@tiehua — ; The Royal Supporters of the Crown Prince, Mǎ Zhànhào

As it had already been quite inappropriate for them to have had a first covert meeting, Róngyīng did not dare to try for a second. The lady still felt poorly about not having gifted something of more significant meaning to her. When it was learned that the young master had a sweet tooth, an entire morning was spent bringing life to a handful of sweet pastries to be delivered in secret. She hoped it would speak of her genuine intentions.

Tucked away at the bottom of the tray, she left a brief note with no address or signature:

能见你一面，可安心向前走。 下次再见，便不怕天涯陌客。

送给 · · · Wú Zhéyuǎn

      @tiehua   — ; sent a messenger . . . 吳哲元.

Zhéyuǎn spoke no word; he only looked at the sweets in silence, and once he read the note, it was given to the tender care of the flames of the incense burner. Not all messages came with the intention of receiving an answer.

Preparations had been made for his future Fūrén to be saved and brought far away from Lǐnghé to leave a peaceful life at any location of her choosing outside of it. Píyĭngxì's reach was far enough. Should his identity ever be revealed, his entire family would be executed. His mother would rely on the mercy of the empress, on their long friendship, and the distant blood connection. But this wife, he could help, to spread her wings far from here. After all, he knew she was well-advised in how to fly; it was just the shackles of family holding her back.

Zhéyuǎn looked at them for a while. He ate one with great care and let the others be shared among his closest servants, who, too, would give their lives to protect the future Fūrén of this household. It was this kind of future and loyalty he intended to give to this young lady without hesitation in his heart.

“I disagree with the concept of unwavering filial piety our social rankings hold. If a parent hurts the child given to them with the intention to honor their image and pass it on, how could they hold the right to punish the child for their own selfish ways? Thoughts must not always be spoken, but you also never have to feel as if there is a path you have to follow alone for tradition. Think of that when the days seem a bit too difficult. However, allow yourself to move on from it. You must truly want it for your heart to dare to take this difficult road. You will often find yourself in the darkness. Remind yourself it's never a fate, but it will pass. It is something you can learn, like after you kill for the first time; it consumes you, but eventually, you step ahead and keep living. Your father was an honorable man. Thus, if the thought comes, even if there is little memory of him, let even just the briefness of him linger where she does now.”

The Grand General was practical; his examples often followed such. He did not see the need to speak poetically about haunting matters, unlike the scholars at court who liked to use it to paint flowers instead of pictures of blood. If anything, if she looked at it, it was his way of telling her she did not have to keep feeling she had to remember her mother kindly because she was her child. She did not have to remember her at all.

“My grandfather is a bit of an odd man, but I think you will get along well with him once you meet. He might fill this role more for me, although we are not emotional men.” He had no real father figure in his life. His grandfather was always that, and one of his crucial mentors, but he had more than one.

“I never hold affections for camps; most of the time, we have to burn them once we leave. The fishermen who lived here were all paid with a lifetime income to live hopefully wisely and comfortably elsewhere.” He had paid it out of his own pocket, a small price for peace. There was a brief chuckle: “Already talking about a comfortable and favorite something. That is quite something. Looks like you already got comfortable.”

With that, Zhiwěi only advised Jǐngyán to inquire with the men of the camp for names of her steed. He was not too good at it.

. . .

As the night passed into the hours of the Ox, silence had slowly settled over the small fishing settlement, and the woods around it lay in silence with only the sound of the river's force working itself through the mountains. Other than the young general and his student, there were only two more right amidst the buildings to keep watch. Zhiwěi had chosen a small corner nearby that was just enough touched by bits of light, but the moon was bright tonight, not hidden by clouds.

“Let’s begin with some basic training. Only block and use your body, and show me the routine your first shīfù taught you. Before one picks up the blade, one learns the flow of the body." He had hopes that her former master had followed a similar structure. A good military leader knew how to utilize his men's abilities, and rather than starting from zero and forcing them to relearn everything entirely, it was wiser to use already present knowledge.

"I will only dodge, and we will repeat this for the next week. I want to learn all about your muscle memory, and we will refresh it until it feels natural and you do it without thinking. For now, you might try to think too hard, but once you are back into the routine, you find it simpler. Once we have you there, we shall engage in discussions. I teach you military strategy. The goal will be that you can do two things at once, then, without you noticing, I will begin to alter it. From dodging to begin leading your movements to change.”

