Chapter 193: Going Home
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
Xiao Jue and his two companions followed the guide into the palace.
Alone in the carriage, He Yan listened to his casual remark about taking her home. She knew it was just a casual remark, but the words made her feel dizzy, and she buried her head in her hands, feeling a bit light-headed.
She didn’t know what “home” meant. In her past life, although the He family was considered her home, it never provided her with affection and warmth. The Xu family was also her home, but they pushed her into the cold water. In this life, the new “He family” finally gave her some attachment and warmth, but before resolving things, she couldn’t rashly meet them.
With these thoughts, He Yan’s initial joy gradually subsided.
First, she needed to find a way to go back and see Yunsheng and He Sui. It had been more than a year since she last saw them, and she assumed Yunsheng and He Sui must be extremely worried. Back when she was in Liangzhou Garrison, after her identity was exposed, she secretly gave money to Fei Nu, begging him to find a way to pass on a message to Yunsheng on her safety. Once she arrived in Jiyang, she became involved in the Wutuo military affairs, and she forgot about this matter. She hadn’t sent any messages to Yunsheng during this time, and they must be worried.
She also needed to visit the Xu family.
Starting with He Rufei might be challenging. She had to start with the Xu family; He Yan was killed, and from start to finish, Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei never directly met her. She died in He Wanru’s hands. Given Xu Zhiheng’s personality, he would undoubtedly kill He Wanru to silence her. Perhaps on that day, no one present would escape the fate of death. But were there no smart people in the Xu family? Similar to the situation after the Battle of Mingshui, the Xu family’s yard might not be without someone who slipped through the net.
That would be her opportunity.
She had to prove first that the cause of Madam Xu’s death was suspicious. Only then could she peel away the layers and reveal the He Yan family’s most sinister secret.
He Yan carefully considered her plans after returning to Shuojing, and without realizing it, the sky gradually darkened. When the lanterns in front of the palace gate were lit, she saw familiar figures walking out.
Only Xiao Jue and Yan He were out, and Lin Shuanghe was not seen. He Yan wondered, “Why isn’t Brother Lin here?”
“Brother Lin is still in the palace; he won’t be leaving for now.” Xiao Jue replied and then looked at Yan He.
“Don’t look at me, I’m heading back to the mansion now.” Yan He called for someone to bring his horse. “Chengxiu is waiting for me at home,” he seemed particularly proud of the fact that someone was waiting for him, “you, being a solitary person, naturally don’t care about these things.” With that, he mounted his horse, said “I’m leaving,” and left with a wave.
To be honest, in the past, He Yan thought Yan He was headstrong and always comparing himself to others, like a cockfight. Comparing himself to outstanding individuals seemed to make his life harder. Now, seeing him leave with a smile when someone was waiting for him at home, He Yan actually felt a bit envious.
In general, having someone waiting at home after a trip was indeed a very happy thing.
She stared at Yan He’s departing figure, lost in thought.
Suddenly, she heard Xiao Jue’s voice, “Why aren’t you coming up?”
He Yan hurriedly retracted her gaze and returned to the carriage.
Fei Nu and Chiwu were driving outside, while He Yan and Xiao Jue sat in the carriage. From Rundu to Shuojing, the journey had been lively. Yan Nanguang, Lin Shuanghe, Xiao Jue, and He Yan were all former classmates and could gather to play a game of cards. It didn’t feel awkward. However, now that everyone had dispersed, leaving only He Yan and Xiao Jue in the carriage, the atmosphere became quiet, making He Yan feel somewhat uneasy.
“Why are you nervous?” Xiao Jue leaned against the carriage and casually asked.
He Yan almost choked on her own saliva and struggled for a long time. Finally, she said, “I’ve never been to your house, and it feels a bit awkward to come empty-handed for the first time.” Thinking about it, He Yan did remember this matter and asked Xiao Jue, “Commander, how about we pass by a store later and buy some pastries and cloth for your family as gifts?”
Xiao Jue stared into her eyes, curled his lips, and said, “Are you here to propose? A first visit and bringing gifts?”
“Is it not necessary?” He Yan asked, “I have never been a guest at someone else’s mansion. I don’t know what to do when visiting for the first time.”
