T/N: Thank you to Parasim2323 for the Kofi donation! Here’s a double update!

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This time around, things didn’t come to an abrupt end. The two families had discussed the marriage, tokens of love were exchanged, the Imperial decree was issued, and feelings were made clear. Liu Zhenqing wouldn’t let go of this silly dog ever again.

Huo Fenglie was distracted by the kiss, and when he realized what Liu Zhenqing intended to do, he quickly supported the person who was already sitting in his arms and said in a hoarse, restrained voice: “Qing-ge, don’t…..”

“Why are you still refusing?” Lui Zhenqing’s kisses slid from his lips to the jut of his throat, shocking Huo Fenglie so much that his body felt like it was about to burst.

“Qing-ge, war is imminent. We’re setting off tomorrow, and I’m afraid…..” Huo Fenglie was already trying his best to be patient. How could he not be excited with the knowledge that his beloved had never rejected him? But if he started now, when would he be able to stop, ah?

He wasn’t even sure if his own willpower could hold him back. Liu Zhenqing underestimated his self-control.

He was really going to lose control of himself.

Liu Zhenqing knew what he was thinking, but deliberately provoked him with a bite to his throat.

Just as Huo Fenglie was about to reach his limit, Liu Zhenqing leaned in close to his ear and whispered: “Tell me, Gege, how many times did you cry beneath this willow tree before?”

Huo Fenglie’s heart throbbed, his body burning as his thoughts went back to those blighted days and nights. “I don’t know.”

There were many times, but most of the time, he wasn’t aware of his situation.

“I like this place, but it’s so full of your sad memories. I want to change that.” Liu Zhenqing’s body became increasingly pliable, stimulating his reaction. But his words were like a spring breeze blowing through Huo Fenglie’s heart, magnifying the situation to the point that Huo Fenglie gave up his negligible resistance, heart and body.

“Huo Fenglie, hold me. I want you to be inside of me, to mark me forever and prove that I belong only to you.”

There were no words more seductive than these to satisfy the silly dog’s possessiveness and fulfill his territorial instincts.

Huo Fenglie’s eyes were almost instantly covered in a layer of mist, and the rationality therein gradually vanished.

The night scenery was enchanting, the willow tree elegant. Huo Fenglie’s eyes were filled with desire, Liu Zhenqing’s full of ripples. They were in complete harmony as they gazed at each other with affection. 

After years of fantasizing, it had finally become reality. He was really feeling Qing-ge’s body heat at the most intimate distance.

Huo Fenglie couldn’t control himself any longer. This would likely be the moment he was the least gentle to Liu Zhenqing. His mind was filled with the desperate need to possess him.

Liu Zhenqing went from being carefree and romantic at the beginning, to the point of being overwhelmed. In the end, he even cried and begged for mercy, but was met with an even stronger storm. This was probably what it felt like to have one’s soul exit their body.

He lost his composure, as well as his dignity. When Liu Zhenqing came to his senses, the scenery before him rocked unceasingly, the force at his waist increasing until it seemed as if his slender waist would break.

From the willow tree to the bedroom, Huo Fenglie almost never paused, and was never satisfied. Liu Zhenqing was really alarmed, but he had no strength left and could only let himself be moved around. It was too late for regrets.

After an unknown amount of time, a bright line appeared on the horizon. Liu Qiao also returned and knocked softly on the door, pushing it open when he heard some sounds.

When he looked inside, he was shocked to see his master practically crawling on the floor toward the door, reaching out to him with a look like he was about to die.

“I can’t move. Help me.”

Liu Qiao was frightened, and rushed forward: “Master, you……”

“Have arrangements been made?” Liu Zhenqing’s voice was so hoarse that he was almost unable to produce a normal tone.

“En, en.” Liu Qiao gulped and regarded Liu Zhenqing with some trepidation. Even though his clothes were neat, the marks on his neck were still visible, and even his wrists had bright red hand marks, as if someone had gripped them fiercely. “The general…..”

“I lit incense. He fell asleep. Let’s go, Junior Sister will be here in a while.” Liu Zhenqing held onto Liu Qiao as they walked out.

He was really having difficulty walking, so in the end, Liu Qiao carried him on his back. With his superb qigong, he left the General’s Manor and went out the city gates. 

There was already a carriage outside the city gates, prepared by Liu Qiao. After boarding it, Liu Zhenqing could only lie down.

