gloomy expression

Two days later, Baimuer returned to Yanzhou.

"Glad to see everyone's back safely. Let's prepare for the next challenges ahead."

It was already late, but they could still hold a celebration banquet." Chi Ying deliberately did not go herself and only sent a maid to check. Hearing that he was unharmed, she felt relieved, nodded, and continued with her accounting.

The maid looked troubled and hesitated for a long time before speaking. Chi Ying wrote a few more lines and then looked up: "What is it? Is there something else?"

The maid stammered, "Young Master Bemu asked... uh, asked the lady to come to the guest room because... he has something to say to you."

Chi Ying frowned—what was this person up to now? What couldn't be relayed by the maid or spoken directly in the main courtyard? Why must he call her over, making it obvious for the servants to gossip about?

After some thought, Chi Ying replied, "Go tell him I'm very busy and don't have time to see him. If there's anything, let him find Nongyue. If Nongyue can't handle it, she will report back to me. This palace is so big, with so many matters; if I had to run around personally for every single one, wouldn't I be exhausted to death?"

The maid went to deliver the message. Chi Ying reviewed last month's expenditures, gave some instructions to the steward, and then sent someone to invite Shan Jian while taking a break to drink tea.

Unexpectedly, after waiting for a while, Shan Jian didn't arrive, but Bemu did. The guards stopped him from entering the accounting office, and Chi Ying, hearing the commotion, came out and sighed in exasperation, "Why are you here? Is there something?"

Bemu, restrained several steps away on the stairs, looked displeased and immediately asked, "Because we're leaving, you don't even want to see us anymore?"

Chi Ying calmly smiled, "What do you mean? I have such a large palace to manage, working every day like I need eight hands. Not having the time to personally greet you, is that worth you coming to the main courtyard to throw a tantrum?"

Bemu's eyebrows twitched, his jaw clenched hard, and he looked somewhat furious.

"Speak your piece. In a moment, I'll be discussing things with Mr. Shan. If you want to waste time, it doesn't matter to me."

Bemu took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, "Sang Duo said you personally dealt with that wretch. Why would you do that? She deserved to die, but by killing her yourself, you've dirtied your own hands. If the Xie family uses this against you later, who can protect you? Even he, Cui Yi, cannot protect a concubine who murdered the first wife!"

Chi Ying looked at him quietly for a moment and then asked, "If not me, then who?"

Bemu was momentarily stunned, then quickly said, "Anyone could have done it. Your man was right there. How could he let you, a woman, kill someone? If the Xie family pursues this later, he can stay clean, but what about you? He wanted to marry Xie Yuchan, used the Xie family, but didn't clean up the mess himself, instead dragging you into it..."

"Enough!" Chi Ying abruptly interrupted.

Bemu pressed his lips together, eyes blazing with anger.

Chi Ying sternly said, "I'll say this once and for all: marrying Xie Yuchan was my idea, using the Xie family was also my idea. The Prince merely followed my plan!"

Bemu sneered, "You defend him so much."

"Why shouldn't I defend him? He's my husband!" Chi Ying was truly angry. She had seen stubbornness, but never something like this. Why couldn't he just admit defeat? "If you insist on saying this, I can't argue. Yes, I am defending him. So what? Have you ever considered what would happen if he killed Xie Yuchan?"

Bemu silently stared at her, the shadow of the tree casting darkness across his face.

Chi Ying's voice trembled slightly, "For a ruler, the worst thing is to have a stain on their character. Killing the first wife personally would earn him criticism from scholars for life! Future generations won't care whether Xie Yuchan was a lady or a shrew; they'll only remember that the Prince betrayed and ruthlessly killed her. Do you understand?"

Shan Jian stood at the entrance of the courtyard, hearing these words, and instinctively held back.

The courtyard was silent for about half an incense stick's time before Bemu slowly spoke, "And what about you? You think only of him. Who thinks of you?"

Chi Ying smiled coldly, softly saying, "Those who do not betray me, I will not betray either. Even if the Prince sacrifices me for the empire in the future, I will willingly accept it."

Hearing this, Shan Jian, standing with his hands clasped, sighed deeply, closing and opening his eyes, lost in thought.

