sovbooks Chapter 65 Li Mu's Journey Beyond the Great Wall
Chapter 65 Li Mu's Journey Beyond the Great Wall
Chapter 65 Li Mu's Journey Beyond the Great Wall
Zhao Heng returned to the city not long after noon. This time, riding in Zi Nu's carriage, he no longer needed to hide as he had in the morning, making the journey much smoother.
He first went to the music hall to visit Ji Cheng. Tian Guang did not hold back, and Ji Cheng's injuries were quite serious. He had two broken ribs, a fractured wrist, and also suffered considerable internal injuries.
Fortunately, Zi Nu's personal nanny, Aunt Xin, had quite a few connections in Handan and was able to arrange for a doctor to treat her in time. Aunt Xin also said that she knew some doctors and that they could be invited to take a look if necessary later.
Zhao would not stand on ceremony. Although favors are hard to repay, at this point, he could only owe Zi Nu another favor.
He took the opportunity to leave Ji Cheng in the music hall for recuperation. It was quiet there, and someone would take care of him. It was better than moving him back to the mansion and causing trouble, and it also saved him the trouble of explaining.
After settling in, he boarded the same carriage he had used to return home.
On the way back to the manor, Meng Ben and Luan Ding were filled with shame. They sat outside the carriage, their muffled voices carried through the curtain, as if they were just short of committing suicide in front of him to fulfill their duty of failing in their duty of protection.
Zhao Heng comforted them through the carriage curtain, saying that Tian Guang was a renowned and long-established master of the peasant chivalry, and that the fact that the two of them could still get up after taking a blow from him was already a testament to their best efforts. They were not to blame for this.
Moreover, it wasn't their fault that things had developed to this point. In the end, Zhao Heng thought he had been cautious enough on this trip, but he just hadn't expected that a mere Wu Ji could attract such a powerful figure.
Outside the carriage curtain, Meng Ben remained silent for a moment before saying in a muffled voice, "Young Master is kind and generous; it is we who are incompetent."
Zhao Heng did not respond.
Back at the manor, although Madam Han knew that Zhao Heng had not been home during the day, she pretended not to know and did not inquire about it. Zhao Heng, of course, did not offer any further explanation. He had dinner with Madam Han as usual, then strolled around Master Xu's courtyard before returning to his own.
The corridor was quiet, with only the servants on night duty keeping watch from a distance. Zhao Heng lit a candle and sat quietly at his desk for a moment, reviewing his conversation with Zi Nu that day in his mind.
As for Yan Dan, he had already asked Luan Ding to send a message in advance, inviting him to his residence for a meeting in the next few days.
As for whether Yan Dan will come, and whether he will come as he expects, we will know when the time comes.
The next morning, Zhao Heng went to his study as if nothing had happened the day before.
As he walked past the courtyard where the music room was located, he paused briefly. The gate was ajar, and it was quiet inside. He thought for a moment, then pushed the gate open and went in.
The Snow Woman was sitting on the veranda, several bamboo scrolls spread out in front of her, looking down at something. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, saw it was him, and stood up.
Zhao Heng walked up to her and glanced at the bamboo slips. They were some chapters of the Mozi that Master Xu had casually mentioned a few days ago. He hadn't expected her to be so interested in them, as there were even crooked marks she had made with charcoal pencils on them, which only she could recognize.
When Xue Nu saw Zhao Heng again today, she realized that she had discovered his secret, and suddenly felt a little more confident.
But after seeing Zhao examining the symbols on the bamboo slip in her hand that only she knew, she felt inexplicably embarrassed and quietly put the bamboo slip away, hiding it behind her back.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Heng asked directly, "Is there anything you don't understand?"
Xue Nu didn't doubt Zhao Heng's learning, but subconsciously shook her head. After thinking for a moment, she nodded, pointing to one passage and saying, "This 'universal love,' Master Xu has talked a lot about it, but I always feel that what he said and what I read are not the same thing."
