112 No mistake, no confession!
◎Huo Qubing: I want to eat cakes.◎
Liu Che's voice suddenly echoed through the empty palace. The eunuch standing nearby, already terrified, uttered a trembling "Yes," then, practically crawling on his hands and knees over the gleaming golden bricks of the red-lit hall, staggered out of the heavy palace gate. He was panicked, but dared not make a sound. Fortunately, he was out quickly, bursting into the cold wind.
Chang'an's late autumn had already taken on a wintery air. A northerly wind whipped fallen leaves, whistling past the towering vermilion columns and gilded ceilings of the Weiyang Palace. Bronze bells dangling from the eaves chimed in.
Remind, remind, like sobbing.
Inside the palace, a huge bronze beast furnace was spewing out warm clouds of mist, and the palace walls coated with pepper mud were glowing dark red under the swaying fire. No matter day or night, the lights in the Weiyang Palace were never turned off, and the figure of the emperor on the throne looked like a ferocious monster.
The eunuch did not dare to delay and went to find Huo Qubing.
Huo Qubing did not dare to delay, and hurriedly put down the documents in his hand and left with him.
In the late autumn evening, the stars were sparse, the frost was cold and the dew was heavy. Huo Qubing was wearing only a single layer of clothing, without even a cloak, and seemed unaware of the cold. When the wind blew, his already dizzy head felt a little painful.
But that was nothing. He was very good at enduring pain and didn't even frown the whole time.
The young eunuch did not dare to raise his head as he walked under the palace wall, carefully leading the way for Huo Qubing. When Huo Qubing arrived, it happened that eunuch Feng was leading a few people out, and the group met them at the door of the warm room.
Those people were all wearing gorgeous clothes, about four or five of them. The one leading them had a pair of triangular eyes. The look in his eyes when he looked at Huo Qubing made Huo Qubing frown almost subconsciously. This person looked like the carrion bird he had seen in the desert.
When Eunuch Feng saw Huo Qubing, his face was all smiles. He stepped forward and bowed to him, saying, "Sir, these are your Majesty's embroidered robe envoys."
Huo Qubing then looked at them straight in the eye, but only gave them a slight glance before looking away.
The leading man bowed quickly when he saw Huo Qubing, "I, Jiang Chong, greet the Grand Marshal, General of the Cavalry."
Frost fell on Huo Qubing's shoulders, and his whole body was wrapped in a layer of coldness. He nodded coldly, indicating that he should get up.
Jiang Chong was smart enough to give him way.
The two groups passed each other, and Huo Qubing walked in. As he entered, a chill rushed in, stirring up a few wisps of incense. He did not move forward, but carefully brushed away the few frosted leaves on his shoulders, and then glanced at Eunuch Feng.
Eunuch Feng was a man who was very good at reading people's expressions. He bowed and said quietly, "The embroidered official is here to discuss the embezzlement of military rations. But earlier, the young master also came, and His Majesty lost his temper."
He said this much out of consideration for Huo Yan.
Huo Qubing nodded.
Because Liu Che wanted to see Huo Qubing beforehand, no one stopped him. He strode forward into the inner hall, then saluted Liu Che meticulously, his voice steady and powerful, "Your Majesty, I, Huo Qubing, pay my respects to you."
When he entered, Liu Che was looking down at a memorial. Liu Che didn't let him get up, but he just knelt there without any reluctance.
The copper clock in the corner of the hall ticked, and time passed in a depressing manner.
Liu Che put down the memorial and stared at him with a complicated expression.
Qubing has been a quiet and reserved person since childhood, but in fact he is born with a rebellious nature, as if his whole body is full of courage.
Liu Che looked at him, a complex tangle of emotions swirling within him: love, pity, resentment, and hatred—even three times stronger than his feelings for Huo Yan. He waved his hand, dismissing the attendants. Outsiders were forbidden in the palace at this moment, and he still needed Huo Qubing to balance Wei Qing's power. It would be inappropriate for his admonition to be spread.
In the vast Xuanshi Hall, only the two of them were left facing each other. Huo Qubing remained motionless, his expression unchanged.
The air seemed frozen, with only the occasional crackle of the charcoal fire in the beast furnace. The two sides seemed to be in a silent stalemate, but when it came to endurance, who could match the champion marquis who had once charged across thousands of miles of desert at lightning speed?
After a long time, the emperor's questioning finally came.
"Qubing," Liu Che's voice was not loud, but it was hoarse with anger, "Do you admit your guilt?"
Huo Qubing raised his head when he heard the voice, and the bright light in his eyes dimmed instantly.
"I am ignorant and don't know what crime Your Majesty is accusing me of."
His denial was like adding fuel to the fire.
"Hmph!" Liu Che snatched up a memorial from the imperial desk and slammed it harshly onto the cold, hard gold brick floor in front of Huo Qubing. "You secretly transferred Zhao Guo behind my back! You embezzled military funds! You protected your younger brother from arbitrarily governing the land! This is how you, the Grand Marshal, supervise your subordinates! Your younger brother spoke wildly in front of me, disrespecting both the emperor and his father! How do you, as his elder brother, discipline him?!"
The emperor's voice was steady, but everyone knew he was suppressing his anger.
Huo Qubing bent down, calmly picked up the copy of the memorial, and gently brushed away the nonexistent dust. His movements were steady and powerful, without a trace of panic, but the veins in his hands and the dull pain in his head betrayed his state of mind.
No king and no father?
Is this an insult to Ah Yan, saying that he was born by a father but not raised by one?
His heart trembled a little, but his expression did not change.
