Although the Bo family was regarded as one of the top wealthy families in the capital, Bo Yueming and Pei Yi did not spend extravagantly on their wedding arrangements. Instead, they tried to keep the decorations as simple as possible.

The reason for this was very simple. They two of them were used to keeping a low profile—

Marriage was a ceremony for themselves, not a “publicity stunt,” and they didn’t want other guests to regard their wedding as an occasion to flatter them.

The most important thing was that after discussing it with Old Mrs. Bo, they planned to donate all the money saved from the wedding and red envelope gifts to orphanage charities.

Old Mrs. Bo was getting on in years, and her heart had softened. As soon as she heard that the two juniors had such kind intentions, she naturally acquiesced to them.

The wedding was arranged on the open lawn of Bo Manor, and pure white and natural green became the main colors of the occasion.

When Li Yuan arrived at the wedding venue with his person, he took a quick look at Pei Yi, the star of the wedding.

Their eyes met.

Pei Yi immediately came up to him. “Pear Garden, you’re here. Where’s Yan Cen?”

Li Yuan motioned with his eyes, “He took a work call when I got out of the car. I couldn’t wait for him, so I came in first.”

Having said that, he took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray to celebrate. “Congratulations, ah. Happy wedding.”

Pei Yi smiled and accepted his blessing. “Thank you.”

Their wine glasses clinked.

Pei Yi had only taken half a sip when he caught sight of a familiar figure in his peripheral vision, and notified his friend who had his back turned.

“Pear Garden, look who’s coming.”

When Li Yuan heard this, he turned around to see—

Four or five meters away from them, Gu Jianshen, who they hadn’t seen in a long time, was signing in outside the venue under the guidance of an attendant.

The two exchanged glances and walked up together in tacit agreement.

Pei Yi was the first to speak out. “Brother Gu, welcome. I didn’t think you were coming.”

When Gu Jianshen saw his friend, he smiled and said, “You invited me to your wedding, how could I not come? Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Pei Yi raised his glass and asked unambiguously, “Now that you’ve come to the capital this time, do you intend to stay or leave?”

Gu Jianshen got his meaning and joked, “On an occasion like today, you still can’t forget to offer an olive branch and poach someone?”

Pei Yi smiled back. “Brother Gu, who made it so difficult to poach you?”

Hadn’t it been more than four months, and the other party still had no intention of resigning from Weiyi?

Gu Jianshen made eye contact with Li Yuan beside him, and discussed the agreed upon plan, “Actually, Mr. Li and I talked about it, and in another two months, I will hand over the project to Weiyi before New Year’s Day.”

“After this year’s Spring Festival, I’ll come to the studio at the beginning of next spring. Am I welcome?”

“Of course you’re welcome!”

Pei Yi looked at Li Yuan in surprise. “When did you two reach an agreement? Why didn’t I know about it?”

Li Yuan explained, “As for what happened last week, weren’t you busy with pre-wedding preparations? It’s just as well that I waited until today to tell you.”

Gu Jianshen also took a glass of wine and joked, “When you were in Haishi  before, it was like dropping a bomb on my career. Mr. Li is different—”

“In the past two or three months, he has been loosening the soil for me with a ‘small shovel’ at every turn.”

After this back and forth, Gu Jianshen was completely uprooted.

People flowed to higher places.

Weiyi was a very good platform for a game company, but Pei Yi had been right from the beginning. People who truly loved games looked forward to working in an environment where they could work side by side.

Pei Yi toasted again. “Then let’s celebrate in advance Brother Gu joining us at YWY. When you come to the capital next year, we’ll welcome you with a toast.”

“En.”

The three of them chatted for a while.

Pei Yi still kept in mind his identity as a star of the wedding. “Pear Garden, why don’t you take Brother Gu to sit inside? Sister Yang and the others are here. Do you want to get to know each other first?”

Li Yuan nodded. “Okay. Yan Cen will come later, you can show him the way.”

Pei Yi smiled at him. “Understood.”

Not long after the two left, the smile on Pei Yi’s face rapidly broadened and he walked over quickly with a look of dependence. “Er-ge, are you busy? Is Grandma okay?”

Old Mrs. Bo was a little dizzy after getting up early, and was resting in the main house.

When Bo Yueming saw his lover, the remaining seriousness on his face completely vanished. “The doctor checked and didn’t find anything serious, but her blood pressure is a little low.”

“With the two of us holding a wedding today, she was so excited last night that she couldn’t sleep well. We’ll finish up early and let her rest earlier.”

Pei Yi breathed a sigh of relief and joked, “I was just curious if she was fine, this little old lady scared me.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a particularly deliberate cough sounded from the side.

Pei Yi and Bo Yueming heard the sound and looked around, only to find that Qin Yishun had entered the venue at some point, followed by the smiling mother and daughter, Shu Wan and Pei Yuan.

“Mom, Sister, Big Brother!”

Pei Yi called them one by one. “We didn’t you tell us in advance so we could go out and pick you up?”

Bo Yueming nodded. “Yes, ah.”

Shu Wan looked at the two of them with a smiling face, looking moved. “We were afraid you would be too busy greeting guests, so we came ourselves. Anyway, Yishun took us in, and there were no problems.”

Pei Yi fully understood his mother’s meaning. “We’re a family, so there’s no need to be polite. You two just have a good time today.”

Pei Yi took the initiative to give Shu Wan a warm hug, and promised in a low voice, “Mom, don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”

“Ah.”

Shu Wan patted his back twice. “Good boy.”

Ever since Pei Yi’s “foolishness” healed, she felt as if she was alive again.

Her daughter was independent and self-reliant, and was making progress in her work, and her son was happy and had a successful career. Her life had been relaxed and comfortable for the past six months.

Bo Yueming glanced at his watch and changed the subject, “Mom, why don’t you go in and sit down first.”

When Pei Yi heard his lover call her this, he almost couldn’t control his smile. He added in approval, “Yes, ah, eat something to cushion your stomachs. The wedding ceremony won’t start for half an hour.”

Qin Yishun saw his brother’s unrestrained smile and felt helpless and doting.

These two had already reached the point of getting married. Of course he wouldn’t make any inappropriate sarcastic remarks again, but as Pei Yi’s elder brother, he still had to say something.

Bo Yueming seemed to be aware of this, and his eyes unconsciously turned toward Qin Yishun.

The two looked at each other, and Qin Yishun said, “Bo Yueming, take good care of Xiao Yi. If one day you…..”

“I won’t!”

Bo Yueming stopped him, preventing Qin Yishun from speaking an unwarranted assumption.

He looked around and made a solemn vow to the family members that Pei Yi cared most about, “There won’t be such a day. I will always be good to Pei Yi in this life, and that will not change until I grow old and die.”

His tone was very firm and earnest.

Shu Wan and Pei Yuan looked moved when they heard this, and Qin Yishun finally showed a hint of approval. “En.”

Pei Yi watched his family enter the main venue, and finally laid eyes on Yan Cen, who came in late.

Bo Yueming looked at his friend and asked, “Why are you alone?”

“Pear Garden went in a few minutes ago,” Pei Yi replied in his stead, and couldn’t help but tease, “I say, Mr. Yan, why are you still so busy with work? You still have to hide and make phone calls?”

Yan Cen pushed up his glasses slightly, and confirmed that his lover wasn’t around before whispering, “It wasn’t for work, it was for a major life event.”

Bo Yueming came to a realization first. “You’re proposing?”

Yan Cen admitted in a low profile manner, “En, tonight. I will borrow some of your blessings. If I succeed, I’ll treat you to dinner another day.”

Pei Yi was thrilled. “Pear Garden will definitely agree.”

Yan Cen said without revealing a trace of nervousness, “Thank you for your auspicious words.”

Having said that, he rushed off to find Li Yuan.

Pei Yi remained standing there, enveloped in an unprecedented sense of happiness. It wasn’t only for himself, but also for his friends and family.

Everything before him was a life that he had never before dared to imagine.

Pei Yi looked at Bo Yueming next to him and held his hand. “Er-ge, thank you.”

Bo Yueming immediately clasped their fingers together, helpless and doting. “What are you saying ‘thank you’ for?”

Pei Yi murmured after some consideration, “A lot. Thank you for liking me, for staying with me, for healing me, and even more for loving me.”

Bo Yueming understood his lover’s feelings concentrated in these few words, and kissed his temporarily empty ring finger. “Me too.”

. . . . . . . .

Half an hour later, the wedding started on time.

Bo Yueming and Pei Yi walked hand in hand to the main stage under the observation of many family members, friends, and guests.

At the wedding officiant’s indication, they stood face to face and spoke their long-prepared vows:

— I have been abandoned, discredited, and hurt, until I met you, who was also scarred. We saw through each other’s illusions and gained each other’s truth.

— We have watched the starry sky in winter and the fireworks in summer. We went from the first day of dating, to the first month of companionship. From the first year of falling in love, to the rest of our lives.

— Thank you for appearing and healing my incomplete soul.

— Thank you for your persistence and completing my realization of happiness. 

— Whether in sickness or in health, whether rich or poor, whether young or old, you will be my only love for the rest of my life!

They put on their wedding rings again amidst applause and blessings, and ran toward the future that belonged to them.

The wedding lasted until five o’clock in the afternoon before it officially ended.

When Bo Yueming took off his formal clothing and walked back to the first floor, he discovered Pei Yi standing outside the courtyard gate. There was also a staff member wearing an international express uniform next to his lover.

The moment the package was handed over, Pei Yi noticed Bo Yueming’s fixed gaze. “Er-ge.”

Bo Yueming approached. “What are you sending?”

“Wedding candy and a photo of our wedding,” Pei Yi confessed under Bo Yueming’s acquiescing look, “She’ll like it, right?”

There was no relying on others to get things done.

As Bo Yueming’s spouse, Pei Yi personally sent their happiness.

Moved, Bo Yueming kissed his lover’s forehead. “En, let’s go.”

“Where to?”

“Nowhere, I just want to sit with you and watch the sunset.”

Pei Yi looked up and found that the sunset was burning brightly today, as if it was also celebrating with them.

Around them was the same courtyard where they had first met, and even their current positions were almost the same as before.

Pei Yi suddenly remembered something. He kissed the corner of Bo Yueming’s mouth childishly and spoke familiar words—

“I like you, let’s get married, husband~”

The two looked at each other and smiled.

No one had expected that the joke when they first met would confirm their future.

Bo Yueming wasn’t surprised this time, but kissed him and agreed, “En, it’s up to you.”

The evening breeze blew through their hearts, spreading their love everywhere.

They had survived all the loneliness and hurt, and fell in love at the best, most suitable age.

— The End —

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Chapter One Hundred Five <<Table of Contents >> Extra 1

T/N: We’re down to the last two chapters, guys, so I’m posting them both at once. It’s been quite the journey, and I hope you’ve all enjoyed it! The extras have been translated, and I’ll post them as soon as I get them edited.

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Lifelong partner?

When Pei Yi heard this speech that was different from a conventional proposal, ripples appeared in his heart and then spread all over his body at lightning speed.

The stinging in his eyes condensed into a thin layer of mist.

Pei Yi lowered his head to hide in embarrassment, but when he saw Bo Yueming still kneeling in front of him on one knee, he gave his answer practically without hesitation—

“If you’re not qualified, then no one in this world is qualified.”

“Bo Yueming.” Pei Yi solemnly called out his lover’s name and reached out his hand. “I love you.”

The heartstrings that had been tense all day finally relaxed the moment the ring was put on. Bo Yueming lowered his head and kissed the wedding ring, responding with solemn, focused affection.

“Me too. I love you too.”

Pei Yi couldn’t bear to let his lover continue to kneel, and quickly pulled him up. “Where’s your ring? I’ll put it on for you too.”

Bo Yueming took another ring out of his pocket and handed it over.

Pei Yi reached out and took it, and said in the same style, “Mr. Bo Yueming, are you willing to be my lifelong partner?”

Bo Yueming had guessed that his lover would ask this question, and said without hesitation, “Of course I’m willing.”

Pei Yi put the perfectly sized ring on his lover’s ring finger, then ran into his arms and hugged him. “When did you start preparing? I didn’t know anything about it.”

He felt that he was usually quite clever, but around Bo Yueming, he became a child who was confused about everything.

“If I said that I wanted to do this as early as when we first started dating, would you believe it?”

“Ah?”

Pei Yi was stunned for a second or two, and teased, “You wanted to tie me up so early?”

Bo Yueming bit his lipi lightly. “Didn’t I tell you earlier ‘one day, to one month, to one year, and then to a lifetime?’”

Whether it was Bo Lihong and Cynthia or Cheng Yangshan and Old Mrs. Bo, Bo Yueming was used to seeing betrayal in relationships, so he had decided early on—

In the future, he would either not easily start a relationship, or he would be sure of one person to the end.

Fortunately he got to know Pei Yi, who could always see through his true emotions and soothe his inner uneasiness.

Bo Yueming knew that Pei Yi’s fear of sentiment was even worse than his own, so he never forced the other party to keep up with him, and instead slowed his own pace to cooperate with his lover.

Luckily, in the past few months, the relationship between the two had become better and better.

