HMHSE - 23

Guang Yuan suddenly noticed that the official residence had once again become a hub of activity, much like when Minister Changsun was still around.

He wasn’t sure what the Lady was busy with, but recalling that the Master had instructed her to wait for him in the mountains, he assumed their tasks would keep them together often. Secretly, he felt a bit pleased.

Early in the morning, just after the drums signaling the opening of the city gates had sounded, he watched as Shen Rong set off for the mountains again with her escorts.

Not long after they left, a servant from the governor’s residence arrived at the official quarters, delivering an invitation.

As the steward, Guang Yuan received it. Upon learning that it was for Shen Rong and needed to be delivered immediately, he tucked the invitation into his robes and hurried toward the mountains.

It was still early, and the autumn mist swirled thickly through the mountain paths.

Due to the tight security, Guang Yuan couldn’t enter upon arrival and was stopped at the mountain entrance.

By chance, Lei Da had arrived to relieve Hu Eleven’s team, who were yawning as they exited the mountain. The two groups crossed paths.

Upon seeing Guang Yuan, Hu Eleven said, “Why are you here? This place isn’t easy to get into. If it weren’t for recognizing you as one of the boss’s men, you’d have been detained before even entering.” Guang Yuan pulled out the invitation from the governor’s residence. “Then help me deliver this to the Lady.”

Hu Eleven muttered under his breath about how diligently Guang Yuan served Jin Jiaojiao, not at all treating her like the Master’s ex-wife. Taking the invitation, he turned to deliver it.

Guang Yuan craned his neck to look into the mountain, but could see nothing clearly. All he heard was the clanging of picks against the rock. He wondered what was happening inside—whatever the Lady was busy with was certainly peculiar.

Shen Rong stood cloaked in her cape, hood up, beneath the shadow of a tree, watching the group dig.

The soldiers with whips were on high alert, constantly patrolling.

The group still resembled beasts or ghosts, dragging heavy chains, scattered in small clusters around the mining site. They repeated the same slow, laborious motions of raising and lowering their arms, yet no one attempted to escape.

She surveyed the holes they had dug and thought them extraordinary, likely enhanced by some drug. Despite the grueling work, their pace remained steady—it was no wonder they could still be so ferocious even while imprisoned in the dungeon.

Hu Eleven delivered the invitation. Dong Lai intercepted him, took the note first, and then handed it to Shen Rong.

In his mind, Hu Eleven grumbled about how many rules there were in noble households.

Shen Rong opened the note briefly. It turned out that Youzhou was preparing for its winter sacrifice.

This was a major annual event in Youzhou. Due to a recent disturbance in the prison, Zhao Jinlian had moved the date forward and sent the invitation to Shen Rong.

Closing the note, she asked Hu Eleven, “What is the winter sacrifice inviting me to do?”

Hu Eleven realized and replied, “Ah, I see now. The governor must want you to join in the festivities.”

He thought to himself, what woman in the world would stay in the mountains every day? She’d probably go even without being invited.

Shen Rong understood. She glanced around and noticed Shan Zong hadn’t come today.

After a brief moment of thought, she pocketed the invitation and instructed Dong Lai, “Stay here and keep an eye on them for me.”

Dong Lai acknowledged the order.

Shen Rong stepped out of the shadows just as a small group of convicts carrying stones approached.

Five or six men walked in a line. Seeing her, almost all of them turned their heads sharply. Especially the leader, whose muffled groans beneath his black mask carried a menacing glint, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

In such a place, a woman always seemed particularly vulnerable.

Shen Rong noticed that they hadn’t dared to act up when Shan Zong was present. She guessed they were trying to intimidate her in his absence. But she was no longer the same person who had first encountered them—she was no longer afraid.

She stopped deliberately, adjusted her hood, and coldly returned their stares.

Immediately came the sound of a soldier cracking his whip: “What are you looking at?!”

The group flinched under the lashes, their heads bowing one by one. The leader, perhaps disappointed that he hadn’t frightened her, emitted another strange sound from beneath his mask as he lowered his head.

Shen Rong glanced at the leader—the man with the white scar over his left eye—and noticed the wooden tag around his neck. His code name was “Unshen Five.”

This must be one of the fiercest and most unruly among them.

She turned and left.

Guang Yuan hadn’t departed yet. Seeing her emerge, he greeted her respectfully: “Has the Lady received the invitation and decided to return?”

Shen Rong nodded.

He immediately asked, “Won’t you wait for the Master to arrive?”

Shen Rong looked at him and countered, “Does he need me to wait?”

Guang Yuan was momentarily speechless.

Shen Rong hadn’t brought Zi Rui with her when she entered the mountain earlier. Now, having left Dong Lai behind to oversee the mining, she mounted her horse and said, “Come with me.”

Guang Yuan perked up, climbed onto his horse, and followed her.

The winter sacrifice was indeed a significant event for Youzhou. At the government office, officials led by the governor would perform rituals and offer prayers. In the city, various activities would also take place, with merchants bustling about, making the atmosphere lively.

All of this was detailed in Zhao Jinlian’s invitation—he had invited Shen Rong to observe the ceremony at the official residence.

