Chapter 259: Farewell dinner
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On the day before departure, He Yan spent her time with He Sui and He Yunsheng.
Upon learning that she was heading to Jiuchuan, He Yunsheng became extremely agitated and scolded her, “I know you are skilled, but He Yan, that’s Jiuchuan. Whether you were in Rundu or Jiyang before, at least you weren’t fighting alone. You’ve never led troops on your own, how can you resist those Wutuo people? Those Wutuo people are cunning and cruel. Once Jiuchuan is breached, they’ll start slaughtering the city. You are a woman, if you are truly captured…”
He Yunsheng shivered at the thought, as being captured was more agonizing than death.
“He Yunsheng!” He Sui shouted, “Watch your words!”
The young man immediately closed his mouth but still looked at He Yan with countless worries.
No matter how the new recruits of the Liangzhou Guards praised He Yan, saying she was invincible, in the hearts of Father and son, He Yan was still the delicate girl who used to clamor for new makeup. A delicate flower transferred to the wilderness, surviving the wind and sun would be considered fortunate. How could they let this flower go into battle and face life-and-death struggles?
It was simply absurd.
“The imperial decree has been issued, and the military order is in my hands,” He Yan said helplessly. “Yunsheng, calm down. I haven’t gone to Jiuchuan yet, and you’re already arranging for my defeat. If this news reaches the emperor, our He family will be in big trouble.”
He Yunsheng was rendered speechless by her words, and after a while, he said, “Isn’t it all because you want to show off!”
“A real man,” He Yan teased, “at a time of national crisis, it’s the moment to utilize talents. How can we only think of ourselves? Haven’t the scholars in your academy taught you this?”
“I don’t care about that,” the young man gritted his teeth. “I only care about my own family. Besides, if you let me go in your place, I won’t hesitate to go. What’s the matter with the court? So many men, yet they let a woman charge at the forefront.”
He Yan smiled. “Yunsheng, what you’re saying… the Flying Phoenix General you admired in the past, wasn’t she also a woman?”
She patted the young man’s shoulder. “I didn’t think too much about it, nor did I believe that just because I’m a woman, I should stay behind. It’s simply because I believe I can fight on the battlefield, so I went. Gender has nothing to do with it.”
“Yan Yan,” He Sui looked at her, his eyes slightly red, yet he still tried to maintain a generous and carefree demeanor. “Well said. Your father also thinks the same. You’re a determined child. Since you’ve volunteered to go to Jiuchuan, you must have a plan in mind. Your father won’t stop you. Don’t listen to Yunsheng’s nonsense. Your father believes you’ll defeat those Wutuo people with ease.”
As he spoke, he choked up.
If He Sui were younger and more capable, he would have picked up a sword and followed He Yan to the battlefield. Saying he was at ease would be a lie. He had only one daughter, raised her like a precious gem, and her secretive trip to Liangzhou before had worried him for a long time. Now, facing the Wutuo people with real swords and real spears, how could he be at ease?
However, if this was the path He Yan chose for herself, the only thing he, as a father, could do was to support her.
“In the past, your father also wondered if our old He family would produce a military commander in the future. But I always thought it would be Yunsheng, never expected it to be Yan Yan.” He sighed as he looked at the girl in front of him. Who would have thought that the girl who used to be willful and always demanded new rouge would become a female hero leading troops to the battlefield?
He felt proud and bitter in his heart. Proud that his daughter, He Sui’s daughter, was so outstanding that no man in the world could compare. Bitter because a girl going to the battlefield would face cruelty and darkness that other girls had never experienced.
But she wanted to be an eagle in the sky. She should be allowed to soar in the vast sky, not to be a kite with strings in his hands.
She had her own world, a world that her father couldn’t touch.
“Your mother will surely bless you from heaven,” He Sui said.
He Yan looked at He Sui, this father of hers, tolerant and generous, always considering her even until now. Despite his own pain, he would never show it, let alone use himself as a hindrance to his daughter.
How fortunate, they were her family.
“Dad, rest assured,” He Yan held He Sui’s hand. His father’s hand was large and rough, with thick calluses from years of hard work. “I’ll defeat those Wutuo people and come back soon.”
She spoke slowly, as if making a promise, “I will definitely come back.”
