Chapter 35

Military barracks were generally small, and in the cramped room, he could distinctly feel her breath brushing against his face. The faint scent of sweet orange from her skin drifted into his lungs with every inhale.

Fortunately, at that moment, someone knocked on the door from outside—one long, three short raps. Second Sister-in-law Xie’s voice was lowered to a whisper: “Are you asleep? Open the door.”

A messenger from Chen Yan had arrived.

Clearly, after the first day’s experience, everyone had realized the urgency of the issue at hand.

Qin Ying’s voice broke the tense atmosphere in the room like water shattering from a silver vase—at least, that was how Xie Ci perceived it. Just as Gu Wan finished speaking, the knock came. She immediately jumped up, slipped on her shoes, and hurried to the outer room to open the door.

Spring’s chill lingered; moonlight fell soundlessly on the half-worn stone steps. Qin Ying stood outside in black light armor, her features, after a subtle adjustment, betraying no trace of femininity. She held a sheathed long saber at her side, cutting an especially valiant figure.

“Wow, Second Sister-in-law, you look amazing.”

Gu Wan’s eyes sparkled. She’d wanted to say this since leaving that morning; this was precisely the kind of presence she most admired. Qin Ying couldn’t help but smile.

“Hurry up and get ready—Chen Luo is here. Chen Yan sent him to fetch us.”

Qin Ying’s sharp eyes noticed everything. When the knock sounded, Xie Ci panicked and leaned back, a beat slower than the others as he got out of bed to follow. By the time he joined them, Qin Ying and Gu Wan had finished speaking and he stood by the stone screen door between the inner and outer rooms, his unease written plainly on his face.

Qin Ying chuckled inwardly. When she and Gu Wan turned, Xie Ci had already composed his expression to appear nonchalant, but before one as perceptive as Second Sister-in-law, he still felt embarrassed.

“Foolish boy.”

Upon hearing that Chen Luo was waiting, Xie Ci and Gu Wan hurried to change clothes and freshen up their makeup. A trusted guard was brought in to pose as the sleeping Xie Ci while the two, now dressed in the guards’ armor, slipped out quietly.

Gu Wan helped Xie Ci first, then busied herself at the mirror, applying makeup. Qin Ying waited at the door, nudged Xie Ci with her shoulder, and teased, “You’ll need to be bold, meticulous, and thick-skinned!”

Once, this brash youth had loudly declared women only hindered a man’s sword-drawing speed—now, his turn had come.

Moonlight poured like frost at both ends of the modest room. Xie Ci glanced nervously at Gu Wan, who was wholly absorbed at the little target mirror by the window and hadn’t heard Qin Ying’s words. He breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he heard Qin Ying’s low, muffled laughter.

A little indignant, Xie Ci felt his old liveliness return around family. He wanted to retort—was this how Second Brother had managed things? But just as he was about to speak, he remembered his brother was gone. His heart clenched, and he swallowed the words.

Turning to look at Qin Ying’s gentle, smiling face, he muttered, “That’s not true—you’re tricking me again.” When he was young, Second Sister-in-law loved to tease him.

Qin Ying laughed heartily.

“What’s so funny?” Gu Wan had finally finished, quickly rolling up her things in a bundle, which she handed to the guard standing in for Xie Ci, and dashed out. “Nothing!” Xie Ci interjected quickly. “Let’s go—Chen Luo’s been waiting ages.”

“Yes, let’s hurry.” Gu Wan knew well enough—otherwise, she wouldn’t be in such a rush. She led the way, pulling Qin Ying along. Xie Ci hesitated a moment, then followed close behind.

Chen Luo, Chen Yan’s eldest son, had been waiting a while in the moonlit night. As soon as he saw them, he waved them over.

After slipping out a small back door, Chen Luo looked around carefully before nodding and leading them swiftly past the row of barracks.

They circled left and right, changed into patrol soldiers’ armor, and exited via a side gate during the shift change. Though cumbersome, this was far safer than staying in the barracks, which was too exposed for confidential discussions. When Xie Ci, Gu Wan, and Qin Ying arrived, Chen Yan, Chen Lang, his second son Chen Huang, Xun Xiao, and Luo Qian were already waiting.

This was a servant’s room in the Yunzhou Governor’s residence. With Chen Yan now under heavy watch, movement was difficult, so meetings had to accommodate him. The room was small, but the doors and windows were heavily draped, and though lamps burned within, no light escaped outside.

