Chapter 207 – Peculiar
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On the way down the mountain, He Yan was quieter than when she first arrived.
Xiao Jue asked, “Still thinking about what happened earlier?”
Afraid of being discovered, He Yan casually lied, “Just feeling a bit upset after hearing what that young lady said.”
Xiao Jue paused for a moment before saying, “No need to worry. You won’t become like the previous Madam Xu.”
He Yan lowered her head and smiled faintly, feeling a strange sensation in her heart. Before this, she had already died once. However, today, upon seeing Second Madam He again, she realized that her mother wasn’t completely indifferent to her.
But if her mother did care for her, why did Second Madam He treat her so coldly when she played the role of “He Yan” back then? Did Second Madam He know the truth when they conspired against her with the Xu family, when they plotted to harm her? Did Second Madam He know the truth when He Yan was “accidentally drowned”? He Yan wondered if her mother knew the real story behind these events.
He Yan preferred her mother to remain unaware; ignorance is bliss.
Even if Second Madam He didn’t know about those events, she must have been aware of the identity swap between He Yan and He Rufei. How did a mother feel when she pushed her biological daughter away, so close yet unable to utter the words “mother”?
He Yan closed her eyes.
Thinking about it, it had been a few days, and she should visit the Xu family soon. Fuwang had probably found some clues. After the palace banquet, He Ru and Xu Zhiheng would undoubtedly be suspicious of her.
She needed to act quickly.
…
He Xinying, along with guards and servants, escorted Second Madam He back to her residence before returning to the Xu family. Xu Zhiheng was in the study; he hadn’t attended court today. Ever since the day they returned from the celebration banquet, Xu Zhiheng rarely left the house. Rumors circulated that he was ill, but He Xinying knew better. Something weighed heavily on his mind. When she spoke to him, she could sense his obvious distraction.
He Xinying pretended not to notice.
A clever woman knows when to reveal her foolishness at the right time. This was a lesson learned in the backyard of the He family. However, no matter how foolish she acted, she needed to have her own measure, not becoming genuinely foolish.
Xu Zhiheng’s odd behavior that night searching through He Yan’s former room, combined with Second Madam He’s strange encounter with the Wuan Marquis today, added to her suspicions. When she married into the Xu family, she brought a maid as part of her dowry. Now, she couldn’t trust anyone from the Xu family, only those close to her.
She wanted to investigate something.
If it had nothing to do with her, He Xinying wouldn’t care. However, recent events hinted that He Yan’s death might not have been so simple. Xu Zhiheng’s peculiar behavior aside, Second Madam He’s reaction today raised questions. If there were hidden facts about He Yan’s case, who’s to say she wouldn’t be the next victim?
In the He family, women had no status. Even if she were the legitimate daughter of Second Madam He, her marriage had been arranged early on, solely for the advancement of the man’s career. The character of the man she married, good or bad, was less important; everything was for the sake of benefits. This was why the daughters of the He family envied He Yan for having what seemed to be the best match.
However, now it seemed there might be more to the story.
“Xiao Liu,” she instructed her personal maid, “in the next few days, discreetly inquire about what conflicts occurred between my sister He Yan and that Concubine He with the surname. Find out what mistake Concubine He made to be expelled.”
“Why is Madam investigating this?” Xiao Liu asked curiously.
“I have my own reasons,” He Xinying said vaguely, “Just remember, keep this matter confidential. Do not let anyone outside know about it. Offer generous rewards, and, most importantly, don’t mention my sister. Start by investigating Concubine He.”
This way, even if someone from the Xu family accidentally discovered it, she could say it was her curiosity, wanting to know how Concubine He gained Xu Zhiheng’s favor. It would not expose her secret investigation into the cause of He Yan’s death.
The people of the Xu family never mentioned He Yan proactively, especially avoiding any discussion related to her. There must be something fishy going on.
He Xinying looked out at the bright sunlight, suddenly feeling that the spacious and bright courtyard of the Xu family now seemed somewhat eerie and terrifying.
But even for her own sake, she couldn’t continue living in such confusion.
