Chapter 199: Pleasing the Emperor’s Heart
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The night shrouded the wilderness.
Inside a thatched cottage, someone huddled in the corner, lips moving, whispering words that were unclear.
“Young Master, we’ve found them. Xu Jingfu’s men are chasing them, and the two brothers are now somewhat disoriented. We may need to bring them back to the city and let Young Master Lin take a look,” Luan Ying whispered beside Xiao Jue.
These were the survivors from the Battle of Mingshui.
In that battle, almost the entire army led by Xiao Zhongwu was annihilated. Among his close aides, apart from Chai Anxi, none survived. Over the years, the surviving soldiers had also died one after another, and no one cared how or why they died. Five years had passed since the Battle of Mingshui, and perhaps in this world, apart from Xiao Zhongwu’s son, no one would care about the deceased General Guangwu and the hidden sinister plot behind that infamous defeat.
“Is there no other way?” Xiao Jue frowned. “At this rate, they may not make it back to the city.”
“When they left, they were in a hurry and only brought wound medicine. They didn’t have anything to calm their minds,” Luan Ying shook her head. “Xu Jingfu’s men have been chasing them for seven days and nights. They are exhausted from the continuous pursuit.”
Chariot warfare was indeed draining, especially in this relentless pursuit. After some thought, Xiao Jue untied a sachet from his waist. It was the one handed to him by He Yan, made by Bai Rong. He held the bag, untied the string, and inside were a tiny peace charm and some herbs. According to He Yan, it helped in calming the mind.
Xiao Jue poured out the herbs and handed them to Luan Ying. “Take this to them to smell. We won’t leave tonight; we’ll change our location and let them rest for the night.”
Luan Ying nodded.
Investigating Xu Jingfu and the Mingshui case had taken a long time, and now they had finally found two living witnesses. It wasn’t easy. But it also indicated that Xiao Jue’s capabilities over the years had grown enough to contend with Xu Jingfu. For example, in this abduction, he emerged victorious.
They couldn’t stay here for long; they needed to find another place. After discovering a nearby farmhouse, everyone, including the disoriented brothers, settled down.
Chiwu and Fei Nu guarded the door of the brothers to prevent any unexpected incidents. Luan Ying went out to gather information. The night on the outskirts was particularly desolate. Especially in the approaching autumn, with rare signs of human activity for dozens of miles. The moon, bright and white, illuminated the open wilderness, like flowing silver water, giving off a hint of loneliness.
He didn’t actually like the Mid-Autumn Festival. For him, the Mid-Autumn Festival always brought back unpleasant memories. The fuller the moon, the lonelier he felt. As this time of year approached, he always found it hard to sleep. In previous years in the military camp, he could read official documents throughout the night. Now back in Shuojing, there was nothing he could do.
Xiao Jue lowered his head, looking at the sachet in his hand. The medicinal herbs inside the sachet had been emptied, leaving only a flat layer. The tiny peace charm remained. After some thought, he opened the sachet, intending to put the peace charm back in.
Although it was embroidered by a maid from the Xiao family, the fabric and pattern were personally chosen by Bai Rongwei. Bai Rongwei was always particularly dedicated to this matter, making the sachet exceptionally exquisite. As his fingers touched it, the satin felt cool like moonlight.
Xiao Jue’s gaze paused slightly, and in the next moment, his fingertip brushed over a rough protrusion inside the sachet. This protrusion on the smooth satin surface stood out. He lowered his eyes and turned the sachet over.
The other side appeared before Xiao Jue.
Inside the sachet, two layers of embroidery were done, a double-layered embroidery. The inner layer’s fabric strip was plain black, without any patterns. However, on the black fabric, there was a twisted and curved, bright yellow horn embroidered, making it unclear what it was, but it was evident that the person who did the embroidery had questionable skill, and the threads weren’t neatly trimmed.
How should he put it? The black snake on the outside of the sachet and this yellow horn inside really didn’t seem like they belonged to the same piece of work.