Last time at Old Mrs. Bo’s banquet, Bo Yueming witnessed the prejudice and inconvenience caused by his and Pei Yi’s “business marriage” status, and his impulse to propose became increasingly strong.

And then that night, Pei Yi had nestled in his arms and told him about his past and his secrets little by little.

Bo Yueming was convinced that the person in his arms was also the person he wanted to grow old with.

Thus, he secretly planned this proposal without telling his lover.

There was not a great number of people, nor was it expensive. There was only his love and determination to do everything himself.

It was fortunate that nothing went wrong, and his kitten decisively agreed to his proposal.

Pei Yi was enveloped by happiness, and didn’t forget to murmur, “Er-ge, I actually intended to propose to you, but I didn’t expect that you would be so fast.”

Bo Yueming smiled and asked, “Is that so?”

“Definitely.”

Pei Yi picked up the red wine on the table and took another sip, admitting, “I didn’t believe in love before. I always felt that no matter how happy lovers were, they would eventually fall apart.”

“But you told me with your words and actions: That is not the case.”

“Er-ge, I believe in you, and I believe that we will be together for a lifetime.”

As Pei Yi spoke, he casually handed the remaining half glass of red wine to Bo Yueming. “A toast? To warmly celebrate your successful proposal!”

Only Pei Yi could think of such an odd reason to drink.

Bo Yueming laughed and took the drink without any avoidance at all. “It’s windy. Shall we go inside?”

Pei Yi glanced to the side and saw the brightly lit villa. “Okay, ah.”

The fireworks had launched so suddenly, and his beloved pet had left them behind to run inside. Now it was huddled behind the glass door, watching their every move.

. . . . . . . .

An hour later.

After washing up, Pei Yi reclined in bed and stared intently at the ring on his finger. Bo Yueming’s aesthetic taste was as excellent as ever—

The seemingly ordinary round ring actually adopted the design of a mobius strip. The gap at the twist on the front was inlaid with three white and black circles.

Understated, yet with a hint of refinement and luxury.

The more Pei Yi looked at it, the more he liked it and felt that it was a pity not to share it.

Although he was not usually a person who enjoyed showing off to others, he still couldn’t help but “attack” his friend after some consideration.

Pei Yi picked up the little straw butterfly in the vase and didn’t “deliberately” include his ring in the photo at all.

He quickly found Li Yuan in his contacts, clicked on the picture, and sent it.

“Does it look good? It’s a little straw butterfly.”

In less than half a minute, Li Yuan sent a reply.

“……”

The string of ellipses was straightforward and speechless.

As if he felt that this was not enough to relieve his anger, Li Yuan replied again, “Do you think I’m blind?”

Pei Yi was happy, and put on his performance more enthusiastically, “Tsk, tsk, look at me, I accidentally captured the ring.”

Li Yuan on the other end couldn’t bear it anymore and complained teasingly, “Little Boss Yi, why are you performing a tea ceremony at night? Who proposed to whom?”

The last sentence said normally.

Pei Yi leaned back on his pillow and replied in his usual tone, “He was one step ahead of me.”

“Congratulations. I hope you grow old together.”

Pei Yi accepted his friend’s blessing and gave him back the same, “Pear Garden, you will be very happy if you’ve met the right person. I hope you and Yan Cen will work hard too.”

Li Yuan on the other side was silent for a few seconds, then replied, “Treat us to dinner when you come back, and when we get married in the future, I will definitely give you a big red envelope.”

“Mr. Li is so generous.”

Pei Yi smiled as he typed, and went on to ask teasingly, “Does it look good? Are you envious?”

Li Yuan replied, “Stop showing off, be careful when you’re sleeping tonight.”

In the bathroom behind the curtain, the sound of water cut off.

Pei Yi knew that Bo Yueming had almost finished washing up, so he quickly ended the short and ostentatious conversation with Li Yuan and waited eagerly for his lover to come out of the bathroom.

As soon as Bo Yueming walked back to the master bedroom, he met Pei Yi’s shining eyes.

“Er-ge.”

“En?”

The moment Bo Yueming got close, Pei Yi took the initiative to jump on him.

The two exchanged a brief kiss, and the tips of their noses brushed against each other, ambiguous and tender.

“Are you happy?”

“En, happy.”

Bo Yueming pushed his lover back on the bed, took his hands, and kissed him. “As long as you’re happy. Let’s go to bed early.”

“…….”

Pei Yi was stunned for several seconds, and there was a hint of confused disappointment in his tone. “T-that’s it?”

Didn’t he just propose marriage?

Why not let out a little flame of nighttime love, ah!

Bo Yueming deliberately failed to understand, and pretended to be in earnest, “What can we do if not sleep? Wasn’t it you who said last night that it wouldn’t be allowed tonight either?”

“I don’t dare to disobey my kitten’s orders.”

Pei Yi felt hot and embarrassed when he heard Bo Yueming’s deliberate teasing.

He took a deep breath, and suddenly used his skills to press Bo Yueming onto the bed. He immediately lowered his head and actively raised his lover’s breathing and heart rate.

“Then I take back what I said last night, okay?”

Bo Yueming seemed to be guiding him, but also seemed to be letting him run wild. “Then what do you want to do?”

Pei Yi kissed his thin lips, and his hands began to fumble restlessly. “Er-ge, I……”

The kiss made him hot, confusing his senses. 

Unknowingly, the momentary coldness was quickly replaced by the other’s warmth.

“Mmm.”

Pei Yi moaned. He was like a soft, ripe peach, tempting a person to taste it.

Bo Yueming kissed the lips of the person on top of him and urged him bewitchingly, “Be good and move.”

. . . . . . .

Half a month later, Pei Yi, who loved to sleep in, actually got up early.

He stared at the three large words, “Marriage Registration Center,” and felt a little complicated. He couldn’t help but look at Bo Yueming beside him. “Er-ge, are you nervous?”

Bo Yueming met his eyes and answered truthfully, “A little.”

But there was more excitement than nervousness.

He held his lover’s hand, and the ring on his ring finger felt a bit cool. “Are you nervous? Don’t have any regrets.”

Pei Yi chuckled. “I won’t regret it. It’s useless to regret it.”

There was no one who wouldn’t envy him having such a rich and handsome marriage partner.

Nowadays, same-sex marriage was very common. There were couples queuing up to register in the lobby, and everyone’s faces were filled with yearning for a happy new life.

Bo Yueming and Pei Yi sat in the unobtrusive last row and waited silently until the staff finally called them.

“Number sixteen, the next couple can come in.”

When Bo Yueming heard this number, he inadvertently crumpled the number in his hand and said, “It’s our turn.”

Pei Yi nodded. “En.”

The two of them walked quickly away from the last row. Probably because of their outstanding appearances, they attracted the attention of everyone in the hall in just a few steps.

Even the employee who was used to seeing everything widened her eyes. “You’re number sixteen?”

“Yes.”

Bo Yueming handed over the slightly crumpled number.

When the employee noticed this small detail, the corners of her eyes filled with a smile. It seemed like this couple was in true love, and had become nervous without realizing it.

She asked, “Did you bring your marriage registration photo?”

Pei Yi shook his head, answering confidently and casually, “No, just take it here.”

The employee took in their good looks and responded affirmatively, “Okay, come on in.”

As far as appearances were concerned, they really didn’t need to rely on retouching photos.

The photo booth in the marriage registration office was very simple, with a piece of red cloth in the background and two swivel chairs that could be adjusted in height.

When the photographer saw Bo Yueming and Pei Yi’s appearances, he was as excited as if he had met a couple of models. “Congratulations, gentlemen. Just go up and take a seat.”

“Wait a minute.”

Bo Yueming pulled the excited Pei Yi back and coughed.

For the first time in his life, he felt uncertain about his appearance, so he approached his lover and asked softly, “Kitten, do I look okay? Are my clothes messed up?”

Pei Yi smiled and said, “Er-ge, you look really good. In my eyes, you are the most handsome person.”

The two spoke in low tones, but it was enough to feed the nearby staff dog food.

The employee couldn’t help but say, “Sir, don’t worry. If your good looks don’t make a good picture, then whose could?”

Pei Yi smiled back. “That’s right. Little sister, we’ll treat you to wedding candy later.”

After that, he said to the photographer, “Brother, we’ll give you some too.”

The photographer was appropriately happy. “Okay!”

Bo Yueming saw his lover’s familiar cute appearance and suppressed his underlying nervousness.

The two quickly adjusted their postures for the shot. During the gap when the photographer was preparing, Pei Yi gently shook Bo Yueming’s hand and quietly confessed—

“Er-ge, I love you.”

Bo Yueming heard this, and an irresistible smile finally emerged on his face.

“Okay, you two, look over here. Get ready—”

“Three, two, one!”

Kacha.

With a press of the shutter, the happiness of the two people was captured!

. . . . . . .

It was approaching noon.

Bo Yueming and Pei Yi finally walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau with two bright red wedding books in their hands.

Pei Yi touched the certificate with satisfaction, and then simply handed the copy in his hand to Bo Yueming. “Er-ge, here. I’ll leave it to you for safekeeping.”

“Hm?”

“Although there’s no chance of divorce between us in the future, you still have to hide it away.”

Bo Yueming accepted it with a rare lack of decorum. “Okay.”

He turned around and looked at the doors of the Civil Affairs Bureau behind him. The waiting and registration that morning were more stressful than any acquisition case that he had ever handled before.

It wasn’t until the moment he walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau that he finally breathed out slowly.

Pei Yi clearly saw the change in Bo Yueming’s mood, and said happily, “Why were you so nervous today?”

Bo Yueming locked hands with him, and said everything in a few words. “Because it’s you.”

Because Pei Yi was the person he cared about most. Because they would walk hand in hand for a lifetime.

Pei Yi tacitly accepted his affection, and took the opportunity to raise his head and kiss Bo Yueming’s lips with a smile full of love.

“Husband, please take care of me in the future.”

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Chapter One Hundred Four<<Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Six

Liu Nanyuan already had a very high reputation amongst the Southwest Garrison, and in addition, was said to be the most beautiful person in Dayan. Everyone wanted to see her. Gao Lin followed Liang Shu all the way back to the rear barracks, and met several groups of soldiers along the way. They all had loud voices and straight backs when they saluted, practically shouting to the sky — it could be seen that as long as they were male, no matter their status, spreading their tail like a peacock was a basic requirement.

Gao Lin clicked his tongue and shook his head. No vision, no future prospects.

Hearing the news, Cheng Suyue ran over curiously to take a look. When she came in, Liu Nanyuan had just finished washing up and changing into beautiful clothes. Because she expected to meet guests later, she dressed up carefully. Her blue dress and white skirt were elegant, and she had a few small silver butterfly hair pins on her head. When the wings moved, her features became more vivid and her smile more beautiful. She asked playfully: “Is this sister Cheng-guniang?”

“Come.” Liu Xian’an brought his sister to the door and introduced them. Cheng Suyue smiled and said: “Third Young Lady Liu, I have long admired you.”

The two of them still had to abide by etiquette and address each other formally, but by the time Liang Shu and Gao Lin came in, they were already each other’s Sister Cheng and A-Yuan. They also held hands, and seemed to feel like old friends at first sight. Gao Lin was very pleased to see this, because he had dreamed for his sister to have some close girl friends of the same age with whom to talk about girly things. Don’t just follow the prince into the desert to hunt wolves, it’s too savage.

“Your Highness.” Cheng Suyue stood up. “Ge.”

Liu Nanyuan also lowered her head and saluted. This was her first time meeting Liang Shu. The first two times in Baihe City, she wished she had eight legs to escape this marriage and run as far as she could. But things were different now. Now that the person the prince intended to marry was her Er-ge, of course she must take a good look at her sister-in-law…..Sister-in-law was very tall. Standing at the door, he blocked all the light from the sky. At first glance, she thought her brother had found himself a god.

“Third Young Lady Liu, there is no need to be polite,” Liang Shu said. “Since you were coming to the southwest, why didn’t you send word in advance so that I could send someone to pick you up earlier?”

“I brought my own escort and did not reveal my identity. Besides, there were a lot of troops stationed along the way, so it was quite safe.” Liu Nanyuan said, “I came to the southwest because I missed my Er-ge.”

Of course, the reality was a little more complicated. A few months ago, everyone in Baihe Mountain Village was stunned by the second young master’s sensational letter home. Master Liu was so anxious that he stroked his beard every day, and Madam Liu had to rely on soothing soup to sleep. And as for all the uncles, aunts, and cousins, their hearts ached very much.

“How did Xiao An fall in love with His Royal Highness Xiao Wang?” The one asking the question was truly puzzled. Who was His Royal Highness Xiao Wang? He had a violent temper and was extremely diligent. He never slept while fighting, and it was said that he loved to search for money everywhere. This was completely different from their family’s lazy fellow who had a mellow temper and loved to sleep. He also regarded money as dirt and wouldn’t pick it up if it fell to the ground!

Everyone gathered together to analyze. At the beginning, they even thought that this might be a strategy of His Royal Highness Xiao Wang’s to defeat the enemy, and that Baihe Mountain Village would need to cooperate.

“But how can we cooperate based on such a letter with no beginning or end?”

“I don’t know, ah.”

