Because they had to take care of Song Taotao, the carriage traveled slowly, taking more time than when they came. By the time they reached the Liangzhou Garrison, it was already evening.
Shen Han and his group were already waiting on the horse path outside the garrison. When the carriage stopped and Shen Han saw Xiao Jue alight, he let out a sigh of relief.
On this trip to Liangzhou City, they did not receive any letters about what Xiao Jue was doing there. Over the past few days, they had been worried that the situation would change. Now it seemed that the matter had been resolved smoothly. Shen Han was about to speak when he heard Liang Ping say, "Why … why is there a girl here?"
Girl? A fifteen or sixteen year old girl in a pink dress jumped down from the carriage in front. She was delicate and cute, with a face as beautiful as the moon.
Looking at He Yan, who was yawning weakly, Shen Han was shocked. The governor had gone to Liangzhou and brought back a girl. Was he trying to draw a line between himself and He Yan?
But doing this in front of He Yan was too heartless.
As he was thinking, he heard the happy voice of a young man behind him, "Uncle, Big Brother, you're finally back!"
The one who jumped over like a rabbit was Cheng Li Su. Beside him was the beautiful female doctor Shen Muxue, dressed in white. Cheng Li Su came over and said to Shen Han with dissatisfaction, "Shen Jiaotou, why didn't you tell me that Uncle was back? If I didn't hear it myself, I wouldn't have been able to welcome Uncle back."
"Big Brother, I see that you've returned safely. This trip should have been very smooth. That guy Yuan Baozhen left, right? I knew you could do it … huh? " His originally happy expression shattered when he saw Song Taotao. His tone instantly became ear-piercing. He jumped up and pointed at Song Taotao, asking, "Second Miss Song, why is she here?"
"What's with that expression?" Song Taotao frowned.
"We met Miss Song in Liangzhou City." He Yan smiled and said, "It was also a coincidence. Miss Song will be staying at the City Guards for a period of time." She did not go into detail about how she met Song Taotao and covered it up for Song Taotao.
"Big Brother." Cheng Lisu looked at him in disbelief. "I asked you to help me hide from Yuan Baozhen so that he won't capture me and bring me back to get married. Yet you brought her to me directly? You're making me suffer! "
"Cheng Li Su." Song Taotao couldn't take it anymore. She stood up with her hands on her hips and shouted back at him fiercely, "Do you think I want to see you? To be honest, I came to Liangzhou City because I was running away from my marriage. If I hadn't met Second Young Master Xiao, I wouldn't have come here. You don't want to marry me, but I don't like you! A useless young master wants to be a match for me. I think you're dreaming of marrying Xi Shi — wishful thinking! "
In terms of eloquence, Cheng Lisu was no match for Song Taotao. At this moment, she regretted that she didn't read more books. She didn't even know how to scold someone.
"… You shrew!" Cheng Lisu said weakly.
"At least I'm better than a useless person like you." Song Taotao rolled her eyes at him.
The two of them started to quarrel. Liang Ping had no choice but to mediate. "Young Master Cheng, the Governor and the others have been on the road for half a day. They must be tired. Let them go back and rest for a while. We'll talk again after they eat, okay?"
Since someone was giving him a way out, Cheng Lisu naturally had to accept it. She said, "I won't argue with you. My heart aches for my uncle and big brother!"
Finally, the situation before them was alleviated for the time being.
Shen Muxue, who had been silent all this time, walked up to Xiao Jue and said, "Second Young Master, in the secret letter that was sent back, it said that someone was injured. It's …"
These people all looked normal.
Xiao Jue glanced at He Yan. He Yan said, "It's me!"
Shen Muxue asked, "… Do you feel any discomfort?"
"It's just some superficial wounds." He Yan smiled and said, "I'll have to trouble Miss Shen to help me find some ointment for external injuries. The ointment from last time is very good."
Song Taotao looked at him in surprise. "Young Master He, you're injured?" When she didn't see He Yan get injured, she thought nothing had happened.
