CHAPTER 358: CHAPTER 355 GOOD THINGS

Chen Zigeng, upon hearing that Song Xian had arrived, dashed to the entrance of the inn like the wind.

Song Xian reached out and caught Chen Zigeng firmly in his arms.

This was their first meeting since Song Xian led his troops to the Eight States.

"Brother," Chen Zigeng examined Song Xian and said, "You’ve lost a lot of weight. Didn’t the war end long ago? Brother Zhong Dong has already gained weight again. Is the food in the Capital not good?"

Chen Zhongdong: ...

"Not good," Song Xian replied, "Nowhere compares to the food in Chen Family Village."

Silently in his heart, Chen Zigeng added, especially if Sister Chen makes it by hand.

Chen Zhongdong and Hei Dan surrounded Song Xian, and as they talked, a eunuch and officials from the Palace Department came out to greet Song Xian.

Song Xian greeted everyone and then said, "Sorry for disrupting your rest. There’s no urgent matter in the Capital, so I came to welcome you on this journey. Thank you all for your care."

Song Xian’s friendly thanks made it seem as though he considered the people of Chen Family Village as his own family.

The little eunuch quickly said, "General, there’s no need to thank us. It’s what we ought to do. If there’s anything we did poorly, I apologize for any inconvenience."

After the pleasantries, Song Xian decisively urged them, "Everyone, go back and rest. I’ll go pay respects to the elders."

The little eunuch watched as Song Xian led Chen Zigeng towards Old Mrs. Chen’s room. Xie Shao Yuan and Miss Xie also came out to greet them, appearing as if they had known each other for a long time and were enjoying each other’s company.

The little eunuch clicked his tongue, surprised to see this side of General Song. Back when General Song and Du Zhuo presented the case of Princess Jiahui before the Emperor, the eunuch had seen General Song a few times. General Song was the same as his reputation—solemn, decisive, and imposing even at a young age, which explained why not even his own brother was spared.

"Could it be that I’m seeing things?"

It wasn’t until the door closed that the little eunuch turned to return to his room.

Song Xian first paid his respects to Old Mrs. Chen, then bowed to acknowledge Xie Shao Yuan.

Old Mrs. Chen looked at Song Xian with a smile and said, "Come sit and rest. Why come so far to welcome us? We should have sent a message for you to wait in the Capital."

Old Mrs. Chen sighed inwardly; the last time she saw Song Xian, he was still the Western Expedition General. Now that the families were engaged, Song Xian was to be her future grandson-in-law.

With that thought, Old Mrs. Chen felt a bit more tenderness towards Song Xian.

Song Xian respectfully replied, "Most matters in the Capital are already settled. After all, waiting was inevitable."

Old Mrs. Chen asked again, "Have your injuries healed?"

"Yes," Song Xian said, "it’s all fine now."

Only then did Old Mrs. Chen feel at ease: "Don’t be careless, or you might suffer when you’re older."

Song Xian felt a warmth in his heart, realizing how different things were now. Before the engagement, no matter how familiar they got, there was always a sense of distance, which was now gone.

Old Mrs. Chen said, "Alright, you all can go outside and talk, no need to stay with me."

Song Xian stood up obediently, and in that moment he glanced at Xie Liangchen. She had been standing beside Xie Shao Yuan, silent in the presence of her elders.

However, at that moment, she also happened to look at him, and as their eyes met, she gave a slight smile. Song Xian’s heart skipped a beat.

Song Xian followed Xie Shao Yuan to the adjoining room.

"It’s spacious here; Zigeng and Uncle sleep here," Hei Dan said, "Brother Zhong Dong and I sleep in the next room."

Being on the road, Hei Dan and the others were delighted, full of energy to explore the inn despite the tiring journey.

Chen Zigeng was naturally more composed than Hei Dan and spent most of his time in the room, studying the lessons Mr. Dongli left him.

Chen Zigeng sent Hei Dan and the others out, quietly closed the door.