Zhao Heng then stepped forward and sat down on the steps next to her. He took the bamboo slip from her hand, looked at it, and then beckoned Xue Nu to sit next to him.
The snow woman was stunned.
She glanced at where he was sitting; he was right next to her, no more than an arm's length away. She pursed her lips, but ultimately obediently sat down and listened to Zhao Heng's explanation.
Zhao Heng's explanation wasn't particularly in-depth, but it was clear and logical.
He began by discussing the original meaning of universal love, then moved on to the background of the Mohist school's doctrines, and finally to the perspectives of Master Xu's generation. Xue Nu listened attentively, nodding occasionally, though it was unclear whether she truly understood or was merely pretending.
As the sunlight gradually brightened, it bathed the corridor in a warm glow.
A sparrow landed on the courtyard wall, tilted its head to look at them for a while, and then fluttered away.
After explaining, Zhao Heng returned the bamboo slip to Xue Nu. Seeing her looking down with a blank expression, he suddenly said, "In a couple of days, a friend of mine will be visiting. I would like to invite you to accompany me to play music and host a banquet for this guest."
Would you be willing?
The Snow Maiden paused for a moment, then lowered her eyes and said, "Please give your orders, young master."
Zhao Heng shook his head: "I'm not giving orders. I'm asking for your help. If you're unwilling, I'll think of another way."
The snow woman was startled again, and couldn't help but look up at him, then lowered her eyes and whispered, "I'm willing."
Zhao Heng nodded, then said, "There's something I need your help with."
The Snow Woman awaits the next installment.
Zhao Heng pondered for a moment, then said, "During the banquet, I may have to leave for a short while. You just need to wait with the guests. But if a guest asks to go out, to use the restroom, or for anything else, if it's the former, you should take the initiative to lead him there."
The Snow Maiden was slightly taken aback, but did not ask why. She only thought for a moment and then said, "Where does the young master want me to lead him?"
""
Zhao Heng smiled and glanced at her, not surprised by Xue Nu's intelligence, and said, "Just lead him to the vicinity of the side hall in the front yard. But don't say it directly, just pretend you're lost."
The snow woman pursed her lips, then nodded: "I've got it."
With the matter settled, Zhao Heng said no more. He got up and led Xue Nu to the study.
A few days later, Master Ban's spinning machine was completed.
Zhao Heng then introduced Zi Nu to him and Master Xu, and let Zi Nu lead the two to the workshop.
The actual effectiveness of the textile machine needs to be tested by a reliable weaver found by Zi Nu, and then refined by Master Ban before it can be mass-produced, and then a workshop can be opened to launch new types of fabric.
While Master Ban and his companion were away from the mansion, Zhao Heng was not idle either.
Early that morning, a carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Chunping Lord's residence.
Yan Dan got out of the car, followed by two attendants carrying gift boxes.
The two men both looked honest, but as soon as they got out of the car, they cautiously scanned their surroundings before looking away and following Yan Dan with their heads down.
Yan Dan was quite easygoing and actually went up to pay his respects in person.
The gatekeeper took the bamboo slip, glanced at it, and immediately put on a smile, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince of Yan, is honored to be here. I will go and announce your arrival immediately." As he spoke, he sent someone running inside.
Before long, Zhao Heng led his men out to greet them.
He greeted us with a smile and a cupped hand from afar, saying, "Brother Dan, you've arrived. I'm so sorry for not welcoming you sooner."
Yan Dan stepped forward, took his arm, and said with a smile, "Brother Heng, there's no need for such formality."
He looked Zhao Heng up and down, patted the latter on the shoulder, and said with the satisfaction of an elder brother, "Hmm, you look good."
It seems she's fully recovered.
Zhao Heng smiled and stepped aside to lead the way: "Brother Dan, please."
The two entered side by side, with Yan Dan's attendant following behind carrying a gift box. Passing through the gatehouse and walking along the corridor, Yan Dan politely admired the scenery along the way while smiling and saying, "I was quite surprised when Brother Heng sent an invitation through his retainer last time."