…
On the day before departure, in the evening, He Yan and Xiao Jue left home, boarded a carriage, and headed to Fengle Building.
Today Lin Shuanghe rented the entire Fengle Building and invited a few friends for a farewell dinner there. He was always extravagant, and this time he was going to accompany someone to Jijun County. He didn’t know when he would have the chance to indulge again.
Upon arriving at Fengle Building, the attendants downstairs led them up. When they looked, they saw only Lin Shuanghe alone. The table was filled with food and drinks. In the center was a copper pot boiling lamb meat, emitting a fragrant aroma. Lin Shuanghe was talking to the beautiful musician on the side, making her laugh.
“Brother Lin.” He Yan called him. Lin Shuanghe turned his head, saw He Yan, his eyes lit up, walked over, and complained, “Why are you coming so late? I’ve been waiting for a long time. I thought you guys wouldn’t come today.”
He Yan looked around. “Is it just the three of us?”
Only three people, calling it such a large table, Lin Shuanghe was indeed a genuine spendthrift.
“How could that be? I also invited Mr. Yan Nanguang and his wife to come. At least, tomorrow we will set off together, today I treat everyone, and also practice for myself. However,” Lin Shuanghe fanned himself, “why is Yan Nanguang so late? Could it be that he knew he was going to the battlefield tomorrow, so he hid at home to cry today?”
“Lin Shuanghe, who are you cursing at? Who’s hiding at home crying?” Just as he spoke, a voice came from outside. Everyone turned to see Yan He supporting Xia Chengxiu as they walked in. He glanced at Lin Shuanghe, “Who’s the coward here? Are you hosting here today just to improve relations with me, so I’ll cover for you in Jijun and prevent you from being killed by those Wutuo people?” He sneered, “Don’t think I can’t see through it!”
He Yan noticed Xia Chengxiu being supported by Yan He and asked with concern, “Miss Chengxiu, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Although technically she should be called “Madam Yan”, He Yan still preferred to call her “Miss Chengxiu”. Xia Chengxiu was gentle and patient, and it was hard to imagine how she ended up married to someone with Yan He’s temper.
Before Xia Chengxiu could respond, Yan He took over the conversation. He wanted to boast but didn’t want to boast too directly, so he casually said, “Nothing much, she’s just pregnant now, so we need to be a bit more careful about everything.”
“Pregnant?” He Yan was taken aback.
Lin Shuanghe exclaimed excitedly, “Madam, you’re pregnant? Come on, let me see—” He reached out to grab Xia Chengxiu’s hand.
Yan He slapped his hand away, protecting Xia Chengxiu, and said angrily, “What are you doing?”
“I just want to check her pulse for Madam,” Lin Shuanghe said, “I’m a renowned doctor specializing in women’s health. Let me see how the pregnancy is progressing.”
“Get lost,” Yan He kicked him away, “She’s already been checked by the palace physician and is fine. You don’t need to worry about it!”
“Madam, look at him, you need to control him,” Lin Shuanghe whispered as he clenched his fan tightly.
Xia Chengxiu smiled and shook her head.
Yan He’s gaze fell on He Yan, and she was puzzled. Then he looked at Xiao Jue sitting at the table and suddenly spoke proudly, “Xiao Huaijin, I am now a Father.”
“Heard you.” Xiao Jue replied indifferently.
“I became a Father before you!” Yan He emphasized, “I am ahead of you!”
He Yan: “…”
Yan He must have been a fighting cock in his previous life. What’s the point of comparing such a thing? Moreover, she and Xiao Jue had just been married for a short time, and Yan He had been married for a long time. How could they compare? It was too unfair.
While He Yan was pondering, Xiao Jue suddenly looked up and glanced at her.
He Yan: “?”
In the next moment, Second Young Master Xiao spoke nonchalantly, “Who told you that you’re ahead?”
Yan He’s smile froze. “What do you mean?”
“Your son hasn’t been born yet, and my daughter can already recite books.” He looked at the tea cup in his hand and slightly curled his lips.
Lin Shuanghe sprayed a mouthful of tea “pu” and burst into laughter.
He Yan: “…”
Was Xiao Jue referring to when they were in the Liangzhou Guard, she got drunk and recited books to him? Lin Shuanghe laughed, covering his face with the fan, and said, “Yes, yes, Xiao Huaijin became a Father before you. I can testify that it’s true! The little daughter is so clever, she can recite everything!”
