HMHSE - 42

A double-sixes board inlaid with celadon jade was set up in the gazebo in the Duke of Zhao’s residence garden, surrounded by a circle of people.

Shen Rong leaned forward, her skirt trailing on the ground. With a slight movement of the light gauze scarf over her arm, she cast an ivory dice, and with her other hand, moved a lacquered wooden horse chess piece. Clack, a game won.

Pei Shaoyong looked up from across the board with a smile. “You won again.”

Pei Yuanling stood beside Shen Rong, also smiling. “Ah Rong is still amazing.”

The people watching around them all chuckled. Shen Rong smiled along and then stood up, stepping aside. “You all play.”

Immediately, someone took her place.

Seeing that she wasn’t playing, Pei Shaoyong also stopped and gave up his seat.

Since the light snow when Changsun Xin left, Chang’an had enjoyed continuous clear and good weather all winter, surprisingly not as cold as in previous years.

Today, several cousins from the Pei family had come to visit, so they started playing double-sixes in the garden.

Shen Rong walked out of the gazebo and met her cousin, Changsun Lan, who was approaching slowly. She heard her chuckle, “It seems you won again.”

“Yes, I’m done playing,” Shen Rong said.

Changsun Lan saw her lack of interest and chuckled again. She gently tugged at Shen Rong’s sleeve, leaning in to whisper, “Since younger brother went to Youzhou, I knew you must have been there too, staying out so long. With your ability, I imagine a large mine has already been discovered there.”

As a descendant of the Changsun family, Changsun Lan naturally understood these things. However, mining was the Ministry of Works’ business, so there wouldn wouldn’t be much news outside.

She found it strange. “You wouldn’t easily show yourself. Since you stayed there for so long this time, I imagine that place is extraordinary. Why aren’t you going back? She thought for a moment and then understood. “Is Mother reluctant? Shall I go and persuade her?”

Changsun Lan was raised by the Duke of Zhao’s residence and had called the Duke and Lady of Zhao “parents” since childhood. Due to her background, she was particularly pitied by Lady Pei, and sometimes her words were quite effective.

Shen Rong smiled faintly, reached out to hold her arm, and shook her head. “No need, elder sister. Please don’t say anything.”

She didn’t know the real reason; telling their parents would only make things worse.

Changsun Lan pressed, “Really no need?”

“Mm, no need.”

So she said no more and went towards Pei Yuanling.

Shen Rong walked to another small pavilion and sat down, hearing someone call her from behind: “Ah Rong.”

Pei Shaoyong had followed her.

She glanced at him. “Second Cousin isn’t playing anymore?”

Pei Shaoyong pointed to that side. “Look, everyone’s here.”

Shen Rong looked towards the gazebo where they were playing chess. Changsun Lan had brought the family members of those cousins when she arrived, and now everyone standing there was in pairs.

Pei Shaoyong looked at her, a smile in his eyes. “I’d rather stay here.”

Shen Rong turned back. “If Second Cousin envies them, you should marry soon. Your younger brothers and sisters are already married, why do you keep delaying?”

Pei Shaoyong laughed. His appearance was the best among the Pei family’s younger generation, only slightly less refined than Pei Yuanling. Especially when he laughed, he exuded a bright and refreshing aura, like a spring breeze.

He said, “Didn’t I tell you that day, I want to pursue an official career?”

Shen Rong remembered. She leaned obliquely against the pavilion pillar. “Actually, with the Pei family’s prominence, Second Cousin will eventually become an official through inheritance. Why bother struggling for that narrow path?”

Her maternal grandfather had once been a prime minister, and several of her uncles were also officials in the capital. What the Pei family could offer him in the future would certainly not be bad.

Pei Shaoyong saw a hint of laziness in her casual posture, and he looked at her a few more times, momentarily unable to think of a reply.

However, someone outside the pavilion had already taken over the conversation: “Yes, why bother?”

Shen Rong looked over. “First Cousin.”

