The night grew darker as Staff Officer Qin had just returned to his residence. He was about to enjoy a meal in the tender company of his concubine when he spotted the figure outside the window, shouldering a silver spear.
Staff Officer Qin’s expression stiffened, and he hastily addressed Liu'er, who was about to serve him.
"Ahem, Liu'er, you may leave for now."
Liu'er shot him a coquettish glare, her slender waist swaying like a water snake as she pouted.
"Hmph! Heartless man! I worked so hard to prepare this soup just for you, and now you’re dismissing me so easily?"
Mindful of Xiao Zheng outside the window, Staff Officer Qin couldn’t afford to lose face. He hardened his heart and adopted a stern tone.
"I said, leave!"
Once Liu'er had retreated, clutching her handkerchief with tearful eyes, Staff Officer Qin abruptly stood up, his face breaking into an ingratiating smile as he turned toward the window.
"Heh heh, General, what brings you here so suddenly?"
Xiao Zheng stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the bowl of golden chicken soup on the table, a slice of ginseng floating atop it.
"Nothing urgent. I just came to ask about the matter I entrusted to you—the arrangements at the Ministry of Works."
Staff Officer Qin’s face lit up with realization.
"How could I forget your orders, General? On Mr. Lu’s first day, I spoke to Vice Minister Li and asked him to look after him, saying Mr. Lu had done me a great favor. I didn’t mention you at all—rest assured!"
Xiao Zheng nodded.
"No troublemakers, I hope?"
Staff Officer Qin thumped his chest confidently.
"I’ve kept an eye out for days, and so far, no one has dared to disrespect Mr. Lu."
Satisfied, Xiao Zheng turned to leave. His silver spear struck the ground with a dull thud, startling Staff Officer Qin into straightening his posture reflexively.
"Very well. Enjoy your meal. By the way, you’re not even married yet, and you’re already this weak? Drinking ginseng soup? Tsk tsk, take it easy."
Staff Officer Qin’s face flushed crimson, and he stammered incoherently.
"General! Th-that’s not—you—!"
Fuming inwardly, Staff Officer Qin gritted his teeth. Recalling the grueling days in the military camp, he sighed silently. With her demeanor, who’d believe she was a woman?
Poor Mr. Lu. I’ll have to look out for him more in the future.
Xiao Zheng turned and strode toward the general’s residence, her figure gradually dissolving into the night.
Unbeknownst to her, at the weapons shop near the intersection outside Staff Officer Qin’s residence, Lu Chao, dressed in a blue robe, had been watching the entire scene from the window.
"Young Master, what has you so captivated?"
Liu Yao leaned out to look but saw nothing of interest and withdrew his head.
Lu Chao shook his head. "Nothing. It’s getting late—let’s go."
"Mm! Good thing the shopkeeper lives in the city, or we’d never make it out before the gates close. Still, finishing the delivery today is quite the feat!"
……
The moment Xiao Zheng stepped into the general’s residence, she found the surroundings oddly unfamiliar. Zhang Hu was bustling about, directing servants to hang lanterns and decorate the courtyard.
"Raise that lantern a bit higher—yes, just like that! And those flowerpots—line them up neatly!"
Turning around, he caught sight of Xiao Zheng and froze, his eyes widening in shock.
"Good heavens, General! You’re finally back! Tomorrow’s the coming-of-age ceremony, and the whole household is in chaos! If you hadn’t shown up, I’d have had to send Ironhead and the others to drag you back by force!"
Wiping sweat from his brow, Zhang Hu’s anxious expression eased slightly, replaced by excitement.
"Lady Lu came by earlier to inspect everything—from the ceremonial hairpins and robes to the banquet dishes and pastries. She’s made sure nothing’s missing! She said she’ll be here first thing tomorrow to oversee everything. With her in charge, the ceremony will be splendid!"
After their last unpleasant parting, Xiao Zheng had deliberately stayed at the military camp outside the capital. Now, with no way to avoid it, she had returned.
"Understood. You’ve worked hard. Give the servants some extra rewards tomorrow."
Noticing Xiao Zheng’s lack of enthusiasm, Zhang Hu dismissed the servants and followed her worriedly.
He found her standing motionless in the courtyard, her silver spear planted firmly in the ground as she stared at it, lost in thought.
That spear was one of Elder Xiao’s treasured weapons. He had placed it in her hands when she was just ten years old, and it had remained with her ever since.
Xiao Zheng’s fingers traced the handle, where the characters "Yingge" were engraved.
……
At dawn, Lady Lu arrived at the general’s residence with a sleepy Xingyao in tow.
Xiao Zheng had been waiting at the entrance. Spotting them, she hurried forward, guilt weighing on her heart.
"Lady Lu, I’m truly sorry to trouble you with overseeing this ceremony."
Dressed in elegant finery, Lady Lu smiled warmly.
"We’re practically family now—no need for such formalities. I haven’t done much, anyway. The invitations, food, and decorations were all arranged by Lu Chao. I’m just here to greet the guests—it’s no trouble at all."
At the mention of Lu Chao’s name, Xiao Zheng stiffened, her hands pausing involuntarily. Lady Lu covered her mouth, suppressing a chuckle.
"It’s been so long since I last visited the capital. This is a perfect chance to catch up with old friends. Come now—Shishu, Shihua! Escort the General to her chambers and help her prepare. We’re running out of time!"
With Lady Lu taking charge, the servants finally had a clear direction. Carrying delicate ornaments and pastries, they moved about busily yet efficiently. Zhang Hu kept an eye on the kitchen, peeking in occasionally, and finally relaxed.
"Look at you—this gown suits you perfectly!"
Lady Lu’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Xiao Zheng.
The dress was unlike the ornate robes popular in the capital. The fabric appeared simple at first glance, yet intricate patterns revealed themselves upon closer inspection. The waistband cinched neatly, accentuating her figure—imbuing her with both feminine grace and an air of cool detachment.
Xingyao stood nearby, staring enviously. Unable to resist, she tugged at Lady Lu’s sleeve and whispered,
"Mother, I want a dress like that too! I’d look amazing in it!"
Lady Lu chuckled, tapping Xingyao’s nose playfully.
"Little girls don’t even have waists yet—what use is a waistband?"
Xiao Zheng couldn’t help but laugh at Xingyao’s round, pouting face.
Xingyao huffed and turned away, her lips pursed so tightly they could’ve held a jug of oil.
As guests arrived, mothers with young daughters couldn’t help but admire Xiao Zheng’s attire, praising it endlessly.
The noblewomen, who had only come out of respect for the Grand Princess or Prince Kang, now found themselves engrossed in lively discussions about the gown’s design.
"Madam, the Grand Princess’s carriage has just reached the main gate!"
Upon hearing the servant's report, Lady Lu stood outside the carriage, holding Xingyao's hand with a hint of nervousness.
"Your humble servant, Lady Lu, greets Her Royal Highness the Grand Princess! May Your Highness live a thousand years!"
"Rise."
"My, whose little lady is this? Why are your cheeks all puffed up?"
The Grand Princess fixed her gaze on the small figure hiding behind Lady Lu, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she looked at Xingyao.
"My daughter is young and lacks proper manners. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness."
Xingyao quickly pursed her lips, studying the Grand Princess's expression. Seeing no trace of anger, she replied timidly,
"They're not puffed up now."
The Grand Princess chuckled, taking her hand with a warm smile.
"Then why were they puffed up just now?"
"I... I had to tie my waist sash. My mother says I don’t have a waist."
