Chapter 164: Well-Matched
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He Yan still remembered that during the hunting event, there were only boys of around ten-ish years old. Suddenly, they saw such an outstanding and beautiful girl, naturally attracting their attention. Lin Shuanghe even commented, “What a beautiful girl! If I say she deserved to be the number one beauty in Shuojing City, no one would object, right?”
“No objections, no objections!”
“I didn’t expect that the daughter of Minister Shen, who had such a bad temper, would actually be so stunning.”
Minister Shen was known for his sharp and upright personality. He dared to speak directly to Emperor Wenxuan and was very strict in his daily life. If anyone in the court made a slight mistake, they would be reprimanded by him. However, the late emperor once praised Minister Shen for his Wei-like integrity, and the current empress dowager also favored him greatly. With a stable position that could not be shaken, colleagues in the court could only keep their distance. The more isolated Minister Shen was by his colleagues, the more Emperor Wenxuan felt that Minister Shen was a pitifully upright minister, and he treated him with special tolerance.
With such a father with a bad temper, his daughter was remarkably different in appearance. The term “hard to approach” might be used for an old man with a strange and harsh temper, but for a beautiful young girl, it meant she was aloof and not interested in worldly matters.
He Yan still remembered that although Shen Muxue was a girl and not very old at that time, after the hunting event, when they were counting the prey, when Xiao Jue came out to receive the emperor’s praise, his cloak fell to the ground. It should have been picked up by his attendants, but the fairy-like Miss Shen walked up herself, held up the cloak, and handed it to Xiao Jue.
At that time, the young men were somewhat surprised. Someone sarcastically said, “It’s over, it’s over. While we were having fun here, this girl has set her eyes on Brother Huaijin.”
“Why would Brother Huai Jin be liked by such a girl? At least leave us some face.”
Lin Shuanghe sighed while shaking his fan, “Naturally, it’s because Miss Shen also judges people by their looks.”
He Yan followed everyone’s gaze but saw a young man with a heroic and charming demeanor on horseback and a girl with a reserved and beautiful appearance. Just based on their looks, they could be called a fairy couple, a perfect match.
She silently lowered her head, looking at her empty hands that hadn’t caught any prey. Extraordinary people should be with extraordinary people. All she could do was stand aside and watch others in high spirits.
“Brother He?” Chu Zhao’s voice brought He Yan’s thoughts back.
He Yan came back to her senses and asked, “If Miss Shen traveled all the way to Liangzhou, would Minister Shen agree?”
Minister Shen has only one son and one daughter. Compared to his stern treatment of his eldest son, he pampered his young daughter even more. Shen Muxue appeared obedient and polite, and although He Yan didn’t think it was a sin for a woman to go to a military camp, in the eyes of most people, it was probably considered deviating from norms. Minister Shen, being an imperial censor, couldn’t possibly tolerate his daughter acting recklessly like this.
“Miss Shen had set her heart on leaving, and Minister Shen couldn’t resist. Moreover,” Chu Zhao smiled, “speaking of it, when General Xiao was alive, he had a close relationship with the Shen family. Minister Shen and General Xiao were good friends. After the incident in the Xiao family, Minister Shen also provided a lot of help. Commander Xiao was young and promising, Minister Shen trusted him, and perhaps…” He paused, “there might have been some thoughts of forming a marriage alliance with the Xiao family.”
He Yan’s heart “thudded” for a moment, subconsciously refuting, “How is that possible?”
Chu Zhao looked at her, seemingly not understanding He Yan’s reaction, “Why is it impossible?”
“… Commander, on ordinary days, stayed away from the company of women,” He Yan pretended to be casual, “He only focused on military affairs. I can see that he and Shen Muxue hadn’t had much interaction.”
Xiao Jue was always cold to everyone, and he treated Shen Muxue no differently, showing no special favor.
“Ah He, you’re a girl,” Chu Zhao laughed, “You don’t understand a man’s thoughts. If there’s such an outstanding, gentle girl who doesn’t say anything every day, silently accompanies him, follows him in battles, even a person with a heart of stone would be moved. The moved feeling turns into pity, and pity is love. Commander Xiao hasn’t driven her away because he has developed a sense of pity.”
