Regarding the matter of “Liu Zhenqing,” it was naturally inconvenient for anyone to say more, so the topic continued to revolve around the Imperial Examination fraud.

Soon, the three people stood up to say their farewells, but found that Huo Fenglie was motionless, with no intention of getting up to say goodbye.

“Aren’t you going to send us off?” He Lan couldn’t help but say at once.

Huo Fenglie said: “Is this your first time here?”

In fact, the three of them were indeed familiar enough to enter and exit the General’s Manor freely, but the three of them currently had something to ask.

Bai Su could only hint with his eyes, and when he saw Huo Fenglie frown slightly, he stood and said: “Young Master Liu, wait a moment.”

Liu Zhenqing, who was about to retire after they left, had no choice but to continue sitting.

The four of them left the courtyard, and He Lan couldn’t help but pull them quickly. When Huo Fenglie looked as if he wanted to send them away as soon as possible, he said: “Zhanyuan, if we hadn’t known each other for so many years, I would doubt your identity and think you were an imposter. What’s the matter with you, ah?”

Huo Fenglie turned in confusion when he was grabbed, as if he didn’t see the problem.

“The tree,” Qin Yu said concisely, collecting his sleeves.

“Brother, he ruined your treasured space, ah,” He Lan said. “And you didn’t react at all?”

Bai Su also looked at him curiously.

Huo Fenglie looked a little uncomfortable at being questioned. “It’s just a tree.”

The three of them could only stare directly at Huo Fenglie. Was this human speech? Who had almost lost control and maimed a wealthy man’s son before?

“This is to say…..it was never about the tree, but about the person? Have we misunderstood all along?” Bai Su asked.

Huo Fenglie nodded expressionlessly.

“Then…..we can climb the tree and play later?” He Lan asked with wide eyes.

Huo Fenglie didn’t say a word, but regarded He Lan with dark eyes.

He Lan immediately held onto Qin Yu’s shoulders with an aggrieved expression. “You’ve changed, Zhanyuan. You’ll allow Liu Xiaozhu to climb the tree, but not me?! Am I not your best brother anymore?”

Qin Yu answered He Lan impatiently, “You never were.” However, Huo Fenglie’s attitude toward Liu Xiaozhu was indeed strange.

Qin Yu wasn’t the only one to notice it. Bai Su, who knew Huo Fenglie best, was also stunned for a moment. Other than some friends who had known each other since they were young, Huo Fenglie almost never made friends with anyone else. He seemed to have no interest in the world, let alone any special care for anyone.

If it was just based on previous kindnesses, this was true dedication.

Facing He Lan’s question, Huo Fenglie said perfunctorily: “Young Master Liu is a guest.”

Nobody believed it. How could he be concerned with hospitality, ah?

Huo Fenglie obviously didn’t want to waste time on them, and left quickly after saying the appropriate goodbyes.

The three people at the door exchanged confused looks.

“I don’t understand. I really don’t understand.” He Lan looked at the door of the General’s Manor and shook his head.

Qin Yu: “Perhaps Zhanyuan likes Liu Xiaozhu.”

Qin Yu’s sensational words were so shocking that He Lan immediately jumped away in fright. “You’re joking, ba. He’s ignored him for two years. If not for unexpected circumstances, could Liu Xiaozhu have entered the General’s Manor?”

“He’s staying in Zhanyuan’s inner courtyard and even broke his willow branches,” Qin Yu said ruthlessly with a blank face.

“But…..but doesn’t Zhanyuan have someone he likes?” He Lan said in a whisper: “Because they died on the battlefield, he has never been tempted again and constantly rejects others. He didn’t even relent when the Emperor offered him a marriage.” Therefore, they never dared to mention affairs of the heart in front of Huo Fenglie.

Qin Yu scoffed in disdain. “It turns out that the Jinyiwei all rely on rumors without evidence when handling cases. I’ve learned something new.”

He Lan choked and said: “You…..shut your mouth! Yuzhou, tell him!”

Bai Su was the foremost among the three who understood Huo Fenglie, but at this time he just smiled faintly and didn’t answer.

Currently, Huo Fenglie had just returned to the courtyard and was looking at Liu Zhenqing from a distance as he sat quietly in the pavilion and drank tea. Slightly dazed, he turned his eyes to the roots of the willow tree again and stood there for a moment before walking forward.