"Brother Dan, what makes you say that?"
Yan Dan then chuckled softly, "To be honest, Brother Heng, after we parted ways at Weifeng Lane last time, I've been thinking of finding an opportunity to meet you again. But I was also quite hesitant, fearing that our association might bring you trouble. Who would have thought that Brother Heng would suddenly invite me to your esteemed residence as if he knew exactly what I was thinking? How could I not be surprised?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Heng couldn't help but chuckle and shook his head, saying, "Brother Dan, you speak as if our friendship is something shameful. Besides, times have changed. The Yan delegation has just returned from congratulating His Majesty on his birthday. Now that our two countries have made peace, there's no need for us to be so discreet when we visit each other."
Yan Dan nodded, looking at him with a half-smile: "So, does that mean I can openly come to you for tea from now on?"
Zhao Heng smiled and said, "I'll be waiting anytime."
The former laughed heartily and pretended to urge, "Hurry up, hurry up, I want to see what kind of music you're talking about."
"I've only learned a few things haphazardly, and they're not up to par. But don't underestimate my musician, Brother Dan, because of her young age; she's a true master."
As they spoke, the two arrived at a side hall.
This is the usual reception area of Lord Chunping's residence. It's not very large, but the furnishings are elegant. In the center is a lacquered table with several plates of snacks on it. Against the wall is a zither table, and bamboo blinds hang by the window, softening the sunlight.
The servants brought tea and then bowed and withdrew.
Yan Dan's two attendants placed the gift box on the table and then stepped back to either side of the doorway, standing with their hands at their sides. However, their positions were just right, allowing them a full view of the hall without disturbing the conversation between the host and guests.
Yan Dan sat down at the table, picked up her teacup, took a sip, looked around, and said, "Your residence is quite elegant."
.
Zhao Heng sat down opposite him and said, "It's not as lively as the hostage house."
Yan Dan waved his hand: "What's so lively about the hostage house? My retainers are always either practicing martial arts or drinking and boasting. I find it noisy to stay there, but it's too lonely if I don't."
As he spoke, he seemed to remember something, put down his teacup, and looked at Zhao Heng: "Speaking of which, Brother Heng, is your teacher at your residence today?"
Zhao Heng was slightly taken aback, then said, "My master? Brother Dan, you mean—"
Yan Dan nodded: "That's right. Last time you told me that you would introduce me to your teacher if you had the chance. I kept that in mind and have always wanted to meet this esteemed person." He smiled and said, "I came here today hoping that if I could meet him, it would be a worthwhile trip."
Zhao Heng looked apologetic and said, "This is really unfortunate. My teacher—has been away from the residence for some time now."
Yan Dan raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Where did you go?"
Zhao shook his head: "I don't know either. He only said he went out to visit friends and his return date is uncertain. I've been waiting for him to come back these past few days. If Brother Dan wants to see him, I will inform him when he returns home."
Yan Dan waved his hand and said with a smile, "It's alright, it's alright. Since I'm visiting a friend, I must have important business to attend to. We can meet again when we have the chance."
Zhao Heng smiled and agreed, then said, "I almost forgot the important matter. Come, come, I recently learned a new piece of music and feel that I have made some progress. I was just about to ask Brother Dan for his opinion."
As he spoke, he called out towards the door, "Please invite Miss Snow Maiden here."
A short while later, the door was gently pushed open.
A young girl dressed in a light blue dress, carrying a jade flute, slowly entered.
Her hair was extremely white, tied back with a matching ribbon, revealing her smooth forehead and slender neck. She walked to the side of the table, bowed slightly to Zhao Heng, then curtsied to Yan Dan, before sitting down at the prepared table.
When Yan Dan saw her white hair, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself and simply nodded slightly in greeting.
