Chapter 31: The Xiao Family's Young Master
Spring was nearing its end, and even the rain carried the warmth of summer.
The final day of conscription had concluded. The large tent in the equestrian field where enlistment documents were filled out had been packed away, replaced by countless smaller tents. New recruits who had bid farewell to their families had already gathered, waiting only for the night to pass before setting off for Liang Province at dawn the next day.
The tents were cramped, barely accommodating a few people squeezed inside. He Yan sat beside Hong Shan in one of the slightly larger tents they had claimed. Since neither had much baggage, the space felt relatively comfortable. From last night until now, He Yan had already spent an entire day here.
They were given two steamed buns per meal here. Once settled in Liang Province, the rations would increase. Everything else was manageable, except for the inconvenience of using the latrine. He Yan had no choice but to wait until late at night when no one was around to sneak off for a quick visit.
She had just returned from the latrine and was about to enter her tent when she lifted the flap and found two additional people inside. Hong Shan was chatting with them, and at the sound of her arrival, the two turned to look.
They appeared to be brothers, sharing similar features—dark, lean, and ruggedly handsome. Neither looked very old; the elder seemed about sixteen or seventeen, while the younger one was around He Yun Sheng's age. The older brother was quiet and reserved, while the younger one grinned at He Yan with an easy familiarity and asked, "This brother here is…?"
"This is your Brother He," Hong Shan introduced on He Yan's behalf, then turned to her. "These two brothers just arrived today. There were no tents left outside, so they’ll be squeezing in with us." He pointed to the silent youth. "This is Shitou." Then to the cheerful, guileless one. "And this is Xiao Mai."
Shitou and Xiao Mai—likely brothers from a poor family. Those better off would have given their children proper names.
He Yan found a spot to sit, though with two more people, the tent suddenly felt much tighter.
"Are you from the capital?" He Yan asked, feeling thirsty as she unscrewed her water flask and took a sip.
Shitou remained quiet, but Xiao Mai was lively. "We live on Xianghuai Mountain," he said. "We make a living by hunting. Last time we came down, we saw the conscription notice. After discussing it, my brother and I decided to enlist."
So they were hunters from the mountains.
"Did your parents allow you to enlist?" Hong Shan asked. Even among impoverished families, it was rare for both sons to enlist—usually, one stayed behind as a safeguard.
"Our parents passed away long ago. My brother and I grew up together."
Hong Shan sighed. "Then you ought to value your lives even more. Why come enlist? Soldiering isn’t child’s play. Don’t tell me…" He tilted his head toward He Yan. "You’re like him, dreaming of making a name for yourselves?"
"A real man should strive for glory," Xiao Mai declared with innocent enthusiasm. "Besides, the one leading the troops to Liang Province is the Right Army Commander, Commander Xiao. My brother and I have long admired him. Serving under him is an honor!"
He Yan had been drinking water while listening, but at this, she choked and spat it out, nearly coughing in shock.
Everyone in the tent turned to look at her."Who did you say is going to Liang Province as the commander?" she asked.
Xiao Mai, thinking she didn't recognize "Commander Xiao," explained, "It's the current General Feng Yun, the second son of the Xiao family, Xiao Huaijin."
He Yan's heart trembled.
How could Xiao Jue possibly go to Liang Province as a commander? His rank made it completely unnecessary, and besides, he already had his own troops—why would he lead new recruits to Liang Province? Unless he had been demoted.
Had Xiao Jue been demoted?
...
The Xiao Residence in the capital.
The Xiao family mansion had been renovated according to the preferences of Old General Xiao's wife during his lifetime. Subsequent generations of the Xiao family had never altered the layout of the courtyard, so despite being a Military Family, the residence was as refined and elegant as a Suzhou garden.
Passing through the floral wall led to the main house, beside which stood a pomegranate tree, not yet bearing fruit. Through the window, one could see shelves of yellow pinewood filled with books. Someone sat at the desk, reading.
The young man was fair-skinned and handsome, though his expression was indifferent, tinged with a hint of weariness. Dressed casually in his own home, his cloud-patterned brocade robe and jade belt only accentuated his striking elegance. A sword hung on the wall, its blade gleaming like frost—cold and translucent, its edge unseen but undeniably sharp.
The door opened, and someone entered.
The newcomers were a man and a woman. The man bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Jue, though he lacked Xiao Jue's icy demeanor, exuding instead a gentle and refined aura—a figure of grace and charm. This was Xiao Jue's elder brother, Xiao Jing, born of the same mother. Beside him stood his wife, Bai Rongwei, not a peerless beauty but still radiant and dignified, with delicate features.
The couple stood together like a pair of flawless jade, a pleasing sight to behold.
"Huaijin," Bai Rongwei spoke first, placing the bundle in Xiao Jing's hands onto the table. "These are the clothes and shoes prepared for your journey to Liang Province. Try them on later."
Since the passing of General Xiao and his wife, only Xiao Jing and Xiao Jue remained in the Xiao family. As the elder sister-in-law, Bai Rongwei had taken on the role of mother, sewing clothes for Xiao Jue just as the general's wife once had.
"Thank you, sister-in-law," Xiao Jue nodded.
Bai Rongwei smiled. "You two brothers talk. I'll go check on the soup." With that, she withdrew.
After Bai Rongwei left, Xiao Jing studied Xiao Jue for a long moment before sighing. "Huaijin, there's really no need for you to go to Liang Province."
"Xu Jiefu has been targeting me frequently at court, stirring trouble for the Xiao family," Xiao Jue replied calmly. "The emperor listens to Xu Jingfu's words. Staying in the capital would only invite more trouble. It's better to retreat to Liang Province for now. Besides, Father's death was shrouded in suspicion. This time, there might be new clues."
At the mention of General Xiao's death, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.
After a long silence, Xiao Jing reached out and patted Xiao Jue's shoulder. "You always think further ahead than I do, yet there's little I can do for you."
"The situation you face at court is far more complicated, brother. In my absence, the Xiao family will rely on you," Xiao Jue said with a faint smile. "Take care of yourself."
"You too," Xiao Jing replied, his voice thick with emotion. Perhaps to lighten the somber mood, he teased, "It's not that I don't want you to go to Liang Province. It's just that you're of marriageable age now. Have you taken a liking to any of the young ladies your sister-in-law has introduced to you?"Upon hearing this, Xiao Jue's smile faded, his expression growing increasingly indifferent—so much so that it bordered on apathy.
"No need. I have no intention of taking a wife."
Uncle's face-slapping warning incoming!
Good luck to all the high school seniors taking their exams today!
(End of Chapter)
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