“How is that possible?” Yan He heard this and became anxious. He hurriedly approached, questioning, “She can recite books already? Your illegitimate daughter? Xiao Huaijin, you actually raised an illegitimate daughter. When did this happen? Okay, everyone says you’re arrogant and disdainful of others, but I didn’t expect you to be such a low and shameless person. And you!” He glared at He Yan, scolding, “You’re a brave warrior on the battlefield, and you can tolerate this? Why not just take a blade and cut off this scoundrel’s head?”
He Yan: “I…”
“Fearful of the power of the Xiao family?” Yan He raised his eyebrows and waved his hand, “This General, I’ll support you, let’s go and divorce tomorrow!”
Xiao Jue frowned slightly.
“Yan Nanguang,” he calmly spoke, “today, I don’t want to resort to violence.”
“Who’s afraid of you?” Yan He, hearing this, became eager to try and rolled up his sleeves. “Come on!”
“Nanguang,” Xia Chengxiu disagreed, shaking her head quietly. She whispered, “Today, it’s Young Master Lin treating us. It’s not good to be violent. Besides, Commander Xiao is joking with you. Why take it seriously?”
With Xia Chengxiu’s opening, Yan He, the fighting cock, immediately wilted. He said, “…..Fine.”
“The lamb is cooked. Sit down and eat some vegetables first.” Lin Shuanghe invited everyone to sit down. When they sat down, he poked Xiao Jue’s arm and whispered, “Huaijin, you’re really something.”
Xiao Jue didn’t bother to respond to him.
Lin Shuanghe spent Lin family’s money like water, ordering the most expensive dishes. The table full of dishes was a table full of silver, but you get what you pay for, and the food at Fengle Building was the best in Shuojing.
He Yan thought that although Yan He was afraid of troubles at home, as a military commander, he would inevitably be careless in his actions. Unexpectedly, this time, Yan He really made her look at him differently. He knew what Xia Chengxiu could eat and drink, what not to eat and drink. He remembered it better than anyone else. He probably did this because he was dissatisfied with how others handled things. He Yan guessed that when the maids in the palace, serving the empress, probably reached this level.
While serving Xia Chengxiu, Yan He said, “Hey, do you guys know Yang Mingzhi?”
Xiao Jue heard this name and showed no reaction, but Lin Shuanghe paused and asked, “What happened?”
“Before…” Yan He lowered her voice, ” Guangyan made a broad agreement with the Wutuo people to open a market in Great Wei. Yang Mingzhi, as the governor of Jinling, opposed it, and he almost lost his official hat. I don’t know what happened later, but I heard that the Yang family is now in trouble because of this.”
He Yan looked at Xiao Jue and asked, “What happened later?”
“After the emperor ascended the throne, he admired such behavior, and seeing Yang Mingzhi’s outstanding performance in Jinling, he wanted to transfer him back to Shuojing. But Yang Mingzhi refused. Don’t look at me, I don’t know why he refused.” Yan He shrugged, “Although he is now in Jinling, I think the emperor appreciates him, and he will return to Shuojing sooner or later. The Yang family must regret it now. I didn’t expect the old man Yang to be like this.”
No one at the table answered his words.
“What did you guys do before?” Yan He was particularly curious about the matter of Yang Mingzhi and asked Xiao Jue, “What hatred can make you quarrel for so many years and still remember it? Xiao Huaijin, you…” He scolded, “As a man, you should be more generous. What kind of man are you with such a narrow mind?”
“Shut up,” Lin Shuanghe gave him an eye roll. “I think the most narrow-minded person on this table is you.”
“I didn’t sever ties with my best friend.”
“Cut the cr*p,” Lin Shuanghe scoffed, “Do you even have a best friend?”
“Did you pull it down?” Lin Shuanghe disdainfully said, “Do you have a bosom friend?”
“Lin Shuanghe!”
He Yan picked a piece of white radish and put it in Xiao Jue’s bowl. Second Young Master Xiao, when he wasn’t in the military camp, usually ate vegetarian food whenever he ate out. He probably minded that others didn’t handle it cleanly. He Yan thought it was a bit too particular, but… Well, everyone has their own habits.