Zhao Heng stood up and sat down at the zither table by the wall. He placed his hands on the strings but did not immediately play. Instead, he looked at Xue Nu as if waiting for something.
The Snow Maiden understood and held the jade flute to her lips.
Zhao then placed his fingers, and the zither music began slowly. His playing wasn't entirely skillful, and his fingering was occasionally a little awkward, but the melody was handled quite well. The Snow Maiden's flute music entered at the right time, clear and melodious, intertwining with the zither music.
The melody was ethereal, like a secluded valley in the mountains, quiet and desolate. The zither's sound was slightly deep, while the flute's sound was slightly high; their voices sang in harmony, creating a sense of tacit understanding.
Yan Dan was initially observing the two, but he was quickly drawn in by the sound of the xiao (vertical flute) and closed his eyes. He could tell that Zhao's qin (a seven-stringed zither) skills were indeed only at a beginner level, and the awkwardness in his fingering was undeniable. However, the xiao music was extremely skillful, completely covering up the shortcomings of the qin music, making the whole piece sound seamless.
As the music ended, its lingering notes echoed. Zhao Heng placed his hands on the strings to stop the aftershocks, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. He looked at Xue Nu and nodded, seemingly in gratitude.
The snow woman lowered her eyes and did not look at him.
Yan Dan opened her eyes, remained silent for a moment, and sighed, "A beautiful piece of music. But—it's too melancholic."
He looked at Zhao Heng and smiled, "Brother Heng's zither skills are indeed those of a beginner. However, that young lady's flute playing is quite remarkable."
Zhao Heng smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said, "Brother Dan, please forgive my poor skills. I've only been learning for a few days, and I'm still quite rusty. It was only with Miss Xue Nu's guidance today that I could barely keep up."
Yan Dan waved his hand, "To play like this is already quite remarkable. With more practice, you'll surely improve." He then looked at Xue Nu, "Miss, who is your teacher for your flute playing?"
The Snow Woman then said softly, "When I was young, I learned from an elder for a few years, and later I figured it out on my own."
Yan Dan nodded without asking any further questions, but he did match the Snow Maiden with the information he had previously gathered.
Zhao Heng, looking quite enthusiastic, took the opportunity to play a few more pieces with Xue Nu, and then played two solo pieces himself.
Although it wasn't perfect, it made Yan Dan quite happy, so much so that she pretended to accompany Zhao Heng with chopsticks, tapping the edge of the teacup, making a tinkling sound that actually had a certain rhythm.
So Xue Nu sat down on a mat in the corner and watched Zhao Heng and Yan Dan play around, remaining silent.
After a while, Zhao Heng looked rather tired. He beckoned Xue Nu to play a solo, then returned to his seat at the table, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. Yan Dan also picked up his teacup and began chatting with Zhao Heng.
When Yan Dan inquired about Lord Pingyuan's birthday banquet, Zhao Heng said he had just received an invitation the day before and would certainly attend. Yan Dan then smiled and said that he had also received an invitation and could go along.
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door. Immediately afterwards, the door to the side hall was gently pushed open, and a servant strode in, walked straight to Zhao Heng's side, and whispered a few words in his ear.
Yan Dan's smile remained unchanged as he raised his cup to enjoy the music, but his eyes kept glancing at Zhao Heng out of the corner of his eye.
Zhao Heng initially appeared calm, but then his brow twitched slightly, and he blurted out, "General Li Mu?"
The servant nodded, whispered a few words, and then bowed and withdrew.
Zhao Heng remained seated, a hint of surprise still on his face. He then realized something, looked at Yan Dan, and showed an apologetic expression.
Yan Dan remained calm and simply smiled, "General Li Mu? Is that the Li Mu who guards Dai County and Yanmen?"
'
Zhao Heng nodded, stood up and said, "That's right. General Li is an old acquaintance of my father, and we've met twice before. But today's visit is truly unexpected." He cupped his hands in greeting to Yan Dan, "Brother Dan, please forgive me. I'll be right back. Please wait a moment."
