Why Does Mr. Xie Favor Me? Chapter 18
byChapter 18: A Meeting Over the Wall
When the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up.
It was impossible to say how many twilights had passed like this. As the sky darkened, the garden grew so still that only the rustle of wind sweeping through bamboo leaves remained.
Xie Nanqiao sat alone by the water pavilion, her fingers unconsciously fraying a withered lotus leaf. Her gaze fell upon the dark, shimmering ripples of the winding water. The sight of the fresh blood blooming from Wang Zhaoruo’s forehead that day seemed to still linger before her eyes.
The servants were as silent as cicadas in winter. Xie Heng had locked himself in his study. The manor, once bustling with guests, was now so desolate it made one’s heart race with unease.
Suddenly, a faint click sounded from the top of the side wall, like a pebble hitting the ground.
Xie Nanqiao turned back alertly, only to see a familiar and flippant figure leaping nimbly down from the wall. He brushed off non-existent dust from his robes.
His azure everyday clothes looked somewhat dim in the twilight, but the habitual, carefree smile on his face was bright enough to be piercing.
You… Xie Nanqiao stood up in surprise, the withered leaf fluttering to the ground. How did you get in? Aren’t you…
I climbed over the wall, of course. Xu Shuhuai approached with a grin. He showed none of the anxiety of someone under house arrest; instead, he looked as relaxed as if he were strolling through his own back garden.
He came to a halt a few paces away. Using the light from the lanterns just being lit under the corridor, he carefully examined Xie Nanqiao’s expression. Tsk, the young lady’s brow is furrowed so tightly it could crush a mosquito. Are you still troubled by what happened that day?
Xie Nanqiao turned her face away, her voice stiff. There is no need for the Grand Minister of Agriculture to concern himself. You can hardly protect yourself; you should stop looking for trouble. Despite her words, her fingertips gripped her sleeve tightly.
Xu Shuhuai was not offended. He strolled to the railing of the water pavilion and stood beside her, looking out at the water. His tone was as casual as if they were making small talk. What trouble could I have? It’s just a change of scenery to enjoy a few days of peace. But you—I heard you’ve barely eaten or spoken these past few days. The flowers in the garden have bloomed, and you haven’t even spared them a glance?
What does it have to do with you? Xie Nanqiao whispered, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible grievance and self-mockery.
You are clever, transparent, and kind-hearted. Xu Shuhuai turned his head. In the dim yellow light, the profile of his face appeared softer, lacking its usual air of dissipation. That day, Wang Zhaoruo’s words were poisonous. You only pushed her away; you didn’t retaliate with even viler words or actions. It was Xiao Jue who caused the accident in his haste to protect you. This matter was never your fault. The Wang family is just using it as a pretext for court infighting. Such filthy things shouldn’t weigh on your heart.
His voice wasn’t loud, but it possessed a strange, soothing power. Xie Nanqiao’s eyelashes trembled. She still didn’t look at him, but her tense shoulders relaxed slightly.
Xu Shuhuai suddenly pulled a small oil-paper packet from his sleeve and handed it over. Here. Osmanthus lotus root starch cakes from Old Li’s shop in the East Market. They were fresh out of the steamer; I nearly squashed them climbing the wall. Sweet things relieve gloom. Want a taste?
Xie Nanqiao stared at the neatly wrapped, still-warm paper packet, stunned.
At a time like this, he actually had the mind to remember such a thing?
Seeing her motionless, Xu Shuhuai simply opened the packet himself. He pinched a small, translucent pastry and stuffed it into her hand without allowing for an argument. Don’t worry, it’s not poisoned. I’m currently awaiting impeachment; if I harmed you, my crimes would only double.
Her fingertips touched the warm pastry, and the sweet fragrance of osmanthus honey drifted into her nose. Xie Nanqiao hesitated for a moment before taking a small bite.
The delicate sweetness of the lotus root starch mixed with the aroma of osmanthus was soft and comforting. It truly seemed to dissolve a sliver of the knot in her chest.
Xu Shuhuai watched her eat in small bites, a flash of a smile crossing his eyes. Then, his expression turned serious. I came first to see you, and second to tell you not to worry too much. Your brother knows what he’s doing regarding the current situation, and I might not be as pathetic as I look on the surface.
Xie Nanqiao raised her eyes. Her clear pupils reflected the lantern light and his earnest expression. Is it true that the grain was stolen? Everyone says you…
That I’m derelict in my duty? That I’m colluding with bandits? Or that I’m stupid? Xu Shuhuai took over the conversation, his lips curling into a mocking arc. Tell me, if I really wanted to embezzle or cause trouble, would I choose to do it right when I’ve just taken office and everyone is watching? Moreover, would I use such a stupid method right at the moment when Minister Xie is strongly advocating for the Northern Expedition?
Xie Nanqiao froze. Brilliant as she was, she immediately caught the anomaly in his words.
