The camp had grown quiet after dinner.
Liang Yushen scoffed softly. "As if Minister Zhang ever needed the army for power. If he wanted authority, he would have taken it long ago."
HuaiJin stopped.
He said quietly. "They all do. My father never raised his voice unless it was for discipline. Never claimed credit for victories. Never once used soldiers as tools."
His gaze lifted to the dark sky.
"He's too honest for the court."
Liang Yushen looked at him carefully. "You sound like you're blaming yourself again."
HuaiJin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"If I had chosen the scholar's path… if I had stayed in the capital, passed the examinations…" His fingers curled slightly. "Maybe they wouldn't dare speak so freely. Maybe he wouldn't stand alone in that hall."
Liang Yushen frowned. "You think becoming a scholar would have made your father happier?"
HuaiJin's voice softened. "I thought so, once."
But then, memories surfaced clear and unyielding.
A young boy gripping a wooden spear.A calm voice saying, If your heart leans towards the blade, then turn to learn how to weild it well. No anger. No disappointment. Only guidance.
"He never blamed me," HuaiJin said. "Not once. When others scolded me for neglecting books, he told me to train harder. To protect what mattered."
His jaw tightened. "And yet, I still regret it."
Liang Yushen stopped walking and looked at him fully.
"Regret doesn't suit you," he said. "You walk the path he allowed you to choose. That alone proves his faith."
Zhang HuaiJin didn't answer.
The wind swept through the camp, carrying the scent of cold earth and distant smoke. Liang Yushen sighed long and quiet.
"Get some rest," he said at last.
He turned and walked back toward his tent, his figure soon swallowed by darkness.
Zhang HuaiJin remained where he was, standing beneath the vast sky, regret heavy in his chest yet somewhere beneath it, unwavering resolve still burned.
*********************************************************
Nanjing, Captial.
A gentle breeze slips through the open window of Clear Moon Pavilion, carrying the faint scent of loquat blossoms. On the desk lies a neatly folded letter, sealed with the emblem of the imperial family.
Qingwan's lips curve slightly as she reads. Memories of the banquet in her past life through her mind long corridors lined with glowing lanterns, music floating like a river through the air, and the swirl of noble gowns brushing the marble floors.
She remembers standing there, young and unmarried, feeling out of place despite the grandeur. There was a moment that had stayed with her a subtle wrongness, a sting of embarrassment she could never forget, even though at the time she tried to ignore it.
She exhales softly and lets a small, satisfied smile cross her face.
"Su," she says, her voice light but commanding, "Prepare my outfits. We are going out."
Maid Su's eyes widen in excitement. "Yes, Lady! Shall I bring your finest silks and ornaments?"
Qingwan nods, a gleam in her eyes. "Yes. In my past life, I was timid and held back never spending freely, never enjoying myself. This time… we will not hesitate. We will do it properly."
Su beams, her excitement contagious. "Then it shall be perfect to go out, Lady!"
Shen Qingwan chuckles softly, imagining the bustle of the market and the rich fabrics to choose from. "Exactly. It's time we indulge ourselves, Su. No holding back this time."
The carriage wheels rattled softly over the cobblestone streets as Shen Qingwan leaned back against the cushions, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
Maid Su sat beside her, eyes bright with anticipation, while Shou An walked steadily alongside the carriage, his posture straight, eyes alert to every movement and passerby.
Though the walk from the main gates to the Jade Brocade PAvillion was short, Qingwan did not wish to expend unnecessary energy. She felt the lingering weariness of the day her body still adjusting to the long hours she had begun to reclaim for herself.
Finally, the carriage came to a gentle stop in front of the pavilion. Su's eyes sparkled. "We're here, Lady!" she said, practically bouncing with excitement.
Shou An stepped forward, offering his hand to Qingwan. "Lady Shen," he said, voice calm as always, "please allow me."
Qingwan smiled faintly and took his hand. With Shou An's steady support, she gracefully stepped down from the carriage, her silk robes flowing softly around her. Su quickly hopped down as well, tugging lightly at Qingwan's sleeve to help steady the folds of her gown.