Huangfu Ning explained, "This was originally a small town, but most of the people left, so it was requisitioned."
"Oh, I see," the three brothers said, standing aside and saying, "Uncle, can we go take a shower, eat, and sleep first? You can handle the big things yourself. We can't get involved, so we won't join in the fun!"
Huangfu Ning glanced at Xie Zhuangshui and said, "Hey, don't you usually like to join in the fun? You'd be unhappy if I didn't bring you along. Don't be polite today, come with me?"
The three brothers refused in unison: "Uncle, there's really no need. We are really tired!"
Huangfu Ning looked at the pitiful appearance of the three of them, shook his head slightly, and said, "I was just joking, but you took it seriously. Go down and rest. If you need anything, go find a military advisor named Xiao Liang. When you're done resting, go to the northwest courtyard to see Uncle Bin. Be polite, understand?"
"I know, I know. Then uncle, we'll leave first!"
"Go ahead."
After the three brothers left ecstatically, Huangfu Ning looked down at himself and couldn't help but stop: "... General, I seem a little rude like this, I'd better clean myself up first."
Xie Zhuangshui took a look at Huangfu Ning's sticky hair and dirty clothes that smelled strange, and said, "Mr. Huangfu looks dusty and a bit disheveled. I'll go and reply first, and you can come over later."
"Then I'll trouble you, General."
After watching Xie Zhuangshui leave, Huangfu Ning couldn't help but frown and mutter, "How interesting! When did Xie Zhuangshui become so polite? Also, doesn't he have a special quirk? Why did he look at those three children with eyes that didn't seem strange? Could it be because he was near Zhiyou Forest and was affected by the miasma?"
Huangfu Ning thought he was just being overly suspicious and took a shower, putting all his doubts, both big and small, behind him. When he went to see Shi Zairong, Huangfu Ning saw that Lin Feng was now full of energy and his body was even stronger than before. He probably thought it was a blessing in disguise, under the influence of the Shengxi Gu.
If you think about it, the Shengxi Gu has existed in the Huangfu family to this day, and it's been around forever, thanks to its special ability to strengthen bones and muscles. Huangfu Ning remembered reading about it in family biographies. In the past, anyone in Huangfu Fujian with a frail constitution could apply for Shengxi Gu to strengthen their muscles and bodies. However, in their past generations, raising Shengxi Gu to maturity was extremely difficult, let alone using it for other purposes.
After Huangfu Ning and Shi Zairong talked briefly for a few words, Shi Zairong suggested that since they had finally returned from Qinghe County, they might as well go to the Northwest Courtyard to share the results of this trip with Huangfu Bin and others.
After Huangfu Bin came back from a walk, he washed his face and said, "I heard from Xiao Liang that your uncle Ning has returned safely."
Huangfu Xiong, who was carefully observing the Shengxi Gu in the inner room, rushed out upon hearing Huangfu Bin's words. Unable to conceal his excitement, he asked, "Where's my eldest brother? Did he come with us? Isn't my uncle very capable? He should be able to bring my eldest brother back, right?"
Faced with Huangfu Xiong's questions, each revealing his feelings towards the traitor Huangfu Zhong, Huangfu Bin sighed slightly, somewhat disappointed in himself, and replied, "I'm not sure yet. Xiao Liang said someone came back with him, but before he could take a closer look, they went back to their room to wash up and rest. I've said some things so many times that I'm getting a little tired of them. You're an adult now, so make your own decisions about who you want to see and what you want to do."
Huangfu Xiong was slightly stunned when he heard this. He had not expected that Huangfu Bin would not scold him when he mentioned Huangfu Xiong again. It was as if he understood him. In this case, Huangfu Xiong also promised: "Father, don't worry, I won't do those dangerous things again. Regardless of whether my eldest brother can return safely, I will do the things at hand well and forgive the sins of both of us."
Huangfu Bin nodded and said, "It's best that you think this way."
The previous rift between father and son was brightened by Huangfu Bin's generosity, just like a foggy grassland cleared by the wind. The two had originally thought of taking this opportunity to exchange their thoughts, but before they could say a few words, Shi Zairong arrived with Huangfu Ning.
After Huangfu Ning recounted everything he had seen, heard, and felt during his time in Qinghe County, he was already thirsty. If Lin Feng had not thoughtfully prepared a jar of honey in advance to soak in water, Huangfu Ning felt that his glorious image of being extremely handsome, talented, and unparalleled would have been shattered by this hoarse voice.
Huangfu Xiong had been listening carefully to every word Huangfu Ning said. After he was sure that Huangfu Ning had finished speaking, he could not hide his disappointment and whispered, "So, we still can't bring him out..."
Huangfu Ning drank some honey water to moisten his throat, then patted Huangfu Xiong on the shoulder and said soothingly, "We tried our best, and staying in Tianshu Tower was his own wish. He wanted to atone for his sins, and I helped him. But from my observation, Tianshu Tower doesn't really trust him. Perhaps once they find someone to replace him, he'll be of no use to them anymore."
"......" Huangfu Xiong knew that Huangfu Ning was trying to comfort him, but the second half of the sentence made him more worried the more he listened to it.
Huangfu Ning saw that Huangfu Xiong didn't say anything, so he continued, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. How are things going over here? We've already found a way to let the residents of Qinghe County know about the existence of the living dead. It won't be long before public opinion shifts in the right direction."
"I did find a method that really works not long ago. Come and take a look," Huangfu Bin said as he led Huangfu Ning into the inner room. Shi Zairong and the others were curious, but they were laymen after all. Even if they saw it, they wouldn't understand it. It would be better to wait for them to come out and listen.
Huangfu Ning looked at the swollen Gu worm in the bronze vessel, stroking his unshaved chin. After studying it for a moment, he revealed the secret: "...You are quite impressive. Yes, if you can't kill it, just try to bring its time of death forward. This method has a bit of an unconventional feel."
Huangfu Bin nodded and walked towards the outer room, saying, "The Zi Gu has sensed it, and the earliest batch should be almost dead. Even someone familiar with Gu insects would only say it was a natural cause and would definitely not see any signs of human intervention."
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