CHAPTER 163: CHAPTER 161 SICK

Xie Liangchen’s hand holding the land deed had been up for too long, and Song Xian finally couldn’t take it anymore, reaching out to take the deed back.

As the land deed came into his hand, Song Xian recalled the medicinal book sent by the Su Family; before, he just found the book unpleasant to look at, but now a surge of indescribable emotion welled up inside him.

Xie Liangchen said, "I appreciate your kindness, sir. Previously, you helped me, so it’s only right that I do things for you; besides, both I and Chen Family Village have benefited because of it.

I am content to be back with my grandmother and little brother. I only wish to lead Chen Family Village step by step forward, with no other thoughts. You don’t need to give me these things.

If I were to accept this mountain land from you today, I fear I wouldn’t sleep well tonight."

Upon hearing this, Song Xian replied coldly, "Am I that frightening? I have threatened you, yes, but have I ever truly sought to harm you?"

"Never," Xie Liangchen said, "I understand this in my heart. Before, I didn’t know much about you but after seeing what you did in Zhenzhou, I realized you are someone who is cold on the outside but kind-hearted within.

My heart feels much lighter now, only thinking that owing you a favor is much better than owing others."

Song Xian almost blurted out, then why are you so guarded against me?

Xie Liangchen said, "Like Chang An and Chang Yue, I admire you and am willing to work for you because I understand that your path does not conflict with mine. At crucial moments, you would still help us, that’s a debt I don’t need to calculate, and I’ve already gained a lot from you.

This is already very good."

Song Xian knew Xie Liangchen was smart; she might have already sensed the subtle changes between them, although not yet confirmed. Her words held a double meaning.

Admiring him like Chang An and Chang Yue. This was treating herself as someone who works for him.

This is already very good. Meaning she doesn’t want any change.

His chest felt stuffed as if something were lodged there, very uncomfortable, wanting to utter some harsh words to make her reconsider why he stood here?

Just like in the past life, she approached him first to kill Ji Yuan.

Promised to repay the gratitude, promised to settle the debt.

He stood there, yet she said: she only admired him, speaking with such calm, with no waves in her expression.

Even if she had the slightest emotional ripple, he’d find a way in. Her agility of mind and eloquence were truly wasted; she should become a pillar of the nation, sparring in debates at the court.

After mulling it over for a while, Song Xian didn’t voice these thoughts but instead said, "I have never been harsh to my own people. Zhenzhou has plenty of mountain land, giving it to you so it can be put to use. As to what you wish to do with it, that’s your business. Did I fail to make myself clear, or do you dislike this gift?

I had County Magistrate Qu find people to help you plant medicinal herbs; it seems those people are useless. After all, I am often fighting wars outside and not well-versed in these matters. I never focused intently on having people transcribe medicinal books and send them from afar just in time for the last day of December to the Chen Family Village.

When it comes down to it, I quite admire the Su Family; they deal in medicinal herbs and know what you truly need. What’s your next plan, joining forces with the Su Family to sell herbs north and south?"

Song Xian’s disdain for Su Huaiqing still surfaced. Su Huaiqing seemed quiet, yet his mind was indeed full of thoughts. The handwriting on the booklet in Xie Liangchen’s hand was clearly the academy style commonly used in the academy. How many people from the Su Family study at the academy?

Su Huaiqing traveled to the Capital City with Li You, weary from the journey with a crime hanging over him, yet had the leisure to copy each day and send things to the Chen Family Village.

The contents of the booklet were precisely what Xie Liangchen needed; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so engrossed.

If one is to say Su Huaiqing has no hidden intentions, who would believe it?

Xie Liangchen is vigilant against him, so why not be wary of Su Huaiqing as well?

Song Xian’s expression grew colder, and his eyes deeper than usual, making him appear serene as if sinking like a dark chess piece into the bottom of a pond, hiding all emotions.

Xie Liangchen knew Song Xian was angry, yet she didn’t panic nor wished to change her stance, only spoke, "I’ve read the booklet sent by the Su Family, but I won’t accept it just like that and will clarify things with Su Huaiqing, won’t take advantage of the Su Family in vain."

After saying that, Xie Liangchen continued, "Still, thank you for informing County Magistrate Qu in advance, solely relying on Chen Family Village, planting medicinal herbs wouldn’t be so smooth."

Song Xian said indifferently, "I am doing it for Zhenzhou."

Upon hearing these words, Xie Liangchen’s slightly furrowed brow unconsciously loosened a bit, clearly willing to accept such a response.

Such subtle movements might be missed by others, but Song Xian’s sharp gaze caught everything.

An entire day’s good mood was now completely worn away.

Song Xian didn’t want to linger any longer, looking at the present Xie Liangchen, thinking of what she said, perhaps he’d say something else.

"Discuss with County Magistrate Qu about the mountain land," Song Xian said indifferently, "It’s late; we’re leaving."

Song Xian felt quite calm at this moment, turned sharply, and with his robe fluttering, let out an indescribable carefree air, but only after walking a few steps did he kick a stone pier in the yard.

Pain followed, yet Song Xian forced himself to appear unperturbed, striding forward.

Xie Liangchen watched Song Xian’s back, recalling everything from a moment ago, perhaps she overthought it? Felt General Song was getting a bit too close to her? Hence, she had to speak clearly.

In her past life, she married into the Su Family, many things were beyond her control. In this life, she only wished to live well with her grandmother and little brother; even if facing difficulties in the future, as long as she tried her best, she’d find solutions.

She wasn’t one to shy away from difficulties.

But in some aspects, like feelings, she preferred simplicity and tranquility, not wanting too many twists and turns; the current state felt very good, solid, without any more mixing in to keep her preoccupied and anxious.

Maybe she was too sensitive; perhaps Song Xian didn’t have those intentions?

Whether he did or not, she’s confident what she just said was clear enough.

Xie Liangchen long exhaled, letting these matters drift from her mind, tidied up the kitchen, and got up to send off Old Mrs. Song and Song Xian.

...

Song Xian escorted Old Mrs. Song back home, waiting for her to rest before heading out.

"Sir," Chang An said, "It’s so late, where are you headed?"

Song Xian said indifferently, "Patrolling the camp."

Chang An was taken aback; didn’t he just come back from patrolling? Plus, Mr. Cheng is in the army camp, why? Chang An sneaked a glance at him; since coming back from Chen Family Village, his expression hasn’t been right.

He looked like firearms filled with rocket fuel, ready to explode at any moment.

Chang An dared not speak, could only accompany cautiously by his side.

Without wearing armor or a cloak, General Song, accompanied by several household generals, left the city.

That night, General Song didn’t rest, circling around the military camps, eventually replacing Cheng Yanzhao.

Cheng Yanzhao staggered out of the military tent upon hearing of Song Xian’s arrival, seeing his face, all traces of tiredness vanished instantly. Song Xian’s appearance was akin to having his soul sucked away, leaving only a thin wisp struggling to sustain.

Cheng Yanzhao wanted to speak but heard Song Xian say, "I am here, return to the city."

Cheng Yanzhao stepped forward, Song Xian lifted his gaze: "You return to the city."

After dismissing Cheng Yanzhao, Song Xian busied himself in the camp for a while longer, only grabbing a bite to eat at dawn and continuing to review official documents.

He worked continuously till afternoon and finally lay down to rest.

Having gone through an emotional upheaval, spent a night in toil, and having written a pile of official documents, Song Xian finally fell ill with a fever in his sleep.

General Song, however, didn’t take this minor illness seriously, and upon waking, continued to engross himself in work, enduring till night when he stood from his chair, only to feel his vision blacken.