Liu Qiao hurriedly procured some pillows and blankets for his master. Seeing Liu Zhenqing’s half-paralyzed appearance, Liu Qiao was really worried: “Master, are…..are you okay?”

Liu Zhenqing was downtrodden. Although he had the medicine given by his master and hadn’t bled last night, he still couldn’t withstand Huo Fenglie’s physical strength. That nearly cost him his life. Liu Zhenqing currently felt like his bones were weak, like a bookshelf that had taken a heavy hit, rickety and about to fall apart.

It was understandable for Huo Fenglie to have difficulty controlling himself. After all, it was the kid’s first time. Liu Zhenqing only regretted his boastful behavior. He’d just been digging a hole for himself. Even after reading so many yellow books, he was still defeated by a young and inexperienced person. Liu Zhenqing was unreconciled, and could only return to fight again.

His whole body ached every time he moved. Liu Zhenqing gave Liu Qiao a look of grievance and unwillingness, saying: “Qiaoqiao, remember my words. When you’re with Qiao Jin in the future, you must be on top no matter what. It’s too miserable on the bottom.”

Liu Zhenqing had no intention of counterattacking, and was happy to lie under Huo Fenglie. But Liu Qiao’s situation was up in the air, so he still had a chance. Qiaoqiao could not be allowed to suffer the same fate.

Liu Qiao didn’t react to the fact that Liu Zhenqing unconsciously assumed he would be with Qiao Jin. He was just frightened by the state of Liu Zhenqing. How could this be such a terrible thing? Liu Qiao’s heart suffered a huge shock.

He nodded reflectively, then nodded a few more times as if to make sure to remember this lesson.

Soon after, at the General’s Manor.

Huo Fenglie sat up with a jolt, but Qing-ge’s warmth was no longer beside him. It was as if the previous night had been a dream. Huo Fenglie’s pupils shrank as he realized the problem. He swiftly jumped up and ran out, but as soon as he opened the door, he saw Li Xingruo sitting in the courtyard.

“Awake? Get ready, it’s time to go to war,” Li Xingruo said calmly.

“Sister-in-law, he…..” Huo Fenglie’s tone was hurried, his body tense.

Li Xingruo raised her eyebrows and said: “According to his character, he wouldn’t just sit still and wait for death. He wanted to be proactive, but feared you wouldn’t agree, so he made the decision on his own.”

Huo Fenglie’s expression instantly sank. He turned around to leave, but was stopped by Li Xingruo.

“You still don’t understand him. If you would listen, he wouldn’t confuse you so.” Li Xingruo said: “If you chase him down and delay his plans, he’ll be upset.”

“Sister-in-law, why didn’t you stop him if you knew?” For once, Huo Fenglie spoke to her in an impetuous tone.

Li Xingruo looked somewhat angry: “Why are you blaming me? It’s your fault for being useless. If you had the ability, you could have made him unable to get out of bed last night, ah. Who can stop this fox when he wants to run away?”

Huo Fenglie stared blankly. Thinking of the events last night, he felt wronged. He had been fooled by Qing-ge again.

Li Xingruo felt a little sorry for Er-gou: “It’s because you haven’t married yet that he’s running around without any scruples. But even when you’re married, you should still listen to him, ah.” She continued: “No one can change his mind once he’s made a decision. Didn’t he say that he wouldn’t mess around this time, that he couldn’t bear to leave you, and that he would come back to marry you? You already have his guarantee. I wouldn’t have listened to him otherwise.”

Huo Fenglie was silent. He knew his sister-in-law was right. He couldn’t throw himself into confusion. Qing-ge was still waiting for him to pick him up. Huo Fenglie said no more, and turned around to prepare for the expedition. His eyes were resolute, but there seemed to be a blazing fire hidden within them. In fact, he was desperately suppressing the urge to immediately chase after Liu Zhenqing. It seemed like if he thought about it, he would disregard everything else and pursue him madly, even if Qing-ge scolded him. He just wanted to hold him tightly, but was unable to. He had to listen to Qing-ge, because Qing-ge wanted him to listen.

Seeing that Huo Fenglie was about to erupt like a volcano, Li Xingruo could only watch over him for now and keep him from collapsing. She noticed that Huo Fenglie had unconsciously clenched his fist and hurt his hand, and could only sigh. Her stinky senior brother was really giving her a hard time. He’d forced Er-gou into this state, relying on Huo Fenglie’s unconditional indulgence to bully him.

