HMHSE - 15

The deep autumn chill had settled, and the wind outside roared fiercely.

When Changsun Xin came to the main hall again to find Shen Rong, she was holding a brush, intently sketching the location of the ore vein in Wangji Mountain.

Only when she noticed someone standing nearby did she look up to find her brother had been there for some time, his brows furrowed with worry.

Since discovering the mine, he had been in high spirits for days, laughing and chatting freely, smiling warmly at everyone. He had even rewarded all their attendants the other day. Today’s gloom was unusual.

Shen Rong assumed he was worried about the current matter and reassured him: “Don’t worry, I’ll handle selecting the prisoners.”

“It’s not that,” Changsun Xin said, clasping his hands behind his back with a sigh: “We’ve received word from Chang’an. The Ministry of Works has ordered me to return to the capital to report in detail and bring back personnel to take over.”

It had been some time since he sent news to Chang’an—both to Zhao Guogong’s residence and the court—and today he finally received this reply and command.

Shen Rong was surprised: “So you’re leaving?”

Changsun Xin nodded: “The ministry urged me to depart as soon as possible—it’s quite urgent. But how can I leave you here alone?”

Though they had found the mine, they knew nothing about its size or extent.

If it were an ordinary mine, Changsun Xin could have simply left it to a local official like Zhao Jinlian to oversee. But this mine was extraordinary.

He was uneasy about leaving the mine, yet equally uneasy about leaving Shen Rong here alone, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Shen Rong asked: “What did Father say?”

“Father, upon hearing you discovered such a large mine, naturally trusts your abilities more and says he feels reassured with you in charge.”

The entire Zhao Guogong household was celebrating now. Shen Rong imagined her parents could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

She smiled: “If Father says so, then I’ll stay. You needn’t worry about Wangji Mountain.”

Changsun Xin glanced around, seeing Zirui wasn’t present, and stepped closer: “Do you know what I’m worried about? Father isn’t worried because he doesn’t know Commander Shan is here!”

Shen Rong felt a flicker in her heart. She had already thought of this but deliberately avoided mentioning it.

True, if he left, only she would remain here to face that man.

But so what? Could that man possibly devour her?

After some thought, she nodded earnestly: “You’re right. Mother and Father don’t know. So when you return, keep your lips sealed—don’t tell them.”

Changsun Xin was astonished: “You still want to cover for him?”

“If you let Mother and Father know, out of concern, they’d surely call me back. What would we do then?” Shen Rong held the brush and pointed at the half-drawn map before her: “Do you have another suitable person to replace me?”

Seeing the detailed map, Changsun Xin coughed dryly: “No.”

“That settles it.”

In truth, Changsun Xin couldn’t articulate his concerns. Ultimately, he felt uneasy, but there was no perfect solution.

Hearing Shen Rong say this, he could only accept it.

…

Not long after, Donglai delivered the news of Changsun Xin’s temporary return to the capital to the governor’s residence.

Zhao Jinlian was also taken aback. He intended to immediately arrange a farewell banquet but heard from Donglai that it wasn’t necessary—the young master was setting off at once.

Zhao Jinlian realized the urgency of the order from Chang’an and commanded all officials in the government office to see him off.

The military compound quickly received the news. Since Changsun Xin was departing early, passing through the city gates required their clearance.

Early in the morning, Hu Shiyi descended from the city wall and saw Shan Zong riding toward them from the direction of the military compound.

Rubbing his hands, he approached: “Boss, why is Minister Changsun suddenly leaving? Is he going back to claim credit? After guarding him for so long, will we get any rewards?”

Shan Zong dismounted with a leap: “Yes, I’ll reward you by putting you in charge of escorting them for a hundred li. Go.”

Hu Shiyi happily turned to leave but then realized: “Isn’t this still serving them…”

From afar, the sound of approaching hooves and carriage wheels grew louder. Hu Shiyi abandoned thoughts of rewards and went to order the gates opened wider.

Shan Zong glanced into the city. This morning, Guangyuan had brought the message, mentioning only Changsun Xin’s departure, with no word about Changsun Shen Rong.

The long street was still empty. A large group of officials on horseback arrived at the city gates following Zhao Jinlian, with the Changsun family’s carriages trailing behind.

Zhao Jinlian spotted Shan Zong standing outside the city gate. In the past, he might have thought Shan Zong was being casual, merely showing up at the gate without accompanying them all the way to the official residence.

Now, knowing the reason, he said nothing.

He glanced back at Changsun Xin, who was conversing leisurely with other officials on horseback, dismounted, and walked over to Shan Zong, whispering: “I’ve already inquired. Lady Changsun isn’t returning.”

Shan Zong couldn’t help but raise his eyes. Just then, the carriage behind Changsun Xin stopped, the curtain lifted, and Shen Rong stepped down, her hair elegantly draped, her layered skirt intricate—not looking like she was preparing to leave.

No wonder Guangyuan hadn’t mentioned her.

Changsun Xin planned to bid farewell at the city gate and had already dismounted.

After getting out of the carriage, Shen Rong stood beside him and suddenly glanced over.

