Chapter 61 : Cui Yunzhao is no longer afraid of anything.

Cui Yunzhao hadn’t ridden a horse in a long time, and today she truly felt exhilarated.

In her past life, she wasn’t particularly skilled at horseback riding. When she first started practicing, she could only manage a slow trot. Once she got the hang of it, she could slightly accelerate to a canter. However, she had never experienced galloping like Huo Tan did, which she always found a bit regrettable. Back then, she didn’t enjoy going out or having fun, and her horseback riding skills remained mediocre; a canter was her limit.

Huo Tan followed her closely, ensuring she didn’t fall. They circled the riding area a couple of times like this, and it was only after that that Cui Yunzhao felt comfortable.

After a while, she had broken a sweat, and Huo Tan had already taken off his outer garment, clearly having worked up a sweat as well.

Cui Yunzhao trotted back to Huo Tan’s side, looking down at him.

“My lord, it’s about time. I think I’ve got the hang of it, but I still need more practice.”

Since they were in the barracks, Huo Tan couldn’t stay with her for long while she practiced.

He looked up at her, noticing the sweat on her forehead, and extended his hand.

Cui Yunzhao took his hand and jumped down from the horse.

Her face was flushed from the exercise, her hair slightly disheveled, but her eyes were bright, sparkling like stars and shining like daylight.

“Did you enjoy it?” Huo Tan asked, taking out a handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead.

Cui Yunzhao beamed.

“I liked it, it’s really fun.”

Huo Tan nodded, calling over a soldier to return the mare, then led Cui Yunzhao back to his quarters.

By this time, the training ground was filled with the sounds of commands and responses.

Cui Yunzhao glanced briefly, then lowered her gaze, not looking around.

Huo Tan brought her back to the quarters, let her sit for a moment, and then said, “My wife has a talent for this, with a bit more practice, you’ll be able to ride freely.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled, her expression youthful.

“Of course! I pick up things quickly, I’m naturally intelligent.”

Huo Tan was boiling water and turned to look at her deeply, then smiled lightly.

“Indeed, my wife is right.”

He brought the prepared tea back to the table, pouring some for both of them. “I have to go train with the troops soon, and I’ll be back in about an hour. If you can wait, you can rest here, and I’ll take you back at noon.”

He paused, considering. “If you can’t wait, I’ll have someone send you back.”

Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment and said, “I have nothing to do, so I’ll wait for you. I’ll just find a book to read.”

Huo Tan’s quarters had quite a few military books, indicating he was diligent in his studies. Cui Yunzhao chose one and settled down comfortably.

She tilted her head, her smile gentle and relaxed.

“Go ahead, My lord.”

Huo Tan noticed that Cui Yunzhao was never in a hurry; she approached everything calmly, as if nothing could agitate her.

“Well then, my lady…”

Before he could finish, a commotion outside interrupted him.

“I want to see the military envoy! Why are you stopping me?”

The voice was low and cold, and as soon as Cui Yunzhao heard it, she lifted her head.

The person shouting outside was Bau Xiaochuan.

This was a voice Cui Yunzhao could never forget.

Huo Tan didn’t even furrow his brow. He turned to Cui Yunzhao and said, “If you’re feeling uneasy, you can sit in the inner room for a while.”

Cui Yunzhao shook her head. “My lord, you go ahead and be busy.”

Huo Tan then said directly, “Let him in.”

Moments later, the door to the quarters opened, and two young soldiers entered quickly, following Bau Xiaochuan.

This was Cui Yunzhao’s second direct encounter with Bau Xiaochuan.

Compared to before, he hadn’t changed at all: still pale, thin, and with calm, expressionless eyes.

No matter how she looked at him, Cui Yunzhao still didn’t see him as a soldier capable of fighting in battle.

He seemed too weak, as if a gust of wind could blow him away.

