Chapter Seventy-Four: The Quiet Beauty of Autumn Leaves (Part Two)

Just outside the city of Youzhou, the pavilion known as Ten Li Pavilion had always been a bustling place for farewells and reunions. Over time, the tea stalls, peddlers balancing their wares, and local farmers carrying baskets of fresh produce had gathered here, turning the spot into a lively little market.

Within a tea pavilion shaded by leafy trees, Lu Jiu grew increasingly irritable as the incessant cicada song grated on her nerves. She fanned herself ceaselessly, her brows knit in a deep furrow, her gaze fixed in the direction of the official road not far away.

“Ninth Sister, have some of this iced sour plum soup—it’ll cool you off,” said a young man beside her, his fine clothes and fair skin betraying his noble origins. He smiled gently at Lu Jiu. “You’re usually so unflappable in chaos, but today you seem quite unsettled.”

“You don’t know how insufferable that scoundrel is, Brother-in-law Eight,” Lu Jiu replied bitterly. “He’s opposed me at every turn, but this time he’s gone too far—he abducted Aimeer for half a year, nearly ruining Uncle’s plans. When I see him, I’ll make sure he pays for it.”

“Just a few days ago, you were praising him non-stop,” the young man remarked, a glint in his eye as he gazed into the distance. “You said he’s learned the rarely seen arts of the ancient strategists, and is a true talent for governing a nation. People like that are often proud and unyielding—hardly the type you can control easily. You say he’s close to my age; now I’m curious to meet him.”

“Hmph! How could a mere scholar compare to you, Brother-in-law Eight? Not even twenty, and already you hold the posts of Grand Herald and Governor of Guangyang,” Lu Jiu retorted, unconvinced.

He sighed. “It’s only due to my skill with bow and horse, and my father’s favor, that I hold these offices. Father always scorns me for being timid and reserved, never pleased with me—unlike those with real abilities.” He shook his head, his spirits sinking.

Before Lu Liaoliao’s party could reach Ten Li Pavilion, a squad of sharp-eyed soldiers stopped them and escorted them to the pavilion in the shade of the trees. Armed guards kept the area clear of any unrelated people.

Pei Wuniang and Bai Liangqi were halted outside, while Lu Liaoliao, carefully supporting Aimeer, was brought into the pavilion.

Upon seeing Lu Liaoliao, her face weathered and tanned, Lu Jiu’s heart clenched. Her fingers whitened around her teacup as she stared coldly at Lu Liaoliao, saying nothing.

The atmosphere in the pavilion was heavy and tense. Aimeer glanced at Lu Liaoliao with a mournful smile, then knelt before the two seated figures, bowing her head in silence, awaiting judgment.

Lu Liaoliao’s heart ached. He knelt beside his wife, his resolve hardening as he saw Aimeer’s slightly rounded belly. A nameless fury flared within Lu Jiu, who clenched her fists, wishing she could make the pair kneel there forever.

No one knew how long they had knelt when Aimeer’s brows knitted in pain. Unable to suppress his anger, Lu Liaoliao suddenly sprang to his feet, pointing at Lu Jiu.

“Wang Liuli! I took Aimeer—if there’s blame, it’s mine. Whatever you have to say, say it to me. Forcing a pregnant woman to kneel like this—what are you doing?!”

How shameless, Lu Liaoliao—always so gentle and flattering with other women, yet loud and rude with me. I’ve helped conceal your wife Tang Xiaoqi’s identity, and the courtesan at the Celestial Pavilion helps shield you. This time, after you abducted Aimeer and caused this disaster, I was the one who desperately covered for you—do I owe you from a past life?

Lu Jiu’s nose stung, tears of grievance threatening to fall. She hurled her teacup at Lu Liaoliao.

He caught it with ease, not a drop spilled, and looked at Lu Jiu with a mocking air as she fumed.

“Impressive skill!” the young man, who had remained silent, could not help but exclaim in admiration.

When Lu Liaoliao looked at him, puzzled, the young man introduced himself with a smile.

“I am An Renzhi, second son of Lord An, Military Governor of Fanyang, temporarily serving as Grand Herald and Governor of Guangyang. I’m here to deal with Aimeer’s escape from the Yang residence. Brother, might you be the disciple of the two masters from Shu, Master Taibin and Master Taibai, whom my sister Liuli has so often praised—Lu Liaoliao?”

Lu Liaoliao was taken aback. So this unassuming young man was the true authority here. Instinctively, he drew Aimeer closer, feeling a twinge of guilt as he faced An Renzhi.

“I am indeed the disciple of those two gentlemen, Lu Liaoliao, and now Aimeer’s husband. Her father and brothers have formally betrothed her to me; she is now my lawful wife.”

An Renzhi smiled and said, “I wish to ask Miss Aimeer a few questions. Brother Lu, would you allow it?”

Lu Liaoliao’s opinion of this unpretentious young noble improved, and he nodded awkwardly.

“Aimeer, please stand. Can you tell me about the information you obtained?” An Renzhi asked kindly.

Aimeer looked uneasy, glancing at Lu Liaoliao with a flushed face, unable to say a word.

Lu Liaoliao whispered in her ear, “At this point, do you think I care about those things? Speak. Whatever happens, I’ll face it with you.”

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Aimeer lifted her head, cheeks burning with shame, and began her account to An Renzhi.