The whole family was completely at a loss, and they all looked at Master Liu. His heart felt uncomfortable, and before speaking, he sent someone to find two quick-acting heart-healing pills to take.

Later, people sent by the emperor entered the city and also brought many precious medicinal materials as gifts. The whole family gathered around the eunuch to ask questions for half a day, and finally determined that this was not a conspiracy, but the real thing.

His Royal Highness Xiao Wang really wants to marry our family’s lazy fellow!

Master Liu’s beard could no longer be saved. Liu Nanyuan was also extremely curious. This thing sounded too bizarre, so she found an excuse to sneak out of the house and came all the way to the southwest to see what had happened with her own eyes.

Liang Shu asked: “Now that you’ve seen, do you believe it?”

Liu Nanyuan stared at the two of them tightly holding hands and nodded, the beautiful little butterflies flapping around her head. 

It was real. It couldn’t be more real.

Liang Shu said with a smile: “Only one letter reached home? Where is the letter from this lord?”

Liu Xian’an was puzzled when he heard this. What letter? When did you write it?

“The prince’s letter was delayed for a few days on the road, so it arrived a little late,” Liu Nanyuan said. “Then…..then…..”

Then no one believed it at all! Because in the letter written by His Royal Highness Xiao Wang, the main content was all about how Second Young Master Liu treated illnesses and saved people along the way. He also described him as a great miracle doctor the likes of which had never been seen before or since! Master Liu looked stunned at first, but later on, even his furrowed brow became numb.

If this letter had arrived before the other one, the entire Baihe Mountain Village may have been shocked, doubtful about the letter, and discussed it carefully, but the letter home had arrived first. Everyone was forced to appreciate their lazy fellow’s affectionate compliments to His Royal Highness Xiao Wang. Knowing the courting methods of this young couple, didn’t His Royal Highness Xiao Wang’s letter seem to have no credibility at all?

After all, no one in the entire family could understand the second young master.

He could lie down but never sit, and it was best if someone else brought the food to his mouth.

Even Liu Nanyuan still didn’t believe it until now. She adored her Er-ge, but was not blinded by that adoration, and even wanted to teach His Royal Highness Xiao Wang a lesson. I think it’s fine for my brother to lie down and be lazy. There’s no need to force him into a glamorous false shell of saving the world.

Liu Xian’an didn’t mind this, and didn’t want to explain because it would be a lot of work to explain. Looking at his sister now, he was very happy and took the initiative to propose: “How about I take you to climb a mountain tomorrow.”

Liu Nanyuan was rather shocked: “Climb a mountain?” She thought for a moment. “Is it the kind of mountain you climb with your legs?”

“Right, it’s the kind of mountain you climb with your legs. Standing on top of the mountain, you can see other mountains far away.”

Liu Nanyuan was actually not interested in looking at mountains far away, but she was very interested in her Er-ge wanting to walk the mountain road himself—someone who was not from Baihe Mountain Village would not be able to understand this kind of excitement.

There was still some time before dinner. Liu Nanyuan had originally wanted to say a few words to her Er-ge, but Da-ge gave an order: “It’s almost shenshi. You go to the western barracks and see the patients first.”

Liu Nanyuan still thought he was talking to her, and after agreeing, she went to get the medicine box in the carriage. But A-Ning had already strapped a box on diagonally and ran out of the room, saying: “Third Young Lady, please rest. I will accompany the Second Young Master.”

“……” Liu Nanyuan asked tentatively, “What are the ailments?”

Were they very mild? Even her Er-ge could treat them.

“Most of the root causes are ailments that occurred on the battlefield. The humidity in the southwest is heavy, so they require more trouble to treat,” Liu Xian’an said. “You continue to eat snacks, I’ll take a look and come back.”

When he said this, his demeanor and tone were just like another Da-ge. Liu Nanyuan was shocked, but looked around and saw that everyone other than herself seemed to be used to it, so she became even more curious. What snacks were there to eat? She didn’t want to eat, but wanted to go with them to watch.

It was even more remarkable at first glance.

She stood at the door of the clinic and watched her brother busy with his hands and feet, performing dressing changes and acupuncture in one go. His questioning method was also very professional. This scene was so abnormal that Liu Nanyuan pinched her arm. It hurt, so she asked the person next to her in a rare tone of voice: “D-Da-ge?”

“It isn’t a long story.” Liu Xianche said, “To put it simply, he’s always been good at it. He’s just lazy.”

“Lazy. Is it possible to be so lazy?”

“It is possible. If not for him meeting the prince, he would have been lazy all his life.”

“Hide his medical skills all his life?”

“He didn’t mean to hide them.” Liu Xianche explained again, “He’s just lazy.”

Liu Nanyuan knew that her Er-ge was lazy, but she hadn’t known that laziness could reach this extent. However, there was one thing that she still couldn’t figure out: “But Er-ge hasn’t had even a few classes with us, how could he have ‘always been good at it?’ Clearly, since he was a child…..could it be that there was some outside master who secretly taught him medical skills in the waterside pavilion?”

“There was no outside master, just library books and self-study.”

Liu Nanyuan sucked in a breath of cold air. He could teach himself?

“You and I are not as qualified as Xiao An, so we can only rely on hard work to make up for our shortcomings,” Liu Xianche said. “He is the true genius of the Liu family.”

He had never said this in front of Liu Xian’an, but now did not hesitate to express it in front of his sister. And the corners of his mouth were still raised with apparent pride. Liu Nanyuan raised her hands and rubbed her temples a few times, but her head was still buzzing. The lazy Er-ge had suddenly turned into a medical genius and Da-ge, who didn’t show any emotion on his face, now looked as if he had found a treasure. She felt like she needed to calm down a bit.

Liang Shu stood far away at the entrance of the courtyard with a half-smile on his face, clearly in a good mood. Gao Lin put his hands on his hips and reminded, enough is enough, those who don’t know would think the prince saw a beautiful girl and stood there staring like a man looking at his wife. If the rumor spreads, it will damage the reputation of Xiao Wang Palace.

“What do you know?” Liang Shu said, “What he looks like now should be seen by everyone in Baihe Mountain Village.”

“But Second Young Master Liu doesn’t care,” Gao Lin said. “It’s all just nominal titles and fleeting clouds.”

“I care.”

“…….”

Gao Lin was disobedient and continued the conversation in his heart. How else can I put it? Vulgar.

Liang Shu raised his foot and kicked him.

Gao Lin didn’t manage to dodge. I didn’t say anything yet.

“You don’t have to say anything, it’s all written on your face.” Liang Shu lowered his gaze back to Liu Xian’an and said as a matter of course, “I pulled this person down from the clouds with my own hands, so naturally I must prepare everything he needs in order to live in this world. Whether it is reputation or a house made of gold, he doesn’t care, so can I really just let it go?”

Gao Lin’s focus was a bit off. Why build a house made of gold? The emperor will not allow it, and the old men in court will probably cry and bang their heads against the pillars. Can we just save the trouble and build an ordinary luxurious manor? I don’t think Second Young Master Liu is picky in this regard.

Liang Shu said: “No.”

Gao Lin asked: “Why not?”

“Because in another world, he built me a golden manor that could accommodate 30,000 people sitting on cranes and drinking wine at the same time. It is filled with all kinds of rare treasures.” Liang Shu said, “This is called reciprocity.”

Gao Lin: “……”

Imagining that a big manor would be able to lock up our own family’s prince, wouldn’t that make him too gullible? I really think we can use our own discretion to make it appropriately costly.

---

Chapter One Hundred Seven << Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Nine

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

The next morning, Liu Hengchang went to the pharmacy to prepare medicine for Feng Xiaojin as usual. He hadn’t slept all night, and his heart was still in his throat. The herbs were gurgling in the pot, and a sour and bitter heat filled the whole room, making his thoughts more and more confused. This medicine was non-toxic, but it had no positive effect on Feng Xiaojin’s old injuries. To put it bluntly, it was not much different from drinking a bowl of water.

He began to carefully recall the entire story of his entry into the Baifu Sect, and the more he recalled, the more he felt that everything had gone too smoothly. During this period of time, as far as the thing he wanted to do, the places he wanted to go, and the information he wanted to find out, he could achieve all of these goals safely and securely. And behind each secure achievement, there seemed to be an inadvertent push from Feng Xiaojin.

Could it be that…..Liu Hengchang was caught in a conflict, and the other party was secretly assisting him?

“Hey!” The witch doctor’s scolding suddenly sounded in his ears. “Pay attention to your medicine!”

Liu Henchang returned to his senses at once and hastily put out the fire. The witch doctors had always looked down on him, so he didn’t get involved with them much. Liu Hengchang poured the concoction into a bowl, settled himself down again, and then took it to the small southwest courtyard.

Everything was as usual inside the room. Feng Xiaojin sat at the table, polishing his weapon. There was a pot of tea on the table. Liu Henchang took out the medicine bowl and warned, “Young Master Feng, the medicine cannot be drunk with tea.”

“It’s only a few leaves. Yunle sent them to me.” Feng Xiaojin didn’t raise his head, and simply said, “Today’s medicine smells particularly bitter.”

“The ingredients haven’t changed. Perhaps the decoction is a little more potent.” Liu Hengchang stood to the side as he talked, secretly paying attention to the other person’s expression. To have the courage to work as an undercover agent in the Baifu Sect, Liu Hengchang’s psychological quality was much better than that of ordinary people. He was flustered, but not at a loss. 

“If the fire was too strong, the efficacy of the medicine will be weakened and all previous efforts will be wasted. The bitterness will be in vain.” Feng Xiaojin sheathed the sword and ordered, “Take it and pour it out.”

“Yes, then I’ll make another bowl.” Liu Hengchang’s heartbeat accelerated slightly again. He had been wondering that morning that if Feng Xiaojin knew there was a problem with him, whether or not he had taken his previous medicines. Now he suddenly heard the other person say this with his own ears, and had an answer in mind, just like opponents in a chess game, deliberately tearing a rift between black and white.

Events gradually became clearer.

Feng Xiaojin’s expression remained as usual, but Liu Henchang felt that there was a fateful implication, as if everything had reached a certain point and at this specific time, something was destined to happen.

Two more days passed quickly.

On the third day, on which Mu Zhe himself said he planned to cut off Ku You’s arms, it was calm and uneventful. And after this day, the number of witch doctors responsible for guarding him gradually decreased until they were completely absent.

Only Liu Hengchang and Ku You were left in the room.

In this way, Liu Hengchang felt more and more that his guess was correct. When Mu Zhe mentioned at the riverside that Ku You would be punished by torture, that should have been an instigation. If he had gone down the mountain rashly that night, he likely would have fallen into a trap. Then now…..a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back. In the end, not fearing death did not mean welcoming it. Everyone wanted to live. After walking outside the gates of hell, one would learn their lesson.

Don’t be reckless, don’t be careless, don’t take things for granted. Be calm, sober, and tranquil in adversity. Liu Hengchang thought this silently in his heart, maintaining the airtight seal on his words. He held it in for two days without speaking. Finally, Ku You took the initiative to ask him: “What happened?”

“What?”

“They suddenly relaxed their surveillance on you and me. Something must have happened.” Ku You repeated his question, “Do you know why this is?”

Liu Hengchang didn’t answer immediately, looking around a couple of times. Although Ku You was blindfolded, he seemed to be aware of his actions and said: “There is no one watching. Speak.”

Only then did Liu Hengchang tell him what had happened in the past few days.

Ku You asked: “What kind of person is Feng Xiaojin?”

“An…..extremely cold person.”

Liu Hengchang wracked his brains to describe him as closely as possible. “He seems to have no interest in anything, and never interferes in the administration of the Baifu Sect. He is like a tourist who only lives there with his two young siblings.” Although Wumeng Yunyou and Wumeng Yunle both called him Uncle, perhaps because his face was stuck at the age of seventeen, the three of them looked more like siblings of the same age.

Ku You said: “I want to see him alone.”

“Okay.” Liu Hengchang nodded. “Don’t worry, Commander Ku. I will do my best to make arrangements.”

He glanced at the sun outside the window again and asked doubtfully: “It’s already past noon. Why hasn’t Miss Yunle come today?”

“Perhaps her goal has been achieved,” Ku You said. “Feng Xiaojin cares about her very much?”

“Yes, and there is also Young Master Yunyou. This brother and sister pair seem to be his only tie to the mortal world.” Liu Hengchang packed up the medicine box. “I can’t stay here long, I must leave first. Commander Ku’s eyes—”

“Don’t worry about me,” Ku You interrupted. “Make arrangements as soon as possible.”

Liu Hengchang acquiesced, then turned around and left the small courtyard in a hurry. On the way back, he saw a large group of Wumeng Yunle’s maids walking in the other direction. 

“From today on,” Mu Zhe said, “You don’t need to see him anymore.”

“Why not?” Wumeng Yunle stood up anxiously. “Master promised me that I can persuade him to join the Baifu Sect.”

“I did promise, but you don’t seem to be able to do so,” Mu Zhe said. “He has no interest in you.”

“That’s because those incompetent doctors haven’t examined his eyes well yet!”

“Then wait until his eyes recover. Until they recover, don’t go to that courtyard again.”

