Chapter 237: Chaos
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When Xiao Jue returned to the He Mansion carrying He Yan, He Yunsheng and He Sui were not around, only Qingmei was there. Seeing He Yan, who was pale in Xiao Jue’s arms, Qingmei was startled, “Heavens, what happened to Miss!”
“It’s nothing, it’s nothing,” Lin Shuanghe was afraid she would worry, and said, “Today, she dueled with someone at Tianxing Terrace, and is just a bit exhausted.”
“Who are you…”
“I’m a doctor,” Lin Shuanghe smiled, “I’m here to treat your Miss.”
Xiao Jue carried He Yan into the room and placed her on the bed. Not wanting to delay any longer, Lin Shuanghe first examined He Yan’s pulse. After a while, Lin Shuanghe said, “Miss He is suffering from stagnation attacking her heart. In her urgent situation, she coughed up blood. Later, I’ll write two prescriptions for you to get the medicine. Let your servants brew it for her. However…”
“However, what?”
Lin Shuanghe sighed, “This is a heart problem. Using medicine treats the symptoms but not the root cause. Why is Miss He so distressed, I haven’t seen her being petty in ordinary days, how could she be so obsessed to the point of coughing up blood?”
Xiao Jue didn’t say anything.
“You really scared me today,” Lin Shuanghe glanced at the two long swords that Xiao Jue had placed on the table, “Why did you resort to violence so easily? I haven’t figured out what happened on the side of He Rufei, and as for the side of Minister Xu… do you have confidence?”
After waiting for so many years, Xiao Jue has been enduring and this time, since he had taken action against Minister Xu, he is prepared to go all out. A centipede dies but never falls, if he doesn’t seize this opportunity to completely bring down Minister Xu, there might not be another chance in the future.
“Don’t worry,” Xiao Jue said with a slightly cold gaze, “I sent him in, with no intention of letting him out.”
“So what do we do now?” Lin Shuanghe asked, “The palace must be in chaos right now. The Emperor and Minister Xu have a relationship of monarch and minister. It’s not something you and I can compare. Do you want to go to the palace now? If the Xu faction seizes the opportunity and the Emperor softens his heart, what will you do?”
“Wait a little longer,” Xiao Jue said.
“Wait for what?”
Xiao Jue’s gaze fell on He Yan on the bed. He walked to the bedside and sat down, “Wait for He Yan to wake up.”
…
In the He family in the capital, it was now firmly surrounded by officers and soldiers who had come to arrest them. He Yuansheng had a gloomy face and pretended to be calm, saying, “How dare you, my son is the current Emperor’s appointed Flying Phoenix General, how can you act recklessly here!”
“What Flying Phoenix General?” The leading officer sneered, “Just a scoundrel who deceives the world. How dare you speak so arrogantly here! Wanting to be a general? Go do it in prison! Take action!”
Madam He struggled desperately, shouting anxiously, “What are you doing? Stop, let go of me!”
However, He Yuansheng’s heart sank, and a terrible thought rose in his mind. But now he still had a glimmer of hope. He looked at the officers and soldiers and asked, “What does this mean…”
“Today, at the Tianxing Terrace, your eldest son dueled with someone and exposed himself,” a soldier who was smashing the He family plaque kindly reminded him, “There’s both human and material evidence. The Emperor has long known that your He family has been deceiving and betraying the emperor, committing the crime of deceiving and betraying. Old Master He, you don’t need to have any dreams of being a general’s father here!”
The soldiers kicked open the front door and unexpectedly found He Yuanliang hiding under the bed, desperately trying to hide and avoid being discovered. However, with his round figure, even when trying to crawl inside, he exposed half of himself. When pulled out from underneath, He Yuanliang desperately pleaded, “Officials, officials, spare my life! It was all because they forced me!” He pointed at He Yuansheng, “How could I harm my own daughter? My daughter, He Yan, has been on the battlefield to protect the people. Spare me for the sake of my daughter!”
The soldiers found this man quite amusing. They had initially thought that anyone who could raise such an extraordinary woman like He Yan, who disguised herself as a man and went to the battlefield, was probably not simple. Witnessing Second Madam He sacrificing herself at Tianxing Terrace, she also showed some spirit. However, when it came to her own father, why was he so inept? It was truly contemptible. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but this father-daughter duo seemed to have no resemblance at all.
