Zhao Chu was extremely generous.

Although the fabrics Su Niangzi brought were the best in the fabric shop, they were still worlds apart from what Zhao Chu used in daily life.

After having his servants inspect the fabrics, Zhao Chu instructed Su Niangzi to make three sets of clothing for each of the servants in the mansion according to the number of household staff.

Su Niangzi gratefully accepted the purse Zhao Chu gave her, repeatedly thanking him, "I'll personally come over the next few days to take measurements for everyone in the mansion."

But Zhao Chu withdrew his gaze from her face.

She was just a commoner from a fabric shop, not worthy of a second glance.

But this woman seemed to be truly well-bred, comparable to the concubines in the palace. What was particularly commendable was that she didn't have the complex calculations and pettiness seen in the eyes of those concubines. She appeared clean, especially with her snow-white mourning clothes, which made her look elegant.

That day, when Fang Linyuan rescued her in the marketplace, why didn't he notice her?

Zhao Chu lowered his eyes, idly toying with the jade beads on his wrist.

He was feeling somewhat annoyed for some reason, perhaps because Fang Linyuan had always been unguarded around people. What if he was taken advantage of? It was hard to distinguish right from wrong.

Even though this woman didn't seem like the type to cling on or cause trouble.

Zhao Chu attributed all his irritation to his own caution, or perhaps the beads on his wrist were too tight and uncomfortable.

Or perhaps Fang Linyuan was too meddlesome, always harbouring thoughts of playing the hero by rescuing damsels in distress one day and looking after their family business the next. If he had to take care of her personally because she was a lonely widow...

Zhao Chu's hand holding the beads trembled slightly.

For now, he had no intention of forming sisterly relationships with anyone.

"No need," he said. "You oversee things at home and have the tailors come to take measurements."

Anyway, for whatever reason, this woman shouldn't come again.

*

That night, the 16^th Garrison gathered testimonies from all the merchants and vendors on Rongchang Street. After assembling them on the training ground, they were all delivered to Fang Linyuan.

The thick stack gave Fang Linyuan a headache.

"Thank you all for your hard work," Fang Linyuan said, holding up the stack of documents. "I will report everything truthfully to His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, the sixteen guards became somewhat nervous.

"Report to the Emperor?" someone couldn't help but ask. "But we haven't done anything these past few days!"

As Fang Linyuan's gaze swept over them, he saw that they all looked guilty, as if he was about to accuse them of something.

Fang Linyuan chuckled.

"You felt guilty about the Flower Festival night and voluntarily compensated the losses of the common people," Fang Linyuan said. "Are you afraid His Majesty will find out about such a thing?"

The people present were all stunned.

"General, do you mean to speak well of us to His Majesty?" someone asked.

"Just stating the facts, not necessarily praising," Fang Linyuan said lightly, placing the ledger back on his desk.

The eyes of the sixteen guards lit up.

"But don't get too excited," Fang Linyuan interrupted them, picking up another ledger under the gaze of the others.

"I've revised the roster for guard duty. In addition to rest days, it's all clearly written here: patrols in the streets, inspection of bandits, and regular training rotations," Fang Linyuan said. "In addition, there will be a monthly examination, and the penalties for failure are also clearly stated."

With that, he handed the ledger to a nearby guard. "Take this and make copies, one for each person."

The faces of the guards fell again.

"If it weren't for your laxity, the bandits wouldn't have had their way, and I wouldn't have been transferred here to manage you," Fang Linyuan raised his eyebrows, saying mercilessly. "So, it's time for all of you to show some loyalty to the country."

There was silence on the drill ground.

Fang Linyuan looked up. "Was I not clear enough?"

"Yes! We will obey General's orders!"

Fang Linyuan waved his hand, dismissing them to return home.

"General, shall I take these account books to the office for you?" a guard beside him asked.

"No need, you can go back," Fang Linyuan said.

"Yes, General."

"Oh, one more thing," Fang Linyuan added. "Send someone to the Minister of War's house and inform them that, except for approved rest days, any absence from duty without reason will be considered desertion. If someone is absent without reason for three consecutive days, even I won't be able to protect their position."

The guard hesitated. "But, General... the Minister of War..."

"You just deliver the message," Fang Linyuan said. "This is my decision, it has nothing to do with you."

