Arriving at the Prince Mengji's Palace, He Yan and Xiao Jue got off the carriage and were led in by the maids in the palace. This was not their first time in the palace, and they felt much more comfortable than last time. The maid led He Yan and Xiao Jue to the entrance of the banquet hall and said respectfully, "Your Highness and the distinguished guests are inside, Master Qiao and his wife can go in directly."

He Yan and Xiao Jue entered the banquet hall.

Mu Hongjin was leaning on the couch, her red robe covering one side, with a faint smile on her lips, and she was listening to the zither player playing the zither beside her. There was another person sitting in front of a short long table, with his back to He Yan. He was wearing a bamboo-colored robe and a jade hairpin on his head. His back looked familiar.

She was still wondering who this person was when Mu Hongjin glanced at them and said with a smile, "Commander Xiao is here."

He Yan and Xiao Jue saluted Mu Hongjin. At the same time, the man who was sitting with his back to them stood up and looked back.

Her eyes were as gentle as an orchid, as pure as a banished immortal as always. He Yan had never thought that he would see Chu Zhao in the Mengji Palace in Jiyang.

He Yan was shocked for only a moment, and then she thought to herself that this was not good. She was now disguised as a woman, and she didn't know what Chu Zhao would think if he saw her. This person's identity was still unknown. If he told Xu Jingfu about it, Xu Jingfu would make a fuss about it and cause trouble for Xiao Jue, which would be bad.

She paused and subconsciously took a step back behind Xiao Jue, trying to block Chu Zhao's gaze, but she knew in her heart that unless she turned around and left immediately, Chu Zhao would discover her identity sooner or later.

Xiao Jue seemed to realize something, tilted his head slightly, glanced at her, and sneered, "What are you afraid of?"

He Yan was about to speak when Chu Zhao saluted Xiao Jue and said with a smile, "Commander Xiao, Miss He."

Well, he must have seen it. There was no need to cover his face or look in the mirror. He Yan knew that his face must look very ugly at the moment.

Xiao Jue said, "The Fourth Master Chu."

"It seems that you two are old acquaintances," Mu Hongjin smiled, "Please sit down. Mr. Chu Si is a distinguished guest from Shuojing."

Xiao Jue and He Yan sat down at the low table next to them.

The maidservant beside her came over to pour tea. Mu Hongjin waved her hand and asked the zither player who was still playing the guqin to leave. The banquet hall became quiet. He Yan looked down at the tea leaves floating up and down in the teacup. Disease comes from the mouth and disaster comes from the mouth. Dieting will keep you healthy and speaking will keep you healthy. At this time, it is best to speak less.

Xiao Jue looked at Chu Zhao and said, "Why did the Fourth Master Chu come to Jiyang?"

Chu Zhao came straight to the point without saying anything else. Hearing this, he lowered his head and smiled before answering, "I came to Jiyang this time because of the Wutuo people."

Wutuo people? He Yan tilted his ears and listened, and heard Chu Zhao say again: "Now there are Wutuo people in Jiyang City. I am afraid that there will be unrest in the near future. I came here this time to lend a hand to Your Highness and prevent more people in Jiyang from suffering this disaster."

He looked at Princess Mengji.

Xiao Jue's lips curled slightly, "I wonder how the Fourth Master Chu learned that someone from Wu Tuo had sneaked into Jiyang?"

"We have captured a Wutuo man who was plotting to start a rebellion in Shuojing City. We have followed the clues and found that the person who was in contact with him is now in Jiyang. My father and I learned from the secret letters sent by each other that the Wutuo man was planning to start a war in Jiyang. Once the canal is cut off, it will be troublesome for the entire Wei Dynasty. So my father asked me to rush to Jiyang immediately to inform His Highness of this matter so that we can prepare for a rainy day."

Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows, his voice tinged with sarcasm, "As far as I know, Lord Shi Jin has long since stopped caring about the affairs of the palace, so I'm afraid he can't give orders to the Fourth Young Master."

Lin Shuanghe also said this to He Yan. Shi Jinbo spent his days flirting with other girls and had long since stopped caring about the affairs of the mansion. The affairs of the harem were handled by Shi Jinbo's wife, and the rest, since Chu Zhao had Xu Jingfu's support, Shi Jinbo had long since become Chu Zhao's mansion.

