Chapter 38

After a night without dreams, Shao Qing slept incredibly soundly.

Little did she expect that her offhand remark from the previous night would indeed prove true; that very afternoon, Wei Jing led the troops of Pingtao County in a triumphant return.

“Report! Country Magistrate Yang has annihilated two thousand of the enemy—a resounding victory!”

The reporting soldier quickly dismounted, clutching the dispatch as he dashed into the main hall of the county yamen to present the military report. Before long, the news of victory spread throughout the office and onto every street in town.

The common people—long harassed by the two barbarian tribes—rejoiced, and the county office was immersed in festive celebration. Shao Qing, Ji Huan, and Zhang Yong exchanged a knowing glance. Although they were naturally happy at Wei Jing’s victorious return, they understood deep down that the campaign against the barbarians was not the ultimate objective. In fact, she began to feel a growing sense of apprehension.

Will everything succeed? Only Wei Jing’s return will reveal the truth.

Shao Qing and Ji Huan then set about making arrangements for the welcome. In addition to the various subordinate officials, family members such as Wang Mi and others gathered along the main street in front of the county office to greet the triumphant hero. Kou Yue’s joy plainly evident, said to Shao Qing, “Madam, you were absolutely right—today is indeed a day of triumph!”

In her view, the reason Yuan Hong agreed without hesitation to join the army was solely for the sake of their future together—and she was so moved that tears welled in her eyes.

Besides feeling excited and anxious, Shao Qing was also quite worried about this girl. Upon hearing the news, she paused for a moment and could only offer a vague, half-hearted reply.

What is destined to come will always come.

After waiting for more than half an hour, the cheers resounded along with the rhythmic sound of horse hooves and the clatter of military boots. Clad entirely in red armor, Wei Jing rode slowly, surrounded by a retinue of civil and military officials and his personal guards. Exuding heroic poise and an unspoken authority, he carried an expression of cool detachment and stern seriousness. Only when he caught sight of Shao Qing from afar did his eyes soften just a little. He curled the corner of his lips and gave her a slight nod.

This?

Shao Qing knew him well enough to be certain that this nod was far more than a casual greeting.

That meant—their secret plan had succeeded?!

She was overjoyed.

Shao Qing and Ji Huan led the entire retinue from the county office to meet him. Dressed in a long robe with her hair tied up—in a youthful outfit with sparkling eyes—she joined her hands in greeting and said, “Congratulations, County Lord, on your triumphant return!”

These were very formal words of welcome, yet they sounded exceptionally pleasing from her lips. Wei Jing gave a slight smile; as he dismounted with a graceful turn, he gently pinched her hand, quickly let go, and then patted Ji Huan’s shoulder—who had just stepped forward to greet him—saying, “Thank you for your hard work, Boyan.”

Although everyone at the county office knew that the two were husband and wife, displaying such familiarity in public was inappropriate. Well aware of this, Shao Qing said nothing more. She only looked at Ji Huan, who smiled and returned the respectful gesture by joining his hands, saying, “It would be unseemly for the lord to be told he’s worked hard; these are merely some trivial affairs.”

While the host and guests exchanged courteous greetings amid a warm atmosphere, Shao Qing’s keen ears caught a soft question from behind: “Big brother, what about Yuan Lang?”

Unable to help herself, she turned around for a glance. At that moment, she saw Kou Xuan’s face weighed down with sorrow. Kou Yue, having sensed that something was amiss, paused her scanning of the surroundings, her face turning ashen with fright.

Kou Xuan said, “Ah, I shouldn’t have taken him along.'”

The matter concerning Yuan Hong was highly confidential—kept secret and not to be disclosed—and Kou Xuan had not yet been informed. He had intended to explain it later upon returning, but now he could no longer avoid the truth. Lowering his head in deep grief, he said, “…He sacrificed himself.”

“What? Sacrifice!” A thunderous ringing filled her head as Kou Yue stared blankly at her elder brother. After counting her breaths, she suddenly collapsed headlong.

“Yue Niang!”

“Ah! This…”

In an instant, the small group descended into chaos. With swift eyes and quick reflexes, Kou Xuan caught his younger sister in his arms, his face etched with worry. Yan Ming, convinced that he did not belong in the county office, had abandoned his temporary post to open a clinic once more help was available and was nowhere to be seen. In the end, Ji Huan—who possessed a modest knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine—stepped forward to take Kou Yue’s pulse.

