Chapter 260: Setting Out
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All feasts must come to an end, and as the night grew late, Fengle Building was left with only scattered plates and cups. The young people had dispersed, each striving to savor the last moments of tenderness.
Inside the room, a beautiful woman neatly folded her clothes and packed them into a bundle. As the man entered, he saw this and swiftly took the bundle from her hands.
“Chengxiu, I’ve told you not to do these things,” Yan He said, pulling her to sit by the bed, “Now that you’re pregnant, you should be careful. What if you overexert yourself?”
Xia Chengxiu replied, “I’m just pregnant. Why do you have to make it sound so serious?”
“Pregnancy isn’t serious?” Yan He was surprised, “In any case, these heavy tasks can be done by servants. You just need to take care of yourself.”
Xia Chengxiu fell silent for a moment, then said, “I remembered that I made two new outfits earlier. You haven’t had a chance to wear them yet, so I’ll bring them with you this time.”
Yan He, who had rarely returned to Shuojing in the past two years, sometimes didn’t even have the chance to wear the new clothes Xia Chengxiu prepared for him before leaving.
“I’m going to war. Why bother dressing up so nicely?” Yan He said without thinking, “No need to bring so much.”
Xia Chengxiu fell into silence.
If she didn’t speak, Yan He would feel somewhat uneasy. Every time before going to war, what he feared most was Chengxiu’s silence. Xia Chengxiu, the daughter of Lord Xia, was gentle yet strong. Yan He had seen the scenes of generals going to war, with family members weeping and pleading for them to stay, even his own mother did so. However, Xia Chengxiu never did, at most, she would remain silent like she was now.
However, this silence further stirs up his inner feelings of guilt and compassion. As a military general, when the country is in trouble, he should fulfill his duty without hesitation. He has grown to this point without any shame before heaven, earth, ruler, or teacher, but he feels indebted to his wife, children, and elderly relatives.
After hesitating for a moment, Yan He embraced Xia Chengxiu and sighed, “Chengxiu, I’m sorry.”
Xia Chengxiu was stunned for a moment, then smiled, “What’s there to be sorry about? When you go to Jijun, it’s to protect the territory of Great Wei. I can stay safely in the capital, thanks to your protection, right?”
“But I…” Yan He frowned, “When you’re pregnant, I can’t be by your side.”
It was a joyful thing to have their own child, but it also came with regrets and losses, worries and guilt.
“Since I married you, I already anticipated such a day. If I complain, it would be hypocritical,” Xia Chengxiu smiled, “The situation is critical, and you’re not in Shuojing. Our little one will understand.”
Yan He looked at Xia Chengxiu’s abdomen, covering it with the palm of his hand, whispering, “I wonder if it’s a son or a daughter…”
“Today, when I heard you say that at Fengle Building, I thought you didn’t care,” Xia Chengxiu chuckled.
“I don’t really care whether it’s a son or a daughter. After all, both are my blood.”
“If it’s a son, do you want him to be a general like you?” Xia Chengxiu asked.
Yan He thought for a moment, “I hope he becomes a general, but if he doesn’t like it and wants to do something else, that’s fine too. Moreover, if our Muxia wants to learn martial arts, it’s also okay. After all, Flying Phoenix General, my classmate, was a woman, right? If Muxia wants to become the second Flying Phoenix General, as her Father, I will definitely support her. However, I’m much better than the Father of the He family. I will definitely pass on all my skills and knowledge to her, making her surpass Flying Phoenix General.”
Xia Chengxiu stared at him, nodding, “Understood. You still prefer a little lady.”
Seeing through him, Yan He wasn’t annoyed. He said, “Exactly!”
Xia Chengxiu couldn’t help but laugh. After laughing, she gently leaned her head on Yan He’s shoulder and whispered, “If… I mean, if, when Muxia is born, you could be there with us, it would be great.”
Yan He was taken aback, but once the war started, who could say when it would end? Perhaps he could make it, or perhaps not… He held Xia Chengxiu’s hand, “I’ll try my best, Chengxiu. I also want to witness the birth of our child.”
…
In the night of Shuojing, it seemed less cold than it had been in the previous days.
