With great difficulty, she managed to brush him off. In the end, He Yan stuffed two banknotes into He Yunsheng's hands. She then carefully warned him that other than He Sui, He Yunsheng was not to say anything about seeing her.
He Yunsheng said impatiently: "Of course I know, but you …" He looked at He Yan: "You won't disappear again, right?"
That day when they were on the boat, Fan Cheng had met with an accident. He Yan disguised herself as an assassin and left. She had also said to He Yunsheng: "We will definitely meet again." But not long after, she joined the army.
He Yan sighed in his heart. This child, she was about to leave a shadow in his heart. She stood on her tiptoes and patted He Yunsheng's head. He Yunsheng moved his head away and smiled: "Don't worry, I am now an official in the capital. Don't worry, I will come to see you in a few days. You should focus on your studies. As a younger brother, you can't be less successful than me, your older sister. "
He Yunsheng's face sank and said: "How is that possible?"
He thought that He Yan was going to mock him, but instead, he saw the girl dressed as a teenager looking at him with a smile. Her voice was gentle: "I know, our Yunsheng is the most powerful."
He Yunsheng's face turned red and he muttered in a low voice: "Do I need you to tell me that?"
After sending He Yunsheng to the alley, He Yan lowered the curtain hat on her head, turned around, and walked out. There was no harm in being vigilant in everything.
They parted ways. He Yan walked down the street, thinking about what happened when she saw He Yunsheng. After that, Fan Cheng was still looking for trouble with He Sui. Although he had stopped for a few days, who knew if he would do the same thing again in the future? Although her official position could put pressure on the Fan Family, Lady He would come to the Fan Family's door every few days to cry. Everyone in the Fan Family recognized her face. She was afraid that it would be inappropriate to rashly expose her identity.
He had to think about it from a long-term perspective. But what was gratifying was that He Yunsheng had really grown up. He Yan smiled when he thought of this. This young man now had the bearing of a man. When faced with the crowd's taunts and mockery, he didn't immediately hit back like before. He knew how to be patient. It was a heart-wrenching and gratifying growth.
While he was thinking, he had unknowingly walked to the door of the Xiao family. It was already afternoon. When the manservant at the door saw He Yan, he greeted him with a smile, "Young Master He", and then stepped aside to open the door. He Yan's heart warmed slightly. The people of the Xiao family were very friendly to him.
He Yan walked towards the courtyard. She didn't know if Xiao Jue was back yet. If he was, she wanted to talk to him about what happened next. Unexpectedly, as soon as he reached the corridor, he ran into Bai Rongwei, who was giving orders to the servants.
He Yan had a good impression of Mrs. Xiao. She was gentle and considerate, and she was good at taking care of others' feelings. Seeing He Yan, Bai Rongwei was stunned for a moment. Then, she smiled and said, "Young Master He."
He Yan nodded at her. "Madam."
"Huaijin hasn't returned to the fu yet." Bai Rongwei asked He Yan, "Young Master He, have you eaten? If you haven't, what do you want to eat? I'll ask the kitchen to make some food and send it to your room. "
"There's no need to trouble yourself," He Yan quickly replied. "I've already eaten outside."
He Yunsheng had eaten some snacks in the teahouse. Although it wasn't as exquisite as the food in the restaurant, it wasn't bad. He Yunsheng rarely ate outside. At first, he was a bit hesitant, but later on, he ate happily.
Bai Rongwei smiled and said, "If that's the case, then let's wait until later." She looked at He Yan. "Young Master He is the first friend that Huaijin brought back. It seems that you took good care of Huaijin when you were in Liangzhou."
"No, no, it was the Governor who took care of me." He Yan blushed.
"Huaijin rarely opens his heart to others. He must have treated you like this because Young Master He deserves a sincere friendship." Bai Rongwei sighed. "He usually doesn't like to express himself. If he does something wrong, I'll have to trouble Young Master He to forgive him. This child has a good heart, but he always acts like he's unreasonable. "
"The Governor is a very good person." He Yan smiled. "Everyone knows that."
