After Huo Fenglie finished his explanation, he went to the military camp to make corresponding arrangements for the Huo family army and his guards.

Liu Zhenqing thought they would be traveling with a small team, but heard that only the two of them would go together. 

These words immediately caused Liu Zhenqing’s hair to stand on end.

Liu Zhenqing moaned and groaned in the Snow Catkin Courtyard. The two little ones seemed to have heard about his departure and hurried to find him.

“Are you really going to leave, ah? Aren’t the Liu family affairs still not resolved? Wouldn’t it be better to just stay in the General’s Manor?” Huo Yunci pouted, saying in dissatisfaction, “You don’t know martial arts, why are you going south with Second Uncle to investigate some kind of Imperial Examination, ah?”

Liu Zhenqing said helplessly: “How about you advise your Second Uncle?”

Huo Yunci went silent for a moment, and Huo Yunqian said: “Second Uncle must have reasons for this arrangement. Uncle Liu, we’ve prepared some things for you. Hopefully they’ll be of some help.”

As he spoke, Huo Yunqian put the bag he was carrying on the table. As soon as he opened it, an array of things came out. There were weapons, medicine, armor, maps, and books, all of which the two children had collected themselves.

Liu Zhenqing looked at all these things, and his gaze became gentle as he noticed the shining eyes of the two children.

How could he have the nerve to reject these pure-hearted little ones?

And since he was their godfather, it was reasonable for them to show their filial piety.

Liu Zhenqing said that there was no need for so much, and picked through them. It was impossible to use it all, so he would choose something useful.

In the end, he selected a dagger and a bottle of antidote.

The two children immediately looked satisfied.

“You’re quite discerning. I spent a lot of effort to get this dagger. It is as thin as a cicada’s wing but can cut through iron as if it’s mud, perfect for a person like you who doesn’t have the strength to truss a chicken,” Huo Yunci said proudly.

What words were these? Liu Zhenqing pulled it out and waved it. The silver-white blade reflected his appearance. It was indeed a good blade.

“Uncle Liu, this bottle of detoxifying pills was made by our mother’s master. It can detoxify hundreds of poisons and is very powerful. One pill is worth a hundred taels on the market, and there are five pills here. If you are poisoned, just swallow one directly,” Huo Yunqian explained.

Liu Zhenqing opened the bottle and sniffed. They were indeed made by the master, but the price had increased. They were not so expensive before.

Huo Yunci said with a smile: “What do you think? They’re both good things.”

Liu Zhenqing: “En, en, they are both valuable things. If I don’t have any money later, I can sell them.”

The two children immediately looked at him with wide eyes.

Seeing him laughing so hard, they knew that they were being teased again, but still felt like this was something he could do.

Such laughter and fussing also relieved the sadness of parting.

Liu Zhenqing knew that this time, he would not see the two children again. He could only look at them and exhort: “Grow up in peace.”

The two of them were taken aback for a moment. Ill at ease, Huo Yunci said: “Why are you making it sound like you won’t come back? You can’t actually plan to go back to your hometown when this is over. Everyone has gotten to know you.”

Liu Zhenqing smiled and said nothing.

Huo Yunci was a little anxious. It was rare to find an elder who liked them so well. They still wanted…..still wanted to go to him if they had any questions.

Huo Yunqian was also a little sad, but he still said: “The Huo family also has relatives in the south, and we still go to see them occasionally. We’ll visit you then.”

Liu Zhenqing smiled lightly and said with a nod: “Okay.”

Just as they were talking, Uncle Tian suddenly ran over elatedly.

“Young Lady, Young Master, the Madam has returned.”

“What! Mother is back?” The two children jumped up happily from their chairs upon hearing this.

But Liu Zhenqing’s expression froze.

Uncle Tian looked over and said: “Young Master Liu, what a coincidence. The Madam has returned before your departure, so she can take a good look at your body.”

