Chapter 24: Jiang Hui

"How could that be?" General Duan laughed heartily. "Our little Xingzhi is very well-behaved."

"That’s a relief. I’ve really troubled you all these past few days." Jiang Bai expressed her gratitude once more. She had only recently learned that the Red Eyebrow Army, having just transitioned from being bandits, lacked clear job descriptions for many positions. Consequently, even if they were physicians, they were often pulled away to handle various tasks whenever they were free. She truly hadn't had a spare moment to retrieve Jiang Ye, and she had been worried about how he had fared.

"Dr. Jiang is too kind. We all like Xingzhi very much," Duan Jing responded with a smile.

Jiang Bai held Jiang Ye’s hand, following behind Duan Yue and Duan Jing as they walked slowly along the city streets. Most of the houses on either side had their doors and windows tightly shut. Occasionally, behind a half-open door, a pair of wary eyes would peer out, scrutinizing their group.

"The people in the city haven't found peace of mind yet," Jiang Bai said in a low voice. Her gaze swept over the shuttered windows, a heavy feeling settling in her heart. Although the main battlefield had been in the area where they were currently staying, everyone had been deeply frightened. It was unclear when the city would return to its former state.

Duan Jing nodded and sighed. "Indeed. It was quite chaotic when we first entered the city. Although we have tried our best to pacify the situation, it has been too short a time, and the citizens remain uneasy."

"However, things are already improving," Duan Yue took over, his tone tinged with optimism. "Over the past few days, we have gradually arranged for personnel to begin restoring order. Shops are starting to open one by one. While business isn't great yet, it is a good start."

As they continued, they occasionally saw soldiers patrolling the streets to maintain order. While the city still appeared somewhat desolate, it was certainly much better than it had been a few days prior.

Jiang Bai nodded, her eyes still wandering across the street. She noticed that although some shops had opened, the shopkeepers mostly wore tense expressions, maintaining high vigilance toward every passerby. There were few pedestrians, and those who did hurry past kept their heads down, their steps quick as if fearing to invite trouble.

"It seems we need more time," Jiang Bai said softly. She knew this wasn't just because the Red Eyebrow Army were the invaders, leading to natural hostility; it was also because during the chaos of the war, many malicious people had taken advantage of the disorder to commit crimes, causing harm to innocent citizens who should never have been targeted.

Duan Jing gave a wry smile. "True. Human hearts are the hardest to calm. But the chaos in the city has ended, and there will be no more danger."

"They are afraid that those who fled will return to attack," Jiang Bai mused for a moment before continuing. "More than the discomfort of having you take over, they fear the resumption of war."

Duan Yue nodded in agreement. "You are right. But that won't happen. I suspect the imperial decree regarding the enfeoffment will arrive in Pingcheng before long."

"If that’s true, then that would be for the best." Although Jiang Bai had heard of the current imperial court's spinelessness, she hadn't expected them to be so cowardly as to grant titles without even putting up a fight.

Duan Jing looked at the young woman before him who seemed so naive about the ways of the world and couldn't help but shake his head. He had known since the time he played the hero rescuing a damsel in distress that she was a clever girl. She wouldn't be like other women who developed favorable feelings for a man simply because of a few post-hoc gestures of justice, and she was certainly not someone easily taken advantage of.

This defensive posture of hers made Duan Jing realize that she could only be treated as an equal. The small favors that worked perfectly on young ladies from noble families would never move her. The fact that she hadn't sent Jiang Ye to him, but instead to Duan Yue—who clearly didn't look like he could care for a child—was likely because she was annoyed at him for trying to play mind games with her. He could only wonder how low his reputation had fallen in her eyes.

As they walked, they carefully observed their surroundings. After passing a few streets, the houses they walked by were mostly dilapidated, some even collapsed, leaving only broken walls and ruins. Occasionally, a few families could be seen busy in front of their homes, seemingly trying to repair the damage, but their faces remained sorrowful, clearly filled with anxiety about the future.

"It seems there are more disaster-stricken families than we imagined," Duan Yue said with a frown. Although there had been damage here, it somehow didn't feel like it was the work of his men.

Jiang Bai sighed. "Yes, the chaos came too suddenly. Many citizens had no time to react, and their belongings were looted. Now, they have not only lost their homes but can barely sustain their basic livelihood."

