Rebirth of a Star General 120
Drunkenness
While He Yan and Chu Zilan exchanged words, they didn’t notice Xiao Jue and Lin Shuanghe standing behind a tree nearby.
Lin Shuanghe watched and wondered aloud, “From the looks of it, it seems Little Miss He is acquainted with Chu Zilan? Then how come she told me she didn’t know him when I asked yesterday?”
“You asked her?”
“That’s right. I even asked who she’d stand by if a conflict arose between you and Chu Zilan.” Lin Shuanghe swayed his fan and smiled. “Do you want to know how she replied?”
Xiao Jue: “I don’t.”
“Why are you like this?” Lin Shuanghe chided. “I’ll tell you anyway. Little Miss He didn’t even need to think about it before saying she didn’t know Chu Zilan and would naturally stand by your side. However…” He glanced at the distant conversing pair, “…She clearly knows him. Why did she say she didn’t?”
Xiao Jue sneered. “Why would you believe the words of a liar?”
“A liar?” Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue. “How did she lie to you? Could it be…” As if he thought of something, he lowered his voice and exclaimed in surprise, “She’s with Chu Zilan? She’s one of Xu Jingfu’s people?”
Xiao Jue no longer bothered to pay him any attention.
As they spoke, the charming maid named Ying Xiang turned her head and happened to see them. She immediately called out from the distance, “Chief Commander Xiao, Young Master Lin.”
Now, even if they wanted to hide they weren’t able to. Lin Shuanghe stepped out and nodded at them reservedly. “Fourth Young Master Chu, Brother He.”
He Yan asked, “Are you out to bask in the sun too?”
“We were just taking a walk.” Lin Shuanghe held his fan as his eyes travelled back and forth between He Yan and Chu Zhao. He tentatively asked, “Does Brother He and Fourth Young Master Chu know each other?”
He Yan answered, “We happened to have met each other once. I only just knew from our encounter here at the Liangzhou Guard that he’s Fourth Young Master Chu. I’m also very surprised.”
“How did you two meet? Why not recount it for us?” Lin Shuanghe suggested mercilessly.
Chu Zhao smiled faintly as he stood unmovingly, appearing to have no intention of taking the initiative to explain. Xiao Jue’s expression was as tranquil as ever, yet it still made He Yan feel cold. Song Taotao’s curiosity, on the other hand, had been aroused, hence she followed up with, “He’s right, he’s right – how did you two meet?”
“Um,” He Yan had no choice but to brace herself and explain, “Back when I was at Shuojing, I once went gambling at the Le Tong Gambling House at night and won quite a lot of money, hence I was chased and inadvertently met Fourth Young Master Chu. He picked up the silver taels that fell from my pocket and handed them back to me. At that time, I didn’t know his identity, so I left after a hurried word of gratitude.”
“The Le Tong Gambling House?” Song Taotao was taken aback. “Big Brother He, you gamble?”
“Didn’t you say your father disciplined you very strictly and would always keep you inside?” Lin Shuanghe couldn’t help but ask.
He Yan raised her head and met Xiao Jue’s spurious smile. For some reason, her scalp numbed and she took a step back. “At that time, I also had no choice… I only went once! After that, I never went back!”
Both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue knew she was a lady. It would shock the entire Capital if it was circulated that a woman gambled alone in the nighttime. Gambling itself wasn’t a good thing either, so it was truly shameful to admit it before a large group of people with such high status.
“I never expected Brother He to come to the Liangzhou Guard after,” Chu Zhao said with a vague smile, “You and I have been brought together by fate. I still remember how Brother He defeated those thugs with your formidable fighting skills.”
“Are you that strong?” Lin Shuanghe asked He Yan.
He Yan smiled perfunctorily. “It was just a fluke.”
“I must make a few toasts with Brother He at tonight’s celebration banquet,” Chu Zhao said. “That way we won’t waste our fated encounter.”
He Yan: “T-thank you, Fourth Young Master Chu.”