"...Since you've said so much, I have nothing left to say," Bemu's voice was much calmer than before, "I came to tell you that when I went to assassinate Houernana, I saw Lady Cheng."

Chi Ying's eyes widened, "You saw Sister Cheng? How is she? Was she bullied?"

Bemu snorted, "I knew it."

Chi Ying was momentarily confused, "What?"

Bemu turned to leave, "You only care about Cheng Lady's well-being, not whether I took risks or got hurt. It seems I really mean nothing to you."

Without waiting for Chi Ying to respond, he walked out of the courtyard gate. Shan Jian stepped aside to let him pass, and Bemu strode past without acknowledging him.

Chi Ying stood at the top of the stairs, utterly frustrated, unsure of what to say. Just then, Shan Jian entered, seeing her expression, and remarked, "The biggest difference between a domesticated horse and a wild one is that the former starves but still carries people, while the latter, when hungry, kicks people. Yet, they forget that no one has any obligation to feed a wild horse. Tsk tsk, truly ungrateful."

Chi Ying, amused by his words, laughed, "Sir, you are impressive."

Shan Jian fanned himself as he approached, "Overheard a bit, I hope you don't mind. I also heard from Wen Yu about you personally dealing with Miss Xie. There's one question I have, may I ask?"

"Please, sir."

"Men have always been fickle. I know this better than you. Right now, the Prince focuses solely on you because there are no other women around. But beauty fades, youth passes. If he becomes emperor and has countless beauties in the three palaces and six courtyards, how will you cope? Will you regret taking action on his behalf?"

Shan Jian's words struck at the heart of the matter. Chi Ying tried to answer several times but remained silent.

They stood in silence in the courtyard for a while before Shan Jian broke the silence, "I once thought I had no regrets, but there's a saying: 'If one does not look out for oneself, heaven and earth will punish.' You think only of him. Who thinks of you? If you aren't happy, why go to such lengths to please him, only to end up in vain? Who can you blame?"

Recalling her tragic experiences in her previous life, Chi Ying felt a surge of sorrow, murmuring, "Sir... were you also betrayed?"

Shan Jian casually replied, "It's all in the past. The person is dead; there's nothing to blame."

They tacitly avoided further discussion. Chi Ying called for tea and sat down with Shan Jian to discuss serious matters.

"I heard from the servants that you've been frequenting teahouses and taverns lately?" Chi Ying began subtly.

Shan Jian, lounging lazily in his chair, said, "Nothing better to do. Yan Prefecture is vast but sparsely populated. With Wen Yu assisting the Prince, I have little to contribute. Matters of state and livelihood aren't my forte, nor do I have any interest."

Chi Ying smiled, "Then what interests you?"

Shan Jian scratched his chin, answering ambiguously, "Swindling and deceiving? Any proper profession isn't for me."

Hearing this, Chi Ying felt reassured, "I have a task that might suit you. Would you like to try?"

"Oh? What task?"

Before Chi Ying could elaborate, Cui Yi's angry roar echoed from outside the courtyard, "Shan Fuzhi! Get out here!"

Shan Jian sighed and obediently went out to face the music. Chi Ying, puzzled, hurriedly followed.

Cui Yi stormed in like a raging bear, starting to roar the moment he saw Shan Jian, "Shan Fuzhi! You dare! Taking advantage of my trust, you did something shameless outside!"

Chi Ying pushed him back slightly, "Your Highness, calm down. What happened? Are you...?"

She directed the question at the pair following Cui Yi—a handsome young man around sixteen or seventeen, looking subdued, holding a woman who appeared to be his mother, her face tear-streaked.

Cui Yi, too angry to speak clearly, "Move aside, Chi Ying! Today, I must teach him a lesson! Utterly outrageous! Everyone is busy with their lives, but he goes drinking and whoring! Drinking and whoring are fine, but he chose a man! Choosing a man is fine, but he picked someone who wasn't even a male prostitute! Can you believe this? Now they've reported him to the authorities. How can I deal with this? How!"