She interrupted Yan He’s words, trying to change the subject. “Miss Chengxiu, do you hope that the one in your belly is a young master or a little miss?”
Xia Chengxiu smiled. She wasn’t particularly stunning, but she had her own gentle charm. “Whether it’s a young master or a little miss, I’ll be happy.”
Then He Yan asked, “General Yan?”
“I don’t care whether it’s a young master or a young lady. As long as it’s a child born from my wife, I will love them very much.” When Yan He mentioned his unborn child, his tail immediately wanted to curl up to the sky. He proudly said, “If it’s someone else’s child, whether a young master or a young lady, I dislike them both!”
He Yan: “…”
This person is really arrogant. She wondered which other family’s child had offended him.
Lin Shuanghe also asked Xia Chengxiu, “Madam, have you thought of a name for the child?”
“This…” Xia Chengxiu showed a hesitant expression.
“I have my own opinion on this,” Yan He took the lead, “if it’s a daughter, let’s call her Yan Muxia.”
He Yan: “…Is this to express admiration for Miss Chengxiu?”
“I can’t believe you’re so ignorant of poetry, but surprisingly clever now.” Yan He spoke triumphantly, “How about it? Don’t you think the General is good at naming?”
He Yan was speechless.
Yan He probably didn’t realize one thing – although taking care of his wife was a good thing, every time he proudly displayed his love for his wife and bragged about it, it seemed a bit, no, quite foolish.
“Indeed, you’re good at naming.” He Yan applauded, “What about a boy?”
Yan He showed a somewhat indifferent expression, “Then let’s call him Yan Liangjiang. I hope that when he grows up, he can be an outstanding general like his Father.”
“What kind of person is this…” Lin Shuanghe sneered, “Now you even praise yourself when it comes to naming.”
“Lin Shuanghe!” Yan He annoyed, “Do you still want to live when you go to Jijun?!”
“I want to live, I want to live.” Lin Shuanghe cupped his hands, “I hope General Yan will save my little life when the time comes.”
Yan He was finally satisfied.
Holding a piece of lamb leg, He Yan asked, “But Brother Lin, it’s really unexpected that you want to go to Jijun. I thought even if you were going to the battlefield, you would go to Yunzi or Jiuchuan.”
Going to Yunzi could be with Xiao Jue, and going to Jiuchuan could be with herself. It wasn’t that He Yan was boasting, but speaking of which, Lin Shuanghe’s relationship with her or with Xiao Jue was certainly higher than Yan He’s. However, later she also figured it out. Jijun was currently experiencing a plague, and Lin Shuanghe wants to go there, certainly because of the epidemic.
“Little Sister He,” Lin Shuanghe had called her “Madam” a few times before, but it felt awkward, so he ended up calling her “little sister” instead. He said, “I know about your skills with Huaijin. With or without me, the difference is not big. But General Yan is different. If I’m not present and he gets injured, without a divine healer to treat him, what if it delays the war? He has a poor relationship with his own people. If those military doctors take the opportunity to poison him, tsk tsk, it’s miserable!”
Yan He was furious, “Lin Shuanghe, I see you have a dog’s mouth that can’t speak ivory! How could I possibly get injured? It’s ridiculous! I tell you, in the future, don’t ask me to save you, get away from me!”
He Yan knew that Lin Shuanghe was just talking nonsense. Although he looked out of tune and seemed like a dandy, he actually had ideas. A man raised by the Lin family in Shuojing, how could he be a coward who fears death?
He Yan raised the cup at hand. As they were setting off on a journey tomorrow and didn’t dare to get drunk today, they had switched to sweet rice wine. She said, “Youhua Fairy previously gave us a jar of Bifang wine. But for today, let’s not drink it. After we drive away those Wutuo people, we’ll come to Fengle Building again. Brother Lin, please arrange a good meal for us. That would be considered not disappointing the good wine.”
“But for now, let’s make do with this rice wine. I wish us all success in our battles, invincible in our attacks, and triumphant returns with good news. What do you think?”
“Good!” Lin Shuanghe applauded first, “Well said!”
Xiao Jue glanced at He Yan and smiled.
The five cups collided in the air, producing a crisp sound, like the clash of weapons or the horn announcing victory.
“Cheers.”
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