What was this? Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. Bai Rongwei’s skill was much better than this. If the maids of the Xiao family produced needlework like this, it would be somewhat terrifying to talk about. This sachet was given to him by He Yan, and within the entire Xiao family, aside from Miss He, there probably wasn’t anyone else who could embroider in such a manner.
He repeatedly played with this sachet, attempting to find traces of other things He Yan might have embroidered, but there was nothing else. Apart from this yellow horn, she hadn’t embroidered anything else.
Xiao Jue’s mouth twitched.
Was she using his sachet for practice? And practicing so secretly and stealthily, if he hadn’t wanted to retrieve the medicinal herbs by opening the sachet, he might never have discovered the secret. But what was the meaning behind doing this? If she really wanted to practice, she could have taken a plain piece of white cloth and embroidered endlessly. Hiding something within it always felt like there was some profound meaning he didn’t understand.
At this moment, footsteps approached from the wilderness again. A semi-grown boy of twelve or thirteen walked up to him, grinning, “Young Master!”
This child was Luan Ying’s son, called Bai Xian. With handsome features, he resembled Luan Ying a lot, just younger and with a bit of plumpness on his cheeks, giving him a naive and cute appearance. Unlike Luan Ying’s cold and frosty temperament, Bai Xian, like all boys his age, was innocent and romantic, even a bit talkative.
He really liked Xiao Jue. Despite Luan Ying warning him countless times to be respectful and not to be unruly, Bai Xian couldn’t remember. Xiao Jue didn’t mind these things, so whenever Luan Ying wasn’t looking, Bai Xian would find ways to stick to Xiao Jue whenever he saw him.
Bai Xian immediately saw the sachet in Xiao Jue’s hand. His eyes were sharp, and even in the night, he could clearly see the embroidery on the inner fabric. He blurted out, “Huh? This moon is embroidered so beautifully!”
“…Moon?” Xiao Jue was momentarily stunned.
Bai Xian answered confidently, “Young Master, look, it’s yellow and curved. It’s the moon, no doubt!” He moved a bit closer, standing on tiptoes to observe the embroidery in Xiao Jue’s hand. He praised, “This is a black backing cloth, representing the night. The moon embroidered on it is the moon in the night, representing Young Master—you are the moon in the night, dazzling and bright!” This child gained momentum as he spoke, then asked mysteriously in a low voice, “Young Master, was this given to you by a young lady?”
Xiao Jue: “…”
He felt somewhat uncomfortable, retracting the sachet. “No.”
“How could it not be?” Bai Xian was puzzled. “If not a young lady, how could a man produce such an exquisite and unparalleled embroidery?”
Xiao Jue began to suspect whether Bai Xian was He Yan’s actual younger brother. Their evaluations of “beauty” were remarkably similar.
Bai Xian was about to ask more questions when, unexpectedly, a voice exploded behind him, “Bai Xian!”
Startled, Bai Xian swiftly hid behind Xiao Jue, “Mom… I came out to relieve myself and happened to see Young Master.”
Luan Ying grabbed his ear and pulled him out from behind Xiao Jue, scolding, “How many times have I told you not to disturb Young Master? Why is this child so unruly? Young Master, sorry, I’ll take this kid back right away!”
Luan Ying dragged Bai Xian back, leaving Xiao Jue alone by the wilderness.
Moonlight bathed the black wilderness, and the soil was dyed with a white frost, resembling the snow by the Garrison River in Liangzhou, cold and pure.
The relentless moon, the sentimental dreams; Xiao Jue hooked the corner of his lips, turning to leave. Suddenly, his footsteps paused, as if he remembered something, and he raised his eyes.
In his memories, amid the lively and cheerful crowd, on the high platform, a girl’s face was hidden behind a mask, casually chatting with someone.
“The last secret,” she tiptoed, approaching his chin, her voice soft, “I like the moon.”
“The moon doesn’t know.”
…
The day to enter the palace arrived quickly.
Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were also going into the palace. When they learned that He Yan wouldn’t be going with them but with Lin Shuanghe, they were a bit surprised. However, understanding He Yan’s feelings, they didn’t ask much. As Lin Shuanghe’s carriage arrived, they sent He Yan onto the carriage, instructing her to take care and they will see them in the palace.
