Chapter 30

After a long while, everyone’s emotions finally began to calm. Qin Xian introduced Qin Guan and Qin Yong, who stepped forward and clasped their fists. “Fourth Young Master,” they greeted.

Xie Ci returned the gesture and introduced Gu Wan.

From the rear hall door, Qin Wenxuan peeked out, her voice soft, “Sister Gu, Father! Mother asked me to call you all for supper.”

Neither Lady Wen nor her family had dined yet. In the courtyard’s small kitchen, Lady Wen had carefully prepared a table of homely dishes—the true reunion meal and cleansing banquet of the night.

The attitude of her father and brothers made Qin Wenxuan nervous as well. Though those in the hall were all her father’s trusted guards, she still glanced back several times.

But Qin Xian, after considering, shook his head. “We’ve already eaten. You, your mother, and brother should go ahead. Tell your mother I’ll be resting in the study tonight and won’t return; let her retire early.”

On a night like this, though the mood gradually eased, some sorrows had seeped deep into the bones, and even as they smiled, silent tears flowed, drop by drop.

Qin Xian rallied himself, put on a cheerful face, ordered his son to clear the road, then led Xie Ci and the others to the study in the outer courtyard—a place where words could be spoken freely.

With only the father, son, uncle, nephew, and Xie Ci remaining, all others were dismissed, the doors guarded, and Qin Guan sent out to keep watch.

Several oil lamps illuminated the spacious study. Gathered beneath their glow, Qin Xian asked, “Your mother, your sisters-in-law, your nephews—how are they now? Are they well?”

But under such circumstances, even the best wouldn’t truly be well. Qin Xian fell silent, then after a pause, continued, “What happened at Iron Gate Monastery back then? Why did things turn out this way? Wenxuan said you all went to Suzhou before?”

Xie Ci began slowly recounting their journey to Suzhou, then further back: “...Then we realized something was wrong, broke out of Iron Gate Monastery, followed the exile convoy, and rescued Mother and Sister-in-law near Xiangzhou.”

Qin Xian was stunned.

He listened intently as Xie Ci listed every member of the Xie family: Lady Xun, Ying Niang (the second sister-in-law), Fifth Brother, Xie Mingming, and even little Chongchong, just three years old. Qin Guan, Ying Niang’s brother, quickly asked about his sister; upon hearing she was well, both relaxed.

Hearing of the deeds of Xun Rongbi and Xun Xun, father and son, Qin Xian flew into a rage, wishing he could immediately cut down those beasts in human guise.

But hearing of the Iron Gate Monastery incident, he grew dazed, listening as Xie Ci finished telling the tale.

“Very well! Good, good!” Qin Xian said at last.

Yet in his heart, a profound sadness and indignation welled up.

As a man equally upright and loyal, Qin Xian had never considered breaking out of prison. All he’d thought of then was doing his utmost to arrange for Tie Ling, putting his own men there to look after the exiled Xie family.

But Xie Ci had become a fugitive; the family of Xie Xinzhong, a general who had devoted his life to stabilizing the realm of Wei, his son—a general’s son—had become a fugitive!

Qin Xian felt as if his heart were gripped tight. His throat choked, and he couldn’t help but rise and stomp heavily on the great desk, his voice hoarse with anger, “Why?!”

“Why did it turn out like this?!”

With Xie Xinzhong before and himself just now, how had it come to this? “What on earth happened?!”

It hadn’t always been this way. Weren’t soldiers supposed to defend home and country with blood and blade?

Qin Xian’s emotions surged restlessly. He stood for a moment, then forced himself to sit, suppressing his feelings. “Fourth Young Master, what do you plan to do next?”

Qin Xian exhaled. For Xie Ci to have found his way here, trekking thousands of miles from Suzhou to Lingzhou, some things were self-evident. Still, he had to ask Xie Ci face to face.

What came next was the true heart of tonight’s discussion in the study.

Indeed.

The night was cool as water, the lamp’s glow dim. Xie Ci suddenly raised his eyes, “Uncle Qin, I wish to join the army, even if not under my own name.” He stood, stating each word clearly, “I have sworn to clear my father and brother’s names and seek justice!”

The tall young man’s features shone with determination, a resolute spirit that storms and frost could not touch. Without hesitation, his voice was not loud, but each word rang with steel and truth.

“Good! Good!” Qin Xian stood abruptly. “Such spirit, such resolve!” Truly the son of a general!

The mood in the study surged anew. Xie Ci drew a deep breath, eager. “Uncle Qin, can you tell me the details of the past and what you’ve uncovered?”

“Certainly!” Qin Xian had spent the past year consumed by this matter, nearly losing everything. He readily led Xie Ci and the others to the desk.

Qin Xian unlocked a drawer, revealing a jumble of papers—searched by the imperial guards but unrelated to the case, so returned.

“Three years ago, we sensed something was wrong along the border—some garrisons seemed to be trading with the Northern Rong.”

