Chapter 600: Chapter 600: Together

Xie Anbai was startled. "What... what do you mean by that? Didn’t they say that Zheng Baosu has numerous military achievements, and is especially skilled at dealing with Master Wa? Don’t tell me there’s some hidden story behind this?"

’If that’s really the case... that’s the crime of deceiving the emperor! How could a mere Deputy Assistant General dare to do such a thing!?’

"I met him once before and didn’t notice anything remarkable about him. If he were truly that capable, he should have recommended himself back then, but he didn’t."

Shen Yanchuan had also spent many years on the Northern Border. He knew exactly which soldiers under Shen Youyan were skilled and which were fierce.

By all rights, that Zheng Baosu should have made a name for himself long ago.

But Shen Yanchuan had never noticed this person before.

He felt something was off.

"The Northern Border is harsh and cold; anything can happen there. I’ve already sent a letter to see if this man... is really as valiant as claimed."

Xie Anbai’s brows furrowed deeply.

’Shen Yanchuan was always so meticulous. If even he is saying this, then... there might really be something fishy going on!’

"In any case, by starting with Zheng Baosu, we can also investigate Fan Chengzhuo and Xie Anjun on the side. It’s killing several birds with one stone. But this will take some time; it can’t be rushed. So, for the time being, I won’t make a move on those two."

Xie Anbai gave a bitter smile. "I know."

’For Shen Yanchuan to go this far for him was already an incredible gesture. He understood that perfectly.’

He took a deep breath, his gaze drifting upward as he sighed. "I consider you my brother, which is why, from the very beginning, I didn’t want to drag you into this..."

’That’s why he chose to leave the capital.’

’If he stayed, Xie Anjun would use every trick in the book against him. Shen Yanchuan, being his close friend, would inevitably be dragged in as well.’

’Xie Anbai hated being a burden to others more than anything. After mulling it over, he’d decided that leaving on his own was the best option.’

’But now...’

Shen Yanchuan shook his head. "Even if you weren’t involved, I’d still be looking into it."

Xie Anbai was speechless. He stared at Shen Yanchuan’s calm expression, a torrent of thoughts raging within him.

Shen Yanchuan stood up. "It’s getting late. I’ll be heading back now."

’He had only come to clear the air with Xie Anbai and stop him from leaving in confusion. Now that he’d said what he needed to, it was time to go.’

’He likely had a lot more to deal with today.’

Shen Yanchuan walked to the side, untied the reins, and nimbly mounted his horse.

"Hyah!"

Xie Anbai looked back, watching him ride away. The hesitation in his eyes faded, replaced by a growing resolve.

A cold gust of wind swept past, scattering the heavy stench of alcohol clinging to him.

It was as if he’d suddenly been jolted sober.

’I can’t... I can’t just let this go!’

’He was going to settle every last score he had with Xie Anjun from all these years, once and for all!’

...

「Dingbei Marquis Mansion.」

As soon as Shen Yanchuan reached the gates of the Marquis Mansion, he saw Yun Cheng hurrying out to meet him.

"My Lord, you’re finally back! Second Miss Ye and Princess Qingyang arrived early this morning. They’ve been waiting for you in the front hall for an hour!"

Shen Yanchuan stopped in his tracks. "They came together?"

’Princess Qingyang’s visits were common enough, but Ye Chutang never showed up without a good reason. For the two of them to arrive together...’

Shen Yanchuan headed for the front hall, his pace quickening slightly.

Yun Cheng confirmed. He followed close behind and explained in a low voice, "Actually, before dawn, Princess Qingyang rushed over once, but I told her you weren’t in, so she left again..."

Shen Yanchuan’s brows drew together slightly. He didn’t ask any further questions and walked straight inside.

Ye Chutang and Princess Qingyang also heard the commotion.

Princess Qingyang jumped to her feet. "Brother!"

As Shen Yanchuan entered, his gaze swept impassively over their faces.

Ye Chutang’s expression was calm and her eyes were clear. She curtsied upon seeing him, greeting him as she always did. "Princely Heir."

Princess Qingyang, however, couldn’t hide the anxiety in her eyes. Tossing propriety aside, she rushed toward him as if he were her last hope. "Brother, you’re finally back! Chutang and I have been waiting forever! Where have you been? What took you so long?"

Shen Yanchuan explained briefly, "I went out of the city to see a friend off and lost track of time."

He untied his cloak as he walked inside.

Ye Chutang smelled the faint scent of alcohol and raised an eyebrow.

’He’s been... drinking?’

’Then the person he went to see off...’

"Was it Second Young Master Xie?"

Shen Yanchuan was surprised she’d guessed it without even asking. He simply nodded. "It was."

Ye Chutang knew Xie Anbai had been having a difficult time lately, but she never imagined he would actually choose to leave the capital.

She didn’t press the matter, just gave a regretful smile. "Xiao Wu kept saying he wanted to visit West River Bridge with Second Young Master Xie when he was free. Looks like that’s not happening now."

Xiao Wu was quite fond of the generous and dashing Second Young Master Xie. Worried that he was overcome with grief after Xie Pei’s death, he’d thought up this idea as a way to cheer him up.

But before they had the chance, Xie Anbai was already gone.

A flicker of emotion crossed Shen Yanchuan’s eyes. After a moment’s consideration, he decided against relaying his conversation with Xie Anbai and just said, "There will be other chances."

Then, he changed the subject and asked Princess Qingyang directly,

"What’s wrong? Why the rush?"

Princess Qingyang immediately recounted the whole story, including Ye Chutang’s promise to have someone investigate for her.

"...Brother, what do you think we should do now? Is there really nothing we can do but wait?"

As Princess Qingyang spoke, the rims of her eyes turned red again.

She had been to the border, seen military life, and endured hardship before. Though she could be a bit spoiled, she was strong-willed, decisive, and by no means a weak person.

But with King Yan Nan in danger, she was truly panicking.

Shen Yanchuan’s brow furrowed as he listened.

He looked at Ye Chutang. "Your... friend. How soon can they reply?"

"Including travel to Long City and time for the investigation, about four days."

"Four days..."

That was already incredibly fast, but with so much at stake, they had to make every moment count.

"I haven’t heard any news of trouble in Long City, so it seems they’ve put the area on lockdown. King Yan Nan is highly skilled in martial arts and took five hundred of his personal guards with him. He clearly fell into their trap this time. Those people... were obviously well-prepared."

Shen Yanchuan wasn’t familiar with the situation in the Southwest, and he was currently tied up with matters concerning Wazhen and Qingzhou. He couldn’t easily get away.

Hearing this, Princess Qingyang’s heart went cold. She collapsed weakly into her chair and muttered in a low voice, "But... why on earth would they do this?"

Shen Yanchuan thought for a moment before coming to a swift decision. He looked up, his eyes meeting Ye Chutang’s.

"We’ll go to the palace together."

Ye Chutang had been thinking the same thing. She nodded at once.

"Alright."

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