Chapter 165: Not Allowed to Go
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The sky gradually darkened.
The medicinal concoctions prepared for the instructors were all taken away and consumed by them. Since Lin Shuanghe came to Liangzhou Garrison, Xiao Jue’s medicine had been under Lin Shuanghe’s care, leaving no room for any conversation. Standing here, Shen Muxue watched as Xiao Jue focused on the training of the Nanfu soldiers, showing no intention of speaking to her. As time passed, an awkwardness naturally settled in.
She was, after all, the daughter of the Grand Secretary, with a strong sense of pride ingrained in her bones. She could give up everything to face hardships with Xiao Jue, forsaking the luxurious life of an official’s daughter, choosing to be a medical woman in such a harsh and cold place. However, she couldn’t bring herself to express her feelings to Xiao Jue directly, as openly as ordinary girls, even servants or maids, would.
What Shen Muxue had always hoped for was that by staying by Xiao Jue’s side, he would one day realize her worth, come to her voluntarily, and declare that they were the most compatible couple in the world. This was her reserve, and she had always been confident because over these years, Xiao Jue had been surrounded by numerous beautiful women, but he had never shown any interest. Xiao Jue was simply indifferent to the charms of women.
Now, however, Shen Muxue was perplexed. Some things gave her an uneasy feeling. If she hadn’t made Xiao Jue see her worth yet, what if Xiao Jue had already fallen in love with someone else?
Shen Muxue couldn’t imagine such a scenario.
She picked up the empty bamboo basket, didn’t bid farewell to Xiao Jue, and turned to leave. Xiao Jue disliked being disturbed during training, and over the years, she had learned all of Xiao Jue’s preferences.
“Miss Shen,” someone called out to her.
Shen Muxue raised her head, and before her stood a man in wide-sleeved robes. He smiled and pointed ahead, saying, “If you keep walking with your head down like this, you’ll run into the rock in front.”
Not far away stood a huge rock. Liangzhou Garrison’s new recruits often liked to sharpen their knives on this rock, and now it was covered in scars and even had insults carved into it. She had been so absent-minded that she hadn’t even noticed this large rock. If Chu Zhao hadn’t spoken up, she might have bumped into it.
Shen Muxue stopped and nodded her head in acknowledgment to Chu Zhao. “Fourth Young Master Chu.”
She knew that Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao had different positions; after all, Chu Zhao was a proud student of Minister Xu. However, Chu Zhao was good-looking and had a gentle temperament, making it difficult for ordinary girls to harbor ill feelings towards him. Shen Muxue was no exception; in her daily encounters, she maintained proper etiquette.
“Miss Shen seems to be troubled,” Chu Zhao smiled slightly. “Is it because of Commander Xiao’s worries?”
Shen Muxue was startled, feeling a sudden panic as if someone had seen through her troubles. However, she calmed down after a moment and whispered, “It’s nothing. I was just thinking about the medical principles I read today. Fourth Young Master Chu, you’re overthinking.”
Chu Zhao nodded and was about to continue walking forward. As they passed each other, Shen Muxue felt a stir in her heart and suddenly spoke, “It seems like Fourth Young Master Chu is quite friendly with a new recruit in Liangzhou Garrison named He Yan?”
Shen Muxue had seen a few interactions between Chu Zhao and He Yan. Although Chu Zhao was usually approachable and didn’t carry the airs of a young master, he wasn’t a very talkative person in Liangzhou Garrison, apart from speaking excessively with that overly beautiful servant girl. However, his attitude towards He Yan was quite warm.
“Brother He?” Chu Zhao paused. “Brother He is my good friend in Liangzhou Garrison. Miss Shen, do you have something to discuss with him?”
With his straightforward admission, Shen Muxue was unsure what to ask. After a moment, she looked at Chu Zhao and said, “When the Wutuo people sent troops to Jiyang, I heard that Young Master Chu was there, staying with the Commander and others at Lord Zhongqi’s residence. Since Young Master Chu is also friends with He Yan, you must be well-informed about He Yan.”
Chu Zhao listened quietly as she spoke.
After a moment of hesitation, Shen Muxue asked, “How is the relationship between the Commander and He Yan? Do they… get along well?”
“Miss Shen, your question is a bit peculiar,” Chu Zhao’s gaze swept over the woman in front of him. Shen Muxue nervously played with the hem of her skirt. Chu Zhao smiled, “He Yan is skilled and straightforward, earning the trust of Commander Xiao. Miss Shen should be well aware that Commander Xiao is not an easy person to approach. But He Yan is not an ordinary person. It seems he easily opened Commander Xiao’s heart.”
