Qu Yunmie’s expression didn’t look too pleased.

Xiao Rong more or less knew why. Qu Yunmie was a stubborn person who disliked change. If it weren’t for the many hidden dangers in the world, he wouldn’t have even wanted to become warden and King of the North—he would’ve happily spent his whole life as a general leading troops into battle.

During Xiao Rong’s time by his side, the only time Qu Yunmie smiled in satisfaction was when Yu Shaocheng came to join them. No matter who arrived at the Northern Army, Qu Yunmie always greeted them with a sour face the first time they met—even Xiao Rong wasn’t an exception.

The monk and Xiao Rong were alike—both had clear goals and strong minds—so neither of them cared about Qu Yunmie’s attitude. Song Shuo was different. He had been dragged onto this ship by Xiao Rong. He was a mix of cunning and naivety and backed by a powerful family. If he felt offended, even Xiao Rong wouldn’t be able to pacify him.

The moment Qu Yunmie went silent, Xiao Rong knew something was wrong. He quickly turned and smiled at Song Shuo. “Alright, things were a bit rushed last night, and we didn’t get a chance to let Young Master Song pay his respects to His Majesty. Now that you’ve met him and the King needs rest, how about you return first? Once we arrive in Chenliu, there will be plenty of time to talk.”

Song Shuo glanced at him, eyes full of meaning. Then, all of a sudden, he smiled, cupped his hands in a polite gesture, and obediently turned to leave.

Xiao Rong smiled as he watched him go. Once the curtain had fallen back down, his polite expression vanished in a second. He turned his attention back to Qu Yunmie.

They spoke at the same time:

“You were too rude, Your Majesty!”  

“This is the gift you spoke of?!”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

Both were stunned for a moment. Xiao Rong was the first to speak. “What’s wrong with the gift? Your Majesty may not know, but Song Shuo’s talents are no less than mine. He has the abilities of a Grand Chancellor! A single Song Shuo is worth a thousand troops!”

Qu Yunmie snorted. “A Grand Chancellor’s talents? Or the ability to eat candy?”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He continued defending Song Shuo. “He may be a bit arrogant, but hasn’t he earned that right?”

Qu Yunmie remained unconvinced. “It’s not up to him to decide whether he has the right—it’s up to me. As a scholar, he behaves with no manners. You wonder why I didn’t say anything to him earlier—he walked in here with a piece of candy in his mouth! How disgraceful!”

Xiao Rong: “…”

Since when did you care about such things? You just don’t like him and are picking a fight.

He took a deep breath and said, “That’s not the same. Young Master Song holds no official post. He’s still considered my guest. Is Your Majesty also my guest?”

Qu Yunmie’s expression softened a little, but he wasn’t ready to let Xiao Rong off the hook just yet. “Alright, suppose your argument makes sense. But do you really think I’ll accept this as your so-called grand gift?”

Xiao Rong stared at him silently. “Then what does Your Majesty want?”

Qu Yunmie glanced at him. “A gift should cater to the recipient’s interests.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He’s making things difficult on purpose.

What interests did Qu Yunmie even have? War and fighting, that’s it. Xiao Rong couldn’t fulfill either. With his frail body, he’d probably die on the spot like that performer Xizhu even before the first punch landed.

He wasn’t fond of luxury or enjoyment. His lifestyle was as simple and boring as his personality.

The only time Xiao Rong had seen him visibly pleased was when he got his hands on the principal’s treasured sword, but Xiao Rong had no intention of gifting that sword.

Pressing his lips together, Xiao Rong said, “Then I’ll think about it again. I ask Your Majesty to wait patiently for the surprise.”

He hadn’t expected Qu Yunmie to agree—he thought this nonsense wouldn’t work.

Glancing down at the white bandages wrapped around his waist, Qu Yunmie thought to himself, ‘If I had known getting injured was this effective, I’d have used this trick long ago.’

 

…

 

Feeling that Qu Yunmie had been pacified, Xiao Rong sat at his bedside again and brought up Song Shuo’s value once more. He was afraid Qu Yunmie would treat Song Shuo like he did the monk—rude and dismissive. Though Qu Yunmie had promised not to act that way again, Song Shuo was far more provoking, and if he irritated Qu Yunmie, who knew what might happen?

