Chapter 847: Childhood Sweetheart General and Widow

In the capital city of Great Chu, it was common to find grand mansions alongside winding alleyways. However, if anyone knew that a dignified second-rank military general resided in a small alley, outspoken censors would likely be outraged and impeach him for undermining the court's prestige. Xie Xichui, who came from a humble background, was this very man. Without his identity as Cao Changqing's disciple, it would have been an impossible dream for Xie Xichui to become a commanding general from such an ordinary lineage. Yet, facts proved that one's ability was not absolutely linked to one's social standing. Had it not been for Lu Shengxiang's swift military campaigns and Chen Zhibao's sudden rise, Xie Xichui's undefeated record would have continued. Yang Shenxing, Yan Zhenchun, and Wu Chongxuan—three celebrated veteran generals who had earned great renown during the tumultuous Spring and Autumn period—all suffered immense losses at the hands of Xie Xichui, who was then so young he was described as "not even having his hair fully grown."

The winter sun was warm and gentle. A young man, with short stubble on his lips, sat on the doorstep, basking in the sun. Born and raised for generations in this very alley, he had been nicknamed "Xie Bamboo Pole" since childhood due to his scrawny build. Even after leaving the alley to study and returning to defeat Zhao Dazhuang—whose arm was as thick as Xie's calf—in an arm-wrestling match, his neighbors, regardless of generation, still affectionately called him Xie Bamboo Pole. It seemed the nickname was here to stay. Everyone knew that this young man, born late in the Old Xie family, hadn't achieved much in his studies, though he was certainly well-fed and clothed. Unfortunately, he was rarely home, and thus hadn't yet married to continue the family line. This displeased Old Xie, who ran a wine shop. Especially when he heard about other children becoming minor officials or passing the imperial examinations, he struggled to contribute to the conversation. Even when he managed to force out a few flattering remarks, no one truly paid attention. If it hadn't been for his son's teacher visiting and sharing a drink with Old Xie, assuring him that his son was a good student and would surely not disappoint in the future, Old Xie would have long ago dragged the scoundrel by the ear to help him sell wine and earn money. The family had accumulated a modest fortune, so they didn't mind if the boy didn't earn more silver. For children from poor families, a humble background wasn't a concern, as the poor also had suitable matches. But honestly, which daughter would be willing to marry a man who floated through life without settling down? For humble households, poverty wasn't the greatest fear. In times of peace, hard work usually ensured the family could eat. What was truly feared was a man with grand ambitions but little practical ability. The old matchmaker from the neighboring street, Mrs. Liu, had once provoked Old Xie, saying she wouldn't dare push a good daughter into such a "pit of fire." This still filled Old Xie with resentment, making even his occasional heavy drinking feel tasteless.

A group of rowdy street ruffians, peers who had grown up with Xie Bamboo Pole, passed by Old Xie's house. One of them stopped and grinned at the sunbather, "Bamboo Pole, come on, brother will take you to the gambling den to earn a few dozen silver taels. I guarantee you'll walk in a bachelor and walk out with a wife! Bamboo Pole, you still haven't tasted meat, have you?"

Xie Bamboo Pole flipped them a middle finger and chuckled, "Get lost!"