“Rather than saying they are master and trusted subordinate, I believe the relationship between Commander Xiao and He Yan is more like friends.”
“Friends?” Shen Muxue’s voice momentarily became sharp. She frowned, “The Commander of the Right Army and a new recruit, with such a vast difference in status, how can they be friends?”
Chu Zhao laughed, “Miss Shen’s words are mistaken. Friendship should be natural and unrestricted, regardless of age, status, or position. How can there be distinctions of high or low among friends? Commander Xiao treats He Yan very well. During the time in Jiyang, they shared a room and ate at the same table. Commander Xiao even provided clothes for He Yan. If we were to speak in terms of superior and subordinate, it would be too far-fetched.”
Shen Muxue listened, secretly alarmed.
Xiao Jue was reserved and fastidious; eating at the same table was already a limit. Sharing a room? She couldn’t imagine it. And Xiao Jue preparing clothes for He Yan? When had he ever cared about such details for others?
Chu Zhao stared into Shen Muxue’s eyes. “Miss Shen seems to be worried about something?”
Meeting his thoughtful gaze, Shen Muxue couldn’t help but take a step back, instinctively shaking her head in denial. “Nothing.”
“As a woman, Miss Shen, you came from afar, crossing thousands of miles to Liangzhou. You must be a determined and courageous person, so why do you feel hesitant in this matter?”
Shen Muxue pursed her lips, remaining silent.
“I probably understand what worries Miss Shen,” Chu Zhao said. “He Yan is my good friend, and I can’t disclose too much. However, I also admire Miss Shen’s intentions. So… if Miss Shen can’t let it go, why not personally investigate? Sometimes,” he said lightly, “people should trust their instincts, especially… women.”
Shen Muxue raised her head, and the man in front of her still had a gentle and caring smile, but it unintentionally sent a faint chill down her spine.
“I… don’t understand what Young Master Chu is saying.” She furrowed her brows, tightened the basket in her hand, and briskly walked past Chu Zhao. “I need to go back and prepare medicinal herbs. Young Master Chu, I take my leave.”
Shen Muxue hurried away, her departing figure appearing somewhat disheveled. Chu Zhao watched her back, the smile on his face fading slightly. After a moment, he lowered his head and murmured to himself, “It’s getting more interesting.”
“Shen Muxue,” he muttered, “Xiao Huaijin, which one will you choose?”
…
The daily training of the new recruits on the martial arts field came to an end.
Lin Shuanghe passing by the martial arts field, happened to see Xiao Jue dispersing the soldiers of the Nanfu. He greeted him, intending to go back together for dinner.
“Huaijin, have you been training my little Sister He too heavily these days? I haven’t seen her for a long time. I must remind you, she still has injuries, although not severe, but as a young lady, she should rest more. You should be considerate.”
Xiao Jue coldly replied, “Mind your own business.”
“How can this be considered meddling? She is my friend and your friend. Friends should help each other.”
“Take care of yourself first.”
Lin Shuanghe shook his fan, sensing that Xiao Jue’s mood wasn’t great today. Although this person rarely showed his emotions, after years of friendship, Lin Shuanghe could catch some subtle changes.
Just as he was about to inquire, he lifted his eyes and saw someone walking not far away. In Liangzhou Garrison, apart from new recruits and instructors, anyone not wearing the uniform would draw attention. Lin Shuanghe asked, “Fourth Young Master Chu?”
Chu Zhao turned around, saw Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe, and nodded, “Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin.”
“It’s late. What is Fourth Young Master Chu doing here?” Lin Shuanghe asked.
“I just took a walk by the Five Deer River. Now I’m going back.”
The weather was gradually warming up, showing signs of early summer. The Five Deer River, once cold and desolate in winter, now appeared refreshing and pleasant. Walking there at night was indeed comfortable.
Xiao Jue was as cold as ice and completely ignored Chu Zhao. Lin Shuanghe, however, was naturally diplomatic and couldn’t let the atmosphere become so tense. Although he and Chu Zhao had not interacted much before, he had to make some small talk to ease the situation. He asked Chu Zhao, “What is the Fourth Master Chu tying around his waist?”
Chu Zhao followed his gaze and smiled, “It’s just a stone.”
Lin Shuanghe was somewhat curious. Since Chu Zhao was the Fourth Young Master of the Chu family and a favored disciple of Xu Jingfu, although he didn’t wear overly luxurious clothes, he still paid attention to his appearance. Lin Shuanghe thought the object on Chu Zhao’s waist was a piece of jade, but it turned out to be a stone. Was the Chu family on the verge of collapse? Was Chu Zhao in such dire straits?