"It's just a rumor spread by outsiders," Chu Zhao replied with a good temper, "I dare not disobey my father's words."

Mu Hongjin seemed to have discovered something mysterious from the interaction between the two people, but he was in no hurry to speak. He just drank his tea lazily and observed silently.

"If you want to tell His Highness, a secret letter will do," Xiao Jue sneered, "Why would Fourth Master Chu have to come here in person?"

"Because there is something more important that needs to be delivered to His Highness personally."

Mu Hongjin chuckled: "Master Chu brought the Utuo people's military defense map."

Xiao Jue and He Yan raised their eyes at the same time and looked at Mu Hongjin.

With the enemy's military defense map, the war is halfway to success. But how did Chu Zhao get such an important thing?

He Yan couldn't help but ask, "Where did Mr. Chu get this picture? How can we be sure whether what is drawn on this picture is real or fake?"

"How I got it was all by luck." Chu Zhao smiled softly, "As for whether it is true or false, I am not sure. So I can only give it to Her Royal Highness Princess." After a pause, he looked at Xiao Jue again: "But seeing Commander Xiao, I feel relieved. With Commander Xiao here, no matter whether the military defense map is true or false, the city of Jiyang will definitely be saved. After all, both are water attacks. Among the generals of the Wei Dynasty, Commander Xiao is the only one whose achievements are recorded in history."

After hearing this, He Yan's heart skipped a beat and he couldn't help but look at Xiao Jue. The water attack in the battle of Guocheng and Changgu was a hurdle that Xiao Jue couldn't get over. Chu Zilan's words were like stabbing him in the wound.

Xiao Jue looked calm, curled his lips, and looked back at Chu Zhao: "Mr. Chu has come a long way to Jiyang, only to bring a military map that I don't know if it's real or fake. Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? Or... " He paused, his eyes meaningful, "Is there something else important on his mind?"

"This is about the state of Wei, how can we say it is an exaggeration?" Chu Zhao shook his head. "If I stay in Jiyang, I can also stand together with you. If the Wutuo people really have ulterior motives, I will fight against them with Governor Xiao. If the news is false, it will be a false alarm and everyone will be happy."

"Fight the enemy together?" Xiao Jue asked lazily, "When the Fourth Master Chu was in danger, no one could save you in time."

Chu Zhao smiled and said nothing.

Mr. Xiao's skill in making fun of others is unmatched. Moreover, Chu Zilan is indeed weak and frail. If something really happens, she will probably be a hindrance.

"Commander Xiao," Mu Hongjin had watched the show for a long time and had a rough idea of ​​the relationship between the two. She looked at Xiao Jue and said, "I will give you a copy of the military defense map brought by the Fourth Master Chu. You will command all the soldiers in and outside Jiyang City, which is about 20,000. According to the secret letter brought back by the Fourth Master Chu, the people of Wutuo will cause chaos within ten days. Within these ten days, we..." She hesitated for a moment, "We must settle the people of Jiyang in peace."

Xiao Jue raised his eyebrows: "Your Highness has considered everything."

Mu Hongjin glanced at the smiling Chu Zhao and said, "Mr. Chu has come from afar, and you two are old acquaintances. Mr. Chu has also been living in Cui's mansion these days. If you have any important matters, please feel free to discuss them with us."

Chu Zhao returned the greeting: "Your Highness is thoughtful."

He Yan: “…”

Mu Hongjin was really great. He arranged the two mortal enemies together right away. Not to mention that they had important matters to discuss, He Yan pondered. Just judging from the fact that these two people could talk with swords and sabers, it would not be easy for them to spend the next ten days in peace.

After saying some polite words, Mu Hongjin stood up and asked someone to send He Yan and his party back to Cui's house. When there was no one else in the banquet hall, the older maid beside him asked, "Why did your highness let the fourth son of Chu live in the residence of the Lord of the Central Cavalry? It seems that Governor Xiao doesn't like the fourth son of Chu."

"These two don't get along," Mu Hongjin said quietly, "and if they don't get along, they can check and balance each other. Xiao Huaijin is a master of military strategy, but Jiyang City cannot be controlled by him alone. After all, no one knows whether what he says is true or false."

