Liu Zhenqing’s cheeks reddened at Li Xingruo’s words, making her smile.

“Look at you today. You never worried about flirting with others in the past, but now you’re shy and blushing?”

Liu Zhening coughed, saying: “What about the jade Rubik’s Cube?”

Li Xingruo paused, and a chill flashed through her eyes: “I always thought it would be buried with your previous body.”

“It wasn’t in the coffin?” Liu Zhenqing asked in surprise.

It stood to reason that it should be buried with him. Not to mention funerary items, that was something he carried with him. He had a special status, and nobody in the palace would dare to steal his property.

“You should have heard about Fenglie opening the coffin.”

Liu Zhenqing said with a nod: “En, Bai Su told me in detail.”

Li Xingruo said: “Back then, Fenglie returned with serious injuries to pry open the coffin and take your bones away. Seeing him like that, I just let him do what he wanted. But I looked at the coffin and found nothing in it, nor on your body.”

“It’s actually lost.” Liu Zhenqing’s face darkened slightly. He didn’t care about his belongings after his death, but that was a jade token given to him by Huo Fenglie.

Li Xingruo looked at him and said: “Let it pass. Now that you’re together, everything else isn’t that important. On the contrary, the matter of cremation…..”

Liu Zhenqing said: “I told you all that was my wish.”

Li Xingruo nodded: “You are the only one with such a unique request. I didn’t stop him, because I heard you say it before. Did you know he used your ashes for a tattoo?”

Liu Zhenqing gave an awkward nod, a little embarrassed to say it.

Smiling, Li Xingruo said: “He didn’t tell anyone else. I discovered it by accident while treating him. Fenglie likes you to the core.”

The corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth rose slightly.

“Many thanks to you as well,” Li Xingruo said abruptly.

Liu Zhenqing looked at her in confusion.

She said: “His heart died after you passed, but he had to be strong and hold on. It seemed like his life was more painful than death.”

Liu Zhenqing’s face went blank. He said dumbly: “I…..heard Master say wouldn’t actively cooperate with treatment.”

Shaking her head, Li Xingruo said: “It wasn’t just that he didn’t cooperate, but he also didn’t take his life seriously at all. No matter how badly he was injured, he never asked the doctor whether he would heal or how long it would take to recover, like he didn’t care at all. Both Uncle Tian and I could see that if it weren’t for the fact that there were young ones in the family who needed to be taken care of, that the border would become unstable without the Huo family in charge, and that he had to fulfill your and Feihan’s last wishes, he might have left to follow you long ago.”

Liu Zhenqing shivered as he felt a full-body chill.

Li Xingruo gazed at the twins playing with Liu Qiao not far away: “If you’d come back a few years later, when the two littles ones are grown and mature enough to take over the Huo family, the mechanism box still wouldn’t have been opened and he certainly wouldn’t have waited.”

This last sentence rendered Liu Zhenqing unable to sit still. Waves of fear swelled in his heart, and his back was actually covered in sweat.

He had always intended to stay away from the capital and not disturb or be disturbed. Little did he know that there was another person whose life was tied to his. If they hadn’t met, if Er-gou hadn’t recognized him, then we would have gone away anonymously and at ease, but would perhaps soon hear about the death of the general who guards the country.

Perhaps he would have just been sad for a while and secretly express his condolences, lamenting the fate of the Huo family to die in battle and that Er-gou hadn’t left any heirs. And then…..that would be it.

Liu Zhenqing’s heart broke at the thought of this possibility. He wanted to see Er-gou immediately, to hug him tightly and coax him.

Liu Zhenqing couldn’t sit still, wanting to find the original designs Huo Fenglie used so that he could feel better mentally.

Li Xingruo wanted to continue talking to him about the remaining ashes, but thought Huo Fenglie should have mentioned it to Liu Zhenqing. As a result, Liu Zhenqing had already hurried away without giving Li Xingruo a chance to speak.

Liu Zhenqing went to Huo Fenglie’s study and found the original designs for the jade Rubik’s Cube. Looking at the detailed draft, he had scrapped several pieces. He had really put a lot of thought into them.

That year, after the Imperial Academy Peach Blossom Banquet, Huo Fenglie had suddenly said he wanted to go to the battlefield at the age of fifteen. He’d given him a gift before departing – a hollow mini Rubik’s Cube carved from rare warm jade. It could be hung at the waist instead of a jade pendant, and also had a gradient green hue for decoration.