Sensing Lin Shuanghe’s surprise, Chu Zhao laughed and he took the stone from his waist and handed it to Lin Shuanghe.
Lin Shuanghe inspected it—a flat stone naturally shaped like a horse, with engraved marks at the tail. There were also carvings at the head and body, giving it a playful appearance. If it were made of jade, it would be interesting, but as a stone, it seemed more like a toy for children, and nothing particularly special.
It was indeed just a stone.
“How did Fourth Young Master Chu come up with the idea of tying a stone to yourself?” Lin Shuanghe handed the stone back to him, cleared his throat, and said, “This stone doesn’t quite match Fourth Young Master Chu’s status.”
“Friendship has no price, even if it’s just a stone.” Chu Zhao replied earnestly.
Upon hearing this, Lin Shuanghe’s heart stirred with intrigue. He looked at Chu Zhao with a smile and said, “So, Fourth Young Master Chu, does this mean the young lady in your heart gave you this?” Lin Shuanghe’s opinion of Chu Zhao underwent a significant change. Knowing that Chu Zhao was the one chosen by Xu Pingting, he believed that no matter how formidable Chu Zhao was, he wouldn’t dare to openly oppose Xu Xiang, who cherished his daughter Xu Pingting. If Xu Pingting chose to give Chu Zhao something, it certainly wouldn’t be a mere stone. The girl who could give such a thing was likely from an ordinary family. Chu Zhao dared to openly wear an item not given by Xu Pingting, even to the point of facing the potential discovery of the Xu family, which made him not only formidable but also daring.
How could one not admire this?
Chu Zhao was momentarily stunned, shook his head, and smiled, “It’s not from a young lady; it’s from Brother He.”
This statement caused a momentary silence in the surroundings.
Xiao Jue’s gaze fell on Chu Zhao’s face, but Lin Shuanghe couldn’t wait to ask, “You said it’s from He… Brother?”
“Well, sort of,” Chu Zhao said. “She carved the stone herself.”
Lin Shuanghe was shocked.
Despite all precautions, He Yan actually fell into it! Even the act of giving a stone was done, showing her deep affection. This could be expected at her age when experiencing the first stirrings of love. Who could resist the charming and kind young master’s charm?
If it were someone else, it might be fine, but Chu Zilan—Lin Shuanghe believed they were not a good match. Not to mention the chaos in Chu Zilan’s father Chu Linfeng’s courtyard, dealing with just Xu Pingting was difficult enough. Since He Yan lacked a significant background, if Xu Pingting wanted to deal with He Yan, it would be as easy as pie. Even more so, Chu Zhao made it apparent, without any concealment. He allowed He Yan to become a living target, waiting for Xu Pingting to cause trouble.
Moreover, Chu Zhao knew He Yan’s identity as a woman.
For a moment, Lin Shuanghe, who had always been “kind to others,” looked at Chu Zhao with a bit of hostility in his eyes.
Chu Zhao, however, remained unfazed by Lin Shuanghe’s sudden animosity. Showing no change in expression, he looked at Xiao Jue, the young master in the indigo robe, and his eyes held a faint dark color, calmly gazing at him as if there were sharp edges.
He smiled, bowed slightly, and said, “I’ve reached my room. I won’t disturb Commander Xiao and Young Master Lin any longer. See you tomorrow.” With that, he turned around and went in another direction.
“This Chu Zilan seems a bit unfriendly.” Lin Shuanghe looked at his retreating figure and murmured.
It seemed directed at He Yan.
…
The lamp in the room was lit again.
Xiao Jue changed his clothes and sat down at the table. After watching the training of the new soldiers in the martial arts field during the day, he had to review the military regulations sent from the capital at night.
Lin Shuanghe sat on the side, looking at him. After a while, he went out, and soon he came back, holding a plate of preserved fruits silently placed it on Xiao Jue’s table.
Xiao Jue glanced at him.
“Today, the kitchen on this side just made some. Since you like to eat, have a little more.”
Xiao Jue frowned, “What is this?”
“Plum,” Lin Shuanghe slapped his thigh, and said solemnly, “Since you like sour, these were just picked and not yet preserved. They are as sour as they get.”
After a moment of silence, Xiao Jue said, “Take it away.”
Lin Shuanghe stood up straight, fanning himself, “I’m not leaving. Xiao Huaijin, now that Chu Zilan has said this, can you still sit still? If you don’t take action, Little Sister He will be taken away by Chu Zilan sooner or later.”
