In the following days, Zhao Huanxi was busy bidding farewell to his mentors and friends, including Master Shang, Master Yanmei, Elder Qu, and Qian Ming.

Meanwhile, Xu Nian’an busied herself packing his luggage.

Mingli, watching from the side, couldn’t help but ask as she saw her repeatedly putting a light yet warm marten-fur waistcoat into the bundle, taking it out, and then putting it back again, “Xiaojie, what exactly are you doing ah?”

貂鼠坎肩 (diāoshǔ kǎnjiān): A marten-fur waistcoat or sleeveless jacket.
Diāoshǔ refers to the marten (sable), a luxury fur prized for being incredibly light and exceptionally warm.
Kǎnjiān is a traditional sleeveless vest.

Xu Nian’an sat down on a stool, holding the waistcoat, and said, “I’m not sure what to pack for him. It feels like he needs everything, but I’m also worried that when he gets there, he might not fit in with others and end up being ostracized.”

“Something like this, worn as an underlayer, shouldn’t be a problem, right? No one can see it anyway. Besides, I’ve heard it’s terribly cold in Liaodong. If you don’t pack these warm clothes for Gu Yé, what if he ends up freezing?” Mingli replied.

Xu Nian’an snapped back to her senses, stood up again, and said, “You’re right. Regardless of anything else, he must have enough warm clothes.”

Mingli watched as Xu Nian’an busied herself once more, understanding in her heart that, despite her calm appearance, Xiaojie was far from composed about Gu Yé’s expedition.

Thinking of Liaodong, Mingli couldn’t help but recall Yisu. Half a month ago, Yisu had sent a letter, sharing her and Rong Wu Yé’s current address and extending her regards to Xiaojie. Perhaps she should write back to Yisu as well, letting her know about Gu Yé’s upcoming journey to Liaodong.

On the day before departure, Zhao Huanxi didn’t go anywhere. He stayed at Jiaxiang House in the Jing Guogong Residence, keeping company with Yin Furen and Xu Nian’an.

After a few days to adjust, Yin Furen’s emotions had gradually settled. At the very least, she no longer broke into tears the moment she saw Zhao Huanxi.

Everyone tried their best to avoid mentioning Zhao Huanxi’s imminent departure to Liaodong the next day, so as not to make the atmosphere melancholic. Only Xuan Jie’er openly expressed her envy at Zhao Huanxi’s opportunity to go to Liaodong and participate in the war.

By the afternoon, Yin Furen finally couldn’t help but ask Xu Nian’an, “Has Huanxi’s luggage been packed properly?”

Xu Nian’an replied, “I’ve packed clothing and footwear for autumn and winter. Once he gets to Liaodong, we can send over anything else he might need.”

“Liaodong is bitterly cold, and it’ll be winter in just a month or two. Make sure to pack plenty of ointment for frostbite,” Yin Furen said with concern.

Xu Nian’an nodded. “It’s already been prepared.”

Yin Furen still looked worried. “I wonder what kind of food they have in the military camp there. Will Huanxi be able to adapt? I just hope he doesn’t have trouble adjusting to the local conditions.”

Xu Nian’an said, “Huanrong Tang Xiong and Yisu have settled in Guangning, where Sanlang will be going. I’ll arrange for someone to send them some silver and non-perishable food supplies. If Sanlang can leave the camp, he can visit Tang Xiong’s house for a proper meal.”

Yin Furen sighed. “That’s all we can hope for.”

Later that night, when Zhao Huanxi returned to their room after his bath, he saw Xu Nian’an with her long hair draped over her shoulders, standing before the clothing rack, gazing at the armor hanging there.

It was the ceremonial armor of a sub-third grade military official, not designed for practicality but for appearance. The polished lamellar scales gleamed, and the vibrant red plume on the helmet stood out. If a young man with aspirations of a military career saw such dazzling armor, he might find it impossible to look away, let alone walk past it.

Hearing Zhao Huanxi enter the room, Xu Nian’an turned around with a smile and said, “Sanlang, why don’t you try on this armor for me?”

“Alright.”

With Xu Nian’an’s help, Zhao Huanxi put on the armor and helmet. Feeling a surge of excitement, he spun around in front of her and asked, “What do you think?”

Xu Nian’an looked him up and down, then covered her mouth, laughing. “You truly are remarkable. Even such a mighty suit of armor looks refined and elegant when you wear it.”

Zhao Huanxi, slightly displeased, said, “Don’t underestimate me. I can be imposing and domineering too.”

“Then show me your imposing and domineering side.”

Zhao Huanxi placed his hands on his hips, straightened his face, and stared straight ahead without moving or speaking.

Xu Nian’an tilted her chin thoughtfully and said, “With that look, are you contemplating what to have for breakfast tomorrow?”

Zhao Huanxi immediately broke character, bursting into laughter as he moved to grab her. “You and your nonsense!” he exclaimed.

Xu Nian’an ran around the table, with him chasing after her, the armor clinking noisily as he moved.

“Alright, alright, let’s stop. Any more, and your bath will have been for nothing,” she said, laughing and out of breath as she came to a stop, only to be caught in his arms.