Cheng Lisu pulled He Yan away and stared at Song Taotao as if she was a thief. "Shrew, stay away from my big brother!"
The two of them started to quarrel again.
He Yan was speechless.
The energy of a young man was really enviable.
When they returned to the garrison, they rested for a while. By the time they finished eating, the sky was already dark.
Shen Han said to Xiao Jue, "I've cleaned the Governor's room every day. Today, I've changed the bedding for him. He can stay here as long as he wants."
Xiao Jue's love for cleanliness had almost reached the point of paranoia, so Shen Han had already made thorough preparations.
Xiao Jue nodded and was about to walk in when He Yan tugged on his sleeve. "Wait!"
Was he going to whisper to him? Shen Han pondered in his heart. As an outsider, he shouldn't be involved in such a situation. He said, "Governor, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." He didn't wait for Xiao Jue to reply and left in a hurry.
He Yan pushed Xiao Jue into the room.
Xiao Jue said coldly, "What's the matter?"
"Governor, have you forgotten what you promised me? You're the General Fengyun. You have to keep your word. "
"What did I say?" Xiao Jue looked at her calmly.
He Yan was anxious. "Didn't we agree before we came back that you would arrange a new room for me? I don't want to stay in a shared room. Otherwise, it'll be inconvenient for me to bathe and change my dressing."
Before Xiao Jue could reply, another voice sounded. "Isn't it just a change of room? Why would you need it? I can help you too! "
The two of them turned around and saw Cheng Lisu running over. Cheng Lisu and Xiao Jue's rooms were right next to each other. There was a door in the middle that divided the mansion into two rooms. Usually, Cheng Lisu was forced to copy books. When Xiao Jue was reading, she would look at him. Therefore, the door wasn't closed. At this moment, Cheng Lisu ran over from his room. She was too friendly.
"Big Brother, what do you think of my room?"
He Yan: "Hmm?"
"If you think my room is good, I'll change rooms with you." Young Master Cheng couldn't wait. "We'll move out tonight. I'll go pack my luggage now! Big Brother, what do you think? "
He Yan was a little confused. Xiao Jue frowned and looked at her nephew who was used to being different from other people. She asked, "What the hell are you doing?"
"Uncle," Cheng Lisu said with a sad face. "Who told you to bring that shrew back? I just asked Liang Jiaotou. Song Taotao is temporarily living with Doctor Shen. She's just a few steps away from us. If I live here, won't I have to see her every day? I feel dizzy whenever I see her. It's better if I don't. Since Big Brother also wants to change rooms, I'll change rooms with Big Brother. When Song Taotao leaves, we'll change rooms back. "
He Yan: "Okay!"
Xiao Jue: "No."
Cheng Lisu's dislike of Song Taotao exceeded his respect for his uncle. He pretended not to hear Xiao Jue's words and happily went back to pack his things. Xiao Jue said angrily, "Come back here!" She reached out to drag him back, but He Yan blocked her.
Cheng Lisu took the opportunity to run away. With a "bang", he closed the door.
Xiao Jue: "Cheng Lisu!"
"Be careful not to scare the child if you're so fierce." He Yan looked at him with a smile. "Governor, Young Master Cheng has already agreed. It's a matter of mutual consent. How can you interfere here?"
His words made it sound like Xiao Jue was an unreasonable person who wanted to break up an affectionate couple.
Xiao Jue sneered. "What right do you have?"
"Because I … am only one red mole away from being the woman you love deeply." He Yan looked at him with a smile.
The room suddenly fell silent.
Xiao Jue looked away in disdain. "Lady He, do you really want to stay in the Liang Province Guards?"
"I've never lied about this." He Yan stopped smiling and said seriously, "Not only that, I really want to join the Nine Flags Battalion."
"Don't push your luck."
"I always stop when I'm ahead." He Yan said, "Commander in chief, I just need a chance to prove myself. I need to prove that I'm not a bad person and that I'm worthy of being your confidant."
