Chapter 68

“Ye Rui, I have something important to tell you.”

Faint sounds of training drifted intermittently through the military camp; the steady thud of marching feet gave the place its own rhythm. Ye Rui looked up at Xie Tinglan and suddenly felt a little dazed.

Xie Tinglan, with her perpetually pale face and the way she seemed to have to catch her breath after only a few steps, now stood here; Xie Tinglan, who stirred up the court and outmatched the scholars in debate, had appeared in this place. It was, honestly, a little strange. Even now, Ye Rui still found it unreal.

Ye Rui stood up and met Xie Tinglan’s gaze, then asked, “Miss Lingchao, if you have something to say, you can say it here. We’re all on the same side.”

Xie Tinglan’s expression darkened at once, and the authority of someone used to command came through. Everyone present was startled, as if pinned in place by that sudden pressure.

“Ye Rui, some things should be discussed in private, not announced in front of everyone. Words have their proper measure; only then does one command respect.”

Ye Rui immediately understood what Xie Tinglan meant. She had indeed been careless. Not every matter could be spoken in front of her subordinates. Even if they were close to her, in the military she was still the captain; she ought to carry herself like one.

“Go to my quarters.”

For some reason, Ye Rui suddenly felt uneasy. Just now, when Xie Tinglan’s face had gone cold, it had looked like a teacher disappointed in a student. Could it be that she... really hadn’t improved at all?

And then she thought of that awful excuse from before—that she usually wasn’t like this.

Ye Rui walked ahead, Xie Tinglan behind her. Yin Yue and Gong Yinzhi stayed close on Xie Tinglan’s heels until they reached the crude little quarters.

“Wait outside the door for this Prime Minister.”

Xie Tinglan spoke softly, making sure that no one other than Yin Yue and Gong Yinzhi could hear. After they answered, the two stood guard on either side of the door, then closed it behind them.

Once the door shut, the space held only Ye Rui and Xie Tinglan. Ye Rui’s throat tightened a little; she didn’t know what Xie Tinglan wanted to say to her.

“What is this important matter?”

Ye Rui forced herself to calm down. When she looked at Xie Tinglan again, she found that her eyes had already softened, the sharpness from before gone.

“I know the Silver Stone and Flying Horse tribes are at war, and that the Western Barbarian King has also sent troops. You’re just watching from the sidelines, waiting for the right moment to make peace with them, aren’t you?”

Ye Rui’s heart gave a hard jolt. She knew Xie Tinglan was clever, but she hadn’t expected that with only a little information, Xie Tinglan would already be able to guess what they intended to do next.

“Xie Tinglan, I can’t tell you these things.”

This was military intelligence. Even if the other person was the Grand Chancellor of Great Yan, Ye Rui still couldn’t casually reveal it. She knew where the line was.

Seeing Ye Rui so guarded, Xie Tinglan didn’t know whether she should feel pleased or not. Pleased, because Ye Rui had grown up and knew what should be said and what shouldn’t; displeased, because Ye Rui now also treated her like an outsider.

“Barbarians are often people who don’t care for honor or justice. Relying on them to increase your troop numbers can only be a temporary fix. I think you understand that too; perhaps there’s a better way.”

Since Ye Rui wouldn’t speak, Xie Tinglan could only infer from what she knew and continue: “Besides, the blood feud between them and us has lasted for generations. Even if you cooperate for the sake of profit, it won’t last. If you’re going to negotiate, I want to go with you, so I can better understand the details and hidden traps in the agreement.”

After Xie Tinglan finished, Ye Rui gave a cold laugh. “Xie Tinglan, I can’t say this, and I can’t make the decision either. It’s too important. You’ve found the wrong person.”

As soon as she said that, she turned to leave, but Xie Tinglan caught her wrist and said, “Do you know that the Eldest Princess once negotiated with the barbarians as well? And what was the result?”