He Yan pursed her lips and didn’t speak, feeling that Chu Zhao’s words were not very pleasant to hear.
“If it were you, would you also turn pity into love?” He Yan asked.
Chu Zhao hesitated for a moment, shook his head, and said, “No.”
“Why not?”
Chu Zhao looked at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes, “I don’t like gentle girls.”
“I prefer those who are lively and cheerful.”
He Yan glanced at him, didn’t say anything, thinking that it was hard to imagine someone as gentle and quiet as Chu Zhao liking lively and cheerful girls.
The room was right in front of them, and Chu Zhao smiled, “I’ll just see you here. Rest early; you have military training tomorrow.”
He Yan nodded, thanked him, and entered the room.
The central door was closed today, and she wondered if Xiao Jue had slept. If it were an ordinary day, He Yan probably would knock on the door, unlock it, and exchange a few words. But today, she wasn’t in the mood. After cleaning up and getting on the bed, she laid down, thinking about what Chu Zhao had said, feeling a bit troubled.
Xiao Jue and Shen Muxue?
Originally, she didn’t think much of it, but tonight, after hearing Chu Zhao talk about it, she realized that she had overlooked some things. Why was there only one female physician in Liangzhou Garrison, and why had she heard Shen Han call Shen Muxue “Miss Shen”? Those instructors not only felt grateful to Shen Muxue but also respected her. It turns out it was because of this.
Minister Shen’s daughter, General Xiao’s son, both from prominent families, both equally beautiful, and even their fathers were good friends.
He Yan turned over, facing the wall. She felt a bit bitter in her heart, thinking that it really matched.
…
The next day was another day of military training.
With the experience from the first day, things were much more familiar on the second day. The daily training of the Nanfu Army did not involve paired combat or battles, making it quite peaceful. In addition, the Nanfu Army mainly practiced military formations, and He Yan was already familiar with them. In every change of the formation, she kept up and never lagged behind. This surprised Tian Lang.
“How is she?” Shen Han looked at He Yan in the formation and asked Tian Lang, “Is this kid still okay?” Although He Yan was now part of the Nanfu Army, Shen Han still cared. Moreover, this kid had a close relationship with Xiao Jue, and Shen Han thought he should show concern frequently.
Tian Lang said, “Aptitude is good.”
Shen Han found it amusing. He remembered when He Yan first arrived at the Liangzhou Garrison, Xiao Jue personally concluded that her aptitude was too poor. None of the instructors had confidence in He Yan at that time, thinking she would eventually be relegated to a lower position. Unexpectedly, He Yan had come the farthest. Indeed, it was challenging to predict things on the battlefield.
Several other instructors joined in. While the new recruits of the Liangzhou Garrison rested, the Nanfu Army had much less downtime. They came over to see how He Yan was adapting.
“Didn’t disgrace us from the Liangzhou Garrison!” Liang Ping was very pleased and humbly said, “In the future, Deputy General Tian, please teach this kid more! Don’t worry about our face; if it needs fixing, go ahead and fix it!”
Tian Lang, “…”
Ma Da Mei laughed, “Deputy General Tian, this young man learns quickly, and it’s not just our boasting from the Liangzhou Garrison. If you teach him more, he will surely surprise you frequently in the future.”
Tian Lang was speechless. To him, He Yan was just a recruit with decent aptitude, and she happened to be trusted by Xiao Jue. However, in terms of skill and ability, there were many outstanding individuals in the Nanfu Army. Not to mention the Nine Banners Battalion, but the remote location of the Liangzhou Garrison made it difficult to find such individuals.
Now that they finally had someone, they treated him like a Buddha and offered him up as if he were some kind of treasure. It was just limited vision.
While they were talking, a woman in a moon-white dress approached. Liangzhou Garrison had only one woman, and everyone said, “Miss Shen.”
Shen Muxue walked over.
She put down the basket in her hands and said, “I gathered some medicinal herbs, and they’ve been cleaned and dried. Please trouble the instructors to have these herbs boiled into a potion. With the changing seasons between spring and summer, each soldier can drink a spoonful to resist the cold.”
