown Prince returned victorious from Jinzhou, what could the Sixteenth Prince use to compete with him for the position of heir apparent?”

“But suddenly, Rong Yin was diagnosed with child.” Consort An paused at this point, either finding the events of that year absurd or for some other reason. Even her hand fingering the prayer beads slowed for a moment. “All the imperial physicians from the entire Imperial Medical Institute were called to examine her, but the determined number of months didn’t match the records in the Jingshi Fang’s service register.”

Fan Changyu suddenly looked up.

There was a hint of sorrow in Consort An’s eyes as well. “Rong Yin was three months pregnant. Counting back, it must have happened around the Mid-Autumn Festival. Indeed, an incident occurred during that year’s Mid-Autumn banquet. Wei Yan drank too much and had a dalliance with a palace maid at the Taiye Pool water pavilion. Unfortunately, the late Emperor and some court officials who had gone to appreciate the moon stumbled upon the scene. It was said that the late Emperor’s face darkened considerably at the time, but since it was just a palace maid, he couldn’t make a big fuss. So he simply bestowed the maid to Wei Yan.”

Fan Changyu immediately thought of how Xie Zheng was set up by the young Emperor on New Year’s Eve.

She furrowed her brow and asked, “Was Wei Yan set up?”

Otherwise, how could it be so coincidental that the late Emperor happened to bring court officials there?

The months of the child in Consort Shu’s womb didn’t match up either, so the one who had the drunken encounter with Wei Yan wasn’t a palace maid at all, but most likely Consort Shu herself.

Consort An merely sighed, “How could This Grieving One know? But undoubtedly, Rong Yin incurred the Emperor’s wrath. All the servants in the entire Qingyuan Palace were beaten to death, yet they couldn’t extract any information. Rong Yin was confined to Qingyuan Palace, with matrons sent daily to interrogate her… about who she had been intimate with. On the night of the Laba Festival, a fire suddenly broke out in Qingyuan Palace. The patrolling Jinwu Guards who went to put out the fire discovered Wei Yan near Qingyuan Palace.”

Fan Changyu asked in disbelief, “Was it Wei Yan who set fire to burn Consort Shu?”

Consort An said, “That’s what was circulating in the palace at the time. This Grieving One and Rong Yin were acquainted. When I heard the news and rushed to Qingyuan Palace, the fire was already too intense for anyone to enter.”

Fan Changyu noticed Consort An’s voice becoming hoarse, and looking up, she saw a crystal tear falling from the corner of her eye.

Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “Have you ever seen fire licking higher when water is thrown on it to extinguish it?”

She continued, “This Grieving One has. That great fire… it reeked of tung oil.”

Fan Changyu frowned, “Was it the late Emperor who burned Consort Shu to death?”

Consort An took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, barely maintaining a hint of calm in her voice, “This Grieving One couldn’t see Consort Shu one last time. I can’t give the General an accurate account of how she passed, but her Qingyuan Palace… was indeed doused with tung oil by the Jinwu Guards who came to put out the fire.”

“At dawn, the palace was surrounded, with the sound of killing shaking the heavens. This Grieving One narrowly escaped by tightly closing the doors of Shouyang Palace. That day, the entire moat was dyed red with blood, and the white marble steps in front of Taihe Gate couldn’t wash away the smell of blood for a month afterward. All the people in the palace were replaced, and the late Emperor and Precious Consort Jia passed away in succession, overcome with grief. The killing throughout the entire palace before dawn that day seems to exist only in This Grieving One’s memory now, like a dream…”

The incense in the censer wafted above the small Buddhist hall, and the white jade Guanyin enshrined on the altar seemed to exude even more compassion.

Fan Changyu rose with mixed emotions and bowed to Consort An, “Thank you, Consort, for sharing this past event.”

Stepping out of the small Buddhist hall, Fan Changyu took a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air in the wind and snow, watching the birds perched on top of the palace walls for a moment, lost in thought.

The mystery surrounding Wei Yan was becoming increasingly complex.

He had originally been ordered to go and mobilize troops, but halfway through, he handed this important task to her father and returned to the capital himself.

Was it because he had already colluded with Prince Changxin at that time, preparing for the fall of Jinzhou, and returning to the capital early to control the situation in Beijing?

If that were truly the case, with his composure, he shouldn’t have lost patience and sneaked into Consort Shu’s Qingyuan Palace at night.

An even stranger point was, if he was afraid Consort Shu would reveal his involvement and went to kill her to silence her, why did the late Emperor order the Jinwu Guards to douse Consort Shu’s palace with tung oil?

Fan Changyu frowned hard, remembering what Consort An said about Wei Yan getting drunk at the Mid-Autumn banquet and having a dalliance with a palace maid, being caught red-handed by the late Emperor and court officials. She increasingly felt that this incident must have been the late Emperor’s scheme against Wei Yan as well.

Was Wei Yan’s nighttime visit to Qingyuan Palace another instance of the late Emperor catching him in the act? But Wei Yan, being skilled in martial arts, managed to escape, so the late Emperor, in his anger and humiliation, burned Consort Shu to death to vent his fury and then pinned all the blame on Wei Yan.

Did Wei Yan then stage a palace coup to protect himself?

With a mind full of questions, Fan Changyu was heading to Wenyuan Ge to find Xie Zheng when she heard someone calling out to her before she could leave Shouyang Palace: “General Fan, please wait!”

Fan Changyu turned around to see a beautifully dressed palace lady walking towards her. Her elaborate palace attire was embroidered with golden flowers, and her hair was adorned with flower-shaped ornaments. She was as gorgeous as a peony. Despite her quick steps, the tassels on her headdress swayed only slightly, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

Fan Changyu guessed this must be the Princess and bowed with clasped hands, “Greetings, Princess.”

Qi Shu hurriedly said, “No need for such formalities, General.”

She handed a brocade box to Fan Changyu, “I apologize for stopping you abruptly, but I wanted to entrust you with delivering this item to Mr. Gong Sun.”

Fan Changyu accepted it, feeling it was quite light, unsure of its contents. Thinking that it must be difficult to send messages and items between the palace and the outside world, which was why the Princess had entrusted her with this task, she immediately said, “This humble official will certainly deliver it into Mr. Gong Sun’s hands.”

“Thank you, General.” Qi Shu curtsied slightly to her, and as she turned away, she glanced once more at the box in her hand, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

Fan Changyu found it somewhat strange and examined the brocade box again before tucking it into her robe and heading toward Wenyuan Ge.

Xie Zheng had used the young Emperor’s shock and subsequent illness as a reason to postpone the early morning court sessions for the past few days. However, after Gong Sun Yin helped screen some of the memorials submitted by court officials, the urgent ones still needed his decision.

Before Fan Changyu entered the hall, she heard Gong Sun Yin’s complaints: “The Three Departments and Six Ministries are all urging to conclude Wei Yan’s case. Look at this old scoundrel’s confession, does he think this is a game?”

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, slamming a confession in front of Xie Zheng. Despite the cold weather, he was so angry he was fanning himself: “Delaying military intelligence leading to the fall of Jinzhou, he says he feared being held accountable, so he directly carried out a bloody purge of the palace, seized power, and then altered imperial edicts to push all the blame onto Old General Meng. Tell me, who would believe this confession if it were made public? He delayed military operations, but shouldn’t he have been on his way to Jinzhou? How did he end up in the capital?”

Xie Zheng continued writing something on the desk, unmoved as a mountain.

Gong Sun Yin pulled out a second sheet from his robe and slammed it on the desk again: “Look, this is his new confession after I asked him why he returned to the capital early. Now he’s changed his story, admitting that the Jinzhou bloodbath was his design. His reason? He disagreed politically with Crown Prince Chengde, and to monopolize power and achieve his grand ambitions, he deliberately gave Wei Qilin a fake tiger tally for Chongzhou…”

Fan Changyu knew that this statement was likely another false confession from Wei Yan. The tiger tally her father took was genuine.

She stepped in and asked, “Has Wei Yan confessed to the crime of defiling the palace?”

“General Fan, you’re back?” Gong Sun Yin glanced at the door, greeted Fan Changyu with a smile, and then answered, “He hasn’t confessed. He refuses to mention this matter at all…”

The person who had been bent over the desk marking documents in red finally raised his head when Fan Changyu entered the hall. He pulled out a chair for her, and Fan Changyu sat down beside him as naturally as could be.

Gong Sun Yin pretended not to notice and continued, “It’s strange. He’s admitted to so many heinous crimes of the ages, both those he committed and those he didn’t, without batting an eye. But this crime of licentious misconduct, he consistently avoids…”

There was a light clink of a teacup as Xie Zheng poured another cup of tea and passed it over. “It’s cold and snowy outside. Have some tea to warm up.”

Fan Changyu was indeed thirsty and lifted the cup to take a big gulp.

Gong Sun Yin’s mouth twitched slightly. He had known this fellow for so many years and had never seen him voluntarily serve tea to anyone.

He barely managed to contain himself and continued his analysis: “The palace maid in the Cold Palace who fell into Qi Sheng’s hands was also killed by Wei Yan. I’m starting to think that Wei Yan’s affair with Consort Shu might be true, but he’s been trying to cover it up…”

“It’s still early for mealtime. If you’re hungry, there are some snacks here to tide you over,” the clear, cool voice across from them spoke up again.

Gong Sun Yin watched in disbelief as the usually stern man pulled out a food box from behind him and took out a plate of pastries to hand to Fan Changyu. He finally couldn’t hold back anymore.

Fan Changyu had just accepted the plate when she heard a loud bang.

She turned to see Gong Sun Yin standing up, both hands planted on the desk, a vein throbbing at his temple. “Xie Jiuheng, that’s enough!”

Fan Changyu was startled for a moment. After taking a piece of pastry for herself, she pushed the entire plate towards Gong Sun Yin, her almond-shaped eyes looking utterly innocent.

The meaning was clear: “Here, eat this.”

Gong Sun Yin nearly fainted from anger.

To make matters worse, Xie Zheng chose this moment to speak coldly: “Don’t mind him.”

Gong Sun Yin couldn’t help but roar, “Xie Jiuheng, there will be a time when you’ll need my help! I’ve been talking for so long…”

Xie Zheng interrupted him: “Consort Shu was a descendant of the Qi family. Wei Yan once received teachings from Old General Qi.”

Gong Sun Yin’s anger subsided, and his disconnected thoughts instantly reconnected: “So Wei Yan is covering this up to avoid tarnishing the Qi family’s reputation?”

After all, Old General Qi and his sons had all died in battle, and the Qi family could rightfully claim the title of a family of loyal martyrs. Crown Prince Chengde also embodied the spirit of the Qi family, earning widespread support from the people.

For such a family of loyal martyrs, if a consort emerged who was of loose morals, it would indeed disgrace the family name.

Fan Changyu thought for a moment and said, “I think Wei Yan is doing it for Consort Shu’s reputation. He had a relationship with Consort Shu, and he committed heinous crimes that will be revealed for generations. Admitting to an affair with Consort Shu would only subject her to continued condemnation by future generations along with him.”

Throughout history, those consorts who moved between emperors and ministers are still infamous to this day. The descriptions in unofficial histories are even more unspeakable, becoming topics of gossip for ruffians and loafers.

For ordinary women, even the slightest association with such a scandalous reputation would leave them with no choice but to drown themselves to preserve their purity.

Gong Sun Yin sat back down and said, “If that’s the case, it’s quite remarkable. Would someone as cold-hearted as Wei Yan go to such lengths for a woman?”

Fan Changyu then shared with them what she had heard from Consort An.

After listening, both Xie Zheng and Gong Sun Yin fell silent.

Fan Changyu said, “If the late Emperor had once set Wei Yan up, then Consort Shu’s death and that palace coup might also be suspicious. However, there’s one thing I still can’t understand. If Wei Yan cared about Consort Shu’s reputation even after her death, why did he abandon her and escape alone when he was discovered sneaking into Qingyuan Palace by the imperial guards back then?”

Xie Zheng remained silent.

Gong Sun Yin rubbed his brow: “It couldn’t be that the old scoundrel Wei Yan knew he couldn’t save Consort Shu at the time and was unwilling to die with her, so he fled. Now, after tasting power for all these years, he feels guilty towards Consort Shu and wants to make amends?”

Fan Changyu didn’t respond either.

If it was truly as Gong Sun Yin said, then Wei Yan’s current unwillingness to let Consort Shu’s name be tainted would seem rather laughable.

“In my opinion, why don’t we just conclude this case as it is?” Gong Sun Yin suddenly said.

Both Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng remained silent.

Gong Sun Yin tapped the table with his fan handle: “The masterminds behind the Jinzhou bloodbath were undoubtedly Wei Yan and Sui Tuo. The Sui family is extinct, and Wei Yan has been brought to justice. The false charges against Old General Meng can be cleared, and with Wei Yan’s death, the lives he owed would be considered repaid. Isn’t this an explanation for the unjustly killed soldiers in Jinzhou and the people?”

Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng still said nothing, so Gong Sun Yin continued, “We can’t pry open Wei Yan’s mouth, and we can’t keep dragging this on. The new emperor… needs to prepare for his ascension, doesn’t he?”

After another moment of silence, a calm yet firm voice spoke: “We cannot conclude the case.”

Gong Sun Yin looked up, and Xie Zheng also turned slightly.

Daylight streamed through the half-open window into the hall, clear and bright. The young female general sat on a cushion in her soft armor, her long lashes slightly lowered, her features stern, exuding an air of heroism.

Gong Sun Yin asked, “Why not?”

Fan Changyu raised her head, her eyes as vast as a shimmering sea in the sunlight: “We’ve all reached these positions; we shouldn’t make such a muddled conclusion. Even in the courtyard of a seventh-rank county magistrate’s office, there hangs a plaque that reads ‘Clear Mirror Held High,’ demanding justice and fairness. Wei Yan harmed my parents and ruined my grandfather’s good name. I hate him to the bone, and he has indeed committed many evil deeds and deserves to die, but it shouldn’t be in such a confused manner.”

Her gaze was resolute: “The Jinzhou bloodbath needs the truth, the real truth.”

Not a muddled situation where Wei Yan dies, and the past events are considered settled, with vengeance repaid and grudges resolved.

Wei Yan’s death would only bury the truth of that time forever.

The last trace of casualness disappeared from Gong Sun Yin’s eyes, and he regarded Fan Changyu with the most serious look he had ever given.

The girl before him still had that same lonely courage and sincerity as before, but now that sincerity and courage were mixed with something else, something weighty. It wasn’t like the majesty of high mountains, but something more vast, like the thick earth beneath their feet, stretching endlessly.

Only in such thick soil could towering peaks rise.

This realization stunned Gong Sun Yin for a long time until Xie Zheng’s voice brought him back to his senses.

“Continue investigating the Jinzhou case.” This was said to Fan Changyu. Then, to Gong Sun Yin: “Start preparing for the new emperor’s ascension.”

Gong Sun Yin agreed, but as he stood up, he bowed solemnly to Fan Changyu: “I am ashamed of my earlier words.”

This gesture made Fan Changyu feel somewhat embarrassed, and she said, “Mr. Gong Sun was also considering the current situation.”

She handed the brocade box from Princess Qi Shu to Gong Sun: “Oh, I almost forgot the Princess’s request. She asked me to pass this box to you, sir.”

When Gong Sun Yin received the box, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he asked, “Did the Princess have any message for General Fan to convey along with it?”

Fan Changyu replied honestly, “No, nothing else.”

“I see. Well then, thank you, General Fan.” Gong Sun Yin smiled, but his smile seemed less carefree than before.

After Gong Sun Yin left, Fan Changyu discussed with Xie Zheng: “Did you notice something odd about Mr. Gong Sun after he received that brocade box?”

Xie Zheng embraced her from behind: “He has been avoiding the Princess for so many years, but the Princess’s age doesn’t allow her to wait any longer.”

Before Fan Changyu could fully understand his cryptic words, she felt a weight on her shoulder as Xie Zheng rested his chin in the crook of her neck.

“Thank you,” he said in a hoarse voice.

With Wei Yan dead, he might never know the true reason for his father’s death.

How could she not hate Wei Yan for her parents’ vengeance and the Meng family’s unjust treatment? Wei Yan’s death would mean her great revenge was truly achieved.

But she had rejected Gong Sun Yin’s proposal.

Fan Changyu turned her head and smiled at him: “The unjust deaths of General Xie and Crown Prince Chengde need the truth, as do the thousands of soldiers who died in Jinzhou.”

She placed her palm over his hand around her waist, her gaze as pure and sincere as ever: “We’ll search together. We’ll surely find it.”

The turning point came after Yu Qianqian arrived in the capital.

Fan Changyu hadn’t mentioned anything about Qi Min to Yu Qianqian, but with her and Xie Zheng’s extensive investigation into Wei Yan and the Sui family, Yu Qianqian eventually caught wind of it.

A country cannot go a day without a ruler. When Xie Zheng discussed the matter of promoting Yu Bao’er to the throne with Tang Peiyi and others, they inevitably faced another problem: Qi Min was still clinging to life.

What kind of death should be given to this imperial grandson?

Although Yu Bao’er was still young and had no filial bond with Qi Min, Tang Peiyi and others still didn’t agree with Xie Zheng directly killing Qi Min, citing the natural bond between father and son. They worried that Yu Bao’er might be influenced by others in the future, leaving hidden troubles.

Fan Changyu wasn’t afraid of this and spoke frankly: “I’ll do it. That child is sensible and knows his birth father wasn’t a good person. Even if, in the worst-case scenario, he resents me in the future, it was I who saved him from Qi Min’s blade when Qi Min wanted to kill him. I’m not afraid of that child hating me.”

Xie Zheng discreetly gripped her wrist, signaling her not to argue further.

“I’ll go,” he repeated in a low, calm tone. It wasn’t a request for opinion, but a statement.

Tang Peiyi was about to persuade him further when a voice suddenly came from the doorway: “Marquis, Generals, this humble one can go.”

Everyone looked up to see a graceful woman pushing open the door.

Fan Changyu was startled: “Qianqian, why are you here?”

The other generals and advisors were not familiar with Yu Qianqian, and their faces showed respect towards this future Empress Dowager.

Yu Qianqian looked at Fan Changyu and said, “I know you mean well. Bao’er and I already owe you and the Marquis so much. Let me be the one to kill Qi Min. It will not only eliminate him but also help uncover the collusion between the Sui family and Wei Yan. It’s all benefit and no harm.”

Any further persuasion from Fan Changyu was blocked by Yu Qianqian’s words.

In the end, she only looked at Yu Qianqian and said, “Then I’ll accompany you.”

Zhu Yu – Chapter 163

It was a rare day without snow, with the sun providing a warm glow.

Fan Changyu stood outside the palace gates, holding her sword. She gazed at the bare tree branches stretching freely beyond the courtyard walls. The slanting sunlight cast a warm glow on this side, while a layer of white snow still covered the distant wall tops and withered branches. As the sunlight scattered down, it diffused a faint golden hue, yet the air remained bitingly cold and damp.

Yu Qianqian entered the inner hall carrying a soup tureen.

Qi Min seemed to know she would come today. Unable to get out of bed due to his injuries, he was sitting propped up on the couch, with a dark purple robe with silver-gray accents draped over his shoulders. In the bright light by the window, the silver-gray on his clothes faintly revealed patterns of auspicious clouds and ruyi scepters.

His hair appeared to have been groomed as well. Despite being bedridden with severe injuries for many days, he showed no signs of uncleanliness. It remained as it had always been – black, shiny, and smooth as satin.

Only his body had grown much thinner, seeming almost unable to fill out his clothes.

Yu Qianqian glanced at him briefly before averting her gaze and continuing forward with the soup tureen.

Qi Min heard her footsteps but didn’t turn his head. He watched two birds foraging in the courtyard where the snow had melted, his hand resting on the blanket, idly fiddling with the ring on his finger. His finger bones were long and slender like bamboo joints, but alarmingly pale and thin, making one worry that if he were to grip something too tightly, the joints might break under the strain.

No one spoke. The only sound was the faint clinking as Yu Qianqian ladled soup into a fine white porcelain bowl.

“I thought you wouldn’t come,” Qi Min said.

Yu Qianqian turned from the table, holding the bowl of soup, to find him looking at her. His gaze was still dark and brooding, like a vulture on a cliff or a venomous snake emerging from hibernation to hunt.

Yu Qianqian’s lips curved into a gentle smile, but her eyes remained clear and fearless as she looked directly at him. “I had to come personally to send you off on this final journey.”

Qi Min looked at the bowl of soup in her hands, his dark eyes swirling with indecipherable emotions. “You even went to the trouble of making a bowl of snow frog soup. How thoughtful.”

Yu Qianqian smiled. “Even a death row prisoner in jail gets a last meal before heading to the execution ground, don’t they?”

She was sharp-tongued, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Qi Min gazed at her silently. “I didn’t know you had such a clever tongue.”

She feared pain, trouble, and death. She was obedient, seemingly without her own opinions, honest and straightforward. But beneath this facade, she hid an extremely wild heart, otherwise, she wouldn’t have attempted to escape multiple times.

Each time she was caught and brought back, she never became hysterical. She would eat, drink, and sleep as usual, never doing anything to harm herself. She endured all the punishments he gave her, making people think she had become docile. But if given another chance, she would run away again without looking back.

This radiant version of her was one he had never seen before.

Yu Qianqian stirred the soup with a spoon and said, “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

Unwilling to waste more words with him, she asked directly, “You hate the Sui family so much, yet the Crown Princess used a great fire in the Eastern Palace to turn you into the Sui family’s eldest son. Why?”

Qi Min looked at her without speaking, seemingly finding her coldness somewhat unfamiliar.

Yu Qianqian met his gaze calmly. “This empire belongs to your Qi family. It was your father who died in Jinzhou back then. Now that you’re about to condemn the Sui and Wei families, surely you don’t still want to conceal anything for your enemies?”

Hearing the faint mockery in her tone, Qi Min looked at her for a while longer before averting his gaze and slowly saying, “Among the shadow guards my father left me, there was one called Fu Qing. He escaped from Jinzhou City back then. When reinforcements and supplies failed to arrive for a long time, my father sent him to Chongzhou to seek aid. Sui Tuo refused to send troops and even tried to kill him with a volley of arrows, saying that once Jinzhou fell, the empire would change its surname to Wei.”

Yu Qianqian’s expression showed subtle changes, but she remained silent as Qi Min continued to reveal the hidden truths of the past, his voice devoid of emotion.

“Fu Qing was originally from the Green Forest, known for his lightness skills. He barely escaped the slaughter at the Prince of Changxin’s mansion but was severely injured. While dragging his wounded body to seek help and report elsewhere, Jinzhou had already fallen. My father and Xie Linshan both died in battle. Knowing the situation was lost, he rushed back to the capital to report. By then, the capital was already under Wei Yan’s control. The news of his secret communication with Consort Su to massacre the palace had reached my mother in the Eastern Palace. With Fu Qing’s testimony, she became increasingly fearful.”

“Later, the loss of Jinzhou was entirely blamed on General Meng Suyuan of Changshan. When some of Meng’s old subordinates came to the Eastern Palace to plead for justice, they entered the gates only to become corpses in a pool of blood moments later. The Meng family, from daughter to son-in-law to old retainers, were all killed.”

At this point, Qi Min’s lips curled in mockery and coldness. “The Eastern Palace knew Wei Yan’s secret. He wouldn’t spare the Eastern Palace. Before Wei Yan could make his move, my mother used a great fire to hide me away in the Prince of Changxin’s mansion.”

This was the past that had been suffocating him for over a decade.

He smiled faintly at Yu Qianqian. “You see, only by being ruthless enough can one obtain everything they desire. My mother said Wei Yan had always harbored wolfish ambitions. In the past, when the former emperor favored the Sixteenth Prince and suppressed my father at every turn, all the officials in the Eastern Palace were scheming how to help my father regain favor and secure his position as heir apparent. Only Wei Yan suggested, why not have the emperor ‘abdicate’?”

He paused, a moment of bewilderment crossing his face. “If Wei Yan had been eliminated then, perhaps none of this would have happened later. My father was too indecisive, which led to his downfall. What use is a reputation for virtue? I won’t become someone like him.”

Yu Qianqian said coldly, “What nonsense! You’ve committed all sorts of beastly acts, and now you’re trying to find a noble excuse for yourself!”

Qi Min didn’t anger, only staring at her and saying, “You look much better when you’re cursing than when you were obedient before.”

Yu Qianqian frowned fiercely, feeling that sensation of a cold, venomous snake coiling against her skin again. She made no effort to hide her disgust. “Madman!”

Her seemingly frightened appearance seemed to please Qi Min, making him chuckle softly.

Feeling annoyed, Yu Qianqian stood up to leave. He stopped laughing and called out to her softly, “Since you’ve already prepared the soup, why don’t you feed it to me? Don’t waste your efforts.”

His injuries were severe, and he couldn’t get out of bed. He needed assistance with all daily activities. To prevent any accidents, Xie Zheng had even ordered someone to give him a bone-softening powder. Yu Qianqian meeting him alone posed no danger.

Yu Qianqian turned to look at him. He was leaning against soft pillows, his expression very calm, as if unaware that the soup contained a lethal poison. His long, narrow eyes caught the sunlight, contrasting with his pale skin that seemed as if it might melt in the sun. For a moment, he appeared gentle and fragile.

Seeing Yu Qianqian not responding, he smiled at her again, seemingly deliberately: “Can’t bear it?”

Yu Qianqian sat back down and used the spoon to scoop up some of the now-cooled snow frog soup, bringing it to his lips.

Her expression was calm to the point of coldness, and his face showed no emotion. As he tasted it, he commented, “The cooking time was just right, but it’s a pity it’s cooled down a bit.”

Yu Qianqian said nothing, only scooping up another spoonful to feed him.

He looked at her as he continued to open his mouth and drink.

This moment of tranquility didn’t seem like one person was trying to kill the other, but rather like a couple in love.

When the bowl was empty, Qi Min smiled and asked, “Is there any more?”

Yu Qianqian said, “There’s half a bowl left in the tureen.”

Qi Min then said, “Feed it all to me.”

A smile still lingered at the corner of his lips, no longer cold, with a hint of nonchalance: “I won’t be able to drink it anymore after this.”

Of course, he wouldn’t be able to drink it anymore. What future did he have?

Yu Qianqian’s hand stirring the spoon paused slightly, but she only said, “Wait.”

When the remaining half bowl of soup from the tureen was finished, Qi Min leaned against the pillow, turning his head slightly to look at Yu Qianqian. He suddenly said, “I investigated you.”

Yu Qianqian raised her eyes to meet his gaze.

He said, “Your name isn’t Qianqian. Your family was poor, with an older brother and three younger siblings. Your parents didn’t give you a name, always calling you Er Ya. You never worked in a restaurant. Your family sold you to a human trafficker to pay for your older brother’s wedding. You were bought by the Zhao family and sent to me.”

Yu Qianqian remained silent.

Perhaps due to the effects of the poison, Qi Min’s lips had taken on a faint purple hue, but his eyes were still stubbornly fixed on Yu Qianqian. With some effort, he said, “I want to know who you are.”

Yu Qianqian still didn’t answer.

He continued on his own: “A wandering ghost? Or… a spirit that has attained enlightenment?”

As his jet-black eyelashes lowered, his eyes, previously like dead water, finally showed some ripples: “Let me… understand clearly before I go.”

Yu Qianqian replied calmly, “The poison is affecting your memory. I am Yu Er Ya. I worked in a restaurant before my family sold me to a human trafficker. Qianqian is the name I gave myself.”

She rose from the stool and even tucked in his blanket: “You’re tired. Sleep now. This poison is gentle; it won’t be too painful. You’ll fall asleep and know nothing more.”

As she was about to leave, that pale, emaciated hand suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling the unprepared Yu Qianqian off balance and causing her to fall onto him.

Just as Yu Qianqian was about to call out, he forcefully gripped her neck. The dying man somehow found strength, immediately choking Yu Qianqian so she couldn’t make a sound. She tried to pry his arm away but couldn’t budge it. Her fingertips dug deep into the back of his hand, but he seemed to feel no pain. His eyes suddenly flashed with a predatory light, his expression twisted, eyes full of hatred and unwillingness: “I thought myself ruthless, but I can’t compare to you in the slightest! You never liked me at all, did you?”

Yu Qianqian was still struggling, but her face had turned red from lack of oxygen. Unable to break free from his grip, she began to claw at the arrow wound on his chest.

Warm blood coated Yu Qianqian’s fingers, and Qi Min let out a muffled groan, loosening his hold on her.

Yu Qianqian fell to the ground, clutching her throat and gasping for air. At that moment, the door was kicked open, and Fan Changyu, who had heard the commotion outside, rushed in: “Qianqian!”

She helped Yu Qianqian up, her gaze sharp as a blade as she glared at Qi Min.

Yu Qianqian quickly grabbed Fan Changyu’s hand and said, “I’m fine.”

Qi Min leaned against the soft pillows, clutching his chest. His gaunt face had taken on a grayish-blue hue as the poison took effect. He gritted his teeth, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Yu Qianqian, a hint of grievance flashing through them: “You… how dare you treat me like this!”

Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, quickly gushing out in large amounts, staining his clothes and bedding with a large red patch.

Yu Qianqian sat down on the couch, quietly watching Qi Min. Her hair had come undone during the earlier struggle, and the faint flush from the choking had not yet faded from her face. She looked quite disheveled, but her expression remained extremely cold: “Why shouldn’t I treat you like this?”

“Does someone like you deserve to be liked by others?”

“You’re selfish, cruel, vicious, and moody. Everyone has to tiptoe around serving you, with the slightest mistake resulting in death. Yet you expect people to be wholeheartedly grateful for any small favor you bestow. How could there be such a good deal in this world?”

Qi Min’s mouth was full of blood, but his eyes remained fixed on Yu Qianqian, though he could no longer speak.

Yu Qianqian said calmly: “Haven’t enough people died for you? What have you ever done for them besides being suspicious? You were just born into the right family, that’s all.”

Qi Min continued to stare at her unblinkingly, his gaze stubborn and tinged with sorrow.

Yu Qianqian no longer looked at him. She straightened up and said to Fan Changyu: “Let’s go.”

Fan Changyu followed Yu Qianqian out of the room and was about to speak when Yu Qianqian’s legs suddenly gave way. Fortunately, Fan Changyu caught her in time: “Qianqian, what’s wrong?”

Yu Qianqian’s face was pale, no longer showing the composure she had maintained in front of Qi Min. She said, “It’s nothing, I just need a moment.”

Her hand gripping Fan Changyu’s was ice-cold: “Poisoning someone is ultimately different from killing chickens or fish.”

Fan Changyu helped her sit down on the steps and comforted her: “The first time I killed someone, I was so scared I couldn’t sleep all night. Tonight, I’ll bring Ning Niang over to keep you company. I’ve got so much blood on my hands, my aura is heavy with death. Even if he’s a prince, his ghost won’t dare come near me.”

These words sounded like she was comforting a child. The gloom in Yu Qianqian’s heart dissipated a bit, and she chuckled, saying, “That’s right, Changyu, you’re a general now.”

Fan Changyu scratched her head, smiling sheepishly.

The sun’s warmth on their bodies was comforting, and Yu Qianqian’s cold hands and feet slowly regained their warmth. She turned her head to look at the valiant female general beside her. Perhaps it was Qi Min’s final question that had stirred up some other emotions in her heart. She suddenly said, “Changyu, I have a secret.”

“Hmm?” Fan Changyu turned her head. The sunlight fell on her entire body, her eyes and brows filled with a brilliant radiance that inexplicably inspired trust and affection.

Yu Qianqian said, “I’m only telling you.”

Fan Changyu was slightly taken aback, then said very seriously, “I’ll keep your secret.”

Yu Qianqian looked at the swallows flying high and low in the sunset, her gaze becoming distant, with a hint of melancholy: “I came here from a place very, very far away, and I can never go back.”

“How far?”

“If I started walking now, it would take thousands of years to get back there.”

Fan Changyu was shocked: “Then how did you come to the Great Yin Dynasty?”

Yu Qianqian said, “In the time it took to take a nap, I opened my eyes and found myself here.”

Fan Changyu’s expression became a bit strange. She stared at Yu Qianqian for a while, then suddenly said, “Qianqian, are you an immortal?”

Yu Qianqian laughed again: “Could there be an immortal as useless as me in this world?”

She looked at Fan Changyu and said, “You look more like an immortal than I do.”

Suddenly being praised, Fan Changyu felt a bit shy and didn’t know how to respond.

Yu Qianqian said, “Where I come from, there was also a very powerful female general in history, called Liang Yu.”

She turned her head to look at Fan Changyu: “Everything here is not good, but with you and Bao’er, it’s still okay.”

She smiled, her eyes curving: “Thousands of years from now, Changyu will surely be a female general whose name is recorded in history.”

In the winter of the 17th year of Yongping, Grand Tutor Li Xing and Prime Minister Wei Yan attempted to rebel. Li Xing was defeated and died in a hail of arrows, while Wei Yan was captured alive.

A month later, Emperor Qi Sheng died from shock due to the palace coup. The lost descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde was found among the common people. Although the coronation ceremony had not yet been held, he had already entered the imperial palace with his birth mother, Lady Yu.

In the imperial prison.

The dim candlelight cast two towering shadows on the wall, and the fire in the braziers along the prison corridor blazed brightly, the wood crackling as it burned.

Grand Tutor Tao sighed softly as he placed a piece: “That brat’s father died in Jinzhou. No matter what, he needs an answer about what happened back then.”

His old but lively eyes quietly studied the person across from him, who was a generation younger than himself. With the air of an elder, he sighed and asked, “Yigui, what are you aiming for by bearing the infamy of this lifetime?”

Qi Min was dead. Among his shadow guards, only a few remained, including Fu Qing.

After Xie Zheng’s interrogation, the answer obtained was consistent with what Yu Qianqian had asked.

Thus, the three tiger tallies found in the Sui family’s possession seemed to make sense.

The tiger tallies were real, and so were the troop deployment orders. The Sui family had followed Wei Yan’s orders not to send troops or supplies to aid Jinzhou.

But a new question arose: If the Sui family was in cahoots with Wei Yan, why did they later rebel and only spread rumors about Wei Yan’s involvement in the fall of Jinzhou, instead of directly exposing him?

No matter what others thought, Grand Tutor Tao didn’t believe that Wei Yan had personally planned the Jinzhou incident. However, after Wei Yan’s failed coup, he seemed to have become indifferent to life and death, admitting to all crimes but refusing to speak further about the events of that year.

“The deaths of the Crown Prince and Linshan are my responsibility. I’m not taking the blame for anyone else.”

The oil lamp in the wall niche flickered with a dim yellow light, and the shadow cast by the person in front of the chessboard divided it into light and dark halves.

Wei Yan’s strong index and middle fingers pinched a black piece and placed it on the intersection of the chessboard. His deep voice, made hoarser by age, added a certain weightiness to his words, devoid of emotional fluctuations.

Grand Tutor Tao, however, detected a hint of hidden meaning in his words and raised his wrinkled eyelids: “Because of you and the Qi girl?”

Wei Yan looked at Grand Tutor Tao.

Grand Tutor Tao knew then that this must have been part of the reason. He sighed, “Both children have asked Consort An about it. When you retired from the battlefield and stayed in the capital back then, did you think this old man couldn’t see anything?”

Wei Yan was silent for two breaths, then said, “She was implicated because of me.”

Grand Tutor Tao had visited the imperial prison many times, but each time he couldn’t get much out of Wei Yan. Today, since he was willing to say more, he immediately asked, “What do you mean by that?”

The charcoal in the clay stove burned vigorously, the water in the kettle bubbling and rolling. White mist billowed from the spout, the rising vapor blurring Wei Yan’s features.

For a moment, the powerful minister sitting across from Grand Tutor Tao became the cold and aloof young man who had once made a name for himself in Jinyang with just a single poem.

He closed his eyes: “I was careless in my youth and left room for trouble with my words.”

Grand Tutor Tao’s gaze was stern, but his heart was already sinking slightly.

He had previously told Fan Changyu that Xie Zheng’s temperament was similar to Wei Yan’s when he was young, but that wasn’t entirely true. Xie Zheng, having lost his father at a young age and being strictly disciplined by Wei Yan, had a more steady temperament.

When Wei Yan was young, he wasn’t just spirited; he was almost arrogant.

The Wei family of Jinyang had been a prominent family for hundreds of years, and their children naturally had an extra measure of pride. As the outstanding one of his generation, the arrogance in him was even more pronounced.

He became the third-ranked scholar at the age of seventeen but was unwilling to enter the court as an official early on. Instead, he went to travel famous mountains and great rivers, saying he wanted to continue his studies and cultivate unworldly learning. This angered the Wei family patriarch so much that he had him tied up and sent to the Qi family’s military camp, letting Old General Qi discipline him. It was there that he became close friends with Xie Linshan in the army.

Grand Tutor Tao temporarily suppressed the complexity in his heart and slowly stroked his beard, asking, “What trouble?”

“In the 15th year of Qishun, there was a flood in Jiangnan. The Crown Prince went to provide disaster relief, but the Jia family obstructed it at every turn, delaying the disbursement of relief funds, and resulting in the death of more than half of the disaster victims. The former emperor was furious, but instead of pursuing the faults of the Sixteenth Prince and the Jia family, he blamed the Crown Prince for ineffective disaster relief, ordering him to reflect behind closed doors for three months, with all his subordinates punished. The emperor’s favoritism grew increasingly apparent, and rumors spread in the court that the former emperor intended to change the heir apparent to the Sixteenth Prince. The Crown Prince’s advisors were scheming on his behalf, and I spoke of letting the former emperor ‘abdicate’.”

Even after many years, hearing these words again made Grand Tutor Tao’s face change color. He pointed at Wei Yan, wanting to say something, but in the end only sighed, “You… how foolish!”

If these words had reached the former emperor’s ears, it would have been a disaster for the Crown Prince and the entire Wei family.

But Wei Yan said, “It wasn’t my foolishness, it was the Crown Prince’s indecisiveness.”

His gaze was as stern as a steel blade. With the air of one long in power, he was intimidating without anger, saying coldly, “If he dared to fight for it back then, with the strength of the Qi family and the Xie and Wei families combined, how could he not have been pushed onto that dragon throne?”

Grand Tutor Tao shook his head: “You have to think from the Crown Prince’s position. No matter how much the former emperor favored the Sixteenth Prince, as long as he was still the Crown Prince, that position was ultimately his. To let the former emperor ‘abdicate’, if it failed, it would have been a total loss.”

Wei Yan asked, “What did he end up with in the end?”

As he finished speaking, he let out a cold laugh: “At least he got what he wanted – a virtuous reputation, remembered for generations!”

Grand Tutor Tao heard the resentment and mockery in Wei Yan’s words, but in his heart, he could only sigh helplessly. When the former emperor was still a prince, his position was weak. He married Empress Qi and relied on Old General Qi to ascend to the throne.

But Old General Qi’s prestige in the army was too high. Once he was firmly seated on the dragon throne, the former emperor became wary of the Qi family. However, the Qi family had been loyal for generations, and their children were not wastrels. As an emperor, he couldn’t find a reason to move against the Qi family, so he especially favored his consort and indulged the Jia family to suppress the Qi family.

But how could those involved at the time have seen what was to come?

Grand Tutor Tao’s eyes held a hint of vicissitude: “At this point, don’t play word games with me. What happened back then?”

Outside, it seemed to have started snowing again, with a few flakes drifting in through the skylight.

Wei Yan placed another piece on the chessboard. “From the time the Crown Prince went to Jinzhou and the Sixteenth Prince listened to slanderous advice and went to Luo City, it was already a dead end.”

“The former emperor used Rong Yin as leverage to force me to return to the capital midway so that the blame for the final defeat in Jinzhou could fall entirely on my head. Old General Qi had passed away, and with Xie Linshan, who had taken over the Qi family’s military power, dead, the Wei family of Jinyang became traitors who betrayed the heir apparent and defiled the palace. Wasn’t that enough for everyone to condemn us?”

“Only the Jia family, who had been running rampant for years with his indulgence, remained. What was there to fear? Among the crimes against the Jia family reported by the Censorate over those years, any one of them could have been strictly enforced, and the Jia family’s good days would have been over.”

Grand Tutor Tao’s face was full of vicissitude, unable to utter another word.

A snowflake was carried far by the wind, floating slowly into Wei Yan’s cup, melting instantly.

His cold, deep phoenix eyes were reflected in the rippling water: “Rong Yin’s pregnancy was fake. It was just a trap to lure me in and solidify the charge of defiling the palace. She set fire to Qingyuan Palace to help me escape, saying that as long as the Crown Prince was alive and the Qi family hadn’t fallen, the former emperor wouldn’t do anything to her.”

The corners of his mouth, etched with the traces of time, showed a hint of bitterness: “But I didn’t know at the time that the former emperor had already made foolproof plans to have the Crown Prince die in Jinzhou. Threatening to execute her for treason to force me to return was the last step of the plan.”

“You know what happened after that, Grand Tutor.”

“I was the one who bloodied the palace, and I was the one who pinned the infamy on Meng Suyuan. The former emperor’s plan was indeed meticulous. After the Jinzhou incident, all the evidence pointed to me, and the first to push for my death sentence were Linshan’s old subordinates.”

Grand Tutor Tao’s mouth was full of bitterness. He finally understood why Wei Yan hadn’t mentioned the events of that year – there was… no way to defend himself.

The Crown Prince and Xie Linshan died in Jinzhou, and he went to mobilize troops but returned to the capital halfway, then bloodied the palace. Anyone who heard this would not think Wei Yan was innocent.

Moreover… given his personality, he would never make public the reason for his return to the capital.

It was ultimately because of his guilty conscience that he fell into the trap when the former emperor used Consort Su to scheme against him.

Grand Tutor Tao’s form seemed to slump a bit. Looking at the snowflakes drifting down slowly through the skylight, he sighed heavily and sorrowfully: “What a national calamity…”

A single word of “abdication” sowed the seeds of disaster. The Crown Prince, being gentle, did not adopt it, but due to lax management, it reached the former emperor’s ears. From there, the calamity began.

Looking back at the situation of that year, who should be blamed?

Should Wei Yan be blamed for leaving those fateful words? Should the Crown Prince be blamed for his lax management? Should the Jia family be blamed for their poisonous scheme of building a shrine? Or should the former emperor be blamed for his ruthlessness and cruelty?

It was ultimately the combination of all these factors that led to the bloodshed in Jinzhou.

Later generations desperately sought the truth, but this truth… was truly devastating.

Compared to Grand Preceptor Tao’s sorrowful expression, Wei Yan’s countenance remained as stern and unyielding as ever. “I am not the Crown Prince. If someone wants to kill me, I’ll take them out first to ensure my survival.”

“With the Sui family keeping a low profile for so many years, I didn’t touch them. It was only because, after the fall of Jinzhou, there was no one left on the northern border, and we needed an army to resist the invasion from the Beijue. In the fifteenth year of Emperor Yongping’s reign, I finally forced the Sui family to rebel. I intended to send someone else to suppress the revolt, but the Sui family was one step ahead, letting Xie Zheng catch wind of the true story behind the Jinzhou Massacre. If he had stayed quiet and not pursued the matter, I would have spared his life, following Sister Huan’s dying wishes. But since he insisted on investigating, I had already killed countless members of the Xie clan who were digging into the events of that year. What’s one more to me?”

Grand Preceptor Tao could only stare at him in desolate silence, unable to find words.

Wei Yan’s gaze turned sharper and colder. “On the day of the palace coup, if not for his hidden preparations, he would have been killed at the Meridian Gate, drenched in blood by now. Today, I am in his hands. It’s simply a matter of the victor and the vanquished. I’ll accept my defeat willingly.”

With that, he closed his eyes. Even sitting amid the withered straw, his posture remained upright, solitary, and as immovable as a monolith.

Grand Preceptor Li continued to sit alone for a long time, contemplating the chessboard in front of the two of them. He finally placed the last piece and rose slowly, saying, “This game of chess is finally over…”

Tiny snowflakes floated down from the sky above the courtyard, settling into his hair. In the blink of an eye, his head was covered in white like a crane’s crown.

As he reached the corner, his unsteady steps halted briefly. In a hoarse voice, he asked the young man who had been standing quietly behind the wall, “Did you hear everything?”

The bitter cold enveloped the world outside. Icicles hung from the eaves of the dungeon, reflecting a dull glow in the dim light. A lone figure stood silently by the window, saying nothing.

The torchlight flickering in the narrow corridor illuminated only half of his resolute and pale chin.

The truth, wrapped in layers of blood and scabs, had finally been unearthed. But even though the truth was laid bare, it was still dripping in blood.

That young child, who had once been fostered at the Xie Residence and often woke up in the middle of the night crying from nightmares stained with blood, had made his way through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. He had now grown into a person with a heart as hard as iron. No matter how gruesome the past was when presented before his eyes, it could no longer stir even the slightest trace of emotion in his cold gaze.

A thin layer of snow drifted in through the skylight of the prison cell and settled upon the cold, green bricks at the corner of the wall. The chilling wind swept through the narrow passageway. The young man’s firm and upright figure, wrapped in a not-so-thick brocade robe, no longer seemed frail. He could now shoulder the weight of heaven and earth.

“Thank you, Teacher.” His voice was low and raspy.

After bowing deeply to Grand Preceptor Tao, Xie Zheng lifted his foot and began walking toward the exit of the imperial prison. Step by step, he moved steadily and firmly, neither hurried nor slow.

Grand Preceptor Tao watched his solitary, austere figure retreating into the distance. Then, glancing back at Wei Yan’s prison cell, he sighed deeply, sorrow filling his eyes once more.

That old fox—he had deliberately said those words in the end.

For seventeen years, he had used himself as a whetstone, finally forging the sharpest blade of the Da Yin Dynasty.

Time passed, heroes fell, and the Jinzhou Massacre, drenched in blood, now seemed like just another game of chess played during the reign of Emperor Qishun. Generals, court officials, emperors, princes… All those involved back then were merely pieces on this board, each vying for their gain, fighting and scheming amidst a ruined kingdom.

The last time Grand Preceptor Tao felt such overwhelming desolation was when he was overseeing the battlefield at the frontlines, his wife and children slaughtered under the blades of foreign invaders. Today, over a decade later, that sense of grief weighed even more heavily on his heart.

He trudged slowly toward the exit of the prison, and when he passed the stone window at the corner, he caught sight of a radiant young woman dismounting her horse, her smile radiant as the sun itself. She stood beside the youth who had just walked out of the prison, speaking a few words to him. As if her warmth melted away the frost on his body, the youth’s icy demeanor softened slightly. He accepted the reins from her hand, and the two of them, shoulder to shoulder, walked away amidst the falling snow.

A trace of benevolent warmth finally emerged in Grand Preceptor Tao’s grief-stricken eyes.

Fortunately, that blade had found its sheath.

I knew it! A transmigrator – I can’t believe it took this long to confirm it. I thought the author changed her mind or forgot.

Finally the end of a very twisty plot. I wonder why Wei Yan finally spoke about it after being so stubborn? However…I will say that even if his loose tongue uttered the fateful word “abdicate,” the blame is unquestionably on the former emperor. Only actions can be judged, not a careless word said in impatience, nor the inaction of the prince in NOT deposing his father, but the evil plot of the emperor to remove his son, his loyal generals, and frame another person for merely being a threat. Actually, it was a stupid plot, because not only did it severely weaken the country (and cause his own death, but that wasn’t the plan) but he gave up a big chunk of land to the invaders…which equals tax money. However…I am curious how he knew the Sui family would rebel…was that planned or did I miss the explanation in all the twists?

TBH I don’t think he would have, at that time, been able to execute all of that on the fly. He wasn’t prepared for the lengths the emperor would go to, and sacrificing even his sister…at some point you have to ask what exactly you’re fighting for. At the Meridian gate, even though Xie Zheng reversed the situation, Wei Yan should still have killed him and taken a Pyrrhic victory. That would fit his ruthless nature better.

Basically what I got from this plot is that the imperial blood has been rotten for generations. I like Bao’er, but…

I don’t understand the point of bringing transmigrator plot here. It doesn’t seem to contribute anything to the plot at all..?

I like how the author wrapped the story. Its a shame Consort Shu has to die and I get the former Crown Prince’s indecisiveness, like the late emperor is still his father, although the late emperor doesn’t mind killing his own children. The late crown prince is benevolent, it’s a waste he had to be killed and his son grew up to be arrogant and narcissistic.

