Chapter 144 I love you, and you, do you love me…

Chapter 144: I Love You, and You... Do You Love Me?

"Finished your chat?" Jiang Congyan stood up, smoothed her skirt, and walked over.

Tuoba Xiao & Tuoba Wuxi: "..."

They hadn’t spoken a word to each other.

Jiang Congyan could tell.

These brothers were so stubborn—neither would bend enough to say a kind word.

She didn’t have the patience for them anymore. Seeing it was about time, she had A Fei and the servants prepare dinner—a cookout.

She had only invited Lan Zhu and the others during the day, but the evening got much livelier.

Ruo Lan, Zhang Zheng, Gan Luo, Qiumu Lingju, He Rangan, Duan Qizhen... all showed up, including General Modolou, who’d rushed back halfway. These were the ones who had stood firmly by Tuoba Xiao’s side when Kediyan rebelled, refusing to join the rebellion. That night, they had even organized resistance against the rebels. Their loyalty was proven, solidifying them as Tuoba Xiao’s inner circle.

Once the rebellion was crushed, Tuoba Xiao had already rewarded the soldiers personally. Now, using their move to the new home as an excuse, Jiang Congyan invited them again.

Everyone knew that the Khatun had bottomless good food and wine, so they were more than happy to come—especially since the Khatun said they could bring their families. The kids were thrilled.

The barbecue setup was in the spacious front courtyard, with several fire pits and grills. Nearby were trays of marinated meat slices and skewers—you name it: beef, lamb, chicken, fish, rabbit, venison, everything imaginable, along with whole jars of fragrant wine.

They could have the male servants grill for them, but if they felt like doing it themselves, that was fun too.

The servants skewered the meat and placed it on the grills. As the meat slowly turned golden over the charcoal fire, glistening fat dripped down. Before even stepping inside, everyone was greeted by the familiar, irresistible aroma of spices mingling with the richness of the fat—one sniff was all it took to get mouths watering.

After the sugar workshop was established last year, the nobles of the royal court no longer lacked sugar. But spices were still worth their weight in gold.

When Zhang Xun came to the royal court, he had specifically brought two carts of spices. Jiang Congyan distributed some but kept the majority for herself, rewarding them only to those who achieved merits. Those who received spice rewards were the envy of others, while those who didn’t could still mooch a bite if they were bold enough.

The courtyard soon buzzed with life as people arrived and naturally began greeting one another.

Those who had followed Jiang Congyan here last year had spent enough time among the Xianbei that even if their Xianbei wasn’t fluent, they could toss out a few lines—greetings, sure, and even some curses. Now, everyone chattered excitedly about the feast before them, the mood easygoing, with no sign of the old Han-Xianbei divide.

In the crowd, there were also several girls around Lan Zhu’s age—some married, some not.

Jiang Congyan remembered a few of them. They’d danced together at the Spring Fair and were Lan Zhu’s playmates, close friends. Whenever she met them on the road, she would greet them.

At first, the girls had been standoffish and in awe of her, but as Lan Zhu warmed up to her, they gradually relaxed.

While the men drank and feasted, Jiang Congyan joined the girls around a firepit.

One of them even brought her a gift—a beautifully braided horsewhip with a small bell attached, letting out a cheerful jingle when flicked. This surprised and delighted Jiang Congyan.

"Thank you, Yu Duo. I love it. You’re welcome to visit often," Jiang Congyan said warmly, taking it graciously.

Yu Duo was thrilled. Lan Zhu had been right—the Khatun was very easy to get along with.

Jiang Congyan’s approachability emboldened the other girls. One asked, "Khatun, your skin’s so fair and soft—like fresh sheep’s butter."

Jiang Congyan glanced at Lan Zhu, who remained silent, and replied, "It’s because I use a kind of face balm that protects my skin from the harsh wind. I have some left and can give you each a jar."

The girls were too embarrassed to accept such a gift for nothing, yet couldn’t resist the temptation.

Seeing their conflicted expressions, Jiang Congyan smiled. "It’s nothing. If you’d rather, we can swap gifts sometime."

Later, someone else asked about the jewelry she wore.

She usually kept her accessories simple, but today was special, so she had taken extra care with her appearance. Several gem-studded floral hairpins adorned her hair, paired with vermillion-gold tasseled earrings and a beaded waist pendant that chimed with her movements, shimmering brilliantly in the firelight.

Her jewelry was delicate and unique—what girl wouldn’t adore them?

