Chapter 170: Brothers
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Having stayed in Liangzhou Garrison for so long, avoiding the sentinels was an easy task for He Yan. She steered clear of every possible location where the sentinels might spot her. She slipped into the stable outside the training ground, and the horses stirred slightly. He Yan calmed them down, and they gradually quieted.
The chestnut horse she had favored earlier was unusually calm. He Yan stroked its neck, led it out of the stable, and walked along the outskirts of White Moon Mountain. When she reached a place near Five Deer River, several shadows suddenly appeared in front of her. He Yan’s heart skipped a beat, thinking she was discovered.
She could easily come up with countless reasons to deceive them. For example, she could say she couldn’t sleep at night and came out to train. However, the crucial point was that her departure plan had to be put on hold. It might even raise suspicions, making it difficult for her to leave so easily in the future.
The figures on the other side, however, didn’t move or call out to stop her. It seemed like they were waiting for her reaction. After a while, a low voice drifted over, “Why isn’t he moving? Could he be scared stiff? I told you not to pretend to be a ghost; it’s too scary!”
He Yan: “…”
The voice belonged to Wang Ba.
She took a few steps forward. By the starlight, she could clearly see Wang Ba and his group—Wang Ba, Jiang Jiao, Huang Xiong, Shitou, Hong Shan, and Xiao Mai.
“How did you guys get here?” He Yan couldn’t conceal her surprise.
“Ah He, you’re really not considerate at all,” Hong Shan patted her shoulder. “You plan to go to Rundu alone, and you didn’t tell us anything? After all, we’ve been together in Liangzhou Garrison for so long as brothers. Couldn’t you invite us to go together? We wouldn’t refuse.”
“Yeah,” Xiao Mai complained, “I also want to go to Rundu and eat grapes.”
Shitou slapped him on the head with a palm, and Xiao Mai immediately shut up.
“You… how did you know?” He Yan was somewhat speechless.
“When you started inquiring about Rundu, Shitou became suspicious,” Huang Xiong said, looking at He Yan. “You said before that Flying Phoenix General might not support Rundu. Although we don’t know the basis for what you said, it seemed like you intended to go to Rundu by yourself. You, this kid, are not that old, but you’ve got quite a mind of your own. You never discuss anything with others before making a decision. Your courage is commendable. When Shitou guessed that you were planning to go to Rundu alone, he mentioned it to everyone. We all decided to accompany you. It’s good to have each other’s company on the way and look out for one another.”
“No!” He Yan rejected without thinking. “Rundu is currently surrounded by Wutuo people, and the city’s forces are insufficient. It’s too dangerous for you to go.”
“You also know it’s dangerous,” Hong Shan sighed. “Going alone is like delivering yourself to death. If we go together, maybe we can all survive.”
“No,” He Yan refused with some incredulity. “You guys don’t even know what I’m going to do. Why are you following me?”
“We know,” Xiao Mai said. “Everyone says you want to save the people of Rundu.”
“Do you believe that?” He Yan asked.
“Why wouldn’t we believe it?” Shitou said. “You have already saved many people, from Liangzhou Garrison to Jiyang City. Now you’re just adding Rundu. You wouldn’t do something without confidence. Since you want to go to Rundu, you must have a solution.”
He Yan helplessly smiled. “But I don’t have confidence right now.”
“That’s why we need to go with you,” Huang Xiong held his Buddhist beads. “To be honest, for the first half of my life, I pursued revenge. After finally avenging my big grudge, life seemed tasteless. Joining the army was just a way to feel like I could do something. But staying in Liangzhou Garrison every day without doing much, now that there’s a chance to go to a real battlefield, I feel like it might be another way to live.”
These people were all stubborn in their own ways, but He Yan didn’t want them to face danger. The matter in Rundu had nothing to do with others. She said, “Leaving Liangzhou Garrison without authorization is a violation of military orders. Even if you survive in Rundu, it might not save you from punishment.”
Jiang Jiao laughed. “Brother He, don’t worry about us. We come from a family that runs a martial arts school. We’ve had quite a few young masters come to learn martial arts. We also understand some things in officialdom. Now that you’re already Wuan Lang, you can order us with your official seal. We wouldn’t dare to disobey. Even if we’re caught and punished, it would be you, the instigator, who gets punished, and it has nothing to do with us.”