Ye Rui said nothing, because she really didn’t know. Mu Xue didn’t know Xie Tinglan’s plan, and Ye Rui wouldn’t tell her either; Xie Tinglan had also never spoken of what happened when she served as Qingzhou Marshal.

Ye Rui could see that she didn’t want to bring up those three years that everyone in the world thought were so glorious, so brilliant.

“That was also an appeasement strategy, but it was also a trap that nearly cost her her life. The barbarians surrounded the negotiation tent from all sides during the talks; she escaped only by risking half her life, and many soldiers were lost.”

Xie Tinglan’s voice sank. “This time, if they are the ones asking you for help, they naturally won’t encircle and slaughter you. But Ye Rui, it’s still dangerous. I can help you.”

Ye Rui shook her head. “You should go find the marshal.”

The moment Ye Rui moved, the grip on her wrist tightened. Xie Tinglan said, “I will look for him. I believe he’ll send you. So, Ye Rui... let me accompany you.”

Ye Rui still didn’t answer. She pulled herself free and left; even the cool fragrance on Xie Tinglan’s body was stripped away in an instant. She didn’t look at the soft light flickering in Xie Tinglan’s eyes, afraid that if she did, she would no longer be able to harden her heart.

This woman really was her calamity.

The door had barely opened when she saw Gong Yinzhi turn around and say in a low voice, “Ri Xi asked me to bring you a message.”

Ye Rui’s whole body jolted, and her expression lost the certainty it had just had. At the Xie residence, she and Ri Xi had the best relationship. Ri Xi treated her like a younger sister, always helping her, indulging her, doting on her. She really couldn’t pretend not to care about words Ri Xi had sent for her.

“Go on.”

The corners of Ye Rui’s lips lifted slightly; it was a bitter expression, but at last she still gave a rare smile.

“She said if you have time, go home and take a look. Lin Aunt’s rheumatism has flared up again; she keeps saying she misses you. Also, Tianfu Teahouse has a new item on the menu, and she says you’ll definitely like it.”

Lin Aunt’s rheumatism had flared up again... Every time it acted up, Ye Rui would use a hot towel to warm the area for her, and massage her a little; she would feel better after that.

Those few short sentences brought back so many warm memories. For instance, Ri Xi would take care of all her meals and daily needs whenever Ye Rui was injured, attending to everything with meticulous care. Or Gong Yinzhi, standing right before her now; whenever the two of them discussed inner-cultivation techniques, they could talk through an entire night.

And then there was Yin Yue. Just seeing her now made Ye Rui’s thighs tremble. And then there was that mischievous little spirit, Huan Jing...

Was the phoenix tree in the Smoke and Clouds Courtyard thriving again in summer?

“Miss Gong, I’ve received Ri Xi’s message.”

With that, Ye Rui turned to look at Yin Yue. The face that usually held no expression now had something hard to describe on it; she seemed on the verge of speaking, yet not speaking.

She really isn’t good with words, Ye Rui thought.

“Yin Yue, my horse stance is very solid now. A good teacher produces good students.”

Ye Rui forced out another smile, and then heard Pang Niu’s loud voice shouting from not far away: “A-Rui! Training’s starting! If you don’t come now, you’ll be punished with the military rod—!”

The moment the words “military rod” were spoken, both the people outside the door and the people inside it shuddered. Each had their own thoughts; how could that be only a bodily punishment?

Yes, Ye Rui didn’t deny that she was someone who said one thing and meant another. She simply resented Xie Tinglan. How could she not resent her?

“I’m coming—!”

Ye Rui answered, then hurried off.

Only then did Xie Tinglan come out. Watching the figure running away in a flurry, watching Ye Rui link arms with Pang Niu and bicker as they went, looking happy as a child, she let the tenderness from before drain from her eyes. They dimmed a little, yet the corner of her mouth unconsciously curved into a bitter smile.

“My lady, are we going to see Zhang Tingluo now?”

Gong Yinzhi asked. She had already seen from afar that Zhang Tingluo and Li Yan had gone together to the council tent; they must have finished checking today’s warhorses.