“But I like seeing him.” Wumeng Yunle took two steps forward and reached to grasp Mu Zhe sleeve, but only grasped air.

Mu Zhe walked out with a flick of his sleeves, and the maids immediately filed in. The Leader said deferentially, “Holy Maiden, it is the Leader’s command that if there is nothing important in the future, you need not go out again.”

“……” Wumeng Yunle was extremely unhappy and tried to break through the door, but was no match for the maids. In the end, she could only walk back full of displeasure. On the way, she happened to meet Yuan Yu again. She felt even more disgusted and quickened her pace, like a cloud drifting away from him.

Yuan Yu did not stop her. Another man beside him jested with a sneer: “Brother Yuan, forgive me for being blunt, but she doesn’t seem to have any interest in you.”

“She doesn’t need to be interested in me. I’m only interested in her face.”

“A superficial, ignorant, and beautiful woman is indeed fit to be dressed up and enshrined on an altar. Although both are beautiful, I still prefer the medical girl from the Liu family. Her vitality is so strong, like a vine full of flowers, and she can make everyone around her feel that vitality.”

“But at least I can obtain that superficial woman. Your flowers can only bloom in the distance forever.” Yuan Yu cast his gaze to the other side of the path. “Sometimes, it’s not a bad thing for a man if a woman is a little stupid.”

The wind blew away the conversation between the two, and also caused the southwest flowers to sway.

“Yah!” Amidst the fragrance of flowers, a white horse galloped. Behind that white horse, servants shouted: “Third Young Lady! Slow down!”

They were out of breath from chasing her, especially the chubby chestnut pony among them. Forced to be surrounded by a group of powerful and long-legged war horses, it couldn’t stop, and its soul was about to fly away. 

Just like that, they ran all the way to the Valley of Ten Faces.

“First Young Master! Second Young Master!” It was rare for a disciple of Baihe Mountain Village to run and shout in such a way when they were not administering emergency treatment. It was truly unbecoming, and there was clearly no emergency at the moment. The two young masters of the Liu family stepped across the threshold together. Before they could say anything, the disciple was already saying happily: “First Young Master, Second Young Master, guess who’s here?”

A layer of skirt rose up at the threshold, and a half-smiling face appeared: “No need to guess now!”

“A-Yuan?” Liu Xian’an was extremely surprised, and stepped forward to greet her at once. Liu Nanyuan was travel-worn, and there was a silly rag draped over her head. Liu Xianche said with a smile: “Good, good, a young girl is dressed like a sixty-year-old mother-in-law.”

“It’s so that my hair doesn’t blow around. I’ve been riding a horse all the way. Liu Nanyuan removed the handkerchief, and her black hair was like a waterfall, shining with the luster of brocade. A soldier of Xiao Wang Palace was originally there to deliver food boxes to Liu Xian’an, but when he came in, he saw a beautiful girl standing in the courtyard. He immediately blushed and didn’t know where to put his eyes, and after a salute, he hastily ran away. 

He almost ran into Lieutenant General Gao’s arms while running.

“Slow down!” Gao Lin grabbed his arm. “Did you run into a ghost?”

“No, Third Young Lady Liu is here.” The soldier was still blushing. He couldn’t help it. After all, she was the most beautiful woman in Dayan. Even though he only got a brief glance at her, his hands still trembled with nerves.

“I just heard the announcement. It turns out that there are people from Baihe Mountain Village here?” Now, the three Liu family brothers and sister were gathered together. Gao Lin feared that there was not enough chaos in the world, so he went all the way to find his family’s prince and said: “Your Highness, your sister-in-law is here.”

Liang Shu was lamenting over a military report that was incomprehensible nonsense, but when he looked up and saw Gao Lin’s expression, he knew that the other party was here to cause trouble again and said simply and concisely, scram.

“I have conveyed the words, but the prince himself does not want to listen. If Second Young Master Liu is blamed in the future, I will not be responsible.”

“Get back here!”

“Ai!” Gao Lin had rich experience in scramming and coming back again, and his life could be said to be very well-rounded. 

Liang Shu commanded: “Speak.”

“Ahem!” Gao Lin cleared his throat, and repeated again that his sister-in-law was here.

He spoke very eloquently, but Liang Shu was still very unfamiliar with this field and simply didn’t react. “Whose sister-in-law?”

“Your own, Your Highness.” Gao Lin was happy. “Third Young Lady Liu, Liu Nanyuan, is currently at Second Young Master Liu’s residence.”

Liang Shu slammed the writing brush in his hand onto the table with a smack, and asked in surprise: “Why is she here?”

“Who knows, maybe she is passing by. After all, her two brothers are here,” Gao Lin said. “Xiao Song just glanced at this girl and got so excited that his face blushed and his neck went red. He was like a savage, running around howling and not watching his path, but didn’t seriously injure himself. It can be said that his potential is astonishing.”

Liang Shu: “…….”

What did this mean?

In order to save face for Xiao Wang Palace, His Royal Highness Xiao Wang could only behave as luxuriously and decently as possible. The stone table in the back courtyard was already filled with seven or eight dishes of Jiangnan snacks. Liu Nanyuan didn’t bother to eat, asking first: “Are the rumors true? Is Er-ge really planning to marry His Royal Highness Xiao Wang?”

Liu Xianche’s chest felt tight. Why did she bring this up first thing? He didn’t want to hear about it anymore.

Liu Xian’an was very happy. Yes, we will get married in the future.

Liu Nanyuan asked again: “So everything written in the family letter is true?”

“It’s true.” Liu Xian’an nodded. “Did Mother and Father say anything?”

“After receiving the news, Father anxiously pulled out many strands of his beard and became completely bald. As for Mother, she also stayed in bed for a few days at first, mainly because, as you know, His Royal Highness Xiao Wang’s reputation is not very good in our region.” Liu Nanyuan said, “But then the emperor sent people to boast about the prince for a long time, and said that the matter needed to be discussed further, so the elders didn’t need to be so nervous. This basically stabilized the mood of our parents.”

Liu Xian’an felt guilty upon hearing this, because he recalled that his father quite liked that mustache. When he had nothing to do, he would take out small golden scissors from his sleeve and trim it carefully, but now it was torn out because of him. It could be seen that he had a problem with anxiety, and the symptoms were obvious. Just like the big parrot that hung under the covered bridge, and would frantically pull out the feathers on its rear end when it got upset. 

Liu Nanyuan urged, “Why did you only ask about our parents, but not ask about my reaction?”

“Then what was your reaction?”

“I was extremely moved at the time.” Liu Nanyuan grabbed her Er-ge’s sleeve and said, “I thought you were sacrificing yourself to prevent me from marrying His Royal Highness Xiao Wang.”

Liu Xian’an: “……You were thinking too much.”

“Yes, ah, I understood later.” Liu Nanyuan said, “When I went out, the closer I got to the southwest, the more people I heard talking about His Royal Highness Xiao Wang and Er-ge. I also met an unfortunate restaurant owner who said that the Jiangnan pastry chef he had finally hired was poached by the prince for a lot of money after he had only been working for a few days, saying that he would make sugar cakes for Er-ge.”

Liu Xian’an made an honest evaluation: “En, the taste is really decent.”

“But how are you together with His Royal Highness Xiao Wang?” Liu Nanyuan was puzzled. “You’re basically people from two different worlds.”

“People from different worlds can also enter each other’s worlds and seek common ground while setting aside differences.” Liu Xian’an didn’t want to bother explaining, and his mouth felt a little dry, so he told his sister, “When you grow up a little bit and meet the man you love, en, the kind of person who looks gentle, has a smile on his lips, has a slender figure, is full of literary thoughts, has little strength, is prone to stomach aches, and coughs when the wind blows, you will understand.”

“Don’t say that, ah!” Liu Nanyuan covered her mouth, embarrassed. There were some things that she was only willing to say to her Er-ge. Da-ge was too serious and strict, so it was not easy to talk to him.

As expected, Liu Xianche criticized: “A stomach ache and a cough, doesn’t this mean he is sick?”

Liu Nanyuan was very insistent. What is wrong with a sick sapling? In any case, I like weak people.

Liu Xianche: “…….”

How incomprehensible was this? What was wrong with this younger sibling?

---

Chapter One Hundred Six << Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Eight

—Bang.

The bathroom door swung open.

Pei Yi was held in front of Bo Yueming, motionless with his head lowered.

Bo Yueming tilted his head and kissed his hot neck. He asked knowingly, “Are you really asleep?”

“…….”

Pei Yi used his remaining sanity to pretend to be dead asleep.

Bo Yueming placed his lover on the bed, and his fingertips deliberately brushed over the other’s ticklish skin—

Pei Yi was defeated at once, and mumbled, “I won’t, won’t deceive you next time.”

Bo Yueming’s hand lowered, and he comforted him gently, “Baby, your drinking capacity seems to have improved a lot?”

After drinking nearly a bottle of whiskey, he was still begging for mercy in a clear-headed manner.

Pei Yi was already so sleepy that his eyes drooped. When he heard this erroneous compliment, he moved slightly. “Er-ge, I’m sleepy, no more.”

Where was his drinking capacity?

It was clear that Bo Yueming was using an alternative method to ‘compel’ him to get hot and sweat. He fell into a drowsy state several times, and the feeling of drunkenness disappeared as he tossed.

“Not yet,” Bo Yueming said in a low voice, and kissed his lips again.

Pei Yi’s unfinished whimper suddenly turned into a gasp.

He subconsciously tightened his arms around Bo Yueming, tossing wantonly under the other party’s stimulation.

. . . . . . . .

This “punishment” lasted until three or four in the morning, and finally came to an end after Bo Yueming’s heart softened.

The drowsy Pei Yi missed breakfast and lunch, and slept until the evening before barely breaking free of his sleepiness.

He took a few bites of food to fill his stomach, then got back into bed and remained motionless.

Bo Yueming saw this lazy kitten and chuckled as he came closer. “Are you really tired? You haven’t recovered after sleeping for so long?”

Pei Yi glared at him halfheartedly.

The kitten expressed that he didn’t want to speak and presented him with the round back of his head.

Bo Yueming reached out and gently rubbed the back of his neck, sliding all the way down to help massage and relax him. “Lie down, I’ll give you a massage.”

Pei Yi followed his instructions and squinted his eyes in enjoyment.

While helping him relieve his fatigue and soreness, Bo Yueming asked casually, “Do you have Saturday off tomorrow?”

Pei Yi responded hoarsely, “En, I’m off.”

Operations for The Last Fog were on track, and the studio had returned to its normal weekend breaks. Only one or two technical staff needed to be arranged to take turns working overtime every week.

Of course, overtime meant double the pay, which was unavoidable.

Bo Yueming extended an invitation, “Then do you want to go to the beach with me tomorrow?”

Pei Yi was finally willing to turn his head back around. “Huh? The beach?”

“En.”

Bo Yueming kept moving his hands, and said in an enticing tone, “Last winter, we went to Yanshan Mountain to watch the stars and the sunrise. Now that it’s summer, let’s go to the beach to watch the stars and the sunset?”

Pei Yi became interested at once, and hastily agreed, “Okay, ah. I’ve wanted to go for a long time.”

Ever since he learned that Cynthia had spent Bo Yueming’s last birthday on the beach with him, Pei Yi had always wanted to go there with his lover.

He wanted to accompany the other party to make fresh memories other than his unhappy childhood ones.

Bo Yueming received the answer he wanted and revealed his pre-prepared plan, “Then we’ll leave around ten o’clock tomorrow. It will take us four and a half hours to drive to the beach resort.”

When Pei Yi heard his lover’s schedule, he knew that the other party had made early preparations.

Enduring the soreness, he sat up and smiled softly, kissing Bo Yueming. “Er-ge, I’ll go along with your arrangements.”

Bo Yueming took the opportunity to tighten his grip, and said, “All right.”

As soon as his ticklish waist was touched, Pei Yi added urgently, “Wait!”

“What?”

“N-no more tonight, otherwise I won’t be able to get up tomorrow.”

Bo Yueming laughed, teasing, “Then we’ll wait until tomorrow night.”

Pei Yi knew he was being teased, but still said stubbornly, “Not even tomorrow night.”

. . . . . . . .

Early the next morning.

When Pei Yi awoke from his dreams, Bo Yueming had already arranged everything for their departure in advance.

Bo Yueming was busy putting a leash on Inspector. When he heard movement on the bed, he stood up and immediately came forward. “You’re awake? Did you get enough sleep?”

Pei Yi yawned. “What time is it?”

Bo Yueming wiped his hands with the wet wipes beside the bed. “It’s just after nine o’clock. When you finish washing up, we can set off.”

“En.”

Pei Yi nodded, and suddenly noticed something with his keen eyes. “Er-ge, what’s wrong with your hands?”

As he spoke, he grabbed his lover’s hands to inspect them.

There were several small scratches on his long, good-looking fingers. Although they weren’t serious, they were still a bit red.

“These weren’t there last night.” Pei Yi gave it careful thought and raised his eyes worriedly. “How did it happen?”

“It’s nothing.”

Bo Yueming didn’t care about this minor injury, and explained casually, “After you fell asleep last night, I did some work and accidentally scratched myself with the paper. It just broke the surface a little, it’s not a big deal.”