“Old Master He, save these words for General He himself. Moreover, the crimes committed by your eldest son in your household go beyond just this one.”
“Not just this one?” Madam He was stunned, “What else is there?”
“Treason,” the soldiers replied disdainfully, “To avoid exposing his identity, General He personally conspired privately with the Wutuo people. In the Battle of Huayuan, tens of thousands of soldiers became human shields to protect him. Such a grave crime, thinking of asking for mercy? Dream on! Take him away!”
Madam He cried out, “Impossible, this can’t be true…” He Yuansheng was at a loss for words, and upon the revelation of the crime of treason, he could be condemned along with his entire family. Even if Emperor Wenxuan was merciful, he would not let them off. Moreover, with the current He Yan now… already dead.
After the truth came to light, even in death, He Yan could still have a clear reputation, but for the He family, they would be remembered for centuries to come as a disgrace!
In the courtyard, only the cries of He Yuanliang begging for mercy were particularly loud, but to no avail. The plaque of the He family, polished to a shine, was thrown on the ground and trampled by the soldiers. Watching from afar, the townspeople pointed and gossiped, and the rumors turned into a haze in the wind.
The He family… was defeated.
…
He Xinying was sitting in the room embroidering a handkerchief, Xu Zhiheng had gone to Tianxing Terrace early in the morning. For some reason, from early this morning, He Xinying’s eyelids had been twitching incessantly, feeling as if something significant was about to happen. Even sitting here, her heart was pounding, and inattentiveness caused her fingertip to be pricked. Looking down, she saw her finger bleeding.
The blood stained the handkerchief, and she stared blankly, sensing an increasingly ominous premonition. Just as she was about to get up, Liu Er ran in from outside, eyes teary, shouting in panic, “Madam, something happened!”
“What happened?” He Xinying asked.
“Second Madam… Second Madam, she…”
“How is my mother?” He Xinying asked anxiously.
“Second Madam is gone!”
The handkerchief in He Xinying’s hand dropped to the ground suddenly. She stood still for a moment, disregarding the bleeding finger, and grabbed Liu Er’s arm. Her voice trembled, “What do you mean by saying my mother is gone? How could my mother be gone! Explain yourself!”
“This servant heard people say that Madam also went to Tianxing Terrace today. Madam was poisoned by Eldest Master. In front of the Emperor, Madam said that Second Miss is the real Flying Phoenix General… The soldiers, the soldiers have already brought people over! Madam, what should we do!”
He Xinying felt her mind go blank for a moment. Every word Liu Er said was familiar to her, but how did they connect, making it so difficult to understand?
“Why would Uncle give poison to my mother? My sister… how could she be Flying Phoenix General? Isn’t that my big brother? What is going on?”
No one could answer He Xinying.
As Liu Er’s words fell, a noisy commotion came from outside. Madam Xu’s roar echoed throughout the courtyard. He Xinying looked at the soldiers surrounding the yard at the doorway. At this moment, she truly felt lost.
“Madam…” Liu Er, afraid, grabbed her hand. “What should we do…”
Yes, what should they do?
…
The news of the incident at Tianxing Terrace spread throughout Shuojing City in half a day.
It was impossible to conceal such a major event. The legendary Flying Phoenix General, who was a fierce warrior on the battlefield, turned out to be a woman. Later, when the person who removed the mask appeared, it was her brother. The siblings had swapped identities, which was already considered unbelievable. However, now that the He family had caused He Yan’s death, the once incredible events turned into disdain for He Rufei and sympathy for He Yan.
If the common people were more concerned about the legends related to Flying Phoenix General, within the court, the imprisonment of Xu Jingfu was the real cause of chaos.
Xu Jingfu had wielded considerable influence in the court for many years. Many officials were his protégés, and with his fall, many would fall with him. Therefore, as soon as Xu Jingfu entered prison, the Xu faction gathered to figure out how to rescue him.
“Why haven’t we seen Fourth Young Master Chu?” an official looked around, but there was no sign of Chu Zhao.
“Fourth Young Master Chu is the person most trusted by Lord Xu. I suggest that everyone refrain from acting recklessly. Let’s see what Fourth Young Master Chu says. As the son-in-law of Lord Xu, Fourth Young Master Chu will certainly spare no effort to rescue Lord Xu from this peril.”