Yu Qianqian being a transmigrator/time traveler is so random. It doesn’t affect the plot at all.

The way things wrapped up felt a bit convoluted for the sake of making Wei Yan more “complex”.

But it was an enjoyable ride.

“But Old General Qi’s prestige in the army was too high. Once he was firmly seated on the dragon throne, the former emperor became wary of the Qi family. However, the Qi family had been loyal for generations, and their children were not wastrels. As an emperor, he couldn’t find a reason to move against the Qi family, so he especially favored his consort and indulged the Jia family to suppress the Qi family.”

This reminds me of The Princess Royal plot lol

Pensé lo mismo jaja

The final twist with the emperor makes no sense. Wei was not responsible for the deaths 17 years ago and could have easily explained this to Xie Zheng back then, just as he does now. The author’s decision to shift the blame away from Wei Yan, who was set up as the true villain, feels forced and undermines the story. It’s a weak and ineffective attempt at a plot twist, sacrificing narrative consistency for the sake of shock value.

I think wei yan’s drive to conceal everything was because he was in love with consort shu and ultimately did not want anybody to know about their relationship lest it would tarnish her reputation. He did not have any evidence about his innocence, and without exposing why he was forced back to the capital, there’s no valid explanation he could provide for xie zheng. Guess wei yan and consort shu must have been childhood sweethearts or some sort, or maybe only wei yan was in love with her. But either way, love is blind baybeh and people do crazy batshit things for it.

finally, qianqian was a transmigrator. the author had dropped numerous hints, her character was too modern and mysterious

The twist is crazy but also makes a lot of sense. A ruler who was obsessed with the throne and thus ready to destroy loyal ministers and generals and even the country to keep it.
Wei Yan after losing everyone close to him became crazy ruthless – blaming himself the whole time not for “saying the word” but for not executing on it. His raising and fight with Xie Zheng was to forge him into the sharpest weapon – he could either die or beat Wei Yan.
If he really wanted to cease imperial power, he would keep his good reputation among the people, fake some astronomical happenings etc.
It seems after his failure to protect all his closest people, he went on a self-destructive path for himself and the country.

Actually, it doesn’t have to make sense. I mean, I guess even Qi Min inherited this ruthless trait from his grandfather. Just as Qi Min is bent on killing his own son because he sees him as a threat, the more it makes sense for the damned dog emperor to plot against his ministers/generals and the Crown Prince just to keep his position. Isn’t Qi Sheng just as ruthless? They’re a bunch of madmen. I suppose the Crown Prince Chengde is the only exception, hopefully followed by Bao’er.

Yu Qianqian becoming a transmigrator is ok to me. So what if it didn’t add anything to the plot? She’s a transmigrator, then so be it. Why so salty about it 😂

Because the story was “realistic”, now it became fantasy. it changes all the universe of the story…

Wei Yan 🥲 you are a good man.

Wow que lcoo todo jajaj sigo sin procesarlo 🫣 me pregunto que cambios harán en este enredado plan en la serie, porque no creo que lo dejen tal cual está en el libro hmm 🧐

Hope they fix it. All the last part after they entered the palace is weird…

Zhu Yu – Chapter 164

In the late winter of the 18th year of Yongping, Yu Bao’er officially entered the Imperial Jade Butterfly, and her mother named her Yu.

In the spring of the same year, Qi Yu, only seven and a half years old, ascended to the throne, changing the era name to Yongxing. Marquis Wu’an Xie Zheng became the Regent King, assisting in state affairs.

Cloud Banner General Fan Changyu, Great General of Pacifying the West Tang Peiyi, and others were promoted one rank each for their merits in suppressing the rebellion. Cloud Banner General Fan Changyu was appointed as Great General of Huaihua and granted the title of First-rank Protector of the Nation Lady. Tang Peiyi was granted the title of Earl Xuanguo, He Xiuyun was appointed as Military Commissioner of Jiannan, and Zheng Wenchang was appointed as Commander of the Upper Capital Assault Forces.

Those involved in the New Year’s Eve palace coup from the Li and Wei factions were officially charged.

However, Grand Tutor Li was a great Confucian scholar with high prestige throughout the realm. His disciples were spread across the court and society. Many scholars were outraged at Grand Tutor Li’s death on the night of the coup, believing that the Li family must have been wrongly accused. They openly wrote poems and essays criticizing Xie Zheng, saying that his support of the young emperor was merely to become the next Wei Yan. They lamented that the Li family, who cared for the country and its people, met such a tragic end. They even cried out that there was no hope for the future of the Great Yin Dynasty!

When these voices reached Xie Zheng’s ears, he remained unmoved. He only instructed the Ministry of Revenue to report the full inventory of the Li family’s assets, which took over two months to complete after the confiscation of both the Li and Wei estates, at the morning court.

The Li family, who claimed to be part of the pure stream, was found to have an enormous fortune of one million taels of silver, over 4,000 gold items, over 1,000 jade items, over 2,000 antiques and paintings, over 10,000 bolts of fine silks, over 1,000 shops and manors, and over one million mu of private land. This was even more than what was confiscated from the Wei estate.

When these figures were announced, the entire court was shocked. The disciples of Grand Tutor Li dared not utter another word, their faces flushed with shame at the morning court, wishing they could find a hole to crawl into.

There were still some doubting voices among the common people, but this silver was indeed deposited into the national treasury. The Great Yin treasury had been severely depleted due to the massive expenditures in reclaiming Jinzhou, eleven prefectures in Liaodong, and suppressing the Chongzhou rebellion. With this influx of funds, there was no room for financial maneuvering.

With the new emperor’s ascension, a general amnesty was declared throughout the realm, and annual taxes were reduced for the common people. At the same time, following the advice of the Great General of Huaihua Fan Changyu, the Great Yin Code was revised, adding many new provisions such as allowing all children in a family to inherit property and permitting orphaned daughters to establish their households.

During Wei Yan’s trial, a millennia-old crime was uncovered. The loss of Jinzhou years ago was not due to General of Changshan Meng Shuyuan’s failure in transporting supplies, but because the 16th Prince was trapped in Luocheng. The old emperor, in his confusion, sent Meng Shuyuan to Luocheng to rescue the prince, entrusting the crucial task of transporting supplies to the King of Chongzhou. However, Chongzhou did not send troops, watching idly as Jinzhou fell. Later, when the foreign tribes invaded southward, the King of Chongzhou led troops to intercept them. The court dared not punish the King of Chongzhou at that time, and to give an explanation to the world, they blamed the entire Jinzhou disaster on Meng Shuyuan.

This truth was eight parts genuine and two parts concealed.

Wei Yan was not implicated because he too was someone the old emperor wanted to eliminate in the Jinzhou case. If he were involved, the reason for his sudden return to the capital would inevitably lead back to Consort Shu. For such an innocent woman caught up in the affairs of the state, Wei Yan was unwilling to let her name be tarnished in the history books even until his death. Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng also ultimately did not allow her to leave any trace in this part of history. After all, the true culprits of the Jinzhou case were ultimately the old emperor and the King of Chongzhou.

However, the crimes Wei Yan had committed over the years to consolidate power were undeniable facts, and he was sentenced to execution after autumn.

The old general had been wronged for eighteen years before finally being exonerated. The young emperor, moved by the old general’s loyalty and grieving his unjust treatment, posthumously conferred upon him the title of Duke Zhongguo and had him enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Many in the world sighed with regret and felt guilty for having cursed General Meng for over a decade. It was reported that on the day of the public announcement, many people wept for General Meng and spontaneously offered incense and paid their respects.

It was only then that the common people learned that the Great General of Huaihua Fan Changyu was the granddaughter of old General Meng. The story of how she joined the army with a butcher’s knife and gradually became a talented female general to clear her grandfather’s name spread from the military camps to the civilian world, is celebrated as an inspiring tale.

In the taverns and teahouses across the land, one could always hear storytellers slapping their clappers and raising their voices to say: “Let me tell you about the girl from the Fan family of Lin’an. Her parents died unjustly, her younger sister was kidnapped, and her husband was conscripted into the army. Oh, how bitter and tragic! But she took up a butcher’s knife, routed bandits, beheaded enemy generals, and slew foreign invaders…”

The clappers clapped loudly as the storyteller’s emotions ran high, and the audience below listened intently, their expressions tense, as if they were right there in the midst of the action.

Before this wave of excitement had subsided, another major event occurred in the capital. The only son of the Xie clan, who was ennobled for his military achievements and now wielded immense power as the Regent King requested a marriage decree from the young emperor to marry the Great General of Huaihua Fan Changyu.

If the Regent King had sought to marry any other unmarried woman, the common people would have had much to discuss. But since he was seeking to marry the Great General of Huaihua, the people unanimously praised it as a match made in heaven.

Even the noble ladies of the capital wiped their tears with handkerchiefs, saying that they could only accept the Regent King marrying the Great General of Huaihua.

This was a union of heroes, although both were also considered “beauties.”

Of course, some gossipmongers spread a rumor that when the Regent King returned to the capital after suppressing the rebellion and received his title, he had accurately caught the Great General of Huaihua’s hair ribbon among the thousands of silk handkerchiefs thrown at him during the parade. He had calmly tucked it into his bosom, suggesting that the request for an imperial marriage decree had been premeditated.

However, the entire court knew that the Great General of Huaihua had been married before.

When Qi Sheng was on the throne, the Great General had even personally admitted in the Hall of Supreme Harmony that she had accidentally joined the army while searching for her husband. There were even soldiers who had retreated from Yan, Ji, and Chongzhou who swore on their lives that it was all true, that when they were trapped in Yixian Gorge, the Great General of Huaihua had come with the Ji Prefecture reinforcements to search for her husband.

For a time, discussions about the marriage between Xie and Fan reached a fever pitch, from the imperial court to the common people.

It was said that the Great General of Huaihua had deep feelings and a strong sense of duty towards her late husband and that the Regent King, as a latecomer, might not be able to compare to her first love.

However, since men in the world could have four wives and concubines, wasn’t it only natural for a woman of such stature as the Great General of Huaihua, having lost her “humble husband,” to now gain an ideal match in the Regent King?

Naturally, some men sighed for Fan Changyu’s “early deceased” “humble husband,” saying that if he were still alive, he too would now be enjoying glory and wealth. But since he died early, it only showed that his fortune was thin and he couldn’t bear such overwhelming wealth and blessings.

Yet everyone unanimously believed that in the Great General of Huaihua’s heart, the weight of that “humble husband” was still greater than that of the Regent King. After all, they had been through hardships together.

If that humble husband were still around, how could the Great General of Huaihua have agreed to marry the Regent King?

Xie Zheng, who hadn’t been angered by the poems and essays of scholars across the land criticizing him for wronging the Li family, now had a face as dark as water when he heard these rumors from the common people. After being enlightened by Xie Wu and Xie Qi, Xie Shiyi, with great perceptiveness, began spreading the news among the common people that their lord was the Great General’s “humble husband.”

When this news spread, it undoubtedly caused another great stir.

However, people soon discovered that it was the guards from the Xie mansion who went to the alleys every day to find beggars and give them silver to spread this news. Everyone’s feelings became extremely complex, and then they unanimously came to a conclusion: The Regent King truly loved the Great General of Huaihua desperately, to the point of eagerly claiming the title of a humble son-in-law!

It was said that there were talented scholars who wanted to become officials but couldn’t find a way in. They had a sudden inspiration and wrote a play called “The Female General” for the Great General of Huaihua and the Regent King, in an attempt to curry favor with the Regent King.

As soon as this play was performed by theater troupes in the capital, it won full houses and applause. On stage, the female warrior role painted with heroic eyebrows, wearing a feather headdress and covered in battle flags, sang in a high voice: “To save my husband, I left my home, who knew I’d join the army and become a general…”①

When Fan Changyu learned of this, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She even secretly booked a private box with Xie Zheng to watch a performance at the theater.

Outside their box, the gongs and drums on the stage were clamorous, and the actor’s voice was high and clear, with strong penetrating power.

As she listened to the lyrics, the events of the past seemed to slowly appear before Fan Changyu’s eyes.

Their first encounter in the snow, the wisps of smoke from the Fan family house, him teaching her how to use the law to protect family property, annotating the Four Books for her, the wristguard he gave her before leaving, and their subsequent life-and-death experiences on the battlefield… It turned out that without realizing it, they had come so far from that small town of Lin’an.

She unconsciously smiled and turned to Xie Zheng to tease him: “Do you remember? Back then in Qingping County, you said you wanted to marry a gentle and virtuous girl who could manage the household.”

“Wearing a golden crown pressing down on both temples, holding a long sword to shake the universe…”②

Just then, the play outside reached its climax. The gongs and drums became more urgent, and the female warrior’s operatic voice was resonant and high-pitched as if about to break through the sky. She fought more fiercely with several other martial female roles, and although the moves with the long sword were not practical techniques, they were very beautiful.

Due to full houses for every performance, this show was scheduled for the evening. Their private box was on the first floor, and the entire interior of the theater was circular, with all private boxes facing the central stage. Lanterns were hung below the windows in a complete circle, and when all were lit, it was truly a spectacular sight, like a tree of fire with dragon-like candles.

As Fan Changyu turned her head, half of her smiling face was illuminated by the flickering lantern light, her eyes warm and bright. Through the wide-open window, the female warrior role impersonating her was covered in battle flags and holding a long sword. That moment’s image seemed to freeze, striking directly into Xie Zheng’s eyes.

After a long while, he finally answered: “Yes, but after meeting you, I knew that the one I wanted to marry was only Fan Changyu.”

Perhaps it was the candlelight from outside the window, but Fan Changyu’s face suddenly flushed.

The play ended, and the theater guests gradually left in their carriages. To avoid being recognized and causing unnecessary complications, Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng waited until most people had left before exiting the theater.

The moon had risen above the willow tips. Neither of them rode horses or took sedan chairs; they just walked side by side on the cold, empty street. The moonlight stretched one person’s shadow extremely long, and occasionally their shadows intertwined, as if sticking together.

Xie Zheng then truly held Fan Changyu’s hand and never let go.

He said, “There’s a golden temple in the city that’s said to be very efficacious, with a thriving incense offering. Would you like to go and see?”

It was just the beginning of the dog watch, too early to return home, so Fan Changyu nodded.

When they arrived at the temple gate and saw the tightly closed doors and the notice posted on the side that read “No more visitors after the rooster hour,” both fell silent.

Fan Changyu turned to look at Xie Zheng: “The temple is closed for today. Shall we come back another day?”

But Xie Zheng raised his eyes to look at the temple wall, which was over ten feet high-

A moment later, two agile figures like leopards climbed over the temple wall.

Even when her feet were on the blue bricks inside the temple, Fan Changyu was still a bit confused.

After walking a short distance with Xie Zheng, she finally remembered why she was puzzled and asked, “We climbed over the wall in the middle of the night just to pray to a Bodhisattva?”

Xie Zheng was slightly taken aback by the question. For the first time, he avoided Fan Changyu’s gaze, turned his face away, and coughed lightly, saying, “The most famous thing in this temple is that Bodhi tree. It’s said that all the officials and nobles in the capital come here to make wishes and hang plaques.”

The well-defined line of his jaw tensed slightly in the cold moonlight as if this could hide his rapid and chaotic heartbeat, but his palms were sweating for reasons he couldn’t explain.

Although it was called a Bodhi tree, it was almost universally known in the capital as the Tree of Matrimonial Ties. Those who came to make wishes were all young men and women seeking good marriages.

Fan Changyu seemed unaware of this and was slightly startled before smiling and saying, “Alright, given our current status, if we came here openly to hang a plaque, who knows what people would say? It’s better to sneak in tonight and hang one secretly.”

Perhaps her smile under the moonlight was too dazzling and too bright, Xie Zheng turned his head and quietly looked at her for two breaths before withdrawing his deep gaze and leading her to continue walking forward.

That tree, covered with red silk and wishing plaques, was in the courtyard of the main hall of the temple. They easily found it. The wishing plaques carved by the temple and the brush and ink for writing wishes were prepared in the side hall nearby. The monks’ meditation rooms were not in this area. After entering the hall, Xie Zheng left a large silver ingot as an offering and took out two wishing plaques along with a brush and ink.

He finished writing early and stood aside waiting for Fan Changyu.

Fan Changyu held the brush, pondering deeply for a long time. Using all her life’s learning, she finally came up with eleven characters.

Afraid that Xie Zheng might peek, she kept covering it with her hand while writing.

The wooden wishing plaque wasn’t large, and her handwriting was bold. She squeezed and squeezed, and although it was written crookedly, she managed to fit it all in.

When she finally let out a light sigh and lifted her brush, Xie Zheng chuckled: “What did you write that took so long?”

Fan Changyu held the wishing plaque with its back towards him, guarding it tightly. The tips of her ears were a bit red, but she said seriously: “Since it’s a wish, it won’t come true if I say it out loud. Let’s just hang it up.”

With that, she held the wishing plaque, clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently recited something, then suddenly swung her arm… and threw the wishing plaque to the top of the Bodhi tree, several zhang high.

Others didn’t have such strength, so most of the wishing plaques they threw were in the middle and lower sections of the Bodhi tree.

Fan Changyu was very satisfied with this height. She dusted off her hands and looked at Xie Zheng: “What about yours?”

Xie Zheng glanced at the wishing plaque Fan Changyu had thrown, and with a normal expression, he raised his arm and threw. His wishing plaque also landed near Fan Changyu’s.

Fan Changyu smiled: “Are you also afraid it would be seen if thrown too low?”

Xie Zheng turned his head slightly to look at her, his face like cold jade, his black eyes deep and profound: “Your wishing plaque hanging at the top looked a bit lonely, so I threw mine up there to keep it company.”

Fan Changyu was stunned for a moment. Looking at his handsome features bathed in moonlight, even though she had been with him for so long, at this moment her heart felt like it held a little deer, beating “thump-thump”-

Although Fan Changyu had been appointed Great General, her mansion was still under construction, so she was temporarily staying at the Jinzou Yuan.

That night, after Xie Zheng sent her back, he quickly rode back to the Golden Temple, climbed over the wall again, went straight up to the top of the Bodhi tree, and took down the wishing plaque that Fan Changyu had thrown up.

On the brand new wishing plaque, written crookedly in ink, were the words “Morning and night, year after year, I wish to spend with you.”

Xie Shiyi stood guard at the base of the wall for his master. He didn’t know what had come over his master, who suddenly burst out laughing up in the tree. The laughter was extremely joyful; at least in all the years Xie Shiyi had been by Xie Zheng’s side, he had never heard him laugh so heartily.

It’s just that the laughter not only startled a flock of birds but also alerted the warrior monks in the temple…

The warrior monks in the temple were on high alert, but after a thorough search, they found no one. When they entered the hall, they discovered the silver ingot Xie Zheng had left earlier and thought someone had sneaked into the temple at night just to make an offering. Only then did they relax.

The abbot, who had also been disturbed, looked at the used ink brush and the missing wishing plaque. Fingering his prayer beads, he made a Buddhist salutation with one palm, his deeply wrinkled face showing a kind smile tempered by the years: “Buddha is merciful. Those with affection in this world will eventually become a couple.”-

To have enough time to complete the six etiquette procedures, Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng’s wedding date was set for March of the following year.

Before that, she wanted to move her parents’ graves, which had been hastily buried on a wild slope in Ji Prefecture, back to the Meng family cemetery. After officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau helped choose an auspicious date, the grave relocation was set for September of this year.

When returning to Ji Prefecture, she also requested a “Loyalty and Righteousness” plaque from the young emperor for Constable Wang and his wife, who had died at the hands of bandits while protecting the people of Qingping County. She gave it to their daughter, who had married into a neighboring county, and after returning home, she also renovated Constable Wang and his wife’s graves.

When Madam Zhao learned of this, she remembered the upright and honest Constable Wang and his wife and cried. Holding Fan Changyu’s hand, she kept telling her that with that imperially bestowed plaque, even though Constable Wang’s daughter had no maternal family left, her in-laws would never dare to bully her.

In the same month, the remaining Li and Wei factions were dealt with. Those sentenced to execution were executed, and those sentenced to exile were exiled.

On the day of the execution, Xie Zheng went alone to see Wei Yan for the last time. No one knew what uncle and nephew said to each other.

Wei Yan’s body was taken away by Qi Xingzhou, the adopted son of old General Qi, who was now the Military Commissioner of Lingnan. Xie Zheng never appeared, only watching from afar on the Ten Mile Slope outside the capital as Qi Xingzhou departed with Wei Yan’s coffin.

When Fan Changyu received the news and rushed to Ten Mile Slope to find Xie Zheng, Qi Xingzhou’s carriage was almost out of sight at the end of the official road.

Xie Zheng’s face showed no expression. He only said, “He entrusted his body to Qi Xingzhou eighteen years ago.”

“Consort Shu is buried in Lingnan. He was always going to go there in the end.”

……

……

March of the first year of Yongxing.

The Regent King was getting married, and the Great General of Huaihua was being wed. The early spring peach blossoms stretched for ten li, yet still couldn’t match the length of the Great General of Huaihua’s bridal procession.

The common people knew that the Great General of Huaihua no longer had a natal family, so they spontaneously went to send her off. Even people from prefectures surrounding the capital came to witness the ceremony, forming a procession so large that it stretched outside the city walls.

Red firecrackers’ paper scraps and vibrant peach blossom petals covered the long street welcoming the bridal procession. The crowds thronging the streets all wore smiles, just like when welcoming the victorious army’s return. They shouted “Great General of Huaihua” and “Regent King,” with some still accustomed to calling Xie Zheng “Marquis Wu’an.” As far as the eye could see and the ear could hear, it was all the most sincere blessings.

Under the organization of the imperial merchant Zhao Xun, restaurants and teahouses in the city also set up flowing banquets, offering free feasts to guests to celebrate the wedding of the Great General and the Regent King.

It’s no exaggeration to say that even the beggars in the city cleaned themselves up that day and squeezed into the crowd to offer congratulations.

Fan Changyu had no elder brother, so He Xiuyun escorted her. Riding on horseback and seeing such a grand scene, he felt shocked and remarked to Zheng Wenchang, who was traveling with him: “I dare say that even when His Majesty marries in the future, the spectacle won’t be greater than today’s.”

The sincere joy and blessings of the entire Great Yin’s people were not something that could be created by power and influence alone.

Zheng Wenchang said: “How many world-class heroes like General Fan can there be under heaven?”

He Xiuyun then laughed: “Indeed, this sworn sister of mine is no ordinary girl. The Regent King is bringing home a Great General as his bride.”

As he spoke, he looked towards the groom riding at the front.

Xie Zheng wore a crimson wedding robe, his black hair bound with a golden crown, looking even more handsome and jade-like. The usual coldness accumulated between his brows over the years was gone, and even though he still didn’t smile much, he couldn’t suppress the faint joy overflowing from his eyes.

The sound of horse hooves mixed with the sound of gongs and drums, firecrackers, and the cheers and blessings of the people faded into the distance. The bridal sedan chair, carried by sixteen people, was set down in front of the Xie mansion.

Fan Changyu held one end of the red silk, supported by the matchmaker as she got out of the sedan chair. The bridal veil obscured her vision, so she couldn’t see clearly what the scene around her was like, only hearing the cheers of the guests.

Although her vision was obstructed, her steps were still very steady.

Knowing that the person holding the other end of the red silk was him, Fan Changyu felt no fear in her heart. From that year in Lu City when she woke up drunk and he told her with red eyes that he regretted it, she promised that she would continue to walk with him on the path ahead. She never thought of letting him walk alone again.

From then on, whether it was a mountain of knives, a sea of fire, or a quagmire, she would face it side by side with him.

Inside the wedding hall, Grand Tutor Tao, Fan Changyu’s adoptive father, sat in the high seat, smiling kindly at the newlyweds. Behind them were the ancestral tablets of their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhao, along with Chang Ning, Yu Qianqian Yu Bao’er (now Emperor Qi Yu), and other guests, stood on the side smiling as they watched the ceremony.

The master of ceremonies called out loudly: “First bow to Heaven and Earth—”

Unlike the confused bowing to Heaven and Earth when Xie Zheng had pretended to marry into the family before, the guests saw that the usually cold and stern Regent King had a faint smile on his lips, and his eyes held a hint of softness when looking at the bride as if he had been looking forward to this wedding for a very long time…

“Second bow to the parents—”

Grand Tutor Tao smiled so much that all the wrinkles around his eyes appeared. He stroked his beard and nodded, receiving this bow from the couple. This old man who had seen all sorts of ups and downs in his long life now had reddened eyes at this moment.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhao stood on the side, one hand holding Chang Ning, the other constantly wiping their eyes. They had already cried so much they looked like tear-soaked people, but these were tears of joy.

In the hearts of the newlyweds, they sincerely hoped their parents in the underworld would know: that they were getting married.

“Husband and wife bow to each other—”

Just like years ago, when Fan Changyu lowered her head to bow, a breeze from somewhere lifted a corner of her bridal veil. The bride, whose makeup had been specially done by palace maids, with her red lips curled up and a pair of bright almond eyes just needed to look up with a smile, could intoxicate this land and rivers.

All the guests were cheering. When the bridal veil was almost completely blown open by the wind, a long, slender hand helped press it back down. Before the corner of the veil fell back, Fan Changyu saw the deep, affectionate eyes of the person in front of her.

Her red lips curled up even more.

This life, it would be this person.

The master of ceremonies also had a face full of smiles.

“The ceremony is complete! Escort them to the bridal chamber—”

🥺🥹🥹🥹 I finally finished. I’m thankful for the upcoming drama because I discovered this gem. Now I’m looking forward to the drama. Hope they give justice to this beautiful novel.

Hear! Hear!

Wei Yan did all he did because he didn’t want the reputation of the woman he loved to be tarnished.
I fear Xie Zheng is really like him, if put in a similar circumstance, I’m worried he would do the same for Fan Chang Yu.

Me encantó, espero que la serie le haga justicia.

Lo ame que lindo todo, creo que definitivamente todos los lectores esperamos que la serie le haga justicia 😆

im so happy both sisters, husband and the neighbor couple who stood up for the sisters lived.

Aghhh oh my goshhh perfect just perfectionnn

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 1

With the world stabilized, a hundred tasks awaited revival.

With Wei Yan and Grand Tutor Li both fallen, there was no one among the civil officials capable of taking on a significant role. Grand Tutor Tao had no choice but to return to court temporarily to take up his duties, waiting for a capable successor among the younger generation before he could resign and continue his leisurely life.

Gongsun Yin, known as “the Virtuous One of Hejian,” also broke the family rule against entering government service and joined the Hanlin Academy, being appointed as a Junior Teacher to lecture the emperor.

The factions of Li and Wei in the court could not escape a delayed reckoning. Those who were exiled were exiled, and those who were imprisoned were imprisoned. With the Regent King backing him, the young emperor felt quite confident. Less than a year into his reign, he reshuffled the entire court.

Many positions in the court became vacant, and to fill these gaps, officials who had been isolated and transferred due to not aligning with factions in the past were finally able to return to service. Those with mediocre achievements but deep experience were temporarily promoted to fill the vacancies left by those transferred to provincial offices.

However, this round of promotions still required people to fill the vacancies in various local government offices. This year’s imperial examination, in addition to the regular subjects, the young emperor also opened a special examination. Thus, the influx of candidates into the capital since the beginning of the year was like a flood, and all the inns in the capital were filled.

In March, the wedding of the Regent King and Great General of Huaihua overshadowed the public discussions about the imperial examination. It wasn’t until April, when the results were announced, that the debates about this year’s examination results and questions erupted once more.

Outside the Drum Tower, the crowd was so dense that not even a drop of water could pass through. Naturally, some rejoiced, and those who were disheartened. Some who had finally succeeded after ten years of hard study wept tears of joy, while others who found their names missing felt as if they had lost their parents.

Many wealthy families sent their servants to watch for candidates at the announcement site. Upon seeing a young, handsome man with a radiant complexion, they would know he had passed and immediately take him to a nearby teahouse or tavern, hoping to arrange a good match with their daughters.

This phenomenon was humorously referred to as “Catching a Son-in-Law Under the List.”

A young man in a slightly worn indigo blue long robe squeezed through the crowd, reading the list of successful candidates posted on the wall from top to bottom, then from bottom to top. After several attempts, he still couldn’t find his name, and his face gradually turned pale, feeling utterly dejected as he was pushed to the outskirts by the other onlookers.

“Song Brother!” A young man standing at the street corner recognized the blue-robed youth and waved warmly at him.

The blue-robed youth was Song Yan. He forced a smile and bowed slightly to the young man who called him: “Wu Brother.”

Seeing Song Yan’s expression, the young man realized he had failed again and comforted him: “Don’t be disheartened, Song Brother. You’re still young and have already become a juren. Many envy you. Some take decades to pass the examination. My uncle failed eleven times, but fortunately, he caught the special examination this year and finally secured a minor official position.”

He had also failed the autumn examination and was still just a shengyuan. Today, he was here to check the list for his uncle.

Upon hearing this, Song Yan’s face grew even grimmer, but he still managed to clasp his hands and congratulate him.

The young man was about the same age as Song Yan, but his family had some wealth, and with an uncle who had failed eleven times, he was quite open-minded about the examination failures. Having been friends with Song Yan for two or three years, he knew about Song Yan’s family situation and couldn’t help but ask as they walked back together: “What are your plans next, Song Brother?”

A hint of embarrassment crossed Song Yan’s face as he replied, “My mother has passed, and there are no relatives left in the family. I will likely stay in the capital and work as a tutor or guest scholar in some noble’s household, seeking a place to live until I can take the examination again in three years.”

In Qingping County, he was highly regarded and had the county magistrate’s favor, thinking himself a dragon among men. However, upon arriving in the capital, he realized that there were prominent figures everywhere, and even a discarded wine jar could hit a talented but unrecognized scholar.

It truly echoed Fan Changyu’s words about her husband: “Northern geese fly south, and it’s hard for phoenixes to land.”

His once-proud talents, in this capital of the Great Yin, were utterly unremarkable. The little money he had received from the gentry after passing the juren examination, along with the magistrate’s support for his journey to the capital, was not enough to compare with the attire of wealthy young masters.

In his first year in the capital, Song Yan felt like a mountain chicken that had mistakenly entered a phoenix’s nest, constantly anxious and fearful of being looked down upon. The sense of inferiority that had accompanied him throughout his youth returned like a parasite after he had passed the juren examination.

When he was studying at the county school, he had tried hard to hide the fact that he was only able to attend school because of a marriage agreement with the butcher’s daughter, who had supported him.

Later, upon arriving in the capital, he had to work hard to conceal his humble background to socialize with the literati, participating in various poetry gatherings to appear cultured.

For someone like him, with no solid foundation, the only way to have a smoother path in the capital was to gain the favor of some high-ranking official. The most stable connections were through marriage.

To let the nobles in the capital know about his existence, he had to first stand out at various poetry gatherings and then achieve recognition in the imperial examinations to quickly receive an olive branch, rather than being “caught” by some lowly wealthy merchant under the list.

He had spent ten years studying day and night and had gone to great lengths to cultivate beneficial relationships. He could not afford to fail the examination, but sometimes, human plans could not match the heavens’ arrangements.

A few days before the examination that year, news reached the capital that mountain bandits had attacked Qingping County, and he learned that his mother and the magistrate’s family had also tragically perished along the way. He was deeply affected, and ultimately failed the examination, missing the list entirely.

After learning the details, many friends he had made after arriving in the capital felt sorry for him, believing he would have surely passed if not for his mother’s tragic death, and that he would surely succeed in three years.

Who would have thought that this year, he would still fail to make the list?

Just thinking about facing those friends who had supported him for two or three years made him anxious.

Last year, he could use his mother’s death as an excuse, but what about this year’s failure?

He certainly knew that what had disturbed his mind during the examination was the grand wedding of the Regent King and Great General of Huaihua in March. The woman he once thought would hinder his career had become an unattainable existence. Even the Regent King did not mind that she had been married before and sought an imperial decree to marry her.

His previous broken engagement had truly become a great joke.

But who could foresee what would happen later?

He simply did not want to live a hard life anymore, nor did he want his mother to be humble and seek favor from others. He wanted to achieve something great.

He remembered their childhood friendship, but every time he saw Fan Changyu’s bright smile, he was reminded of his mother’s subservience, how they had to praise the couple from the Fan family for the bowl of rice they received.

There were also whispers and jeers from others, saying that the Song family, which claimed to be a family of scholars, was merely relying on the butcher’s family to make ends meet. Instead of studying, he might as well marry into the Fan family.

He had remembered those hidden insults and mockeries for many years, but he could say nothing. Sometimes, he even hated the Fan family.

He resented the Fan family’s feigned kindness, which had ensnared him and his mother in this so-called favor.

Why did the Fan family help him? Was it not a gamble on his future success? That was hypocrisy!

When Fan Changyu said she was willing to dissolve their engagement, she did not know that once the engagement was dissolved, he would bear the reputation of being ungrateful. What could he use to dissolve it with her?

In the end, when the Fan couple died and Fan Changyu and her sisters were nearly forced to lose their home, he secretly felt a sense of satisfaction.

In this life, he had always looked up to her, trying to please her. When she was pushed to a dead end, would she not be able to let go of her pride and stubbornness and come to seek him?

He had been waiting, but in the end, he only received news of her marrying someone else…

Her pride was such that she would rather break than bow her head to him even once.

In April, after a recent spring rain.

Song Yan lost in dark and self-deprecating memories, did not notice the carriages on the street. Fortunately, he was pulled back by the young man beside him just in time to avoid colliding with an oncoming carriage.

Even so, he was still splattered with mud by the carriage. The driver, seeing his tattered robe and lack of joy from passing the examination, assumed he was a poor scholar and spat at him: “Are you blind?”

“Hey! How can you speak like that?” The young man beside Song Yan wanted to defend him, but seeing the luxurious carriage, Song Yan stopped his friend, saying: “It looks like a wealthy family. It’s better to avoid trouble. Just let it go.”

Only then did the young man reluctantly give up. Seeing Song Yan in such a dejected state, he pondered for a moment and said: “Since you mentioned you want to work in a noble’s household as a tutor or guest scholar, I have a way. My uncle has been teaching a young girl at the Imperial Academy this past year. He has just passed the jinshi examination and is about to resign. If you are willing, I can have my uncle recommend you. Teaching a young girl to read won’t take much effort, and you can focus on your studies in your spare time, preparing to take the examination again in three years.”

Working as a tutor or assistant in a noble’s household sounded easy, but it required recommendations, and establishing connections often required a considerable amount of money.

Song Yan, who had been gloomy for half a day, finally showed a hint of joy at this moment. He stopped and bowed deeply to the young man: “Wu Brother, your kindness… I will never forget.”

The young man laughed heartily: “With our friendship, Song Brother, there’s no need to be polite. My uncle wanted me to go, but I’m just a shengyuan. How could I dare to enter such a household? I would rather wait for my uncle to take up his post in the prefecture and follow him to gain some experience. It’s also because you have true knowledge that I dare to bring this up with you.”

After this was settled, three days later, Song Yan went to the Imperial Academy as promised.

Before he officially took over as a tutor from the young man’s uncle, the noble family had to meet him first and assess his knowledge before they could decide to keep him.

Song Yan felt confident about this.

The young man’s uncle was an older man nearing fifty named Wu Guankun. He was strict and traditional in his knowledge, having passed the juren examination solely through rote memorization of past exam questions and many beautiful essays. After several years of attempts, he finally succeeded.

Later, when he took the jinshi examination, he tried to replicate his previous method, but unfortunately, he never managed to guess the exam questions correctly again. Fortunately, he encountered the special examination and finally secured an official position.

Song Yan believed that his knowledge was more than sufficient compared to Wu Guankun.

He just didn’t know who the noble was, as Wu Guankun spoke of it with a certain reticence, saying that only after he was formally retained would he know the noble’s identity.

Song Yan had spent years trying to connect with the powerful, and he could tell that this was a high-ranking individual.

To prepare for this meeting, he had spent a considerable amount of his limited savings to tailor a new robe of bamboo root green, just to leave a good impression on the noble.

When Wu Guankun entered the room to introduce himself, Song Yan waited outside, feeling as nervous as he had been a few days earlier when checking the examination results.

At his age, if he couldn’t find a way forward in the capital, and if he wanted to marry a noble girl in the capital to make his future career smoother, it would become a complete fantasy.

He had stepped out from that small town of Lin’an, seen the splendor of the capital, and with all his ambitions still unfulfilled, he was unwilling to return to that impoverished place.

After anxiously waiting for a moment, he was finally called in. Song Yan did not dare to look around. After bowing his head as he entered, he performed a proper bow. The wide sleeves of his green robe fell from his wrists, giving him the air of a Wei-Jin scholar. He tried hard to maintain a posture that was neither servile nor overbearing, saying: “I am Song Yan, here to see you, my lord.”

For a moment, no one in the room spoke.

Song Yan maintained his bowing posture, but his heart was nearly in his throat.

The person introducing Song Yan also sensed the unusual atmosphere and quietly glanced at the person sitting above. He feared that the noble might think Song Yan was too young and assume he lacked true knowledge. After all, this was someone he had recommended, and if the noble did not look favorably upon him, it might reflect poorly on him as well. Wu Guankun then said: “Although Song Xiaoyou is young, he is a juren…”

“I know.” A crisp female voice, like the sound of jade breaking, interrupted him.

Hearing this voice, Song Yan involuntarily raised his head and saw the figure sitting above, clad in silver-red armor, draped in a tea-white brocade robe, with one arm exposed in a display of martial prowess. His face turned as pale as paper.

“Song Yan.” Fan Changyu calmly uttered these two words. Her sharp gaze had learned to conceal its edge, and her voice revealed no emotion, but the commanding presence of someone who led thousands of troops was enough to suffocate anyone just by her sitting there.

Song Yan could only meet Fan Changyu’s gaze for a moment before he awkwardly lowered his head, a wave of embarrassment washing over him. As he bowed again, he bent his waist as low as he could: “I… Song Yan, have met… Great General.”

karma itu dekat…

puas banget liat dia nunduk ke Changyu

Hahaha all because of his ego. Sweet retribution 😂

Geez he and his inferiority complex…

Reading this i remember a scene from crazy rich asians where astrid said to his husband :
“It’s not my job to make you feel like a man. I can’t make you something you’re not.”

What a small little man. He judges others by the shallowness of his own heart. Thinking the Fan couple were always looking down on him because that is who HE is. How could he rejoice upon hearing that the couple who had helped him and his mother had been killed by bandits? Such a despicable mindset.

I don’t want Changning to be taught by him

How much I hateeeeee Song Yan…

Song Yan still hasn’t changed, even after his mother died. 🙄 Istg. This opportunity to tutor Channing is wasted on him. Better find a more worthy scholar. How about that one poor scholar who drew FCY’s “Family Portrait”? That guy deserves it more. Hope he didn’t die in the massacre though.

As for Song Yan… I actually want him to fck up and slander FCY/XZ thereby accidentally proving that Xie Zheng DID in fact marry into Fan Chanyu’s family as “Yan Zheng”, but that’s just a fantasy of mine, I guess.

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 2

Late spring brought frequent rain. The wet traces of night rain on the courtyard’s blue bricks hadn’t yet dried. After the shower, the vegetation in the flower beds displayed an alluring verdant hue, with water droplets on the leaf tips refracting a faint golden light in the early sun.

The doors stood wide open, and beneath the corridor hung a series of bamboo blinds at varying heights, scattering dappled sunlight into the room. Song Yan maintained his bowing posture, his jade-green scholar’s robe soaked with cold sweat at the back.

Amidst the wafting fragrance of tea, the diagonally worn tea-white brocade robe of Fan Changyu, embroidered with floral patterns in dark silver thread, began to blur. She lowered her eyes to the teacup, where a few brown-green tea leaves floated, and took a shallow sip, her expression inscrutable.

Wu Guangkun glanced at Song Yan, then at Fan Changyu, his heart sinking. He could only break the awkward silence with a forced smile, “This… Are the Great General and Scholar Song old acquaintances?”

Fan Changyu’s expression remained cold as she replied ambiguously, “This general hardly deserves the term ‘old acquaintance’ from Scholar Song.”

At these words, Wu Guangkun broke into a cold sweat. Song Yan’s form stiffened for a moment, then, like a broken bamboo branch, he lifted his robe and knelt. When he spoke, it was unclear whether bitterness or embarrassment prevailed: “The great kindness of the General’s family, Song will never forget. That incident from years ago…”

Fan Changyu interrupted him: “According to our dynasty’s laws, those with academic titles may see officials without kneeling.”

Her gaze swept towards her attendants: “Help Scholar Song up.”

Xie Wu stepped forward and lifted Song Yan with one hand. Song Yan, suddenly losing balance, staggered a step before steadying himself. He exuded an indescribable awkwardness, having lost all the affected calm and composure he had when entering the room.

Wu Guangkun’s face showed embarrassment. He wanted to plead again but didn’t know what grievance Song Yan had with the Huaihua Great General. He dared not speak rashly, his small eyes revealing bewilderment.

Fan Changyu looked at Song Yan: “The cost of the coffin and tuition fees that my father provided, Scholar Song has already repaid. Thus, the Fan and Song families are now even, with no great favor as you mentioned.”

Song Yan stared fixedly at Fan Changyu seated in a high position. His eyes, having weathered years of vicissitudes, churned with complex emotions. After a long while, he painfully uttered a single “Yes.”

Xie Wu, standing nearby, couldn’t help but frown. Unaware of the past events in Qingping County, he only felt that this failed scholar’s gaze toward his Great General seemed off.

Fan Changyu said, “I’m looking for a tutor to begin Ning’s education. You should know that I could never employ you.”

Wu Guangkun and Xie Wu listened in confusion, while Song Yan again painfully uttered a “Yes.”

“In that case, please leave,” Fan Changyu set down her teacup. “Xiao Wu, see our guests out.”

Xie Wu immediately made a “please” gesture towards Wu and Song.

Wu Guangkun regretted his decision, fearing that because of Song Yan, he had also offended an important person. He wanted to say something to remedy the situation, but seeing Fan Changyu’s cold face and Xie Wu’s outstretched hand towards the door, he dared not act presumptuously. He could only plaster a flattering yet stiff smile on his face as he was shown out along with Song Yan.

As they approached the door, a young girl with double buns came running from the end of the corridor, followed by a tall, handsome guard. Before entering the room, her loud, childish voice could be heard: “Elder Sister! I’ve packed everything in my room!”

Upon encountering Wu and Song, the girl’s ear-to-ear grin faded a bit. Her chubby hands grasped her clothes, and she somewhat shyly called out to Wu Guangkun: “Teacher.”

Wu Guangkun, as if seeing a lifeline, immediately responded kindly: “Ah, it’s Ning…”

However, Chang Ning caught sight of Song Yan walking behind him. Her jade-white little face immediately fell. Her small fists clenched at her sides, her large black grape-like eyes filled with hostility as she shouted: “Bad man!”

With that, she charged like a little bull calf to Fan Changyu’s side, lying across her knees and glaring at Song Yan.

Song Yan’s face paled further. Xie Wu, sensing something amiss, secretly observed Fan Changyu.

But Fan Changyu merely stroked Chang Ning’s hair and said, “Children’s words carry no malice. Xiao Wu, continue escorting our guests out.”

Xie Wu then led Song Yan and Wu Guangkun toward the exit.

Chang Ning’s dimpled fingers traced the lacquered gold patterns on Fan Changyu’s belt, her lips pursed in displeasure: “Elder Sister, why did that bad man come?”

When the Song family came to break off the engagement years ago, Chang Ning was over five years old and could already remember things. Even though two or three years had passed, she still clearly remembered those bad people who had bullied her and her elder sister.

Fan Changyu said, “Life is but a hundred years. Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. He failed the imperial examination and came seeking a livelihood as your tutor.”

Chang Ning immediately refused: “Ning doesn’t want him to teach!”

Her cheeks, white with a hint of pink, puffed up in anger, and even a strand of hair stood up on her head, showing how strongly she objected.

Fan Changyu laughed: “Didn’t I just send him away?”

Chang Ning was finally pleased. Tugging at a section of Fan Changyu’s robe, she asked, “Elder Sister is a Great General now, why didn’t you cane him?”

Fan Changyu’s expression grew serious as she addressed Chang Ning: “Ning, Elder Sister is a Great General, but this authority is for protecting the peace of Great Yin’s citizens, not for personal vendettas. Do you understand? Song Yan may be low, but our grievances with his family were settled in the past. He has committed no wrong now. If Elder Sister were to use her authority to create obstacles for him out of past resentments, then Elder Sister would be the one at fault.”

Chang Ning nodded, lowering her head: “Ning remembers.”

Fan Changyu continued earnestly: “Everyone chooses their path. We’re on the right road; there’s no need to stray onto side paths because of some petty individuals. This official career is full of hidden currents. One misstep could lead to irreversible consequences. Even if Song Yan enters officialdom, there will be plenty of pitfalls waiting for him. It’s not worth our effort to add to his troubles and create more karmic entanglements.”

Chang Ning nodded even more vigorously.

Fan Changyu then asked: “Have you packed everything in your room?”

She had married Xie Zheng last month. With no parents above her, her grandfather being a loyal minister wrongly accused by the court for over a decade, and her only adoptive father being an upright old minister of modest means, no one was there to manage her wedding affairs. Yu Qianqian had taken charge of everything. Her dowry had been allocated from the national treasury after discussions with the court officials.

Fan Changyu had lived in the Imperial Residence for nearly two years and hadn’t had time to move some of her belongings.

Initially, to make it convenient to care for Chang Ning in the future, her Great General’s mansion was built right next to the Xie residence. After more than a year, the mansion was finally completed. The internal courtyard walls were connected to the Xie residence, essentially merging the two into one compound.

She came today firstly to move the remaining items from her wedding, and secondly to meet the tutor recommended by Wu Guangkun.

When Chang Ning heard about this, she immediately insisted on coming along to the Imperial Residence, saying she wanted to pack her things.

Given her young age, having a tutor with a scholar’s title to begin her education was already more than sufficient. However, Fan Changyu was surprised that Wu Guangkun had recommended Song Yan.

“It’s all packed! Ning wanted to help Elder Sister pack too, but Uncle Xiao Qi wouldn’t let me!” Chang Ning said, making a face at Xie Qi.

Xie Qi bowed and replied, “There are some books and delicate items in the General’s room that this subordinate dares not touch carelessly.”

At Fan Changyu’s position, her writings and letters, as well as items close to her, could only be packed by her trusted aides with her permission. Other servants wouldn’t dare touch those things.

Understanding Xie Qi’s concerns, Fan Changyu said, “There’s nothing urgent in the room. Take the books back and put them in the Xie family study. As for the delicate items, store them in the General’s mansion storehouse for now.”

She had already taken away important documents and items from her room. What remained on the bookshelves were just some military books, history books, and policy discussions she had read before. Knowing she was moving everything over, Xie Zheng had specially cleared half of the study for her. These books would need to be consulted frequently in the future, so it was convenient to put them all in the study, saving trouble later.

Having received Fan Changyu’s instructions, Xie Qi personally went to pack those books and delicate items.

After passing through a hanging flower gate, Xie Wu was about to lead Song and Wu out of the mansion when he saw a group of people descending the steps at the main gate. The leader wore a golden crown and the python robe of the Regent. His tall, straight figure exuded an innate, cold authority that even overshadowed his handsome features, chilling onlookers with just a glance.

Xie Wu hurriedly led Song and Wu to stand at the side of the path, heads bowed, waiting for Xie Zheng to pass.

Xie Zheng knew Fan Changyu was returning to the Imperial Residence today to move her remaining belongings, so he came to check on her progress as soon as he left the palace.

Xie Wu and the two men standing in the path before the hanging flower gate were particularly eye-catching. As Xie Zheng was about to pass, he suddenly stopped, gave them a cursory glance, and asked Xie Wu, “What’s this about?”

Xie Wu replied, “Miss Chang Ning’s tutor passed the imperial examination and came to resign today, along with recommending a scholar. The Great General found it unsuitable and didn’t retain him, ordering this subordinate to see them out.”

Xie Zheng had asked casually, but upon hearing that Fan Changyu hadn’t retained the recommended tutor, his oppressive gaze fell on the man in the green scholar’s robe who stood with his head bowed.

It must be said that this style of dress was the type of scholarly attire Xie Zheng disliked the most.

He frowned slightly, and the two men who had their heads bowed so low they could only see their own feet began to tremble uncontrollably under his gaze. The man in the green robe, perhaps due to his young age, was shaking almost like a sieve.