“To lure the snake out of its hole, we must first root out all these spies and informants,” Xun Xiao said, rapping the square table. His grey cloak concealed the burn scars on half his face, and his voice was hoarse, almost grating.

Gu Wan had quietly asked Luo Qian about it, but was told this was the best he could be healed. Xun Xiao’s condition couldn’t be masked even with disguise, so he made no attempt to hide it. Qin Xian, Su Zhen, Chen Yan, and Kou Wenshao each had a newly hired strategist whose face had also been burned—having found suitable candidates in such a short time was no small feat.

Xie Ci, Gu Wan, and Xun Xiao had reached the same conclusion, and Xun Xiao had already discussed the plan with Chen Yan and the others, believing it highly feasible. Everyone agreed the issue was urgent and had to be resolved.

Chen Yan frowned. “Otherwise, this will remain a constant threat. We can’t keep hiding like this forever.” Xie Ci hadn’t joined the army to cover his face.

Cold weather offered some cover, but when the heat came or in real battle, sweat would quickly ruin any disguise. Xun Xiao said coolly, “We’ll use this chance to draw out and eliminate all the spies among the guards and close ranks—solve the problem once and for all!” Once successful, things would become much simpler. Ordinary soldiers wouldn’t know what Chen Jiulang looked like, and senior officers’ helmets covered most of their faces; as long as the informants were purged, Xie Ci and Chen Jiulang would be interchangeable.

No more internal threats.

Their only concern would be external.

The difficulty of concealing his identity would be greatly reduced.

At this, Chen Yan grew angry. “Who would have thought the enemy planted so many spies in Yunzhou! Outrageous!” After the incident with Xie Xinchong, they, too, had planted some informants, but compared to the other side, it was nothing. More importantly, if these spies weren’t eliminated, every military move would be as good as transparent to the enemy.

That much was clear. Gu Wan asked Xun Xiao, “Any thoughts on how to draw out the snake?”

Xun Xiao finally lifted his eyes from beneath his hood and fixed them on Gu Wan. “Set multiple targets, lure them out—amidst truth and falsehood, we might even be able to turn the tables and reveal the true face of the mastermind behind the scenes!”

His voice grew cold at the end; his hatred for the manipulator was as deep as any harbored by Xun Xun or Xun Rongbi.

He wanted to tear these people apart, strip the flesh from their bones, and throw them alive into the fire to be reduced to ashes—let them suffer torment beyond death!

Such hellish malice, coupled with Xun Xiao’s voice, sent a chill down Gu Wan’s spine. She knew he was a victim, but hearing this in the dead of night was unsettling.

A warm hand reached hers—Xie Ci poured her a cup of hot tea and pushed it over. Gu Wan glanced at him with a grateful smile and took a sip.

“You mean, have me impersonate several people?”

Everyone present was quick-witted; a hint was enough. Gu Wan, Xie Ci, and Qin Ying exchanged a glance—they had already discussed this on the way over, so she understood instantly.

“And then, find someone to impersonate Si?” Qin Ying mused, thinking the plan was excellent—risky, but very feasible. “Then, if they manage to capture that person, we might finally discover who’s behind all this!”

Her voice rose unconsciously, until her hand was suddenly grasped. She glanced sideways into Gu Wan’s concerned eyes. Under the old lamp, the girl’s almond eyes glowed warmly; she smiled reassuringly at Qin Ying, who closed her eyes, exhaled, and returned the smile.

Qin Ying brushed her hair back and squeezed Gu Wan’s hand in reply. To Xie Ci and the others, she said, “It’s nothing—let’s continue.” She quickly recovered. “So, who should impersonate him?”

That person was key. Disguises couldn’t be too drastic. Gu Wan said, “I’ve developed a bit of water-resistant makeup.” Mixed with a resin called elephant-thorn, it acted like glue—wipe it with a damp cloth or fingers, and it wouldn’t come off, but only for the base and contouring. Eyebrow pencils and eyeliner powder might work if used sparingly.”

Otherwise, it would look too fake.

Thus, whoever played Xie Ci needed very good natural features.

The plan was roughly set, but finding the right person was difficult—they needed the right face, initiative, and, most importantly, absolute trust that he wouldn’t betray them and dared to take risks.

After Gu Wan spoke, everyone’s eyes shifted instinctively to Chen Jiulang.

Chen Lang: “…”

Wasn’t Chen Yan’s choice of Chen Lang precisely because he had the right features? Gu Wan couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “Chen Jiu, why is your hair full of yellow mud?” Chen Lang, disgruntled, replied, “Blame the old man for kicking me!” It turned out they had crawled through a tunnel to get here.

