Chapter 120: Drunkenness
While He Yan was speaking with Chu Zilan, she did not notice Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe standing behind a nearby tree.
Lin Shuanghe watched for a while, then remarked curiously, “It seems Sister He actually knows Chu Zilan? Then why did she say she didn’t know him when I asked her yesterday?”
“You asked her?”
“Yes, I even asked her whose side she would take if you and Chu Zilan ever came into conflict.” Lin Shuanghe fanned himself with a smile. “Want to know how she answered?”
Xiao Jue replied, “No.”
“Why are you like this?” Lin Shuanghe said. “I’ll tell you anyway. Sister He answered without hesitation that she didn’t know Chu Zilan, so of course she would stand on your side. But,” he glanced at the two conversing in the distance, “she clearly knows him. Why would she say she doesn’t?”
Xiao Jue scoffed, “Why would you believe the words of a liar?”
“A liar?” Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue. “What did she lie to you about? Could it be,” he thought of something and feigned a low gasp, “she’s in cahoots with Chu Zilan? Is she also one of Xu Jingfu’s people?”
Xiao Jue couldn’t be bothered to respond.
Just then, the beautiful maid named Ying Xiang turned her head and happened to spot them. She immediately called out from afar, “Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin.”
Now, even if they wanted to hide, there was nowhere to go. Lin Shuanghe stepped forward and nodded politely. “Chu Fourth Young Master, Brother He.”
He Yan asked, “Are you two also out here to bask in the sun?”
“Just taking a casual stroll.” Lin Shuanghe fanned himself, his gaze shifting between He Yan and Chu Zhao as he probed, “Brother He and Chu Fourth Young Master knew each other before?”
He Yan replied, “We only met once. I only realized he was Chu Fourth Young Master when we met at the Liangzhou Garrison. I was quite surprised myself.”
“How did you meet? Care to share?” Lin Shuanghe pressed on relentlessly.
Chu Zhao stood there with a gentle smile, showing no intention of explaining. Xiao Jue’s gaze remained calm, yet it made He Yan feel a slight chill. Song Taotao, however, was very curious and urged, “Yes, yes, how did you two meet?”
“Well,” He Yan had no choice but to brace herself and explain, “Back in Shuojing, I went to Letong Manor one night to gamble, won a lot of silver, and was chased down. I accidentally ran into Chu Fourth Young Master. He picked up the silver I had dropped and returned it to me. At the time, I didn’t know his identity, so I thanked him hastily and left.”
“Letong Manor?” Song Taotao exclaimed in surprise. “Brother He, you gamble?”
“Didn’t you say your father was very strict with you, that you never left the house?” Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but ask.
He Yan looked up and met Xiao Jue’s half-smiling expression, which made her scalp tingle. She took a step back and said, “I was forced by circumstances back then… I only went once! I never went again!”
Both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue knew she was a woman. For a woman to go gambling alone at night was quite shocking, and gambling itself was hardly a respectable activity. Having to admit this in front of such distinguished company was truly mortifying.
“I never imagined Brother He would later come to Liangzhou Guard,” Chu Zhao said with a smile. “It seems fate brought us together. I still remember how skillfully you handled those thugs that night.”
“You’re that skilled?” Lin Shuanghe asked He Yan.
He Yan replied with an evasive smile, “It was just luck.”"Tonight's victory banquet, I must share a few more cups with Brother He," Chu Zhao said. "Only then will I not waste this fateful encounter."
He Yan: "Th-thank you, Chu Fourth Young Master."
She thought to herself, this Chu Zhao was far too approachable. As the son of Shi Jinbo and now Xu Jingfu's favored disciple, no matter how you looked at it, being so patient and gentle with an ordinary new recruit like her was truly rare. Regardless of whether he was good or bad, just in terms of being a good person, he was indeed impeccable.
"Ying Xiang," Chu Zhao glanced at Song Taotao and smiled, "give the golden cake rolls to this young lady. I won't be able to finish them."
Song Taotao was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor: "F-for me?"
"Yes," he said gently. "If you like them very much, you can have the cook make them for you every day."
"But Young Master," Ying Xiang hesitated before speaking, "that cook was specially brought for you."
"I'm not particular about food," Chu Zhao replied. "No need to make these every day."