Pei Yuanling strolled in, smiling and nodding, glancing at his second brother opposite him.

Pei Shaoyong remained silent. He still remembered being called to the tavern on the day of the Heavenly Longevity Festival and lectured a few words.

Pei Yuanling said with a smile, “Regardless of appearance, character, or family background, how many women in the capital are eager to marry you? Why be so stubborn? Isn’t that right, Ah Rong?”

Shen Rong, suddenly asked, nodded. “Of course, Second Cousin must be too picky.”

Pei Shaoyong glanced at her and murmured to himself, “I am indeed quite picky.”

After speaking, he stood up and left first.

Shen Rong looked at his retreating back. “What, did I say too much just now?”

Pei Yuanling shook his head. “Of course not. You know his temper; he’s only annoyed that I said too much about him.”

Shen Rong said, “First Cousin is the exemplary figure of the Pei family, so whatever he says is right.”

“That’s natural. He’s my second brother; how could I not consider him?” Pei Yuanling glanced at the departing Pei Shaoyong, sighing inwardly.

He had no idea who his opponent was.

Thinking of this, Pei Yuanling looked at Shen Rong again and asked with a low chuckle, “By the way, on the day of the Heavenly Longevity Festival, did you run into him?”

Shen Rong hadn’t expected him to ask this, and the scene of that night resurfaced in her mind, but her expression remained unfazed. “I don’t know who First Cousin is talking about.”

________________________________________

Youzhou.

Changsun Xin arrived on a fast horse, not even entering the city, but first led a group of guards directly to Wangji Mountain.

As he dismounted and walked up the mountain path, he first saw the military camp guards at the entrance from afar. He stopped, turned back, and looked. “You’re still following; you can’t enter here.”

Among the guards was Shan Ying, wearing a dark round-collared robe.

She walked over, glanced at the undulating mountain range before them, then looked at Changsun Xin. He was refined and handsome, dressed in a light robe and fox fur, looking noble, yet walking among these vast mountains, which made people exclaim, “Changsun sons shake mountains and rivers. I’ve heard this saying before. Brother-in-law is quite capable.”

Changsun Xin smiled with his hands behind his back. “That’s natural.” Then his smile faded. “How many times have I told you not to call me brother-in-law?”

Shan Ying said, “It’s a habit, truly difficult to change. If you really don’t want to hear it, I won’t call you that next time. Our Shan family’s insistence is born of regret.”

Changsun Xin asked, “Regret for what?”

“Naturally, for my cousin and cousin-in-law.” Shan Ying sighed. “Those two are clearly both outstanding; they were meant to be a match made in heaven. Who wouldn’t feel regret seeing them separated?”

“I don’t regret it,” Changsun Xin snorted through his nose. “My sister is naturally excellent, far more remarkable than your Shan family imagines. Your cousin, perhaps not so much.”

Shan Ying frowned. “My eldest cousin is a brilliant genius...”

She stopped mid-sentence and quickly dodged behind the others.

Changsun Xin turned his head and saw a line of soldiers approaching from a distance. The thundering hooves stirred up dust that drifted away with the wind.

He tugged at his cloak and said, “You followed all the way to Youzhou just to see him, so why are you hiding now?”

Shan Ying, behind him, hid behind two guards’ backs and whispered, “I can’t expose myself, otherwise if my uncle knows I came to find eldest cousin, he will certainly banish me from the Shan family.”

Changsun Xin praised sincerely upon hearing this. “It seems the protector of the mountain is the most reasonable person. Well done.”

Shan Ying ignored his words, secretly poked her head out, and looked at the man on the horse again and again. She felt they were getting closer and closer and couldn’t stay any longer.

“Alright, I’ve seen that eldest cousin is well. I can now comfort my aunt when I return.” She shifted positions, patted Changsun Xin’s shoulder. “Thank you for the convenience. Next time, if there’s an opportunity, I’ll protect brother-in-law’s journey again.”

Changsun Xin turned around. “You just said you wouldn’t call me...”