They weren't offended by Xie Bamboo Pole's feigned suffering for the sake of appearances. Chuckling and grumbling, they walked away. Though the young men idled their days away, they never bothered their neighbors, only causing mischief elsewhere. After all, every household on the street had elders and relatives who had watched them grow up from childhood. For instance, the first time they ever drank alcohol, it was wine stolen from Xie Bamboo Pole's father. Although the stingy Old Xie had blocked the doorway and scolded them for half a day afterward, they merely stayed home, lounging and picking their ears, letting the scolding pass. Besides, Xie Bamboo Pole had been notoriously mischievous since he was young. Who was the first to dare climb the wall to peep at Mrs. Ma bathing? It was none other than Xie Xichui himself! And who threw stones into the outhouse of the prettiest girl their age on the street? He and she were only thirteen or fourteen back then. The girl was so terrified she didn't dare come out of the outhouse for a long time. When her parents finally found her, she burst into tears. Afterward, Old Xie gave Xie Bamboo Pole such a brutal beating that it was truly shocking to witness. As a result, the limping Xie Bamboo Pole hadn't spoken a word to her in over ten years. Whenever they accidentally met in the alley, both of them would try to hug the wall to avoid each other. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, she still hadn't married. From a beautiful young woman, she had waited until she was old enough for other women's children to buy wine for their fathers. Her parents were so worried that they would have gladly "splashed her out like spilled water" to anyone who would take her. Anyone with eyes could see she was waiting for someone. Her parents, who were originally arrogant, had secretly met with Old Xie, the wine seller, in recent years. Old Xie wasn't entirely against the idea, but his son was rarely home, visiting only a few times a year and always rushing off. So, the matter kept being postponed. This time, however, his son had unexpectedly stayed home and didn't seem to be leaving soon. The taciturn Old Xie finally laid down a harsh ultimatum: if his son didn't marry, he would disown Xie Xichui as his son!

The Xie family's child, who spent most of his time drifting outside, sat on the steps. Whenever neighbors passed by, he would greet them with a smile. The elders would often tease him about when he would let his father hold a grandson, so they could get some free wine, as only his wedding day would make the stingy Old Xie willing to part with his treasured possessions. Xie Xichui would respond with a wry face, "I want a wife, but I don't know where to find her!" At such moments, when someone would pointedly glance towards the old maid from the Liu family, the clever Xie Xichui, who had been sharp since childhood, would feign ignorance.

Xie Xichui sat leisurely on the steps, his gaze drawn to the Spring Festival couplets on either side of the main door. The calligraphy was mediocre, and the content rather common, but his mother had secretly told him that his father had painstakingly requested them from the young man of the Song family who had passed the imperial examination for county scholars at the end of last year. The Song family had, in return, taken at least ten catties of wine from their shop for free this year. Xie Xichui sighed, vowing that before he left home this time, regardless of anything else, he would ensure his parents received seven or eight sets of festive couplets and dozens of "spring" characters. He couldn't let his parents endure such humiliation again. Most men here weren't highly educated. In their youth, they compared whose wife was prettier or whose needlework was superior. Then, for the uneventful latter half of their lives, their focus shifted to comparing whose children were more successful or whose sons-in-law and daughters-in-law were more filial.

Xie Xichui rubbed his cheeks hard.

He didn't want his parents to think their son was any less capable than other people's children; in fact, he wanted to be far more successful. However, his parents, though ordinary commoners, lived in Great Chu and its capital, where everyone knew that battles were being fought one after another. Between a son who achieved great success and a son who lived a peaceful life, Xie Xichui knew his parents would undoubtedly choose the latter. He didn't want his parents to live in constant anxiety. He preferred them to grumble about him not marrying yet, about his unwillingness to settle down and live a quiet life, and to nag him about how other sons his age were attending private schools and writing Spring Festival couplets. Originally, Xie Xichui had returned home intending to grit his teeth and tell them the truth. But when he saw his parents, who seemed to have aged overnight, and his father, who, despite his stern expression, sat down to drink with him, Xie Xichui found himself unable to speak. He feared that if he were ever to truly die in battle, his parents would immediately know of his death, instead of believing he was away studying.

Old Xie, whose wine shop was closed for the day, walked out of the courtyard gate. Seeing his idle son, he let out a cold snort and walked away with his hands behind his back. Xie Xichui's mother stepped out and chuckled softly, "Don't mind him. He's actually gone to buy meat. Your father doesn't say it, but he secretly took a good amount of silver fragments from the money pot under the bed. I just pretended not to see."

Xie Xichui grinned. As a son, he had long been accustomed to his father's bad temper.

The woman chuckled again, "That girl from the Liu family, I've liked her since she was little. It's just that back then, the Liu family wouldn't have looked twice at us. Now that the girl is older, they're getting anxious. Your mother is telling you frankly, even though you're my son, if things weren't like this, you really wouldn't be worthy of that girl."

Xie Xichui looked up, grinning mischievously, "Mom, am I really your biological son?"