Bau Xiaochuan clearly hadn’t expected there to be someone in the quarters, but he only gave Cui Yunzhao a fleeting glance before shifting his attention back to Huo Tan, who he had come to see.

He wasn’t noisy like before, nor did he directly question Huo Tan; instead, he stood there quietly, his brows lowered, looking somewhat aggrieved.

He was only sixteen or seventeen, after all.

Too young, too frail, and too pitiful.

Cui Yunzhao suddenly realized that Bau Xiaochuan was quite adept at using his pitiable appearance to gain sympathy, even when facing Huo Tan, he habitually resorted to this tactic.

Though Huo Tan wasn’t swayed by it, it was clear that others might be.

“Military envoy, I want to ask why I was reassigned from your command. Besides the troop numbers being insufficient after battles, why are there other reassignments? Everyone knows the reason.”

Bau Xiaochuan spoke clearly, appearing quite aggrieved: “If I’ve made a mistake, the military envoy can punish me, but how can others view me if it’s so unclear?”

He paused for a moment, then spoke in a hushed tone.

His voice was naturally uncomfortable to listen to, but at that moment, it carried a hint of pity.

Huo Tan turned around and took a seat next to Cui Yunzhao.

He didn’t get angry at Bau Xiaochuan’s questioning, nor did he show sympathy for his apparent distress.

Huo Tan even leisurely sipped his tea before speaking: “Bau Xiaochuan, the order came directly from Commander Mu.”

The meaning was clear, it wasn’t Huo Tan’s decision to reassign Bau Xiaochuan.

It was absurd for him to come and cause a ruckus at Huo Tan.

Bau Xiaochuan briefly lifted his eyelids but seemed hesitant and quickly lowered his gaze again.

“Commander Mu is a military general, how could he concern himself with my minor reassignment?” Bau Xiaochuan let out a bitter laugh, appearing extremely miserable. “I’m just an orphan without parents, with no backing and mediocre martial skills. The military envoy probably finds me bothersome and kicked me out to avoid further embarrassment.”

“It’s probably my own fault.”

As soon as he said this, Cui Yunzhao furrowed her brow slightly.

She could clearly see the two young soldiers at the door also showing some discomfort.

It was evident they were affected by Bau Xiaochuan’s words.

His remarks were quite stirring, making the young soldiers feel empathetic.

This person was indeed not simple.

If it hadn’t been for Cui Yunzhao hearing his voice in her past life, she might not have noticed him. He hid among the crowd, usually silent, but every action of his was meticulously calculated.

Even now, when he came to complain to Huo Tan, he aimed to subtly sway the other soldiers.

Cui Yunzhao looked at Huo Tan, who remained calm, leisurely sipping his tea.

It was clear that Huo Tan also picked up on the underlying message.

After finishing his cup of tea, Huo Tan finally set the cup back on the table.

With a “bang,” the two young soldiers behind him suddenly seemed to snap out of it.

Huo Tan didn’t glance at them or show any signs of reproach, he merely looked calmly at Bau Xiaochuan.

“Bau Xiaochuan, I’ve already said it was a direct order from Commander Mu,” Huo Tan stated firmly, each word deliberate. “You know very well what you’ve done to get reported to Commander Mu. If you want a reason, do you want me to spell it out for you?”

Huo Tan’s expression suddenly turned cold. “Everyone knows my methods. Commander Mu reassigned you for your own good; otherwise…”

Huo Tan continued coldly, “Otherwise, you would be facing military disciplinary action under my command.”

Bau Xiaochuan bit his lip tightly.

Cui Yunzhao could see that he was clenching his fists, clearly becoming nervous.

After saying this, Huo Tan paused before continuing, “The reason for your reassignment is a matter of your own conduct. It has nothing to do with your background or abilities. Bau Xiaochuan, I’ve kept silent out of our brotherly bond over the years.”

“I hope you won’t disappoint me again.”

His words carried a hint of regret.