Xie Zheng knew he didn’t have a reputation for kindness in court circles. If even ordinary officials feared him, it was only natural for a scholar who hadn’t yet entered officialdom to be afraid. Since Fan Changyu hadn’t retained him anyway, Xie Zheng didn’t inquire further in front of these two, merely instructing Xie Wu, “Then see them properly out of the mansion.”

Only after Xie Zheng had completely passed did Xie Wu continue to escort the two men out. However, the green-robed scholar seemed too frightened by the Prince to move, his face pale as wax, looking as if he had died once over.

Xie Wu knew that because of the case that brought down Grand Tutor Li, scholars across the land held grudges against his master. But the Prince had only asked a couple of questions, yet it had frightened this scholar to such a state. Xie Wu felt somewhat displeased, and his tone cooled: “The Prince is fair in rewards and punishments. Even though the Great General didn’t retain Scholar Song, there’s no need for such fear.”

Song Yan mumbled a response, but when he tried to walk again, his legs were still as soft as noodles.

There was no mistake, that voice belonged to the husband Fan Changyu had taken in years ago.

That year at the New Year’s Lantern Festival, his words “When wild geese fly south, phoenixes find no place to land” had stayed with Song Yan for years. He couldn’t mistake that voice.

Recalling the rumors from last year when Fan Changyu got engaged to the Regent, that the Regent was indeed her former husband, Song Yan’s face turned ashen.

This sudden overwhelming terror was even more intense than when he learned that the high official he was meeting today was Fan Changyu.

Rumors in the city said the Regent was ruthless and killed without blinking, with thousands of lives on his hands. His private prison was said to have countless tortures. Criminals who wouldn’t confess under all the tortures in the imperial prison would spill everything within half a day in his private one.

The sun after the rain wasn’t harsh, but as Song Yan and Wu Guangkun walked out of the Imperial Residence’s main gate and down the steps, he felt dizzy. Looking up at the sky, the sun seemed to have turned into a ring of fire shining directly into his eyes. Beside him, Wu Guangkun was still complaining, asking if he had offended the Great General in the past. Song Yan’s vision went black, and he lost consciousness.

Xie Zheng went to the inner courtyard to find Fan Changyu. Before they could exchange more than a few words, Xie Wu hurriedly returned to report that the scholar who came to apply for the tutor position had fainted at the gate of the Imperial Residence.

Fan Changyu frowned upon hearing this. She hadn’t been overly harsh with Song Yan, so how did he faint after leaving the Imperial Residence?

Seeing her unusual expression, Xie Zheng asked, “What’s going on?”

Fan Changyu explained truthfully, “The person Wu recommended was Song Yan.”

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu, clearly not recalling who this person was for a moment.

Fan Changyu had to rephrase, “The scholar I was engaged to when we were in Qingping County.”

Xie Zheng’s expression visibly darkened, his phoenix eyes turning exceptionally cold, “He came here seeking a position?”

Fan Changyu said, “Finding a tutor for Chang Ning can be a big or small matter. I was worried that if people knew our household was looking for a tutor, some ill-intentioned individuals might come forward. So I told Teacher Wu not to spread the word and to bring suitable candidates directly for me to see. Who knew we’d encounter Song Yan.”

Xie Zheng gave a faint “Mm,” his emotions indiscernible.

When Xie Zheng arrived, Chang Ning had gone to help Xie Qi pack up Fan Changyu’s former room. Fan Changyu gave Xie Wu a look, and after he withdrew, she said to Xie Zheng, “You seem displeased?”

Xie Zheng poured himself a cup of tea, his expression bland as he said, “Not at all.”

Fan Changyu’s expression became somewhat nuanced as she looked at Xie Zheng, “Xie Jiuheng, you can’t still be jealous of Song Yan at this point, can you?”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow, his thin lips uttering two words: “Nonsense.”

Fan Changyu nodded, “Indeed. In terms of scholarship, you’re a pillar of the state with vast knowledge. He only passed the provincial exam on his first try to become a scholar, nothing much to boast about. Now he’s failed the metropolitan exam twice, becoming so downtrodden. If you were to compare yourself to him, it would truly be lowering yourself.”

Initially, Fan Changyu had intended to humor him, but as she spoke, she became genuinely reflective: “Back then, I knew you were literate and said that when you became a high official, if you ever met Song Yan in court, you could suppress him a bit to vent my anger. But only two or three years have passed, and what seemed like earth-shattering events then are now just shallow pits on our journey. There’s no need for us to suppress Song Yan anymore. In this sea of officialdom, a single stumble could cost him half his life.”

Her tone was light and calm as if she had truly let go of the past. The irritation and darkness in Xie Zheng’s heart were completely soothed by her words.

He turned slightly, half his body bathed in the warm spring light, making his fair complexion even more apparent. His eyes, touched by a halo of warm sunlight, seemed to soften. The golden embroidery on his python robe glowed with a floating golden light. His long fingers held a sky-blue porcelain cup with half a cup of pale honey-colored tea remaining. Against this backdrop, his fingertips appeared like white jade, exuding an indescribable casual elegance.

He said, “Have you packed everything? I’ll take you home.”

Fan Changyu smiled, “Only the books and some delicate items in my room are left. Xie Qi is packing them, and it should be almost done.”

When they went out, Xie Qi had indeed finished packing everything from Fan Changyu’s room, with all the books packed in special book boxes.

They took Chang Ning back to the Xie residence. After dinner, Fan Changyu felt drowsy and took Chang Ning for an afternoon nap.

When Xie Zheng entered the study to handle government affairs, he saw several boxes of Fan Changyu’s books piled on the floor. Worried that the servants might not know her reading habits and misplace the books, making it inconvenient for her to find them later, he placed them on the half of the bookshelf that had been cleared for her.

The military books Fan Changyu read were mostly chosen by Xie Zheng, ranging from simple to complex, all with his annotations.

Therefore, when he came across a military book that he hadn’t chosen for her, Xie Zheng couldn’t help but take a closer look. Opening it, he found extremely detailed annotations, but the elegant and moist handwriting was not his own.

Xie Zheng’s face showed no emotion, but his eyes suddenly turned cold and deep. He sat behind the desk and spent the entire afternoon meticulously reading through the military book page by page, from beginning to end, not missing a single word of annotation.

After finishing, he calmly ordered someone to summon Xie Wu.

As soon as Xie Wu entered the study and saw the familiar military book on the desk, he froze for a moment, feeling as if his scalp was about to explode.

This military book was returned to Fan Changyu by Zheng Wenchang years ago, and the annotations in it were all by Li Huai’an, the grandson of Grand Tutor Li!

“Who gave her this military book?” Xie Zheng sat behind the desk, his voice seemingly calm at first listen, but it was this calmness that made Xie Wu’s entire body break out in a cold sweat.

He licked his lips, hesitating for just a moment between lying and telling the truth, before choosing to confess honestly. The Great General had no particular relationship with Li Huai’an, and if his intentional concealment led to his master’s misunderstanding, that would truly be outsmarting himself.

He said, “It was… it was a promotion gift given to the Great General by Grand Tutor Li’s grandson when she was promoted to Cavalry Commander on the Chongzhou battlefield.”

Xie Zheng’s expression remained unchanged, but the knuckles of the hand flipping through the military book seemed to protrude slightly. A strange pressure emanated from him, making Xie Wu feel as if the air in the study had thinned.

Fearing Xie Zheng might misunderstand, he quickly added, “When the Great General received the book, she immediately awarded it to her subordinate officers. It was only later when General Zheng borrowed military books from the Great General at the Imperial Residence that this book was returned along with the others.”

Xie Zheng still said nothing.

After a long while, just as Xie Wu felt a drop of cold sweat sliding down his temple, he finally heard Xie Zheng say, “You may go.”

Xie Wu breathed a slight sigh of relief, thinking the matter had been settled with Xie Zheng.

That night, however, Fan Changyu tasted the consequences.

Both being martial artists, their abundant energy was inevitable, but most of the time Fan Changyu could keep up. Often, they would carry on until late into the night, and after a thorough and satisfying bath, she would be pulled into Xie Zheng’s embrace to sleep deeply.

Xie Zheng wasn’t one for words in that aspect, just as in his martial arts and warfare, he always acted more fiercely than he spoke, holding her tightly, his advances deep and heavy.

This night, Fan Changyu was already exhausted, but he seemed still unsatisfied. He kept asking her questions about military tactics when she was too confused to think, and when she couldn’t answer, he had a legitimate reason to continue punishing her.

Finally, Fan Changyu’s broken voice carried an extreme note of crying, “Xie Zheng, Xie Jiuheng, enough!”

Xie Zheng lowered his head slightly to look at her, sweat-damp hair messily covering his eyes, his gaze deep and dark. The slightly protruding Adam’s apple below his neck moved up and down, swallowing emotions only he knew.

Lowering his head to kiss her swollen red lips, his cold and mellow voice held only the insatiable greed of a wolf as he hoarsely said, “Not enough!”

Far from enough.

Never enough!

If there truly was a way in this world, he would probably not be able to resist sucking her marrow dry to satisfy the greed in his heart.

Lol. I wondered if that book would resurface 😅 did he actually kill Li Huai’an? I know it was implied that with the Jade being returned to his father and grandfather, his family sacrificed him, but…of his family he seemed somewhat naive and redeemable. I guess it’s better that he died off-page.

A única pena é que a velha mãe de Song Yan está morta antes de ver a garota que ela humilhou sendo a mulher mais respeitada, ia ser ótima a cara da velha, assim como foi ótimo ver o moleque desmaiar kkkk

annoying ex fiancee got his karma.. never feel sorry for Song Yan I almost forgot him, even Xie Zheng doesn’t now remember him. also changyu mention him he got jealous

all her past ‘men’ haunted Xie Zheng in a span of one day lmao

My diva Zheng with all the grudge and pettiness 👑

Este hombre es tan intenso jajaja como que la médula xD ay mi loquito como me gusta 🫶🏻

Meanwhile, Wenchang is 100% innocent. Brother had zero ounce of romantic thoughts about FCY because he’s a blockhead who only knew about fighting. 😂

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 3

When Fan Changyu awoke from her slumber, she had no idea what time it was. Despite her body being conditioned by years of martial arts training, she still felt sore all over. As she changed her clothes, she glanced at her wrists, unsurprisingly noticing faint bluish fingerprints.

They were caused by Xie Zheng tying her hands to the bedpost last night when she struggled too fiercely. These minor injuries weren’t painful to her, not as severe as the bruises she got from her own martial arts practice.

But Xie Zheng last night… was a bit too unusual.

When sweat dripped from his eyelids onto her body, making her shiver uncontrollably, his obsidian-like eyes remained fixed on her, like a wolf staring at prey it had finally caught.

After their marriage, his vigor was indeed alarmingly abundant. After all, before their wedding, they only had two reckless encounters – once when he returned from a palace banquet under the influence of drugs, and another time when she rushed to save him after the coup attempt. He had been restraining himself ever since.

During the seven-day honeymoon after their wedding, except for the third day when she had to return to visit the Tao Grand Tutor, they hardly left the bedroom for the rest of the time.

After those seven days, the marriage bed in the room was directly replaced with a new one.

Last night, his fervor surpassed even those seven days after their wedding. It was also the first time he questioned her about military tactics while tormenting her. By the end, Fan Changyu’s memories were all jumbled, and she couldn’t remember what he had asked.

She vaguely recalled that when he pushed her to the point of collapse, and she said anything between sobs, he seemed to be stimulated and became even more aggressive, his eyes turning red.

When she couldn’t bear it anymore and tried to kick him, he simply grabbed her leg and hoisted it onto his shoulder…

Fan Changyu stopped her train of thought and expressionlessly tightened the soft armor on her body. As she moved, her finger joints cracked audibly.

She couldn’t confront him today. With her strength inferior to his, it would only be asking for humiliation.

The maid waiting outside heard movement from within and lifted the curtain to enter, asking, “Has the General awakened?”

As soon as she spoke, the tips of her ears turned slightly red, and she dared not look at Fan Changyu directly. “The Prince instructed the maid early this morning not to disturb the General’s rest. He also excused the General from today’s morning court session.”

“Crack—”

Another faint, crisp sound came from between her finger joints.

The maid secretly glanced up at Fan Changyu, but only heard her ask calmly, “What time is it now?”

Her voice was a bit hoarse.

The maid answered, “It’s the Hour of the Rooster (5-7 pm).”

Fan Changyu: “…”

No wonder the sky looked so gloomy; it was almost dark!

As the maid poured tea for her, Fan Changyu glanced at the surface of the dressing table. Fortunately, not only had the quilt, mattress, and soft pillows all been changed, but the dressing table had also been wiped clean…

She disliked having servants witness the aftermath of their intimate moments. Usually, it was Xie Zheng who tidied up these things.

The chaos from last night when he pinned her against the dressing mirror still made her ears burn. Fan Changyu averted her gaze, preferring not to see. She took a sip of warm tea to soothe her throat and asked, “Where is the Prince?”

At this hour, Xie Zheng would have finished the morning court session.

“The Prince returned to the mansion and saw that the General was still asleep. He sat in the room for a while and then went to the study,” the maid carefully raised her eyes to observe Fan Changyu. “Should we send someone to the study to inform the Prince?”

Fan Changyu said, “No need. Bring Ning Niang over, and have the stable prepare a carriage. The Empress Dowager has been longing to see Ning Niang. I’ll take her to the palace tonight to visit the Empress Dowager.”

The “Huainanzi • Military Strategy” states: “When the enemy is strong, fight; when weak, retreat.”

With the enemy at full strength, she couldn’t fight. Retreating was the best option.

The maid stared at Fan Changyu in surprise, uttering an “Ah,” clearly finding it odd that Fan Changyu would flee to the Imperial Palace after sleeping for a day.

Fan Changyu gave the maid a cool glance, “Do you have any doubts?”

The maid quickly shook her head, “This servant will relay the orders right away.”

When Xie Zheng received the news in his study, Fan Changyu’s carriage had already left.

Unusually, he wasn’t wearing his usual narrow-sleeved long robe, but instead a light-colored scholar’s robe. His jade-like countenance appeared even more refined, though his brows still concealed a hint of coldness from a long-held high position. The sight stunned Xie Wu, who had come to report.

Xie Zheng was holding a brush, and making annotations on a book page. Hearing the news, he only said, “She has a deep affection for the Empress Dowager. Let her go. I’ll go to fetch her in a few days.”

Xie Wu found it strange that after the Prince discovered Li Huai’an’s annotated military book, the Great General had felt unwell and stayed in her room for an entire day, and now suddenly wanted to visit the Empress Dowager in the palace.

Seeing Xie Wu still standing below, Xie Zheng’s brush paused slightly, and he raised his eyes to ask, “Is there anything else?”

Xie Wu hurriedly said, “Nothing, this subordinate will take his leave.”

As he bowed his head and cupped his fists, he noticed a book wedged under the desk. Observing its cover, he could faintly make out the character “Tiger Strategy.”

Wasn’t this the military book that Li Huai’an had annotated for the Great General…

Xie Wu’s face went through a range of expressions. Pretending he hadn’t seen anything, he bowed and retreated.

Only then did Xie Zheng set down his brush on the white porcelain brush rest. He raised his hand to press his temple, and said with an indecipherable tone, “She ran away quite quickly.”

Meanwhile, after entering the palace, Fan Changyu consumed three bowls of rice from Yu Qianqian’s Cining Palace before putting down her chopsticks.

Chang Ning had already fallen asleep in the side hall, having become drowsy during the carriage ride to the palace.

Seeing her famished state, Yu Qianqian asked in surprise, “Is the Regent Prince mistreating you? Not giving you food to eat?”

Fan Changyu waved her hand, unwilling to say much, only stating, “Qianqian, I’ll stay in your Cining Palace for a few days.”

Yu Qianqian naturally agreed, but Fan Changyu’s sudden arrival and appearance of not having eaten for a day made her ask with a strange expression, “Did you fight with the Regent Prince?”

Fan Changyu mumbled, “No.”

It wasn’t a verbal fight, but a physical one, which she didn’t win.

She didn’t know what madness had suddenly possessed Xie Zheng. To avoid falling into the tiger’s mouth again, it was best to stay away for a couple of days.

Having just finished eating, she felt a bit choked and poured herself a cup of tea, gulping it down.

As she tilted her head back, Yu Qianqian noticed the deep and light marks on her neck, immediately understanding the situation.

She teased, “So our Great General Fan, who fears nothing in heaven or earth, is afraid of the fierce husband at home.”

Fan Changyu, caught off guard, choked and coughed repeatedly. After finally calming down, she said dejectedly, “Qianqian, you’re teasing me too.”

Yu Qianqian poked her forehead, “My silly Yu’er, you’re hiding in my Cining Palace for this little matter? You’ve truly lost your general’s might.”

Fan Changyu held her teacup, the tips of her ears turning red, finding it a bit difficult to speak, “I can’t handle him.”

Yu Qianqian gave her a reproachful look, “You just give in when he wants you? You can’t just let a man have his way. Even in bed, do you want to train him like a dog? There are plenty of methods.”

Fan Changyu looked bewildered.

Seeing this, Yu Qianqian leaned over and whispered a few words in her ear. Fan Changyu’s face instantly turned red down to her neck, stammering, “I did say some soft words.”

But it seemed to have the opposite effect; he nearly broke her bones with his intensity.

Yu Qianqian looked Fan Changyu up and down, suddenly muttering, “With the Regent Prince’s… vigor, it’s no wonder you ended up in this state.”

It was the first time Fan Changyu had heard such an expression. Thinking about Xie Zheng’s narrow waist, her face reddened, but her eyes showed a hint of foolishness, “…vigor?”

Although there was no one else in the hall, Yu Qianqian still looked around cautiously before coughing twice and saying, “It’s an expression from our place, praising a man’s… prowess.”

Fan Changyu fell silent. Xie Zheng’s… stamina was indeed impressive.

Yu Qianqian noticed the faint dark circles under Fan Changyu’s eyes and, knowing from Qi Yu that she had taken sick leave from the morning court session, pondered for a moment before saying to Fan Changyu, “Since the Regent Prince is so dominant in that matter, you shouldn’t confront him head-on, but don’t be too soft either. In the former case, he’ll only want to subdue you, and in the latter… the only time you can show weakness to him is in bed, so how could he not go all out in tormenting you?”

Fan Changyu: “…”

Yu Qianqian, seemingly thinking of something, leaned over and whispered a few more words in her ear. Fan Changyu let out an “Ah,” her clear eyes showing a hint of helplessness, her face turning even redder.

Yu Qianqian rested her chin on her hand, smiling, “I think this is the only way to control that husband of yours.”

She then winked and pulled out a book of erotic illustrations from a drawer, handing it to her, “Take this and study it. Learn a few more positions. When I saw these illustrations, I thought the ancients were much more adventurous than the people of our time.”

Fan Changyu was thus pushed into the side hall by Yu Qianqian, clutching the book of erotic illustrations.

She sat on the edge of the bed, flipped through two pages by the light of the palace lantern, and promptly stuffed the book under her pillow before lying down to sleep.

Early the next morning, Yu Qianqian was awakened by the sound of staff practice in the courtyard. After being dressed by palace maids, she opened the door to see Fan Changyu in tight-fitting clothes, wielding a long staff in the courtyard. Her movements were swift and powerful – thrusting, parrying, striking, and chopping – flowing like water. Many young palace maids stood under the palace corridor, watching Fan Changyu practice with flushed cheeks.

Yu Qianqian yawned and asked, “Why are you up so early? Didn’t you want to sleep in?”

Fan Changyu ended her staff routine. Sweat-dampened strands of hair clung to her forehead. On one side, she wore soft silver armor; on the other, a diagonally cut tea-white brocade robe with both civil and military sleeves. She exuded a heroic aura, her eyes reflecting the morning light with an unconscious allure.

She said, “I’ve figured it out. No matter how much I learn, nothing is as effective as having a strong fist. Practicing martial arts is more practical.”

Yu Qianqian: “…”

Suddenly, she wasn’t so alluring any more, just that silly girl again.

As it happened to be a rest day, the officials didn’t have to attend the morning court.

Qi Yu came to Cining Palace to pay his respects to Yu Qianqian and learned that Fan Changyu and her sister had entered the palace the night before. He accompanied Yu Qianqian for breakfast.

While Fan Changyu and Yu Qianqian chatted about family matters, he focused intently on putting various foods into Chang Ning’s bowl, eventually piling it into a small mountain.

Chang Ning kept shoveling food into her mouth but still couldn’t keep up with the speed at which the food was piling up in her bowl. Finally, she became agitated and mumbled, “Stop adding more! I can’t finish it!”

Her outburst drew the attention of Fan Changyu and Yu Qianqian to the two little ones.

Qi Yu sat upright, and if it weren’t for the small mountain of food in Chang Ning’s bowl, no one would have known what he had been doing.

Yu Qianqian couldn’t help but laugh, “In the year since our treasure ascended the throne, he’s only been happier when Long Ning comes to the palace with you. I think it’s because this child is too lonely, and the burden on his shoulders is too heavy, making him more and more withdrawn. I was discussing with the Imperial Tutor a few days ago about selecting some study companions for him.”

At this point, Yu Qianqian suddenly paused and looked at Fan Changyu, “Aren’t you still worried about finding a tutor for Ning Niang? Why don’t… we let Ning Niang come to the palace?”

Fan Changyu hurriedly said, “Selecting study companions for His Majesty means they’ll be learning statecraft with Master Gongsun and will help His Majesty share his burdens in the future. Ning Niang is still young and mischievous. I’m afraid she might disturb His Majesty instead.”

Qi Yu suddenly spoke up, “We won’t be disturbed.”

Fan Changyu was somewhat surprised. She looked up and met a pair of sincere puppy eyes.

Although he was already a young emperor, when he looked at people this way, he still revealed a pitiful and lonely air.

This writer is a lonely man who watches too much p0rn 🙄

😂🤭

Actually, it’s a woman. And there’s nothing wrong with making the novel a bit spicy 😉. If you don’t like it, don’t read it.

Torturing her over a few books 🤣 he’s so insane!

Jajajajja este hombre es un salvaje 😂

I was just laughing the whole time! 😂
Run Changyu, run! 🤣

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 4

Long Ning’s chubby fingers gripped the gold-rimmed ebony chopsticks. Upon hearing this, she immediately stopped nibbling on the crystal dumpling in her bowl and looked up to ask, “Can Ning Niang study together with Bao’er again?”

In the past two years, her figure had grown taller, no longer resembling the round-headed, round-bodied glutinous rice ball of before. However, her cheeks still retained their baby fat, plump and adorable. Her big eyes were dark, with long, thick eyelashes. Her overall health seemed to have improved, as her hair was now thicker and neater than before. She could even style her hair in various ways, making her look increasingly charming and cute.

Fan Changyu wiped the soup stains from the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and said, “You can’t call him that anymore. You must address him as ‘Your Majesty’.”

Long Ning stuck out her tongue briefly, then quickly corrected herself, “Can Ning Niang study together with Your Majesty?”

Yu Qianqian smiled and said, “See, Ning Niang also wants to enter the palace to study with Bao’er. Instead of letting Ning Niang listen to those old scholars all alone, why not let her come to the palace? She can be a companion for Bao’er. In the future, when you and the Regent Prince attend court, you can send Ning Niang to Chongwen Hall. After you finish the court session and conclude your discussions at Chongwen Hall, you can pick up Ning Niang and take her home.”

After Yu Qianqian’s persuasion, and with Qi Yu and Long Ning gazing at her expectantly, Fan Changyu pondered for a moment before finally agreeing.

Currently, both Long Ning and Qi Yu are still young, so having Long Ning as a study companion wasn’t inappropriate. In a couple of years, as the Great General, she would inevitably be dispatched to the border. By then, Long Ning would most likely have to leave the capital with her.

As soon as she agreed, after finishing breakfast, Qi Yu voluntarily offered to take Long Ning to Chongwen Hall for a look. Yu Qianqian, concerned for the two children, sent her trusted maid to accompany and take care of Long Ning, while she stayed behind at Cining Palace to continue chatting with Fan Changyu about domestic matters.

Although it wasn’t Long Ning’s first time entering the palace, it was her first visit to Chongwen Hall, where the young emperor studied and handled state affairs.

She stared at the magnificent yet solemn great hall, with palace servants smilingly attending on both sides and nervously clenched her little fists, feeling somewhat shy.

Qi Yu noticed this and instructed the accompanying palace maids and eunuchs to wait outside. He guided Long Ning around Chongwen Hall, saying, “Master Gongsun has a very good temperament, and the lessons he teaches are easy to understand. You don’t need to be afraid of him when you come to study…”

Long Ning, wearing a light pink chest-high dress with a matching ribbon on her hair bun, bounced along behind Qi Yu like an animated chubby peach. Upon hearing this, she immediately said, “I’m not afraid of Uncle Gongsun! Uncle Gongsun likes me very much!”

Qi Yu furrowed his brow, thought for a moment, and then said, “Mother Empress will also select a few suitable boys from among the sons of court officials to be Our study companions. If they bully you, don’t be afraid. We will stand up for you.”

Long Ning, however, let out an “Ah” and her gaze fell on the only desk inlaid with golden dragon patterns in the hall. She pointed at it with a chubby finger and said, “But there’s only one desk here.”

In the past, when she and Bao’er were in the Petition Hall, they used to write and study at a low table together. Even if more people came, although that desk was large, it still wouldn’t be enough to accommodate everyone, would it?

Qi Yu said, “The Imperial Household Department will arrange for more low tables when the time comes.”

Long Ning wrinkled her face in thought and said, “Then I’ll still share a table with you!”

They were the best of friends, after all!

Qi Yu seemed to hesitate for a moment, but finally said, “That’s not possible.”

Long Ning’s dark eyes brimmed with undisguised disappointment, “Why not?”

Qi Yu said, “That’s the Dragon Desk. Only We can use it.”

Long Ning’s little face fell, “I can’t use it either?”

Qi Yu shook his head.

Long Ning clutched the hem of her dress, lowered her head, and mumbled softly, “Stingy… if you won’t let me use it, then fine…”

They used to share everything equally before.

Qi Yu could hear a slight nasal tone in her voice, and when he looked, he saw that her eyes were indeed the same color as her peach-pink dress.

He didn’t know how he had made her cry and felt at a loss. He explained, “You’ll have your desk too. You won’t have to share with anyone else.”

After a pause, he added, “When no one else is around, you can use the Dragon Desk with Us.”

Long Ning wiped the corner of her eye with her chubby hand, “Then when no one’s around, can I still call you Bao’er? When I call you Your Majesty, it feels like you’re not Bao’er anymore.”

Children’s hearts are pure, and their understanding of the changes in the outside world’s attitude toward Yu Qianqian and her son is always somewhat delayed.

She had grown up with only this one playmate. When they were kidnapped by the Sui family, it was Bao’er who protected her.

Later, when Bao’er came to the capital with them, she knew that Bao’er’s mother had been kidnapped by bad people, so she always shared good things with him.

Suddenly having to observe etiquette everywhere and becoming distant felt very unfamiliar to Long Ning.

Qi Yu stared at her for a while before saying, “You can, but you have to call me Brother Bao’er.”

Long Ning’s little mind worked quickly, and she immediately widened her grape-like eyes, “You’re trying to take advantage of me. I’m your little aunt!”

The children’s bickering didn’t reach any conclusion. Before the other study companions were selected, Long Ning had already started attending lessons at Chongwen Hall.

Two days later, during a break in Master Gongsun’s lecture, as he was sipping tea to moisten his throat, he saw the young emperor take out various pastries from the bronze mirror vase behind him and place them all in front of Long Ning…

This familiar scene made Master Gongsun choke and cough repeatedly.

Long Ning had just picked up an almond pastry with her chubby hand. Hearing the cough, she looked over with her clear, big eyes, showing concern, “Did Master Gongsun choke? Master, please drink slowly!”

Master Gongsun waved his hand, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

Long Ning, being extremely respectful to the elderly, stood up and pitter-pattered over to Master Gongsun with the almond pastry in hand, offering it to him, “Master, please have some too!”

Master Gongsun’s expression became even more peculiar.

Thinking of Fan Changyu’s past behavior in Wenyuan Ge, he felt that these two sisters were indeed born of the same blood.

Just then, a young eunuch waiting outside came to report that the Regent Prince had arrived to take the Huaihua Great General and her sister home.

Master Gongsun immediately looked at Long Ning with a strange expression, “You and your sister have been staying in the palace for these two days?”

Long Ning answered sweetly, “Yes!”

Master Gongsun’s expression became even more peculiar.

When Xie Zheng entered the hall, his lips curled into a smile before he even spoke, looking as if he was basking in the spring breeze.

Even a toe could guess that this Xie Jiuheng fellow had a tiff with his general wife!

Xie Zheng directly ignored him and only gave a slight nod to Qi Yu, “Greetings to Your Majesty.”

Qi Yu immediately said, “Regent Prince, please rise.”

Long Ning, unaware of the complexities between adults, still thought Fan Changyu had brought her to the palace just to play. She sweetly called out “Brother-in-law.”

Xie Zheng, maintaining his composure, said, “My wife previously mentioned bringing her young sister to the palace to keep the Empress Dowager company for a few days. I have come today to escort my wife home.”

Qi Yu frowned slightly and said, “The Regent Prince has come at an inopportune time. Mother Empress, at the request of the Grand Empress Dowager, is helping the Imperial Princess choose a consort. She has specially arranged a polo match in the Western Garden. Since the Imperial Princess will also be participating in the game, fearing any accidents, she invited Aunt Fan to accompany her.”

Upon hearing this, the faces of both men in the hall turned green, though Master Gongsun’s was more thoroughly green. That spring breeze smile froze directly at the corner of his mouth.

Since they were choosing a consort for the Imperial Princess, surely all the young nobles of the Five Tombs would be gathered at the polo field in the Western Garden today. Even many unmarried noble ladies might take this opportunity to find a suitable match.

Xie Zheng cast a faint glance at Master Gongsun with his stiffened expression, then cupped his hands and said, “In that case, this minister will also go to the Western Garden to join the festivities.”

Qi Yu was still young and couldn’t directly handle state affairs. Most matters were discussed and decided by Xie Zheng and the other ministers before being presented to Qi Yu for review, allowing him to learn how to handle these affairs.

Xie Zheng was busy with countless matters, so naturally, news of the Empress Dowager arranging a polo match to help the Imperial Princess choose a consort wouldn’t reach his ears.

After he stepped out of Chongwen Hall, Master Gongsun also bowed to Qi Yu, “Your Majesty, today’s lesson will end here. The phrase ‘The human heart is precarious, the moral mind is subtle; only by being refined and focused can one hold fast to the mean’ from the ‘Counsels of Yu the Great’ in the Book of Documents, Your Majesty can ponder its meaning on your own, and share your insights with this humble servant tomorrow. As for Lady Long Ning, please copy this sentence neatly five times. If you also have any insights, you can share them tomorrow as well.”

Long Ning obediently nodded, while Qi Yu, with the demeanor of an emperor, gave a slight nod, “We have noted it down.”

After Master Gongsun took his leave, Long Ning turned to ask Qi Yu, “Bao’er, Bao’er, have you ever seen a polo match?”

Qi Yu hesitated for a moment before shaking his head, “Never.”

Long Ning’s eyes sparkled, “Let’s go watch too! My sister and your aunt are both going to play polo!”

Qi Yu glanced at the question left by Master Gongsun, slightly frowning. Forming an opinion on this sentence was quite challenging for him at the moment. To say something substantial would require studying other books.

He hesitated for a moment but still nodded, “Then We shall order the preparation of carriages and horses to go to the Western Garden.”

Long Ning was immediately so happy that her eyes narrowed into crescents, and her sweet words tumbled out like they were coated in honey, “I knew you were the best, Bao’er! Except for my sister, you’re the nicest to me!”

Qi Yu’s slightly furrowed brows gradually smoothed out under Long Ning’s flood of exaggerated praise.

Since his ascension to the throne, everyone seemed to treat him differently. He was no longer Yu Bao’er, but the “Emperor” who sat alone on the high throne, having to study many things day and night and shoulder the responsibility of the entire Da Yin empire.

But there was still one person who didn’t want to call him “Your Majesty,” who preferred him to be “Yu Bao’er,” who didn’t think that just because he had become emperor, things between them should be different from before.

Qi Yu was very happy.

At least in front of this chubby girl who had accompanied him from Qingping County, he didn’t have to constantly maintain a cold face and try hard to put on an emperor’s air.

The Western Garden housed the largest royal racecourse. At this moment, the high stands outside the field were a dazzling sea of silk and golden hairpins, filled with noblewomen and ladies.

In the very center, under a canopy and guarded by sword-bearing Imperial Guards, was a special seating area arranged for the royal family, offering the best view of the entire stand.

Fan Changyu, dressed in tight-fitting clothes, sat to the right of Yu Qianqian, while Imperial Princess Qi Shu sat to Yu Qianqian’s left. The three women were close in age and, at first glance, all possessed cloud-like hair and flowery beauty, each with their charm. Only Yu Qianqian, despite her young age, was already the Empress Dowager. Given the grand occasion today, her imperial robe was of a deeper color and more mature in style.

Qi Shu was here today to choose a consort, so her makeup was applied elaborately. Her forehead was adorned with intricate floral designs, her hair piled high, and she wore a sea-tang-colored palace dress covered with a layer of gold-threaded gauze, exuding regal elegance.

Surprisingly, even sitting next to this most noble peony of Da Yin, Fan Changyu was not overshadowed in the least.

She had been in court for over a year now, and almost all officials, big and small, had seen her.

But usually, no one would associate her with the word “beauty.” The highest praise for her in court was “valiant” and “heroic.”

It was only when she was placed among a group of beauties like today that people suddenly realized her appearance was quite outstanding.

The gentle slope of her features made her whole person appear not fierce, but rather possessing a kind of grand beauty. Her long, spirited eyebrows added a touch of heroism. Although she had almond-shaped eyes, they were not coquettish but instead conveyed a sense of composure and determination. She was like a great ship at sea that had dropped a deep anchor – no matter how much wind and rain came, she would not be shaken in the slightest.

So much so that many noble ladies stopped watching the young men chasing and hitting balls on horseback in the field. Instead, they half-hid their faces behind fans, craning their necks to secretly observe Fan Changyu sitting in the high stands.

Turning back, they couldn’t help but whisper to their accompanying friends, “Oh no, I think the Huaihua Great General looks even more dashing than those young gentlemen down there. This polo match isn’t as good-looking as the Great General!”

The accompanying noble lady also lamented in a low voice, “I’ll never marry a husband like the Regent Prince in this lifetime. Can I marry someone like the Great General instead?”

Fan Changyu was oblivious to all of this. She only noticed that many people were looking at her, but not knowing the reason, she remained unmoved by their gazes.

After this polo match ended, Yu Qianqian asked Qi Shu, “Princess, did you find any outstanding young men?”

Qi Shu lightly fanned herself with her fan, shaking her head with disinterest, “Watching them is not as interesting as watching A’yu!”

Yu Qianqian then smiled and said, “In the next match, there will be Shen Shen, the grandson of Duke Shen. I’ve heard he was a figure comparable to the Regent Prince in his youth. Princess, you should take a good look.”

It was at this moment that a considerable commotion arose from the men’s viewing area, though it quickly subsided.

Yu Qianqian asked the people below, “What’s happening?”

After investigating, the Imperial Guard reported back, “In response to the Empress Dowager, the Regent Prince and the Imperial Tutor have also come to watch the polo match.”

Yu Qianqian immediately gave Fan Changyu a teasing look.

Unfortunately, their area was quite far from the men’s viewing area, separated by a sea of people, so they couldn’t see what was happening over there.

Qi Shu suddenly stood up and said, “Shen Shen is here? Then I’ll participate in this match.”

Watching Qi Shu directly lead her accompanying palace maids to change clothes, Yu Qianqian said to Fan Changyu with some bewilderment, “Has the Princess taken a liking to the Shen family’s young master?”

Fan Changyu felt completely bewildered.

She had been invited today to assist and protect Qi Shu during her turn in the competition. Since Qi Shu was participating, it was only natural for her to accompany her.

As she and Qi Shu went to change into their matching outfits, they passed by the men’s seating area and immediately spotted Xie Zheng, who was monopolizing several seats.

Once seated, the surrounding area was so empty that aside from Gong Sun Ying, no one else dared to sit nearby, making him strikingly conspicuous.

When Qi Shu made her grand exit, Xie Zheng naturally noticed them.

Their gazes met in the air, and for a moment, Fan Changyu was taken aback.

This was her first time seeing Xie Zheng in a snow-white scholar’s robe!

He looked so elegant and refined, a truly unique young gentleman.

It seemed as if his hands had never wielded weapons; they were meant only for holding a brush and writing scrolls.

She wasn’t the only one surprised. The noble ladies and young lords in the stands were equally astonished, but due to the imposing presence of the Regent Prince, no one dared to stare directly at him. Instead, they cast furtive glances, as if they were stealing peeks.

Fan Changyu even overheard some whispered conversations.

“Why is the Regent Prince wearing such an elegant scholar’s robe?”

“Indeed! When he walked this way earlier, I thought he was a distinguished teacher!”

“Shh! I heard that General Huaihua hadn’t returned to the Xie residence in two days. It’s said that the General has long admired the teacher, but the Regent Prince made his move too quickly, forcing the General to marry. It seems they can’t go on like this, and the Regent Prince is likely imitating the teacher’s style to win the General back!”

Fan Changyu stumbled slightly, nearly tripping and falling flat on her face.

LMAOOOO

lmao…begitu jahatnya gosip…😂😂😂😝

Bwahahahahaha bwesit, hahahahah ewan ko pero takakatawa and episode na to

Meanwhile Gongsun: … I am innocent…

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 5

The crowd was bustling, and Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng were quite far apart. They only exchanged a glance across the throng before she followed Qi Shu to the great hall for change.

On the men’s side of the viewing platform, a eunuch came to announce, “The next match will include the Grand Princess, General Huaihua, Young Lord Shen, Duke Jianning… Are there any gentlemen willing to participate?”

This was an excellent opportunity for the ordinary gentry to mingle with the powerful. Immediately, several young men eagerly volunteered, their faces flushed with excitement.

Some who had already played in earlier matches lamented, “Why is the Princess only joining now?”

Someone nearby chuckled, “Young Lord Shen is charming and excels at polo. Perhaps the Princess is coming to admire his skills.”

Another voice lowered in sarcasm, “What’s left to see in this match? The Princess has a noble status, General Huaihua is a martial arts expert, and Young Lord Shen is a polo prodigy. With the General and Young Lord Shen protecting her, this match is just for the Princess’s enjoyment. Who knows, a polo game might even lead to a marriage between the Princess and Young Lord Shen.”

Gongsun Yin glanced at Xie Zheng’s eye-catching white attire and said through gritted teeth, “Xie Jiuheng, I’ve done you many favors over the years. How about you return one today?”

Xie Zheng turned and gave him a cool look-

The changing hall was not far from the polo field. The men’s changing area was in the front hall, while the women’s was in the rear, separated by a courtyard. A young eunuch guarded the corner gate to prevent people from entering the wrong area.

Fan Changyu was already wearing a simple outfit, so changing was quick. However, Qi Shu’s palace attire was intricate, and removing her elaborate jewelry and redoing her hair was time-consuming. Even with seven or eight maids bustling around her, it would still take two cups of tea’s worth of time.

After changing into her crimson polo outfit, Fan Changyu went to wait in the courtyard.

She had never played polo before, but after watching a few matches from the stands, she had grasped the basic rules. There were polo balls and mallets in the side hall, so Fan Changyu took a mallet to practice her swing in the courtyard.

Today’s polo match was a ten-person武球 (wu qiu), or martial polo. As long as there was no intentional harm, players on horseback could use mallets to hit the ball through the goal on the field to score.

There was a stone lattice window on the courtyard wall. Since no one else was around, Fan Changyu used it as a target, striking a ball through the opening.

Her aim was excellent, and the fist-sized ball flew straight through the window, earning applause from the attending palace servants.

However, the cheering abruptly stopped.

On the other side of the window, a large hand with distinct knuckles caught the ball.

The afternoon breeze was gentle, rustling the hem of the newcomer’s indigo athletic robe. The hand that caught the ball had prominent veins, and above the wrist was a ruyi-patterned bracer. The narrow sleeve revealed the taut muscles of the forearm, seemingly full of strength.

Fan Changyu thought she had hit someone and stepped forward to apologize, “I’m sorry—”

As the person turned his head, her words caught in her throat. She looked at Xie Zheng in his indigo athletic robe with surprise and asked, “You’re also playing polo?”

The athletic attire suited him better. His ink-black hair was all tucked into his headpiece, and though his expression showed some indolence, his delicate features were full of spirit and boldness, making it hard to look away.

Xie Zheng walked slowly to the moon gate and tossed the ball back to her, saying, “I was asked by the event organizer to join and liven things up.”

Fan Changyu caught the ball he threw back, understanding his meaning. In her team with Qi Shu, most were royal relatives. If there wasn’t someone of high status on the opposing team, they would only defer and flatter during the match, making it uninteresting.

She was about to reply when suddenly a male voice came from the other side of the moon gate: “Jiuheng! So you’re here! I’ve been looking all over for you!”

The newcomer had handsome features and greeted everyone with a smile. It was Shen Shen. He was looking for Xie Zheng but noticed Fan Changyu practicing in the courtyard. He suddenly grinned, “I was wondering why a busy person like you suddenly had the leisure to play polo. So you’re here to accompany General Huaihua!”

He was wearing the same crimson athletic outfit as Fan Changyu, clearly on the same team as her and Qi Shu. He immediately slapped Xie Zheng’s shoulder hard, “It’s good! We haven’t played polo together in years. Let’s see who’s better on the field later!”

His voice must have been too loud, as Qi Shu, who was changing inside, heard him. She came out in her athletic attire and greeted the two, “Regent, Young General Shen.”

Shen Shen’s father had died early, and he was entitled to inherit the title of Duke Shen. Thus, many at court called him Young Lord Shen. But he also held an official position, so many called him General Shen as well.

Shen Shen bowed with a bright smile, “Greetings, Princess.”

Qi Shu caught a glimpse of indigo robes flashing by the lattice window. Her eyes dimmed slightly, but she smiled and said, “This Princess is just here for fun. I’ve never played before, and I hear Young General Shen is an expert. Could you give me some pointers?”

Shen Shen was always easy to talk to. He immediately smiled and said, “It would be my pleasure.”

Qi Shu looked at Xie Zheng, “It’s Long Yu’s first time playing polo too. Teaching one’s wife, that’s for the Regent to handle.”

She gave Fan Changyu a teasing smile.

Fan Changyu looked puzzled. After Qi Shu left with Shen Shen, chatting and laughing with their mallets, she felt awkward standing there alone with Xie Zheng. She said, “I think I’ve practiced enough…”

“Your mallet swing is incorrect. You could get hurt on horseback,” Xie Zheng interrupted.

Fan Changyu stared at him blankly.

Xie Zheng stepped forward, grasping her hand that held the mallet from behind. He said, “Keep your wrist level and relax your waist. Don’t be so tense.”

His warm palm gripped her wrist holding the mallet, and his other hand rested on her waist. Some memories suddenly flooded back, and Fan Changyu’s waist involuntarily tensed even more. Xie Zheng looked down at her, “What’s wrong?”

Fan Changyu forced herself to say, “Nothing.”

Fortunately, Xie Zheng was genuinely focused on teaching her.

The ball that Fan Changyu hit after mastering the technique flew quite far. As the servants went outside the courtyard wall to retrieve it, Fan Changyu turned back to Xie Zheng with a smile, “I didn’t know you were skilled at this!”

A gentle breeze blew, scattering sophora flowers everywhere. Some clung to Xie Zheng’s clothes, but he didn’t brush them off. He only reached out to remove the tiny flowers that had fallen in Fan Changyu’s hair. “Is Ayu happy now? Will you return home with your husband today?”

Fan Changyu looked at the tall, graceful figure standing amidst the falling flowers. Remembering the conversations she had overheard at the viewing platform, she suddenly smiled, “That depends on your performance on the field.”

–

The polo match eventually went awry. Qi Shu’s horse was somehow startled on the field and charged straight towards the viewing platform, causing chaos.

Fan Changyu was right beside Qi Shu and could have protected her, but Gongsun Yin and Shen Shen, seeing Qi Shu’s horse panic, both spurred their horses forward to save her. The three collided, making matters worse. In the end, although Fan Changyu managed to save Qi Shu, both of them fell from their horses and were nearly trampled by the horses charging from behind. Fortunately, Xie Zheng arrived in time to control the approaching horses.

The two unlucky ones, Gongsun Yin and Shen Shen, collided with each other in the chaos and both fell from their horses, breaking their legs.

What was meant to be a polo match to find a potential husband for Qi Shu ended in such a fiasco. Yu Qianqian was also at her wit’s end, ordering people to send the shocked noble ladies home, summoning imperial physicians for examinations, and launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the horse’s fright.

After much investigation, they finally traced it back to a noble lady.

The horse Qi Shu rode was the gentlest in the entire field. Originally, a certain duchess was supposed to ride it in that match. The noble lady had an old grudge against this duchess and had fed the horse grass laced with drugs just before the match.

Unexpectedly, Qi Shu suddenly decided to join the match, and the duchess had to give up her horse. This led to the whole incident.

Yu Qianqian was furious. Fortunately, when Qi Shu fell with Fan Changyu, Fan Changyu protected her as they rolled, dissipating much of the impact. Neither of them was seriously hurt.

Only Gongsun Yin and Shen Shen were more severely injured.

By the time everything was settled, it was nearly dusk. Fan Changyu returned to the mansion with Changnin, accompanying Xie Zheng.

After dinner and a bath, Fan Changyu came out but didn’t see Xie Zheng. Upon asking the servants, she learned he had gone to bathe in the cleansing room near his study.

Fan Changyu found this strange. Since their marriage, Xie Zheng had rarely avoided her to bathe alone in the study’s cleansing room. When she went to look for him, she ran into Xie Shiyi carrying medicinal wine to enter.

Only then did she learn that Xie Zheng had injured his arm while controlling the panicked horse.

Fan Changyu dismissed Xie Shiyi and personally carried the medicinal wine into the study.

Xie Zheng had finished bathing, his hair half-dry. He wore only a single robe and was intently writing something by candlelight at his desk.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up. Seeing the medicinal wine in Fan Changyu’s hands, he frowned slightly, “The people downstairs are becoming less and less discreet.”

Fan Changyu raised an eyebrow, “If you want to raise a group of people loyal only to you, go ahead.”

Her barbed words made Xie Zheng laugh. He put down his brush, “Such a temper?”

Fan Changyu placed the medicinal wine on the desk and coldly looked at him, “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”

Xie Zheng said, “If I got injured just from controlling a frightened horse, wouldn’t Ayu think less of me and refuse to come home with me?”

Even at this moment, he was still joking. Fan Changyu glared at him and said stiffly, “Take off your clothes. I’ll rub in the medicinal wine.”

She was truly angry now. Xie Zheng stopped teasing her and removed his outer robe, revealing a patch of honey-colored, taut muscles in the candlelight.

His right arm was already swollen, with two rings of abraded skin. These were injuries from when he had wrapped the reins around his arm to control the panicked horse, struggling against its strength.

Fan Changyu poured some medicinal wine into her palm, rubbed her hands together, and slowly massaged it into his bruised arm. She frowned and asked, “Does it hurt?”

Her spring attire was thin, and she had just bathed. Her black hair was simply pinned up, and as she lowered her head to focus on rubbing in the medicinal wine, a strand fell from behind her ear, half-concealing her jade-white earlobe in a strangely alluring way. She smelled of the soap she often used, and the air was filled with the scent of medicinal wine.

Xie Zheng gazed at her furrowed brow in the candlelight and suddenly felt his heart warm. He hadn’t been drinking, but he felt slightly intoxicated.

He smiled softly and said, “It doesn’t hurt.”

Fan Changyu sighed helplessly, “You…”

After she finished rubbing in the medicinal wine, she noticed that Xie Zheng was still wearing the snow-white-trimmed robe from earlier in the day. She asked, “Why did you wear a scholar’s robe today?”

Xie Zheng lowered his phoenix eyes and replied, “I hadn’t worn it before. Just trying it out.”

Then he asked her, “Does it look good?”

Fan Changyu nodded.

He did indeed look handsome in a scholar’s robe.