The crowd nodded repeatedly. At this critical juncture, no one knew if Chu Zhao had any tricks up his sleeve. Although they were anxious, no one wanted to be the one to take the lead.
At times like this, the selfish side of those who formed alliances based on interests would be exposed.
As soon as Chu Zhao returned to the residence, Madam Chu saw him and was surprised, asking, “Why have you returned?”
Chu Zhao smiled, “What’s wrong?”
“Lord Xu has already…” Madam Chu paused for a moment. “You’re not going to take care of matters, why did you come back?”
She was aware of Lord Xu’s situation. Even though Madam Chu deeply resented Chu Zhao, due to Chu Zhao’s connection, the entire Shi Jinbo residence had long been tied to Lord Xu. If something happened to the Xu family, how could the Shi Jinbo residence escape unscathed? In the eyes of the world, Chu Zhao was the son-in-law of Lord Xu, and naturally, their entire Chu family was considered affiliated with Lord Xu.
“There’s nothing much to attend to.” Chu Zhao replied casually.
“Aren’t you worried about…”
“Madam,” Chu Zhao interrupted her, “Shi Jinbo residence will be fine. You don’t need to worry.”
Madam Chu looked at Chu Zhao, becoming more puzzled. Setting aside other matters, Lord Xu had been Chu Zhao’s mentor. Over the years, Lord Xu had sent many gifts to the Chu family, indicating something beyond mere gifts. Was it really just to show respect to Chu Zhao, or was it a way of warning her not to harm Chu Zhao?
For Chu Zhao, Lord Xu had indeed protected him. Unexpectedly, now that Lord Xu was in trouble, Chu Zhao showed no signs of worry on his face, as if he didn’t care about the life or death of this mentor.
Madam Chu inexplicably felt a sense of fear.
Chu Zhao smiled at Madam Chu, then turned and continued walking forward. Madam Chu looked at his departing figure and couldn’t help but grit her teeth.
Regardless, she hoped that this matter wouldn’t implicate the Shi Jinbo residence.
After entering his room, a servant approached and said, “Fourth Young Master, there’s news from Miss Ying Xiang. The Crown Prince has yet to make a move until now. What is your intention, Fourth Young Master?”
“No need to be anxious.” Chu Zhao said, “In the hands of Xiao Huaijin, there is still evidence of the Battle of Mingshui. When the time comes, Lord Xu won’t be able to turn things around.”
“What about the engagement between the young master and Miss Xu…”
“With the current situation.” Chu Zhao said.
The servant cautiously acknowledged and retreated. Chu Zhao looked out of the window. It wasn’t a surprise that Xiao Huaijin would act now. The matter of establishing a market was imminent, and if there weren’t enough chips, Emperor Wenxuan would eventually agree to the conditions of the Uto people. Even if Lord Xu tried to obstruct, it was only an attempt to raise the price on his side a little more.
However, the situation was different now. With the battles of Huayuan, Xu Jingfu’s Battle of Ming Shui, and the incident involving He Ruofei, the anger of the emperor would completely destroy this trade.
However, the exchange between He Ruofei and his cousin was unexpected. Chu Zhao didn’t anticipate that the He family would hide such a secret. No wonder He Ruofei later secretly sided with Lord Xu. He probably also knew that with his own abilities, it was impossible to follow the path of military success like his cousin.
“When the wall collapses, everyone pushes. Before Xu Jingfu had any trouble, his engagement with Xu Pingting was enough to make countless people envy in Great Wei. However, now that Xu Jingfu is in real trouble, others are avoiding this engagement. After all, the emperor’s wrath will be directed at everyone related to it.
“As usual,” Chu Zhao said.
The servant responded cautiously, then withdrew. Chu Zhao looked out the window. He wasn’t surprised that Xiao Jue would take action at this time. The establishment of the market was imminent. If there weren’t enough bargaining chips, it was only a matter of time before Emperor Wenxuan agreed to the conditions of the Wutuo people. Even if Xu Jingfu tried to stop it, it was just an attempt to raise the price of his own side a bit.
However, the current situation was different. The Battle of Huayuan, Xu Jingfu’s engagement, the incident with He Rufei, and Xu Zhiheng’s matter—all these events piled up one after another. The emperor’s anger would completely destroy this deal.