In the past, when she was “He Rufei,” the He family was afraid she would be exposed, so they didn’t even let her make friends, let alone visit someone else’s mansion. In this life as He Yan, she hadn’t had the chance to experience how ordinary families interact with friends before going straight to the military camp.
Her seriousness left Xiao Jue speechless for a moment. He pushed her head aside, saying, “Not necessary, just casual.”
“Commander, don’t you still have Eldest Young Master Xiao and Madam Xiao at home?” He Yan recalled what Lin Shuanghe had said earlier and continued, “It is said that Eldest Young Master Xiao is the first love of many Wei women. Is that true? It’s rumored that he treats people very gently, never mistreats others, and is a gentleman. Is that true?”
Xiao Jue remained composed and said, “Do you want to be my sister-in-law?”
“How is that possible?” He Yan immediately denied, thinking that she was not like Song Taotao and had no interest in having Xiao Jue as a little uncle-in-law. “I’m just curious. And Madam Xiao, how is she? Is she easy to get along well with?” He Yan hesitated for a moment, “Men are easier to deal with, but I really don’t know how to interact with women. What does she like or dislike? Is she lively or reserved? How should I talk to her to win her favor?”
Xiao Jue endured for a while and finally said calmly, “If you win her favor, my elder brother will be in trouble.”
“Oh,” He Yan responded and sat back in her seat, still pondering over the matter. Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows slightly. He found that He Yan was indeed quite interested in the idea of “visiting.” The excitement and nervousness resembled that of a naive child receiving an invitation to a friend’s house for the first time—uncertain and afraid of making mistakes, yet filled with the happiness and anticipation of confirmation.
Under He Sui’s knees, there was only one son and one daughter. Compared to the son, the daughter, who looked remarkably similar to the deceased wife, seemed to be more favored by this military official. According to information obtained by Luan Ying, He Yan used to be arrogant and domineering, sometimes showing a penchant for vanity. Although this might be a disguise, neighbors around the He family mentioned that He Yan did have some female friends, even if the relationships were not particularly good.
But why did such an expression surface again?
Xiao Jue could see the emotions and conflicts deep in He Yan’s heart, but he couldn’t discern the reasons behind it. A mysterious haze seemed to shroud He Yan, making many of her actions inexplicable. Yet, the more mysterious, the more attractive it became, otherwise… being alone in the fog would inevitably make people concerned, feeling particularly pitiable.
While contemplating, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Xiao mansion. Fei Nu and Chiwu dismounted, but before Xiao Jue and He Yan could get off, an excited voice came from outside, “Madam, Eldest Young Master, Second Young Master is back!”
Immediately after, a noisy sound emanated from the mansion, as if someone was coming. Just as He Yan followed Xiao Jue down from the carriage, the door of the Xiao mansion opened wide. Several people walked out, and at the forefront were a young couple.
The man was dressed in a sky-blue round-neck brocade robe, truly refined and elegant. Beside him, the woman was graceful and beautiful, her eyes and brows enchanting. Her snow-white dress outlined her slender figure, resembling a tree of white pear blossoms—elegant and charming. This was none other than Xiao Jue’s eldest brother, Xiao Jing, and his wife, Bai Rongwei. He Yan had heard the names of this couple before, but seeing them in person was far more impressive. The two standing together were truly pleasing to the eye.
The Xiao family was indeed a place that produced beautiful people, one after another. He Yan couldn’t help but think that by stepping in, she might be disrupting the aesthetic harmony of the Xiao mansion.
“Huaijin, you’re finally back,” Bai Rongwei smiled, “Your elder brother has been thinking about you every day. He waited in the mansion as soon as he got off work, afraid you wouldn’t make it back to Shuojing tonight. He’s just right on time.”
Xiao Jing also smiled. When he smiled, he revealed a pair of small tiger teeth, adding a touch of cuteness to his gentlemanly and gentle demeanor. “It’s good that you’re back. Rongwei cooked a meal herself, it’s still warm, just waiting for you. Fei Nu and Chiwu should also eat a little, you’ve worked hard.”
Fei Nu and Chiwu both expressed their deference.
Xiao Jue turned to look at He Yan, who was standing three steps away from him, respectful and polite. He said, “Come here.”