Xiao Rong used emotion and logic, talking about the discrimination Song Shuo had suffered in Jinling, and the awkward standing of the Song family in the South. To help build some goodwill, he even brought up Song Shuo’s grandmother, knowing that Qu Yunmie at least respected elders—he had always treated Madam Chen well.

As Xiao Rong spoke earnestly, he didn’t notice the subtle shift in Qu Yunmie’s gaze. Nor did he realize his words were having an effect—just not the kind he expected.

Qu Yunmie thought: Unruly, arrogant, born into nobility, isolated and struggling alone… and he has a weak constitution, with a doting grandmother.

Huh—he was a lot like Xiao Rong. Well… not exactly. In every way, he was a bit inferior. Looks and temperament—Qu Yunmie could see that plainly. As for talent… Well, if he was lacking in other areas, then talent probably wasn’t his strength either.

His dislike for the monk had reached a peak, and it would be hard for anyone else to receive the same treatment. With Song Shuo, at worst he found him annoying—not hateful. Now, after hearing Xiao Rong’s words, he softened a bit.

Xiao Rong never spoke about his past, and when he did, it always sounded tragic—like when he and Ah Shu traveled alone and were attacked by bandits or nearly kidnapped. Xiao Rong always made Ah Shu hide while he faced danger. He always came through unscathed, but Ah Shu still trembled when recalling it.

They were poor too—living frugally every day. At first, they hired carriages, then ox-carts, and finally donkey carts. If not for Xiao Rong’s weak health, he’d have walked the entire way to save money.

Before Qu Yunmie found him, Xiao Rong lived a life of hardship.

What was past couldn’t be undone. Xiao Rong didn’t like bringing it up, and Qu Yunmie wouldn’t ask. Yet sometimes, after training, when he stared into the distant sky catching his breath, he would remember those things—and feel regret.

If only we’d met earlier, he thought.

Even so, that was impossible. He couldn’t erase Xiao Rong’s painful past. It was a permanent regret—a secret Xiao Rong might never share.

Now, hearing how difficult Song Shuo’s life had been, Qu Yunmie couldn’t help but compare—and in doing so, grew more sympathetic.

After a long silence, Qu Yunmie said, “If that’s the case, let him stay.”

Xiao Rong’s voice caught in his throat. He looked at Qu Yunmie in shock. “You’ve changed your mind?”

Qu Yunmie replied, “I never intended to drive him away. Mister Gao has always hoped for more scholars to join us. Since you believe Song Shuo is capable, why would I object?”

Xiao Rong: “…”

That’s not what you said earlier.

No matter how much he tried to subtly probe, Qu Yunmie’s stance remained the same—and it seemed genuine, not an act to please him.

Was this what they meant by ‘red rain from the heavens’?

This was the outcome Xiao Rong had worked for, but now that he had it, his feelings were… complicated.

Song Shuo was more attractive than him—could that be why Qu Yunmie suddenly saw him in a different light?

After all, when he himself had first arrived, Qu Yunmie had treated him like a conman and a spy, and had nearly had him killed!

Watching Xiao Rong’s shifting expressions, Qu Yunmie grew confused. He’d already been so generous—why did Xiao Rong still look unsatisfied?

Xiao Rong didn’t say anything. He told Qu Yunmie to stay in bed and not sneak out, then claimed he had something to do and left.

 

—

 

Outside, Xiao Rong looked up at the blue sky and white clouds. In the end, he couldn’t help himself. With a turn of his heel, he headed toward the tent where Song Shuo was staying.

It hadn’t even been a cup of tea’s time since they parted. Song Shuo had already put away his malt candy and was sitting by the stove, brewing tea with his servant.

When he saw Xiao Rong enter, he lifted his head and smiled at him.

Before he could say anything, Xiao Rong spoke first. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

When he dragged Song Shuo out earlier, the man hadn’t been holding any candy. Xiao Rong had intentionally told him nothing to prevent him from preparing—but Song Shuo had apparently anticipated this, and readied a little prop to counter him anyway.

Upon hearing this, Song Shuo just smiled faintly. He pulled a small packet of malt candy from his sleeve and offered it to Xiao Rong. “Want to try one?”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He wasn’t a child. He had no interest in sticky sweets.

