039 In the Distant Chill of the Wind

All except for Huanlu felt a cold wind sweep past.

“Achoo!” Someone sneezed at just the right moment and rubbed her nose helplessly. “Little Luo, if we put cooked food next to you in summer, it would definitely stay fresh.”

“What do you mean?” Huanlu was puzzled.

“Because it’s cold.” Liangyin shivered and kept rubbing her arms, trying to warm herself.

Lance, for his part, remained silent, the same unchanging smile ever on his face.

“If this makes you uncomfortable, please tell me. I’ll do my best to correct it,” Huanlu said earnestly, noticing the odd expressions on her three companions.

“My dear Little Luo, do you know there’s something in this world called a joke?” Someone clapped Huanlu on the shoulder.

“A joke?” Huanlu’s brow didn’t relax in the least.

“To put it formally, it’s words or actions meant to amuse, make people laugh, or tease someone.” Faced with two particularly unserious women, Lance had no choice but to respond seriously, explaining as carefully as he could to Huanlu, even though he didn’t quite understand it himself.

“You don’t need to be so formal, Lance—you’re not a dictionary. At times like this, words won’t help; it’s better to teach by example!” Without waiting, Someone sprang into action. “Liangyin, look over there!”

Liangyin instinctively turned in the direction Someone pointed, but after a moment saw nothing. “What is it?” she asked, puzzled, glancing back at Someone.

Imitating a scene from a certain film, Someone had already positioned her finger where Liangyin’s forehead would be when she turned back. Caught off guard, Liangyin was poked right on the forehead, and the two burst into laughter in perfect harmony.

“This, too, is a kind of joke. The principle, I suppose, is harmless teasing that brings friends closer,” Lance said, struggling to explain under Huanlu’s inquisitive gaze.

Huanlu seemed to understand. “Is that so?” Lance wiped a cold sweat from his brow. Thank goodness she learned quickly.

Taking to heart the saying that experiment is the only test of truth—a phrase Someone had once told her—Huanlu decided to try it herself. She hesitantly approached Someone, slowly extending her hand toward Someone’s forehead. Someone, unsure of Huanlu’s intentions, stood frozen, watching Huanlu’s hand come ever closer, until, as if making a momentous decision, Huanlu suddenly poked her on the forehead.

“Hm?” Someone, completely unprepared, was nudged back by the poke—but the force was so slight that her head barely tilted backward.

The three stared at Huanlu in confusion, while Huanlu herself looked blankly at her own finger, which had just poked Someone. Time seemed to freeze. Lance had yawned three times; Liangyin was rubbing her eyes, ready for sleep. Suddenly, Huanlu let out a small laugh.

“So this is what a joke is?” she said, shaking her finger with a hint of pride.

“…” Someone was left speechless by the chill in the air.

The four continued along the main road, chatting as they went, and before long the conversation turned to the purpose of their journey. Under Huanlu’s probing gaze, Someone quickly confessed the truth.

Though it was Someone who had suggested visiting Andy, the idea had originally come from Xia Kui.

According to reliable information Xia Kui had received, Andy had been despondent and frail since the war in which he suffered serious injuries. His condition, already grave, had only worsened, and if things went on, he might not survive until autumn. As the saying goes, let he who tied the bell untie it; after much deliberation, Xia Kui decided Huanlu should pay Andy a visit. Neither of them was sure the visit would go smoothly. After all, the Gilrod family had guarded Acacia for many years, only to have a young woman suddenly seize power—and not only that, but their precious son Andy had been gravely wounded in the process. Although Someone knew none of this was Huanlu’s fault, blood is always thicker than water.

This visit would either resolve everything or let the enmity deepen. Someone suddenly recalled Xia Kui’s words: the main purpose was to gauge the Gilrods’ attitude—better to know than to be stabbed in the back unawares.

Talking thus, they soon arrived at Andy’s home. The Gilrod family was one of the most prominent in White Edge City. Their house, as befitted their status, was one of the largest in the city. But this was not from misusing land; their family was both wealthy and powerful, with many elders. They had built a complete ring-shaped courtyard of natural stone, with flowing water and lush plants within. The environment was beautiful and serene—a perfect place for retirement.

The setting was tranquil, but who could say if the people inside were as calm as their surroundings?

As soon as they entered the Gilrod’s grand hall, the restlessness that had plagued Huanlu for days was swept away. The four sat in the reception hall, enjoying tea served by the servants. The tea was excellent—sweet and warming, with a lingering aftertaste. Greedy Someone asked for three cups at once, but before she could finish the first, someone came to greet them.

It was Andy’s father, Burt. In his youth, Burt had been a formidable general on the battlefield. Even years of retirement could not erase the sternness and weariness etched into his brow. Huanlu, who respected the old general who had guarded Acacia for so long, quickly stood to greet him. But seeing this, Burt hurried over and pressed her back into her seat.

“Sit.”

Huanlu had barely risen before she was forced to sit down again. Only then did Burt release her. He stood directly before her, his posture ramrod straight. Years of military service had ingrained a commanding presence in him. He looked long and hard at the young woman before him, then suddenly bowed deeply at a perfect right angle.

“General Huanlu, I apologize to you on behalf of my unfilial son, Andy!”

“General Burt, what are you…” Huanlu shifted uneasily under his gaze.

“Because of Andy’s recklessness and impulsiveness, Acacia was nearly destroyed, and you yourself were gravely wounded. In the end, you even had to risk your life to save him. As his useless father, I offer you my deepest apologies,” Burt said, remaining bowed no matter how Huanlu tried to make him rise, insisting on finishing his words. “The Gilrod family is ashamed to face you or the people of Acacia. I beg your forgiveness here and now!”

Seeing the old general bow so deeply, the other three couldn’t help but feel sympathetic. But they were not the ones to whom the apology was owed. Only Huanlu, who could easily resolve the situation, responded in a manner completely at odds with her earlier pleas for him to get up. She leaned back in the Gilrod family’s chair, not even glancing at the old general.

“I refuse to accept your apology.”