She thought, isn’t this Chu Zhao too easy-going? No matter what, as Shi Jinbo’s son and Xu Jingfu’s prided student, it was difficult to justify his patience and warmth towards a new recruit like her. There wasn’t much to say so far about her qualities – not to mention, he didn’t even know whether she was a good or bad person.
“Ying Xiang,” Chu Zhao glanced at Song Taotao and smiled, “You may give this young lady the golden cake rolls. I’m unable to finish this much.”
Song Taotao was overwhelmed by this favour. “F-for me?”
“That’s right,” he answered warmly, “If you like them, I can order the chef to make them for you every day.”
“But, Young Master,” Ying Xiang hesitantly spoke up, “The chef was specially brought here for you.”
“I don’t pay particular attention to food,” Chu Zhao responded. “There’s no need to make such foods like this every day.”
“Then…” Song Taotao wavered for a moment before looking at him. “Many thanks, Fourth Young Master Chu.”
“You’re welcome.”
He Yan watched. No wonder Chu Zilan was able to surpass the predecessor and rank first among Lin Shuanghe’s so-called dream men of the Capital. With his appearance, and how gentle and considerate he was towards women, he must be loved by both the young and elderly.
Ying Xiang handed the plate of golden cake rolls to Song Taotao. Chu Zhao looked at Xiao Jue. “Where is Commander Xiao preparing to go now?”
“The training field.” Xiao Jue raised a corner of his lips. “Does Fourth Young Master Chu want to come along as well?”
“There’s no need,” Chu Zhao replied smilingly, “I’ll just return to my room and read.”
Lin Shuanghe cupped his hands towards Chu Zhao. “Then we’ll meet tonight.” When he straightened his back again, he looked at He Yan. “Brother He, what do you plan on doing?”
“Me?” He Yan didn’t dare stay too long with Chu Zhao; after all, he was Xu Jingfu’s student – who knew if he was a friend or foe? “The weather is nice today, so I want to walk around the yard a little while the sun’s still shining. That way I’ll recover a little faster.”
“That sounds good.” Lin Shuanghe instructed her, “Just don’t move around too strenuously.”
He Yan nodded.
Thus, they all went their own way.
Because Chu Zhao was also staying nearby, He Yan refrained from staying out too long, even if she wanted to ask Chu Zhao more about Shuojing. Since she knew about the tension between Xiao Jue and Chu Zhao, she understood this wasn’t the time for asking questions.
While she was in the yard, she’d put down her stick and walk around without it, then stop when she felt tired. After, she returned to her room to sleep and read novels. In a blink of an eye, it was nightfall.
Cheng Lisu knocked on the door early. “Brother!”
He Yan went to open the door for him.
Cheng Lisu had changed into a brand-new amber robe with, like always, a school of black-tailed koi embroidered on the corner. In high spirits, he grabbed He Yan’s hands. “I was afraid you were asleep, so I didn’t want to come too early. Does my new robe look good?”
He Yan: “Can I ask you a question?”
“What is it?”
“How come on every piece of clothing you have, there are koi embroidered on them?”
Back when they were in Liangzhou City, every robe Cheng Lisu gave her had koi embroidered on the corners. He Yan had always wanted to ask why – did it, perhaps, hold some special meaning to him?
“Ah, you didn’t know.” Cheng Lisu turned his back. “My father fell in love at first sight with my mother. However, her family had already found a match for her; moreover, he was two years younger than her. Hence, my father bribed their residence chef and sent a koi to the kitchen where my mother’s meals were made. When the chef butchered the koi, he found a letter. My mother was moved by the letter and, later, persuaded my maternal grandmother to have her marry my father.”
Usually, Cheng Lisu had a hard time reciting poems, but this time, it seemed the words were learnt by heart. The words flowed fluently from his tongue, “A visitor came from afar, leaving me a pair of koi1; I called my son to cook the koi2, and inside was a foot-long silk letter. I knelt long to read the letter, what was written within for me? In the beginning, were words of love’s longing; in the end, was hope I was eating enough.” Pleased with himself, he said, “My name was derived from this poem3.”