When he was thinking over problems in the past, he always played with this small object. It wasn’t heavy hanging at his waist and could be picked up and played with at any time.

But because of this, strange rumors circulated that he would kill a person each time he turned a Rubik’s Cube.

Liu Zhenqing, however, really liked it. At first, he occasionally wore it as a normal decoration. Then he basically wouldn’t change it out for any other jewelry, and wore it until he died in the Dragon Court.

Feeling a little depressed, Liu Zhenqing sat in the study and thought about the scene where he’d said goodbye to Er-gou. That fool never told him the jade was important. If he had…..at that time, he probably wouldn’t have had the heart to refuse a young man who was about to go to the battlefield. Even if he was shocked and had no thoughts in that regard for the time being, he would respectfully accept it and say they would talk about it in the future.

But Er-gou just left without saying anything.

“Master?” Seeing Liu Zhenqing at a loss, Liu Qiao came down and said: “I’ll help you find it.”

Liu Zhenqing let out a breath and said: “Fenglie and I have known each other for so long, and now we’re engaged. He hasn’t mentioned it again, likely because he already searched for it and couldn’t find it in the end.”

Liu Zhenqing felt some guilt for not putting away that jade stone of great significance.

Huo Fenglie had a lot of matters to handle, and it was already very late when he returned. He would normally stay the night in the military camp under such circumstances, but now he had a reason to come back.

He returned to the house on light feet and looked around. The bed curtain had been lowered and Liu Zhenqing was already asleep. A single lit candle emitted a faint light, as if waiting for someone to return home.

Huo Fenglie’s cold eyes gradually gentled under such weak illumination.

He quietly finished washing up and removed his outer layer. Just as he was about to lift the bed curtain, someone suddenly rushed out and hugged Huo Fenglie.

“Er-gou.”

Huo Fenglie was a little happy to still be able to talk to his lover. “Qing-ge, I’m back. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

Liu Zhenqing released Huo Fenglie wordlessly, then grabbed his collar and led him to bed with an amorous look on his face.

Huo Fenglie’s eyes darkened. He cooperatively embraced Liu Zhenqing and kissed him.

Huo Fenglie had missed him dearly after not seeing him for a day, as if it was only Liu Zhenqing’s presence that could make him happy.

As soon as he reached down with his hand, Liu Zhenqing grabbed his hands and pinned them above his head.

“Don’t move.”

Huo Fenglie looked blankly at Liu Zhenqing above him. The light was weak, but a pair of eyes could be seen, like those of an exceptionally clever fox hunting prey.

But in the next second, Huo Fenglie couldn’t see anything – because Liu Zhenqing had directly covered his eyes with a handkerchief.

He thought Liu Zhenqing still hadn’t given up and was about to try again, so he could only call out, “Qing-ge…..”

“Don’t worry, I won’t push tonight.” Liu Zhenqing’s smiling voice slowly approached.

A while later, Liu Qiao was about to close the door to rest in another room in the courtyard, when he was suddenly alerted by a noise, and then a call of “Qing-ge!”

Liu Qiao was so alarmed that he rushed in the direction of the sound in the main room.

“Master? General Huo?”

Liu Qiao heard the sound of wood breaking, as if shattered by internal force.

Just as Liu Qiao was about to anxiously break in, he heard an indistinct voice: “It’s fine, go back and rest…..no need to come over if you hear noises.”

Although he was somewhat unsure, since nothing had happened, Liu Qiao went back to rest.

Inside the room, the head of the bed frame had broken and fallen to the floor. It would definitely have to be replaced the next day, but neither of them cared.

Then Huo Fenglie hurriedly shouted: “Qing-ge!”

Although Liu Zhenqing wanted to learn what Huo Fenglie had done to him before, Huo Fenglie moved too fast and pushed him away firmly.

But in the next moment, Huo Fenglie froze.

Liu Zhenqing was also stunned.

Huo Fenglie took a sharp breath and said: “I’m sorry, Qing-ge!” Then he instantly came over and wiped Liu Zhenqing’s face with the handkerchief that had just been covering his eyes.