Shen Han quickly thanked her, instructed someone to take the basket away, and immediately went to brew the medicine.
Shen Muxue didn’t leave in a hurry. Instead, she looked at the soldiers practicing in the martial arts field below, her gaze falling on the slender figure in the formation.
He Yan was mixed in there, seemingly inconspicuous in stature but impossible to ignore. Over the past few years, she had been to different places with Xiao Jue, meeting different people. There were so many new recruits, but only this one left a lasting impression. Like a lively breeze, completely different from the people around her.
The hand balm… clearly just an ordinary balm. She rarely liked things or showed a desire for something, and for Xiao Jue, it was just something casual. Yet Xiao Jue insisted on stopping her. Not long after, she discovered it in He Yan’s hands.
Did Xiao Jue refuse because of He Yan?
For a teenager with considerable abilities, perhaps destined to become a confidant, it was natural to show a little more consideration. Shen Muxue understood, but even if Xiao Jue had trust, it wouldn’t be so subtle, almost like… almost like he was treating a young lady. Thinking this way, Shen Muxue felt that Xiao Jue’s treatment of He Yan on ordinary days was a bit too generous. It was Cheng Lisu’s room, and Cheng Lisu had left, but He Yan hadn’t moved out. Living next door to the Right Army Commander as a new recruit was somewhat peculiar. Xiao Jue had not shown any rejection towards He Yan, even tacitly approving many of her unconventional actions.
It’s this indulgence that makes Shen Muxue feel uneasy.
In general, a woman’s thoughts are always particularly delicate, and their intuition is unusually accurate. After Xiao Jue and He Yan returned this time, Shen Muxue felt that something was off.
She didn’t want to leave immediately and wanted to stay a bit longer on the martial arts field. She said, “I’ve already brewed some in advance. Instructors can have a drink now. The medicinal herbs are placed not far away. Please have someone accompany me to fetch them.”
Shen Han said, “How could it warrant Miss Shen to trouble herself? I’ll accompany you.” After informing everyone, he followed Shen Muxue as she walked away.
Watching Shen Muxue’s departing figure, Liang Ping sighed, “Miss Shen is truly compassionate, beautiful, and flawless. How could there be such a perfect woman in this world? If one could marry her, it would be worth it even if one died in this lifetime.”
“I think you’re imagining things beautifully.” Another instructor on the side mocked him, saying, “Miss Shen is someone you, a mundane person, can only daydream about? You know, there are so many young talents in the court who she won’t even glance at, do you think someone like you, a mere instructor, can catch her eye?”
“What’s wrong with being an instructor?” Liang Ping was dissatisfied. “Since Miss Shen is willing to come to this cold and harsh place like Liangzhou, and she doesn’t despise us rough folks, and even prepares medicine for everyone, it shows that she doesn’t mind poverty and loves wealth, and she is pure-hearted and kind. Such a person only considers character when looking at others.” He mumbled quietly, “My character is very good. What if…”
Ma Damei couldn’t take it anymore. “She didn’t put aside her status for you.”
“That’s right, Old Shen, she did it for Commander Xiao. What are you compared to Commander Xiao? Do you have Commander Xiao’s handsome appearance? Do you have Commander Xiao’s extraordinary skills? Or his family background, talent, and strategy? In every aspect, you fall short of him, and you dare to boast shamelessly here. If Miss Shen hears your audacity, she would have her servants come and beat you to death with a stick, so as not to harm her reputation when you come out.”
Liang Ping: “…Are you guys still my brothers?”
As they were talking, they heard someone shouting from the side, “Instructor!”
Everyone looked, and at this moment, when the Nanfu Army had a break, He Yan saw the instructor standing on the high platform and came over to greet them. Perhaps because He Yan was no longer considered part of the Liangzhou Garrison, and now her superior was Tian Lang, He Yan interacted more like friends with the original instructors. She climbed up the platform, walked to the middle of the crowd, and greeted everyone one by one, then asked with a smile, “What were you all talking about just now? It sounded lively.”
“We were talking about a toad among us, daydreaming of eating swan meat.” An instructor replied with a smile.