What a coincidence! Such a coincidence that it could cost him his life!

When Huo Fenglie got back, Uncle Tian happily informed him that his sister-in-law was returning.

Huo Fenglie paused for a moment. “Then my sister-in-law should be here now…..”

“She has already entered the city, but as usual, she went to the cemetery first and then went to Li Manor to visit her relatives. According to the time, she should be able to come back tomorrow evening. Second Master, when will you set off? You should at least wait until the Madam comes back before you go,” Uncle Tian said. “And Young Master Liu can also let her examine his amnesia.”

Huo Fenglie: “Have you told him?”

Uncle Tian nodded and said: “I told him, but…..Young Master Liu seems to be a little cautious. He seems to be rather afraid of causing us trouble. When I mentioned it to him just now, he said there was no need.”

Huo Fenglie’s eyes flashed, and he said: “I understand. Let’s talk later.”

Having said this, Huo Fenglie walked toward the courtyard. Halfway there, he met Liu Zhenqing, who was pacing back and forth waiting for him in the courtyard.

When Liu Zhenqing saw him coming back, he hurried up and said, “General Huo, have you settled everything? When should we set off?”

Huo Fenglie’s expression remained unchanged. “It’s settled. When do you want to leave?”

Liu Zhenqing said at once: “There’s no time like the present. This is related to the matter of when my relatives will be released from prison, so naturally sooner is better.”

Huo Fenglie lowered his head and gazed at Liu Zhenqing. Although his eyes were not sharp, they gave Liu Zhenqing the feeling that he had nowhere to hide.

Then Huo Fenglie glanced at the horizon, where the sun was already setting. If they left the city now, they would have to sleep in the wilderness that night.

Liu Zhenqing smiled dryly and said: “It seems a bit of a rush to set off at this time. How about we hurry out of the city as the first group early tomorrow morning, so that we can make good time during the day and reach the next town at night.”

Looking at the anxious Liu Zhenqing, Huo Fenglie’s eyes darkened. “Sister-in-law is coming back. Won’t you meet her?”

Although Liu Zhenqing knew that he couldn’t escape this question, his heart still twitched when he heard it.

“I’m an outsider, so it would be really unsuitable to disturb Madam Huo. And I’m…..I’m from the Liu family, ah, so I don’t dare,” Liu Zhenqing said with an awkward grimace.

Huo Fenglie’s expression changed instantly. The corners of his mouth flattened, as if he didn’t want to respond to this sentence at all.

Liu Zhenqing said with a smile, “But it seems like it also wouldn’t be good to disturb your goodbyes. How about you send me out of the city first and I’ll wait for you outside?” In fact, he had already made up his mind. If it could be done, he would just run away.

“That won’t work.”

Liu Zhenqing’s mouth twitched. Sure enough!

Seeing that Liu Zhenqing’s expression was beginning to turn ugly, Huo Fenglie said at last, “Let’s set off tomorrow morning.”

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes immediately lit up, and he couldn’t help but look at Huo Fenglie with a smile. “Good, good, good.”

“I’ll ask Uncle Tian to make preparations. Is there anything extra you want to bring?” Huo Fenglie asked.

Liu Zhenqing shook his head.

“Then do you need arrangements to be made for you to visit the Liu family?” Huo Fenglie asked.

Liu Zhenqing shook his head again. There was no need to say farewell.

Huo Fenglie’s eyes were locked on Liu Zhenqing’s face: “Really? If there is anything else you want to do before leaving, just say it.”

Liu Zhenqing was just about to continue shaking his head when he heard Huo Fenglie vow: “No matter what it is.”

Probably because Huo Fenglie’s tone was so earnest, Liu Zhenqing really thought about whether there was anything he wanted to do before leaving the capital.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes suddenly went blank, and he couldn’t help but glance toward Huo Feihan’s courtyard.

He wanted…..to pay homage to the boss.