"Then..." Song Taotao hesitated for a moment, looking at him. "Thank you, Chu Fourth Young Master."
"You're welcome."
As He Yan watched, she thought of what Lin Shuanghe had said yesterday about Chu Zilan rising to first place in the Great Wei women's dream lover rankings. No wonder he had surpassed others later on. With looks like that and such gentle, considerate treatment of women, it seemed he was the type that would be liked by all ages, young and old.
Ying Xiang handed the plate of golden cake rolls to Song Taotao. Chu Zhao looked at Xiao Jue: "Commander Xiao, where are you heading?"
"The Martial Arts Field," Xiao Jue raised the corner of his mouth. "Would Chu Fourth Young Master care to join?"
"I'll pass," Chu Zhao smiled. "I'll just go back to my room and read for a while."
Lin Shuanghe cupped his hands toward Chu Zhao: "Then we'll see you tonight." He then looked at He Yan: "What about you, Brother He?"
"Me?" He Yan didn't dare stay with Chu Zhao too long either. This person was still Xu Jingfu's student now—who knew if he was friend or foe? So she said, "The weather is nice today. I plan to take advantage of the sun and walk around the courtyard more to recover."
"That works too," Lin Shuanghe advised. "Just don't make any big movements."
He Yan nodded.
The group then parted ways.
Because Chu Zhao also lived nearby, He Yan didn't dare go out casually, even though she really wanted to ask Chu Zhao about Shuojing. But judging by the atmosphere between Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao, now wasn't a good time for questions anyway.
She went to the courtyard, tried walking a bit without her stick, and stopped when she felt somewhat tired. Later, she returned to her room to sleep and read novels. In the blink of an eye, it was evening.
Cheng Li Su knocked on the door early: "Big Brother!"
He Yan went to open the door for him.
Cheng Li Su had changed into a brand new amber-colored robe, the hem still embroidered with a school of black-tailed koi. He was in high spirits and grabbed He Yan's hand: "I was afraid you might be sleeping, so I didn't come too early. How do you like my new robe?"
He Yan: "Can I ask you a question?"
"What?"
"Why do all your clothes have koi embroidered on them?"
Back in Liang Province City, every robe Cheng Li Su gave her had koi embroidered on the hem. He Yan had wanted to ask him for a long time—was there some special meaning?"You wouldn't know this," Cheng Li Su turned his back, "but to tell the story, my father fell in love with my mother at first sight back then. However, her family had already favored another match for her and disliked that my father was two years younger than my mother. So, my father bribed the cook in the estate to deliver a carp to the small kitchen where my mother's meals were prepared. When the cook slaughtered the carp, he found a letter inside. My mother was moved by the letter and later persuaded my grandmother to marry my father."
Cheng Li Su, who usually couldn't recall poetry or literature, now spoke fluently as if he had memorized it all: "A guest came from afar, leaving me a pair of carp; calling the child to cook the carp, within was a letter of plain silk. Kneeling long to read the plain silk letter, what did the letter truly say? Above it spoke of enduring longing, below it spoke of eating well." He said proudly, "My name comes from this."
He Yan was stunned: "It's actually that interesting?"
"Indeed," Cheng Li Su turned back around, showing He Yan the carp embroidery on his clothes. "After that, most of my clothes and hairpins were shaped like carp. After all, the carp was the matchmaker for my parents. Wearing it is like wearing their love for me!"
At this moment, He Yan genuinely envied Cheng Li Su. She said, "Your parents are truly wonderful."
"Of course," Cheng Li Su replied, then looked at He Yan. "Brother, for tonight's victory banquet, aren't you going to wear something else?"
He Yan looked down at herself. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing? Isn't everyone dressed like this?"
She was still wearing the standard uniform of the Liangzhou Guard recruits, but today she had deliberately chosen a festive red.
"But you're the great hero who defeated Rida Muzi. Wearing this is too ordinary."
"I don't have any other clothes anyway," He Yan said. "This is fine. Let's go, the drillmasters might be getting impatient."
Cheng Li Su shrugged and didn't press further, casually closing the door for her as they headed together toward the wilderness at the foot of White Moon Mountain.
Today was the victory banquet, celebrating the Liangzhou Guard recruits' success in annihilating Rida Muzi's rebel forces. Tonight, there was no snow, but it felt colder than usual. A roaring bonfire burned in the wilderness, and the recruits sat on the ground, drinking and eating meat.