He Yan was stunned. “How interesting!”
“That’s right.” Cheng Lisu turned back around and fully displayed the koi embroidery on his robe. “That’s why most of my clothing and headpieces have koi designs. After all, koi was my parents’ matchmaker. Wearing it symbolises their love for me!”
At this moment, He Yan felt a genuine surge of envy at Cheng Lisu. “Your parents are so nice.”
“Of course,” Cheng Lisu said casually before looking at He Yan. “Brother, won’t you be wearing something else for the celebration banquet tonight?”
He Yan lowered her head and looked down at herself. “Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing? Isn’t everyone else wearing the same thing?”
She was still wearing the standard uniform for the Liangzhou Guard’s new recruits; it was even in festive red.
“But you’re the one who accomplished great merit by defeating Ridamuzy. Isn’t this too ordinary?”
“I don’t have any other clothes anyway,” He Yan said. “This is fine. Let’s go. The instructors must be getting impatient.”
Cheng Lisu shrugged and didn’t push her; instead, he helped her close the door. The two walked into the wilderness under Baiyue Mountain.
Tonight was the celebration banquet to praise how the Liangzhou Guard’s new recruits annihilated Ridamuzy’s rebel army. There was no snowfall, yet the air still felt colder than before.
In the wilderness burnt several raging bonfires. The new recruits were sitting on the ground drinking alcohol and eating meat.
Even so, they appeared bleaker compared to when they celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival. After all, their comrades had just died, so their lingering fear of war had yet to pass. This celebration… was, indeed, slightly forced.
The rewards had already been distributed to the instructors. Xiao Jue was extremely generous – all the loot had been distributed to the soldiers whilst he himself didn’t keep any rewards from His Majesty.
When they arrived, Cheng Lisu headed for Xiao Jue while He Yan headed for Hong Shan and the others. Since she couldn’t participate in the training field during her recovery period, she’d barely seen them recently.
When Xiao Mai saw her, he shouted, “Brother A-He, you came!”
He Yan sat beside him.
“How’s it been?” Hong Shan handed her a piece of roasted rabbit. “Is your body feeling better? I don’t see you using a stick anymore – you can walk now?”
He Yan accepted the rabbit meat, which had been roasted until the skin was oozing with grease. During the winter, all the wild animals were in hibernation, so even rabbits were hard to catch. Just smelling it intensified her craving. She took a bite and, in-between chews, responded, “It’s been okay. I’ll be able to fight alongside you guys in another two months.”
“Forget about it,” Wang Ba said in detest. “When have you ever not enjoyed the limelight? I heard that for your distribution of the reward, on top of everything else you also received ten silver taels.” With extreme envy, he shouted, “You’re rich!”
“Brother He almost lost his life – what’re ten silver taels worth? They should reward him more,” Jiang Jiao said. “It’s just, I expected Brother He to advance, but you didn’t.”
Speaking of this, He Yan felt extremely angry. Logically speaking, she’d accomplished great merit and helped the Liangzhou Guard. No matter what, she shouldn’t just be a minor soldier anymore. Even if she couldn’t advance, she should be able to join the Nine Banners Battalion; even if she couldn’t join the Nine Banners Battalion, she should be able to join the vanguard battalion. However, although she’d received more rewards compared to the other new recruits, there wasn’t even a shadow of promotion.
Was it truly this difficult to be promoted under Xiao Jue’s command?
“Stop talking, if you keep talking Brother He’s gonna get pissed off.” Huang Xiong noticed He Yan’s unhappiness and just said, “You’ve already convinced everyone at the Liangzhou Guard of your abilities. Even if it isn’t now, sooner or later, you’ll be promoted. There’s no need to feel anxious.”
Against her conscience, He Yan responded, “I’m not feeling anxious.”