Bai Rongwei saw that she wasn't being perfunctory and sighed in relief. "That's good. He's always been alone. There's no girl by his side who cares about him … "At this point, Bai Rongwei seemed to have thought of something. She asked He Yan," Oh right, Young Master He, you're close to Huaijin. Do you know why he's angry with Miss Shen? "
"Miss Shen?" He Yan asked. "Shen Muxue?"
Bai Rongwei nodded.
"What happened between the two of them?"
"When you returned to the capital this time, Miss Shen didn't come with you. I heard that it was because Huaijin was rushing to the Rundu. He didn't want Miss Shen to be tired from the long journey. However … Miss Shen already returned to the capital a few days ago, but the two of them didn't meet. If it was any other time, Miss Shen would have come to the fu. "
Seeing that He Yan was lost in thought, Bai Rongwei explained, "Young Master He probably already knows about the relationship between the Shen family and our fu. When Father was in trouble, only Uncle Shen was willing to speak up for the Xiao family. Miss Shen liked Huaijin when she was young. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Even though Huaijin treated Miss Shen coldly in the past, he still took care of her because of Uncle Shen. Later, Miss Shen secretly went behind Uncle Shen's back to where Huaijin was leading the troops. At that time, the war was chaotic and it wasn't safe to send her back. Thus, Miss Shen stayed on the battlefield and learned medicine. She has been helping Huaijin since then. "
"Uncle Shen couldn't do anything about his daughter. He could only ask Huaijin to help take care of her. Huaijin accepted Uncle Shen's kindness and protected Miss Shen's safety on the battlefield."
He Yan already knew that Shen Muxue went to the battlefield for Xiao Jue, but he didn't know the details. Now that he heard Bai Rongwei's explanation, he couldn't help but feel bitter. Shen Muxue's actions were very brave and affectionate. Just like what Liang Ping and the others said that day at the martial arts practice field, as long as one was a man, they would be moved and feel pity for her.
She heard her own voice ask softly, hiding all her emotions, "Does Furen want the two of them to be together?"
"How could that be?" Bai Rongwei was slightly stunned, then laughed. "Rubi and I had this idea before, but then we saw that Huaijin really didn't have any feelings for Miss Shen, so we gave up. Young Master He, you're close to Huaijin. You should know that with Huaijin's personality, no one can force him to do anything, let alone marry. Since he didn't have any feelings for her, we naturally couldn't force him. Otherwise, not only would we hurt Huaijin, but we would also hurt Miss Shen. "
He Yan heard this and was somewhat suspicious. He only asked Bai Rongwei, "I don't quite understand what Furen means."
"Even if they can't be husband and wife, they're still friends. Miss Shen didn't want to visit, so it's obvious that they had a conflict over something. But Huaijin isn't a petty person, and Miss Shen isn't an unreasonable girl. After thinking about it, there's only one possibility … "She looked at He Yan, her eyes sparkling. There was a trace of expectation in her usually gentle expression.
He Yan looked at her, puzzled.
"Does Huaijin have a girl he likes?"
He Yan: "Huh?"
Bai Rongwei continued, "If Huaijin has a girl he likes, then everything makes sense. Only this would truly hurt Miss Shen's heart, and she wouldn't even be willing to visit. Young Master He, have you seen anyone in Huaijin's heart? "
He Yan: "… I don't think so."
"How can that be?" Bai Rongwei was slightly disappointed, but she quickly continued to ask, "Then is there any girl in the Liangzhou Guard who's close to Huaijin?"
"Other than Miss Shen, there aren't any other girls in the Liangzhou Guard …" He Yan abruptly stopped speaking. Actually, there was a girl in the Liangzhou Guard who was close to Xiao Jue. Wasn't that her?
But Xiao Jue liked him, and she even had a conflict with Shen Muxue because of him … It sounded unimaginable.
Bai Rongwei sighed. "If that's the case … then it's really worrying."