Xie Zheng’s eyes were deep as he pulled up the robe he had lowered for the treatment. He suddenly smiled and said, “Since Ayu likes it, I’ll wear it more often.”

But there didn’t seem to be much mirth in his eyes.

Fan Changyu felt increasingly strange and frowned, “That’s not necessary…”

Xie Zheng’s eyes were dark and unfathomable. He pulled her to sit in his lap, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Do you remember this copy of ‘The Tiger Strategy’?”

Sitting at the desk, Fan Changyu could now see clearly that he had been making annotations on the book pages. Judging by the thickness of the book, he seemed to have almost finished annotating it.

Xie Zheng kissed the back of her neck and said, “Last time when I quizzed you on military strategy, there were many parts you didn’t understand. Once I finish the annotations, you can study it thoroughly.”

He shouldn’t have brought this up. Fan Changyu glared at him fiercely and said through gritted teeth, “There won’t be a next time!”

Xie Zheng chuckled softly behind her, “Where is Ayu’s mind wandering? Your husband merely feels that not having finished annotating ‘The Six Strategies’ for you was my failing. Besides ‘The Tiger Strategy’, I’ll find time to annotate the other five military texts for you as well.”

Fan Changyu suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. Looking at the detailed annotations, she said casually, “I think I might have a copy of ‘The Tiger Strategy’ in my collection.”

In the past, when she read military texts, there was much she didn’t understand. She had hired several strategists at great expense, but when they explained the military strategy to her, they looked as if they wanted to bang their heads against a pillar. This made Fan Changyu feel quite uncomfortable, so she sent them away to annotate the military texts for her.

When Li Huai’an gave her military texts, she immediately passed them on to her subordinates, not remembering which ones he had given her.

Later, when Zheng Wenchang returned that copy of ‘The Tiger Strategy’, she casually asked Xie Wu to put it on the bookshelf. When she came across it again, she assumed it was annotated by her former advisors, having long forgotten that Li Huai’an had given her military texts.

Hearing this, Xie Zheng’s eyes grew colder, but he only smiled faintly and said, “Is that so? Your husband didn’t see it when organizing for you. Perhaps it was lost during the move.”

With him saying this, Fan Changyu didn’t think much more of it.

She was about to get up, but the person behind her kept his arm around her waist, showing no intention of letting go. He was intermittently kissing the back of her neck, his intentions quite clear.

Fan Changyu was startled and glared at the person behind her with some irritation, “Your arm is injured!”

Xie Zheng left a red mark on the side of her neck and raised his head. His eyes were so dark they were captivating. His voice was soft as if negotiating, but with a smile that seemed to bewitch, “Then will Ayu be gentler and take care of me?”

The desire in his eyes wasn’t intense, but it was interwoven with some extremely deep emotion.

Fan Changyu was stunned by his shameless words. In the end, she didn’t dare to struggle too hard. When it was over, she lay on the desk, slowly catching her breath, her long hair disheveled. The robes underneath were hopelessly wrinkled.

Xie Zheng kissed her cheek and went to the cleansing room to fetch water for cleaning up.

Fan Changyu regained some strength and got up. As she did, her sleeve knocked a book off the desk. She bent to pick it up and noticed another book wedged under the table’s leg. Upon closer inspection, she saw that the cover read “The Tiger Strategy.”

Fan Changyu looked at the newly annotated copy in her hand, then at the one used to prop up the table leg. She picked up the one from the floor as well.

When Xie Zheng returned, he saw Fan Changyu holding two books, comparing them in the candlelight. Hearing his footsteps, she looked up at him, perplexed, “Didn’t you say this book was lost?”

Xie Zheng replied without changing his expression, “It was lost. Where did you find it?”

Fan Changyu’s face darkened, “Xie Jiuheng, do you take me for a fool? Weren’t you using it to prop up the table leg?”

The servants would never dare use books from the study to prop up table legs. It could only have been him!

Xie Zheng calmly said, “So it was used to prop up the table leg? I forgot.”

Fan Changyu was speechless for a long moment. She pondered but still couldn’t understand, “What did this military text do to offend you?”

Recalling how he had previously quizzed her on the contents of this book and tormented her, Fan Changyu suddenly felt that the problem might lie within this military text.

Hearing this, Xie Zheng stared at her for a long while before finally saying with a very faint smile, “It didn’t offend me.”

Fan Changyu knew Xie Zheng was angry.

When he was angry, he didn’t give her the cold shoulder. He would still answer her questions, but his tone would be neither cold nor warm, and he would smile in a way that made her heart uneasy.

Fan Changyu couldn’t figure out what was wrong even by the time she went to sleep. When she asked Xie Zheng, he would reply in a light tone that it was nothing.

His behavior made “nothing” seem very strange.

In the pitch-black bed curtains, Fan Changyu glanced at Xie Zheng lying on the outer side, his breathing shallow, seemingly asleep. Finally, she let out a soft sigh and forced herself to sleep as well.

Perhaps because she was truly exhausted from the day, she quickly fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, however, she was awakened by a pressing sensation.

Humid, hot, stifling.

The person behind her seemed to know she was awake but remained silent. His broad chest and iron-like arms held her tightly, preventing her from moving even slightly. His movements below were unusually fierce.

At first, Fan Changyu could endure it, but eventually, even with her teeth clenched, she couldn’t help but let out a few muffled groans, almost tearing the bedding.

He then turned her face to kiss her. The kiss was also fierce, carrying a hint of punishment and frustration…

Due to the horse-startling incident, both she and Xie Zheng had taken leave from the morning court session the next day.

When Fan Changyu woke up, Xie Zheng was no longer in the room, but breakfast had been kept warm for her.

Changnin, learning that Gongsun Yin had injured his leg and couldn’t lecture at Chongwen Hall for some time, was quite disappointed for a while. After comforting her and learning that Xie Zheng had gone to his study again, Fan Changyu, considering the delicate situation between them, didn’t go there directly.

Xie Wu, since being questioned by Xie Zheng that day, had noticed the tension between Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu. Today, he finally had the opportunity to tell Fan Changyu about the military text.

When Fan Changyu learned that the copy of “The Tiger Strategy” was annotated by Li Huai’an, she was stunned, “Wasn’t it annotated by the advisors I hired at great expense?”

Xie Wu was almost in tears, “No, it was Young Master Li.”

Fan Changyu suddenly felt a headache coming on. She finally understood why Xie Zheng had been acting strangely these past few days-

The window lattice of Xie Zheng’s study was wide open, the spring light brilliant, the courtyard lush with greenery.

Xie Zheng, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, sat at his desk, intently reviewing the documents in his hand. His features, bathed in spring light, showed not a trace of warmth, only coldness.

Suddenly, there was a “Ha ya!” sound from the windowsill, and a small wooden puppet appeared. The puppet wore soft armor with a robe over it, dressed like Fan Changyu often did.

Xie Zheng looked up and saw that the puppet’s limbs and body were controlled by thin strings, like the common puppet shows in folk performances.

The small puppet raised a long sword. Despite its crude craftsmanship, it somehow managed to look quite imposing. A voice came from below, “Once upon a time, there was a girl who, by chance, went into battle and became a general.”

“A military inspector, knowing she wasn’t well-read, gave her some military texts. But when she realized that the inspector had approached her from the beginning to use her, she no longer considered him a friend and gave the military texts he had given her to her subordinate soldiers.”

As this explanation continued, another small puppet in a blue robe appeared on the windowsill. This puppet handed a book to the female general puppet, who then turned and passed the book to several small puppets with “soldier” written on their heads.

“Later one day, a straightforward general came to borrow books from her. To show that she both borrowed and returned, she returned the military texts she had given away.”

A puppet with “Zheng” written on its head handed a book to a puppet with “Wu” on its head.

“With the book back in her hands, she couldn’t very well send it away again, so she had her subordinates put it away. She didn’t even know which book had been returned.”

“Later, this girl got married. Her husband discovered that book and learned that it was annotated by that military inspector.”

Another puppet in white robes, more finely crafted, appeared on the windowsill.

“He was unhappy but didn’t tell the girl why. The girl couldn’t guess. One day, the girl found the military text being used to prop up a table leg. She didn’t remember at all that this was the book the military inspector had given her. She thought it was annotated by the advisors she had hired, and asked him why he was using the book to prop up the table. This made him even more unhappy.”

The white-robed puppet stamped its feet vigorously on the windowsill.

“So the girl pondered, why was he unhappy? He even started dressing like a scholar, which he used to disdain. When the girl discovered that the military text wasn’t annotated by the advisors she had hired, but was given by that military inspector, she finally understood. Her husband was jealous.”

The female general puppet paced back and forth on the windowsill, looking very troubled: “The girl thought she should comfort her husband. But her husband was accomplished in both civil and military affairs, clever and resourceful, and one of the world’s greatest heroes. She couldn’t understand how he could be jealous of a mere military inspector.”

“After thinking for a long time, the girl felt that she rarely expressed her feelings to her husband. So she went to find him.”

The female general puppet walked up to the white-robed puppet, and the two puppets’ heads touched under the control of the strings.

“The girl had recently learned a poem. One line goes, ‘Having seen my lord, how can I not be joyful?’ She heard it means that even in wind and rain, seeing you brings joy to the heart. She felt that this was exactly how she felt every time she saw her husband, and she should tell him.”

The vermilion brush in Xie Zheng’s hand had long since left a large stain on the paper.

He seemed frozen in place, unable to move, but his heart was beating more fiercely than ever before. Thump thump thump, thump thump thump, as if it would break through his chest and leap out.

When Fan Changyu stood up from below the window lattice, despite the vast sky and broad earth, his dark eyes could only reflect her.

His female general, bathed in bright spring light, rested her elbows on the window and smiled brilliantly at him, saying, “Xie Zheng, having seen my lord, how can I not be joyful!”

I finished this in 2 days. I wish it will never end. Thank you for translating this!

Me as well

sameeee

Love this.
Happy ending 😊

I’m not really sure why Xie Zheng was angry at her and jealous, it’s not like she kept the book on purpose or has any good feelings towards Li Huai’an.

Why is it her fault that he was jealous unnecessarily? 🙄 Xie zheng is like an immature manchild. Not much far behind that scoundrel rap!$t novel wei shao from prisoner of beauty. Punish the wife by hurting her in bed and never really come clean what made them mad. His character in the last few chapters is apalling and disgusting. This supposed to be the sweet ending?

You people clutching your pearls at Xie Zheng are acting like you’ve just encountered this character for the first time. Xie Zheng has always been deeply insecure, possessive, and jealous since the beginning. He’s never been able to express his feelings well. Remember the doll incident from many chapters ago? Remember him asking for a kiss from her, but being completely unable to voice what he wants, so he just stares at her until she gets it? He’s insecure about the books, but he doesn’t know how to voice his feelings to her. He goes at her in bed because physical intimacy with her is the only way he knows to sooth the jealousy that’s eating him up inside. And of course it doesn’t work, because what they need is conversation, not sex.

Still, I don’t know how you expect a man who has grown up without loving parents, without knowing warmth and kindness and grace from anyone, a man who has only known blood, violence, cruelty, and revenge… how a man like that is supposed to be mature and gentle in love. He’s gonna make mistakes. It will probably take years of loving and compassion from Changyu to heal this poor bastard.

Someone asked why she should be responsible for his insecurities. Guys, she’s literally his wife. Taking care of your partner’s emotional and mental needs is part of being in a relationship. The fact that she understands and accepts him, and puts in the effort to sooth his madness and wayward feelings, instead of ridiculing him or berating him for his insecurities is the reason why she is perfect for him, and why despite his many shortcomings, this man will literally flay the flesh off his back to be with her. For every sword, a sheath. For every beast, a master. She is that for him.

My thought exactly, being a women being ‘pro-women’ doesn’t mean we should forgot that we , as a normal human being, also responsible to cater all the feelings of our loved ones (be it spouse of families). What such situation need are not another confrontations, especially when we know exactly why he ended up like that.

❤️

beautifully said

Totalmente de acuerdo.

Uff hermana tremendo Facto, si sabes se nota que leíste la novela con ganas

Beautifully written! that’s why they are pretty perfect for each other

omg the best story I’ve read this year I love how crazy they are , I love his jealousy

‘Having seen my lord, how can I not be joyful?’
What a lovely and heartfelt phrase to sum up all her feelngs for Xie Zheng; and brilliantly tells him exactly how she felt every time she saw him.
Well done, Changyu. May you now enjoy the peace and prosperity that you, Xie Zheng and many who had battled hard and sacrificed for Great Yin and the people.
Perfect words to end ‘Zhu Yu’ – “Xie Zheng, having seen my lord, how can I not be joyful!” ❤️

I am ever grateful to loyal, valiant generals and soldiers—past and present—heartfelt thank you for coming through in the millennia of history.
Your courage, loyalty and righteousness will never be forgotten. The bond of brothers-in-arms, the battles fought, and the sacrifices will stay with me, always.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: The Gong Sun’s Chapter 1

A drizzle fell outside the Buddha Hall, the weather gloomy. The incense from the boshan censer seemed to sink with the atmosphere, floating low in the dim hall.

Qi Shu propped her elbows as she watched Empress Dowager offer incense before the Buddha. Her fingertips, dyed with henna, toyed with the cups on the low table as she slowly asked, “Mother, with so many people in the world praying to the gods and Buddha, can the Bodhisattva truly hear every wish?”

Empress Dowager An finished offering incense and lightly chided her daughter, “Do not be disrespectful before the Buddha.”

As she returned to sit at the low table, she added, “Sincerity brings divine response.”

Qi Shu lowered her eyes, still absent-mindedly playing with the crackle-glazed porcelain cup half-filled with tea on the table. As the water rippled, the tea leaves floated along.

It was unclear whether it was the water’s pattern that was in disarray or her heart.

Empress Dowager An’s hand, which had been fingering her prayer beads, suddenly paused as she asked her daughter, “Shu’er, do you have something on your mind?”

Qi Shu withdrew her hand and rested her chin on her snow-white arms, sprawled across the table. Her sheer golden-orange gauze sleeves flowed to the ground like a blooming golden lotus. She gazed at the white jade Guanyin statue enshrined before the Buddhist altar and mumbled, “No.”

Empress Dowager An inquired, “On that day at the polo match, were both the Junior Preceptor and Young Lord Shen injured while saving you?”

Qi Shu’s cherry lips pressed together slightly: “I am a princess of Great Yin, a golden branch and jade leaf. What’s so surprising about them rushing to save me for fear I might get hurt? Besides, I had A’yu to save me.”

Empress Dowager An’s brow furrowed slightly: “Shu’er, when did you become so arrogant and disrespectful?”

Qi Shu fell silent, only plucking at the petals of a small lotus flower, no bigger than a palm, growing in a nearby porcelain pot.

Knowing her daughter well, Empress Dowager An sighed softly: “The Shen family has held high positions for generations. Although Young Lord Shen cannot compare to the Regent, he has a good reputation in court and an excellent temperament. He would be a good match for you. As for the Junior Preceptor, though he now teaches the Emperor, the Gong Sun clan of Hejian hasn’t entered official service for a hundred years. They are only renowned among scholars across the land. He ranked third in the imperial examinations at seventeen but was unwilling to take office, merely wanting to show the world that the foundation of the Hejian Gong Sun clan still exists. This man is close to the Regent, and even if he’s not as arrogant as the Regent, he has the wild spirit of a scholar, as elusive as the wind. You can’t hold onto him.”

The plucked lotus petal was completely crushed in her delicate palm. Qi Shu finally replied, “I’ll listen to you, Mother.”

As she draped the light cyan wrap over her arm and stepped out of the Buddha Hall, Empress Dowager An watched her daughter’s retreating figure and shook her head slightly. She knelt before the Guanyin statue, pressed her palms together, and softly chanted: “Buddha be merciful…”

…

The fine rain fell like powdered sugar. After leaving the Buddha Hall, Qi Shu dismissed her attendants and leaned on the railing of the palace corridor, lost in thought as she listened to the raindrops hitting the banana leaves outside the corridor.

Her first encounter with Gong Sun Yin originated from a visit to her maternal family in Hejian when she was fourteen.

After her mother became a devout Buddhist, she made a vow before Buddha to pay respects at every temple she encountered. When her maternal grandmother fell seriously ill, her mother went to the famous Guangling Temple in Hejian to pray for three months for her grandmother’s health.

Life in the temple was monotonous and austere, with no meat in the daily meals. Thinking it was for her grandmother’s well-being, she endured it.

However, being surrounded by old monks chanting sutras every day became tedious for Qi Shu. She spent most of her time exploring the temple grounds and admiring the historic sites.

At the temple’s peak stood a pavilion named the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion, said to have stood for nearly a hundred years. It was where the high monk who founded the temple had passed away. Curious, Qi Shu climbed up to see it.

Born in the gilded and jade-carved imperial palace, Qi Shu had seen the most magnificent palaces in the world. The pavilion on the mountaintop didn’t impress her much. However, a stone table in the pavilion caught her interest. It was carved with an xiangqi board and set with a partial game using black and white stone pieces the size of tea lids.

People of the time favored Go, considering xiangqi, with its implications of military confrontation, less reflective of gentlemanly virtues than Go.

Qi Shu had always been unconventional and had seen many Xiangqi game records in the Imperial Library. That day, she sat in the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion for half a day, finally figuring out how to break the deadlock, and moved a black stone piece on the board.

She had almost forgotten about it for the next two or three days. Later, out of boredom, she decided to climb up to the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion again to play against herself. To her surprise, she found that the white stone pieces on the opposite side of the stone table had also been moved, precisely the next move that should have been made after her previous breakthrough.

This was undoubtedly an unexpected delight. Qi Shu pondered the game for a long time before moving another black stone piece.

She returned that day feeling somewhat happy. The next day, when she climbed up to the pavilion again, she indeed saw that the opponent’s piece had also moved one step.

For the next half month, she would climb up to the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion once a day, just to play a game of chess with that person across space. Sometimes she would be forced by her opponent’s chess skills to spend several days figuring out how to break the deadlock. When she finally thought of a move and went to move the piece, after a day, the white pieces on the opposite side would move again.

It was then that Qi Shu suddenly had the desire to meet the person who was playing chess with her.

The next day, she climbed up to the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion early and sat there for a whole day, from sunrise to sunset, but didn’t see the other person come.

She wondered if perhaps the move she made yesterday was too tricky, and the other person hadn’t figured out how to counter it yet. Or maybe something had come up, and they couldn’t come?

Feeling utterly disappointed as she was about to descend the mountain, Qi Shu saw an old monk in a gray robe approaching, treading on the thin evening sunlight. Seeing her sitting in the pavilion, he raised his palms in a Buddhist greeting: “Amitabha.”

Qi Shu, half surprised and half inexplicably dejected, asked the old monk: “Master, have you been the one playing chess with me for the past half month?”

The old monk smiled kindly and nodded, seeing that she had already moved a piece on the stone table. He also moved a white stone piece and said with his palms together: “This old monk didn’t expect that the one playing chess with me was such a young female benefactor.”

Hearing this, Qi Shu felt relieved in her heart. Of course, only the monks in the temple would be here in Guangling Temple every day. Other pilgrims wouldn’t stay for months like her mother to worship Buddha.

The old monk’s move was tricky, and Qi Shu couldn’t figure out how to respond immediately. Seeing that it was getting late, she bid farewell to the old monk for now.

There were several paths down from the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion, leading to different main halls and guest quarters at the foot of the mountain.

Qi Shu hadn’t gone far along her usual path when she suddenly had a flash of inspiration on how to break the deadlock. She hurriedly turned back, wanting to make another move with the old monk.

The Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion was built on a lonely cliff. Before reaching the mountaintop, one could only see rugged rocks and a corner of the flying eaves hidden in the dense shadows from the stone steps below.

Qi Shu heard voices coming from the pavilion above.

“…This old monk has fulfilled Young Gong Sun’s request and let that female benefactor leave satisfied.” It was the voice of the old monk she had met earlier.

Qi Shu’s feet seemed rooted to the spot, her heart suddenly racing.

“Thank you, Master.”

The young man’s voice that followed was extremely gentle, like a spring afternoon breeze passing through a courtyard, warm yet elusive.

The old monk sighed lightly: “This old monk observes that the female benefactor is beautiful and wise, with excellent xiangqi skills. You two are brought together by a partial game of chess in this pavilion, surely there must be some connection in your destinies. Why does Young Gong Sun want to sever this bond?”

The young man laughed: “Yin is but an unrestrained person, with nothing to his name. How dare he mislead a fine lady? I hadn’t realized earlier that the one playing chess with me was a young woman.”

Qi Shu couldn’t hear clearly what else the young man and the old monk said. As they were leaving, she and her accompanying palace maid hid behind some strange rocks. Only after the two had walked far away did she dare to take a peek at the man who had been in the pavilion.

The setting sun blazed like fire, half the mountain bathed in red. The young man walking alongside the old monk wore a robe as white as snow, his wide sleeves catching the wind. In the sunlight, he looked like an immortal.

Qi Shu stared at that retreating figure, her heart beating faster than ever before-

The old monk called him Young Gong Sun, and he referred to himself as Yin.

In Hejian, finding someone with the surname Gong Sun was not difficult.

The Gong Sun family of Hejian was a century-old prestigious clan. Although family members hadn’t entered official service for a hundred years, the Gong Sun clan was still one of the top two great clans in Hejian. The Luyan Academy they founded could even rival the Songshan Academy, known as the first academy in the world.

Qi Shu quickly found out who Gong Sun Yin was – the eldest grandson of the Hejian Gong Sun clan’s main line. The old madam of the Gong Sun family would come to Guangling Temple to worship Buddha for over a month every March, and he had come along with his grandmother this time.

Empress Dowager An had always kept a low profile. When she entered the temple to worship Buddha, she didn’t have the abbot close the mountain to other pilgrims and even discussed Buddhist teachings with Madam Gong Sun.

Although Qi Shu hadn’t formally met Gong Sun Yin yet, she had heard many rumors about him.

It was said that he was exceptionally gifted from a young age, beginning his education at three, mastering the Four Books and Five Classics by five, and being able to compose poetry spontaneously by seven. He was called a sage of Hejian.

Qi Shu had also sought out and studied those poems and essays of his that were widely praised. The more she learned about these, the more she wanted to meet him.

In her hazy feelings, she had fallen in love with the person who played chess with her.

Now this shadowy figure was becoming clearer, and she knew his name was Gong Sun Yin.

He probably didn’t know what she looked like either. That day in the pavilion, he had only seen a woman’s back from afar before leaving, then asked the temple monk to meet her instead-

A month later, Luyan Academy opened for the new term. Qi Shu asked her mother for permission to return to her maternal grandfather’s home. Empress Dowager An knew her daughter was restless by nature and had already done well to keep her on the mountain for a month, so she agreed to let her return to the An family.

However, Qi Shu didn’t stay obediently at the An family home. The An Prefecture Governor had a good-for-nothing son named An Xu. He wasn’t inherently bad and hadn’t committed any major wrongdoings, but he spent his days cockfighting and dog racing, learning nothing of value. The Prefecture Governor had to swallow his pride to secure a place for his son at Luyan Academy, but his son only thought about skipping classes.

When Qi Shu heard that Gong Sun Yin was also at Luyan Academy, she came up with a plan and arranged an identity swap with her irresponsible cousin.

She dressed as a man to attend Luyan Academy in An Xu’s place, while An Xu pretended she had gone to play at a country estate, helping her deal with the An family and Empress Dowager An’s people.

Although Qi Shu was skilled in xiangqi, she paled in comparison to those hardworking students when it came to poetry and prose. Fortunately, An Xu was known to be a fool, so she could barely pass the entrance test.

All students at Luyan Academy lived on campus, mostly two to a room. With enough money, one could have a single room. Qi Shu, of course, didn’t skimp on her money and successfully secured an independent room for herself.

All academy students were divided into three teaching areas: “Outer Hall,” “Inner Hall,” and “Upper Hall.”

Perhaps because the Prefecture Governor had informed the academy’s teachers, An Xu, despite being completely ignorant, was arranged into the “Upper Hall.”

Most of the students here were proud individuals who generally didn’t have good attitudes towards those who entered through family influence or money. On Qi Shu’s first day of classes, she received quite a few scornful looks.

Qi Shu didn’t mind, scanning the room only to find the figure she had seen at the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion that day.

But after looking through the entire classroom, she didn’t see a similar figure. Qi Shu immediately frowned.

A chubby son of a rich merchant, who like An Xu had been pushed into the academy, was arranged to sit next to Qi Shu. The little fatty thought they were of the same ilk. Seeing Qi Shu looking around privately, he poked her arm with his brush handle: “Brother An, what are you looking at?”

Qi Shu said, “I heard… the eldest grandson of the Gong Sun family, known as the sage of Hejian, is also in the Upper Hall. Why haven’t I seen him?”

The little fatty stuck his head under the desk to take a bite of the chicken leg he had brought from the dining hall in the morning, then explained to Qi Shu with his mouth full of oil: “You mean Young Master Yin? The students in the academy all call him ‘Little Teacher.’ The academy’s principal is his grand-uncle, and his scholarship is no less than many teachers in the academy. The next class is Teacher Han’s, he’s probably been called by Teacher Han to help grade assignments.”

Sure enough, when the old man struck the bell hanging on the locust tree in the courtyard, all the students in the classroom sat up straight. Even the little fatty didn’t dare to nibble on the chicken leg hidden in his desk.

Qi Shu saw that outside the wide-open door, the locust flowers in March were blown wildly under the corridor. Walking behind a stern-looking old man was a young man whose white robe was coated with a layer of pale golden sunlight. He was carrying a stack of thick scrolls, his fingers long and slender with distinct tendons. His eyebrows were clear, the corners of his mouth slightly raised as if carrying a hint of a smile.

Qi Shu stared, feeling her heart skip a beat.

The person who had played nearly a month of chess with her at the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion to finish that partial game, was this what he looked like?

Perhaps her gaze was too intense. After entering the classroom, Gong Sun Yin’s warm, spring-like gaze swept over her direction. His eyes paused for a moment, his brow imperceptibly furrowing, before he nonchalantly moved his gaze away.

The little fatty whispered to Qi Shu: “Don’t be fooled by Little Teacher’s gentle and kind appearance. He treats everyone with a smile, but when it comes to grading assignments, he’s even stricter than the teachers. If you get a ‘D’ grade, you’re in for it!”

Just as the little fatty finished speaking, they heard the stern-faced teacher declare, “I have finished grading the entrance exam papers. Anyone who received a ‘D’ grade must copy the ‘School Rules’ twenty times in the Imperial Scribe’s Office after the next term!”

As he spoke, he picked up a paper from the top of the stack and, lifting his head, his expression became even more severe. “An Xu, ‘D’ grade!”

Zhu Yu – Side Story: The Gong Sun’s Chapter 2

The dazzling spring sun of the third month did little to brighten the mood of Qi Shu and the chubby boy as they were punished by being sent to the Imperial Library to copy the “Academy Rules.”

The use of the character “Yu” (Imperial) in the library’s name indicated that the plaque had been bestowed by the founding Emperor Chengzu when the academy was first established. The library housed tens of thousands of volumes, including many lost texts that could only be found here. Students were eager for knowledge, and some rare copies even had waiting lists of several months for borrowing.

The Imperial Library had seven floors. Outer Hall students could only borrow books from the first floor, while Inner Hall students had access to the second through fifth floors. Only Upper Hall students were permitted to borrow books from above the fifth floor.

Thus, the academy’s students formed a hierarchy of admiration: Outer Hall students looked up to Inner Hall students, who in turn admired Upper Hall students. Beyond respect for their scholarship, many hoped to build good relationships with these senior students to borrow books from above the fifth floor of the Imperial Library.

The academy rules were written in classical Chinese, spanning hundreds of articles. Anyone lacking sufficient knowledge would struggle to understand their meaning, as they were comparable to a simplified version of the Dao De Jing.

Qi Shu, who had never written so much in her life, was dizzy from copying.

She had considered asking her palace maid, who was also disguised as a servant boy, to copy for her. However, similar incidents had occurred before, and to prevent students from cheating by having their servants write for them, the teachers now specifically punished them by making them copy in the Imperial Library under the supervision of an Upper Hall student.

Naturally, this student was none other than Gong Sun Yin.

While other Upper Hall students were quite aloof, those punished to copy here were often children of the powerful or wealthy merchants. Offending them too severely might lead to retaliation.

Only Gong Sun Yin, the renowned eldest grandson of the Gong Sun family, was unafraid of such threats. He often spent entire days in the Imperial Library, so the teachers frequently entrusted him with supervising punished students.

It was thanks to this that Qi Shu and the chubby boy were allowed into a private study room on the seventh floor of the Imperial Library.

As Qi Shu bent over her writing, she would occasionally glance up to see Gong Sun Yin sitting casually by the window, holding a book. His white robe pooled on the floor, and his half-tied black hair and clothes were gilded by the slanting sunlight.

He supported his forehead with one hand, his eyes lowered, seemingly engrossed in his book.

Every time Qi Shu stole such a glance, her heart would pound for half the day, and when she lowered her head to continue copying the “Academy Rules,” she hardly felt tired anymore.

Until the chubby boy secretly nudged her elbow and asked, “Brother An, don’t you think the sunlight shining on the book would hurt Gong Sun Brother’s eyes?”

Qi Shu was about to look closer when suddenly an eagle’s cry pierced the air. Gong Sun Yin, who had seemed to be reading with his elbow propped up, nodded off.

He then opened his sleepy eyes, sat up straight, and rubbed his sore neck. His gaze swept lazily towards Qi Shu and the chubby boy, lingering for two breaths as if he had just remembered why they were there. In a tone that was either confused or sympathetic, he murmured, “Not finished copying yet?”

Qi Shu and the chubby boy, holding their writing brushes, were both stunned like a pair of silly geese.

So he had been dozing by the window all along?

Before Qi Shu could think further, a gust of wind blew through the window, scattering the academy rules they had spent the afternoon copying. Qi Shu hurriedly raised her sleeve to block it.

The chubby boy rushed to pick up his scattered papers, crying, “Oh no, my newly copied ‘Academy Rules’!”

Gong Sun Yin by the window also raised his arm to block the incoming leaves and locust tree flowers. Unexpectedly, the diving sea eagle, seeing his raised arm, opened its iron hook-like talons, ready to land on his arm.

Caught off guard, Gong Sun Yin was pushed back several steps by the raptor’s diving force. He bumped into Qi Shu and the chubby boy’s table and was finally tripped by a chair, falling to the ground.

Qi Shu was right next to him. As he fell, her lower leg was hit by the toppled round stool. Amidst the chaos, she felt a weight on her chest – Gong Sun Yin’s elbow had accidentally pressed against her bosom.

Qi Shu was shocked and alarmed. Ignoring the pain in her leg, she immediately pushed him away forcefully.

Gong Sun Yin’s expression also changed slightly. He moved his arm to support himself and sat up halfway, his loose black hair disheveled but still elegant and handsome.

He didn’t seem to notice anything unusual and said, “I accidentally fell on you, Brother An. Are you hurt?”

Qi Shu was still young, and her chest was tightly bound. Hearing his question, she assumed he hadn’t realized she was a girl. She immediately responded in a gruff voice, “No! A man can handle a little pressure!”

Perhaps feeling guilty, she even thumped her chest forcefully.

A flicker of something passed through Gong Sun Yin’s eyes, but he looked away and only said, “That’s good then.”

The sea eagle, realizing it had caused trouble, chose not to land on Gong Sun Yin’s arm. Instead, it folded its wings and perched on the writing desk, tilting its head and observing the two with its bead-like round eyes.

After standing up, Gong Sun Yin lightly tapped the eagle’s head with his folding fan twice. “You never learn, do you? How many times have you caused trouble here?”

The sea eagle cocked its head and let out a “Goo?”

Its iron hook-like claws, however, tore through a page of the “Academy Rules” that Qi Shu had just copied.

Qi Shu’s heart bled, and she cried out in dismay, “My copied ‘Academy Rules’!”

The sea eagle fixed its bead-like eyes on her and lifted one of its feet as if asking if this was all right.

Gong Sun Yin rubbed his temples in exasperation. “That ‘barbarian’ has truly raised Xue Luan to be increasingly wild.”

He then said to Qi Shu, “How about this? I’ll consider all you’ve copied here in the Imperial Library today as passed. You can come back another day to finish the rest.”

The chubby boy, hugging a stack of “Academy Rules” he had picked up from outside, asked pitifully, “Brother Gong Sun, what about me?”

Gong Sun Yin’s long eyes lowered slightly, the last rays of the setting sun falling on the slightly upturned corners of his mouth. He looked incredibly gentle and spoke in an accommodating tone, “The same applies to you.”

On their first day of copying the “Academy Rules,” Qi Shu and the chubby boy were allowed to leave early, with all their work for the day deemed satisfactory. On the way to the dining hall, the chubby boy couldn’t stop praising Gong Sun Yin, saying he wasn’t as strict as everyone claimed.

After all, when the teachers checked, if the handwriting wasn’t neat or there were errors or omissions, they would have to recopy everything.

Qi Shu, however, remained quiet the whole way, only to suddenly break into an inexplicable smile as they walked.

The chubby boy was puzzled by this. “Brother An, what are you smiling about?”

Qi Shu quickly straightened her face. “I… I’m just happy that today’s punishment assignment is over.”

The chubby boy nodded in approval, clasping his hands together. “I’m happy too. Truly blessed by the God of Wealth!”

Qi Shu’s mouth twitched slightly. “Why the God of Wealth?”

The chubby boy explained, “My family is in business. My father says, no matter what happens, just pray to the God of Wealth.”

Qi Shu: “…”

That night, Qi Shu lay in bed, tossing and turning.

This eldest grandson of the Gong Sun family, known as the “Wise One of Hejian,” seemed quite different from the rumors.

Perhaps only someone with such a casual and unrestrained nature could write those strikingly unconventional articles that left people in awe.

Qi Shu couldn’t suppress her rising smile. She pulled the blanket over her entire body as if to cover all the girlish thoughts of that March.

Later, after classes, she and the chubby boy would still go to Gong Sun Yin’s private study room in the Imperial Library to copy the “Academy Rules.” The chubby boy copied faster and faster, while Qi Shu became slower and slower.

She feared that once she finished, she would no longer have a legitimate reason to come here.

While they copied, on sunny days, Gong Sun Yin would sometimes nap by the window, sometimes read obscure ancient texts alone or play chess, and sometimes explain and solve problems for Upper Hall students who came to seek his guidance.

He was always easy-going and carefree, never putting on the airs of other Upper Hall students, yet everyone felt a sense of distance from him.

At least in this academy, Qi Shu had never seen him being overly close with anyone.

The sea eagle, however, often came. He seemed to have a good relationship with the person who sent him letters.

On the last day of copying the “Academy Rules,” Gong Sun Yin happened to be playing xiangqi (Chinese chess) by himself by the window. Qi Shu made an extremely bold decision – she spoke up while he was contemplating his next move.

There was a clear surprise in Gong Sun Yin’s eyes. “Brother An, you know Xiangqi as well?”

Being looked at like this by him, Qi Shu’s heart started racing uncontrollably. She forced herself to remain calm and answered, “I know a little.”

And so, after their first match played across space and time in the wind and rain pavilion of Guangling Temple months ago, they had their second encounter over xiangqi in the seventh-floor study room of the Imperial Library.

That day, they played from the afternoon until the first lanterns were lit. Only when the old teacher in charge of the Imperial Library came to chase away visitors did they reluctantly pause their game.

It was also the first time Gong Sun Yin actively invited her to come back to the Imperial Library the next day to continue their game.

That night, Qi Shu once again buried herself under her blanket, so excited she could barely sleep. At the same time, she felt a bit disappointed – he didn’t seem to remember the girl he had played Xiangqi within the wind and rain pavilion.

Because of their chess games, she became thoroughly acquainted with Gong Sun Yin. Even those Upper Hall students who had previously looked down on her as someone who had entered the academy through connections stopped giving her the cold shoulder, thanks to Gong Sun Yin.

Another day, while she was playing Xiangqi with Gong Sun Yin, the sea eagle landed on the wide-open window sill. Its massive wings, almost half a zhang long, made the window frame seem small.

For the first time, Gong Sun Yin didn’t avoid her. He directly took a scroll of paper from the iron message tube on the sea eagle’s ankle, read it, and tucked it into his sleeve. He then called for a page boy waiting outside the tower and asked him to take the sea eagle to the kitchen for some chopped meat.

Qi Shu couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Is this sea eagle yours?”

Gong Sun Yin had just picked up an Xiangqi piece. Hearing her question, he smiled, seemingly in a very good mood. “That’s not a bad idea. I should think about how to swindle Xue Luan away from that ‘barbarian.'”

It wasn’t the first time Qi Shu had heard him mention that “barbarian.” As she carefully placed a piece, she asked, “Is Xue Luan’s owner a foreigner?”

There were indeed many skilled falcon trainers from foreign lands.

Unexpectedly, Gong Sun Yin nearly laughed to tears upon hearing this. As Qi Shu was at a loss, she heard Gong Sun Yin say, “Although he’s not a foreigner, he is indeed a barbarian – wild as a wolf and fierce as a bull.”

Qi Shu imagined a three-headed, six-armed, blue-faced, fanged figure from a mural painting in her mind. Her hand shook as she placed her piece, unable to understand how someone as refined as Gong Sun Yin could be friends with such a crude person.

Due to this distraction, she quickly lost the game.

Gong Sun Yin asked, “Brother An, you seem preoccupied?”

Qi Shu hastily made up an excuse: “In my childhood, I once saw a xiangqi manual called ‘The Mysterious Strategies,’ but it was only a fragmentary copy. Many of its brilliant chess positions were lost. I heard that this Imperial Library has over ten thousand books, so I wanted to find a complete copy of ‘The Mysterious Strategies,’ but I haven’t been able to.”

Gong Sun Yin’s hand, which was holding a chess piece, paused slightly. He replied, “There isn’t one in this Imperial Library, but there is a complete copy in the Gong Sun family’s library. Unfortunately, it’s one of my grandfather’s treasures and cannot be lent out.”

It was the first time Qi Shu realized the depth of the Gong Sun family’s resources. Even books that weren’t included in many royal libraries, including the imperial Wenyuan Library, could be found in complete editions here.

The Xiangqi manual she mentioned was widely believed to be extinct. She had only seen fragmentary copies in the Wenyuan Library before. She hadn’t expected the Gong Sun family’s library to have a complete copy. As for other rare books, they must be countless.

She was stunned for a moment before hastily replying, “A gentleman doesn’t covet others’ treasures. Especially for such a rare chess manual, it’s only natural for the elder to cherish it.”

Gong Sun Yin, however, let out a laugh. Qi Shu looked up to see a few birds’ shadows flitting across the sunset-reddened sky. He sat cross-legged by the window in his white robe, one knee raised with his elbow resting on it. His eyes reflected the thin glow of the setting sun as he said with a lazy smile, “If it can’t be lent out, I’ll copy the missing fragments for you.”

Her heart skipped a beat again. At that moment, she didn’t know that the day she would receive his copied chess manual would also be the day of their parting.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: The Gong Sun’s Chapter 3

Qi Shu’s impersonation of her cousin at the academy was eventually discovered.

Her unreliable cousin, An Xu, got into an argument while cockfighting with a merchant’s son and injured him. When the merchant brought his son to demand an explanation, Prefecture Governor An realized his son hadn’t been attending the academy and had been roaming outside all along.

An Xu was dragged back by his father, and naturally, Qi Shu’s impersonation at the academy could no longer be concealed.

As Qi Shu was a princess, Prefecture Governor An, despite being her uncle, didn’t dare disrespect her. He sent someone to inform Empress Dowager An, who was still worshipping Buddha at Guangling Temple. It was the old nanny from Empress Dowager An’s side who personally went to the academy to “invite” Qi Shu back.

After such an incident, Prefecture Governor An naturally felt too embarrassed to let his son continue studying at the academy. For the sake of the academy’s reputation, it was announced that An Xu had voluntarily withdrawn.

When Qi Shu was “invited” onto the carriage by her mother’s nanny, just as the carriage was about to leave the academy, she, who had been quiet and cooperative the entire way, suddenly jumped off the carriage and ran straight towards the Imperial Library, lifting her skirts.

The maids and guards tried to chase after her, but unfamiliar with the academy’s layout, they couldn’t catch up immediately.

The old nanny sent by Empress Dowager An was Qi Shu’s wet nurse. Knowing her temperament, she finally sighed: “Let her go.”

Qi Shu had never run so fast before. The air she breathed in stung her lungs, but she didn’t dare stop for a moment.

She thought, even if she could see him one last time, it would be enough. At least, let him know that she was the girl who had played chess with him at the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion.

If she left like this, unclear and uncertain, she would probably regret it for the rest of her life.

Today was a day off, and the academy had given students a day’s holiday. Some students had gone out, while others stayed at the academy. On the main road leading to the classrooms and the Imperial Library, people passed by from time to time. When they saw the young girl in a crimson silk dress rushing by urgently, they all stopped and stared, entranced.

There were many beauties in Jiangnan, but rarely did one see a beauty as bright as a pearl and as radiant as the glow of sunset. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the mountains and rivers seemed to clothe her.

Qi Shu went straight into the Imperial Library, brushing past people as she rushed up the wooden stairs, saying “excuse me” countless times. Not a single student she bumped into showed any anger; instead, they looked dazed, as if afraid they were hallucinating from too much reading.

Qi Shu had no time to care about these things. When she finally climbed to the seventh floor’s elegant room, she was already out of breath. She knocked on the door and urgently called out the name she had rolled over her tongue countless times: “Gong Sun Yin…”

Her voice stopped abruptly. The man in white was still sitting by the window where he usually read and played chess, but this time he was writing something with an ink brush.

When he saw her, he looked up with a faint smile: “I was thinking that after I finished copying this chess manual, I could have someone deliver it to the An residence. I didn’t expect you to come in person.”

His calmness made Qi Shu pause: “You… you knew my identity all along?”

Gong Sun Yin’s brush tip hesitated slightly, and he answered: “I only learned of your identity today.”

The last word he wrote had a small ink blot, but he finished writing nonetheless. Gong Sun Yin put down his brush, picked up the paper, and shook it to dry the ink: “I knew you were a young lady, but I didn’t know you were the current princess.”

For some reason, Qi Shu felt a lump in her throat. She asked, “Then did you know that the one playing chess with you at the Wind and Rain Corridor Pavilion in Guangling Temple was also me?”

Gong Sun Yin looked at her and smiled very gently: “I knew.”

With just these words, a tear suddenly fell from Qi Shu’s eye, spreading a small wet mark on the wooden floor.

Gong Sun Yin folded the completed chess manual and handed it to her, but she didn’t take it. She only stubbornly looked at him with her teary eyes: “I came to this academy for someone.”

Gong Sun Yin lowered his eyes slightly, remaining silent without responding.

At that moment, an enormous sense of grievance suddenly welled up in Qi Shu’s heart. She was a princess, born to have everything she wanted, and had never tasted the bitterness of rejection.

In the end, she didn’t even take the few pages of the chess manual. With red eyes, she ran away without looking back.

A month later, before she and Empress Dowager An set out to return to the capital, she received a letter sent from Luyan Academy to the An residence. Inside were those few pages of the chess manual.

No one knew how many tears she had shed in the quiet of the night, holding that chess manual.

…

Coming back from her memories, Qi Shu looked at the rain lines flying under the eaves and suddenly smiled bitterly.

She had been trapped by that chess manual for so many years. She had already returned the manual to him through A’yu, and it was time for her to move on-

In the blink of an eye, it was June. Empress Dowager An had summoned the Shen family’s old madam to the palace to talk several times, and the Shen family seemed willing to take a princess as a daughter-in-law.

When Qi Shu accompanied Empress Dowager An to the summer palace to escape the heat, the arranged accompanying general was Shen Shen.

Shen Shen had a point very similar to Gong Sun Yin; he also liked to smile. But it wasn’t like Gong Sun Yin’s smile that made people feel as if basking in spring sunshine yet always at ease. Rather, it was a smile of genuine cheerfulness.

Whenever he smiled, it only made people feel his sincerity and warmth. It seemed that deceiving such a person would be a sin.

Qi Shu often felt that his personality was very similar to Fan Chang Yu’s, even though they weren’t siblings, they were as close as siblings.

At the summer palace, he often led the guards to the nearby mountains to hunt pheasants or catch fish from wild streams, bringing them back for the kitchen staff to prepare delicious meals.

To promote their relationship, Empress Dowager An often wanted Qi Shu to go along, but Qi Shu disliked the sun, found the mountain paths difficult to walk, and hated sweating, so she always refused.

Empress Dowager An had no way with her. Finally, hearing that there would be a lantern festival at the Qixi Festival, she had Shen Shen escort Qi Shu to see it.

The lantern festival was crowded, and Qi Shu, in her luxurious attire, was unwilling to squeeze into the streets. Instead, she rented a painted boat to watch the Qixi lantern scenery and the young men and women releasing river lanterns from afar.

Qi Shu was somewhat listless throughout, and Shen Shen, accompanying her on the side, spoke very little. Both felt uncomfortable.

Out of courtesy, Qi Shu reluctantly stood with Shen Shen at the bow for a while. As she was about to return to the cabin, a chorus of exclamations suddenly rose from the girls on both banks. Qi Shu looked up and saw a small boat drifting from the distant water surface. The boatman was pushing a long pole at the stern, while a figure like an immortal stood at the bow.

White clothes, ink-black hair, holding a folding fan, with a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. On this riverside with fading lights, he seemed to have stepped out of a painting.

When Qi Shu recognized the arrival, her breath caught slightly.

According to Great Yin’s customs, on the day of Qixi, young men and women could throw flowers to express their feelings to those they admired.

As Gong Sun Yin’s small boat passed by the shore, the young women on the bank vied to throw flower branches at him. However, due to the distance, most fell into the water, with only a few scattered flowers landing on the boat.

Gong Sun Yin didn’t pick them up, only slightly bowing with cupped hands towards the shore as a greeting.

The girls on the shore exclaimed again, their pretty faces blushing red, eagerly asking which family’s young man he was.

Qi Shu watched quietly, feeling a bit bitter in her heart, but eventually, everything returned to calmness. As she was about to turn away, she heard from afar: “This humble official pays respects to the Princess.”

The voice carried by the night wind was gentle and refined.

Qi Shu raised her eyes to look at the small boat approaching the painted boat.

The person standing at the bow bowed elegantly to her, his wide sleeves and the hem of his clothes fluttering in the night wind, making him appear even more ethereal.

Qi Shu nodded slightly and replied coolly: “Junior Preceptor.”

The small boat drew even closer, and Gong Sun Yin took out a peony flower, white with a hint of pink, from his sleeve. He bowed and offered it to Qi Shu: “I heard that on Qixi, one can give flowers to their beloved. Yin boldly offers this to the Princess.”

Qi Shu looked at the beautiful peony in his hand for two breaths, and finally just smiled and said: “The Junior Preceptor is too late. I have already received flowers from General Shen.”

With that, she let her maid support her as she went to the cabin. Shen Shen was stunned for a moment, looking at Gong Sun Yin standing still at the bow holding the flower. Finally, he only coughed dryly: “Well… Brother Gong Sun, excuse me.”

Gong Sun Yin’s lips still held that hint of a smile, only now it looked a bit lonely. He nodded slightly to him and said: “It is Yin who has intruded.”

As the small boat drifted away, when Shen Shen lifted the curtain to enter the painted boat, he saw a hint of tears in Qi Shu’s eyes. Noticing his entrance, she hurriedly wiped the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

Shen Shen sat down opposite Qi Shu and said: “Shen is being presumptuous, but I did not prepare any flowers, nor did I think of giving flowers to the Princess.”

His words were indeed somewhat impolite. The palace maid beside Qi Shu was about to rebuke him, but he continued: “I know the Princess came boating today at the Empress Dowager’s wish. Shen is just a rough military man, without much refinement. The Princess being with Shen is indeed a bit of a waste.”

Qi Shu hurriedly said: “General Shen, please don’t belittle yourself. I came here today of my own will.”

Shen Shen Shust looked at Qi Shu and smiled: “Shen is a rough person, so I’ll speak without finesse. I hope the Princess won’t mind. I have a sister whose personality is similar to the Princess’s. Watching the Princess quarrel with the Junior Preceptor is like watching my sister. Although I don’t know what misunderstanding exists between the Princess and the Junior Preceptor, marriage is a big matter and shouldn’t be decided in a moment of anger.”

