Chapter 116 - Chen Yang

Xiao Chiye said he would return in three days, and he did just that. He arrived back at Ci Prefecture late at night; the city gates were already open, and torches illuminated the walls from top to bottom as the imperial guards paraded the captives inside. Zhou Gui had emptied the southern prison of Ci Prefecture for the imperial guards to house these bandits. Meeting Xiao Chiye, he said, "Lord, you have worked hard! The soldiers have been exhausted by their pursuit. I've already arranged for meals to be prepared. Please, follow me."

Xiao Chiye dismounted and replied, "Thank you for your consideration, sir."

Zhou Gui walked in with Xiao Chiye, his face flushed red as he said, "From General TanTai's military report, the bandits have already been captured on the eastern side and thoroughly dispersed. For Lord to personally pursue Lei Jingzhe… That's truly… truly excellent!"

Xiao Chiye had seen Shen Zechuan, and Shen Zechuan had also seen him. A few bodyguards followed behind Shen Zechuan, while Qiao Tianya carried a lantern, obviously having waited a long time. As he answered Zhou Gui, he said, "Regarding Lei Jingzhe, I'll discuss it with you in detail tomorrow morning in the study."

Zhou Gui thought Xiao Chiye was tired from running and hurriedly nodded, saying, "Alright." Kong Ling was more perceptive. Though he was not used to such behavior, he knew that he was intruding and thus found an excuse to lead Zhou Gui away.

Chen Yang stepped forward to take the reins, and the bodyguards behind them knelt on one knee, saying, "Congratulations, Master, on your victorious return!"

Xiao Chiye untied his arm restraints and removed his bow, saying, "Get up. How long have you been waiting?"

Shen Zechuan took the lantern from Qiao Tianya, turned around, and walked down the street with Xiao Chiye. He said, "Just a little while."

Xiao Chiye lowered his hand, then took the lantern from Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan held the arm restraints that Xiao Chiye had just removed, examining them.

Xiao Chiye observed this and commented, "This bracer is an old item from a few years ago. The iron was forged in the Northern Frontier, and the leather straps were even supplied directly to the Eight Banners by Qidu. It was already frayed when I drew the Invincible Bow here last time. Before we return to the Northern Frontier, I'll find a way to replace it."

Indeed, the leather straps on the bracer were worn out. Shen Zechuan tugged at them a few times and said to Qiao Tianya, "Take it with us for now."

Xiao Chiye noticed that the two of them were not heading in the right direction. He glanced back at the Zhou residence before looking at Shen Zechuan and asking, "We're moving out?"

"Of course we have to move," Shen Zechuan stepped up onto the porch. "It's inconvenient to stay at Zhou Gui's residence all the time. He just had a grandson earlier this year, and his entire family is squeezed into two courtyards. It's too much for them. I've been keeping my ear to the ground these past few days and happened to come across a house here."

As they spoke, the two of them entered a broad alley. The stone-paved road led straight to the gate. Xiao Chiye looked around and remarked, "It's adjacent to the main street and close to Zhou Gui's place. It's convenient for discussing matters regularly, and the location is excellent."

"There's one drawback," Shen Zechuan said as he led Xiao Chiye through the gate. "It's too spacious. Even with all our people combined, we wouldn't be able to fill these courtyards."

Xiao Chiye observed that the residence was adorned with an ascending horse platform constructed from stacked blue bricks. The wooden columns were robust, their carvings less intricate than those in Qidu or Juexi, evoking instead a hint of the northern and border regions. The five-compartment courtyard was indeed spacious for the two of them; Qi Huilian's former mansion, granted to him when he served as the East Palace Grand Tutor, was of similar size, yet even with additional servants, it had still seemed underoccupied. With no children or concubines between them, the stone walls bore the marks of time, but the double-eaved roof was designed with a powerful elegance that allowed light to filter through – a style that appealed to Xiao Chiye.

"Nonsense," Xiao Chiye said as he stepped in and took Shen Zechuan's hand. "Let Master have his own courtyard, you and I another, and the brothers yet another. If more people come, we'll allocate them according to their rank. Eventually, when we're all in our seventies or eighties, we'll see the day when every courtyard is filled."

"The rear courtyard is unoccupied," Shen Zechuan remarked. "However, the annex and side rooms require additional personnel. These courtyards are interconnected, and it's imperative to have someone keeping watch at all times. Their shift rotations will be more complex."

The two of them were discussing in front what items they should acquire for the future, while Ding Tao, behind them, was jotting down notes on a notebook, whispering, "Although this residence is not as grand as our prince's mansion in Qudu, it's incredibly labyrinthine. If I were to live at the back, it would take me half a month just to learn my way around."

"Whenever you're on a mission, Brother Gu Jin is always with you. What are you afraid of?" Qiao Tianya said. "This residence isn't cheap, and my master didn't even blink an eye when he bought it. He's so wealthy."

Ding Tao looked melancholic as he scribbled some more. "You don't understand. It's precisely because Brother Jin is with me that I get lost. Sigh, Brother Jin is so strange. In the military, he's a scout and can recognize every unfamiliar place, but when we come back home, he always ends up in the wrong courtyard. When he was at the Liubei family's, he often wandered off to other places. Let me tell you, there's a sister named Cui Lan in the concubine's quarters, she's so gentle. Every time Brother Jin got lost, she would lead him back and even give me candy. Anyway... Uh, what was I saying!"

Gu Jin picked Ding Tao up with one arm and covered his mouth tightly. He glanced at Qiao Tianya and said, "One should not listen to indecent matters."