He sat down across from Song Shuo, adopting a serious tone, “I know you’re angry. I didn’t discuss it with you in advance before bringing you north of the Huai River—that was my fault.”

Song Shuo wagged his finger. “Now that’s where you’re wrong.”

Xiao Rong looked at him, puzzled.

Song Shuo said, “I, Song Shuo, am a man of great talent. It’s only natural that others would want me.”

Xiao Rong: “…”

He kept his mouth shut, waiting for what came next.

“But you, Lord Xiao,” Song Shuo continued, “first made me doubt my own abilities, then acted inconsistently, abducting me from my home. It’s a shame—I once thought we could be close friends. Yet in your eyes, I’m someone to deceive, to use, and to disregard.”

As he spoke, he swayed dramatically, holding his teacup and putting on a look of deep sorrow.

Xiao Rong stared at him. A moment later, he slammed his palm onto the table. The sudden bang startled Song Shuo, who nearly dropped his teacup, spilling tea all over himself.

Song Shuo: “…”

Xiao Rong sneered. “Serves you right.”

Song Shuo looked at him, incredulous. He couldn’t believe Xiao Rong could be so cold.

Xiao Rong continued, “So it’s okay for you to embarrass me in public, but not the other way around? You made me sweat bullets just to come meet you—what was that all about? You know I avoid mingling with aristocrats. I only want to speak with those from humble families. Isn’t that deception? Isn’t that disrespect?

“In Jinling, even the smallest rumors reach the court. You think no one noticed our meeting? Ever since someone tried to kill me with an assassin, they’ve been out for my life. I won’t just sit back—I’ll save myself, and when I do, what do you think will happen to you?”

Song Shuo said calmly, “Nothing. I did nothing wrong.”

Xiao Rong laughed coldly. “Talking to me was your mistake. Inviting me, and having me actually come—that was an even bigger one.”

Song Shuo thought he was exaggerating, but after thinking it through, he realized Xiao Rong made a fair point. With the court in chaos, they’d use any method to deal with such problems. As the only person known to have private contact with Xiao Rong, he could easily become a scapegoat.

Especially given his low rank. If someone thought it convenient, they could throw him under the bus.

His family—the Song clan, despite its decline, still had many enemies. If he caused trouble, the whole family could suffer.

Still… it was all just a possibility.

Not a certainty. Xiao Rong could twist things his way, but Song Shuo didn’t necessarily believe him. Yet he also knew he couldn’t win this argument, so he went silent.

Seeing this, Xiao Rong’s tone softened. “Right now, the political winds are shifting. You could settle down in Chenliu for now. When the danger passes, if you want to return home, I won’t stop you. While you’re in Chenliu, if you want to make use of your talents, I’ll introduce you to Chancellor Gao. If you’d prefer light work, I’ll take you to the local government office—there are many scholars there, and I’m sure you’ll find your place.”

Song Shuo asked. “What if I don’t want to do anything?”

Xiao Rong smiled. “That’s fine too, but like I said, Chenliu doesn’t support idle folk. If you’re okay with nothing but books and the sun and moon for company, I won’t object.”

Song Shuo: “…”

He suddenly remembered that when Xiao Rong had his belongings packed, he only brought his clothes and books—not a single coin.

He was impressed. This man had thought of everything in advance.

Hmph. He still had the nerve to say it was “for his own good.” If that assassin hadn’t shown up, Xiao Rong would’ve found another excuse to trick him into coming here anyway.

He was a little annoyed—but more than anything, he felt proud. It meant Xiao Rong was determined to have him. Indeed, true heroes always recognized one another.

Song Shuo felt a little giddy, but before he floated too high, he forced himself to stay calm and asked, “You said I can return home when the danger is over.”

Xiao Rong nodded.

Song Shuo asked, “In your view, when will that be?”

Xiao Rong answered serenely, “When the world is at peace.”

Song Shuo: “…”

His expression turned strange.

Xiao Rong worked for the King of the North. So “peace” didn’t mean a united empire—it meant the King of the North had reclaimed all of the Central Plains. By then, why would he even want to go back? There’d be no one else left to serve.

In other words… Xiao Rong never planned to let him go.