Although they were drinking and eating, compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival a while back, the atmosphere felt much more subdued. After all, they had just lost comrades, and the lingering fear of war hadn't yet faded. Celebrating a victory... felt somewhat forced.
The rewards had already been distributed to the drillmasters. Xiao Jue was very generous, distributing all the spoils of war among the soldiers and keeping none of the imperial rewards for himself. When Cheng Li Su reached the wilderness, he went to find Xiao Jue, while He Yan headed straight to Hong Shan's side. She hadn't been to the Martial Arts Field these days and had seen them much less often.
Xiao Mai called out when he saw her, "Brother He, you're here!"
He Yan sat down beside him.
"How are you?" Hong Shan handed her a piece of roasted rabbit meat. "Feeling better? I see you're not using a cane anymore. Can you walk now?"
He Yan took the rabbit meat. The rabbit was roasted until it sizzled with oil. In winter, most animals hibernated, making rabbits hard to catch. Just the smell alone made her mouth water. She took a bite and chewed as she spoke, "Not bad. In another two months, I'll be able to fight alongside you all again.""Cut the crap," Wang Ba said disdainfully. "Isn't it always you hogging the spotlight? I heard the rewards from above gave you ten taels of silver alone." He was extremely jealous. "You've struck it rich!"
"Brother He nearly lost his life. What's ten taels of silver? He deserves even more," Jiang Jiao interjected. "But I thought Brother He would get a promotion this time. I didn't expect there to be none."
Mentioning this made He Yan furious. Logically speaking, she had performed meritorious service and helped the Liangzhou Guard. No matter what, she shouldn't still be a lowly soldier. Even if she wasn't promoted, she should have been transferred to the Nine Banners Battalion. Even if not there, then at least to the Vanguard Battalion. But up to now, although her rewards were greater than those of ordinary recruits, a promotion? Not a trace of one.
Was it really this difficult to get promoted under Xiao Jue's command?
"Stop talking, or Brother He will get upset again," Huang Xiong noticed her displeasure and said, "You've already earned everyone's respect in the Liangzhou Guard. Even if not now, you'll get promoted sooner or later. No need to rush."
He Yan forced herself to say, "I'm not in a hurry."
But at night, she tossed and turned in bed, wishing she could rush into the next room, grab Xiao Jue, and demand an explanation.
Although it was called a victory banquet, Xiao Jue wasn't present, and the rewards had already been distributed in advance. So tonight was just a gathering of the recruits. The Liangzhou Guard members sat near White Moon Mountain, while the Southern Garrison Troops stayed by Five Deer River, keeping to themselves without conflict.
Shitou poured He Yan a bowl of wine and said, "Drink up."
He Yan stared at the wine in the bowl. "I'm injured right now. I can't drink this much."
"That's right, I almost forgot," Hong Shan promptly took the wine bowl away. "Then don't drink wine. Just have water."
He Yan replied, "Alright."
After sitting for a while longer, she heard someone call from behind, "Brother He."
He Yan turned around and was momentarily stunned—it was Chu Zhao.
Beside Chu Zhao was his stunningly beautiful maid, Ying Xiang. Such beautiful women were rare in the Liangzhou Guard. For a moment, Hong Shan and the others were dumbstruck. Wang Ba muttered quietly, "This guy, how does he always have such good luck with women?"
He thought he was whispering, but everyone present heard him. Ying Xiang couldn't help but laugh, and Chu Zhao also smiled. "I promised Brother He earlier that I'd definitely come share a drink with you today."
Ying Xiang added, "Before coming, our young master specially brought Chang'an Spring wine. Please join us for a drink, Young Master He."
As soon as she finished speaking, Wang Ba audibly gulped.
He Yan: "..." She felt somewhat conflicted. If Xiao Jue found out she had gone drinking with Chu Zhao, would he think she was allied with him?
That would be a grave injustice.
As if sensing her hesitation, Chu Zhao smiled gently. "Just one cup. If it's inconvenient for Brother He, we can forget it."
He Yan had always been more swayed by kindness than coercion. Seeing such an elegant young master extend a gentle invitation, knowing his boundaries and when to step back, she felt a pang of guilt. She wasn't some important figure who needed to be invited like this. It was just one cup of wine—consider it repaying the favor of that ingot of silver.
