Chapter 33

The moonlight was cold and carried a hint of chill, quietly spilling over the small mountain town and draping the snow-dusted land embraced by the hills in a gauzy silver sheen. When Xie Ci, restless with the stirrings of youthful longing, found himself unable to sleep for half the night, Second Sister-in-law Xie gently knocked on Gu Wan’s door, entered with her pillow, and went to sleep beside her.

“Isn’t it crowded over there?”

Seeing it was Second Sister-in-law, Gu Wan smiled, opened the door, and lifted the bed curtain to let her in. The little house was not large; the back hall had no drawing room, and the main room, split in two by a rebuilt wall, housed Madam Xun with her two not-quite-grown sons in one side, while Second and Third Sisters-in-law Xie slept with two girls in the other. In a room of barely ten square meters, two large beds slept four people each. “Once we leave, you should come sleep here. There’s really no need to keep this room empty—it’s such a waste.”

After all, they were family; there was no need for such formality. She and Xie Ci rarely returned to sleep here anyway. When they did, crowding in together would be fine. Second Sister-in-law Xie lay down on the canopy bed with her pillow, listening with a gentle smile.

She replied, “Enough, don’t worry about that. Are you afraid they won’t fit?”

Pale moonlight slanted through the half-opened window, casting its glow on the apricot-white gauze bed curtains. Gu Wan had thought Second Sister-in-law was anxious about her family, for the letter she’d sent hadn’t been detailed enough. So she carefully recounted their journey to Lingzhou and the situation of the Qin family. “All in all, it was thrilling but safe enough. The Qin family are good people. Everyone is well now. When I left, Madam Wen had already recovered.”

Madam Wen had mainly suffered a concussion but was fine after some rest.

Second Sister-in-law Xie did worry about her family, but that was not her main purpose tonight. She listened quietly, cherishing every detail about her loved ones and her elder brother.

After a while, she looked at Gu Wan, who was lying with her legs up, and said with a smile, “Tomorrow when you leave, I’ll go with you.”

At first, Gu Wan thought she simply wanted to visit her own family, which was reasonable, but Second Sister-in-law shook her head gently. “Once we go out, I won’t be returning to the town for now.”

This time, Second Sister-in-law meant to join Xie Ci and Gu Wan, to stand beside them and fight.

“I’ve looked over this town from end to end. The people are fine. As for the house, I hired some men from the county to dig a tunnel these past few days—not long, but enough to lead straight to the little mountain out back.”

“Mingming is already grown—he’s thirteen this year.”

At thirteen, Xie Ci was already wielding his silver spear and slim blade with vigor, vaulting walls without a sound. Xie Mingming was the same; as the eldest son of the main branch, he had been held to strict standards from a young age. Over the past year, he had trained diligently, regardless of season, and Second Sister-in-law had to strictly limit his training time lest he harm his young bones.

In any case, Xie Mingming had grown into a fine young boy, able to handle most ordinary matters on his own. If anything went wrong or danger appeared, he could simply escape through the tunnel and head to Lingzhou for help.

“As for Rou’er, she’s already eleven.”

Almost a grown girl—were it not for these troubles, in another two years she’d be old enough to consider marriage. Madam Xun was more than capable of caring for the siblings.

Xie Mingming could also teach his younger brother martial arts.

Second Sister-in-law watched as Gu Wan, startled, rolled over and sat up. The young girl’s hair was tousled, her almond-shaped eyes round and gleaming in the night. Unable to resist, Second Sister-in-law reached out to smooth her hair. She was only seventeen.

This decision had been discussed with Madam Xun and Xie Mingming. Xie Mingming deeply wished to avenge his father and ancestors alongside his fourth uncle, but after weighing everything, the young man chose to stay behind.

It was Second Sister-in-law’s idea but also a family decision. They could not let Xie Ci and Gu Wan face everything alone; one more person meant more strength.

“Mingming said, if one day the family is settled, with no further threats, he will go with Fourth Uncle and Aunt to bring those villains to justice and restore the Xie family’s honor.”

Moonlight, gentle as water, spread across the scene. Second Sister-in-law spoke softly, her voice as soothing as the night.

Gu Wan hesitated for a moment, pondering, but soon set the matter aside. She trusted Second Sister-in-law would not leave the family in danger.

So she replied cheerfully, “That’s wonderful!”

Heaven knew how much she’d longed for another pair of hands in times of need.

With the matter settled, the two happily pulled up the quilt and went to sleep. Second Sister-in-law tucked her in, then lay back, gazing at the canopy for a while before closing her eyes.

The next day, golden sunlight spilled from the eastern mountains down to the little courtyard’s steps. After a steaming meal of dumplings, the three walked along the town’s clay road to the edge of the mountain valley, retrieved the horses hidden in the woods the day before, and set off.