…
After paying respects at the temple, He Yan and Xiao Jue didn’t immediately return to their respective residences. Instead, they went to the camp outside the city where the Liangzhou Garrison was stationed.
The soldiers from Nanfu were relatively reserved, likely because Tian Lang forbade them from excessively discussing their superiors’ private matters. As for the Liangzhou Garrison, Shen Han couldn’t control them. When He Yan and the soldiers shared meals and accommodation, they had already formed a “deep friendship.” Now, with the news of a brother turning into a lady and becoming the unmarried fiancée of their commander… Well, aside from military training, the recent favorite topic among the soldiers was discussing this matter.
When He Yan and Xiao Jue arrived, they were still in the midst of training. He Yan thought for a moment and said to Xiao Jue, “Commander, maybe you shouldn’t come in with me. Just stay outside with Instructor Shen and the others. If you go in, even if they have questions, they won’t dare to ask.”
Xiao Jue raised an eyebrow. “Alright.” He went to find Tian Lang on his own. Since returning to the capital, he had been busy with the Xu family’s affairs. His visits to this side were infrequent, and he always left quickly after a brief stay.
Once Xiao Jue left, He Yan sat outside the training ground, waiting for them.
Before long, the training session ended, and the soldiers went in groups to have their meals. Some of them noticed He Yan sitting on the edge. He Yan was dressed in women’s clothing today, and they couldn’t immediately recognize her. A young soldier approached her enthusiastically and asked, “Miss, are you looking for someone?”
He Yan looked at him, stood up, patted the dust off her clothes, and smiled, “Did I change so much in a short time that you don’t recognize me?”
Seeing that the new soldier was still staring at her, seemingly vaguely familiar but unable to remember, He Yan reminded him, “I am the number one in Liangzhou Garrison.”
This time, the soldier got excited, swallowed his saliva, and shouted, “Brothers, He Yan is here!”
His loud voice made He Yan couldn’t help but cover her ears. Then, she saw a group of people approaching like cats smelling fish. They rushed over and surrounded her, asking, “Where is she?” “Show me, show me.”
He Yan was suddenly surrounded by the crowd.
Now that she was dressed as a woman, the new recruits of the Liangzhou Garrison finally realized that she was indeed a woman. The soldiers didn’t hug her shoulders as they used to, and their faces even looked a bit awkward. Someone even blushed and couldn’t look at He Yan directly, asking in a low voice, “Um… Brother He… Miss He, how did you become a woman?”
He Yan apologized to the crowd, speaking clearly, “At that time, I had difficulties, accidentally joined the army, and I didn’t mean to deceive you. Now that the truth is revealed, I think I should apologize to you. Thanks for taking care of me all these days. Even though I am a woman, we are still brothers.”
Her words were spoken in the same tone as before, and the previous awkwardness among the soldiers gradually dissipated. Another voice came from the crowd, “Everyone, make way! Where is she?”
He Yan looked up and saw Wang Ba and his group parting the crowd and walking toward her.
During their time in the Liangzhou Garrison, the few of them had the best relationship with He Yan. However, even with such a good relationship, they still couldn’t discover He Yan’s true identity. Therefore, the shock they felt was the most significant. Wang Ba was the most angry. He had been calling a girl “boss” for a year and a half? Just because of this, he had become the laughingstock of the Liangzhou Garrison in recent days. Everyone wanted to tease him about it. Unexpectedly, He Yan came to him today, and he had to seek justice.
Thinking about this, Wang Ba had already walked up to He Yan. However, just as he was about to speak, he couldn’t say a word.
Facing a lively and charming young girl, looking at him with a clever smile, even the most ruthless tough guy couldn’t bring himself to scold her.
So He Yan saw the big guy in front of her, holding back his anger, unable to say a word.
On the other hand, Xiao Mai blurted out. Being young and enthusiastic, after the initial surprise, he was happy. Seeing He Yan now, he exclaimed, “Brother Ah He, I didn’t expect you to be so beautiful! You’re amazing!”