Qi Shu shook her head, holding back the sourness creeping up her nose, “I’m not acting out of anger.”

Shen Shen sighed softly: “If the Princess had truly let go, you wouldn’t be so upset.”

After their boat trip to Qixi, Qi Shu and Shen Shen’s relationship improved considerably, but it had nothing to do with romance. For someone so similar to Fan Chang Yu, Qi Shu treated him more like an elder brother.

Empress Dowager An didn’t know about this and was very pleased to see progress in their relationship.

As autumn approached, urgent news came from the northern border again. The throne of Great Yin had changed hands, and the Marquis of Wu’an, who had been guarding the border, returned to the capital to assist the young emperor. The Beiyue people saw this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and harassed the Great Yin civilians near Jinzhou several times. War was imminent.

Qi Yu was still young, and without Xie Zheng’s presence in the capital, the court would surely be in chaos. After discussions at court, they first sent Great General Tang Peiyi of the Western Pacification to lead troops to the northern border, with Great General Fan Chang Yu of Huaihua following later with supplies.

Upon receiving the news, Qi Shu and Empress Dowager An hurried back to the palace.

Fan Chang Yu couldn’t take Chang Ning with her to the northern border for this war. When Chang Ning heard she would be separated from her elder sister for a year or more, she clung to her waist and cried like a little tearful dumpling.

Fan Chang Yu promised to send letters back every month by sea eagle before she could comfort the little tearful dumpling.

Yu Qianqian knew that Xie Zheng had numerous matters to deal with and probably couldn’t spare much thought to take care of Chang Ning. She proposed to bring Chang Ning into the palace, and Madam Zhao was also granted permission to enter the palace.

Two days before Fan Chang Yu left the capital, Chang Ning was still crying intensely. Whenever Qi Shu had time, she would go to Ci’ning Palace to help comfort the child.

Occasionally, Qi Yu was also there. Perhaps children’s hearts connect more easily; he always had ways to comfort Chang Ning.

That porcelain doll of a girl, her grape-sized eyes had swollen to the size of walnuts. Rubbing her eyes pitifully, she asked: “When will Teacher Gong Sun come back to teach? Sister told Ning’er to study hard before she left. Ning’er wants to listen to Sister…”

As she spoke, she began to sniffle again. Tears seemed to flow endlessly from her big black eyes, starting to well up again. She clumsily wiped them with her chubby hands, a heartbreaking sight.

Qi Yu said: “Teacher Gong Sun is ill. He’s been forcing himself to attend court meetings these days despite his illness. Once he’s better, he’ll come to Chongwen Hall to teach.”

Qi Shu, who had just finished wiping Chang Ning’s tears, suddenly tightened her grip on the silk handkerchief and asked: “The Junior Preceptor is ill?”

Qi Yu nodded and said: “The teacher has been ill for over a month now. Even the imperial physicians couldn’t cure him.”

On the way back from Ci’ning Palace, Qi Shu was lost in thought. Her heart, which had been quiet for so long, suddenly became restless again.

Over a month? Counting back, it was right after Qixi that he fell ill.

How could he have fallen ill? Was it from the river wind on that day?

In the following days, whenever Qi Shu had free time, she would go to Ci’ning Palace to play with Chang Ning. Chang Ning had a very good memory. Even if she was momentarily distracted by the new toys Qi Shu brought, as soon as she turned around and couldn’t find her, the little dumpling would sit on the steps in the courtyard, her lotus root-like elbow propped on her knee, chubby palm supporting her chin, looking up at the sky with her head full of little pigtails.

Occasionally, when she saw a hawk fly by, her eyes would sparkle. But upon realizing it wasn’t a sea eagle, her little face would darken again.

She was even so sensible that she didn’t cry in front of people anymore. Only occasionally when she woke up in the morning or from her afternoon nap, as if she hadn’t remembered that her elder sister had gone to war and wouldn’t return for a year or more, when she did remember, golden beads of tears would suddenly well up in her eyes. But before anyone could notice, she would secretly wipe them away herself.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the grass-covered plains, Qi Shu genuinely cared for this child. She gifted her all the childhood trinkets she had kept in her palace chambers.

Due to her frequent visits, she often heard news of the court from the Empress Dowager and her son. For instance, the war in the northern borders was not going well. General Tang Peiyi, the Great General of the Western Pacification, had rushed to the northern borders with forced marches. In the initial battle, he was gravely wounded due to fatigue and carelessness. Fortunately, Fan Changyu arrived in time with reinforcements, and the situation in the north had stabilized. However, the heavy burden of defending against foreign enemies had suddenly fallen entirely on Fan Changyu’s shoulders.

Another piece of news was that the Regent’s methods were becoming increasingly cruel and malicious. Regarding the various military supplies for the northern borders, civil and military officials didn’t dare to make the slightest mistake, fearing the Regent would use it against them.

There was also news about what new lessons the Imperial Tutor had taught Qi Yu, and what new national policies he had devised…

Although there was only a bit of news about that person, Qi Shu felt inexplicably comforted.

The Regent would make time to see Chang Ning in the Chongwen Hall every half month. Usually, Yu Qianqian would have her maid send Chang Ning over, but on this day, Yu Qianqian’s maid was suffering from an old ailment and couldn’t get out of bed due to back pain.

Qi Shu had been playing with Chang Ning quite often recently, so she offered to take Chang Ning over.

Before they knew it, winter had once again descended upon the imperial city.

While waiting for Chang Ning outside the hall, a cold wind blew past, and Qi Shu felt the chill to her bones.

Clutching the brass twisted hand warmer in her hands, she was about to take a walk nearby when she saw Gong Sun Yin, dressed in white, walking up the white jade steps with several officials, seemingly heading to Chongwen Hall for a political discussion.

Seeing her, they all bowed and said, “Greetings to the Grand Princess.”

As the affairs of the inner palace did not concern those of the court, Qi Shu merely nodded in response.

Gong Sun Yin, however, remained standing and said to his colleagues, “Gentlemen, please wait for me in the side hall for a moment.”

The courtiers’ expressions varied, but they complied and went to the side hall first.

Qi Shu held the hand warmer, and despite the severe cold of early winter, her palms suddenly broke out in sweat.

Gong Sun Yin’s gaze towards her was extremely gentle and calm. He seemed to still be ill, his complexion was not good, and he had become much thinner, but he had gained a sense of steadiness. “May I have a word with the Princess?” he asked.

The two walked slowly in the small garden outside Chongwen Hall. Gong Sun Yin said, “I heard that the Princess and General Shen’s happy event is approaching?”

Qi Shu’s hand tightened on the hand warmer. She stopped in her tracks, her beautiful eyes cold, and asked, “Did the Imperial Tutor specially call me out to offer congratulations in advance?”

Gong Sun Yin looked at her steadily for a moment. That handsome and gentle face clearly showed signs of sadness. He said, “If it’s true, I should indeed congratulate the Princess. But I have some words I want to say to the Princess.”

He stepped forward to continue walking. After a moment’s hesitation, Qi Shu followed.

Today’s wind was from the southwest. Gong Sun Yin, not yet recovered from his serious illness, couldn’t help but cough lowly when he occasionally inhaled a breath of cold air. “A hundred years ago, the Gong Sun family was once at its peak. The Empress of Emperor Chengzu and the Empress of Emperor Xuande were both daughters of the Gong Sun family. But in the end, they grew too prominent. A hundred years ago, the fate of the Gong Sun family was even worse than that of the Qi family seventeen years ago. Dragon robes were found in the Eastern Palace, and Prince Shaoyang was demoted to a commoner. Two generations of empresses from the Gong Sun family committed suicide in the palace… The main branch of the Gong Sun family was entirely confiscated and exiled. Even the plaque of the ‘Imperial Library’ at Luyan Academy was almost taken back by the royal family… In the end, it was discovered to be a false accusation by a prince.”

Gong Sun Yin smiled bitterly at this point: “How could there be such a perfect frame-up in this world? It was merely that the emperor on the dragon throne at that time could no longer tolerate the Gong Sun family. The branch of the Gong Sun family that guarded Luyan Academy barely survived for a hundred years, setting the first rule for the clan members as ‘Do not enter official service.'”

Qi Shu was stunned.

Gong Sun Yin looked at her and slowly said, “The first day you came to the academy, I could tell you were a girl; when you played that game of chess with me in the Imperial Library, I realized you were also the one in the rain pavilion at Guangling Temple.”

The corner of his lips curved up, his eyes showing some of the complexity of time passed: “I admired that girl, only to later learn she was the current dynasty’s princess.”

The question she had asked years ago in the Imperial Library of Luyan Academy finally got an answer today, but Qi Shu only felt a lump in her throat.

Gong Sun Yin still looked at her with a faint smile, but in the thin sunlight, that smile also gained a few traces of brokenness: “I will never enter official service in this life, how could I dare to mislead her?”

Qi Shu’s eyes had already turned red, and her breathing slightly trembling. She stared at him: “Why are you telling me all this now?”

The cold wind ruffled Gong Sun Yin’s snow-white robes. He stood there like a slender, strong pine: “After helping Jiu Heng overthrow Wei Yan and the Li family, I returned to Hejian and had a long talk with my grandfather through the night. I finally persuaded him to change the clan rules and allow clan members to enter official service. But to avoid repeating past mistakes, when His Majesty’s power grows in the future, it will be time for me to resign.”

“The year the Princess returned to the capital, I took the imperial examination and became the third-ranked scholar to enter the palace. After seeing the majestic palace where the Princess lived, I never dared to ask if the Princess would be willing to travel the rivers and mountains with me, to live in seclusion. Today, I want to boldly ask, when I resign from office and return to my hometown, would the Princess be willing to be a pair of free spirits with me?”

He smiled again: “The Gong Sun family has accumulated some wealth over the past hundred years, it won’t make the Princess suffer. It’s just that Hejian can’t compare to the prosperity of the capital…”

In the past, his smile was always elegant with a hint of fox-like calculation, but at this moment it seemed like a fragile mask, barely covering the broken emotions underneath.

Qi Shu coldly raised her eyes: “What if I say I’m not willing?”

Gong Sun Yin’s smile froze slightly at the corners of his mouth. In the end, he only bowed with difficulty and said: “I have spoken out of turn.”

Qi Shu didn’t respond to him anymore, hurriedly walking back with her hand warmer.

Gong Sun Yin stood in place, feeling a chill in his heart, covering his mouth as he couldn’t stop coughing lowly.

“Gong Sun Blockhead!”

Someone called him in a coquettish voice from behind.

Gong Sun Yin turned back with a pale face, only to see Qi Shu’s face already unable to hold back a smile, saying somewhat petulantly: “This Grand Princess wants your family’s library of ten thousand books as a betrothal gift!”

Gong Sun Yin was first stunned, then slowly smiled and responded: “Alright.”

…

Chang Ning and Qi Yu, who had just finished meeting their brother-in-law, were hiding behind a fake mountain. Seeing this scene, Chang Ning quietly asked Qi Yu: “Is Uncle Gong Sun going to marry the Princess?”

Qi Yu nodded, his small face slightly solemn, pursing his lips and saying: “When I come to power in the future, I won’t move against the Regent and Mr. Gong Sun.”

He said unhappily: “Only incompetent emperors are suspicious of their subjects.”

To make it easier to peek, Chang Ning was squatting at the edge of the fake mountain, with Qi Yu standing behind her.

She looked up and asked him: “Then can you make me a princess in the future?”

Qi Yu looked down at her: “You want to be a princess?”

Chang Ning nodded with full expectation: “Yes! Like Aunt Shu, it’s so impressive! The consort has to offer his family fortune as a betrothal gift!”

Qi Yu frowned and said: “This entire world belongs to me, no one has more family fortune than me. Why don’t you be my empress instead?”

Chang Ning made an “eh” sound, widening her black round eyes: “Then are you going to give me this palace as a betrothal gift?”

Qi Yu said: “It’s the empire.”

Chang Ning didn’t quite understand: “What’s the empire?”

Qi Yu said: “From where your sister is fighting, to this palace, to the territories further south, they all belong to me. If you become my empress, they will belong to you too.”

Chang Ning tried to imagine how big that area would be, counting on her fingers for a long time before saying with a shocked face: “It would take Xuan Xuan several days to fly across?”

Qi Yu nodded.

Chang Ning finally reluctantly said: “Alright then, to prevent you from going back on your word, let’s make a pinky promise.”

“Pinky promise, hang yourself, a hundred years, no changes allowed! Whoever lies is a puppy!”

This year’s New Year’s Eve, Chang Ning spent in the palace with Yu Qianqian and her son, and Madam Zhao. After her brother-in-law had properly arranged all matters in the capital, he handed everything over to Gong Sun Yin and a group of trusted officials to manage. He then took half a month off and rushed to the northern border on horseback to find her sister.

The following autumn, the Grand Princess married the Imperial Tutor.

After the new year, the Huaihua Great General returned triumphantly from guarding the border. Throughout the year, she had repelled more than twenty large and small attacks from the Northern Xue. On the northern border, after the “Xie” banner, another banner of “Huaihua” was erected, which made the Northern Xue people change color at the mere mention of it. The court, because she was once a resident of Qingping County, enfeoffed her as the Marquis of Qingping.

In the same year, the young emperor, just twelve years old, began to rule personally. Xie Zheng resigned from his position as Regent and returned to the northern border with his wife, Marquis of Qingping Fan Changyu, to guard the frontier.

On the day the couple left the capital, the citizens of the city spontaneously came out to see them off, just as they had done on their wedding day years ago.

The young emperor also went out of the city in his imperial carriage to bid them farewell. Chang Ning, who had grown much taller in these few years, waved to him from the carriage.

When Qi Yu came forward to hand over the farewell gift from the Empress Dowager to Chang Ning, he lightly hooked his little finger with hers and said after looking at her silently for a while: “Remember our promise.”

Chang Ning held the package he had handed over without speaking, her cheeks slowly turning red as she avoided his gaze.

After Fan Changyu had said goodbye to Qi Shu, who had also come out of the city to see them off, she rode her horse back to the carriage. The young emperor then looked at her and the stern man behind her, “I wish Aunt Changyu and Uncle a safe journey.”

Fan Changyu smiled and said: “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kind words.”

Xie Zheng also nodded slightly: “The four seas are now peaceful. Within the realm, Your Majesty can do whatever you wish. There are many good ministers in the court like Gong Sun, Shen Shen, He Xiuyun, Lu Bai, and others. Your Majesty should consult with them on all matters. My wife and I will guard the northern border for Your Majesty.”

The young emperor bowed solemnly to this martial marquis who had controlled the court for several years and then completely handed over power to him: “Uncle and Aunt’s great kindness, Yu’er will remember in his heart. Yu’er will be a good emperor, so as not to let down Uncle and Mr. Gong Sun’s teachings.”

Xie Zheng didn’t say anything more, only patting the young emperor’s still-thin shoulders.

As the large army set out northward, Fan Changyu rode her horse alongside the carriage, looking at her younger sister who had grown into a young lady leaning out of the carriage window, and asked with a smile: “What did His Majesty say to Ning’er?”

Chang Ning looked at her elder sister with smiling eyes: “It’s a secret.”

Fan Changyu smiled faintly and didn’t ask further, spurring her horse to catch up with Xie Zheng who was riding ahead.

As the sun set in the west and the fragrant grass swayed gently, the two rode side by side. The Eastern Sea Eagle soaring in the sky now had a mottled white falcon as a companion.

Fan Changyu asked the person beside her: “Where shall we go first when we return to the northern border?”

“Yanzhou.”

She raised an eyebrow: “Why?”

The man lightly pulled on the reins, the taut muscles of his forearm visible under his arrow sleeves. His handsome face, though cold and stern, had been attracting frequent glances from passersby out of the city.

Only when looking at the woman beside him did his eyes show a trace of tenderness: “To take you to see the sunrise on Mount Yan.”

Fan Changyu then smiled: “And then go hunting in Huizhou hunting grounds?”

Xie Zheng gave a soft “Mm” in response.

That was what he had once promised her.

In the slanting sunlight, after the two had ridden their horses away from the main army for a distance, the female marquis on horseback pulled her husband’s collar and raised her head to kiss him.

Birds chirped, and flowers bloomed everywhere in the wilderness. It was the best spring scene of the year.

On that autumn day in the 16th year of Yongping, they had once lost each other among the mountain of reed flowers.

In the spring of the 4th year of Yongxing, they returned to the north together, and from then on, they were never separated again.

👏👏👏 thank you for translating! What a ride!

Thank you for the pleasure of reading this wonderful novel through your trandlation. I am so grateful for your patience and diligence.

Even with all those those beastly acts by xie zheng, and they still dont have a single child? 🤣 the killing general is shooting blanks i guess

Zhu Yu – Side Story: Qi Min’s Chapter

(1)

When Qi Min was still the carefree eldest grandson in the Eastern Palace, his daily concerns were merely how to complete the lessons left by his father, the Prince. His only worry was how to sweet-talk his mother into allowing him to play cuju for a bit longer.

When news of Jinzhou’s fall and his father’s death in battle reached the capital, it shattered the facade of tranquility maintained in the Eastern Palace.

His father was dead. He was very sad, but his mother’s grief seemed far more profound than his own.

People in the Eastern Palace were constantly dying.

His father’s retainers often came to the Eastern Palace secretly to discuss important matters with his mother. After sending these people away, his mother’s gaze upon him grew increasingly grave.

He was still young and didn’t understand what it meant, but at night, as his mother watched over him, she often couldn’t sleep for entire nights.

Even when she dozed off, the slightest movement from him would startle her awake. She always held him very tightly, murmuring something like “I must make sure he survives,” and before she knew it, her face would be streaked with tears.

He was only four or five years old then, thinking his mother was grieving for his father’s death. He would gently pat her shoulder, saying he would grow up to protect her, but this only made his mother cry harder.

It wasn’t until the great fire in the Eastern Palace that he understood everything his mother had been planning.

The flames of the burning palace in the distance reddened his eyes as his mother personally pressed him into a charcoal brazier. The heat of the charcoal fire burned so intensely that even his bone marrow seemed to convulse in pain. He cried until his throat could no longer produce any sound.

His mother cried in his ear, saying “You must survive,” but the only thought in his mind at that moment was: It hurts too much, living is too painful, and it would be better to die.

He was in such agony that he nearly fainted. The scorching heat on his face seemed to penetrate his brain, burning even his marrow.

As the Imperial Guard left by his father carried him to safety, he lay on the guard’s shoulder, watching his mother knock over the charcoal brazier. The flames quickly ignited the silk tablecloth, and his mother even used a candlestick to set fire to the layers of curtains hanging in the main hall.

The fire slowly consumed the entire palace. He was in too much pain to make a sound, only instinctively reaching out towards his mother, wanting to save her. But his mother just smiled gently at him through the flames. He was too far away to hear what she was saying, but he could barely make out from her lips that she was saying “Survive.”

(2)

When he regained consciousness, he was in a completely unfamiliar place. He was still in great pain, his entire body ached, especially his face and head. It felt as if there was a scorching fire burning beneath his skin, so painful that he wanted to bash his head against a pillar until it split open and bled. His vision was blurry.

He wasn’t fully conscious and weakly called out “Mother” by instinct.

But this time, there was no warm embrace, no gentle hand to comfort him.

Amidst the noisy and unfamiliar voices, he heard someone say with a sob: “Poor young master Huai, the Princess Consort is gone…”

Later, everyone left except for one person who sat by his bedside, holding his hand and saying softly: “Your Highness, this servant is Lan. I used to serve on the Crown Princess’s side. The Crown Princess entrusted you to me. From now on, your mother is not the Crown Princess, but the Princess Consort of Changxin. In this Changxin Prince’s Mansion, you shouldn’t trust anyone except me. I will protect you.”

He was still in pain. Lava-like liquid rolled from the corners of his eyes into his temples. Wherever the moisture touched, it scalded his skin, making it burn even more painfully.

He heard that voice continue to speak gently to him: “Don’t cry.”

Qi Min didn’t know if he was crying from the pain or from the sadness of realizing his mother had died in the great fire. He only felt pain, excruciating pain, inside and out…

The hand holding his was also warm, but it didn’t feel anything like his mother’s hand.

From that moment on, he not only lost his father, but also his mother.

(3)

Due to the burn injuries and the final memory of his mother perishing in the fire, Qi Min became extremely afraid of fire once he regained his sight.

At night, if lamps or candles were lit in his room, he would scream hysterically and smash everything within reach.

From then on, his courtyard was pitch black as soon as night fell. The servants were afraid of disturbing him and didn’t dare make even the slightest sound when walking. The place where he lived seemed to have become a house of the dead.

Anything hot could trigger his fear. He only drank cold food and medicine, and even the water for washing and bathing had to be cold.

He would rather catch a chill than dare to touch anything warm again.

In the countless nights after losing his mother, he became like she had been in the Eastern Palace, unable to sleep, startled awake by even the sound of wind outside.

His nerves were always on edge, and he even became afraid to sleep – fearing he might say something in his nightmares.

Later, when his injuries had healed somewhat and the bandages wrapped around him could be removed, the maid who came in to bring water for him to wash was so frightened that she screamed and dropped the basin.

When the old nanny came in to see what had happened, she too was so shocked that her legs gave way.

In the end, it was Aunt Lan who scolded everyone away and personally brought water to serve him.

All reflective objects in the room had been removed, so he couldn’t see clearly what he looked like. But the burn scars on his arms, pitted and raw red, were indeed ugly and nauseating.

His stepmother – his “mother’s” younger sister who had married into the Prince’s Mansion – came to see him once. She was so frightened that she didn’t even dare to enter the room, only standing at the doorway before her face changed color. It was said that she couldn’t eat for several days afterward.

He had always remained silent, until one day when Aunt Lan forgot to remove the wash basin promptly after helping him wash up. He caught a glimpse of himself in the water’s reflection.

The image in the water wasn’t very clear, but he was still so frightened that he kicked over the copper basin.

He hadn’t spoken for so long that only a hoarse and jarring scream came from his throat.

That wasn’t him. He remembered what he used to look like. His father had once commissioned an artist to paint a portrait of him and his mother. He had delicate features, red lips, and white teeth. He wasn’t that ugly creature in the water basin!

Aunt Lan heard the noise and came in, holding and comforting him for a long time.

But his temperament became increasingly dark and solitary, his moods unpredictable. If a maid serving him closely showed even a hint of fear in her eyes, it could provoke him to great anger, ordering the maid to be beaten to death.

He became sensitive, irritable, quick to anger, afraid of seeing people, and afraid of those looks of terror or surprise.

Qi Min felt that he wasn’t even a rat crossing the street, but a sick old rat covered in mange, its fur almost completely fallen out, patchy and disgusting.

The only benefit of those burn injuries was that the Lord and Lady of Changxin rarely came to see him anymore.

Whether the new Princess Consort truly had deep sisterly affection for the previous Princess Consort, or whether she saw that although he was the “eldest son” of the Prince of Changxin, he was already a useless person and posed no threat to her or the child in her belly, she was willing to gain a reputation for kindness. Even though she never came to see him again, she didn’t reduce the food, clothing, or daily necessities in his courtyard at all.

Aunt Lan’s husband’s family was in the merchant class and had extensive connections. She quickly found a miraculous doctor from the jianghu for him.

The doctor said that fortunately he was still young, and the burned skin, once replaced, could heal well.

The pain of skin grafting is one of the ten most cruel tortures, showing how brutal and bloody it is. The area of his burns was too large to be replaced all at once.

It took several years to completely replace all the dead skin on his body.

Only those who have experienced it personally can understand how painful it is to have one’s skin cut.

His hands and feet were tied tightly to the bed, and the wooden bit in his mouth was bitten out of shape.

It was too painful.

Countless times, he thought it would be better to just die, but he just couldn’t die.

So he decided to seek revenge. All this pain was inflicted by his enemies, and his mother had died for him. He must have his revenge!

(4)

By the time Qi Min’s burn injuries had completely healed, the new Princess Consort’s son was already able to walk.

Over the years, the people in the mansion had grown accustomed to his mercurial moods. Because of the burns on his face, he had worn a mask for the past few years. Even after the skin on his face had been replaced and healed, he still never removed the mask in front of the people of the Prince of Changxin’s Mansion.

The people in the mansion thought the miraculous doctor hadn’t cured him, and afraid of offending him, they never dared to discuss the matter.

The new Princess Consort was also very clever and never mentioned it. Her son had already been named the heir apparent. Perhaps seeing him as “her sister’s orphan” and pitying him, she was willing to bestow some compassion, often speaking of letting her healthy and lively son befriend him.

Qi Min felt only disgust.

The entire Prince of Changxin’s Mansion was filled with his enemies!

Her healthy and lovely son only reminded him of his inhuman appearance, filling his heart with jealousy and hatred.

Sui Yuanqing could practice martial arts, ride horses, and shoot arrows, while he was constantly plagued by illness, taking medicine every day.

He wanted to learn martial arts too, but Aunt Lan, who had always stood by his side, disagreed, saying his body was too weak.

Only Fu Qing, the Imperial Guard left by his father, was willing to teach him secretly.

From that time on, he vaguely knew that only Fu Qing would obey his orders unconditionally. Aunt Lan was loyal to him, but she would also refuse him.

(5)

Qi Min truly began to doubt Lan’s loyalty to him when he was seventeen. He had been secretly practicing martial arts, overexerting himself and triggering his chronic illness again.

The illness came on suddenly and violently. The physician said his condition was not optimistic.

He was in a daze, but his mind was clear. He heard the servants telling Lan that they shouldn’t have let him undergo skin grafting, enduring so much pain, which further damaged his health.

He had always thought Lan found the miraculous doctor for him because she couldn’t bear to see him in such a state. But he heard Lan say that without the skin grafts, with his disfigured appearance, how could he ever sit on that dragon throne again?

So it wasn’t for him at all but for that dragon throne.

Lan also said that while his body was still functional, they should choose some women for him to leave behind offspring. If anything were to happen to him in the future, there wouldn’t be major chaos.

Qi Min had never felt such irony before. His heart turned cold, chilling him to panic.

So Lan wasn’t loyal to him at all. She was only loyal to his identity as the bloodline of the Crown Prince of Chengde.

Even if it wasn’t him, but another person with his father’s bloodline, Lan would serve them just as devotedly.

When his body improved slightly, beauties of all shapes and sizes were sent to his courtyard.

He threw a massive tantrum, but while Lan seemed to respect him, she never changed her mind about him leaving behind offspring.

Lan always said it was for the great cause of revenge. He coldly asked Lan if she was hoping for his death. Lan knelt, saying she wouldn’t dare, weeping as she listed many examples of princes contending for the throne, saying that offspring were the greatest backing for such endeavors.

He finally compromised, but not because he was convinced by Lan’s arguments.

It was because his power hadn’t reached the point where he could completely control the Zhao family. The people his mother had left behind all looked to Lan for leadership.

The only ones he could use were the shadow guards his father had left in the Eastern Palace. But if he killed Lan and her son, the game with the Zhao family would be over. So he had to keep Lan and her son alive, letting them continue to work for him for now.

With great disgust, he chose the most timid and honest one from the beauties Lan had sent.

Perhaps because of his reputation for cruelty and violence, that woman was very afraid of him. When she came to his room, her whole body was trembling, and she didn’t dare look at him the entire time.

Qi Min felt sick, not just about leaving offspring, but he suddenly felt disgusted with his own identity.

The new Princess Consort had raised a Persian cat, a pet tribute from a foreign country. The new Princess Consort liked it very much, and to preserve the cat’s precious bloodline, she specially ordered people to find several beautiful white cats to mate with the Persian cat.

Qi Min felt like he was that Persian cat being taken to mate.

He didn’t even see clearly what the woman who came to serve him looked like. Lan, worried about his health, had even given him medicine. He had almost no memory of what happened in between.

When he woke up, he found the bed curtains bloodstained, and that woman lying unconscious beside him, her face deathly pale. He didn’t know if she had fainted from fear or pain.

Qi Min felt the world spinning. That feeling of nausea intensified, making him want to peel off a layer of his skin.

He truly was just like livestock, drugged just to complete the act.

He threw the biggest tantrum of his life, ordering everything that could be burned in that room to be burned clean. He soaked himself in the icy lake water until his hands and feet wrinkled, but still felt he couldn’t wash away the filth and stickiness all over his body.

The woman who had served him fell seriously ill upon returning, becoming wooden, as if she had turned into an idiot.

The servants secretly said she had been frightened into idiocy by him, and they became even more afraid of him.

Qi Min felt only disgust and nausea. There wasn’t a moment when he didn’t want to kill that woman—she had seen him drugged like an animal.

Every time he realized this, he couldn’t contain his violence, and only killing could slightly alleviate it.

After this incident, Lan seemed to understand that she had completely offended his taboo. She became more restrained, and when serving him, always put on an air of suffering, as if she was loyal to him for the great cause of revenge but was misunderstood by him.

But Qi Min only wanted to grind her Buddha-like face into the mud and drug her too so she could understand what it felt like to be treated like breeding livestock.

He wanted to kill the woman who had served him. The servants all thought it was because she hadn’t served him well, and didn’t dare comment.

Lan didn’t stop him this time, which was a concession to some extent.

However, that woman was truly lucky. Her monthly cycle didn’t come, and she was diagnosed with pregnancy.

He couldn’t kill her now.

He knew that Lan would soon have other options.

It was also from this time that he became increasingly wary of Lan and her son.

As long as that woman gave birth to a male child, his position could be replaced at any time.

When the new Princess Consort learned that one of his concubines was pregnant, she also began to guard against him, inserting spies under the guise of adding more staff to his courtyard.

His health was poor, so he couldn’t compete with Sui Yuanqing anymore, but with a son, it would be a different story.

The new Princess Consort appeared magnanimous. The Prince of Changxin’s Mansion had numerous concubines, but she was never seen to be jealous. However, the Prince’s concubines had given birth to a bunch of daughters, but not a single son.

The Prince of Changxin might have suspected something, but he couldn’t produce evidence. So for a period, he kept many women outside the mansion, and among those women, some bore him sons.

The offspring of the Prince’s Mansion, of course, couldn’t be raised by questionable people outside. They would all be brought back to the mansion and, like his “good brother” Sui Yuanqing, be taught by martial arts masters from a young age.

However, those children brought back to the mansion always died young for various reasons, or like him, were weak and sickly.

Qi Min felt that the Prince of Changxin must have known something, but he hadn’t fallen out with the Princess Consort, probably for the sake of her family’s power.

The Prince of Changxin only had Sui Yuanqing as a son capable of great use, so naturally, he had to be well-educated. Whatever Xie Zheng, the son of Xie Linshan who was raised by Wei Yan, learned, the Prince would arrange for Sui Yuanqing to learn as well.

Qi Min, of course, knew that his father’s death was at the hands of these two villains, Wei Yan and the Prince of Changxin. He hated them to the bone, but these two men—one wielding immense power at court, overshadowing the imperial authority, and the other a king in the northwest, acting like a local emperor—were beyond his reach for now.

But Qi Min keenly sensed that Wei Yan and the Prince of Changxin must have fallen out, only maintaining a surface-level peace because they had been partners in crime and each held leverage over the other.

The Prince of Changxin had always raised Sui Yuanqing in the same way as Xie Zheng, just so Sui Yuanqing could know both himself and the enemy, and in the future, overcome on the battlefield the blade that Wei Yan had forged.

Qi Min had been biding his time, but regarding revenge, he vaguely had an initial plan.

He needed to escalate the conflict between the Prince of Changxin and Wei Yan, letting them fight each other like dogs first. After finding evidence of their collusion, he would expose them both at once.

In the court, the Li family, known as the leader of the “pure stream” faction, had a reputation for virtue and was at odds with both the Wei and Sui factions.

Unfortunately, the puppet emperor sitting on the dragon throne also had ambitions. He had married a daughter of the Li family early on, and Grand Tutor Li was the emperor’s teacher.

If he rashly approached the Li family, he would be just an outsider compared to the puppet emperor who already had a teacher-student relationship and marriage ties with Grand Tutor Li.

Therefore, to win over the Li family as a backer, he must first dismantle the alliance between the Li family and the young emperor.

(6)

Qi Min’s next encounter with the woman carrying his child occurred on a moonlit night, a month after her pregnancy was confirmed to be in its third month.

During this time, he had to guard against Madam Lan and her son, as well as the Consort Wang. He also began to orchestrate plans to further provoke conflicts between the Sui and Wei families, while simultaneously driving a wedge between the puppet emperor and the Li family. It was truly a game of intricate calculations.

He understood that he could no longer rely on the Lan clan and the Zhao family. He had to expand his power base to avoid being treated as mere breeding stock.

Despite his fear of fire, he forced himself to face it, though his methods were undeniably cruel.

To overcome his fear, he burned to death those who betrayed him or spies who had been exposed.

The sharp, piercing screams assaulted his eardrums. The faces, contorted by the flames, transformed from tearful pleas for mercy to various curses and insults. The air gradually changed from the scent of burning flesh to a charred odor.

Even with the fire at a distance, he still felt the searing pain in his old burn wounds. In such moments, he wouldn’t allow anyone to see him in such a pitiful state.

He dismissed everyone and locked himself in a stone chamber, leaving a pile of terrifying bonfires outside the iron bars. Curled up in a corner like an animal, he faced alone the nightmares from the great fire in the Eastern Palace of his childhood.

In his memories, his mother’s face, burned to death in the Eastern Palace, sometimes morphed into his own horrifying, scarred visage that he had once seen reflected in a water basin. Other times, it transformed into the faces of those he had burned to death.

Day after day, he confined himself to the stone chamber, struggling to wake from nightmares filled with flames and charred scars. Each time he awoke, his face was pale, his clothes soaked with cold sweat. His temperament visibly became more and more obsessive, violent, and gloomy.

Once again, as he faced his fear of fire alone, it triggered his madness.

The old burn wounds, at the mere sight of fire, would become unbearably painful, as if he was reliving the moment he had nearly burned to death.

Even the Imperial Physician who examined him couldn’t find a cure.

He had been secretly training in martial arts with the shadow guards for years. In his frenzy, he broke open the stone chamber’s door. The shadow guards outside, fearing to hurt him, failed to stop him in time. Instead, he seized a knife and severely wounded them.

The phantom pain made his entire body ache. Feeling as if he was about to be burned alive, he jumped into a cold pond without a second thought. In extreme pain, he even forgot to hold his breath, and the icy water rushed into his nostrils.

He no longer had the strength to struggle and save himself. At that moment, he thought he would truly die there.

But a slender yet warm hand grasped him as he sank deeper into the frigid pond.

At first, he didn’t know who the woman saving him was. He only felt that she was so frail, yet she was still trying hard to swim towards the edge of the cold pond with him in tow.

After dragging him ashore, he was too exhausted to open his eyes. Thinking he had swallowed water, she kept pressing on his chest and abdomen. Then, for some reason, she lowered her head and kissed him.

Qi Min had no memory of such intimacy with anyone. His only experience of sharing a bed with someone was when he had been drugged. The mixed smell of blood and cloying fragrance in that room upon waking still made him nauseous when he recalled it.

Since then, he had even despised contact with women.

But this person was different. Her lips were soft and warm, and her scent wasn’t unpleasant.

She kissed him for a while, then pressed hard on his chest and abdomen again. The cold water droplets from her soaked long hair fell on his face as she spoke with some urgency, “Wake up! Don’t just die here!”

Qi Min lay there for a long time before finally regaining some strength. He spat out a mouthful of water and opened his eyelids, making out the features of the woman who had saved him in the moonlight.

Docile.

This was his first impression of that woman. From her eyebrows to the contours of her facial features, everything conveyed a sense of obedient gentleness. Yet her eyes paradoxically revealed a fearless and unrestrained spirit, as if she had never been bound by any rules.

For the first time, Qi Min understood what it felt like to have his heart caught by a single glance.

Just her looking at him made his heart itch.

Upon realizing he was awake, she sighed in relief and sat down on the ground without hesitation, wringing out her soaked dress and hair while muttering, “Thank goodness he’s awake. Buddha be praised, I’ve saved a life. I hope Buddha will bless me and let everything go smoothly…”

Qi Min listened to her mumbling and asked with effort, “Who are you?”

By all rights, he should have killed her for witnessing him in such a vulnerable state.

But at this moment, he was surprisingly calm. He didn’t even feel much disgust at her audacity in kissing him for so long.

Perhaps it was because she had just saved his life, or perhaps because she was the only person in years whose eyes didn’t fill with fear at the sight of him, as if seeing some kind of monster.

Or maybe he was just too weak at the moment.

In any case, the thought of killing her didn’t cross Qi Min’s mind for the time being.

The woman’s eyes darted around as she countered with her question, “Who are you? Why are you trying to end your life in this pond in the middle of the night?”

Though she looked gentle, she wasn’t without wit.

Qi Min’s courtyard was already built in the most secluded area of the prince’s mansion, with the cold pond behind the bamboo grove connecting to the back mountain.

He figured that since this woman could appear in his courtyard’s territory in the middle of the night, and judging by her attire of a menial maid, she must be a servant in his courtyard. So he fabricated a lie, “I’m a guard of the mansion. The young master wanted to eat fish and ordered me to catch some from the pond.”

The woman widened her eyes in shock, “Wanting to eat fish in the middle of the night?”

He sneered and said, “Yes, if I can’t catch any, I probably won’t live to see tomorrow.”

The servants in the mansion would change color at the mere mention of him, fearing him like a vengeful ghost or a rakshasa. He thought this explanation would probably coax her into saying some words of criticism about him.

But the woman just furrowed her brow and muttered, “This godforsaken place.”

She said nothing more, but picked up the large bundle she had set aside before entering the water and said to him, “It’s pitch black. You shouldn’t try to catch fish now. I’m leaving. I’ve saved your life, so do me a favor and pretend you never saw me tonight.”

Qi Min looked at the bundle in her hand and finally understood why she had appeared here in the dead of night.

He half-sat up, leaning against a purple bamboo, and said, “Servants who try to escape privately will be beaten to death if caught, as a warning to others.”

The woman’s bold stride faltered. She turned her head to look at him suspiciously, “I saved your life. You’re not thinking of exposing me, are you?”

He was unusually good-tempered and even curved his lips into a smile as he said to her, “I won’t. I’m just reminding you of the mansion’s rules.”

The woman stood there for a moment, then suddenly walked over to him. She had no rope in her bundle, and after rummaging for a while, she only found a few waistbands from clothes. She used these waistbands to tie his hands behind the bamboo he was leaning against, then took out a robe, balled it up, and stuffed it in his mouth.

Qi Min was stunned by her actions. If he hadn’t just experienced a bout of phantom pain and fallen into the water, leaving his body weak, he would have snapped her neck the moment she made a move.

After doing all this, she crouched in front of him and said, “Thanks for the reminder. I don’t know you, and I can’t take you with me. To prevent you from telling on me, I’ll tie you up first. This way, when someone finds you tomorrow, you can explain yourself and avoid being wrongly accused as my accomplice.”

With his mouth gagged, his eyes were as cold as ice, yet seemed to burn with fire. He made two muffled sounds.

The woman pointed at herself, “Me? You don’t need to worry about that. By the time people in the mansion discover I’m gone tomorrow, I should be outside the gates of Chongzhou City!”

She hoisted her bundle onto her back again and walked towards the depths of the bamboo grove, waving her hand at him with particular flair.

Qi Min stared at her retreating figure, experiencing such treatment for the first time in his life. He should have been angry, but for some unknown reason, he suddenly couldn’t muster any anger at all.

The woman harbored no malice towards him, and there was something inexplicably attractive about her.

Of course, she didn’t succeed in escaping from the prince’s mansion.

Shortly after she left, the shadow guards who discovered the disturbance in the stone chamber traced the signs and came over, shocked to find him tied up. They quickly untied him.

Qi Min, unusually, didn’t lose his temper. Instead, he ordered them to take the mansion’s guards and bring back the maid who had escaped through the back mountain, unharmed.

The shadow guards were highly efficient. By the time he returned to his room and changed his clothes, the woman had been brought back.

They also brought back another piece of information: she wasn’t just some menial maid, but the woman carrying his bloodline.

This answer left Qi Min stunned for a long time.

His first thought was, surprisingly, that the woman didn’t recognize him either.

This realization made him somewhat unhappy.

He was disgusted by the woman who had drugged him to conceive, and he extremely despised the yet unborn child in her womb—despite it being his flesh and blood.

No one would like a person who could potentially threaten their life and position at any time.

Even a young tiger, before it has the strength to challenge the tiger king, would be driven out of the territory.

Before this night, he had only thought about when to get rid of that woman and the child in her womb.

After this night, he suddenly became somewhat interested in that woman.

She was already pregnant, yet she dared to run away. Did she also not want to be confined here?

He saw in her something he also yearned for freedom.

(7)

Qi Min didn’t rush to see that woman, nor did he order any punishment for her.

To be precise, he hadn’t yet decided how to deal with her.

Madam Lan couldn’t figure out his thoughts about that woman either, but seeing that he no longer seemed to despise her as much as before, she took the initiative to tell him some information. For instance, the woman’s surname was Yu, she had no given name, her family was poor, and she had been sold by her parents.

Qi Min didn’t pay much attention to these details. He was methodically and gradually intensifying the friction between Wei Yan and the Prince of Changxin.

Only occasionally, in the dead of night, after practicing martial arts alone and soaking in the cold pond to relieve the pain from training, would he inexplicably think of that woman’s kiss.

She was his first woman, and he seemed not to be so disgusted by her anymore.

A month later, Qi Min finally inquired about the woman’s recent situation.

His subordinates’ expressions were somewhat peculiar as they simply said she was doing well in all aspects.

Qi Min didn’t understand what “doing well in all aspects” meant, so he went to the courtyard where the woman had lived to take a look. Finally, he understood.

She was always quietly and leisurely doing her things. She complained that the nourishing meals prepared by the kitchen were not tasty, but being pregnant, she didn’t want to be near the smoke and oil of cooking. So she would instruct the kitchen maids on how to cook.

It was as if she wasn’t the same person who had tried to run away with a bundle in the middle of the night.

Hmm, she had become obedient.

Or rather, she was always trying to make herself as comfortable as possible.

After learning that he was the legendary “Eldest Young Master,” she was indeed surprised for a long time but soon calmed down. She immediately admitted her mistakes when she should, and ate every bite of her meals without leaving anything.

Qi Min felt as if he had punched a cotton ball.

However, it was quite interesting.

She was the only person in this mansion who truly didn’t fear him. Even when he sat right across from her, she could still eat and drink with abandon, not taking him seriously at all.

It was this casualness that made Qi Min increasingly enjoy being with her.

She was respectful towards him, yet not entirely so.

She was like a cat that always wanted to bristle its fur but had to suppress its temper, allowing itself to be kneaded and shaped at will.

Sometimes, he even felt that having his firstborn child born to such a woman might not be so hard to accept after all.

Because of the tranquility and peace he received from her, even the humiliation and hatred from being drugged before were slowly fading away.

However, he soon tasted the flavor of betrayal.

That woman had escaped.

She took all the gold, silver, and jewelry he had bestowed upon her, along with her maid and a guard from Prince Changxin’s mansion who often ran errands for her, disappearing without a trace.

He sent shadow guards to search for her, but they only discovered that she had left the border with a merchant caravan, heading towards the Western Regions.

Qi Min was furious, grinding his teeth in anger.

For a full five years, he had been using the Zhao family’s connections to search for her beyond the border.

During this time, Madam Lan had indeed urged him to choose a few concubines to his liking.

However, he had already cultivated his power base and was no longer like before, having to listen to Madam Lan’s arrangements in everything.

How could he allow himself to be treated as a puppet again?

Madam Lan hit a brick wall and sensed his growing dissatisfaction with the Zhao family and herself. In the end, she dared not insist any further.

(8)

News of that woman surfaced again in Qingping County.

When Qi Min received Zhao Xun’s message, he almost laughed in anger. He had always thought she was hiding beyond the border, never imagining that the trail she deliberately left years ago was just a ruse. All these years, she had been hiding in Jizhou.

That woman had also borne him a son.

Madam Lan and her son were extremely pleased, but as Qi Min set out for Jizhou, he only listlessly pondered whether to kill or keep that little bastard.

At that time, Sui Yuanqing, disguised as an imperial army collecting grains, was trying to stir up trouble in Jizhou, inciting public anger to help the rebels within and without assisting Prince Changxin in taking over Jizhou.

Upon learning that his runaway concubine had opened a tavern in Qingping County, Sui Yuanqing directly controlled the local magistrate, imprisoning everyone from the tavern before sending word to him.

He saw that woman again on the night of the Qingping County public uprising.

She was secretly brought to his estate by his men.

Only then did he learn that she had given herself a name, Yu Qianqian.

He asked about the whereabouts of his son, but she refused to tell.

Five years had passed when he touched her for the second time, filled with an anger he couldn’t quite explain and a joy of regaining something lost.

He suddenly realized that he didn’t despise the act between men and women that much, at least not with her.

She was tied to his bed for a night, and the next day, news arrived at the villa that Sui Yuanqing had been defeated and his fate was unknown.

Although he had already sent Zhao Xun to secretly investigate her for a long time, she had once perfectly deceived his eyes and escaped, so this time he didn’t plan to take her back directly.

Firstly, the son she had borne him hadn’t been found yet, and secondly, he wanted to know what other forces she had hidden over these years.

So he deliberately left a loophole, creating the illusion that after Sui Yuanqing’s defeat, they must quickly withdraw from Jizhou, giving her a chance to escape.

His men secretly followed her, watching as she hastily sold her tavern at a discount, dismissed the people there, and fled with only a few loyal maids and guards.

She had indeed hidden her son well, entrusting him to an orphaned girl from a butcher’s family in town.

Only after confirming that Yu Qianqian had no more cards up her sleeve did he bring his troops to intercept her at a crucial point on her way to Jiangnan.

Watching the hope in her eyes fade to resigned defeat was quite interesting.

He thought he should punish her so she would learn her lesson and give up any thoughts of escaping again.

Knowing how much she cared for that child, he had his subordinates keep them separated.

Initially, he found her pleasing because she asked nothing of him; she had never intended to take anything from him.

When he was with her, he felt relaxed and safe.

But now, though she still asked nothing of him, he grew increasingly irritable day by day.

Asking nothing of him meant there was nothing about him that could make her stay.

Except for the child. Only that child.

Qi Min despised Yu Bao’er, not only because he was the product of his humiliation when he was drugged like an animal, but also because the boy was healthy, lively, and loved by his mother.

Most importantly, he seemed to occupy all of Yu Qianqian’s love.

He was darkly jealous of his child.

(9)

Soon, he tasted the sweetness of victory.

When he left an empty city in Chongzhou and attacked Lucheng, Yu Qianqian yielded to him for the first time.

Meng Shuyuan’s granddaughter was fighting desperately outside the city. He knew she was buying time. At first, he wanted his shadow guards to capture her alive, as she could be a bargaining chip against the Marquis of Wu’an. But as time dragged on and Lucheng had not fallen, he truly intended to kill her.

It was Yu Qianqian who deliberately created a disturbance to draw him there.

She begged him to spare that Meng girl’s life.

Heaven knows how delighted he was at that moment, but he was also consumed by an inexplicable anger, his chest burning with it.

To her, everyone seemed more important than him.

He suddenly wanted to know what it felt like to be held dear in her heart.

Just thinking about it made his chest feel hot, his whole being filled with joy.

Unfortunately, he never got the chance later.

The plan to take Lucheng still failed. No one had expected Xie Zheng, who had been in Kangcheng all along, to suddenly appear in Lucheng.

Just as seventeen years ago, when his Imperial Consort mother had let him become Sui Yuanhuai to keep him alive.

With one move of the cicada shedding its shell, he ended his identity as the son of a rebel.

He took her to hide in a place the Li family had arranged long ago, successfully evading the Marquis of Wu’an’s repeated searches.

During this time, an incident occurred that made Qi Min extremely angry—Zhao Xun had betrayed him.

He thought he should have dealt with Madam Lan and her son earlier. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been momentarily powerless against the Zhao family after Zhao Xun found the Marquis of Wu’an as his backer.

All he had done in earlier years to break the alliance between the puppet emperor and the Li family had ultimately benefited the Marquis of Wu’an.

Although the Zhao family were merchants, they indeed had some capabilities, even managing to establish connections with the chief eunuch on the puppet emperor’s side.

As imperial power declined, those eunuchs serving in the palace all sought to secure an extra path for themselves.