“Qing-ge, it’s okay, I’ll get some water for you to wash with.” Huo Fenglie was a little flustered, and his voice fluctuated. 

Liu Zhenqing’s voice was hoarse when he opened his mouth, but his nature was still inherently naughty. “Er-gou is very good at playing, ah. Did you take a peek at a picture book? I didn’t expect it to be like this. Was it satisfying?”

Huo Fenglie nearly forgot how to breathe, his entire face flushed red. Where was the maturity and poise when arranging tasks for his subordinates during the day? In front of Liu Zhenqing, he would always be a fool.

He ignored Liu Zhenqing’s teasing and hurried off to get water. Halfway there, he recalled the critical moment just now…..and quickly got some tea.

When the tea was handed to Liu Zhenqing, he raised an eyebrow and gave Huo Fenglie a wicked smile, saying: “It tastes good.”

When Liu Zhenqing saw Huo Fenglie lower his eyes in vexation and shyness, he was perfectly satisfied. 

He pulled this person back into bed and found that the other was still a little unhappy.

Liu Zhenqing could only coax the puppy: “What is it? Do you feel uncomfortable? The heat tattoo on your body is showing. I could see you felt so good that you were about to lose control.”

Huo Fenglie’s punch had smashed the head of the bed.

He pursed his thin lips slightly, but in the end, Huo Fenglie could only say non threateningly: “Next time…..don’t do this. I really will lose control.”

“Er-gou really has double standards. You can always do it, but I can’t.” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile: “I just like it when you lose control. The more out of control, the better.”

Huo Fenglie was truly aggrieved and distressed. He wished he could hold Liu Zhenqing in his heart, hold him at the top of the clouds. Being intimate was already the happiest thing, so how could it be like this…..

But facing Liu Zhenqing, what could he do? He could only act like a large dog, rubbing against Liu Zhenqing’s neck and begging unskillfully for mercy. “Qing-ge, please.”

The corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth curled up.

“Then tell me honestly whether you liked it or not. If you tell the truth, I’ll listen to you.” Liu Zhenqing teased this little friend, but his eyes were staring so intently at Huo Fenglie that he couldn’t help but hold his breath. In the end, he could only nod honestly.

How could he not like it? Even though he took off the blindfold when he was alarmed, the feeling of being unable to see anything and only being able to let Qing-ge do what he wanted was truly unendurable. Especially for a martial arts master like Huo Fenglie, who was already sensitive. Once one sense was missing, the others were inevitably magnified. Seeing the scene afterward, he liked it so much that he almost went crazy.

Liu Zhenqing smiled and raised his eyebrows: “Since you liked it, I’ll definitely do it more in the future.”

Huo Fenglie’s expression changed at once. He’d been tricked again.

Liu Zhenqing really liked to bully Er-gou in bed. In a good mood, he kissed the corner of his mouth and coaxed in a low voice: “Qing-ge hasn’t come yet. Help Qing-ge.”

Huo Fenglie’s body stiffened, but he still couldn’t help but embrace that warm body.

The night was neither long nor short, just long enough for the two of them to cuddle up against each other.

Liu Zhenqing wasn’t willing to make Huo Fenglie stay up late. After all, he could sleep during the day, but Huo Fenglie was busy.

“Okay, go to sleep,” Liu Zhenqing said, stroking Huo Fenglie’s cheek.

Huo Fenglie hugged Liu Zhenqing in silence. Finally, he said: “Did something happen today? Qing-ge seemed to be in a low mood.”

Liu Zhenqing was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Huo Fenglie to be aware of it. He didn’t seem to have revealed anything, ah.

Not hiding anything from Huo Fenglie, Liu Zhenqing said: “I asked Junior Sister today why you didn’t give me a jade pendant token from your Huo family when we’re already engaged.”

Huo Fenglie stared blankly for a moment, then looked intently at Liu Zhenqing. Liu Zhenqing nuzzled Huo Fenglie’s nose, the light in his eyes like gently flowing water.

“You blockhead, why didn’t you tell me when you gave it to me? If I knew, I would have cherished it even more.”

Huo Fenglie was silent. After a moment, he said: “I was too young back then. I knew you would be shocked. Sorry, Qing-ge, I looked for it but couldn’t find it.”

Liu Zhenqing: “I should be the one apologizing. I accidentally lost it.”

