When they went down the mountain, He Yan was quieter than before.
Xiao Jue asked, "Are you still thinking about what happened just now?"
He Yan was afraid that she would find out, so he casually lied, "I just felt a little sad when I heard what that young lady said."
Xiao Jue paused for a moment, then said lightly, "Don't worry, you won't become the previous Young Mistress Xu."
He Yan lowered his head and smiled. He didn't know what to feel. Before this, she had already died once. But today, when she saw He Er Furen again, she found that her mother didn't completely care about her.
But if her mother really cared about her, why did He Er Furen treat her so strangely when she was "He Yan"? When the He Family and the Xu Family conspired to kill her eyes, when she was "accidentally drowned", did He Er Furen know the truth?
He Yan would rather she didn't know. Ignorance is blameless.
But even if she didn't know about this matter, Madame He must have known about the matter of her and He Rufei swapping identities back then. What kind of feelings did a mother have when she pushed her own daughter out? She was clearly so close, yet she couldn't call her "mother".
He Yan narrowed his eyes.
Thinking about it, she should be making a trip to the Xu Family in a few days. She didn't know what clues Fu Wang had found. After the palace banquet, He Rufei and Xu Zhiheng would definitely suspect her.
She had to hurry.
He Xinying first sent He Er Furen back to her residence with the imperial bodyguards and servants before returning to the Xu Family. Xu Zhiheng was in his study. He didn't go to court today. For some reason, ever since he returned from the celebration banquet, Xu Zhiheng rarely went out. People outside said that he was sick. He Xinying naturally knew that Xu Zhiheng was fine. Rather than saying that he was sick, it was more like he had something on his mind. Sometimes, when He Xinying talked to him, he could feel that Xu Zhiheng was obviously absent-minded.
He Xinying just pretended not to know.
A smart woman should know how to show her stupidity at the right time. This was the rule she learned in the He family's backyard. But no matter how stupid he pretended to be, he had to have a scale in his heart. He couldn't pretend to be stupid, or else he would really be stupid.
That night, Xu Zhiheng, who was rummaging through He Yan's room before she died, looked very different from usual. He Xinying had a layer of suspicion in his heart. When she married into the Xu family, she brought along a servant girl with her. Right now, she didn't dare to use anyone from the Xu family. She only dared to use the people around her.
She wanted to check on some things.
If these things had nothing to do with him, He Xinying wouldn't care. But all these things showed that He Yan's death was not that simple. Not to mention Xu Zhiheng's strangeness, today at Yu Hua Temple, his mother met Marquis Wu An, who had the same name and surname, and also lost her self-control. If He Yan had any inside information, who knew if she would become the next He Yan?
In the He family, women didn't have any status. Even if she was the di daughter born by Madame He, her marriage had been arranged early on. A woman's marriage was to pave the way for a man's career. As for whether the person she married was a human or a ghost, good or bad, it wasn't important. Everything was based on benefits. This was also why when He Yan and Xu Zhiheng married, the daughter of the He family was so jealous of He Yan. It was because her marriage seemed to be the best choice that the He family could choose for her.
But now, it seemed that there was a hidden story.
"Xiao Liu," She ordered her personal servant girl, "In these few days, secretly ask around in the fu. When my older sister He Yan was still alive, what kind of discord happened between her and that concubine mother surnamed He, and what kind of mistake concubine mother He committed to be driven out."
"Eldest Young Mistress, why are you asking about this?" Xiao Liu asked curiously.
"I have my own ideas," He Xinying didn't want to say more, "You only need to remember that this matter needs to be kept secret. You must not let outsiders know. Give more money. Also, it's best not to mention my older sister. Start with concubine mother He."
This way, even if she wasn't careful and was discovered by the Xu family, she could say that she was jealous and wanted to know how that concubine mother in the past received Xu Zhiheng's favor. And not expose that she was secretly investigating the cause of He Yan's death.
Everyone in the Xu family never took the initiative to mention He Yan and avoided He Yan's matters. There had to be a problem.
He Xinying looked at the bright sunlight outside and suddenly felt that the spacious and bright courtyard of the Xu family had become a bit eerie and terrifying.
