Chapter 146: Reunion
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Upon arriving at the Mengji Wang’s Mansion, He Yan and Xiao Jue disembarked from the horse-drawn carriage and were led inside by a maid from the mansion. It wasn’t their first time at the mansion, and they felt more at ease compared to their previous visits. The maid guided He Yan and Xiao Jue to the entrance of the banquet hall and said respectfully, “Her Highness and the esteemed guests are inside. Young Master Qiao and his wife can go in directly.”
He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the banquet hall.
Mu Hongjin was reclining on a soft couch, a red robe draped over one side, and a faint smile on her lips as she listened to a nearby musician playing the zither. There was another person seated at a low table in front of her, with his back to He Yan, dressed in a long robe of bamboo green color, wearing a jade hairpin. His figure seemed somewhat familiar.
As she was still trying to figure out who this person was, Mu Hongjin’s gaze passed over them, and she smiled, saying, “Commander Xiao has arrived.”
He Yan and Xiao Jue paid their respects to Mu Hongjin. At the same time, the man sitting with his back to them also stood up and turned to look at them.
His features were as elegant and graceful as always, resembling a celestial being. He Yan had never expected to see Chu Zhao in the Mengji Wang’s Mansion in Jiyang.
The shock lasted only for a moment, and He Yan quickly realized that this was not good. She was currently disguised as a woman, and she didn’t know what Chu Zhao might think upon seeing her. His identity was still unknown, and if he were to report this to Xu Jingfu, it could cause trouble for Xiao Jue.
She instinctively took a step back behind Xiao Jue, trying to avoid Chu Zhao’s gaze. However, she also understood that unless she turned and left immediately, her true identity would be discovered sooner or later.
Xiao Jue seemed to sense something and glanced at her, saying, “What are you afraid of?”
He Yan was about to speak, but Chu Zhao had already greeted Xiao Jue and smiled, saying, “Commander Xiao, Miss He.”
She knew he had noticed. She didn’t need a mirror to know that her complexion at this moment was probably not very pleasant.
Xiao Jue said, “Fourth Young Master Chu.”
“It seems you all know each other,” Mu Hongjin smiled. “Please, have a seat. Fourth Young Master Chu is a distinguished guest from Shuojing.”
Xiao Jue and He Yan took their seats at a low table on the side.
A servant came over to pour tea, and Mu Hongjin raised her hand, signaling for the zither player to step back. The banquet hall fell quiet, and He Yan lowered her head, gazing at the tea leaves floating in her cup. Illness entered through the mouth, while trouble exited through the mouth. It was best to say as little as possible at this moment.
Xiao Jue looked at Chu Zhao and asked, “What brings Fourth Young Master Chu to Jiyang?”
Getting straight to the point and avoiding any side discussions. Chu Zhao lowered his head, smiled briefly, and replied, “I came to Jiyang this time for the matter concerning the Wutuo people.”
Wutuo people? He Yan perked up her ears and listened as Chu Zhao continued, “There are Wutuo people hiding in Jiyang now, and it’s feared that there will be unrest in the city soon. I came here to lend a helping hand to Her Highness and prevent more of Jiyang’s citizens from suffering this calamity.”
He looked at Princess Mengji.
Xiao Jue’s lips curled slightly as he said, “How did Fourth Young Master Chu learn that the Wutuo people have infiltrated Jiyang?”
“We caught Wutuo conspirators in Shuojing City, and by following the trail, we discovered that their accomplices are currently in Jiyang. My father and I learned about their plans through secret messages they conveyed. The Wutuo people intend to launch a war in Jiyang, and once they cut off the canal, it will cause trouble for the entire Great Wei. So, my father ordered me to rush to Jiyang immediately and inform Her Highness of this matter, taking precautions in advance.”
Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with subtle sarcasm. “As far as I know, Shi Jinbo has long since ceased to manage matters in the mansion. I’m afraid he can’t issue orders to Fourth Young Master Chu.”
These words were also spoken to He Yan by Lin Shuanghe. Shi Jinbo spent every day fooling around, and had long ceased to care about the big and small matters in the mansion. The affairs of the inner courtyard are managed by Shi Jinbo’s wife, and as for the rest, ever since Chu Zhao had the support of Xu Jingfu behind him, Shi Jinbo had become Chu Zhao’s mansion.
“But it’s just a rumor from outsiders,” Chu Zhao replied with a good temper. “I wouldn’t dare not listen to my father’s words.”
