Chapter 79: Youth
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Back then, when Xiao Jue led the Nanfu troops to Jingzhou, though the world knew that Second Young Master Xiao was adept in both literature and martial arts, he was still young and couldn’t bear heavy responsibilities. Zhao Nuo, on the other hand, held the position of Jingzhou Governor. He was lascivious and greedy, lacking in talent. Upon Xiao Jue’s arrival in Jingzhou, Zhao Nuo didn’t regard him highly. He frequently belittled and ridiculed him, showing extreme disrespect. And that wasn’t all. During the battle in Jingzhou, while Xiao Jue led his troops into battle, Zhao Nuo, in the rear, was more concerned with preserving his own life and made erroneous commands, causing delays in tactics and resulting in the unjust deaths of many soldiers. Seeing his audacious behavior, Xiao Jue had him bound and taken away.
Zhao Nuo’s father held the position of Shangshu for the Ministry of War, and he himself had spent many years in Jingzhou. Naturally, he had countless people intercede on his behalf. There were no shortage of high-ranking officials and aristocrats who used threats, inducements, and pressure to attempt to bend Xiao Jue to their will. However, this was all done with the presumption of Xiao Jue’s lack of familial support in the capital.
“He is the Governor of Jingzhou, and his father is the Ministry of War’S Shangshu. Many people at court have connections with the Zhao family. If you offend him, your future prospects will be grim!” they warned.
However, Xiao Jue remained unfazed. He merely chuckled disdainfully and replied, “Even if the Shangshu acts so recklessly, even if he were to be promoted to Prime Minister, I will still carry out the execution without hesitation.”
Three days later, Xiao Jue besieged Zhao Nuo’s residence with his troops and executed Zhao Nuo beneath a monument to fallen soldiers.
“In fact, the Zhao family has some distant connections and history with both the Xiao and Cheng families,” Cheng Lisu recalled. “That Zhao Nuo, theoretically speaking, should have had some kinship with us. At the time, my mother personally wrote to my uncle, asking him to show leniency and spare Zhao Nuo.”
“But my uncle didn’t listen,” he smiled, with a hint of helplessness and a touch of pride.
“How could Commander Xiao be so fearless about provoking discord before His Majesty?” He Yan pondered. “Surely the Emperor would have harbored resentment.”
“No wonder you’re my eldest brother; you ask the same questions as me,” Cheng Lisu chuckled. “I also think that my uncle’s actions were a bit rash.”
Years later, that youth had become more reserved and composed, ascending to the esteemed position of Commander of the Right Army. Cheng Lisu asked, “Uncle, aren’t you worried that the Emperor might grow distant due to these actions?”
The youth, engrossed in reading, responded with a wry smile. “He wouldn’t dare.”
The Emperor wouldn’t dare, not the minister is not afraid.
Indeed, even though the powerful ministers at court filled the Emperor’s ears with accusations and grievances against him, the Ministry of War Shangshu repeatedly submitted memorials pleading for retribution, these efforts ultimately amounted to nothing. This was because Xiao Jue led the Nanfu with unstoppable momentum, pushing the southern tribes to retreat in defeat.
At a crucial time of talent recruitment, a deceased Governor and an exceptionally gifted commander, Emperor Wenxuan wasn’t blind. He knew how to make the right choice.
However, while Emperor Wenxuan dared not punish Xiao Jue, it didn’t mean that rumors and gossip weren’t swirling through the streets of Shuojing City. Ministry of War Shangshu Zhao Tong and Xiao Jue were locked in enmity, and though others may not have known about Zhao Tong’s covert instigation, many in the city began to view Xiao Jue unfavorably. Those who had once had good relations with the Xiao family also distanced themselves from Xiao Jue.
For one, he was cold and ruthless, issuing orders for the execution of his own relatives without mercy. Moreover, he was known for his arrogance, even daring to disregard the Emperor. Inevitably, he incurred the enmity of others, and no one knew when he might implicate his friends and family.
In contrast, interactions between the Cheng and Xiao families continued, albeit not as frequent. However, the preference had shifted. Compared to Xiao Jue, they favored interactions with Xiao Jue’s elder brother, Xiao Jing.
“My mother warned me not to get too close to my little uncle,” Cheng Lisu remarked. “She said he disregarded family ties.”
He Yan thought for a moment. “Commander Xiao isn’t really like that.”
“I know,” Cheng Lisu chuckled. “I’ve always known.”
The two sons of the Xiao family were quite different. The elder, known for his modesty and warmth, was a refreshing presence, making interactions feel like a gentle breeze in spring. He was friendly and kind-hearted, making everyone love him. The second son, though extraordinarily talented in both looks and skill, seemed to purposely counterbalance his brother’s amiability with a somewhat unlikable disposition.