His mother pretended to hit him. "Smooth-talker! No wonder you can't find a wife! If your father heard that, he'd beat you to death!"

Xie Xichui flexed an arm. "When I was little, Dad used to chase me all over the yard every day. Now, Dad can't beat me anymore."

His mother lightly flicked a chestnut onto her troublesome son's head. "You rascal, don't provoke your father. When you were little, your mother always protected you, but from now on, your mother will definitely side with your father."

Xie Xichui made a face. "Got it!"

His mother said earnestly, "That Liu girl is indeed not young anymore, but she is truly beautiful. There isn't a prettier girl in these few streets around here. Are you really not interested, my boy? Your mother needs to tell you something frankly: I heard that a certain official wants to take her as a concubine, and her parents haven't visited our house once since autumn began."

Xie Xichui finally stopped smiling.

His mother didn't press him further. "You're not young anymore. Your mother believes you know what's important. I won't rush you; you decide for yourself. Ultimately, your father and I only have you as a son, and we always wish the best for you."

Xie Xichui hummed in acknowledgment. Once his mother returned to the courtyard, he fell into a daze again, his gaze unconsciously drifting repeatedly in that direction.

A young boy, jogging into the alley, laughed loudly, "Xie Bamboo Pole, what are you looking at?"

The young boy was named Lu Sichu. This was his second visit to the "Old Xie family." Last time, he had carried a sword, which led the neighbors and Xie Xichui's parents to consider him a muddled child, almost causing him internal injury from frustration. This time, he was smarter. Not only did he not carry a sword, but he also brought the courtesy gift he owed from his last visit: two chickens and two ducks, carried in his hands. The question of what gift to bring had been debated for an entire morning by the Lu family elders, who were full of leisure and nothing else to do. Some suggested bringing top-grade tribute wine, but they were quickly reprimanded for being foolish—the Xie family sold wine, so wouldn't that be a direct insult? Others proposed silk, tea, or porcelain, but these were also rejected as insincere, being merely decorative and not practical. Then someone suggested carrying a sandalwood chair, which would be both impressive and useful. However, this was also deemed inappropriate, as Xie Xichui's parents probably wouldn't bear to let anyone sit on it, and such ostentatious display from the Lu family was undesirable. Finally, it was Lu Tiandan, the sole surviving grandmaster of swordsmanship in Great Chu, who, with a decisive wave of his hand, settled the matter. He instructed Lu Sichu to bring two chickens and two ducks, to be slaughtered and cooked that very day! The younger generation of the Lu family was all impressed, acknowledging that "ginger becomes spicier with age." So, the boy traveled all the way from the wealthy side of the capital by carriage to this side. The two chickens and ducks, likely well-fed, had even defecated in the carriage. After the carriage stopped about two li away, the boy got out, carrying a chicken in one hand and a duck in the other, and ran all the way, leaving a trail of chicken and duck feathers.

Xie Xichui grumbled, "Looking at your grandad."

The boy stood before Xie Xichui, holding up the chicken in his hand. "Grandad is here!"

Seeing Xie Bamboo Pole about to kick him, the boy quickly darted into the courtyard, yelling, "Auntie, where should I put the chickens and ducks? Can we slaughter and cook them for lunch? I have something to do this afternoon, so I'm afraid I won't get to eat..."

At the doorway, Xie Xichui couldn't help but roll his eyes. He truly wasn't treating himself as an outsider; that wasn't how one delivered a gift.

While his mother and Lu Sichu chatted animatedly in the courtyard, Xie Xichui frowned.

At the end of the alley, two young men walked side-by-side.

Their arrival caused several passing neighbors to stop dramatically, practically wanting to melt into the walls to avoid them.

Even some old people sitting on small bamboo stools and chairs, basking in the sun, suddenly fell silent.

One was Pei Sui, the future head of the Pei family, one of the ten great noble clans of the Spring and Autumn period. Xie Xichui was his classmate and close friend. It was the seamless cooperation between Xie Xichui and Pei Sui that allowed them to trap Yang Shenxing and the Jizhou infantry, securing Great Chu's first major victory.