The two soldiers behind them finally reacted, their faces reddening as they lowered their heads.

Bau Xiaochuan trembled all over.

He suddenly lifted his head, staring intently at Huo Tan.

But halfway through, his gaze also brushed against Cui Yunzhao.

In that moment, Cui Yunzhao saw clear hatred in his eyes.

He resented Huo Tan, and perhaps he also resented her.

This realization made Cui Yunzhao more aware of the situation.

Though she didn’t know what she had done to incur his wrath, his eyes couldn’t lie. Today’s events might have made Bau Xiaochuan feel wronged, but it didn’t seem to reach the level of hatred.

There must be some hidden truth she was unaware of that had been brewing in the background.

Cui Yunzhao’s expression remained calm, but her thoughts churned, and her mind felt chaotic for a moment.

Just then, Bau Xiaochuan spoke up, “Military envoy, what if I say I didn’t do anything wrong?”

“I’m being falsely accused, I haven’t done any of those things.”

Bau Xiaochuan suddenly became agitated.

His eyes reddened, and he trembled all over, a stark contrast to his earlier calm.

“Military envoy, I’m really innocent. Will you believe me?”

At this point, Huo Tan’s calm demeanor faded, showing signs of emotion and sadness.

Ultimately, Huo Tan sighed.

“Xiaochuan, it’s not a matter of whether I believe you. The fact that Commander Mu made this reassignment means…”

Huo Tan paused, then shifted his tone. “Commander Mu is still willing to believe in you.”

Bau Xiaochuan didn’t expect Huo Tan to say this, he looked momentarily stunned.

Huo Tan clasped his hands together, his expression serious.

“Generally, if a soldier is reported and there’s solid evidence, they would already be facing military discipline. But Commander Mu only transferred you away, he didn’t punish you.”

Huo Tan spoke with a tone of encouragement and reassurance.

“This shows he doesn’t fully believe the rumors.”

What rumors? What rumors could there be?

If rumors about Bau Xiaochuan soliciting bribes had circulated, the two young soldiers wouldn’t have sympathized with him, they would have scorned him instead.

So the soldiers listening to their conversation were left confused, their faces puzzled.

But Huo Tan was treating this as a serious matter.

He spoke sincerely “Bau Xiaochuan, we fought side by side before. I remember when the bandits attacked Quanshui Village, we were called to action and fought bravely with other brothers.”

“That time, you were heavily injured and had to recuperate for a long while.”

Huo Tan continued, “We were brothers who fought together, so I naturally want the best for you. That’s why…”

Huo Tan paused, then sighed again.

“I also urged Commander Mu to assign you to another military envoy and not keep you in my vanguard camp.”

This meant that although Bau Xiaochuan was reassigned from Huo Tan’s command, he hadn’t been dismissed from military service or faced disciplinary action; he was simply transferred to another unit, which wasn’t a major issue.

However, since Huo Tan was in the vanguard camp—where they were often the first to charge into battle—the promotions were fast, and military merit was abundant, but it was also the most dangerous position.

For a soldier eager to rise, being reassigned from the vanguard camp, even if it was just a transfer, could be seen as a setback.

It could imply wrongdoing or cowardice, leaving no positive interpretation.

Given Huo Tan’s heartfelt concern, Bau Xiaochuan’s further antics would seem immature and only expose his inner guilt.

Bau Xiaochuan took a deep breath, seemingly calming down at that moment.

He lifted his eyes, now reddened.

“Military envoy, Ninth Brother,” Bau Xiaochuan used two terms of address, “during these years under your command, I won’t forget your life-saving grace, Ninth Brother; I will remember it in my heart.”

“It’s me, I was too self-deprecating.”

As he spoke, it seemed he was on the verge of tears, hastily wiping his eyes.

He still appeared very aggrieved.

And reluctant to part.

Bau Xiaochuan bowed deeply to Huo Tan in a final gesture of respect “Ninth Brother, if fate allows, I will serve you again.”