The note mentioned that since Shan Zong had already taken people into the mountains, the sacrifice should include prayers to heaven for the success of the mining operation.

With this explanation, Shen Rong had no choice but to attend.

However, the city hadn’t yet begun to buzz when she entered the mountains. By the time she returned, officials on horseback were already announcing the winter sacrifice by beating gongs, drawing crowds onto the streets.

The roads became congested, and Shen Rong, accompanied by Guang Yuan, arrived at the official residence later than expected.

The sacrificial ceremony had already concluded. Carriages and horses were moving in and out of the main gate as officials gradually dispersed.

Guang Yuan learned along the way that the winter sacrifice had been moved forward. Upon entering the official residence, he instinctively looked for the Master but didn’t see him anywhere.

True enough, the Master usually avoided such events and likely wouldn’t show up this time either.

A minor official had already gone inside to announce Shen Rong’s arrival. She hadn’t walked far when Lady He came out with an entourage.

Today, she wore a solemn, richly embroidered dress, accentuating her dignified appearance. Smiling warmly, she greeted Shen Rong: “I thought the young lady wouldn’t come. It’s our fault for sending the invitation late.”

In truth, due to the awkwardness surrounding Shen Rong and Shan Zong, Lady He and Zhao Jinlian had deliberated whether to invite her, which was why the invitation had been delayed.

Shen Rong removed her hood and dismissed the apology: “No need for formalities. I’ve been busy lately myself.”

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed Zhao Fumei standing behind Lady He.

Apparently, she was also there to observe the ceremony. She wore a water-blue, buttoned-up dress, appearing quite formal.

Lady He, fearing they might not know each other, introduced her: “This is Fumei, my husband’s and my adopted younger sister.”

Zhao Fumei smiled: “I’ve already met the Lady several times.”

Lady He was delighted: “That’s wonderful. Now there’s someone else to keep the young lady company.”

She then suggested: “Luckily, the city has just started to liven up. It’s much more interesting than the earlier ceremony. Since you’ve arrived now, why not join us for a stroll?”

Zhao Fumei added: “Please, honor us with your presence. Otherwise, staying in the mountains all the time must be dull.”

Shen Rong smiled faintly: “The mountains are actually quite fascinating.”

Without clarifying whether she agreed to accompany them, she turned and walked ahead.

Lady He laughed to Zhao Fumei: “See? Young Lady Changsun can also be quite amusing.”

Zhao Fumei chuckled along. As they prepared to leave, she noticed that the person attending Shen Rong today wasn’t the maid or the young guard she’d seen before, but Guang Yuan. She gave him several curious glances.

Lady He caught her gaze and whispered: “You noticed too? I was wondering earlier why Guang Yuan was so devoted to Young Lady Changsun. Now I understand why.”

Zhao Fumei nodded: “Yes, I heard she was once married to Mountain Envoy.”

“That’s right,” Lady He murmured, then gestured for her to stop speaking.

The city was even livelier than when they had arrived.

Shen Rong couldn’t ride her horse for the time being and handed it over to her escort to lead.

A group of soldiers from the military post, who had escorted her back to the city, now returned to the mountains.

Shen Rong put her hood back on and walked through the bustling streets.

Surrounded by guards and servants from the governor’s residence, no ordinary passerby could approach her.

Walking slowly, Shen Rong overheard Lady He’s low voice behind her: “…Both your elder brother and I have been planning. Now that Old Master Junyi has left, your age is advancing, and we’ll hurry to find you a good match.”

Zhao Fumei responded softly: “I understand. Thank you, Elder Brother and Sister.”

Shen Rong pretended not to hear. It had nothing to do with her anyway.

Suddenly, Guang Yuan moved beside her, running ahead.

“Master!”

Shen Rong looked up and saw the crowd parting like waves breaking apart. Shan Zong, sword in hand and riding his horse alone without any soldiers, appeared.

Seeing Guang Yuan, he noticed Shen Rong immediately. Observing her dressed in Hu-style clothing with a cloak draped over her, he knew she had come from the mountains.

He dismounted, and Guang Yuan quickly took the reins.

Lady He approached with a smile: “Mountain Envoy is late this year. Otherwise, you should have co-hosted the ceremony with my husband.”

Shan Zong replied: “The military post needs to train.”

Lady He knew this was just his excuse. He didn’t want to come, and no one could force him. Her words were merely polite. After saying this, she glanced at Shen Rong and fell silent.

Zhao Fumei greeted him as usual.

Shan Zong nodded and glanced at Shen Rong.

She walked slowly to where he stood, her steps unhurried.

He turned and asked as he walked: “Did Zhao Jinlian invite you?”

“Yes,” Shen Rong replied softly, keeping her tone casual but instinctively lowering her voice so Lady He and Zhao Fumei wouldn’t overhear. “I’m late. This is the first I’ve heard of Youzhou’s winter sacrifice.”

Perhaps because he had just finished training soldiers in the martial field, Shan Zong’s voice was slightly hoarse: “In the past, Youzhou was often attacked from beyond the passes in late autumn and early winter. In recent years, with peace reigning, the winter sacrifice began.”