No, she just tossed and turned at night, wanting nothing more than to rush into the adjacent room and grab Xiao Jue to ask why.
Although it was the celebration banquet, Xiao Jue wasn’t there; the rewards had already been distributed to everyone, so tonight was just a gathering between the new recruits. The soldiers of the Liangzhou Guard sat near Baiyue Mountain whilst the soldiers of the Southern Army sat near the Wulu River, each minding their own business.
Shi Tou4 poured a bowl of alcohol for He Yan. “Drink up.”
He Yan stared at the alcohol in the bowl. “I’m still recovering from an injury, so I can’t drink this much.”
“You’re right – I almost forgot.” Hongshan took the bowl away. “Then instead of alcohol, just drink water.”
He Yan responded, “Alright.”
She sat there for a little longer before someone from behind called out, “Brother He.”
He Yan looked back and was taken aback – it was Chu Zhao.
Beside Chu Zhao was the fairy-like maid, Ying Xiang. Very rarely would such a beautiful woman appear at the Liangzhou Guard; for a moment, Hongshan and the others were stunned. Wang Ba whispered, “How does this brat have such good luck with women?”
Although he thought he was whispering, in truth, everyone at the scene heard him. Ying Xiang couldn’t help but smile; Chu Zhao, too, raised a corner of his lips. “Brother He, I did say I must have a few toasts with you tonight.”
Ying Xiang added, “Before our Young Master came, he specially prepared some Chang’an Chun. Young Master He, please have a drink together.”
She’d just finished speaking before a gulp loudly resounded from Wang Ba.
He Yan: “…” This situation was a little difficult for her. If he knew she and Chu Zhao drank together, would Xiao Jue think they were together?
That’d be like a snowstorm in June5.
As if sensing the awkwardness, Chu Zhao smiled faintly. “Just one cup. If it’s not convenient for Brother He, we can drop this matter .”
He Yan had always been the type of person to yield to soft approaches. Seeing such an immortal-like young master who tried to reach a compromise with such gentleness, yet also knew when to retreat, she felt a little apologetic. She wasn’t anyone important, yet she was still invited by him. Just one cup of alcohol – she can treat this as returning the favour for the silver taels.
Hence, He Yan agreed. “There’s nothing inconvenient with one cup of alcohol.”
“Then, Young Master He, please follow this servant,” Ying Xiang said smilingly before turning around.
He Yan thought when Chu Zhao said he wanted to have a drink with her, it’d be in the wilderness with the other new recruits – who would’ve thought she’d be brought to his room?
She was unsure whether Xiao Jue was using his position to get back at Chu Zhao or not. His room couldn’t be considered luxurious; in fact, it couldn’t even compare to Cheng Lisu’s. It was barely better than the new recruits’ living quarters
6. The yard was quite big though. On a stone bench was a jug of alcohol and a plate of dried fruits.
“I wasn’t sure what Young Master He likes to eat, so I randomly made some side dishes,” Ying Xiang said abashedly. “If it doesn’t suit your palate, I hope Young Master He will pardon me.”
“There’s no need to be so courteous – they already look very good.” He Yan felt overwhelmed by such an unexpected favour. At the Liangzhou Guard, she was just a new recruit, so this was the first time she’d been treated as someone with status. However, He Yan also felt suspicious – why was Chu Zhao treating her so well? There was no need to be so gracious towards a new recruit.
While she pondered, Ying Xiang had already lifted the white-jade alcohol jug and poured the liquor into two jade cups. With a smile, she said, “I previously overheard Young Master Lin say Young Master He is currently recuperating from an injury, hence I assume it’s inconvenient to consume alcohol right now. This Chang’an Chun is warm and gentle with a sweet taste. It should be fine for Young Master He to drink a little bit.”
He Yan smiled. “Miss Ying Xiang is very thoughtful.”
Ying Xiang pursed her lips into a smile. She placed back the alcohol jug before standing back behind Chu Zhao.