He Yan: “…”
She didn’t know how to face Jiang Jiao’s words for a moment.
“So, all the worries can be ignored.” Jiang Jiao, who was usually honest, showed exceptional intelligence in this matter. “We can’t stay here for too long. If Brother He delays here, by the time it’s bright, none of us will be able to leave.”
Wang Ba sneered, “Why are you talking so much nonsense to him? If he doesn’t take us with him, we’ll immediately shout and attract the sentries of the Liangzhou Garrison. He won’t be able to leave! If he can’t leave today, we’ll come to block him every day. As long as he doesn’t take us, no one will be able to leave!”
He Yan: “…You’re a bit too domineering.”
“If I’m not domineering, how can I be a mountain bandit?” Wang Ba impatiently said, “Hurry up, stop dragging your feet. Give us a clear answer, are we leaving or not?”
Already at this point, without taking them, not only today but also in the future, there would be no chance of leaving. He Yan felt helpless, and in that helplessness, a warm current emerged. She knew that they were following her not for the sake of eating grapes on the battlefield; it was just that they thought her going to Rundu alone was a death sentence, and they didn’t want to see her facing the danger alone.
In the world, there are cunning villains and people who expect nothing in return, both kinds.
“I’ll take you,” He Yan squeezed out the words from between her teeth, “but did you bring your belongings?”
“We did, we did.” Xiao Mai proudly displayed what was behind him, “We’ve saved a lot of dry rations, and there are some snacks for the journey. But Uncle Huang said we don’t need to bring too much; if we run out, my brother and I can hunt and roast some game.”
Thinking about snacks at this time, He Yan was speechless. But Jiang Jiao patted the baggage on his shoulder, “Rest assured, the ointments and weapons we need are all here. I also brought some money. If it’s not enough, we can buy more when passing through a market.”
“Anyway, you don’t have to worry about these.” Wang Ba sneered, “Hurry up, don’t dawdle. Get us a good horse each; when I watched you lead the horse just now, there was no movement at all. Get us some good ones. Don’t tire us out on the way.”
He probably had his eye on the horse behind He Yan. He Yan shook her head, “Okay, follow me to the stable outside, and wait for me there.”
Six horses were led out, each standing obediently in front of everyone.
“We have to bypass the sentry tower now and take a route that can avoid their patrols and line of sight. Follow me, don’t ride the horses now; only mount when we’re far enough from the guard station.” He Yan whispered.
Seeing her serious expression, everyone felt both nervous and excited. This was probably the first time they had done something like this, and they unexpectedly felt a forbidden thrill.
He Yan was also a bit nervous. If she were alone, she wouldn’t have so many thoughts. However, with so many people following her, she had to be extra cautious. After all, if one went wrong, everyone would suffer.
Fortunately, she was very familiar with this road. Except for Xiao Mai and Hong Shan, the others had all stayed in the Vanguard Camp and had been intensively trained in infiltration and assault. The group safely passed the sentry tower, visible from the Liangzhou Garrison, and was about to leave Liangzhou Garrison.
At this moment, a faint lantern light lit up.
This lantern was originally at the corner of the firewood room outside the guard station, which they had not seen before. He Yan and the others only noticed it when they reached the corner. At the first glance, He Yan’s heart sank; she thought it might be too late. When she suddenly stopped in her tracks, several people behind her saw her and asked, “Ah He, why did you stop?”
The dim light emerged from around the corner, illuminating the eyes of the approaching figure. Clad in a snowy-white dress with a graceful countenance, it was none other than Shen Muxue.
“Doctor Shen?” This time, He Yan was genuinely surprised.
She had thought that it might be a convenient sentry coming out from there, and if necessary, she would have to knock him unconscious and escape when no one was looking. But unexpectedly, it was Shen Muxue who appeared. Shen Muxue’s residence was not here, and it was late at night with everyone asleep. What was she doing here?
Shen Muxue looked at them. Although her gaze showed a hint of surprise, she remained composed. Looking at He Yan, she spoke in a low voice, “Are you planning to leave?”