Xiao Jue sneered. "You're talking big."
"You won't even give me a chance. Aren't you being arbitrary?"
"You?" Xiao Jue sized her up and said calmly, "How long can you last in the Liang Province Guards?"
"Longer than you think."
"You're a woman."
"I won't be discovered."
"I won't cover for you."
Hearing this, He Yan smiled. "That's what you want to say, right?"
Second Young Master Xiao was noble, aloof, and unreasonable. It was impossible for him to cover up the truth for her just because of her words. However, He Yan's skills were outstanding. Xiao Jue hesitated if he really wanted to give up. After all, in Xiao Jue's opinion, it didn't matter whether one was a man or a woman. What mattered was whether one was capable enough, outstanding enough, and worth staying.
"If you can't do it, you'll leave." His answer was as heartless as ever.
"It's a deal," He Yan said. "I'll stay here with my own ability. Whether I enter the Nine Flags Battalion or perform meritorious deeds, I promise I won't let you worry."
Xiao Jue stared at her. After a while, he raised his eyebrows and asked, "You really want to enter the Nine Flags Battalion?"
"Of course!"
"Okay." Second Young Master Xiao smiled. "I'll give you a month to recover. After a month, your daily martial training will be the same as the Nine Flags Battalion's." As if he was afraid He Yan didn't understand, he added, "The Nine Flags Battalion's martial training will be three times more than yours."
He Yan, "…"
Xiao Jue, what a heartless man.
"If you can take it, stay. If you can't, get out of the Liangzhou Guards." He stared at He Yan with a faint smile. His clear eyes were deep and there was a hint of mockery in them. "Lady He, how long can you take it?"
He Yan replied to him with a gritted teeth smile.
"… Commander, there's still a long way to go. Just wait and see."
Finally, the house was settled. He Yan also had to go back to the shared bunk room to pack up his things and meet up with his brothers. When she arrived at the bunk room, before she could enter, Xiao Mai, who was leaning against the door far away, noticed her and shouted, "A He Ge, you're back!"
Whoa, her shout attracted the attention of everyone inside. Instantly, everyone poked their heads out of the room. The bolder ones squeezed to He Yan's side and asked, "He Yan, you came back with Military Governor Xiao? How was it? Did you gain anything from your trip? Was it fun in Liangzhou City? Where did you guys go? "
"Go, go, go. Don't crowd around here." Hong Shan chased them away and let He Yan into the room. "You came back just in time. Everyone's here. I was just wondering why they weren't here yet. A He, you seem to have lost some weight. You didn't lose anything, right?"
"No." He Yan said as he stepped into the room. He found that it was quite lively. Wang Ba, Jiang Jiao, and Huang Xiong were all there. Jiang Jiao said, "We heard that Military Governor Xiao came back. We thought you would arrive soon, so we waited for you here."
He Yan sat down on the couch and sighed. "It's good to be back."
The Sun family's bed was soft and fluffy, but when he thought about the many girls buried in the courtyard, he felt that it was particularly eerie and terrifying. Although the bed board was hard and the blankets were thin, his heart was bright and he could sleep soundly.
"Did your relationship with Military Governor Xiao improve?" Huang Xiong asked.
Previously, because the Vanguard Battalion had selected Huang Xiong, He Yan resented Xiao Jue. This time, when he went to Liangzhou City with Xiao Jue, Hong Shan and the others were afraid that He Yan wouldn't be able to hold back and fight with Xiao Jue midway.
"It's okay," He Yan said vaguely.
Wang Ba sneered and said gloatingly, "He doesn't look like much. If he's really good, why did he come back empty-handed? Why didn't he give him anything?"
As they were talking, Cheng Lisu, who was dragging three large suitcases, arrived. She stood at the door and asked He Yan, "A He Ge, can I come in?"
"Come in."
As soon as Cheng Lisu entered, she was shocked by the room full of people. She said, "It's so lively? Won't it be noisy when you sleep at night? "
Xiao Mai's eyes widened. "What's the meaning of this?"