Just as she was thinking, Uncle Tian rushed over. Huo Fenglie, who had already changed into armor and was holding his sword, nearly collided with him.

“General, the emperor……the emperor has come in disguise…..”

Li Xingruo was stunned to hear this. Before she could react, Huo Fenglie vanished from in front of her. She thought to herself, this is no good. If Huo Fenglie couldn’t contain his anger, he might accidentally kill the emperor. Li Xingruo hurried to the back door.

From a distance, Huo Fenglie could be seen landing in front of Yuan Jue, who was wearing casual clothing. And behind Yuan Jue were He Cong and He Lan.

But in the next second, Huo Fenglie punched him. His strength was much greater than Liu Zhenqing’s, and Yuan Jue spat out a mouthful of blood. He Cong began to move, but Yuan Jue stopped him with a wave of his hand.

Yuan Jue raised his head and gave Huo Fenglie a cold look, saying: “I deceived you, and you hit me in return. You are the subject, and I am the sovereign. It ends here. I want to see him.”

“I didn’t hit you for myself, but for him. For that arrow.” Huo Fenglie stood forward to loom over Yuan Jue, saying in a deep voice: “I should kill you to avenge him!”

Yuan Jue gave him a dark look and said: “Stop talking nonsense, I want to see him!”

“You don’t deserve to!”

Yuan Jue’s expression instantly turned ugly, and he said in anger: “What qualifications do you have to make decisions for him? I want to see him!”

“What does the emperor want to see him for?” Li Xingruo asked, appearing from behind. “Now that things have come to this, what’s the point of seeing him? Besides, do you think he wants to see you?”

Yuan Jue frowned: “Since he’s about to leave, what’s wrong with me seeing him off?”

Yuan Jue knew that he shouldn’t take more risks, but he had the inexplicable premonition that if he came too late, he wouldn’t be able to see him. He didn’t know why he had this premonition, and only felt waves of panic, just as he had felt after killing Liu Zhenqing years ago. That feeling had tormented him for many days and nights, and he hated it so much that he had come here this time as if possessed.

He took a step forward, eyes penetrating as he said again: “I want to see him.”

Huo Fenglie didn’t seem inclined to speak to Yuan Jue, so Li Xingruo said: “You can’t, he left a long while ago.”

Yuan Jue was stunned: “What!”

“He has his own plans and is acting separately from Zhanyuan. You’re late,” Li Xingruo said.

Yuan Jue stiffened. His expression went momentarily blank, but he quickly recovered and said: “Is that so? Then the great general who guards the country should act quickly, or else Xiheng will snatch him away.”

Yuan Jue scoffed coldly before walking stiffly away.

He Cong naturally caught up with him, but He Lan remained.

He looked at Huo Fenglie and said: “Qin Yu and his adoptive father have left. They should be heading west. I’ll stay here to watch over the capital for you.”

Huo Fenglie returned to his senses and sent He Lan a frown.

“Don’t look at me like that. Qin Yu and I are your brothers, and always will be,” He Lan said firmly.

Huo Fenglie’s expression eased somewhat: “Thank you.”

“If we’re brothers, give Qin Yu a message for me.” 

“What message?”

“Tell him that I’ll wait for him to come find me in the capital when he’s done. If he doesn’t return, he’d better pray that I don’t find him!” He Lan nearly gritted his teeth as he spoke, seemingly agitated by Qin Yu leaving again without saying goodbye. But now, there were more important things to focus on.

After having his say, He Lan turned around and left.

“You have two good brothers.” Li Xingruo stepped forward and said: “Let’s go rescue those three!”

The common people in the city learned that Xiheng had provoked the general and that he was going out to fight, so they all went out to see him off. General Huo’s guards followed him out of the General’s Manor first, while the main army had gathered to wait outside the city.

The city was bustling with activity, excitedly watching the god of war they worshipped riding on horseback.

His tall form was wrapped in black martial arts robes and covered in silver armor, exuding a deep chill in the sunlight. His dark red cape fluttered in the wind, as if the sky was stained with blood. With the Chunjun Sword on his waist and a red-tasseled spear on his back, he was a god of death, as well as the guardian of Great Zhou. But the ring on his finger softened the murderous aura all over his body, somewhat obtrusive.

