Five

"I agreed, perhaps my mother also despised my father's incompetence. I can't remember much from my childhood, only that they often quarreled. My father would be driven out and would sit alone by the kitchen stove, quietly tending to the fire. In the morning, he would be found asleep there. " Ye Jin said, "My mother married him just like that. On the day of her wedding, my father secretly went out to take a look. After he returned, he sat alone by the stove again, quietly tending to the fire."

Ji Ye frowned, her face full of disdain, turning her head to the side: "Anyway, I don't want to see her face; it just annoys me. How could she possibly resemble me?"

"It was not arranged by me," Lü Guichen hurriedly waved his hand, "It was General Xi and General Bai."

"Do the two of you have business here?" Lü Guichen asked

After a while, Lü Guichen took a comb from his waist and lowered his head to hand it over

He knows that he is merely using an excuse to interject; what he truly wants to say is not this

"You need to help me go outside and fetch a basin of water when you have time, as I need to wash my face; it is in such a dirty state that it is unrecognizable," said Ji Ye

Lü Guichen knew that once this friend became stubborn, even nine oxen could not pull him back. He did not persuade him further and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Then I will help you fetch some water."

There are also some imperial gifts and edicts. Lü Guichen sat by Ji Ye's bedside, taking a deep breath, hoping to relieve the fatigue weighing on him. However, there are no military supplies or medicinal materials; the food is nearly insufficient, and there are no supplies to treat the wounded. It is said that General Bai Yi was furious today, stating that if there are no more supplies, the Chu Wei army will be the first to withdraw from Shangyang Pass.

On the day of parting, he stood by the riverbank with this comb tucked in his arms, watching Yu Ran and Ji Ye talking on the wall under the moonlight. He did not know what Ji Ye said to upset Yu Ran, so she stood up, stretched her arms, and gracefully flew over the wall and away.

If I could go home, everything would be fine. Ye Jin sighed softly

In the following month, he went to the tavern every day to drink, and when he returned, he would become drunk and disorderly. He shouted loudly at home that he was also a descendant of the Ye family from Yunzhong, and that no one could look down on him. He claimed that he could go to the battlefield and die wrapped in a horse's hide, and that when his fortunes turned, he would marry the most beautiful woman in Yunzhong, welcoming her into his home with a silver-laden carriage, allowing those who looked down on him to witness it all. Ye Jin smiled and shook her head, saying, "But after shouting for a while, he would hold me and cry, asking me not to leave him, not to go to that person's house." But after shouting for a while, he would hold me and cry, asking me not to leave him, not to go to that person's house.

After a while, he said again: "I do not like that woman"

Playing the piano

She remarried. Ye Jin nodded, "In order to put an end to my father's intentions, my grandfather made various arrangements and within two months secured a new marriage for my mother. The suitor was a subordinate of my grandfather, a very intelligent young man who was quickly rising in his career, thanks to my grandfather's support. Although he had never been married before, he was willing to marry my mother, which made my grandfather very happy. Therefore, he firmly insisted that my mother not take me with her, saying that this way she could forget the past and have no further ties."

He was silent for a moment: "In our northern region, winning a battle is the greatest honor. Any general who can defeat a formidable enemy will have all the cattle and sheep slaughtered in the herdsmen's homes to entertain him, and the lord will send large delegations of envoys to bestow vessels, cattle, sheep, and slaves. It is not the same here; once a victory is achieved, it seems as if people forget about it."

"What fruit?" Ji Ye asked in a muffled voice.

Ji Ye suddenly frowned: "Ajin, it seems that you are quite familiar with her. I do not wish to serve others like a useless person."

Lü Guichen pondered for a moment, then sat down next to Ye Jin, placing the copper basin in front of them. The two remained silent as the sound of the gong slowly traversed the air, passing by their door and then fading away.

He felt a wave of confusion in his heart, wondering what he could do in such a situation. This was not even like facing millions of enemies on the battlefield, where one could draw their sword and fight, even if it meant dying in battle, which would still be the glory of a warrior. But at that moment, Ye Zhengshu had no way out; he could not draw his sword and could only humbly plead.

