A master of metaphysics is farming.

Chapter 189 Preparing to Return to Beijing

As dawn broke, the cawing of crows outside the window woke Xiang He.

With a throbbing headache, Xiang He sat up and rubbed her temples with both hands. The discomfort gradually dissipated, and some memories immediately surfaced.

Her hazy eyes cleared instantly, and within moments she remembered the previous night; she seemed to have been carried into the tent by He Sui'an…

"Tsk!"

A click of the tongue rang out, and the figure beside him stirred a few times, rubbing his eyes to clear his head. "You're awake..."

Xiang He was startled and turned her body to the side, quickly looking over.

"It turns out it's you..."

Still half asleep, Zeng Yunqing forced her eyes open. "Who else did you think it was? Even the Master wouldn't dare sleep next to you, would he?"

"...!"

"Ah!" Zeng Yunqing clutched her forehead, looking miserable. "Why did you hit me!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Xiang He blushed immediately, threw off the covers and got out of bed. "You're not allowed to talk nonsense in the future, or you'll ruin Sui An's reputation."

"Oh... I was just saying..."

Her voice sounded very aggrieved, and Xiang He realized that her tone had been a bit harsh. She turned back with a look of apology and asked, "Was I too nervous? Does it hurt a lot?"

Zeng Yunqing pouted, "I was just talking nonsense. I'm sorry, there won't be a next time."

"Alright, now that you're awake, get up and go see if you need any help."

Upon hearing that there was something to do, Zeng Yunqing immediately perked up, kicked off her shoes and put them on, "I have one more day to stay, let's see if there's anything I can help with."

"You're quite energetic."

"Of course!" Zeng Yunqing quickly combed her hair. "It was only after joining the army that I realized how useful I am!"

Looking at her radiant appearance, she's found her purpose and is full of energy...

-

Houde Town is being restored to its former state. Xiang He went to find Pang Long in the front yard, and He Suian and Zhou Ziyue were there as well. It seems that everyone has something to talk about.

However, when her gaze met He Suian's, her cheeks involuntarily flushed slightly. She quickly nodded to him and hurried inside.

He Suian paused for a moment, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Zhou Ziyue watched the two of them with a smile, his mockery obvious in his eyes.

Xiang He glanced at him when she saw his look, then quickly looked away and turned to Pang Long. "General Pang, there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Girl, please tell me."

Pang Long still harbors suspicions about Xiang He, but only about the skills she possesses. He has become much more amiable towards her as a person, unlike when they first met when he was so sharp-tongued.

Have any soldiers in the city gone to the mountains ahead? Or... will the people in the city go there?

As Pang Long pondered, He Sui'an pulled out a chair, and Xiang He sat down.

"Scouts will set a date to go out and investigate if there is anything unusual. As for the people in the city, the guards do not allow them to leave unless they are going to another country or are passing merchants."

Xiang He took the warm water He Sui'an handed him, drank it, and cleared his throat. "Merchants should have trade routes, right?"

“Of course there are,” Pang Long leaned back. “People entering and leaving the city are strictly checked by guards. Anyone who does anything unusual is not allowed to enter the city.”

Seeing her suddenly serious expression, Pang Long's weathered brows furrowed. "Has the young lady discovered something? Please speak frankly."

The general before me was dressed in indigo, his sideburns and beard were whiter than the first time I saw him, and he looked old, but his eyes were sharp and bright, revealing his integrity and determination.

A person who looks like this is definitely not a traitor.

With her tightly pursed lips slightly parted, Xiang He recounted everything she had discovered, causing Pang Long's wrinkles to deepen even further.

His brow furrowed in anger, "Such a strange thing has happened... Who could have done this!"

“This matter is still under investigation,” Xiang He put down the empty cup. “I would appreciate it if you could keep a close eye on things in the coming days, and if you find anyone suspicious, you might as well test them out.”

“That’s possible,” Pang Long’s clenched fist loosened slightly, “but what if the same thing happens in other border towns? How can we prevent that?”

He Suian spoke first, "We need to send people to search other towns and passes. General, you only need to keep an eye on this place. Don't get involved in anything else, so as not to get involved in anything."

Pang Long wanted to ask more questions, but since they hadn't explicitly stated anything, he figured they must have some reservations. Asking too many questions would only lead to more ambiguous answers, so it was better not to listen.

"Since you've put it that way, I'll arrange for someone to keep an eye on it. These things look really dangerous, so you'll have to be extra careful when you investigate."

"Thank you for your concern, General. I apologize for disturbing you."

"What do you mean by disturbing me?" Pang Long stood up and led them outside. "It's rare to have some free time today, so go and take a walk around the city. You'll be leaving tomorrow, and I don't know when I'll be able to return to the capital to report for duty and retire."

The two walked behind him, with Zhou Ziyue accompanying him. "The Emperor appreciates the General's meritorious service in guarding the capital for many years and will likely recall him to the capital soon to bestow honors upon him."

"Rewards are not important; what matters is having a capable general to succeed me so that I can retire in peace."

"It will surely be as the general wishes."

The group walked along the street, where the city's residents were already busy with their work. Upon seeing them, they shouted, "General, you are brave!"

It seems that Pang Long is highly respected in Houde Pass, and the people trust him. Some would rather stay in the city and be enslaved by the enemy than leave, because they firmly believe that Pang Long will take back the city.

Pang Long lived up to expectations and rescued his followers.

It is an honor for a general to have such a devoted follower.

The group chatted all the way, and the locals even invited them to sit down and have lunch together. They didn't mind the sun, and the atmosphere was very pleasant and comfortable.

After lunch, Zhou Ziyue and Pang Long had to go about their business, while Xiang He and He Suian left and went up to the city tower to look out at the distant mountains.

"I'll be able to go back tomorrow. I wonder how they're doing in the capital."

He Suian turned slightly to look at her scarred face. "When we met Auntie on the way, I told them to stay at home as much as possible and not to go out, so as not to run into Xiang Lianhua."

Upon hearing this, Xiang He chuckled, "You said the same thing as me. Do you know where Fourth Grandfather and the others went?"

“I have met her,” He Sui’an tilted her head to look at the smile in her eyes, and unconsciously smiled back. “I heard that you are going to the capital. Your fifth brother and eighth brother have already made arrangements outside the capital, and your seventh brother Xiang Fusheng will accompany you.”

"..."

Xiang He was immediately at a loss; did this mean they were going to meet in the capital?

I thought we'd never see each other again, but it turns out we're still bound by a karmic entanglement.

She frowned and turned to look at him, only to meet his gentle, watery eyes. Her gaze faltered, and she immediately looked down, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "Could you please stop looking at me like that? It's so embarrassing..."

What kind of look is that?

He sighed softly, looked up, his eyes still calm and gentle, and smiled at He: "It's just that the way you look at me now is too gentle and can easily be misunderstood."

"But I only look at you like that."

Startled, He Sui'an's gentle demeanor remained unchanged, but instead became even more ambiguous.

"..."

Okay, that won't work, I can't argue with that...

She looked away and scratched her head. "Let's go back and pack up too."

"it is good."