CHAPTER 92: CHAPTER 90: BLEEDING

The rice wine was certainly still there; Xie Liangchen had made a lot. Because it was a bit chilly today, she originally thought of saving some for Chang An, Chang Yue, and the guards.

Eating some rice wine in the winter makes one feel quite cozy.

Xie Liangchen hesitated, glanced at Song Xian, and eventually went out with an empty bowl. She couldn’t possibly ask Song Xian: Do you also get drunk from eating rice wine?

She couldn’t guarantee whether Song Xian might be offended upon hearing such a question, as it always seemed somewhat insulting, so it was better not to ask.

Perhaps she was overthinking it; how could someone who frequently moved in and out of military camps not know how to drink? Moreover, this rice wine... Even if given to A-Di, he’d probably be fine.

Xie Liangchen carried the bowl outside, intending to ask Chang An, but he was nowhere to be found despite his daily diligence.

With no one to turn to, she could only fill another bowl and bring it to Song Xian.

While Song Xian was reading official documents, he casually pushed the bowl over and began eating slowly.

Xie Liangchen occasionally sneaked a look, noticing that he was eating this bowl even more quickly than the last.

"Master," Xie Liangchen said timely, "It’s snowing; the roads aren’t easy to walk. I’ll be heading back first."

Song Xian didn’t reply but instead said, "There’s news from Dengzhou."

Dengzhou was the hometown of Housekeeper Zhao.

Second Old Master Xie had said that Housekeeper Zhao saw his father when he returned to his hometown in Dengzhou.

Although Housekeeper Zhao had passed away, Song Xian said he’d go to Dengzhou to help inquire about information regarding Housekeeper Zhao’s son.

Xie Liangchen paused her steps.

Song Xian pushed the empty bowl towards Xie Liangchen.

Now Xie Liangchen was half-convinced that Song Xian was somewhat drunk from the rice wine. However, given the current situation, between letting him continue eating the rice wine and inquiring about her parents’ news, Xie Liangchen firmly chose the latter.

Another bowl of rice wine was served.

Song Xian took two bites; his cheeks turned slightly rosy, and the speed of eating the rice wine had notably slowed down, resulting in less decisiveness in his movements and a softer expression in his eyes. Although he still appeared unapproachable compared to others, he seemed warmer compared to himself.

Suddenly, Xie Liangchen wondered what Song Xian would become if he kept eating.

Perhaps realizing Xie Liangchen’s gaze, Song Xian lifted his eyes to look at her, their long and narrow shape slightly reddened at the corners, deep black pupils fixed on her as if gathering quite an aura.

However, those slightly damp eyes were not intimidating at all, and Xie Liangchen even felt like laughing.

"Master," Xie Liangchen asked, "What did you discover in Dengzhou?"

Song Xian then remembered this matter, still politely sipping the rice wine before saying, "Housekeeper Zhao’s son went to the Western Capital with his wife’s family. I found him and had someone inquire about your father, and the results are written in a letter I just received."

Song Xian pulled out a letter from under the desk.

Xie Liangchen looked at the letter; her heart raced. She deeply wanted to know whether her father and mother were still alive, and whether there was any other underlying truth about their accident at sea years ago.

Song Xian handed the letter to Xie Liangchen.

The slightly drunken Song Xian moved leisurely but seemed forthright; Xie Liangchen couldn’t help but feel delighted, "Thank you, Master," extending her hand to get the letter.

Just as her fingers were about to touch the letter, Song Xian suddenly raised his arm, leaving Xie Liangchen reaching for nothing. His eyebrows raised along with it.

Xie Liangchen froze in place.

At the same time, Chang An, who was peering in from outside the house, also froze. He regretted witnessing this moment and now wished he could dig out his eyes.

Hopefully, the Master wouldn’t remember today’s events, allowing them all to forget.

Chang An hurriedly escaped into the kitchen, quickly trying a bowl of rice wine and eggs, glancing towards the study. He knew the Master couldn’t handle alcohol, but didn’t expect this kind of food to have the same effect.

What to do now? Chang An was indecisive; if he went now to restrain the Master and made an excuse for Miss Xie to leave, would it compromise the Master’s dignity?

Chang An decided to stay in the kitchen for a while since the Master wouldn’t hold out much longer anyway.

Only about the duration of a stick of incense.

While pacing in the kitchen, Chang An saw the curtain of the study lift, and Miss Xie walked out.

Chang An quickly approached her, relieved that Miss Xie’s expression was calm, appearing as usual.

"Miss." Chang An smiled humbly, feeling trapped as though his weakness was exposed. He glanced at the study.

Xie Liangchen said, "The Master might be too tired and has fallen asleep."

Chang An found his throat dry and uncomfortable, and after clearing it, he said, "My Master has indeed been very busy these days," not daring to ask if Miss Xie saw the letter.

Xie Liangchen said, "Then I’ll be leaving."

Chang An replied nervously, "Let me know if you need anything."

After Xie Liangchen left, Chang An hurried into the study, only to find Song Xian asleep on the desk, showing no abnormalities other than being drunk.

A small blessing amid misfortune.

Chang An breathed a long sigh, reaching out to help Song Xian to the couch. Upon lifting Song Xian, Chang An glanced over and froze.

Song Xian’s nose was slightly red, as if something had hit it.

Chang An reached out to touch it, and a trickle of bright red blood began to flow, causing him to shiver, nearly dropping Song Xian back onto the chair.

Chang An closed his eyes, pretending not to see, knowing nothing at all.

...

Xie Liangchen walked briskly, with thoughts full of what Housekeeper Zhao’s son had said: Housekeeper Zhao had lied to Second Old Master Xie; they didn’t just seem to see her father, they definitely saw him.

Her father had boarded a ship in Dengzhou with more than a dozen others.

Housekeeper Zhao’s son said they dared not speak up, for the fishermen said those people were bloodthirsty sea bandits.

Thus, Housekeeper Zhao obscured the truth in what he told Second Old Master Xie. After Housekeeper Zhao died, his son simply left Dengzhou.

How could her father be a sea bandit? Xie Liangchen believed there must be unknown secrets behind it.

If her father were still alive, what about her mother?

Where were they? In Daqi or still at sea? Why hadn’t they returned?

Even if they hadn’t found her, there was her grandmother. How had there been no news for all these years?

Complex emotions surged through her heart: joy, worry, confusion, bewilderment, fear... but eventually, all converged into hope.

In her previous life, she knew nothing of these matters, muddling through life.

Now she had her grandmother, A-Di, and Chen Family Village, and she had received clues about her father, indicating that life would only get better.

"Miss Chen."

"Sister."

"Sister Chen."

Thinking all this the way back, Xie Liangchen had not yet reached the village entrance when she saw several silhouettes running towards her.

"Sister, you’re finally back."

"Miss Chen, everyone is waiting for you!"

Surrounded by them, Xie Liangchen walked into Chen Family Village, her previous sorrow vanishing completely at that moment.

...

Zhenzhou Prefecture.

Inside an alley.

Wang Jian wrapped in a cloak, glanced around to both sides, pushed open the door before him and entered directly without speaking to anyone in the courtyard.

Inside the house, upon the main seat, sat a person who lifted his head to look at Wang Jian.