Mu Hongjin seemed to have discovered something in the exchange between these two people, but she didn’t speak up right away. She lazily sipped her tea and quietly observed.
“To tell Her Highness, a secret message would suffice,” Xiao Jue sneered. “Why does Young Master Chu have to make the trip himself?”
“Because there’s something more important that needs to be delivered to Her Highness personally.”
Mu Hongjin chuckled softly, “Young Master Chu has brought the defense map of the Wutuo people.”
Xiao Jue and He Yan both looked at Mu Hongjin.
With the enemy’s defense map, half the battle in the war would already be won. But how did Chu Zhao obtain something so crucial?
He Yan couldn’t help but ask, “Where did Four Young Master Chu get this map? How can we be sure it’s genuine?”
“As for how I obtained it, it’s all a matter of luck,” Chu Zhao replied with a gentle smile. “As for its authenticity, I can’t be certain. That’s why I can only give it to Princess Mengji.” He paused and looked at Xiao Jue. “But when I see Commander Xiao here, I’m at ease. With Commander Xiao present, whether the defense map is real or fake, we can definitely defend Jiyang City. After all, even in the realm of water warfare, only Commander Xiao is an unparalleled talent, and his achievements will go down in history.”
When Chu Zhao said this, He Yan’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but look at Xiao Jue. The water warfare at Guocheng Long Valley was a difficult memory for Xiao Jue, and Chu Zhao’s words felt like a knife in his wound.
Xiao Jue remained calm, curved his lips, and looked back at Chu Zhao, his gaze filled with meaning. “Fourth Young Master Chu came all the way to Jiyang and brought a defense map that may or may not be genuine. Isn’t that making a big deal out of it? Or…” He paused, with a deep meaning in his eyes. “Is there something else on your mind?”
“It concerns the safety of the Great Wei dynasty. How can we say it’s making a big deal out of it?” Chu Zhao shook his head. “I’ll stay in Jiyang, and I can face the enemy with Commander Xiao. If the information is false, it’s just a false alarm, and we’ll all be happy.”
“Facing the enemy together?” Xiao Jue lazily spoke. “When Fourth Young Master Chu can’t even protect himself, no one will be able to save you in time.”
Chu Zhao smiled but didn’t respond.
Second Young Master Xiao had always been skilled at mocking people, and Chu Zilan was indeed physically weak. If something were to happen to him, it might slow down the others.
“Commander Xiao,” Mu Hongjin had watched the show long enough and had a general understanding of the relationship between these two. She turned to Xiao Jue. “This Highness will make a copy of the defense map brought by Fourth Young Master Chu and put you in command of all the soldiers inside and outside Jiyang City, totaling almost twenty thousand. According to the secret message brought back by Fourth Young Master Chu, the Wutuo people will cause trouble within the next ten days. During this period, we must ensure the safety of Jiyang’s citizens.”
Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness has considered everything carefully.”
Mu Hongjin’s gaze shifted back to Chu Zhao, who was smiling. “Fourth Young Master Chu has come a long way, and you two are old acquaintances. Fourth Young Master Chu will also be staying in the Cui Mansion for these days. If you have any important matters to discuss, it’s convenient.”
Chu Zhao returned the courtesy. “Your Highness is very considerate.”
He Yan: “….”
Mu Hongjin had really done an impressive job by placing these two arch-enemies together. Not to mention discussing important matters, just ensuring a peaceful ten days with these two, who could engage in verbal and physical combat over a simple conversation, wouldn’t be an easy task.
After exchanging some pleasantries, Mu Hongjin had someone escort He Yan and the group back to the Cui Mansion. When there were no more bystanders in the banquet hall, an older lady-in-waiting at her side asked, “Your Highness, why did you let Fourth Young Master Chu stay at Lord Zhongqi’s mansion? Commander Xiao doesn’t seem to like Fourth Young Master Chu.”
“These two don’t get along,” Mu Hongjin said softly, “but their rivalry can keep each other in check. Xiao Huaijin is a military genius, but Jiyang City can’t rely solely on him. After all, no one knows whether what he says is true or not.”
“These two are both good at talking, mixing truth with lies. If you listen closely, you can always discern some clues,” she sighed and stood up, gazing at the distant sky. “Time is running out.”