But, even if it was for herself, she couldn't live so muddleheadedly.
After praying to the Buddha, He Yan and Xiao Jue didn't directly return to their fu. Instead, they went to the Liang Province Guard's camp outside the city.
The Nan Fu soldiers were more reserved, but Tian Lang didn't allow them to talk too much about their superior's private matters. Shen Han couldn't control the Liang Province Guard. He Yan had eaten and lived with a group of soldiers and had already formed a "deep friendship". Now that he heard that his brother had become a woman and had even become his superior's fiancée … In any case, other than training the soldiers, the most popular thing that everyone was interested in recently was talking about this matter.
When He Yan and Xiao Jue arrived, they were still training the soldiers. He Yan thought about it and then said to Xiao Jue, "Governor, why don't you not go in with me? Just stay outside with Shen Jiaotou and the others. If you go in, even if they have questions, they won't dare to ask. "
Xiao Jue raised her eyebrows, "Okay." Then she went to find Tian Lang. Ever since he returned to the capital, he had been busy with the Xu Jingfu's matters. In order to make Xu Jingfu lower his guard, he rarely came here. Every time, he would only stay for a short while and then leave in a hurry.
After Xiao Jue left, He Yan sat outside the training grounds and waited for them.
Not long after, the training ended. The soldiers went to eat in twos and threes with their arms around each other's shoulders. Someone saw He Yan sitting at the edge. He Yan was wearing women's clothing today, so they didn't recognize him immediately. A soldier even approached him warmly and asked with concern, "Miss, who are you looking for?"
He Yan looked at him, stood up, and patted the dust off his body. He smiled, "We haven't seen each other for a while. Don't you recognize me?"
He Yan saw that the new soldier was still staring at him blankly. He seemed familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen him before. He Yan reminded him, "I am the number one Liang Province Guard."
This time, the new soldier became excited. He swallowed his saliva and howled, "Brothers, He Yan — — He Yan is here — —"
His voice was so loud that He Yan couldn't help but dig his ears. Immediately after, he saw a large group of people, like cats that had smelled something fishy, "hu la", all of a sudden they all surrounded him, their mouths saying "where is it", "where is it", "show me, show me".
He Yan was surrounded by the crowd in an instant.
Now that he was dressed as a woman, everyone finally realized that he was indeed a woman. The new soldiers of the Liang Province Guard didn't try to curry favor with him like they usually did. They even seemed a bit awkward. Some people even blushed and didn't dare to look at He Yan. They looked at their shoes on the ground and asked in a small voice, "That … … Brother He … … Miss He, how come you're a woman?"
He Yan cupped his hands in apology to everyone and said in a clear voice, "At the time, I really had difficulties and accidentally joined the army. I didn't mean to deceive you all. Now that the truth is out, I thought I should come and apologize to you all. I am indebted to everyone for taking care of me in the past. Even though I am a woman, we are still brothers. "
These words were spoken in the same tone as before. Only then did everyone's previous restraint dissipate slightly. Another voice came from the crowd, "Everyone, get out of the way! Where is she? "
He Yan looked up and saw Wang Ba's group parting the crowd and walking in his direction.
When they were in the Liang Province Guard, they had the best relationship with He Yan. However, even with such a good relationship, they still didn't realize that He Yan's identity was strange. As a result, they were the ones who were most shocked. Wang Ba was the angriest. So he had been calling a girl "Boss" for a year and a half? Because of this matter, he had almost become the laughingstock of the Liang Province Guard these past few days. Everyone wanted to use this matter to make fun of him. He didn't expect that He Yan would come knocking on his door today. He had to come and demand justice.
Just as he was thinking, Wang Ba had already walked in front of He Yan. However, just as he was about to speak, he couldn't say a word.
Facing a lively and delicate little girl who was looking at him with a sweet smile, even the most heartless man would be embarrassed to scold her.
As a result, He Yan saw that the big guy in front of him had a face full of anger and couldn't say a word.