"I haven't heard anything indecent yet," Qiao Tianya replied in surprise, clapping softly. "You've essentially nailed yourself to the cross."

"....It's difficult to grow bamboo here. I'll look for something else in a few days," Xiao Chiye said, turning around and addressing the others. "Who's on watch tonight?"

Chen Yang had been preoccupied, so he answered, "I'll do it alone. They've been taking turns these past few days."

Xiao Chiye knew that Chen Yang wanted to report something to him, so he nodded without asking further questions. The moment he saw Chen Yang's expression when he arrived in the city, he knew something was up. By the time they returned to the courtyard, hot water had already been prepared. While Xiao Chiye bathed, Shen Zechuan instructed someone to warm up their food.

With the hot weather, the main doors were pushed open to either side, and only a bamboo screen was hung down to keep out mosquitoes. Fresh window screens had been installed, and a large copper vat with two red carp swam in it, floating amidst several green lotus flowers. A few green plants were planted in the courtyard, surrounding the warm light seeping from the house, illuminating Chen Yang, who sat motionless.

Chen Yang wore an old robe; their clothes had worn thin from the journey. Shen Zechuan had asked Madam Zhou Gui to find tailors to measure them all, and they would have new clothes in a while.

Chen Yang was the same age as Zhao Hui, but Zhao Hui had already started a family and held a high-ranking position as a commander. Despite his refined appearance, he actually lived quite simply and was still living with his fellow guards. At this moment, he was sitting under the eaves, having been bitten by mosquitoes, but his mind was in turmoil as he considered how to report to Xiao Chiye.

The bamboo screen was half-open, and Shen Zechuan had already changed into his usual home attire. He said to Chen Yang, "After guarding the city gate all night, you'll be bitten by mosquitoes if you sit here. Come in and have dinner with Ce An first."

Chen Yang rose in response and followed him in.

Xiao Chiye had yet to emerge, so the meal was simple, with few heavy meats. Now that Ji Gang was back, he was strict about their diet, adhering to the menu Qi Huilian had set for them when they were at the Temple of Acknowledged Sins. All the guards enjoyed drinking, and Ji Gang used to as well. His appetizers were always exceptional.

Chen Yang knelt on the mat, and a maid placed the dishes on the small table before him.

The room was quiet. Chen Yang sat with his head bowed, listening as everyone left. Shen Zechuan, seated above, was not as restrained as Chen Yang. The white robe he wore revealed his wrists when he moved, lessening the sophistication that his appearance usually conveyed and instead giving off an unpretentious air that was somewhat soothing.

When two people spent a lot of time together, they might unknowingly be influenced by each other.

Chen Yang felt that Shen Zechuan's demeanor at this moment had a similarity to Xiao Chiye's quiet moments – both exuded a calming presence.

"Too many concerns can lead to misfortune," Shen Zechuan said, setting down his chopsticks without looking at Chen Yang. "Tell him the truth, not adding or altering a single word. Once you've conveyed the matter, he'll have his own thoughts. People often say that those involved in a situation are the most confused, but that's not necessarily true. Being inside, he understands better than anyone else. Perhaps he has considered it much earlier than you think."

Chen Yang bowed silently in salute.

"If you underestimate him, you underestimate yourself," Shen Zechuan said slowly. "He picked you from millions, and you chose him from millions. There will be storms and rough seas ahead. If you hesitate like tonight for every matter, you'll eventually fall behind his pace. They only know the Xiao Chiye from six years ago, but you have seen the Xiao Chiye honed by these past six years. Both Chen Yang and Zhao Hui are like sunlight, while Xiao Chiye and Xiao Jiming are wolves of the North. What are you still afraid of? Don't let the time in Jidu deceive you; you have long been equals with them."

Chen Yang lay face down on the mat, his throat muffled with sobs. His fingers curled slightly, and he remained silent for a long moment. He believed that his own matters were insignificant, so he didn't mention them. Although he hadn't suffered an injustice like Gu Jin, he had sensed the coldness from his family towards him. These past few days, he had tossed and turned in bed, unsure of how to approach Xiao Chiye. When he left Libei with Gu Jin, he had even secretly sighed in relief.

When Chen Yang left Libei, he was in no way inferior to Zhao Hui. He wanted to excel in everything, dreading the thought of being perceived as less capable than Zhao Hui. Thus, he constantly pushed himself. However, after staying back for half a month, he unexpectedly entertained the notion of avoiding Zhao Hui.

He was afraid.

At some point, he felt he had already lost.

He was Xiao Chiye's confidant and a part of the comparison between Xiao Chiye and Xiao Jiming. If he were to yield to this fear first, it would undoubtedly affect Gu Jin and Ding Tao, rendering them unable to compete with Xiao Jiming's guards. This would be a severe blow to Xiao Chiye, who was about to face rigorous scrutiny in Libei.

Xiao Chiye was none of them; he wasn't Xiao Fangxu nor Xiao Jiming. He was his own person, and his most arrogant trait was his unwavering determination and ambition. Following him was like being swept along by a fierce gale. Shen Zechuan was right; if Chen Yang succumbed to fear, there would come a day when he would be left behind, because he had initially chosen to stay in Qudu with the lone wolf, Xiao Chiye.

Xiao Chiye's hair was still damp as he emerged in casual attire, only to find Chen Yang still prostrated on the ground, his shoulders quivering. He was taken aback and glanced at Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan slightly opened his hands, adopting an innocent expression.