"Understood." The guard hesitated to speak twice but eventually retreated.

*

These guards could finish their tasks and go home, but Fang Linyuan was concerned about the Emperor's instructions and dared not slack off in the slightest.

He stayed behind at the garrison to organize the testimonies recorded in these ledgers.

Though the words of these common people were trivial, most of them didn't see any useful information. However, they provided Fang Linyuan with some clues.

Using these testimonies, he mapped out the routes taken by the bandits who infiltrated the streets, confirming they came from the direction of the northern market. The leader had a white whistle hanging from his neck, described as a bone whistle typical of the Turkic herders.

When they fled, they knocked over the barrier set up at the west gate during the shift change, but contrary to expectations, they didn't escape to the west but to the north.

The city guards had chased them for a while, but perhaps caught off guard, they returned empty-handed by midnight.

Fang Linyuan circled these portions.

The immediate priority now was to investigate the northern market, and the guards on duty that night also needed to be questioned.

After sorting out these testimonies, the guards of the sixteen squadrons had already been replaced by those taking the night shift. There were no restrictions on the streets during the night, and the vendors could stay until late. The patrols of the sixteen squadrons were also on duty continuously for twelve hours.

As Fang Linyuan stepped out, the lights of the garrison were bright. Seeing him, the guards saluted one by one, meticulously avoiding any action that might provoke him.

They were so frightened, truly like a flock of sheep accustomed to running in the wild.

Without paying them any attention, Fang Linyuan left the garrison, went straight to the stable at the gate, and led out Liu Huo.

Liu Huo pawed at the ground, then rubbed his large head against Fang Linyuan.

This was a chestnut horse, fiery red all over, in his prime. Fang Linyuan's father had given him this horse when he was stationed at the border. His father, suffering from a recurring illness, had little time left but didn't tell Fang Linyuan anything, only giving him this horse he had personally raised.

"This horse and the one in Linze are born of the same mother," his father had said with a smile. "With one horse for each of you, it's quite a match."

"Dad, do you have to be so particular even about warhorses?" Fang Linyuan had joked at the time.

But his father just smiled faintly, shook his head, and said, "A warhorse, like a general, may have a long fate, but there are only so many years of service available. I hope that this horse and the one in Linze can retire together in the capital after they grow old."

At that time, Fang Linyuan only laughed with his father, thinking his father was asking him to take care of the horse until its old age, not realizing his father's hope that they would not die on the battlefield.

But at that time, his elder brother died in battle, and his elder brother's flowing clouds were stripped from his brother's body and wrapped around the footstool used by the commander.

Fang Linyuan stroked Liu Huo's mane, swung onto his back, and left the gate of the garrison.

He knew he wouldn't be back home today, so he hadn't asked the mansion's carriage to wait for him outside. Anyway, he was familiar with this road, and it saved his attendants from staying up late with him.

After walking through two streets, the surroundings gradually quieted down. The entire way was lined with tall walls and large courtyards. Occasionally, when he reached near the gates, there were only two dim lights.

Everything was quiet, with only the chirping of newly arrived swallows and the clatter of Fang Linyuan's horse hooves.

At this moment, a gust of wind blew, brushing Liu Huo's soft mane against Fang Linyuan's hand.

There was movement.

A light breeze blew, and Fang Linyuan distinctly sensed someone hiding in the nearby alley, their presence poorly concealed. As he pulled the reins, his gaze sharpened, and under the faint moonlight, he saw a faint glint reflecting off the ground a few inches ahead.

A tripwire?

Fang Linyuan furrowed his brow. After just a moment's pause, he urged Liu Huo forward with a squeeze of his legs.

Even the Turkic people wouldn't dare to stumble over his Liu Huo. He wanted to see what was lurking in the darkness today.

As he approached the tripwire, he lifted the reins slightly, and Liu Huo lightly leaped over the rope. Fang Linyuan continued riding forward nonchalantly. When he was a few steps away from the alley, he flicked the reins, and with a silent motion, leaped off Liu Huo's back.

Meanwhile, Liu Huo, following his command, continued forward without pause.

Just as Liu Huo arrived at the entrance of the alley, several figures emerged from the darkness and rushed forward.

