Chapter Seventy-Nine: Take Care

A carriage moved at a leisurely pace along the broad highway. Inside, a masked man sat upright, holding a scroll and flipping through it with a gentle smile.

Just then, a fine horse galloped forward, blocking the carriage's path. The driver halted, and the rider approached the window. Before he could speak, the man inside lifted the curtain and asked, “So, is there news from the Six Gates?”

The newcomer wore a fierce red mask, yet his voice was as gentle as jade. “Don’t tell me you want me to go to Wei and assist White Tiger and Vermilion Bird?”

His eyes widened in admiration. “As expected, sir, nothing escapes you. The Chief Inspector has ordered you to visit Wei, to do everything possible to disrupt the relationship between the Embroidered Guards and the Huo family.”

Azure Dragon set down his scroll and sighed softly, musing, “The Chief Inspector worries that if the Embroidered Guards persuade Huo Wujie to surrender to Ming, the Chu family will be in grave danger. The Emperor would then use both the Huo family and the Embroidered Guards to tear the Chu family apart.”

He turned to the informant and said, “Understood. Report back to the Chief Inspector that I will change course immediately and head for Wei. He need not worry.”

“Yes, sir. I take my leave.” The messenger bowed and swiftly rode away.

“It seems I won’t be able to assist the heir in this assessment. But the heir is grouped with Gu Fanshuang, and I deliberately informed Liu Yingshu of the Chief Inspector’s appreciation for Gu Fanshuang, so he should secretly assign protection. There’s no need to worry too much about the heir’s safety.”

With this thought, Azure Dragon felt somewhat reassured and resumed reading his scroll.

...

After promising Yuwen Qi, Shao Xinhong once again approached the Spring Welcome Pavilion.

People bustled past, and the girls at the entrance were dazzlingly dressed. All adept at greeting and sending off guests, they easily lured indecisive men into the winehouse with their charm.

The moon had just shown its full face, and inside the winehouse, the night was only beginning for its patrons.

Shao Xinhong stood stupefied before the building, neither entering nor leaving, staring blankly at the second-floor window—the place where he and Jiang Xixuan often spent time together.

Recalling every moment from the past three years, Shao Xinhong couldn’t help but feel melancholic.

Just then, Madam Liu spotted Shao Xinhong nearby and hurried over. “Sir, you’re here again? Are you missing our Xixuan?”

Shao Xinhong didn’t respond, merely gazing up at the second floor.

Seeing his state, Madam Liu didn’t fully grasp the situation, but acted decisively, pulling Shao Xinhong inside. She loudly ordered a girl, “Fetch Xixuan and tell her Lord Shao is here! What are you waiting for? Go!”

The girl ran upstairs. Jiang Xixuan was playing a tune for several guests, who were enjoying the music and about to lift the curtain for a glimpse when the girl rushed in, following Madam Liu’s orders.

“Xixuan, Madam asks you to come downstairs. Lord Shao is here to see you.” Normally, the girls would not dare be so bold, but with Shao Xinhong present, her confidence grew.

The guests, annoyed at their interrupted enjoyment, were about to rebuke the girl when they heard “Lord Shao,” immediately connecting him to Jiang Xixuan’s most fervent admirer. Knowing Shao Xinhong’s unusual status, they exchanged glances and silently decided to leave before Jiang Xixuan departed.

Jiang Xixuan didn’t complain as her guests left, simply following the girl downstairs, her mind filled with questions.

Usually, it was difficult for her to see Shao Xinhong even once. Why had he come again tonight? She guessed it was simply a leisurely evening, perhaps free from official duties.

With this assumption, her spirits lifted, and a smile crept across her lips. The girl beside her noticed Jiang Xixuan’s happiness.

She congratulated with a cheerful grin, “Xixuan, you’re lucky to have a lover who cares for you so deeply. It’s a rare blessing for women like us. When you become Lord Shao’s wife, you’ll have a crowd of protectors behind you every day.”