He Yan said, "It's just one cup of wine. No inconvenience at all."
"Then please follow this servant, Young Master He," Ying Xiang said with a smile as she turned around.He Yan had initially thought that when Chu Zhao mentioned drinking, it would be in the open field where the new recruits were stationed. To her surprise, he led her to his own quarters. She wasn’t sure if Xiao Jue was settling personal scores under the guise of official duties, but Chu Zhao’s residence was far from luxurious—it was even less impressive than Cheng Li Su’s and only slightly better than the new recruits’ shared barracks. However, the courtyard was quite spacious, with a jug of wine and some dried fruits and pastries laid out on a stone bench.
“I wasn’t sure what Young Master He might prefer, so I prepared some simple dishes,” Ying Xiang said apologetically. “If they don’t suit your taste, please bear with me.”
“No need to be so polite, this is already more than enough,” He Yan replied, feeling both flattered and overwhelmed. In Liangzhou Guard, she was merely a new recruit, and this was the first time she had been treated with such regard. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why Chu Zhao was being so kind to her. As a new recruit, there was no need for such courtesy.
As she pondered this, Ying Xiang picked up the white jade wine jug on the table and poured wine into two jade cups. “I heard from Young Master Lin that you have injuries, so strong liquor might not be suitable,” she said with a smile. “This Chang’an Spring is mild and sweet, so a little shouldn’t cause any trouble.”
He Yan smiled. “You’ve thought of everything, Miss Ying Xiang.”
Ying Xiang smiled softly, set down the wine jug, and retreated behind Chu Zhao.
“When we met in Shuojing last time, it was too rushed, and we didn’t have a chance to get to know each other properly,” Chu Zhao began with a gentle smile. “Since we’ve met again in Liang Province, it seems fate has brought us together. Let’s toast to that.” He raised his cup and gestured toward He Yan in a toast.
Understanding his meaning, He Yan raised her cup as well, thinking to herself: Last time, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, I got drunk, fought with Xiao Jue, and even broke his qin. I must not repeat that mistake tonight. But this wine isn’t strong, and it won’t go to my head like last time. Besides, I’ll only drink a little—it should be fine.
She tilted her head back and emptied the cup in one gulp.
He Yan froze.
Chu Zhao also froze.
After a moment, Chu Zhao chuckled. “Brother He, you truly are bold.”
He Yan: “…”
Drinking in one go had become a habit. Even though she had intended to take small sips, her hand moved instinctively. By the time she realized what she had done, she was filled with regret and wanted to scold herself: Why can’t I control this hand?
But still… He Yan praised, “What fragrant wine!”
Ying Xiang couldn’t help but laugh. “Chang’an Spring isn’t something you can drink every day. This is the last jug left in the Chu residence this year.”
“So precious?” He Yan exclaimed in surprise, pushing her cup back. She didn’t dare drink any more.
“Though the wine is precious, it cannot compare to you, Brother He,” Chu Zhao said with a smile, reaching for the wine jug and refilling He Yan’s empty cup. “If Chang’an Spring runs out, we can buy Eighteen Immortals. But if we lose a like-minded friend, it won’t be so easy to find another.”
He Yan: “…”
She said, “Brother Chu, do you know you’re ranked first in the dreams of Great Wei’s women?”
Chu Zhao was taken aback.
“I think we should add men to that list as well,” she continued. “Being so gentle and generous to men—any man who spends time with you is in danger too.”
The courtyard fell silent.
After a moment, Chu Zhao burst into hearty laughter, shaking his head. “Brother He, you truly are amusing.”
“I’m just telling the truth,” He Yan replied earnestly."You flatter me, Brother He." He waved his hand. "I dare not claim the title of first."
Chang'an Spring smelled clear and crisp, not as rich and potent as Eighteen Immortals, yet its potency was not shallow. He Yan felt a bit light-headed. Seeing the gentle and refined smile on the man before her, she raised her wine cup and said to him, "Brother Chu deserves it. I toast to you!"
Another cup was drained in one go.
...
Meanwhile, Lin Shuanghe was searching everywhere for He Yan.
"Has anyone seen He Yan?" he asked.