The Zhao family had obtained some information years ago. For instance, the girl sent into the palace by the Li family hadn’t conceived for several years. After Wei Yan had stripped away his power, the puppet emperor, though outwardly relying on the Li family, was also wary of them in private.

The puppet emperor also feared that the Li family might become a second Wei family in the future.

Qi Min had once self-mockingly thought that the predicament of that puppet emperor on the dragon throne was quite similar to his own.

They both dared not have their offspring, fearing they would be easily replaced.

What could destroy the alliance between the puppet emperor and the Li family were the dozen or so urgent reports about severe droughts and floods in Guanzhong and Jiangnan, held by the chief eunuch.

Those responsible for disaster relief were Wei Yan’s subordinates, with inspectors from the Li faction accompanying them. Lower-level officials embezzled funds, and the Li faction’s inspectors did nothing, even helping to cover up the extent of the disaster.

This had been planned from the beginning by the puppet emperor and the Li family. By letting more people die in this great disaster, they could then blame Wei Yan, cutting off another of his arms.

However, Li Taifu was cautious, fearing that when the puppet emperor gained power in the future, he might turn around and accuse the Li family of negligent inspection. So he wrote over a dozen urgent reports and sent them to the capital.

The chief eunuch was shrewd and of course, knew that the emperor didn’t want to see those urgent reports. If he saw them, either the original plan couldn’t continue, or the emperor would have to swallow this loss from the Li family and bear the stain of failing in his imperial virtue. In that case, the chief eunuch’s position would be at its end.

So the chief eunuch could only risk his life, temporarily acting as an intermediary and withholding all the urgent reports.

Obtaining those urgent reports meant obtaining evidence of the emperor’s failure in virtue, as well as a vital weakness of the Li family.

Qi Min had always wanted this evidence in the chief eunuch’s hands, but in the end, it was presented to Xie Zheng by Zhao Xun.

As a result, when Madam Lan later died under the swords of the Blood Robes to protect him, he couldn’t muster even a ripple of emotion in his heart.

Her loyalty was not to him, but only to this bloodline of the Crown Prince of Chengde.

Qi Min even mockingly thought that if Yu Bao’er wasn’t in Xie Zheng’s hands, Madam Lan probably wouldn’t have risked her life to keep him safe.

In that assassination attempt in the ruined temple, he also killed Sui Yuanqing.

Sui Yuanqing hated him to his dying breath. He could have revealed the whole truth of those years, could have told him what despicable things Prince Changxin Sui Tuo and Wei Yan had done together, could have told him that his mother, for him to survive, had burned herself to death in the Eastern Palace, suffering no less than the truly deceased Princess Consort of Changxin and her son.

But he said nothing, reluctant to give this answer.

If he had told the truth, he would have seemed like a pitiful worm who had been lurking in Prince Changxin’s mansion for so long just for revenge.

Wasn’t it more satisfying to let Sui Yuanqing die with a belly full of hatred and grievance?

(10)

After clashing with the Blood Robes, Qi Min schemed and finally managed to snatch Yu Qianqian back, but unfortunately failed to kill Yu Bao’er, who had fallen into Xie Zheng’s hands.

Yu Qianqian was severely injured. He flew into a rage and ordered the shadow guards who had hurt Yu Qianqian to go and receive punishment.

Yu Qianqian was unprecedentedly cold towards him. She still couldn’t understand why he insisted on killing her child.

She acted stubborn, refusing to take medicine or treat her wounds, seemingly knowing that he no longer had Yu Bao’er in his hands and couldn’t do anything to her.

It was then that Qi Min suddenly realized Yu Qianqian had no attachment to this world.

Except for the people she cared about, she despised everything here.

When she refused to cooperate with treatment, he would touch her.

Between the two of them, she was the one who truly despised intimacy.

Under his coercion, she finally agreed to take medicine and treat her wounds. At those times, she would always calmly tell him, “You won’t let me die, but one day, I will kill you.”

Qi Min remembered that the sun was particularly nice that day. He sat by the bed holding the medicine bowl, his usually cold, pale fingertips warmed by the sunlight, actually feeling a bit of warmth.

He smiled and answered, “Everyone dies eventually. Dying by your hand seems not bad compared to dying at the hands of others.”

He stirred the spoon and chatted casually with her, “When the time comes, make me a soup and put poison in it.”

At that time, Yu Qianqian only looked at him as if he were mad.

Later, she did come to send him off with a soup she had made.

(11)

The failure of the palace coup didn’t hit Qi Min very hard.

When the dust truly settled, he felt a sense of relief and satisfaction in his heart.

His life had been too tiring. As a child, he had to burn half his face and body, watching his Imperial Consort mother perish in the flames, just to steal a few decades of precarious survival.

For over ten years, he endured phantom pains of burning, walking on thin ice every day… He often felt that this was no different from being dead.

But he dared not mention death, nor show even a hint of weakness in front of anyone.

He was the descendant of the Crown Prince of Chengde, meant to reclaim the throne in the future. An heir apparent must have the dignity of an heir apparent, how could he show weakness in front of others?

He also couldn’t die. His Imperial Consort mother had traded her life for this slim chance of survival for him. He had to drag his enemies one by one into hell and seize back that dragon throne in the capital.

Now, he was finally free.

The arrow wound in his chest tormented him. Though he knew Xie Zheng was deliberately keeping him alive, he never thought of ending it himself. He wanted to see Yu Qianqian one last time.

They had made a promise. He had to drink the soup she made before he could go.

When she came, she asked about old matters on behalf of others, and he answered. He also drank the soup she made.

He wanted to ask her who she was, but she avoided answering.

After realizing that she had never had even a shred of true feelings for him, he didn’t understand why he suddenly felt such overwhelming grievance and anger.

He was about to die, yet she wouldn’t even pretend to deceive him!

When his hatred reached its peak, he even thought of taking her along with him.

This was what she owed him!

But he was ultimately too weak. He couldn’t harm her at all.

Later, when she crouched in front of him and calmly told him he didn’t deserve to be liked, he vaguely felt sad.

He wanted to say that his Imperial Consort mother had left too early, that his entire childhood and youth had been spent in pain. The people around him respected and feared him, and what they talked about most was revenge. No one had taught him what it meant to like someone, nor had anyone taught him to be considerate of others.

Of course, he couldn’t keep a child who would compete with him for the throne and even threaten his life.

He had lived like a rat in the gutter for so many years, always on edge. He couldn’t become the upright person she spoke of.

In this world, indeed, no one except his Imperial Consort mother had ever truly cared for him.

She seemed to be stunned for a moment when she saw the tears in his eyes, then left without looking back.

Qi Min lay alone in the vast hall, feeling the poison slowly corroding his internal organs, large amounts of fresh blood spilling from the corners of his mouth.

Perhaps because he had endured the pain of being burned as a child, and had been tormented by phantom pains for years, he didn’t feel much discomfort as the poison coursed through his body, slowly consuming his life.

His consciousness was hazy, his body feeling as if it was falling into endless darkness, dragging him into a dream from which he would never wake.

Just like when he had nearly drowned in that cold pond.

Only this time, there was no warm hand to pull him up.

His eyes stung, and there was a terrible emptiness in his chest.

In his daze, he heard her voice from outside the hall.

“Changyu, I have a secret.”

“I came here from a place very, very far away, and I can never go back.”

Her voice was deep. It wasn’t clear if she was speaking to someone outside or using the opportunity to tell him: “From now on, it would take thousands of years of walking to return there.”

The emptiness in his chest didn’t feel as painful anymore.

Qi Min’s blood-stained lips twitched with difficulty, and his already unfocused eyes slowly closed.

He had gotten the answer he wanted.

This was an unnecessary chapter, IMO. Going into detail from Qi Min’s side, it isn’t believable that he was able to do the things he did. His mother never even instructed him on her intentions (I always assumed he knew) and I don’t see how he could have found out about the Sui involvement in his father’s death. It was well hidden and he was an innocent kid dealing with a terrible injury. He said that only the shadow guard listened to him unquestioningly, what about the other guards? How did he even have all those guards and the Sui family never knew? Don’t they have their own shadow guards?

A world of political plots and intrigues, misunderstandings, etc. This chapter gives an account from Qi Min’s perspective; despite the son of a crown prince and a future crown prince of Great Yin…from young devoid of love, guidance and mentor(s) growing up; with his violent tantrums and misguided actions –– I could probably sympathise up to a small extent.

There are choice(s) to any path in life for those birth in wealth and power; entitlement and that ‘everyone owes them’ seems to be the mindset of the majority.
If he was to be emperor he will not be a benevolent one because of a warped sense of ‘justice and entitlement’.
Perhaps, a saving grace (even a brief few moments in his life), Qi Min chanced some warmth in his heart for Yu Qianqian, willing to die by her hands.
Still, good riddance to some bad rubbish.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: Li Huai’an’s Chapter

In the early months of the 18th year of Yonghe, the Li and Wei factions’ attempted rebellion failed, and all involved were brought to justice. Those sentenced to immediate execution were temporarily held in the Imperial Prison for autumn beheading, while those sentenced to exile were escorted by officials to their designated locations in early March.

The Li family’s crime of treason was severe, implicating nine branches of their clan, including various intertwined marital relationships. This truly encompassed half the court and many retired scholars. The new Emperor, to demonstrate benevolence, granted a general amnesty. Ultimately, only three branches of the treasonous Li and Wei families were executed: direct blood relatives, maternal relatives, and paternal relatives. Those beyond the third branch but within the ninth were all exiled three thousand li.

Li Huai’an, the grandson of Grand Tutor Li, fell within the fifth branch. After being captured by Xie Zheng in Jizhou, he was continuously imprisoned and tortured. Though appearing to be a frail scholar, he remained tight-lipped. Even when Gong Sun Yin personally interrogated him, nothing was revealed.

At that time, he lay wounded on a straw pile in the prison cell. Due to the severe winter cold, his breath formed white mists. Facing Gong Sun Yin, who came to persuade him, he only smiled bitterly: “Sir, your reputation precedes you. Huai’an has long heard of it, but never imagined our first meeting would be under such circumstances.”

“The Li family’s crime is unforgivable. Everyone can curse the Li family, and everyone can push this crumbling wall of the Li family, but Huai’an cannot. Huai’an has received the family’s grace and protection for over twenty years. As the Li family’s great house is about to fall, Huai’an can be crushed under the collapsing nest, but cannot be the force that causes its collapse. Huai’an knows he is a sinner and is willing to descend into the Avici Hell after death. I hope sir… will grant this.”

Gong Sun Yin looked at the man in a blue robe covered with chaotic bloodstains and slowly said, “The Li family has abandoned you. Is it worth it?”

Li Huai’an smiled faintly and replied, “Twenty years of nurturing grace is enough.”

He was determined to die, and his body was not as sturdy as those trained in martial arts. Eventually, they could no longer torture him for information. After the Li family was convicted, he was transferred to the prison of the Court of Judicial Review.

That spring, shortly after the Emperor’s ascension, Li Huai’an, along with other Li family members beyond the third branch, embarked on the path of exile.

A group of people born into silk and jade suddenly found themselves stripped of everything and imprisoned. They thought the sky had fallen when their properties were confiscated and they were thrown into the Imperial Prison. But when they truly set foot on the path of exile, they realized that the world held far greater hardships, and what they had endured before was nothing in comparison.

The officials were strict, with rigorous daily travel plans. Those who lagged were whipped. The whip, made of some unknown leather, gleaned from years of use. One lash could raise a swollen mark across half the back, taking days to heal.

In prison, bribing the jailers with some silver could still get them a decent meal. But on the exile route, conditions were limited. Most of their money had been squeezed dry by the jailers, leaving little to curry favor with the escorting officials. Their daily food consisted of hard, barely chewable black cornbread, and often not enough to satisfy hunger.

After just a few days, the exiled Li clan members had all lost weight, their faces haggard and appearances withered, no longer resembling their former golden and jade-like selves.

Young children couldn’t walk long distances and had to be carried in turns by adults. With shoes worn out and no replacements, days of continuous travel left Li Huai’an with several blisters on his feet, not to mention the female family members.

He watched helplessly as several young nephews fell ill one after another. He couldn’t produce a single copper coin, and when he tried to persuade clan members who might still have some money to gather funds for medicine for the children, he was met with only a chorus of pitiful cries and curses.

Grand Tutor Li’s children had all been sentenced to autumn beheading. Li Huai’an, as the eldest grandson of the Li family, became the only direct descendant. All the implicated collateral branches and relatives beyond the fifth branch, who once depended on the Li family like a great tree, now found that tree uprooted. Faced with the outcome of property confiscation and exile, they all cursed and resented the Li family.

When Li Huai’an knelt and kowtowed, begging his clan relatives to pool money to save his nephews with high fevers, he was spat upon and beaten by those who harbored resentment towards the main Li family branch. If the officials hadn’t intervened in time, Li Huai’an might have been too injured to walk for days.

On that chilly spring night, he wrapped his only warm, tattered coat around his feverish, delirious nephew for warmth. Holding his nephew, he leaned against the dilapidated door of the relay station, gazing absently at the pitch-black night sky through the door cracks.

The young nephew, curled up in his arms, cheeks burning red with fever, kept saying he was cold. Li Huai’an futilely tightened the tattered coat around his nephew. His face and lips had turned blue-white from the cold, and under his thin clothes, one could see his protruding shoulder blades, as gaunt as a dying bamboo. He gently patted his nephew’s back, softly comforting him.

The child weakly opened his eyes and asked, “What are you looking at, Uncle?”

Li Huai’an, his voice hoarse, replied, “I’m looking at the Li family’s sins.”

The child’s voice was as weak as a dying kitten, his eyelids slowly closing: “What’s that?”

Li Huai’an felt a bitter ache in his heart and throat. Looking at the night sky, he said desolately, “The Li family has done many wrong things, causing the deaths of many innocent people. Uncle is wondering if those ordinary people who suffered because of the Li family felt this helpless and desperate when facing separation and death…”

He couldn’t continue. Looking down, he found that the nephew in his arms had already breathed his last. Finally unable to suppress the sorrow in his heart, he buried his face against his nephew’s body and let out a choked sob.

“It should have been me who died… It should have been me who suffered retribution…”

That night, muffled, intermittent sobs could be heard from the firewood shed of the relay station.

After his young nephew’s death, Li Huai’an fell seriously ill. He truly became emaciated, his eyes lifeless, no longer bearing any resemblance to the once elegant and noble young master of the Li family.

The officials escorting this group of exiled criminals all thought he wouldn’t survive, but Li Huai’an stubbornly lived on, even making it to Suzhou.

He became taciturn, rarely speaking to anyone throughout the day. However, he quietly did many things. The exiled criminals barely had enough food for themselves, and to avoid hunger, everyone had to split a single cornbread into two halves, keeping one half in their clothes to eat when they became unbearably hungry.

On the exile route, when he encountered beggars, he often gave away even half of the cornbread he could barely afford to eat. Occasionally, when he met someone brave enough to speak to him, he would teach them a few characters and even help name some beggars.

The escorting officials and other exiled criminals saw him as a joke, thinking he was like a clay Buddha crossing a river – unable to save himself, yet still concerned about others. Li Huai’an never explained himself, just stubbornly continuing these acts.

When clan relatives saw that he always saved half a cornbread to give to beggars they might encounter in the next place, they simply robbed him of it. He was beaten, and while washing the blood from his face by the river, the guard watching him, unable to stand his calm demeanor, taunted him: “Young Master Li, you’ve fallen so low yourself, who are you trying to impress with this false benevolence? Wasn’t it your Li family who caused the great drought in Guanzhong, the flood disaster in Jiangnan, and the bloody incident in Lucheng where you colluded with rebels?”

The sound of flowing water was constant. Li Huai’an looked at his blurred reflection in the water, his dirty hair hanging down, hiding the slightly bitter expression on his face: “The official is right. The Li family’s crimes involve the lives of thousands upon thousands of common people, impossible to atone for. But this criminal feels guilty in his heart. Rather than dying and being done with it, I’d rather do something for the common people betrayed by the Li family, to repay our sins.”

Hearing these words, the guard was first stunned, then let out a scornful laugh.

But Li Huai’an always remained indifferent to such mockery, silently doing his things. At first, the guards and fellow exiles treated him as a source of amusement, but later, perhaps finding his reactions uninteresting, they couldn’t be bothered to provoke him with such words anymore.

The journey of exile was harsh. Li Huai’an’s cloth shoes were completely unwearable less than two months after leaving the capital. He learned to weave straw sandals from an old man who did odd jobs at a relay station. Those feet, once accustomed to brocade boots, after developing blisters and layer upon layer of thick calluses, no longer felt the prick of straw sandals.

Those hands that once held brushes for painting and writing had long since become rough and chapped beyond recognition.

Along the way, he wove straw sandals for many of his fellow clan members.

But when the Li clan members finally arrived in Suzhou in December of that year, out of the hundreds who had set out, only a pitiful few had survived.

This was the meaning of “the death penalty can be avoided, but the living punishment is inescapable” in exile.

Suzhou, located in the northwest border region, was desolate and bitterly cold. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but desert, with cities built of yellow earth only where water sources were available.

The city was mostly populated by border troops and exiled criminals, with very few local people willing to settle in this harsh land.

With the new Emperor’s ascension, the Marquis of Wu’an, who had been guarding the frontier, returned to the capital to assist the young Emperor as regent. The barbarian tribes beyond the border began to stir again.

After several raids by the barbarians, the commander of the Suzhou border town ordered the strengthening of the city’s defenses. Li Huai’an and the newly arrived batch of exiled criminals were sent to repair the city walls.

Li Huai’an, a frail scholar, unable to lift or carry heavy loads, suffered a severe beating on his first day, leaving his back covered in whip marks. The next day, he was still forced to go repair the city defenses.

His thin back couldn’t bear the weight of those heavy bricks and stones. When he accidentally fell and damaged a brick, the supervising military officer was furious. Whips rained down on him, the struck areas feeling as if stung by poisonous scorpions, burning with pain.

Many times, Li Huai’an thought he would be beaten to death there, but he couldn’t summon even a bit of resentment in his heart.

On that cold night when his nephew died of illness, he suddenly understood how helpless those ordinary people must have felt when their families were torn apart and their lives ruined by the Li family’s schemes.

Many of life’s hardships can only be truly understood once personally experienced.

The hardship and exhaustion of repairing city walls was nothing compared to dying under chaotic blades and horse hooves when a city falls.

Yet even in such a hell on earth as war, the Li family had once manipulated.

Years ago, Li Huai’an had gone to the front lines as a supervising official. He had seen those tragic scenes and felt compassion and wavered in his heart. But when he recalled his grandfather saying that overthrowing Wei Yan was for the betterment of more common people’s lives, he again became a cold observer.

Now, as he laid each brick and stone himself, he finally understood the hardships and struggles experienced by those commoners and soldiers who had been coldly sacrificed by the Li family.

He also understood the anger of Fan Changyu and Xie Zheng when they learned that everything had been orchestrated by the Li family.

One came from the lowest level of society, the other had joined the military in his youth. No one understood better than them what kind of life the common people and soldiers at the bottom lived.

The Li family’s schemes so easily destroyed countless families struggling to survive. The more Li Huai’an understood this, the heavier the mountain of sin weighed upon him. He had awakened too late. Dying here would not ease even a fraction of the guilt in his heart, but it seemed his best end. Yet he ultimately did not die.

The young commander of the city, learning that he was Grand Tutor Li’s grandson, though still treating him harshly, assigned him to organize the registers of exiled criminals and lower-ranking soldiers, given that literate persons in the entire border city, could be counted on one hand.

The rough-looking, ill-tempered small leader said, “You better organize these registers properly for me. Anyone under my command, be it soldier or criminal, as long as they die on the city walls when the barbarians come, deserves to have their name remembered!”

After experiencing the hardships of exile, Li Huai’an thought his heart would never be moved again. Yet these words from the small leader sent a surge of bitterness and respect from his chest to his throat. He bowed solemnly to the small leader, his eyes moistening as he lowered his head, “This criminal will not fail the task.”

It was guilt. The battle of Lucheng, the Li family’s scheme, had killed countless such generals and soldiers.

In the early spring of the second year of Yongxing, the border city of Suzhou faced an enemy attack. It was Li Huai’an’s first time directly facing the cold blades and fierce roars of the barbarians. He was truly paralyzed with fear, standing woodenly on the city wall, unable to flee or raise a weapon, despite the small leader’s throat-tearing shouts. The exiled people with him were equally immobile.

Blood splattered everywhere like rain. People alive one moment became corpses under the blade the next. The unfinished city defenses couldn’t withstand the barbarians’ fierce assault. The hot-tempered small leader, seeing the small city of yellow earth on the frontier couldn’t be held, roared for the soldiers below to hold the line while the rest escorted civilians to retreat to Suzhou city proper.

The final assault was repelled because Suzhou reinforcements arrived in time. The barbarians, after taking the small border city, didn’t linger long, retreating after looting some money and food.

But the small leader who defended the city died on the city wall. The soldiers who had whipped Li Huai’an during the wall construction also fell at the city gate. Many soldiers, known and unknown to Li Huai’an, gave their lives to buy time for Suzhou reinforcements to arrive.

Since the night his nephew died of illness on the exile journey, this was the second time Li Huai’an wept uncontrollably. This time not for blood relatives, but for the loyal bones scattered on the ground.

He felt not only guilt but also unprecedented regret for his past actions. How could the peace maintained at the cost of countless soldiers’ lives be jeopardized by internal strife at court?

In this battle, he was crippled in one leg by the barbarians but managed to save an infant for a civilian woman. The woman died under the barbarians’ blades, only telling him before her death that the child’s father was in the army, surnamed Cheng.

Later, when the reinforcements arrived, Li Huai’an, protecting the child, barely survived. When searching for the child’s father in the army, he learned that the father had also died on the city wall. The child became an orphan. Li Huai’an adopted the child, naming him Cheng Lang.

Lang, meaning beautiful jade stone. It is said that a gentleman is like jade, and he hoped the child would grow up to be a true gentleman.

The Northern Xue became increasingly restless. That year, not only Suzhou but also Jinzhou and Yanzhou were frequently disturbed. In autumn, Tang Peiyi took command to suppress the increasingly rampant foreign tribes, while Fan Changyu, now a great general, followed with supplies.

Hearing news of Fan Changyu again, Li Huai’an felt a sense of being in a different world. Learning that she and Xie Zheng had married, Li Huai’an felt a slight bitterness in his heart, followed by acceptance. In this world, besides the Marquis of Wu’an, he indeed couldn’t think of a second person worthy of her great talent. Those two, entangled by fate since birth, were truly a match made in heaven.

In the small border city of Suzhou, he helped the new city commander organize documents and strategize on how to build city defenses. Because his words were substantial and his knowledge broad, despite still being a criminal, the small leader made an exception and promoted him to a minor official. Seeing his leg was not good, he was no longer made to do the hard labor of repairing city walls.

But after thanking for the grace, Li Huai’an still went to the city gate every day without fail to move bricks or assist the craftsmen. Only when both body and mind were exhausted did he feel somewhat at peace, feeling that he was atoning for his sins.

In the years that followed, he stayed in that small border city, seeing off one small commander after another who was transferred there. The commanders benefited greatly from his assistance, and before leaving, they all wanted to take him away from this frontier land, keeping him as a long-term advisor. But Li Huai’an always politely refused. He said he was a criminal, and he came here to atone for his sins.

Later, when the war ended, that female general who had single-handedly supported the northwest for years, repelling countless attacks from the Northern Xue until they dared not invade at the sight of her command flag, was finally granted a marquis title for her military achievements.

With the border city no longer at war and the defenses fully built, Li Huai’an started a private school in his humble farmyard, teaching local children to read and write without charging tuition.

That female Marquis and her husband retreated from the turbulent court, returning to the northwest to jointly guard this great pass of the Great Yin.

Although Suzhou and Huizhou were only a few hundred li apart, Li Huai’an never saw those two again. He felt unworthy to face old acquaintances.

But he heard many stories about those two. The female Marquis gave birth to twins in the sixth year of Yongxing, naming the eldest daughter Xie Congyun, and the son Meng Xingchuan. The bloodlines of the two loyal families wrongly killed in the Jinzhou case would be passed down forever.

Li Huai’an also heard that they adopted many orphans of soldiers. Those who knew their original family names kept them, while others were given the surnames Xie, Fan, or Meng, all raised as if they were their children.

Sixteen years of wind, frost, rain, and snow passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Huai’an had just reached his fortieth year but was already plagued by serious illness, his temples as white as a sixty-year-old man’s.

After days of heavy snow, he caught a cold in winter and had been bedridden for half a month without improvement.

The child he had adopted years ago had now come of age.

As Cheng Lang brought water to wipe his face, he calmly and weakly instructed about his last wishes: “After I’m gone, there’s no need to arrange a funeral for me. Just bury me simply on the back mountain.”

Cheng Lang’s eyes stung, but he pretended to be unaffected: “Sir, what nonsense are you talking? It’s just a cold, you’ll be fine after a few more doses of medicine.”

Li Huai’an wouldn’t let Cheng Lang call him adoptive father. He said he was a criminal, and the reason he was still alive was to atone for his sins. He only let Cheng Lang call him sir.

“I know my own body… cough cough…” Before he could finish speaking, he started coughing violently. His figure was thin and hunched, like a candle about to be extinguished by the cold wind on a winter night.

Cheng Lang patted his back to help him breathe, holding back his reddening eyes: “This spring, many children in the city still want to come here to start their education with you, sir. You’ll be healthy and will get better soon!”

As if afraid Li Huai’an would give more last instructions, he continued: “Today, the city lord’s mansion received two distinguished guests. One of them, though a woman, was addressed as ‘Young Marquis’ by Lord Liu, which is quite unusual. They must be from the Xie family of Huizhou. The young lady heard from Lord Liu about how you’ve been teaching in the neighborhood without charging tuition for over a decade, and she said she’d like to come see you someday…”

As Cheng Lang continued chattering about what he had seen at the city lord’s mansion, Li Huai’an could no longer hear clearly.

Exiled to this harsh land for twenty years, he had never seen old acquaintances again. Now, with his time running short, the children of old friends had come here.

Amidst his guilt and remorse, he suddenly felt a surge of sorrow and tears.

Just then, there was a knock at the courtyard door.

“Is Teacher Li at home?”

Cheng Lang put down the towel in his hand and looked outside: “I’ll go open the door.”

When the courtyard door opened, there were people from the city lord’s mansion and a group of young men and women standing outside. At the forefront were the pair of twins Cheng Lang had met earlier at the city lord’s mansion, the two distinguished guests.

Though they were twins, their appearances and temperaments were quite different.

One wore a crimson riding outfit, with almond eyes and a delicate nose, radiant as the proud sun. The other wore a black outfit, appearing reserved and mature beyond his years.

Although Cheng Lang worked at the city lord’s mansion, he had never seen such noble figures before and didn’t know how to receive them.

The young master from the city lord’s mansion quickly said, “Brother Cheng, after you left early today, the two Young Marquises heard that the teacher was seriously ill, so they came especially to visit him.”

The girl in crimson immediately cupped her hands in salute: “We apologize for not notifying you in advance of our visit.”

Cheng Lang repeatedly said it was no trouble and led them into the courtyard.

Li Huai’an had already heard the commotion outside. When Cheng Lang led the two into the room, he saw the radiant young lady in red and was stunned for a long while.

She truly looked as if she had been cut from the same mold as that female Marquis from many years ago.

The young lady and young man bowed to Li Huai’an: “We apologize for disturbing you, sir.”

But Li Huai’an just looked at them and smiled. As he smiled, tears welled up in his already cloudy eyes, and he said, “I can’t fully atone for the Li family’s sins…”

The young lady seemed to know who he was and said, “The calamity of those years was not caused by your efforts alone, sir. You have stayed in this place for over twenty years, going to the city gate to supervise and strategize whenever there was war, working tirelessly for years to seek trade routes for the city’s people, and teaching countless poor students to read and write. Your achievements, though they cannot erase the Li family’s past mistakes, allow you to be at peace with your conscience.”

Li Huai’an looked at the young man in black standing beside the young lady.

The young man’s features also strongly resembled those of the Martial Marquis who had intimidated the Northern Xue for over twenty years. He nodded slightly to Li Huai’an.

Li Huai’an seemed to see old acquaintances through them. His eyes were still filled with tears, but he smiled again, a smile of relieved liberation.

That night, this old man who had spent half his life atoning for sins left the world with a smile on his face.

His last wishes were followed, and everything was kept simple. The local people, knowing of his lifelong repentance and remorse, did not praise his virtues. Only those students who had been educated by him each planted a peach or plum tree on the back mountain where he was buried.

The following spring, the entire mountain bloomed with peach and plum blossoms.

This is a redemption story I can get behind. I always wondered what happened to him, and him being able to understand his family’s crimes and atone is great. I don’t think it’s correct that he’s in the fifth branch and wouldn’t be executed – how is a grandson not direct blood? Besides, he was personally involved in carrying things out. But whatever, the author probably just wanted to write about his repentance.

I was actually secretly rooting for Changyu and Li Huaian, despite his family scheming and everything. It wasn’t really a sad ending but… well I guess he will be reincarnated in another good family.

… Only those students who had been educated by him each planted a peach or plum tree on the back mountain where he was buried.
The following spring, the entire mountain bloomed with peach and plum blossoms.
May you Rest in Peace, Li Huai’an.

“For every child ‘saved’ is a generation saved” highlights that rescuing, educating and/or nurturing a single child has a compound effect, positively influencing their future family, community and the legacy they pass on.
Investing in children shapes future societal values, breaks cycles of negativity, and creates lasting change.
Humanitarian, educational and religious contexts emphasise that early intervention and care for children provide the highest return for the future of humanity.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: Wei Yan’s Chapter

In early spring, the air was still cold, and ice and snow just melting away.

In the inky darkness of night, a faint light still flickered in the study of the Wei residence. The steward knocked on the door and reported from outside, “Lord Minister, the young master is having nightmares again, crying inconsolably…”

Inside the study, an air of desolation prevailed. A bronze crane candle holder stood beside the huanghuali wood desk, its copper plate atop the crane’s head covered in mottled wax tears. The half-melted candle cast a dim yellow glow. Wei Yan sat behind the desk, his lean jawline appearing harsh even in the warm candlelight.

He seemed to be reading but looked up from his book at the sound. Turning slightly, he gazed at the small stub of a candle in the bronze crane holder, lost in thought for a moment before coldly asking, “What are the servants doing? Can’t they even comfort a child?”

The steward hesitated before replying, “The young master cried for Miss, then remembered she had gone with her husband. Then he cried for his uncle… That’s why this old servant dared to come and find you, Lord Minister.”

At the word “uncle,” a flash of anguish crossed Wei Yan’s face. He closed his eyes to compose himself for a long moment before standing to open the study door, his face now devoid of emotion. “I’ll go see him.”

The Great Protector General Xie Linshan and the Crown Prince of Chengde had died in battle at Jinzhou. Unable to bear the fact of her husband’s death, Madam Xie had recently chosen to “join him in death,” entrusting her four-year-old son to her brother, Wei Yan.

The young master of the Xie family had been brought to the Wei residence and was staying in the Linxuan Pavilion.

As soon as Wei Yan stepped into the courtyard, he heard the child’s cries from within: “Uncle… I want Uncle…”

The voice was intermittent and hoarse, like a wounded young beast.

Hearing these cries, the steward’s eyes flashed with sorrow and pity.

Wei Yan’s face remained cold, his profile bathed in the chill moonlight as if covered in frost.

He pushed open the door. Inside, the small child saw him and stopped crying, reaching out to him dependently: “Uncle…”

The nursemaids comforting him all bowed to Wei Yan: “Lord Minister.”

They kept their heads lowered, appearing anxious and rushed, as if fearing Wei Yan would blame them for failing to care for the young master properly.

Wei Yan coldly looked at his nephew, whose eyes were swollen from crying, and immediately issued a stern rebuke: “A proper man, what are you crying for?”

Little Xie Zheng seemed startled by his harsh words. He withdrew his outstretched hands and clutched his quilt uncertainly. His large black eyes, brimming with tears, stared at the frost-faced young man before him. His lips were pressed tightly together, not daring to cry out, but large teardrops still fell uncontrollably, leaving wet marks on the quilt.

Fearing Wei Yan’s scolding, he quickly lowered his head and wiped his eyes with his small, lotus-root-like arms.

Father was dead, Mother had abandoned him, and now his formerly kind uncle no longer liked him…

One of the nursemaids looking after Little Xie Zheng felt pity and softly said, “The young master had a nightmare…”

Wei Yan shot her a cold glance, and she immediately fell silent, lowering her head and not daring to speak further.

He issued a frigid command: “Replace all the servants in Linxuan Pavilion with male attendants. This child, raised by women’s hands, will never amount to anything great.”

The nursemaids in the room immediately knelt and begged for mercy. Little Xie Zheng, realizing what was happening, forgot his fear and clutched Wei Yan’s sleeve, sobbing: “Uncle… don’t send the nursemaids away. Zheng won’t cry anymore…”

Wei Yan looked down at his nephew, his gaze cold as ice: “You cry for half the night over a mere nightmare. How will you avenge your father, who was disemboweled and hung on the city walls by the Beixi? The Xie family doesn’t produce cowards, nor does the Wei family!”

That piercing gaze stabbed at the young child: “If you remain this weak all your life, relying on your father’s military achievements, the court might as well keep you like a pig or a dog. You’ll live a life free from worry.”

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The steward frowned at these words. He looked at Wei Yan’s retreating, then at the stunned child sitting on the bed, seemingly dumbfounded by Wei Yan’s harsh words. He sighed softly and said to Little Xie Zheng, “Young Master, please don’t take it to heart. The Lord Minister… he’s just upset because Miss has recently passed. He hopes you’ll grow up quickly, march north to reclaim Jinzhou and avenge General Xie.”

The four-year-old child lowered his head, his thin shoulders shaking with sobs. He looked like a bow made of tender branches, unable to bear the sudden weight placed upon it.

“Uncle… hates me…” His voice was childish yet hoarse as if weeping blood: “If I hadn’t gone out to eat osmanthus cakes if I hadn’t left Mother… Mother wouldn’t have been alone in her room to take her own life…”

He choked with sobs: “I didn’t take care of Mother… Uncle hates me…”

The steward’s expression grew more complex. He tried to comfort the child: “Miss chose her path. It’s not your fault, Young Master. The Lord Minister… doesn’t blame you either.”

Little Xie Zheng just shook his head, turning away to curl up on the bed, his small figure looking heartbreakingly fragile.

The steward sighed, tucked in the blanket around him, and left the room with heavy steps.

At the end of the covered walkway, a solitary figure stood with hands clasped behind his back, cutting a lonely silhouette in the cold wind.

The steward approached and said, “The young master is still very young. Your harshness only serves to hurt him. He’s been blaming himself for not watching over Miss that day, thinking… you hate him for it…”

Wei Yan watched the bamboo shadows swaying in the night breeze and coldly replied, “Then let him think so.”

The steward’s expression turned bitter: “Why do you torment yourself like this?”

The lantern under the walkway swayed in the cold wind, casting a dim, flickering yellow light. Wei Yan’s dark robes billowed like sails, accentuating his tall, lean figure. He spoke slowly: “The imperial court is a murky pond, full of pitfalls and hidden currents. If he were to live as a mere nobleman, I could indulge him. But he must go to the battlefield and enter the court. If I don’t harden him, I’d be sending him to be slaughtered by others.”

“Wei Quan, if he’s not ruthless, he’ll never sit in my position.”

“Even if I were to hand it to him, would others be so accommodating?”

The steward understood his master’s good intentions and fell silent. After a long while, he said dejectedly, “Will you let the young master resent you like this?”

Wei Yan gave a faint smile: “It’s better if he hates and resents me.”

The steward looked at Wei Yan, startled.

He heard him say very softly: “One day, he will discover those matters.”

Those grave crimes pinned on him by the late emperor, which he could never erase no matter how hard he tried for the rest of his life.

The steward thought of Wei Wan’s death, and his eyes darkened further.

Miss had died resenting the Lord Minister, believing him to be the mastermind behind General Xie and the Crown Prince’s deaths…

At the fourth watch of the night, a strong wind arose, causing the improperly closed window to bang against its frame. The child on the bed seemed to have fallen into another nightmare, unconsciously clutching at his quilt and mumbling, calling for “Father” and “Mother.”

The man who had been sitting in the corner armchair for who knows how long stood up walked to the window and closed it. Then, by the faint light of an oil lamp outside the canopy bed, he silently watched the child on the bed, whose forehead was covered in cold sweat.

He took a handkerchief, seemingly intending to wipe the sweat from the child’s brow, but the boy let out a short, sharp cry and suddenly sat up, gasping for air.

Wei Yan put the hand holding the handkerchief behind his back and stood by the bed, still looking at his nephew, who was drenched in a cold sweat and seemed as if he had just been pulled from the water, with an icy expression.

The small child looked at him and opened his mouth as if to call out to him, but seeing his expression fell silent again.

The look in his eyes towards Wei Yan now held a confused wariness and awe, no longer the dependence of before.

Like a young beast that had been driven away.

Wei Yan spoke in a hard voice: “I’ve found a martial arts master for you. Tomorrow, you’ll start training at the Jingwu Academy.”

As he stepped out of the room, a personal guard waiting outside handed him a cloak to put on and asked in a low voice, “Lord Minister, you’ve been watching over the young master for half the night without rest. Would you like to return to your chambers for a while?”

Wei Yan looked at the sky and said, “Prepare my court robes. It’s time to go to the palace.”

As he reached the ornamental gate, Wei Sheng, the leader of his elite guards, hurriedly reported, “Lord Minister, we caught several more intruders trying to break into the mansion last night. They’re all from the Xie family’s old retainers. Should we lock them in the dungeon too?”

A flash of severity crossed Wei Yan’s eyes. “Weren’t all of the Xie family’s retainers sent back to Huizhou by Wan’er?”

Wei Sheng bowed and said, “They’re from the Xie family’s collateral branches. They somehow got wind of something and, after being captured, cursed you loudly. They even said… you shouldn’t expect the young master to recognize a thief as his father…”

Wei Yan’s hand, which was adjusting his cloak, paused briefly. His expression grew colder: “Interrogate them to find out who leaked the information. Once you get the answer, there’s no need to keep them alive.”

Wei Sheng was slightly taken aback, not understanding why his master, who had always ordered these people to be imprisoned before, suddenly wanted to silence them permanently.

Thinking about how these people were trying to get close to the young master, and how Miss had learned the truth from them, coupled with the incident where Jia family spies had pushed the young master into the lotus pond to create the illusion that the Lord Minister wanted to kill him, which had forced Miss to leave a suicide note and hang herself to protect the young master and the uninvolved old retainers of the Xie family, Wei Sheng understood his master’s hatred for a moment.

His master hated the Sui and Jia families who were instigating the Xie family’s old retainers behind the scenes, and he also hated those old retainers who had used the “truth” to pressure Miss.

Miss was gone, and his master couldn’t allow them to approach the young master again.

The direct retainers of the Xie family had been sent back to the old mansion in Huizhou by Miss before her suicide. This move was to protect the remaining power of the Xie family and also to pave the way for the young master’s future.

These collateral branches of the Xie family coming now had undoubtedly hit a sore spot for his master.

After Wei Sheng received his orders and left, Wei Yan strode towards the mansion gate. The steward came to see him off. As Wei Yan was about to get into his official sedan chair, he suddenly instructed, “Have the child from Muxui Garden move to Linxuan Pavilion.”

The steward nodded in agreement, understanding Wei Yan’s intention, and said with a smile, “Young Master Xuan is usually quite lively. The young master has just lost both parents, having a playmate around should cheer him up and perhaps prevent his nightly nightmares.”

Wei Yan said nothing, lowering the sedan curtain. The sedan bearers, former elite guards, lifted the chair and began walking steadily towards the still gray streets.

More than a dozen mansion guards with long swords at their waists followed on both sides of the sedan. Each had a steady breath and stable stance, all excellent fighters selected from among the elite guards.

With the young emperor on the throne, Wei Yan wielded imperial authority to command the feudal lords. The war south of Jinzhou was intense. Although the Sui family was leading troops to resist the Beixi’s southward advance, they were also using this opportunity to make exorbitant demands for money and provisions from the court. In the capital, the Jia family, like a centipede that refuses to die even when killed, was always ready to strike back at Wei Yan and seize power from his hands.

Since Wei Yan had become Chancellor and started acting as regent, he had already survived more than ten assassination attempts.

Everyone was looking for his mistakes, searching for his weaknesses. If he were to take one wrong step, both the Wei and Xie families would face irreversible disaster.

As the sedan reached Tongque Street, cold arrows shot towards it along with a gust of wind.

Dozens of black-clad figures leaped down from the buildings on both sides, their blades glinting coldly in the light of the sedan’s lanterns.

The mansion guards surrounding the sedan drew their swords, creating an impenetrable net of blades that blocked all the poison-tipped arrows. They then engaged in fierce combat with the black-clad assassins who had jumped down from the buildings.

The spilled blood dyed red the frost-covered bluestone pavement of Tongque Street.

One black-clad assassin, taking advantage of the moment when the elite guards around the sedan were all engaged, thrust his blade toward the sedan. The powerful blade wind tore through the brocade curtain of the sedan, but the blade itself could not advance another inch.

Blue veins bulged on the assassin’s temples from the exertion, but the person inside the sedan, who had caught the blade with one hand, merely twisted his wrist. This movement sent the black-clad assassin spinning in the air. The blade, unable to withstand the force, shattered with a “clang.” As the assassin landed, the broken half of the blade thrown from within the sedan ended his life.

The elite guards outside the sedan had also finished off the last of the black-clad assassins, their blood splattering half of the sedan’s curtain.

Wei Yan lifted the curtain and stepped out, his embroidered boots stepping into a pool of sticky, dark red blood. The early sun was rising from the east, its red glow, like the blood on the ground, struggling to break through the gray clouds, coating the distant palace towers and halls with a layer of golden light.

Wei Yan faced that brilliant light, his handsome face showing only cold indifference.

He stepped forward, treading on the blood-colored dawn, moving step by step towards the majestic imperial palace.

This journey would last eighteen years.

The great revenge of yesteryear, he had exacted it one by one.

Pacifying the realm, and eliminating traitors, he had also forged the sharpest blade in the world, one that even he could not break. There was no one left in this world who could shake that blade.

Now, as he went to meet old acquaintances, he had no regrets.

Whether his destination was the Jade Terrace or Hell, he was at peace.

The merits and faults, glory and disgrace of this life, let posterity judge, condemn, curse, or sigh over them. When dust returns to earth and dry bones have no words, what did it matter to him?

Couldn’t he have explained the truth to his sister? He couldn’t clear his name because it was too unbelievable but surely his sister knew him well enough to believe in him?

… This journey would last eighteen years.
The great revenge of yesteryear, he had exacted it one by one.
Pacifying the realm, and eliminating traitors, he had also forged the sharpest blade in the world, one that even he could not break. There was no one left in this world who could shake that blade.
Now, as he went to meet old acquaintances, he had no regrets.
Whether his destination was the Jade Terrace or Hell, he was at peace.

The emperor (Son of Heaven) made a decision and thousands of lives were sacrificed—including his best friend the Great General Xie Linshan. Politics and plots, who to believe?!
I can better understood why he is ‘cruel’ and never married. Wei Yan’s took a tough 18-year path. The decisions, actions made: good/bad, right/wrong, for all or for self and outcome(s)–as emperor, chancellor, general, commoner–is to be for better and benefit of the people, realm, not self.

May we always rise above.
May we serve what matters.
May we be worthy in our own eyes.
May our peace remain unshaken.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: Little Sister

The blizzard raged like flying cotton, with howling winds reminiscent of ghostly wails and wolf howls.

Wei Yan lay with his eyes closed on a pile of withered grass, inwardly amused. He truly was an old man dwelling on the past now, as the wind’s sound outside the prison made him feel as if he were back in the northern frontier.

It had been many years since the old man had taken him to the Qi family’s military camp, where he and Xie Linshan had guarded the northern border together.

Those were indeed good times.

Old General Qi was still alive then, Rong Yin hadn’t entered the palace, and Linshan and the Crown Prince hadn’t died in Jinzhou…

Those days held the greatest joys of his half-century of life.

As his eyelids grew heavy, Wei Yan allowed himself to drift off to sleep amidst the howling wind and biting snow.

In his hazy state, someone approached and draped something over his body to shield him from the bitter wind that seemed to strip away one’s flesh.

Wei Yan wondered if it might be a prison guard.

But as a mere criminal, guards wouldn’t readily provide him with extra clothing or blankets. Perhaps the guard had received instructions from Imperial Tutor Tao or Xie Zheng?

As he pondered this, the person who had covered him didn’t leave. Instead, they hesitantly reached out a hand, as if wanting to touch him. Wei Yan faintly caught a scent reminiscent of both orchids and camellias.

Years of treading on thin ice had honed his alertness, causing him to instinctively grab that hand. His piercing phoenix eyes snapped open.

What he saw was a person he could only encounter in midnight dreams.

The woman wore a white pear blossom jacket embroidered with thousand-petal lotuses. Her shoulders were as if carved, her waist as slender as a ribbon. Her countenance was like a landscape painting come to life. The hand he gripped showed both alarm and embarrassment at being caught. Biting her lip, she said, “I saw Third Brother sleeping here and brought you a cloak…”

Wei Yan had an elder brother who died young and a half-brother above him, making him the third child in the family.

The Qi and Wei families were close, so Qi Rong Yin had called him “Third Brother” since childhood.

He stared at the woman before him for a long while before speaking: “You haven’t entered my dreams for many years. Have you come specially tonight, knowing my end is near?”

Qi Rong Yin frowned, forgetting her embarrassment. The hand Wei Yan held pressed gently against his forehead as she murmured, “Why is Third Brother speaking such nonsense? Could you have caught a cold and developed a fever?”

The skin she touched was indeed burning hot. Qi Rong Yin’s expression immediately changed as she called out to her maid waiting at the corner of the city wall: “Lan Yue, quickly fetch the army physician! Third Brother has caught a cold!”

Wei Yan looked up at the starry sky and the “Qi” family banner illuminated by the fire basin atop the city tower. Only then did he realize he was sleeping against the city wall, surrounded by soldiers clutching weapons as they slept. The blood on their faces and bodies hadn’t yet dried, indicating they had just been through a fierce battle.

He felt this dream was too vivid, truly identical to his experiences in the northern territory years ago.

As Qi Rong Yin was about to stand, Wei Yan grabbed her hand again.

Confused by his strange behavior since waking, Qi Rong Yin asked uncertainly, “Third Brother?”

Wei Yan spoke slowly: “Don’t go. Let me look at you a while longer. For eighteen years, every time you’ve appeared in my dreams, you’ve never properly spoken with me…”

“What is Third Brother saying? What eighteen years?” Qi Rong Yin grew more perplexed but still tried to reassure him, “I’m not leaving. I’m just going to get some water to wipe your face.”

Due to the cold, Wei Yan’s head was indeed throbbing with pain. He raised his other hand to press against his temple.

Seeing this, Qi Rong Yin gently pulled her hand from his grip and went down the city wall to fetch water.

Wei Yan’s gaze instinctively followed her, afraid she would disappear. A general covered in blood and sweat, feigning sleep beside him, opened his eyes with a smile: “It seems good fortune is coming Wei Zhonglang’s way, isn’t it?”

Wei Yan remembered that when he was in the Qi family’s military camp, he had held the position of Zhonglang General, and his comrades often addressed him as “Wei Zhonglang.”

The man before him looked unfamiliar. After squinting and studying him carefully for a while, Wei Yan finally recognized him as the future Protector-General of Shaanxi. They had indeed shared a brief camaraderie in the Qi family’s camp.

But later, they had grown distant.

How strange, Wei Yan thought. It was one thing to dream of Qi Rong Yin, but why would he dream of this person?

Vaguely, Wei Yan sensed that tonight’s dream was different from the others.

He tried to stand, supporting himself against the wall when a sharp pain shot through his hand. Looking down, he noticed his palm was wrapped in a blood-stained bandage.

Earlier, upon opening his eyes and seeing Qi Rong Yin, his mind had been so preoccupied that he hadn’t even noticed the pain in his hand. Now, as he gripped his palm again, a fine, needle-like pain returned, and Wei Yan finally realized something was amiss.

Could pain in a dream feel this real?