When Liu Zhenqing saw Huo Fenglie’s movements, he misunderstood and pointed nervously to the tree in the distance, saying: “General Huo…..do you really not want compensation for this? Isn’t it some kind of rare breed?”

“No need. It’s not a rare breed, it’s just that I…..like to spend time there.” Huo Fenglie’s tone was calm as he lowered his eyes and sat down.

Liu Zhenqing gave a dry smile. “General Huo is a sophisticated person.”

Huo Fenglie didn’t respond, silently pouring tea for Liu Zhenqing.

“Did Yunci and Yunqian bother you today?”

Liu Zhenqing said hastily: “Both children were cute and well-behaved. We had a chat.”

It could be said that Liu Zhenqing had never expected to be able to see the twins grow up and talk to them as an elder. To be honest, this was the most satisfying thing for him after coming back.

Seeing the raised corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth, Huo Fenglie breathed a sigh of relief.

“Will you be alright staying here? I arranged for your personal servant to go to Old Master Liu’s cell along with the steward of the General’s Manor in order to care for him. If you want someone familiar to serve you, I can find a way to transfer him out.”

Liu Zhenqing was taken aback, thinking that Huo Fenglie was too…..friendly toward him, ba. It made sense to take him in, but to release someone who was locked up in order to let him stay here comfortably was a little too much. Liu Zhenqing didn’t dare to be so bold. Doubtful, he could only say: “The arrangements here are very good. Don’t take any more trouble, it’s fine as long as they don’t suffer abuse in prison. I believe that they have nothing to do with the Imperial Examinations and will be released as soon as the investigation is finished.”

Liu Zhenqing was sounding him out. In fact, he was full of suspicion when it came to this matter. It was impossible for the Liu family to do such a thing, unless some fool took advantage of the Liu family’s asset channels to do something for profit. Although they may be implicated, the punishment should not be lethal.

“Rest assured, nothing will happen to them. It’s just uncertain when they will be released.” Huo Fenglie told him all the information he currently had.

Liu Zhenqing was shocked when he heard it. “The assassination incident?! The river transport!”

Yuan Jue had involved the Liu family in the Imperial Examination fraud case in order to reduce their crime and protect them.

No….no, if they were involved with the rebels, Yuan Jue would never be merciful.

His purpose was to arrest them in an open manner so as not to arouse the suspicion of the rebels. Just like the assassination investigation was hastily solved in the previous ten days, this was to paralyze the enemy and avoid alerting them.

Liu Zhenqing’s mind spun. Looking at Huo Fenglie, who had told him the entire story, he no longer hesitated: “There is indeed a problem with the river transport, but my grandfather and most of the Liu family probably don’t know about it.”

Huo Fenglie frowned and listened carefully to the process of Liu Zhenqing’s discovery of the river transport problem. His expression suddenly changed a bit, and he said: “Then you’re leaving the capital to investigate the river transport?”

Liu Zhenqing was dumbfounded when he heard this. Was this the most important point? How did he jump to this conclusion?

“I just plan to leave the capital and return to my hometown in the south to settle down,” Liu Zhenqing said without thinking.

“Why?” Huo Fenglie looked straight at Liu Zhenqing, as if he didn’t believe him.

Liu Zhenqing’s heart shook, and he looked at Huo Fenglie a little strangely. He felt really awkward. If he didn’t know better, he would think that Huo Fenglie was reluctant to let him go.

It was likely related to the incident with the rebels. After all, it was impossible for Huo Fenglie to really help people who were involved with the rebels. This went against the Huo family motto.

“Because it’s my hometown. Anyway, my reputation in the capital is rather bad, and I’ve lost my memory, so of course I must start a new life elsewhere,” Liu Zhenqing said naturally.

“Is that so? Start a new life?” Huo Fenglie repeated in a low voice. The slight fluctuations in his expression gradually subsided.

And Liu Zhenqing was also a little upset. Rebels…..he wanted to spit out a mouthful of old blood. Could he still escape if he was tarnished by this kind of thing?

He had originally wanted to get a false identity, leave the Liu family, and find a livable city with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and pure folk customs. He would stay away from strife, living a carefree life with a small amount of money, ah. He believed that with his abilities, the Liu family and the government wouldn’t be able to find him, but if he was now a wanted accomplice of rebels, his future was extremely dark, ah.