However, Xiao Mai squeezed out. He was young and passionate. After being surprised at the beginning, he was happy. Now that he saw He Yan, he was greatly surprised. "A He Ge, I didn't expect you to be so beautiful! You're too amazing! "
"What A He Ge?" Hong Shan slapped him on the head. "Call her Miss He." He didn't know what to do. After all, they had slept in the same bed before …
"Brother He, how can you be a girl?" Jiang Jiao also found it hard to accept. He had always admired He Yan because He Yan was about the same age as him. However, He Yan could always give him careful guidance on martial arts. He felt that he had benefited greatly from having such a close friend. Now that his close friend had become a "girl", Jiang Jiao didn't know what to feel. He originally thought that this must be a misunderstanding and that the information broker had gotten something wrong. Now that he saw He Yan standing gracefully in the crowd, he knew that he couldn't deceive others and himself.
She really was a girl.
Among them, Huang Xiong and Shi Tou were the calmest. Shi Tou didn't like to show his emotions on his face. Huang Xiong was old and had traveled extensively. There was nothing he hadn't seen before. It was shocking to hear that a girl dressed as a man, but it wasn't new. However, some things that he didn't understand before were now answered. For example, why could He Yan only live in the same room and be so close to Xiao Jue? It turned out that it was inconvenient. Xiao Jue wanted to take care of his fiancée.
However, this Jade-faced Commander-In-Chief was indeed as ruthless as outsiders said. She was obviously his sweetheart. When He Yan first arrived in Liangzhou, he didn't neglect any training. She had also lived in a bungalow before. Every morning, she would follow the team obediently and run with weights. If it were another man, he would probably have a tender heart for the fairer sex.
"Are you really going to marry the Commander-In-Chief?" Xiao Mai asked curiously. "Will I have to call you Second Madam Xiao in the future?"
Xiao Mai was a straightforward person. She said whatever she wanted to say, but He Yan's face suddenly turned red. If someone else were to call him "Second Madam Xiao", he would feel very uncomfortable. His embarrassment was noticed by the recruits of the Liangzhou Guards. They all started to jeer, "Aiya, Brother He is shy!"
"I didn't think that I would be able to see Brother He being shy in my lifetime. Heavens, my life wasn't in vain!"
He Yan: "…"
As the group of men talked, they went back to calling him "Brother He". They probably felt that it was easier to call him that. Hong Shan scolded Xiao Mai, "Be careful. Don't talk nonsense. She's a girl. Do you want people to talk about her like that?"
Xiao Mai covered her head and said aggrievedly, "What's there to be shy about?"
The men around her laughed. "That's right. Brother He didn't even blush when he claimed to be the number one Liangzhou Guard in front of everyone!"
"Aren't you embarrassed? Even the number one Liangzhou Guard was taken by a girl. You guys can't even beat a little girl. What a waste of your tall stature. "
"Is she an ordinary girl? Is she? Is a girl who was invited by Military Governor Xiao to be his wife an ordinary girl? If you can fight, why don't you do it? "
"I'm not going. You do it."
The noise from outside the martial arts field traveled into the small room. Shen Han wiped the sweat from his forehead. Liang Ping, Ma Damei, and the other instructors stood in the room, not daring to move. Who knew if Xiao Jue suddenly came to settle scores? Speaking of which, every instructor here had treated He Yan "harshly" before. Especially Liang Ping.
However, it was hard to say. For example, when they soaked in the hot spring on Baiyue Mountain, everyone present had a share.
However, it seemed that their Commander in Chief was in a good mood. He had no intention of punishing anyone. He just sat in the room and watched the training of the new soldiers.
"Have you sent the money to them?"
Shen Han answered, "I've already sent it. I've even visited them personally."
Some of the new soldiers who died in the Liangzhou Guard were unable to return to Shuo capital with them. They had to go door to door to comfort their families.
"Don't slack off on your training for the next few days," Xiao Jue said.
The instructors nodded.
After another hour, it was time for them to leave. Xiao Jue stood up and walked out. Shen Han said, "Commander in Chief."
Xiao Jue turned around and looked at him.
Shen Han smiled awkwardly. "That … congratulations."
After seeing the new soldiers, it was almost evening. He Yan and Xiao Jue returned to the city. Xiao Jue first sent He Yan back to the He Family before returning to her residence.
