Chapter 200 Sword Gate

Ren Yao had to follow the emperor's orders, so having a New Year's Eve dinner with Li Huazhang and Ming Huashang was the limit. She returned to Beijing the next day to report. It was raining and snowing in Shangzhou, but Chang'an was in a state of panic. There were many more guards at the city gates. Passing through the deep and long towers, the view was a flat and white road with hurried pedestrians. Right in front of them was the Taiji Palace covered with white snow, like a palace in the sky.

After going through layers of investigation, Ren Yao finally met Empress Wei, no, now she should be respectfully called Empress Dowager Wei.

Ren Yao stepped over the high threshold, saw the figure on the Phoenix Throne, and bowed: "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you, the Queen Mother."

Empress Dowager Wei was admiring her nails. When she heard Ren Yao coming, she raised her eyes and glanced at him calmly, signaling the attendant to help Ren Yao up. "Marquis Pingnan, there is no need to be polite. I originally expected you to come back after the first month of the year, but I didn't expect you to come back today.

The day has come. You must have had a hard time on the road, right? "

The eunuch came to help Ren Yao with a flattering look on his face. Ren Yao avoided the eunuch's hand without making a sound, still with his eyes downcast, and said: "I am indebted to the Emperor and dare not delay. Fortunately, I have fulfilled my mission. I have taken the Prince of Qiao and his followers who planned the rebellion back to Chang'an. I will leave it to the Empress Dowager to decide."

"They've all been caught?" Wei Hou was a little surprised. "Li Chongfu is still alive?"

"yes."

Queen Wei smiled, walked down the steps, and pulled Ren Yao to sit down. "I knew you wouldn't let me down. Tell me what happened along the way, and how you caught that traitor Li Chongfu."

Ren Yao suddenly stood so close to Wei Hou that her body tensed up. She weighed every word in her mind, cutting out the part about her correspondence with Li Huazhang and speaking it out.

When Queen Wei heard that Li Huazhang was also in Junzhou on the day Ren Yao attacked the city, her eyes twinkled and she asked casually, "Wasn't Prince Yong in Shangzhou? How did he appear in Junzhou?"

Ren Yao raised his head and said carefully, "King Qiao wanted to rebel but was afraid of being punished by the imperial court, so he invited King Yong to Junzhou in the name of celebrating the New Year, and wanted to use King Yong and his wife as hostages."

"Oh?" Wei Hou's voice was drawn out, and it was hard to tell whether she believed it or not. "What a coincidence?"

"Yes." Ren Yao lowered his eyes and said, "Fortunately, the vanguard team that opened the city gate was brave and alert, and they were not afraid of death. They helped the army open the city gate in time. Only then could I lead the troops to drive straight in, capture the rebels alive when Prince Qiao was not prepared, and rescue Prince Yong."

Ren Yao deliberately mentioned the vanguard team, so that as long as Queen Wei continued to ask for details, she could help Jiang Ling and others to claim credit. But Queen Wei didn't seem to care about the details of the siege. She just responded lightly, her eyes flashing, and after a moment she said: "I remember that your father and brother died on the battlefield, and now there is only a grandmother left in the mansion, right?"

Ren Yao didn't know why Wei Hou asked this, so he nodded and said, "Yes, as far as I can remember, my father and brother have been on the battlefield, and I was raised by my grandmother."

Empress Wei sighed, "It's not easy. When I was young, I heard from my family that the first Marquis of Pingnan, your grandfather, defended the city for three months with 200 soldiers. He stood with his gun in hand until he died in battle. The Tibetan soldiers dared not approach him. The court was impressed by his loyalty and made an exception to confer him the title of Marquis of Pingnan, and the title was passed to your father. Your father lived up to the reputation of the Ren family for loyalty and died on the battlefield. It was a pity for the women of the Ren family. My mother met the wife of the Marquis of Pingnan. She had a good temperament and looked good, but she was weak. After learning that her husband and son had died in battle, she fell ill and died at a young age. Your grandmother was a widow who raised your father alone. She was busy inside and outside, and she built up the Ren family by herself, and also cultivated you good children and grandchildren. Your grandmother deserves half of the credit for the current status of the Marquis of Pingnan's mansion."