He Yan approached as instructed.
Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei exchanged glances. They had just seen that this young master had come down from the carriage with Xiao Jue. If he were a subordinate, he would probably be riding a horse outside like Fei Nu and Chiwu. Moreover, Xiao Jue himself was not someone who liked to interact with others. Sharing a carriage with someone was already considered quite close.
Xiao Jing asked, “Huaijin, who is this young master?”
“My friend, He Yan,” Xiao Jue replied.
He Yan bowed and said, “Eldest Young Master Xiao, Madam.” After that, she couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Xiao Jue. She thought Xiao Jue would say she was a subordinate, but unexpectedly, he directly called her a friend. Now, both Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were a bit surprised.
Bai Rongwei regained her composure and said with a smile, “So, he’s a friend of Huaijin. This is rare. For so many years, besides Young Master Lin, we haven’t seen Huaijin bring friends to the mansion. Is Ylung Master He a new friend Huaijin met in Liangzhou Garrison?”
Before He Yan could answer, Xiao Jue said, “Big sister-in-law, let’s talk inside.”
“….Alright.” Bai Rongwei smiled and glanced at Xiao Jing with a slightly puzzled look.
Xiao Jing returned a similarly perplexed expression.
Not only did Xiao Jue bring a friend back to the mansion, but he also seemed quite protective of this friend. The husband and wife became curious about He Yan’s identity. Could he be of royal or noble descent to be treated with such importance? Were there such people in Shuojing City? Moreover, Xiao Jue didn’t seem to have a favorable attitude toward those of royal or noble descent.
It was unclear.
The group arrived in the main hall of the Xiao mansion. He Yan and Xiao Jue went to wash their hands first. The hall was brightly lit by lamps, and the aroma of the meal filled the room. The long table was filled with various dishes. He Yan and Xiao Jue sat down at the table, while Fei Nu and Chiwu were called by Bai Rongwei to bring two chairs and sit on the side.
He Yan’s heart moved as she observed. It seemed that the rumors outside were true—Eldest Young Master Xiao was very kind to his subordinates. If this were in her original He family, she would have been scolded by Madam He for not following proper etiquette.
The dishes were all simple home-cooked dishes, not extravagant but delicately delicious. He Yan felt a bit nervous for no apparent reason. She picked up her chopsticks and, following Xiao Jue’s lead, ate her meal in small bites.
The Xiao family didn’t have a rule of silence during meals, and even Xiao Jing, who appeared gentle and reserved, turned into a chatterbox once at the dinner table. He kept asking Xiao Jue about his experiences over the past year.
“Earlier in Jiyang’s matters, you didn’t tell us anything,” Bai Rongwei smiled and said. “Later, when the news reached Shuojing, we learned about the critical situation. I know you were worried about Ruyi, but for such matters in the future, don’t bear them alone. If Ruyi had known about it, if I hadn’t stopped him, he might have gone to Liangzhou to find you himself.”
Xiao Jing cleared his throat. “I’m also concerned about Huaijin, but…” His gaze fell on He Yan. “I heard that during the time in Jiyang, there was a subordinate who performed meritorious deeds with you, even receiving the Emperor’s commendation. Could it be this young master here?”
“It is indeed me,” He Yan replied shyly. “Thanks to the Commander’s recognition, but in reality, I haven’t done much.”
Xiao Jue calmly said, “It was Chu Zilan who recognized you, not me.”
He Yan: “…”
At this point, there was no need to make things so clear.
Xiao Jing seemed to understand something, smiled, and shook his head. “Young Master He, Huaijin might not speak much, but don’t be upset. However, it’s his first time bringing a friend to our mansion, showing that he sincerely wants to befriend you.”
“I…” He Yan hesitated, about to speak.
“She’s not here as a guest,” Xiao Jue interrupted her. “She intends to stay here for a while.”
Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were both startled.
“To be honest, I’ve already asked someone to look for a suitable house in Shuojing City. But it may take some time, and I fear it won’t be settled in the short term. The Commander is kind enough to allow me to stay here for a few days. Once the matter of the house is settled, I will move out immediately.” He Yan looked a bit embarrassed. “During these days, I’ll have to trouble Eldeset Young Master and Madam.”