He Yan fell silent for a moment, grabbed her hand, and pushed her into the nearby woodshed. “Come in and talk!”
Hong Shan and Wang Ba waited outside with the horses, while the rest followed He Yan inside. As soon as they entered, they saw He Yan with a stern expression, holding Shen Muxue’s neck with one hand, and asked coldly, “How did you know?”
Everyone was taken aback. Xiao Mai quickly stepped forward to pry He Yan’s hand off, saying, “Ah… He Yan, it’s just a misunderstanding. It’s me… I accidentally let it slip!”
He Yan looked at him.
“When I knew everyone was planning to leave with you, my brother asked me to find some trauma medicine. In case there are any accidents on the way, we could use it. We don’t have much left at home, and I thought Doctor Shen is kind-hearted and has a lot of herbs, so I wanted to ask her for some.”
But for no reason, the sudden need for a large amount of trauma medicine aroused suspicion in Shen Muxue, even though she usually didn’t pay much attention to military affairs. Xiao Mai was simple-minded, and with a few words, Shen Muxue managed to extract the information. Realizing he had caused trouble, he pleaded with Shen Muxue, “Doctor Shen, please don’t tell anyone. I beg you.”
Shen Muxue remained silent for a long time. When Xiao Mai thought she wouldn’t speak, she finally said, “I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”
Xiao Mai and Shitou grew up in the mountains, and Xiao Mai, being simple and straightforward, believed that Shen Muxue wouldn’t tell anyone. Now, seeing the situation becoming critical, he tried to persuade He Yan while asking Shen Muxue, “Doctor Shen, you said you wouldn’t tell anyone, right?”
He Yan loosened her grip slightly, staring at Shen Muxue. Shen Muxue coldly met her gaze, her eyes clear and cold.
“Why didn’t you tell anyone?” He Yan asked.
Shen Muxue appeared here alone, and so far, no one had appeared to stop them. As Xiao Mai said, Shen Muxue did keep her promise. He Yan had no intention of harming her, just trying to intimidate the girl. At this point, it was wise to be cautious.
“Are you going to Rundu?” Shen Muxue asked.
“Yes,” He Yan replied.
“Rundu is currently besieged and surrounded by Wutuo people on all sides. Taking only a few of them with you is risky.”
“I must go.”
“The Commander doesn’t know about this?”
“No.”
“Good.” Shen Muxue looked into his eyes. “Go then. I won’t stop you.”
He Yan frowned slightly.
Shen Muxue came here specifically to wait for them, yet she didn’t stop them. It seemed like she was deliberately confirming something.
“Don’t doubt me,” Shen Muxue said, “If you’re going, go quickly. When it gets light, it will be difficult to leave.”
She must have her own plans, but He Yan couldn’t figure out what they were. Suspiciously, she scrutinized her.
On the other side, Huang Xiong watched the scene in front of him thoughtfully. The brave and handsome young man and the beautiful, aloof girl were bidding farewell as emotions burst forth. Over the years, he had seen such scenes before.
He Yan released Shen Muxue’s hand, adjusted his clothes, and said, “In that case, I’ll trust Doctor Shen this time.”
Shen Muxue still looked at her coldly. He Yan could sense that she didn’t like her, even harboring some hostility. However, her confidentiality had helped her at this moment. It was actually somewhat surprising for He Yan. Shen Muxue admired Xiao Jue in her heart, naturally standing on Xiao Jue’s side in everything. But now, He Yan and her group were leaving without informing Xiao Jue, and Shen Muxue didn’t tell Xiao Jue.
Even with many doubts, it was not the time to be lost in thought. He Yan stood up, pretending to leave, and said, “Farewell.”
Shen Muxue lowered her head. In the next moment, a figure flashed before her eyes. She felt a numbness throughout her body, unable to move.
Her mouth couldn’t move either, so she could only glare at He Yan.
He Yan nodded at her, “Sorry, Doctor Shen, I still can’t trust you. I’ve activated your acupoint, and it will naturally release after three hours. But I think you won’t have to wait for three hours. New soldiers fetching firewood will discover you soon.”