Moreover, after the incident of Zhao Nuo’s execution in anger, Xiao Jue’s reputation as the “Jade-Faced Commander, Youthful Killer General” spread widely. Others were even more hesitant to challenge him. While Zhao Tong’s support played a role, Xiao Jue himself left behind plenty of fodder for rumors. For instance, when his parents were buried, he didn’t shed a single tear, and he was busy petitioning for military power in the Golden Luang Palace. He left without observing the mourning period, leaving behind only his elder brother to clean up the mess.
Every time relatives gathered for festivities or celebrations, Xiao Jue rarely engaged in conversations and only showed his face briefly before departing.
Cheng Lisu still remembers, it was a summer day when Aunt Bai Rongwei from the main house hosted a summer banquet for relatives of the Cheng family. The Xiao family’s population was sparse nowadays, so it was rare to have such a lively gathering.
Cheng Lisu went along as well. At that time, Xiao Jue had already been granted the title of General Fengyun, received rewards, and had just celebrated his eighteenth birthday. He had returned to Shuo Jing not long ago.
The women were all in the main hall, enjoying tea and snacks, while the men, including Xiao Jing, were discussing current affairs. Cheng Lisu looked around, but he didn’t see Xiao Jue anywhere.
When he was a child, he was exceptionally mischievous, disliked by both gods and ghosts, and boys of his age didn’t like to play with him. Cheng Lisu sought amusement on his own. He ran to the backyard of the Xiao family’s house and saw a calico cat at the entrance of the ancestral hall. He chased the cat all the way into the ancestral hall, hidden behind the folding screen.
On that summer day, weather could change at the blink of an eye. By evening, dark clouds had gathered in the sky, accompanied by rumbling thunder, and suddenly, heavy rain poured down.
Holding the calico cat in his arms, Cheng Lisu wanted to leave, but he suddenly heard footsteps. Someone had entered.
Peeking out from behind the screen, Cheng Lisu saw his elusive elder uncle, Xiao Jue, entering the ancestral hall.
The young man was dressed in dark blue silk robes with a round collar, and a golden crown adorned his head. His appearance was exquisite and refined, like precious jewels. In his youth, he used to favor white robes, appearing elegant and lively. However, as he grew older, he preferred darker attire, which made him seem even more enigmatic and inscrutable.
Xiao Jue walked into the ancestral hall, picked up three incense sticks from the side, and lit them.
Cheng Lisu stared wide-eyed.
Perhaps the rumors circulating outside about Xiao Jue contained everything, Cheng Li Su had heard them all. Xiao Jue never offered incense to his parents; he was originally a ruthless person. However, now it seemed that the rumors were not entirely true.
He moved slowly but meticulously. First, he carefully dusted off the dust by the incense burner, cleaning it with a cloth. Then, he lit the incense and placed it inside the burner. Thin blue smoke rose gently from the incense burner and dissipated in the air. He didn’t leave or speak, just stood there with his head lowered, lost in thought.
The stifling heat and humidity of the summer day were exacerbated by the moisture seeping in from outside. The thunder grew louder, but the young man remained calm, his eyes serene. Outside, the rain battered the eaves, yet within the room, an unusual tranquility prevailed. Cheng Lisu didn’t understand what was happening, but he felt an inexplicable sense of unease. He dared not make a sound, holding the calico cat and sitting behind the screen, silently accompanying his enigmatic elder uncle for over half an hour.
After a long while, the rain stopped, and Xiao Jue left the ancestral hall.
From the moment he entered the hall to the moment he left, only three incense sticks were burned. He hadn’t spoken a word or performed any specific actions, yet those three incense sticks made Cheng Lisu sense a different, softer side beneath his uncle’s cold exterior.
He wasn’t the heartless person others described him to be.
In the world, many individuals hide their true feelings beneath a distant facade, not that they lack them; it’s just that they struggle to express themselves and brush things aside casually.
People often said that Cheng Lisu was still like a child, naive and unaware of the world. But children’s eyes are often keen at discerning between good and bad. Cheng Lisu didn’t find this uncle as heartless as his mother portrayed him to be. He liked this uncle even more than the Oldest Young Master of the Xiao family.
“My uncle is quite remarkable,” Cheng Lisu looked into her eyes seriously and said, “If you spend more time with him, you’ll come to like him too.”
He Yan chuckled and playfully ruffled his hair. “I know, I’ve known for a long time.”
…
Hundreds of miles away in Shuo Jing, the Chunlai River was also adorned with countless flickering lights.
The lights reflected on the water’s surface, made it hard to distinguish between the sky and the water. Today, even a fine drizzle was falling, so small paper covers were placed over the water lanterns to prevent them from being extinguished by rain.
Inside the Xiao family’s ancestral hall, someone was offering incense.