Shan Jian listened quietly to his tirade. After Chi Ying managed to calm Cui Yi down, she heard behind her, "It was indiscreet of me, but I apologized and compensated them. They promised not to make a fuss, yet now they're suing me. Are they trying to extort money?"

At that moment, the young man sobbed, his mother wailed, and the surrounding servants gossiped excitedly. Cui Yi was livid, almost ready to draw his sword. Chi Ying sighed deeply—it seemed Shan Jian had too much free time.

Finally, Chi Ying apologized and paid compensation, sending the mother and son away.

Cui Yi was furious, sitting on a stone bench grinding his teeth. Shan Jian, however, admitted his fault straightforwardly without pleading or making excuses. Once Chi Ying had seen them off, Shan Jian offered, "Deduct the compensation from my future salary."

"Yes, but split it fifty-fifty," Chi Ying chuckled, entering the courtyard, "Half from you, half from the Prince."

Cui Yi exploded, "Why should I pay for his debauchery!"

Chi Ying smiled, "Your Highness, subordinates are human too, with emotions and desires. They need to live. Recently, General Cao mentioned liking a girl. I'm thinking of finding a suitable day to arrange his marriage. What do you think?"

Hearing this, Cui Yi calmed down, his expression complex as he looked at Shan Jian. Realizing he had made a mistake, Shan Jian dropped his usual nonchalance and stood quietly.

"He told me his parents arranged a marriage for him back home. Serving under you involves hardship and dedication. When we return to the capital in a few years, we must ensure he marries grandly," Chi Ying patiently explained, "This incident, though wrong, has been acknowledged and apologized for. Shouldn't you show some understanding?"

Cui Yi pondered, agreeing, "You're right. Neglecting the personal affairs of my men was my oversight. Let's do as you suggest."

Shan Jian breathed a sigh of relief, bowing, "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Lady." Cui Yi waved dismissively, and Shan Jian left.

Once Shan Jian was gone, Cui Yi asked, "Did you know about...?"

Chi Ying was puzzled, "Know what?"

Cui Yi, unable to express it, angrily said, "About him and that boy... that... Did you know before?"

Chi Ying shook her head, "No, I hadn't thought of it. But now that I recall, he did mention liking someone who died. Looking closely today, the boy resembles his loved one. Drunk, he mistook him for his beloved, which explains the mistake. Understandable, isn't it?"

Cui Yi pondered, asking, "Dead? Who was it? Did he tell you?"

Chi Ying sighed, "No, let's drop it. You wouldn't want to know. Besides, the dead can't come back. Why reopen old wounds?"

Though she said this, Cui Yi remained uneasy, reluctantly nodding, still contemplative.

"It's getting late. Go change clothes and prepare for the banquet!" Chi Ying knew he'd need time to process. Such things were hard to accept instantly, even for her, it took weeks of suspicion. But Cui Yi was straightforward and would eventually let it go.

Cui Yi was puzzled, "Banquet? For whom?"

Chi Ying took his arm, leading him back to their chambers, "Everyone's back. I instructed the kitchen to prepare some dishes. First, to celebrate our victory. Second, autumn is approaching, and we need to plan the harvest and next tasks."

Cui Yi asked, "And third?"

Chi Ying hummed, helping him change clothes, "Mr. Shan sent Bemu and Sang Duo with you to intercept General Yang, intending to win them over. Tonight will determine success or failure."

Cui Yi quietly adjusted his sleeves, Chi Ying smoothing his robe and tightening his belt, then looking up at him warmly, "Mr. Shan said Bemu is a wild horse, difficult to tame. If unsuccessful, releasing them would be a kindness. At least during future northern campaigns, you won't worry about stumbling."

"Bemu is indeed talented," Cui Yi dressed in casual attire, waiting for Chi Ying to change into a bright dress, then embracing her onto the throne, "Excellent horsemanship, skilled in assassination and poisoning. During the pursuit of the Northern Di envoys, our strategies often aligned, working well together. If not for his feelings for you, I would gladly befriend him."

Chi Ying chuckled, teasing, "Wives are like clothes, brothers are like limbs. Why value clothes more than limbs?"

