Chapter 132: Unperturbed by the Waves

Chapter 132: Unperturbed by the Waves

In the following years, Liang Xigui devoted himself to teaching Xie Heng, imparting wisdom on how to be a man of integrity and guiding him in the art of power and strategy, watching as his face gradually merged with the familiar visage etched in his memory.

For Xie Heng's happiness, he was willing to be the pebble beneath his feet, the stepping stone and ladder to his ascent, hoping that Xie Heng could achieve his heart's desires.

There were times of great upheaval during this period, but fortunately, Liang Xigui was never absent from Xie Heng's side.

During his youth, Xie Heng's mother, the imperial concubine, spent her days in melancholy, eventually succumbing to her illness without recovery.

Xie Heng knelt outside the grand hall, pleading with his father, the emperor, to pay his mother one last visit.

Alas, all he received were gifts of gold and silver, instructions to conduct the funeral rites properly, for the royal dignity was paramount.

Later, perhaps out of remorse, the emperor proposed that Xie Heng should undergo training in the military camp, returning early with honors to his name.

Outside the palace walls, Xie Heng rode atop a tall steed, exchanging a distant gaze with Liang Xigui, who had come to see him off. He could sense the concern emanating from the other.

As Xie Heng entered the military camp, Liang Xigui did not idle. He cultivated relationships among the nobility and leveraged the network of the crown prince to climb the ranks.

In the complex web of the imperial court, where princes vied for power, their subordinates, seeking survival amidst the struggle, chose sides, fighting for the prince they favored.

Liang Xigui was no exception, aligning with the crown prince's faction. However, he sought neither glory nor fame; his heart yearned for something far more precious.

During the years he spent in close proximity to Xie Heng, he had entertained thoughts of affection.

After all, watching one's beloved grow under one's care would stir emotions in anyone.

Yet, whenever he contemplated interfering in Xie Heng's romantic life or attempted to pursue him, his insides felt as if struck by lightning, leaving him gasping for breath on several occasions.

It was then that he realized the true meaning of "the cruelest punishment."

"In places where people gather, where life unfolds beautifully, there is no place for you."

Repeated attempts only served to strengthen his resilience, with no apparent effect. Gradually, he relinquished this futile resistance.

During the years Xie Heng was away, he returned once, coinciding with a festival. He excused himself early from the imperial banquet due to illness.

His father, the emperor, did not detain him, having only summoned him once when he entered the military camp, otherwise treating him with benign neglect.

Taking advantage of the heavy night, Xie Heng rode swiftly out of the palace, heading straight for Liang Xigui's residence.

Over the years, Liang Xigui's importance in his life had surpassed that of his exalted father.

To Xie Heng, Liang Xigui was both mentor and friend, father and brother, transcending the simple bond of teacher and student.

"Knock knock—"

"I'm coming."

The door opened from within. On this festive day, Liang Xigui had given the servants a holiday, allowing them to enjoy the lantern festival in the evening.

Only Liang Xigui, who shunned crowds, and Lady Liu remained at home, ordering a few choice dishes from a restaurant to celebrate in simplicity.

Seeing Liang Xigui open the door, Xie Heng's eyes widened, and he exclaimed excitedly, "Master Liang!"

Liang Xigui paused for a moment before quickly pulling Xie Heng inside by the wrist. "Xingxing, why have you returned?"

Xie Heng relished when Liang Xigui called him Xingxing, a term that conveyed an unspoken intimacy and care, providing him with a sense of security.

Out in the battlefield, conditions were harsh, and no one treated him with unconditional kindness, nor did they see him as a child. Only Liang Xigui did so.

Perhaps even until his death, his father would never understand that what Xie Heng truly desired was nothing more than the simplest of emotions found in ordinary families.

"Don't worry, don't worry. Father knows I've returned. I just left the palace banquet."

Still uneasy, Liang Xigui asked, "Really? The return of a prince should have been mentioned by someone."

Xie Heng gave a bitter smile. "Master Liang, apart from you, who treasures me like a gem, who else would care?"

"Xingxing, be cautious with your words and actions, do not belittle yourself."

"Alright, let's not talk about this. Master Liang, let's go inside and chat."

Liang Xigui gently stroked his hand, noticing the thick calluses on his fingertips and the dry, flaky skin on the back of his hand.

These battle-hardened hands bore no resemblance to those of a young man who had just passed his coming-of-age ceremony.

Xie Heng, sensing Liang Xigui's concern, hastily explained, "Master Liang, don't worry. My hands are cold because I rode in the wind just now. It's normal."

"If you know someone cares, you should cherish your life more."

"I will definitely take good care of myself."

Xie Heng tilted his head, observing Liang Xigui's profile. When his lips drooped, it was most terrifying—not only was his expression cold, but his words were sharp and unyielding, like a venomous blade.

Lady Liu, recognizing Xie Heng, rose to pay her respects. Xie Heng waved her off, for according to seniority, she was his master's grandmother, deserving of his respect.

Understanding that they had private matters to discuss, Lady Liu did not linger. After a brief moment, she found an excuse to retire to her bedroom.

Liang Xigui escorted her back, turning at the doorway to look at Xie Heng, who sat at the table like a well-behaved child. "Xingxing, wait for me in the study. There's charcoal behind the door. If you get cold, add more."

"Yes, Master Liang."

When he returned to the study, he found Xie Heng lying on the wooden couch where he usually rested, his legs swinging casually in the air.

"Xingxing, sit properly."

Xie Heng grinned at him, his expression conveying that there was no need for formalities between them.

"How have you been in the camp? Has anyone bullied you?"

Liang Xigui decided not to dwell on such trivial matters; Xie Heng had clearly not spent much time in the capital.

He preferred to learn more about Xie Heng's current situation rather than correct his posture.

If things were going well for him, Liang Xigui could be at ease; if not, he didn't want any secrets kept from him.

"It's been good. Mr. Liang must have heard that General Feng Tian won a battle in the south, and I was part of that troop."

When Xie Heng said this, he resembled a proud little cat with its tail up, holding its round head high, eagerly awaiting praise from its owner.

"I've heard it's an elite team that never loses, Star is quite impressive."

After achieving his goal, Xie Heng couldn't suppress the wild upward curve of his lips.

"There's one more thing, I'll only tell Mr. Liang."

As soon as Xie Heng finished speaking, he straightened his posture, revealing a serious expression, indicating that what he was about to say was significant to him.

"Star, rest assured, you can speak frankly with me."

Xie Heng then pulled out a handkerchief from his chest, carefully unfolding it layer by layer, revealing a stack of folded notes inside.

He unfolded the notes, bent down beside Liang Xigui, and placed the notes in front of him, "Mr. Liang, look, isn't this woman beautiful?"

Upon hearing the question, Liang Xigui felt a jolt in his heart, sensing an ominous premonition.

"Acceptable."

Xie Heng furrowed his brows, holding the drawing close to scrutinize it again, muttering, "Acceptable? Only acceptable?"

"Hmm, what's the relationship between this woman and Star?"