Chapter 266.2: Hello Chang'an
Chapter 266.2
Chang Suining did not drink alcohol, so she substituted tea and drank with everyone.
Those who wished to pay her respect were indeed many—one after another. While others were drinking a bellyful of wine, she drank a bellyful of tea.
The soldiers did not overindulge either; after all, they were on the march, and even on New Year’s Eve, vigilance could not be neglected.
After leaving enough soldiers for night patrols, the remaining people returned to their tents to rest one by one.
Fang Chao was the last to leave. Before departing, he could not help but ask Chang Suining for confirmation:
“Fang has one thing I do not understand… Young Miss Chang excels in horseback riding, archery, and swordsmanship. Aside from natural talent, she must have trained diligently for many years… Yet, why is it that Young Miss Chang’s strength appears so weak?”
As an experienced Head Master, repeatedly engaging with Chang Suining had made him more perceptive than most. He had thought and thought but could not come up with an answer.
“Skill is cultivated through hard practice. As for lacking strength…” Chang Suining spoke while walking, “that is because I fell seriously ill last spring.”
Fang Chao understood at once.
A serious illness could reduce one’s strength, but it would not erase the techniques one had already learned—this explanation made perfect sense.
“No matter. With Young Miss Chang’s extraordinary talent, as long as you continue to practice diligently, in time, your strength will surely return,” Fang Chao comforted her.
Chang Suining smiled and nodded. “I believe so as well.”
Everything she had lost before, she would reclaim—not only her strength.
And now, she was going to see Ah Dian.
…
Meanwhile, Xiao Min had just come out of Chang Kuo’s tent. He had just escorted Chang Kuo back—not because Chang Kuo had drunk too much, but for convenience in discussing matters.
Chang Suining’s and Ah Dian’s tents were on either side of Chang Kuo’s main tent. At this moment, Xiao Min happened to encounter Chang Suining.
Chang Suining raised her hand. “Commander Xiao.”
“Young Miss Chang.” Xiao Min approached, speaking with admiration, “Young Miss Chang, today you have truly opened my eyes.”
Finally, he found a chance to speak. Previously, many people had surrounded Chang Suining, and as the commander, he could not push through with dignity.
Now having the opportunity, he no longer concealed his astonishment and admiration. After lavish praise, he sighed, saying:
“Fortunately, Young Miss Chang is exceptionally talented; otherwise, the crown prince’s spear techniques might have been lost…”
Chang Suining vaguely sensed that he had heard something even she did not know, so she only nodded and said nothing further.
Xiao Min said no more. “Young Miss Chang must be tired; please return to rest.”
Chang Suining raised her hand in farewell. “Commander Xiao, take care.”
Xiao Min left accompanied by an aide-de-camp.
After walking a short distance, the advisor sighed. “Why does the commander humble himself so, being so attentive to a young girl…”
Xiao Min paused, frowning. “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean nothing else. I just feel that if you continue treating them this way, the Chang family father and daughter may not see your true status… Currently, the army’s loyalty leans toward the father and daughter. If you indulge them so highly… in time, who will remember that the commander’s surname is Xiao, not Chang?”
Seeing the advisor’s solemn expression, Xiao Min remained silent for a moment, then asked seriously, “Deputy Commander Dong, have you been drinking?”
Otherwise, how could he speak such nonsense?
Deputy Commander Dong was taken aback, about to reply: “Commander, I—”
“Enough. I know my own limits. Since you have drunk too much, return to rest.”
With that, Xiao Min patted his shoulder and left.
Watching his back vanish, Deputy Commander Dong felt utterly puzzled.
If he understood, he would know that Xiao Min’s daily practice was to self-reflect before sleep:
—Have I made sufficient progress today?
—Did I heed advice today in dealing with General Chang and Young Miss Chang?
—Were my words and actions proper, without repeating the mistakes of Li Yi?
Only after confirming that everything was on the right path, without straying, could he rest with peace of mind.
This convenient commander was literally “picked up standing,” achievements “earned while lying down”—he had done nothing, yet sought prestige and loyalty. If one could think like that, why not reach the heavens?
Ah, someone like that had indeed already reached the heavens.
Xiao Min admitted he did not possess great skill, only self-awareness.
Without this opportunity, with no one in court available, the Empress would not have easily entrusted him. How else could he have become commander?
How else could he travel alongside General Chang, a truly remarkable figure?
As for the Chang family daughter, though young, her reputation was already well established—she was a solid, genuine figure.
He was fortunate to accompany such people. To grow from this opportunity was urgent; to meddle in trivial, thankless tasks—who would want that? He could not.
Xiao Min returned to his tent, continuing his self-reflection.
…
Before Chang Suining arrived at Ah Dian’s tent, Yuan Xiang was keeping him company.
Ah Dian was unusually spirited tonight. During the brief interval when Chang Suining returned, he did not forget to instruct Yuan Xiang:
“…I told you that Xiao Ah Li could win. Yuan Xiang, next time don’t be so shameless!”
Yuan Xiang listened, half laughing, half crying, responding repeatedly.
“I can give you one chance to correct it,” Ah Dian said seriously. “This time, I won’t tell Xiao Ah Li… but next time, no exceptions.”
Yuan Xiang scratched his head. “Much obliged, General Dian.”
Ah Dian yawned.
Seeing this, Yuan Xiang took his leave, agreeing to return the next day.
After Yuan Xiang left, Ah Che advised Ah Dian to rest. Ah Dian shook his head, still sitting cross-legged, yawning and rubbing his eyes:
“No, I’ll wait until Xiao Ah Li finishes her work.”
But his eyelids were rebellious, nodding drowsily.
Before long, he felt a pair of cool hands cover his eyes from behind.
Ah Dian jolted awake.
“Guess who I am?” a girl’s voice asked mysteriously.
“I of course know… Xiao Ah Li!”
Yet the familiar voice replied:
“Nope.”
It had been a long time since asking for a monthly vote; has everyone forgotten me? (Ah Dian cried aloud)
Good night!
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