"I'll be very busy these few days." Before Xiao Jue could say anything, He Yan took the initiative to answer. "There are still many procedures to be completed for the conferment of Marquis Wu An. Commander in Chief, you don't have to worry about me these few days."
"Do you need help?"
He Yan waved his hand. "No need. I'll be fine by myself."
After Xiao Jue left, he heaved a sigh of relief.
His relaxed days were coming to an end.
He Yan tidied himself up. He didn't want He Sui and He Yunsheng to see any clues. He pinched his face until he squeezed out a smile. Then, he stepped through the door.
On the other hand, Xiao Jue returned to her residence.
Xiao Jing and Bai Rongwei were not around. Bai Guo was watering the flowers in the courtyard. When she saw Xiao Jue, she called out crisply, "Second Young Master."
The little girl had specially asked her to serve He Yan so that he could stay in the courtyard. After He Yan left, he was busy with Xu Jingfu's matters and forgot about Bai Guo. He didn't expect Bai Guo to still be in the courtyard. It was already late. He would ask Bai Rongwei to arrange for her to stay in another courtyard tomorrow morning.
He didn't like other people in the courtyard.
Xiao Jue entered the house. Fei Nu went to get the carriage. Not long after they sat in the house, someone knocked on the door. Xiao Jue said, "Come in."
Luan Ying walked in from outside.
"How are the two people in the village?" Xiao Jue asked.
"The doctor has already seen them. Their lives are not in danger for the time being. Chi Wu is still being interrogated. The two people have some misgivings and have reservations in their words. Young Master, please give them a few more days. When the two people are willing to open their mouths and present evidence … Prime Minister Xu will not be able to make a comeback. "
"Three days." Xiao Jue said, "At most three days."
"If there is no result in three days, I will interrogate them myself."
Luan Ying nodded. After a while, she said, "Young Master, in addition to this, when I was investigating today, I found out something else."
"Speak."
"The military general He Family is investigating us."
Xiao Jue paused. She looked up at him, "He Rufei?"
Luan Ying nodded, "It should be. He Yuansheng and He Yuanliang's connections and methods in the imperial court are not as good as his. His movements are very secretive and careful. Maybe he was a little impatient and exposed himself."
"Did he find out anything about the rumors that were spreading in the market?"
"No, Young Master," Luan Ying's expression was very serious, "Moreover, if it was only about the rumors, he didn't need to investigate Miss He's background."
Xiao Jue's eyes suddenly sharpened, "He Yan?"
"That's right." Luan Ying said, "He is not only investigating Young Master, but also Miss He."
Xiao Jue's face darkened.
Because of his relationship with Xu Jingfu, if Xu Jingfu's people wanted to deal with him, they would target He Yan. After all, He Yan did not have any family background. Even if he had the title of Marquis Wu An, he had not formed his own connections in the imperial court. His foundation was too shallow, and it was easy for him to be uprooted.
But if He Rufei wanted to target He Yan, then it would be a big mistake.
"Young Master, there is one more thing …" Luan Ying's expression was somewhat hesitant, as if she did not know whether to say it or not.
She rarely had this kind of time, so Xiao Jue asked, "What is it?"
Luan Ying thought for a moment, and after a long while, she made up her mind and said, "Hanlin Scholar Xu Family is also investigating Miss He."
"Xu Family?" Xiao Jue frowned. If He Rufei was investigating Xiao Jue because of his relationship with Xu Jingfu, or because he had previously ordered people to spread rumors about him in the market, and thus implicated He Yan, then the Xu Family was not involved. At this time, they also interfered, which was very thought-provoking.
"Only investigating He Yan?"
"Only investigating He Yan."
Since they were only investigating He Yan, it had nothing to do with the Xiao family. Then the question was, what kind of relationship did He Yan have with the Xu Family in the past that made the Xu Family act so rashly?
After a long while, Xiao Jue said, "Continue with your work, but after today, investigate the Xu Family as well."
There were some things that were not right that had been overlooked. For example, the second Madame He that they met at Yuhua Temple today, her behavior was also strange.
There must be something fishy between the Xu Family and the He Family.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