“A raging fire attacks the heart and the blood fails to return to the channels; just two needle pricks will revive her. But once she awakens, she must be consoled at length—otherwise, I fear that grief and shock may injure her lungs.”

“Please, Boyan, administer the needles for Yue Niang.”

Kou Xuan then turned to Wei Jing in apology: “Respected County Lord, I…”

“It’s nothing. Go on.”

Not bothered, Wei Jing nodded so everyone could set aside their concerns. With that, Kou Xuan, Ji Huan, and the others hurriedly departed.

After several days apart, he had been constantly thinking about his wife. Just as he was about to take her back so they could share a few parting words, unexpectedly, Shao Qing said, “Husband, I want to go see Yue Niang.”

Her face full of urgency, she quickly added her words and dashed off—leaving Wei Jing only the sight of her disappearing back. Wei Jing moved his lips in response but had no time to answer; he could only watch as her figure hurriedly vanished behind the side door. He furrowed his brows.

“My lord?” Zhang Yong—the one left in charge and preoccupied with the matters they had planned—was eager to step inside and speak. Yet his lord stood completely still, so he hurriedly inquired, “My lord?”

Wei Jing withdrew his gaze and exhaled a deep, heavy sigh from within. “Let’s go.”

---

Kou Yue’s condition was hardly good. After the acupuncture needles were inserted and she opened her eyes, she stared blankly—a sight that alarmed the entire Kou family. Although they had originally planned to use medicine, Nanny Ping instead resorted to a traditional remedy: she gushed and vigorously massaged Kou Yue’s chest and back, even uttering a cry in the process.

Startled awake by the treatment, Kou Yue broke into heart-wrenching wails. Even though everyone knew that Yuan Hong was by no means a proper match, the sound of her crying still brought deep sorrow to all who heard it. After offering long and gentle consolations, Shao Qing had no choice but to leave for the time being, yielding the space to those in the Kou family who were closer to her.

Chunxi wiped her eyes and murmured, “Hearing our elder sister of the Kou family cry like that is truly heartbreaking.”

The host family did not treat her harshly. Although the twelve‐year-old little girl was respectful, she was not overly subdued. Kou Yue was kind enough to let her call her “Big Sister,” and Chunxi took a particular liking to her.

“Sigh.”

As dusk enveloped the sky, Shao Qing looked up at the dark, overcast heavens. The autumn wind blew with a perceptible chill, and she let out a long exhale.

Since the time for leaving the yamen had long passed, she asked about Wei Jing. When she knew he had already returned to the backyard, she immediately left.

Once back inside the room, Shao Qing told Wei Jing, “I don’t know how long it will take for Yue Niang to recover.” With a sigh, she added, “Now that true feelings have been stirred, I fear it will take her a very long time to heal.”

Having already removed his armor and just emerged from his bath with his hair still dripping wet, Wei Jing snorted coldly, “So-called true love is utterly useless.”

He was certain that if Kou Yue truly married Yuan Hong, it would be manageable if the Kou family kept a tight grip on him; otherwise, the moment someone with the surname Yuan came into power, he would undoubtedly turn his back and refuse to acknowledge them.

That may be the plain truth, but it does come off as rather harsh. Shao Qing couldn’t help but add, “You can’t say it like that—if one finds the right person, mutual affection is perfectly acceptable.”

Is it acceptable? As long as there is someone suitable.

For some reason, after hearing Shao Qing’s words, the lingering gloom Wei Jing had felt from being abandoned by his wife simply vanished. His heart lightened, though the memory of Zhuang Yan’s “profound devotion” from that day flashed momentarily through his mind. He wanted to retort instinctively, but his lips barely moved before he fell silent. He fixed his gaze on her for a long moment and finally murmured, “Perhaps.”

“Yuan Hong isn’t dead.”

A surge of undefinable emotion welled up inside him—a subtle trace of pleasure mixed within. Wei Jing paused, then handed a towel to his wife so she could dry his damp hair. To change the topic, he dropped a bombshell.

“What?!” Shao Qing, holding the towel and curling her lips dismissively, was so startled that the few words she had been about to mutter scattered into silence. Wide-eyed, she exclaimed, “Yuan Hong isn’t dead?”

In that instant, her mind raced and she began to understand. Kou Xuan’s plan seemed to have gone awry, allowing Yuan Hong to escape catastrophe. As for why this news was kept secret, it was very likely because it was entangled with Wei Jing’s ultimate goal. She immediately tossed the towel aside and blurted, “Hey, what about the matter we discussed earlier? How did the Pu and Yi tribes react?”