The youth replied indifferently, “It has nothing to do with me.”
“You, me, and Little Sister He have experienced life and death together in Jiyang City. We may not have feelings, but we have a sense of duty. Chu Zilan is someone we both know well. As men, we can easily see what he wants. Chu Zilan can’t get rid of Xu Pingting but wants Little Sister He to be infatuated with him. You don’t know, when I was in Jiyang, Little Sister He said to me that she doesn’t plan to marry in this lifetime because of Chu Zilan’s unrequited love. Tell me, what kind of trouble has this person caused?”
Xiao Huaijin lowered his eyes, his gaze flickering slightly, but he didn’t stop Lin Shuanghe from continuing.
“He doesn’t have the ability to marry someone but insists on meddling. I think his character is improper,” Lin Shuanghe said. “Little Sister He may be a bit silly, but she is skilled, loyal, and looks good. Except for her ordinary family background, she is no worse than others. Such a good girl can’t be delayed by Chu Zilan. Apart from me in the Liangzhou Garrison, only you can compete with Chu Zilan. Go and bring Little Sister He’s thoughts back, and we can discuss it in detail.”
Xiao Huaijin sneered, “What do you think I am?”
“I know this matter has wronged you,” Lin Shuanghe patted his friend’s shoulder, “but think about it. If Chu Zilan continues like this, something will happen sooner or later. Do you dare to say he doesn’t have people arranged by Xu Pingting by his side? Once the news gets back, Little Sister He will be in big trouble. I can’t stand by, and neither can you. After all, you two have pretended to be a couple. A day as a couple is a hundred days of kindness. How can you be so heartless?”
The more he spoke, the more excessive it became. Xiao Huaijin said, “Enough of your nonsense. Tomorrow I’ll have someone send you back to Shuojing.”
Lin Shuanghe choked, sighed, and said, “I’ve said everything I should. If you don’t act, I will. I can’t let my little sister He be bullied by Xu Pingting for nothing.”
With that, he shook his hand and left.
The room fell silent again. Xiao Huaijin’s gaze fell on the plate of unripe plums on the table. Suddenly, a bit of irritability surged, and he snapped the pen in his hand into two pieces.
The next moment, there was a faint sound from the middle door, and the door lock opened with a “click.” Even though the door was already open, the person on the other side still pretended to knock on the door, “Commander, can I come in?”
Xiao Huaijin: “…”
“If you don’t speak, I’ll take it as your consent.” The person said very naturally, pushing the door open. Upon entering, she was met with Xiao Huaijin’s cold gaze.
“Cough,” He Yan straightened up, “Commander, you’re in the room, why didn’t you say anything? I thought you weren’t here.”
Xiao Jue: “Is there something?”
“I came to ask you,” He Yan said seriously, “during my training tomorrow, should I follow today’s intensity, or the same as before?”
Even though she had angered Xiao Jue today and made him angry, Xiao Jue was still her superior, so He Yan had to take the initiative to ask.
“If you have enough stamina, you can increase it fivefold.”
Why does it sound like he hasn’t cooled down yet, and it’s getting worse? He Yan thought. Considering that Xiao Jue seemed to be in a bad mood today, it might be wise to provoke him less. She nodded, “I understand. Commander, rest early. I still have something to do, so I won’t disturb you.”
As she was about to leave, Xiao Jue asked, “Are you busy?”
“Fourth Young Master Chu asked me to go to him tonight, saying that he has something very important to tell me,” He Yan said, “The time should be about now.”
Her words sounded uneasy. In fact, He Yan didn’t know what business Chu Zhao had with her. When Ying Xiang came to inform her, she spoke with great solemnity, making people not dare to underestimate it.
Xiao Jue raised his eyes.
The young commander, under the lamplight, had a stunningly beautiful face, with a loose inner garment, and his skin was like jade. However, his eyes were as sharp as a frozen pond, giving people an intimidating feeling.
His voice was calm, with a faint, almost imperceptible anger.
“You are not allowed to go.”
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I like He Yan but since this Chu Zhao appeared, the author sure made her selectively blind and stupid, thank god for for Lin Shuanghe being here to voice a part of what the author knows the readers think.
Still, it really feels like middle school level of romantic intrigue. Xiao Jue, are you twelve to be so scared of owning your emotions? He Yan is more like ten, does homework for the local bully and doesn’t even notice. Chu Zhao, like, touches the hand of his crush and boast about to the other kids like it’s some accomplishment or something