Lin Shuanghe sat in the carriage, fanning himself, “Perhaps Huaijin is afraid that you won’t get along with Brother Rubi and the others, and we are old friends, so it’s more comfortable together.” He sized up He Yan and sighed, “Huaijin’s loss for not making it back today. You, Little Sister He, wearing such gorgeous men’s clothing, exude a heroic air. If you entered the palace with me, no one among the civil and military officials today could outshine our radiance.”
He Yan was lost in her thoughts, giving perfunctory responses. Lin Shuanghe, thinking she might be nervous about entering the palace for the first time, consoled her, “Don’t worry, Little Sister He. With Elder Brother here, I’m familiar with the palace. You can walk boldly; as long as you don’t commit murder or arson, I can handle anything for you.”
He was already adept at taking advantage of his grandpa’s name, and this time, he brought He Yan along.
The carriage swiftly moved, and after a while, it finally arrived at the palace gate.
The guards at the palace were already familiar with Lin Shuanghe’s carriage. Lin Shuanghe and He Yan alighted from the carriage, following the palace attendant inside.
This was He Yan’s first time entering the palace.
If it were in her past life, she would probably be nervous at this point, anticipating rewards and honors from meeting the emperor. However, having died once, she understood that so-called future success and wealth were like passing clouds. Her entry into the palace this time was merely to settle an old score.
Skirting through the palace’s long corridors and gardens, passing the front hall, this palace banquet was undoubtedly a celebration. The attendees were prominent figures from the court, and individuals like Lin Shuanghe could blend in due to their connections with Lin Qingtan and Lin Mu.
In the main hall, many people had already gathered. He Yan scanned the surroundings but didn’t spot the presence of Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei. Lin Shuanghe whispered, “We took a shortcut. Brother Rubi should be taking the main road, so he might arrive a bit later. Don’t worry, Brother He, I’ve been following you. When someone comes to greet us later, I’ll mention your name, helping you make some acquaintances.”
As he finished speaking, someone exclaimed, “Lin Shuanghe!”
However, this person wasn’t coming to introduce He Yan to others; it was Yan He. Yan He, dressed in his official robe, stood beside a woman with a graceful and gentle appearance. Although not extraordinarily stunning, she was pleasant to look at. She bowed slightly to Lin Shuanghe, “Young Master Lin.”
This was Yan He’s wife, Xia Chengxiu.
Yan He, acting as he pleased, wrapped his arm around Xia Chengxiu’s shoulder and gestured towards He Yan, “Chengxiu, this is the one I told you about, the confidante who dislikes He Rufei as much as I do. But now, he belongs to Xiao Huaijin’s side.” He looked at He Yan, “Would you like to work with me?”
Before He Yan could respond, Lin Shuanghe staunchly waved his hand, “No! This kind of thing must be carried through from start to finish. How can we change people midway?”
Yan He was puzzled, “This also has to be carried through from start to finish?”
“Is there any consistency in your heart?” Lin Shuanghe looked at Xia Chengxiu, “Madam, I’m worried for you.”
Xia Chengxiu: “…”
Yan He was furious, “Lin Shuanghe, shut up! Do you have to sow discord like this?”
Lin Shuanghe: “It’s good as long as you know.”
Grumbling, Yan He walked away with Xia Chengxiu. Lin Shuanghe breathed a sigh of relief. As he turned to ask He Yan, he saw her staring blankly in a certain direction. Following her gaze, he noticed someone not far away engaged in conversation. In the center stood a young man in a long robe, refined and handsome—someone familiar. It was Hanlin Scholar Xu Zhiheng.
Lin Shuanghe was somewhat puzzled. He wondered if He Yan was interested in Xu Zhiheng. However, Xu Zhiheng already had a wife, and in terms of elegance, Chu Zhao wasn’t inferior. Compared to Chu Zhao, Xu Zhiheng fell short.
Could it be because she couldn’t have Chu Zhao, so she sought a substitute? Lin Shuanghe’s mind was a mess.