Chen Yan had recently dug a short escape tunnel from his study to this back room, only thirty or forty meters long and very cramped. Chen Jiulang, now a fledgling intelligence chief, was attending a secret meeting for the first time. He emerged covered in yellow dirt, complaining all the way until Chen Yan, unable to stand it, gave him a kick. “Get lost, you!”

He’d tried for ages but still couldn’t shake all the mud from his hair.

With everyone staring at him, Chen Lang thought it over. “Should I do it? Fine, I’ll go.” But he turned to Chen Yan, “But Father, you have to give me that three-courtyard house with the garden on the west side of the city.”

As long as he secured part of the family estate for himself, Chen Jiulang was more than willing to do the job. Gu Wan couldn’t help but chuckle. Chen Lang grumbled, “You don’t know how hard it is for me!”

With so many sons, legitimate and otherwise, who knew if he’d get much of the family fortune? He had his mother to support, and eventually a brood of his own—Chen families were famously prolific. He had to prepare, or he’d end up destitute.

Chen Luo laughed and tossed his empty teacup at him, chiding, “Why worry about the family estate? A real man earns his own glory. Father’s strong as an ox—by the time you get your share, you’ll be sixty with no teeth left. What’s the point?”

Chen Yan: “…”

He was so angry—did these two rascals think he’d live too long for them to inherit early?

He slammed the table and roared, “You brats! I should never have had you—you even resent me for living too long! Are you tired of life?!…”

The little room erupted in chaos. Gu Wan watched the spectacle with amusement. Truth be told, the Chen family’s atmosphere was unexpectedly warm—no one could fake such closeness, so it clearly wasn’t just for show.

While enjoying the scene, Gu Wan exchanged a subtle glance with Xie Ci. This put them at ease.

Coming to Yunzhou, it was impossible not to have some misgivings.

But given the Chen family’s bond, objectively, Chen Yan could never step down now—not with so many relatives relying on him.

His position was set; he could only press forward, no matter what lay ahead. Xie Ci wore a faint smile, but his lowered lashes betrayed deeper thoughts. For him, this was a good thing.

Once the plan was set, they quickly ironed out the details.

Chen Yan picked his candidates, and the next day, Gu Wan and the others slipped out again. She carefully applied eye makeup to each of the Chen family’s sons and trusted followers who were about to rotate back to the barracks.

As for Xie Ci, he went in person—Gu Wan gave him a heavier eye makeup, revealing the natural shape of his eyes.

Their goals were simple. First, and most crucial, was to lure out the spies and uproot them all. With coordinated actions, Chen Yan had already sent urgent messages, and Qin Xian’s side was scrambling to find skilled makeup artists.

Second, if luck held, they hoped to unmask the mastermind as well.

But that second goal was far less certain—they hoped, but didn’t expect.

Three days after his shift, Xie Ci led his unit on their first patrol rotation.

For the first time, he revealed his face, and could feel the wave of attention he attracted.

Few would have guessed that Zhao Chengwen was actually a deputy officer in the Yunzhou army—he’d even come face to face with Xie Ci.

By lamplight, he unfolded a meticulously detailed portrait—yes, it must be him!

His group was elated—after all, who wanted to remain a spy forever? Who didn’t want to rise five ranks openly, become a real officer, and claim those five thousand taels of gold?

Zhao Chengwen immediately ordered more men to try to get Xie Ci to remove his helmet for a clear look at his face.

But the very next day, his trusted centurion rushed in—bad news! The newly transferred Chen Sheng, Chen Yan’s seventh nephew, looked even more like the target.

Chen Yan’s peach-blossom eyes in his youth—a feature Chen Lang had inherited—were shared, to varying degrees, by many Chen family sons. Gu Wan had applied eye makeup to twelve men using those features.

A few young men had even deliberately left traces of makeup. Xie Ci, acting naturally and openly, ended up standing out less than the others.

Now, Zhao Chengwen and his men realized what was happening.

But his orders were to spare no effort.

Zhao Chengwen considered seeking advice, but knew that if he hesitated, the higher-ups might recall him, but his reputation for competence would be destroyed.

For a spy, losing that was fatal.

He stewed all afternoon, then gritted his teeth and ordered all his informants to mobilize—all out at once!

This was a battle of wits and deception. The mastermind, desperate to seize the moment and root out Xie Ci, left so many clues that Gu Wan and the others felt their hearts pounding with anxiety.