Yan Dan waved his hand: "It's alright, it's alright, Brother Heng, you can go ahead. I'll stay here and have some tea, it'll be good for me to rest."
Zhao Heng then said to the Snow Maiden in the corner, "Miss Snow Maiden, please stay here and keep the guests company. I will return shortly."
The snow woman nodded in agreement.
Zhao Heng pushed open the door and left in a hurry. As soon as he left, Xue Nu became somewhat reserved. She sat in the corner, holding her jade flute, her eyes lowered and silent, like a quiet daffodil.
Fortunately, Yan Dan was understanding of the young girl. He put down his teacup and simply told her to take her seat and rest, without needing to stand on ceremony.
The snow woman shook her head and remained seated.
Yan Dan didn't insist. He picked up his teacup and took another sip. His gaze swept across the hall, landing on the two attendants, but only briefly.
A few birdsongs occasionally drifted in from outside the window.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Yan Dan suddenly frowned. He put down his teacup, looked around, and a hint of unease appeared on his face. After a moment, he looked at Xue Nu and asked, "Miss, may I ask—where is the outhouse?"
He hesitated for a moment, seemingly embarrassed to speak: "I drank a few too many cups earlier, and I'm a little—"
The words were not finished, but the meaning was clear.
The Snow Maiden paused for a moment, then stood up and hurriedly said, "Honored guest, please follow me."
Yan Dan instinctively offered to decline, but then realized it wasn't appropriate. So she quickly thanked her, got up, and followed her out of the side hall.
As he passed through the doorway, the eyes of his two attendants flickered slightly. One of them lifted his foot slightly, as if to follow.
Yan Dan didn't turn her head, she just waved her hand.
The attendant stopped and stood with his hands at his sides again.
Zhao Heng specially hosted a banquet for Yan Dan to enjoy music today, and apart from the necessary attendants, there was almost no one else around.
The Snow Maiden led him through the corridor and towards the east. Sunlight slanted in, casting their shadows on the blue brick floor. Yan Dan followed behind her, his gaze frequently sweeping around.
After passing through two moon gates, a fork in the road appeared before her. The Snow Woman stopped, looked left and right, and hesitated.
She turned to look at Yan Dan, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "This—I haven't been in the manor for long, and I'm not very familiar with the layout of the front yard. It seems—I've gone to the wrong place."
Yan Dan's heart skipped a beat, but she simply smiled gently and said, "It's alright, we can take our time searching."
The Snow Woman bit her lower lip and said, "Honored guest, please wait here for a moment. I will go and find a servant to ask for directions." After saying that, she quickly walked back the way she came and soon disappeared at the end of the corridor.
After she left, Yan Dan glanced around. This was already within the East Courtyard. To the left of the fork in the road ahead was a hanging flower gate, its door ajar. Faint voices could be heard from inside the hall, some distance away, and were not clearly audible, but they vaguely sounded like Zhao Heng's voice.
His mind raced with thoughts.
After a moment, he observed his surroundings and, confirming that no one was around, began to walk slowly and deliberately towards the gate. He stopped near the hanging flower gate and approached from the side.
Then a deep, resonant voice of a middle-aged man could be faintly heard. The voice was not loud, but Yan Dan held her breath and listened carefully, and could still make out some of it.
"—This time, I am going beyond the Great Wall on the orders of the King. It will take at least two or three months, and at most half a year. After your reminder, my doubts have been cleared up. Therefore, I have come to bid farewell to my wife before I leave, and I would like to bring you a few military books as a parting gift."
Madam Han's voice came through: "General, you are too kind. The border situation is dangerous, please take care."
Li Mu smiled and said, "The Xiongnu have suffered a white calamity this time and are in a weakened state. In the past two years, the Xiongnu have repeatedly succeeded in their incursions, and I fear they will risk a southward invasion this spring as well. Your Majesty has ordered me to launch a large-scale expedition beyond the border to wipe out their stronghold, which is the perfect opportunity to avenge our past humiliations. My lady need not worry."