“I’m sorry, Ninth Brother, for putting you in a difficult position.”

After finishing, Bau Xiaochuan bowed to Huo Tan and turned to leave.

The two soldiers looked bewildered, uncertain how to respond as they glanced at Huo Tan.

Huo Tan simply waved them off, allowing Bau Xiaochuan to exit.

Once Bau Xiaochuan was gone, Huo Tan turned to the two soldiers “What happened today must not be spread outside, now go back to your duties.”

The soldiers quickly saluted and left.

Once the quarters were left with only Cui Yunzhao and Huo Tan, she spoke up, “About Changxing…”

Huo Tan scoffed coldly.

“He doesn’t take any responsibility at all. It seems this incident has left him with resentment, and he deeply resents me.”

Cui Yunzhao thought about what he said regarding his serious injuries and asked, “What happened in Quanshui Village?”

Cui Yunzhao was always sharp and hit the nail on the head, catching Huo Tan off guard.

He pondered for a moment before speaking.

“It was about two years ago. At that time, he had just joined the army, and I wasn’t yet a military envoy, just a squad leader.”

“I led my team alongside his to suppress the bandits in Quanshui Village, but there was a report error. We had fewer than a hundred men, while they had over two hundred and had even besieged the villagers’ homes to threaten the army.”

The bandits were the most ruthless of people, utterly devoid of morals.

Cui Yunzhao could imagine that battle was undoubtedly difficult.

“At that time, we were led by Military Envoy Zhao, a man of grit and bravery. After consulting me and another squad leader, he decided not to withdraw. He sent urgent reports to Boling while simultaneously starting guerrilla tactics against the bandits.”

“That battle was brutal. The enemy not only had gunpowder but could also create incendiary bombs—those things were deadly when ignited, even if they didn’t kill you, the pain was unbearable.”

“At that time, we were all very cautious, and the soldiers fought bravely, but unfortunately, we suffered heavy casualties.”

Huo Tan sighed.

That battle must have been horrific.

“The soldiers were scared, but we couldn’t retreat. If we did, those civilians would undoubtedly be in grave danger. As soldiers, how could we abandon the people in their time of need?”

Cui Yunzhao lowered her gaze and poured a bowl of tea for Huo Tan.

Huo Tan didn’t drink the tea.

He merely watched the steam rising gently from the cup and continued, “Despite the enemy having various terrifying weapons, they were still a hodgepodge of bandits who couldn’t fight cohesively. After three days of continuous fighting, we suffered severe losses, but the enemy did not fare much better, they had more casualties than us.”

“Before long, the fifth day arrived.”

“By the fifth day, Bau Xiaochuan’s team had barely any men left. Their squad leader had already been killed. At that time, Military Envoy Zhao merged them into my command and placed me in charge.”

“On the last day, we encountered the final group of thugs.”

“They have reached the end of their rope, with all their gunpowder used up, leaving only their machetes,” Huo Tan’s voice grew colder. “At that time, they rushed forward recklessly, swinging their machetes without caring who was in front of them.”

“In that battle, all of us were injured. Bau Xiaochuan said I was seriously hurt, which was a bit of an exaggeration. However, his injuries were severe, I remember he was burned by an incendiary bomb. I even saved his life during the attack.”

This was indeed the truth.

He smiled lightly as he continued, “He recuperated at home for quite a while, a few months, and when he returned to the barracks, he was much thinner.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded thoughtfully but asked, “Where were you injured?”

Huo Tan paused for a moment.

Then, he pressed his lips together and smiled faintly.

His smile dispelled the previously heavy atmosphere. After taking a sip of tea, he said, “I was injured on my back. I was quite lucky, I wasn’t burned by the fire.”

Cui Yunzhao let out a sigh of relief.

The frost in Huo Tan’s eyes melted away as he looked at Cui Yunzhao, his gaze as warm as the spring sun, filled with an indescribable warmth.

