After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen
Chapter 106 - 105 Vice Minister Xu Really Has Skills

Chapter 106: Chapter 105 Vice Minister Xu Really Has Skills

Pei Zhan sat on the horse without dismounting.

"Indeed, quite a coincidence. So what brings you here?"

Pei Zhan was already not in a particularly good mood, and seeing Xu Yin seemed to dampen his spirits even further.

Many years ago, when Xu Yin was still in the northwest, Pei Zhan already knew of his presence. He also knew how Xu Yin managed to stay in the military camp and how he became an apprentice to the strategist in the northwest.

So many people have lost loved ones on the battlefield, and many have survived, but none stayed behind like he did, seemingly always having things go smoothly for him, climbing the ranks and ultimately becoming the son-in-law of Prince Rong’s Mansion.

Pei Zhan didn’t know how Xu Yin managed to have the audacity to stay in the camp, but he couldn’t deny that Xu Yin indeed had extraordinarily good luck.

Liang Chen sometimes said that Pei Zhan’s attitude toward Xu Yin was too indifferent, but Pei Zhan thought he was making a fuss over nothing. This was how he was with everyone. And who is Xu Yin to deserve such special treatment? Is he worth going out of his way to present himself warmly?

"I’m heading to West Lake Building to buy some snacks. Are you free? If so, why don’t we have a cup of tea together?"

Xu Yin pointed ahead as he spoke.

Only then did Pei Zhan realize that the West Lake Building, their usual hangout, was right ahead.

He asked, "Does Vice Minister Xu still personally come out to buy snacks these days?"

Xu Yin shook his head with a smile, "It’s for the Commandery Princess. She likes the walnut crisps from there, so since I was out, I thought I’d bring some back for her."

A gloom gathered in Pei Zhan’s heart. "I recall that the Commandery Princess didn’t frequent such places before."

By rights, Yongping should have been part of their circle. Her status was the highest among the royal relatives in the capital, and during the founding years, the status of meritorious generals was always slightly elevated due to the southern and northern campaigns. Prince Rong had shared some ups and downs with them during those years, and although not sworn brothers, they had formed some camaraderie.

Thus, they would inevitably gather at some venues. Yongping was perhaps the most incompatible with their group.

Pei Zhan remembered that she was about the same age as Liang Ning. Yet her personality was worlds apart from Liang Ning.

Yongping seemed always unwilling to forget her identity as a Commandery Princess, fearing that others might forget it either. Thus, she was always reserved and restrained, with etiquette and decorum always at her lips.

The West Lake Building was an old-renowned restaurant in the city and one of the busiest places. At that time, they loved the bustling scenes, going wherever the crowd gathered.

Prince Rong had once seen these young folks playing in groups and suggested they include Yongping in their activities. The older kids didn’t want to reject his request and invited her a few times, but Yongping never joined.

Because she felt those places were the hangouts for people of all classes, with a mix of unpredictable characters, perhaps thinking they weren’t fitting for her status.

She didn’t favor the food there either. That year, Liang Chen celebrated his birthday and invited the young men and women of their circle for a meal. Pei Zhan remembered Yongping attending, only to pick faults and eventually quarrel with Liang Ning.

"Times change, and so do tastes," Xu Yin said with a complaint, yet the words carried no exasperation and seemed rather enjoyable.

Pei Zhan said, "Vice Minister Xu and Princess Yongping make a loving couple, but there’s one thing I don’t understand."

"What is it? Speak your mind."

Pei Zhan lifted his gaze toward the front, "Since you’ve found someone new, why do you still cling to memories of the past?"

Xu Yin’s expression slightly tightened.

Pei Zhan looked back at him, "Vice Minister Xu is adept in managing affairs, leaving no trace behind.

"Back then, you deeply captured Miss Liang’s heart. Now, as you are married to Princess Yongping, you harmoniously share your life with her.

"Vice Minister Xu’s skills in life are admirable. However, I imagine if those who have passed knew, they wouldn’t agree with your way of balancing both worlds."

Xu Yin gazed deeply at the man on horseback, slowly clasping his hands behind his back.

"Ming Zhi seems to be in a bad mood today. Is there something that troubles you? Would you care to share?"

Pei Zhan let out a slight laugh, curling his lips, "We’ve only known each other for three months, with no real chance to build a friendship. Let’s continue addressing each other by our titles.

"I have matters in the camp. Excuse me."

He nodded slightly, turned his horse, and rode back onto the main street.

Xu Yin watched the man and horse, still standing out even amid the crowd, his brow gradually furrowing.

"General Pei never seems very friendly whenever he meets you, sir."

Lian Rong walked up behind him, also gazing at the people on the street. "It’s baffling. Could it be due to achieving success at a young age and unable to tolerate your equally outstanding self, sir?"

"Shallow," Xu Yin withdrew his gaze, glancing at him before stepping back into the carriage. "A person capable of turning the tides in such adversity, and even vanquishing an enemy nation, how could they lack even this bit of magnanimity?"

Lian Rong then sat down across from him, "In your esteemed view, sir, why is General Pei like this then?"

Xu Yin picked up the teacup on the side table, his thumb rubbing the intertwined pattern on the cup, thoughtfully saying, "I don’t know either."

Lian Rong was momentarily taken aback.

Xu Yin glanced at him without further comment, lowering his head to drink tea.

Fei Zhan’s unfriendly demeanor toward him was obvious even to those around him, and Xu Yin had noticed it long ago. However, as Pei Zhan mentioned, they had never crossed paths before and had no indirect interactions. When he was in the northwest back then, he only knew that the Pei family had two sons, not even knowing their names.

Thus, he found no reason for Pei Zhan to target him and always chalked it up to a mistaken perception.

Now, with Lian Rong tearing away the facade, Xu Yin could no longer deceive himself.

He pondered for a long time before speaking, "He is not to be easily offended.

"Since you also feel something is off, you can have someone investigate whether I’ve offended him or perhaps someone in his family. Or even—"

Lian Rong waited a moment, then asked, "What else could it be?"

Xu Yin took a deep breath, putting down the teacup, "You should also look into any interaction between him and Liang Ning."

"What do you mean by that?"

Xu Yin lifted his gaze, "Don’t you think his words earlier seemed to hint at something?"

Lian Rong suddenly realized, "When he was speaking, it did seem like he was venting some anger upon you. Now that I think back, it seems like he was never satisfied with your relationship with Miss Liang."

Xu Yin said, "Why do you think he’s dissatisfied?"

"It’s unclear," Lian Rong raised an eyebrow, "There’s a generational gap between them. Could it be due to some hidden feelings?"

Xu Yin pondered for a moment, his gaze gradually darkening, "It better not be. If it is, then this relationship will be difficult to mend."

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