There was a part of her that wanted to stop him in the middle of his speech, tell him that she didn't shoulder the heaviness of her dear mother's memory quite as much as before. Save for the nightmares, she did not often give much room for the woman to occupy. Instead, she agreed to take his advice and clung to the comfort she received from him. His words were not sharp, pointed, blaming of her in any manner. In that instance, she almost thought he appeared with a degree of sensitivity and care for her. Jǐngyán did not allow the thought to linger too long, given how little they knew of each other still.

His grandfather? Her brows wrinkled together, as she wondered what would ever warrant an occasion to meet his close kin. Hours ago, there was even a mention that she was free to leave once they were done with the rebels' business. Again, she maintained any of her remarks at bay.

By now, Jǐnyán had been wandering for quite awhile since leaving her village. She, too, only occupied spaces in temporary measures. Yet, she still managed to find places she enjoyed more than others, even if she was only passing through. After casting a few glances here and there, she wondered if all of his shoulders shared the very same attitudes as the general. Did they, too, not find small pockets there that they could call their favorite?

· · ·

As he gave the overview, a funny thought occurred to her: all teachers really enjoyed talking! It was nearly the same with her shīfù; she always thought he droned on more than needed. Now, she had reasoned that it was a pattern of the profession itself—of being a master. She did not feel she would ever feel up to the task, if it involved so much lecturing.

Her hands were ready, already responding in a way that defied so many of the lessons he had scolded her with. To make matters worse, he was not even putting all that much effort into countering her every move! After a few strikes and counters, she could see what he had been meaning to relay to her.. Every motion she made was reactionary, while he moved calmly and instinctively.

So, she stopped and took a breath. Closed her eyes for a moment, and followed her breaths for a few beats. When she reopened them, she found her focus shifted. Rather than seeing parts of him to target, she reframed her thoughts to find opportunity. Instead of planning use of both hands at once, she took a second longer to balance her moves. When he blocked her with one arm, then the other, she continued to use the rest of her limbs to get even closer in her offense. She was not as quick to guess the next move of her opponent the way he seemed to so easily anticipate, so she adjusted—worked on her strength rather than her weakness. Her speed.

Slowly but surely, with each new opening, she was growing a little. But it still frustrated her that she was not making more significant headway. Her chest was rising and falling at a pace that showed she was panting for air. Despite the clear struggle of her physical body, her mind told her she could not rest until–

Hit. She broke through.

Her hand was at his neck and in all of the sheer excitement of her success, her arms immediately fell limp. Jǐngyán was always relentless this way, refusing to stop until she had something tangible to show of her growth. She gasped for air, as both of her hands fell to her knees and looked back up at him. “You're a tough teacher,” she gasped through her hyperventilation.

“Are you asking about the tea house or the network?” There was no doubt Yǔlán knew about this unofficial matter. After all, people like her occasionally came to sell news as a means of extra income. Naturally, such were not worth many coins, but it could be two meals for their family. The one person truly not getting rich was Shǒuqiān. To establish such a network, while it was going well, he had to invest most of it again. It would likely take another two years until the profit was good enough to live from it, but long-term, it felt like too much of a headache. Sure, he already could easily spill rumors of this family now, but he wanted it to hit deeper, to be more than a scandal. With a princess consort among those children, he had to ensure it was a flawless ruinage of the family line. “You are too rough to work at a tea house; you lack the calm demeanor to stay casual no matter how many may insult you.” He moved over to a small table, pouring a cup of tea as he sat down casually. “If you want to join the network, you will have to work your way up, but we have more than one way of doing so. What's your literacy level?” There was no mock in the question, just a simple ask while he was thinking about the roles he needed right now.

There was a tut somewhere in the laugh Yùlán retorted with because it seemed so far beyond grasp that she could have a normal upstanding job at this point. “Don't you need to take a day off once in awhile, Boss?” Her eyes squinted in a way as she pulled a charming expression and leaned in. She knew how to be a pest to him; that much was certain. At his question, her shoulders sunk in utter disappointment. “The literacy of a street urchin like me? Too kind of you to ask and not assume. I know a few words.” A shrug. Sure, it didn't make her seem like great deal of help when passing notes but maybe her talent would warrant better use as a messenger. “It would almost certainly preserve the privacy of your messages to be delivered.” Then, she shook her head and changed her mind. Just like that. These were meant to be passing thoughts, not real actionable things! She was not quite ready to lay down her ways just yet. “Suànle! Not sure I'd do well, working beneath you.” It was spoken nearly right at his ear, as she curled her body around his. She grabbed one of the pieces of cutlery, toying with the pointed end menacingly.