The ground crunched beneath their feet, the sunlight gilding the trees. Gu Wan nimbly mounted her horse; bathed in light, the fine down on her cheeks was visible, her whole form blending with the golden forest.

Xie Ci kept glancing at her all morning, quickly looking away each time, but now he watched a little longer—and met Second Sister-in-law’s amused eyes.

She smiled as she mounted the third horse. There was an extra horse in the woods.

Xie Ci flushed. He asked in surprise, “Second Sister-in-law, are you also going to Lingzhou?”

She nodded, “Yes. Why, am I not allowed?”

She shot him a sidelong glance.

Of course she was allowed. He thought for a moment—Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying should have met her. “Second Sister-in-law, do you know Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying?”

She thought, “Yes, one has a mole on his chin, the other a square face and large earlobes. So many years have passed in a blink.” She sighed.

Any unease in Xie Ci vanished at once, and he quickly reassured her, “The Qin family are all well, don’t worry.”

“It’s fine, Yuan Niang told me everything last night.”

He glanced at Gu Wan, who smiled, looked at Second Sister-in-law, then at him. A sweet, quiet joy welled up in his heart.

He steadied himself. “All right! Let’s go!”

The three set off at a gallop, swiftly leaving the mountain town. By mid-morning, they reached the place agreed upon with Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying. Reining in their horses, Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying dashed out from the teahouse, leaped onto their mounts, and joined them.

At Lingzhou’s city gate, they met up with Xun Xiao and Luo Qian.

—This journey to the three provinces, since Qin Xian had sent Xie Ci, it meant he was confident. At the very least, Xie Ci’s safety was assured.

Still, aside from Xie Ci, the others had little reason to go—sometimes more people just complicated things. So Gu Wan and Xun Xiao did not go. Gu Wan claimed to be recuperating from an injury—though she was not—so she could secretly receive and settle the Xie family.

Xun Xiao stayed in Lingzhou, monitoring developments related to the special envoy and the ongoing smuggling case.

Zhang Qing, as instructed by Xie Ci, had sent word to Lingzhou ahead of time. By mid-morning, Xun Xiao and Luo Qian were waiting just outside the city.

At first sight, Second Sister-in-law was startled and puzzled. Xun Xiao immediately turned his head, his wind hat shadowing his face. She looked at Gu Wan, who, knowing Xun Xiao’s sensitive hearing, dared not speak but only nodded slightly.

Second Sister-in-law was stunned. She’d heard that Xun Xiao had been burned, but never imagined it was so severe. She looked up—the blue sky, white clouds, golden sunlight on thawing ditches and snowy branches. Anyone who hadn’t seen summer here would never guess how lush and verdant it could be in late spring. Ten years of life and death can change everything; no one knows what the future holds.

Older and more sanguine, Second Sister-in-law had adjusted her mindset over the past year. She couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

Those damnable villains!

Five horses in quick succession entered Lingzhou. Soon, they changed from camp clothes and rode to the side gate of the General’s Mansion. Xie Ci had returned.

But faster than he was the arrival of letters from Su Zhen, Chen Yan, Kou Wenshao, and their sons, who, after repeated instructions, sent a long letter to Qin Xian in Lingzhou.

—Had it not been a critical moment for war preparations, they would have come themselves.

Su Wei and the others, Qin Xian—they had all met, and had been urgently consulting by letter. As they entered the mansion, Second Sister-in-law paused, eyes brimming with tears at the sight of the familiar yet strange threshold. She had married from the capital; not long after, Qin Xian was posted to Lingzhou. The style was familiar, the family within even more so. It took all her effort to compose herself.

Qin Xian and Qin Guan felt the same.

They came out to greet them. For a moment, Qin Xian averted his gaze, and Gu Wan saw the usually stalwart Qin Guan’s eyes redden, though both men held back their tears.

Qin Xian nodded gently, “Good, good. Go to the back and speak with your aunt and siblings; your uncle will see you soon.”

He wasted no time—business was urgent. Even with confidence, Xie Ci had performed even better than expected. Quickly, he led them to the study, clapped Xie Ci on the back: “Well done!” Qin Xian was deeply moved; he could almost see his successor in the making. The loyalty of Chen Yan and Kou Wenshao was as clear as Su Zhen’s.

“Later, go see Chen Shao and the others.”

Su Wei and the rest had already hurried back with Qin Xian’s letters, but Chen Yan’s second son and the nephews of Su Zhen and Kou Wenshao had stayed behind to relay any developments, for the matter was too urgent to trust to carrier pigeons alone.

To avoid attention, Su Wei and the others had traveled separately from Xie Ci. Qin Xian had been worried since Xie Ci was two days late, but seeing Second Sister-in-law, he understood.

