Xiao Yan took Zhang Bin to recover for several days in a small courtyard. Although Di Shuangcheng was suspicious of their identities, he did not neglect them.
Deputy General Tong Shan said to Di Shuangcheng, "For the past few days, Master He and his servant have been staying in the western part of the city to tend to their injuries. They haven’t met with the Young General, and they have people watching them. No other unusual movements have been observed from them."
"Have you figured out their backgrounds?" Di Shuangcheng asked.
"Not yet," Tong Shan shook his head. "The guards who were with them have either died or disappeared. The Beiling people who tried to assassinate the Young General are also missing. The people we sent to gather intelligence near Anxi haven’t returned yet. However, there is a report from the patrols in Fengcheng that might be related to Master He."
Di Shuangcheng raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Tong Shan continued, "Three days after the Young General’s return, a group of people arrived in Fengcheng. They disguised themselves as traveling merchants and settled in various parts of the city while secretly gathering information."
"Lord Liao from the patrols initially thought they were Beiling spies, so he had people follow them. But later, they discovered that they weren’t investigating military matters, but were looking for someone. Last night, Lord Liao sent someone to follow them, but those people noticed and clashed with them."
"There were only seven of them who acted, but both of the patrol’s small teams were defeated. However, they didn’t seem intent on causing harm. After driving off the patrol, they disappeared, and we don’t know where they went."
Di Shuangcheng frowned upon hearing this. The patrols were responsible for the safety of Fengcheng, and each small team consisted of thirty men.
For a group of seven to defeat two small teams wasn't a difficult task if they had skilled soldiers. But what was troubling was that despite the commotion, they managed to escape without casualties, even hiding from the patrols who tried to chase them. This wasn’t something easily done.
Tong Shan said, "I met Lord Liao. He said that the attackers didn’t use lethal force, and none of the patrolmen died. After they entered the city, these people were just gathering information and were extremely cautious."
"Master He’s identity remains a mystery, and he doesn’t appear to be an ordinary person. The Major General mentioned that they were originally planning to come to Fengcheng, and I’m wondering if these people are looking for Master He and his servant."
Di Shuangcheng’s eyebrows furrowed at the mention of this, but just as he was about to speak, someone knocked on the door.
"General."
"Come in."
A man in light armor entered quickly and said to Di Shuangcheng, "General, someone from the western part of the city has reported that Master He is looking for you."
Di Shuangcheng hadn’t expected He Yan to seek him out. He stood up and said, "Let’s go and see."
============
After a few days of recuperation, Xiao Yan’s complexion had improved, though he was still wearing ordinary robes. However, his appearance alone gave him a distinguished air.
When Di Shuangcheng arrived, he found Xiao Yan speaking to a middle-aged man.
The middle-aged man appeared very respectful, slightly bowing while speaking. Even though Xiao Yan was sitting, it was evident that their relationship was that of master and servant.
Hearing footsteps, Xiao Yan paused his conversation. When he looked up and saw Di Shuangcheng, he greeted him calmly, "General Di."
Di Shuangcheng said, "I received word that Master He is looking for me?"
Xiao Yan nodded, "I was about to say my farewells. Over the past few days, my servant and I have been seriously injured, and we greatly appreciate the special care you’ve given us. Now that my people have arrived, and we have another place to stay in Fengcheng, we won’t trouble you any longer."
Di Shuangcheng frowned. "You're leaving?"
One of Xiao Yan’s companions, standing next to him, sneered and glared at Di Shuangcheng, "What, is the Di family not grateful for the life-saving grace, and now they’re trying to stop our master from leaving? Do you really think you can control everything in this border region?"
"Qin San!"
Xiao Yan snapped at the man, who fell silent in anger. Then Xiao Yan turned to Di Shuangcheng, saying, "General, I’ve told you before that I came to Fengcheng for other matters. You’ve allowed us to stay here for several days. I assume you’ve already figured out if we are connected to Beiling or not."
"You are worried that I might trick the Young General and threaten the Zhen'an Army. I don’t wish to entangle with you further. Once I finish my business in Fengcheng, I will leave."
Di Shuangcheng, hearing Xiao Yan's candid words, said nothing for a moment but then asked, "I don’t know what matter Master He intends to handle, but the Di family is willing to assist."
"No need to trouble yourselves," Xiao Yan replied. "It’s just a small matter…"
"Master He has done a great service for the Di family, so if it’s a small matter, there is no harm in helping."
Xiao Yan’s face darkened as he heard this. "General Di, do you not want to let us leave?"
Di Shuangcheng stared at him quietly. "Can you tell me where my wife is?"
Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes.
Di Shuangcheng gestured for his deputy and others to leave the room, leaving only him and Xiao Yan’s party.
"Though I am not one for schemes, I am extremely sensitive to people’s motives. I can sense that you, Master He, are not an ordinary person. Even if you did save my son, I can tell that you do not have genuine feelings for him. And it seems your people managed to find their way to Fengcheng, meaning the people escorting my wife should have arrived by now."
Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned, but Di Shuangcheng’s sincerity didn’t escape him. He quickly regained his calm and gave a faint smile.
"General Di, if you are a crude person, then there are no wise people left in this world."
Xiao Yan chuckled. "As for your wife, she did not return to the northwest. You don’t need to worry about her. I’ve kept her for a while as a form of self-protection. Once I’ve completed my mission and leave the northwest, I’ll ensure she is returned to you safely."
Seeing Di Shuangcheng’s suddenly cold expression, Xiao Yan added, "General Di, there’s no need to look at me like that. I have no intention of harming the Di family. I only escorted your son and daughter to keep them safe, as I believe that after years of guarding the borders, you, General, should not suffer the pain of losing a child due to Beiling’s treachery. And if they fell into Beiling’s hands, it would only create chaos for Great Wei."
Di Shuangcheng understood the implication of Xiao Yan’s words — he wasn’t from Beiling and didn’t harbor ill intentions toward the Di family.
"Since you say so, Master He, then it seems you are loyal to Great Wei. Why don’t you tell me what exactly you are here for?" Di Shuangcheng asked.
Xiao Yan replied calmly, "It’s no secret, General. I came to Fengcheng to find one person."
"Who?"
"His name is He Rongzhang, but he is now known as Shao Shuhang."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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