Seeing Tong Youlin's stunned expression, Liang Sheng nudged him and said, "Hurry up and thank His Highness."

Tong Youlin was still thinking about Huo Chengche's second story when he heard it and was a little confused. Now, being led astray by his benevolent official, he immediately repeated, "This humble subject thanks Your Highness!"

It wasn't that Tong Youlin didn't want to thank Huo Chengche, but rather that he was just repeating what he was hearing in a daze, completely unaware of why he suddenly had to express his gratitude.

This act of bowing and thanking, at first glance, makes it seem as if Huo Chengche did all this just to get people to thank him.

Huo Chengche's expression, which had been warming up as he looked at the adorable little baby in his arms, suddenly turned icy and sharp, and he shot a piercing glare at Liang Sheng.

Liang Sheng, who was originally going to curry favor, knew something was wrong as soon as he heard Tong Youlin's simple and honest tone. When Huo Chengche looked at him, he shuddered and glared at Tong Youlin with disappointment.

This big oaf! He still hasn't understood His Highness's intention! He's acting like that silly little baby who only knows how to listen to stories!

Liang Sheng's attempt to flatter failed, and he ended up losing more than he gained. Feeling bitter, he gritted his teeth, forced a stiff smile, and explained to Tong Youlin through gritted teeth, staring at the boy's sharp gaze:

"Brother Tong, didn't you understand what His Highness meant? Think about it. If we follow the first story, even if the people of Deshan Village can be exonerated, they will still be labeled as ruthless bandits and unruly people."

Liang Sheng was used to speaking only half of what he wanted to say in official circles. At this point, he swallowed the rest of his words and gave Tong Youlin a knowing wink.

Eight-foot-tall, bearded man, Tongyou Lin: ? ? ?

He was even more confused, scratching his head and asking sheepishly, "W-Wasn't it supposed to absolve us of our crimes? We were forced into rebellion by the officials! It was that county magistrate who oppressed us, forcing us to hide in the mountains!"

At this point, noticing that Liang Sheng's expression seemed a bit off, he quickly pulled him aside and explained in a loud voice, "Besides, although we're known as bandits, we haven't done anything immoral! Absolutely not!"

Liang Sheng felt as if a strong wind was blowing in his face, and that wind was mixed with some saliva, when he was roared at by the eight-foot-tall man's blood-red mouth.

He looked speechless.

Yes, he was actually speechless, not because Tong Youlin thought there was a misunderstanding. It's just that his face looked a bit ugly, so Tong Youlin didn't notice the speechless expression on his face.

Liang Sheng was speechless, and his unbearable frustration after being yelled at by Tong Youlin was mixed together, making his face look like a spilled palette of colors—quite a sight to behold.

The little dumpling perched on her older brother's shoulder, watching Uncle Liang's strange and comical expressions, and giggled happily. Her cheerful, carefree little voice sounded especially aggrieved to Liang Sheng, who was furious.

Huo Chengche looked at Tong Youlin, who was extremely anxious, and calmly advised, "Mr. Tong, there is no need to worry. Lord Liang has no suspicion of you."

The boy's words were like a reassuring pill, instantly calming down the anxious and flustered Tongyou Lin.

Huo Chengche finished Liang Sheng's sentence, "What Lord Liang meant was that no matter what your reasons were or what you did, it doesn't change the fact that you openly defied the court."