“Call what Brother He?,” Hong Shan slapped him on the head, “call her Miss He.” He was also a bit at a loss. After all, they had shared a bed before…
“Brother He, how did you become a woman?” Jiang Jiao also found it difficult to accept. He had always admired He Yan because they were of similar age, and He Yan often gave him careful guidance in martial arts. With such a close friend, he felt greatly benefited. Now that his close friend had become a “girl,” Jiang Jiao couldn’t express the strange feeling. He originally thought it must be a misunderstanding, but now seeing He Yan standing elegantly in the crowd, he knew he couldn’t deceive himself.
She was indeed a woman.
Among them, Huang Xiong and Shitou appeared the most calm. Shitou never liked showing emotions on his face, and Huang Xiong, being older and having experienced all sorts of things, wasn’t surprised by a woman dressing as a man. It was just that some things he couldn’t understand were now answered, such as why He Yan could live alone in a room, and why she was so close to Xiao Jue. It turned out to be inconvenient, as Xiao Jue was taking care of his fiancée.
But this Jade-Faced Commander was indeed as ruthless as the rumors outside. Clearly, she was his sweetheart. When He Yan first arrived in Liangzhou, she didn’t miss any training. She had also lived in a common dormitory and followed the team for regular morning exercises. If it were another man, he would probably have treated her more gently.
“Are you really going to marry the Commander?” Xiao Mai asked curiously. “Will we have to call you Second Madam Xiao in the future?”
Xiao Mai was straightforward, saying whatever came to his mind. He Yan’s face turned red at the mention of the title “Second Madam Xiao,” and it would feel uncomfortable if someone else said it. Her embarrassment was seen by the new recruits of the Liangzhou Garrison, who immediately started teasing her: “Oh, Brother He is shy!”
“Never thought that in my lifetime, I would see Brother He shy. Truly, the heavens have not been in vain!”
He Yan: “…”
As these guys were talking, they started calling her “Brother He” again, probably because it felt more natural. Hong Shan scolded Xiao Mai, “Pay attention, don’t talk nonsense. She’s a girl. Would you like being talked about like this!”
Xiao Mai, holding his head, spoke in a somewhat wronged tone, “What’s so embarrassing about this.”
The surrounding guys laughed, “Exactly, Brother He even declared himself as the number one in the Liangzhou Garrison in front of everyone without blushing!”
“Do you have any shame? Even the title of Liangzhou Garrison’s first is taken by a girl. You can’t even compare to a little girl. You’ve grown so tall for nothing.”
“Is she an ordinary girl? Is she? A girl who can be invited home by Commander Xiao to be his wife, is that an ordinary girl? Can you beat them up!”
“I won’t, it’s up to you.”
The noisy sounds from the martial arts field outside reached the small room. Shen Han wiped the sweat from his forehead. Liang Ping, Ma Damei, and the other instructors stood in the room, not daring to move. Who knew if Xiao Jue’s sudden visit was to settle scores after the autumn? Speaking of which, each instructor here had treated He Yan with “strictness,” especially Liang Ping.
However, it couldn’t be said for sure. For example, during the time they soaked in hot springs on White Moon Mountain, everyone present had a share in it.
But for now, it seemed that their commander was in a good mood, showing no intention of punishing anyone. He just sat in the room, observing the training of the new recruits in the barracks these days.
“Has the comfort silver been distributed to everyone?”
Shen Han replied, “It has already been distributed, and I personally visited each household.”
Some of the new recruits in the Liangzhou Garrison couldn’t return to their hometowns with the group going back to the capital. They had to comfort their families one by one.
“Don’t slack off in training in the coming days,” Xiao Jue said.
The instructors nodded repeatedly.
After another half an hour, considering the time, they should leave. Xiao Jue stood up to leave, and Shen Han said, “Commander.”
Xiao Jue turned around and looked at him.
Shen Han smiled awkwardly, “That… congratulations.”
…
After inspecting the new recruits, it was already late in the evening. He Yan and Xiao Jue returned to the city. Xiao Jue first accompanied He Yan to the He family before returning to his residence.