What to do?

Well, he kind of liked that.

He lowered his head and finished his tea. Xiao Rong had no idea what he was thinking—he just figured Song Shuo had calmed down.

With this side settled, and that side too… well, it was all handled.

Thinking of Qu Yunmie still gave Xiao Rong a slight sour feeling in his chest. However, harmony between the king and the new advisor was a good thing, so he pushed those feelings down and warned Song Shuo, “You can play your little games with me, and I won’t take it seriously. But you can’t act like that around His Majesty. What you did today—being deliberately rude—you think he didn’t notice? He may tolerate you once or twice, but keep doing it and he’ll lose his patience. Then what will you do?”

Song Shuo replied nonchalantly, “Isn’t that what you’re here for?”

Xiao Rong said, “What use am I? When His Majesty loses his temper, even eight horses can’t hold him back.”

Song Shuo looked at him speechlessly.

Last night might’ve been dark, but he hadn’t missed the sight. Qu Yunmie, looking like a God of War, had been ready to kill—but it was Xiao Rong who called out his name, and he actually stopped.

If someone like the King of the North could be brought back to his senses in an instant, there was nothing Xiao Rong could do from then on that would shock Song Shuo more.

So he just listened to Xiao Rong’s warning as if it were a joke.

Eight horses? Please. Xiao Rong was worth more than eight thousand.

Still, he didn’t plan to act so obnoxious anymore. He didn’t yet know what kind of place Chenliu was, but just looking at how the King of the North governed, he already found it more interesting than Jinling.

The King himself didn’t seem like the ruthless tyrant people described—someone who couldn’t stand being contradicted and solved everything with his sword.

Anyone who would personally rescue his men from the enemy camp—how bad could he really be?

So Song Shuo really wanted to stay and see for himself. If something upset him, he could always act up again. If nothing did—well, staying wouldn’t be so bad.

At least now, he had nothing holding him back. Once he officially joined the Northern army, he believed Jinling wouldn’t dare touch his family anymore.

At that time, they couldn’t afford even the slightest risk of the Northern Army deploying troops.

 

＊

 

Xiao Rong and the others had been resting at the military station in Northern Yangzhou, but there hadn’t been a single move from the South’s side—no news, not even a word related to them—and everyone accepted that quite well.

Xiao Rong was patient. He could wait. He knew the South couldn’t possibly pretend as if nothing had happened, and he wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen anyway, so he wasn’t in a hurry. As for Qu Yunmie, he was even simpler. He had clearly told Xiao Rong that once they finished off the Xianbei, he would lead his troops south and burn the entire Southern Imperial Palace to the ground.

Xiao Rong: “…”

He felt like he was going crazy. “The person who sent someone to kill me was Yang Zangyi. The one whose private soldiers injured you was also Yang Zangyi’s man. What does this have to do with the Imperial Palace? He doesn’t even live there!”

Qu Yunmie said: “Yang Zangyi serves the South. Everything he did was for the South. So what’s wrong if I conquer the South in return?”

Xiao Rong was speechless. He truly hadn’t expected that—even without the death of Gao Xunzhi—Qu Yunmie would still insist on courting disaster like this.

Do you really love being labeled a traitor this much?! If you really go through with that, then what was the point of me going through all that effort to enter Jinling against everyone’s advice? What’s the point of everything I did?

He had gone through so much trouble to make contact with the Young Emperor, all so that he could eventually assist the monarch, and transfer Imperial Power peacefully to Qu Yunmie.

Xiao Rong was so angry his heart hurt—literally. Whether it was from rage or an actual problem, he suddenly clutched his chest and sat down. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his breathing grew more rapid than usual. Qu Yunmie froze for a moment, then quickly moved, kneeling beside Xiao Rong. He raised his hand and pressed his thumb to the area above Xiao Rong’s neck artery—his carotid—where the heartbeat could clearly be felt.

Xiao Rong was trying to steady himself from the sudden discomfort when Qu Yunmie’s warm hand touched him, making him pause in surprise.

He looked at Qu Yunmie. “What are you doing?”

Qu Yunmie was feeling his pulse. At Xiao Rong’s question, he seemed briefly taken aback. “When I was little, I saw Old Wu diagnose people with heart conditions like this.”

