The Innocent Heart - Chapter 78

“Huh?” Guan Yueyao stared at the young lady in bewilderment. Perhaps because it was the first time she had been stared at so directly by an “outside male” of her own age, the girl’s lovely face gradually turned a deep crimson.

“What? Dare to do it but not to admit it? You clearly said such things, yet now you lack the courage to own up to them?!” She seemed exasperated, or perhaps more accurately, mortified to the point of anger, as she glared back, refusing to yield an inch.

Hearing her speak so decisively, the confusion on Guan Yueyao’s face only deepened. “When did I ever say anything about sending you away for a political marriage?!”

She racked her brain for a long time but couldn’t recall a thing. Her denial was righteous and firm, until Huo Qubing, standing beside her, quietly nudged her arm. He leaned in and whispered a reminder in her ear.

“This is the daughter of General Han Anguo. Didn’t you say in front of the Emperor that he should send his daughter for the marriage alliance?”

Guan Yueyao finally remembered…

“This official, Guan Yueyao, petitions to send General Han’s daughter to the Xiongnu for the marriage alliance!” That defiant, ringing statement she had made back in the Xuanzhi Hall now echoed through her mind.

She stole another glance at the girl before her and felt a sudden wave of guilt. It was like speaking ill of someone behind their back, only to have it reach the person’s ears. The atmosphere in the garden instantly became awkward.

Gongsun Jingsheng’s eyes darted between Lady Han, his cousin, and Guan Yueyao. He couldn’t help but feel a flicker of schadenfreude. As the “unfavorable comparison” to Huo Qubing, Jingsheng was used to being scolded by the family elders. Though they were both nephews of the Wei family, he was always the one people looked down upon. This time, even if it was just by association with a friend, Huo Qubing was losing face.

The Han girl, who had seemed spoiled and willful to him just moments ago, now looked much more agreeable.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way,” Gongsun Jingsheng suddenly heard the youth named Guan Yueyao speak, his voice earnest as he explained to the girl.

“I train hard in the military specifically to protect women and children like you, so that you never have to suffer the pain of a marriage alliance again. How could I truly want to send you to the Xiongnu?” Guan Yueyao’s tone was sincere, without a trace of superficiality.

Her eyes were bright as she looked at the young lady. “The atmosphere in the hall was tense that day, and one word led to another, resulting in such an offensive statement. Please, forgive me.”

He is truly asking for her forgiveness, Gongsun Jingsheng thought.

Under Guan Yueyao’s steady gaze, the expression on Lady Han’s face gradually shifted. Her anger faded. Although her pretty face was still shrouded in a rosy glow, it now looked more like the shy blush of a young girl.

“I… I see. Since it was a misunderstanding, let it be!” She blurted out the words hurriedly. Then, covering her face, she led her maids and beat a quick retreat from the garden.

“Qubing, do you think Lady Han really forgave me?” Guan Yueyao watched the girl’s retreating back, feeling somewhat uncertain.

“I’m not sure, but since she said so, she probably won’t come looking for trouble over this again,” Huo Qubing replied, offering comfort after a moment’s thought.

“Cousin Jingsheng, why are you still here? Hurry back to the hall,” Huo Qubing’s eyes swept over to the lingering Gongsun Jingsheng, and he urged him with a frown. Without waiting for a response, he and Guan Yueyao left the scene together.

Gongsun Jingsheng stood there, staring blankly at the abrupt end to the drama. Since when did Han Yejun become so easy to talk to?! Just moments ago, when he had accidentally startled her, she had hounded him relentlessly until Huo Qubing arrived. How was it that with Guan Yueyao, she just tucked tail and ran after a few sentences?!

Gongsun Jingsheng felt deeply indignant. But remembering Huo Qubing’s warning, he didn’t dare stay. He hurried back to the banquet, his mind full of troubled thoughts.

Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao didn’t give the banquet episode a second thought. Their minds were entirely focused on the military campaign following the New Year. Once the banquet concluded, the real New Year festivities for the Wei family officially began.

However, because Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, and even Gongsun He were all set to participate in the spring campaign, the holiday was far from peaceful. Whether it was the head of the household, Wei Zhangjun, or the sisters Wei Shao’er and Wei Junru, everyone wore a look of constant worry.

“Bring these two cloaks for Qubing and Yueyao, and that rabbit-fur hand muffler… perhaps take two hand warmers as well?” Wei Shao’er was organizing the luggage for the three of them when A-qi rushed in again.

“Madam, more rewards have arrived from the palace, from both His Majesty and the Empress!”

It was another flurry of chaotic preparation. Wei Qing was fine; as he was leading the army, he kept his belongings simple and frugal. But the luggage for Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao continued to grow. It looked as though they would need at least two ox-carts just to haul their many trunks.