If the Wutuo people truly intended to attack Jiyang, they would have to arrange for the evacuation of Jiyang’s citizens starting from tomorrow. Her father entrusted Jiyang City to her, and she had protected it well for so many years. Now, at the end, she couldn’t afford to fail.
And there was Mu Xiaolou.
She turned around, her enchanting red corners of her eyes deepened, and said coldly, “Go and bring Xiaolou here.”
…
He Yan and Xiao Jue left the royal mansion together, and Chu Zhao stood by their side. When the three of them left the mansion, they didn’t say much. He Yan, however, was silently contemplating how to maintain the seamless deception.
Why not firmly claim that she was originally a man and that her disguise as a woman in Jiyang was a necessity? As for why she looked so feminine, she could say it was due to her natural appearance. After all, Chiwu had been with them for so long and hadn’t noticed anything. With this in mind, she felt a little more relaxed.
“Miss He.” Just as she was thinking, someone by her side called her name. He Yan turned to look, and Chu Zhao stopped walking, looking at her with a smile.
Xiao Jue also stood still and didn’t move far.
With her superior present, He Yan felt somewhat reassured. She looked at Chu Zhao and said with a smile, “Fourth Young Master Chu, there’s no need to address me this way. In fact, I…”
“I never expected that since I last saw He Yan in wedding attire, I’d see you dressed as a woman again today,” the young man smiled very softly, and even his compliments were sincere. It sounded much more genuine than the flattery from the embroiderer’s shop assistants and Lin Shuanghe. “This outfit suits you well, Miss He, it’s very becoming.”
He Yan’s prepared words suddenly stopped. What did he mean by “since I last saw”? This was the first time she had dressed as a woman since entering the military camp. Where did Chu Zhao see her like this? He Yan subconsciously glanced at Xiao Jue, who raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he was waiting for her to speak. Wait a minute, did Xiao Jue think that she and Chu Zhao were in cahoots from the beginning?
Food could be eaten hastily, but words should not be spoken carelessly. He Yan decided, “Fourth Young Master Chu, I’m not quite sure about the meaning behind your words. When did I… appear before you in wedding attire?”
“At the Shuojing Racecourse,” Chu Zhao smiled slightly. “To protect your father and younger brother, you took the initiative to confront Lord Zhao, and you looked magnificent and unforgettable. At that time, the wind blew the white veil on your face,” he lowered his head and smiled, “and I accidentally saw your face. At that time, I already knew your true identity.”
Shuojing Racecourse? What a trivial matter. Chu Zhao actually remembered it. Doesn’t this mean that Chu Zhao had known she was a woman since he last visited Liangzhou? “So, Fourth Young Master Chu, you recognized me when you last visited Liangzhou?” He Yan asked in astonishment.
“At that time, it seemed that you didn’t want your identity to be discovered, especially in the Garrison where there were many people and much gossip, so I didn’t reveal it,” Chu Zhao explained. “But since we’ve met today, there’s no need to conceal it anymore.” Chu Zhao looked at He Yan with a gentle tone and continued, “I’m saying all of this not for any other reason but to put your mind at ease. I didn’t disclose your identity in Liangzhou, and I won’t tell anyone now in Jiyang. After the matter in Jiyang is settled, Chu Zhao will act as if he has never met Miss He. Miss He can go back to Liangzhou to make contributions without worrying about my loose tongue.”
He probably noticed He Yan’s concerns during their time at the banquet hall and intentionally said these words to reassure her.
Regardless of Chu Zhao’s true identity and his relationship with Xu Jingfu, based on his courteous and considerate demeanor, it was challenging to harbor ill feelings towards him. He Yan smiled and said, “In that case, I’ll thank Brother Chu in advance.”
“There’s no need for thanks between us,” Chu Zhao smiled. “I don’t want Miss He to be anxious because of my presence. As for the matter of informing others, Chu Zhao is not that kind of person.”
Xiao Jue had been standing by He Yan’s side, listening to Chu Zhao’s words with a cold expression. When he spoke, there was a hint of disdain in his smile. “Fourth Young Master Chu, you speak so eloquently. Coming all the way to Jiyang just to tell inform?”
“Informing is one matter, but it is necessary to distinguish between friend and foe.”
“People from Nanfu’s army won’t trouble Fourth Young Master Chu,” he raised an eyebrow and said lightly, “Even if her identity is exposed one day, I can guarantee her safety.”
Chu Zhao was momentarily surprised and looked at He Yan. “Miss He has joined the Nanfu army?”