He was not qualified to go to the Huo family cemetery, but he recalled that there was a small Bhuddist chamber in the courtyard, and Huo Feihan’s tablet was placed inside it.

In those last few years, every time he came here for treatment when he was injured, he would pay his respects before leaving.

Facing Huo Fenglie’s inquisitive look, Liu Zhenqing shook his head once more and said there was nothing.

But the next moment, Huo Fenglie said in a deep voice: “Then you go back and prepare. I will go and offer a stick of incense to my brother.”

Liu Zhenqing’s heart trembled for a moment, and the instant he raised his eyes, he seemed to be firmly drawn to the other person’s gaze.

“Do you want to go?”

Liu Zhenqing’s mind was in turmoil, but he quickly calmed down and said: “General Huo must be joking. Who am I to disturb former General Huo’s rest? I won’t delay you.” With that said, Liu Zhenqing returned to the Snow Catkin Courtyard.

Huo Fenglie quietly watched him leave, then turned and went to the small Buddhist chamber.

After going back, Liu Zhenqing felt uneasy about Huo Fenglie’s abnormality. Whether out of sentiment or reason, he should not have been invited to pay homage to Huo Feihan.

Why?

Lui Zhenqing naturally wondered again whether Huo Fenglie had suspicions about his identity, but how many people in ancient times would believe in resurrection, time travel, and rebirth? Taking a step back, even if there was any proof, what conclusion could be drawn? It was probable that even Huo Fenglie would not believe it easily, and would more likely suspect that he was insane.

Unless Huo Fenglie knew that he had traveled through time, but how could that be possible? This secret would rot in his stomach, and he would have to lose his mind before telling others.

His vigilant acting in order to eliminate suspicion could be considered over-preparation. In fact, thinking about it carefully, there was no need to worry at all.

But now Huo Fenglie’s actions made him worry.

But it wasn’t right, ah. If he really doubted his identity, why did he have such an attitude? Huo Fenglie was the one who had dug up his grave.

Liu Zhenqing thought so hard that he couldn’t sleep that night. He couldn’t help but get up and go out, wanting to take one last look at the night view of the capital to clear his head.

He intended to go to the pavilion in the courtyard, which was on higher ground, but caught sight of someone as soon as he went out.

Under the willow tree beside the stream, Huo Fenglie was sitting silently with several jars of wine beside him. The night wind blew by, causing his black hair to waft up slightly. His eyes were lowered, his features handsome and resolute. With his head bowed to drink wine like this, he looked desolate and sad. From a distance, he looked like a lonely soul under the half-moon, as if he could fade away into the night sky.

Liu Zhenqing was stunned for a moment. This was the first time he had seen such an Er-gou.

But…..drinking?

Liu Zhenqing skewed his gaze, a beautiful idea coming to mind. He recalled that Er-gou had a very light drinking capacity. Not to mention three cups, he would get drunk after a few sips. Moreover, after getting drunk, he would become very well-behaved and clingy, and would even act coquettishly and beg for a hug. This kind of Er-gou was very easy to handle. This was a rare opportunity to test whether Er-gou was suspicious, which would not be conducive to his escape plans.

Liu Zhenqing strode forward eagerly. “General, why are you drinking alone here at night?”

In fact, Huo Fenglie was already aware of Liu Zhenqing appearing in the courtyard, but it wasn’t until he approached that Huo Fenglie looked up.

“Young Master Liu isn’t sleeping?”

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows. He still seemed to be a little sober, so it was likely that he had just started. He lowered his head and counted. Good boy, ten jars of wine. What was he playing at? Although eight years had passed, and the amount of alcohol he could handle would have increased, people’s physiques were different. Er-gou had a body that was prone to drunkenness, and no amount of training would help with that.

Just like he himself didn’t get drunk easily. Huo Feihan couldn’t out-drink him back then, and it would take him at least a hundred drinks to get drunk.

