Chapter Thirteen: Liang Yuqing

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Zhou Jingxuan’s interest was piqued by her words. “Satisfied? I always knew the general treated me well; it’s no surprise.”
Xia Wan clicked her tongue twice, about to say something, but seeing Hu Yun approaching, she quickly rode off.
Zhou Jingxuan patted Hu Yun’s head, casually as if holding a small cane. “Let’s go, I’ll take you to the carriage.”
Lin Zhaoyan resumed riding leisurely, holding the horse’s belly, her expression relaxed.
Nearby, Song Ziji secretly observed her for a moment and sighed, “After the misunderstanding with the heir was cleared up, the general seems to be in quite a good mood.”
“...Is it that obvious?” Lin Zhaoyan was puzzled. None of her previous subordinates could read her mind; it seemed she had been too relaxed lately.
Besides, how did this matter get to Song Ziji’s ears? How many people knew about it?
Song Ziji smiled, “The heir is a good person. If he can make the general happy, we all support it.”
Huh? Support what?
She had a conflict with Zhou Jingxuan and apologized; why did it sound so strange when word got out?
The latter remained silent, so Lin Zhaoyan dropped the subject.
Strange, very strange...
The journey was smooth, but as they neared the outskirts of the capital, the procession slowed.
Prince Zhou switched horses and rode alongside Lin Zhaoyan, leading the troops forward.
“I have sent someone ahead to deliver the message to the capital. By evening, His Majesty should receive it, and tomorrow you can report in person,” Lin Zhaoyan said, having already made plans. Prince Zhou nodded repeatedly.
“We’ll be entering the city soon, but it seems we’ll have to rest outside for the night while waiting for news,” Song Ziji followed behind, attentive to their conversation.
“The general has been stationed at the border for many years, rarely returning to the capital. I wonder how long His Majesty will keep the general in the city this time,” Prince Zhou said with a smile, stroking his beard as he chatted with Lin Zhaoyan.
Many years? This body was only 25 years old, four years younger than her previous life, yet she had already led troops for many years?
While Lin Zhaoyan pondered, a finely decorated carriage approached from the opposite direction and stopped in front of the procession.
Lin Zhaoyan raised her hand, signaling the troops to halt.
A man with a handsome face dressed in a purple official robe stepped down from the carriage, cupping his hands respectfully. “I am Liang Yuqing of the Ministry of Rites, greetings to the prince and the general.”
“Liang Da-ren entered the court just five years ago and has already risen to the high position of Deputy Minister of Rites—truly a promising future,” Prince Zhou quietly explained to Lin Zhaoyan.
Lin Zhaoyan lowered her head and sized up Liang Yuqing.
Liang Yuqing gazed into her inscrutable black eyes; her apparent indifference piqued his curiosity.
He studied Lin Zhaoyan: her jet-black hair was tied high with a single wooden hairpin securing her crown, simple yet elegant. Her features were deep and sharp, her nose straight and prominent, a streak of heroic spirit between her brows, exuding an aura of disdain and proud dignity.

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—an aura that compelled one to submit and follow.
“His Majesty, mindful of the soldiers, upon hearing the general has reached the capital's outskirts, sent me to escort the general into the city,” Liang Yuqing explained his purpose, and Lin Zhaoyan understood.
However, the people she sent probably hadn’t even entered the city yet; the emperor’s news traveled quickly indeed.
It seemed she attracted her superiors' attention, which was neither entirely good nor bad.
Lin Zhaoyan smiled lightly. “It seems there’s no need to rest for the night. Thank you, Liang Da-ren, for leading the way.”
Liang Yuqing lifted a charming smile, fixing his gaze on Lin Zhaoyan. “The general shall lead, I will follow.”
Prince Zhou rubbed his chin, looking troubled.
Not for himself, but for Zhou Jingxuan.
Over these days, it was clear that his son cared deeply for General Zhaoran—searching tirelessly for an antidote and following her every step.
—Zhou Jingxuan clearly has feelings for the general!
Prince Zhou was secretly pleased; did he not know his son well? He was determined to help his son marry the general!
Recently, there were faint rumors in the army that the heir had asked the general about marriage, and the general had privately asked the heir for a one-on-one talk.
There was definitely something going on between these two!
With this in mind, Prince Zhou felt confident, his eyes toward Lin Zhaoyan filled with earnestness and a radiant smile.
But when his gaze landed on Liang Yuqing beside her, his smile vanished.
Liang Yuqing kept chatting with Lin Zhaoyan, laughing with such charm it seemed full of hidden intentions and ill will!
Who was Liang Yuqing? He had become the top scholar in the capital with one strategic treatise and rapidly ascended to Deputy Minister of Rites—a favorite of the emperor, refined and courteous, the dream man of many noble ladies.
And his own son?
Prince Zhou looked plaintively behind him, but Zhou Jingxuan was nowhere to be seen.
Zhou Jingxuan was also famous in the capital, albeit for less proper reasons.
Enough... Prince Zhou was frustrated and decided not to dwell on such matters.
He resolved to call the young man over, lest they lose ground.
He whispered to his close guard, Jiang Yin, to call Zhou Jingxuan from the carriage.
“Heir! The prince says there’s a man by the general’s side—handsome as a flower and talented—chatting and laughing with her!” Jiang Yin said seriously.
“What?” Zhou Jingxuan suddenly lifted the curtain, his eyes locking onto Liang Yuqing in an instant.

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That sly fellow—when did he appear?!
Zhou Jingxuan scowled, snatched the reins from Jiang Yin’s hand, placed his foot in the stirrup, and tried to mount... but couldn’t get over.
“Ah!” he struggled awkwardly, half his body dangling awkwardly atop the horse without a place to settle.
His voice drew the attention of those ahead; several turned to look.
Liang Yuqing was puzzled, hesitating, “Is that the heir?”
Song Ziji was confused, “The heir... what is he doing?”
Prince Zhou covered his face, pretending not to see Zhou Jingxuan’s clumsy predicament.
Lin Zhaoyan secretly curled her lips where no one could see but spoke calmly, “The heir is... communicating with the horse?”
“...Trying to build rapport between man and horse, is that not allowed?” Zhou Jingxuan defended himself stubbornly, then sheepishly dismounted.
“All done communicating?” Lin Zhaoyan asked with amusement.
“...” Zhou Jingxuan shut his mouth tightly, refusing to answer.
Jiang Yin quietly said beside him, “Heir, let’s go back...”
But Zhou Jingxuan didn’t hear him at all.
Liang Yuqing’s eyes flashed with disdain before he turned away.
Lin Zhaoyan smiled faintly. “Different horses have different temperaments. This one usually ignores people; you have to indulge it to get on its back.”
“Pat its head, and it lowers its guard.”
She said this, then glanced leisurely at Zhou Jingxuan.
Following her advice, Zhou Jingxuan patted the horse’s head, and sure enough, it became much gentler. “It has a good temperament!”
Liang Yuqing glanced again at Zhou Jingxuan, his gaze lingering.
Noticing his look, Zhou Jingxuan returned an ambiguous smile.
Riding up behind Lin Zhaoyan, Zhou Jingxuan once more displayed the proud confidence of a peacock fanning its tail.
Prince Zhou patted Zhou Jingxuan’s shoulder with such force he nearly knocked him off his horse, beaming with satisfaction.