“Unless.. you would prefer just that?” She flipped the blade, pointing the handle right into his chest as she stared back, only swatting herself away when she let out a chuckle.

“Such familiarity and lightness come over time. I guess we all come from the opposite of your parents, who, in their youth, spoke like that to each other, but now, even between them, all that is left are titles. It must be strange to drift apart like that, yet I have hopes our path will be the other one, as we do not bear the burden of ruling.” A selfish act. Zhànfēng never needed to know how often she visited temples, not only to escape the inner palace for some time but also to pray to the heavens to ensure the crown prince lives a long life. It had been a deep-rooted fear that while she knew the emperor was more likely to choose the sixth due to favor, the empress would surely have made attempts to see her second follow in should something happen to the firstborn.

“Well, your brother often would send me gifts, asking not to take it personally and saying you were simply shy, which you were, all but that, even as a child. Although now, looking at my husband, I am not so sure anymore if maybe he was right after all,” there was a hint of mischief in her voice as she glanced up at him while saying so, recalling some bits of last night. At least Qīngyī was confident she remembered far more than the second prince.

It seemed he brought up many heavy topics, some of which she was not certain he desired to speak about, but Qīngyī could see his intentions. Thus, she did not wish to have a possibly important moment slip through her fingers.

“Ruìjiāng Guó’s people do not believe their ruler has the verdict of heaven but the voice of the people, considering they were the ones to choose my family to rule. In exchange, the royal family never hid away, and princesses and princes were meant to step outside to be seen. Horseback riding, walking the streets, and doing charity. I always thought it was strange that your family believes that ruling means to hide away. However, it was more so that I always lacked a sincere companion. Your sisters never liked me; they saw me as an outsider. The reason why your mother allowed them to choose Tóng’ér among the candidates to serve me is that the physicians said my sickliness may be stirred from loneliness. I had five siblings, and suddenly, there was no one. Growing up, those who came closer only did so knowing I was to wed you one day, a possible candidate for the throne.”

She plucked one of the delicate flowers carefully planted, moving it in her hands. “I miss the idea of that home that would not ask for me to only bloom lonely, never to be seen, unlike a river flower everyone passes by and admires, maybe even though not deemed a great beauty. My king father didn’t come the day they took me away; there was only my second brother, who was scolded by my mother that he must not weep. Then my mother gently took my shoulders and said it is a princess’s fate to go far away one day. Cry only once, in the carriage, and then never again.” So she did; the virtue the queen believed to see in her was a counterreaction to forbidding herself from crying.

“If I return for a visit, I’d be but a stranger to them too,” she leaned up and placed the flower behind his ear. “I would rather go places with you that we would enjoy seeing without the burden of politics. Besides, I can already breathe much freer now I am here, your Emperor mother’s spies no longer lurk around me, aware of my flaws.”

She leaned in and placed a rather improper kiss on his cheek before taking his hand with a gentle squeeze.

Told like a tale, the life of Princess Ānníng did sound completely tragic; Zhànfēng and his siblings had been too unfair and unkind with her. She entered their palace doors and immediately became alienated by all of them, treated like the piece on a chessboard she was always intended to be from the moment she was offered. His eyes followed her hands, as they carefully removed the flower. Was she not just like it? Taken against its will from the only home it knew—a full vine brimming with life and connected in an intricate web. Now, it would wither slowly in her hands, destined to die away from its family.

He felt sorry for her, though he knew she would not receive such pity. While he viewed her as fragile leading up until then, he would never mistake her as being someone who sought sympathy. Empathy, though, perhaps. It was evident to him now.