He Yan wondered, “What does that mean?”
“We were talking about Doctor Shen,” Ma Damei explained with a smile. “Saying that Doctor Shen has a noble identity, high moral character, and everyone loves her.”
He Yan was taken aback, but there was still an ignorant person who came closer and mysteriously said to He Yan, “Little Brother He, do you know the background of Doctor Shen?”
If this were before last night, He Yan would probably be surprised. However, she had already learned about Shen Muxue’s identity from Chu Zhao, so she no longer found it strange. The person couldn’t keep the words to himself. Before He Yan could respond, he said, “Doctor Shen is the young lady of the Grand Secretary’s mansion! Such a noble person, if not for Commander Xiao, why would she travel such a long distance? If I had such a beautiful woman treating me like this, I would definitely only be good to her for the rest of my life!”
He Yan thought, whether she had been constantly entangled with the name Shen Muxue recently. Why did one after another want to pierce her heart?
“What you guys are saying is not reliable,” Liang Ping refused to give in, persistently stubborn. “If Commander Xiao really likes Miss Shen, why hasn’t he said anything until now? I’m a man, and I understand the most. If a man likes a woman, it’s impossible to hide it. Those who can hide it are those who don’t like it so much. In this vast world, why would Miss Shen hang herself on a tree? It’s better to open your eyes and see the people around you. Maybe fate is right next to you.”
“Liang Ping, you’re really sick, and you’re not lightly sick. I think Doctor Shen should send you two doses of medicine to see how your eyes grew, and how your brain grew. How can you say such shameless things?”
Everyone argued loudly, and Tian Lang quietly moved to the side. He didn’t want to get involved in gossip about his superiors. If he got caught, it would be hard to escape.
He Yan also wanted to slip away, not wanting to hear these hurtful words. However, the others wouldn’t let her go. One instructor patted her shoulder, saying, “Old He, why aren’t you saying anything? You’re also one of us. Come on, say something. Is Doctor Shen and Commander Xiao a match made in heaven? Did Old Shen overestimate himself?”
He Yan: “…”
Everyone looked at her eagerly, as if her comment was crucial.
He Yan, with a stiff smile and a heavy heart, reluctantly said, “….Well, Miss Shen is elegant and beautiful, shining like spring flowers. Commander Xiao is exquisite and handsome, truly a match made in heaven.”
Once the words were spoken, her grievances were about to overflow. She thought she had offended someone. It was enough to hear the painful words from others, and now they wouldn’t let her off either and she had to say it outloud and stab herself.
As soon as the words came out, a sense of grievance was about to overflow. He Yan thought she had invited trouble for herself. It was bad enough to hear others pierce her heart, and now she had to stab herself.
“And what about their social status? Is it also well-matched?”
“…… Yes, Miss Shen is elegant and beautiful, shining like the spring. Commander Xiao, with his jade-like quality and golden appearance, is handsome and outstanding. They are truly a perfectly matched couple created by the heavens and earth.”
“He Yan, my friend, you’re quite trusted by the Commander now. Who knows, when the Commander gets married, he might invite you to the ceremony. For such a congratulatory event, shouldn’t you start saving money now and prepare a wedding gift?”
In her heart, He Yan vividly portrayed the face of the person who spoke, gritting her teeth. On the surface, she maintained a calm appearance and said, “Of course, for such a joyous occasion, a significant gift is necessary.”
Everyone burst into laughter, and they started to plan and advise He Yan on what would be a good gift for when Xiao and Shen Muxue got married. Not a single person noticed He Yan’s stiff expression.
“Are you all free?” A cold voice sounded from behind.
Everyone turned around, and at some point, Xiao Jue had arrived, accompanied by Shen Muxue and Shen Han carrying a medicine bucket.
Realizing that they had been caught gossiping about their superiors’ private matters, everyone was scared into silence, not daring to say a word. While harboring a slight hope that Xiao Jue probably hadn’t heard much, they feared that he might have, given his temperament. If he had heard something, he would have intervened earlier. Maybe he had just arrived.