Qin Xian’s brows furrowed with reminiscence. “The General always said, ‘The Northern Rong are wolves and tigers—we must be vigilant, never slack even for a moment!’”

Especially since seven years ago, when the new Northern Rong king, Huyan De, ascended—he fought and consolidated, reclaiming eighteen tribes. Their court and cavalry grew stronger and more unified than ever.

“The General predicted that once Huyan De finished cleansing his royal court and gathered strength, the Northern Rong would launch a full-scale invasion.”

“We Wei must be cautious and fully prepared.”

Gu Wan, silent till now, thought privately: Xie Xinzhong was indeed right.

Under the lamp, Qin Xian recounted everything: from the shock and fury at discovering smuggled goods—ironware and weapons marked with military seals—to their covert investigation, uncovering a vast smuggling network. Their anger deepened, and as they pressed on, Xie Xinzhong disappeared, never to return.

A carefully woven net ensnared the Xie family, luring father and son into its trap. Now, Xie Ci finally learned all the threads of the Lan Tian treason case, his fists clenched tight.

Qin Xian said, “Over the past year, I’ve traced many clues. Zhang Huanyi, Kou Lang, and those others who acted openly—I’ve brought them to justice.”

Within the Northern Army, things have been far from calm.

“Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to uncover the true mastermind.”

But the suspects were clear. Qin Xian’s spirits lifted. “These are the traces I’ve found. With these clues, and considering who benefited most after the General’s downfall, I’m certain the mastermind is among these three!”

“The Grand Protector of Andong and Governor of Fanyang, Lu Chuan; the Grand Protector of Subei and Governor of Yuzhou and Shan’an, Zheng Shoufang; the Grand Protector of Yunzhong and Governor of Baosheng and Huazhou, Huo Can.”

Qin Xian swiftly wrote down their names, the brush pressing deep into the paper—explaining to Xie Ci his suspicions and reasoning about these three. Xie Ci’s gaze was icy, unwavering, etching their names into his bones.

Qin Xian finally tossed the brush aside with a loud slap. He gasped for breath, “I don’t know who, but it must be one of them!”

Qin Xian had a violent temper. He kicked the bookshelf hard, cursing, “Those mongrels, hiding behind masks—I’ll drag them out, tear them apart, and bring them to justice!”

Let them betray, let them frame!

Xie Ci’s voice was rougher than usual. “I will make him pay in blood!”

Every word was soaked in blood.

As the rage faded and Qin Xian was about to speak, voices sounded outside the courtyard. Qin Yong stepped forward, returned, and knocked gently, “Father, Su Wei has come to bid farewell. He says military affairs in Xuanzhou are urgent, and he must leave tonight.”

It was true—the upcoming war with the Northern Rong, brewing for seven years, was imminent. The court had sent out preparations and commanders; the Northern Army would soon assemble along the entire front.

Under such circumstances, Su Wei’s rushing here to aid Qin Xian showed deep loyalty.

Qin Guan spoke quietly. After he finished, the room’s agitated atmosphere abruptly died, plunging into silence. Qin Xian showed no comfort, his expression grave.

Xie Ci’s face turned dark.

—This was precisely what Xun Xiao had described: “One’s only son kidnapped, one trapped in a honey trap, the last exposed for corruption”—Su Zhen, one of the six chief informants.

Su Wei was Su Zhen’s sole son.

Su Zhen had deeply loved his late wife, childhood sweethearts, but she died young. He followed Buddhism, believing in reincarnation. Years later he met a widow who resembled his late wife, who spoke of familiar dreams and habits. Su Zhen, shaken, believed her, fell deeply in love, and was about to help her with her family’s troubles when disaster struck.

Su Wei received a letter: if he didn’t bribe the envoy and hand over “evidence,” Su Zhen would be killed.

Su Wei did so.

When the scheme was revealed, regret came too late. Su Zhen lived in remorse, silently continuing his efforts.

This time, hearing of the Lingzhou incident, he was frantic. But he had little real contact with those people and, during the grand preparations, could not leave his post. He hurriedly sent his son and trusted aides.

Su Wei arrived, head bowed, quietly working.

After Qin Yong’s quiet report, no one spoke. Inside and out, silence reigned—the earlier anger gone. Qin Xian paced like a trapped beast for a long time, then abruptly stopped, wiped his face, and said, “I’ll be right back.” He opened the study door and went to the main hall to see Su Wei.

...

Moonlight like frost, quietly shining on the stone steps beneath the eaves.

Returning, Qin Xian sat for a long time, speaking with Xie Ci at length. At last, he said, “Su Zhen is hateful, but Zhao Heng is gone.”

Mentioning Zhao Heng, his gaze grew sorrowful.

The framing at Da Su is still under investigation by Minister Feng. Nothing more can be said of Su Zhen. If only Chen Yan and Kou Wenshao would reveal details of their contacts, many of the group’s claws could be cut off.

Chen Yan and Kou Wenshao might know the mastermind, though given his methods, it’s likely they do not. Still, unlike Su Zhen, they had direct contacts.