“I will be very busy in the next few days.” Before Xiao Jue could speak, He Yan proactively said, “The conferment to Marquis Wuan and many regulations are still pending. You don’t need to worry about me, Commander, during these days.”
“Do you need help?”
He Yan waved her hand repeatedly, “No need, I can handle it myself.”
After Xiao Jue left, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The easy days were about to end.
He Yan tidied up, careful not to let He Sui and He Yunsheng notice any clues. She pinched her own face until she squeezed out a smile before stepping inside the mansion.
…
On the other side, Xiao Jue returned to his residence.
Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were not around. Baiguo was watering flowers in the yard. Seeing Xiao Jue, she crisply called, “Second Young Master.”
The little maid had been arranged to serve He Yan for the sake of convenience when He Yan stayed in the yard. After He Yan left, Xiao Jue was busy with matters related to Xu Jingfu and had forgotten about Baiguo. Unexpectedly, Baiguo was still in the yard now. It was already late today, and tomorrow morning, Bai Rongwei would arrange for her to go to another yard.
He didn’t like having outsiders in his yard.
Xiao Jue entered the house, and Fei Nu went to arrange the carriage. After sitting in the room for a short while, someone knocked on the door. Xiao Jue said, “Come in.”
Luan Ying walked in from outside.
“How are the two people from Zhuangzi doing?” Xiao Jue asked.
“The doctor has already examined them, and their lives are temporarily worry-free. Chiwu is still investigating, and those two individuals are hesitant, being cautious in their words. They’ve reserved their comments. Please give it a few more days, Young Master. Once these two are willing to speak up and present evidence… Xu Xiang is unlikely to turn the situation around.”
“Three days,” Xiao Jue said. “At most, three days.”
“If there are no results in three days, I will personally investigate.”
Luan Ying nodded. After a while, she added, “Young Master, besides this matter, during my investigation today, I discovered something else.”
“Speak.”
“The military general He’s family is investigating us.”
Xiao Jue’s movements paused slightly, and he looked up, “He Rufei?”
Luan Ying nodded, “It should be. He Yuansheng and He Yuanliang don’t have the connections and means in the court as He Rufei does. His actions are secretive and careful, but he might be a bit impatient, revealing some flaws.”
“Did he find out about the rumors circulating in the market before?”
“No, Young Master,” Luan Ying’s expression was serious. “And if it’s just about the rumors, he doesn’t need to investigate Miss He’s background.”
Xiao Jue’s gaze suddenly became sharp, “He Yan?”
“Yes,” Luan Ying said, “He is not only investigating you but also Miss He.”
Xiao Jue’s face darkened.
Because of his relationship with Xu Jingfu, Xu Jingfu’s forces would target him, likely shifting their focus to He Yan. After all, He Yan lacked a family background. Even with the title of Marquis Wuan, she had not yet established her own network in the court. Her foundation was too shallow, making her an easy target.
But if He Rufei wanted to focus on He Yan, then he was gravely mistaken.
“Young Master, there’s another matter…” Luan Ying hesitated, seeming unsure whether to speak.
She rarely had such moments of indecision. Xiao Jue asked, “What is it?”
After some thought, Luan Ying finally made up her mind and said, “The Xu Family from the Hanlin Academy is also investigating Miss He.”
“The Xu Family?” Xiao Jue furrowed his brows. If He Rufei was investigating Xiao Jue due to his connection with Xu Jingfu, or because of the rumors spread in the market, and this investigation extended to He Yan, it made sense. But for the Xu Family to intervene when they were not directly involved in the situation raised intriguing questions.
“Just investigating He Yan?”
“Just investigating He Yan.”
If it was only about He Yan, then it had nothing to do with the Xiao family. The question arose: what past connections did He Yan have with the Xu Family to prompt them to act so recklessly?
After a moment, Xiao Jue said, “Continue with your work, but from today onwards, investigate the Xu Family as well.”
There was something amiss that had been overlooked, much like the strange behavior of Second Madam He encountered today at the Yuhua Temple.
There must be some mystery between the Family and the He family.
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Ooooo the secret os getting closer to the truth