Only then did Song Xian reveal the situation in the Capital to Xie Shao Yuan: "Old General Xue can confirm the circumstances of that year, and with the portrait and personal items of the Princess retrieved from Zhenzhou, her identity is now clear."

Although the Princess’s appearance had slightly changed from when she was fifteen, a careful examination showed that she was the same person. She had avoided recognition not only because she rarely went out and concealed her appearance, but also because in Zhenzhou, unlike the Eight States, no one had seen Princess Guangyang, so they wouldn’t associate Mrs. Xie Chen with her given their vastly different statuses.

It was only when Xie Shao Yuan was targeted by the Liao people that the couple fled Zhenzhou to avoid being discovered.

Song Xian continued, "The court intends to summon Old General Zhang Weihe to the Capital to serve. Someone has already gone to Dai State to invite him, but it’s likely he won’t accept."

Before coming to the Capital, Song Xian had already anticipated this and mentioned it to Old General Zhang, who was unwilling to serve in the court, preferring to remain in the Eight States.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "Even if the old general did enter the court, the Emperor wouldn’t trust him." Furthermore, Old General Zhang’s heart was not with the Daqi court.

Song Xian nodded, "I’ve made arrangements in advance. When the time comes, we’ll assist Old General Zhang in resigning, allowing him to return to Dai State with rewards in hand."

Xie Shao Yuan found this agreeable: "What about Xiao Xingzong?"

Song Xian replied, "The court has sent an envoy to Liao. If Liao agrees to certain conditions, they will return the Third Prince, one of which includes handing over Xiao Xingzong to Daqi. Additionally, the two countries are to establish a market in Lingqiu."

A great burden was lifted. Although Prince Guangyang’s death was orchestrated by the current Emperor, Xiao Xingzong had also played a role. After all, Xiao Xingzong went on to Liao, helping them commit various atrocities, which led to ... the Princess’s demise. Seeing Xiao Xingzong’s downfall felt satisfying to Xie Shao Yuan, and there were still others he could deal with over time.

Xie Shao Yuan felt a reassuring grip on his arm, turning to see Chen Zigeng on his left, and Liangchen on his right. At his age, he was being comforted by two children.

Xie Shao Yuan smiled, "It’s a good thing."

Song Xian and Xie Shao Yuan also discussed the rewards the Emperor intended to bestow upon them and the wax papers recently produced by the Chen Family Village paper workshop.

Song Xian said, "Jianguo Temple’s incense is thriving, and the Scripture Paper has quickly become well-known in the Capital."

Chen Zigeng’s eyes lit up, "We also have white wax paper, pink wax paper, and flower paper."

Song Xian said, "These papers have been sent to the pen and ink shops. You’ll know how they’re selling when you come to the Capital."

Chen Zigeng and Song Xian had much more to talk about, but Xie Shao Yuan checked the hourglass and said, "It’s getting late; whatever else there is can wait until tomorrow. Let’s all get some rest!"

Song Xian looked over at Xie Liangchen again; they still hadn’t had a chance to speak alone.

Xie Liangchen noticed Song Xian’s deep gaze, full of longing. She suddenly recalled General Song’s cold demeanor from years past, and she turned her eyes away, urging Hei Dan and the others to settle in early.

The inn gradually quieted down.

Xie Liangchen lay on the kang bed, listening to Old Mrs. Chen’s snores, yet she found no sleep.

She ought to be sleeping soundly but worried that someone might be waiting outside.

The cold had already set in, and the chilling wind cut to the bone—and his shoulder injury ...

Not until there was not a sound from outside did Xie Liangchen sigh, get up, and quietly put on her clothes, and sneak outside.

Xie Liangchen carefully closed the door and stepped into the courtyard. Before she could look for Chang An and Chang Yue, she saw a tall figure striding toward her.

Even in the dim light, she knew it was Song Xian.

She felt his arms wrap around her waist as he led her out of the small courtyard to a secluded spot.

Xie Liangchen raised her head, intending to examine the person before her, but she was enveloped in a familiar, broad embrace, the warm and known scent immediately engulfing her.

And accompanying it was the familiar sound of a heartbeat in her ear.