Chapter 203: Xie Lin Has Returned

Xie Lin is the commander of the border pass; now that the battle has been won, he naturally must return to the capital with the army to report.

Qingyun knew he couldn't keep it hidden, so he hesitantly nodded and said, "The master took people early this morning to welcome and cleanse the young lord."

After Xie Lin won a battle, he resumed his original identity; he is still the Heir Apparent of Yongning Marquis, and everyone can respectfully call him Xie Xiaohouye.

Shen Shuangning gave a soft "hmm" and then asked, "When did the Jurchen State suffer defeat?"

"Yes... three days ago, a fast horse came galloping from the border pass." Qingyun glanced at her quickly and whispered, "The master didn't tell you; it wasn't intentional."

Qingyun himself didn't believe the words he just said.

Shen Shuangning didn't believe it either.

Although Xiao Jingyuan no longer involves himself in court affairs, his heart still concerns the safety of Great Liang, for how can there be intact eggs when the nest is overturned?

When the border pass was under strain, he openly and secretly gave it much support. Earlier, Shen Shuangning helped him manage the household and had stockpiled much grain and fodder, most of which was sent to the border pass.

Even the slightest movement outside cannot escape Xiao Jingyuan's eyes and ears; given his mind, he surely had already calculated that Xie Lin would return to the capital with the army today.

Yet he didn't utter a word to her, and even now he sneaked out to meet someone outside the city without saying a greeting.

Shen Shuangning curled the corner of her mouth and said helplessly, "Your master's heart is no bigger than a grain of rice."

Qingyun neither affirmed nor denied.

After saying that, Shen Shuangning asked no more and returned to her room.

When Qingyun saw Xiao Jingyuan, the latter asked, "Does she know? Did she ask anything?"

Qingyun didn't dare say that Shen Shuangning had scolded him for being petty; he just shook his head and said, "She didn't say anything."

Xiao Jingyuan still seemed displeased; he stood under the corridor, idly rubbing the ugly-cute pouch at his waist, wondering what he was thinking.

The wind outside the corridor swept a few fallen leaves past, landing at his feet, yet he was utterly unaware, only lowering his gaze as his long lashes cast a faint shadow beneath his eyes.

Just now, when I went to see Xie Lin, he was still in his military uniform, his armor still dusted with border sand; when he spoke of the battle, his eyes shone brightly, and finally he asked about her recent situation, being very open.

But that concern, landing in Xiao Jingyuan's heart, felt like a fine prick, lightly stabbing him.

Whenever he thought of how she once shared a mutually affectionate time with Xie Lin, he couldn't help but feel anxious.

He moreover felt... that the happiness before him was something stolen.

Seeing his master's gloomy appearance, Qingyun dared not speak further.

Qingyun knew very well how good Shen Shuangning and Xie Lin's relationship had been back then; if not for all that happened later, they might have already achieved fruition.

Everyone else sees it that way; placed on the master, I fear it would be even harder to get past.

Two days later, the Xie Manor set up a banquet specially to celebrate the border pass's great victory and Xie Lin's triumphant return.

Xiao Jingyuan ultimately still brought Shen Shuangning to the feast together.

The two were guests of honor at the Xie Manor; as soon as they entered the main hall, many gazes turned toward them in unison.

"The Heir Apparent, the Duke of An'guo and his wife have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Xie Lin, who was chatting with the guests, stiffened slightly.

He quickly steadied his expression, slowly turned his head, and with just a glance over the crowd saw Shen Shuangning.

The lady's cloud-like hair was piled high, a vermilion hairpin stuck in her bun; she wore a dark blue gown and draped herself in a white cloak, her fine complexion gradually overlapping with the memory of her.

Once, she was his alone, his Ningning.

But upon meeting again, she had already become someone's wife.

A sourness rose in Xie Lin's throat.

He forced a smile, stepped forward, and spoke in a tone so smooth no hint of oddness could be heard: "Long time no see... I should address you as the Duchess of An'guo."

The man before her had shed his former youthful inexperience, his brows now bearing the vigor and steadiness forged on the battlefield, yet he still seemed to her the bright, spotless Xie Lin of memory, like the sun.