“For today’s kindness, I am grateful. If we meet again, I will surely repay you.” He Yan bowed to her, turned, and walked out. “Let’s go.”
Xiao Mai looked at Shen Muxue with distress, wanting to release her acupoint but not daring to. He could only apologize, “Sorry, Doctor Shen.”
“Your Lordship is magnanimous. Don’t argue with Brother He. We don’t even know if we’ll survive to see each other again. Brother He is just eager to save people.” Jiang Jiao apologized, “Doctor Shen, please be magnanimous to us common folks.”
After the last person left, the woodshed returned to darkness, illuminated only by the faint lantern. Shen Muxue sat against the hay, took a deep breath, and looked into the distance.
Outside the door, after turning the corner, they completely left the gate of Liangzhou Garrison.
To be safe, He Yan didn’t let them mount immediately. It was only after walking a considerable distance that they planned to mount their horses.
“This time, we’re really leaving.” Jiang Jiao looked back towards Liangzhou Garrison. “I don’t know what it will be like when we come back.”
Xiao Mai pouted, still thinking about Shen Muxue trapped in the woodshed, unable to move. “We’re leaving, but Doctor Shen is still stuck in there. She’s from a wealthy family and probably hasn’t suffered like this. Brother Ah He, you should be more gentle; she’s a girl.”
He Yan smiled and said nothing. However, Huang Xiong heard and looked at her, “Brother He, just now, when you activated her acupoint, were you trying to help her?”
“When Doctor Shen returns, she will likely pass through the sentry area. If seen by the sentries, and they find out we left the next day, it will inevitably arouse suspicion. By activating her acupoint, others will think she is being controlled, not intentionally hiding anything. That’s enough to get away safely. This matter has nothing to do with her.”
He Yan stretched lazily. “Brother Huang, there’s no point discussing this now. We need to hit the road.”
“Right!” Wang Ba mounted the big horse. Not daring to speak too loudly, he shouted, “Towards Rundu, let’s go!”
“Let’s go.”
The voices gradually faded away, leaving only the sound of hooves. Seven people on seven horses disappeared into the wilderness in the night.
…
In the summer, the sun rose early. The morning sun was not as intense as it would be later in the day. After two laps, the guards went to the woodshed to fetch firewood. They had to deliver the firewood to the kitchen before morning exercises, ensuring that the meals for tens of thousands of people were prepared. Several guards opened the door of the woodshed, ready to go in, and were startled when they saw someone sitting against the wall. They quickly drew their long blades, “Who is it?”
The person remained motionless. As their eyes gradually adjusted to the incoming sunlight, the guards finally saw clearly. The woman sitting against the wall was elegant and cold, with a slightly annoyed look – she was Shen Muxue.
“Shen… Doctor Shen?” The guards were momentarily stunned, quickly sheathing their blades, and apologized, “We didn’t see clearly just now. Doctor Shen, did the firewood run out for brewing medicine? You could have told us, why did you come here yourself?”
After some chattering, Shen Muxue remained silent. When the guards quieted down, one of them, bolder, asked, “…Are you angry?”
Still no response.
The few people exchanged glances, and one of them said, “Why do I feel like… Doctor Shen has been acupunctured?”
Although the matter of men and women are not allowed to be in close proximity, it is not to be cautious to this extent. Considering Shen Muxue’s special status, everyone dared not act rashly to release her acupoint. Someone suggested, “This matter is no trivial matter. Go quickly and inform the Commander!”
Early in the morning, Lin Shuanghe was having his meal. The long, hot summer days in Liangzhou Garrison were hard to endure, and he was particularly intolerant of the heat. These days, his appetite had been poor, and he hadn’t been sleeping well. Drinking porridge listlessly, he suddenly heard someone knocking on the door. Opening the door, he saw Shen Han.
“Instructor Shen?”
“Young Master Lin,” Shen Han said, “The Commander wants you to come over.”
Usually, it was Lin Shuanghe who would seek out Xiao Jue, not the other way around. For a moment, Lin Shuanghe became nervous, thinking that something was wrong with Xiao Jue. Hastily arriving at Xiao Jue’s residence, he found Fei Nu also present. Sitting on a chair was Shen Muxue, and Fei Nu was pouring tea for her.