He Yan smiled and said slowly, "I made a great contribution on this trip to Liangzhou. The Governor appreciates me very much and has decided to let me and Young Master Cheng exchange rooms. Young Master Cheng will live here and I will live next to the Governor as a reward."
Everyone was stunned.
"Is this kid telling the truth?" Wang Ba asked Cheng Lisu.
"It's true." Cheng Lisu cupped her hands respectfully to the others. "In the future, please take care of me."
The room was like boiling water. Instantly, it became lively. Everyone asked He Yan at the same time.
"What contribution did you make? What did you do? "
"Just changing rooms? Didn't you give any other rewards? Didn't you enter the Vanguard Battalion? "
"He Yan, are you going to be promoted? If you get promoted, can you lead the brothers? "
He Yan was surrounded like a general who had won a battle. On the other side, Shen Han had just learned about Xiao Jue's journey to Liangzhou.
"Sun Xiangfu has been in Liangzhou for eight years. The people have no way to make a living." Shen Han sighed. "You reap what you sow. He deserves this outcome."
He had been in Liangzhou for a few years and had heard of the misdeeds of Sun Xiangfu and his son. However, he was not an Imperial Censor, nor did he have Xiao Jue's remarkable abilities. He could only swallow his anger. Today, Xiao Jue had uprooted Sun Xiangfu and his son, and caused Yuan Baozhen to suffer without being able to say anything. It was truly gratifying.
"Governor, on this trip to Liangzhou, have you investigated He Yan's background?" Shen Han hesitated for a moment, but still asked. He did not understand the current relationship between He Yan and Xiao Jue. If it was good, then Xiao Jue was clearly guarding against He Yan. If it was not good, then he had just received orders from Cheng Lisu that He Yan would live in Cheng Lisu's room in the future.
Didn't that mean he would live next to Xiao Jue? If they were not close, how could they have reached this stage?
Could it be that they had rekindled their old feelings? But looking at Xiao Jue's appearance, it did not seem like it. Shen Han had been a bachelor for many years, so he did not know anything about love. But he had heard of the saying that love was hard to break. Perhaps this was the case?
"You can say that," Xiao Jue said. Speaking of which, He Yan's family situation written in the military registry was not false. He did have a father who was a guard at the city gate. He had a brother who was about the same age, but the young girl was a girl. It was hard to believe.
"He … is he one of us?" Shen Han asked carefully.
"For the time being, there is no harm in treating him as one of us." Xiao Jue lowered her eyes. "But there is no need to tell me everything."
Shen Han had a rough idea of what was going on, so he said, "I understand."
"I have something for you to do," he said.
He Yan answered his brothers' questions with difficulty. By the time he returned to his room, it was already night time.
Xiao Jue did not like noise, so the place where she lived was rather quiet. When He Yan went in, he was still not used to it. He had suddenly changed from a bunk room with more than ten people to a room that belonged to him. It made him feel as if he was dreaming. Cheng Lisu, a young master who was so particular, did not forget to light the incense in the room for him before he left.
The light fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose, making him feel very relaxed. He Yan lay down on the bed and felt as if he was lying on a ball of cotton. He immediately felt drowsy. She thought that it was indeed extravagant and luxurious. It was not surprising to sleep on such a bed until late in the morning.
She caught a glimpse of the middle door again.
The middle door was covered by a bead curtain. When the curtain was lifted, the door was revealed. Behind the door was Xiao Jue's room. Xiao Jue was probably there to supervise Cheng Lisu's daily homework, but the door was currently closed. He Yan tried to push the door gently, but it did not budge. He did not give up and pushed it hard, but it still did not budge.
Xiao Jue had actually locked the door from the other side.
He Yan thought to himself that this was strictly guarded. Those who did not know would think that he was the girl and she was a rapist who would sneak into other people's rooms at night. Second Young Master Xiao really could not tolerate even a little bit of sand entering his eyes. Was there a need for this?