Shan Ying had already mounted her horse and quickly galloped away from the other side.

He cleared his throat. If it weren’t for their acquaintance, who would travel with a Shan family member and protect his journey?

But seeing the cavalry approaching, he straightened his robes and adopted the demeanor of a noble family member.

The horses stopped.

Shan Zong, at the head of the cavalry, had long since fixed his gaze into the distance. Shan Ying had not escaped his notice at all.

He ordered to his side, “Go keep an eye on her until she leaves Youzhou territory.”

A soldier cupped his fist and galloped after her.

The rest of the cavalry followed. Only then did Shan Zong look at Changsun Xin on the mountain path. Hu Shi’yi, behind him, had already greeted him, “Lord Changsun has returned. Jin...” He glanced at Shan Zong and didn’t finish his sentence.

Changsun Xin asked, “Jin what?”

Hu Shi’yi scratched his head, struggling for words. “I was asking about your sister, yes, your sister.”

Changsun Xin glanced at Shan Zong, then walked deeper into the mountain, saying, “Ah Rong is doing very well. Chang’an is prosperous, and she has so many Pei family cousins accompanying her. What isn’t better than this place?”

Hu Shi’yi was puzzled. “What, is he despising our place?”

Shan Zong gripped the reins, smiled nonchalantly, and said nothing.

After all, those words weren’t wrong.

He tugged on the reins, and his fast horse galloped into the mountains.

Hu Shi’yi watched him gallop away and realized he probably shouldn’t have mentioned Jin Jiaojiao in front of him.

Shan Zong carried his sword to the mine shaft and saw Changsun Xin already descending into the pit, stepping on the suspended wooden ladder.

Outside the pit were the prisoners from the dungeon. Since the Minister of Works had come for inspection, they naturally came out to wait.

A hoarse, unpleasant, mocking laughter emanated from the crowd, a mix of ridicule and sarcasm.

Shan Zong lifted his eyes to look.

Who else could it be but Wei Shenwu?

Originally, they were only required to excavate a section of the tunnel beneath the mine shaft, but their strength was indeed useful. When Old Minister Liu was in charge, he continued to use them for the heaviest labor, right up until today.

Wei Shenwu had just come up from the pit, covered in dirt. He held a wooden bowl, drank the water inside, and grinned maliciously at Shan Zong. “Haven’t seen you in so long, I thought you were dead. I was happy for nothing.”

A soldier next to him immediately whipped him. He hissed, accustomed to his foul mouth, and didn’t care at all.

Shan Zong paid no attention.

Wei Shenwu looked at the pit and then said, “A pretty boy came, quite like your little beauty. Where’s your little beauty? Did she abandon you?”

Before he even finished speaking, he cackled with laughter.

Shan Zong moved. He dragged his scabbard on the ground, walked over, and kicked Wei Shenwu on the shoulder. “It’s true we haven’t met for too long. My blade hasn’t tasted blood in a while either, so you dare to provoke me again after seeing me.”

His tone wasn’t loud, but the other prisoners didn’t move.

Wei Shenwu fell to the ground, sat upright, and spat out saliva mixed with dust.

“What’s going on?” Changsun Xin’s voice suddenly came from below, indistinctly.

Shan Zong looked towards the pit.

After a long time, Changsun Xin finally emerged from below.

He held onto the wooden ladder and climbed out of the pit, brushing off the dust from his clothes. He tugged at the ties of his sleeves, holding a sketched map in his hand.

Shan Zong recognized it; it was the mine shaft map drawn by Changsun Shen Rong.

Changsun Xin rolled up the map and walked out of the mountain with a frown. His steps were quick, and his face was grim, a stark contrast to his appearance when he arrived.

Shan Zong looked at the pit again, sensing that something must be wrong.

________________________________________

When a fast horse galloped to the Duke of Zhao’s residence in Chang’an, Shen Rong stood in her room, having just bowed before a scroll.