“The last time I saw Brother He at Shuojing, things happened too hastily, so we never had the chance to know each other properly,” Chu Zhao said with a faint smile. “Since we encountered each other once again at the Liangzhou Guard, that means our fates are quite closely intertwined. This calls for a toast.” He lifted his cup and, while facing He Yan, downed the liquor.
He Yan followed his lead and lifted her cup. She thought, during the Mid-Autumn Festival last time, I got drunk and fought Xiao Jue, even crushing his qin. I must not commit the same mistake tonight. But this isn’t a strong alcoholic drink, so it shouldn’t affect me that heavily; moreover, I’m not drinking that much, so nothing should happen.
When she raised her head, all the alcohol poured down her throat.
He Yan was taken aback.
Chu Zhao was also taken aback.
A while passed before Chu Zhao smilingly said, “Brother He is, indeed, forthright.”
He Yan: “…”
It’d become a habit to down her drink. She kept telling herself to sip it gradually, but her hand subconsciously reacted otherwise. By the time she came back to her senses, her intestines were already burning in regret – she truly wanted to scold herself: Why can’t you control your own hand?
However… He Yan praised, “Such fragrance!”
Ying Xiang giggled. “This Chang’an Chun isn’t something you can drink every day. The last jug left this year from the Chu Residence is right here.”
“It’s that precious?” Shocked, He Yan pushed back her cup. She didn’t dare drink anymore.
“The liquor may be precious, but not as much as you, Brother He.” Chu Zhao smiled. He stretched out a hand and lifted the alcohol jug to refill He Yan’s empty cup. “Once the Chang’an Chun is gone, there’s still the Eighteen Xian. Once a like-minded friend is gone, it isn’t very easy to find another.”
He Yan: “…”
She said, “Brother Chu, do you know you’re ranked first as the Capital ladies’ dream man?”
Chu Zhao was taken aback.
“Now I think perhaps you’re also the men’s dream man.” It was dangerous for any man to be around him if he treated them with such gentleness and generosity.
Silence engulfed the yard.
After a moment, Chu Zhao laughed without restraint and shook his head. “Brother He, you’re very interesting.”
“What I said was the truth,” He Yan said sincerely.
“Then, Brother He, you flatter me.” He waved his hand. “I don’t dare accept the first place.”
The Chang’an Chun had a cool and gentle fragrance, unlike the Eighteen Xian’s heavy aroma; however, it wasn’t weak. He Yan could feel herself floating slightly. Seeing the soft and beautiful smile on the other’s face, she lifted her cup and said, “Brother Chu deserves it. I toast to you!”
Once again, the cup was downed.
…..
On another side, Lin Shuanghe was walking around trying to find He Yan.
“Have you seen He Yan?” He asked.
Since the roasted meat here was all finished, Xiao Mai stole two pieces from a nearby bonfire. Hearing the question, he turned around and replied, “Are you trying to find Brother A-he? He was taken away by that Capital’s Fourth Young Master Chu.”
“Chu Zhao?” Lin Shuanghe asked strangely. “Why did he take away Brother He?”
“To drink.” Xiao Mai scratched his head. “He invited Brother A-he to taste his Chang’an Chun.”
Receiving this piece of information, Lin Shuanghe rushed back hastily to Xiao Jue’s room. The door wasn’t closed, so he just pushed it open.
Xiao Jue was sitting at the table wiping his sword.
Yinqiu wasn’t an ordinary sword – it had to be cleaned and wiped down every day to maintain its glittering translucence. Lin Shuanghe asked, “Do you know where He Yan went?”
Xiao Jue ignored him.
“Chu Zhao took her away for a drink!”
Xiao Jue raised his eyes. “So?”
“Don’t you feel anxious?” Lin Shuanghe struck his fan against the table. “It’s Chu Zhao we’re talking about!”
“Move,” Xiao Jue said, displeased, “You’re blocking the light.”