“I probably can’t sleep because we’re leaving tomorrow, so I came out for a walk. General Huo, do you intend to drink alone?” Liu Zhenqing asked with an excited smile.

Since arriving at the General’s Manor, Liu Zhenqing had been trying to spend as little time with Huo Fenglie as possible. Such an initiative to talk to him made Huo Fenglie suspicious. He patted the place next to him, and when Liu Zhenqing sat down with a smile, he handed him a jar of wine.

“Then I’ll have a drink with the general tonight. General, please.”

Liu Zhenqing’s warm salutation was very lively, his eyes narrowed and the corners of his mouth slightly raised. He was clearly planning something.

Huo Fenglie didn’t intend to worry too much, and clinked glasses with him before drinking. The wine this night was finally no longer bitter.

One jar, two jars, and then there was a thud. The wine jar slipped, and a figure suddenly fell into Huo Fenglie’s arms. He froze, his heart full of doubt.

Was he drunk?

Just as Huo Fenglie was somewhat confused, the person in his arms used his shoulders to pull himself up, then looked at him in a daze.

Huo Fenglie also looked at him blankly.

Liu Zhenqing suddenly grinned.

“Er-gou?”

Huo Fenglie was stunned, and looked at Liu Zhenqing in disbelief.

“Er-gou, you’ve grown up. This face is really good-looking. More handsome than your brother’s, but still not as good-looking as mine.” Liu Zhenqing was all smiles, but his eyes were a little unfocused. He reached out and touched Huo Fenglie’s frozen face. As though he wanted to carefully explore every inch, he rubbed the angular jawline, played with the tight, warm lips, and finally pinched the other person’s straight nose. After teasing him for a while, his fingers landed on Huo Fenglie’s rolling Adam’s apple. “You’ve even grown up here.”

Huo Fenglie’s Adam’s apple rolled faster. He swallowed, looking a little embarrassed.

Liu Zhenqing casually propped himself up with his palms on Huo Fenglie’s chest. He tried to use his strength to stand up, but his foot slipped in the end and he fell into Huo Fenglie’s arms again.

Huo Fenglie’s body became even stiffer. He sighed silently, but still raised his hands to support Liu Zhenqing. “You’re drunk.”

“I’m not drunk! What a joke, I won’t get drunk after a thousand cups.” Liu Zhenqing was about to reach for the wine jar on the side as he spoke, but Huo Fenglie grabbed his wrist.

“En, you’re not drunk, I’m drunk. Can we stop drinking? Qing-ge.” Huo Fenglie coaxed softly. His voice sounded a little hoarse, as if his throat was not used to making such soft sounds.

“You’re drunk again? Er-gou, that won’t work. As a man, if you can’t drink enough, you must practice.” Liu Zhenqing patted Huo Fenglie’s head, deceiving the child as usual. He teased: “If you’re drunk when you get married in the future, you’ll have to be carried to the bridal chamber. Wouldn’t that be funny? Hahaha. Your brother was hopeless almost from the outset.”

Huo Fenglie gazed down at Liu Zhenqing, who was looking pleased with himself, and his eyes darkened uncontrollably. “I won’t. Let’s stand up, Qing-ge.”

Saying this, Huo Fenglie stood while supporting this person who was moving around on top of him.

But Liu Zhenqing could no longer stand firmly, and could only lean on Huo Fenglie’s shoulder as if he was boneless.

Huo Fenglie was about to take him back, but Liu Zhenqing suddenly got into his arms and hugged him tightly.

The force of this blow was so great that Huo Fenglie was knocked into the trunk of the willow tree.

The swaying willow branches, intertwined shadows, and gurgling stream disturbed the mind.

Huo Fenglie felt that his breathing was disordered. He raised his hands to hug this person tightly, but suddenly heard footsteps.

He stopped moving, and saw Uncle Tian walking over with a lantern. When he saw this scene, he was so frightened that he pulled his beard.