Xiao Jue walked forward, his dark blue brocade robe making him look like a jade tree in the moonlight. Despite his elegant appearance, his voice was cold. Although he addressed everyone, his eyes were fixed on He Yan, his gaze sharp and profound like a concealed knife.
“Having leisure to gossip here, I assume you all are doing well in your daily training?”
The instructors immediately turned into quails, and not a single person dared to speak. Tian Lang was greatly relieved in his heart. Fortunately, he had some insight and didn’t get involved with this group of unruly people. Look, weren’t they caught now? He stood even more proudly, appearing upright and distinctly different from others.
In Shen Han’s heart, he was lamenting. If he had known, he would have let Liang Ping go with Shen Muxue to get the medicine barrel. When he and Shen Muxue came back, they encountered Xiao Jue heading towards the martial arts field. The three of them came together, and as soon as they arrived, they saw everyone asking He Yan, whether Xiao Jue and Shen Muxue were a good match.
The person who asked this question was simply malicious! How could they let He Yan answer such a question? Isn’t it like stabbing a knife into people’s hearts? Before he could figure out which genius asked such a question, he heard He Yan answer without hesitation.
“…… Yes, Miss Shen is elegant and beautiful, shining like the spring. Commander Xiao, with his jade-like quality and golden appearance, is handsome and outstanding. They are truly a perfectly matched couple created by the heavens and earth.”
Shen Han immediately felt the chilling atmosphere emanating from the people around him. He carefully stole a glance at Xiao Jue, who had an unpleasant expression, similar to someone who just had his wife snatched away.
In his heart, Shen Han pounded his chest and stomped his feet. Why does he always have to stumble upon such embarrassing situations? He has been honest and cautious throughout his life, so why is it so difficult?
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue, the young commander, with an expressionless face, staring back at her. A hint of mockery appeared at the corner of his mouth. “As a new recruit, cozying up to the instructors. Since you have so much energy, it seems the daily training is not enough.”
He turned to Tian Lang and said casually, “Double He Yan’s daily training.”
Tian Lang replied, “…Yes.”
Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow coldly and said, “Why haven’t you left yet?”
He Yan glanced at him and replied, “Yes.” She turned around, jumped down from the platform, and walked towards the formation.
She could sense that Xiao Jue was dissatisfied with her. But… wasn’t she the one who should be more angry? He Yan joined the formation, picked up her long spear again, and looked at the figure on the platform. Beside him stood Shen Muxue, like a beautiful jade, a natural match.
He Yan lowered her head.
One by one, the instructors present were punished and left with heads hung low. Before leaving, they were warned that anyone who spread rumors or spoke nonsense about Shen Muxue and Xiao Jue in Liangzhou Garrison would be sent packing back to their hometown.
Tian Lang had already slipped away, using the excuse of needing to train the troops. On the martial arts field, only Shen Han and Shen Muxue, who wished they could turn themselves into decorations, remained.
Shen Muxue stood behind Xiao Jue, gazing at his upright figure like a tree. A difficult-to-express bitterness surged in her heart.
Just now, when she and Shen Han arrived here, they heard someone talking about her and Xiao Jue. Besides the embarrassment, there was actually joy.
She liked hearing these things, liked the idea of her name being linked with Xiao Jue’s. It seemed that as long as this happened, it could explain their relationship and imply that she was special to Xiao Jue. So, hearing He Yan say such things, Shen Muxue was very happy.
However, when she lifted her head and saw the instant coldness in Xiao Jue’s eyes, she froze.
She didn’t dare claim to fully understand Xiao Jue, but she had some understanding of this man’s emotions. He didn’t like hearing such things. Unlike her secret joy, Xiao Jue seemed even a bit angry.
Why would someone get angry upon hearing such things? There was only one reason: the person who heard it didn’t like her at all.
Xiao Jue didn’t like her.
Shen Muxue’s expression turned bleak. Amidst her desolation, there was also some confusion. If he didn’t like hearing it, he could simply ignore it, but this level of anger was somewhat unexpected. Xiao Jue was a person who rarely showed his emotions, and for many things, he seemed indifferent.
He cared about this. Why?
—Side Note—
Shen Han: A grand divorce scene for the couple!
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