“I often ran from home in my youth. As you know. I preferred to be anywhere but near the crown and all of its responsibilities. It's different being a brother to the Crown Prince—the only full-blooded brother. We lay the strongest claims to ruling of this land. Yet, I desire for none of it. I felt– I feel…there is more to life than being confined by my title and status. I met many young princes, princesses, other ruling bodies.. Only to recognize that much of our destinies are the same. We are born with instructions.” He had even returned to many nations for multiple visits. “But from them, I also learned.. Your family will never forget you. You are the princess they sacrificed. Without you, where would we be? I have heard your brother frequently sends requests for news about you. I wonder if Dìdì, Shí Èr Huángzǐ, has told you this.”

It was possible Qīngyī was the only person in the world who would ever understand him in that regard, of what it meant to fulfill your duty as a royal and lead if it was asked of them. About his mother's many eyes and ears, Zhànfēng released a laugh. “Mǔhòu is inevitable,” he gently reminded, “Even when you think you don't see her people, somehow, details find their way back to her. Even in Zhào Wángfǔ, I am not immune to her methods. Though, I imagine she feels a lot more secure with you being around, now that we are married–”

Her sudden gesture caused a stir in him and as she pulled away, he took her hand and rushed them over to the pavilion in the middle of his property's carefully landscaped waterways. He pushed down on her shoulders and seated her, as he did the same himself. Zhànfēng suckled a deep breath of air in and gazed sincerely at her. “Qīngyī, I do not need you to do these things...these gestures of affection toward me. Let that come naturally, rather than be something you feel we ought to do in these shared moments. I would rather try to build something organic with you from nothing, as if we only just met.”

Because it felt like they had. At the very least, he wanted to be certain that when he returned the form of touch, it was genuine. Something he wanted to do out of nothing but sheer desire. As of yet, he did not feel inclined to perform anything more than placing her hands in his. “You can stop sacrificing for others here, Princess. No one here needs you to give them anything.”

“Fù Xiǎojiě hǎo. I was hoping to catch you briefly! I came to offer my thanks in person for all of your many fine gifts.. You see..” Where would he begin? What with such a humble means of living and no matching extravagance in his life, Mùchéng struggled to know what the appropriate object would demonstrate his appreciation for the showering of gifts. He settled on a painting by his own brush. “I have only the offer of a floral painting I made, inspired by the chests of clothing that had been sent to me..” He bowed, as he offered it toward the other. “On many recent occasions, I have also overheard that others believe I hold improper intentions toward you. I came to ensure you knew that I would never think of something so unsuitable. I respect you, Fù Xiǎojiě, and would never hope to tarnish your name in this way.”

送给 · · · Fù Yìchén

      @tiehua  — ; 傅奕辰 . . . & Sòng Mùchéng.

It was rare to meet Fù Yìchén in an underwhelming appearance. She only returned from a visit to her mother, who was currently at the capital with the caravans. Thus, she wore a simple, plain blue garment with her hair up into a ponytail. While she would have let anyone else wait, Dèng Fēi was told to prepare tea, and no time was wasted. Among the merchant folk, courtship was much simpler than in the upper classes. If one was interested in the child of another family, it was not rare to send gifts. After all, they all were merchants; they had plenty of wealth but no great heritage to flex, thus gifts spoke for the matter instead.

As for birth charts... among the caravan, many were born in the deserts and plains; one could not say the exact hour of a child's coming into the world, giving it much less meaning.

Confusion was written all over the woman's face as it seemed the desired outcome of him accepting her courtship was instead met with rejection. “How could Sòng Dàrén tarnish this one’s name?” she finally spoke, for once dropping her usual skillful talent with words, but her soft features took much of the directness of her speech.

“Sòng Dàrén is worried about this one’s standing within her family? Then he mustn’t! I have turned thirty now; I am ready to settle down to be a respected wife. If age is a concern, I am at my best health; I flower frequently, and there has never been an issue within my family of bearing children.” In her mind, the continuation of the line or the worry of having to give up one’s official role might be a concern for a young man to reject such a marriage. She was not a fine young lady and did not fear to bring up such hidden details of a woman.

“This one would happily use her money to support her husband’s ambitions or his other goals, regardless of what it is!” Finally, her maiden cleared her throat, making Yìchén pause to regain her elegance. “Unless Sòng Dàrén already has another lady in his heart. In that case, I will have to apologize if my courtship of Sòng Dàrén has caused any disturbance.” She bowed and, instead of letting her assistant handle the matter, personally received the present.