The roasted meat on this side was all gone. Xiao Mai had just sneaked two pieces from the nearby fire pit. Hearing this, he turned around and said, "Are you looking for Brother He? Brother He was just taken away by the Chu Fourth Young Master from the capital."
"Chu Zhao?" Lin Shuanghe asked curiously. "Why did he take Brother He away?"
"To drink, I suppose," Xiao Mai scratched his head. "He said he wanted to treat Brother He to Chang'an Spring."
Upon receiving this news, Lin Shuanghe hurried back without delay. Returning to Xiao Jue's quarters, he found the door unlocked and pushed it open directly.
Xiao Jue was sitting at the table, cleaning his sword.
Drink Autumn was no ordinary sword; it required daily cleaning and polishing to maintain its crystal-clear blade. Lin Shuanghe said, "Do you know where He Yan went?"
Xiao Jue ignored him.
"She was taken by Chu Zhao to drink!"
Xiao Jue glanced up. "So?"
"Aren't you worried, brother?" Lin Shuanghe slapped his fan on the table. "That's Chu Zhao we're talking about!"
"Move aside," Xiao Jue said impatiently. "You're blocking the light."
Lin Shuanghe shifted to the side. "Stop polishing. On a public note, Chu Zhao is Xu Jingfu's man. If he intends to recruit He Yan to their side, what will you do? I've heard He Yan's skills are among the best in Liangzhou Guard. If such talent falls into Xu Jingfu's hands, it would be quite troublesome!"
Seeing that Xiao Jue's expression remained unchanged, he circled to the other side. "On a private note, how can you let your girl go drinking with another man!"
At these words, Xiao Jue paused. He looked up and gave Lin Shuanghe a faint glance. "Who told you she's mine?"
"Don't play dumb," Lin Shuanghe made it clear he didn't believe it. "If she isn't yours, why would you let her live next door, with only a door between you, and even let her pick the lock? I never knew you could play like this. Quite the interest, huh?"
Xiao Jue: "...If you have nothing to do, get out and stop bothering me."
"Xiao Huaijin, with this temper of yours, you're no match for Chu Zilan."
As he spoke, a rustling sound came from the middle door inside the room, as if a mouse were scurrying through the storage area. Both of them looked up and saw a silver wire poking through the keyhole of the door. The wire twisted and turned, accurately pushing the lock core inward.
With a click, the lock fell to the ground, and the door opened.
Lin Shuanghe clapped his hands. "Impressive skill!" He glanced at Xiao Jue again. "And you still say she isn't yours!"
Xiao Jue fell silent for a moment, then stood up.
He Yan walked in from the doorway.
She walked slowly, her steps steady. Seeing Lin Shuanghe, she even greeted him first with a cupped-hand salute. "Brother Lin."
Lin Shuanghe: "...Why aren't you calling me Doctor Lin anymore?"
But He Yan seemed not to notice him and walked straight to Xiao Jue.
Xiao Jue lowered his gaze, fixing it on He Yan.
The young man was dressed in the standard crimson uniform of the Liangzhou Guard recruits, neat and proper, with not a single strand of hair out of place. He bowed respectfully to Xiao Jue.
At this, both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue were stunned.The window was left open, and the wind from outside blew in, gently rustling the scrolls on the table, bringing with it a cool breeze and a faint, elusive scent of wine. It was subtle yet distinct, carrying a sweet and refreshing aroma, reminiscent of a vibrant spring day in Chang’an, full of shimmering beauty.
Yet more captivating than spring was the look in her eyes.
Xiao Jue’s heart skipped a beat, struck by a sense of déjà vu. He vaguely recalled that on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, someone had looked at him with that same gaze.
"Have you been drinking?" he asked, instinctively pushing the Night Fragrance Zither further away as he spoke.
When this person was drunk, looking at her face alone, it was impossible to tell whether she was truly sober. But her actions would only leave people utterly bewildered.
Lin Shuanghe picked up his tea with a smile, intending to take a sip and enjoy the show.
He Yan raised her head and gave Xiao Jue a wide grin.
"I can recite 'The Great Learning' now, Dad."
Lin Shuanghe spat out his tea in one go.
Congratulations to the Commander on becoming a father.
Yan Yan: Well-behaved.jpg
(End of Chapter)
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