Ren Yao had no idea that Wei Hou knew so much about the Ren family's situation. She said earnestly, "Grandma is the person I respect most in my life."

She lost her husband when she was young, her son when she was middle-aged, and watched her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson leave her one by one. However, she could not show any weakness. She supported the mansion alone and raised her only granddaughter. Such an experience for a woman cannot be summed up by just the word "hardship".

Queen Wei may have thought of herself, and sighed: "I have also experienced the death of a young person, and I know it is the most difficult thing in the world. Your grandmother endured most of her life, which was not easy. I admire such a strong and sensible woman the most. Your grandmother should be given a first-class imperial decree so that she can set an example for the world."

Ren Yao was stunned for a moment, and was simply overwhelmed by the favor. He quickly stood up to thank the Queen: "What virtue and ability do I have to receive such an honor? I hope the Queen Mother will withdraw her order."

Queen Wei smiled and pulled Ren Yao up, holding her hand and saying, "Why are you refusing? I am not conferring the title on you, but on your grandmother. Besides, your grandmother raised you with great difficulty, don't you want to win an imperial decree for her and make her happy?"

Ren Yao certainly hoped that what she wanted most in her life was to repay her grandmother and gain her recognition. However, she also knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and she said anxiously, "I am new to the officialdom, I have no merit, and I have no talent or virtue. The Queen Mother has bestowed upon me such an honor, and I am truly humbled and terrified."

Queen Wei smiled. She tapped the table slowly with her long, thin nails, and said, "How can you not have any merit? If you can resolve the rebellion of the vassal kings and stabilize the government, it will be a great achievement. Not to mention conferring an imperial decree on your grandmother, even if your mother is conferred the title of First-Rank Lady, no one will dare to say anything."

Perhaps it was because the incense in Lizheng Hall was too strong, Ren Yao's brain was unable to work for a while, and he could not understand what Queen Wei said. The previous emperor had four princes, the eldest prince and the third prince were dead, the fourth prince, Prince Wen, was established as the new emperor, and the second prince, Prince Qiao, was just brought back by her from Junzhou. Which prince would rebel?

Junzhou…Ren Yao’s mind was ablaze with thoughts, and then it went blank. Queen Wei looked at her calmly, and seeing that she had reacted, she said in a gentle and persuasive way, “Prince Qiao wanted to rebel, and Prince Yong happened to appear in Junzhou. Who can tell what exactly happened? You were the one who arrested Prince Qiao, and you know the situation best. Do you remember anything unusual about Prince Yong?”

Ren Yao understood that Wei Hou was hinting at her to frame Li Huazhang for treason. If she succeeded, Wei Hou would confer imperial decrees on the women of Pingnan Marquis's mansion. Ren Yao suddenly felt a surge of anger rising up to her head, burning her whole body and making her eyes red. She looked at Wei Hou in front of her, smiling leisurely and seeming to be sure that she would agree, and she could hardly hold back her fists.

What does Empress Wei think of their Ren family? The title of Pingnan Hou was obtained by their grandfather who refused to give it up even though he was shot by dozens of arrows, and it was secured by their father and brother who shed their blood on the battlefield. Of course, the women of their Ren family deserve the first-class imperial decree, but they must have won it honestly on the battlefield with the Ren family's spears, not by those despicable and cunning behaviors.

If she had framed her friend in order to confer an imperial decree on her grandmother, her grandmother would have cut off all ties with her on the spot. How could she have let the imperial decree enter the Ren family? Ren Yao tried his best to control his expression so as not to lose his composure in front of the crowd, and replied coldly: "I didn't see Prince Yong do anything unusual. Moreover, Prince Yong and his wife are selfless and dedicated to the public, and they care about the people. They have done many good things for Shangzhou. Everyone in the county praises Prince Yong's virtue. The Queen Mother has the new emperor who is filial and obedient at home, and the ministers who share her worries outside. The country is stable, and there is no need to be suspicious or worried."