“The day after New Year’s, a drunken Yang Zhao came to my room, laughing and boasting that he had caught evidence of Lord An’s rebellion. He said Lord An was secretly harboring and gathering wandering tribes from the west, building his strength, and purchasing large numbers of western horses through the Four Seas Trading Guild. If not for rebellion, what else?

Another day, he had me serve him and a guest as they drank. I overheard the guest telling him that the man he intended to deal with would not live more than three years.

Later, when I was serving that guest in bed, I pretended to ask casually who would not live another three years. The guest, drunk and proud, said it was the treacherous Chancellor Li Linfu, who would not last three years.

I thought this might be important for Lord An, so when everyone in the Yang household went to watch a ritual drama, I took the chance to sneak out.”

Finished, Aimeer stood awkwardly, unable to meet Lu Liaoliao’s gaze, terrified he would despise her for being so defiled.

Lu Liaoliao’s feelings were a tangled mess as he gently embraced the lost and helpless Aimeer.

An Renzhi waved her away. “You may go. I have more to ask your husband.”

As Aimeer glanced back repeatedly, Lu Jiu let out a long sigh, her resentment greatly eased.

“When my father worked as a middleman in the West Market of Chang’an, no one gave him a second thought. But after he became Military Governor of Fanyang, countless relatives and old friends flocked to our door. He had no choice but to settle them on the distant steppe of Fanyang.

The newcomers often clashed with the Khitan and Turkic people, and my father had to put many Khitans to the sword. Later, more and more wandering tribes from the west came to join us. Fearing suspicion from the court, my father reported everything to Chancellor Li Linfu, who, following a ‘using barbarians to control barbarians’ policy, tacitly approved.

But when Imperial Concubine’s cousin Yang Zhao rose in power, he seized upon this matter, accusing my father of plotting rebellion. Tell me, how could a mere military governor dare to rebel against the great Tang Empire?”

An Renzhi looked at Lu Liaoliao in helpless frustration, but Lu Liaoliao said nothing.

“Ninth Sister is always praising your rare talents. In this situation, what should Fanyang do? I humbly ask for your guidance,” An Renzhi asked sincerely.

“I am but an ordinary man, unworthy of such praise,” Lu Liaoliao replied, shaking his head. “How could I presume to advise on matters of state?”

“Even if not for us, could you not do it for Aimeer and her people?” An Renzhi’s gaze drifted to Aimeer by the roadside.

After a long silence, Lu Liaoliao finally spoke. “I have only two simple suggestions. First: Lord An should lead his troops north, seize Khitan lands, and reward them to the western tribes who have joined him. This would expand Tang territory and fulfill Li Linfu’s policy, silencing accusations of rebellion.

Second, if summoned to court, do not act overly cautious. Instead, openly petition the Emperor for rewards, to set his mind at ease. After all, this empire belongs to the sovereign alone.”

An Renzhi’s eyes lit up. “And regarding the claim that Chancellor Li has less than three years to live? Most of us foreign generals owe our positions to him. If he falls, life will be hard for us all.”

Lu Liaoliao pondered, then replied, “I find it most peculiar. No matter how skilled a physiognomist, no one can predict a man’s lifespan so precisely. We can only keep a close watch and adapt as circumstances require.”

“You may not know it, but if you hadn’t taken Aimeer away, Ninth Sister and her group might never have reached Fanyang safely. The determination to kill Aimeer was beyond imagination—it makes her intelligence all the more difficult to trust,” An Renzhi sighed.

“So, after I left, you faced many more attacks?” Lu Liaoliao asked Lu Jiu uneasily.

“Hmph!” Lu Jiu snorted, turning away.

“Meeting you today feels like fate. I have a villa at the foot of Miaofeng Mountain outside Youzhou. Shall we go there and talk over wine?” An Renzhi smiled at the situation.

Meanwhile, Aimeer, accompanied by Pei Wuniang, kept anxiously glancing toward the pavilion.

“Fresh fruit, fresh fruit!” cried a girl of thirteen or fourteen, carrying a basket of green fruit.

Aimeer’s mouth watered at the sight of the glossy green fruit. She called the girl over and began to pick through the basket.

“Sister-in-law, you mustn’t eat unclean things!” Pei Wuniang tried to stop her.

The girl glared angrily at Pei Wuniang, popped two fruits into her own mouth, and declared, “It’s not poisonous. It won’t kill you.”

Pei Wuniang glared back, but the stubborn girl stared her down until Pei Wuniang finally relented.

A while later, Lu Liaoliao approached with a relaxed smile, helping Aimeer, who was now hugging a bundle of green fruit.

“It seems all is well now,” he said.

Aimeer breathed a sigh of relief as Pei Wuniang helped her into the carriage. After eating two freshly wiped green fruits, she glanced out the window at Lu Liaoliao riding alongside, a look of contented happiness on her face as she drifted into a deep sleep.

The party followed An Renzhi’s entourage to the villa at Miaofeng Mountain’s base.

“Brother, come quickly! Sister-in-law—no matter how we call her, she won’t wake up!” Pei Wuniang’s terrified voice came from the carriage.

Lu Liaoliao rushed in to find Aimeer sitting peacefully with a smile on her lips, fast asleep. But when he touched her, her body was cold and rigid. She would never wake again.