However, Xie Xichui did not like the other person.

That was Song Maolin, the eldest legitimate grandson of the Song clan.

He was hailed as one of Great Chu's "Twin Jades" alongside Xie Xichui, possessing a graceful demeanor and an air of an exiled immortal.

Yet, strangely, while Xie Xichui could accept Kou Jianghuai's arrogant pride, he disliked Song Maolin's flawless gentleness, kindness, respect, and humility.

The young Lu Sichu also disliked this "jade-like gentleman with beautiful looks and pure integrity." His reason was simple: the boy disliked that this fellow admired the Imperial Sister, and even more so disliked that he wanted to "marry" the Imperial Sister. In the boy's words, he would rather take a step back, or even tens of thousands of steps back, preferring the Imperial Sister to marry the young vassal king whom she had never met, than to have any connection with this hypocritical Song Maolin, whom she had known since their early days at White Deer Cave. The boy's thoughts were always straightforward, identical to those of the Lu family elders: he simply believed that someone who would likely never openly break wind in their entire life must be a hypocrite! Xie Xichui, who rarely disliked anyone, wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment.

So, Xie Xichui stood up and walked, smiling, towards his friend Pei Sui and the esteemed Young Master Song. When he grabbed Pei Sui's arm, he subtly twisted it. True to his nature as Xie Xichui's closest friend, Pei Sui endured the pain without flinching, maintaining a smile.

Xie Xichui said without preamble, "Come on, I'll take you to a shop for a drink. Don't worry, my family's shop isn't open today, and I don't have a habit of overcharging acquaintances. But if we can't make ends meet someday, it'll be a different story..."

Xie Xichui led them to a relatively clean tavern, though in Song Maolin's eyes, they were probably all the same.

Over half an hour later, they parted ways contentedly. Xie Xichui and Pei Sui saw Song Maolin off into his carriage and watched him leave.

As the two walked back into the alley, Pei Sui teased, "It must have been hard for you to talk nonsense for another half an hour."

Xie Xichui replied calmly, "All the wasted words were compensated by the wine. The only downside is that you paid the bill, not Young Master Song."

Pei Sui smiled slightly. "How could Young Master Song carry such common items as gold and silver on him? However, if he had no money to pay, he certainly wouldn't hesitate to remove the priceless jade pendant from his waist to cover the wine bill."

Xie Xichui gave a strained smile. "That would make for another beautiful story, then."

Pei Sui slung an arm around Xie Xichui's shoulder playfully. "Alright, anyway, my friendship with the Song family only goes this far. Just consider it half an hour of drinking with me."

It was nothing short of a miracle that Xie Xichui, from a humble background, could become close friends with a Pei family scion, whose status was as different as clouds from mud. In Great Chu, where social hierarchies were rigid, noble families and people of high standing typically viewed commoners as lowly as servants, found it shameful to associate with them, and would never sit at the same table. When Xie and Pei became classmates, they were unaware of each other's true identities. Pei Sui's catchphrase was, "I love making friends with people who treat money like dirt; I'm willing to carry dung every day for them." Xie Xichui could guess that this fellow came from an extraordinary background, but he was still somewhat shocked when Pei Sui finally revealed his family's identity. The Pei clan of Kunyang had been a true noble family since the Great Feng Dynasty, known for "only marrying into nine select surnames and never into the imperial family." It was at that moment that Xie Xichui truly considered Pei Sui a friend—not because he was an unreachable Pei scion willing to humble himself to socialize, but because he was willing to candidly reveal his true identity to Xie Xichui, who was then still an unknown commoner.

Their teacher, Cao Changqing, was the very person who had once shared drinks with Xie Xichui's father.

Cao Changqing had long ago taught these two students, so vastly different in status: "The principles of the world are simply principles; they are not rendered baseless by few, nor made true by many. Do not oppress the poor, nor flatter the rich. Do not assume all the poor are good, nor all the rich are evil. Knowing principles naturally leads to propriety; with propriety, there is no fear of collapse, and thus the world is peaceful, and everyone is content. This is the Way of Confucianism."