The zitan wood box, carved with ancient patterns, had been opened. She held the scroll with both hands and placed it inside.

Just as she was about to close it, Zirui quickly entered the room.

“Young Mistress,” she whispered, lowering her head, “The Duke requests that you temporarily postpone sealing the scroll. There’s a letter from the young master.”

Shen Rong paused, sensing something was amiss, and turned to leave the room.

The Duke and Lady of Zhao were both in the study, one standing, one sitting.

When Shen Rong arrived, they were whispering but stopped when they saw her enter.

She looked at her parents. “Has something happened?”

“Not exactly,” the Duke of Zhao handed her the letter he had just received. “There’s just been a slight deviation.”

Shen Rong took it and quickly read it. When she looked up, she was a little surprised. “What’s going on?”

The Duke of Zhao said, “It’s just as you see.”

During Shen Rong’s return to the capital, Minister Liu had already arranged for officials from the Ministry of Works to extend the tunnels beneath the mine shaft, digging deeper and creating mining chambers.

This was the start he had prepared for Changsun Xin, waiting only for Changsun Xin himself to arrive and then continue digging and excavating along the previously explored ore vein.

However, when Changsun Xin actually went down, comparing it with Shen Rong’s mine shaft map, he found that there had been a change.

Minister Liu had only altered that section beneath the mine shaft, and it was fortunate that he only altered that section because other areas had already changed; the ore vein seemed to have shifted slightly.

This was the so-called deviation.

This change was not obvious, and others might not notice it, but Changsun Xin would.

After he left the mountain that day, he entered the mountain multiple times over several consecutive days, and the results of his exploration were all the same: it had indeed changed.

Lady Pei frowned beside her. “Ah Rong, quickly see what the scroll says.”

Shen Rong shook her head directly. “Nothing.”

Even the Duke of Zhao was surprised. “Not a single word mentioned?”

Shen Rong nodded, frowned for a moment, then relaxed. “Even in Youzhou, I read the descriptions of that mountain no less than a hundred times. There was no such record in the book about that place.”

The Duke of Zhao paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his face solemn. “Even I have never seen such a mine.”

Shen Rong parted her lips, moving them slightly. “I can...”

She wanted to say “take a trip,” but seeing her mother looking at her, she closed her lips again.

After a moment, and some thought, she stood up and said, “No one knows the situation right now, so it’s best to remind older brother to be careful. If anything happens, send another letter. I don’t believe we can’t handle this.”

She had always been unyielding and had seen all sorts of twists and turns in the mountains.

After speaking, she curtsied and was about to leave.

Lady Pei looked at her retreating figure, then at her husband, both worried about this sudden change and Changsun Xin in the distance, and also somewhat reluctant for her to go to Youzhou herself.

The Duke of Zhao was still in thought, then suddenly spoke, “Wait.”

Shen Rong had reached the doorway and turned around.

The Duke of Zhao paced two more steps. “I ask you, has anything ever happened in that mountain?”

Shen Rong pursed her lips and answered honestly, “Yes, there was unstable earth wind and swirling water, almost causing deaths.”

Lady Pei’s face registered surprise, and she almost stood up from her seat, never knowing that Shen Rong had been in such danger in Youzhou at the time.

The Duke of Zhao raised a hand and pressed it lightly on her, stopping his steps, and then asked, “Then did you ever ‘town’ the mountain?”

“I did,” Shen Rong said. “I ‘towned’ it.”

The Duke of Zhao’s expression softened, he nodded, and a smile appeared on his face. He naturally knew his daughter’s capabilities.

“Then you go.”

Shen Rong was stunned.

Lady Pei also looked over in surprise.

The Duke of Zhao placed a hand on Lady Pei’s shoulder, patting it comfortingly, then turned to Shen Rong and said, “Go. If you can ‘town’ that mountain, you can subdue it again. However...” he drew out his words, “as for that old acquaintance, don’t pay too much attention to him.”

Shen Rong’s eyes flickered slightly, and she nodded. “Understood.”