He Yan: “….yes.”
Xiao Jue had already agreed that if she pretended to be his wife to resolve the Jiyang situation, he would arrange for her to enter Nanfu. While the situation was not yet fully resolved, her entrance was just a word away. If he said she would go in, she would.
Chu Zhao’s eyes slightly lit up, and after a moment, he smiled, “Then I’ll congratulate Miss He… no, Brother He.”
He Yan nodded in agreement.
Xiao Jue calmly watched him. “Is there nothing else? Please arrange for a carriage yourself, Fourth Young Master Chu. It’s not suitable for a couple to share a ride with an outsider. Please go ahead.”
He didn’t bother hiding his disdain for Chu Zhao. However, Chu Zhao remained unbothered and simply replied, “Commander Xiao, we’ll meet again at the Cui Mansion.” He then turned to He Yan and smiled.
He Yan responded with an awkward smile.
Chiwu brought the carriage over, and He Yan and Xiao Jue got inside. Before they could fully settle down, Xiao Jue’s cold voice rang out, “At Shuojing Racetrack, the one competing in horsemanship against a man surnamed Zhao, was that you?”
He Yan felt helpless; here it was. When Chu Zhao mentioned the racetrack earlier, she had nearly forgotten. Xiao Jue was also present at the time, and he had even given He Yunsheng a horse, which was named “Xiang Xiang.”
“…Yes,” He Yan replied, not giving Xiao Jue a chance to speak. “The horse Commander Xiao gave to my younger brother, he adores it. He takes care of it daily, and we haven’t had a chance to thank you. If it weren’t for Commander Xiao appearing to help, I don’t know how our family would have been mistreated by that person surnamed Zhao.”
Xiao Jue’s gaze cooled. “So, you recognized me from the beginning, is that right?”
He Yan had no words to say.
How could she not recognize him from the beginning? She had known him since her previous life. But how was she supposed to explain that?
“You are the Commander of the Right Army, General Fengyun of Great Wei. Your martial prowess is unmatched. I indeed recognized you. However, you were like a lofty cloud at that time, while I was just a tiny ant at the edge of your boot. I recognized you, but you didn’t recognize me. Later, when I joined the military, I guessed that Commander Xiao had already forgotten about this. After all, you have many important matters to attend to, and why would you remember a tiny ant?” He Yan leaned closer and continued, “How could I have known the Commander would remember these things.”
Knowing that this guy was always ready to tell lies and heap flattery, but seeing her sitting there with bright eyes and white teeth, putting on such a dedicated performance, his initial displeasure had turned into amusement. The fact that Chu Zhao seemed to have known this person’s female identity even earlier than himself made it sound as if he had been kept in the dark.
Xiao Jue shifted his gaze and said, “Have you met him before?”
“No, not at all,” He Yan hastily replied. “I’ve only met him twice in Shuojing.” She added with a hint of frustration, “How could I have known that he was so coincidentally present at the racetrack and even saw my face? If I had known, I would have concealed my face tightly and worn an iron mask. Let’s see how sharp his eyes are, he wouldn’t know who I am.”
“You don’t want him to see your face?”
“Of course, I don’t want him to,” He Yan said. “Leaving a gap for others to exploit, who knows what might happen.”
Xiao Jue chuckled. “Not too foolish.”
“Commander,” He Yan asked, “Do you really think that Fourth Young Master Chu will or will not disclose my identity to others?” Although Chu Zhao had spoken in such a reassuring manner, He Yan still couldn’t easily trust him, especially given his own ambiguous identity, making it unclear whether he was a friend or a foe.
“Are you worried now?”
“Not exactly worried,” He Yan said, “If he wants to reveal it, I’ll just pack my things and run away in advance. It’s just that I’ve been in the Liangzhou Garrison for so long, and I don’t want to leave you. If I have to part with you, it’ll be very painful.”
“What you don’t want to part with is the opportunity to join the Nanfu army, isn’t it?” Xiao Jue remained unfazed.
“How can you think of me that way?” He Yan spoke earnestly. “With my skills, I would be highly valued under any general’s command. The reason I can’t forget the Nanfu army is because it’s led by you, Commander.” Perhaps due to Xiao Jue’s frequent flattery, He Yan had become quite adept at it herself, and she could now say flattering words without blushing.
“Commander, do you stand by what you just said?”
“What did I say?”
“That even if my identity is exposed, and everyone knows I’m a woman, you can still protect me?”