“Be more careful next time.”

“En.”

Neither of them were dramatic people, and this little injury was nothing to get worked up over.

Once Pei Yi had figured out the situation, his attention shifted. He looked at the leash on his pet and was taken aback. “We’re taking Inspector along this time?”

Bo Yueming replied with a smile, “En, as long as the weather isn’t cold later, we can take it with us when we go out for short distances.”

Inspector seemed to understand its master’s intentions, and gave an “ao-meow” in agreement.

Pei Yi rubbed its head and felt that he was in a particularly good mood today. He didn’t waste any more time. “Then I’ll go wash up first.”

Bo Yueming placed a good morning kiss on his forehead. “Okay, go on.”

. . . . . . . .

Bo Yueming had a reservation at an exclusive seaside resort that was privately managed. Every guest could enjoy “one house with one beach,” and butler-style services.

—Swish.

As soon as the door of the independent villa opened, their dedicated hotel butler began his introduction. “Mr. Bo, Mr. Pei, hello. There is a swimming pool in the front yard with twenty four hour heating.”

“The villa is private, and the luggage has been delivered in advance, and in the rear of the villa is a private beach.”

“If you need anything, you can communicate with me directly through the intercom in the villa.”

The butler walked the two of them to the main room and stopped. “I wish you a pleasant stay.”

“En, thank you.”

Pei Yi carried his pet and stepped into the villa at once.

The living room had oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, and not far away was the endless blue sea. There was a small courtyard outside, where one could go out and enjoy the sea view at any time.

Inspector jumped out of Pei Yi’s arms and curiously explored the new environment.

Pei Yi wasn’t afraid of it getting lost. He walked from the living room to the master bedroom, and the second he entered the door, his gaze froze in surprise—

There was a small vase placed on the pure white bedside table. In it were not regular flowers, but small straw animals – butterflies, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and birds.

Although the arrangement was not perfect, it was quite lively.

Pei Yi immediately drew closer and couldn’t help but take one out, holding it in his hand and playing with it. “Er-ge! Look!”

He was just about to share this unexpected discovery with his lover when he turned around and saw Bo Yueming leaning against the door, gazing at him lovingly. “En, I see it.”

Pei Yi thought of the thin wounds on Bo Yueming’s fingers and suddenly reacted.

He brought the fluttering little straw animal to his lover’s side. “You…..did all of this?”

“Is it the same?”

Bo Yueming flicked the little grasshopper’s wings with his fingertip and said dotingly, “Kitten, does this look like the little straw grasshopper in your memories?”

Bo Yueming had been thinking about it ever since he heard Pei Yi tell him about his childhood experience in the orphanage.

He specially asked someone to buy the raw materials used for straw weaving.

Then he studied the videos in detail for two nights in a row, and finally came up with a few decent ones for his lover.

“…….”

Pei Yi’s eyes suddenly reddened, and as if fearing being embarrassed, he quickly wrapped his arms around Bo Yueming. “What gave you this idea? I, I’m not a child anymore.”

Hearing Pei Yi’s tearful voice, Bo Yueming gently hugged him and comforted, “But I want to treat you to some childhood pampering. Whatever you lacked in childhood and can be made up for, I will make it up to you.”

“Last time on the way back from Yanshan Mountain, didn’t I promise to make it up to you?”

Pei Yi’s voice was muffled in his clothing. “I was kidding you back then.”

Bo Yueming didn’t expect him to be moved to tears by such a small thing, so he changed the subject and coaxed, “Little Sir, would you like to comment on my handicraft skills?”

Pei Yi finally broke into a smile and withdrew from his lover’s arms to look at them carefully. “En, they’re pretty good.”

Bo Yueming raised his eyebrows. “Just pretty good?”

Pei Yi smiled and said, “Er-ge, they’re very good. Thank you.”

Such small toys from his childhood memories were made with care, and moved his heart more than flowers would have.

Pei Yi shook the small toy in his hand. “When did you make them? And when did you put them here?”

Bo Yueming took him into the living room and said, “I completed them early this morning and put them in the trunk.”

However, Bo Yueming had communicated with the hotel butler beforehand. When they were checking in just now, the other party asked the staff to secretly bring them and put them here in advance.

Pei Yi put it back into the vase and looked at Inspector, who was still exploring the living room outside. “I can’t let Inspector mess with them this time. I want to preserve them well.”

Bo Yueming let him handle it. “Are you hungry? It’s not quite three in the afternoon yet.”

Pei Yi shook his head. “I just ate something in the car and I’m still full.”

Bo Yueming wasn’t hungry either. “Then let’s sleep for a while first? After we get some energy back, we can watch the sunrise on the beach before eating. There should be stars out tonight.”

Pei Yi was very satisfied with this schedule. Remembering that Bo Yueming had worked hard to drive all the way here, he immediately agreed. “Okay.”

. . . . . . . .

Waves washed softly onto the beach. The sea breeze was blowing gently, and the sun in the sky was slowly setting toward the intersection of sky and sea.

The sky was not filled with fiery red clouds, but dyed into a magnificent pink-blue tone that reflected on the sparkling sea.

Everything was perfectly gentle and soft.

“Meow-wu~”

Inspector was not as timid as other cats. This was obviously the first time it had seen the sea and walked on the beach, but it was bold enough to run rampant, so excited that it dashed blindly back and forth.

Pei Yi watched his beloved pet’s rare foolishness and couldn’t help but hold Bo Yueming’s hand tightly. “Er-ge.”

“En?”

“I wish time would stop at this moment.”

Bo Yueming kissed the back of his hand. “Even if time doesn’t stop, we will have countless times like this in the future.”

Pei Yi thought about it. “Yes.”

The two held hands like this until the sunset completely fell below the sea level, and then they took the tired Inspector back to the villa’s backyard.

While they were walking on the beach, the hotel butler had already arranged a candlelight dinner at the beach for them according to Bo Yueming’s instructions.

This smooth arrangement caused Pei Yi’s good mood to rise even more.

“Er-ge.”

“En?”

“Wait until the next time we go out to have fun, I’ll make the arrangements.”

At Bo Yueming’s gesture, Pei Yi took his seat and said, “Otherwise I’ll be outclassed by you.”

Bo Yueming very much enjoyed all aspects of serving his lover, and poured him some red wine. “What’s the point of comparing? It’s good as long as you like it.”

Pei Yi nodded happily. “Of course I like it, ah, I don’t have to worry about anything. Who wouldn’t like it?”

Bo Yueming sat opposite him and said, “Eat, ba.”

Pei Yi raised his glass. “A toast?”

“Okay.”

The food at this resort was also of high quality and taste.

Pei Yi and Bo Yueming ate and talked, watching the sky over the beach grow darker.

At the end of the meal, the hotel butler promptly served iced milk pudding as dessert. “Mr. Pei, please take your time.”

The sole dessert was placed in front of Pei Yi.

Pei Yi kept Bo Yueming in mind as always. “Only one portion?”

The hotel butler didn’t understand for a moment, and glanced at Bo Yueming. “Yes, Mr. Bo personally prepared it for you.”

“…….”

Pei Yi was startled, and his gaze fell on Bo Yueming once more. “Er-ge, when did you do this?”

How didn’t he know about it?

Bo Yueming motioned with his eyes for the butler to step back, and sat next to Pei Yi. “I made it while you were sleeping in the afternoon. Time was tight, so I had to pick something simple. Will you try it?”

Pei Yi took a few bites in a dignified manner and affirmed encouragingly, “En, it’s delicious.”

Bo Yueming vowed, “I will learn more from Uncle Kai in the future, and make more for you when I get the chance.”

Pei Yi took another spoonful with a faint smile. “Er-ge, how many things did you do while I was sleeping? As expected, all ‘villains’ are masters of time management.”

As soon as the sound of his teasing fell, there was a whoosh behind him as something shot into the sky.

Pei Yi turned his head subconsciously. One second, two seconds, three seconds—

A gorgeous firework suddenly bloomed in the dark blue night, followed by many more, and instantly became the most dazzling scenery on the entire coastline!

Bo Yueming encircled his stunned lover from behind and whispered in his ear, “Kitten, let me borrow your original trick to surprise you.”

Pei Yi knew that this was Bo Yueming’s handiwork again, and his initial shock turned to enjoyment. He murmured, “Although it’s not an exclusive idea, I still have to charge a fee.”

Fireworks enfolded the night in harmony with the bright moon, and all the loneliness and desolation ignited into a tenderness that belonged to the two of them alone.

The last bouquet of fireworks came to an end, and Pei Yi’s world became completely quiet.

His eyes slowly lowered from the night sky, and he realized that he had unknowingly stepped out of Bo Yueming’s arms while he was absorbed in what he was watching.

“Pei Yi.”

In the next second, that familiar voice met his ears again.

It was clearly just his name, but it brought with it a slight tremor of nervousness that had never been heard before.

An idea instantly popped into Pei Yi’s mind, and he turned around to look.

Bo Yueming was still sitting behind him, but suddenly there was a small black velvet box in his hand.

A simple yet well-designed ring was placed inside, quietly appearing before his eyes.

“……”

Pei Yi sucked in a breath, his eyes hot from the smoke of the fireworks. “Er-ge, you…..”

Words came to his lips, then stopped again.

He hadn’t expected that the proposal he was still planning would be preempted by his lover so blatantly.

Bo Yueming squeezed the ring box in his hand slightly and attempted to say in a calm tone, “I will replenish the little straw toys that have been trampled on, and I will make you the desserts that others can no longer make.”

“As long as you like it or want it, I will do my best to give it to you.”

He would make up for the regrets of his lover’s childhood, and also erase the bitterness.

“We can watch the sunrises and sunsets together, look at the stars and fireworks together, and unlock more things together in our future lives.”

Bo Yueming knelt down on one knee and looked up at the person in front of him.

The bright moonlight appeared in those eyes that were as dark blue as the deep sea. This was his Pei Yi.

“Little Sir, am I qualified to be your lifelong partner?”

---

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Chapter One Hundred Three <<Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Five

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

Even a forty-eight thousand year old immortal had to eat, and it was absolutely impossible to do so without money. Therefore, First Young Master Liu received an extremely long list of daily expenses that night. Liu Xian’an stood beside him and continued listing things one after another. “A-Ning and I don’t really need much. The main thing is that raising a prince is more expensive.”

Liu Xianche was puzzled. It is natural for me to raise you, but why must His Royal Highness Xiao Wang be raised by Baihe Mountain Village?

“Because the prince will have no salary next month,” Liu Xian’an explained. “He just bought me a beautiful ruby, and he spent all his money on it.”

Liu Xianche: “……”

As the eldest son of the Liu family, it was his responsibility to teach his younger siblings to be diligent, thrifty and humble, and to avoid extravagance. But then he thought, ever since he was a child, when it was his little brother’s birthday, he didn’t seem to have picked out gifts according to his preferences. For several years, because he was practicing medicine outside, he didn’t even send anything at all and had forgotten all about it. So, he reluctantly acquiesced this time. He didn’t criticize further, just waved his hand and said with a headache: “Go to the accounting office and get money for yourself.” 

Liu Xian’an successfully obtained a pile of banknotes. Turning left when he went out, he handed everything over to the steward of Xiao Wang Palace. The steward was young and had never witnessed such a big scene before, and was shocked speechless on the spot. He stammered and waved his hands, no, no, our prince is rich! Rich!

If there was money, it must be collected. After leaving the banknotes, Liu Xian’an was satisfied and went back to his room to sleep. At midnight, the watchman banged his clapper as he passed by outside the barracks, and the door creaked softly. His Royal Highness Xiao Wang, who had just finished his military affairs and learned that he had been paid a large sum of money to support him, could not wait until the next morning and wanted to prove at once that he was indeed worth the money.

The Sleeping Immortal couldn’t bear the fondling and pulled the quilt over his head, but then his feet were held. Liang Shu had bad interests in this respect and loved to pick on him when he was in a daze. The busier he was outside, the more tired and annoyed he was. When he got home, he wanted to make unreasonable trouble and poke the lazy egg in his arms. And Second Young Master Liu had a good temper and the ability to sleep soundly at any time—this well-matched pair were quite suitable for each other.

Liu Xian’an yawned and said: “I dreamed about Commander Ku.”

Liang Shu asked: “Was it a good dream?”

“Yes,” Liu Xian’an said. “It was great, lucky and auspicious. All wishes will come true.”

Liang Shu smiled and tightened his arms. “That’s good.”

When immortals dreamt, they should always be accurate.

The night was dark. The entire mountain forest seemed to be covered by a large piece of black cloth, and even the moonlight was so dim that it was almost negligible.

Recently, there were witch doctors and guards around Liu Hengchang every time he treated Ku You. He had clearly been holding back something he wanted to say, but never had a chance to say it. Seeing that the date mentioned by Mu Zhe was getting closer but Ku You’s eyes still hadn’t improved at all, he was extremely anxious. There were many torture methods used by the Baifu Sect. Breaking arms and gouging out eyes were commonplace. Thinking of those bloody scenes, Liu Hengchang moved his hand and almost stabbed Ku You’s cheekbone.

“Hiss….” He quickly retracted his hand, but still left a drop of blood on the other person’s face.