Queen Wei's face immediately darkened, and she became a little angry: "Is the Marquis of Pingnan trying to defend the injustice of Prince Yong? The county and prefecture all praise Prince Yong's virtue, so I am the unvirtuous one?"

Ren Yao lowered his eyes and said, "That is not what I meant."

"You obviously have it!" Empress Wei Huo De waved her sleeves and was furious. "Don't forget, who gave the Pingnan Marquis' Mansion its current glory? If it weren't for me, how could a woman like you lead troops to fight and hold power?"

"I thank the Queen Mother for promoting me. I will never forget your kindness." Ren Yao stiffened his neck and said stubbornly, "But there are things I should do and things I shouldn't do. I am willing to risk my life and sacrifice my life for my country, but I will never frame a gentleman or betray my friends."

Wei Hou narrowed his eyes and said, "So, you don't want to do it?"

Ren Yao bowed his head and bowed deeply: "It's not that I don't want to, but this is an absurd thing that will anger heaven and people, and I can't do it. Prince Yong is selfless, virtuous and talented, and a true gentleman. I hope the Queen Mother will withdraw her order and not disappoint the meritorious officials and generals."

Queen Wei laughed coldly and said condescendingly: "Okay, okay, you are a good person who values ​​friendship and loyalty. Then I will grant your wish. From today on, the rewards and military power of the Pingnan Marquis's Mansion will be taken back, and you will be expelled from the Yulin Army. Your whole family will be exiled to Jiannan and guard Jianmen Pass."

Ren Yao finally raised her head and looked at Queen Wei. Queen Wei looked at her coldly, with a look of satisfaction that showed she had won.

She knew what Ren Yao cared about most, so she deliberately used this punishment to punish Ren Yao. All Ren Yao wanted was to support the Pingnan Marquis Mansion so that his grandmother could live out her days, but Empress Wei exiled the Ren family and left Old Madam Ren unable to live in peace at such an old age. She thought Ren Yao would give in by using this method, but Ren Yao was silent for a while, then knelt down and kowtowed silently: "Thank you."

Ren Yao looked at the golden bricks in the Lizheng Palace, which were so bright that they could tell a person's true colors. He thought that opportunities and traps often looked the same when they came. What made her successful in the past could also destroy her.

She gained power because of the Shenlong coup, and when the Chongjun coup came, she did the same thing again, but pushed herself into the abyss, sinking deeper and deeper.

She just hated that after pursuing it for so long, she ended up burying everything with her own hands.

When Ren Yao entered the palace, he was still the popular Marquis of Pingnan, but when he left the palace, he became a criminal. In the past, she was always worried, afraid that she would do something wrong, offend the female officials and eunuchs, and bring disaster to the Marquis of Pingnan's mansion. But now, she felt extremely calm when she saw the eunuchs whispering and pointing in front of her.

Let those people say whatever they want, she is really fed up with all this bullying.

任遙漠然出宮，徑直往平南侯府走去。奴婢們禀報侯爺回來了，任老夫人奇怪任遙進宮裏述職，怎麽回來的這樣早，她拄着拐杖，正要讓丫鬟扶她出去，任遙已大步走入暖閣，重重跪在她面前。

她跪下時撲通一聲，看着就痛，滿屋子丫鬟都露出詫異之色。任老夫人風風雨雨半輩子，最重要的是她了解任遙，馬上就知道出事了。

任老夫人很沉得住氣，平靜地讓丫鬟們退下。等侍女們關門出去後，她才顫巍巍坐回原位，道：“怎麽了？”

任遙面對韋後時不怕，出宮面對太監的指指點點不怕，但回府看到祖母，忽然忍不住淚意。她覺得自己沒有臉哭，借着磕頭挪開眼睛，道：“祖母，我錯了，您打我吧。”

任老夫人看到親手養大的孫女眼睛紅成那樣，怎能不心疼。但她知道任遙好強，遂當沒看見她眼睛裏的淚花，還是沉着道：“好好說，到底發生什麽事了？”