“Wan-niang, do you think we’ll find out who he really is this time?”

On the sixth night, under a starless sky, ice was rapidly melting; mountain streams gushed, and the chill of spring lingered. All the patrol cavalry and infantry wore thick cloaks and padded coats.

On this cold, dewy night, Xie Ci rode along the budding forest’s edge, hooves splashing through muddy, thawing roads.

He turned to look at Gu Wan beside him.

“There’s a very good chance.”

In the deep black night, a gust of wind lifted a stray lock of hair from under Xie Ci’s helmet. No matter how his face changed, those eyes—brilliant as wild roses—never changed.

She thought, if only these people knew Xie Ci truly—such beautiful eyes could hardly be concealed.

He seemed restless, holding back many emotions.

Gu Wan, who had only just comforted Qin Ying that morning, now softened her voice for Xie Ci. “Don’t worry—even if we fail this time, there will be a next. Could that person really hide their tail forever? Sooner or later, we’ll drag him into the light!”

Xie Ci nodded and smiled. “You’re right! Exactly.”

They spoke softly, nudging their horses to a gentle trot.

Alongside Xie Ci and Gu Wan were Qin Ying, Chen Lang, Chen Shiyi-lang, Chen Huan, and a team of close guards. Ahead and behind, the main unit patrolled the city outskirts.

With war imminent, the grasslands greening, and the northern tribes restless, Yunzhou was the first line of defense. Patrol duties were intense; this was Xie Ci’s third time leading a city perimeter patrol since returning.

Tonight would be the decisive moment for the trap!

For half a month, both sides had matched wits—one in the open, one in the shadows. The “lure the snake” plan had reached its climax.

Thanks to Chen Lang’s convincing performance, the “Xie Ci” identity was firmly pinned on him, while the real Xie Ci, ever-present and unguarded at Chen Lang’s side, was dismissed from suspicion.

Tonight, the enemy would act—and so would they, reeling in the net and following it to the source.

Chen Lang, feigning vigilance, mouthed, “Could you two stop chatting? I’m nervous!” If anything went wrong, he’d be the one caught.

Couldn’t they spare a thought for him?

He was actually a rather amusing young man—if only his father hadn’t committed treason. But now, they were all on the same side. Gu Wan teased, “What are you afraid of? You’ve already got your mansion.”

Chen Huan snickered, then quickly fell silent, scanning left and right discreetly.

The wind howled, cold as ice to the bone. To the left, boundless plains; to the right, undulating mountains and a lush forest just steps away.

Suddenly, someone ahead shouted, “Who goes there? Halt!!”

Shadows darted through the trees—men in the short coats and riding attire unique to the northern tribes, fleeing into the forest. A sharp whistle sounded—enemy spies!

Hooves and footsteps thundered. As the patrol leaders, Xie Ci and the others immediately ordered a pincer movement. One team held position to guard against flanking attacks and send for reinforcements, while two others split to encircle, and the last team charged straight in.

By draw of lots, Chen Lang led the last team—the key to closing the net lay ahead, in the dark woods.

At this point, Gu Wan and Xie Ci had to separate. For days, Gu Wan had stuck to Chen Lang’s side as his makeup artist. She and Qin Ying were disguised as Chen Lang’s bodyguards.

As the whistle sounded, Chen Lang spurred his horse forward. Gu Wan and Qin Ying whipped their mounts, charging into the woods.

Xie Ci stopped mid-sentence, yanked his reins, and watched as Gu Wan’s horse raced past, following Chen Lang.

No one agreed to let Xie Ci take risks himself—if the enemy struck by chance, it would be disastrous.

So he could only wait outside, frustrated. He realized with surprise that, since only he had always worked with Gu Wan, watching her now replaced by Second Sister-in-law—and seeing how well they worked together—left him oddly resentful, even jealous.

“My lord, let’s move back a bit?”

Zhang Qing and Zheng Ying, already introduced as Xie Ci’s guards, looked nervous. Zhang Qing spoke in a low voice.

Xie Ci nodded.

He cursed himself inwardly—what nonsense. He was genuinely glad to have Second Sister-in-law with them. So this was what it felt like to care for someone—how strangely one’s emotions could twist.

Gu Wan and Qin Ying flanked Chen Lang as they plunged into the forest.

Chen Lang, mimicking Xie Ci’s tone perfectly, gave the order: “You, search ahead!”