Qi Rong Yin returned with a basin of water, leading the army physician to the city wall. She spoke softly, “Wei Third Brother has developed a high fever. With Father and brothers away pursuing the enemy, the Third Brother must not fall ill. Please, physician, examine him.”

Wei Yan frowned upon hearing this. General Qi and the young general were both away chasing the enemy.

In his memory, there was only one time when General Qi had misinterpreted military intelligence, leading to him and his sons pursuing the enemy together. It was during that very pursuit that the Qi family’s father and sons had all perished on the battlefield.

As the army physician took Wei Yan’s pulse, he remained lost in a haze of confused thoughts.

After checking his pulse, the physician took a silver needle from his kit: “The city has run out of medicines to treat cold diseases. With the Zhonglang’s high fever not subsiding, this old one can only use the method of bloodletting at the Shangyang acupoint to provide some relief.”

The silver needle pierced his fingertip, and the pain became even clearer.

It felt too real to be a dream!

A guess formed in Wei Yan’s mind, like a sharp sword cutting through the layers of fog in his mind. A wild joy surged through him.

As the physician withdrew the silver needle, Wei Yan ignored the stinging in his fingertip and tightly grasped Qi Rong Yin’s hand. His usually cold eyes showed a hint of tears: “Rong Yin, Rong Yin… It’s you…”

His grip was so strong that it made Qi Rong Yin’s handbones ache.

Her eyebrows, like distant mountains, furrowed slightly: “Of course it’s me. What’s wrong with Third Brother? You just took a short nap on the city wall, but since waking, you’ve been speaking nonsense…”

The Qi family were important border defense officials. With the Northern Xue invading, Qi Rong Yin had personally led the family physicians to the city gate to treat wounded soldiers.

Wei Yan laughed hoarsely, a mix of dejection and joy.

Qi Rong Yin and the soldiers on the city wall exchanged confused glances.

Wei Yan quickly pulled himself up using the city wall and said to Qi Rong Yin: “I can’t explain much to you now. Quickly gather three thousand elite soldiers to leave the city with me!”

If he had truly been reborn, this was the battle where General Qi and his sons, upon seeing the Northern Xue prince retreating, went to pursue and capture him, only to fall into an ambush and die in the great desert!

Qi Rong Yin, having followed her father and brothers in this border region, was also keenly aware of military matters. She immediately sensed something was wrong: “Are my father and brothers in danger?”

Wei Yan, enduring the headache caused by his jumbled memories, didn’t answer directly but asked: “How long ago did they leave the city?”

Qi Rong Yin replied: “It’s been about two hours.”

Wei Yan’s face grew solemn. He wasn’t sure if he could still change the fate of the Qi family’s demise, but since Heaven had given him another chance, he had to put forth his utmost effort. He commanded in a deep voice: “Gather the troops, prepare the horses!”

Qi Rong Yin’s heart began to race. She sensed something was wrong.

On the battlefield, having even a quarter or half hour’s advantage could determine the outcome of a battle.

With her father and brothers’ safety at stake, she didn’t have time to ask too many questions. She quickly ordered the deputy general left in charge of the city to gather all able-bodied soldiers.

Unfortunately, the city’s troops had just been through a fierce battle. Most of the elite soldiers had gone with the Qi family to pursue the enemy. Even counting the wounded who could barely fight, they only managed to gather three thousand men, most of whom were exhausted.

Embarking on a long-distance pursuit now, even if they caught up to rescue the Qi family, facing the wolf-like Northern Xue barbarians might be like sheep entering a tiger’s den.

But Wei Yan remembered that in his previous life, Xie Linshan had received news of Yanzhou being besieged and was on his way with the Xie family’s iron cavalry from Huizhou.

In his previous life, Wei Yan had fallen ill with this cold. By the time Xie Linshan arrived with reinforcements and learned that Yanzhou had won the battle and that the old general and his sons had gone to pursue the defeated enemy and capture the Northern Xue prince, they had waited long for General Qi’s return. When they went to investigate, following the traces of the army’s roundabout route, they had made a big circle before finally seeing the blood-stained “Qi” banner and dead soldiers scattered all over Ma Wang Slope.

The Northern Xue’s ambush point was at Ma Wang Slope. If he marched at full speed now, he could save a lot of time that had been wasted circling following hoofprints. If he could just delay for an hour or so and send scouts to find Xie Linshan’s troops, once the Xie family’s iron cavalry arrived, the Northern Xue’s plot would have no chance of success.

As Wei Yan rode out of the city, he called his trusted aide and ordered him to ride at full speed towards the road from Huizhou to Yanzhou, instructing him to direct Xie Linshan to Ma Wang Slope upon meeting him.

Hearing the order, the aide asked confusedly: “Master, how do you know General Xie will bring reinforcements?”

Wei Yan shot him a cold glance, making the aide’s spine tingle. He dared not ask further and quickly saluted: “This subordinate will go deliver the message at once!”

With that, he slapped his horse’s rump and galloped towards the Huizhou road.

Wei Yan pulled on his reins but momentarily lost focus. Yes, before the Jinzhou bloodshed, people around him still dared to speak to him so carelessly.

Later, those who followed him all died. The new people chose to be by his side and never dared to speak to him recklessly again.

Thinking too much made his heart bitter. Wei Yan collected his thoughts and was about to order the army to set out when he heard an urgent call from the city gate: “Third Brother!”

Wei Yan reined in his horse and turned to see Qi Rong Yin, wrapped in a snow fox cloak, running urgently towards him through the snowy mud.

Her cheeks were flushed from the cold wind due to her haste.

Wei Yan pulled his reins, turning his horse towards Qi Rong Yin and galloping over. He stopped the warhorse five paces away from her, its front hooves rising high and shaking off snow.

Qi Rong Yin handed him a safety charm with tassels: “Third Brother, take this charm with you. You must return safely!”

She didn’t know why Wei Yan suddenly wanted to lead troops out of the city, but she could sense he was heading into danger.

As Wei Yan leaned down to take the charm, he also tightly grasped Qi Rong Yin’s hand, which had turned red from the cold. His face still bore blood stains from the previous battle, and he gazed at her with a look Qi Rong Yin couldn’t understand—deep, filled with pain and sorrow: “Rong Yin, when this battle is over, will you marry me?”

The young woman, barely sixteen, froze in place. After a moment, she curled her lips into a smile and said, “Alright.”

The wind-induced blush on her face concealed her shyness.

Wei Yan squeezed her hand once more before taking the safety charm. He turned his horse and shouted: “March at full speed to Ma Wang Slope!”

The maid opened an oiled paper umbrella to shield Qi Rong Yin from the falling snow. She advised, “Young Miss, let’s return to the city.”

Qi Rong Yin’s delicate white hand pressed against her chest as she watched Wei Yan lead the city’s three thousand remaining troops into the distance. A worried expression clouded her brow: “Lan Yue, I don’t know why, but ever since Third Brother said he wanted to lead troops out of the city, my heart has been uneasy. The third Brother was acting strange when he woke up. He must be hiding something from me…”

As the army approached Ma Wang Slope, they saw corpses strewn everywhere.

The accompanying soldiers were stunned by the sight of another fierce battle’s aftermath.

Had their pursuing army fallen into an ambush?

Seeing this scene, Wei Yan felt his blood run cold. However, years of holding high positions had trained his composure, making his emotions hard to discern. He commanded in a deep voice: “Find where the commander’s banner is!”

His men hurried to search for the banner among the battlefield’s corpses.

A moment later, they reported back: “Zhonglang, the Qi family’s banner is not here! We also couldn’t find General Qi and the others!”

Wei Yan felt the enormous weight on his chest lighten somewhat—if the commander’s banner wasn’t here, and the Qi family members weren’t among the dead, it meant they were likely still alive.

They must have broken through the encirclement but were still being pursued by the Northern Xue.

He shouted: “All scouts, move out! Follow the horse tracks around the battlefield.”

The army’s scouts rode out in all directions to investigate.

Soon, one scout rushed back: “Zhonglang, there are chaotic hoof prints beyond the hill!”

Wei Yan dug his heels into his horse’s flanks, his cold face turning almost ferocious: “Pursue!”

As they ran over a gentle slope, they could faintly hear the thunderous sounds of battle from the other side of the hill.

The army sped up and crested the ridge. Wei Yan stood on the steep slope, seeing the Qi family’s troops below, desperately holding out against the Northern Xue’s ever-shrinking encirclement.

The army that had left the city with over ten thousand men now appeared to have only a few hundred remaining.

The Qi family’s military banner stood firm in the center, protected, but the Northern Xue circled them in a Taiji formation on horseback. As they ran along the encirclement, they used the momentum of their horses to cut down layer after layer of soldiers guarding the outermost ring.

Pushed to this point, the Qi family’s troops were exhausted and knew there was no hope for survival. They had no strength left to counterattack and were almost at the mercy of their enemies.

The accompanying deputy general watched anxiously and said to Wei Yan: “Zhonglang, we must go rescue the General and the others quickly!”

Wei Yan clenched his jaw, staring intently at the Northern Xue army below as they continued to tighten their circle. He shouted: “Adjust our formation. Use these three thousand men to occupy the entire hilltop in front of us. Plant military banners throughout the bushes in the rear, and set up all the war drums.”

He had brought three thousand battle-worn troops. Charging down like this would be nothing but a suicide mission.

Only by creating a show of force and intimidating the Northern Xue troops first could they have a chance of victory.

Hearing this, the deputy general hurried to make arrangements.

Seeing the war drums set up, Wei Yan ordered again: “Sound the horns.”

The soldiers with bronze animal horns hanging at their waists raised them, took a deep breath, and blew: “Woo— Woo—”

The long, deep horn sound immediately spread across the battlefield below.

Fortunately, this mountain valley had a trumpet-like terrain, and as the north wind carried the horn sound down, it seemed to echo from all directions.

The Northern Xue army, still trying to tighten their encirclement, slowed down and looked up towards the slope.

“Beat the drums!” Wei Yan commanded again in a deep voice.

The soldiers standing before drums as tall as a man immediately swung their mallets against the drum faces.

“Boom—”

“Boom boom—”

The drum sound was heavy, like thunderclaps striking the ground.

There was obvious unrest in the Northern Xue formation below. At first glance, the entire slope seemed covered with Great Yin reinforcements, with military banners standing throughout the bushes at the rear. The Northern Xue couldn’t tell how many troops had arrived and were inevitably shaken.

All the showmanship had been done; what remained was only a fight to the death.

Wei Yan dug his heels into his horse’s flanks and charged down the hill at the forefront, wielding a crescent moon blade made of fine iron that cut through the cold northern wind. He let out a long roar: “Charge!”

The three thousand troops behind him followed closely, galloping down from Ma Wang Slope.

The charge of three thousand men couldn’t create the earth-shaking effect of tens of thousands of horses galloping, but with the thunder-like war drums covering for them, it still frightened many Northern Xue soldiers.

With this initial advantage, Wei Yan quickly tore open a gap in the Northern Xue’s encirclement.

However, the damage that three thousand exhausted troops could inflict was limited.

Although their show of force had caught the Northern Xue off guard, once their commanders realized that the number of men and horses wasn’t as great as it appeared, they quickly adjusted their formation. They moved the troops that had been routed earlier to the rear and had the left and right-wing forces close in from both sides, intending to trap this sudden reinforcement within their encirclement as well.

The deputy general realized the Northern Xue’s intention and said to Wei Yan during the fierce battle: “Zhonglang, these barbarians want to trap us inside too!”

From the distance, someone in the tightly surrounded Qi family troops shouted hoarsely: “Wei Zhonglang, the General orders you to retreat with the reinforcements!”

Wei Yan cleaved through a Northern Xue junior officer blocking his path, a hint of bloodlust in his eyes, as he continued to charge forward and kill.

The deputy general gritted his teeth and said to Wei Yan: “Wei Zhonglang, let’s retreat! Don’t act on impulse! If we keep these fine young men alive, won’t we be able to make the Northern Xue pay for this debt in the future? Once the barbarians completely close the gap, we’ll just be throwing our lives away!”

Wei Yan, eyes red with battle fury, turned and shouted at the deputy general: “Reinforcements are coming! Hold on for another quarter hour!”

The deputy general knew that the Qi and Wei families were close friends with deep ties. He thought Wei Yan was just lying because he wanted to save old General Qi, and was so anxious he wanted to curse.

But then the ground beneath the horses’ hooves began to tremble, and the mountain’s loose stones shook. This time, it truly felt like the earth was moving and the mountains were shaking.

Amidst the deep drum sounds, a roar like a tidal wave came from behind: “Charge!”

The sound alone was enough to make one’s eardrums ache.

The deputy general turned back in panic and saw a vast army of black iron cavalry, like a great flood sweeping across the land, charging down from Ma Wang Slope.

Where the snow met the sky, a “Xie” family banner fluttered in the wind, approaching with the black iron flood.

At the forefront, a young general on a silver-saddled white horse had a face like a deity but the air of an Asura. The scarlet cape behind him fluttered in the white furry north wind, shaking people’s souls.

The Northern Xue at the bottom of the hill, still trying to tighten their encirclement, heard the roaring battle cries from behind. Turning to see this sight, they were terrified. Before they could adjust their formation to counter-attack, the Xie family’s iron cavalry, like a sharp awl thrusting down from the mountain, completely tore through their battle array.

The Qi family troops, trapped in the center of the enemy formation and exhausted to their limits, saw the “Xie” banner and were almost moved to tears of joy: “The Xie family’s iron cavalry! General Xie has brought reinforcements!”

Someone let out a long roar, and though their arms were numb from wielding swords for so long, they still raised their blades and continued to fight the Northern Xue, slowly moving toward the reinforcements.

When Wei Yan saw the Xie family’s military banner, the great stone weighing on his heart finally fell. His body, weakened by high fever and several major battles, made him feel somewhat dazed.

The deputy general asked in surprise: “Zhonglang, how did you know General Xie’s reinforcements were behind us?”

Wei Yan didn’t answer and continued to charge toward the Qi family troops’ encirclement with his blade.

When the two armies met, he immediately saw old General Qi protected in the center by his guards. However, General Qi was clutching his waist, his hand stained red with blood.

He was severely wounded.

Wei Yan’s heart tightened. He rode forward and called out: “General!”

Old General Qi’s hair and beard were grizzled, his appearance imposing and dignified. However, his lips were now pale, and he could only stand steadily with the support of his eldest son.

Seeing that it was Wei Yan who had arrived, his expression relaxed slightly, and he said: “You and Linshan have come.”

Wei Yan dismounted and looked at General Qi’s unceasing bleeding wound. He could no longer maintain his composure, and his eyes stung with emotion: “How… how were you wounded?”

To Wei Yan, old General Qi was both a teacher and a father figure.

In his previous life, it was because of his careless words that the old Emperor, already wary of the Qi family, decided to eliminate them to clip the Crown Prince’s wings.

It wasn’t until the Northern Xue attacked Jinzhou again, and the old Emperor, having no choice, returned military power to Xie Linshan, that they slowly uncovered the truth about the Qi family’s deaths at the hands of the old Emperor.

Coming back once more, was he still unable to save General Qi?

Qi Xianhun, the eldest son of the Qi family, supported old General Qi, his eyes bloodshot: “That dog traitor Xu Ce! Even though he fell from his horse and was trampled to death in the chaos, it still can’t quell the great hatred in my heart for this sword wound he inflicted on Father!”

Wei Yan suddenly looked up: “It was Xu Ce who wounded the old General?”

Qi Xianhun gnashed his teeth: “That traitor ambushed Father!”

Looking at old General Qi’s face, growing ashen due to excessive blood loss, he was so angry his lips trembled. He turned his face away, barely holding back tears in his eyes.

In his previous life, Wei Yan had only discovered that it was Xu Ce from the Qi family army who, under the old Emperor’s instructions, had falsely reported military intelligence and lured the Qi family to pursue the enemy despite knowing of the Northern Xue’s ambush. He hadn’t known that the fatal wound on old General Qi’s body was also Xu Ce’s doing.

Anger surged through his body along with his blood. He forced himself to stay calm and said: “Let’s return to Yanzhou City first. The General’s wound needs immediate treatment.”

The Northern Xue also knew when to cut their losses. Seeing that Great Yin reinforcements had arrived and that the Xie family’s iron cavalry was unstoppable, they realized there was no hope of trapping the Qi family’s troops. They immediately sounded the gong to retreat.

When Xie Linshan came over in his blood-stained armor and saw old General Qi’s ashen face, his expression also turned grave: “The General is wounded?”

Wei Yan looked up at the bright and spirited young general, his eyes, made sore by the cold north wind, showing a hint of redness. He called out: “Linshan?”

Eighteen years of cold moons and warm suns had worn on this man’s life. He could barely remember what his old friend looked like, only recalling how his corpse looked when it was transported back from Yanzhou – the wounds from swords and axes all over his body, the blackened arrow holes, and his chest and abdomen that had been torn open and sewn back together…

This was the young military talent that even old General Qi had once declared would surpass him after a few more years of tempering. Yet he had met such an end!

Now, it truly felt like seeing him again after a lifetime.

Xie Linshan, seeing Wei Yan’s reddened eyes, thought he was worried about old General Qi and immediately asked: “Yigui, who wounded the General?”

Wei Yan barely composed himself and said: “There was a traitor in the Qi family army. It’s a long story, but the General’s condition is urgent. Let’s talk after we return to the city.”

Xie Linshan also knew that old General Qi’s wound couldn’t wait. He nodded.

By the time Wei Yan and Xie Linshan escorted the remnants of the Qi family army back to Yanzhou City, it was already dusk.

Qi Rong Yin, who had been watching from the city wall, saw the army returning victorious and ran down. Seeing her brother’s blood-stained face and old General Qi being carried back on a stretcher made of tree branches and vines by his guards, her face instantly paled.

She lifted her skirts and stepped forward, forcing herself to remain calm as she asked: “What happened to Father?”

Qi Xianhun’s throat choked up. He couldn’t utter a word of comfort to his sister and only turned his face aside, forcefully holding back his sorrow.

It was Wei Yan who spoke: “The General was wounded by the traitor Xu Ce. Let’s have the army physician examine his injuries first.”

The group carried old General Qi into the governor’s mansion. As the army physician came to treat him, Qi Rong Yin and her brother stood by the bedside, not moving a step away.

Servants came in with basins of water and soon left with basins of bloody water. No one said a word and the atmosphere in the room was extremely oppressive.

Everyone knew that old General Qi’s condition was not optimistic.

Wei Yan and Xie Linshan stood with folded arms at the doorway. Xie Linshan glanced at the Qi siblings standing guard in the inner room and said to Wei Yan: “Yigui, may I have a word with you?”

Wei Yan knew what Xie Linshan wanted to ask. He nodded and left with him.

In a quiet place, Xie Linshan went straight to the point: “Yigui, how did you know I was leading troops to Yanzhou? And how did you know the Northern Xue’s ambush point for the General was at Ma Wang Slope? When we returned to the city, I sent scouts to check the terrain. The General had been led in a big circle by the Northern Xue before reaching Ma Wang Slope.”

Although this rescue was timely, Xie Linshan was very clear that if Wei Yan hadn’t sent someone to inform him in advance and direct him straight to Ma Wang Slope, by the time he had followed the army’s marching traces to find them, it would have been too late no matter what.

Wei Yan looked at his friend, many complex emotions flashing in his eyes. Finally, he said: “Linshan, you know I don’t believe in ghosts and spirits, but something truly supernatural has happened to me.”

“After a fierce battle, I was overcome by fatigue and closed my eyes for a brief rest on the city wall. At that moment, as if watching scenes flashing by, I saw the events of the latter half of my life. Was today’s dangerous situation for old General Qi and his sons truly just planned by Xu Ce alone?”

Xie Linshan heard the underlying meaning and his eyes sharpened: “Is it the Jia family?”

Imperial Consort Jia was in high favor, and the Jia family was rising with her. The sixteenth prince was attempting to compete with the Crown Prince for the position, and the Jia and Qi families had been openly and secretly contending for quite some time.

Wei Yan shook his head. After two lifetimes, he finally confessed the guilt that had tormented him for most of his life to his old friend: “It was my words about ‘abdicating the throne’ that reached His Majesty’s ears.”

Xie Linshan’s pupils constricted as he suddenly turned to look at Wei Yan. “The one who wanted the Qi family dead was His Majesty?”

Wei Yan closed his eyes heavily and said, “The Qi family held significant military power. The one in the palace was wary of the Crown Prince to such an extent. When he learned of my ‘abdication’ remarks from the Eastern Palace’s guest official, to deal with the Crown Prince, the first to be eliminated had to be the Qi family. Without military power, no matter how high the Crown Prince’s reputation among the people, he would ultimately remain just a ‘Crown Prince.'”

After hearing this, Xie Linshan fell silent, his expression terrifyingly grim.

Wei Yan continued, “If everything unfolds as I saw in my dream, the entire Qi family dying in battle is just the beginning. When the Crown Prince discovers the truth, the unworthy ruler on the dragon throne will eliminate the Crown Prince, the Xie family, and Wei Yan in one fell swoop.”

Xie Linshan frowned, “Since His Highness was established as the Crown Prince, he has always been kind and virtuous. Even after being suppressed several times by the Sixteenth Prince and the Jia family, he never acted rashly. Even if your careless words reached the palace, what fault could he find to bring down the Eastern Palace and the Wei and Xie families in one go?”

Recalling what the old emperor had done to the Qi family, Xie Linshan’s expression turned cold. “Did he frame the Crown Prince with treason?”

Throughout history, only the great crime of treason could completely eradicate a Crown Prince’s power.

Wei Yan smiled bitterly, “It’s worse than what you’ve said.”

Xie Linshan was stunned, unable to think of a crime greater than treason.

Wei Yan said, “Soon, the Northern Xue people will invade Jinzhou again. With the Qi family gone, you will replace them in guarding Jinzhou. That foolish ruler will have no choice but to transfer the Qi family’s military power to you. Imperial Consort Qi will fall gravely ill. To prevent the Qi family from losing all influence in the harem after her passing, leaving the Crown Prince isolated, he will summon Rong Yin to enter the palace. The Sixteenth Prince, envious of the Crown Prince’s popularity among the people, will incite the common folk to build a shrine for him. That foolish ruler will use this opportunity to punish the Crown Prince and strip him of his power to oversee state affairs.”

“The Crown Prince, seeking a way out, will volunteer to lead the northern campaign. He will discover the truth about the Qi family’s demise among the Qi family troops. The foolish ruler, cornered, will devise a plan to delay the reinforcements transporting supplies to cover up his misdeeds. In the end, Jinzhou will fall, and you and the Crown Prince will die by the Northern Rong people’s blades. The responsibility for delaying the supplies and the loss of Jinzhou will all be pinned on me.”

Xie Linshan listened, his hair standing on end, and exclaimed, “Preposterous!”

After a moment, he asked, “Is there any evidence? Proof that Xu Ce was acting on orders from the palace?”

Wei Yan replied, “Xu Ce has already died on the battlefield, but in this year’s spring imperial examination, his son will rank among the top ten of the first rank. Xu Ce’s son lacks great talent. If Linshan is interested, look into some of his usual poems and essays, and you’ll know the depth of this person’s scholarship.”

The old emperor’s methods were meticulous. In their previous life, Wei Yan and Xie Linshan couldn’t easily trace it back to Xu Ce. After all, Xu Ce, the Qi family father, and son, along with over ten thousand soldiers who pursued the enemy that day, all died in the Northern Xue people’s ambush and were posthumously honored as loyal martyrs.

It wasn’t until later, when the Crown Prince suffered repeated suppression from the old emperor and volunteered to come to Jinzhou, that his remaining supporters in the capital, no longer in the emperor’s favor, tried to gather a few more loyal officials from among the court officials to be their “ears” and “eyes” in the capital. That’s when they screened Xu Ce’s son.

Ranking in the top ten of the first rank in the spring imperial examination was considered quite an achievement anywhere.

At that time, although Xu Ce’s son was just a Hanlin Academy Editor, if he had ambitions, there would be many opportunities for him to make a name for himself in the future. His father was also a loyal general of the Qi family. After careful consideration, they thought approaching Xu Ce’s son would be most appropriate.

Unexpectedly, it was during the detailed investigation of this person that they discovered his mediocre talent, which by no means should have allowed him to enter the first rank.

Following this lead, they finally uncovered the truth about the deaths of the Qi family father and son-

With a month left before the spring examination results were announced, Wei Yan and Xie Linshan discussed and decided to temporarily keep this information from the hot-tempered Qi Xianhun.

Old General Qi was severely injured and barely clung to life. He could no longer engage in military affairs. Fearing it would break the old general’s heart, and lacking concrete evidence, the two did not inform the old general before everything was settled.

But they had already begun investigating Xu Ce’s son.

When the spring examination results were announced, the imperial edict summoning them to the capital for appointment also arrived.

Old General Qi was injured and couldn’t make the long journey, so his son Qi Xianhun went to the capital on his behalf. The old general, knowing he was getting on in years, even entrusted the tiger tally to his eldest son, asking him to return it to the emperor on his behalf.

The old emperor’s ascension to the throne had relied entirely on the Qi family’s military power. Although Old General Qi could no longer take to the battlefield, Qi Xianhun was still standing.

If he truly reclaimed the tiger tally, it would reveal his intention to discard his loyal subjects to all the court officials. The old emperor wouldn’t be so hasty as to lose the hearts of his subjects.

Therefore, the tiger tally would most likely still be handed to Qi Xianhun-

After the three arrived in the capital, Wei Yan and Xie Linshan often visited various taverns together, much to Qi Xianhun’s displeasure.

In the past, the three were good brothers in the army. How could they suddenly become so distant upon returning to the capital, not even inviting him for drinks?

Qi Xianhun gave them the cold shoulder for a few days, but to his frustration, the two seemed completely oblivious. Angered, Qi Xianhun practiced his spear skills, smashing several bluestone floor tiles in the Petition Office.

He observed for two more days and found Wei and Xie’s behavior very suspicious!

They would even change carriages midway when they went out, acting extremely secretive!

Qi Xianhun decided to follow them secretly and discovered that the two were frequenting brothels together.

Enraged, he barged into the brothel and kicked down the door.

Taking after Old General Qi, he was tall and strong. His powerful kick not only knocked down the door but also its frame.

His voice was even more thunderous, shaking the tea on the table: “Wei, I’m telling you! You want to marry my sister but dare to visit brothels? Do you think we can’t find a suitable husband for her among the hundred thousand soldiers of the Qi family? No wonder you two have been avoiding me these past few days, so this is what you’ve been up to!”

Wei Yan and Xie Linshan, who had been secretly investigating and planning, were caught off guard by this sudden outburst. They quickly sprang into action, one pulling Qi Xianhun into the room to avoid attracting attention, while the other covered his mouth.

After much struggle, they finally managed to get Qi Xianhun into the room.

The brothel manager, seeing the situation was not right, came out to control the scene. He dispersed the onlookers, joking that it was just a big brother-in-law catching his future brother-in-law visiting a brothel and flying into a rage. He also ordered quick-witted servants to guard the nearby entrances to prevent eavesdropping.

Wei Yan went to prop the dismantled door back in place, while Xie Linshan pinned down Qi Xianhun and cautiously removed his hand from Qi Xianhun’s mouth.

Qi Xianhun craned his neck and yelled, “Don’t think you can drag me down with you! I’m a married man! I must remain pure!”

Xie Linshan promptly stuffed his mouth with a tablecloth.

Qi Xianhun mumbled angrily, his eyes practically shooting flames.

Xie Linshan said, “Brother Xianhun, my apologies. Yi Gui and I came here not for pleasure, but to discuss important matters. The Petition Office has too many eyes and ears, so we had no choice but to resort to this method.”

As he spoke, he placed a stack of writings in front of Qi Xianhun, “Please take a look, Brother Xianhun.”

Qi Xianhun flipped through a couple of pages and shouted, “I’ve hated reading all my life. Why are you showing me these poems and essays?”

Wei Yan said, “Doesn’t Brother Xianhun find it strange that someone who can only write such crude verses and poor essays ranked among the top ten in the first class of this year’s spring examination?”

Qi Xianhun furrowed his brow, “Did this person cheat in the imperial examination?”

Wei Yan said, “This person is Xu Ce’s son.”

Qi Xianhun’s face immediately contorted with anger, “That traitor Xu Ce, I’ve already written a war report on behalf of my father and submitted it to His Majesty. How dare a criminal’s son attempt to enter officialdom by cheating in the examination?”

Wei Yan and Xie Linshan exchanged a glance, both falling silent for a moment.

Xie Linshan said, “The palace examination is personally overseen by His Majesty. There’s no way to cheat.”

Qi Xianhun finally realized after a delay, “Did His Majesty help him achieve this rank?”

This conclusion exceeded his understanding. He looked up at Xie and Wei, asking, “Why? Why would His Majesty help a traitor’s son cheat?”

Wei Yan finally said, “The war report accusing Xu Ce of treason has been temporarily withheld by the Crown Prince. It hasn’t reached His Majesty’s eyes yet.”

Qi Xianhun’s mind was in utter chaos.

His Majesty didn’t know about Xu Ce being a traitor, yet he helped Xu Ce’s son cheat…

A chill crept up his spine as Qi Xianhun said, “Was Xu Ce His Majesty’s man?”

Neither Xie nor Wei responded, which was as good as confirmation.

Qi Xianhun slammed the table hard, cursing, “Absurd! The Qi family risked their lives for him, how could he…”

He was about to shout louder, but Wei Yan quickly covered his mouth, “I know Brother Xianhun is grief-stricken and angry, but even this Hanying Pavilion isn’t entirely without ears. We must be cautious with our words.”

Qi Xianhun finally calmed down.

Seeing that he had quieted, Wei Yan removed his hand from Qi Xianhun’s mouth.

Qi Xianhun’s temple veins were bulging as he suppressed his anger and hatred, asking, “What’s your plan?”

Wei Yan and Xie Linshan exchanged a glance before saying, “His Highness already knows about you and the Great General nearly dying in Yanzhou. You have the tiger tally commanding the Qi family’s hundred thousand troops, and Linshan has the Xie family army from Huizhou. Now we’re just waiting for His Highness to give the nod.”

What they were nodding to was unspoken but clear.

The old emperor could no longer tolerate the Qi family and wanted to kill the entire clan to reclaim military power. Without the Qi family, the Crown Prince would be nothing.

The emperor had already put a knife to the Crown Prince’s throat.

Wei Yan knew that given the Crown Prince’s gentle nature, he would struggle with this decision for a long time. But after the struggle, he would only have one path to take.

After all, giving in again would mean sending the Eastern Palace and the Qi family to their deaths once more.

Although Qi Xianhun had just been shocked by the news that the emperor wanted to kill his entire family, after hearing Wei Yan and Xie Linshan calmly state their plans, he still felt a chill run through his body.

Treason was a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of the family. One misstep would mean the slaughter of the entire clan.

But thinking of the Qi family soldiers who died on the battlefield, and how he and his father had barely escaped death, if Wei Yan and Xie Linshan were willing to risk everything, what did the Qi family have to fear?

Qi Xianhun quickly clenched his fists and said, “Such an unworthy ruler doesn’t deserve the Qi family’s blood spilled on the battlefield!”

He looked at Wei Yan, “Besides the Five Army Camp, the Divine Machine Camp in the capital is also a tough nut to crack.”

Wei Yan said, “Leave that to Linshan and me.”-

After this discussion, regarding the “abdication” of the old emperor, the Xie, Wei, and Qi families essentially stood on the same side.

However, due to Qi Xianhun’s loud outburst that day, the news of Wei Yan and Xie Linshan visiting brothels still spread.

Many noble ladies in the capital cried their eyes red, unable to believe that the capital’s “Twin Jades” were men who frequented brothels!

The next day, when Wei Yan met Qi Rong Yin at the Petition Office and was about to speak to her, Qi Rong Yin didn’t even look at him. She coldly walked past him, holding a round fan.

When Xie Linshan came to find Wei Yan, he was awkwardly holding a large bouquet of Western Mansion crabapple flowers. Seeing Wei Yan, he rubbed his nose embarrassedly and said, “A Wan heard about me going to the brothel and refuses to see me. Could you help me give these Western Mansion crabapple flowers to A Wan and… put in a good word for me?”

Wei Yan said, “You’ve reminded me. I should ask Xianhun to help me beg for forgiveness from Rong Yin.”

When Wei Yan found Qi Xianhun and explained his intentions, Qi Xianhun made a bitter face, “My wife has thrown all my things out of the room and even drafted a divorce paper for me to sign.”

Xie Linshan: “…”

Wei Yan: “…”

A sense of shared misery suddenly arose.

Qi Xianhun said with a headache, “Rong Yin cried all night with her sister-in-law, also saying she wanted to break off the engagement. The matter isn’t settled yet, so I didn’t dare tell them the truth. Today, the Duke of Qing’s mansion is hosting a Hundred Flowers Banquet. My wife took Rong Yin out, saying they also arranged to meet Miss Wei to go to the banquet together to choose suitable husbands.”

Wei Yan and Xie Linshan’s faces changed dramatically. They both cupped their hands and said, “We must take our leave.”

…

In late spring of the 16th year of Qishun, the old emperor fell “gravely ill.” The Sixteenth Prince and the Jia family attempted a rebellion but were captured by Crown Prince Chengde, along with Wei Yan, Xie Linshan, Qi Xianhun, and other important generals.

The previous emperor couldn’t bear the shock that his favorite concubine and most beloved son were so treacherous. He couldn’t “recover” from this blow and passed away.

The Crown Prince Chengde, the legitimate heir, ascended to the throne at the request of all officials, changing the era name to Qinghe.

In the same year, the new emperor arranged marriages for his two important officials, Wei Yan and Xie Linshan, and personally acted as their marriage witness.

Not long after, Northern Xue launched another invasion. Xie Linshan, accompanied by his wife Wei Wan, went to Jinzhou to guard the borders. Wei Yan remained in the capital, but feeling concerned for her sister, she transferred a capable family general, Wei Qilin, to Xie Linshan’s command to ensure Wei Wan’s safety.

Three years later, the northern borders were stabilized, and peace prevailed across the land. Xie Linshan returned to the capital with his wife to visit family, bringing along a charming and striking baby.

The child was born while Wei Wan was alone during his campaigns. A passing sage remarked that the boy possessed a remarkably strong fate, and since a common name might not suffice to contain his destiny, Xie Linshan named the child “Zheng.”

While Wei Wan was home for a short visit, Wei Qilin approached Wei Yan and said, “Madam, I have taken a liking to a young lady and would like to ask for your help in matchmaking.”

At that moment, Wei Yan, dressed in a graceful scholar’s robe and painting in her study, paused her brush and asked, “Which young lady?”

Wei Qilin replied, “The only daughter of General Meng Shuyuan, who serves under General Xie.”

Wei Yan looked up, surprised. “You wish to marry her?”

The robust general chuckled and said, “I intend to join their family.”

A gentle breeze flowed through the wide-open window, ruffling the Xuan paper on the writing desk.

Wei Yan seemed to smile as well, saying, “Very well.”

Ok, I like this alt-history version, since I already got to read the epic romance of the two generals. This is how things should have been without all the twists and turns…though I don’t think Wei Yan could go back to this self after living out such a fraught adulthood, it’s ok, this is fiction! Hopefully little Zheng and Changyu end up together in this lifetime as well.

Thank you for this chapter. I feel like I’ve healed a little from the tragedy of Wei Yan’s life.

Wei yan deserves a do-over. He was so wronged. But that means xie zheng and chang yu might not be together in this timeline.

the red strings always intertwine people who are fated to be, in this life also xie zheng and chang yu will meet tho not as before but still willl be a loving couple.

A ‘what if’ one could go back, and ‘right the wrongs’…
Perhaps Xie Zheng will not be driven ‘as he is’; and Changyu will not be ‘as she is’…

It is challenges faced, survival experiences and decisions made that make us who we are. Adversity acts as a catalyst for self-discovery, while the choices made during difficult times forge character and resilient–a core principle of personal development and psychology.

Zhu Yu – Side Story: Standing Up For

The autumn breeze whispered as the fragrance of osmanthus flowers wafted through the courtyard.

Four-year-old Xie Zheng practiced thrusting movements with his wooden sword in the courtyard. Despite his aching arms, he continued his relentless practice without pause.

Under the blazing sun, his chubby face flushed red, and fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead. His eyes held a determination and seriousness unbefitting his young age.

Wei Wan sat on a beauty rest chair under the corridor, slowly fanning herself with an ornate fan adorned with blue jade tassels. She spoke somewhat helplessly to Meng Lihua, who sat beside her: “The other day, his father pointed out that his sword techniques weren’t solid enough. These days, except for eating, studying, and sleeping, he spends every free moment practicing with that wooden sword. Such stubborn determination—he’s nothing like me or his father, but rather takes after his uncle.”

Wei Qilin had been assigned to Wei Wan’s household by Wei Yan, making him her family retainer. He had earned great trust under Xie Linshan’s command and had become son-in-law to Meng Suyuan, a veteran general under Xie Linshan, making the Xie and Meng families extremely close.

With Wei Qilin accompanying Xie Linshan on border patrol duties for several months, Wei Wan had invited the pregnant Meng Lihua to stay at her residence for company, sharing conversations and childrearing experiences.

Through their frequent interactions, the two women had become close confidantes.

Meng Lihua laughed at Wei Wan’s words: “The saying that nephews take after their uncles certainly rings true.”

She gently touched her round belly and continued, “This one in my womb is quite lazy, barely moving even at this stage. I think it must be a girl. Though when its father tries to interact with it, it moves so vigorously that he couldn’t sleep for an entire night, worrying what he’d do if it turned out to be a boy.”

Wei Wan couldn’t help but laugh: “General Wei wants a daughter?”

Meng Lihua’s expression turned somewhat helpless: “From the moment he learned I was with child, he started thinking of names. Despite barely knowing his letters, he had his secretaries help him pour through books for days. Then, with a smug look, he told me if it’s a girl, she’ll be called Zhang Yu. He’s already collected several chests of clothing for the child from infancy to their first birthday.”

Wei Wan asked with a smile, “And if it’s a boy?”

Meng Lihua’s expression became rather complicated, “He said boys are sturdy, so we can just call him Iron Ball or Iron Bull for now, and let the child’s maternal grandfather choose a proper name when he’s older.”

Wei Wan hadn’t expected Wei Qilin, who usually appeared so steady and serious, to be like this in private. She leaned against the beauty rest, laughing until tears nearly formed in her eyes, “It seems General Wei truly desires a daughter.”

Her beautiful eyes turned to her young son practicing in the corridor, and she added, “I’ve heard there’s an old wives’ tale that children under five can tell whether a pregnant woman is carrying a boy or girl.”

Meng Lihua asked in surprise, “Is there such a thing?”

Wei Wan smiled, “Shall we try it?” She called out to her son, “Zheng’er, come to Mother.”

Xie Zheng turned his head at her voice, seeing his mother beckoning from the corridor. He put away his wooden sword and approached, “Mother called for me?”

Wei Wan wiped the sweat from his face with a handkerchief, saying gently, “The sun is so strong, aren’t you afraid of getting too hot? Look at how sweaty you are.”

Xie Zheng carelessly wiped his face with his sleeve, saying, “I’m not hot.”

Wei Wan had servants bring him a cup of honey flower tea, then asked, “Zheng’er, would you like a little brother or sister?”

Xie Zheng answered promptly, “No.”

Wei Wan asked, “Why not?”

The young boy furrowed his brows slightly and said, “Crying. Annoying.”

Over the years, many of Xie Linshan’s senior officers had married and started families. Since they often had to go to war, and there were no proper schools in the frontier region, Xie Linshan had arranged for the officers’ school-aged children to receive their early education at the Xie family’s private school to ease their worries.

In the schoolroom, what Xie Zheng heard most were the cries of those little ones, wailing endlessly for half the day without stopping.

He didn’t want a brother or sister at all. If there was a little creature at home constantly screaming at the top of their lungs, he feared he wouldn’t even be able to sleep peacefully.

Wei Wan had only asked casually, not expecting such a response from her child, and couldn’t help but laugh.

She coaxed her son, “Then how about if Aunt Meng has a little brother or sister to play with you? Do you think Aunt Meng is carrying a brother or sister?”

Xie Zheng tilted his head to look at the round belly beneath Aunt Meng’s dress, and answered seriously, “Sister.”

He didn’t know whether it was a boy or girl in the belly, but he felt a sister wouldn’t be as annoying. Unlike Officer Liu’s son who always provoked him, then when beaten, would wail like a slaughtered pig and run home to tattle, which would reach his father’s ears and result in his punishment.

Meng Lihua gently stroked her belly, smiling warmly, “I also hope it’s a girl.”

Wei Wan teased her son, “If it is a sister, would you marry her in the future to be Mother’s daughter-in-law?”

The small child, not yet understanding marriage, just frowned, “Why should she be Mother’s daughter-in-law?”

Both Wei Wan and Meng Lihua were amused by his innocent words.

Wei Wan pinched her son’s slightly pouting cheek and said, “Because Mother likes her.”

Xie Zheng seemed to consider this seriously, then said, “Alright.”

This response made Wei Wan and Meng Lihua laugh even more heartily.

Three months later, Meng Lihua indeed gave birth to a daughter.

When the news reached the Xie residence, Wei Wan was somewhat surprised, then extremely delighted. She prepared many gifts to be sent to the Meng residence in celebration.

Xie Zheng, sitting by the window studying, saw his mother bustling about and suddenly asked, “Mother, did Aunt Meng give birth?”

“Yes, is Zheng’er thinking about his little bride?” Wei Wan continued to tease her son mischievously.

Xie Zheng pressed his lips together, holding his book silently.

That night, however, he took out a blank book from his study desk drawer, ground some ink, and wrote on the first page: “Birth date: Fifth Year of Qinghe, First Month, Eleventh Day—”

It wasn’t until the hundred-day celebration that Xie Zheng formally met the little sister who had spent a full ten months in Aunt Meng’s belly.

In the noisy front hall, a group of women surrounded the swaddled infant, chatting and laughing. Xie Zheng, standing beside his mother, found it thoroughly boring. When he looked up to observe the tiny thing, he discovered she too was rather lazy—though fair and lovely, her eyelids were always half-drooping, appearing ready to fall asleep at any moment, and she didn’t cry no matter who held her.

The women all praised the child for being easy to care for, then began discussing how demanding their children were.

Meng Lihua smiled in response, and seeing her daughter’s lack of energy, assumed the child was sleepy. Unable to leave her female guests, she handed her daughter to the nursemaid to be taken to the side room for sleep.

Xie Zheng thought the little one was lazy, not tired.

Seeing the infant being carried away, he also left the front hall, intending to walk around outside.

The nursemaid noticed him and asked with a smile, “Young Master, did you come to see the little sister? The wind and snow are heavy outside, why not come inside to look?”

Xie Zheng felt refusing would make him appear insincere, so after brief consideration, he stepped into the side room.

The little one had been placed in a cradle and, noticing a stranger enter, simply stared at him with her drowsy eyes.

The nursemaid covered her with a silk blanket and moved aside the tiger-head sachets and rattles from the cradle.

Seeing Xie Zheng standing by the bed, she handed him a rattle and said with a smile, “Young Master can use this to entertain our Miss.”

Xie Zheng remembered when he was three, his mother would use such things to amuse him. He had found the dong-dong-dong sound irritating and would reach for it, wanting his mother to stop shaking it.

Yet the adults, seeing him grab for it, thought he liked it and would shake the rattle even more enthusiastically to entertain him.

That hadn’t been a particularly pleasant experience.

Xie Zheng didn’t take the rattle, saying, “I’ll just look.”

He stared at the little one, and the little one stared back at him.

The nursemaid said, “Our Miss has a good temperament, rarely cries or fusses, just sleeps a bit too much. When Miss falls asleep, Young Master mustn’t disturb her.”

Xie Zheng said, “She’s not sleepy.”

He waved his hand in front of the little one, and perhaps because since birth she had only seen adults, suddenly seeing someone much smaller playing with her, the baby girl in the cradle suddenly grabbed the moving finger in front of her.

Xie Zheng tried to pull free but couldn’t.

Afraid of making this soft little thing cry, he didn’t dare use too much force.

However, the chubby little hand gripping his finger, though soft as milk tofu, had quite some strength and held steady.

Xie Zheng found it curious, so he left his finger there and even pinched her plump hand back.

The little one seemed quite delighted, kicking her legs and reaching out with her other arm, breaking into a smile.

The nursemaid beside them laughed, “Our Miss likes Young Master!”

The next moment, however, the tiny thing in the cradle directly put Xie Zheng’s finger in her mouth.

Xie Zheng’s expression changed immediately. He forcefully pulled his hand away and, looking at the drool on his fingertip, went straight to the washbasin with a stern face.

The little one in the cradle, either frightened or bereft of her toy, suddenly burst into loud wails. Her crying wasn’t the typical high-pitched infant cry but rather forceful and quite resonant.

The nursemaid couldn’t console her with either the rattle or the tiger-head sachet, even carrying her around the room brought no results.

Xie Zheng, having just washed his finger clean, looked at the little one with a stern face, finally surrendering and walking over to put that finger back in the little one’s mouth.

The little one truly stopped crying then, tears still hanging on her long lashes as she began sucking his finger vigorously.

Xie Zheng was first startled, then looked at the nursemaid: “She’s hungry.”

The nursemaid was also surprised, “Madam fed Miss less than half an hour ago, she shouldn’t be hungry so soon.”

Though saying this, she still sent someone to the kitchen to warm some goat’s milk.

When Meng Lihua occasionally felt unwell and couldn’t nurse the child, they would temporarily feed her warm goat’s milk.

With so many guests today, the nursemaid knew Meng Lihua likely couldn’t get away, so she decided to soothe the baby with goat’s milk first.

The maid quickly returned with a bowl of warmed milk, and the nursemaid used a spoon to offer a little to the child’s mouth. She indeed released the finger to chase after the spoon.

The nursemaid exclaimed in surprise, “Miss is hungry!”

She fed the child nearly half a bowl with the spoon before the little one turned away from it, unwilling to drink more.

The nursemaid wiped the little one’s mouth with a silk cloth, smiling, “A good appetite is good, it means she’ll grow strong and sturdy. Miss’s little hands and feet may be small, but they’re quite strong.”

The milk-fed baby in the cradle, perhaps knowing the adult was teasing her, obligingly kicked at the silk coverlet and waved her chubby little hands.

Xie Zheng thought this time the child was truly sleepy—those fat paws waved with less and less energy, and her eyelids were slowly closing.

Eat and sleep—he thought this baby was lazy.

Though when she cried, it wasn’t quite as annoying as he’d expected.

That day when he returned home, Xie Zheng wrote another page in his little book: “Greedy for food, greedy for sleep, lazy.”

After a pause, he added one more line: “Quite easy to care for—”

Time flew swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, Xie Zheng was eleven.

Children of ordinary officials his age would be urged to take the student examinations, spending several years to obtain student status, then continue advancing.

Scholar, Provincial Graduate, Metropolitan Graduate—each major hurdle lay clearly before them.

Xie Zheng was destined for a military career and didn’t need to take the imperial examinations, but Xie Linshan was still quite strict about his studies.

Fortunately, he had been studious from a young age, and the academy’s teachers only had praise for him. There were no great scholars in the frontier region, so Xie Linshan had discussed with Wei Wan about either sending him to the Luyan Academy or returning him to the capital to continue his studies at the Imperial Academy for two years.

Xie Zheng didn’t particularly care about this—anywhere was the same to him. At age ten, he had already taken a few guards and spent months on horseback, traveling along the Great Yin Dynasty’s northern border defense line, worrying his mother to tears. When he finally returned looking like a mud monkey, before he could even eat a bite, his father punished him by making him kneel in the ancestral hall.

Over the years, he had been disciplined by his father numerous times for various mischiefs, big and small.

His father often told his mother that the boy had too many ideas of his own, with an untameable wild spirit, and once he could sit tall in a saddle, they would throw him into the military camp for tempering.

Xie Zheng wanted to go to the military camp now. Though life there was harsh, it offered a kind of boundless freedom.

However, he was still too young, and if he went to the military now, everyone would only see him as Xie Linshan’s son.

Not wanting to rely on this identity, Xie Zheng wished to carve out his path. He would have to wait another two years until he was as tall as the ordinary soldiers before he could conceal his identity and start from the bottom ranks.

His current studies at the academy were merely passing the time.

One day after classes, someone called out to him: “Brother Xie, help me with something.”