任遙不肯起來，頭用力磕在地上，說：“我錯了，您說得對，我不該執迷不悟，不該進入官場。或許按您說的，早早找個人家嫁了，至少不會禍害家裏。哪像現在，費盡心機，汲汲營營，最後一場空，還要連累您。”

任老夫人嘆息，她早就覺得任家和韋後走太近不是好事，然而為臣者，哪有拒絕的權力，如今這只鍘刀終于還是落下來了。

任老夫人道：“你先起來說。”

任遙不肯：“我做錯了事，累及家族，您不打我，我無顏面對您。”

任老夫人長嘆，伸手扶住任遙的胳膊，硬是将任遙拉起來。她的手已經十分老邁，上面血管交錯，宛如樹根，但手勁依然十分大，像老樹雖老，依然能在風雨中牢牢抓着土地。任遙拗不過，只能順着祖母的力道直起身體。

“祖母……”

任遙預想中疾言厲色、劈頭蓋臉的責罵并沒有出現，相反，任老夫人眼中閃爍着愧疚，輕輕撫過任遙的頭發，說：“傻孩子，你沒錯，是我錯了。該打的人是我，而不是你啊。”

任遙一驚：“祖母！”

任老夫人的淚忍不住落下來。祖孫兩人好強得一模一樣，她不讓任遙安慰，自己擦去了眼淚，說道：“遙兒，你做得很好，是我老糊塗了，百般阻撓着你。我依據我的經驗，知道女人好強會很辛苦，我不想讓你受苦，就想着讓你像其他女娘一樣只操心胭脂水粉，安安穩穩嫁人挺好。可是，不讓你受苦，何嘗不是剝奪了你成材的可能。”

因為高空風大，就折斷她的翅膀，讓她一輩子做只燕雀，還告訴她這樣的日子很好，不用去高空冒險，每天都有人喂米水。可是，親手将孫女關入籠中，讓她一輩子做金絲雀，真的是為她好嗎？

任老夫人夜深時常常驚醒，夢到任遙廢了槍法，嫁入夫家後被婆婆、妾室欺辱，卻連反抗的力氣都沒有。她醒來後往往驚懼不已，後半夜再也無法入睡。其實她很慶幸，她的孫女一直在反抗叛逆，沒有聽從她的安排，真做了一只金絲雀。

任老夫人将任遙拉着坐到自己身邊，道：“你可知你父親為何給你取名任遙？”

任遙搖頭，任老夫人道：“當初你母親生下你時，本來給你拟瑤池的瑤。但你父親回信，說瑤雖為美玉，但易碎，不如改為遙，路遙知馬力，日久見人心，任家人當不懼風霜雨雪，百煉成鋼。你今年才二十一歲，人生的路剛剛開始，以後還長着呢。做錯了事不要怕，站起來，再往下走就是了。人只要不服輸，無論什麽難關，總會渡過去的。”

任遙自出宮後一直緊繃着的心漸漸放松下來，任老夫人問她發生了什麽，任遙便将韋後對她說的話原封道來。任老夫人聽後怒目而視，道：“做得好。我們任家槍遇強則強，寧折不彎，學得是上陣殺敵、保家衛國之道，絕不會将槍尖對準功臣。若你敢對雍王不利，我才要将你逐出族譜。不就是得罪了太後，有什麽了不得，我老婆子還走得動道，一起去劍門關戍邊，我還覺得暢快呢。任遙，你記住，只要人活着，沒什麽坎過不去；只要行得端做得正，任家槍永遠不倒。”

任遙感動得說不出話來，垂首下拜：“祖母，孫女不孝，連累您了。”

任老夫人看着伏在自己身邊的孫女，她還像小時那樣，做錯了事自己硬扛着，無論怎麽都不和家裏人說，唯獨在任老夫人身邊會忍不住哭鼻子，一眨眼，任遙都長這麽大了，成了獨當一面的女将軍，比任老夫人預料的還要好。任老夫人露出笑意，輕輕撫過任遙頭頂，道：“遙兒，就像我以前和你說的，塞翁失馬，焉知非福，這世上的事啊，都說不準。我早就覺得事先皇一家非長久之道，現在韋後清算你，總好過韋後的政敵動手。”