When she offered to give some away, the girls firmly declined; they couldn’t possibly accept such lavish gifts from the Khatun.

Jiang Congyan then said, “Soon, I’ll have someone open a jewelry shop. You can bring your precious metals, and the craftsmen can help you craft any pieces you like.”

She had overlooked this before, too wrapped up in major ventures and survival to develop such side businesses. But even the people of the steppe had a desire for beauty, and this subtle influence on aesthetics was important. Cultural assimilation reforms naturally included attire and adornments.

As they ate and chatted, once Yuduo and the others loosened up, they invited her to dance. Jiang Congyan, who wasn’t very skilled, quickly waved her hands in refusal.

By the time the banquet was halfway through, everyone had eaten their fill. The men started up wrestling matches and moved on to drinking contests, drawing a lively crowd.

“What’s wrong? You seem weighed down, not as lively as usual,” Jiang Congyan noticed Lan Zhu wasn’t joining in, instead standing alone by the corridor, looking downcast.

She had seemed disinterested from the start of the banquet.

Lan Zhu glanced at her, opened her mouth but closed it again, hesitating as if holding back words.

“Come, let’s talk in the backyard,” Jiang Congyan took her hand.

The girl’s palms were toughened with fresh calluses from recent archery and blade practice.

Compared to the lively front yard, the backyard was much quieter. They sat beneath the wisteria trellis where they had once played chess, two lanterns casting a warm glow as the night breeze rustled and moonlight cascaded like silk.

“All right, no one’s here now. You can tell me what’s on your mind. Between the two of us, maybe we can think of something.”

Lan Zhu hung her head, staring at her hands before speaking slowly, “I saw He Lanhu. He came too.”

Over a month had passed since the incident, but the memory still pained her. Though her brother hadn’t turned against the king, and He Lanhu had led reinforcements, he had obeyed her brother’s orders—not hers.

“…I was their general for over half a year, handling all sorts of matters for them. They followed my commands daily, but at the critical moment, he turned his back on me!”

Her voice grew agitated, but after the outburst, she felt only helplessness. She had truly believed herself capable as a general, but in reality, she had just had the general's title without the authority—they had never truly accepted her.

“A’yan sister, am I just not cut out to be a general?” Lan Zhu couldn’t help doubting herself.

Jiang Congyan listened carefully, gently tracing the calluses with her thumb. “Look at your hands. These calluses are proof of your effort. You’re improving, growing more mature and capable. You’re not even twenty yet—your life has just begun. One day, you’ll become the person you want to be.”

“But He Lanhu—”

“You said you were their general for half a year. How long has your brother led them?”

Lan Zhu paused, having never calculated it before. After a moment, she replied, “I remember he’s been with my brother since childhood—probably over ten years.”

“Ten years. You said it yourself—he’s followed your brother for a decade, while you’ve only had half a year. So, it’s no surprise he ultimately obeyed your brother. This isn’t something that can change quickly. It’s not that you’re not smart or capable—you’ve already done far better than most.” Jiang Congyan spoke calmly, her clear, gentle voice carrying an inexplicable power that soothed and convinced.

Lan Zhu seemed to regain some confidence.

Jiang Congyan then gave her another boost. “Do you want to hear some good news?”

“What?”

“The king is expanding the army.” Jiang Congyan smiled at her, blinking.

At first, Lan Zhu didn’t react, but realization soon dawned. Her throat went dry. “Does it… involve me?” Even her voice tightened with tension.

Jiang Congyan held her gaze steadily and nodded.

Although the internal strife within the Murong Tribe and Kediyan did not severely damage the Xianbei's strength, it still caused significant losses, especially to their military forces. Even excluding the rebel troops, over ten thousand soldiers perished, not to mention the current turbulent external situation. Tuoba Xiao had to replenish his troops to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

"I've saved a post for you. You can recruit soldiers yourself, which means the newly formed army will be entirely yours. However, this is a very challenging task. You’ll likely need to put in twice your current effort to succeed. Are you willing? Can you endure this hardship?"

"I am! I can!" Lan Zhu answered instantly.

While her earlier words had been just comforting, this final statement completely rekindled her drive.

"No matter how hard it is, I’m willing," Lan Zhu repeated firmly.

"Good. I’ll wait for the day you become a true great general. Then, I’ll rely on you to help me protect the Xianbei, alright?"

"Alright!"