“Commander, I’m fine. Besides activating my acupoint, He Yan did nothing else to me,” Shen Muxue said.
Upon hearing He Yan’s name, Lin Shuanghe’s heart skipped a beat. He walked over to Shen Muxue, “What are you talking about? Huaijin, why did you ask me to come?”
Shen Muxue replied, “Commander Xiao thought I was unwell and asked Young Master Lin to check my pulse. But there’s no need. I am a medical practitioner myself and know very well. Besides, He Yan did nothing else to me last night.”
Lin Shuanghe became more confused as he listened. What does it mean that He Yan activated her acupoint? Although there might be some conflicts between her and Xiao Jue due to Xiao Jue, it was clear that He Yan had the upper hand between them. Why would He Yan do something to Shen Muxue?
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Lin Shuanghe asked, “Miss Shen, why would He Yan activate your acupoint?”
Shen Muxue looked at Xiao Jue, who remained silent. She had to answer Lin Shuanghe herself, “Last night, I was originally brewing medicine. The firewood was insufficient, so I thought of going to the woodshed to fetch some. I ran into He Yan and the others… They wanted to leave Liangzhou Garrison. I intended to call someone, but He Yan activated my acupoint. I had no choice but to watch them leave.”
“He Yan is leaving Liangzhou Garrison?” Lin Shuanghe wondered, “Why is she leaving Liangzhou Garrison?”
Shen Muxue bit her lip, “I heard from their conversation that they are going to Rundu.”
Rundu? Lin Shuanghe immediately said, “Impossible! What is the situation in Rundu now, everyone knows. If she can’t endure the cold and hardship of Liangzhou, and the daily training is difficult, going to a prosperous place would make sense. But going to Rundu, isn’t she going to her death?”
No one in the room responded.
Xiao Jue’s face was unusually cold. Fei Nu also felt a chill. Earlier, when the matter of Rundu was mentioned, He Yan’s behavior was strange. For some reason, she didn’t believe that Rundu would receive support from Flying Phoenix General. Although the proposal to send troops to Rundu was later rejected, now it seemed that He Yan never gave up on this idea.
Even without troops and horses, she still wanted to go to Rundu.
Seeing everyone silent, Lin Shuanghe also realized that this matter could not be fake. His mind was a mess, unable to believe that this had happened, and unable to figure out why He Yan would make such a decision. After struggling for a long time, he finally asked, “Miss Shen, didn’t you say that He Yan didn’t leave alone? Who else is accompanying her?”
Shen Han answered for her, “There are also Jiang Jiao, Wang Ba, Shitou, Hong Shan, Xiao Mai, and Huang Xiong.”
Except for Xiao Mai and Hong Shan, the other four were outstanding members of the Vanguard Camp. Shen Han was gnashing his teeth. He Yan was quite picky, picking the best ones and taking them away.
At this moment, the middle door opened, and Liang Ping walked in from the next room. He shook his head at Xiao Jue and said, “Commander, we’ve searched the room, but there’s no official attire and seal.”
If the official attire and seal were not there, it meant that He Yan had left in the identity of Wuan Lang. This was indeed quite elaborate, making it difficult to escape even if she were caught later. It was meticulous planning.
“But… but what is the reason for this?” Lin Shuanghe was still puzzled, “Going so far just to meet her death?”
However, none of the people here were He Yan. No one could answer why she had made this decision.
There was a knock on the door, and Chi Wu walked in. Seeing so many people in the room, he was also stunned. Looking at Xiao Jue, Xiao Jue said, “Speak.”
“Young Master, a message from Luan Ying has arrived. Fourth Young Master Chu, who left earlier, is planning to pass through Rundu on his way back to the capital.”
Shen Han and Lin Shuanghe were both shocked. What did this mean? Did He Yan chase after Chu Zhao?
The room fell into a heavy silence, and the air became stifling.
After a while, the young man sitting in the room pulled the corners of his mouth, and in his beautiful eyes, a dark color emerged, “Well done.”
—Side Note—
Shen Han, Lin Shuanghe: Big CP separation scene.
Shen Muxue: The house collapsed!!!
Chu Zhao: I won’t take this blame
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