Wei Jing picked up the towel again and placed it in Shao Qing’s hand. “Just as expected—the two barbarian tribes were soundly defeated. The Yi tribe has submitted to me, while the Pu tribe has vowed to take revenge.”

Then, he quietly recounted everything that happened before and after the battle, saying, “What Meng Mo said must be true; the Pu tribe harbor extreme hatred toward me and Gaoling. If we devise the right strategy, we can kill two birds with one stone.”

This was exactly what Wei Jing and the others were waiting for. He planned to capitalize on the Pu tribe’s momentum, seize the opportunity to act, find an appropriate point of intervention, and then take control of the entire situation.

“So, what can the Pu tribe do?” Shao Qing frowned and clutched the towel in her hand, unconsciously using it to wipe the damp hair from Wei Jing a couple of times. “Poison them? But what does the Pu tribe have? Are they expected to poison Dong Du and Bao Zhong and then pin the blame on us? That seems highly unlikely.”

After pondering this from every angle without concluding, Wei Jing said, “The Pu tribe must have some other leverage.”

That was quite reasonable—after all, having proliferated in Anyang for many generations, they certainly cannot be entirely without backing.

Not willing to dwell on it further, Shao Qing tossed the towel aside and said, “Then let’s just wait and see how things unfold.”

The Pu tribe side is still hatching their plans, and so far, there hasn’t been any significant movement. Amidst this unusual calm, Kou Yue fell gravely ill. After her recovery, she forced herself to stay as busy as possible—pouring all her energy into the clothing shop. It was clear to the naked eye that she had become noticeably gaunt.

Shao Qing knew that Yuan Hong wasn’t dead; however, rumor has it that he now lives well with the Pu tribe, eating and drinking to his heart’s content. Whether this is due to his overconfidence or because he has already surrendered, he is, nonetheless, watching from afar, nursing his wounds without any sign of struggle.

It was quite exasperating, and she couldn’t tell Kou Yue.

Believing that time heals all wounds, Shao Qing was adamant that Kou Yue should keep herself distracted. She even arranged for new clothes for everyone in the backyard, ensuring that Kou Yue stayed busy and had no time to brood.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, each autumn rain brought with it a fresh chill.

Thanks to everyone’s overt and covert efforts, Kou Yue’s condition showed some slight improvement. Unfortunately, just as Shao Qing was about to feel relieved, she discovered she had caught a cold.

Wearing too little, she ended up getting a bit chilled.

Actually, it wasn’t serious at all. Shao Qing felt that she was fine, but Wei Jing’s brow was furrowed tightly. Without a word, he called Yan Ming over to check her pulse and prescribe some medicine, and then he ordered her to take a scalding hot bath that made her skin flush bright red.

With a sour expression, Shao Qing gulped down the bowl of pitch-black medicinal decoction and dove under the covers, wrapping herself up and falling asleep. She mumbled, “One dose is enough—I’m fine.”

Soon, a warm body pressed against her from behind. Wei Jing did not respond; she thought it was too hot, frowned, and nudged him away, but he quickly succumbed to the effects of the medicine and fell into a deep sleep.

In her half-asleep state, Shao Qing felt that the heat source had finally departed, and she became much more comfortable. She snuggled her pillow and continued sleeping soundly.

That nap was truly deep. When she awoke the next morning, daylight was streaming in. Chunxi entered the room carrying a bowl of hot water for washing and announced, “Madam, it’s time to get up—it’s nearly the appointed hour, and your husband has already gone to the front office.”

Hmm, it seems she got up a little late today; by then, her scheduled time had already passed.

After taking her medicine and napping, Shao Qing felt completely refreshed and full of energy. She got up, washed, changed her clothes, had breakfast, and once finished, she headed out ahead.

“Hmm, you go back then.”

The diligent little Chunxi faithfully performed her duty. As usual, she followed right behind, intending to accompany everyone to the inner ceremonial door that connects to the front government office. Shao Qing told her to go back, but when she turned her head, her peripheral vision caught a flash of a figure by the side door that connects the left row of rooms.

“Huh, is that Kou Yue?”

“Why is she hurrying so fast?”

“Yue Niang, Yue Niang, why are you leaving so late today?”