Xu Shuhuai lowered his voice, speaking only loud enough for the two of them to hear. The batch in Black Wind Valley was bait. The tampering with the route documents was a flaw I left intentionally.
Xie Nanqiao’s pupils shrank. She instantly understood his intent. You intentionally let… let them…
Yes, Xu Shuhuai nodded, his gaze sharp as a star. If I didn’t change the route, if I didn’t show a so-called flaw, how would those hiding in the shadows—those who don’t want the Northern Expedition to succeed and want to drag your brother and me down—ever be willing to strike? If they don’t move, how would I know who is reaching out, or how deep their hands go? And how would His Majesty see clearly who in this court is planning for the country and who is hollowing out its foundations?
He spoke calmly, but every word was shocking. Xie Nanqiao’s heart tightened as she listened. What a dangerous game of chess this was. He had placed himself in the desperate position of a suspect just to lure the snakes out of their holes, expose the mastermind, and lay it all out before the Emperor.
But… the Wang family is powerful. If they bite back, if His Majesty doesn’t believe you… Xie Nanqiao couldn’t help but worry for him.
His Majesty might not believe everything, but His Majesty definitely wants to know the truth. Xu Shuhuai’s tone was certain. The Northern Expedition is something His Majesty tacitly approved and even pushed for. Someone stealing military grain is equivalent to slapping His Majesty’s face and obstructing his plans. This matter itself is more important than whether I am clean or corrupt. I am betting on His Majesty’s control over the court and the fact that his need to see the true face of the great families outweighs everything else.
He paused and looked at Xie Nanqiao. I’m also betting that your brother can stabilize the situation and won’t let this risky move of mine become a dead end.
Xie Nanqiao understood completely. This wasn’t just Xu Shuhuai’s gamble; it was a silent understanding and cooperation between him and her brother.
Her brother was retreating to advance, requesting punishment and closing his doors to reflect. This both appeased the anger of some of the gentry and gave the Emperor room to buffer and observe. Meanwhile, Xu Shuhuai was at the front, using himself as bait to stir the undercurrents and bring the problem sharply to light.
So you and my brother planned this long ago… she murmured.
It wasn’t exactly a long-standing plan, but some things are understood without being said. Xu Shuhuai smiled, and this time the smile held more genuine warmth. I’m telling you this because I’m afraid you’ll overthink things and feel like you’ve burdened your brother or others.
Xie Nanqiao.
It was the first time he had called her by her full name. His voice was very soft. You are very good. You shouldn’t let these filthy matters stain your mood. Eat what you should eat, drink what you should drink, and look at the flowers when you should. When the sky falls, for the time being, there are still tall people to hold it up.
He pointed to himself, then gestured vaguely toward the study.
The heavy stone in Xie Nanqiao’s heart seemed to truly loosen because of his confession and comfort.
She looked at the man before her who was always joking and never seemed serious, only to discover that deep within those peach-blossom eyes lay a sea-like calm and sense of responsibility.
Is it alright for you to be out right now? Her tone had unconsciously softened.
Slipping out for a bit is no problem. Among the people guarding me, there are always one or two who get distracted or fail to see. Xu Shuhuai winked mischievously, returning to his cynical persona. The cakes have been delivered, and the comforting words have been said. I have to go back. If I stay any longer, I really will be found out.
He turned to leave, then reached into his robe to pull out an even smaller object, tossing it to Xie Nanqiao. She caught it instinctively. It felt cool to the touch—an exquisite counting rod carved from white jade, barely an inch long, lustrous and lovely.
An apology, and also a thank-you gift. Xu Shuhuai waved his hand, his figure moving nimbly toward the wall he had come from. Thank you, Young Lady Xie, for not actually tearing me up like an account book that day.
Before his voice had even faded, he had already scaled the wall. His figure flashed and disappeared into the deepening night, leaving only the branches on the wall swaying slightly.
Xie Nanqiao stood in place, clutching the warm cakes and the cool jade counting rod, her heart churning with complex emotions.
She looked up toward her brother’s study. A tall figure was reflected on the window paper, still bent over the desk.
Uncle Cheng entered quietly, replaced the tea with a fresh pot, and whispered, Master, Master Xu has left. He paused, then added, He left from the back garden wall. The young lady seemed to be there for a while.
Xie Heng’s hand holding the brush paused slightly. He gave a soft hum of acknowledgment, his emotions unreadable. However, he raised his gaze from the map and looked out the window into the bottomless darkness.
That Xu Shuhuai could slip out was within his expectations—or rather, it was a wordless understanding. If that man were truly trapped to death by a mere impeachment, he wouldn’t be himself.
He thought of the lingering sorrow between his sister’s brows lately; she had become increasingly silent after the incident.
Faint footsteps came from the corridor, slow and hesitant. A moment later, there was a soft knock on the study door.
Brother, it’s me.
Xie Heng composed himself and said, Come in.