Since the passing of Xiao Zhongwu and his wife, the number of servants in the mansion had decreased significantly. With only two young masters left and Xiao Jue often absent, the mansion was typically tranquil. However, every now and then, it was hard not to notice the faint sense of desolation.
Xiao Jing wore a jade-colored robe, his tall and elegant figure exuding warmth and charm. Standing next to him was Bai Rongwei, and together, they looked like a couple of celestial beings. The fragrance of incense lingered in the air, and outside, the autumn rain fell gently. Xiao Jing removed his cloak and draped it over Bai Rongwei’s shoulders, his voice gentle as he said, “It’s getting cold. Be careful not to catch a chill.”
“I’m not cold,” Bai Rongwei smiled at him and then expressed concern, “I wonder how the weather is in Liangzhou.”
“Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival,” Xiao Jing looked at the drizzling rain in the courtyard and said, “If Huaijin were here at the mansion, it would be better.”
“He won’t come to the ancestral hall,” Bai Rongwei shook her head, “He doesn’t go into the ancestral hall.”
“He will come,” Xiao Jing answered with certainty.
Bai Rongwei looked at him in surprise, “But I’ve never seen him…”
“It’s raining today, with thunder,” Xiao Jing smiled, “He will come.”
“Rubi, I don’t understand,” Bai Rongwei was puzzled.
“Huaijin was taken into the mountains by our father when he was very young and was taught by sages,” Xiao Jing held her hand and said softly, “Throughout the year, we rarely see him. He has a proud nature, and Mother didn’t like it when he played with swords and sticks. In fact, the relationship between Huaijin and Mother has never been good.”
Madame Xiao was the Empress Dowager’s niece, and it was the Empress Dowager who arranged their marriage. Xiao Zhongwu was handsome and valiant, and Madame Xiao was quite fond of him. However, after they were married, conflicts gradually arose between them. Madame Xiao had been raised as a delicate flower and couldn’t tolerate the slightest grievance, while Xiao Zhongwu was, after all, a military general. Though he had never taken concubines, he sometimes fell short of being as attentive and considerate as a scion of a noble family. Their disagreements escalated during the years and when they fought the most, it was likely due to matters involving Xiao Jue.
Madam Xiao did not want her two sons to pursue a military path. The battlefield was a dangerous place where one could easily lose their life, and she herself disliked the violence and bloodshed. She believed in Buddhism and advocated for kindness. Initially, Xiao Jing had missed the best time for martial training due to health reasons, which was an unavoidable situation. As for Xiao Jue, he had been groomed from a young age by Xiao Zhongwu as the future successor.
Madame Xiao didn’t want her sons to follow in Xiao Zhongwu’s footsteps, but Xiao Zhongwu, who usually accommodated her every wish, for the first time, didn’t heed her advice.
Having been separated from her son for so long, the bond between mother and son had grown distant, despite their blood ties. Moreover, Xiao Huaijin was not as obedient and gentle as Xiao Jing. Occasionally, he would reveal his rebellious side. Faced with this aloof and proud son, Madame Xiao wasn’t sure how to relate to him.
Madame Xiao extended goodwill to Xiao Huaijin, but his response was always lukewarm. Madame Xiao enjoyed discussing poetry and tea, while Xiao Huaijin preferred practicing swordsmanship and horsemanship. Although Xiao Huaijin was also skilled in poetry, it was Xiao Jing who accompanied Madame Xiao in these pursuits.
“In private, my mother told me that she’s somewhat afraid of Huaijin,” Xiao Jing said with a somewhat wistful smile. “Later on, she stopped trying to engage in conversation with him. Their interactions are always very polite.”
“Huaijin is actually quite pitiable,” Xiao Jing’s smile turned sorrowful.
“My father has a stern disposition and has shown no leniency toward Huaijin. I later learned that Huaijin endured much hardship in the mountains. He never complained, and we all thought he was doing well. If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have lasted long before running away,” he laughed at himself.
Bai Rongwei patted his hand comfortingly, “Nonsense, you would have done just fine.”
Xiao Jing recalled the year Xiao Huaijin came down from the mountains. He had asked his younger brother, “How was it in the mountains?”
The young man stretched lazily and casually said with a smile, “Not bad.”
Those words, “Not bad,” concealed all the hardships he had endured, leaving behind the image of a spirited Xiao Second Young Master.
“People say that strict fathers and kind mothers make for an odd pair. My father treated him sternly, and my mother wasn’t often by his side. When she finally returned, she was overly polite due to her fear of him. My mother thought he liked sweet treats, so she often made osmanthus candy for him. Every time, Huaijin would eat it all, and even I was fooled. Later, his attendants said that Huaijin never actually ate candy.”