“Look at you, your face is all red,” Zhao Huanxi teased, pressing her face against the cold metal of his chest armor. “Does it feel cool?” he asked.

“Cool,” Xu Nian’an replied, holding him tightly. Then, in a quiet, gentle tone, she reminded him, “When you go to Liaodong, remember not to act impulsively or show off. Follow General Li’s orders and only do what is within your ability.”

“En,” Zhao Huanxi agreed.

Xu Nian’an stepped out of his embrace and, while helping him remove his helmet, said, “With your looks, even wearing armor doesn’t make you seem like a general. Most people in the military camp are commoners who’ve never had much schooling. Once you get to know them, they might tease you, but don’t take it to heart—it’s not a bad thing. You’ve only trained for a year, so you don’t have much of an advantage on the battlefield. But this face of yours, which looks like it’s not made for fighting, is actually your greatest asset. If… if the day ever comes when you have to step onto the battlefield, don’t forget to make the most of this one advantage.”

Zhao Huanxi nodded.

“The most important thing is, don’t you dare look at other women!” Xu Nian’an, her nose tingling with emotion, pinched his cheeks and pretended to be fierce as she looked at the young man about to embark on his journey.

“I won’t look at other women. I only think of you,” Zhao Huanxi replied.

Her eyes grew hot, and before the tears could fall, Xu Nian’an hooked her arms around his neck, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips.

The household had been bustling with matters recently, and it had been some time since the young couple had shared such intimacy. Now, with their separation looming, their emotions surged and intertwined, leaving no room for hesitation.

On that summer night, affection lingered in the air as a gentle, warm breeze swept through the courtyard. The shadows of flowers swayed, and an orange-yellow moon hung quietly at the edge of the eaves.

The window was open, and the layers of gauze curtains billowed softly in the breeze.

When the calm finally settled, Xu Nian’an asked, “Why did you do that?”

Zhao Huanxi reached out to smooth the damp strands of hair clinging to her forehead and said, “I don’t want you to have to give birth alone while I’m away.”

“Why?”

“Because the child belongs to both of us. It’s already so difficult for you to bear the burden of pregnancy alone. If I can’t be there to take care of you, I’d feel like I’ve failed you,” Zhao Huanxi replied earnestly.

Xu Nian’an gazed at him steadily, her hand gently caressing his cheek. “Sanlang, there is no better husband in this world than you,” she said softly.

“I’m not that good,” Zhao Huanxi said with guilt. “If I truly were, I wouldn’t let you stay home worrying about me.”

“I won’t worry,” Xu Nian’an replied firmly. “I believe you’ll come back because you can’t bear to leave me behind.”

Zhao Huanxi reached out, grasping the hand she had placed on his cheek, and nodded.

✦

The Emperor had assigned the General of the Imperial Guard, Lü Chunkai to escort Zhao Huanxi to Liaodong with 300 soldiers. Early the next morning, General Lü arrived at the gates of the Jing Guogong Residence with his men.

Dressed in full armor, Zhao Huanxi first went to Dunyi Hall to kneel before his still-unconscious grandfather. “Zufu, I’m leaving now. Rest assured, I won’t disgrace *you&.”

Guogong Yé remained unresponsive, but Xiangzhong couldn’t hold back his tears. Choking up, he said to Zhao Huanxi, “Xi San Yé, you must take care of yourself. If Guogong Yé wakes up, his greatest hope will be to see you again.”

Zhao Huanxi stood up and nodded. “I’ll be careful. Xiang Guanshi, my mother along with Shushus and Shenshens are at home, but they all have their own affairs to attend to. Only you have been by Zufu’s side, looking after him. Please take good care of him while I’m gone,” he said, giving Xiangzhong a deep bow.

Xiangzhong was taken aback, hurriedly saying, “Xi San Yé, there’s no need for such formalities. Laonu does not deserve this. Taking care of Guogong Yé is Laonu’s duty.”

After a brief conversation, Zhao Huanxi bid Xiangzhong farewell and made his way to Jiaxiang House.

Inside were Yin Furen, Xu Nian’an, his three older sisters, two Jiefus, and Lu Feng his future Jiefu, along with Yin Luochen, Fu Yunjin, and Xuan Jie’er, as well as Nie Guocheng.

Seeing her son in full armor, Yin Furen couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer. However, since her daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren were all present, she couldn’t let herself cry openly. Fighting back tears, she hung a safety amulet around Zhao Huanxi’s neck and said, “You must go as you are today and return in the same way, not losing even a bit.”

Zhao Huanxi forced a smile and said, “Will obey Muqin Daren‘s order!”

The term 母亲大人 (mǔqīn dàren) is one of the most respectful way to refer to one's mother, with the added honorific 大人 (dàren), which typically means "your excellency" or "sir/madam." It conveys a sense of deference and deep respect toward the mother, reserved for situations where utmost respect is intended.

Seeing him still in the mood for playful remarks, Yin Furen felt a mix of emotions. She wanted to hit him, but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Instead, she withdrew her hand and wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

His three older sisters couldn’t help but cry, offering various bits of advice, while the Jiefus and Biao cousins were calmer. Yin Luochen even joked, “Huanxi, when you return from this journey, you’ll truly deserve that third-rank title. As your brothers, don’t forget us when you’re rich and powerful!”