“General, I would like to ask, if…..if someone from the Liu family is really involved…..”

“I will protect you,” Huo Fenglie said directly.

Liu Zhenqing was stunned for a moment. Suppressing the doubts that arose in his heart, he said: “Thank you, General Huo. What will the Emperor’s attitude be toward the other people who are not involved?”

Although strictly speaking, he had no feelings for Liu Manor, there were still a few people who treated him well. They were not just grass and trees, and he hoped that everything would go well for them.

Huo Fenglie didn’t respond.

Liu Zhenqing had his answer. A nobody may be able to survive secretly, but the Liu family would not be able to escape death. He was lucky to have met Er-gou, who came to his rescue.

Liu Zhenqing was in no mood to continue chatting. Everything was up to fate for the Liu family. “General, I’m a little tired, so I’ll go back first.”

Huo Fenglie looked up at him. His eyes flickered, and he finally let out a soft hum.

Liu Zhenqing stood up and left, thinking that if the final investigation results found that their ignorance had been exploited, there would still be a way to survive, but if someone really took the initiative to participate, whether for treason or profit, the fate of the Liu family was sealed. He could do anything when he was the powerful Prime Minister Liu, but now he was just an ordinary person and was not qualified to ask Huo Fenglie to take action. At most, he could only borrow Huo Fenglie’s power to leave the capital as a civilian.

Halfway through his walk, Liu Zhenqing felt like he was being watched. When he looked back, he saw that Huo Fenglie had stood up at the pavilion at some point and faced his direction, as if seeing him off. 

Because the distance was a bit far, Liu Zhenqing could see his posture, but not his expression.

Er-gou seemed to no longer be holding his head high. His shoulders were hunched, his head slightly lowered. Standing there by himself, he seemed a bit lonely.

Liu Zhenqing’s heart felt strange, but still nodded politely and turned back to the Snow Catkin Courtyard.

The next day, the twins came to accompany him again. After sharing their hardships the day before, the two seemed to be closer to Liu Zhenqing, and he became less depressed due to their company. When he questioned them, he found out that the Emperor had summoned Huo Fenglie to the palace early in the morning. It seemed that things were progressing.

In the main hall, Yuan Jue directly gave Huo Fenglie a tiger talisman.

Huo Fenglie took it and looked at it. “Your Majesty wants me to lead troops south?”

“No, I want you to pay a visit discreetly. This tiger talisman is for you to mobilize your troops at a critical moment.”

Huo Fenglie frowned. “If it is about the Imperial Examinations, there is no need to use the army. Does Your Majesty want me to catch the rebels?”

“Zhanyuan, you have been away from the capital for a long time and are ignorant of the affairs of the court. You probably don’t know about the situation in those wealthy places in the south.” Yuan Jue sneered: “There are problems with taxation, disaster relief, military pay, and construction in various places. A lot of money has disappeared inexplicably. At first, I thought it was the most basic form of corruption and planned to solve it step by step, feeling that there was not just one place to focus my efforts. But after the spring plowing ceremony, I realized that something was wrong. The remaining rebels of the Three Kings have long since ceased to exist. Whoever is using their vast connections and wealth to help them behind the scenes is the main culprit, and they are playing an enormous game of chess. No matter who is playing chess against me, the bet is my throne!”

Huo Fenglie’s expression changed slightly. Hadn’t that person died in exchange for eight or nine years of peace?

Yuan Jue fiddled with his jade thumb ring^[1] to disguise his anger. “Zhanyuan, I did some calculations recently. If we let them go, the first thing to go wrong will be military pay. Next year, I won’t be able to support the Huo family army anymore. Without the Huo family army to protect the country for me, I will not be at ease. I know how cold and hungry the places you guard will be if there is no money.”

When the two of them escaped together, they had been escorted by the Huo family army. Even their best treatment was worse than when they were hostages. Yuan Jue had seen this, and naturally would not cut military pay during peacetime.  However, the people below were finding various excuses to say that they had no money. 

Now that he thought about it, some traitors must be using Great Zhou’s money to support those rebellious officials and defectors.