But as soon as they rushed onto the street, they were startled to see a large dark-red horse standing there, its calm and bright eyes quietly observing them, yet its back was empty.

They stood still in astonishment.

"Young Master, why is there only a horse?" one of them asked hurriedly.

"Perhaps some family's horse escaped..." another whispered softly.

"Shut up!" The leader scowled at them and walked up to Liu Huo, examining him closely.

"Didn't I tell you to set up the tripwire?" he said. "How come the horse is just standing here?"

"This... I did set it up, Young Master, I swear it. Don't you believe me?"

"If what you set up turns out to be a deception, don't even think about your monthly salary for the next two months!"

The person addressed as Young Master pointed at him fiercely and walked toward the direction of the tripwire. "Did you tie it too low, so the horse just stepped over it? Or did you tie it too loose..."

Just as he was about to squat down and inspect it, a sudden shadow fell from the roof and silently landed behind him.

"Young Master...!"

Before the others could react, they saw the shadow kick him forward with a swift motion.

Caught off guard, he stumbled forward a few steps and fell directly onto the tripwire, rolling on the ground dazedly after being tripped.

Only to hear the person behind him coolly chuckle.

"Tied it quite tightly," he said. "If you don't believe me, you can try it yourself."

The others hurriedly rushed forward.

Just from the sound, Fang Linyuan had recognized the leader. Li Cheng'an, the son of the Minister of War, advising him of being "cautious"? Was this his way?

Without even turning his head, Fang Linyuan used a single hand to subdue all of them with a few punches and kicks.

Seeing Li Cheng'an struggling to get up from the ground, Fang Linyuan stepped over the tripwire and kicked him back with another blow.

"Do you know who I am? I'm Fang Linyuan, the General of the Sixteenth Garrison. Daring to lay hands on me, you must be tired of living," Fang Linyuan said lazily.

"I am... I'm..."

"I don't care who you are." Seeing him about to remove his mask, Fang Linyuan kicked him again, sending him tumbling down.

This time, before Li Cheng'an could respond, Fang Linyuan approached and swiftly removed his belt, twisting his hands behind his back and securely tying them.

"No matter who you are, you're going to the prison of the Sixteenth Garrison today," Fang Linyuan said leisurely.

"But I'm...!!" Li Cheng'an cried out in desperation.

But before he could utter the word "Li," Fang Linyuan had already torn the cloth from his arms, stuffed it into his mouth, effectively silencing him.

Wanting to say who he was?

Fang Linyuan covered his face again and threw him onto the back of the horse.

Let's talk slowly in front of those underlings of the Sixteenth Garrison.

*

Fang Linyuan carried the masked Li Cheng'an back to the Sixteenth Garrison. The soldiers at the gate, seeing him return after leaving, were about to approach and ask what happened, but they were shocked to see a masked figure lying across Fang Linyuan's horse.

"General?"

"I was attacked by someone on the road just now." Fang Linyuan dismounted lazily. "And there are a few I couldn't bring back, so I left them tied up in Lanfu Lane. This one is the leader. I'll interrogate him first. Send a few men to bring the others back."

"Yes!"

Who had ever seen such audacious thieves daring to attack an official of the court! The guards straightened up and hurried inside to find reinforcements.

In no time, the interrogation hall of the guard post was bustling with activity. Everyone on duty at the yamen, except those on guard duty, had gathered.

Fang Linyuan dragged the masked man and threw him into the hall.

"You guys handle the interrogation," he said. "I'm not familiar with the process, I'll just watch from the side."

Soon, the highest-ranking official sat on the high platform, his expression stern and his words sharp. "Who dares to ambush the General of the Sixteenth Garrison!"

But the masked man struggled to stand up with his hands tied, his eyes glaring fiercely at the man on the platform.

Everyone was astonished. This bandit was so bold!

They looked at each other in amazement, and the man on the platform was also taken aback. "Take off his mask first."

The guards nearby quickly approached.

But the masked bandit, showing signs of panic, tried to break free and run. The surrounding people quickly subdued him and tore the cloth from his face.

Fang Linyuan stood aside, smiling with amusement, arms crossed.

A dead silence fell.

Everyone stared dumbfoundedly at the unmasked person.

The man on the platform also stood up dumbfoundedly from his chair. "You... this... Vice Commander Li?"