When Guan Yueyao found a moment to pay her respects to Wei Shao’er alongside Huo Qubing, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by the sight.

“This… this is a bit much, isn’t it?” Her eyes widened as she looked at the mountain of baggage, which seemed to be increasing by the minute.

“It’s not much at all! There are two of you! Who knows how long it will be before you return. Shanggu Commandery is such a remote place! If we don’t bring everything we can think of, I worry you won’t have anywhere to buy what you need if you run out!”

Wei Shao’er waved her hand with a smile, acting as if she were sighing over the two boys’ lack of travel experience—as if she herself had ever traveled far. “Besides, these are fine things rewarded from the palace; they must be taken. And these are things you use daily; I worry they might break, so I’ve prepared several replacements.”

Since reconciling with his mother, Huo Qubing had simply dumped all matters of his daily life and travel arrangements onto her, obediently accepting whatever she provided. This made Wei Shao’er feel her opinions were fully valued, and she became even more dedicated.

As for Guan Yueyao, Huo Qubing had confessed to his mother that it was Yueyao’s advice that sparked his change in attitude. Consequently, Wei Shao’er’s regard for the youth staying in their home grew immensely, treating her almost exactly as she treated Huo Qubing.

“You two seem to have similar tempers and share the same spirit, but you are actually quite different. Qubing ignores everything except military matters, while Yueyao’s mind is a bit more delicate. You must look out for each other in the army; only then can I be at ease.” As she spoke, tears began to well in Wei Shao’er’s eyes. Not wanting to lose her composure in front of the juniors, she turned away quickly to wipe them.

“Mother…” Huo Qubing was moved by the sight. He knew he was her only child and that her worry was inevitable. He sighed, only wishing his mother could forgive his lack of filial piety.

Surprisingly, Wei Shao’er turned back at that moment, taking both Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao by the hand. “I know that a good man’s ambitions lie in all directions,” she said seriously. “Though I am loath to let you go, I will not lock you at home just because of my own fears. Go with a clear mind. I will look after the manor. When you reach the frontier, study hard, observe well, take care of your health, and do not bicker with others. Don’t worry about home; I will be right here in Chang’an waiting for your return.”

At that moment, a rare look of what could be called fortitude appeared on Wei Shao’er’s face.

“Yes!” Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao smiled at each other and nodded solemnly to her.

“Rest easy, Madam! I’ll definitely bring Qubing back in one piece!” Guan Yueyao promised with a grin.

“Both of you must come back in one piece!” Wei Shao’er finally couldn’t hold it back anymore. she pulled the two children into an embrace and began to sob quietly.

The sixth year of Yuangu (129 BC) arrived quietly amidst the bustling Spring Festival. Although there had been speculation throughout the court, the official imperial decree issued just after the New Year confirmed the rumors that had long been circulating in Chang’an:

The Emperor was deploying troops against the Xiongnu once again.

General of Chariots and Cavalry Wei Qing would lead ten thousand riders out of Shanggu; General of Cavalry Gongsun Ao would lead ten thousand out of Dai Commandery; General of Brave Cavalry Li Guang would lead ten thousand out of Yanmen; and General of Light Carriages Gongsun He would lead ten thousand out of Yunzhong. Four great armies were dispatched to strike the Xiongnu!

This time was unlike any previous Han campaign. Usually, the Han only responded with passive, defensive counter-attacks during the autumn and winter when the Xiongnu raided. This time, Liu Che had adopted Huo Qubing’s deduction and decided to launch a proactive strike in the early spring.

It was a theory that had never been tested. Though it aligned with the laws of nature and a long-standing understanding of the Xiongnu, it was still a bold gamble given the court’s lingering fear of the northern nomads. Liu Che had overridden all objections to set the campaign for early spring.

The night before the march, neither Guan Yueyao nor Huo Qubing could sleep, as excited as schoolchildren on the eve of a field trip. They ended up huddling together in Huo Qubing’s bed, sharing a single quilt, imagining the brilliant and varied life they would lead at the frontier.

However, a “field trip” is only fun if you aren’t stuck with classmates you dislike.

“Why is this guy coming too?!”

As the army began its march, Huo Qubing and Guan Yueyao were following behind Wei Qing, dreaming of the frontier scenery. Unexpectedly, they turned around to see Chen Zhi, wearing a sour expression and gripping his reins tightly.

“What? You two can come, but I can’t?” Chen Zhi stiffened his neck, glaring at them with his usual foul face.

But before Guan Yueyao could argue with him, the great army—finally reaching the imperial highway—suddenly accelerated, galloping toward Shanggu Commandery.