All the warmers in the room had been removed. After He Yan took a bath and entered the bedroom, she saw Xiao Jue sitting at the table, wiping his sword.
Drinking Autumn was held in his hand, and the radiance flowed. It didn’t look like a sword but more like a rare and precious treasure. It was hard to imagine that such a beautiful sword could be sharp enough to cut through an enemy’s golden blade on the battlefield and instantly split their arrow feathers into two.
He wiped away the last speck of dust from the tip of the sword with a silk cloth, and as soon as the sword was sheathed, another sword was laid across the table in front of him. Accompanied by the rogue-like laughter of the person beside him, “Commander Xiao, help me wipe it too.”
Xiao Jue glanced at her, and He Yan smiled at him cheerfully. After a moment, he silently took it over and drew out the long sword, indeed starting to help her wipe the sword.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, He Yan sat down at the table.
Qinglang and Drinking Autumn are two completely different swords. Generally, when women carry swords, they should be light and agile. However, Qinglang is quite heavy, and even if a man holds it, it is by no means easy. The sword is green and simple at first glance, appearing somewhat ordinary. However, upon closer inspection, it is exceptionally unique, just like the owner of the sword.
He Yan rested her chin and looked at the young man in front of her.
He had just taken a bath, wearing only a jade-colored undershirt inside and casually draping an outer garment, dressed somewhat immodestly. Originally, he was a lazy beauty, but when meticulously wiping the sword with a bit of killing intent, it added a contradictory mix, making it even more difficult to look away.
Xiao Jue noticed He Yan’s direct gaze and asked, “What are you looking at?”
“I’m thinking,” He Yan didn’t hide his thoughts, “your face truly deserves the title of ‘Jade-Faced Commander.'”
When a military commander could look like this, it was an insult to other generals.
Xiao Jue twitched his mouth.
It was strange; he didn’t like others discussing his appearance. Judging people by appearance was shallow, but whenever He Yan straightforwardly praised his looks, he didn’t mind and even felt quite pleased. Xiao Jue sometimes reflected on whether he had become shallow, finding joy in such matters.
He Yan waited for him to finish wiping Qinglang, put the sword in its sheath, stand up, and hang the two swords on the wall.
Just as Xiao Jue hung up the sword, someone hugged him from behind.
He Yan loved hugging him like this, like a child clinging to an adult. Perhaps because she was too short, or maybe it wasn’t that He Yan was short, but Xiao Jue was exceptionally tall. Anyway, whenever she pounced, embracing Xiao Jue’s waist, her expression was pure joy, and this joy would make anyone watching feel a gradual warmth in their hearts.
“Female Hero,” the young man stood still, a teasing tone in his voice, “are you trying to strangle me?”
From behind came her indifferent voice, “I haven’t even exerted any force yet. Commander Xiao, why are you so weak?” After speaking, she reached out and began to grope around his waist.
Xiao Jue said, “…He Yan.”
He Yan reached his waist and pulled out a sachet, holding it up in her hand, “Xiao Jue, is this how you spread my reputation everywhere?”
Xiao Jue turned around, looking at the sachet in her hand, raising an eyebrow slightly, “That seems to be ‘mine.'”
He Yan was speechless.
She hadn’t noticed it before. It was only today when she was leaving, Lin Shuanghe said to her, “Little Sister He, what’s going on with the ugly sachet on Huaijin’s body? He’s the second young master of the Xiao family. Hanging such an ugly accessory is really unsightly. Since you’re his wife, you should pay attention occasionally.”
He Yan “paid attention” and not paying attention was fine, but once she did, it was really both embarrassing and amusing.
Previously, Bai Rongwei gave Xiao Jue a talisman for safety, and the talisman was placed in the sachet. At that time, out of some secret intention, He Yan embroidered a moon in the sachet. Truth be told, that moon couldn’t be considered beautiful. However, it was still her sincere intention. Now, it seemed that Xiao Jue had found out the secret. However, discovering it was one thing; he actually turned the sachet inside out, exposing the embroidered side outward. What was the meaning of this?
If someone saw it, they would think it was just an ugly sachet.