For more than half a month, the four had been contacting former trusted officers of the Xie Army. Qin Xian, Su Zhen, Chen Yan, and Kou Wenshao were staking everything—their lives, their futures—to confront the mastermind behind it all.

Qin Xian praised them again and again. “Chen Shao and the others have brought word from their old contacts. I believe nothing has been held back. I’ve already submitted these reports to the special envoy. This case should be closed soon.”

First, they now had a clear trail to follow; second, and more importantly, with war looming, the Lingzhou case had to be closed quickly. Even if the investigation continued, it had to be done discreetly, lest morale suffer.

The weather was good this year. By the end of the month, the thaw would begin; by mid-to-late next month, the ground would be firm.

Qin Xian said, “The Northern Army is about to assemble!”

The great battle was at hand.

At this moment, the most important thing was for Xie Ci to enter the army safely—a step that was, perhaps, the most difficult of all. Their enemy was surely watching, searching for Xie Ci by every possible means.

Qin Xian said, “I’ve discussed it with Chen Yan and Kou Wenshao by letter, and we all agree—you should join Chen Yan’s command.”

The reasons had been explained: the Chen family was large, with many sons, nephews, and cousins, making it easier to blend in.

In the coming days, if necessary, Xie Ci and Yuan Niang should arrange things here; otherwise, there was no need. Qin Xian did not specify, but Xie Ci understood—he meant the Xie family.

Qin Xian asked nothing about their whereabouts, only repeatedly cautioned them to be careful, and to seek help from the General’s Mansion if needed. He would instruct his trusted steward and Deputy General Yang Fen.

“Before the end of the month, you must reach Yunzhou.”

This was the plan agreed upon with Chen Yan—the optimal time. Chen Yan would use the interval to select suitable relatives and make other arrangements.

Finally, Qin Xian lowered his voice to a whisper for Xie Ci alone, “Trust those you employ, and employ only those you trust—doubt is a general’s great taboo.”

“Once you have allowed them to atone for their past, you must treat them with not a trace of difference. When you arrive in Yunzhou, trust Chen Yan.”

Qin Xian’s voice was barely audible, his lips moving: “Even if you feel the need for caution, keep it buried deep—never let anyone see it. Unless there is a dire emergency, do not act rashly.”

These were lessons Xie Ci’s father had not had time to teach him. Qin Xian imparted them all now.

The middle-aged general, already showing crow’s feet at his eyes, was close by. Xie Ci nodded, “I understand.”

“Good!”

This young man, so like his father in bearing, stood tall and straight in black armor, as proud as a silver spear. Qin Xian studied him with satisfaction.

After these instructions, Qin Xian turned to the others. Gu Wan needed no words. He looked at Xun Xiao.

Xun Xiao, in a gray robe and bamboo hat veiled with cotton, seldom showed himself in public, only visiting the mansion once and avoiding people.

But this time, both he and Xie Ci knew that once they left the General’s Mansion, they might depart Lingzhou at once. To gain first-hand information, Xun Xiao entered the outer study, standing quietly in the shadows by a pillar.

Qin Xian had wanted to ask before; now, his expression flickered with emotion. “You are...?”

Xun Xiao turned and replied coolly, “My surname is Luo.”

Qin Xian felt a mix of emotions. Luo? Very well.

So, Luo it was.

He said nothing more.

He only told Xie Ci and Gu Wan, “You should set out as soon as possible. When we next meet, it will be at the army’s assembly. I hope your entry into the army goes smoothly.”

Qin Xian exhaled deeply, “Good. Now, let’s go to the back for a family banquet!”

The family banquet had been prepared all along. Last time, they missed it; this time, it would be made up.

If there was one surprise, it was Second Sister-in-law, Qin Ying.

When Xie Ci, Gu Wan, and Qin Xian reached the back courtyard, Wen Shi, Qin Guan, and Second Sister-in-law all had red eyes—they’d clearly been crying. That night, after Xie Ci and Gu Wan left, Qin Xian and Qin Guan called Qin Ying to the study.

“Yingniang, you...”

“Yingniang, you want to do something—your brother and I agree. But you’re still young...”

Qin Xian, usually upright and reserved, bent slightly under the lamp, forgetting any embarrassment in his haste.

His niece was young. Second Brother Xie had been a good man, but he was gone. He didn’t want her to spend her youth as a widow, alone all her life.

“There are many good young men under my command—if you want a modest family, I’ll find you one. Or a noble family, if you like. Or wait a few more years. Would that be all right?”

Even strong as she was, Second Sister-in-law had shed many tears today; family reunions were not easy. Sitting in the armchair, with her burly uncle and brother beside her under the gentle lamplight, she felt happy. But, hearing him, she shook her head firmly and smiled, “Uncle, there’s no need! One can live just fine without a husband.”

“Are you worried I’ll have no one to care for me? I have two children!”