“If you are absent-minded, do less and think more,” Ku You said. “Lest you make a wrong move and end up harming yourself and others.”

Before Liu Hengchang could parse the warning in his words, Wumeng Yunle had already come to the door again with her skirts in her hands. She had been running here these past few days. Firstly because of the Leader’s orders, and secondly because she wanted to see more of those golden eyes.

Ku You was taciturn and silent toward everyone, and Wumeng Yunle seemed to be the only one who could make him speak more, although the content of their chats was the same every time. And while they were talking, Yuan Yu would stand outside and listen without saying a word, an expression of contempt on his face.

As much as he liked this woman’s appearance, he disdained her superficiality and naivete. She only knew how to compare her own beauty to other womens’ all day long, and wasn’t even as lovable as those stone statues of the Holy Maiden. At least those statues were calm and silent, with only an absolute beauty, providing people with endless imaginings.

Wumeng Yunle asked: “Then could you like someone such as Liu Nanyuan?”

Ku You said: “No one dislikes Third Young Lady Liu.”

“Then could you also like me?” Wumeng Yunle gazed at him.

But Ku You asked: “After peeling off the false shell of the so-called Holy Maiden, what is left of you that is worthy of being liked by others?”

“I have—”

“You have a beautiful face.”

Ku You interrupted her: “You have said this sentence so many times, and I have said more than once that my admiration for Third Young Lady Liu has nothing to do with her status as the most beautiful woman in the world. Even if she had the most ordinary face, her name would still be famous throughout the southwest camp.”

Wumeng Yunle angrily threw her handkerchief at the other party. She actually knew that good was right and evil was wrong, but she couldn’t tell what was good and what was evil, so she would always grow angry at Ku You’s “unreasonableness” and turn around to leave. But the next day, she would return in a timely manner. She even put on beautiful outfits in case Ku You was able to see her at any time.

Yuan Yu was dissatisfied: “She fell in love with someone she shouldn’t have fallen in love with. That is to say, according to Leader Mu’s plans, she shouldn’t fall in love with anyone at all.”

“But she is an indispensable part of the overall plan.” Mu Zhe didn’t seem to take this matter too seriously. “Unless you can find a second person who can make Ku You willing to talk.”

Yuan Yu became increasingly resentful: “He also fell in love with her just by her voice, because it is as mellow as a nightingale.”

“Island Master Yuan truly likes my A-Le.” Mu Zhe smiled. “Don’t worry, I will remember our deal.”

“But she is a saintess.”

“She is not a saintess. I made her a saintess,” Mu Zhe corrected. “In this world, there is no shortage of beautiful and obedient girls. She is not irreplaceable. The only one I have eyes for is her brother.”

“That killer is as fast as lightning, but I heard he was seriously injured by Liang Shu.”

“I am also waiting. If he continues to be unwell—”

Yuan Yu’s eyes were contemptuous: “Leader Mu won’t kill him too, will he?”

“Of course not,” Mu Zhe said. “But I have many ways to make him stand up again.”

. . . . . . .

Liu Hengchang was certain that those witch doctors would not leave in the short term, and since Wumeng Yunle would not help him in this matter, he decided to take the risk and pass a message down the mountain that Mu Zhe was about to torture Ku You. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t considered that this might be a trap, but what if it wasn’t?

Thus, he decided in the end to give it a try.

In order to choose the safest route, he had visited all the nearby sentry points in the name of collecting herbs these past few days. Ultimately, he chose a dark and windy night to sneak out and prepare to go down the mountain. He walked hurriedly along the unattended path, moving very fast. In the end, he simply ran forward. Time was limited. He had to return to the forest before the sun rose.

An herb gatherer had a very good sense of direction. He almost didn’t need the compass in his hand, and could tell north, south, east, and west just by relying on the sparseness of the trees. Seeing that the mountain pass was already in front of him, Liu Hengchang hid behind a rock. He would just wait for the patrol team to leave, and then immediately jump off that short cliff!

“One, two, three!”

Liu Henchang mouthed encouragement to himself, and after waiting until the surroundings were quiet, he was about to rush out when there was a pain in his shoulder. Soon after, half his body started to become paralyzed. He opened his mouth but couldn’t speak, and slapped his hands randomly in fear, but he was no match for his sneak attacker.

The major acupoints all over his body were sealed, and Liu Hengchang could only be carried upright by the other party all the way back to…..his residence?

“Cough, cough!” Still in shock, he chased after him a couple of steps, but the man in black had vanished without a trace.

Only a faint medicinal scent was left in the air. A medicinal scent that was familiar to Liu Hengchang and usually appeared on Feng Xiaojin’s body. 

After this realization, Liu Hengchang was absolutely dumbfounded. He took weak steps to sit on the threshold, his heart beating like a drum. 

If it was really Young Master Feng…..could it be that the other party had already discovered his betrayal? But since he had discovered it, why didn’t he expose him? 

Liu Hengchang patted his messy head, feeling somewhat regretful of his recklessness tonight. He should indeed have been more calm and composed when facing an emergency.

---

Chapter One Hundred Five << Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Seven

It was once again time to leave work.

Pei Yi carefully browsed the average statistics for The Last Fog in the two months since it had launched, and contentedly approved.

“Much better than expected. By the way, how is the construction of the next Sky Castle level coming?”

Xiang Nansheng of the technical department replied in a businesslike manner, “We’ve entered the final testing stage, and we can launch a new round of promotion in October.”

Everything was developing step by step, and the studio’s prospects were booming.

Pei Yi closed the document and said, “Okay, the internal testing still needs to be properly controlled.”

“We have to ensure that there are no flaws in the ‘product’ once it goes online. We also need to keep up with the prop upgrades.”

“Of course.”

“All right, it’s almost time to leave work. Let’s stop here today. Thank you for your hard work.”

As far as Pei Yi was concerned, if he could prevent employees from having to work overtime, he would do so.

The group of technical staff headed by Xiang Nansheng filed out, and the single-person office suddenly became more open.

—Zizi.

The latest script plan sent by the copywriting team was uploaded to the computer.

Just as Pei Yi clicked to receive it, there was another knock on the office door.

Pei Yi said without raising his head, “Come in.”

Li Yuan leaned against the door in the hallway and asked with a smile, “Mr. Li, are you done? Do you have time tonight?”

Pei Yi recognized his friend’s voice and looked up. “For what?”

“A university classmate I haven’t been in contact with for a long time has opened a new bar, and he asked me to go over and join the fun when I have time.”

Li Yuan walked straight in. “I thought about it, and you’re the only one who likes drinking around here. How about we go together? It just so happens that we haven’t had a good chat since you came back from Haishi.”

Hearing this invitation to drink, Pei Yi’s interest immediately rose.

He quickly set aside the copywriting review that he had plenty of time for and said, “Okay, ah, can we go after work?”

Li Yuan’s lips curved. “Don’t you need to report to your man? Will he let you drink?”

Pei Yi thought of Bo Yueming’s “punishment” and felt a little guilty, but didn’t admit it.

“I’m just drinking with you, why should I report it? Besides, he listens to me at home.”

Having said this, he tossed the question back, “Will Yan Cen let you go?”

After these few months of dating, the way Li Yuan talked about Yan Cen was no longer the same as before, and his answer also had a hint of spoiled pride. 

“He also can’t control me.”

Pei Yi raised his eyebrows. “Impressive.”

Li Yuan smiled back. “Likewise. I’ll go to the office to clean up. See you later.”

“Okay.”

There were still five or six minutes before the end of work, but as bosses, the two didn’t take the lead to leave early.

But the moment Li Yuan disappeared, Pei Yi immediately picked up the cell phone on his desk and obediently typed in his report: 

“Er-ge, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. I’m going out to eat with Pear Garden, and I’ll be home before 10:30. Is this okay?”

He was tough on the outside, but honest on the inside.

. . . . . . . .

In the blink of an eye, it was time to get off work.

Pei Yi and Li Yuan went to the parking lot together. Before they could get close to their parking space, a voice quickly drew their attention.

“Mr. Zhao! Take another look, my project is really promising!”

“I only need ten minutes of your time! Just ten minutes! Give me a chance!”

Pei Yi and Li Yuan stopped in unison and looked in the direction of the sound—

Not far from them, Pei Huan, whom they hadn’t seen in a long while, was wearing a tight, cheap suit.

He was holding documents in his hands, eagerly following a well-dressed middle-aged boss. The latter frowned, as if disgusted with such a desperate pursuit.

The two walked to a car that was worth millions.

The middle-aged poss couldn’t endure it and threw away the documents handed to him by Pei Huan, moving away impatiently. “Mr. Pei Huan, I have given you enough face!”

“I am not interested in your project. You can find someone else, don’t delay my business!”

Having said this, he quickly got into the car and slammed the door shut.

Pei Huan was ruthlessly rejected. He was angry and ashamed, but also helpless.

The documents in his hand were scattered, so much so that after the middle-aged boss started the car, the tires rolled over them mercilessly.

“…….”

Pei Yi and Li Yuan accidentally witnessed this scene and couldn’t help but look at each other.

Before the two of them could do anything, Pei Huan noticed their presence.

Their gazes collided mid-air, and the atmosphere suddenly froze.

Pei Huan’s expression changed slightly, and the shame in his eyes was revealed bit by bit, but he soon remembered something and walked up urgently.

Li Yuan thought that Pei Huan intended to hurt Pei Yi, so he unthinkingly stood in front of his friend.

“Pear Garden!”

Pei Yi also feared that Pei Huan would hurt Li Yuan, so he blocked the other and changed their positions.

Pei Huan could see the mutual protection between the two, so he suddenly braked half a meter away and scoffed inexplicably.

Pei Yi’s eyes narrowed, and he took the initiative to say, “Long time no see.”

Pei Huan sucked in a breath when he heard this unusually normal tone. “Pei Yi, you’re quite good at pretending!”

Pei Yi was indifferent to this belated accusation. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll leave first. See you later.”

“Wait!”

Pei Huan called out urgently and took a step forward.

He seemed to be gritting his teeth, but also begging, “Please stop Bo Yueming from targeting me! Now that I am no longer Pei Huan of the Pei family, what else can I do to cause trouble for you?”

“…….”

Pei Yi was stunned for a couple of seconds. “What?”

Swallowing his anger, Pei Huan said, “Don’t pretend to be innocent. Bo Yueming has been using the power of Bo Group to put pressure on me, and now no major company in the Imperial Capital is willing to recruit me.”

All of his resumés were useless, and he never heard back from any of them.

“You have to push me to the edge of the cliff before you’ll give up, is that it?”

Pei Huan trembled, and looked at Li Yuan again. “And you! You refused to go back to the Pei family, and they immediately assumed that it must be because of me!”

But wasn’t he innocent of the mistake that was made back then?

Why was it that everyone was living a good life now, and he was the only one who had to keep struggling!

Pei Yi sneered, “Pei Huan, don’t pretend to be a victim here and accuse me. You know what you did in the past!”

You reap what you sow!

“These years, you’ve relied on the Pei family for an easy life. Which connections did you acquire on your own? So what if you were switched at birth?”

“Pear Garden originally wanted to save Dawn Games, but you sold it as soon as you got it!”

“It was you who caused Old Mr. Pei to fall and have an accident. You personally cut off the biggest support you had to stay in the Pei family.”

“You say Bo Yueming is targeting you? Why don’t you talk more about how you teamed up with Bo Guancheng to hurt him?”

“You said I’m pushing you toward a cliff? When you watched ‘me’ struggling in the water, did you ever think about leaving me a way to survive?”

Pei Yi smoothly listed one item after another, and it was enough to make Pei Huan speechless.

Li Yuan still held a grudge against Pei Huan, and said in a timely manner, “Pei Yi, let’s go.”

Pei Yi simply nodded.

Neither of them spared an extra glance at Pei Huan. They quickly got in the car and drove away.

“…….”

Pei Huan stared blankly at the back of the car, continuously remembering what he had done over the years. The regret in his heart finally reached its peak after seeing Pei Yi and Li Yuan.

He took two steps back, then his feet gave way and he fell to the ground.

Pei Huan buried his face between his knees and wanted to cry but had no tears.

In a daze, he felt that his life shouldn’t have turned out this way, but the cold facts told him at once—

All of this was his own fault!

. . . . . . . .

The car left the parking lot.

Pei Yi glanced at Pei Huan, who had shrunk into a small dot in the rearview mirror. “Didn’t I hear that he disappeared after selling Dawn Games? Why is he back now?”

Li Yuan could only tell what he knew. “It seems that he went to another province to make a wave of investments, but he was deceived and came back in disgrace.”

“He also went to Old Mr. Pei’s funeral.”

During the two months Pei Yi was in Haishi, Old Mr. Pei, who had long been holding on by a single breath, finally couldn’t withstand his illness and passed away.

Pei Ruzhang and the others held a simple funeral for him.

Pei Yi knew Pei Huan’s nature well, and surmised, “Did he try to sell misery at the funeral? Then take the opportunity to return to the Pei family?”

Li Yuan didn’t know much when it came to Pei Huan. “Maybe.”

Pei Yi answered his own question, “But looking at him now, it’s obvious that he didn’t succeed.”