“Mm. We’ll go now.”

Xie Tinglan had only taken a step when something seemed to occur to her, and she stopped again. “Has the letter already been delivered to Mu Xue?”

Yin Yue bent slightly in a bow. “It’s been delivered. Mu Xue said she awaits your honored arrival.”

Xie Tinglan’s expression changed slightly, and the light in her beautiful eyes gradually darkened. She had always thought Mu Xue was still cooped up in her Mist and Rain Tower; she had never expected her to have already come to Qingzhou City, and to have been here for months at that.

What exactly did she think of Ye Rui? And what was she planning now? Xie Tinglan wanted to find out.

**

That night, when Ye Rui came out of the council tent, her mind was heavy with worry. Zhang Tingluo had told her about Xie Tinglan’s request earlier in the day. He knew that Ye Rui and Xie Tinglan must have some connection, so he left the matter for Ye Rui to decide herself.

But Ye Rui’s task had only one condition: the appeasement had to succeed, and Zhang Tingluo would send the most elite soldiers to protect her.

Ye Rui let out a long breath. Even the summer night wind carried an irritating heat. No wonder Xie Tinglan had come looking for her; she had already anticipated that Zhang Tingluo would hand the choice over to her?

She... had really thought of every possible outcome?

Xie Tinglan had no martial arts to rely on. If anything really happened, Ye Rui would still have to worry about her. If something happened to her... Ye Rui shook her head and forced away the unpleasant thoughts. Was letting her go really the right choice?

Unable to make up her mind, Ye Rui decided to take the initiative and go find Xie Tinglan to probe the situation; she hadn’t expected that Xie Tinglan wasn’t in the camp at all. She’d heard that after finishing her discussion with Zhang Tingluo, Xie Tinglan had hurried out of the Phoenix Army camp and gone into Qingzhou City.

Did this person really not know how to sit still for even a moment?

Qingzhou City was brightly lit at night, the evening breeze soft and cool. Fully armed soldiers patrolled back and forth; torches on the city walls lit up the darkness, refusing to let any danger hide within it.

Qingzhou City at night was bright, but not like Dongfeng Street’s intoxicated, troubles-forgetting brilliance. This was a brightness that always kept itself ready. The city was like a huge beast already growing old, yet still full of intimidating power; it guarded Great Yan’s frontier, weathering wind and frost, yet standing firm all the same.

The prefect’s residence was still brightly lit. Sturdy soldiers stood guard at their posts, staring straight ahead without moving their eyes.

In the inner hall’s council chamber, Mu Xue sat in the seat of honor, took a sip of tea, and said, “I don’t like your Xie residence much, but I do like the tea. I already had someone send some over before; it should suit your taste.”

Xie Tinglan didn’t move. She only glanced at the steaming tea on the table. It smelled far better than the camp’s tea, but not enough to make her take even a sip.

“Let’s talk.”

Xie Tinglan dismissed Gong Yinzhi and Yin Yue, telling them to wait outside the door. She wanted to speak with Mu Xue alone.

“What do you want to talk about?”

Mu Xue didn’t hurry to drive her away. Instead, the corner of her mouth lifted into a cold, disdainful smile.

“Let’s start with Murong Feiyuan.”

At the name Murong Feiyuan, a flash of anger lit Mu Xue’s eyes, but she quickly suppressed it and said nothing.

Xie Tinglan said lightly, “Do you know why you’re not fit to be a general, much less an emperor?”

At that, Mu Xue didn’t get angry, nor did she sneer. She only looked at Xie Tinglan with dim eyes.

“Because you care too much about feelings. You want to save everyone, protect everyone; in the end, you can’t protect anyone.”

Xie Tinglan’s words struck at the heart. Mu Xue’s expression changed, and her brows furrowed tightly. “Shut up!”

“What, you can’t bear to hear the truth?”