Before Uncle Tian could say anything, Huo Fenglie had already raised his arms and picked this person up, walking toward the Snow Catkin Courtyard.

Uncle Tian followed instinctively, but was rejected at the gate when Huo Fenglie closed the door directly with his foot upon entering.

The bang brought Uncle Tian to his senses. His eyes widened, and he held his heart and gasped on the spot.

What was going on? This scene looked wrong no matter how you looked at it, ah.

Would the Second Master come out? He was just bringing him back, right? Young Master Liu must be drunk.

And at this time, Huo Fenglie had already put the person on the bed, took off his coat and shoes, and pulled out the pillow, helping him to lie down properly. When he was about to put the pillow into Liu Zhenqing’s arms to hold while he slept, Liu Zhenqing suddenly turned over and pulled Huo Fenglie’s arm.

Huo Fenglie didn’t resist Liu Zhenqing’s strength, and was dragged onto the bed.

The 1.9-meter-tall figure was held in someone’s arms like a pillow, with hands and feet used together like a tightly entangled octopus.

Wafts of alcohol-scented breath hit his face, putting him in a trance. In the past, this uncomfortable, strangling sleeping posture could only be felt in his midnight dreams.

Huo Fenglie turned his head to look at Liu Zhenqing. Seeing that he was dazed, he didn’t struggle, and just let him hold him.

When he felt Liu Zhenqing turn his head to nuzzle against his neck as if trying to bury himself, Huo Fenglie couldn’t help but curl his lips.

But the next second, when he heard what Liu Zhenqing was mumbling, the corners of his mouth dropped and he looked deeply at him.

He opened his mouth and said: “You don’t want to see Sister-in-law, you don’t want to go pay respects, and you don’t even want to look at the Liu family. Is it really because you want to leave?”

After a while, he heard Liu Zhenqing answer, “En.”

Huo Fenglie’s pupils quivered slightly. “Just…..there’s nothing worthy of nostalgia for you anymore? You don’t even want to see that person?”

“I want to leave…..I really want to leave and never come back.” The murmured tone contained a hint of pleading.

Huo Fenglie seemed to suddenly freeze, his expression covered with frost.

He seemed to remember back when he was fifteen years old, and carried Liu Zhenqing back with him from the Peach Blossom Banquet.

Drunk, Liu Zhening hugged him and said that he was afraid. He was afraid that he would not be able to support the country, afraid that he would not be capable of being the prime minister, afraid of not being able to live up to the crown prince’s trust.

That night, Huo Fenglie decided to go to the battlefield.

And now, Liu Zhenqing said that he wanted to leave.

Huo Fenglie slowly closed his eyes. He raised his hands and carefully embraced the person in front of him with minimal force.

The moon set and the stars sank. Uncle Tian stayed outside all night, not daring to sleep. He had gone over every possible situation in his mind. When the sky lit up, Uncle Tian looked at the still closed door and his whole person felt unwell.

The Second Master never spent the night with others. In the past, even if a beautiful woman climbed into bed, she would be thrown out. There were even people who used strange drugs, but the Second Master was not moved at all.

And now, this was their Second Master’s first night, ah!

In the distance, there were suddenly the sounds of playing. Uncle Tian took a sharp breath and saw the twins walking over.

The two of them saw Uncle Tian at once.

“Uncle Tian?” Huo Yunqian asked doubtfully.

Huo Yunci jumped toward Uncle Tian, took his arm, and said: “Uncle Tian, are you here to wake Uncle Liu up? Hehe, that person likes to sleep in, and his sleeping posture……”

Uncle Tian was already sweating profusely. He just wanted to coax the two little ancestors away quickly, so that they wouldn’t see anything they shouldn’t see later. What should he say to the two children, ah.

But at this moment, the door creaked.

The two children stopped talking and looked up to see their Second Uncle walking out.

The two were shocked.