However, the exchange of identities between He Ruofei and her cousin caught him off guard. Chu Zhao also didn’t expect that the He family would still be hiding such a secret. No wonder He Rufei later secretly sided with Xu Jingfu. It seems he also knew that, with his abilities, he couldn’t follow the path of military achievements like his cousin.”
He Yan… he recalled the scene at the square of Tianxing Terrace, where she, dressed in red, sparred with He Rufei. Xiao Jue’s intentions, He Yan should be aware of, otherwise, he wouldn’t have cooperated so seamlessly. A subtle and melancholic feeling arose in his heart. He Yan indeed trusted Xiao Jue.
So much so that their coordination was so perfect, step by step, bit by bit, uprooting the He family and the Xu family, along with the future.
The room was still adorned with red festive cloth, all prepared for his engagement with Xu Pingting. Chu Zhao casually picked up the red silk on the table. The red fabric was soft and delicate, like a woman’s skin. He stared at it for a while, then loosened his grip, and the red silk fluttered and fell into the burning fireplace, turning into ashes in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
…
As night fell, He Sui and He Yunsheng returned to the mansion and were surprised to see He Yan lying on the bed.
“What happened to Yan Yan?” He Sui asked. “Is something wrong?”
He Yunsheng worked during the day and had no time for idle talk, unaware of these events. He Yunsheng was even more secluded in the academy, having heard nothing. Now, seeing He Yan with closed eyes, he thought something major had occurred.
“No worries, no worries,” Lin Shuanghe was brewing medicine in the courtyard. When he heard the question, he walked out and said, “Today at Tianxing Terrace, Little Sister He had a sword fight and accidentally suffered some minor injuries. Huaijin sent her back and has been watching over her.”
He Sui asked, “You are…”
“Oh,” Lin Shuanghe wiped his hands, “I am a friend of Huaijin, Lin Shuanghe. We met Little Sister He in Liangzhou Garrison before. My father and grandfather are imperial physicians in the palace, so I have some medical skills.”
“Lin Shuanghe…” He Yunsheng was a little surprised. “Are you the ‘White-Clothed Divine Physician’ who only treats women?”
“That’s me, that’s me,” Lin Shuanghe laughed.
Hearing that he was a doctor, He Yunsheng’s anxious heart eased a bit, and he asked Lin Shuanghe, “Is she really okay?”
“Really fine,” Lin Shuanghe smiled. “Just a bit exhausted. These days have been too cold. I prescribed some medicines for her recovery, and I advised her not to engage in strenuous activities. She just needs to rest well.”
He Yunsheng looked at He Yan on the bed. Seeing her breathing evenly and not showing any signs of distress, he nodded, “Thanks for your trouble, Dr. Lin.”
Just as they were talking, Xiao Jue came in from outside, and He Yunsheng was surprised, “Why is Commander Xiao still here?”
“Huaijin has been staying here all along,” Lin Shuanghe shrugged. “He said he would leave after Little Sister He wakes up.”
“Will this delay your affairs too much?” He Sui asked, “Huaijin, you’re busy with your matters. We can take care of her with Yunsheng. You…”
“It’s okay,” Xiao Jue said. “I’ll leave after she wakes up.”
Saying so, He Sui and He Yunsheng didn’t insist further. Lin Shuanghe said, “The medicine I brewed is almost ready. It’s cooling. Huaijin, remember to feed Miss He when it’s ready.”
“It’s not necessary; there’s Qingmei here,” He Sui said politely. “It’s too troublesome for Dr. Lin to personally brew the medicine.”
“Not everyone can brew medicine,” Lin Shuanghe smiled. “My prescription is special, and others may not be able to extract the full medicinal properties. It’s better for me to do it myself. Besides, Little Sister He and I are friends. There’s no such thing as trouble. When we were in Liangzhou Garrison, Little Sister He took good care of me.”
“In that case, thank you very much, Dr. Lin,” He Sui expressed gratitude.
Afraid of disturbing He Yan’s rest, He Yunsheng and He Sui left the room. Just as they stepped out, Qingmei ran over, whispering urgently, “There’s a young master outside, saying he wants to find… Commander Xiao.”
Xiao Jue asked, “Who?”
“It’s me.” As soon as the voice fell, Yan He walked in with an imposing manner.
“Uh, Yan Nanguang, what are you doing here?” Lin Shuanghe wondered.
“I came to find him,” Yan He looked at Xiao Jue. “I have something to ask you.”
“Ask away.”