“This one will always honor such a present. It holds more value than the great jewelry of the sultan.” Her smile was sweet but sincere. Such pity then, how could she not expect such a fine young man not to already have a proper lady of good standing in his heart?

He skipped her first question on purpose. “My adoptive father was a butcher, naturally, I also learnt his craftsmanship.” Not that it needed much skill to work with already-cut meat, though this one indicated poor craftsmanship. “Yet, I still went out into the jiānghú, thinking a life there is more pleasing, just to come here instead to open a tea house. Not very close to what I did before, I chose it because I felt naturally suited for it. I like to be my own master; everyone needs a place like this to rest. It is straightforward business.” He threw the final pieces of meat into different bowls and had one of his servants carry them to the kitchens to begin preparing soup while he cleaned his hands to look at her. “Instead of only looking at what you have done before, what is something you'd be interested in? Start from there. Niè Fūrén will very happily lend you money to start if you have a solid idea.” One day, when he ruined the Qí family, he would simply live happily as the master of this tea house and sell the network. Why not? Sure, he didn't get rich from it, but the work was decent. “It doesn't have to be complicated.”

There was an empty corner of a table that she decided to sit on top of, as she watched his hands work carefully to handle the butchering. “Is that what she did for you? Lend you a head start on the teahouse?” The establishment owner had a brilliant idea then, as his place had definitely grown into quite the den for many Yùlán would say were of similar backgrounds. But did she have the same level of entrepreneurship in her? It was easy to pickpocket valuable trinkets and accessories—things people did not often miss in an instant.. Truthfully, the pilferer did not know what a hard-earned living called for. So, she sighed in response. “Something I'm interested in..” All she knew up until then was to be interested in things that shone and twinkled in the sunlight. And to help others.. But what profits were there in charity? It seemed like her more beneficent deeds were things she could not count on for earning. Then, she nearly leapt off and began circling him around his work area. “What if I help you around here?” She was almost certain he would object to the idea. “Or is it that you really don't like having me around?” Lips pursed again.

Wǎn’ér could no longer restrain her curiosity when the carriage finally moved away from the Luò estate, and her lady relaxed back, her cloak covering her up as the evening air was quite chilling. Yet, her relaxed features spoke of a successful encounter, and her handmaiden was more than happy to indulge in the conversation she had missed.

“Who would have thought the General could have such an innocent nature, to fear it is his skill you doubt,” the woman chuckled while her mistress played with the jade pendant on her belt. “I assured him I would not have such doubts at all, only that among us women who marry again, it is not uncommon that the second match is often practical on both sides, and not all husbands feel the need to follow this custom on that very night. Thus, I gladly agreed to all other matters he suggested.”

Wǎn’ér’s face softened a little. “As you said, his words to deem you and the young Miss’s family if the match happens seem quite genuine. Then, I shall not be too nosy going forward, but I hope you will leave everything to me regarding the preparations to rent a place for you to remain in once all matters at home are settled. It will truly be much nicer for you to get accustomed to the weather and fauna, as well as for the young Miss.” It seemed this young noble was indeed a good match. She would make sure to give the divinator she asked for guidance months ago some extra of her infamous meat buns.

. . .

Míngzé did not waste time writing to her cousin and the magistrate who was currently caring for Bǎo’ér. For now, she merely wrote that there was the possibility of a match, but the family requested to see the young girl first. She had always been on good terms with the family, and knowing that their daughter had improved quite a bit, there would be no ill feelings toward the Hé family.

She spent some days choosing the outfit she often wore at home for collecting herbs, warm and comfortable to move in, but with a nicer cloak that felt more representative of her family’s status, which could often be found on paper now. She diligently prepared more herbs and completed the first of two volumes of notes of her herbalistic treatments to be sent to General Luò’s physicians for review, in case she needed any adjustments to be usable for them.

On the third day, she kept her word and visited his mother once more upon her invitation. There was no shortage of chuckles behind painted paper fans and the gazes of ladies who mocked the woman who was not wearing the most recent fashion, be it in her garments or her hair, with glances. But Míngzé long since learned to be unbothered. First, men also laughed at her for handling her father's business instead of her brother, before slowly getting adjusted to it. Maybe it was why the Madam invited her to a private room, maybe they both simply did not care and desired some privacy. She sent her handmaiden off for some errands while settling down to wait for the arrival of her host.