Pei Sui spoke softly, "Song Maolin's intentions aren't complicated. Someone in the imperial court is suggesting that we seize the opportunity of Wu Chongxuan's defection from the Southern Marches to ally with Prince Yan Che. The unspoken meaning is to try and persuade Zhao Bing to let Crown Prince Zhao Zhu 'marry into' our Great Chu Jiang clan. Of course, Song Maolin can't sit still."

Xie Xichui sneered, "If he's got ability, he should go fight for it himself. Can he really scheme and plot his way to an empire with petty calculations? He's worthless!"

Pei Sui chuckled, "You're not including me in that, are you?"

Xie Xichui turned his head, smiling. "Or would you like me to think about it?"

Pei Sui sighed helplessly, "Befriending such a bad influence, it's too late for regrets!"

Xie Xichui retorted, "Then you'd better go catch up with Young Master Song. It's not too late for that."

Pei Sui burst out laughing. "No, thanks. I'd feel completely uncomfortable. An anomaly like me, who accidentally happened to be born into a noble family, just doesn't belong with them."

Xie Xichui said expressionlessly, "You mean you can't drink from the same piss pot, right?"

Pei Sui's face went pale, and he said with a pained expression, "Xie Xichui, can you please not be so disgusting?"

Xie Xichui stated matter-of-factly, "Difficult!"

Pei Sui let out a heavy sigh. Having known him for so many years, Pei Sui knew how to deal with this person who enjoyed delivering deadpan jokes. He had to use self-deprecating tactics to gain an advantage. Gritting his teeth, he said, "You truly are my good brother, Pei the Dung-Carrier!"

Xie Xichui laughed, "Pei the Dung-Carrier, remember to wash your hands before you come to my house for dinner."

Pei Sui took a deep breath. "Fine!"

Before entering the alley, Xie Xichui suddenly asked out of the blue, "Pei Sui, tell me, if there's something I really want to do, but I'm afraid of regretting it, what should I do?"

Pei Sui replied straightforwardly, "Afraid of regretting it if you do it? That's nonsense! It's obvious you'll definitely regret it if you don't do it. Since there's only a 'possibility' of regretting it if you do, why not do it? Xie Xichui, Xie Xichui, has your brain been clamped by a door?"

Pei Sui, having finally gained the upper hand, was somewhat smug.

Xie Xichui, walking with his head down, said softly, "Indeed."

Pei Sui asked curiously, "Is there anything in this world that makes Xie Xichui hesitate?"

Pei Sui suddenly exclaimed in alarm, "You're not planning to go to Tai'an City to become an official, are you? Be careful, I'll report you!"

Xie Xichui roared angrily, "Pei the Dung-Carrier! You Pei fellow! Is looking for sh*t not enough for you, you're looking for death too?!"

Then Xie Xichui noticed his friend was smiling, looking straight ahead.

And then, Xie Xichui saw a stunned woman standing at the entrance of a house not far away. She seemed to have been startled by his coarse language, looking helpless and pitiable.

Xie Xichui swallowed.

Pei Sui, with his keen insight, immediately caught on, relishing the moment. What ordinary woman could make Xie Xichui lose his composure like this?

How many men in this world could escape the "Childhood Sweetheart"—the most formidable flying sword of them all?

Ultimately, Pei Sui didn't have the heart to kick him while he was down and was about to leave when he suddenly felt his sleeve being gripped tightly.

Xie Xichui whispered, "Don't go yet, help me be brave."

Pei Sui almost burst out laughing.

Even the teacher said that "Great Chu could undoubtedly be restored with just three Xie Xichuis." And yet, this fellow needed someone to boost his courage to avoid showing weakness?

Pei Sui almost bowed to the unknown woman right there and then.

His brother never showed any trace of nervousness, even when debating strategy with their teacher.

The woman hesitated, then quickly glanced at Xie Xichui before lowering her gaze and stepping briskly onto the stairs.

Xie Xichui seemed to want to speak but held back.

Pei Sui sharply elbowed the timid fellow beside him.

Xie Xichui finally said in a trembling voice, "Liu Dongmei!"

Pei Sui secretly chuckled. The woman's name was indeed... ordinary.