“Because that was Mother’s way of expressing her love for him. He ate it, despite not liking it and despite no one ever asking him what he truly liked.”
Bai Rongwei let out a sigh and remained silent.
“Although I’m his elder brother, it’s as if I’ve never been of any help to him. People always say he’s heartless and ungrateful, unlike me, but they don’t know that my ability to be the carefree and noble Xiao Eldest Young Master today is all thanks to him bearing many burdens for me. I understand this, and he understands it too,” he chuckled bitterly, “Now, I deeply regret not having pursued a military career back then. If I hadn’t become a civil official, I would be the one carrying the heavy burden of the Xiao family today. Huaijin wouldn’t have to be misunderstood by outsiders.”
“We all know Huaijin’s dedication,” Bai Rongwei softly said, “And father and mother will know too.”
Xiao Jing looked at the tablet in the ancestral hall and said, “When Huaijin was young, he wasn’t very close to Mother. He would often run outside every few days. But he actually cared for Mother deep down.”
“My mother was timid and easily startled, and she was most afraid of thunder. Whenever there was thunder, if Huaijin was at home, he would find an excuse to sit with her in her room. Every time Mother saw Huaijin and thought about how to interact with him, she would forget about the thunder. When the rain stopped, Huaijin would leave again.”
“At first, I didn’t understand. Once there was thunder and rain, both he and I were outside. However, he suddenly claimed that he had important matters to attend to at home. When he returned, he said he wanted to eat osmanthus candy. Mother was busy in the kitchen for him, and I suddenly realized, this rascal Huaijin intentionally came back just because he was afraid Mother would be frightened by the thunder, using it as an excuse.”
Bai Rongwei also chuckled upon hearing this and shook her head. “Huaijin is quite something…”
“Unfortunately, Mother never knew of Huaijin’s feelings for her, even until her passing. If she had known, maybe things wouldn’t have turned out this way today.”
Bai Rongwei tightly held his hand. “She’ll understand in the afterlife.”
“During her lifetime, he was there with her, and even after her death. As long as he’s at home, whenever there’s thunder and rain, he would come to the ancestral hall and accompany Mother,” Xiao Jing smiled slightly, “It’s a secret. I haven’t told anyone. I think Huaijin himself doesn’t want others to know either.”
Xiao Jue was too proud. He did these things quietly, like a gentle and continuous spring rain, nurturing silently without demanding any results. But looking back, Xiao Jing felt that he was the one who had been owed the most.
“That’s why you said if he were in Shuo Jing today, he would come to the ancestral hall to be with Mother,” Bai Rongwei suddenly realized.
“That’s the kind of person he is,” Xiao Jing said with a smile.
The smoke from the incense burner floated into the air, gradually dissipating without a trace. Those who had passed away had become a part of the past, and the care and companionship that hadn’t been expressed, were now forever without the chance for explanation.
“Rubi, you need to know,” Bai Rongwei took Xiao Jing’s hand and spoke tenderly, “Huaijin does these things to protect the Xiao family. Now that Huaijin is far away in Liangzhou and the Xu Xiang still sees the Xiao family as a thorn in their side, you need to be vigilant and not let Huaijin’s efforts go to waste.”
Xiao Jing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, “Of course, I naturally know.”
“I know you care for Huaijin,” Bai Rongwei softened her voice, “But I also care for you. Huaijin bears a lot, but aren’t you as well? Xu Xiang openly and secretly suppresses the Xiao family, scrutinizing your every move. In the court, you have to be cautious at every step. How can that be easy?”
“You don’t need to worry,” Xiao Jing smiled, “The hardest times have already passed.”
Bai Rongwei was momentarily stunned but soon smiled. “You’re right.”
The rain continued to fall incessantly. In the courtyard of Shuo Jing, the land was soaked, and thousands of miles away in Liangzhou, someone leaned against the window, lost in thought. Dark hair cascaded over his shoulders, smooth and cool as silk, and his expression was distant. Distant music drifted in, the tune of a hometown melody played on a flute. As he listened, a soft smile formed on his lips.
The smile held a trace of self-mockery and a touch of loneliness. After a while, he closed the window, shutting out the view of the night outside.
The lamplight inside the room flickered slowly, reflecting in his star-like pupils. On the table laid a long wooden tray, scattered with grains of rice, each with a different color. Red pieces of cloth were used to make small flags, which were stuck into the grains.
Shen Han, Liang Ping, and the other instructors were all in the room, gathered around the table, watching Xiao Jue’s actions.
“Commander, are these the spots where the flags are to be placed? Are there too many?” one asked.
“Not too many.” The young man, graceful as jade, held a chess piece and pointed to the topmost red flag, “In seven days, we will compete for the flags on White Moon Mountain.”
—Side Note—
Poor uncle.
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