His words made the women laugh through their tears.

Everyone surrounded him, guiding him toward the front courtyard.

Today, he was leaving in place of his grandfather, and the main gate of the residence was wide open, with family members from the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth branches gathered at the entrance to send him off.

“Fight the battle, but keep your life safe. If anything happens to you, even if Zufu wakes up, he may not be able to endure it. Be extra cautious with Gudesiqin,” Zhao Huanxu said as he stood among the crowd, offering this piece of advice.

Zhao Huanxi nodded. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, he didn’t want to keep General Lü and the others waiting any longer. He mounted his horse and turned back to look at the Jing Guogong Residence.

Yin Furen had already lost control of her emotions, tears streaming down her face. Zhao Jiaxian and Zhao Jiazhen stood beside her, each supporting her, both of them also with tear-filled eyes.

Xu Nian’an didn’t cry, but her eyes were slightly red. When she saw him turn around, she smiled at him and gave him a small nod.

Zhao Huanxi felt a slight sense of calm as he raised his gaze to the gilded black plaque on the Jing Guogong Residence gate. He gave a respectful bow to everyone and, following General Lü, rode off.

“Huanxi…” Yin Furen cried out, her legs giving way as she collapsed. The people around her hurriedly rushed to support her.

Xu Nian’an withdrew her gaze from Zhao Huanxi’s retreating figure, quietly wiping away a tear from the corner of her eye. She, along with Zhao Jiazhen and the others, helped the fainting Yin Furen back inside.

When Zhao Huanxi reached the Ten-Mile Pavilion outside the city, he was surprised to find not only Qian Ming, Xu Moxiu, and others, but also scholars and teachers from Canglan Academy, as well as Elder Qu and Master Shang, all waiting there to see him off.

The 十里亭 (Ten-Mile Pavilion) typically refers to a pavilion along an ancient country road, placed at intervals to offer travelers shelter from the wind and rain, provide shade in the summer heat, or offer a place to rest during long journeys.

He quickly dismounted and approached the elders, greeting them one by one with respect.

Master Shang patted Zhao Huanxi on the shoulder and said, “It’s a good thing for a young man to gain more experience. When you get to Liaodong, if you have some free time, remember to paint a snow scene and send it back. Let me see how the snow there compares to the snow in the capital.”

“Of course,” Zhao Huanxi replied.

Elder Qu, puffing his cheeks and glaring, added, “When you have some leisure time, don’t forget to practice your calligraphy!”

Zhao Huanxi smiled and said, “Understood!”

Master Yanmei said, “This journey to Liaodong is a rare opportunity to observe people’s lives from the perspective of war. If you can learn something from it, it will be more valuable than studying for ten years.”

Zhao Huanxi cupped his hands and replied, “Thanking Xiansheng for the advice.”

Qian Ming, wiping his tears with a handkerchief, said to Zhao Huanxi, “Huanxi Laodi, I don’t expect you to achieve great feats. I just hope you can return safely. You promised me we’d rehearse a play together, but you still haven’t fulfilled your promise!”

Zhao Huanxi said, “When I return, I’ll definitely make time to rehearse the play with you.”

Finally, it was Xu Moxiu’s turn. Zhao Huanxi took the initiative and said, “Wenlin, may I have a word with you?”

The two walked aside, and Zhao Huanxi pulled an envelope from his armor and handed it to him, saying, “If I don’t make it back, go to the Jing Guogong Residence and bring your sister home. I’ve already spoken to my mother, she won’t stop you.”

Xu Moxiu glanced at the envelope in his hand and guessed what it contained. He said to Zhao Huanxi, “For you to say this to me now, how can I have peace of mind?”

Zhao Huanxi replied, “It’s just in case. If that day really comes, you must comfort your sister. No matter where I am, I want her to live a good life.”

Xu Moxiu’s eyes reddened as he looked at Zhao Huanxi and said, “I’ll say it again, I don’t want my sister to become a widow. So, you must return safely.”

Zhao Huanxi nodded solemnly, “I’ll do my best.”

After thanking everyone who came to see him off, Zhao Huanxi mounted his horse again.

The students of Canglan Academy sang the marching song by Zhang Hua of the Jin Dynasty for him.

“The Great Splendor exalts the Imperial Way, yet the barbarians may not submit. The Xu Tribes rose against the Zhou, and the Guifang defied the Yin. In this flourishing and brilliant era, the marauding invaders stir at the western frontier…”

Amid the clear, passionate voices of the scholars, Zhao Huanxi rode his horse along the official road, moving farther and farther, until he vanished from the sight of those watching.

The poem mentioned was the poem written by Zhang Hua (232–300), a minister and literary figure of the Western Jin dynasty. The poem argues that even in a "flourishing age", a nation must remain vigilant and strong against border threats.
A departure song (出征歌) was sung when soldiers left for battle. It was a way to say goodbye and show courage, reminding soldiers of their duty to their country and family. The song helped boost their spirits, encouraged unity, and expressed loyalty.