Lin Shuanghe turned his body. “Stop wiping. Chu Zhao is one of Xu Jingfu’s people – if he intends to solicit He Yan into joining them, what will you do? I heard that, with He Yan’s capabilities, she’s one of the best at the Liangzhou Guard. It’ll be extremely troublesome if such a talent falls into Xu Jingfu’s hands!”
Seeing how Xiao Jue’s expression never changed, he circled to the other side. “How can you let your woman drink with another man?”
As soon as these words left his mouth, Xiao Jue’s movements paused. He raised his head and glanced at Lin Shuanghe with an indifferent expression. “Who told you she was mine?”
“Don’t try to hide it.” Lin Shuanghe clearly didn’t believe him. “If she isn’t yours, would you have let her live beside you with just a divider door in between, and even let her pick the lock? How did I never discover you liked to fool around like this? Is it interesting?”
Xiao Jue: “…If there’s nothing else, then scram. Don’t annoy me.”
“Xiao Huajin, if you continue acting fierce like this, you’ll never compare to Chu Zilan.”
As he spoke, they heard a rustling noise from the divider door, sounding like a mouse shuttling through junk. The two looked over. Protruding from the door’s ‘一’ shaped keyhole was a silver wire. It staggered crookedly for a bit before it accurately unlocked the padlock.
With a ‘pa-da’, the lock fell to the ground and the door opened.
Lin Shuanghe clapped his hands. “Amazing technique!” Then, he side-eyed Xiao Jue. “And you still say she isn’t your woman!”
Xiao Jue was silent for a moment before he stood up.
From the entrance, He Yan walked over.
She walked slowly and steadily. When she saw Lin Shuanghe, she even cupped her hands and greeted him first. “Brother Lin.”
Lin Shuanghe: “…Why aren’t you calling me Doctor Lin?”
But, as if she didn’t see him, she walked directly toward Xiao Jue.
Xiao Jue’s eyes glanced down at He Yan’s body.
The youth was wearing the Liangzhou Guard’s standard crimson uniform, looking orderly without even a strand of hair out of place. She bowed respectfully at him.
This time, both Lin Shuanghe and Xiao Jue were taken aback.
The window wasn’t closed, so when the breeze blew in from the outside and rustled the scrolls on the table whilst also bringing in a burst of chilliness, it also sharpened the indistinct fragrance of alcohol. It was faint and muted, yet smelt sweet and cool – like a spring day in Chang’an, it overflowed with grace.
But the overflow of emotions in her eyes was more than a spring day.
A terrifying alarm clutched at Xiao Jue’s heart. This scene felt seemingly familiar. He vaguely remembered someone looking at him with the same expression on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
“You drank?” As he spoke, he subconsciously pushed his Wanxiang qin7 further in.
When this person was drunk, nobody could tell if she was sober just by looking at her face. Her behaviour, however, would be outrageous.
Lin Shuanghe smilingly held a cup of tea, planning to sip on it as he watched the show.
He Yan raised her head and directed a wide smile toward Xiao Jue.
“I can recite ‘The Great Learning’ now, Father.”
Lin Shuanghe spat out the tea.
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Translator's Notes
- 雙鯉 – ‘shuāng lǐ’ – an antonomasia for letters
- 烹鯉 – ‘pēng lǐ’ – refers to opening/unsealing a letter
- 程鲤素 – ‘Chéng lǐsù’ – ‘lǐ’ as in ‘koi’ and ‘sù’ as in ‘silk’
- 石头 – ‘shítou’ – was referred to as ‘Shi’ in previous chapters; his name translates to ‘rock/stone’
- 六月飞雪 – ‘liù yuè fēi xuě’ – an idiom meaning ‘great injustice’
- 通铺房 – ‘tōngpù fáng’ – http://img3.yun300.cn/repository/image/OspI-qjcR-eIXj1O4PBbyQ.jpg?tenantId=187321&viewType=1
- 晚香琴 – ‘wǎn xiāng qín’ – translated as ‘evening fragrance zither in previous chapters