“It’s not Qing-ge’s fault.”

Liu Zhenqing smiled against his forehead: “Fortunately, we didn’t lose each other. That’s enough.”

Those guilt-ridden matters would slowly be made up to Er-gou in the future.

But it seemed Er-gou wouldn’t give him the chance.

Those days in the General’s Manor were basically spent doing whatever he wanted, playing around with Junior Sister and chatting and laughing with the two little ones. It was very comfortable.

But Huo Fenglie must have been given a fright that night. Although it was unknown if he was guarding against him, he was a little evasive.

This afternoon, the twins were taken to the Huo family for exams. Liu Zhenqing was bored and reading some unspeakable books in the courtyard while Liu Qiao caught fish in the stream, when he saw someone leaping in.

Liu Zhenqing looked up to see He Lan, and greeted him.

He Lan approached the pavilion and was about to speak, when his eyes instantly lit up.

“What a great thing, this painter is amazing! How did you find it?”

“A cut-sleeve shop. You don’t even know this?” Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows.

“How can that be? When I went to buy some, they were all poorly painted.”

“That’s because you don’t have the right connections. I’ll sell this copy to you for fifty taels.” When Liu Qiao bought it, he’d looked at the cover rather than the inside and ended up getting cheated twenty taels. He Lan immediately paid for it. This type of painting was worth it! He happily thanked Liu Zhenqing after the transaction and put it in his sleeve. Then he said seriously: “By the way, where’s Zhanyuan? I came to find him.”

“Probably in the military camp.”

“I was just there and didn’t see him.”

Liu Zhenqing gave a snort and saw Liu Qiao suddenly pause in the distance, then go back to fishing with a natural expression. He Lan seemed to realize someone had come, and started to look behind Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows and feigned ignorance: “Ai, how would I know where he is? He’s been so cold to me recently and won’t pay attention to me.”

Sure enough, He Lan’s expression went strange.

Liu Zhenqing deliberately opened a book and pointed to one of the erotic pages, saying: “Do you think that if I do this, he’ll give me a second glance?”

In the next second, a gust of wind blew as a hand went over Liu Zhenqing’s shoulder and abruptly closed the book on the table.

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyes toward the person above him. Seeing the embarrassment on his face, he suppressed a smile and directed a look of resentment at him.

He Lan coughed when he saw this. He patted the book in his sleeve and said very reasonably: “Zhanyuan, ah, now that you’re engaged, no matter how busy you get, you can’t neglect Brother Liu, ah.”

Liu Zhenqing nodded aggrievedly, and Huo Fenglie’s expression shifted.

He could only say helplessly: “Yundu, what do you want from me?”

As he spoke, he turned all the books on the table over. Out of sight, out of mind.

Only then did He Lan remember proper business. He glanced at Liu Zhenqing and said without further comments on the subject: “The emperor has ordered a secret investigation of Prime Minister Jiang. I remember him being involved in something regarding military pay, and I need relevant information. You prepared two copies back then for future emergencies, so give me one of them.”

Huo Fenglie was taken aback, saying: “One copy was given to the emperor, and the other one…..I gave it to Zichuan just now because the Dongchang was also ordered to investigate.”

He Lan was stunned, and instantly said in shock: “Lao Qin! He came to find you? Didn’t I say for you to…..”

Huo Fenglie cut him off: “He said he didn’t want to see you.”

He Lan’s expression turned ugly at once.

Huo Fenglie added: “But since you’re here, you should meet him by chance on your way back.”

He Lan’s eyes lit up, and he flew away while shouting: “Why didn’t you tell me earlier!”

When He Lan left, Huo Fenglie looked down to find Liu Zhenqing looking at him with a smile in his eyes.

Huo Fenglie was a little ill-at-ease. He pushed the books farther down the table and took a seat, saying: “Qing-ge, let me tell you about Zichuan.”

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows and picked up a book, flipping through it: “Tell me.”

Huo Fenglie drew in a sharp breath and could only stare directly at Liu Zhenqing’s face without looking elsewhere.

“Zichuan didn’t tell me specifically what he and his adoptive father have talked about. He just said that his adoptive father would never cease to be faithful and would never harm the Huo family.”

Liu Zhenqing frowned slightly.