"What these two say is 50% true and 50% false. If you listen to them side by side, you can always hear some clues. Besides," she sighed, stood up and looked at the sky outside the palace, "time is running out."

If the Wutuo people really want to attack Jiyang, starting from tomorrow, the people of Jiyang must be arranged to evacuate the city. Her father handed the city of Jiyang to her. For so many years, she has always protected Jiyang very well. Now is the end, and she cannot let it go to waste.

And Mu Xiaolou.

She turned around, the red at the corners of her eyes looking deep and gorgeous, and said coldly, "Go call Xiaolou."

…

He Yan and Xiao Jue left the palace together. Chu Zhao stood beside them. The three of them did not say anything as they left the palace. However, He Yan was secretly thinking in his heart how to make this lie perfect.

It would be better to insist that he is a man. He had no choice but to pretend to be a woman when he came to Jiyang. As for why he acted so similarly, he could just say that he was a boy with a girl's appearance. Chiwu has been following them for so long, but he didn't notice it, did he? Thinking of this, he felt a little relieved.

"Miss He." Just as she was thinking, someone called her name. He Yan turned around and saw Chu Zhao stopped and looked at her with a smile.

Xiao Jue also stopped and did not walk far.

With his boss by his side, He Yan felt a little comforted. He looked at Chu Zhao and said with a smile, "Fourth Young Master, you don't have to call me that. Actually, I..."

"I didn't expect that after seeing Miss He in her red makeup last time, I could see her as a woman again today," the young man smiled softly, and even his compliments were sincere, much more sincere than the blind boasting of the Xiu Luofang staff and Lin Shuanghe: "This dress suits you very well, Miss He is very suitable."

He Yan's prepared words came to an abrupt halt. What did she mean by "I've seen her before"? This was the first time she had dressed up as a girl since she entered the army. How did Chu Zhao see her? He Yan subconsciously glanced at Xiao Jue, who raised his eyebrows slightly, as if waiting for her to speak. Wait, didn't Xiao Jue think that she and Chu Zhao were already in the same group?

You can eat anything you want, but you can't say anything you want. He Yan said, "I don't quite understand what Brother Chu means by that. When did Hong Zhuang appear in front of Brother Chu?"

"At the Shuojing Racecourse," Chu Zhao smiled slightly, "Miss He went into battle in person to protect her father and younger brother and taught Master Zhao a lesson. Her heroic demeanor was unforgettable. At that time, the wind blew up the white veil on the girl's face," he smiled and lowered his head, "and I accidentally saw the girl's face. At that time, I already knew that she was a woman."

Shuojing Racecourse? What kind of trivial matter is this? Chu Zhao actually still remembers it. Doesn't this mean that Chu Zhao knew she was a woman from the beginning? He Yan was surprised: "So Brother Chu recognized me when we were in Liangzhou last time?"

"At that time, Miss He seemed unwilling to be discovered, and since it was a guardhouse with many people and gossips, I didn't tell her." Chu Zhao said, "But since we meet here today, there is no need to hide it anymore." Chu Zhao looked at He Yan and spoke softly, "I said these words not for any other reason, but just to hope that Miss He can be at ease. I didn't tell her my identity in Liangzhou before, and now in Jiyang, I won't tell anyone. After the incident in Jiyang, Chu Zhao will pretend that he has never met Miss He. Miss He can still return to Liangzhou to make achievements and don't have to worry about me gossiping."

He probably noticed He Yan's concerns at the banquet hall just now, so he said these words on purpose to reassure He Yan.

Regardless of Chu Zhao's identity and his relationship with Xu Jingfu, judging from the way he spoke with courtesy, he was indeed very considerate and thoughtful, and it was hard for anyone to have a bad impression of him. He Yan smiled and said, "Then I would like to thank Brother Chu first."

"There's no need to thank each other." Chu Zhao said with a smile, "I don't want Miss He to be worried because of my appearance. As for the matter of informing, Chu Zhao is not that kind of person."

Xiao Jue had been standing beside He Yan, listening to him coldly. A sneer appeared on the corner of his lips when he heard his words. "Mr. Chu, that sounds good. You came all the way to Jiyang, isn't it just to inform on someone?"

