The lamplight flickered in the room as Xiao Yan sat at the table, idly toying with the jasmine flower in his hand. The delicate fragrance had already seeped into his fingertips. After a while, he carefully tucked it into the sachet hanging at his waist and fastened it back in place.
Only when his mind had settled did he turn his attention to the contents of the letter.
The stack of papers was thick, detailing everything that had transpired in the capital since his departure, matters from the palace and court, critical intelligence from the Bureau of Military Affairs, and even summaries of movements among the noble families and other influential figures.
In just a few concise lines, the entire landscape of the capital's power struggles was laid bare before him, ensuring that even though he was far from the capital, he remained fully informed of all developments.
When his gaze fell upon the matter concerning Lu Yin, he couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
His little girl was growing more and more remarkable.
In the past, her emotions had been plain on her face, every smile and frown easily read. But now, she had learned to conceal her thoughts, to wield the hearts of others, to restrain herself from personal grudges and maximize every advantage.
Lu Yin was indeed a useful pawn. He was seemingly insignificant in his downfall, but with the right manipulation, he could turn the Lu family upside down.
As he flipped the page, his eyes skimmed the next lines and his smile vanished.
"Zhang Bin."
A man hurried in from outside.The same one who had delivered the letter.
"Commander."
"Tangning fell into the water during Qixi?"
Xiao Yan’s voice was icy.
Zhang Bin immediately lowered his voice. "That night, the young lady went into the city for the festivities but was ambushed. She and Miss Qian both fell into Yinghu Lake in the western part of the city."
Feeling the oppressive aura radiating from the man before him, Zhang Bin knew the Commander was furious. He quickly added, "Though the incident was sudden, Young Master Fu and the others were there to help. Both the young lady and Miss Qian emerged unharmed."
Young Master Fu?
"Fu Laiqing?" Xiao Yan’s voice turned even colder.
That little bastard—he saved Tangning?!
Zhang Bin felt the killing intent intensify, far more violent than before. A sudden realization struck him, and he shuddered, his legs nearly giving way as he hastily clarified:
"The young lady knows how to swim, and Yuejian was there to assist. Though someone had set a trap in the water to ruin her reputation, she drove them off with a hairpin. When Young Master Fu rushed into the lake, he immediately went to Miss Qian’s side and helped her ashore before discreetly leaving. By the time the young lady and Miss Qian emerged, no one knew what had happened in the water."
"The informants in the capital mentioned that Young Master Fu seemed particularly concerned about Miss Qian. Thanks to his aid, neither the young lady nor Miss Qian suffered any harm."
The suffocating chill around Xiao Yan dissipated slightly, the frost in his expression easing.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t stand the thought of someone rescuing Tangning but Fu Laiqing had already been eyeing his little haitang. If rumors had spread about him saving her in the lake, the Fu and Cao families, with their obsession over reputation, would have undoubtedly forced Fu Laiqing to marry Tangning to quell gossip.
Had Xiao Yan been in the capital, he wouldn’t have worried. But now, he was far away…
And Fu Laiqing had gone straight for Qian Qiyue?
His eyes narrowed. He had been well aware of Fu Laiqing’s previous infatuation with Tangning and had swiftly cut it off. Now, had that little bastard shifted his affections to the Qian family’s daughter?
Suppressing his anger, Xiao Yan tightened his grip on the letter and quickly scanned the rest, piecing together the events of Qixi night.
When he read about Princess Leyang’s scheme, the Fourth Prince’s consort’s involvement, and Empress Lu’s attempt to use the princess to seize Rongsheng Academy or worse, Tangning herself, the last traces of warmth vanished from his dark, ink-like eyes.
"Princess Leyang and her ilk are courting death!"
Zhang Bin, who had followed Xiao Yan for years, had never seen him so coldly enraged. Even though he’d heard from Cang Lang how much the Commander cherished his future bride, the intensity of his fury now was still startling.
"Commander, Princess Leyang covets the young lady, and Empress Lu used the opportunity to set a trap. The young lady refused to sit idle and instead laid her own countertrap at Lingyun Temple, luring them into action. She said that if they strike this time, it won’t be a minor incident and there may be upheaval regarding Empress Lu and her son..."
"Hold nothing back. Do as Tangning says." Xiao Yan’s voice was merciless. "Whoever dares lift a hand against TangNing, repay them a hundredfold."
They sought to ruin Tangning’s reputation? Then he would ensure none of them walked away unscathed.
"Tell Cang Lang and the others to guard Tangning closely. In all matters, follow her commands. Whatever she wishes to do, let her. And as for Empress Lu, show no restraint."
Zhang Bin’s heart trembled. "Understood, Commander."
Xiao Yan lowered his gaze to the letter again, his fingers tracing the elegant handwriting. He missed his little girl dearly and loathed the endless pack of wolves eyeing his precious Haitang.
If he wanted to return to the capital, he needed to resolve matters in the northwest swiftly. Fengcheng was only three or four days away at a gallop.
Di Tao already trusted him implicitly, and Di Furen had been secretly relocated under his control. There was no need to waste further time "building rapport" with Di Tao. As for Di Tao’s injuries—though they looked severe, as long as he didn’t die, it was fine.
Xiao Yan looked up at Zhang Bin. "Tomorrow, let two waves of Beiling pursuers through. Don’t kill them all. We’ll stage a desperate retreat with heavy casualties and reach Fengcheng within three days."
Zhang Bin grasped his meaning at once. "This subordinate will arrange it."
Just then, the faint chirping of insects drifted in from outside. Both Xiao Yan and Zhang Bin fell silent. Moments later, light footsteps approached, followed by a soft, feminine voice.
"Brother, Brother He has worked hard protecting my elder brother and me. He hasn’t eaten yet today, so I asked the inn to prepare some dishes and a nourishing soup. May I bring them in for him?"
Zhang Bin: "..."
This Di girl sure knew how to flatter someone, too bad she was flattering the wrong man.
Xiao Yan’s phoenix eyes darkened with impatience. "Tell her to get lost."
Zhang Bin stifled a laugh. His Commander had never been one for gallantry. What little patience and tenderness he possessed had long been reserved for their young lady alone.
Stepping outside, he faced the lovestruck Di Fangyun with a polite but firm tone:
"My master is currently replying to a letter from his wife and does not wish to be disturbed. My apologies for the wasted trip, Miss Di."
"I won’t disturb him! I just want to deliver the food-"
"No need. My master is particular about his meals, and ordinary fare does not suit his tastes. We will prepare his meals ourselves."
Zhang Bin stood firmly on the steps, gesturing for her to leave. "Miss Di, please return."
Di Fangyun’s face paled, then flushed with humiliation. She felt as if Zhang Bin’s words carried hidden mockery, yet his expression remained perfectly respectful. Her fingers clenched around the tray until her knuckles turned white, the imagined stares of the "He family" servants burning into her.
Biting her lip hard, she forced a smile. "Then I’ll go tend to my elder brother. Please tell Brother He to rest well, we still have a long journey ahead."
Zhang Bin offered no reply, only another bow. "Safe travels, Miss Di."
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