“So Bau Xiaochuan’s actions were somewhat biased, and he has a bit of a rift with others in the barracks. I can understand; I’ve always known,” Huo Tan said. “I should have intervened.”

When Cui Yunzhao had asked him before, he had mentioned not liking Bau Xiaochuan’s character but wouldn’t drive him away.

“He used to be a good soldier and suffered serious injuries for the sake of the people,” Huo Tan concluded.

Cui Yunzhao sighed softly.

She wasn’t feeling melancholy; she simply thought that the affairs of the world were truly difficult to argue and discern.

Cui Yunzhao said, “Regarding this incident, someone must have said something to him; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to complain to you. But deep down, he felt guilty, understood your words, and didn’t continue to make a fuss.”

“He is indeed feeling guilty,” Huo Tan replied calmly, “However, I’ve heard that Commander Mu transferred him under Cen Changsheng. Perhaps his prospects for promotion there will be better than here.”

Cui Yunzhao hadn’t expected this twist and couldn’t help but smile. “The military camp is quite interesting.”

The generals’ intrigues were no less than those of civil officials. If anyone claimed they were straightforward, Cui Yunzhao would laugh out loud.

Just look at this one in front of her, and you could tell how many twists and turns were in his mind.

Those few ambiguous words were enough to leave Bau Xiaochuan, who had prepared beforehand, at a loss. It was truly impressive.

After all that, Huo Tan had no intention of training anymore, so he directly took Cui Yunzhao home.

Cui Yunzhao had just learned to ride today and was already somewhat tired, having slept for a long time before waking up.

When she awoke, Li Qing informed her that Huo Xinzhi was looking for her.

Cui Yunzhao quickly washed her face and headed to the west courtyard.

When she arrived, she happened to see Granny Fu and Granny Qiao sweeping the courtyard. Granny Fu was working diligently, while Granny Qiao looked rather displeased.

Upon seeing Cui Yunzhao, both of them greeted her, “Ninth Young Lady.”

Cui Yunzhao glanced at them and smiled. “It’s cold in winter, no need to sweep so diligently. As long as there are no fallen leaves in the courtyard, that’s enough.”

Granny Fu expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Ninth Young Lady.”

Cui Yunzhao didn’t look at Granny Qiao again and turned to enter the east wing.

Huo Xinzhi was sitting in the main room, reviewing the account books.

She had only recently started learning from Mother Xia, working hard every day, and would occasionally read aloud to Huo Xinliu, who would then hide in the kitchen, unwilling to stay in the room.

After a few polite exchanges, Huo Xinzhi said, “Sister-in-law, I’ve arranged all the farmland. The tenants have been coordinated, and the contracts have been signed, with rent due every six months.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded. “You handled it efficiently, elder sister.”

Huo Xinzhi flipped through the account book and continued, “Currently, there aren’t many good shops on Linquan Street and Tingshui Street. Even if there are, the locations aren’t ideal, one opens and another closes, making it hard to collect rent. However, the people from the pawnshop told me there are quite a few shops in Fulu. What do you think?”

As for the matter of going to Fulu, Huo Tan must have mentioned it to Huo Xinzhi.

Huo Xinzhi was meticulous, wise, and steady. She had only caught wind of it and didn’t share it outside, she kept it to herself.

However, she was giving more thought to the matter of purchasing shops.

Cui Yunzhao looked outside the door curtain and saw that the two grannies were no longer in sight, then lowered her voice and said, “I think it’s a good idea.”

Years later, Huo Tan would certainly ascend the throne in Bianjing, but Fulu was their most reliable base. Huo Tan built her career there, achieving dominance, and had deep feelings for Fulu.

Cui Yunzhao remembered that Huo Tan had given her eldest sister’s princess fief as Fulu.

Arranging the farmland in advance was undoubtedly excellent, Fulu would only become more prosperous in the future.

