48: Chapter 48 The four women are overjoyed, and their feelings for each other deepen.

Chen Xuan finished sweeping the last fallen leaf. The candied haws on the stone table were still there, the bright red hawthorn skewers shining in the afternoon sun.

He stared at the skewer of candied haws for a moment before finally reaching out to pick it up and take a bite.

It was sweet with a hint of sourness, much like Zhao Hongling herself—loud and boisterous, yet hiding a core of sincere intentions.

Just as he tossed the bamboo skewer into the nearby basket, a white shadow suddenly dropped from the top of the wall.

Leng Shuang landed lightly in the courtyard, her toes touching the ground without making the slightest sound.

Dressed in white, her silver waist armor shimmered in the sunlight as she held a neatly folded piece of white silk in her hand.

"You won."

She handed over the white silk, her voice still in that cold tone, as if she were speaking of something as ordinary as the weather being nice or the price of rice not rising.

Chen Xuan took it and unfolded it. On the silk was embroidered a single ink-colored character for 'Congratulations,' with sharp, clean brushwork.

"You know how to embroider?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I don't," Leng Shuang said expressionlessly. "I had someone else do it."

"Oh." Chen Xuan nodded, then asked, "Are you happy then?"

Leng Shuang paused, her gaze shifting from his face to the wooden sword leaning against the wall in the corner. "It's good that you didn't die on the arena stage or get blasted away by a single palm strike."

After saying that, she turned to leave.

"Hey," Chen Xuan called out to her. "Won't you stay for a while?"

"I have things to do." She didn't stop, but the tips of her ears turned slightly red. "There's a banquet at the Northern Border Embassy tonight; I need to keep an eye on it."

"Eat a few extra bites for me too." Chen Xuan smiled and tucked the white silk into his robe. "This is my first congratulatory gift."

As he finished speaking, the courtyard gate was pushed open with a bang. Zhao Hongling strode in carrying a food box, her red dress and golden armor dazzling the eyes.

"Lord Champion!" she shouted as soon as she entered. "Nourish your body! I personally brewed this Red Date and Longan Soup. Ten eggs and three chickens were all stewed into it!"

Chen Xuan looked at the fine sweat on her forehead and couldn't help but laugh. "Are you afraid I won't be able to beat the challengers tomorrow, so you're trying to turn me into a fat man tonight?"

"Stop being glib!"

Zhao Hongling placed the food box on the table and lifted the lid. The steaming aroma immediately wafted out. "If you dare to get any thinner, I'll block your door every day to deliver food! Since you're one of my people now!"

She only realized what she had said after the words were out. Her face instantly flushed red, and she quickly added, "I mean, a person of my Zhao family! We can't let outsiders look down on us!"

Chen Xuan didn't call her out. He uncovered the bowl and took a taste; it was sweet but not greasy, cooked perfectly.

He looked up at her. "Your skills are quite good. You should stop being a noble lady and open a small restaurant instead. It would definitely be packed every day."

"Scram!" Zhao Hongling raised her foot to kick him but stopped herself, turning her face away. "Eat if you want, or don't!"

At that moment, the sound of horse hooves came from outside. Dugu Xue, riding a white horse, slowly came to a stop at the gate.

She dismounted, handed the reins to an attendant, and pushed the door open herself. Holding her sword, she performed a salute with meticulous precision.

"Chen Xuan."

She spoke, her voice as clear and cold as the first snow of the Northern Border. "I just received news. After Tuoba Lie was defeated by your hand, the Three Great Tribes of the Northern Border have temporarily ceased hostilities. They say the defeat of the Mountain-Shaking Steps was not undeserved."

Chen Xuan put down the bowl. "So, are you here to apologize for them?"

"No." Dugu Xue shook her head. "I am here to tell you that this victory is not just your personal glory. The people of the Northern Border will no longer easily suffer the hardships of war. This is what I owe you."

She finished, her gaze lingering on his face for a moment before she added in a low voice, "It is also... something I am happy about for myself."

Chen Xuan was stunned for a moment, then grinned. "Then the next time I pass through the Northern Border, you'll have to treat me to some real strong liquor."

"Alright." The corners of Dugu Xue's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a rare hint of a smile. "I have ten-year-old vintage in my cellar, waiting specifically for the victor to open the jar."

While the four were talking, Liu Ruyan's Pleasure Boat had quietly moored at the river section in the back alley of the residence at some point.

The boatwoman tapped lightly on the window lattice. Chen Xuan turned around and saw her leaning against the bow, her silk fan swaying gently. Her pink dress reflected the light on the water, making her look so beautiful she didn't seem like a Mortal.