Bai Rongwei smiled and said in a gentle tone, “Young Master He, no need to be polite. Since you’re Huaijin’s friend, you’re our friend too. Finding a house in the city is indeed not easy. Young Master He, consider this place your own home. Stay as long as you like; be at ease.”
He Yan gratefully accepted. She wondered how the Xiao family found daughters-in-law. Bai Rongwei’s temperament was excellent. It seemed that only someone with her temperament could stand beside Xiao Jing. She had heard that Bai Rongwei was originally a commoner in her family. When news of her engagement to Xiao Jing spread, the entire Shuojing was saying that Bai Rongwei’s status didn’t match Xiao Jing’s. However, from He Yan’s current perspective, Xiao Jing indeed had a good eye.
“Let’s eat,” Xiao Jue said, placing a folded napkin in front of her.
He Yan quickly lowered her head and ate.
Judging solely by appearance, it was hard to tell that Xiao Jing was talkative. Throughout the meal, he kept chatting non-stop. Asking this and that, he even inquired about Xiao Jue’s winter preparations for bedding in Liangzhou Garrison. If it weren’t for Bai Rongwei restraining him, he might have talked even more.
Was this the feeling of “family”? He Yan looked at them, feeling a hint of envy.
After the meal, Bai Rongwei stood up and said, “Huaijin’s room has been cleaned daily by our servants. Hot water has been prepared just now. After Huaijin tidies up later, rest early tonight. You’ve had a tiring journey. Recharge for tomorrow. If there’s anything, discuss it after a good night’s sleep.” Then she looked at He Yan, “There are empty rooms and courtyards in the mansion. During the meal, I had someone prepare them. Besides two maids, there are no other people in the courtyard. Young Master He, feel free to stay there.”
He Yan was about to express her gratitude, but Xiao Jue spoke up, “No need.”
Everyone looked at him.
“I have an empty room in my courtyard, and she will stay there,” Xiao Jue said.
“Cough, cough, cough—” Chiwu, who was walking behind, started coughing.
Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing hadn’t thought of other places, but they were a bit surprised. Soon, Xiao Jing smiled and said, “Since that’s the case, it’s fine. You both staying in the same courtyard will make it convenient for discussions.”
Chiwu looked desperate.
With Xiao Jue making the decision, He Yan naturally had no reason to object. After Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing left, she followed Xiao Jue to his courtyard, whispering on the way, “Commander, why do I have to share a courtyard with you?”
It’s not Liangzhou Garrison, it’s not Jiyang. With so many rooms, between a man and a woman… it’s better to be cautious.
Xiao Jue glanced at her. “Do you want your identity to be exposed?”
He Yan was stunned.
“In my courtyard, there are no other servants.”
He Yan understood. She thought it made sense. If she stayed in another courtyard, there might be occasional negligence that could reveal her true identity. If discovered by the Xiao family’s maids… it wouldn’t be a good thing. Staying in Xiao Jue’s courtyard would be more peaceful.
Xiao Jue’s courtyard was in the middle of the mansion, spacious and bright. It wasn’t as elegant and simple as Yang Mingzhi’s mansion, nor as luxurious as Cui Yuezhi’s mansion. Perhaps it seemed a bit empty and desolate because no one had lived there for a long time. Although it was cleaned thoroughly, when you walked in, even in the summer, it didn’t feel hot but rather cool.
Passing through the flower wall was the main house, and next to it was a pomegranate tree that had small fruits hanging on its branches, swaying like lanterns, quite cute.
“Is this the courtyard you’ll be staying in?” He Yan turned to look at him. “Commander, did you live here when you were a child?”
Standing under the tree, a fruit hung directly above her head, like half of a fist-sized lantern. Xiao Jue found it amusing and replied, “No, I didn’t live in the mansion during my childhood. Living here happened when I was around fifteen or sixteen.”
Originally, Xiao Jue lived on the mountain. He Yan had heard about this vaguely. It was said that Xiao Zhongwu invited a learned scholar to teach him both literary and martial arts on the mountain. Thinking about it this way, Xiao Jue seemed even more pitiable than her. Although she couldn’t call her foster parents mom and dad, she at least lived in a mansion where she could raise her head and not worry about meeting anyone. Xiao Jue, as a child, lived on the mountain. Xiao Zhongwu couldn’t be there all the time, leaving him alone. It seemed lonely.