The young man’s cold, heavy voice radiated a brooding intensity. He reined in, refusing to go further. Several centurions shouted their assent and led their men off in different directions.

As soon as they’d gone, leaving only the bodyguards with Chen Lang, a “cuckoo, cuckoo” birdcall sounded from the left.

Suddenly, the snap of bowstrings—arrows whistled down like rain. Gu Wan cursed—arrows, right from the start!

The targets were all Chen Lang’s guards. Fortunately, they wore chainmail under their uniforms, shielding their vital organs.

Still, arrows struck legs, arms, and more; screams erupted as most guards fell, blood real. Chen Lang, Gu Wan, and Qin Ying were shocked and furious as seventy or eighty men burst from the left woods—the enemy had thrown everything into this attack.

In the melee, Qin Ying and Gu Wan’s helmets were knocked off, revealing their long hair. Zhao Chengwen and his men were overjoyed!

Xie Ci had a young woman with him—sixteen or seventeen, the new bride from the prison break—and there was also Qin Xian’s niece, the widow of Xie Xing, a capable woman in her late twenties.

Perfect—just as the intelligence had reported! Instinct told Zhao Chengwen these two fierce, striking women must be the Qin sisters. He was ecstatic.

A gold-threaded net was thrown, ensnaring Chen Lang and his horse. The net contracted automatically, the horse reared, and Chen Lang was thrown to the ground and quickly dragged away.

Xie Ci—

Gu Wan and Qin Ying dove forward. One nearly caught him, the other was dragged seventeen or eighteen yards, battered by thorns and rocks, but clung tightly to the net, desperately trying to cut it.

Zhao Chengwen’s men were quick and well-prepared. With all the bodyguards down, only the two women resisted. In the end, Qin Ying was nearly dashed against a boulder but was kicked free by Chen Lang, breaking her hold on the net.

Qin Ying tumbled down the hillside.

Gu Wan, anguished, shouted, “Second Sister-in-law, run! Go! Did you hear me—”

Chen Lang yelled. The two women staggered to their feet, fleeing toward the river, and finally leaped from a seven- or eight-meter-high bank into the black water below, swept away by the current.

Zhao Chengwen chased to the riverbank but didn’t pursue further. He wiped Chen Lang’s face—clean. Delighted, he shouted, “Let’s go! Move!”

The other patrols had heard the commotion and were returning, some already rushing out of the woods to report. Zhao Chengwen hurriedly led his men away.

After Zhao Chengwen departed with “Xie Ci,” two dripping heads emerged from the river. Gu Wan and Qin Ying exchanged triumphant smiles.

Qin Ying clambered up first, then reached to pull Gu Wan out.

They hid in the fresh reeds below the slope, dug out an oiled-paper bundle, and quickly changed into dry clothes.

The thawing spring water chilled them to the bone. Qin Ying gazed at the rippling surface and suddenly asked, “Was the river at Iron Gate Temple this cold that year?”

Gu Wan laughed. “Actually, no—there’s a hot spring palace there, it wasn’t that cold.” She turned and smiled radiantly. “Nothing like tonight’s chill.” She winked.

Qin Ying laughed too, gazing at Gu Wan for a moment. “Good, then.”

They hurriedly finished changing and wrung out their hair.

Their task wasn’t over—others had already set off in pursuit. They would shadow Zhao Chengwen’s group, hoping to unmask the mastermind.

Before setting out, Gu Wan ran a few steps and stopped. “Ying-jie, you go ahead—I’ll let A’Ci know we’re safe.”

She wanted to reassure Xie Ci—he tended to worry.

“We’re both fine—just going to catch up!” Gu Wan darted back.

Xie Ci, agitated, tugged at his reins as his horse stamped restlessly. Suddenly, sensing something, he looked up.

From the woods ahead, a deep blue figure burst forth. A gust of wind parted the thick clouds, letting a shaft of moonlight fall. The moment he saw her, Xie Ci dismounted and ran to her.

Under the faint moon, her pale face was free of makeup, washed clean by the river, glowing like jade in the night. Her large, luminous eyes shone with life.

She grinned. “Knew you’d be waiting. We’re fine—just about to catch up.”

Uncontrollably, Xie Ci took her hands. Her long, strong fingers and soft skin felt like holding a handful of warm cream.

Suddenly, his heart pounded wildly.

When had he started liking her? He didn’t know.

He couldn’t say for sure.

But he knew, with the certainty of a youth’s awakening heart, that he truly liked her.

Very, very much.