"You all seem to be having a lively chat. Why not change locations?" Her voice was soft and gentle. "The water of the Moat is clear and the breeze is cool; watching the lanterns at night is most comfortable. I've prepared tea and snacks. Can I not invite such distinguished guests?"

Zhao Hongling jumped up immediately upon hearing this. "We should have gone out to play long ago! What kind of hero stays cooped up in a room all day!"

Leng Shuang frowned. "Going out at night is inappropriate."

"What's inappropriate about it?" Liu Ruyan said with a beaming smile. "Is it possible you're afraid I'll kidnap the Lord Champion?"

"That's not what I meant." Leng Shuang pursed her lips.

"Then let's go." Chen Xuan stood up and brushed off his clothes. "I've had enough peace and quiet in this courtyard. If I don't go out for some air, I'll really start to grow mold."

The group changed course and boarded the boat. The Pleasure Boat slowly left the shore, ripples spreading across the water. Lanterns on both banks lit up one after another, making the river look like a flowing galaxy.

Liu Ruyan sat at the bow, lightly plucking a pipa. She played the 'Song of the Young Traveler,' the melody high-spirited yet not overbearing.

"One battle shocks the world, looking around, all is elegance." She sang a line, the final note trailing off softly. Her gaze swept over everyone before finally landing on Chen Xuan.

Zhao Hongling immediately chimed in, "This 'elegance' refers to the four of us, right?"

"Who's to say it isn't?" Liu Ruyan hid a smile behind her hand.

Leng Shuang lowered her head to drink tea and said nothing, but the corners of her mouth relaxed a bit.

Dugu Xue gazed at the upturned eaves of the Imperial City in the distance and said softly, "If he really is a person from beyond the heavens, he can be considered to have taken root here."

Chen Xuan leaned against the boat railing and looked up at the sky. The moon had just risen, its clear light spilling over the river and onto the faces of the four women.

He suddenly smiled and said, "I used to always feel like an outsider, climbing up with all my might just for fear of being looked down upon.

But today, as I stood on the arena stage and heard people shouting my name, the first thing I thought of wasn't the glory or the victory—it was all of you."

The four women turned their heads to look at him simultaneously.

"Leng Shuang gave me a congratulatory gift, Hongling stewed soup for me, Dugu Xue shouldered the pressure of the Northern Border for me, and Liu Ruyan's song softened my heart."

He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "I thought fame would be lonely, but I didn't expect to have you all by my side."

The wind blew gently, and the boat swayed slightly. No one spoke.

Zhao Hongling's eyes grew a bit warm, and she quickly lowered her head, pretending to straighten her skirt.

Leng Shuang's fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of her teacup, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Dugu Xue looked at him, her gaze even quieter than the moonlight.

Liu Ruyan stopped her pipa and said softly, "Then from now on, don't think so much. If you win, we celebrate together; if you lose, we'll stay with you and start over."

Chen Xuan laughed, looking like an ordinary person who had finally set down a heavy burden.

"Alright, then I won't be polite in the future."

The Pleasure Boat drifted with the current, passing under an arched bridge. Both sides of the bridge were hung with lanterns, their red light reflecting on the water like a path leading to a gentle dreamland.

The boatwoman quietly added a heater, the warmth rising to dispel the slight chill of the night.

Zhao Hongling peeled an orange and stuffed it into Chen Xuan's mouth. "Is it sweet?"

"Sweet," he said while chewing. "It's just that your hands are a bit cold."

"Nonsense! I just thought it was too hot on the boat and spent ages fanning myself!" She rolled her eyes.

Liu Ruyan handed a cloak to Leng Shuang. "The wind is strong at night; don't catch a cold."

Leng Shuang hesitated for a moment before taking it and whispering, "Thanks."

Dugu Xue stood up and walked to the stern. Looking at the receding lights of the capital, she suddenly said, "Tomorrow I want to go out of the city to see that arena in the Western City."

"To see what?" Zhao Hongling asked.

"To see who wrote the challenge post," she said calmly. "If they truly have the skill, there's no harm in letting them try."

Chen Xuan shook his head. "Don't mind those people. They can post whatever they want. I've gotten used to sweeping the floor."

"But I'm not used to it," Leng Shuang suddenly spoke up. "If someone wants to move against you, they have to get past me first."

"And me!" Zhao Hongling slapped the table.

"Count me in," Liu Ruyan said with a smile, raising her hand.

The five of them looked at each other and laughed together.

The boat reached the center of the river. A bright moon hung directly overhead; the water was still, and the lights were like a dream.