“Assassins, traitors in the south and traitors in the court. I cannot let any of them go. Zhanyuan, the situation in the south may be more serious than the information I received made it seem. It is intricate and deep-rooted, and will require a lot of power to shake loose. I trust no one but you with this kind of power. You will conduct a private investigation in disguise. Do it this way if you can, but if you can’t……Huo Fenglie, hear my order. The troops of the various regions along the southern coast are at your disposal. Kill enemies and traitors when you encounter them, and return clear skies to the south. Act first and report to me later. By Imperial authority, you have been granted permission.”

The Emperor’s words were resounding. 

Huo Fenglie immediately took the order.

“Your Majesty, the Liu family?”

Yuan Jue was completely calm regarding the big issue, but he didn’t expect that Huo Fenglie would still care about such a small thing as the Liu family, and looked at him with some surprise.

“He Cong has already interrogated the Liu family here in the capital. They are all ignorant of the matter and can avoid the death penalty, but the river transport still needs to be investigated. In order to avoid exposure, they must be locked up. As for that young man you took away, don’t act ostentatiously.”

Huo Fenglie nodded and was about to leave.

Suddenly, Yuan Jue said: “I will send someone to hand over the investigation information to you. At that time, you will probably see many things related to the problems he left behind back then.”

Huo Fenglie paused, and heard Yuan Jue say slowly: “Don’t let it affect you.”

Huo Fenglie raised his head and looked at Yuan Jue above the steps. “Does Your Majesty really think he did those things?”

Yuan Jue’s eyes flickered. “I had almost no power back then, and always listened to him. I don’t know exactly why he did those things. I want to believe in him, but the things he did cannot be ignored.” Yuan Jue took a deep breath, his expression grieved. “In any case, that person is gone, and no matter how much I say, it will be of no use. Perhaps you will understand a little more clearly when you go south.”

Huo Fenglie bowed, then turned and left.

Once he had gone, Yuan Jue’s eunuch confidant came to change the tea.

Yuan Jue said in a heavy voice: “What do you think of my arrangements?”

“Your Majesty, how dare I have any opinions? However, there are so many things going on in the south, and it is impossible for anyone to know that Your Majesty is investigating. It is likely that General Huo can handle it, only…..giving such great power to the general, I’m afraid that many people will say that the general wields power that could threaten the throne.”

“Heh, you don’t understand. Nobody understands. A person who has the ability to threaten the throne but has no desire to live is a person I can truly trust.” Yuan Jue’s expression changed slightly, but this time, something seemed different about his brotherly gaze.

Not long after Huo Fenglie left, the emperor went to court and flew into a rage, demanding that the Imperial Examination fraud be thoroughly investigated.

After this performance, an investigation team was officially designated to go south. According to Huo Fenglie’s previous recommendation, He Lan was among their number, and the Dongchang also recommended Qin Yu.

When Huo Fenglie returned, he went to Liu Zhenqing to speak with him about the matter.

Liu Zhenqing frowned. “Going south to investigate the rebels on the grounds of investigating the Imperial Examination fraud.” Then he reacted and asked in shock: “Is it not a problem to tell me the truth directly? Is this something that can be spoken of casually?”

Huo Fenglie: “It is related to you. It will be more beneficial for us to let you know the situation clearly.”

Liu Zhenqing was stunned, and couldn’t react for a moment. Since the Liu family would live, it had nothing to do with him. He felt that he could have Huo Fenglie take him out of the capital before leaving, and then he could remain anonymous with peace of mind.

But just when Liu Zhenqing was about to ask, Huo Fenglie announced straightforwardly: “Since the Liu family’s river transportation is being investigated, you must go with me.”

Liu Zhenqing: “What!”

“And it’s not safe for you to stay in the capital alone.”

Liu Zhenqing: No, no, no. I can escape.

But facing Huo Fenglie’s dark eyes, he seemed to be unable to say such “ungrateful” words. After all, the other party was clearly helping the Liu family. 

At the same time, a carriage came to the city gate and was stopped.

“Madam, it seems that martial law has been imposed in the capital, and identity verification is required,” the servant on the carriage said.

Soon after, a pitch black token was suddenly tossed out with the character “Huo” on it.

“Such trouble. What has happened now?” An impatient female voice sounded.

“It seems to be Imperial Examination fraud…..”

“Ugh, so useless. They can’t even manage an exam well.”

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[1] A thumb ring (扳指) is an ornamental ring worn by archers in ancient times to protect the right thumb when drawing a bow string. ⮐

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Chapter Thirty-Two << Table of Contents >> Chapter Thirty-Four