Facing Ao Xi's questioning, Xuanwu Hou only sighed, "Xi'er, many things are not as simple as they seem. The emperor had no choice."
"Really?" Ao Xi's lips curved slightly. "Grandfather's words are exactly the same as what Dad said back then."
When He Wei was thrown into prison for deserting the battlefield, countless people tried to rescue him, and some even urged him to rebel. But He Wei only left behind four words: loyalty to the emperor and love for the country.
Even at that critical moment, he remained loyal to his monarch.
Ao Xi didn't want to say much about this kind of foolish loyalty. He would rather be a bandit than a general.
Xuanwu Hou knew he couldn't persuade Ao Xi, so he didn't force him any further. He sighed and said, "Well, now that you're back, just draw a line between yourself and those bandits. I'll find you another identity. Being a rich and noble young man would be fine."
"Grandfather, I appreciate your kindness. Since I'm the leader of Black Wind Village, there's absolutely no reason for me to abandon them."
"What did you say? You still want to go back to Black Wind Village?"
"good."
"you!"
The Marquis of Xuanwu was so angry that he was speechless. After a long while, his lips trembled as he said angrily, "You are truly hopeless."
"Whether it's hopeless or beyond my control, this is the path my grandson chose."
Ao Xi paused, "As for why I came here this time, I have something to discuss with my grandfather."
Although Xuanwu Hou was furious with Ao Xi, he was still his grandson after all, and blood was thicker than water. Even though he cursed Ao Xi in his heart, he couldn't help but ask, "What's the matter?"
"That's right..."
Ao Xi recounted the most important experiences of this period, including how Fang Qingshan monopolized the iron ore and how he colluded with the Western Regions.
At first, Marquis Xuanwu turned his body away, as if he didn't want to pay any attention to Ao Xi. But as he listened, he turned around and his expression became serious.
"In recent years, the Western Regions have been restless, and I've heard about it in the capital. Although the Western Regions are rich, their military strength is weak and not to be feared. If the King of Qi is also involved..."
Marquis Xuanwu stood up suddenly with a solemn expression, "No, I have to go to the palace to see the emperor."
"Okay, then I'll go back to Black Wind Village."
"no."
Marquis Xuanwu tightly grasped Ao Xi's wrist and said, "If, as you said, the King of Qi and Fang Qingshan have evil intentions, then he will definitely attack you. I cannot bear to see you in danger."
"If I don't go back, then the Black Wind Village will be in danger. My brothers and I will live and die together."
Under the candlelight, Ao Xi's face was resolute.
Marquis Xuanwu suddenly felt a little dazed. At this moment, Ao Xi's face overlapped with the face in his memory.
Their features were similar, but the man in my impression was more steady and upright. His eyes were piercing, and even in prison, he maintained his dignity. "They are coming for me. If I don't escape, it will be my He family army that will die. As long as I escape, they can live."
“…”
The memories came to an abrupt end. Marquis Xuanwu slowly loosened his hand, let out a long sigh, turned his back and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes.
"I will report what you said to His Majesty. This is a matter of great importance, and I cannot convict the prince with just a few words. His Majesty has sent people to Qingyun City to collect evidence. Not to mention the twists and turns involved, the whole process alone will take more than a month. If the King of Qi attacks you during this period, what are your chances of success?"
"Odds of winning?"
Ao Xi was happy, "Why not tell me how long I can wait to die?"
Even though it was a matter of life and death, Ao Xi maintained his nonchalant demeanor, curling his lips as he said, "Grandfather, don't feel sorry for me. I've been living a life of seclusion, and I'm making the most of every day I live. Besides, I'm just a bandit, and even if I die, I'll be contributing to the imperial court, right?"
Although Ao Xi was laughing, his tone was actually self-deprecating.
Marquis Xuanwu never turned back, and Ao Xi didn't say anything else. He bowed to Marquis Xuanwu's back, turned around and left.
"Stand!"
When Ao Xi turned around, an object the size of a palm came towards him.
Looking closely, it turned out to be the token of Marquis Xuanwu.
This is something that symbolizes the Marquis's status. Seeing this thing is like meeting the Marquis in person.
Not to mention dispatching government officers and soldiers, even officials had to obey orders.
Ao Xi was surprised by the change in Xuanwu Hou's appearance. "Grandfather, what's wrong with you?"
"Get your things and leave quickly."
Marquis Xuanwu turned his back again, looking noble and cold, as if he was too lazy to talk.
Ao Xi weighed the token in his palm and smiled wickedly, "Thanks, Grandfather."
After a long moment, Marquis Xuanwu turned and looked towards the wide-open windows, angrily saying, "You little bastard!"
-
Three days later, Wei Ma also arrived in the capital.
Like Ao Xi, she chose to visit late at night.
But Wei Ma was old after all, and not as agile as Ao Xi. She fell into the house just as she climbed onto the roof.
"Ouch."
"who!"
Two voices rang out simultaneously. Seeing that Xuanwu Hou was about to take action, Wei Ma hurriedly said, "Marquis, it's me!"
"Mother Wei?"
At the same time, there was another knock on the door.
"My Lord! My Lord, are you okay?"
Wei Ma quickly winked at Xuanwu Hou, who took a deep breath and said, "Nothing, I'm... practicing."
"Uh, okay, then you can practice slowly, and I'll take my leave."
Wei Ma brushed off the dust on her body and said, "My Lord! I have something to tell you!"
Marquis Xuanwu looked at the roof, then looked at Wei Ma, and slapped his forehead, thinking, what a sin.
-
Black Wind Village
“Bang, bang, bang!”
The sound of war drums echoed in the valley, circling and then spreading out.
At the foot of the Black Wind Village, the soldiers blocked the valley tightly, with no less than 5,000 people in total.
Although it was not a battle between two armies, they still raised the war drums, with the purpose of intimidating these bandits.
The vanguard shouted from the foot of the mountain, "Listen up, everyone up there! You've been surrounded by our army. If you know what's good for you, quickly release the young master. Otherwise, we'll storm up the mountain and kill you without a single mortal left."
Halfway up the mountain, Su Man and Military Advisor Yuan, along with a group of brothers, looked down from above.
Among them was Fang Junyi, who had a knife at his neck, his hands tied behind his back and his mouth stuffed, looking very miserable.
Su Man raised her chin towards Tiger Eyes, who had the loudest voice. Tiger Eyes immediately stepped forward and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Do you think your grandfather was raised to be scared? Attack me if you dare!"
The pioneer was not to be outdone, "Come down if you can!"
"Come up!"
"Come down!"
“…”
Amidst the shouting and cursing, Fang Qingshan, who was protected by a dozen soldiers with shields, looked extremely ugly.
They were numerous and powerful, and it was only a matter of time before they took over the Black Wind Village. However, these bandits captured Fang Junye, so he was afraid of the consequences and had to stay in a stalemate.
"Master Fang."
General Gao, who was also protected by soldiers holding shields, walked over.
Fang Qingshan ran back early because his hometown was destroyed, and the troops were brought by General Gao himself.
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