Xiahou Qing nodded, patted Huangfu Zhong on the shoulder, and said, "With Brother Huangfu's words, I can rest assured. Brother Huangfu is also from Nanyue. The Nanyue army has been losing ground recently, and they urgently need this army of the living dead to boost morale."
Even though Huangfu Zhong was trapped in this small room day in and day out, he could still hear these military reports. Whenever news of a victory arrived from the Liang Kingdom, the residents outside the high walls would cheer. That sound made Huangfu Zhong, a man under house arrest in disguise, feel a little envious.
There was just one thing. South Vietnam had always had the upper hand, so how could it suddenly become like this? "I've heard about this, but from what I understand, General Xie is indeed a talented general. Besides, there's the Grand Tutor in charge, so this shouldn't happen."
Xiahou Qing chuckled and said, "Of course not. It's just that someone secretly told Qingliang Valley all their marching and formation strategies."
Huangfu Zhong was slightly taken aback. There were many experts in the Nanyue army. Seeing Xiahou Qing's nonchalant expression, he wondered if he was the one who did this. "Master, are you saying there are spies in the Nanyue army?"
Xiahou Qing glanced at him and said with a hint of warning, "Don't worry about this, Brother Huangfu. I'll help you resolve it. By the way, to ensure safety, I've secretly doubled the number of guards around you. I wonder if this has any unnecessary impact on your daily life."
Huangfu Zhong's life was now in Xiahou Qing's hands. How could he express his opinion on these matters? "Master, that's not right. If it weren't for your help, I would have been captured by the Huangfu family long ago."
Xiahou Qing smiled and said, "Brother Huangfu, you're treating me like an outsider. Oh, and I'm free today. How about taking Brother Huangfu to a nice place?"
"It's up to the Pavilion Master to arrange." Huangfu Zhong was naturally willing to leave the small house for a while to get some rest. While he enjoyed studying Gu techniques, that didn't mean he was someone who would spend all his time with Gu insects. The chance to explore the legendary Qinghe County was a welcome opportunity.
...After a while, under the guidance of Xiahou Qing, the two walked and strolled, and finally came to a small study called Chunzaitang, and stopped.
Huangfu Zhong asked in confusion, "Where is this place?"
Xiahou Qing explained, "Don't be fooled by the small size of this study. Some of the books inside are rare treasures that are hard to find in the Liang Imperial Palace or even in our Nanyue Palace. Brother Huangfu, you can take away some books that interest you. It can also help you pass the time when you have nothing to do."
Hearing this, Huangfu Zhong became somewhat curious about this small study. He had never heard of such a remarkable place in Qinghe County before, but from the outside looking in, this small study didn't seem particularly remarkable. But with Xiahou Qing's praise, it must be a good place. "Oh? Does this study have any history?"
Xiahou Qing continued, "It's hard to say where this place came from. It was just a humble little study before it was spotted by Princess Qingliang, who bought it. The owner of this study is quite a figure, too. Let's go in and take a look."
"Master, please."
As the two entered, Liu Yong, who had been counting books and paintings at the counter, heard someone coming in and turned to see the guest he least wanted to see. A flash of dissatisfaction and disgust flashed across his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a fawning smile. "Master, you're here! Please come in!"
After Xia Houqing looked around the study, he said, "Manager Liu, it seems that there are not many people here today."
Liu Yong hurriedly nodded and bowed, explaining, "Master, you're joking. At a time like this, how many people would still want to read? The regular patrons who used to come to the study were all scholars hoping to pass the imperial examinations, but now, I guess they've all joined the army. I wonder what kind of books you're looking for today?"
Xiahou Qing glanced at Huangfu Zhong and said with a smile, "You brought your friends here to take a look around. Why aren't you here with your wife, son, and daughter-in-law?"
Liu Yong sighed deeply and replied, "Alas, today is my father's death anniversary. My mother and I are at home paying our respects. I'll have to close the shop and go back soon."
"Manager Liu, I accept your condolences."
Liu Yong was a little flattered and said, "No, no, I dare not. The two distinguished guests, please look around for now. I will go to the inner room to prepare some refreshments."
Hearing Xiahou Qing's tone, if it weren't for what happened next, Huangfu Zhong would have actually thought for a moment that he and the owner of this study were friends.
After Liu Yong left, it seemed they were the only two left in the shop. Xiahou Qing casually picked up a book and flipped through a few pages before saying, "Brother Huangfu, do you see anything special about this study?"
Huangfu Zhong said that he had just taken a quick look. Although he was not an expert in appreciating calligraphy and painting, he had seen many fine works from the Huangfu family's centuries-old heritage. However, the items on display in the store were just ordinary items that had been found from who knows where.
"Forgive my poor eyesight, but this study doesn't seem as magical as the Pavilion Master said. And the shopkeeper is just an ordinary person, so I really can't tell anything."
Upon hearing this, Xiahou Qing raised his eyebrows and called out, "Come here."
As soon as he finished speaking, a group of guards who had been following them for some unknown reason suddenly made the not-so-large study room a bit crowded: "Your subordinates are here."
Xiahou Qing ordered, "Have someone surround the study and don't let even a single ant escape. Also, have someone go to Liu Yong's house to see if his family is still home. If they are, leave them alone. If not, have the garrison seal the city gates immediately."
"yes."
Huangfu Zhong glanced towards the inner room of the study and asked in confusion, "Master, what are you doing?"
Xiahou Qing said, "Brother Huangfu, please be patient. Now that you're here, just read some books. To be honest, I really like this place and the person who wrote these books."
Actually, Huangfu Zhong didn't mean to ask any particularly serious questions. What he didn't understand at the time was why Xiahou Qing didn't even lower his voice and made such arrangements in someone else's study. Wasn't he afraid that the shopkeeper would notice his intentions and run away? This operation was a bit confusing to him.
Of course, Huangfu Zhong didn't dare to say these words, and could only answer whatever Xiahou Qing asked. Huangfu Zhong took the book that Xiahou Qing handed over, flipped through the title page, and looked at the author's name. He said, "...It doesn't seem to be the work of a famous author."
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