And they saw that Huo Fenglie had not slept all night. His clothes were obviously wrinkled, his hair was slightly messy, and most importantly, there were faint red marks on his neck! Uncle Tian’s heart nearly stopped.

Huo Fenglie’s cold voice sounded. “What are you doing?”

While Huo Yunci was stunned, Huo Yunqian reacted quickly and said: “We heard you were leaving early in the morning, and wanted to see Uncle Liu off.”

“He’s still sleeping. You can go in after half an hour,” Huo Fenglie said.

Huo Yunci suddenly clapped her hands and said: “It turns out that Second Uncle came with Uncle Tian to see him. Why don’t you just wake him up? Aren’t you leaving early?”

Uncle Tian, who had nearly been frightened to death, finally made a comeback. Before Huo Fenglie could speak, he said hastily: “Young Master Liu is weak and needs more rest. The carriage must be prepared anyway, so let him sleep a little longer.” After saying this, he urged the two children to go see to the matter of breakfast.

Once the children had left, Uncle Tian dared to say seriously: “Second Master, did you sleep here last night?”

“En.” Huo Fenglie lowered his head in thought while walking toward his residence.

Uncle Tian: ! !

Didn’t you say that person doesn’t like you? That person has amnesia, isn’t this a bit coercive, ah? And right before traveling. Will Young Master Liu be able to get out of bed today?

“Second Master! How about you leave two days later and allow Young Master Liu to rest more. The timing is just right for the Madam to come back.”

Uncle Tian was truly worried. Although it was good that the Second Master had finally come to his senses, it was wrong no matter how he thought about it, ah. Such irresponsible things could not be done.

Huo Fenglie glanced at Uncle Tian in confusion: “No, we’ll set off in an hour. Get the carriage ready.”

Uncle Tian: He hasn’t slept all night and still won’t have mercy on Young Master Liu. Is it because the Second Master is too inexperienced, and doesn’t know how much trouble this will cause him?

Uncle Tian was full of questions, but before he could ask them, Huo Fenglie finished speaking and left.

And Uncle Tian was very confused as he watched Huo Fenglie walk away. In the end, he could only instruct the servants to put more cushions in the carriage, then carry the medicine box to the Snow Catkin Courtyard. He remembered that this courtyard did not have such things prepared.

What a sin, ah! The Second Master was inexperienced and caused an old man such as him to do such a thing. He had nowhere to put his face.

In line with the professionalism of a steward, Uncle Tian knocked on the door. Receiving no response from inside, he pushed the door open and entered. He saw Liu Zhenqing in his underclothes, sitting in a daze on the bed and looking as if he had lost his soul.

This, this, this…..it looked like he really wasn’t willing.

Uncle Tian’s mind turned over and over again, and was already galloping toward the most unfavorable situation.

Liu Zhenqing: When did I get drunk? My physique isn’t….wait, it’s not my physique! Fuck! I forgot that I changed bodies! Did I test him? I didn’t drunkenly expose my secrets, right? No way, Er-gou gets drunk really easily, so perhaps we were both drunk. But why am I here, ah? How did I get back?

Liu Zhenqing suddenly raised a hand and smacked his head, upset that he couldn’t remember anything.

Uncle Tian: ! ! Self-harm?!

“Young Master Liu?” Uncle Tian quickly called out.

Liu Zhenqing was startled by Uncle Tian’s voice. He had just woken up, and was so absorbed in thinking about his problems that he didn’t realize until then that someone had come in.

“Uncle Tian?”

Uncle Tian saw that Liu Zhenqing wasn’t going to hurt himself, and quickly said with concern: “Young Master Liu, are you feeling unwell? What happened last night is all my fault, please don’t…..”

It was estimated that the possibility of impulsiveness was at its greatest after drinking.

Liu Zhenqing looked at Uncle Tian, thinking that they were both drunk last night and were brought back one by one by him, and at this moment, Uncle Tian was apologizing for Huo Fenglie drinking too much with him last night.