Though the sky was still pale with dawn, her features remained striking, her figure graceful as the wind lifted her veil. Even a single glance made her unforgettable.

Zhao Jinlian noticed, adjusted his official hat, and looked at Shan Zong, shaking his head: “I now understand why Minister Changsun spoke of you that way. Such a remarkable person—how many are there in the world? And you actually dared to part ways with her?”

Shan Zong’s gaze swept over her figure as he replied: “Perhaps my tastes are too refined.”

Zhao Jinlian was stunned by his brazen tone and fell silent.

But reflecting on his actions, his arrogant and ruthless nature hadn’t diminished. Such a thing was indeed something he would do.

However, given their equal status, these words couldn’t be spoken outright.

Over there, Changsun Xin courteously exchanged farewells with everyone. Seeing the sky was brightening, it was time to depart.

He turned but didn’t immediately mount his horse. Instead, he walked toward Shan Zong.

“I have a few parting words for Commander Shan,” he said with a genteel smile.

Zhao Jinlian understood and gave them space. When he returned to the group of officials, they all glanced at the two men.

Shan Zong looked toward Shen Rong. She seemed surprised and was also looking this way.

He stepped aside: “Speak.”

Changsun Xin approached, turning his back to the crowd, his face no longer smiling but serious: “Arong is our family’s treasure. Now that she’s staying in your territory, if anything happens to her, you’ll bear full responsibility!”

Without waiting for a response, he stepped back, straightened himself, and smiled, patting his hand lightly: “Commander Shan, no need to see us off further.”

Shan Zong saluted with a military gesture, a faint smile on his lips: “Thank you for your advice.”

After exchanging these insincere pleasantries, Changsun Xin elegantly adjusted his cloak, mounted his horse, and, before leaving, didn’t forget to speak a few words to his sister.

“I’ll return as soon as possible. While I’m gone, take good care of yourself.” He emphasized “as soon as possible” and glanced toward Shan Zong.

Shen Rong nodded: “Understood.”

Changsun Xin still worried and separately instructed Donglai and Zirui.

Even during his absence, they must ensure everything goes well for her, or he’d be scolded by their parents upon return.

After a slight delay, Changsun Xin finally set off.

Hu Shiyi had no choice. It was customary for the military compound to escort departing officials to the capital, so he could only lead his team and obediently follow.

Once Changsun Xin’s figure disappeared into the distance, the only trace left was the long trail of dust from their caravan. Shen Rong slowly walked over to Shan Zong’s side.

“What did he say to you?” She glanced toward her brother’s departing direction.

Shan Zong smiled: “Nothing.”

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously: “Really?”

“He said it was a parting gift for me. Why are you asking?” Shan Zong raised his hand to wipe his mouth, suppressing a laugh.

The entire Changsun family treated her like a treasure—he knew this well.

Changsun Xin coming to say these things made it seem as though he feared he’d mistreat her.

Shen Rong didn’t learn anything and muttered: “Fine, never mind.”

The sky was still early, and the wind fierce.

She glanced again toward her brother’s departing direction but was momentarily blinded by a gust of wind, quickly raising her sleeve to shield her eyes. When she lowered it, the light gauze on her arm had snagged on something.

Shan Zong moved his saber slightly—the gauze had caught on the hilt.

He glanced at her; it was because they were standing too close.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zhao Jinlian and the group of officials watching them. He twisted his wrist, untangled the saber, and stepped back: “The send-off is done. You should go back.”

Shen Rong noticed, her gaze darting, and shot him a subtle glare.

With so many people around, it wasn’t like that small tavern—what could she possibly do? Yet he avoided her as if she were dangerous.

Shan Zong had seen it, holding his saber in hand, and asked: “What was that look for?”

Shen Rong mimicked his earlier tone: “Nothing.”

Shan Zong chuckled. Truly, she had a way of seizing opportunities.

When Shen Rong returned to the carriage, Zhao Jinlian had just dismissed the officials back to the government office.

He exchanged a few casual words, helped her into the carriage, and turned to see Shan Zong still standing there, finally stepping back into the city gate.

As the carriage rumbled past, Shan Zong glanced at it, while Zhao Jinlian beside him was watching him.

“I saw you two standing there for a while—it almost looked like you were seeing him off together,” Zhao Jinlian stroked his short beard.

Shan Zong took it as a joke. With his usual thick skin, he paid it no mind and said: “I’ll be leading troops to patrol the jurisdiction soon. His timing is fortunate—if he’d delayed, I wouldn’t have been able to see him off.”

Zhao Jinlian nodded, recalling this annual military duty wasn’t unusual, though he had never been informed beforehand.

“Why are you telling me this?”

Shan Zong pointed to the departing carriage: “While I’m away, you’ll take care of her.”

Zhao Jinlian found this unexpected: “You’re surprisingly attentive now.”

Shan Zong smiled faintly. Changsun Xin’s “parting gift” still echoed in his ears—it was hard not to be attentive.

He countered: “Would you dare neglect the Changsun family?”

Zhao Jinlian thought it true, assuming Shan Zong still harbored some regard for his ex-wife. It seemed he had overthought things.