At this moment, Zhao Heng said, "General, you will surely succeed on your journey."
Yan Dan held her breath, taking in every single word.
It was no secret that Li Mu wanted to return to Dai County. Two years ago, the Xiongnu had caused trouble, and even the Yan state knew that King Zhao would reinstate Li Mu sooner or later.
The key point is that they should take advantage of the Xiongnu's period of decline and launch a large-scale invasion to wipe out the Xiongnu!
This news had profound implications for the State of Yan.
Yan Dan was naturally familiar with Li Mu's name. This man had guarded Dai Commandery and Yanmen Pass for several years, and the Xiongnu dared not invade the border. He was truly the pillar of Zhao's northern frontier.
Later, he was recalled by the King of Zhao, and the Xiongnu returned to the fray, repeatedly raiding the border. Now, the King of Zhao is sending him back to Dai County and launching a major offensive beyond the border, which shows the importance Zhao attaches to the northern frontier and that the Xiongnu are indeed weak, presenting an opportune moment for military action.
But this is also an opportunity for the State of Yan.
If Li Mu leads the main force of the Zhao army north beyond the Great Wall, then the Zhao state's southern and eastern fronts will inevitably be sparsely defended. Especially along the border with the Yan state, how many troops could possibly be stationed there?
If Li Fu were to attack Zhao at this time, he would be facing a Zhao state with depleted military strength.
The odds of winning have undoubtedly increased significantly.
Yan Dan's heart pounded, but her face remained calm.
He was about to listen again when he suddenly heard footsteps in the distance. He quickly took a few steps back and walked back the way he had come. When he saw the Snow Woman in the distance, he leaned against a pillar and made a pained expression on his face.
The Snow Woman arrived hurriedly with a servant. Seeing his appearance, she quickly stepped forward and asked anxiously, "Is our honored guest unwell?"
Yan Dan forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, it's nothing. I just had a stomachache and couldn't stand up, so I leaned against this spot for a bit."
Xue Nu's face showed panic, and she hurriedly asked her servant to lead the way. The servant obeyed and stepped forward, heading towards another path. Xue Nu followed behind. Yan Dan followed the servant, and before leaving, he glanced discreetly at the hanging flower gate.
Yan Dan deliberately lingered in the outhouse for a long time. When he returned, Zhao Heng had also returned, holding a teacup in his hand, but he did not drink it. He just stared at the tea in the cup, looking thoughtful.
Yan Dan's two attendants were still standing beside his desk. Zhao Heng was turning his head to ask them something, his voice low and indistinct.
Yan Dan's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly pretended to be slightly weak and went inside.
Upon seeing Yan Dan enter, the two attendants quickly bowed and stepped back. Zhao Heng looked up, saw Yan Dan, immediately put down his teacup, and rose to greet him, his face filled with concern: "Brother Dan, are you feeling better? I just heard from Miss Xue Nu that you had a stomachache, and I was worried. Should we call a doctor to take a look?"
Yan Dan waved his hand, signaling the two attendants to sit down again. He then sat down in his original seat and said with a smile, "It's nothing, it's nothing. I was just feeling unwell because I drank too much yesterday and had a few extra cups of tea today. I feel much better now after using the restroom."
He sat down in his original seat, picked up his teacup, and took a sip. The tea had already cooled down a bit, but he didn't mind. After finishing the cup, he poured more tea himself.
Zhao Heng also sat down, his worried expression easing slightly, but he still said, "Brother Dan, if you are still not feeling well, please don't push yourself."
I have a physician at home, who can be summoned at any time.
Yan Dan shook her head: "It's really alright. Brother Heng, you don't need to worry."
The two drank tea again. Yan Dan put down his teacup, thought for a moment, and then casually said, "Just now, I was led astray by Miss Xue Nu and stumbled upon the east side. I vaguely heard people talking. I wonder if it was General Li? I've long admired him. Could you tell me, Brother Heng, what brings General Li to our residence today?"