Xiao Jue scoffed, “Don’t worry, no matter how far the influence of the Chu family extends, it won’t reach the Nanfu army. But…” He fixed his beautiful eyes on He Yan and said in a matter-of-fact tone, “Why should I go to the trouble and take on many risks for you, Miss He?”
“Because we have a special bond from looking at the painting together, not just an ordinary relationship.” He Yan answered, perfectly composed.
Xiao Jue’s calm expression suddenly cracked, and he asked, “…What did you say?”
“Don’t worry,” He Yan raised her index finger to her lips, making a hushing gesture, and said, “I absolutely won’t tell anyone about the fact that you and I looked at the painting together on the first day you came to Jiyang.”
…
The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Cui Mansion. As He Yan and Xiao Jue had just entered and were walking towards the courtyard, they saw Lin Shuanghe hurrying over. Upon seeing them, Lin Shuanghe folded his fan and said, “You finally returned! Do you know…”
“Fourth Young Master Chu has come to Jiyang,” He Yan interrupted before he could finish speaking.
“Did you already know?” Lin Shuanghe was taken aback. “You just arrived a moment ago. I heard it was arranged by Princess Mengji, and now he’s staying at the Cui Mansion. What’s going on?” He looked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping and then whispered, “Could there be a conspiracy? And Little Sister He, how can we prevent Chu Zilan from seeing you like this? What if your identity is exposed?”
“We already met at the Royal Mansion,” He Yan reassured him. “Chu Zhao also promised not to tell anyone for now. Brother Lin can rest assured.”
“You already met at the Royal Mansion?” Lin Shuanghe glanced at Xiao Jue and then at He Yan, gradually understanding. He inquired, “When Princess Mengji invited you to the Royal Mansion, the person you met, was it Chu Zilan?”
He Yan nodded.
“Why did Chu Zilan come to Ji Yang?” Lin Shuanghe asked in surprise. “A young noble from Shuojing wouldn’t travel this far just for sightseeing. Why did he arrive right after you got here? How could there be such a coincidence?”
He didn’t know about the Wutuo people, so He Yan said, “It’s a long story. Where’s my master?”
“Mr. Liu has just returned,” Lin Shuanghe said. “What’s the matter?”
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue and said, “When we saved the Little Highness before, my master mentioned that he came to Jiyang City to investigate a group of Wutuo people. Since the news brought by Fourth Young Master Chu is related to the Wutuo people, why not invite my master as well? If we compare our information, we might make some other discoveries.” After a pause, she was afraid that Xiao Jue wouldn’t trust Liu Buwang, so she added, “My master is absolutely not a bad person, you can trust him, Commander.”
Xiao Jue nodded slightly and said, “Let’s invite Mr. Liu to come to the room and discuss it together.”
…
In the courtyard, the servants were unloading items from the carriage and bringing them into the house one by one. Everything from clothing to food, bedding, and incense was prepared for Chu Zhao by Miss Xu before he arrived in Jiyang. If it were anyone else, they would have been deeply moved and grateful for such thoughtful preparations, but Chu Zhao sat in the room, looking at the gradually filling table with a calm expression.
Ying Xiang walked over.
Due to the geographical and river conditions, Jiyang women had distinctive, captivating features. Among them, Ying Xiang was still the most eye-catching. She carried a tea tray to Chu Zhao’s side, placed the teapot down, poured a cup of tea for Chu Zhao, and whispered, “Young Master, the room is ready.”
Chu Zhao nodded and looked outside the courtyard.
The room arranged by Cui Yuezhi was not far from Xiao Jue’s room.
“Commander Xiao has just returned to his mansion,” Ying Xiang said, “and he is now in the house with the white-clad swordsman and Young Master Lin. They are likely having a discussion.”
As for what they were discussing, there was no doubt that it was related to him.
However, he didn’t pay much attention to it.
Chu Zhao took a sip of tea and asked, “Do we have any information on Chai Anxi’s whereabouts?”
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Xiao Jue, you can’t fool me–somebody’s jealous ~
thanks for the chapter!
Love competition has been established. I am seated!
Btw, I adore the banter between XJ and HY. As the story progresses, HY is getting more bold with her comebacks making XJ too shocked to think of anything to say.
So far, I love how she has taken advantage the the joke on his waist and their time looking at the spring painting together.
She is just way too wild and unpredictable, and he is loving her personality.