Ashes to Crown

Chapter 245: Chapter 59: Knowing Full Well (Part 3)

Xie Yanlai watched her. Since admitting she was the one in charge, the woman’s bearing had changed, even if she still looked gentle.

”When you want something, you must know what to do and what not to do,” he said flatly.

Aunt Ding didn’t answer, her eyes smiling as she countered, ”General, you must have seen with your own eyes how intent we were on seeking fortune, haven’t you? That’s why we’re still able to sit here today.”

Xie Yanlai regarded the woman, his expression impassive.

Aunt Ding showed no fear, bowing solemnly. ”General, we are infamous and have lived sordid lives just to survive. The chance to serve the Empress is a blessing that has fallen from the heavens. We ask that you, General Xie, continue to watch and see how sincerely we seek a new path.”

”The one in charge is indeed remarkable.” Xie Yanlai stood up and looked at the woman, his voice turning grim. ”Since you know I’m watching, then don’t blame me if I see something I don’t like and decide to chop off your heads—”

As he said this, footsteps sounded outside the door.

”Ah Jiu—” a woman’s voice called.

Impatience flickered across Xie Yanlai’s cold expression, but he didn’t answer.

The young woman had already pushed the door open, a brilliant smile on her face.

”There you are,” she said, beckoning to him. ”I was just looking for you.”

Xie Yanlai said coldly, ”I am a general, not your attendant. If the Lady has orders, find Old Bai.”

Chu Zhao completely ignored his cold facade, grabbing his sleeve. ”It’s an urgent matter, of the utmost importance! It can’t be done without you. Quick, come with me.” With that, she started to head out.

Fearing his sleeve would be torn, Xie Yanlai had no choice but to follow her out. ”Chu Zhao! Watch your decorum!”

Chu Zhao glanced back with a smile. ”My station is high and mighty. Who’s going to stop me?”

Xie Yanlai let out a sharp laugh. ”My, how impressive, Miss Ah Zhao. A far cry from when you were so hesitant to leave the Imperial City.”

Chu Zhao laughed as well. ”Alright, that’s enough of that.” She glanced back at the building and saw Aunt Ding standing in the doorway, seeing them off. Chu Zhao gave her a smile before turning her gaze back to Xie Yanlai. ”Why were you scaring them again?”

Xie Yanlai tilted his chin up at her. ”Did you think that just because you’re playing ignorant, they’ll actually believe you’re ignorant?” He added a cold laugh. ”Now that you’re using them, aren’t you going to question them properly?”

Chu Zhao knew that ever since they’d arrived, Xie Yanlai had been eyeing Ding Dachui and the other bandits like a cat. His stare was so intense it could almost scare their souls from their bodies. At the thought, she couldn’t help but laugh.

”Some things are better left unsaid,” she said. ”I know that they know, and they know that I know. That’s enough, isn’t it?”

She let out a ”hmpf” at that.

”It was you who insisted on forcing my hand back then, and now you’re making me go through all this again today.”

The corners of Xie Yanlai’s eyes tightened. ”I, for one, am afraid of dying. I have to expose every potential danger. If Miss Chu isn’t afraid, then feel free.” With that, he flung his sleeve and strode forward.

”Why are you so angry?” Chu Zhao laughed, hurrying after him. ”I wasn’t blaming you, you know. I’m not that petty about things that have already happened, so you shouldn’t be either—”

One chasing the other, the pair grew more distant until their words were lost to the wind. Aunt Ding, however, remained standing in the doorway, watching them go, an unmistakable smile filling her eyes.

”That General Xie... he’s not bad,” she said with a nod.

From behind her, Ding Dachui couldn’t help but protest, ”He’s so harsh! What’s ’not bad’ about him?”

’He’s harsh to us, and he’s harsh to that young lady, too.’

”He’s harsh to us because he’s worried about that young lady. He wants to ensure her safety,” Aunt Ding said with a gentle smile.

That must be why the young lady isn’t the least bit afraid of him.

Aunt Ding gazed into the distance. The young woman bounced along beside the young general, chattering and laughing. The general himself strode forward, back ramrod straight, seemingly paying her no mind. But his hands were clasped behind him, and his little finger was faintly swaying.