"Commander, it is not as you think," Ye Jin said with a gentle smile. "Among the seven prominent families in the Eastern Land, which one does not have tens of thousands of descendants? My family is a minor branch within the Ye clan, and apart from inheriting the surname 'Ye', we have no connection with the prominent figures of the main family. If we were to shamelessly seek out relatives, it would merely result in being bestowed a few gold coins, handed over by the servants with polite demeanor."

Lü Guichen became alert, pressing down on the hilt of his knife, and slightly retreating from the partially ajar door. He was extremely cautious, making not a sound.

The vendor then said, "Young master, how beautiful it would be for a young lady to have such an exquisite wooden comb in her hair!"

Lu Guichen was taken aback, feeling somewhat apprehensive, as he thought of himself as a person who pries into the secrets of others, and now he had been discovered. However, the old man remained silent, closing one eye and making a funny face at Lu Guichen.

Lu Guichen sat beside like a fool, lost in thought, watching Ye Jin comb her father's hair. The old man sat with his hands obediently resting on his knees, behaving like a child.

The imperial envoy from the capital has arrived today, bestowing upon us the fruits crafted in the palace. "General shared them with us, but they are excessively sweet, not as delicious as the pastries from the Zihuan Palace"

Lü Guichen was startled and raised his head: "Why?"

He noticed that the two leading figures from the military academy, Si Qiuyi, kept glancing towards the room where Princess Xiaozhou resided before leaving

Ke Yejin's tone remained calm: "My maternal grandfather was also a minor official, with a bit of influence and some wealth at home. He usually despised my father for being timid and useless, rarely visiting us. However, on New Year's Day, he felt it necessary to come and see his daughter. So he brought along some dishes prepared at home and a few jars of wine to our house. Upon entering, he saw my father tending to a pot, which contained nothing but a piece of meat boiled in plain water; there was no other food. My grandfather was furious that a family of officials could be reduced to such a state of embarrassment. He did not even enter the house, merely dropped off the items, and left with my mother to return to his own home."

The vendor also said, "Young master, look at the craftsmanship of this wooden comb. Not to mention that it is renowned among the ten towns of Wanzhou, it is also the only one of its kind in Nanhua City."

Ye Jin silently took it and said: "Thank you, Young Master Chen. It is truly difficult to find a comb here in this place filled with men."

Fortunately, he is the kind of person who submits to circumstances. In the past, my grandfather had also taken my mother home. Ye Jin said, "My father took out a little of what my grandfather had sent and shared the New Year's meal with me, along with that piece of boiled meat. He comforted me by saying that my grandfather would calm down in a few days and would send my mother back. I was only four years old that year, and I believed my father was right. But that was the last time I saw my mother... He comforted me by saying that my grandfather would calm down in a few days and would send my mother back. I was only four years old that year, and I believed my father was right. But that was the last time I saw my mother...

Lü Guichen fell silent for a moment: "They say it is to send Lord Ye to see you, but in fact, they want to check on the princess's current situation."

The vendor chattered incessantly, asking, "Young master, are you planning to give this wooden comb to a girl with hair as black and smooth as water?"

I will come to pick you up soon," Ye Jin said softly

He stepped out of the room and saw Ye Jin sitting on the threshold, facing the darkness outside, leaving him with only a slender silhouette. Quietly, like a statue. He felt a stir in his heart and picked up the only copper basin from a corner of the hallway, intending to step out the door past Ye Jin. Ye Jin slightly turned her body but did not move much.

Lu Guichen recognized the old man as Ye Zhengshu, the Cavalry Commander who was captured after the city was breached, and the father of Ye Jin

Lu Guichen was taken aback. This was the center of the supply camp, heavily guarded and with very few people moving about, which is why Xi Yan had ordered the Little Boat Princess to be placed here, while also prohibiting ordinary soldiers from approaching this barracks. This barracks was intended for the accommodation of mid-level officers, consisting of two small sleeping rooms: one for Ji Ye and Lu Guichen, and the other for Ye Jin and the Little Boat, with a simple entrance hall in between. Lu Guichen could not discern who Ye Jin was speaking to; it sounded like she was talking to a child, yet it was not the Little Boat, but a stranger. This barracks was meant for mid-level officers, consisting of two small sleeping rooms: one for Ji Ye and Lu Guichen, and the other for Ye Jin and the Little Boat, with a simple entrance hall in between. Lu Guichen could not discern who Ye Jin was speaking to; it sounded like she was talking to a child, yet it was not the Little Boat, but a stranger. And there should not be strangers here.