“Oh, stop teasing. There’s nothing certain yet, but you make it sound like it’s a foregone conclusion.” Jiang Xixuan blushed, gently patting the girl to quiet her.

Laughing together, they reached Madam Liu, who was pouring tea for Shao Xinhong. Seeing his eyes regain some light, Madam Liu followed his gaze—Jiang Xixuan had indeed arrived.

She hurried over, grasped Jiang Xixuan’s hands, and signaled with her eyes, “Spend more time with Lord Shao. Put everything else aside for now.”

...

“Oh…” Jiang Xixuan was a little confused by Madam Liu’s look, but seeing Shao Xinhong’s distracted state, she instinctively moved to his side.

Madam Liu raised her brow, thinking, “Seems I was overthinking. This girl doesn’t need my guidance in matters of the heart.”

Jiang Xixuan’s wide, worried eyes fixed on Shao Xinhong. “What’s wrong?”

“Xixuan, could you stay with me for a while?” Shao Xinhong’s vacant gaze met hers.

Sensing something amiss, Jiang Xixuan glanced at Madam Liu, then supported Shao Xinhong upstairs to a room.

Once he was seated, she slowly filled a cup of wine and handed it to him. Kneeling behind him, she unfastened his armor, then gently massaged his shoulders.

“Did something happen in the army?” she asked, covering her mouth and apologizing hastily, “Sorry, I spoke out of turn. I didn’t mean to pry into military affairs.”

Shao Xinhong shook his head, grasping her hand, “You don’t need to apologize. It’s not military matters troubling me.”

Relieved, Jiang Xixuan sat beside him and pressed, “Then what’s going on? You look so lost—it worries me.”

Suddenly, Shao Xinhong pulled her into his arms, startling Jiang Xixuan, who quickly embraced him in return.

This man was always bold and heroic before her, yet now he seemed like a boy in need of comfort.

Perhaps it awakened her maternal instincts; she softly patted his back. “There, there. I don’t know what’s troubling you, but it will pass. Don’t be sad.”

Shao Xinhong realized he was being uncharacteristically vulnerable, and after some thought, offered a feeble excuse: “I’m not sad—just feeling lucky today, almost unreal.”

“Oh? What luck?” Jiang Xixuan tilted her head with a playful smile. “Let me guess… You won a bet? No, you never gamble. Maybe you got promoted?”

Her lively expression drew a strained smile from Shao Xinhong, who shook his head, “None of those.”

Jiang Xixuan looked puzzled. “Then what could it be? I give up.”

“I don’t want to tell you today.” Not knowing how to continue the lie, Shao Xinhong changed tack. “Xixuan, could you dance for me?”

Though confused, Jiang Xixuan complied, fetching a friend from next door to accompany her.

With the music of zither and flute echoing, Jiang Xixuan danced in flowing sleeves, as delicate as blossoms drifting through the air, her faint fragrance intoxicating.

Shao Xinhong was entranced by her dance—the very one she had performed when they first met.

Her powdered cheeks and painted lips were as charming as flower petals. Every movement had the grace of an orchid. Dressed in green and white, her hair as dark as ink, her fingers slender and flawless, the colorful fan in her hand swirling elegantly. She seemed like a fairy stepping out of a dream.

Her arms rose and fell, eyes lowered, hands drifting like clouds. Her steps alternated between swift and slow, as if calligraphy swept across silk, or a painter's brush brought a masterpiece to life.

Shao Xinhong was utterly captivated.

Outside, Yuwen Qi stood at the entrance of the Spring Welcome Pavilion, cloaked in black with a broad-brimmed hat, accompanied by another man.

“Sir, should I call him down?” his deputy asked, bowing low.

Yuwen Qi shook his head. “Let him relax one last time. Perhaps the two will never meet again.”