Seeing He Yan looking at her, Bai Rongwei smiled bitterly. "Huaijin should've gotten married a long time ago at his age. But he doesn't even have a girl he likes, let alone a wife. Rubi and I are both worried. Even if his classmates in the Xianchang Pavilion aren't married, they're all engaged. Although Young Master Lin isn't engaged either, he has dealings with girls, so it shouldn't be difficult for him to get married. Huaijin … "
He Yan couldn't help but speak up for Xiao Jue. "If the commander-in-chief wants to get married, it shouldn't be difficult."
Bai Rongwei glanced at him and smiled. "It really isn't difficult. Everyone else wants to marry a girl, and the matchmaker comes knocking on their door. Our family wants to get married, and the matchmaker fills the courtyard with gifts. But what's the use? No matter how many girls like him, no matter how good they are, he won't look at them. If it weren't for the banquets we hold every time we return to the capital, I'm afraid he would've left in a huff. "
He Yan: "…" She didn't know what to say, so she could only squeeze out a smile.
"Speaking of which, it's almost time to hold the banquet." Bai Rongwei looked at He Yan and smiled. "Young Master He should come too. I heard that Young Master is a few years younger than Huaijin. You're young and promising, and you're born with an extraordinary appearance. If there's a girl you like at the banquet … then you'll have a good marriage."
She was thinking wholeheartedly for He Yan. He Yan was about to cry when he heard this. He thought, How come it's one thing to be hurt in the Liangzhou Guards, but it's still unavoidable when we return to the capital? What, is her heart that has been tempered thousands of times not afraid of being burned?
He Yan forced a smile and said, "We'll talk about it when the time comes … I'm also a bit busy these days."
Bai Rongwei nodded. "Young Master He should be busy with his own matters. You don't have to take it to heart. I'm just saying it casually."
He Yan was afraid that if he continued to talk with Bai Rongwei, she would say something heart-wrenching. He hurriedly found an excuse to return to the courtyard. He hurriedly bowed to her and returned to his own room.
When he returned to his room, he closed the door. He Yan sat in front of the table and looked at the flowers and grass in the courtyard outside the window. He punched the table and pretended to be angry. "Outrageous!"
If someone came to let her see Xiao Jue and other girls, she would simply tell the world that she was a homosexual and had improper thoughts about Xiao Jue. Let's see if they would still let her do such a good thing.
At the same time, in a restaurant somewhere in the capital, someone was sitting in a private room.
Fei Nu and Chi Wu stood at the door. Not long after, someone came in from outside.
It was a woman wearing a guard's uniform. She was around thirty years old and was very beautiful. However, her long hair was tied up in a high bun. Her eyes were cold and sharp, making her seem somewhat unapproachable. She strode into the private room without looking at Chi Wu and Fei Nu. She only bowed to Xiao Jue and said, "Young Master."
"Luan Ying." Xiao Jue looked at her. "Is there any news about He Rufei?"
The woman called Luan Ying respectfully said, "Regarding He Rufei's previous deeds, this subordinate has already written a letter to Chi Wu to bring it to young master. In the past few days, there have been new discoveries. Ever since He Rufei was conferred the title of General, apart from this battle in Hua Yuan, he has never left the capital. Moreover, the officials that he has good relations with in the court are mostly civil officials. "
"Civil officials." Xiao Jue bent his finger and tapped the teacup in front of him. He lightly said, "Does he have any girls that he is familiar with?"
Luan Ying was startled. She immediately replied, "Not yet. He Rufei has now reached the age of marriage. I heard that First Madam He is currently looking for a suitable wife for him. However, He Rufei himself doesn't seem to be close to women. Other than his second cousin, he rarely interacts with women. "
"Second cousin?"
"He Yuanliang's second legitimate daughter. He Xinying is now the new wife of Hanlin Scholar Xu Zhiheng." Luan Ying replied.
Xiao Jue lowered his eyes and looked at the teacup in front of him. After a while, he asked, "What is the relationship between He Rufei and the previous First Madam Xu?"