Pulling the threads, following the clues—the Lingzhou case might soon be resolved.

“You wish to join the army, excellent. But now, they’re watching me closely.”

Qin Xian was unwilling and found it inappropriate to have Xie Ci start as a common soldier. To place him in the mid ranks, however, was no easy task. “If only Su Zhen, Chen Yan and the others were available, it would be much easier.”

Especially with the Chen family, teeming with sons, nephews, and cousins—dozens in total. Replace one, and with so many, it’s less conspicuous and easier to arrange.

Qin Xian was ultimately a seasoned general; for all his temper, he maintained the necessary calm and judgment.

If it were just him, he wouldn’t have gone to see Su Wei tonight. As before, he’d have chased the Su family out and thrown their belongings out the door.

But tonight, because of Xie Ci, he went.

...

Night was cool as water, a single lamp flickered. The burly general sat like a mountain across from Xie Ci. Having said all he had, he added, “No matter what you decide, Uncle Qin supports you!”

Qin Xian’s hand came down firmly on Xie Ci’s shoulder. No matter how hard things became, nothing could be more difficult than what had come before!

Xie Ci understood his words. The hands he’d laid on his knees clenched into fists.

He and Qin Xian spent much of the night in the study. By the time they emerged, it was deep into the night.

Before dawn—the darkest and coldest hour—the fierce northern wind howled, freezing everything it touched.

Xun Xiao, draped in a gray velvet cloak with the hood shading most of his face, waited under the corridor from the main to the rear courtyard, cradling his sword with his single arm.

On this cold winter night, where the ground was layered with thin ice, the two walked side by side, their thick-soled military boots sounding quietly but clearly.

Qin Xian spoke gently; Xun Xiao was blunt. “The enemy is in the shadows, Qin Xian’s two fists cannot match four hands.”

This Lingzhou incident was proof.

Xie Xinzhong had always avoided ruling alone, lest the emperor grow wary. The Northern Army had many generals and governors, but his authority held them all.

Now, with Xie Xinzhong gone, the Northern Army is fragmented, the Xie family’s loyal troops scattered, many betrayed or wounded.

For Xie Ci to regain strength, to stand equal with the hidden enemy and expose him, he must gather all possible forces.

Qin Xian knew this. All this past year, despite the tension with Su Zhen and others, he had never truly opposed them.

Qin Xian was stubborn, but things had changed—now there was Xie Ci.

His determination was desperate, his resolve to seek justice all the stronger.

Xie Ci was the reason he compromised, the key to reconciliation with Su Zhen and the others.

Xun Xiao paused, turning his head. In the night, half of Xie Ci’s face was lost in darkness, but his jaw was tightly set. Xun Xiao stared at him, word by word, “If you wish for revenge, to uncover the true culprit and restore justice, you must unite all available strength!”

Only Xie Ci himself could step forward, let the past go, forgive, and reunite the Xie family’s loyal forces.

There was no other way.

Xun Xiao’s words, Xie Ci understood. He had struggled to reach this point—finally, a glimmer of dawn in his grasp.

But as the moment arrived, Xie Ci found it incredibly difficult.

The four did not stay at the general’s residence; their current identities made guest rooms too conspicuous, so they left.

Xie Ci spent a day in seclusion, and at dusk, he opened the door and said to Gu Wan, “I need to go to Suzhou, Yunzhou, and Dingzhou.” He had finally made his decision.

Xie Ci soon set off.

In the small civilian home, there had been no snowfall for seven or eight days, and the wind seemed less biting. The thin crescent moon hung in the sky, countless stars flickering with cold light, illuminating the pale earth.

They say good snow foretells a bountiful year; may the coming harvest prove it true.

...

Gu Wan remembered that of the three Qin Xian named, two would be killed by Xie Ci—though the original novel left these threads ambiguous, unaddressed in the prequel. She wasn’t sure if the two were truly the masterminds, or if one had disobeyed orders and was innocent, only to be slain prematurely.

She needed to recall and analyze further.

No matter what, Xie Ci had to take this step. Growth is painful.

Gu Wan really couldn’t help him much with this, but she thought she could at least look after his mental health. Such a bright, gem-like Xie Ci, if dulled, would be a pity. Whether as friend or family, she hoped he’d always keep his purest shine.

So Gu Wan slung her sword across her back, drew a stack of letters from her cloak, and patted them.

Xie Ci had given her letters from Lady Xun and Second Sister-in-law; one after another, they’d written, saying they were already on their way west last month. As the Xie family approached, Gu Wan, thinking of her modern relatives, immediately understood.

Just be careful arranging things.

Neither she nor Xie Ci really minded the trouble. As long as the family was together, even if they couldn’t help much, their presence was strength—a source of warmth for Xie Ci.

Warm him a little.

He’d surely be hurt. Gu Wan nodded, brushed her bangs aside, tucked the letters into her cloak. Yes, that’s what she’d do!

She’d write back right away!