He then turned away, instructing his companion, “In five days, redeem this woman’s freedom and purchase a house for her in Qingzhou.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll see to it immediately.” The man departed to carry out the order.

Yuwen Qi wandered alone through the night market. Though the borderlands lagged behind the heartlands, years of peace had brought prosperity. Seeing people’s happy faces only weighed his heart further, for such scenes would soon vanish...

Back in Shao Xinhong’s room,

After Jiang Xixuan’s dance, her sisters left, unwilling to witness the lovers’ public affection.

Jiang Xixuan sat in Shao Xinhong’s arms, gently stroking his chest, her face radiant with happiness.

...

Shao Xinhong caressed her, savoring the warmth.

“If only things could stay like this forever,” he murmured.

Jiang Xixuan laughed softly, “What’s gotten into you tonight, speaking such words?”

“Remember I said something wonderful happened?” Shao Xinhong shifted the subject.

“Yes,” Jiang Xixuan replied, then pouted, “You’re teasing me again—I won’t fall for it.”

Shao Xinhong finally decided on his explanation. “I’ll tell you. I’m being sent on a mission to the northwest.”

“Ah...” Jiang Xixuan’s mood fell, but she understood his duty. She could only sigh, “Be careful. Nothing matters more than your life. Don’t be reckless—I’ll wait for you here, singing for you every day.”

“But there’s an upside—I was given some money, enough to buy your freedom.”

“Really?” Jiang Xixuan perked up like a rabbit, sitting upright, eager for confirmation.

“Absolutely. Would I lie to you?” Shao Xinhong smiled.

“That’s wonderful!” Jiang Xixuan kissed his cheek, then burrowed shyly into his embrace. “Finally, I can be with you every day, no more forced smiles for others. Don’t deceive me—I’m... I’m so happy now, but if it’s false, it would be heartbreak all over again.”

“I won’t.” Shao Xinhong gently rested her head on his chest. “I want to hear you sing and watch you dance for the rest of my life. How could I deceive you?”

Suddenly, Shao Xinhong seemed to remember something. He looked down, stroking Jiang Xixuan’s hair. “Oh, I wanted to ask you something.”

“What is it?” she raised her face.

“If someone sacrifices hundreds of thousands, even millions of innocent lives for their own vision, does that make them...” Before he finished, Jiang Xixuan burst out indignantly.

“Such a person is unforgivable, and even in the afterlife would face retribution!”

“Uh, I wasn’t finished.” Shao Xinhong was embarrassed. “What if their actions make the country stronger?”

“But Ming is already the greatest of the seven empires—does it not suffice?” Her counter made Shao Xinhong pause, but he pressed on, “Still, some people suffer, and harsh policies burden the people.”

Jiang Xixuan dismissed the notion. “I used to complain about all the injustice I faced, always grumbling. But then I met you, and realized every hardship was preparing me for a lifetime with you.

Even if the country grows stronger, there will always be troubles. Most people are rarely fully satisfied. A strong nation is enough—sacrificing people for some supposed greater strength, what’s the point?”

Shao Xinhong sat in silence. What she said echoed his own thoughts. Was such sacrifice truly worth the so-called achievements?

He smiled bitterly and nodded, “I understand.” It sounded more like he was talking to himself than to her.

“What do you understand?”

“Nothing—just that your words enlightened me, Teacher Jiang.” Shao Xinhong teased her gently.

Jiang Xixuan blushed, feigning anger as she gently punched his chest, “Oh, stop it! You’re just mocking me for being uneducated.”

“I wouldn’t dare. Teacher Jiang’s words were wise—I’m just being honest, that’s all.”

...

Shao Xinhong gazed back at the Spring Welcome Pavilion, watching Jiang Xixuan wave goodbye at the door before turning resolutely away.

“Jiang Xixuan, in another life, I would surely make you my wife. But General Yuwen Qi has asked this of me, and even if it means bearing infamy for eternity, I cannot refuse.”

“You... take care.”