Xie Nanqiao pushed the door open and entered. She was still holding half of the oil-paper packet, and the faint sweetness of osmanthus drifted in with her. She had changed into a goose-yellow everyday skirt. Her hair was in a simple bun, and though she still looked tired, her eyes were much clearer than in previous days, even holding a faint, lustrous light.
Xie Heng’s gaze swept over the paper packet in her hand before returning to her face. He came?
Xie Nanqiao nodded. She approached the desk and set the packet aside. Her voice was soft but clear. He said Black Wind Valley was bait.
A sharp light flashed in Xie Heng’s eyes. He wasn’t overly surprised, but his lips tightened for a fleeting second. As expected of Xu Shuhuai’s handiwork—bold, reckless, and unconventional. This move was extremely dangerous, but it also directly broke the deadlock.
What else did he say?
Xie Nanqiao raised her eyes and looked directly at her brother. He said you know what you’re doing, that you both have your own plans, and that I shouldn’t worry too much.
She paused, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the cool jade counting rod in her sleeve. In the end, she didn’t take it out, but simply asked, Brother, when does General Xiao depart?
The topic naturally turned toward the Northern Frontier, toward the name that currently pulled at the heartstrings of countless people. Xie Heng knew his sister was trying to understand and trying to participate.
He motioned for Xie Nanqiao to sit. His finger pointed to a pass on the parchment map. Three days from now, at the start of the Hour of the Tiger, from the North Gate. Five thousand light cavalry. No heavy baggage, carrying only ten days of rations.
Ten days? Xie Nanqiao frowned instinctively, her mind calculating quickly. Deep behind enemy lines, if there is no support, ten days of grain is only enough for rapid movement and shifting battles. Once obstructed…
The goal is to be as swift as the wind and as aggressive as fire. Xie Heng’s voice was calm, carrying a cold decisiveness. Xiao Jue’s departure is officially to atone for his crimes through service and to inspect the borders, but in reality, he is a surprise force. The secret decree His Majesty and I gave him is to disrupt the northern border commanderies, burn their grain supplies, and throw their deployments into chaos to create conditions for the subsequent main army’s advance. The longer it is dragged out, the greater the risk of exposure.
This was a massive gamble—a gamble on Xiao Jue’s bravery and resourcefulness, a gamble on the precision and secrecy of Xu Shuhuai’s logistics, and a gamble on the Northern Dynasty’s reaction speed.
Can the Wang family’s reach extend to the Northern Frontier? Xie Nanqiao asked her deepest concern. The grain theft had already shown their ruthlessness. If they learned of Xiao Jue’s true mission, would they strike a fatal blow?
Xie Heng’s gaze was profound. He spoke slowly. This is precisely another purpose of Xu Shuhuai’s risky gamble. The grain theft, whether true or false, has already pushed them into the light. His Majesty is watching now. Even if the upright officials in court don’t know the details, they will be sensitive because of the words ‘military grain.’ In the short term, the Wang family won’t dare to directly tamper with military supplies again; the risk is too great. They might use some of their secret channels in the Northern Frontier to leak Xiao Jue’s whereabouts or cause other trouble.
He looked at his sister, his tone softening. Xu Shuhuai and I are already prepared for these things. The Northern Expedition is His Majesty’s chess game; His Majesty will not allow anyone to completely flip the board. What we must use is precisely His Majesty’s refusal to allow that.
Xie Nanqiao listened silently. Her brother’s words analyzed the situation piece by piece, deconstructing a crisis as terrifying as a tidal wave into a series of problems that could be handled and calculated.
Those complex power struggles were now displayed before her in such a clear yet cruel manner. She suddenly understood why Xu Shuhuai had climbed the wall to deliver a piece of cake and say those seemingly lighthearted words. The pressure of the iceberg beneath should not have been felt by her in its entirety.
Brother should also take care of his health, she said softly, her gaze falling on the faint dark circles under Xie Heng’s eyes. He was right. When the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up. But even the tall ones can’t keep holding it up forever.
Xie Heng was slightly startled. Looking at the pure concern in his sister’s eyes, the ice somewhere in his heart seemed touched by a warm current. He raised his hand, seemingly wanting to ruffle her hair as he did when they were children, but in the end, he only gently patted her shoulder.
I know, he said in a low voice. Nanqiao, during these days when the manor is closed, if any rumors regarding Xu Shuhuai or this matter reach your ears, ignore them. Do not take them to heart. The young lady of the Wang family has long been out of danger.
This was his tacit approval of her conversation by the wall with Xu Shuhuai, and also a promise to put her at ease.
She stood up. Then I won’t disturb Brother further. The night is cold and the tea is almost gone; I’ll have Uncle Cheng bring another pot of hot tea.
The door closed softly, and silence returned to the study. Xie Heng tapped his knuckles lightly on the desk. Behind the peace of mind he gave his sister was a path he had to pave himself.
Some words could only be spoken clearly on the eve of departure, under the cover of the deepest night.
He picked up his pen and wrote a few words. When he handed them to Uncle Cheng, he only gave one instruction: I know he should be coming.