Qin Ying stood up. She had already spoken with her aunt, making Wen Shi both laugh and cry. Now she repeated herself, “No matter what comes, I am not afraid! A man like Xie Zai, upright and noble—there will never be another like him in this world!”

At the end, her eyes reddened for the young man who had dazzled her life.

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me!”

Seeing her calm strength, her tears and her smile, Qin Xian and Qin Guan’s eyes burned. They, too, understood what it meant to have loved and lost. At last, the two men exchanged a glance, sighed, and said no more.

Then, the three discussed Qin Ying taking charge again of the Flowing Breeze Guard she once led.

As they finished, the door creaked. Qin Wenxuan timidly poked her head in, but then bravely stepped forward. “Big sister, can I go with you?”

She clenched her fists, but spoke earnestly, “I don’t want to be so helpless again!”

When trouble came last time, she could do nothing—not even escape with her mother and brother. She didn’t want to feel that way ever again.

Night’s blue canopy, brisk winds, shifting clouds—there was already a hint of spring in the air.

At that moment, Gu Wan and Xie Ci had left the General’s Mansion and were reining in their horses outside their rented country house. Tomorrow, they would leave Lingzhou and embark on a new journey.

“Let’s go.”

Gu Wan looked up after the wind moved the clouds, then turned to smile at the three, spurred her horse ahead for a mile, and went to the inn where she and Second Sister-in-law had arranged to meet.

Xie Ci and the others had no objections. They were used to frequent moves for safety, so he didn’t notice anything amiss when Second Sister-in-law arrived with Qin Wenxuan, both dressed in plain travel clothes, riding hard.

Xie Ci was stunned. “Second Sister-in-law, why have you come again? Weren’t you supposed to return to the town after a reunion?”

Second Sister-in-law laughed heartily, “I’m coming with you, of course! Don’t worry, everything at home is arranged.”

Xie Ci never doubted her abilities, but he hadn’t expected she’d accompany them on this journey.

He was taken aback—first with delight, then, suddenly, a pang of disappointment. He had secretly looked forward to traveling alone with Gu Wan, hoping for time together, perhaps even sharing a room.

He looked at Qin Wenxuan, who was also wearing a bamboo hat. “You’re coming too?”

Second Sister-in-law said, “Wenxuan is with me. Don’t worry, Uncle and Big Brother know.”

Xie Ci was speechless.

Second Sister-in-law dismounted, strode up the steps, and asked the innkeeper to open a courtyard in the back for them.

She moved briskly, explaining as she went, “You need someone to run errands for you.”

That was her original idea. The Flowing Breeze Guard had been formed from orphans she’d supported in her youth, first gathering information in the city, later becoming a secret force for the Qin family. After her marriage, it became part of the Flowing Breeze Guard.

This time, Qin Xian wanted her to take over the whole organization, but she only wanted her old team. Both her birth and married families were important; she couldn’t drain her uncle and brother’s resources. The various teams were still in contact, so she could learn whatever she needed.

Second Sister-in-law opened the main room, sent Qin Wenxuan to wash up, then said to Gu Wan, “Don’t worry about Wenxuan. She’s stubborn—she won’t leak a word.”

She tossed her bundle on the bed and smiled, “I’m older than you. Call me Sister Ying from now on.”

Gu Wan had never doubted Wenxuan’s discretion or Second Sister-in-law’s competence—no, Qin Ying’s.

But she sneaked a glance at the washing chamber. She wanted to ask... She noticed Xun Xiao had disappeared as soon as Second Sister-in-law and Wenxuan arrived.

It seemed there was something going on.

Qin Ying understood instantly, but sighed. She and the family suspected Wenxuan wanted to grow stronger—but perhaps she also hoped for something else: perhaps it was Xun Xiao.

Qin Ying shook her head, for she heard footsteps—Wenxuan emerged from the washroom.

They fell silent at once.

Gu Wan smiled at Wenxuan, “Come, let’s tidy up and order food!”

As for Second Sister-in-law, Qin Ying, she found it amusing that Xie Ci was still standing outside. She walked over, “Go pick a room—there are three. The three of you can share one. The courtyard has three rooms in all.”

She continued, “From now on, Wenxuan, Yuan Niang, and I will share a room. You won’t have to be inconvenienced anymore.”

Xie Ci looked up; Gu Wan was happily chatting with Wenxuan (no doubt feeling guilty after gossiping about her), and even waved at him before turning back to her conversation. She was clearly delighted to be sharing a room with the sisters.

Well, a man and a woman alone would always be a little improper.

Xie Ci’s earlier joy had not worn off before his heart fell with a thud. He lingered under the eaves for a while, then, with many a backward glance, led Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying to the side room.

Only he was left in his own lonely little world.

Author’s note:

Xie Ci: So... does that mean our world for two is gone...? QAQ