When Madam Zhào appeared, the woman offered her a warm smile with a respectable bow. "I was honored to receive your invitation. I hope it was not too much of an adjustment to your daily duties to see me here."

“Not at all! What daily duties do I have to interfere with?” Her voice was chirpy and enthusiastic, as she was beyond eager to meet the young Hé woman and even more pressed to leave a good impression. The intention was a bit novelty, considering that most mothers likely did not seek all that much rapport with their potential in-laws. Usually, it was the other way around. Yet, Luò Yǔshén had but the one son to hold all of her pride and joy in life. The one son who seemed to detest or ignore most of the ladies who tried to pair together with him.. It had been an arduous task to find a woman he could at the very least tolerate!

The madam gave a silent nod and someone arrived immediately at the tableside, gracefully pouring tea for the two while another appeared with a variety of sweet and savory consumables.

“I hear that Hé Niángzǐ comes from a family with many military merits. My ancestry is also of such affluence, as I am sure you have already spoken of with Céngjùn. That boy prioritizes his time away and in battle. He is a great support to his cousins, who carry most of our family's fame.” A smile gave way, as she took her first sip of tea and carefully watched the woman. “I heard from our servants that you shared a medicinal recipe with our troops, too. On behalf of my son and our many soldiers, I thank you.”

Hé Míngzé had no shortage of good reputation with the Madam Zhào already at this first meeting. Thus, another nod was made and this time, a small box was delivered.

“Our family does not indulge in too many luxuries but I had this pair of gold bangles made in hopes to deliver it one day to my son's future wife. It appears you and my son were quite agreeable to pursuing a marriage and so, I would like to gift you these as a welcome to our family.” The woman was certainly a contrast to her son, who seemed to refrain from acknowledging his future betrothed as one of them until all ceremonies were well and done.

“There is also another, slightly smaller, that I had specially made when I heard you have a daughter. Her name is Bǎo'er, isn't it? Oh, I have yearned to have grandchildren for quite some time! What good news I don't have to wait long to have one.” A soft chuckle escaped. Her eagerness was quite lively indeed. “Please tell me about her. I would love to know the things she likes.” More efforts would be made to win over the little one who she understood could not yet join them.

“Those who have no desire to rule under the heavens are those who should rule; those who rule under it more often than not should not be the ones. People cannot bend those chosen by heaven, but does the one chosen not bend to the hours in the shape of the animals without truly thinking about it? Hours that add stability to a day, yet who comes to consider being thankful to the hours for structure? Nobody should have to do it, yet the hours still exist to serve the people regardless if they hold the mandate of heaven or not.”

The umbrella eventually rested on his shoulder as he looked up to the clear moon in a gentle rain. Yet, everyone knows pain and loss, regardless of whether they were born in the womb of a princess or a farmer. Some slay beasts, and others tame them. I bow to the sects of the plains and the grasslands, of the jianghu that do not bend to the palace, yet they understand the need for guidance and code, their honor unmatched. While they no doubt are of great importance, the sects will only ever improve themselves, not the world they leave behind. Not for most.”

Often, the leader left the approach to the new zodiac to the previous master, with the exception of the assassins, who often died. In this case, the current holder of her title wished to retire for reasons of family, one that left the mind unsteady, leaving the task to Zhēyuán himself.

“A monkey cannot change the goings of the world, but it surely can cause a scene enough to be remembered, although people will only remember a monkey, not that specific one. Just because there is no honor does not mean there is no importance, however.”

There was a low hum: “I believe this person may not be done yet to shape a mark of importance, although this person decided to change one path. Nobody except those this person chooses will know this path is walked.” In the end, the decision was hers to make, and he was not about to force it. One of the core importances of those on the very leading front was that they could make true judgment with their heart lacking doubt, thus the cruelty for them to have chosen it themselves.

With perfect posture and tall stature, the one standing before her truly did resemble that of a man in lead. Xī'ān paced the empty gap between them for a moment, pondering her options. Was she interested in influencing the world around her in any fashion? Hadn't she spent these past years removing herself from the sect to explore a secular living? Would this be an opposition to all that she had stood for? Many more questions than these flooded her mind, as she thought about it for awhile.

