Chapter 54

Chapter 54

In the days that followed, though Gu Yu no longer had entire days to spend with Jiang Heng, he still carved out time daily. He would take her boating on the river, fishing by the stream, or galloping across open fields—always finding ways to lift her spirits.

Jiang Heng’s health had finally improved; she no longer tired so easily.

One day, as she was enjoying the cool air in the courtyard while reading, Gu Yu arrived, carrying a plate of cooked seafood. It had tentacles, was pale grayish-white, segmented, and resembled a giant centipede.

Jiang Heng didn't recognize it. Over the past few days, Gu Yu had been sending her rare seafood, something different each day. Though some looked frightening, their flavors were exceptionally delicious.

Gu Yu sat beside her and began preparing the seafood.

He grasped the creature by its head and tail, worked it back and forth a few times, then broke off the head and began peeling away the segmented hard shell. Finally, he extracted a whole piece of meat but didn't hand it to Jiang Heng. Instead, he placed it on the plate and continued peeling the next one.

Jiang Heng had already caught the scent, but since he didn't offer it, she didn't ask. She looked away and continued reading, as if uninterested in the seafood.

At that moment, Gu Yu spoke, "Military Advisor Xiao heard you were ill and wanted to visit." He was already waiting in the front courtyard.

Jiang Heng paused but did not look up from her book.

The worst days of her illness had long passed. At that time, he had likely been busy settling Ah Sheng and had no time to spare for her.

After a long silence from Jiang Heng, Gu Yu asked, "Shall I tell him you won’t see him?"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly. "Please inform Military Advisor Xiao that I have recovered and there is no need for a visit."

The corner of Gu Yu’s mouth twitched slightly. He said nothing, finished peeling the last mantis shrimp, placed all the meat on the plate, stood up, and said, "I’ve already eaten. You should have some."

When he went to the front courtyard, Gu Yu specifically had someone catch a few live mantis shrimp for Yan Hui.

"Just now, she happened to be preparing shrimp and peeled a few for me to eat. It took a while," he said, his expression radiating a quiet contentment, as if these were the most ordinary moments of tenderness between a married couple.

Glancing at the live shrimp, he added, "These are from our recent catch. Take them back and have that little beggar prepare them for you."

Yan Hui asked, "She doesn’t want to see me?"

Gu Yu gave a soft laugh, looked steadily at Yan Hui, and said, "Yes."

Seeing the rare smile in Gu Yu’s eyes, Yan Hui frowned deeply. "Why did you bring her here?"

Gu Yu offered no explanation, letting him wonder, and even deliberately asked, "What do you think?"

Yan Hui fell silent but did not leave, remaining standing there.

Perhaps Jiang Heng would change her mind and be willing to come out to see him.

"Master, someone from Military Advisor Xiao’s residence has come, saying there’s urgent business and asking him to return," a servant reported.

Gu Yu guessed it was Xiao Sheng. Clearly, Yan Hui had also guessed, and his previously calm, patient demeanor now grew anxious.

"I take my leave."

Yan Hui strode out of the front courtyard. At the gate, he saw that it was indeed Xiao Sheng who had followed him there. He gave her a stern look but still did not utter a word of reprimand. He stepped out and headed toward his own residence.

Yan Hui had never looked at her so severely before. Xiao Sheng felt wronged and stood there, dazed, watching his retreating figure, suddenly beginning to sob.

After taking a few steps, Yan Hui noticed she wasn’t following. He turned back and saw the young woman crying, looking hurt. His heart softened, and his stern expression eased slightly. He coaxed her gently, "Come back with me."

Xiao Sheng wiped her tears, huffed angrily at him, and quickly walked away.

She was in a sulk, walking too fast that she accidentally bumped into someone.

"Don’t you have—" Xiao Sheng was about to lose her temper and yell, "Watch where you're going!" But when she saw Yan Hui’s warning gaze and remembered her current status, she bit back the rest of her words. She merely glared irritably at the person she had bumped into and turned to leave.

Yan Hui, afraid her recklessness would lead to more trouble, quickly followed her.

The person Xiao Sheng had bumped into was none other than Xia Miaoji.

Since Jiang Heng had fallen ill, Xia Miaoji had visited from time to time to check on her. Jiang Heng never agreed to see her, but Xia Miaoji never minded. She would simply ask the maid to deliver some food and snacks she had prepared before leaving.

Today was no different. After leaving the items, she departed.

On her way back, she suddenly remembered who it was that had bumped into her earlier.

…

"Prince Zhennan’s younger sister!"

Xia Miaoji had realized who Xiao Sheng was and immediately reported it to Yang Zhihong.

Yang Zhihong drew a sharp breath. "You’re saying Prince Zhennan’s younger sister is with Military Advisor Xiao?"

"Absolutely true. I couldn’t be mistaken. That was definitely Prince Zhennan’s younger sister."