This was precisely why Jiang Bai had insisted on joining an army. These people had lost their property and could be considered refugees. While they were pathetic for having been robbed, their state had now become identical to the thugs who had attacked them; they were pitiful yet desperate, ready to drag others down into hell with them.

With her parents gone and only fifteen years old—though fifteen was of marriageable age here—she was still just a girl. In the eyes of those refugees, she and Jiang Ye were two little "fat sheep." Even though she had already demonstrated formidable combat skills, the greedy and lecherous glares of those men still lingered on them, waiting for the day she might falter so they could exploit the opening.

It was ironic that simply by adding two men to their group, those gazes no longer dared to fall upon them; she didn't even need to use threats or violence.

As they neared their current residence, the sound of horse hooves and carriage wheels echoed from afar. Jiang Bai felt a tightening in her chest and, with a sudden intuition, looked up at the approaching carriage. A surge of inexplicable revulsion rose within her. Duan Jing and Duan Yue heard it too; they stopped and turned to look at the carriage as it drew near.

The carriage stopped in front of the door. The driver jumped down and respectfully lifted the curtain. Jiang Hui stepped out. He was tall and slender, dressed in a moonlight-white robe with a black jade belt tied at his waist, making him look exceptionally refined and handsome. His face was like jade, his features delicate, his nose bridge high, and his lips slightly upturned in a faint, elusive smile. He carried an air of gentle composure.

Jiang Hui’s voice was as gentle and magnetic as his appearance, possessing a natural charisma. He nodded to Duan Jing and Duan Yue with a smile, his eyes filled with sincerity, as if they were truly old friends who hadn't seen each other for years. But to Jiang Bai, it was nothing more than a hypocritical performance.

"Young Master Duan, Second Young Master Duan, it has been a long time," Jiang Hui said, his voice moderate and perfectly pitched to reach everyone present. His tone carried a hint of faint nostalgia, as if he were truly delighted by this reunion.

Duan Jing smiled faintly, his gaze lingering on Jiang Hui for a moment before he nodded in response. His expression was calm, revealing little emotion, though his gentle eyes held a flicker of wariness. Duan Yue’s smile faltered upon hearing this. He felt a light tap on the back of his hand from Duan Jing, and he grinned. "Brother Jiang, you are being far too polite. Didn't we just see each other a few days ago?"

Upon hearing this, the smile on Jiang Hui’s face deepened. He shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a touch of helplessness. "Young Master Duan is joking. Our meeting the other day was merely a hurried greeting; how could that count as a proper reunion? Being able to sit down and have a real conversation with you two today is the rare opportunity."

Duan Yue laughed out loud, acting as if he were quite pleased with Jiang Hui’s words. He patted Jiang Hui on the shoulder, his tone hearty. "Brother Jiang is truly a straightforward man. However, we have just entered the city, and there are many matters yet to be settled. We shall have to host you another day."

Jiang Hui acted as if he hadn't sensed Duan Yue’s aversion and continued to chat with good-natured ease. His eyes inadvertently swept across the doorway and finally landed on Jiang Bai.

As their gazes met, Jiang Bai felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet and spread throughout her body.

Jiang Hui seemed to notice her reaction, and the smile on his lips deepened further. He walked slowly toward Jiang Bai, his voice gentle and low. "And who is this young lady?"

"This is Dr. Jiang Bai. Brother Jiang, you might not know, but when I took this city a while ago, I was severely injured. Many physicians said the wounds were untreatable, but to my surprise, I recovered in just a few days under Dr. Jiang’s care. Especially her miraculous acupuncture skills—it is no exaggeration to call them life-giving. I am amazed every time I see it. And don't let her age fool you; Dr. Jiang is currently in charge of the entire team of military physicians," Duan Yue said, immediately introducing Jiang Bai's brilliant medical skills.

Jiang Bai stood to the side, feeling that gaze fixed upon her. She looked up and met Jiang Hui’s eyes. His gaze remained gentle, seemingly filled with admiration, but Jiang Bai read a trace of sinister malice within it.

"Is that so? I have had occasional pain in my shoulder recently. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to invite Dr. Jiang to my residence for a consultation?" Jiang Hui invited her warmly.

Duan Jing acted calmly, blocking Jiang Hui’s gaze toward Jiang Bai. "Young Master Jiang is too kind. Dr. Jiang’s medical skills are indeed excellent, but she has been very busy with military affairs recently, so I fear she may not have the time to visit your residence."