But the contingent, marching fast, suddenly stopped when passing the square.

Riding atop Chen Jiangyue, the general who guards the country approached the Twining Dragon Jade Pillar alone. Everyone was wondering if he had come to remember his ancestors, or…..suddenly, in full view of everyone, the Chunjun sword swung out and fiercely crossed out the most infamous name: Liu Zhenqing.

When everyone realized this, only a piece of debris remained. They were all shocked, and continuous exclamations sounded, as if nobody knew what was happening.

And in the next moment, everyone was stunned to silence as the name of their great general, Huo Fenglie, one of the very few whose name was inscribed on the pillar while he still lived, was crossed out as well.

Was this because he felt unqualified, because he disdained to leave his name on it, or because he had a rebellious heart?

Before anyone could guess the reason, the contingent swiftly left.

And this was the last shocking act left behind by their general.

Elsewhere, Liu Qiao’s fast-moving carriage came to an abrupt stop. Lying on his back, Liu Zhenqing was startled and sat up in shock, taking several deep breaths. He opened the curtain and looked outside. Two familiar figures appeared on horseback in the misty morning light.

“Director Zheng, Brother Qin, what are you…..” Liu Zhenqing feigned casualness, leaning against the window with a smile.

“The Empress Dowager has passed. This father and son can no longer stay in the capital, so we resigned yesterday.” Zheng Wei smiled faintly.

Liu Zhenqing’s eyes flashed. Knowing how clever this Zheng Wei was, according to Yuan Jue’s character, he wouldn’t trust him anymore. Although he had helped Yao Hua before, which was equivalent to indirectly helping the emperor, Yuan Jue would never allow someone unfaithful to him to remain in such a position. Leaving was the best option.

“Because of the kindness of an old friend, and because I have nothing else to do, I planned to go west to see if I could help. That’s when we happened to meet you two.”

Liu Zhenqing glanced toward Qin Yu.

Qin Yu knew Liu Zhenqing’s character, so he explained directly: “Zhanyuan wouldn’t have let you leave alone. You must have a reason for leaving like this. I won’t ask further questions. Since we’ve met by chance, if Brother Liu is going to assist in the west, we can go together. We know the quickest route there, avoiding official roads.”

He and his adoptive father intended to guard Liu Zheqing all the way, but feared he wouldn’t trust him.

Liu Zhenqing raised his eyebrows with a slight smile: “Okay, I’m in need of a hand. Let’s go.”

Qin Yu heaved a sigh of relief, but in the next moment, he heard Liu Zhenqing tease: “Are you not planning to return to the capital in the future?”

Qin Yu stared, then shook his head.

Liu Zhenqing said with a half-smile: “What about He Lan?”

Qin Yu’s expression froze. He choked before speaking: “He can do whatever he likes, it has nothing to do with me.”

Zheng Wei looked at him with interest, and smiled.

After hitting the road again, Zheng Wei asked to go ahead alone, as he wanted to go to a nearby mountain to worship before continuing.

When he came down, Liu Zhenqing and the others had just arrived. Seeing the familiar mountain, Liu Zhenqing finally understood Zheng Wei’s situation.

He didn’t know how much Zheng Wei heard that night, nor if he had guessed his identity, but since Zheng Wei didn’t mention it, there was no need for Liu Zhenqing to say anything more. He just called the two of them into the carriage and handed them a few letters.

The two looked at Liu Zhenqing in confusion.

Liu Zhenqing said: “I trust you two. These letters are very important. They’re related to whether the rescue is successful, as well as mine and Fenglie’s future. Please give us a bit of help.”

He had originally planned for Song Xingmu to join up with him and take care if it, but since Zheng Wei and Qin Yu were here, he would entrust it to them.

The two of them didn’t ask any questions, and ran the errands as Liu Zhenqing instructed.

Zheng Wei went southwest with three letters.

Qin Yu went southeast with two.

Ten days later, the royal palace in a Xiheng border city was attacked by a martial arts master in the night.

Li Jinshu looked at the person trapped in front of him with a smile and said: “You’re from Great Zhou?”

Liu Qiao simply dropped a letter, then turned and ran.

Li Jinshu just read the letter and smiled: “As expected, he came.”

Liu Qiao went back and informed Liu Zhenqing that a direct rescue wasn’t possible.