The vendor could no longer tolerate this customer and sighed, saying, "Young master, buying a comb is not expensive, but think about it: this comb will be used in the young lady's long hair, going back and forth hundreds of times every day. Those black strands, like flowing water, are all tied to emotions! Even if she is far away from you, seeing her hold the comb you gave her makes you feel as if you are by her side, never apart for a moment. How can you not be willing to spend such a small amount of money? Even if she is far away from you, seeing her hold the comb you gave her makes you feel as if you are by her side, never apart for a moment. How can you not be willing to spend such a small amount of money?

Ye Jin wrapped the cleaned hair with a towel to dry Ye Zhengshu's hair. The old man's hair had become quite sparse, and when wet, it revealed patches of pale scalp. Ye Jin gently stroked his scalp with her slender fingers, combing his hair. She probably did not have a comb. At first, Ye Zhengshu sat obediently in the chair, but suddenly he began to chuckle, likely because Ye Jin had tickled him.

The old man was mumbling, as if he were crying, yet also as if he had something to say, holding onto Ye Jin's hand. Ye Jin gently stroked his face and suddenly noticed some crusted eye discharge at the corners of his eyes. She took a handkerchief from her waist and brought it closer, gently wiping the corners of Ye Zhengshu's eyes while blowing on them.

Lü Guichen rose with his sword, and the Chu Wei military officer approached to greet him

The general said nothing; when Xi Yuan and I came out, the general was playing the lute in the military tent

Then I must thank General Xi and General Bai; seeing him safe and sound has greatly eased my mind

She was unaware that someone was peering through the crack of the door, still bowing her head and vigorously rubbing a handful of white hair in her hands. The elderly man beside her lowered his head, leaning over the basin, obediently allowing Ye Jin to manipulate him. He tilted his head, perfectly facing the door crack, and it was evident that he saw Lü Guichen looking in through the gap, his eyes suddenly brightening. He widened his eyes and locked gazes with Lü Guichen, resembling a mischievous child, while simultaneously his nose twitched, drawing in two streams of clear nasal mucus.

What shall we do? Has the general said anything? Ji Ye asked

A gust of wind blew in, and with a "yiya" sound, the slightly ajar door opened. Lu Guichen did not anticipate this turn of events, and it was too late for him to dodge. He and Ye Jin were facing each other, both stunned. Lu Guichen awkwardly lowered his head and scratched his head.

When my father was cutting that pig's leg, he was accidentally seen by the cook from his superior's household, who then went to report to the superior. The superior did not blame my father, knowing that his family was poor, but simply returned the pig's leg, which had been cut, along with a mocking note. However, this incident spread among the officials in the cloud, and everyone treated it as a humorous anecdote for the festival. My maternal grandfather had extensive connections, and naturally, it reached his ears as well. My grandfather felt that he had never been so humiliated in his life; this time, he was truly furious and completely despaired of my father. My father was waiting for my mother to return, but instead, he received a 'divorce' document from my grandfather. My grandfather stated that his income was meager and that he could not support a wife, and he also sent the divorce document to the authorities.

"So your mother really... remarried?" Lu Guichen felt that he was asking a pointless question

Lü Guichen, holding a food box tied with patterned silk, walked to the barracks where he and Ji Ye resided, and heard whispers coming from inside. It was Ye Jin's voice, soft and faint, as if speaking to someone, yet also resembling a monologue.

"Stay still and don't move," Ye Jin steadied his head, "It's not dry yet."

Lü Guichen lowered his head, and suddenly felt an unbearable pang of sorrow in his nose

My home is in the clouds. Before my father served in the royal court, he was merely an unknown minor official in the State of Chu.

Lü Guichen inserted his ten fingers into his hair, cradling his head with both hands, and suddenly felt utterly exhausted

"Would you like to eat some fruit?" Lu Guichen asked in a dazed manner

Once the second-ranking figure in Shangyang Pass, I never expected that he was just a minor official in the past. Lu Guichen felt a stir in his heart, as if Ye Jin had seen through what he wanted to know. "Isn't your family the Ye family from Yunzhong? I've heard of it; it's one of the seven most renowned families in Donglu."