Xie Zheng lazily lifted his eyelids to look at the fellow who had grown in height but not in wisdom.

The person who stopped him was Liu Xuan, the son of Commander Liu.

Speaking of which, Commander Liu had originally served under his uncle, but after his uncle remained in the capital as a civil official, he had been transferred to the Xie family army.

Liu Xuan had always been a troublemaker, becoming the academy’s little tyrant. In earlier years, seeing that Xie Zheng wasn’t afraid of him like others, he had caused trouble for Xie Zheng several times, but each time ended up being beaten black and blue, taken home by his parents with a face full of tears and snot.

Though rough, he cared greatly about-face, and after being beaten enough times, he had willfully appointed himself as Xie Zheng’s lackey.

Xie Zheng knew he must have caused trouble again and coldly replied, “No time.”

Liu Xuan grew anxious and quickly followed, saying, “Brother Xie, I’m only coming to you because I’m truly out of options. My little brother was beaten up, his eyes are still black and blue after several days. My mother warned me not to cause trouble. But just now, my little brother came to me crying again, saying he was beaten again, with a nosebleed that soaked an entire handkerchief. How can someone bully him like this?”

“When I asked who beat him, he hemmed and hawed, saying the person had connections to the Xie family and wouldn’t tell me the truth. I figure it must be some reckless fool throwing the Xie family’s name around to act tyrannically at the academy!”

Xie Zheng had initially not wanted to get involved, as any trouble might reach Xie Linshan’s ears and result in punishment for him.

Hearing this, however, he lazily raised an eyebrow and said, “Let’s take a look.”

He disliked actively seeking trouble, but if someone was using the Xie family name to bully students at the academy, he had to intervene.

They found Liu Xuan’s eight-year-old brother and asked him to lead them to identify who had beaten him, but the child clutched his clothes and refused. First said the other party was from the Xie family and he feared retaliation, then after Liu Xuan pointed to Xie Zheng saying an Xie family member was right here, the child claimed the person would have left by this time.

Liu Xuan angrily kicked his brother’s bottom: “How did I end up with such a cowardly brother?”

He simply went to his brother’s classroom, kicking open the door like a bully and shouting: “Who here claims to be a Xie family relative and beat my brother?”

His brother, who had been dragged along, hearing these words, nearly hung his head to the ground. His nose was still bleeding, but he no longer cared to wipe it, his face burning red with embarrassment.

The students in this classroom were all seven or eight years old.

Hearing these words, they first looked at each other, then seeing Liu Xuan’s threatening manner, the timid ones pointed toward a small girl by the window, who was seriously copying texts with a writing brush, her brows slightly furrowed as if struggling with something.

Zhang Yu had become frustrated with her writing brush.

The rabbit hair brush tip was too soft—when she wrote lightly, the teacher said her characters lacked strength and often punished her to rewrite them; when she pressed harder, the brush tip split and a page could only fit a few thick characters.

When Liu Xuan’s kick and shout startled the child in front of her, causing them to bump her desk, an ugly ink stain marred the page of characters she had painstakingly written.

Zhang Yu stared at that ink stain for a long while before turning her darkened little face toward the person who had kicked open the door and shouted.

Behind that person, leaning against the corridor railing, was a youth in a russet archer’s robe, about eleven or thirteen years old, with handsome features and an air of nobility.

Xie Zheng was already tall for his age, and among this group of little ones, he stood out even more distinctly.

When Liu Xuan had led him to this classroom of little ones, he had already had a bad feeling, and now seeing the Meng family’s daughter, his eyelid twitched violently.

He never would have imagined that the one who had beaten Liu Xuan’s brother would be that little girl.

Liu Xuan was stunned as well. The little girl looked sweet, even half a head shorter than his brother—how could she have beaten Liu Cheng black and blue?

He immediately shouted at the child who had pointed: “What are you pointing at? Do you want me to—”

But that little girl, who looked as proper as a porcelain doll, suddenly spoke up: “I did it.”

Liu Xuan’s words caught in his throat.

Looking at the girl who was a full half-head shorter than his brother, he immediately gave his brother a hard knock on the head, saying fiercely: “Didn’t you say the one who beat you was a bigger, rougher boy? Lying to make me lose face along with you, huh?”

The child covered his head, nose still bleeding, and burst into tears: “I couldn’t beat her, and you kept asking, so I lied…”

Liu Xuan gave him another knock: “You know it’s shameful to lose to a little girl, but lying isn’t shameful?”

His brother just covered his head and cried, no longer speaking.

Standing outside, Xie Zheng asked: “Why did she beat you?”

The child stammered and wouldn’t say.

Zhang Yu glared at Xie Zheng, seeming to understand that he had come to back up Liu Xuan and his brother, and said: “He pulled my hair and smeared ink on my books, so I beat him every time I saw him.”

Liu Xuan’s expression changed, and he gave his brother another slap: “You good-for-nothing, you dare come back and lie after bullying a girl?”

Xie Zheng saw Zhang Yu’s hair bun clearly messed up on one side, and his brows unconsciously furrowed. He lowered his gaze to the child: “This is my sister.”

The child was already frightened silly, staring at Xie Zheng with tears in his eyes.

Liu Xuan’s anger also froze, and he stiffly asked Xie Zheng: “When did Madam Xie give you a sister?”

Xie Zheng didn’t answer, only looking at the child: “Apologize.”

The child, crying with snot and tears, said to Zhang Yu: “I’m sorry… I’ll never dare do it again…”

Xie Zheng walked over and half-crouched beside Zhang Yu’s desk, asking: “Do you accept his apology?”

Zhang Yu pressed her lips together and stared at him, her baby-fat face full of displeasure: “Did you come to scold me on their behalf?”

Xie Zheng now only wanted to throw that fool Liu Xuan under a horse’s hooves. He gave Liu Xuan a look, and Liu Xuan very sensibly led all the little ones out of the classroom before he said: “I didn’t know they were talking about you…”

Zhang Yu’s small face was stern as she interrupted him: “You’re bullying people with them at the academy! I’m going to tell Uncle Xie!”

Xie Zheng held his forehead: “That’s not how you use that phrase.”

Zhang Yu glared at him angrily.

Xie Zheng had no choice but to continue speaking gently: “It’s not what you think. Don’t tell my father about today.”

Zhang Yu said: “You’re acting guilty!”

Xie Zheng’s head was about to burst, hearing her words he didn’t know whether to be angry or amused: “You’ve learned quite a few phrases from your studies. Today was just a misunderstanding. How about I take you to Xu’s shop to buy braised pork?”

Zhang Yu humphed and turned her face away.

Xie Zheng made another concession: “I’ll buy you Tang’s lotus cakes too.”

The snow-white little girl finally pointed at the ink-stained paper on the desk, her big black eyes looking at him: “I still have to rewrite the assignment the teacher gave…”

Xie Zheng knew this was coming and sighed: “I’ll help you write it.”

After leaving the academy, they bought a pile of lotus cakes, candied hawthorn strings, and osmanthus candy before heading to Xu’s restaurant.

Zhang Yu hugged the freshly cooked braised pork, her mouth oily as she ate, while Xie Zheng resigned himself to copying her texts beside her.

Before leaving, seeing her hair bun loosened on one side, and fearing Meng Lihua would ask about her hair and bring up how Liu Xuan had tricked him, he spent quite a while trying to fix her hair back into a bun.

However, being inexperienced, he only managed to make an awkward-looking ponytail.

Zhang Yu touched it and said: “Ugly.”

Xie Zheng was almost out of patience and pinched her face saying: “This is my first time doing someone’s hair, it’s not bad. Have you ever seen any man who knows how to do hair?”

Zhang Yu retorted: “My father does it very well.”

Xie Zheng snorted lightly: “Your father has a daughter, I don’t have a daughter, why should I practice doing hair?”

Zhang Yu thought about it and realized he had a point.

When Xie Zheng was sending her home and they were almost at the door, he didn’t forget to instruct: “Remember to keep today’s events secret, or no more braised pork for you.”

Zhang Yu waved at him, “I remember, I remember.”

He was silent for a moment, then added: “If anyone at the academy bullies you again, tell me.”

Zhang Yu asked in confusion: “Why should I tell you?”

Xie Zheng roughly ruffled her hair: “So I can help you get even.”

Zhang Yu very sincerely replied: “But I already beat them up.”

“…”

The young man pinched her cheeks: “Even if you beat them up, still tell me.”

Awwww! Z/Changyu was born to use her fists to resolve all problems. And look at Xie Zheng, keeping a record of his future wife 🤭

Even Wei/Liu Xuan gets a second chance. At least he’s…kinda better 😅

is this an au? I want more plssss I want them to be childhood sweethearts in another universe ☹️❤️

Aww this chapter is the sweetest of all. Beats the ending of original story by miles!

Ohhhh, this is an alternate universe. How their lives would have played out if the Jinzhou tragedy had never happened.

I love this. This is so sweet.

ini di universe yg lain, sesuai angan-angan nya xie zheng yg gimana kalo dia sama changyu itu udah kenal dari kecil, orangtua mereka berhubungan baik dan mereka jadi childhood sweethearts

Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter: Reunion

One day, after classes ended, Xie Zheng walked out languidly, with Liu Xuan following behind him like an eager puppy, practically wagging his tail in circles.

“Brother Xie, last time when you showed your skills at the arrow-throwing competition and won the opening prize from the Jinxiu Tower, you impressed Commander Hu’s son. Are you going to join the hunting party this time?” Liu Xuan asked.

The spring sunlight filtered through the trees, dancing across the young man’s delicate features. His crow-feather-like eyelashes seemed to catch a layer of shimmer, and his dark pupils appeared lighter in the sunlight, though his expression remained characteristically languid.

“No,” he replied flatly.

These young masters’ hunting parties mostly stayed on the outskirts of the hunting grounds, catching pheasants and rabbits for show. What was the point of such child’s play?

Xie Zheng had no interest in joining such frivolity.

Liu Xuan scratched his head awkwardly. “But I’ve already made a bet with Hu’s son. Brother Xie, if you don’t go and I lose at the hunting grounds, I’ll lose all twenty taels of my private savings…”

Xie Zheng didn’t even spare him a glance. “That’s your problem.”

“Ah, Brother Xie, you…”

Before Liu Xuan could continue his pleading, he noticed Xie Zheng’s gaze fixed on something in the distance. Without a word, Xie Zheng strode off in that direction.

Following his gaze, Liu Xuan saw the young girl they’d met before, waiting under the shade of a tree at the upper courtyard entrance. She carried a small cloth bag full of books, her large dark eyes framed by long, curling lashes, and her slightly pouting cheeks were tinged with a rosy hue, making her look as soft and white as a rice cake doll.

However, this time her two-bun hairstyle had almost completely come undone, and there was a long scratch mark at the corner of her eye, as if someone had clawed her with their fingernails.

Liu Xuan’s heart skipped a beat, wondering if his good-for-nothing brother was responsible again.

He hesitated between running away and going over to inquire about the situation, ultimately deciding to steel himself and follow.

As they approached, they heard Xie Zheng ask, “What happened?”

His tone was notably cold.

Liu Xuan carefully observed Xie Zheng’s expression as he looked down at the girl, who was considerably shorter than him. His face was neither patient nor impatient, but his mood seemed poor.

While Liu Xuan felt increasingly nervous, the little girl showed no fear. “I got into a fight with a newcomer at school,” she replied.

Xie Zheng frowned. “Who?”

Chang Yu lowered her head slightly, drawing circles on the ground with her toe. “I think his surname is Qi. I heard his servant call him Young Prince.”

Xie Zheng’s frown deepened.

Surname Qi? Recently, only Prince Gong had visited the Northwest as an imperial envoy, bringing the imperial decree appointing Xie Linshan as Marquis of Guanshan.

He crouched down and asked, “Was it Prince Gong’s heir who fought with you?”

Chang Yu clutched her clothes, head still lowered. “I don’t know, maybe.”

Upon hearing it wasn’t his foolish brother’s doing, Liu Xuan immediately rolled up his sleeves. “Who cares if he’s royal nobility, bullying a young girl isn’t right! Come on, Brother Xie, let’s go demand justice for Sister Chang Yu!”

Chang Yu remained rooted to the spot.

Knowing her well, Xie Zheng’s eye twitched as he asked, “How badly did you hurt him?”

Only then did she whisper, “He bled… and lost a tooth.”

Xie Zheng pressed his fingers to his temple.

Liu Xuan hadn’t expected this soft-looking, seemingly defenseless young girl to be so fierce. He stammered, looking at Xie Zheng, “What do we do, Brother Xie? Prince Gong is His Majesty’s uncle, and your sister just knocked out His Majesty’s cousin’s tooth…”

As Xie Zheng pondered how to handle the situation, Liu Xuan’s constant chatter grated on his nerves until he finally snapped, “Be quiet!”

Liu Xuan immediately fell silent, even making a gesture of sealing his lips.

Ignoring him, Xie Zheng continued questioning Chang Yu, “How did the dispute with the Young Prince start?”

Chang Yu pressed her lips together without answering. Her long lashes cast fan-shaped shadows on her eyelids in the sunlight as she kept her head down.

Xie Zheng frowned. “Surely you didn’t strike first?”

She shook her head.

Restraining his temper, Xie Zheng said, “If you’ve caused trouble, you need to give me a reason why you hit him, so I can help resolve this. Otherwise, even if your parents take you to apologize to the Young Prince, it might not be enough.”

The little girl remained stubbornly silent, though her eyes were rimmed with red.

After a while, she said, “I’ll only tell you alone.”

Xie Zheng gave Liu Xuan a look, and he knowingly walked away.

Xie Zheng looked at the inexplicably upset child and said, “Go ahead.”

Chang Yu’s grip on her clothes tightened further before she finally spoke: “He tried to pull down my pants.”

Xie Zheng felt his scalp tingle with rage. “What?!”

His volume startled passing students and even Liu Xuan in the distance, who all turned to look.

Suppressing his anger, Xie Zheng examined the child’s Hu-style clothing and tried to speak more gently: “What happened exactly?”

The girl’s eyes grew redder, though she remained defiant without crying: “I practice martial arts with Father and wear Hu clothing. He mocked me for wearing men’s clothes, saying I must be a boy. When I went to the east washroom, he and his people cornered me, trying to pull down my pants to check if I was a boy…”

Her voice finally caught with emotion: “I was scared, so I couldn’t control my strength and hit him too hard.”

Xie Zheng wiped away the tears threatening to fall from her eyes with his thumb and said softly, “You did well.”

The little girl looked up at the young man in surprise.

The gentle breeze rustled his dark hair and robes as he asked, “How many people know about this?”

She answered, “I went to change during archery practice. Only he and his two lackeys were there.”

Xie Zheng’s voice remained gentle but took on a chilling edge: “Did he succeed in pulling them down?”

The little girl shook her head: “When they tried to push me into a corner, I made them cry with my fists.”

Xie Zheng tucked her loose hair behind her ear and said, “That’s good. If he had succeeded, I would have gouged out his eyes.”

He patted her shoulder lightly and added, “Don’t be afraid. Everything’s fine now.”

Perhaps because she had been holding back her fear until now, being comforted finally allowed her to cry: “But… his father is a Prince. Did I cause big trouble?”

Xie Zheng continued wiping her tears, saying coldly, “Even if his father were the Emperor himself, he still wouldn’t have the right to do such a despicable thing.”

Still angry, he cautioned her: “You can’t tell anyone else about this. If others learn he tried to pull down your pants, whether he succeeded or not, you would only be able to marry that scoundrel in the future.”

The little girl seemed frightened by this, pressing her lips together more tightly as tears welled up again.

Xie Zheng’s heart softened, and he gentled his tone: “Don’t be afraid. Leave this to me to handle.”

He called over to Liu Xuan, “Watch my sister for me and take her to the Xu Family Restaurant. I have something to attend to.”

Liu Xuan scratched his head, “Brother Xie, at this hour, what are you going to do?”

Xie Zheng simply replied, “Don’t ask.”

Eventually, Liu Xuan took Chang Yu to the Xu Family Restaurant, where his twenty taels of silver, not yet lost in the hunt, were spent instead on braised pork knuckles.

Despite ordering many of the restaurant’s specialties, the child didn’t eat a bite, instead pressing against the window, anxiously watching in the direction of the academy.

Liu Xuan tried to comfort her: “Don’t worry about Brother Xie. Even if the other party is the Young Prince of Prince Gong, right now General Xie and Minister Wei are His Majesty’s trusted ministers. General Xie has just been appointed as Marquis of Guanshan. As long as Brother Xie says you’re his sister, Prince Gong won’t make a big deal of this if he knows what’s good for him.”

The little girl remained silent, still peering out the window.

Liu Xuan couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Did you just push the Young Prince and make him lose a tooth?”

The little girl shook her head.

Liu Xuan asked, confused, “Then did he bump into something?”

The little girl raised her small fist and answered honestly, “I punched him.”

Liu Xuan: “…??”

After a while, he suddenly said, “Well… Sister Chang Yu, try punching your brother once.”

Chang Yu shook her head.

Liu Xuan insisted, refusing to believe it: “It’s fine, I can take it. Go ahead and hit me!”-

When Xie Zheng arrived at the Xu Family Restaurant, he found Chang Yu sitting obediently on a chair while Liu Xuan, with half his face swollen like a pig’s head, was pressing a cold, wet handkerchief to it.

Seeing Xie Zheng, Liu Xuan spoke with a swollen tongue: “Ah, Brother Xie, you’re here…”

Xie Zheng frowned at Liu Xuan’s badly swollen face and asked, “Did you get into another fight on the way?”

Liu Xuan smiled sheepishly: “No, I heard Sister Chang Yu say she knocked out the Young Prince’s tooth with one punch, so I asked her to try it on my face.”

Xie Zheng immediately gave Liu Xuan a look that suggested he was looking at an idiot.

Liu Xuan winced in pain, covering half his face with the wet handkerchief, quietly sucking in the air: “I didn’t expect Sister Chang Yu’s strength to be so great, almost matching yours, Brother Xie…”

As Xie Zheng sat down next to Chang Yu, she fidgeted with her fingers anxiously and said, “I didn’t mean to…”

She only hit him because he kept insisting.

Xie Zheng snorted and said to Liu Xuan, “Don’t feel guilty, he deserved it.”

Liu Xuan, not wanting Chang Yu to feel bad, said through his pain, “Right, it’s not that painful. It’ll be fine by tomorrow morning…”

Probably because it hurt too much, his mouth was slightly crooked as he said to Xie Zheng, “Brother Xie, since you’re here, I’ll head back now…”

He needed to get some medicine quickly; it was killing him.

Xie Zheng looked at the table full of dishes, untied his money pouch from his waist, and tossed it to Liu Xuan, saying, “Go see a physician.”

Liu Xuan caught it, feeling its substantial weight, and immediately brightened up, though with half his face swollen and one eye nearly shut, his expression looked rather comical: “Thank you, Brother.”

After Liu Xuan left, Xie Zheng asked Chang Yu, “Why haven’t you eaten any of this food? Don’t you want to eat?”

Chang Yu nodded slightly.

Xie Zheng stood up, “Then let me take you to the West Market for a walk.”

Chang Yu clutched her book bag’s strap, remaining seated.

Xie Zheng leaned down and pinched her cheek: “Are you sulking?”

Chang Yu shook her head, biting her lip before saying, “The Young Prince…”

Xie Zheng’s hand moved from her cheek to her head, thoroughly messing up her already loosened hair buns: “Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything.”

Chang Yu looked at him half-doubtfully.

Xie Zheng smiled, “Don’t you trust me?”

Chang Yu shook her head again, and the loose hair from her undone buns brushed softly against Xie Zheng’s hand as she moved.

Xie Zhengwei was momentarily taken aback and simply said, “I forgot to tie your hair back…”

After he tied two messy buns on her head, the young man extended his hand toward her. “Let’s go.”

Zhang Yu took his hand and jumped down from the stool. The messy buns on her head bobbed as she walked, giving her a touch of endearing clumsiness.

The West Market was primarily a bustling place for the sale of livestock, including horses, saddles, whips, swords, and slingshots. Zhang Yu had often visited the East Market, which was filled with flower and bird shops, but this was her first time at the West Market.

Xie Zheng took her to try archery and throwing pots, and they played through everything.

At first, Zhang Yu was lost in her thoughts and felt downcast, but soon she was swept up in the fun, winning kites, porcelain figurines, and small drums, and even got to ride on Xie Zheng’s horse, racing a few laps around the riding grounds.

By the time they headed back, the sun was setting.

She was so tired from playing that drowsiness hit her, and her feet ached. After walking a short distance, she sat down on a stone stool by the street, refusing to move. “I’ll rest a bit before I go.”

Xie Zheng looked at her sleepy head, which bobbed like a chick pecking at rice, and sighed, “I don’t have a single copper coin left; I can’t hire a carriage to take you home.”

Zhang Yu, too sleepy to keep her eyes open, insisted, “I can walk back by myself.”

Xie Zheng felt both amused and pained. Thinking of what she had experienced that day, he gently patted her head and squatted down in front of her. “Get on my back; I’ll carry you home.”

Zhang Yu looked at the broad back of the young man, which seemed ample enough for her, and after a moment of hesitation, she finally chose to climb on.

Xie Zheng carried her back, walking through the fading light of the sunset. Listening to her steady breathing behind him, he let out a soft sigh. “What will happen to you, my little troublemaker, when I go to the military camp in the future?”

Zhang Yu slept soundly until the next morning. At breakfast, her mother spoke to her in the same gentle tone as always, and her father only mentioned a few things about the military camp, not once bringing up the matter of the Crown Prince of the Gong family.

Zhang Yu let out a small sigh of relief.

It seemed her parents were unaware that she had knocked out a tooth from the Crown Prince, nor did they know how Xie Zheng had managed to keep it a secret.

When she arrived at the academy, she was distracted during the morning class, only thinking about going to the upper courtyard to find Xie Zheng and ask him what he had done yesterday.

As soon as the morning class ended, she was about to head to the upper courtyard when a girl from her desk called out, “Zhang Yu, Zhang Yu! Did you hear? That arrogant Crown Prince of the Gong family was beaten up by the Young Marquis! He stripped him and his two lackeys of their clothes and threw them out onto the street! What a disgrace! I bet the Crown Prince won’t dare to come to the academy again!”

Zhang Yu was stunned, unable to respond, and clenched her small fists as she ran straight to the upper courtyard.

The windows of the upper courtyard were high, and she had to stand on her tiptoes to see inside.

The older students inside noticed a shadow moving outside and, upon realizing it wasn’t a patrolling teacher, they relaxed and called out, “Whose little sister is outside?”

The academy built by the Xie family was where the children of military leaders came to study. Many of the students in both the upper and lower courtyards were siblings.

Xie Zheng’s seat was empty. Liu Xuan saw Zhang Yu and came out to ask, “Looking for Xie Ge?”

Zhang Yu nodded.

Liu Xuan’s swelling had gone down a bit today, but there was still a bruise on his face. He said, “Xie Ge didn’t come to the academy today. I heard about the Crown Prince’s incident too.”

He looked at Zhang Yu with confusion. “How did he bully you? You knocked out a tooth, and Xie Ge beat him up so badly that he was left bruised and stripped, thrown out onto the street. I heard that the Crown Prince’s wife cried and went to the Xie family to demand an explanation. I guess Xie Ge will get punished.”

After hearing this, Zhang Yu turned and ran back.

Liu Xuan called after her, “Where are you going?”

Zhang Yu replied, “Back!”

By the time she returned to the lower courtyard, the teacher was already inside the classroom, holding a copy of the Analects. “Today, we will study the chapter on ‘Learning.’”

When he turned and saw Zhang Yu standing at the door, he kindly said, “Hurry and take your seat.”

Zhang Yu was usually obedient in the academy. Although her handwriting wasn’t very good, she had never fallen behind in her studies or skipped class, and the teachers all liked this sweet and earnest little girl.

Zhang Yu held her stomach with both hands, trying to make her expression look pained. “Teacher, my stomach hurts.”

She rarely lied, but the teacher, seeing her lovely and delicate face, had no reason to doubt her. He immediately said, “Then I’ll have someone take you home.”

Zhang Yu nodded, picked up her small bag, and followed the teacher out of the academy.

When she got into the carriage heading home and passed by the Xie residence, she asked the driver to let her off there.

The driver hesitated, saying, “But… I have to take you home.”

Zhang Yu replied firmly, “My mother is visiting Uncle Xie; I need to find her.”

Only then did the driver feel relieved, watching her enter the Xie family’s gate before leaving.

Zhang Yu and her mother were frequent visitors to the Xie residence, and the doorman recognized her. Seeing Zhang Yu with her small bag, he smiled and asked, “Miss Meng, what brings you here?”

Zhang Yu tightened the strap of her bag and said, “I’m here to find my big brother.”

The doorman smiled and said, “The Young Marquis got into trouble and was punished by the Marquis. He’s currently kneeling in the ancestral hall. How about you come back another day?”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu pressed her lips tightly together and said, “I want to see him.”

The doorman looked troubled. “The Marquis has ordered that no one is allowed to go to the ancestral hall. Miss Meng, please don’t make it difficult for me.”

Zhang Yu quickly changed her mind. “Then I want to see Aunt Xie.”

This time, the doorman didn’t stop her and eagerly said, “Shall I have someone show you the way?”

Zhang Yu had already started walking forward with her small bag. “No need; I remember the way.”

After passing through the flower-draped gate, there were two paths: one leading to the inner courtyard and the other to the west wing. However, by taking a detour, she could reach the Xie family’s ancestral hall.

Zhang Yu had visited the Xie residence many times and remembered these paths well.

She took a shortcut to the ancestral hall. Outside the hall, there were guards stationed. She sneaked around to the back wall, took off her small bag, and pushed it through a dog hole before squeezing herself in.

In the chilly spring air, Xie Zheng had returned home the previous night and was punished with ten lashes by Xie Linshan. He hadn’t eaten or drunk anything and had knelt in the ancestral hall all night in just a thin shirt, causing him to develop a high fever.

His head felt heavy, and after kneeling for so long, his knees throbbed with pain.

In a daze, he thought he heard the door creak slightly behind him.

Xie Linshan had issued an order forbidding anyone from visiting or bringing him food or water. His mother, feeling that he had behaved too poorly by hitting the Crown Prince, didn’t plead for him, so who would come to the ancestral hall to see him?

In his stupor, Xie Zheng self-deprecatingly tugged at the corner of his lips, not even lifting his eyelids.

But footsteps approached from behind and stopped in front of him.

A small hand pressed against his forehead, unexpectedly cool and tender.

Xie Zheng opened his eyes to see the little girl who should have been in the academy frowning at him. “You have a fever! I’ll go get someone!”

Zhang Yu lifted her foot to go outside, but he grabbed her wrist. “Don’t go.”

His voice was hoarse from the fever, and his handsome features showed signs of fatigue.

Zhang Yu exclaimed, “You’re sick!”

She pulled at his hand, which was burning like a hot iron, still gripping her wrist. “Is it because Uncle Xie punished you for hitting the Crown Prince? I’ll tell Uncle Xie that he bullied me first!”

The young man didn’t loosen his grip on her wrist at all, enduring the headache and fatigue as he scolded her. “Little fool, didn’t I tell you that this matter cannot be told to anyone?”

Zhang Yu looked confused. “Not even Uncle Xie and Aunt Xie?”

The young man didn’t respond, only said, “I’ve already taught that ugly fat guy and his two companions a lesson. They won’t dare to spread this matter. I beat him up, stripped him, and threw him onto the street. That’s already avenging you. This punishment isn’t anything.”

Zhang Yu saw the bloodstains on his back where the whip had torn his clothes and felt a pang in her heart. “You should tell Uncle Xie the truth.”

Xie Zheng was too weak, his eyelids slowly closing. He muttered, “Little fool, I said not to tell anyone.”

“If the Crown Prince and his wife find out, they might shamelessly want you to betroth yourself to that pig-headed fool, which would ruin your reputation. It’s not worth it, you know? This punishment is meant to appease the Crown Prince’s side. If I tell them, it will only make my mother and father feel bad.”

Zhang Yu looked at the cruel whip marks on his back, holding back tears as she asked, “Does it hurt? I brought some medicine; I can apply it for you.”

Since she started practicing with a sword, she had accumulated her fair share of bruises and scrapes. Her small bag contained not only books but also healing ointment.

Zhang Yu took out the ointment and, as she cleaned the wounds on Xie Zheng’s back, she found that the blood had already congealed, and the torn fabric was stuck to the skin. Pulling it off felt like tearing away a layer of flesh.

She carefully dampened the fabric stuck to the wound with water from her flask before gently tearing it away.

Even so, she still heard Xie Zheng let out a muffled groan.

Feeling a bit flustered, she said, “It hurts, doesn’t it? I’ll be gentler…”

Xie Zheng’s face was flushed from the fever, and a thin layer of sweat had formed on his forehead. He opened his eyes and said, “Are you peeling a snail’s shell slowly?”

After saying this, he yanked down the fabric that was stuck to his skin with blood and flesh, causing more blood to ooze out. He nonchalantly said, “Apply the medicine.”

As Zhang Yu sprinkled the ointment on his wounds, her lips were tightly pressed together. “You’re bleeding…”

Xie Zheng closed his eyes, enduring the pain and sweating profusely, squeezing out two words through gritted teeth: “Not painful.”

After applying the medicine, whether it was from sweating or the cold air, Xie Zheng’s fever worsened.

He still wouldn’t let Zhang Yu go get help, even though he was on the verge of burning up like a piece of charcoal, he still incoherently complained of being cold.

Zhang Yu draped her small cloak over him, but it seemed to have no effect.

The eight-year-old girl didn’t know how to bring down a fever. Hearing him say he was cold, she squatted beside him, took one of his hands, and blew on it, rubbing it to warm him up.

When Madam Xie came to check on her son, she found the two children cuddled up together, fast asleep.

Later, Madam Xie teased her son about the incident, saying that although he had been punished, it was worth it since his future wife had skipped class to see him.

For the first time, Xie Zheng spoke seriously to Madam Xie. “Mother, Zhang Yu is growing up now. Please don’t joke about this anymore. I only see Zhang Yu as my sister.”

As a child, he hadn’t understood what it meant to marry. Listening to his mother’s teasing back then, he thought it simply meant having another little sister to take care of in the future.

Now that he was gradually understanding things, he realized he had indeed watched that girl grow up, so he couldn’t take his mother’s playful words seriously.

Madam Xie was taken aback by her son’s formal response to her teasing. After a moment, she said, “Alright, alright, I’ll remember.”

When Madam Xie left with the medicine bowl, she saw Zhang Yu standing at the door with a small box. Madam Xie didn’t know how much of her and her son’s conversation Zhang Yu had overheard, but thinking she was still young and likely didn’t understand, she smiled and greeted her. “Zhang Yu, have you come to see your brother Xie Zheng?”

The little girl nodded obediently.

Madam Xie said, “He just took his medicine and is inside. You can go talk to him.”

Zhang Yu replied with a soft “Mm,” placed the box on the low table beside his bed, and then stepped back a few paces. “I heard you haven’t had much of an appetite and can’t eat anything, so I bought you a box of candied orange peel.”

Xie Zheng coughed lightly and smiled at her. “How rare! You bought me something?”

Zhang Yu didn’t respond. She sat on the embroidered stool for a while and then, without any context, said to him, “Thank you.”

Xie Zheng’s smile faded. “Have you caught a fever too? Is your brain burning up?”

Zhang Yu muttered, “If you scold me again, I’ll tell Aunt Xie.”

Xie Zheng shot her a sideways glance. “If you don’t want to be scolded, then keep your mouth shut.”

Zhang Yu grumbled, “Is it wrong to thank you?”

Xie Zheng sneered, “I’ve cleaned up so many messes for you. When have you ever thanked me? Meng Zhang Yu, who are you trying to impress?”

The little girl sat quietly on the embroidered stool, her head down, and after a long while, she said in a muffled voice, “Xie Zheng, you’ll be my brother for life, right?”

Xie Zheng felt that the child was acting strangely today. “Unless my parents give me another sister, besides you, who else could I have as a sister?”

Zhang Yu fiddled with the tassels on her clothes, fell silent for a moment, and then looked up with a smile. “Then it’s settled! You’ll be my brother for life!”

Xie Zheng initially thought the child was frightened by the incident with the Crown Prince of the Gong family. After coughing a couple of times, he chuckled, “Of course.”

The child, who had previously not paid much attention to others, turned back at the entrance and smiled at him, waving her hand. “Goodbye, Brother Xie Zheng!”

Madam Xie came over with a freshly brewed medicine and, noticing Zhang Yu leaving, smiled at Xie Zheng. “I see that Zhang Yu has become quite close to you. I’ve never seen her so affectionate toward you before.”

Xie Zheng watched the little girl’s retreating figure in silence.

There was something… off about this child.

However, Xie Zheng didn’t have time to ponder it for long, as news of war broke out again beyond the borders. Xie Linshan and Wei Qilin packed up their camp overnight.

The Northern Jue had a new king, and in a bid to quickly achieve military merit and subdue the rebellious tribal leaders, the new king launched a surprise attack on Jinzhou.

The situation was dire. Before leaving, Xie Linshan even ordered the evacuation of the citizens in the city and instructed the family guards to escort Madam Xie back to the capital first.

Unfortunately, it rained that day, making it difficult for the carriages to move along the official road. One of the cargo carts got stuck in the mud, and the guards, wearing bamboo hats and raincoats, shouted and pushed the wheels.

Madam Xie and Meng Lihua both got out of the carriage to check on the situation.

Zhang Yu, listening to the sound of thunder and rain, was dozing off in the carriage.

Suddenly, a bright flash of lightning struck the carriage, and she saw a figure lifting the curtain and looking at her.

Zhang Yu rubbed her eyes, thinking she was imagining things. Once she realized it wasn’t an illusion, she hurriedly said, “You have a cold; you can’t get wet. Come inside the carriage…”

“Tell my mother I’m going to Jinzhou.”

The young man interrupted her.

Zhang Yu was stunned. “But Jinzhou is at war…”

The young man smiled at her and raised the silver spear in his hand. “Exactly because there’s a war, I must go.”

He tilted his head slightly, using the dim light from a glass lamp in the carriage to look at her seriously and said, “I’m leaving.”

With that, he flicked the reins and disappeared into the night rain.

When Zhang Yu returned to the capital, she didn’t receive a letter from Xie Zheng until three months later.

In the letter, he mentioned that the battle in Jinzhou was going well, but the Northern Jue’s offensive was fierce. After nearly a decade of peace, this war would likely drag on for a long time.

He also mentioned that he had met a skilled bowman in the army who made a small bow for her, which he estimated would be sent to her in the capital by autumn.

As the seasons changed, Zhang Yu unconsciously accumulated a thick stack of letters in the wooden box designated for correspondence from the North.

She received the exquisite redwood small bow, but starting from the following year, the letters she received became fewer and fewer. Much of what she learned about Xie Zheng came from Madam Xie.

For instance, he had achieved military honors, slain a Northern Jue general, and nearly captured a certain prince…

Time flowed like water, and the distance between the two young people grew ever wider.

In the year Zhang Yu turned ten, the current emperor, being wise and enlightened, emphasized the importance of both civil and military education and promoted women’s education by establishing a girls’ school at the Guozijian.

To set an example, the emperor sent many princes and princesses to study at the Guozijian, and naturally, the civil and military officials couldn’t let the emperor lose face, so they sent their eligible daughters there as well.

When Madam Xie learned that Zhang Yu would be attending the Guozijian, she was very pleased. Having no daughters of her own, she treated Zhang Yu as if she were her child.

When she mentioned this to Meng Lihua, she couldn’t stop praising it. “The current head of the Guozijian is a remarkable figure, Master Gongsun. I’ve heard that His Majesty has sent several high-ranking officials to invite him out of retirement, but he has declined every time. It was only when His Majesty visited the Gongsun family in Hejian that he finally persuaded Master Gongsun to come out.”

“The Gongsun family in Hejian has such a rich heritage! They have rare books that are nearly extinct in the world, and you can find copies in their library. His Majesty’s recognition of such a talented person is a great blessing for our dynasty!”

Zhang Yu studied at the Guozijian for several years. Since she always received top marks in archery and horsemanship, the other noble girls, including Qi Shu, who struggled to even draw a bow, often came to her for help.

Over the years, all the noble girls in the capital regarded her as a close friend. Whenever there were poetry gatherings, they would not forget to send her invitations.

Zhang Yu had studied for several years, yet she still found herself with a headache whenever she attempted to write poetry, often trying to avoid it.

One day, she was about to decline an invitation to a flower-viewing event at the Jinwen Marquis’s residence when Qi Shu insisted on going, saying she had no familiar noble girls to accompany her at the banquet.

When Meng Lihua learned that her daughter was willing to go, she was very pleased and teased her little daughter, saying, “That’s good! Once the new year starts, you’ll be of age; it’s time to start looking for a match.”

Zhang Yu poked her younger sister’s chubby cheek and said, “It’s still early, Mother!”

Meng Lihua looked at her two daughters, one big and one small, and smiled. “Not too early! You were about Ning Niang’s age when you were causing trouble, with the Young Marquis following you around to help clean up. In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown into a young lady.”

With Zhang Yu entertaining her younger sister, Meng Lihua began to tidy up the clothes in the cage. “Your father wrote recently, saying that this battle was another great victory, and the situation in the Northern border is stable. The Young Marquis’s name has resounded throughout the court these years, and he is about to go to the capital to receive his title on behalf of your Uncle Xie.”

Zhang Yu paused her game with her younger sister, her heart not in it as she replied, “Mm.”

Ning Niang pouted in dissatisfaction. “Sister, you made a mistake!”

Meng Lihua laughed at this. “In a moment, Mother will help Ning Niang with her game. Your sister is going to the flower-viewing event at the Jinwen Marquis’s residence, so let her change into her outing clothes first.”

Ning Niang immediately blinked her eyes. “Can I go too?”

Meng Lihua shook her head.

Ning Niang’s little face fell. “Why not?”

Meng Lihua half-squatted and tapped her nose. “When our Ning Niang is a bit older, you can go…”

The flower-viewing event at the Jinwen Marquis’s residence was predictably lively.

The talented scholars and beautiful women engaged in drinking games and recited poetry, creating a delightful atmosphere.

Qi Shu seemed to be looking for someone at the banquet but couldn’t find them. She lost interest and decided to hide in a corner with Zhang Yu to watch the noble girls perform their talents.

Though she was still young, she was of the same generation as the current emperor, and even the empress had to address her as “Princess.”

No guest in the residence dared to show her any disrespect.

However, the Jinwen Marquis’s wife had fully intended to play matchmaker today. She proposed that the noble girls write half a couplet of poetry on wooden plaques without revealing their names, which would then be passed to the male guests for the talented scholars to complete the couplets.

This plan was well-received by the noble girls, as it was merely passing a wooden plaque. Even if no one completed their poetry, it wouldn’t be embarrassing. They could also assess the scholars’ talents and calligraphy through the poetry written on the plaques.

Since it was proposed by the Jinwen Marquis’s wife, Qi Shu felt she couldn’t refuse.

She wasn’t particularly good at poetry either, and after a long time of scratching their heads together, they managed to come up with a couple of lines.

After finishing, when she handed it to the Jinwen Marquis’s maid, she deliberately put on an arrogant expression and said, “When these plaques are returned, let this princess find her own first.”

The maid responded repeatedly.

Once the maid had walked away, Qi Shu shrugged her shoulders and said to Zhang Yu, “Let’s take ours first. Even if no one fills in the poetry, we won’t be embarrassed.”

When the plaques were returned, Qi Shu got hers back and, sweeping away her previous gloom, her eyes sparkled with joy.

Zhang Yu looked at her own two lines of poetry, which were barely legible, and frowned.

Qi Shu leaned over to take a look and teased, “I see that the handwriting is elegant and proper, and the lines aren’t empty. The person who filled in the poetry must be quite talented. I think you should meet him.”

Zhang Yu frowned. “I’d rather not. I don’t have the talent for writing poetry…”

Qi Shu stared at the couplet for a moment, her expression suddenly turning strange. “Why do I feel like this handwriting looks a bit like that guy Li Huai’an’s?”

Zhang Yu gasped.

After Qi Shu took the plaque to examine it closely, she said, “It can’t be wrong. I often borrow his homework to copy; it’s his!”

When Qi Shu looked back at Zhang Yu, her smile carried a hint of teasing. “Ah Yu, your handwriting is quite recognizable among the noble girls! Do you think Li Huai’an, that dullard, deliberately picked your plaque to fill in the poetry?”

Zhang Yu replied helplessly, “He’s probably just like us, forced to do it. He’s well-known among the talented scholars in the capital. If he doesn’t fill in the poetry, he’ll be urged to do so. If he fills in someone else’s, he might worry about misunderstandings. Since he’s familiar with you and me, and yours was taken, he probably picked mine.”

This statement startled Qi Shu, and she nodded. “That’s possible.”

After completing the second half of the poetry, the noble girls could send someone to inquire about the identity of the scholar who filled in their poetry. Once the female guests learned the male guests’ identities, they could assess their talents, and family background, and decide whether to pursue a connection. The servants would then inform the male guests of the female guests’ identities.

If everything went smoothly, a match could be made.

Qi Shu seemed to know who had filled in her poetry and didn’t send anyone to ask. After a while, a maid came to whisper something to her. Qi Shu’s eyes sparkled with delight as she lightly coughed and said to Zhang Yu, “Ah Yu, I’m going to meet someone. You can play by yourself for a while.”

Zhang Yu nodded.

However, as soon as Qi Shu left, other noble girls came over to engage with her, and in the end, Zhang Yu was pulled along to peek at several famous scholars in the capital behind a screen.

The noble girls chattered excitedly, “I’ve heard that there are not only talented scholars attending this banquet but also several young lords from prominent families!”

Zhang Yu paid little attention to this, letting it go in one ear and out the other. She found a moment to slip away to the begonia grove in the Jinwen Marquis’s residence for some peace.

The Jinwen Marquis was an elegant man who loved to brew tea and discuss philosophy. The gardens in his residence were uniquely designed, with winding streams and rockeries. The begonia petals, blown off by the wind, floated into the water, creating a picturesque scene of falling flowers and flowing water.

Not far away was a waterside pavilion. Zhang Yu crossed over to a beautiful reclining chair, took a large lotus leaf, covered her face with it, and lay down on the chair, preparing to take a nap.

At that moment, the sun was just right, and the warmth of the sunlight made her feel drowsy.

However, just as she lay down, something hit the lotus leaf covering her face.

The sound was very light as if it were just a flower bud or some seeds blown down by the wind.

Zhang Yu ignored it, scratching her face and planning to continue sleeping, but the lotus leaf was hit again.

She frowned and sat up, looking around the pavilion but seeing no one.

Just as she was puzzled, another begonia bud was thrown at her head.

Zhang Yu looked up and finally saw the person.

The waterside pavilion was next to a high stone platform, but the area around the platform was planted with many precious flowers and trees, making it difficult to see what was happening on the platform from the pavilion.

The young man throwing begonia buds at her was dressed in black, leaning against the begonia tree with his arms crossed. The exquisite dark patterns on his clothing shimmered in the sunlight, and the ornaments hanging from his waist sparkled, reflecting the light so brightly that it was hard to open one’s eyes.

Zhang Yu raised her hand to shield her eyes.

The young man seemed to chuckle, his features exceptionally handsome, but she could still vaguely recognize the shadow of the past. His expression was as lazy as she remembered. Not hearing her call out, he lazily raised an eyebrow and said, “It’s been years; you don’t recognize me anymore?”

Zhang Yu stared at him for a moment before blurting out, “Brother.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, they both fell silent, staring at each other for a moment. It seemed they both felt it was an awkward way to address each other, yet nothing felt more appropriate.

Xie Zheng pushed aside the flower branches and jumped down from the high platform.

Zhang Yu asked dryly, “What are you doing here?”

Xie Zheng glanced at the wooden plaque she had placed beside the reclining chair, a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I heard you came to this banquet to choose a husband for yourself, so I came to keep an eye on you.”

He had hurried back from the North, and upon seeing Madam Xie, he mentioned that he had brought her a gift. He intended to give it to her but learned from Madam Xie that she had gone to the Jinwen Marquis’s flower-viewing event, so he came along with his friend Shen Shen’s invitation.

Zhang Yu felt that there was a hint of sarcasm in his words, but she couldn’t figure out why he was being sarcastic. She replied honestly, “I didn’t see much…”

Seeing him staring at the wooden plaque beside the reclining chair, she worried he would see her ugly handwriting and the unappealing poetry, and she felt guilty, so she instinctively hid the plaque behind her.

Xie Zheng continued to smile, but there seemed to be a hidden edge to his smile.

It was hard to describe the feeling in his heart. He had traveled a long way back from the North, bringing her a bunch of delicious treats and fun things. From a distance at the banquet, he noticed she seemed to have grown quite a bit, and he felt a strange sense of comfort.

But now that he was face to face with her, she showed no signs of the closeness she once had with him, and this realization suddenly made Xie Zheng feel restless.

Seeing her hide the poetry they had written together at the flower-viewing event, he even felt a bit irritated.

Yet, after years of hardship in the military, he had learned to restrain his emotions. He casually said to the now-grown girl, “If you didn’t find anyone suitable, let’s go. I’ll take you home.”

The two of them left the waterside pavilion side by side, remaining silent as they walked, having not found a suitable topic to discuss.

As they turned a corner, they encountered a refined young man in a snow-blue scholar’s robe. Upon seeing Zhang Yu, he first smiled and bowed. When his gaze turned to Xie Zheng, there was a hint of hesitation. “This is…”

Zhang Yu replied, “My brother.”

The young man seemed to relax slightly, then nervously and shyly bowed to Xie Zheng. “Greetings, Brother.”

Xie Zheng: “…”

hello. thank you for translating this story. it was really wonderful. i do have a question though, are you going to also translate the remaining 2 extra chapters?

there are more chapters????

I really enjoyed this, thanks for translating. I don’t know if I’ll be able to watch the drama (reading all this angst is a lot easier than watching it) but I’m glad it’s getting adapted. This chapter ended abruptly, is there more? I tried going to the raw link but it was blank.

I think there’s one more special chapter

Thank youuu so much for your translation!!! You’re a blessing!!!

I think Zheng Zheng will hate blue robes in this life as well 😂

I truly enjoyed the novel. Thank you so much for translating this ❤️

My fav Li Huai’an is back! Will we be getting a continuation of this translation?

Well that was a ride! Thank you so much for the translation of this novel.

i like how the author basically started writing a fanfic of their story at the end here lol. too bad it seems the end of the bonus story is missing?

thank you for sharing regardless.

All I can say after finishing this novel is I can’t wait for the drama adaptation. I can already picture Zhang Ling He and Tian Xi Wei as Xie Zheng and Fan Changyu. Plus the director for Blossom directed this one!

we need more huhu

Thanks for sharing! There is at least one more chapter the author posted/updated back in April and it would be great if it could also be added here

is there any continuation?

terimaksih atas terjemahannya

Love the novel minus the raw intimate scenes. His intimate scenes made he look uncultured and dense. The writer should just stick to action and political intrigues.

Crudas? realmente no has leído nada entonces jaja esas escenas no fueron nada en comparación con otros géneros

May I know if the remaining two extras are going to be added?

Also, thank you so much for your hard work with the translations!

thank you so much for translating this novel i absolutely loved every single part of this masterpiece. im curious tho, will you also translate the last part? i found out there were actually a final chapter for this side story in jjwxc net. unfortunately I don’t understand anything since it’s in Chinese

wait, its done?
aaakkkkk author, why you end it like this??????

I hope the translator will update that final chapter because that was an awful place to stop that extra chapter… I saw that the author of the book updated the last extra in, like 2025. 😭😭😭 But all in all, a great story! I loved it! It made me laugh, it made me cry, I loved the intensity of the ML and the strength and conviction of the FL. This will definitely be one of my re-reads.

thank you for the translation.
really appreaciate your work.
btw, will you continue the last chapter?

Thank you for the beautiful translation – would you be translating the last chapters?
i saw the last chapter released in April 2025 called “I’ll kidnap you back to get married”.
i’m hoping you can continue so that we can have the end.

What an awesome start to 2026! Thank you for this amazing story and great translations. I also can’t wait for the drama to start in March ❤️

Me encanto todo el libro ame cada paso y cada trama que nos mostraron, Xie Zheng es muy personaje favorito a pesar de todo ❤️‍🩹🫶🏻