Liu Zhenqing had mentally prepared himself for this, and awaited Li Jinshu’s reply.

The next day, Li Jinshu came leisurely to a pavilion outside the city in a carriage. He saw Liu Zhenqing sitting under the pavilion from a distance, without Liu Qiao nearby. Li Jinshu knew that such a master must be hiding, ready to attack at any time, but he was undaunted.

With a wave of his hands, his subordinates pulled two people out of the carriage. They were Huo Yunci and Huo Yunqian.

“What are you going to do!” Huo Yunci was still full of vim and vigor, and tried to struggle.

Huo Yunqian calmly observed his surroundings, and was shocked when he saw the person under the pavilion nearby: “Uncle Liu!”

Huo Yunci also looked over, and her eyes instantly reddened in panic: “Uncle Liu!”

Liu Zhenqing was relieved to lay eyes on the two of them. Although they had lost some weight, they were uninjured and in good spirits. As expected, Li Jinshu was well-mannered in this regard and hadn’t made things difficult for the children.

He stood up with a smile when Li Jinshu approached and saluted: “Many thanks to His Highness for taking care of my family’s juniors.”

Huo Yunci and Huo Yunqian were so aggrieved upon hearing this that they could barely hold back their anger.

They wanted to tell Liu Zhenqing to leave, but knew it was impossible. Uncle Liu was here to save them. It was them who had gotten everyone in trouble.

Li Jinshu sat down with a smile, natural and carefree: “Your family’s juniors?”

“Your Highness doesn’t know? The emperor of Great Zhou has granted me the marriage. I’m a member of the Huo family now.” Liu Zhenqing smiled and said, “It’s only natural for me to come and pick up my own family’s children, ah.”

Li Jinshu smiled: “This little trick won’t work on me. So what if you’re Huo Fenglie’s wife? I won’t let go of what I want this time.”

“What did you say!” Huo Yunci erupted at once. Huo Yunqian also sent Li Jinshu a vicious look and stood in front of Liu Zhenqing alongside his sister. They were still in chains, however, so it was quite inconvenient for them to move.

Liu Zhenqing frowned as he looked at where their little wrists had been rubbed red by the chains. “They’re just a couple of children. Why does Your Highness need to use iron chains? I’m already here…..”

Li Jinshu smiled and indifferently told his men to undo the chains, saying: “These two children are skilled and naughty, always causing trouble. Although it wasn’t a big deal, it was still a bit of an eyesore. Locking them up was also to prevent them from getting hurt when they clashed with the guards, ah. I took good care of my old friend’s juniors.”

Having said this, Li Jinshu said to the children who had regained their freedom: “Don’t mess around, innocent people can be hurt in the chaos. It doesn’t matter to you if you’re hurt, but it would be no good if Young Master Liu came to harm.”

The two children weren’t reckless by nature. After regaining their freedom, they just clung to Liu Zhenqing and acted as a shield. Liu Zhenqing knew that the two children must be trying to think of a solution, but he would have to disappoint them.

“As agreed, you let them go.”

“No problem, it’s fine as long as you stay,” Li Jinshu said with a smile.

Only then did the children realize what was happening. They immediately looked at Liu Zhenqing and said in unison: “You can’t!”

Liu Zhenqing stroked the two children’s heads, one on each side, and said: “Don’t worry, your Second Uncle is coming. You’ll see him soon. I’ll be very safe, trust me.”

But the children clung to Liu Zhenqing and refused to let go.

“Who do you think we are! How can we abandon you!” Huo Yunci said furiously.

“We don’t want to be exchanged. We’re the ones who made a mistake and got caught, we’re the ones responsible!” Huo Yunqian shouted: “Are there any guards around? Take Uncle Liu away!”

The children were truly anxious, but were too young to do anything. Liu Zhenqing knew that making them leave on their own initiative would inevitably cause them great psychological harm, so he simply took advantage of their agitation to give them injections. By the time they could react, the two had fainted and were just barely caught in Liu Zhenqing’s arms.

“You’re truly fascinating.” The more Li Jinshu looked at Lui Zhenqing, the more fascinated he was. “You didn’t act together with Huo Fenglie, so you likely don’t have many people with you. Do you plan to have that hidden master send them away? In that case, aren’t you afraid of what I might do to you?”

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Chapter 144 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 146