The high-ranking officials and nobility were naturally in Bianjing, but the rich waterlands were in Fulu.

The two places were connected by waterways, making travel easy, and swift boats could reach there in no time.

Huo Xinzhi’s eyes lit up, and she said, “Then I’ll first consolidate the family’s properties and make plans once we get to Fulu.”

Cui Yunzhao replied, “In the spring, I’ll have Mother Xia and the household manager visit Fulu. The properties there need to be reorganized as well. If you have time then, we can go take a look and finalize things.”

Cui Yunzhao didn’t elaborate further, simply saying, “It’s up to you, elder sister.”

Huo Xinzhi seemed to ponder this.

After discussing family matters for a while, Huo Xinzhi said, “Those two workers are really excellent. I noticed they replaced all the broken tiles and refreshed the worn walls. Especially when I went to the fields, they followed me around, and the tenants spoke much more carefully.”

Huo Xinzhi added, “Someone needs to be at home.”

If no one was there, they could be caught off guard by the Wanyan clan again.

Cui Yunzhao smiled and said, “I’m thinking of adding a few more young servants and maidservants, but we should take our time finding the right ones, we can’t rush it.”

“I’ve already found a cook, and she’ll likely start by the end of the year.”

Huo Xinzhi finally sighed in relief. “I trust your judgment. Don’t worry, we have plenty of land, and there are opportunities in Qiyang. It won’t be a problem to hire more people, especially since the Eleventh and Twelfth Brothers are growing up, and there are many things my mother and I can’t intervene in.”

The two sisters-in-law chatted for a while longer before Cui Yunzhao left the east wing.

As she walked around the house, she saw Granny Qiao still standing there, sweeping the ground.

Cui Yunzhao furrowed her brow and glanced at Granny Qiao, who seemed to be in a daze, her head down and silent.

Cui Yunzhao called out, “Granny Qiao.”

Startled, Granny Qiao quickly raised her head and cautiously glanced at Cui Yunzhao before lowering it again.

Cui Yunzhao frowned and said, “Granny Qiao, Liu Niangzi is busy in the kitchen. It’s not good to daydream here. The day is getting late, you should hurry to the kitchen and help out.”

Only then did Granny Qiao snap out of her trance, respond, and scurry away with her head down.

Cui Yunzhao sighed helplessly.

By the time she returned to the east courtyard, she hadn’t even had a sip of hot tea when Wang Huzi came to pay his respects.

“Ninth Young Lady, there’s a letter from the Cui family, it just arrived at the gatehouse.”

Cui Yunzhao was a bit surprised.

She took the letter and began to read.

Mother Xia was brewing osmanthus rice wine and, noticing Cui Yunzhao’s calm demeanor, asked, “Is there something wrong?”

The letter contained only a few lines. After reading it quickly, Cui Yunzhao put the letter away and said to Mother Xia, “The letter says that my uncle and aunt have arrived at the Boli private residence and invited me and my younger sister to visit tomorrow afternoon. If possible, they want us to stay overnight.”

Mother Xia was initially pleased but then remembered the earlier letter from Uncle Yin, sighing along with it.

“Go meet them. It’s been many years, it’s rare to have this opportunity.”

At first, Cui Yunzhao maintained her composure, but upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but frown.

In her previous life, her uncle and aunt had never come to Boli, or if they did, they hadn’t specifically invited the siblings to visit.

What was different this time?

Cui Yunzhao couldn’t figure it out, suddenly feeling that the future was uncertain.

Though she hadn’t made many changes upon her rebirth, every event seemed to be different somehow.

Cui Yunzhao pressed her lips together and slowly relaxed her furrowed brow.

“Meeting them is indeed a good idea.”

Whatever their intentions, she could handle it. At this point, Cui Yunzhao feared nothing.

She already knew how to navigate the future.

There was nothing to be afraid of.