Xiao Rong fell silent. Then he brushed Qu Yunmie’s hand away. “No need to worry, my Lord. As long as you don’t anger me, I won’t have any heart problems.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He didn’t understand. “Can’t you see I’m trying to avenge you? Why are you still angry?”

Xiao Rong got even more annoyed at his self-righteous tone. “It’s exactly because I can see that, I’m angry. The mighty Northern Army, with tens of thousands of troops—why should it move for one man’s personal grudge? If someone offends me, you’ll mobilize the whole army? Then what if someone offends an ordinary soldier? Will you do the same for him?”

Qu Yunmie said, “Why do you always compare yourself to others when we talk about this? Others will always be others. You will always be you!”

Xiao Rong felt Qu Yunmie was being completely unreasonable. He looked up at him, only to find Qu Yunmie staring back, his expression stubborn and unmoving.

There were things he was willing to listen to Xiao Rong about, but others—he simply wouldn’t budge.

Seeing this side of Qu Yunmie, Xiao Rong was momentarily stunned. He realized he’d begun taking it for granted that Qu Yunmie would always listen to him. In fact, it was only natural that Qu Yunmie didn’t always listen.

He was Qu Yunmie. He was a great hero. He could never—and should never—become someone else’s puppet.

This time, his silence lasted longer. After a long while, he finally spoke again, choosing every word with care. “We will fight the South.

“But the Imperial Palace is innocent. It’s just a structure. Burning it down serves no purpose other than venting anger. Those who live inside may be useless royals, but those who built it were countless laborers forced into service. Dying while building palaces for nobles was already a tragedy—if even the palace ends up destroyed, then wouldn’t that mean they left behind no trace or meaning for their suffering? The palace is innocent. The people are innocent. And those poor souls who never did anything wrong but get dragged into this—they are the most innocent of all. I’ve never stopped you from seeking revenge. I just hope you can repay eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Don’t drag others into it. Don’t create more hatred. Don’t cause more death.”

Qu Yunmie looked uncomfortable after hearing that. He had acted out of good intentions, but Xiao Rong’s explanation made him feel like a scoundrel.

He pressed his lips together and said, “You didn’t used to talk like this. You used to stop me from killing altogether.”

At that, Xiao Rong chuckled softly. “People grow. I’ve grown too. Every place has its own rules. I shouldn’t always try to deny or change them.”

Qu Yunmie didn’t fully understand that, but he interpreted it the best he could. “So you mean… from now on, I can do whatever I want more freely?”

Xiao Rong said, “I didn’t say that.”

Qu Yunmie let out a low laugh. He shook his head and retreated, lying back in his original spot before Xiao Rong even reminded him to. Xiao Rong stood up to pour tea. Meanwhile, Qu Yunmie stared at the ceiling, one name flashing through his mind—

Yang. Zangyi.

He hoped that man would enjoy the taste of being utterly abandoned.

 

＊ 

 

This so-called “bed rest for three days” was something Qu Yunmie only managed for one day.

By the second day, he refused to stay in bed no matter what, and he kept urging Xiao Rong to return to Chenliu.

Wasting three whole days here truly wasn’t ideal. Seeing how restless he was, Xiao Rong reluctantly agreed—but he had one condition: to build a carriage so Qu Yunmie could lie down in it on the way back.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

What a joke! He was the mighty King of the North, and he was supposed to lie in a carriage like some withered flower on the way back to Chenliu?!

No way. Absolutely not.

To make someone like him appear weak was like peeling off a layer of his skin. No matter what, he insisted on riding a horse. Xiao Rong had better not try to force him.

Yu Shaocheng and the others looked at Xiao Rong in embarrassment. Xiao Rong remained silent for a moment and then nodded at Qu Yunmie. “Alright.”

Qu Yunmie immediately looked at Xiao Rong, and right after that, he saw Xiao Rong give out orders to those around him.

“Commander Yu, go bring His Highness’s horse.”

“Ah Shu, unpack the bundle. I want to eat braised beef for lunch today.”

Qu Yunmie paused. “Wait, you’re not going back with me?”