“Is an answer from the loyal animal demanded on this night, or has the organization any interest in a trial? Less for the group than for the one being recruited.” The matter was not pressed in a way that meant to hurry the other. Her only goal was to gain more clarity. “It is assumed one would want the vacancy to be filled by someone who is thoughtful about it.. Planning takes great care, and one should think great decisions require the same amount of it.”

Perhaps it was unideal that she was pushing for negotiation but then, if they were a worthwhile cause, then surely, they would have patience for someone they deemed fitting for the tasks at hand.

“A single tyrant on the right seat can change the world,” she mused, “Haven't we seen much of how one person can turn the tide? A good leader will orchestrate its players in a way that change is achieved. There is no doubt from here that the monkey indeed has more capabilities than it lets on.”

Xī'ān finally stopped her pacing and darted a look across. He was good at speaking in riddles and she could do her best to keep up but the truth was, she had little preference for it. Still, if it was required of her to maintain appearances, she refused to be a letdown. “The lone wolf needs a moment to consider the life of moving with a pack.” If an answer was needed immediately, she would give it but she preferred to make her decision known after at least one more thing.. “It could even be of help to know this familiar person that was chosen to meet them at the bottom of the hill..”

Before awaiting another poetic line from the man who called himself a monkey in disguise, Xī'ān's feet were already making way toward the person she was told awaited her. When he finally came into sight, there was indeed a sense of familiarity that struck her just from seeing his frame. When the dismal light caught a glimpse of his face, Xī'ān's eyes widened.

Fù Ruìqīng..? When did they last encounter one another? Certainly not since she left Hēi Yá Zōngpài. Would he easily recognize her through her low effort in disguise? She at least pretended he wouldn't.

“Were you also instructed to speak to me like a poet?” Her voice broke through the silence of the night, as she wove through trees to meet the other.

“I would not dare to forget formalities while facing the Luo family, who do a far greater service to our proud nation even compared to many of the officials at His Majesty's court. Meanwhile, there is only so much this woman can do for her people.” Yùwén always remained composed whenever she was outside her home, to meet the world she challenged with her gender without ever claiming authority. Hence, many of a lower birth dared to approach her for aid quite easily.

“Ah, I was only told that they left upon making arrangements to request a meeting for the morning, as it was on my way.” Her expression permitted some surprise that went along well with sincere words. Truth be told, Master Zhuō only briefly mentioned the immortal had taken a fancy to a wife and was soon to be released from duty, with the intention to pledge for it under the face of another man. Fascinatingly enough, she was indeed familiar with the Southern general to make this story believable.

The confusion on her features was something any woman learned to fake, because you often depended on making people believe you were dumb to have control over the situation. Yet, she had no doubt that the grand general of the Luò family was a woman who could use her authority without such tools.

“The decline of the Northern Hé family has always been greatly pitied by my grandfather. He spoke of it, and as much as I heard, they did not participate in the military for two generations. While the male line declined and their title eventually fell to that of a viscount, it is still an honorable family. Hé Bǎzǒng is the next male heir. It is, of course, a great tragedy. I heard the current viscount’s son tragically passed away recently. I am afraid I am not too familiar with the General’s troops, but his archery squad is quite infamous. Thus, despite his officially low title, he was given great value.” Now, did Master Lǐ even know that?

. . .

Zhēn naturally instantly sensed the movements, but he practiced to withstand reactions that would seem suspicious to the human eye, faking that he was still somewhat asleep. Maybe he was also driven by curiosity to experience how the woman would react. His heart was beating loudly upon the most gentle touch, yet followed by a disappointed yearning as she withdrew. At least, the movement was finally an excuse enough to stir, doing a few extra heavy blinks.

“It is not morning just yet, you should rest some more. I have found the infamous swordmaster. He arranged a carriage, and the elderly lady who owns the stable will come with us to look for you. The physician said you must rest for at least another week. Your yin and yang have been unstable, so the rain was not good.”

Zhēn huffed a little over the white hair tickling his face. He hated to see it, but now that it seemed every human was seeing him as Hé Wèi without any sign needed, he tried to ignore it. He too felt a level of exhaustion; he was not used to no longer having an endless battery of spiritual energy in the form of the inn.