Huo Fenglie said in a heavy voice: “He said that if I don’t believe him, I can guard against him and the Dongchang. He won’t stay close to us for the time being, but will follow his adoptive father.”

“What do they intend to do?”

“He didn’t say.”

“He’s your brother. What do you think?”

“Zichuan is suspicious by nature. The reason he’s listening to his adoptive father now must not be because he’s been persuaded, but that his adoptive father must have demonstrated enough sincerity and evidence to make him think there is nothing wrong with following him. Aside from my suspicions…..”

“You suspect that the one leaving us messages to avoid danger was from the Dongchang?”

Huo Fenglie nodded. “They were able to follow us all over, and in addition to being more capable than the enemy, they acted on their own initiative to either save or kill.”

Liu Zhenqing thought for a moment and didn’t refute it.

“Qing-ge, don’t worry. I won’t take this lightly because of my personal relationships.” Huo Fenglie said: “The first priority now is Prime Minister Jiang. He’s a key figure in all of this, and once he’s taken down, many things may become clear.”

Liu Zhenqing nodded in agreement.

Huo Fenglie smiled and said: “Qing-ge, today Yuan Jue gave orders to make it look like we’ve just come back, so you can leave the house tomorrow instead of staying inside all the time.”

Huo Fenglie knew Liu Zhenqing’s lively nature the best. It was impossible for him to stay inside all time without going out.

Liu Zhenqing looked at him with a half-smile.

“What’s wrong?” Huo Fenglie asked.

“Blockhead, if I return in an upright manner, then…..won’t I have to go back to Liu Manor?” Liu Zhenqing donned a sad expression. Pushing Huo Fenglie’s chest, he said: “So heartless, are you really tired of me?”

Huo Fenglie was dumbfounded. He quickly took Liu Zhenqing’s hand and stared, wide-eyed. He really hadn’t expected this.

“Qing-ge, this matter…..”

Knowing that Huo Fenglie was asking if there was any room to maneuver, Liu Zhenqing shook his head. Living in the General’s Manor before marriage couldn’t be justified. Although he didn’t care about reputation or anything like that, they couldn’t be so careless. He must go back to Liu Manor.

There was no need to worry about his safety when leaving the General’s Manor. After all, Liu Qiao would be following him. He just couldn’t bear to leave all the Huo family members, especially his Er-gou.

Er-gou lowered his eyelashes. Sure enough, he was upset.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes gleamed: “Ai, I must return tomorrow. Fenglie, satisfy a small request of mine today.”

Huo Fenglie looked at Liu Zhenqing, who pointed to the book on the table, where the page was open to certain scenery under a pavilion.

Huo Fenglie’s ears instantly turned red.

“The sunset is so beautiful and the scenery is so nice, but it won’t be possible when it gets cold in a few days.”

“I’ll have Liu Qiao leave. No one would break into this place other than He Lan and Qin Yu, right?”

He sat on Huo Fenglie’s lap and hugged his neck with a smile on his face, saying: “I’m leaving soon.”

Huo Fenglie’s eyes flashed and he embraced Liu Zhenqing tightly. Unfortunately, looking out from the pavilion, Liu Zhenqing couldn’t see much of the beautiful scenery of the setting sun and sky full of stars. He could only see Huo Fenglie’s burning gaze.

Later, Huo Fenglie carried Liu Zhenqing into the manor to clean up.

Liu Zhenqing smiled and said to Huo Fenglie: “Remember to tell Uncle Tian.”

“Tell him what?”

“That starting tomorrow, Second Master Huo will be staying out all night.”

Huo Fenglie was washing Liu Zhenqing’s hair. He froze upon hearing this and almost stuttered when he looked at Liu Zhenqing. “Qing-ge…..what do you mean?”

Liu Zhenqing turned around in the tub, leaning against the edge as he said with a smile: “Naturally, you’ll have to climb my wall every night, break into my room, and sleep in my bed.”

Huo Fenglie took a few deep breaths. He could only look at Liu Zhenqing helplessly.

“Do you really want to be apart from me? I don’t want to leave you for a single moment. I’ll miss you and my heart will ache.”

Liu Zhenqing’s sweet words instantly defeated Huo Fenglie. He bent down and kissed Liu Zhenqing on the forehead: “En, I’ll come find you.”

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Chapter 126 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 128