Hearing this, Jiang Hui acted as if it had just been a casual suggestion and nodded. "Then I shall invite Dr. Jiang another time."

Duan Jing watched from the side, a flicker of a frown appearing on his brow before he returned to his composed state. No longer wanting to play along, he said directly, "Brother Jiang, the day is growing late. Perhaps we should continue this another time?"

Jiang Hui looked at the sky and smiled. "Second Young Master Duan is right; it is indeed not convenient to linger. I will certainly pay a visit another day to catch up with you both."

Duan Yue laughed and patted Jiang Hui’s shoulder hard. "It's a deal, then. Don't go back on your word, Brother Jiang."

Jiang Hui’s smile paused for a moment before reappearing. His gaze lingered on Jiang Bai once more before he turned and left. His back was straight, his pace steady, as if he carried an undeniable pressure.

After Jiang Hui had moved far away, Duan Yue gave a cold snort, cursing him internally. *Coming here in a carriage only to leave a departing figure—what a pretentious display.*

Duan Yue turned to Jiang Bai and whispered, "This Jiang Hui does not seem like he intends to let you go." He had gone out of his way to praise Jiang Bai and point out that she was his savior, yet the man still didn't intend to back off. It was as if he didn't respect him at all!

Duan Jing said coolly, "The Jiang family’s influence has expanded significantly in recent years. This Jiang Hui is not to be underestimated."

Jiang Bai stood to the side, yet her heart remained steady. At worst, she would let Jiang Hui suffer the same fate as Jiang Ye; she only hoped he would be more capable than Jiang Ye so that he might actually see how he died in the middle of the night.

"Dr. Jiang, are you alright?" Duan Jing suddenly turned to look at Jiang Bai, his eyes filled with concern.

Jiang Bai looked back at him and shook her head. "I am fine, I just find Young Master Jiang a bit... strange."

Duan Jing nodded slightly. "Jiang Hui is indeed not a simple man. Dr. Jiang, you must be careful. Avoid contact with him whenever possible. If Jiang Hui tries to invite you again, do not worry; we will certainly block him for you."

Jiang Bai finally looked Duan Jing in the eyes and nodded. "Thank you for the warning, Military Advisor Duan. I will be careful."

Duan Yue interjected, "Dr. Jiang, don't be intimidated by that guy. No matter how powerful or capable he is, in Pingcheng, our Red Eyebrow Army doesn't fear him."

Duan Jing glanced at Duan Yue and gave a subtle warning to Jiang Bai. "That may be so, but the Jiang family’s recent movements are indeed worth being wary of."

Duan Yue pursed his lips and said nothing more.

The three of them did not linger at the door and turned to enter the residence.

After Duan Yue and Duan Jing parted ways with Jiang Bai and Jiang Ye and entered the study, Duan Jing closed the door. He turned to see Duan Yue drinking a cup of tea in one gulp to vent his anger, then slamming it down on the table. "Take it easy; your bones have only just healed."

"Didn't you hear what that Jiang Hui said? Calling us 'Young Masters'? He doesn't even acknowledge my status as a General." Duan Yue slumped into his chair in frustration.

"The Jiang family is a powerful noble clan, and Jiang Hui is their undisputed heir. It’s only natural for him to look down on those of us who started as bandits," Duan Jing said, unfolding the documents on the table.

"And you stopped me today, insisting I give him a friendly face." Duan Yue felt angry just thinking about it. At the start, Duan Jing had warned him once, and then he had bypassed him to speak to Dr. Jiang, not letting him get a word in. It was incredibly stifling.

"If I had let you speak, what were you planning to say?" Duan Jing looked at him disapprovingly. Duan Yue was a great warrior and just as good at hurling insults, but one couldn't tear off the mask of an old fox like that in public. Besides, he hadn't missed that heavy slap on the shoulder. He spread out the long-neglected official business before him.

"At the very least, I could have protected Dr. Jiang so it wouldn't be so humiliating." Although Duan Yue listened to Duan Jing, he still disagreed.

"We will find him some trouble to deal with tomorrow. If he dares to reach his hand into the military camp again, we will ensure he doesn't leave in one piece," Duan Jing’s voice remained calm.

Duan Yue looked at Duan Jing, and only then did he feel a sense of relief. *That’s more like it. How could one let someone slap them in the face and not retaliate?*

The next morning, Jiang Hui looked at his subordinates whose hands and feet had been broken, the smile vanishing from his face. "What is the meaning of this?"