In this reunion, Shen Shuangning also felt much emotion. She slightly nodded at him and replied properly, "Young Lord Xie, long time no see."

The two chatted like ordinary old friends, each keeping proper bounds with no overstep, which disappointed the onlookers hoping for drama.

Xiao Jingyuan beside them continually held Shen Shuangning's hand, never letting go.

Xie Lin lowered his eyes, glanced, and showed little emotion.

"I heard you built a siege crossbow; it's impressive," Shen Shuangning said.

Xie Lin, a bit embarrassed by the praise, said, "I just made some improvements; it happened to be useful, not really that impressive."

His words were truly modest, for Shen Shuangning had heard that his siege crossbow differed from the ordinary, its power astonishingly great, worthy of being called a "big killer" on the battlefield.

Moreover, thanks to this siege crossbow's aid, the Great Liang army advanced with unstoppable momentum, capturing ten cities of the Jurchen State in succession, pressing straight to its capital, frightening the Jurchen State into hastily sending a surrender letter seeking peace.

Moreover, thanks to this siege crossbow's aid, the Great Liang army advanced with unstoppable momentum, capturing ten cities of the Jurchen State in succession, pressing straight to its capital, frightening the Jurchen State into hastily sending a surrender letter seeking peace.

Shen Shuangning was unaware that she, too, had a share of the credit.

Initially, Xie Lin was about to abandon this "hobby" entirely; it was Shen Shuangning's encouragement that let him regain his confidence.

While in the Jurchen State, Xie Lin once thought that, once he achieved fame and success, he would openly tell her that her contribution was indispensable.

Now, he can only keep these words hidden in his heart.

Shen Shuangning pulled Xiao Jingyuan to raise a cup to Xie Lin.

Shen Shuangning said, "Congratulations on your safe return, and congratulations on Great Liang's victory."

The three drank the wine in their cups together.

Xiao Jingyuan remained calm throughout, showing nothing unusual.

But when returning to the manor, as Shen Shuangning just got onto the carriage, the man pressed her into his embrace and kissed her without hesitation.

Shen Shuangning lifted her head, only able to endure it passively.

The man's kiss was fierce and brutal, yet his whole body exuded a strong sense of unease.

"I don't want you to see him. From now on, please don't meet him, okay?"

Without waiting for Shen Shuangning's reply, Xiao Jingyuan bit down on the soft flesh of her collarbone, like a puppy about to be abandoned, clinging desperately as if only by holding on could he keep her.

Shen Shuangning felt some pain; she hadn't expected that a light push would shove him away.

When she lifted her eyes, she met a pair of scarlet, moist eyes, and she grew a little annoyed: "Wasn't it you who brought me here? How come you're acting like I did something wrong?"

"You're not wrong." Xiao Jingyuan pressed his lips tighter, lowered his gaze, "I'm the one who's sick."

Shen Shuangning's anger all faded at once, and she let out a sigh in her heart.

She then cupped his face with both hands and kissed his lips: "You're not sick; you're just narrow-minded, a jealous vinegar pot."

Xiao Jingyuan's gloom seemed to lift a little, but he still felt somewhat sullen.

Shen Shuangning had to say: "I promise you I won't meet him in private, but honestly, Jingcheng is so small that we're bound to run into each other—so you can't blame me for that."

Xiao Jingyuan whispered: "You just praised him as formidable."

Shen Shuangning blinked slightly, thinking this person isn't just a vinegar jar, he's practically a vinegar sea.

"That siege crossbow—I was the one who funded its construction for him. To win battles, provisions and war horses all cost silver, and his military advisor was also someone I found..."

Xiao Jingyuan looked at her dissatisfied, his beautiful, misty eyes seeming to say: "He contributed the most—why don't you praise him instead of praising another man? That's going too far."

Shen Shuangning burst into laughter mixed with tears, never expecting Xiao Jingyuan to quibble over such a polite remark.

Half resigned, half coaxing, she said: "Okay, okay, my husband is the most formidable—will that do?"

Xiao Jingyuan insisted: "Compared to him?"

Shen Shuangning replied: "Everyone says you're the most formidable—what do you say?"

"From now on, you're not allowed to praise him."

"I won't, I won't."

"Not even other men."

"... You really are enough."