“Are you feeling better? You seemed to have a vivid dream,” he reached out to place the back of his hand against her forehead to feel for her temperature. “Your parents surely will kill me for this. I shall beg on my knees if I must.” At least, now that he possessed the memories of the man, he could at least tell for certain that he had never encountered any of the Luò, but it posed the issue that if they had inquired for him, how to explain that he was not that much of a low soldier as he had pretended to be?

He should have read that life story of this man more thoroughly. At least, he surely could live up to the reputation of archery he seemed to hold. Fate truly was ironic. “Here, have some water,” he finally moved to hand her a cup.

Unintentionally, the eyes of Hán Jìngyí began to narrow as the young lady before her spoke the good word of this Hé family member of which she was unfamiliar. Even staring back at Niè Yùwén, it could not be helped that there was some level of skepticism—something innately whispering to her that the truth being shared was not whole. It might have been helpful if the Niès and Luòs had kept in better touch over the years but dredging up the past could-have and would-haves would have done so little for them then.

A performative smile was drawn, as she inhaled through her teeth and began in her own line of questioning toward the opposing female. “I find it interesting is all that you should choose to spend your wealth on a family your grandfather pitied.. Are there not greater institutions you would want to put all of that toward? What does this man have to do with supporting scholarship, as your family is known for?” The question was not meant to challenge the woman as much as it was to help the mother make better measure of her. There was no second guessing that indeed the familiarity existed but whether she had a good enough reason to be was what struck the matriarch's curiosity. Yíhán appeared much like a mirror of his mother in terms of expression, equally weighing the suspicion that had been voiced.

And then there was the relief from the constricting again by Luò Mín. “That is indeed so very tragic,” he hummed, nodding along, “We express our condolences for your family as well, Niè Fūrén. You seem to be managing your household well. Should you need aid in any places, feel free to speak up at anytime. Our families have been close for generations. It is my regret that I did not carry the torch for it.” Handling his wife was usually plenty as a handful but then he also had his three children's matters to manage. At least, Yíhán was always less of a concern than the other two.

Another kick under the table. “But yes, do tell us why you're so interested in the Hé heir.” He was a dutiful husband first and foremost.

· · ·

Hé Wěi's gentle plead brought great comfort to her, as that same grin she always wore became apparent. “You did?! …a carriage? Is he returning with us to camp?” What all had she missed in her slumber? Despite his insistence, Yírén sat upright and leaned against the bed frame. She must have been lying there too long; her whole body was stiff and aching. “Eurgh.. How long have I been like this?” Her hand moved to the back of her neck, as she craned it for a stretch.

Her fingers helped him along with the huff he made, moving the loose strands away. And then her touch lingered. His skin was warm against her chilled hands and she found another comfort in it as she moved her hand to cup his face. “Don't sit like that anymore. Come sit with me on the bed,” she urged weakly, feeling bad that she was taking up all of the room while he was clearly exhausted himself. From the looks of it, it could not have been very comfortable for him. And besides, how long was he like that? Maybe selfishly, she also hoped he would wrap his arms around her to feel even closer…to have more of his warmth.

Her parents.. Ah yes, there would be that to answer to. Sometimes, it did not seem that Yírén much considered the repercussions as clearly as she did after the fact. Her grin became a grimace at the thought. She could convince her father of her intentions, sure. But her mother? She should have realized.. Her eyes were downcast as a result, feeling guilty about how her mother was likely to treat them if she ever came to know what happened. But if no one said anything or betrayed Yírén's trust, then no one would know…right..?

“I…did have a dream,” she mused, carrying them away from the more stressful thoughts of dealing with her parents. “I was in the stables and could not leave it. There was a figure in the distance that I swear, it almost looked…” ‘Like you,’ she wanted to say but she didn't. “Never mind! It was just strange is all.” Her sights finally returned to meet his, as she took the offered cup and drank.

“What all happened? How's Xiǎoyàn? She was not happy in the stables for some reason..” That was the last she remembered before she fell into the peculiar dream. There were other questions she had, too. About Hé Wěi himself. Did he also feel like their lives were intertwined somehow, in some way far beyond their control? Like, every choice she made could not have defied that they were indeed destined to find each other? That they were inevitable? It felt like a silly thought, so she did not pursue it with any intentions to bother him about it. Perhaps it was all just that coincidental.