Jiang Congyan was also considering the issues Lan Zhu faced. Unlike the Central Plains' clan system, most Xianbei armies were formed by individual tribes, answering to people rather than orders. Once a commander was replaced, they would refuse to obey. Though Tuoba Xiao’s ascension had improved this situation, it had yet to achieve full centralization. Jiang Congyan now planned to overhaul the military system.

In the front courtyard, the men’s wrestling match had ended. As the night deepened, guests gradually took their leave, leaving only a few scattered figures behind.

When Jiang Congyan and Lan Zhu returned to the front courtyard after their talk, they found Tuoba Xiao and Tuoba Wuxi sitting beside the fading fire, each holding a jar of wine, the atmosphere now far more relaxed.

She also noticed Mica playing with A Mao, while Qiu Liju watched them from a bench on the veranda. A Mao appeared to be teaching him Chinese.

After Tuoba Xiao decided to promote the use of Chinese characters among the Xianbei, Lan Zhu became even more enthusiastic about learning the language, even bringing Mica along to study.

A Mao, once frail and undernourished, had grown significantly taller and filled out over the past year, no longer resembling the skinny bamboo pole she once was. Though young, Mica ate well and grew sturdy for his age. At just six years old, he already looked like an older child, with strong arms capable of drawing a small bow. The two of them together could almost pass as peers.

"What does 'love' mean?" Mica asked A Mao.

A Mao explained, "'Love' means 'like.'"

Mica looked puzzled. "Are 'love' and 'like' the same thing?"

"Um..." A Mao hesitated, trying to figure out how to explain it to a six-year-old. Spotting Jiang Congyan approaching from the corner of her eye, she brightened and immediately stood up, dipping her head respectfully. "My lady."

Mica also called out, "Aunt Lan Zhu."

Jiang Congyan sat on the veranda bench and said to Mica, "You can 'like' many things, but only when you 'like' something very much does it count as 'love.' The person you like the most is the one you love."

Mica seemed to understand a little, nodding his round head. "'Love' is the most like."

"Then I love Mama, love Papa, love Aunt Lan Zhu, and love Auntie too. You are all the people I like the most."

The child’s innocent and sincere words made everyone smile.

Jiang Congyan poked his chubby cheek. "Of course, we love Mica too."

Tuoba Wuxi’s family stayed the latest. After everyone else had left, only he remained, not rising until he had finished the last few jars of wine beside him.

Tipsy, Qiu Liju went to support him. "My lady, my lord, thank you for your hospitality. I’ll take him home now."

Jiang Congyan saw them to the gate, warning them about the dark. As she turned back, she saw Tuoba Xiao approaching her, smelling of wine.

"I don’t know how much you drank—are you drunk?"

She waved her hand in front of his eyes, but he caught it in his large palm, his skin burning hot. Without a word, the man lifted her off her feet and carried her toward the backyard.

Jiang Congyan clung to his neck nervously.

Once inside the bedroom, he set her down on a nearby daybed but kept his hands to himself. Instead, he simply pulled her close.

"I just spoke with Tuoba Wuxi," he suddenly said.

"What did you say?"

Jiang Congyan noticed the bright red flush on his neck and behind his ears, his voice rough and distant, and thought he might be slightly drunk.

"I told him that we should let bygones be bygones. As long as he doesn’t cross me again, he will remain the Sixth Prince of Xianbei."

Tuo Baxiao’s tone was calm—almost unnaturally calm in the heavy silence of the night. She knew this couldn't have been an easy decision for him.

"Was it because he helped me when Kediyan rebelled?" She pulled back a little from his embrace, her soft palms cradling his face as she tilted her slender neck, looking straight into his deep green eyes.

Tuo Baxiao was silent for a moment before nodding.

"He protected you."

Her gaze faltered.

Had Tuoba Wuxi truly joined Kediyan in rebellion back then, she might not have come out unscathed.

That incident had started because of her, and it wasn’t just her who had suffered—Wang Fu had been insulted even more.

She had received Tuoba Wuxi’s help, but the late Wang Fu could never be compensated. In the end, Tuo Baxiao dropped it because of her.

His mother was his deepest pain, and Jiang Congyan knew how hard this was for him.

Her chest tightened with emotion, but she was at a loss for words. Instead, she wrapped her arms tightly around his feverish skin.

"Yan Yan," he suddenly called her name.

"What?" Jiang Congyan kept her eyes closed, her soft cheek pressed against his neck.

"Earlier, you told Mica that whoever you like most is who you love. Yan Yan, apart from my mother, you are the only person in this world I love. I love you. Do you love me?"