Shen Rong thought for a moment and understood: “So that’s why Youzhou intensifies security every autumn and winter?”

“Yes.”

Though they were conversing, neither looked directly at the other. Shan Zong, in particular, maintained a distance of about an arm’s length from Shen Rong.

If not for catching snippets of their conversation, Lady He and Zhao Fumei might not have realized they were talking.

Shen Rong glanced at the empty space between them, wondering why she suddenly wanted to see Zhao Fumei’s expression.

Earlier, she had left the room beneath the city gate and returned to the official residence, not knowing what they had discussed afterward.

She idly thought: Did they only talk about medicine?

“Master,” Guang Yuan called, pointing ahead. “Since we’re already late, why not visit the area where the commoners release river lanterns for the sacrifice? That way, it won’t be a wasted trip.”

Lady He heard this and, feeling a bit tired from walking, nodded approvingly: “That sounds nice.”

Shen Rong remained noncommittal, and Shan Zong beside her said nothing.

Before they knew it, they reached the location—a modest stone bridge spanning a narrow, short river within the city.

For the common folk, the winter sacrifice involved releasing river lanterns, a practice that continued from morning to night.

By now, both banks of the river were crowded with people. Some even made and sold lanterns on the spot, while colorful lights floated across the water’s surface.

Shen Rong stood by the riverbank and observed. This place must have endured numerous hardships in the past. She remembered a time when people hung grass and flowers to pray for protection from war.

Thinking of this, she glanced at Shan Zong.

Though the common people feared him greatly, Lady He had mentioned that Youzhou’s internal security and external defense relied heavily on him. Even though Shan Zong stared straight ahead, he keenly noticed the movement of her hood: “What are you looking at?”

Shen Rong thought to herself how alert he was and said aloud, “Just wondering if you’d like to release a lantern.”

He chuckled: “This is for honoring ancestors and fallen soldiers. I’ve never had the leisure for such things.”

Shen Rong recalled his cold, resolute demeanor in the dungeon and thought to herself that he truly wouldn’t care for such sentiments.

Lady He and Zhao Fumei soon walked over as well.

Guang Yuan stood guard nearby, bowing deeply: “This side of the riverbank is crowded, but the opposite bank has fewer people. My Lady, perhaps you should cross over to avoid being jostled.”

Lady He didn’t mind the activity; she had come here to accompany Zhao Fumei in paying respects to her family. Besides, with Shan Zong and Shen Rong on this side, she felt uncomfortable lingering as someone aware of their situation. She told Zhao Fumei: “Let’s go to the other side.”

Zhao Fumei glanced at the riverbank through the figures of the guards, acknowledged, and followed Lady He across the bridge.

In truth, the commoners didn’t need to see the group of Changsun family guards. Just the sight of Shan Zong alone was enough to make them step aside.

Guang Yuan had already purchased a river lantern and brought it over: “My Lady, please release one. Since you’ve come all this way.”

Shen Rong reached out and accepted it.

Guang Yuan glanced at her, then discreetly looked at the Master standing beside her.

He harbored a faint hope, wondering if there was still a possibility between the Master and the Lady. If so, perhaps the Master might return to the Shan family.

Shen Rong crouched by the riverside, holding the lotus-shaped lantern to release it.

Her reflection shimmered in the water beside the figure of the man in black, his arm resting near his blade, tall and upright.

From across the river, a gaze caught hers. Shen Rong looked over and met Zhao Fumei’s eyes as she crouched there, watching.

She was also releasing a lantern. Their gazes met, and she smiled silently, lowering her head to send the lantern floating away.

Shen Rong smiled faintly in return.

“What are you smiling about?” Shan Zong’s voice suddenly sounded above her.

She looked up to see him gazing at her, erased her smile, and replied indifferently: “Just found something amusing.”

Shan Zong glanced at her hands and chuckled softly.

Something felt off. She looked down and realized that while they had been talking, she had already released the lantern, but the sleeve of her Hu-style robe had accidentally gotten wet.

She furrowed her brow, stood up, pinched the damp sleeve, turned slightly, and glanced at him: “Block me for a moment.”

A faint smile lingered on Shan Zong’s face. He neither agreed nor disagreed.

Feeling self-conscious about the breach of etiquette and not wanting the guards or Guang Yuan to see, Shen Rong shielded herself with her cloak, carefully wrung out the fabric, rolled up the sleeves of her Hu-style robe several times, and wiped her wet forearm with a handkerchief.

Shan Zong, glancing unintentionally, caught sight of her porcelain-like, snow-white arm.

She was focused, her exposed nape as pale and delicate as fresh snow.

He averted his gaze.

At that moment, Shen Rong raised her head, glanced at him, and murmured teasingly: “Enjoying the view?”

Shan Zong’s eyes returned, and he chuckled softly: “Didn’t notice.”

Shen Rong pressed her lips together, pulled her sleeve down, and shot him a sidelong glance: “Suit yourself. I’m going back to change.” With that, she turned and walked away.

She left directly, and Guang Yuan had no choice but to follow.

Shan Zong, hand resting on his blade, chuckled silently once more. Remembering there were people across the river, he also departed.