Bianzhou, the former capital of the dynasty.

At the beginning of the founding of the Dayong Dynasty, it was also discussed to set the capital in Bianzhou, which shows that Bianzhou is a place with a long history.

Bianzhou is only half a month's journey from the capital, and Prince Yong and Uncle Fu rode horses all the way, shortening the journey by half.

Uncle Fu, who was usually plump and cheerful, had not only gotten darker but also seemed to have lost some weight during his days of travel.

I don't know if it's because the clothes are too big or because I've lost weight, but in any case, my whole body is darker and I look much more robust.

"Your Highness, the Huo family is in the east of the city." Uncle Fu told Prince Yong the news he had learned, and then added, "Your Highness, let's find a place to stay first."

"No need, go directly to the Huo family." Emperor Mingde didn't give him much time this time, as the situation in the capital didn't allow him to waste even a moment.

Uncle Fu wanted to say that it was very impolite for the prince to be so travel-worn, but considering that it was the prince's first mission and a confidential matter entrusted by the emperor, he must have made arrangements in advance to avoid any mistakes, so he kept quiet.

The two rode their horses to the front of the Huo family's gate.

The Huo family has a long history, and from the main branch to the sub-branches, it has almost formed a town. Almost everyone living in the eastern part of Bianzhou is a member of the Huo family, and most of the shops in Bianzhou are also owned by the Huo family. It can be said that the Huo family is the local tyrant in Bianzhou.

Two stone lions stand guard at the entrance, their fierce expressions facing outwards. Up the steps, two gatekeepers stand watch without looking to the side.

Seeing the two men riding towards them, he remained calm and didn't even spare them a glance.

"Please announce that this is His Highness Prince Yong." Uncle Fu spurred his horse forward two steps, raised a token and said to the gatekeeper. The token had an intricate dragon pattern with a missing corner, and a large character "Yong" in the center of the token.

Upon hearing the voice, the gatekeeper reacted, took two steps forward, and saw the token with the character "永" (yong) and a dragon pattern. Remembering the young master's instructions, he dared not be negligent and hurriedly said, "Your Highness, please come in."

Prince Yong and Uncle Fu dismounted. The gate was already open, and two servants came out to lead the horses. "Please, Your Highness," the gatekeeper said, bowing his head as he led Prince Yong the way.

Upon entering the Huo family's gate, someone had already gone to report. Before long, a middle-aged man in his fifties, with a large belly, came to greet them like a lump of meat.

Prince Yong turned his head and glanced at Uncle Fu. Uncle Fu's eyes were shining with golden light. He had met his match, and someone even fatter than him.

"Your Highness has arrived, and I have not been able to greet you properly. Please forgive me." The person opposite spoke, but when Prince Yong looked over, it was not the fat man who spoke.

Just as he was about to reply, the fat man approached, like a wall blocking his way, and said, "I, Huo, pay my respects to Your Highness Prince Yong."

It wasn't the fat man speaking again, but soon, Prince Yong saw who it was. The fat man tilted his body, revealing a thin, middle-aged man who was inexplicably a step behind.

Huo Chengyi was not actually very thin; he had the physique of a scholar, and a face that, though middle-aged, could still attract young girls. Coupled with a mature and composed demeanor that even Prince Duan could not match, Prince Yong was immediately filled with respect.

"I apologize for my intrusion, Mr. Huo. Please don't make any talk of atonement or anything like that. You're being too polite."

Uncle Fu's heart pounded. The prince had never referred to himself as "Little Prince" in front of anyone. Could it be because this Mr. Huo was good-looking?

While Prince Yong was sizing up Huo Chengyi, Huo Chengyi was also sizing up Prince Yong. He had met the Empress Dowager before. Back then, the Empress Dowager was known for her unparalleled beauty. Although there were many exaggerations, it was a fact that the Empress Dowager was beautiful.

Upon seeing Prince Yong, he nodded to himself, thankful that he had followed the Empress Dowager and not the late Emperor.