Li Yuan added, “I heard from Da-ge that An Yang went to the funeral and made a big fuss, which made Pei Ruzhang even more dissatisfied with Pei Huan.”

“An Yang?”

“En.”

Nowadays, when the mother who raised him was mentioned, Li Yuan no longer had any emotional fluctuations. “After Pei Huan sold Dawn Games, her condition thoroughly worsened.”

She was sent to a mental hospital.

However, the house was still in An Yang’s name. After Pei Huan’s investments failed, he wanted the house, so he took the other person back to his side.

An Yang’s condition was sometimes good and sometimes bad, but something happened on the day of the funeral that destroyed the last trace of the Pei family’s nurturing relationship with Pei Huan.

Li Yuan sighed as he spoke.

Pei Yi glanced sideways at him. “Why are you sighing?”

Li Yuan explained, “I’m just a little moved. A year and a half ago, it was me who was wearing a plain suit and being talked down to by investors, not him.”

Should it be said that things had changed, or that they had returned to the way things should have been?

The moment this idea took shape, his friend affirmed it.

Pei Yi gave him a light pat on the shoulder and said, “Pear Garden, look forward. This is the life you should have had.”

“En.”

Even though everyone was born at a different starting point, the path toward the future must be chosen individually.

. . . . . . . .

Because of the great deals offered during the trial opening, when the two arrived, the bar was already full of guests who had come to join the fun.

But fortunately, the boss was very helpful, and had reserved in advance relatively quiet seats on the first floor for Li Yuan and Pei Yi.

The two of them didn’t start drinking right away, but first ordered some bar-only hot skewers to satisfy their appetites.

Pei Yi recounted to his friend the twists and turns that had happened in Haishi these past two months, then said emphatically, “Please have someone help me stay tuned with the news from Weiyi. We can’t suffer any losses in subsequent publicity.”

Li Yuan nodded, and asked about another key point, “By the way, are you sure Gu Jianshen will come to our studio?”

Pei Yi estimated based on his intuition, “I’m seventy to eighty percent sure. We’ll know by the end of the year.”

If Gu Jianshen had just run away and abandoned his old employer to go to their studio, Pei Yi would be a little leery about hiring him.

The alcohol was finally served.

As one of the few university classmates with whom Li Yuan still had contact, the boss took the initiative to hand cigarettes to the two of them. “Brother, thank you for coming to support me. If you want to drink anything, just let me know!”

Li Yuan smiled and said, “Brother Lin, go ahead and do your work first, we can take care of it ourselves.”

“Okay, you guys drink, and I’ll join you for a few drinks later when I have time.”

Brother Lin was very busy, and left after entertaining them briefly.

Li Yuan poured alcohol for Pei Yi. “How much can you drink now? Don’t get so drunk that you pass out later, or I’ll be in trouble with Mr. Bo.”

Pei Yi replied, “Why would you get in trouble with him if I drink alcohol?”

Even though he had been practicing for so long, he could still get drunk after two or three drinks, but he still wanted to indulge in one or two bottles tonight.

He had to get drunk no matter what, and be unrestrained and happy in the moment!

With this thought, Pei Yi took the first sip.

Li Yuan frowned and warned him, “Is it really okay, ah? Take it easy.”

Pei Yi joked, “Can I say no?”

After finally getting out of Bo Yueming’s range of view, he had to drink to his heart’s content!

Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Li Yuan simply had a drink with him.

In a short time, the two of them finished half a bottle of whiskey.

Pei Yi’s face soon turned red. Full of curiosity, he leaned forward so that he was halfway lying on the table. “Pear Garden, is Yan Cen good to you?”

Li Yuan coughed. “En.”

Pei Yi asked again, “Then will you marry him in the future?”

“…….”

Li Yuan was stunned by his friend’s out-of-the-box thinking, and answered slowly, “It’s, it’s still early. I’m not considering such a thing for the time being.”

Pei Yi nodded at his answer, and then said to himself, “I! I want to marry Bo Yueming!”

Li Yuan smiled and said, “Aren’t the two of you already married?”

“No, not yet. Look, ah—”

Pei Yi slowly shook his head and raised his empty hand. “No ring, no marriage certificate, no, no marriage.”

At Old Mrs. Bo’s birthday celebration that day, although the words of He Feng and the others didn’t shock Pei Yi, they made him understand one thing—

Love and marriage still needed to be distinguished.

He and Bo Yueming only had a business marriage relationship, which was far from enough.

Pei Yi touched his ring finger and confessed to his friend, “Pear Garden, tell me, if I propose marriage to him, will he agree?”

“…….”

Li Yuan was surprised. “You, you would take the initiative to propose?”

Even though he was aware of his friend’s straightforward character, he never suspected that he would also be so straightforward in love.

Pei Yi tilted his head. “Can’t I?”

Li Yuan replied, “You can. If you’ve thought about it, just do it. I support you.”

“Wu, I’ll try hard to make a plan.”

Having received the support of his friend, Pei Yi took advantage of his cheerful mood and drank the alcohol in his glass in one gulp.

As he got drunker, he became increasingly enthusiastic about drinking.

Li Yuan quickly advised, “Slow down and drink a little less?”

Having said that, when he saw the two untouched cigarettes on the table, he picked them up on his own impulse. “Do you want to smoke this?”

Out of nowhere, Pei Yi thought of Bo Yueming’s punishment in Haishi and unconsciously shifted in his seat. He mumbled, “I, I won’t smoke.”

“Yan Cen still lets you smoke?”

“…….”

Li Yuan remembered that Yan Cen had asked him to quit smoking.

Although he had been working hard these past few months, he still got a bit of a craving for cigarettes when issues occasionally cropped up.

Pei Yi got a hint from his friend’s silence and teased, “He won’t let you smoke, right? As soon as Yan Cen sees it, he’ll discipline you.”

Li Yuan retorted with a brave face, “He won’t discipline me. It’s Bo Yueming who controls you and won’t allow you to drink.”

Pei Yi denied it. “No, I have the final say at home.”

The two of them finished speaking and glanced at each other, and the tacit understanding between friends was immediately displayed—

One person smoked, one person drank, and neither stopped the other.

They would indulge themselves tonight and definitely not be discovered! 

They needed to be a little uninhibited!

Pei Yi opened a brand new bottle of whiskey for himself, but he hadn’t even had a drink yet when he looked up and saw Yan Cen.

There was no telling how the other party found them, but at this moment, he was standing quietly behind Li Yuan under the cover of the ambient sounds of the bar.

Looking at his unsuspecting friend, who had a cigarette in his mouth and was still smoking comfortably.

Li Yuan noticed Pei Yi’s sudden gaze and exhaled a puff of smoke. “Why are you looking at me?”

“…….”

Pei Yi shook his head and blocked his smile with his glass, watching the show.

Li Yuan was perplexed. Just as he was about to take another puff, the cigarette between his fingers was suddenly taken away.

“Didn’t you say you were having dinner with Pei Yi? And you’re secretly smoking without telling me?” Yan Cen asked from behind him.

“…….”

Li Yuan was immediately startled, and turned around slowly with a guilty conscience.

Pei Yi saw his friend’s rare cute and timid look, and laughed gloatingly, “Pear Garden, you’re finished.”

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a neutral hum from behind him.

Even in the relatively noisy environment of the bar, the drunk Pei Yi instinctively realized something and cautiously turned around to look—

As expected, he met Bo Yueming’s gaze.

In an instant, Pei Yi couldn’t help but let out a small belch. He thought to himself:

Wu.

He was finished too.

---

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Chapter One Hundred Two <<Table of Contents >> Chapter One Hundred Four

Liu Zhenqing’s mood was not as turbulent as the three of them, but he was still nervous. After all, he had caused the trouble.

The Huo Fenglie now was no longer the Er-gou who had followed him around before.

Liu Zhenqing quickly raised his hands and saluted. “General Huo, I apologize, I accidentally damaged the willow tree in the courtyard…..”

Before Liu Zhenqing finished speaking, he heard the two children’s anxious voices in the distance.

“Second Uncle, don’t be angry, we broke the willow tree.”

“Second Uncle, everything happened because of me, just punish me.”

The twins ran over quickly, one hugging his thigh and the other pulling his arm as they called out.

Uncle Tian also followed. He hesitated over calling out the childrens’ lies, but in the end, he didn’t expose them in public.

Liu Zhenqing was stunned, and was immediately moved. The two children and Uncle Tian intended to protect him, fearing that Huo Fenglie would have a dispute with him, an outsider? 

They were sweet.

But he still must tell the truth.

He already couldn’t let these people down, and even Liu Zhenqing couldn’t lie and deceive people shamelessly.

“General Huo, I climbed the tree, and those willow branches were broken when they caught me. I…..”

Before he finished speaking, Huo Fenglie frowned. Liu Zhenqing’s heart tightened.

But then he heard Huo Fenglie ask in a deep voice: “Is Young Master Liu injured?”

All those waiting nervously for a reaction: ? ?

Liu Zhenqing was taken aback. He shook his head, looking at Huo Fenglie with some confusion. What kind of reaction was this? Could it be that what everyone had said was an exaggeration?

Huo Fenglie seemed to look him up and down while listening for his answer, then said with a serious face: “If Young Master Liu wants to climb a tree, he should find someone to watch out for him so he doesn’t get hurt.”

Liu Zhenqing: ? ? Was it sarcasm? Or was it really an exaggeration? Er-gou is still very approachable. I say, what is this about a willow tree?

He didn’t notice that the surrounding environment had become quiet and strange.

Was Huo Fenglie okay? Did he have a fever? Had he lost his mind? Or was it not him who had returned? These were the thoughts that the three good brothers couldn’t help but express.

And Uncle Tian even clutched his beard. A person who stayed at the manor every day naturally had a basic understanding of matters, but Huo Fenglie’s reaction was so unexpected that Uncle Tian almost doubted his own eyes and ears.

The two children were also stunned for a moment, but they accepted this strange situation more easily than the adults. They frankly explained the truth of the matter to Huo Fenglie, not letting Liu Zhenqing take the blame alone.

Although they saw that Liu Zhenqing was fine, the two of them were still a little scared and looked at their second uncle nervously.

Huo Fenglie nodded and said: “I understand, pay attention next time. Go on.”

While everyone was in a daze, Uncle Tian took the two children away and the others sat back down in the pavilion. 

But no one spoke. The three brothers had ten thousand questions in their stomachs, but it was inconvenient to ask them now.

Just as they were hesitating over what to say, they heard Huo Fenglie say to Liu Zhenqing naturally: “The matter with the Liu family has not yet been investigated, but the Emperor already knows you are in my manor. About Rong Shiming…..”

“Ah, He-daren has already told me that the general has troubled himself in this matter,” Liu Zhenqing said uncomfortably, and then quickly poured a cup of tea for Huo Fenglie and pushed it over to ingratiate himself. “Thank you for your hard work.”

Huo Fenglie was stunned for a moment. He picked up the tea and drank it in one go, then turned to look at the three others and asked, “Why are you here?”

The three of them looked at each other. Was it their imagination? Why did his mouth sound a little colder after drinking hot tea?

Bai Su glanced at Liu Zhenqing with a smile on his face. “Brother Liu and I are on good terms. Can’t I come and be concerned for his situation?”

Liu Zhenqing also looked at Bai Su and smiled. “The situation is satisfactory.”

Qin Yu drank tea and said nothing. He Lan, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to nudge Huo Fenglie and ask curiously: “You just met with the Emperor, what did you talk about? Did you give him the confession? I heard that the First Princess made trouble? She absolutely refused to admit that her cousin had anything to do with the Imperial Examination fraud.”

“The First Princess was taken away by your cousin,” Huo Fenglie said.

When these words came out, everyone was stunned. Since she was taken away by the commander of the Jinyiwei, didn’t that mean that her conviction was imminent? Was the Emperor really going to deal with the First Princess?

“Then she will definitely clamor for mercy from the Emperor and you in the name of her life-saving grace back then,” He Lan said with a laugh.

Huo Fenglie scoffed.

Listening as the others spoke, Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help the subtle look on his face when he heard this.

Bai Su happened to be sitting opposite Liu Zhenqing. Seeing him like this, he smiled and said: “Right, Brother Liu lost his memory and doesn’t know those things. At that time, the First Princess was married off to Xiheng, and not long after something happened to the Crown Prince, the new emperor, who was still a young Imperial grandson, was sent to Xiheng as a hostage by the three rebel kings.”

Liu Zhenqing’s expression remained unchanged. He looked to be all ears, but he couldn’t help thinking about the fatuous old emperor who had sent away even his eldest grandson just because he feared war. It was a huge embarrassment to Great Zhou.

Bai Su’s voice darkened uncontrollably as he spoke of this. After all, it was a past that he couldn’t bear to look back on. “In that situation, the late emperor basically abandoned him. But two years later, the Great Zhou Dynasty was in turmoil. After the late emperor experienced all kinds of things, he still chose his eldest grandson to succeed him before he died. That is why the subsequent rescue incident took place, and the First Princess who was also in Xiheng played a crucial role.”