“Don’t blame him, I just hope I didn’t do anything rude.” Liu Zhenqing frowned, desperately trying to remember. 

Uncle Tian took a sharp breath. What did this mean? That he would suffer in silence? Just so that the Second Master would help the Liu family? It was true that the lives of the Liu family were now in the Second Master’s hands, but he couldn’t use this kind of coercion. It would be easier if Young Master Liu hadn’t lost his memory and still liked the Second Master, but things were like this now.

Uncle Tian didn’t know what to say. As he was hesitating, he suddenly saw Liu Zhenqing jump up, leap nimbly out of bed, and rush to the window.

Uncle Tian: Ai?

“Okay, okay, I thought I overslept. Uncle Tian, aren’t we about to set off? I’ll pack up now.”

Let’s not talk about other things now, it’s time to run away first!

Seeing Liu Zhenqing rushing easily around the room, Uncle Tian smiled drily and said there was no need to rush, then silently hid the medicine box behind him and stepped away.

It wasn’t until he went out that he breathed a sigh of relief. Look at how confused he was, how could their Second Master do such a thing?

But as soon as he took a step forward, he felt that something wasn’t right. Then why had he stayed overnight, and what about the evidence he had seen? They were cuddling under the willow tree before!

Uncle Tian was a little confused until Liu Zhenqing was getting into the carriage and asked why there were so many cushions. Let it pass, this person was still leaving, and it was useless to think so much about it.

“The road is bumpy. It will be more comfortable this way.”

“Many thanks, Uncle Tian.” Liu Zhenqing smiled, then reached out and touched the heads of the two children who were looking at him with reluctance, opened the curtain, and got into the carriage.

Huo Fenglie had his own horse rather than a carriage. When he led the horse out, he looked at Liu Zhenqing, who had his head poked out the window.

Huo Fenglie seemed normal. Liu Zhenqing set aside his vigilance for the time being, and was about to set off when the jingling of a carriage bell was heard.

Before Liu Zhenqing could look over, he heard the two children shout happily: “Mother!”

Liu Zhenqing stiffened and hurriedly let down the curtain. When he fell into the enclosed space of the carriage, he couldn’t help feeling frustrated. Why was he hiding? Since this had happened, he must get out of the carriage and give his greetings. He needed to stay calm and not panic. As long as he talked less and didn’t look at her, he would be able to escape.

At this time, Li Xingruo had already jumped off the carriage. She hugged the two children who rushed over, touching their heads and checking their pulses. “En, pretty good.”

Time seemed to have left no traces on her face. She was still beautiful but aloof, full of presence, and everyone around her saluted.

“Madam, why are you back so early?” Uncle Tian stepped forward happily.

“I don’t know, I just woke up suddenly last night and felt a little bad, so I came back early. I didn’t expect that something had happened. Zhanyuan, where are you going?” Li Xingruo looked in confusion at this person who was about to leave.

Huo Fenglie stepped forward and said: “Everything is safe and sound, Sister-in-law. I received the Emperor’s orders to go south and handle the matter of the Imperial Examination.”

His sister-in-law didn’t seem too pleased. “He usually makes you go to the border to guard the battlefield, but why do you also need to handle the affairs of civil servants? Does he not have any subordinates left? Treating you like a beast of burden, is he not afraid of exhausting you to death?”

Everyone around pretended not to hear, lowering their heads. Only Huo Fenglie’s expression was unchanging as he said: “It is this servant’s duty to share his worries.”

Li Xingruo was unhappy, and was about to say something with a frown when her gaze suddenly paused: “Is that…..the Liu family’s son? The one who is pursuing you?”

Huo Fenglie turned around and saw Liu Zhenqing get out of the carriage, bow his head, and raise his hands in a salute.

“Liu Xiaozhu greets Madam Huo.”