Xie Xichui's voice wasn't particularly loud, but the woman stopped nonetheless, though she didn't turn around on the steps.

Xie Xichui habitually rubbed his cheeks, then finally mustered the courage to say, "My name is Xie Xichui!"

Pei Sui was speechless, looking up at the sky.

What the heck? Isn't that obvious? As neighbors, did he think she believed his name was Xie Dongchui?

But the words that followed made Pei Sui look at him in a new light.

Xie Xichui scratched his head and grinned. "I want to marry you! I don't care for any other woman! I only like you!"

Pei Sui couldn't help but give a thumbs-up, only to get a kick from Xie Xichui.

The woman didn't turn around or speak, but her shoulders trembled slightly.

Xie Xichui's voice, which he had finally raised, dropped again. "Back then... throwing stones at your house, that was my fault, but... I had a reason. I thought you liked that bookish Song Zhengqing, and I couldn't stand it..."

Pei Sui looked up at the sky again.

He wondered if Xie Xichui disliked Song Maolin simply because he shared the same surname.

Pei Sui inexplicably felt a pang of sympathy for Song Maolin.

It was a sad misunderstanding.

Xie Xichui paused, then declared loudly, "Now I'm more successful than that Song Zhengqing, who only just passed the county exam, truly!"

Xie Xichui extended a fist and pounded his chest, stating gravely, "I am Xie Xichui. The 'Xie Xichui' you've probably heard of, it's not someone else with the same name—it's me! That silly Xie family boy, Xie Bamboo Pole, who has liked you for many years! Now, I am the Great Chu's General of the Northern Garrison, a second-rank military general!"

Not far away, the old men and women who had been sitting on stools and chairs, watching the show, almost simultaneously tumbled to the ground.

Pei Sui suddenly narrowed his eyes, a thoughtful expression on his face.

As a scion of a noble family, he had, through constant exposure, witnessed far too many unpleasant realities.

People form all sorts of relationships: friendships among gentlemen as light as water, friendships among commoners as sweet as honey, spouses like birds of the same forest, fathers and sons fighting side by side in battle, harmonious relationships between ruler and subject, or lifelong family ties like fine aged wine.

Yet, few could truly withstand the test of time. Could a bowl of clear water really be drunk after sitting for ten or eight days? Even a jar of fine wine, if its seal wasn't perfect, would lose its flavor not just after ten or eight years, but even by next year.

Pei Sui suddenly felt a pang of worry. He realized that no matter whether this woman, raised in a humble alley, accepted or refused, it might not turn out well.

If she refused, Xie Xichui and she would simply pass each other by.

If she accepted, how much of her sincerity would be for Xie Xichui the man, and how much for the name of General of the Northern Garrison?

Pei Sui thought Xie Xichui shouldn't have said those last few sentences.

But then again, not saying them also seemed wrong.

Pei Sui wasn't blind; he knew that a woman of Xie Xichui's age who remained unmarried must have endured a lot of hardship, with all the gossip and rumors.

Xie Xichui must have wanted her to know that her years of silent suffering had not been in vain.

Pei Sui sighed softly. If only his brother had waited for her to nod before revealing the truth.

But Pei Sui strangely noticed that his remarkably intelligent classmate, the most favored disciple of Great Chu's "most esteemed" teacher, had no such worries. Even now, he showed no regret, as if he held an unshakeable belief.

The woman finally turned around, wiping away her tears before doing so.

She said one sentence to Xie Xichui.

Upon hearing her words, Pei Sui bowed respectfully to the woman and, with profound willingness, declared, "Pei Sui of the Kunyang Pei clan, I salute you, Sister-in-law!"

Because that woman, with such an ordinary name, had uttered the most extraordinary words Pei Sui had ever heard.

It was precisely this sentence that would later lead the loyal Xie Xichui to discreetly enter Beiliang, living under an assumed identity.

Her words were simple, yet resolute.

"Xie Xichui, I used to be afraid of not being able to wait for you. But from today, I'm not afraid of not being able to wait for you, because I'm not afraid of being a widow of the Xie family."