He Yan wanted to cheer him up a bit. She turned her head and pointed to the lowest pomegranate, asking, “Will this be ready to eat in a few days? Have you tried the pomegranates on this tree? Are they sweet?”
“Are you only thinking about eating?” Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “They’re quite sour.”
“You must be lying to me.” He Yan was skeptical. “If they’re very sour, you should have cut down this tree long ago. Why keep it for such a long time?”
Xiao Jue chuckled, “Not everyone plants trees just for eating.”
“Why plant trees if not for eating? What’s the difference between planting trees and grass?” He Yan looked up, gazing at the highest pomegranate on the tree. This pomegranate should be the largest on this tree. The red and plump skin could be vaguely seen. He Yan reached out to pluck it, but the branch was too high. She jumped to reach it but still couldn’t.
In the next moment, someone stood behind her, reaching out and pulling down the cluster of branches with pomegranates to where she could touch them.
A clear warmth came from behind, and a warm stream followed the offering. He Yan’s whole body stiffened, and she subconsciously turned around, almost twisting her foot. Xiao Jue grabbed her arm to steady her, lowered his gaze, and asked, “Can’t you even walk?”
He Yan coughed loudly twice. “I just… didn’t stand firmly.”
“Aren’t you picking it anymore?” Xiao Jue gestured for He Yan to look at the branch he pulled down.
“No, no more.” He Yan explained, “I didn’t plan to pick them. They’re not ripe yet. I’ll wait until they’re fully ripe; they’ll be sweeter then.”
She didn’t know what nonsense she was saying, feeling nervous all over just facing those clear and detached autumn-like eyes. To cover up, He Yan immediately turned her head and said loudly, “Which room am I staying in? I want to freshen up first.”
Xiao Jue pointed to a room. He Yan rushed into the room like a whirlwind, as if there was a ghost chasing her. In the next moment, the entire courtyard only heard a “bang,” and her room door was closed.
Xiao Jue: “…”
He stood in place, his gaze fixed on He Yan’s door. Not long after, he looked at the pomegranate tree in front of him, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting, smiling.
Far away, Chiwu and Fei Nu huddled at the courtyard entrance, neither entering nor leaving. The only relief was that as long as Xiao Jue returned to the mansion, all the servants in the courtyard would be driven out, so they wouldn’t witness this embarrassing and awkward scene.
Chiwu shivered and spoke, “They… they…”
“Don’t speak.” Fei Nu interrupted him.
“How is it possible not to speak?” Chiwu lowered his voice, unable to hide the anger and frustration on his face. “It was bad enough in Jiyang and Liangzhou Garrison. Now that we’ve returned to Shuojing… they’re being so blatant. Is surname He going crazy?”
Fei Nu hesitated.
“I know that when we were in Jiyang, he could pass as a woman, but after all, he’s not a real woman. Now, Eldest Young Master and Madam still don’t know about this. If they find out, what should we do?”
Fei Nu tried to comfort his anxious companion. “You’re thinking too much about this; it’s not that serious.”
“You don’t understand!” Chiwu exclaimed. “In Jiyang, Young Master ordered us to investigate surname He every three days, which shows that surname He has something to hide. If he were an honest and innocent person, I would have accepted it…” At this point, Chiwu’s voice unexpectedly choked up. “If he has ulterior motives in getting close to Young Master, given Young Master’s current concern for him… I’m afraid it will be more distressing than when that Hanlin scholar Xu’s wife died!”
Fei Nu sighed, finding it difficult to respond. “Speaking of which, since Young Master has returned to the capital, Luan Ying and the others should be back soon. When Luan Ying returns, we’ll have busy tasks ahead.”
－－－－－ Side Note－－－－－－
Chiwu: Subway, elderly, cell phone. JPG
Want to show your support? Go donate at Paypal or Ko-fi to show your appreciation! Want to get early access to at least 5 chapters in advance? Go to my Patreon to join now! :)
<Previous Chapter<Table of Contents>Next Chapter>
Someone please let this Chiwu know… T0T