·

平南侯府一家被流放劍門關的消息傳出來後，震驚長安。江陵聽到消息的第一時間就想去找任遙，但是平南侯府已被朝廷查封，閉門謝客。他見不到任遙，只能另想辦法。

江陵一回家就去找江安侯，想讓父親出面，保下任遙。但是江安侯都沒聽完他的話就不耐煩揮手，道：“流放的旨意是太後下的，她不知怎麽得罪了太後，我能有什麽辦法？”

江陵急道：“辦法都是人想出來的。爹，她這個人沒腦筋又脾氣犟，不可能做出什麽大奸大惡的事。你去找太平公主想想辦法，不能真讓她們一家去劍門關吶。”

江安侯面色淡淡，道：“太平殿下更不可能插手了。任遙曾是太後的親信，無論她們兩人為什麽鬧崩，但韋黨少一個人，對公主和相王是好事。這些年公主府頗受猜忌，殿下韬光養晦，處處避讓，好不容易保全到現在，為何要為一個不相幹的人折損羽翼？”

“不相幹的人？”江陵看着江安侯，不可置信，“您不可能不知道我和她的關系，在您看來，我喜歡的女子，是不相幹的人？”

江安侯頓了頓，說道：“她抛頭露面，和韋黨有牽連，不是良配。就算她們家沒有這樁事，我也不可能同意你們兩個。待風頭過去，你和你母親的侄女見一面，差不多就成婚吧。你也收收心，別一天天吊兒郎當，不務正業，早日替江家傳宗接代才是正經事。”

江陵沉默了片刻，突然說：“爹，是不是無論我做什麽，你都覺得我肯定辦不好，怎麽都不如二弟？”

江安侯眉毛微皺，不耐煩起來：“你渾說什麽？你二弟聰明上進，對你恭敬守禮，你做兄長的，就這麽說弟弟？”

“我知道二弟聰明、孝順、讀書好，父親更喜歡他，無可厚非。”江陵直視着江安侯，說道，“我也知道，繼母擔心我對二弟不利，所以故意不給我請夫子，只讓人帶着我玩樂。我原來覺得這種生活沒什麽不好，反正江家家大業大，不需要我拼搏什麽，我就如你們的意，做一個游手好閑的纨绔子弟。但現在，我不想再荒唐下去了。”

江安侯聽到他這般說妻子，眉毛豎起，正待生氣，江陵已一掀袍子跪了下去：“兒子不孝，知道不能因一己私情将家族拖下水，但兒子也做不到袖手旁觀，看心愛的人去邊關受苦。以後，兒子不能在父親身邊盡孝，望父親保重身體，若我五年內沒有回來，請父親将世子之位傳給二弟，以後，讓二弟繼承家業吧。”

說着，江陵重重叩首，三起三拜。江安侯被江陵的舉動震驚了，他緊緊皺着眉，怒道：“你個混賬，你知不知道你到底在做什麽？”

江陵站起身，心中無比清明。他說道：“我知道，我沒有一次像現在這樣，知道自己要做什麽。”

他其實一直很羨慕李華章、謝濟川、任遙，他們的目标總是那樣清晰，行動力總是那樣強大，連明華裳都知道自己想要什麽，但他一直不知道。前二十年，他聽從父親的安排，一直在做江安侯的兒子，但現在，他生平第一次有了想要追逐的事情，他想做一回江陵。

江陵知道父親肯定會生氣，也知道他走後繼母肯定會添油加醋，但這一回，他不會再聽父親的話了。

江陵最後深深一拜，扭頭大步離開，義無反顧去追任遙。

他來了，他的大将軍，他的小侯爺。

·

二月初，長安的柳樹剛剛冒出綠芽，平南侯府舉家出京。任遙原來為了守住爵位，夙興夜寐，生怕做得一點不好，被族人指點，如今好了，任家其他人離得任遙遠遠的，再也不盯着平南侯這個香饽饽，生怕受到牽連。

Ren Yao was very careful when she was in the Yulin Army. Although no one came to her aid when she was in trouble, no one stepped on her either. She and her grandmother left Chang'an relatively peacefully, but after leaving the city, there was a dog-skin plaster that she couldn't get rid of.