Only then did Xiao Rong spare him a glance. “Your Highness, if you insist on riding, then I won’t go back. North Yangzhou is lush and beautiful—quite a livable place. You’d better get going; if you leave too late, you’ll be stuck sleeping on the road.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

He stared stiffly at Xiao Rong, then turned to look at the surrounding crowd. As soon as he looked over, everyone instinctively lowered their heads and pretended not to have heard anything. Only Zhang Biezhi grinned and even winked at him.

Qu Yunmie: “…”

Song Shuo on the side: “…”

Idiot.

In the end, Qu Yunmie grudgingly got into the carriage. Fortunately, Xiao Rong wasn’t too overbearing—he let Qu Yunmie sit inside the carriage as long as he didn’t move around too much.

Even so, their return to Chenliu caused quite a stir. The news of the Northern King being injured spread through the city like wildfire—everyone was talking about it. Since the King returned in a carriage and no one saw him, all kinds of rumors floated around. The most outrageous one claimed he had already died and was brought back as a corpse.

Upon hearing this, Qu Yunmie’s expression was quite something.

Xiao Rong pursed his lips, trying not to laugh. After he’d had his fill, he explained to Qu Yunmie, “Don’t worry, Your Highness. I’ve already arranged for people to clarify everything—telling the people that although you were wounded, you’re no longer in danger and will return to the public eye soon enough.”

Qu Yunmie: “…”

Why would he return to the public eye?

Even when he wasn’t injured, he never appeared in public!

The more Qu Yunmie thought about it, the more something felt off. “Isn’t this situation something you orchestrated on purpose? That’s why you insisted I return in a carriage—you wanted to use me!”

Xiao Rong immediately gave him a cold look. “Is that really how Your Highness sees me?”

Qu Yunmie felt guilty under his gaze and instantly went quiet. Xiao Rong gave a slight smirk and added silently in his heart—well, you’re not wrong.

 

… 

 

This time, Xiao Rong returned triumphant. He got everything he wanted, especially the twenty thousand taels of gold—all piled up, gleaming enough to blind someone. Even so, Gao Xunzhi just circled around him, sighing again and again. Though he said nothing, every strand of hair on his head seemed to be shouting the same sentence:

—You should’ve listened to the Elder’s advice. Look where it got you now!

Xiao Rong: “…”

That was just the first wave of guilt-tripping. After Gao Xunzhi left, Xiao Rong returned to his courtyard and was greeted by the second wave—his tearful younger brother, Xiao Yi.

Xiao Rong comforted him tirelessly, saying who knows how many nice things, until finally Xiao Yi stopped crying. Xiao Rong rubbed his aching temples, only then recalling something important. “Grandmother doesn’t know about this, right?”

Xiao Yi sniffled, looking downcast. “No, I didn’t dare tell her. Don’t worry, Big Brother, Grandmother never leaves the palace, and everyone here knows not to say a word. She won’t find out.”

Hearing that, Xiao Rong was indeed relieved.

Yet his relief came too soon.

Sure, everyone in the palace knew to keep quiet. The problem was, a newcomer had just moved in.

Song Shuo was strolling through the central garden of the palace with his servants when a lone elderly lady excitedly ran up to him. She immediately called him “Third Uncle,” startling him so much his whole body jolted.

He quickly explained that he wasn’t her third uncle—his name was Song Shuo.

Madam Chen looked at him in confusion. “Song Shuo?”

Song Shuo nodded. “Lord Xiao invited me to stay here temporarily. Do you know Lord Xiao?”

Madam Chen thought for a moment. “Yes, I know Lord Xiao. He’s a distant relative of my husband.”

They had two sons—the elder, Xiao Lingyin, and the younger, Xiao Lingsheng.

Song Shuo had no idea what she meant by “know”—he assumed she really was Xiao Rong’s relative. Although he was casual around Xiao Rong, he was very respectful to elders. So he praised Xiao Rong in front of her, especially emphasizing how clever and brave he was, and how he’d saved his life. Oh, and since this old lady was living in the palace, she probably had some connection to Qu Yunmie too—so he praised him as well.

After all, Qu Yunmie had indirectly saved his life too.

Madam Chen listened in a daze, then suddenly turned and dashed off. Don’t let her age fool you—most people couldn’t keep up with her.

Song Shuo and his servant looked at each other, confused. Just then, Xiao Rong, Xiao Yi, and two maidservants walked toward them.