Cui Yi shot her a glance, seriously replying, "If someone rips off my clothes, I'll cut off their limbs. Isn't that reasonable?" Chi Ying laughed uncontrollably, praising, "Your Highness is wise."

Cui Yi smiled warmly, "If he liked someone or something else, I wouldn't hesitate to give it. Only you are irreplaceable. No one can take you from me."

Chi Ying blushed, feeling a surge of affection, playfully asking, "Really? Anything but me? If he wanted the Star Abyss Sword given by Chancellor Cheng, would you give it?"

Cui Yi firmly nodded, "Yes, it's just a sword. Without it, I can still fight."

Chi Ying laughed, "What about Jinwu?"

Cui Yi hesitated, struggling, finally saying, "No, Jinwu has accompanied me through nearly ten years of battles. A true companion, inseparable. I can't give him away."

Chi Ying, teasing him, laughed, "Just joking. Gentlemen don't snatch others' treasures. Bemu, though stubborn, wouldn't stoop to asking for Jinwu. Look at your serious face, Jinwu should kneel and thank you."

Cui Yi laughed too, and they chatted inside for a while until a maid announced the banquet was ready. They proceeded to the hall together.

Whether in the capital or Yan Prefecture, the Wu Palace had never been so lively. The strategist's seat lacked Xie Yong but gained Shan Jian, a valuable addition. Among the generals, besides Cao Qian and Yang Qiong, Xu Cheng and Bemu joined. Sang Duo, though unmarried, attended according to frontier customs.

Xiaoqiu was still recovering, so Yue Yue attended with Chi Ying. Over time, Chi Ying fully trusted her, especially after eliminating Xie Yuchan. The banquet hall was filled with allies, making her feel joyful.

Cui Yi entered, and everyone except Bemu and his sister rose to greet him. He waved, "No need for formality, sit."

"Earlier, the Northern Di attacked Huben Pass, outnumbering us. Despite the danger, with everyone's efforts, we drove them back. Today, with everyone present, I'll raise a toast first, thanking you on behalf of Yan Prefecture's ten thousand citizens!"

After his speech, Cui Yi drank the first cup, and others followed suit, expressing modesty and gratitude.

Cui Yi continued, "Zhongxing, I heard you fancy a girl?"

Cao Qian blushed, embarrassed, "Yes... it's true."

Cui Yi smiled, raising his cup, "Tell me about her. Shall I help propose?"

Before Cao Qian could respond, Xu Cheng slapped his shoulder, "You didn't tell us! Like her, go for it. If you wait too long, someone else might get her. We're looking forward to your wedding!"

Everyone genuinely wished Cao Qian well, except Yang Qiong, whose smile was forced, looking melancholy. They toasted him, and Chi Ying kindly intervened, "General Yang is still healing. Tea, please."

A servant brought tea, and Yang Qiong, smiling, accepted, clinking cups with Cao Qian. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and conversation filling the hall.

During the conversation, Xu Cheng spoke loudly and humorously, recounting amusing tales of Yanzhou Prefecture's past, which made even Chiyun laugh. Shan Jian did not speak loudly but occasionally exchanged a few words with Bai Li Zan in a low voice, nodding occasionally to show his agreement, creating an atmosphere of harmony.

Sang Duo was also cheerful and enthusiastic, unlike the Han girls who were always well-behaved at banquets. She wanted to join in the conversation but hesitated each time she saw her brother's gloomy expression, glancing at Chiyun with a look of pity.

Chiyun naturally noticed her eagerness and hesitation, giving her a reassuring nod. When there was a lull in the conversation, she took the opportunity to steer the discussion: "In the past year since we arrived in Yanzhou, everyone has worked hard. From the initial lack of food and clothing to now, although we cannot say we are living in abundance, we can at least get by. Things will only get better. Although Yanzhou is remote, it can be a haven of peace. However..."

"Born in adversity, die in comfort," Bai Li Zan seamlessly continued, having developed a rapport from performing plays together multiple times. "If Your Highness chooses to settle here, perhaps everything will be peaceful for three to five years. But over time, the one in the capital will surely take action. If we do not prepare in advance, we will be sitting ducks, and this haven will become a hero's grave."