Lately, Kou Yue has been going to the shop during daybreak and will not return until dusk. It was rare to see her out in broad daylight.

Shao Qing casually called out, but to her surprise, Kou Yue was startled and turned around, saying, “Madam, it’s you—why are you getting up so late today?”

“Yes, I took my medicine yesterday and slept soundly.” Wei Jing didn’t interrupt her.

Shao Qing felt something was off. Kou Yue’s reaction seemed a bit excessive; she looked nervous, her expression fidgety, and her eyes wandered while she gripped the basket in her hand so tightly that her knuckles had turned a bit white—as if she were quite tense.

After quickly confirming with a short reply, she immediately said, “The shop is busy today. Madam, I must leave.”

“Alright, go ahead.” Shao Qing watched as Kou Yue turned around, feeling an inexplicable sensation; suddenly, her gaze became fixed.

Kou Yue was carrying a basket covered with plain cloth, but at the edge, a blue fragment—uncertain whether it was part of a lapel or a sleeve—peeked out, adorned with intricate embroidery. In that fleeting moment of her turn, Shao Qing caught sight of it perfectly.

“This garment?”

“It’s Yuan Hong’s!” Shao Qing remembered it so clearly because the garment had been made by Kou Yue herself and embroidered right before her eyes. She had even offered a few suggestions about the design—it was exceptionally unique, one-of-a-kind. A chill ran down her spine.

Has Yuan Hong come down the mountain? Are the Pu tribe about to make their move?

Yuan Hong actually dares to seek out Kou Yue?!

“Wang Jing, you all follow him; if any conflict arises, you must by all means ensure Kou Yue’s safety.”

Wei Jing took this matter very seriously, but Shao Qing wasn’t worried about losing control of the situation. Her only concern was Kou Yue; in the event of any conflict, the Qingzhai Guards carrying out the assignment might not be considerate of her. She was worried that this girl might be used merely as cannon fodder.

“Quick, quick—follow her!”

Kou Yue’s figure disappeared as she went off through the small door on the side of the row of rooms. Shao Qing, anxious about how the situation was unfolding, called after her and then quickly turned around, intending to dash toward the front government office. It wasn’t even clear where Wei Jing was.

“What’s wrong?”

Wang Jing and the others, looking awkward yet unmoving, saw Shao Qing halt mid-step and immediately apologized, “The master has ordered us to guard madam; we must not stray even half a step.”

Military orders were absolute—if one Kou Yue was forbidden, then even ten couldn’t be allowed to stray.

“Besides, even if we catch up, I’m afraid we won’t be able to stop her.”

Although those monitoring Yuan Hong were also Qingzhai Guards, their comrades were executing the highest priority orders, so Wang Jing and his men had neither the authority nor the power to interfere or prevent anything.

Authority really was a big issue—even if Shao Qing was the mistress, she couldn’t cause others any trouble. With a frown creasing her brow, she wondered what should be done. If they could now find Wei Jing and relay the order to him, Kou Yue might arrive at the destination too early.

After pausing for a moment, Shao Qing decisively ordered Chunxi, “You go ahead to find your lord and tell him that I’m stepping out for a while to bring Kou Yue back.”

She then led Wang Jing and the other three, and as they passed the side door, she also called along the Qingzhai Guards who were manning the gate.

It seemed that a lot had happened the previous night, and it was unclear how far things had progressed. Was Kou Yue the key link in this?

Shao Qing had no intention of putting herself in danger. She simply planned to move quickly and intercept Kou Yue—preventing her from continuing on her own.

As for what happened afterward, she would decide after discussing it with Wei Jing. After all, this girl had once saved her; she couldn’t just stand by and watch her face danger. But just in case, she made sure to bring enough men along and had already notified Wei Jing.

Who knew that Kou Yue moved so quickly? In a short moment, she had already slipped through the small alley next to the side gate and emerged onto the bustling main street. The street in front of the county office was always lively, filled with people coming and going. She was nowhere to be seen.

Shao Qing frowned and glanced around, thinking that if things didn’t work out, she would have to return first and send word through Wei Jing, though she wasn’t sure if it would be in time.

At that moment, Kou Yue was seen at the end of the street corner, carrying a basket and running back in tears.

Author’s note: Since Kou Yue had just left, the protagonist planned to hasten her steps to catch up and bring her back. She wasn’t heading to the scene of the incident. Moreover, this place was actually right next to the county office—just a shout and the main base could hear everything clearly.