On the other side, Xu Zhiheng seemed to have noticed someone staring at him. He followed the gaze and looked over. He Yan was a new appearance here, and Xu Zhiheng hadn’t seen her before. However, he recognized Lin Shuanghe. Lin Shuanghe had no official position, but the Lin family, through Lin Qingtan and Lin Mu, had good relationships in the court. Officials in the court mostly befriended the Lin family, or at least they wouldn’t actively make enemies. Seeing Lin Shuanghe also looking at him, Xu Zhiheng, somewhat surprised, briefly left his colleagues and walked towards Lin Shuanghe.
“Brother Lin.” He stopped in front of Lin Shuanghe, speaking warmly, “Long time no see.”
Lin Shuanghe knew Xu Zhiheng, but their acquaintance was casual. Nevertheless, being shrewd, he said, “Indeed, I traveled around Liangzhou for a while, but our Shuojing is still better. By the way, this is a brother I met in Liangzhou.”
He Yan raised her eyes to look at Xu Zhiheng.
It had been more than two, almost three years since she “saw” Xu Zhiheng last. In her memory, Xu Zhiheng was gentle and considerate, at least his handsome appearance could completely deceive people. However, looking at him now, she wondered if it was due to the inner self reflecting on the appearance, but Xu Zhiheng’s face seemed sharper.
He had become much thinner. The official robe, already loose, made him appear somewhat hunched due to excessive thinness, and his face showed signs of aging. Even the deliberately squeezed-out smile looked stiff.
Xu Zhiheng was also examining the person in front of him.
This was a delicately handsome youth, exuding an air of heroism. The red round-collared robe complemented his rosy lips and white teeth. A black belt around his waist outlined a beautiful figure. Most captivating were his eyes, distinctly shaped as if gentle, yet with a sharp gaze. When the youth had been looking at him from a distance just now, even though it was their first meeting, the gaze seemed to contain various emotions, cold and gloomy, as if it saw through all his disguises, making people inexplicably palpitate.
Xu Zhiheng felt uncomfortable under such a gaze and turned to Lin Shuanghe, “Who is this…”
“Lord Xu, don’t judge this young brother by his age. He’s already the Wuan Lang personally appointed by His Majesty, named He Yan. In the future, he will be our colleague.”
Xu Zhiheng was listening with a slight smile, but as he heard the latter part, his smile vanished instantly. He asked, “What did you say… his name is?”
“Lord Xu,” He Yan smiled and looked at him, “I am named He Yan, with ‘He’ from ‘He Miao’ and ‘Yan’ from ‘Clear River and Calm Sea.'”
Xu Zhiheng’s face changed drastically.
The youth in front of him had a slightly upturned corner of the mouth, appearing friendly and youthful. However, looking closely into her eyes revealed no trace of a smile, like a pool of cold water, bringing people to a certain afternoon where a young woman struggled into an unfathomable abyss, inducing an oppressive feeling.
His throat was dry, and he couldn’t utter a complete sentence.
Fortunately, at this moment, someone called Lin Shuanghe’s name again. It was Lin Qingtan. Lin Shuanghe then pulled He Yan away, saying, “Brother He, that’s my grandfather. I’ll take you to see him.”
The person in front of him left.
Xu Zhiheng almost suspected that the name he had just heard was a dream, a result of his recent mental instability. However, when he raised his eyes and saw the youth standing beside Lin Shuanghe, talking to Lin Qingtan from a distance… it confirmed the reality.
Indeed, there was someone named “He Yan” in front of him.
Xu Zhiheng was covered in cold sweat. A colleague noticed his abnormality and asked with concern, “Lord Xu, what’s wrong? Why does your complexion look so bad? Are you feeling unwell?”
Xu Zhiheng forced a smile and waved his hand, “It’s nothing.” He turned away towards an empty corner, not daring to let others discover his shock.
He curled his fingers, trying hard to convince himself. So what if his name was He Yan? There were many people in the world with the same name and surname. “Madam Xu” had already passed away, and he personally saw her being sealed in the coffin. The current He Yan was a man, and judging by his age, he shouldn’t match up.
