CHAPTER 339: CHAPTER 336 PASSING THE TEST

Throughout two lifetimes combined, General Song has galloped on the battlefield for decades, but this is the first time he’s faced such a situation. He wanted to comfort Sister Chen first, hoping she wouldn’t be too upset, but Sister Chen quickly walked past him, her eyes lowered, not even glancing at him.

Song Xian’s heart was pounding like a drum, yet he composed himself, straightening his back properly, and walked towards Xie Shao Yuan. He already understood Liangchen’s feelings for him, and the only possible issue lay with Old Master Xie.

Rather than offering empty consolation, it would be better to trace the root of the issue.

Xie Shao Yuan squinted slightly. This young man’s bones are tough. Should he take the opportunity to beat him while Song Xian is seriously injured, or should he spare him for now, considering Song Xian’s service to the country?

Song Xian stood firmly at the doorway.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "Come in!"

Watching Xie Shao Yuan’s back, Song Xian took a deep breath in secret.

Xie Shao Yuan sat on a stool and said, "General Song, please sit!"

Song Xian was unwilling to sit. Since he could walk again, he came to find Old Master Xie, hoping to speak a few words with him. However, Old Master Xie had always made excuses about being busy. Now that he was finally let in, he wanted to seize the opportunity.

Song Xian bowed to Xie Shao Yuan, "Uncle, the fault is mine. Please don’t blame Miss Xie."

Song Xian dared not directly call Xie Liangchen’s name, for even if he had overstepped privately, he must still adhere to propriety in front of his elders.

Xie Shao Yuan looked up at Song Xian, "General Song, where does this come from? My daughter and I are discussing family matters, which have nothing to do with you."

Xie Shao Yuan recalled how he had been driven out time and again from the Chen Family Village before having Liangchen. Only then did he truly understand his father-in-law’s good intentions. Without this bit of sincerity, how could he entrust his daughter to an outsider?

Song Xian bowed again, "Even if you didn’t mention it, I know. In recent days, Miss Xie has been put in a difficult situation for taking care of my wounds."

Xie Shao Yuan looked at Song Xian and said, "General Song, there’s no need for this formality. Our families are not lifelong friends, and I can’t bear the title of ’Uncle’ from you."

"We are old friends," Song Xian replied. "My grandmother often visited the Chen Family Village. Last year, she spent New Year’s Eve with Old Mrs. Chen and the villagers. The two elders became fast friends at first sight, and Zigeng also calls me Brother. Thus, it stands to reason to call you Uncle now that I see you."

Xie Shao Yuan pondered quietly. General Song was not only a formidable warrior but also had a sharp tongue. This endearing form of address, along with the connection to the Chen Family Village, softened the atmosphere in the room considerably.

Song Xian continued, "Moreover, back then, Uncle saved my life. I’ve always kept this matter in my heart and have been searching for my savior. It seems that Heaven rewards the diligent, and I met Miss Xie in Zhenzhou."

Xie Shao Yuan was unaware that Song Xian once held a dagger to Sister Chen’s neck upon returning here. Naturally, Song Xian could never mention this matter.

Song Xian said, "But my feelings for Miss Xie are not because of gratitude."

Song Xian knew that the marriage with the Su Family arose from gratitude, and he didn’t want any parallels with Su Huaiqing, nor did he want Old Master Xie to think of the Su Family’s heartlessness, leading to any ill thoughts.

Xie Shao Yuan looked at Song Xian without speaking, waiting for Song Xian to finish his words.

Song Xian said, "My admiration for Miss Xie is genuine and not mixed with any ulterior motives. It has nothing to do with gratitude or Miss Xie’s background."

Xie Shao Yuan looked at Song Xian and said, "Noble families always consider social status a match. You also know that the current Emperor may disfavor the lineage of Prince Guangyang. If trouble arises..."

Song Xian replied, "Whether Old Master Xie agrees to this marriage or not, I will share both prosperity and adversity with the Chen Family Village."

Xie Shao Yuan raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling a bit surprised. He expected Song Xian to pledge his utmost to protect Liangchen, but he didn’t anticipate him to say "share both prosperity and adversity."

These three words carried more weight.

And judging by these three words alone, Song Xian understood Liangchen well. He knew Liangchen wouldn’t abandon the Chen Family Village and wouldn’t passively wait for protection.

Song Xian continued, "Uncle doesn’t know much about me. Whether in the eight states or in Zhenzhou, we will have plenty of time to get to know each other. Wherever I fall short, you can reprimand me."

These words could seamlessly connect any conversation. Even if Xie Shao Yuan were a highly skilled veteran, Song Xian’s reply would prevent him from finding any weaknesses.

Xie Shao Yuan asked, "Do your family elders know about this?"

Song Xian hesitated for a moment and said, "I have always been at odds with my father and have been living separately. When I return to the Song Family, it is only to visit my grandmother. Before, Miss Xie hadn’t agreed, so I didn’t dare to officially mention it to my grandmother, fearing that the elders would help, which might make Miss Xie even more uneasy."

"But I’ve never been attentive to anyone else. I always find excuses to visit the Chen Family Village, leaving no room for my grandmother not to notice. My grandmother has always liked Miss Xie. There were many times I wanted my grandmother to propose the marriage, but I didn’t dare, fearing outright rejection."

Xie Shao Yuan thought if he had half of Song Xian’s skills back then, he might have avoided a few beatings. Of course, if it weren’t for witnessing Song Xian returning with troops to aid Dai State and risking his life to save Liangchen, no matter how well he spoke, it would have been useless.

Xie Shao Yuan looked at Song Xian and said, "Sit down."

Song Xian sat on the stool, filled with gratitude.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "We still have a long time."

Song Xian replied, "Rest assured, Uncle, I will learn well." It’s the first time he’s admired a young lady, and there is much to learn—learning how to make her happy, how to understand, respect, and be with her for a long time.

Xie Shao Yuan watched Song Xian, who was drinking water with his head lowered. Even though General Song sat upright, a hint of delight was quietly seeping through his brows and eyes.

Xie Shao Yuan couldn’t bear to look at it, as it reminded him that his daughter was being coaxed away by this young man.

Xie Shao Yuan said, "We plan to return to Zhenzhou in a couple of days."

Song Xian still needed to remain in the eight states, at least until the court dispatched people to guard the pass. Though reluctant, Song Xian knew that Xie Shao Yuan and Liangchen were concerned about Zhenzhou.

Song Xian said, "I have recorded the medicinal herbs and grains sent by the village of Zhenzhou. The court will return them to the villagers in full."

Xie Shao Yuan nodded. Winning the battle would bring better days, and it was, after all, thanks to Song Xian’s contribution.

"Military affairs are busy, and General Song truly works hard. You must take care of your health," Xie Shao Yuan said. "I won’t keep General Song any longer. Once everything settles, we will meet again when we return to Zhenzhou."

Song Xian got up and bid farewell to Xie Shao Yuan.

Watching Song Xian walk out of the courtyard, Xie Shao Yuan seemed to be speaking to himself, perhaps addressing his late wife, "He looks quite alright, but I can’t be careless. I need to look carefully to put my mind at ease."

After speaking, Xie Shao Yuan looked to his side, as if he could see her smiling and nodding at him.

Song Xian found Xie Liangchen while she was teaching the village children about medicinal herbs.

"Sister."

After the children ran off, Song Xian squatted down and said, "My wound hurts again."