"When it comes to informing on others, we must distinguish between friends and enemies."

"Don't worry about the Southern Army, Fourth Master Chu." He raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "Even if her identity is revealed one day, I can protect her."

Chu Zhao was stunned and looked at He Yan: "Miss He has joined the Southern Palace Army?"

He Yan: "...right."

Xiao Jue had already promised that if she pretended to be a couple with him to solve the Jiyang issue, he would let her join the Southern Army. Although the matter had not been completely resolved yet, whether to join or not was just a matter of the master's words. Since he said to join, then it was joined.

Chu Zhao's eyes moved slightly, and after a moment, he smiled: "Then I would like to congratulate Miss He... No, it's Brother He."

He Yan nodded.

Xiao Jue looked at him calmly: "If there is nothing else, please ask Mr. Chu to find a carriage by yourself. It is not appropriate for a couple to ride with outsiders. Mr. Chu, please go ahead."

He made no secret of his dislike for Chu Zhao, but Chu Zhao was not annoyed and just smiled and said, "Commander Xiao, see you at Cui's house." He then smiled at He Yan.

He Yan smiled back awkwardly.

Chi Wu drove the carriage over. He Yan and Xiao Jue got on the carriage. As soon as they sat down, they heard Xiao Jue's cold voice: "You were the one who competed with the man surnamed Zhao in the Shuojing Horse Farm?"

He Yan was complaining in her heart. It came, it came. When Chu Zhao told her about the horse farm, she almost forgot that Xiao Jue was there. And Xiao Jue also gave He Yunsheng a horse, which He Yunsheng named "Xiang Xiang".

"...Yes." He Yan didn't wait for him to speak, and spoke first, "The horse that the governor gave to my brother, my brother loves it very much, and cuts grass to feed it every day! I have never had the chance to thank the governor. If the governor hadn't come to the rescue, I don't know how our family would have been embarrassed by the surname Zhao. The governor's great kindness, He Yan has no way to repay."

Xiao Jue's eyes turned slightly cold: "So you recognized me early on, right?"

He Yan was speechless.

It's not just this morning, we've known each other for a lifetime, but how can I explain this?

"You are the commander-in-chief of the right army, General Feng Yun. Who in the Wei Dynasty can be more handsome and heroic than you? I do know you. But at that time, you were a cloud high above, and I was a tiny ant beside your boots. Even though I knew you, you didn't know me. After entering the military camp, I guess the commander-in-chief had forgotten about this matter a long time ago. After all, the commander-in-chief is a noble man with many things to do, how could he remember a tiny ant?" He Yan approached him: "How do I know that the commander-in-chief still remembers this matter?"

Although he knew that this guy was full of lies and flattery, he found it funny to see her sitting beside him with bright eyes and white teeth, performing hard. Chu Zhao actually knew this person's identity as a woman earlier than he did. It sounded like he was kept in the dark and fell into a bad situation.

Xiao Jue looked away and said calmly, "Have you met him before?"

"No, no." He Yan quickly replied, "I have only met him twice in Shuojing." Then he complained, "How could I know that it was such a coincidence that he was also at the horse farm at the time and saw my face. If I had known, I would have covered my face tightly and worn an iron mask. No matter how sharp his eyes were, he would not know who I was."

"You don't want him to see your face?"

"Of course not," He Yan was puzzled, "If we leave a loophole for others, who knows if something bad will happen."

Xiao Jue chuckled: "Not too stupid."

"Commander," He Yan asked, "Do you think the Fourth Master Chu will tell other people about my identity?" Although Chu Zhao said so, He Yan really didn't dare to believe him easily, especially since this person's identity was so subtle that it was unclear whether he was an enemy or a friend.

"Are you scared now?"

"I'm not really afraid," He Yan said, "If he wants to tell me, I will just pack my bags and run away." He Yan sighed, "It's just that I've been in Liangzhou Guard for so long, I really can't bear to leave the governor. It will definitely be very uncomfortable if I really have to say goodbye to the governor."

"What you are reluctant to give up is the chance to join the Southern Palace Army." Xiao Jue remained unmoved.