This time, when Xie Tinglan argued with Mu Xue, she no longer panted for breath, no longer grew weak all over and nearly died. This time, she wanted to lay bare the knot in her heart that had been tied for years.

“After Yan Mu ascended the throne, he still pursued you relentlessly. Do you know how your good sister Murong Feiyuan was going to betray you?”

Back then, Yan Mu had been the crown prince and was on the verge of taking the throne. At that very time, rumors suddenly spread that the Eldest Princess intended to rebel and seize the throne. Two months later, the late emperor passed away and Yan Mu ascended the throne, holding power in his hands. He first stripped the Eldest Princess of her position as Qingzhou Marshal on the grounds of military negligence, then, to eliminate any future trouble, sent people after people to assassinate her.

Qingzhou City was nearly on the verge of collapse. Generals died one after another, others submitted to the new regime, and in the end, the Eldest Princess was killed on Broken Head Mountain; her body was brought back to the Capital City.

Of course, in the mouths of the common people, the Eldest Princess had died of illness on the road back to the capital. That battle of pursuit and escape lasted a full half year, and it ended with the Eldest Princess’s death.

“You only know how Murong Feiyuan loved me, how she was forced by circumstances to do those things that betrayed you and me. Do you know that if I hadn’t intercepted the message Murong Feiyuan sent to Murong Yu, you would really have died on Broken Head Mountain?”

That had been the first time Xie Tinglan had killed someone with her own hands; she killed one of Murong Feiyuan’s attendants. It was also the beginning of the killing intent she had buried for Murong Feiyuan.

No matter how much one was forced by circumstances, anyone who stirred up trouble in the middle would never be spared by her.

“What did you say?”

Xie Tinglan turned to look at Mu Xue, whose face had gone a little panicked. Seeing that expression, Xie Tinglan felt no satisfaction at all; instead, she thought Mu Xue was obtuse.

“On the second day of the tenth month, the Dragon Chant Mountain Wolong Temple was where you were hiding.”

The second day of the tenth month; Xie Tinglan remembered it very clearly, because that had been the first time she had killed with her own hands. It was a day engraved into memory with death and blood.

Mu Xue’s pupils trembled. It was as if something had shattered her long-held assumptions. How could Murong Feiyuan have betrayed her? Wasn’t that her most cherished younger sister?

“Murong Feiyuan was indeed forced by circumstances, but she still bore the Murong surname. Anyone who stood in the way had to die.”

Xie Tinglan looked at Mu Xue’s disbelieving face and only gave a cold laugh. “You had Murong Feiyuan send you life-saving medicine, but you didn’t know that the one sending it was me; no, perhaps I should say, that most loyal attendant.”

Back then, Xie Tinglan was weak and without support, and Ri Xi and the others had not yet entered the household. Only the Empress could be relied upon, and the only person who could have carried out such a dangerous task was Shen Zhuiying.

“How... is that possible!”

Mu Xue gripped the teacup tightly, and Xie Tinglan could feel a wave of pressure rushing toward her. Facing that nearly collapsing look on Mu Xue’s face, she remained calm and only said, “If you want to blame someone, blame that old bastard Murong Yu for using his own daughter like a tool, then putting on the act of a loving father. The one who deserved to die was him!”

“Mu Xue, in a situation like that, how many people are truly innocent? If I’d had even one person I could use back then, I would never have forced Murong Feiyuan to her death in that way.”

Xie Tinglan gripped the armrest and said in a low voice, “The one person did not want you to die. She believed you would stand with us; even now, she still believes that.”

Mu Xue’s mind was in chaos. There were so many smiling faces of Murong Feiyuan in her memory, along with all the little clues from when she had been on the run... Yes, no matter how she escaped, she would still be found, and at the time in the capital, she had only asked Murong Feiyuan for help, asking her to send supplies to support her.

Sometimes the supplies arrived, sometimes they didn’t; yet the pursuit never once failed to show up.