Xia Miaoji had only recently begun enjoying a few days of comfort and stability with Yang Zhihong and was counting on him to achieve great deeds, earn promotions, and continue their comfortable life. She didn’t want the Military Advisor Xiao they had managed to turn to be a fraud who was only pretending to defect, ultimately ending up harming them instead.

"That young woman came to see him—could she be delivering some secret message? How bold of them to risk sending a young woman like that," Xia Miaoji speculated.

"Don’t mention this to anyone. I’ll go see General Jiang," Yang Zhihong said.

Yang Zhihong also feared that Yan Hui might be pretending to defect. If Gu Yu found out, they might not only be punished for previously disobeying military orders and acting without authorization but also for failing to distinguish loyalty from treachery and letting a spy into their ranks.

When he reached Jiang Xing, Yang Zhihong informed him about Prince Zhennan’s younger sister being at Yan Hui’s residence.

"What?" Jiang Xing was even more disbelieving.

"What do you think Military Advisor Xiao is hiding Prince Zhennan’s younger sister for? Could he be pretending to defect, waiting for an opportunity to work with Prince Zhennan from the inside?"

Jiang Xing slammed a hand on the table and gritted his teeth. "That Yan… I thought he was a sincere and honest man. Turns out he dared to use me!"

"If he’s pretending to defect, let’s make it real!"

Yang Zhihong asked, "How do we make it real?"

A dangerous glint appeared in Jiang Xing’s eyes. "We’ll make him personally kill Prince Zhennan’s younger sister. Let’s see how he can go back after that!"

…

Yan Hui was completely out of patience with Xiao Sheng.

Prince Zhennan had also guessed that Xiao Sheng had come to him and had sent people to sneak in once to bring her back. But Xiao Sheng, wary of being sent back, was exceptionally vigilant and rarely stepped out of Yan Hui’s residence.

Yan Hui’s place was watched by Gu Yu’s people. He couldn’t risk his comrades forcing their way in, nor could he tie her up and send her away, as many eyes were watching him. Thus, he could only wait it out.

"I have things to do here. I’ll return once they’re done. Don’t be a distraction here," Yan Hui had no choice but to whisper to her like this.

Xiao Sheng asked skeptically, "Really? You'll truly go back? You won't stay here and fly off together with that woman?"

"Ah Sheng, if I intended to stay, I would have done so back when I was sent to the capital. Rest assured, my task is not yet finished—I won’t leave."

But Xiao Sheng pressed, "So you mean once your task is done, you will leave? And leave with that woman, is that it?"

Yan Hui didn’t want Xiao Sheng to keep pestering him, but he wouldn’t lie to deceive her either. He remained silent.

Xiao Sheng felt angry inside, but she knew throwing a fit at Yan Hui would be useless. After thinking a moment, she looped her arm through his and said, "Brother, don’t stay here to work. I know you’re helping my brother, but it’s too dangerous. I can’t let you take such risks. Come away with me—I’ll tell my brother not to put you in danger."

She pleaded, but seeing Yan Hui sigh helplessly, she changed tack: "If you insist on staying, then I’ll stay with you. You’re doing this for my brother, for the Xiao family—and I’m a daughter of the Xiao family. How can I let you face danger alone?"

"If the worst comes to worst, I’ll declare who I am. Brother, you can kill me then—at least that way you’ll be spared."

Yan Hui was moved and said gently, "Don’t talk such nonsense."

Seeing him finally soften, Xiao Sheng hugged him and pleaded sweetly, "Brother, I’m not talking nonsense—I mean it. Your life is more important than mine. You must not die."

"Brother, don’t make me leave. No one here knows me, and I won’t go anywhere else. You saw—even Duke Wei was fooled by me. You don’t need to worry about me. When your task is done, we’ll go back together to see my brother."

Yan Hui sighed softly and didn’t repeat his demand for her to leave. Instead, he gently pushed her away and said seriously, "Ah Sheng, you’ve come of age now. You can’t act like a child without manners anymore."

Xiao Sheng pouted angrily and retorted, "I won’t listen, I won’t listen! Blah blah blah, turtle lips!" Then she ran off.

The next day, Jiang Xing used the excuse of surveying the terrain to lure Yan Hui out. Meanwhile, Yang Zhihong was tasked with taking Xiao Sheng to a prearranged cave.

Jiang Xing led Yan Hui into the cave.

"Ziyuan, kill her, and you can remain our ally."

Jiang Xing looked at Xiao Sheng, who was still drowsy, and spoke to Yan Hui.

Yang Zhihong added, "That’s right. Besides us, no one knows her identity. Kill her now, and we won’t expose you for hiding Prince Zhennan’s younger sister. As long as you serve loyally, we’ll act as if this never happened."

"Brother..."

Xiao Sheng woke up in a daze. Seeing Jiang Xing and Yang Zhihong, she immediately understood her predicament.

"Brother, are they threatening you? Kill me, quickly kill me!"

Yang Zhihong sneered, "You’ve got spirit, girl. Let’s hope Military Advisor Xiao listens to you... Ah!"

In the blink of an eye, Yan Hui’s blade pierced Yang Zhihong’s throat.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he swiftly yanked the blade free and turned to attack Jiang Xing.