"How could you think so much of me?" He Yan said seriously, "With my skills, I would be valued by any general. The reason why I am obsessed with the Southern Army is because they are led by the governor." Perhaps because Xiao Jue always flattered him, He Yan could say flattering words without blushing or breathing hard.

"Captain, do you still mean what you just said?"

"What?"

"Even if my identity is exposed and everyone knows that I am a woman, can you protect me?"

Xiao Jue sneered, "Don't worry. No matter how long the Chu family's reach is, it can't reach deep into my Nanfu soldiers. However," he fixed his beautiful eyes on He Yan and said in a neutral tone, "Miss He is in such trouble, why should I bother and take so many risks for you?"

"Because we have looked at drawings together, we have a special relationship." He Yan answered calmly.

Xiao Jue's calm expression suddenly turned pale: "...What did you say?"

"Don't worry," He Yan raised his index finger in front of his mouth, made a silent gesture, and said, "I will never tell anyone else that the governor looked at the map with me on the first day he came to Jiyang."

…

The carriage stopped at the gate of Cui's house. He Yan and Xiao Jue had just entered, but before they reached the yard, they saw Lin Shuanghe hurriedly approaching. Seeing the two of them, Lin Shuanghe closed his fan and said, "I'm finally back. Do you know..."

"The Fourth Master Chu has come to Jiyang." He Yan said before he could finish.

"You already know?" Lin Shuanghe was stunned. "He arrived just before you. I heard that it was arranged by Princess Mengji. He is now living in Cui Mansion. What's going on?" He looked around to see if there was anyone around, and whispered, "There won't be any conspiracy, right? And sister He," Lin Shuanghe had a headache, "You can't let Chu Zilan see you like this. What if your identity is exposed?"

"We have already met in the palace." He Yan comforted: "The Fourth Master Chu also promised us that he would not tell anyone else about this for the time being. Brother Lin can rest assured for now."

"Have you met before?" Lin Shuanghe looked at Xiao Jue, then at He Yan, and understood a little. He just asked: "Princess Mengji asked you to enter the palace. Could the person you met be Chu Zilan?"

He Yan nodded.

"What did Chu Zilan do in Jiyang?" Lin Shuanghe asked curiously, "A young man from Shuojing would not come so far just to travel. Why did he come neither earlier nor later? You just arrived in Jiyang and he arrived right after you did. What a coincidence?"

He didn't know about the Wu Tuo people yet, so He Yan said, "This is a long story. Where is my master?"

"Mr. Liu just came back," Lin Shuanghe asked, "What's going on?"

He Yan looked at Xiao Jue: "When I rescued the little prince, my master also mentioned that he came to Jiyang City to track down a group of Wutuo people. Since the news brought by the fourth master Chu is related to the Wutuo people, why not call my master as well? Once we compare the news from several parties, we may find something else." After a pause, she was afraid that Xiao Jue would not trust Liu Buwang, and said: "My master is definitely not a bad person, the governor can rest assured."

Xiao Jue nodded slightly, "Call Mr. Liu, and let's go inside and talk."

…

In the yard, the servants carried the things unloaded from the carriage into the house one by one, from clothes to food, even mattresses and incense, everything was there. These things were all prepared for Chu Zhao by Miss Xu before he came to Jiyang. If it were someone else, they would have been moved and pleased by such thoughtful preparations. Chu Zhao sat in the house, looking at the small blank space on the table that was gradually filled up, but his expression was not disturbed.

Ying Xiang came over.

Because of the terrain and rivers, the women of Jiyang have deep features and tend to be beautiful. Even so, Ying Xiang is still the most eye-catching one among them. She walked to Chu Zhao with a tea tray, put down the teapot, poured a cup of tea for Chu Zhao, and said softly, "Sir, the room has been cleaned up."

Chu Zhao nodded and looked outside the yard.

The house arranged by Cui Yuezhi was not far from Xiao Jue's house.

"Commander Xiao has just returned home," Ying Xiang said, "and he has entered the house with the swordsman in white and Master Lin. They must be talking together."

As for what was said, there is no doubt that it must be related to him.

However, he would not take it to heart.

Chu Zhao took a sip of tea and asked, "Do you know where Chai Anxi is?"