Zhao Heng smiled and said, "General Li is returning to Dai County. He came to visit my mother before leaving and brought me a few military books."
Upon hearing this, Yan Dan's gaze flickered slightly, then he asked casually, "General Li, are you going beyond the Great Wall?"
Zhao Heng glanced at him, seemingly surprised that he was asking so many questions, but then simply shook his head: "I am not very clear about these important military and national affairs. General Li is an important general of the country, so he would not mention them to a mere child like me."
As he spoke, he picked up his teacup and changed the subject, saying, "Brother Dan just said that piece was too melancholic. I have another piece that's a bit more lively. Would you like to hear it, Brother Dan?"
Yan Dan knew he was unwilling to talk more, and snorted inwardly, but just smiled and said, "Oh? Brother Heng has some secrets?"
Play it quickly!
Zhao Heng then looked at the Snow Maiden in the corner. The Snow Maiden understood and held her jade flute to her lips. Zhao Heng placed his fingers on the zither, this time playing "Gathering Ferns." The melody was soothing and cheerful, quite different from the "Orchid in the Valley" he had just played.
Yan Dan listened with a smile, nodding in approval from time to time, but her gaze occasionally drifted to the window, lost in thought.
The two chatted for a while longer, until noon. Zhao Heng invited Yan Dan to stay for lunch, and after some initial refusals, Yan Dan accepted. Zhao Heng had a table set up in a small hall outside the study, and the two sat facing each other and drank.
The dishes served were simple, but exquisite and delicious. After learning that Yan Dan could drink, Zhao Heng personally poured wine from the pot, and even drank half a cup with Yan Dan. After that, he waved his hand repeatedly and only drank water.
Yan Dan had a good tolerance for alcohol; after a few drinks, his complexion remained normal, though he talked more than during the day.
When asked about his future plans, Zhao Heng only said that he would study and practice martial arts until his father returned to the country.
Yan Dan sighed and said, "Your father was a hostage in Qin, which was not easy for him. But you are here in Handan, with a mother and a teacher, which is better than my situation."
Zhao Heng said, "Brother Dan, there is no need to be discouraged. Once the peace between Yan and Zhao has been restored, the day when you return to your country will not be far off."
""
Yan Dan smiled but didn't reply. He picked up his wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, but his mind was on something else entirely.
The day I return home is indeed not far off.
After the banquet, Zhao Heng led Yan Dan to the martial arts training ground, where he watched the latter demonstrate his martial arts skills and praised him highly.
Having enjoyed himself to the fullest, Yan Dan took his leave, and Zhao Heng personally escorted him to the gate.
Yan Dan boarded the carriage, lifted the curtain, and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Brother Heng, I'm sorry to have bothered you today. If you have time another day, please come and visit my hostage residence."
Zhao Heng smiled and said, "Of course, of course. Take care, Brother Dan."
The carriage started and drove into the alley. The wheels rumbled, disappearing into the distance. Zhao Heng stood before the mansion gate, watching the carriage vanish at the alley's entrance, the smile slowly fading from his face.
He turned and went inside, crossed the front yard, and returned to the music room.
The Snow Maiden sat at the table, holding a jade flute, her cheek propped up in her hand, lost in thought. Hearing the door open, she looked up at him.
Zhao Heng sat down opposite her and said, "Thank you for today's matter."
The Snow Maiden almost laughed, but ultimately only whispered, "What the young master ordered, the Snow Maiden will do her best to fulfill." She paused, then asked, "That guest—did he hear that?"
Zhao Heng nodded: "I heard you."
The Snow Woman pursed her lips and didn't ask any more questions.
Zhao Heng got up, walked to the window, and pushed it open halfway. The afternoon sunlight slanted in and fell on him. Outside the window, the bamboo shadows swayed and rustled.
He gazed at the bamboo shadows without saying a word.
>