General Bai Yi of the State of Chu and Wei, under his command, the camp officers Si Qiuying and Cheng Buchan, paid their respects to Young Master Chen. To everyone's surprise, Si Qiuying, who was at the forefront, actually recognized Lu Guichen

Lü Guichen's heart inexplicably skipped a beat as he lowered his head. The Chu Wei military officer had already approached to take Ye Zhengshu away, but he also halted his steps. The people around stood silently, while Ye Jin tiptoed to wipe the corner of Ye Zhengshu's eyes.

Ji Ye stepped on a stone, which fell into the river, creating ripples. Lu Guichen looked down at the shattered moonlight in the ripples and touched the comb in his arms that he had not given away.

Ye Jin had finished combing her hair and helped him wipe away his runny nose. At that moment, footsteps were heard from outside. The door was pushed open, and a black-clad guard of the Chu army stood outside.

I know, I know, you are clear in your heart, it's just that you cannot express it. Don't move, don't move, it will be fine in a moment

He is not enthusiastic about anything, Ji Ye said

But suddenly the news came that mother had thrown herself into the well and died

Do not speak too much when you are outside; no matter what happens, it is best to remain quiet. If you say something, they will only laugh at you.

"It is not mine... it is something I bought for a friend," Lu Guichen mumbled.

Ye Jin and Lu Gui Chen stood facing each other, both feeling somewhat awkward and speechless. Lu Gui Chen scratched his head, intending to retreat to the room where he and Ji Ye were staying.

"How can it be like this?" Lu Guichen said

It is late at night, Master Chen Shao, you should rest early. These trivial matters can be discussed any other day, can't they? I will go fetch some water for you. Ye Jin carried the copper basin and quietly stepped out.

The original color wooden comb was bought for Yuran by him, and one corner of the comb features a bird with outstretched wings in a low flight, intricately carved with exceptional skill. While he was strolling through Nanhua, the vendor selling wooden combs recognized him as someone from a wealthy family and extolled all the praises from ancient times to the present in an attempt to sell him this comb

Did A Jin not help you wipe your face

Thank you, Young Master Chen, for arranging the meeting between my father and me

She tidied her sideburns: "Then my mother remarried"

The military cadets escorted Ye Zhengshu away, and he desperately turned his head to look at his daughter, his throat making muffled sounds. However, his arms were held by the cadets, leaving him powerless to resist

"The tune being played is the southern melody 'Better to Return', perhaps the general is also contemplating a withdrawal of troops." Lu Guichen gazed at the ceiling, "I always have a feeling that the general is not very enthusiastic about this expedition."

Remarry?" Lü Guichen was taken aback.

Lu Guichen listened quietly, savoring the sorrowful chill in her words

I must thank you for saving me. Lu Guichen broke the awkward silence, saying, I have always wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how to start.

How can this be? Lu Guichen repeatedly asked himself in his heart

Lü Guichen thought that Yu Ran's hair was indeed as smooth as water, but it was golden in color

The father was flustered, simultaneously appealing to the authorities and writing a letter pleading with his grandfather. However, this time he truly embarrassed his grandfather. The official in charge of household registration at the authorities was an old acquaintance of his grandfather, and soon the authorities approved the request, stating that they had confirmed the father's inability to support his wife. It is indeed laughable to say that a modest clerk receiving a salary from the authorities cannot afford to support his own wife

He walked into the house where he and Jiya lived, closing the door behind him. A pair of bright black eyes met him; it was Jiya staring at him wide-eyed in the darkness. Jiya was not asleep

Lü Guichen pondered for a moment and shook his head

Lü Guichen thought to himself, with a hint of frustration, that with Yu Ran's restless and erratic nature, even if you placed an iron cage on her head, she would still manage to lose it, let alone a comb

Ye Jin retracted the handkerchief, prying apart Ye Zhengshu's fingers one by one. Her hand was pinched to the point of redness, and Ye Zhengshu's strength was surprisingly great.