Second Young Master Xiao's thoughts were really unpredictable.
In the middle of the room, there was a large wooden tub filled with hot water. He Yan walked over and put his finger in to test the water. The temperature was just right. This was probably prepared by Shen Han. They were covered in dust from the journey today and needed a good bath. He Yan was very satisfied that he did not have to go to Wulu River to soak in cold water. He was about to take off his clothes when he suddenly thought of something and looked at the middle door.
He almost forgot that there was a door here.
There were locks on both sides of the middle door. No matter which side was locked, the other side could not be opened unless both sides were opened at the same time. Since Xiao Jue had locked his side, He Yan had to lock his side as well. Otherwise, if Xiao Jue suddenly wanted to come over in the middle of the bath, wouldn't she be completely exposed?
Although the consequences of doing so would most likely be that Second Young Master Xiao would feel that she had stained his noble eyes and leave in a huff.
He Yan locked the middle door before continuing to bathe and change. After changing, she took out the water from the wooden tub and poured it out. Finally, she returned to the room and sat on the bed.
Shen Muxue had already brought the medicine for bandaging her wounds and placed it on the small table beside the bed. Because of the previous time when he said that "pure as ice and jade is only for his fiancée," he did not even bother to help her apply the medicine this time. He Yan looked in the mirror and unwrapped the cloth to change the medicine inside. Just as she was about to put on a new cloth, she saw a round jade box beside her.
This round box was very small, smaller than a person's palm. She almost overlooked it. He Yan picked it up and saw the words "Scar Removal and Muscle Growth" written on it. He Yan was startled. After a moment, she shook her head and smiled.
This girl was indeed meticulous. But this was too considerate. Shen Muxue was really kind. He was so considerate even to a lowly soldier. He was just an ordinary man. If he was injured, then so be it. He was not a businessman in the brothel. Why would he care about these things?
He Yan should have thought the same.
But just as she was about to put the box back, the image of that night suddenly appeared in front of her eyes. The red candlelight shed tears, the hibiscus curtain was warm, and that warm hand suddenly stiffened when it touched the scar on her back. She was still worried about how to deceive her husband with the lie she had made up, but the man in front of her nonchalantly blew out the candle and avoided the topic.
He was still gentle, but she suddenly felt too ashamed to show her face. This was more hurtful than any words or gaze.
The cold ointment was applied to the wound. It was a little painful and a little itchy. She asked herself in her heart, "Do you really not care?"
It was not like that.
She cared a lot. Even if she could do it all over again, she would not be able to let it go.
He Yan rewrapped the cloth and put the jade box under her pillow. She turned off the light and lay down on the bed.
This room was quiet and warm. There was no thunderous snoring from her brothers. There was also no leg that stretched across her body in the middle of the night. She should have fallen asleep immediately. She did not know why, but she felt a little confused and could not fall asleep.
Perhaps, she should not have thought about the past.
The next morning, He Yan woke up as usual. She was now living in the courtyard where Xiao Jue lived. She was far away from the rest of the soldiers and the martial arts arena. She had to go early. When she went to get the steamed buns and went to the martial arts arena, she met Shen Han, Liang Ping, and the other instructors.
He Yan greeted them.
Liang Ping looked at her high-spirited appearance and felt jealous. He was an instructor, but he was not promoted as quickly as a soldier. Look, how long had it been, and she was able to live next to the commander-in-chief. She just went out for a trip. How did the commander-in-chief see her in a different light? Shen Han had told them about Sun Xiangfu and his son. However, they did not know what kind of effort He Yan had made or what kind of contributions she had made.
Liang Ping looked up to the sky and sighed. He also wanted to make a contribution. He wanted to be seen in a different light by the commander-in-chief. He wanted to live next to the commander-in-chief!
"He Yan, you came at the right time. I have something to tell you." Shen Han waved at her.