It wasn’t that Mu Xue didn’t believe Xie Tinglan; she simply didn’t want to accept the truth. Over the years, it wasn’t as though she had never doubted Murong Feiyuan. But after experiencing how every general around her who had once charged through life and death with her died one by one to protect her, and how she couldn’t even protect their families, she began to blame herself.

She blamed herself over and over. In the end, Murong Feiyuan’s death became unbearable pain, and she placed that pain on Xie Tinglan, believing it was all her fault.

The hall remained silent for nearly half a quarter hour before a sudden sound broke it.

“Hahahahaha—”

Mu Xue covered her eyes and laughed loudly; when her fingertips brushed against wetness, she realized they were tears. She said, “Then why did you only tell me now? If you’d told me sooner that I was just a fool, wouldn’t it have been better to give me a clean end?”

After hearing that, Xie Tinglan only wanted to laugh. “Over all these years, there hasn’t even been a single time we could talk properly. How was I supposed to tell you?”

Mu Xue thought of the past; every time she met Xie Tinglan, they had always spoken with daggers hidden in their words. There really had never been a single good ending.

“You came specifically to tell me this time; there must be a reason. You need my help?”

Mu Xue wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingertips, trying not to lose composure in front of Xie Tinglan. Though she knew there were too many twists and turns to blame Xie Tinglan, she still couldn’t bring herself to like her.

“Yes.”

Xie Tinglan admitted it without hesitation. Straightening her back, she said, “You know our plan very well; then what is your plan?”

Mu Xue’s eyes were a little red, as if they had been cut by the night wind. She smiled helplessly. “What plan could a loser like me have? I can only secretly keep the Qingzhou Army from collapsing.”

Xie Tinglan had been watching Mu Xue’s expression the entire time. Since that person trusted her, she did not. This woman had always been supporting the Qingzhou Army and doing intelligence trades in the capital; how could she not know the Qingzhou Army’s difficulties?

Rather than say she wanted nothing, it was more like her support had always been a way of laying out a plan for the Qingzhou Army, and her arrival here was also one of the steps she had expected.

“Then why did you come to Qingzhou City?”

“I’ve put a great deal into Qingzhou City. This is practically my biggest business. Do I need your permission just to come and look after my own business?”

Mu Xue snorted coldly. As expected, she still disliked speaking with Xie Tinglan.

“And Ye Rui?”

The moment the words left her mouth, Mu Xue and Xie Tinglan looked at each other. As if some tacit understanding had passed between them, neither spoke.

After a while, the corner of Mu Xue’s mouth lifted. “You came here asking about her, didn’t you?”

“Yes and no.”

After Xie Tinglan said that, Mu Xue flicked her sleeves as if she disliked hearing such ambiguous talk. “If yes, then yes; if no, then no. I hate people like you most when they talk.”

Xie Tinglan gave a cold laugh. “Asking about your intentions toward Ye Rui is true; coming to seek your help is also true.”

When Mu Xue heard that, she thought of Ye Rui’s heartless expression and said helplessly, “I originally wanted to anger you a little, but then I thought that would be too childish.”

“Some people’s hearts aren’t just hard to warm up; it’s just that I’m not the one who can warm them. I do like her, but not so much that I can’t let go. If you want me to hang myself from one tree, I’d rather be hanged outright.”

Mu Xue crossed her legs and leaned crookedly against the chair. “She’s a good seedling. What she’s achieved now only proves my eye for talent. If you want to take her back to the capital, then I’ll kill you.”

Xie Tinglan couldn’t help thinking of the scene today, of Ye Rui and Pang Niu fooling around together. Her eyes dimmed as well. “The way she is now, staying here is more suitable. I’m not someone who can’t read the situation.”

“Then, Xie Tinglan...”

Mu Xue picked up her teacup again and brought it to her lips. “Do you want me to persuade the Qingzhou Army to rebel for you?”

-----------------------

Author’s note: Cooperation is fine, but there has to be a fight about it. No conflict, no fun [doge][doge]