Li Xingruo glanced at Huo Fenglie with confusion on her face.

“Have Uncle Tian tell you about the specific situation later. We’re in a hurry, so we’ll leave first,” Huo Fenglie said with cupped hands.

“Ah?” Li Xingruo was about to say something, when Huo Fenglie turned his head and told Liu Zhenqing to get into the carriage.

Liu Zhenqing was also a little unable to react for a moment. He had done so much mental preparation before daring to take the risk, and now it was over?

It was really a stroke of luck. Liu Zhenqing quickly saluted and boarded the carriage.

Uncle Tian couldn’t help but remind his two masters about the medical treatment. 

“Amnesia? There is such an interesting thing?” Li Xingruo said in surprise.

“There’s no need, he’s fine,” Huo Fenglie said with a frown.

Seeing that Huo Fenglie really seemed to be in a hurry to leave, Li Xingruo did not delay him despite her heart full of doubts. She just asked, “Have you brought enough medicine?”

Huo Fenglie nodded.

Without saying a word, Li Xingruo directly grabbed Huo Fenglie’s wrist. He didn’t struggle.

Li Xingruo’s striking features became serious. “You’ve had quite a few attacks recently. Are you looking for death?”

“They were accidents,” Huo Fenglie said.

“Bah, since you’re going south, see my master on the way. Master has already sent me a letter, saying that he has developed a new method.” Li Xingruo stared straight at him and said: “If you don’t go this time, I will personally escort you later. Understand?”

Huo Fenglie raised his head to look at Li Xingruo, and suddenly said: “I will go.”

Li Xingruo was slightly stunned. Although he had been perfunctory many times, the answer he gave this time was slightly different.

Li Xingruo waved her hand in annoyance: “Go and come back quickly.”

Huo Fenglie then said farewell and mounted his horse.

The carriage slowly passed by the crowd. Li Xingruo was watching Huo Fenglie off when she felt a line of sight and followed it, only to see movement as the carriage curtain fell.

Li Xingruo frowned, touched her chin, and then grabbed Uncle Tian and walked back. “Tell me, what’s going on? Why is Er-gou traveling with the Liu family child?”

Uncle Tian explained along the way, following Li Xingruo’s footsteps to Huo Fenglie’s courtyard. This was also Li Xingruo’s habit. When she returned, she would gaze at the willow tree in the courtyard.

But this time, as Li Xingruo was listening to Uncle Tian, she looked around and let out a shout.

“The tree! Who did it!”

Soon, the carriage passed through the capital city gates.

At that time, Liu Zhenqing finally let out a long sigh of relief and reached out to lift the curtain, while Huo Fenglie rode his horse beside him.

Seeing the curtain open, Huo Fenglie turned and looked over. He saw Liu Zhenqing smile as he said: “General, can we take a detour? I have something to pick up.”

Just kidding, how could he go with Huo Fenglie to investigate? Since the Liu family was innocent, there was no need to worry about their lives being in danger. As for whether there would be other punishments, that depended on fate. He would not wade into this muddy water. Spending time with Er-gou day and night, if his identity was accidentally exposed, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t have the same ending as in his previous life.

Anyway, there was only Er-gou and the coachman. When they weren’t watching, he would leave a letter when the time came. Er-gou still had important things to do, so it was naturally impossible for him to spend time making things difficult for him.

Although he felt a little sorry for Er-gou and the Liu family, but he really didn’t want to maintain this stalemate. He still had not forgotten his original intention after rebirth. In this life, he intended to lie flat until death.

The two most important steps in an escape plan were a new identity and money.

He carried his new proof of identity with him, but his money had long been lost in the Liu family’s carriage. Since he was penniless, his first step in escaping was to retrieve his wife money.

Liu Zhenqing had to admire his foresight. Sure enough, a man must always leave a way out for himself.

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Chapter Thirty-Three << Table of Contents >> Chapter Thirty-Five