The governance of the State of Chu and Wei is strict, yet corruption runs rampant. Due to the meager salaries provided to officials, they are compelled to engage in corruption. If caught, the penalties are severe; those found guilty of embezzling more than 5 gold zhu can face the death penalty. However, for families of officials, 5 gold zhu is sometimes insufficient for gifting superiors during festivals. The lower-ranking officials, in order to protect themselves, form cliques and conceal each other's misdeeds. My father, being a timid man, did not wish to engage in corruption, but the harsh laws deterred him. Thus, whenever it was time to present gifts to superiors, our family was left destitute, with no surplus grain. One year on New Year's Day, my father exchanged the last of our rice for a few gold zhu, which only allowed him to buy a few pig legs to present to several superiors. Others would gift gold and precious items... Ye Jin still smiled faintly. The superiors were aware of his situation and did not mind his meager offerings; they merely teased him a little before letting him go. However, as he left the superiors' residence, he thought of how impoverished his family had become, with no rice left, let alone any meat or vegetables, making it impossible to celebrate the festival. Thus, he secretly went to the corridor and cut off a piece of fat from the pig leg he had delivered, hiding it in his clothes as he ran back home.

Lü Guichen thought that no matter how good a wooden comb was, it would still be far inferior to the carved red ivory combs that the young ladies around Young Master Yu used

At this moment, no one could distinguish whether she was the daughter or the father in relation to Ye Zhengshu, or the mother and the child.

Later, I heard that the man actually felt quite uncomfortable marrying my mother, after all, she was a woman who had been married before and had children, and he was only doing it for future promotions. The man's mother was even more dissatisfied. After my mother married him, for an entire month, she was met with the cold faces of her husband and mother-in-law. But think about it, a woman who has been married twice, could she still return to her parental home? My mother had a very strong personality, and eventually could not bear it. After being slapped by that man, she ran out alone and, not far from our home, jumped into a well and died. Ye Jin raised her head and said softly, "I always wonder if she ever thought about coming back, but in the end, she could never return..."

Is that all? Ji Ye noticed that Lu Gui Chen's expression was not right

Ye Zhengshu and the figures of the military academy disappeared into the darkness outside the door

"How can it be like this?" Lu Guichen murmured.

If they really laugh at you, do not be anxious; what does it matter if they laugh? We have also been laughed at before. In this rough place, if you provoke them, they will hit you

How? Lu Guichen did not understand, "I actually think she looks a bit like you. Have you seen her eyes? They are pure black, just like yours. It's quite rare to see such eyes."

"Your father... must be feeling very sad, right?" Lv Guichen said softly

Lü Guichen was taken aback, realizing that Ye Jin had overheard the conversation he had just had with Ji Ye in the room

Lü Guichen was taken aback for a moment, then silently took out a gold zhu and purchased the comb.

"Father, please return with the officials," she said softly

He recalled the matter that Ye Jin had entrusted to him, yet he had not had the chance to speak to Xi Yan. However, Ye Zhengshu had already appeared here. He was somewhat surprised and continued to watch in silence.

General Xi stated that Lord Ye Zhengshu's daughter had made contributions in protecting the princess, and they should be allowed to meet. Therefore, General Bai instructed his subordinates to bring Lord Ye over. However, it is now late at night, and it is about time to return. Lord Ye Zhengshu is still a person with charges against him and must be detained. Whether to grant a pardon..." He glanced at Ye Jin, "We will request His Majesty's judgment upon our arrival at Tianqi. " However, it is now late at night, and it is about time to return. Lord Ye Zhengshu is still a person with charges against him and must be detained. Whether to grant a pardon..." He glanced at Ye Jin, "We will request His Majesty's judgment upon our arrival at Tianqi.

But did she... did she agree?" Lu Guichen became anxious.

Oh, I see. Lü Guichen thought that Xi Yan actually remembered even these trivial matters, despite appearing to be such a carefree person

"How?" Lü Guichen was taken aback

Others may not care for you, but you must take care of yourself. Always remember to wash your hair; it has become tangled, and it has been many days since you last washed it... Do not move, close your eyes, and the water will not flow in.

"My mother sent someone to tell me that once she gets married over there, she will definitely find a way to bring me over, so that we can all be reunited," Ye Jin said

He felt that talking to Ye Jin made him feel like a fool, always asking some meaningless questions without any coherence. But he really wanted to ask this: how can it be like this? A woman gives birth to a child, yet someone insists that she abandon this child to remarry, simply because the child's father is a cowardly and useless man

Lü Guichen's tears fell silently. He did not dare to wipe them away, feeling that it was truly shameful for a man like him to cry. Therefore, he lowered his head, embraced his head, and rested his forehead on his joined knees