During the lunch break, Ren Yao was afraid that Old Madam Ren might not be sitting comfortably, so he carefully helped her walk: "Grandma, do you want some water?"

Madam Ren shook her head, looked back, and said, "That person is still following us?"

Ren Yao was a little embarrassed, but pretended to be indifferent and said, "He is going to Yizhou for a trip, and happened to walk on the same road as us. He will leave tomorrow, so don't worry about him, Grandma."

Old Madam Ren glanced at Ren Yao and said nothing. After walking around, she sat down on a stone. Ren Yao hurriedly took out the dry food that he had prepared in advance and set the table for dinner. Old Madam Ren knocked on her knees and said calmly, "We've been out in the sun for the whole morning. Let's call that young man over to have dinner together."

Ren Yao was startled: "Grandma..."

"Don't worry about why he's here. Now that we've seen him, we can't lose our manners. Call him over. Jiannan is a safe place. One more person means more safety."

Ren Yao's lips moved as he looked at the mountain road where the snow was melting. He didn't say anything. After a while, Jiang Ling came over. He was no longer dressed like a rich and idle man. He changed into low-key clothes, but his expression was still so cheerful. He was a little nervous when he saw the steady Madam Ren. He greeted her politely: "Madam Pingnan, how are you? I am Jiang Ling."

Madam Ren nodded calmly: "So he is the eldest son of Marquis Jiang An. Master Jiang is also taking this path?"

Jiang Ling chuckled and said, "Madam, just call me Jiang Ling. I had a quarrel with my family, and now I am not considered a prince."

Ren Yao had no expression at first, but after hearing this, she narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at Jiang Ling in disbelief: "What did you say?"

Jiang Ling still had that carefree look on his face, and said, "It's really boring to be a crown prince with limited responsibilities, so I'm going to resign with my father and go out to travel. As for whether my father will give the title to me or my second brother, I don't care, I'll just have fun for a few years first."

When Ren Yao heard that Jiang Ling had actually handed over the prince to someone else, his eyes widened and he almost subconsciously wanted to hit him on the head: "What are you thinking about? Are you crazy?"

Madam Ren coughed, and Ren Yao realized that he was in front of his grandmother, so he quickly retracted his half-raised hand. Madam Ren said calmly: "This is the family affair of the Marquis of Jiang'an Mansion, and I shouldn't interfere, but I still have to remind Mr. Jiang that the title is not a trivial matter, and the road to Shu is difficult, and it is not a fun thing. I hope Mr. Jiang will think it over before speaking."

"I've thought it through." Jiang Ling still had a playful smile on his face, but his eyes were dark and bright, and he said seriously, "I've thought it through clearly. I'm serious about going to Jiannan, but life is short, so enjoy it while you can. No matter how difficult the road to Shu is, you can get there by just walking like you're sightseeing."

Old Madam Ren looked at Jiang Ling silently. She could see that he was rich and noble. He was innocent and optimistic like a rich young man, but he was sincere. His eyes were as clear as a puppy's, and he could not hide any thoughts. Old Madam Ren finally stopped talking and said, "We didn't build the road. Since Mr. Jiang wants to go to Jiannan, he can go as he pleases."

Jiang Ling blinked, not knowing what was going on, and subconsciously looked to Ren Yao for help. Ren Yao said with a cold face, "Let's eat first."

"Oh." Jiang Ling nodded, not quite understanding. But he changed his mind and realized that if he didn't refuse, it meant he agreed. He suddenly became happy and volunteered, "There's a stream over there. Where are your water bottles? Give them to me. I'll go get some water!"