"The previous First Madam Xu?" Luan Ying was confused for a moment. After a while, she said, "It seems not bad. The previous First Madam Xu's health wasn't good. Before she got married, she had been recuperating in the manor. Although there is no evidence that they were close, after First Madam Xu's death, He Rufei personally took care of her funeral. The funeral lasted for three days and three nights. It can be seen how close they were. "
Xiao Jue's mouth twitched. "That might not be the case." It really was a close sibling relationship. He Rufei should have stopped He Xinying from marrying Xu Zhiheng as a second wife. To his younger sister who had died young, this matter definitely couldn't be considered a consolation, but an insult.
However, He Rufei wouldn't be surprised no matter what he did now. This was because the current General Feihong wasn't "He Rufei" at all.
The real He Rufei might have died before becoming a general, or he might not have died yet. However, the He Family definitely wouldn't allow a woman to occupy the glory, splendor, and wealth that was prepared for "He Rufei". Therefore, the current "He Rufei" had appeared.
However, what he didn't understand was that in this matter, He Rufei had become a vested interest and the He Family had become a community of interests. However, what about that woman, "He Rufei"? What made her willingly wear a mask and use He Rufei's name to fight for meritorious service? Did she have a crush on He Rufei? That was also possible. However, even if she did have a crush on him, she had persisted for too long.
The real "He Rufei" was foolish and stubborn. However, the current "He Rufei" was a smart person who was willing to let all of his trusted subordinates "die in battle" in order to not let the news leak out. It could be imagined that the original "He Rufei" had most likely met with misfortune after the rabbit was killed and the dog was cooked.
"Go spread the news," Xiao Jue said. "During the battle of Hua Yuan, He Rufei's ability to control the enemy retreated a thousand miles in a single night. He's like a completely different person from before."
"After this, you must closely monitor He Rufei. Who he meets, what he does, don't miss a single thing."
Luan Ying: "Yes."
Xiao Jue picked up his teacup and took a sip. Then he looked at her. "What about the other matter? How is your investigation going?"
Luan Ying's expression turned cold. "This subordinate was just about to report this matter to Young Master. In the village outside the city, there seemed to be soldiers who were lucky enough to survive the battle of Mingshui. However, they hid very well. Prime Minister Xu's people are also looking for their whereabouts. Previously, we found one, but he refused to believe us. He didn't wait to see us and jumped into a well to commit suicide. "
Xiao Jue's hand paused. He put down the teacup and lowered his eyes. "You continue to search for the remaining people. Be careful not to be discovered by Xu Jingfu's people. After you find them, immediately inform me. "He tilted his head, his expression very calm." I'll go see them myself. "
Late at night.
The sound of the door opening came from next door. He Yan, who was sitting at the table, felt his heart skip a beat. He stood up and opened the door. Sure enough, he saw Xiao Jue in front of the door next door. She called out, "Commander in Chief." Then she ran over.
Xiao Jue looked down at her and asked, "Why aren't you sleeping yet?"
He Yan blurted out, "I'm waiting for you."
Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows slightly. "I'm not Yan He." After saying this, he walked in unhurriedly.
He Yan followed behind like a tail. After two steps, he came back to his senses. What did he mean by that? In a split second, his face became hot.
Chi Wu and Fei Nu didn't follow in. He Yan helped him close the door. Xiao Jue wasn't used to being served by others. There were no servants or maids in the room. At this moment, he leaned against the wall. He poured two cups of tea and handed one to He Yan.
"Thank you." He Yan took the tea. He didn't want to drink it. He held the tea and asked, "Commander in Chief, I came to ask you something. When will you bring me to the palace?"
Xiao Jue unbuttoned the top two buttons of his brocade robe and said casually, "What do you want to do in the palace?"
"Our Rundu won the battle. Jiyang won the battle. Previously, we also won the battle in the Liangzhou Guards. His Majesty will definitely reward us in person. Moreover, it's almost the Mid-Autumn Festival. There will only be more rewards. In any case, I've been with you for so long. When does His Majesty plan to reward me at the banquet? I want to buy some clothes in advance and dress up. "He Yan spoke with conviction.
Xiao Jue stared at her for a while and smiled. "Build a career?"