When Prince Yong called him "Little Prince," his heart pounded. Prince Yong's absurdity, his bullying of men and women, and his wickedness were known to almost everyone in the world, although he also knew that there were many exaggerated rumors about him.

However, the saying "no wind, no waves" has overturned Xiao Wang's understanding of "no wind, no waves." In this world, there are indeed waves even without wind.

After assessing each other in their hearts, Huo Chengyi said, "Your Highness, please. My son has already explained the reason to me. I thank Your Highness for your righteousness." As he spoke, he suddenly bowed deeply to Prince Yong.

Zhao Shu didn't tell Yong Wang about the medical treatment. He was completely stunned by the bow, but since he was going to invite someone to take up an official position, he naturally didn't ask too many questions. As long as the goal was achieved, that was enough.

So, in a daze, he repeatedly told people not to be so polite. Huo Chengyi secretly wondered, could there be someone else?

As they spoke, Prince Yong was led to the front hall, where many of Huo's direct nephews and nieces had gathered. Although they had never seen Huo Chengyi leading a young man over before, they all knew that he was Prince Yong.

In the past, they would not have come to pay their respects. So what if he was a prince? The Huo family did not serve as officials in the court and did not even give the emperor any face. Why would they be afraid of a mere prince?

However, just yesterday, Shirakawa suddenly returned to the manor and issued a decree that everyone must treat Prince Yong with courtesy when he comes to the manor, otherwise they will be considered to be opposing him.

The Huo family members who came to the front hall to pay their respects to Prince Yong today, besides being afraid of Huo Baichuan, also hoped to see if the prince who could be treated with such courtesy by Huo Baichuan, the "demon god," really had three heads and six arms.

“Your Highness, these good-for-nothings are all my sons and grandsons. The others are traveling and are not at home.” Huo Chengyi pointed to the seven or eight Huo family boys in the front hall, the oldest being only twenty-seven or twenty-eight and the youngest only six or seven years old.

"I pay my respects to Your Highness." The Huo family is a family of etiquette and scholars. The six or seven-year-old child spoke to him with the air of a little adult, which made a certain part of Prince Yong's heart collapse.

If that child were still alive, he would probably be several years older than him now. As the heir of the Prince Yong's mansion, he would surely act like a little man and tell outsiders that this is his father.

Perhaps it was because the child was too cute, or perhaps it reminded him of that child, but Prince Yong took off the jade pendant from his waist and said, "Here you go, a gift for our first meeting."

Even the most intelligent six- or seven-year-old child couldn't resist a handsome uncle gently handing him a beautiful jade pendant, saying, "Here you go, a little gift." So, without even looking at Huo Chengyi's expression, he accepted it as if possessed.

"Aren't you going to thank the Prince?" A pleasant voice rang out behind Prince Yong. He turned around, only to meet a pair of eyes.

Those eyes were as beautiful as the starry sky he saw at the Sendaiin observation tower, so captivating that they seemed to devour him whole.

Moreover, he had a feeling that he had seen that look before.

The owner of the eyes, judging from her figure, was a woman, but she was wrapped up tightly. It was clearly summer, yet she was covered from head to toe, leaving only her eyes exposed.

"Xian, thank you, Your Highness." Huo Guxian hurriedly thanked Huo Danlan after hearing her words.

Huo Guxian's words brought Prince Yong back to his senses, and his expression remained somewhat strange.

"Your Highness, please forgive me. My daughter was rude. Lan'er, why don't you go back now?" Huo Chengyi sighed inwardly. His daughter was beautiful, talented, and virtuous, yet she had such an illness and was still unmarried. He had finally heard that someone could cure her, and he probably couldn't help but come to see her.

After all, it's been over twenty years. This is the first time in over twenty years that someone has confidently claimed they can cure him. Even if he was impolite today, he won't blame them.

However, Prince Yong seemed completely unaware of the situation. Could his daughter's illness still be cured? It seemed that his hopes would be dashed once again.