Fang Linyuan smiled calmly and looked at Li Cheng'an.

But Li Cheng'an's face flushed red, angrily turning to the soldier next to him, "Ugh!!!"

The soldier was startled, but quickly came to his senses and removed the cloth from his mouth.

Li Cheng'an coughed violently, his eyes reddening as he glared at Fang Linyuan.

"Why aren't you surprised?" he shouted. "You knew it all along, didn't you! You knew it was me!"

Fang Linyuan, arms crossed, just smiled lazily. "Li Cheng'an, didn't you break your leg today?"

Just then, a group of soldiers escorted the servants in. The leader, in high spirits, exclaimed, "General! I've brought them back... Vice Commander?!"

Before he could finish, he looked at Li Cheng'an in surprise.

Li Cheng'an was about to explode.

"What are you looking at, why is everyone staring! Turn away! All of you, turn away!!"

*

Outside Huaiyu Pavilion, the peach blossoms bloomed tenderly, and the maids inside hung up lamps. At night, when the lamps were lit, they cast a warm glow, illuminating the peach blossoms brightly.

Zhao Chu sat by the window.

Fang Linyuan had sent word earlier that he wouldn't be back for dinner tonight, as he would eat at the guard post.

But Zhao Chu hadn't eaten yet.

The maids, who had followed him out from the palace, knew that Zhao Rong had never eaten properly since he was young, gradually causing his stomach to become unhealthy. They were worried, but dared not remind him rashly, so they brought him soup and filled his stomach.

But Zhao Rong didn't drink much of the soup, just sitting by the window, flipping through a book.

The maid placed the tea by Zhao Chu's hand and lit the lamp for him.

"Does Your Highness want some supper?" she asked cautiously.

But Zhao Chu turned a page of the book and said faintly, "No need."

The maid glanced at the pile of peach blossom cakes on Zhao Chu's desk.

Perhaps His Highness was really not hungry? Seeing these cakes sitting on His Highness's desk all day without being touched.

She hesitated for a moment before Zhao Chu looked up and asked, "What's wrong?"

The maid hurriedly said, "Nothing. I just saw these cakes have been here all day. They might not be fresh anymore. Should I put them in the cellar for Your Majesty overnight?"

But Zhao Chu 's gaze lingered on them for a moment before saying, "No need."

The maid acknowledged and retreated.

As she left Zhao Chu 's bedroom, the maid saw Zhao Chu pick up a piece of cake.

She really didn't know if His Highness was hungry or not.

The maid shook her head and closed the door behind her, leaving Zhao Chu alone.

It's hard to say how many things there are to deal with at the Sixteenth Garrison Post. It's almost midnight, and isn't he supposed to go there early tomorrow to check the morning roll call?

Zhao Chu put down the book in his hand, only then realizing that his shoulders and neck were a bit sore.

His gaze involuntarily drifted back to the plate of pastries.

They were ugly and even a bit squashed. Only Fang Linyuan would be generous enough to give something like this.

Thinking of what the maid had said about them going bad, Zhao Chu hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking one from the plate.

Well, although the smell of these pastries was pleasant, they wouldn't last long here. In a couple of days, he would instruct the maid to make some fresh peach blossom-scented ones, which probably wouldn't make much difference.

Zhao Chu put the pastry into his mouth.

It was a bit too sweet and had dried out a bit from being left out. Zhao Chu was always picky about what he ate, and he would never touch something like this.

But after finishing one piece, he found himself taking another. Perhaps the hunger he had forgotten suddenly came to mind, and he ended up eating three pieces in a row before stopping.

There was only one piece left in the plate. Zhao Chu paused for a moment, then averted his gaze.

It would take some time to make the peach blossom-scented ones, so he decided to save this piece for later.

He shifted his gaze away and picked up the book that was resting on the table.

But almost at the same time, a sudden, intense cramp surged up from his abdomen.

In an instant, Zhao Chu 's face turned pale, and his hand on the table clenched the edge tightly.

Veins popped out on the back of his hand, his fingers suddenly clenched, and sweat beads appeared on his forehead.

 

--

The author has something to say:

Zhao Chu: I get it now, you're trying to poison me so you can marry your mistress, right? QAQ

Fang Linyuan: ?

 

Translator : DarNan