“You didn’t tell them that I embroidered it, did you?” He Yan nervously asked, “It’s so ugly. Definitely not something I embroidered!”
Xiao Jue laughed, “Oh, I just told them that my wife embroidered it.”
He Yan felt like her heart was ashes.
She handed the sachet back to Xiao Jue, “Do as you please. Anyway, I’ve lost face. But when you wear it, don’t you feel it strangely ugly?”
It was like Lin Shuanghe holding an iron hoe as an ornament. It wasn’t just about being ugly; it was mainly mismatched.
“Is it?” Xiao Jue tied the sachet back to the buckle on his outer garment, “I think it’s not bad.”
He Yan thought, could being blind also be contagious?
He turned around, looking at He Yan, “When I see it in Yunzi, it’s like seeing you.”
He Yan said, “…Are you trying to say that I’m ugly in various ways?”
He was stunned for a moment, then laughed, saying leisurely, “Your thoughts are always different from others.”
He Yan also laughed. Where was she different from others? It was the night before deparure and she didn’t want to make the atmosphere sad and melancholic. When facing farewell, people were always particularly fragile and sentimental. However, she simply didn’t want to. If she knew her purpose lay ahead and knew her destination, she would stride forward confidently, walking with ease.
The so-called weak spot was also the other side of the armor.
“Xiao Jue, can you promise me one thing?” she asked.
“What is it?”
“Jiuchuan and Yunzi are not in the same direction. When it comes to fighting, the exchange of messages between you and me also takes time. I used to be a lone individual, without much concern, but now we are a married couple. I want you to promise me that if there is any news, no matter what it is, do what needs to be done, don’t affect the overall situation, don’t linger.” She looked at the man in front of her, “Continue forward.”
No one can guarantee the outcome of war.
This is also her first time going to battle with her loved one. A person cannot be distracted. When a military commander is on the battlefield, all their energy can only be focused on the battlefield and the enemy. Any distraction is a taboo. At that time, titles like husband, son, or Father should all be cast aside. On the battlefield, there are only soldiers and commanders.
Of course, she is the same.
“This statement applies to myself as well,” He Yan said, “No matter what we encounter, no matter what we hear, I will lead my troops forward. I won’t retreat or linger for anything.”
The girl’s eyes sparkled, with a hint of apology. She hesitated for a moment and said, “You might think I am heartless…”
“I promise you,” Xiao Jue interrupted her.
He Yan was stunned.
Xiao Jue said, “You also have to promise me one thing.”
“….What is it?”
He slightly bent down and gently kissed He Yan on the forehead.
“Come back alive.”
…
The early spring sun shone through the newly cut window flowers, and the sun was divided into small beams of light, sprinkling on the ground in the courtyard.
A tall guard walked in from outside, carrying a bundle. They were about to leave for battle, and the previous “guard” would also return to the Nine Banner Battalion and follow the army to Yunzi.
A petite figure was sweeping the yard. Chiwu stood behind the girl, hesitating whether to call out to her.
In theory, he had stayed in the He family for a while before, and although he didn’t have much effect and almost zero assistance to He Yan, he had established a friendship with He Yan’s personal maid, Qingmei. Chiwu even thought that his relationship with Qingmei was quite good. After all, it was the first time in his life that he was ordered around by a girl, and he was influenced by her seemingly natural attitude. As time went on, Chiwu even thought it was the right thing to do.
However, after He Yan married into the Xiao family, Qingmei would hide whenever she saw him, as if he were a plague. Chiwu was puzzled, but he couldn’t pull a little girl aside to ask her directly. Moreover, there were too many things happening later, and he didn’t see Qingmei a few times.
But today, leaving for battle, he might not see this little maid for a long time. Chiwu hesitated, wondering whether to say hello to her as a farewell.
He hadn’t made up his mind yet when Qingmei turned her head, saw Chiwu, and was surprised. She said, “Guard Chiwu?”
“Oh… I’m leaving,” Chiwu scratched his head, “Just passing by.” After saying that, not knowing what else to say, he planned to turn around and leave.