He Lan could only click his tongue twice and sneer: “That’s why she always uses this to put pressure on others, and the Emperor can only endure it. It’s a typical example of taking advantage of a favor owed. Although she helped the emperor and Zhanyuan at first, it was the Huo family army who helped her escape later, ah. I never saw her thank the Huo family army either.”

And Qin Yu, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke: “She is from the Imperial family and is a natural master. It is normal for her to be strict with others and lenient toward herself.”

He Lan: “Pei!”

Holding his teacup, Qin Yu glanced at He Lan with a twitching brow and switched their teacups. He Lan glared, angry and amused. How could he not say pei?

Liu Zhenqing was inwardly amused, slightly lost in thought as he held his tea. In fact, the First Princess was unwilling to take action back then. She was not liked by that man, so she could only stay in Xiheng and be a princess with her tail between her legs. She didn’t dare to visit Yuan Jue at all as he was held hostage. Later, after a promise to succeed in taking her back to their country, it was her who decided to help and seek favors for him, and this was the follow-up. Unexpectedly, this gave her the nerve to exercise her power.

He was in a daze when the teacup in his hand was taken away.

Liu Zhenqing raised his head and looked over. He heard Huo Fenglie say: “It’s cold.” Then he was given new tea.

He Lan was curious, and suddenly asked Huo Fenglie: “Ai, you were only thirteen years old at the time, and you were sent to Xiheng to serve as the emperor’s companion and prepare to abscond with him. Wasn’t it extremely dangerous? I’ve never heard you mention it. Are you willing to talk about it, Brother?”

Of course they couldn’t bear it. How could they be willing to let Er-gou go on such a death-defying mission? But they had no choice at the time. If they wanted to take Yuan Jue, they could only find someone they trusted, who would not make the enemy suspicious and was capable. After much consideration, there was nobody until Er-gou stood in front of them.

“I volunteered for the trip,” Huo Fenglie said calmly. “I was young and useless. This was the only thing I could do. And the difficult things were arranged by others. I only needed to stay with the emperor to provide support. Compared to us, those who stayed in Great Zhou were in even more danger.”

Everyone thought about the chaos of the three kings in Great Zhou. Indeed, everyone in the capital was in danger.

Bai Su nodded. He had been living in the turmoil of the capital back then, and it had left a big impression on him. He let out a sigh: “I remember my brother saying that Huo-dage and others openly followed the late crown prince and were thorns in the sides of the three kings. If Zhanyuan’s mission failed, they might not have been able to survive in the hands of those three.”

“How can you catch the tiger cubs if you don’t enter the tiger’s den? Not only that, but they had also forged a life-and-death relationship with the emperor, a sincere relationship between an emperor and his ministers.” He Lan patted Huo Fenglie’s shoulder with a smile, then raised his eyebrows at Liu Zhenqing. “Otherwise, who else would dare harbor a suspect.”

Liu Zhenqing smiled obsequiously. Indeed, the emperor took their friendship into consideration, so when Huo Fenglie wanted to take him back to the General’s Manor, the emperor didn’t refuse. Because he knew that this small thing would have no impact on Huo Fenglie. After all, he had also taught Yuan Jue. 

“Actually, the First Princess is also a pitiful person,” Bai Su lamented.

He Lan was immediately surprised and said: “Youzhou, you have a little too much sympathy.”

Bai Su shook his head, saying: “The powerful prince of Xiheng didn’t want to marry her at all, and didn’t take her with him when he left. The late emperor had to have someone send her there. It is unfortunate for a country’s princess to be treated like this.”

As soon as these words were spoken, He Lan immediately gossiped: “Right, right, right, I also heard that the person he wanted to marry back then was actually…..”

Before he could finish speaking, a handful of pastry suddenly lodged in his throat, almost choking him to death. He was about to glare at Qin Yu, the culprit, but glanced up and realized that something was wrong. The atmosphere seemed to have stagnated, and Huo Fenglie’s face was about to freeze over. He Lan gave a tactical cough and stopped.

Liu Zhenqing naturally knew that he had been about to say his own name, and continued to drink tea with some embarrassment. In fact, what they didn’t know was that the late emperor almost agreed in a moment of confusion. If the Crown Prince hadn’t protected him, he would probably be in the kingdom of Xiheng right now.

When Liu Zhenqing thought of this, his eyes suddenly flashed and he was stunned for a moment. It seemed that something was about to emerge in his mind, but he forced it down. A funny memory suddenly appeared and replaced the abnormal ones.

Little did he know that his unconscious movement to touch his back was caught by Huo Fenglie, who had been paying attention to him. Dark red appeared in Huo Fenglie’s eyes at that moment. There was a slight crack under his feet, but as martial arts practitioners, only He Lan and Qin Yu heard it and knew that a paving tile must have broken.

He Lan thought it was his fault, and smiled apologetically. Qin Yu looked at him in contempt for seeking death. Just as he was about to help change the topic, Huo Fenglie’s expression changed slightly as he looked at Liu Zhenqing. The corners of Liu Zhenqing’s mouth were slightly raised, as if he had recalled some amusing memory, and his eyes were looking toward a point in the distance.

Huo Fenglie knew without looking that it was his brother’s courtyard. Back then, the three of them often got together to drink and chat. As a young boy, he was just a tagalong following them around.

He remembered that night very clearly…..

They were sitting in the courtyard at that time, listening to Liu Zhenqing laugh as he said: “I’ve heard that beauties in ancient times were multi-functional strategic resources, but I didn’t expect that beautiful men were too. It’s all because I was born too good-looking. If beauty is a crime, then I have implicated nine generations of my family.”

“Yes, yes, yes, it is you who are beautiful! Your looks can improve the next generation of the Xiheng royal family. Oh, you can’t give birth to a child, and you don’t have military force to overthrow the enemy’s political power,” Li Xingruo said.

Liu Zhenqing was wanton and provocative: “I can give this a try. Based on the principle of maximizing resource efficiency, I should be sent over to marry. Then I can use beauty to do evil. Are you jealous?”

Li Xingruo pulled Liu Zhenqing’s cheek: “Jealous? Let’s see if the First Princess causes trouble for you later. Who let you show off in front of an enemy prince?”

“I was trying to save face for Great Zhou, no one else could do it. Boss, save me!” Liu Zhenqing reached out to grab Huo Feihan, but Huo Feihan’s other hand was grabbed by Li Xingruo, and he was in another dilemma.

Liu Zhenqing could only ask for help: “Er-gou, come and help your Xiting-gege.”

Huo Fenglie wasn’t aware of his ugly expression at the time. He only knew that after a glance at him, they stopped making trouble and asked if this nonsense frightened him.

Yes, he was frightened, because he seemed to hear shouting in his head: No! Absolutely not! Xiting-gege can’t get married. He can’t marry another man. He can’t!

. . . . . . .

Huo Fenglie’s mood was still a little unstable, and a strong murderous aura boiled in his heart, but he suppressed his emotions because of the people around him.

The atmosphere calmed, and Qin Yu changed the subject: “Without the First Princess’s protection, the Rong and Jiang families have been convicted, and this matter is half over. There is also the Imperial Examination held at the same time in the south that has not been investigated.”

Speaking of this, Bai Su felt a little upset, because his brother had served there. “The location of the Southern Imperial Examination is so far away. It will take at least a month to begin the investigation. If he has to wait until the investigation is completed, Brother Liu might be waiting a long time.”

Liu Zhenqing was also very depressed about his retirement plan, ah!

“I’m not afraid of waiting. I’m just afraid that if I make a mistake, I’ll be out of luck.”

“Will a special team be formed for the investigation?” Qin Yu looked at Huo Fenglie with a frown and asked, “Did the Emperor mention it?”

Huo Fenglie said: “I haven’t heard yet.”

“He surely will. Zhanyuan, if the Emperor asks you for candidates, mention me. Let’s see if I don’t catch all these vermin that are harming the country.” He Lan narrowed his eyes and said with a smile: “However much greed they have, I will make them spit it out with interest.”

“To be greedy for this kind of money is indeed a crime that cannot be atoned for even with death.” As a scholar, Bai Su denounced such behavior the most. Even with his good temper, there was a murderous look on his face as he said this. In the end, he couldn’t help but murmur, “My brother said that the Imperial Examination is very important. This was what Liu Zhenqing told him when he asked him to supervise the exam. Even the treacherous minister…..”

Bai Su paused suddenly realized that he, like He Lan, was speaking too freely. What illness did they have today? Did they all want to look for trouble together?

He Lan also looked at Bai Su innocently from the sidelines. There was nothing to be done. Everything back then would almost always involve “Liu Zhenqing,” and they couldn’t avoid it even if they wanted to. It wasn’t a problem for them. They had gotten used to Huo Fenglie’s displeasure, but they were a little embarrassed with the Liu family member present.

Bai Su looked apologetically at Liu Zhenqing and found him smiling. “This is a compliment to him, ba.”

Huo Fenglie only frowned slightly. The topic was not impossible to continue like it had been just now, and no one saw him paying attention to Liu Zhenqing out of the corner of his eye.

“There was a time when the rumored Prime Minister Liu was so upright?” Seeing that this topic was not a pitfall, He Lan couldn’t help but become curious. After all, he wasn’t in the court at that time and didn’t know much. He only heard all the rumors later on.

“He indeed took this matter seriously,” Qin Yu confirmed with a nod. He had served in the palace before, so he naturally knew some things.

Liu Zhenqing smiled. Of course he took it seriously. After all, he had learned this from the lord they followed, Crown Prince Jing Yang.

. . . . . . .

Crown Prince Jing Yang, the father of the current emperor, had a very high reputation in those days. They were still young back then, and became acquainted with the incognito crown prince at the Imperial Examinations.

At that time, there were no separate examinations in the north and south, so every time there was an Imperial Examination, a large number of candidates poured into the capital. The late emperor was not very respectable at that time and failed to win the hearts of the students. When the students gathered together, they couldn’t help but loudly compare them to each other. They were not careful at all, violating taboos and causing indecent rumors. Thus, they were later divided into north and south, and discipline during exams was strictly controlled. The entire city was under martial law, making it inconvenient to get in and out.

When they met the crown prince for the first time, the three of them and the prince were all watching the excitement in a restaurant. Many students had gathered together at that time, some reciting poems, some disputing ancient and modern times, and some discriminating between the northern and southern regions. When the literary battle incidentally turned into a physical one, there was a cynical student who was full of nonsense. He thought he was the smartest in the world, and that everyone else, including the emperor, was a fool without discernment. He also frequently praised Xiheng’s reforms.

At that time, how could Liu Zhenqing let such a fool go? Even Li Xingruo thought it was time to take action. Liu Zhenqing was on the second floor during this excitement and argued passionately across the screen fence. His sharp tongue almost made the other party doubt life, and he was angry enough to bleed from his orifices.

Thinking about it now, he was so fond of causing trouble at that time that it was really to the credit of Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo that he wasn’t beaten to death.

He still remembered when they forced him to learn life-saving combat moves. The reasoning was that he deserved a hard beating, and if they were not by his side, he wasn’t good enough at martial arts and couldn’t use poison. What would he do if he was chased and cut down?

And now the student who wanted to chase and cut him happened to be a wealthy and powerful landowner from outside, so he led his people and rushed to the second floor. He kicked open the screen and asked the three people inside, “Who said that just now!”

At once, his eyes fell on Liu Zhenqing and Li Xingruo, who was disguised as a man for convenience. After all, the two of them looked the most like scholars.

As a result, the two of them pointed at Huo Feihan in the next second, the only one who had not done anything bad and only cared about the food, and said in unison: “He said it.”

The two of them fled the battlefield as quickly as possible and went next door, leaning against the screen to watch the rest of the fun.

At this time, a hearty laugh came from behind. “You two, it’s not good of you to trick him like this.”

As soon as the two of them turned around, they saw a handsome man who was either wealthy or noble, with an extraordinary temperament. He was sitting at a table, two guards standing behind him with a warning in their eyes.

The man tilted his head and expressed his questions with his eyes.

Liu Zhenqing and Li Xingruo were lords who were not afraid of trouble, but for some reason, they answered obediently.

Li Xingruo: “What does it matter? He can take them!”

Liu Zhenqing nodded. “Any hesitation would be a sign of distrust in his skills.”

At this time, the battle next door ended as expected. Huo Feihan called in a somewhat annoyed tone: “Still want to eat? How about going somewhere else, the table’s broken.”

The two people shrugged at the man, causing him to laugh even more heartily.

“Come and eat here. I’ll treat you.”

Over a meal, they got to know the current Crown Prince Jing Yang.

At this point, no matter how much trouble they got into, they seemed to have this big brother protecting them and clearing the way for them to grow wildly.

It was also Crown Prince Jing Yang who advocated for the separation of the north and south, because something could happen if the scholars were volatile. And it was he who told them that there must be no problems with the Imperial Examinations. He said: “If this step is broken, how can the country develop stably without talents? Although it is said that if the water is clear, there will be no fish, greed for money can lead to chaos in the world. Only when all talents are in the hands of the Imperial court can the country be governed well.”

. . . . . . .

Therefore, even if Liu Zhenqing later became a traitor, he would never allow anyone to mess with the Imperial Examinations.

It could be regarded as one of the few pieces of good reputation he gained afterward.

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