The maidservants looked regretful. Xiao Yi, knowing what his grandmother was like, couldn’t bring himself to scold them. After all, they were newly bought in by Gao Xunzhi, and hadn’t even been here a few days yet.

Xiao Rong, seeing Song Shuo, asked immediately, “Have you seen an elderly woman, about this tall, slightly confused in the head?”

Song Shuo didn’t answer right away—he had a bad feeling. “This old woman is—?”

Xiao Rong replied, “My grandmother. Have you seen her?”

Song Shuo: “…”

Seen her? I said all the wrong things to her!

 

…

 

Xiao Rong and the others searched anxiously, thinking Madam Chen would go back to the courtyard to find him after hearing he’d nearly been hurt, but she wasn’t there.

Meanwhile, after guilt-tripping Xiao Rong, Gao Xunzhi turned his attention to Qu Yunmie.

However, Qu Yunmie was already used to it. No matter how much Gao Xunzhi sighed, Qu Yunmie showed no reaction. In the end, Gao Xunzhi had to give up and mutter, “Well, at least His Highness brought Little Rong back safely. He truly has foresight.

“How did His Highness get injured like that? I heard from Dongfang Jin it was just two thousand private soldiers from a noble family.”

Dongfang Jin was the commander of the guards—now back in the army as a Northern General after returning to Chenliu.

Qu Yunmie didn’t want to talk about it. Xiao Rong didn’t understand, so he hadn’t noticed anything, but Qu Yunmie couldn’t pretend not to know. Sure, accidents happen on the battlefield, but this one shouldn’t have. Getting distracted in battle was a deadly mistake. No matter how much he cared about Xiao Rong, he shouldn’t have allowed such a thing to happen.

He even started wondering if he’d been off the battlefield too long, and his skills had dulled.

Either that, or his mind wasn’t in the right place—neither of which should happen to a commander.

Seeing his expression, Gao Xunzhi understood what he was thinking. Some things were better left unsaid, so he let Qu Yunmie figure it out on his own.

The two of them were sitting in silence when they suddenly heard footsteps approaching rapidly. Nowadays, everyone had learned to knock—but this person didn’t care and pushed the door open.

Both Qu Yunmie and Gao Xunzhi instantly went on alert—only to see it was Madam Chen.

“…”

She looked around, then ran straight to Qu Yunmie.

Qu Yunmie was numb at this point. He wondered, who did she think he was this time? Xiao Rong’s uncle? Great-uncle?

This time, Madam Chen was more lucid than ever. She ran to Qu Yunmie, saw the white bandages peeking from under his robe, and immediately grabbed his hand with tears in her eyes. “Good child, good child, I don’t even know how to thank you—you saved our Little Rong life!”

Qu Yunmie’s eyes widened—he looked like he’d just seen the sun rise in the west. He couldn’t believe Madam Chen was actually clear-headed for once. Overwhelmed, he said, “Madam, this was my duty. Please rise.”

Madam Chen shook her head. “How can that be called duty? A life-saving debt must be repaid a thousandfold! It’s just a pity our Xiao family doesn’t have anything valuable left. Even if I want to thank you, I have nothing suitable to give.”

Gao Xunzhi laughed beside them. No wonder this woman had raised Little Rong— she was honorable and full of gratitude. What a fine family.

Qu Yunmie didn’t know how to respond, so Gao Xunzhi kindly stepped in. “Madam, you’re too polite. Really, there’s no need to—”

He was cut off.

Madam Chen completely ignored him and suddenly said firmly to Qu Yunmie, “How about this—I’ll make the decision. Our Little Rong will be yours from now on!”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

Are you kidding me? You’re still confused!

You can’t just give someone away! Your Little Rong is a man, a scholar—not some maiden waiting to be married!

Gao Xunzhi’s expression froze. He was just glad there were no outsiders around to hear it—otherwise, Xiao Rong would be the laughingstock of the city.

He was about to politely talk Madam Chen down when he heard Qu Yunmie behind him ask, “You can really make that decision?”

Gao Xunzhi: “…”

You little punk—YOU TOOK HER SERIOUSLY?!?!

 

 

Edited by: Antiope

 

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