Old Madam Ren originally thought that this young man who was raised in a pampered way was just on a whim, and would naturally go back after a few days when he lost interest. How could anyone leave the prince in Chang'an to suffer at the border? However, Jiang Ling followed them all the way, never complaining, living happily every day, and even complaining for a long time if a flower bloomed on the roadside.

Gradually, Madam Ren got used to Jiang Ling's presence in the team. The shade of the trees became thicker, the weather gradually became humid and hot, and Jianmen Pass was also reached.

Jianmen Pass is close to the border and is always under military preparation. The living conditions are of course very difficult. Ren Yao was a majestic general of the Yulin Army in Chang'an, but here, he is just an ordinary lieutenant who has to do everything himself.

When they arrived, the house they lived in was still leaking. Ren Yao had never suffered any hardship in his life, even though he had to practice martial arts. Jiang Ling had definitely never lived in a thatched house before, but he adapted better than Ren Yao. He lived next door to Ren Yao's family, and on the first day he arrived, he volunteered to help them fix the roof, even though he almost collapsed the roof. When he woke up the next day, he happily found things to fix the wall, as if it was just a big game and there was nothing to be upset about.

Ren Yao patrolled Jianmen Pass during the day, and came back at night to clean the yard, repair the room, and cook. Jiang Ling was not on the list of soldiers, but he shamelessly followed them on patrol, running around on the steep mountain roads of Jianmen Pass all day without a single complaint.

The two of them climbed mountains together, practiced shooting together, watched the sun rise together, and watched the moon fall from the cliff together. It seemed as if time had gone back to Mount Zhongnan again. Every day they just had to do their job well. As long as they put in the effort, they would definitely reap rewards. It was tiring but fulfilling.

After a few months, even Old Lady Ren changed her opinion of Jiang Ling. One evening, Ren Yao came back from her night patrol and made the bed for Old Lady Ren. Old Lady Ren looked at her face, which had become much tanned but also became resolute, and suddenly said, "I originally thought that Jiang Ling was the son of Marquis Jiang An, and he was too good for me. But after watching him for so long, I find that he is a good boy."

Ren Yao was startled, and buried his head in tidying up the corners of the quilt: "Grandma, what are you talking about?"

Madam Ren said calmly, "I have lived for so many years, I still have a good eye for people. That child likes you, otherwise, he wouldn't have followed you all the way from Chang'an to Jianmen Pass. Money is easy to get, but true love is hard to find. You are not young anymore, it's rare to meet someone you like, so you should settle this important matter for your whole life."

Ren Yao didn't know why his grandmother brought up such a thing, and said awkwardly, "No way, he and I are just friends, what are you talking about?"

Madam Ren sneered and said, "I am old and confused. I can't tell whether it's a friend or a lover. There is no doubt that he likes you, and you are not indifferent to him. Otherwise, with your temper, how can you have the patience to teach others how to use the Ren family spear? It is a rare blessing to meet someone you like and who also happens to like you in life. You should cherish it. Although the child is innocent, he really loves you. No matter what his family is like, he is willing to treat you well. That's enough. While I am still in charge, let's arrange your marriage another day."

Ren Yao pinched the corner of the quilt unintentionally. After so much time, the bed had not become neat at all. In the past, she was determined to prove that she was no worse than men, so she did not allow herself to have any feminine things, including emotions. But after being in Jianmenguan for so long, she walked through the mountains, saw life and death, and witnessed the wind, frost, snow and rain of the soldiers guarding the border. After seeing real life, she realized how lucky she was to be born in a marquisate.

No matter how bad her body is, or how uncertain her future is, as long as the sun rises as usual, there is nothing to worry about. Ren Yao finally admitted that although she was strong in martial arts, she was timid at heart, so she strongly rejected things that she thought symbolized weakness. When she became strong and confident at heart, she would find that loving beautiful clothes and being strong and brave were never contradictory.

She was born a woman, but was born into a military family, so she became the Ren Yao of today. She didn't have to reject the part of her that belonged to a woman.

Ren Yao finally smiled and whispered, "Okay."