But…
But…
The gaze of that youth named He Yan, when he thought about it now, sent shivers down Xu Zhiheng’s spine.
Aloof, hateful, mocking, and in an instant, a knowing smile that seemed to see through everything.
And he happened to say that sentence.
The first time he saw He Yan, or rather, the first time he saw He Yan appearing with her real name, the girl was wearing a dress and said somewhat uncomfortably, “I am named He Yan, with ‘He’ from ‘He Miao’ and ‘Yan’ from ‘Clear River and Calm Sea.”
Xu Zhiheng closed his eyes.
How could such a coincidence happen?
How could such a coincidental thing happen right in front of him? This is really…
His restlessness was noticed by He Yan not far away, and she sneered inwardly.
Wang Ba always said that walking a long road at night would encounter ghosts. Originally, he thought this person was too timid, but now it seems there is some truth to it. Like Sunling and his son in Liangzhou City, they committed countless atrocities, with numerous women dying at their hands. Yet, they were afraid of evil spirits and had their yard filled with Buddha statues and talismans.
Lin Shuanghe had good social skills. As he walked around, he inevitably greeted people, and He Yan followed him, associating the positions and faces of these people.
Where they were, what they were doing. When the battlefield turned into the court, generals never engaged in unprepared battles.
At this moment, someone loudly exclaimed, “Flying Phoenix General has arrived! Flying Phoenix General is here!”
The officials present quieted down slightly, looking towards the direction of the outer gate. Speaking of the two great generals of Great Wei, Flying Phoenix and Fengyun, they were always eye-catching. Today, since Xiao Jue couldn’t make it, the attention-grabbing figure became He Rufei alone.
On the side, Yan He sneered and spoke disdainfully, “He’s not the emperor. Why such a grand display?”
Xia Chengxiu tugged at his sleeve, and Yan He didn’t continue.
He Yan also turned her head to look towards the direction of the outer gate.
She saw someone entering with the guidance of palace maids. The man was dressed in the robe of a military officer, quite handsome, exuding a unique charm and roughness typical of a military officer. When someone greeted him, he nodded in response, appearing friendly yet maintaining a certain distance. This aloofness made him, this “Flying Phoenix General,” appear more mysterious.
“Tsk.” He Yan heard Lin Shuanghe beside her talking, “This kid was quite cute when he was little. Why is he becoming more annoying as he grows up? This appearance, how is it any different from those old guys who have been in officialdom for many years?” He added in a low voice, “Officialdom is a big dyeing vat… fortunately, I’m not an official.”
He Yan saw He Rufei in court for the first time, and he looked like this when facing colleagues. With the name of Flying Phoenix General, he lived effortlessly, without any burden, as if he was Flying Phoenix General himself from start to finish.
He Yan felt nauseous.
Apparently, he seemed to sense her focused gaze. When their eyes met for a moment, He Rufei seemed to perceive it, so He Yan promptly turned her head to talk to Lin Shuanghe. As a result, He Rufei only saw a stranger standing beside Lin Shuanghe. Perhaps it was his illusion? He Rufei didn’t mind and found a seat next to his friendly colleagues.
These colleagues he befriended were all known after removing his mask. In the past, they had no connection with him, and as for Xu Zhiheng, they weren’t particularly close in front of others. Everyone knew that He Rufei and He Xinying had a deep sibling relationship, but for this brother-in-law, it was only considered a courteous relationship. After all, a civilian and a military officer didn’t have much to talk about even if they wanted to be close.
He Yan knew better.
It was just a person feeling guilty, afraid of being caught in the act, deliberately acting in such a way. The more they feared, the more confident He Yan became.
Lin Shuanghe said, “Let’s take our seats.”
Male and female guests had to sit separately, but in such a palace banquet, there were very few female guests. Apart from the few ladies who were favored by the Empress Dowager and brought their daughters, there were no others.
After some time passed, an eunuch came to inform that Emperor Wenxuan had arrived.
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