Yan He glanced around, and He Sui hurriedly said, “Yunsheng and I will go to the kitchen to help prepare dinner. You can talk freely.” After saying that, he took He Yunsheng and left, and Qingmei quickly followed.
Lin Shuanghe looked at Yan He, “What? Do I have to leave too?”
“Do you want to ask about He Ruofei?” Xiao Jue said indifferently.
“Correct,” Yan He raised an eyebrow. “I came here to ask you if you knew early on that the ‘He Rufei’ from back then was a woman? That’s why you took care of her and secretly guided her swordsmanship at Xianchang Academy?”
“Wait, wait,” Lin Shuanghe listened with confusion. “We all know today that He Rufei is a woman. But what’s this about guiding swordsmanship? Did I miss something?”
Xiao Jue ignored Lin Shuanghe’s words and said, “No.”
“Do you think I’ll believe that?” Yan He said angrily. “If you knew she was a woman back then, why didn’t you tell me? As a grown man, thinking about it now, what kind of person bullies a woman? If I knew she was a girl, how could I have constantly troubled her!”
Since Yan He found out that He Rufei was a girl, he felt increasingly uncomfortable when he returned home. Considering himself an upright man, he used to find He Rufei disagreeable, thinking the guy had no talent but still received guidance from Xiao Jue. But now that he knew the truth, he felt more like a bully who unreasonably troubled a weaker individual.
Xiao Jue, this guy, was detestable too. Saving a damsel in distress was one thing, but why did he have to portray others as particularly despicable and evil?
“I said no.” Xiao Jue frowned. “I only found out recently.”
“When exactly was it?”
“In Jinling, Youhua Fairy.”
Yan He was stunned. “Youhua Fairy?”
Lin Shuanghe also recalled, “Huaijin, you mean, Youhua Fairy told you when we passed by Jinling last time?”
“She only said that the person wearing the mask back then was a woman. I became suspicious and started investigating,” Xiao Jue obscured some facts and said half-truths. “I didn’t expect the outcome to be like this.”
“Her name is He Yan?” Yan He asked. “We’ve been classmates for several years, and she’s always used the name He Rufei. Later, when Xu Zhiheng married, I didn’t pay attention to what his wife’s name was. If her mother hadn’t mentioned it today, no one would have known.”
Lin Shuanghe also asked, “Right, I almost forgot. Huaijin… isn’t that the same name as Little Sister He?”
“My god,” Lin Shuanghe took a cold breath. “Look, Little Sister He also knows swordsmanship, disguises herself as a man, and can go to the battlefield. Could she be the reincarnation of our former classmate, He Yan?”
“What reincarnation?” Yan He impatiently interrupted his fantasies. “The ages don’t match!”
“Even if it’s not a reincarnation, maybe she’s manifesting spirits? Or perhaps, she’s dreaming, asking for her help for revenge? Isn’t that how it’s written in legendary tales? Otherwise, how do you explain this coincidence? Besides, why did you investigate the He family, Huaijin? Isn’t it just for revenge?”
“I’m afraid it’s not just for revenge.” Yan He said.
He looked at Xiao Jue with a sharp gaze. “He Rufei is just a prelude. I suspect you really want to deal with Xu Xiang. But I’m curious, since you’re dealing with Xu Xiang, why not lay out all the evidence you have, so you won’t be afraid of someone from Xu Xiang’s side disrupting your plan?”
“You can wait and see,” Xiao Jue responded expressionlessly.
“Hmph, I’m not interested in your personal grievances, nor do I want to see how you take down Xu Xiang’s party. But you also know that Xu Xiang is the crown prince’s person. Now that you’ve targeted Xu Xiang, the crown prince probably already harbors resentment against you. When the cown prince ascends to the throne in the future, I’m afraid he won’t tolerate you. Or… are you planning from the start…”
“Yan Nanguang!” Before he could finish, Lin Shuanghe interrupted him. “Be cautious.”
Yan He shut his mouth, looking at Xiao Jue. Xiao Jue did not show any emotional fluctuations due to Yan He’s words. After a moment of silence, he said, “Lin Shuanghe, burying your head in the ground won’t make you see nothing. I’ll tell you, what should come will come sooner or later. Xiao Huaijin, since you’ve taken this step today, there will be no peaceful days in Shuojing City from now on.”
“First, take care of yourselves!” He said.
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