He Yan ran over. Shen Han looked at her and said, "The commander-in-chief told me yesterday that you were injured and temporarily could not participate in some intense training. For example, equestrian and crossbow training, you can stop. When we are training these few days, you can find some training that is suitable for you. " After a pause, he said, "But you can't be lazy. You have to come to the martial arts arena every day. You can't miss your morning run!"
"Understood!" He Yan said. However, she thought that Xiao Jue was quite kind. Although her injury was superficial, it was at least on her back. If she continued to train like before, it would be difficult for her to recover.
She was like this in her previous life. Before her old injury healed, she had to lead troops everywhere. Her injury was slow to heal, and her whole body was covered with stubborn old injuries. Although she later became a woman and was no longer as exposed to the wind and sun as before, her injury would still hurt faintly during the rainy season or the cold winter. It was difficult to heal.
She could not endure it, but it would be best if she could not force herself to do so.
She thanked Shen Han and went to the martial arts arena. Today, they were practicing saber techniques. He Yan had previously sparred with Huang Xiong on the martial arts arena. Everyone knew that her saber techniques were outstanding. She had a good temperament. Whenever someone asked, she would answer patiently with a smile. She was much more amiable than the black-faced instructor. Therefore, whenever the soldiers had any problems, they would always discuss it with her.
He Yan was being tugged by a soldier to teach him how to use a knife. Suddenly, a crisp voice called out to him, "Big Brother He!"
She turned around and saw that it was Song Taotao.
In the Liang Province Guards, there was only one young girl, Shen Muxue. She was regarded as a fairy by the Liang Province Guards and no one dared to blaspheme her. Now, there was another one. She looked a bit younger than Shen Muxue. Although she was not as elegant and refined as Shen Muxue, she was more lovable and cute. She was like a small flower that bloomed in spring. Even her branches carried fragrant fragrances.
Her hair was tied up in two buns. She lifted her skirt and ran to He Yan's side. She ignored the fiery gazes of the surrounding soldiers and only looked at He Yan. She asked, "Yesterday, I heard from Miss Shen that your injuries were not light. Are you feeling better?"
He Yan, "…"
When they arrived at the Liang Province Guards, Song Taotao lived with Shen Muxue. Therefore, no one deliberately paid attention to her. Chi Wu and Fei Nu could not spend all day with a young girl and not do proper business. Therefore, they did not notice when this young girl came to the martial arts arena. She even saw He Yan at first glance.
He Yan smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Song. It's just a small injury."
"How can this be considered a small injury?" Song Taotao tugged on his sleeve. "I'll bring you to Miss Shen to take a look."
Needless to say, He Yan could also feel the mischievous expressions of the people around him. Liang Ping's face was about to turn green. What kind of public tugging and pulling was this! Liang Ping had lived for almost thirty years and was still single. Who was He Yan doing this for? However, he could not afford to offend Second Miss Song. He could only glare angrily at He Yan and signal He Yan to quickly send Song Taotao away.
He Yan was about to speak when he heard an angry shout, "Second Miss Song, what are you doing here!"
He Yan felt a headache when he heard this voice. Cheng Lisu was like a cat that smelled blood. She followed Song Taotao and came over. When she saw Song Taotao tugging on He Yan's sleeve, she was so angry that she immediately separated the two of them. She said angrily, "Don't come near my Big Brother He! My Big Brother He already has a fiancée! "
Song Taotao first looked at He Yan in surprise. Then, she looked at Cheng Lisu, who was looking at her proudly. After thinking for a moment, she sneered, "So what if I'm your fiancée? You can break off the engagement. I'm still your fiancée. What's the point? "
Cheng Lisu looked like she was struck by lightning. She took a few steps back.
The people around them were also dumbfounded.
He Yan and Cheng Lisu were sworn brothers. Song Taotao was Cheng Lisu's fiancée. He Yan also had a marriage contract. However, Song Taotao treated He Yan differently. This was a shocking story with many twists and turns!
If there was a hole at this moment, He Yan would crawl into it without looking back.
She weakly defended herself. "I'm not … I didn't …"
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