“Wait!” Qingmei stopped him, took out a bundle from the side stone table, and stuffed it into Chiwu’s arms. “You came just in time. If you didn’t come, I could only ask the young madam to give it to you.”
“What is this?” Chiwu was puzzled.
“The young madam said that Yunzi is close to the sea and is very humid. I made a pair of boots with harder soles, waterproof. The craftsmanship is not good, but you can make do with it.” She emphasized, “Consider it a thank-you for helping me sweep the yard before!”
Boots? Chiwu looked down at the bundle in his arms, feeling a bit strange.
Seeing that he was still standing there, Qingmei called out, “Hey! You’re not leaving yet? Don’t you fear the young master’s military orders later?”
Chiwu came back to his senses, hesitated for a moment, said “Thank you,” and turned to leave.
Qingmei called him again, “Hey!”
“What else?” Chiwu asked.
She grabbed a broom from the side and walked into the yard. While walking, she threw down a sentence, “Arrows and blades have no eyes, be careful yourself!”
Chiwu watched her back, cleared his throat, as if wanting to laugh but holding it back, and then walked away with the bundle in his arms.
…
Outside the city gate, it was already crowded with onlookers and family members seeing off.
Beside Xiao Jing, Bai Rongwei held He Yan’s hand, repeatedly reminding her to be careful. She also gave her a consecrated amulet, saying, “This was consecrated by the master of Yuhua Temple. I asked for two. One for you and one for Huaijin. Ah He, I know you have a sense of justice, but… you must also protect yourself.”
He Yan hung the amulet bag containing the consecrated amulet and the black jade at her waist together and smiled, “I know, sister-in-law.”
“Yan Yan, you can rest assured to go to Jiuchuan. Dad is waiting for you to come back at home!” He Sui waved to her, trying to appear bold and open, but his eyes involuntarily reddened.
He Yan’s eyes also showed some moisture.
He Yunsheng didn’t say much. When He Yan came to him, he couldn’t help but remind her with gritted teeth, “He Yan, the words you said yourself, you better keep your promise.”
“I know, I know,” He Yan nodded repeatedly, “I will definitely come back alive, rest assured.” She also patted He Yunsheng’s head, “When I’m not here, I’ll leave it to you to take care of the He family, Yunsheng.”
He Yunsheng: “You can rest assured.”
Four words were spoken forcefully.
He Yan couldn’t express the feelings in her heart. In her previous life, every time she went to the battlefield, she was alone. Now, with so many ties, it didn’t make her feel restricted. Instead, her heart was filled with strength.
He Xinyin also came today. She hid in the crowd, was discovered by He Yan, hesitated for a moment, and stood up, handing the bundle in her hand to He Yan.
He Xinyin said, “As a woman, there are many inconveniences in the army. Here are some clothes and accessories I made personally that you may need.”
He Yan smiled, “Thank you, Xinyin. You’re really considerate.”
He Xinyin pursed her lips, “When you go to the battlefield, this is all I can do. Sister, “she called softly,” You must come back safely.”
He Yan blinked at her, “Don’t worry, when I come back, I’ll use my military merits to exchange for rewards and buy the most beautiful jewelry for you!”
He Xinying was amused by her words, and at that moment, Yan He urged at the city gate, “Marquis Wuan, why are you lingering? Let’s go!”
“Coming, coming—” He Yan said as she walked over and mounted her horse.
Beside her, Xiao Jue was dressed in military attire, with a long sword at his waist, riding alongside her.
Supported by her maid, Xia Chengxiu watched the figures of the troops marching out of the city until they disappeared, then gently stroked her abdomen and whispered softly, “Muxia, say goodbye to your father.”
Cheng Lisu had sneaked out without informing his family. At this moment, he was hiding in the crowd, asking Song Taotao, who had also sneaked out, “When do you think they’ll be back?”
The young girl, unusually patient with his questions, simply replied, “I don’t know.” After a while, she continued slowly, “But I hope they all come back.”
With the city gates wide open, under the sunlight, the wind gently swayed the grass and trees as the army marched forward like a winding dragon, fearlessly heading to the battlefield.
The flags fluttered, exuding a mighty aura for miles around.
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