Jiang Xing only avoided death by pulling Xiao Sheng in front of him as a shield. Clutching the girl as a hostage, he fled the cave, yelling over his shoulder at Yan Hui, "Yan Ziyuan, don’t forget who I am! Kill me, and you and A Heng are finished forever! Choose—this girl or A Heng! Think carefully!"

Hearing this, Xiao Sheng put on an expression of tragic resolve. "Brother, don’t kill him. Kill me instead!"

Jiang Xing saw right through Xiao Sheng’s act. The more she played the martyr, the more it would provoke Yan Hui. He snapped, "Shut up! You’re young but already know how to manipulate people!"

Fearing Yan Hui might kill him regardless, he added, "I got word to A Heng before coming. She’ll be here soon. Do you want her to see you—pretending to defect, all to kill her brother for this girl?"

Yan Hui’s gaze turned icy. He tightened his grip on his long blade. "In that case, I’d better kill you before she gets here."

With that, he attacked Jiang Xing using both long and short blades.

Jiang Xing’s understanding of Yan Hui was still stuck three years in the past—he thought of him as a bookish type who’d learned a bit of martial arts but was still green. He never imagined that he and Yang Zhihong together would be no match for Yan Hui.

In just a few exchanges, Jiang Xing was routed. Not only did he lose his hostage, but he was also slashed multiple times.

"Jiang Xing, if you die here, no one will know who killed you. Tell me, will A Jiu suspect me?"

Yan Hui’s blade dripped with Jiang Xing’s blood as he watched the man struggle to scramble backward.

"Brother, don’t kill him! That sister is coming!"

Xiao Sheng spotted Jiang Heng galloping toward them before Yan Hui did. Her cry successfully drew Jiang Heng over.

"A Heng, avenge me!"

Jiang Xing crawled toward Jiang Heng. Seeing Gu Yu behind her, his failing heart leapt with hope. "Duke Wei, that girl is Prince Zhennan’s younger sister! Military Advisor Xiao is conspiring with the enemy!"

"Ah!" Jiang Xing screamed.

Yan Hui stomped on his ankle, coldly watching Gu Yu.

"Let him go," Gu Yu said. As much as he loathed Jiang Xing, he couldn’t let Yan Hui kill him.

Yan Hui lifted his foot and released Jiang Xing, then turned to attack Gu Yu.

This was a score to settle, both personal and professional. Killing Gu Yu would make everything right.

Truth be told, he had Jiang Xing to thank today—the idiot had actually managed to bring Gu Yu here alone.

"Big brother!"

Despite their usual distance, seeing Jiang Xing covered in blood, Jiang Heng couldn’t hold back her tears.

"A Heng, I’m a dead man," Jiang Xing’s voice grew faint. "What a regret… I never achieved any military glory. How hateful… that the Jiang family will truly end with me."

"Brother, you won’t die. We can save you, we can save you..."

Jiang Heng pressed on his critical wounds to stop the bleeding, comforting him softly.

Her attention entirely on Jiang Xing’s injuries, Jiang Heng didn’t notice Xiao Sheng approaching with a dagger.

Just as the dagger was about to strike Jiang Heng, a long sword swept in and chopped off the arm holding the dagger.

The dagger fell, along with an arm. Amid Xiao Sheng’s piercing shrieks, Gu Yu was run through the side by Yan Hui.

The blade went deep, almost running him through, but his gasp was faint, completely drowned out by Xiao Sheng’s cries.

He turned and knocked aside Yan Hui’s long blade, continuing to fight as if unharmed.

But Yan Hui no longer had the heart to fight. He defended while moving closer to rescue Xiao Sheng.

Gu Yu betrayed no sign of injury, nor did he press his advantage, allowing Yan Hui to take Xiao Sheng and leave.

After they had gone, he still showed no sign of injury or weakness. Hefting Jiang Xing onto Jiang Heng’s horse, he asked the woman, "Can you handle his weight?"

Jiang Heng nodded firmly. Noticing blood on Gu Yu, she asked, "You’re hurt too. Can you still ride?"

Gu Yu nodded. "A minor wound. I’ll be fine if I take it slow. Take him back for treatment first. I’ll follow slowly."

Gu Yu concealed it too well, and Jiang Heng was so accustomed to his tough-as-nails appearance that she failed to notice the severity of his injuries. Worried about Jiang Xing's condition and with no time to dwell on it, she immediately mounted her horse and rode swiftly away.

Gu Yu also endured his pain, mounting his horse as usual and moving along at an easy pace, watching the woman speed away like lightning, quickly leaving him far behind.

Her horsemanship had improved so much—even on this tight, rugged terrain, she could ride with such speed.

He had taught her how to ride.

In the future, whenever she rode a horse, perhaps she would think of him, if only for a moment?

At last, he finally had one thing that would make her remember him.

A faint smile curled Gu Yu's lips as he fell from his horse.

The horse neighed and, its back soaked with blood, galloped after Jiang Heng.