If He Yan hadn't said it, she would have almost forgotten that she had said it before. However, He Yan didn't feel anything when he used it to tease her. She nodded shamelessly. "Yes, it's already halfway done. Commander in Chief, please help me add a little more. If I'm made a high-ranking official, I'll be an official in the same court as you. We can help each other."
Xiao Jue laughed. "Nonsense."
He Yan was a little anxious. She was anxious to enter the palace because this was the only way she could meet up with Xu Zhiheng and He Rufei first. In the past, after a victorious general returned to the capital, there would be a banquet in the palace. Hundreds of officials would sit together and it would be a good opportunity for her to appear. Now, she could directly go to the Xu Family and He Family's doorstep and wait for them. However, the effect would not be as good as the other method.
Moreover, once she entered the palace, it would be the best opportunity for her to draw a clear line between her and Xiao Jue.
Thinking of this, He Yan couldn't help but feel a little sad. When she thought about what Bai Rongwei said during the day, she felt even more depressed.
Xiao Jue had always been sharp. He Yan's suddenly depressed expression fell into his eyes. Xiao Jue paused and asked, "What's wrong?"
He Yan looked up and changed the topic. "Commander in Chief, did you and Miss Shen have a fight?"
Xiao Jue was stunned and looked away. "Why do you ask?"
"I met Young Mistress Xiao in the residence today. She asked me if I knew why you and Miss Shen had a fight." He Yan's voice was bitter. "When I left Liangzhou to go to the Rundu, both of you were fine. Later on, when I met you in the Rundu, Miss Shen didn't come with you. Brother Lin said that it was because he didn't want Miss Shen to be tired from the long journey … Now it seems that you two didn't travel together because you had a fight? "
"It wasn't a fight." Xiao Jue interrupted her. "It wasn't necessary."
He Yan: "What do you mean … it wasn't necessary?"
Xiao Jue lowered his head and stared into her eyes. She couldn't understand the emotions in his eyes. His voice was still calm, as if nothing had happened. "She isn't anyone to me. Why should I bring her along?"
He Yan blinked.
This atmosphere, this attitude, this tone, it was really easy for people to misunderstand. How could an ordinary girl withstand all this? Even someone like her, who had lived two lifetimes, was stirred up. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.
"You can't say that. Miss Shen has always been by your side. You two can be considered friends. If there really is a misunderstanding, it's better to talk it out …"
"You came to my room just to say this?" Xiao Jue asked calmly.
"Ah, that's not it." He Yan looked at her. "I just wanted to say that if His Majesty wants to hold a banquet before the Mid-Autumn Festival, you must bring me along." Her eyes were full of undisguised eagerness. "I have never met His Majesty. If I can meet him, I can show off to my brother the next time I see him."
Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows. "You went to see He Yunsheng today?"
"Yes." He Yan did not hide anything. "I've been away from home for a long time. My family is worried sick. Now that I'm back in Shuojing, I should let them know that I'm safe."
Xiao Jue looked at her meaningfully. "You told them that you're staying at my residence?"
He Yan was shocked and immediately denied it. "No, no! I will never do such a thing that tarnishes the Governor's reputation. I only said that I'm staying at a friend's house. I didn't say who it was. I don't think they would guess that I'm staying at your residence. "
Xiao Jue did not know what she meant. She nodded. "Actually, there's no harm in telling them." He looked at the stunned He Yan and said calmly, "You're my 'right-hand woman'. They will find out about our relationship sooner or later."
He Yan: "…"
What was wrong with Xiao Jue? Their relationship was supposed to be between a superior and a subordinate, but he made it sound like a shameful relationship between a man and a woman. It made her blush and her heart race. She felt embarrassed.
He Yan cleared her throat. "Anyway … just remember to bring me along to the banquet. If you bring me along, I will repay you in the future. "
Xiao Jue sized her up and said lazily, "How will you repay me?"
He Yan: "… I haven't thought about it yet."
He sneered and turned to put down the teapot on the table. He said casually, "Okay, Lady He can come with me for the next banquet."
He Yan was overjoyed and his eyes curved. "Thank you!"
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