Chapter 685

"We seem to have met somewhere before," what a clumsy pick‑up line.

But Zhao Zixun is already fever‑addled.

In this state I take every word he says to come from the depths of his heart.

Fate is truly wondrous.

Two strangers, having only a brief glimpse in the vast sea of people, thought it was a fleeting encounter, yet they met again soon after—this is heaven's chance for us.

I looked at my hand tightly held by Zhao Zixun and did not struggle.

After the brief surprise, I quickly regained my senses… I had been too optimistic just now.

Given Zhao Zixun's temperament, once his fever breaks and he wakes, he won't remember the words he murmured tonight, let alone confess to me on his own.

After all, I've worked at the Marshal's Mansion for so long; every time we meet, he acts very aloof.

Let alone having me bring it up myself.

I am reluctant to give up this night's solitude.

Come morning, everything will vanish like smoke.

Perhaps… perhaps one day in the future…

I shook my slightly groggy head, refusing to let my mind wander.

In the latter half of the night, Zhao Zixun's fever broke, but I came down with a low fever and fell asleep slumped beside the bed.

The next day I slept until the sun was high.

When I woke, I lay in my own bed, sore all over as if something had rolled over me.

But Zhao Zixun was no longer in the room.

I hurriedly got up, ran out, and happened to bump into my mother; I asked, "Where is Zhao Zixun?"

"He left just as dawn was breaking," my mother said, "his subordinates came to fetch him."

I gave an "oh," feeling inexplicably down.

Sure enough, once he wakes, everything will return to how it was.

I lay at home for three days before I felt better; as the year's end approached, there was much to buy, and once I got busy, all those confused thoughts were cast aside.

On the twenty‑ninth, at the market I heard people saying that the bandits holed up around Wufu Town had finally been wiped out by General Zhao and his troops; this year we can finally enjoy a peaceful New Year.

I never expected that on the morning of the thirty‑first, Zhao Zixun would show up at my home.

He came bearing gifts to thank our family for rescuing him that night.

I paid special attention to his feet; if you didn't stare closely, his gait showed no sign of such a serious injury.

The whole time he chatted and drank tea with my father, never saying a word to me.

He had official duties, so he didn't stay long before leaving.

As he was about to leave, our eyes met; he nodded at me, then swung onto his horse, ready to go.

At the moment he mounted, the pouch hanging from his waist swung out; I instantly recognized its pattern and stitching—wasn't this the pouch the Second Young Lady had asked me to make?

How could it end up on Zhao Zixun?

Could it be…?

The sound of hooves faded into the distance, and my spirits plummeted.

The Second Young Lady likes Zhao Zixun.

The instant that thought entered my mind, I knew I had no chance.

The Second Young Lady is the legitimate daughter born of the chief wife, a true pearl in the palm, greatly favored by the Marshal; Zhao Zixun is the Marshal's trusted aide—they are a match made in heaven.

The key is, the Second Young Lady is a good person and kind to me; since she likes Zhao Zixun, I can only guard my own heart and quietly step back to where I belong.

After the Lantern Festival, I returned to the Marshal's Mansion.

The Marshal handed out bonuses to all the tutors, and the Second Young Lady personally gave me a share, slipping her arm around mine and saying affectionately, "Wanwan, I have a little secret to share with you."

I had a rough idea, but I played along and asked, "What secret?"

"I sent a pouch to General Zhao," the Second Young Lady whispered, eyes bright, "He accepted it and keeps it on his waist—he seems to like it. Wanwan, when you have time teach me embroidery; I want to personally make a waist sash for General Zhao."

I swallowed my bitterness and replied, "Sure, Second Young Lady wants to learn; come to my quarters after class and I'll teach you."

The Second Young Lady was overjoyed.

After class that day she brought several bolts of the latest fabric to my quarters; I helped her pick the cloth, thread, and patterns for the waist sash, then gave her hands‑on instruction.

The Second Young Lady studied earnestly, but with no foundation she worked slowly, often pricking her finger; after half a day she'd produce a tiny bit, uneven and ugly, so she'd undo it and start over.

Several times I felt like giving in and helping her, but she refused each time.

The Second Young Lady said, "Oh dear, Wanwan, General Zhao's birthday is coming up; this is my gift for him—how could I let you embroider it for me? That would be utterly insincere."

So it turns out Zhao Zixun has a birthday coming up.

The Second Young Lady chattered on, telling me various things about Zhao Zixun.

It was from this that I learned Zhao Zixun's background is also quite hard.

He is an orphan; his parents and relatives all died in successive wars.

It was the Marshal who plucked him from a pile of corpses.

The Marshal praised Zhao Zixun: "This boy has a firm, murderous gaze; he's fine material."

Later Zhao Zixun was thrown into the military academy for training; after graduating with top marks, he followed the Marshal on campaigns east and west, and now it's his sixth year.

Thus, reckoning it up, Zhao Zixun and the Second Young Lady are practically childhood sweethearts.

"My father owes General Zhao a life‑debt; the General obeys him in everything," the Second Young Lady mused, "I plan to ask Father, once the situation is completely settled, to send us abroad together; we'll marry upon our return, and Father will surely agree."

Indeed, the Marshal will surely agree.

The Second Young Lady clung to my arm, coquettishly asking, "Wanwan, do you think I'm a good match for General Zhao?"

I replied sincerely, "They're extremely well matched."

Second Young Lady smiled.

She was very beautiful; when she smiled, two dimples appeared. She was lovably innocent and kind, making people unable to resist wanting to protect her, and wanting to offer the best things in the world to her, holding them in their palms.

I finally gave up the idea of sending a birthday gift to Zhao Zixun.

Since I knew it was impossible, I decided from the outset not to entertain any thoughts, so as not to end up embarrassed and unable to save face.

Half a month later, under my careful guidance, Second Young Lady finally finished embroidering the waist sash.

Although it wasn't perfect, for a beginner it was already quite good.

Second Young Lady held the waist sash and kept asking me, "Wanwan, Zhao General will like it, right?"

I nodded firmly: "He will feel the weight of your sincere intentions."

Second Young Lady exclaimed delightedly: "Then I'll embroider him another pair of matching knee guards later, Wanwan, you keep teaching me."

I agreed.

Unfortunately, that waist sash, Second Young Lady ultimately couldn't give it away...