"Ayan has no father but an older brother. An elder brother is like a father to him, and I am his father. He is still young, and the blame for his verbal offense lies with me for not teaching him properly. I bear the full responsibility." He paused, then met Liu Che's increasingly gloomy gaze. He slowly leaned forward, his forehead lightly touching the fingertips that were supporting him on the ground, and continued, "As for the matters Your Majesty has mentioned, I will report them. Zhao Guo came to the capital under the guise of recruiting officials from the office of the Grand Marshal and General of the Cavalry. The money and silk he requisitioned were the profits I earned from trading with the Xiongnu and Ayan's business. According to the law of military merit and reward, such money and silk could be used at the commander's discretion to provide relief to soldiers and resettle those who surrendered. I used it to promote new agricultural tools for the benefit of the military and civilians, which is my duty and there is nothing wrong with it. As for Ayan's work in the fields to supervise the production of agricultural tools, as the commander of the grain collection, this is his duty and there is nothing wrong with it."
He paused again, looking fearlessly into Liu Che's eyes. "If Your Majesty finds my actions unsatisfactory, you can simply dismiss me. Everything I have done was approved by me. I am a minister without a king or a father. This has nothing to do with my younger brother."
After he finished speaking, he suddenly drew the sword from his waist, the sword that Liu Che had personally bestowed upon him. The sword gleamed like snow, illuminating the flickering candlelight in the hall and his stern profile. Without the slightest hesitation, he held the sword with both hands, raised it high above his head, and held his back straight.
"If your majesty feels that dismissing me from office is not enough to relieve your anger, you can kill me."
The sword lay between the emperor and his minister. The wind outside the palace seemed to hold its breath. The cold light flowing from the sword reflected Liu Che's furious face and Huo Qubing's expressionless face.
Those warm words and expectations from the past.
"This sword is for Qubing. Qubing will help me to wipe out the four barbarians."
"I wish to be a sharp blade in your majesty's hands."
At this moment, all of this turned into the most pointed irony, as if slowly cutting Liu Che's heart. Huo Qubing said nothing, lowering his head and trying to suppress the heartache.
"I regard Your Majesty as my father. It is only natural for a father to kill his son!"
Liu Che knew what he said was true, and his chest heaved violently. He stared intently at Huo Qubing, the young general he had single-handedly promoted, poured countless efforts into, and treated like his own son. Unconsciously, his eyes welled up, and a surge of betrayal and uncontrollable anger shot through his head.
"You're forcing me!"
Liu Che squeezed out four words from between his teeth, each one tinged with a fishy sweetness that lingered in his throat. He suddenly stepped down from the steps, his boot soles treading on the scattered memorials with a harsh, shattering sound. He snatched the sword from Huo Qubing's hand.
He picked up the cold hilt of the sword, the muscles in his arm bulged, the tip of the sword trembled slightly with anger, and pointed directly at Huo Qubing's throat, which was only an inch away!
"You think I really can't bear to kill you!"
The cold sword edge almost touched Huo Qubing's skin. He was silent for a moment, letting the sharp weapon that once symbolized the emperor's infinite favor press against his vitals.
He spoke again, his voice low.
"Just as Your Majesty never blamed me for being arrogant, but only for being disobedient, I have no resentment towards Your Majesty for killing me. But Your Majesty has put me in opposition to my uncle, and I resent it."
His voice was flat, but every word he said struck Liu Che's heart.
"My uncle treated me like a son or nephew. I always thought I was his heir and would fight for the Han Dynasty like him for the rest of my life! But now everyone in the court says I am a new noble and that I am not on good terms with my uncle. If it weren't for Ah Yan's mediation, I wonder how my uncles who used to treat me like a son or nephew would view me now. Your Majesty is far-sighted and has the Han Dynasty in mind, but how could he understand my pain? I could hold the highest position among all officials, and I am confident that I deserve it! I am willing to be commanded by Your Majesty, but I do not want to, and cannot, be a tool for Your Majesty to deal with my uncle!"
He faced the sword, crawled forward on his knees, and tightly grasped the cold sword blade with his left hand. The sharp edge instantly cut through his palm, and the bright red blood flowed down the sword body.
Drop by drop, they fell on the mirror-like gold bricks, dazzling and burning.
Huo Qubing's blood is hot.
"Your Majesty asked me why I helped Ah Yan. Your Majesty said I indulged Ah Yan. In fact, it was Ah Yan who indulged me."
The corners of his mouth curled up in a complex and bitter arc.
"I am not a sword, but I have a heart. The court cannot feed my soldiers, and winter is approaching. Their wives and children should not freeze to death. I have petitioned for compensation for days, but my response has fallen on deaf ears. I am not stupid, I just hate myself for not being stupid! Lord Sang Hongyang is unwilling to spend money on the border soldiers. They died with me, but when the war is over, no one remembers them except me. I can tell you the truth, even if it wasn't Ayan, if anyone was willing to give me money at that time, I would have helped him."
"It's just that the man is Ah Yan." He chuckled, with a tone of relief, "Fortunately it's Ah Yan. Ah Yan has the heart, and I have the power to make things convenient for him. It couldn't be better."
Liu Che's pupils suddenly constricted, and the knuckles of his hand holding the hilt of the sword turned white due to the force.
"You are scolding me for forgetting your soldiers! I have given them titles, rewards, and pensions! What else do you want from me?!"
Your Majesty, you gave it. Those rewards were sapped away at every level, leaving only a few copper coins in the hands of the widows of soldiers who had lost their limbs and families. How could that little money sustain them through this long winter and the years ahead?
Only if we do as Ayan said, find more high-yielding crops and make more labor-saving farm tools, will no one die.
Huo Qubing screamed in his heart, but his face remained cold and hard.
"I dare not." Huo Qubing bowed slightly. "I am only stating the facts. This is what I think. I would never deceive Your Majesty."
The hall fell into deathly silence.
The only sound was the dripping blood from Huo Qubing's palm and the even more shrill whimpering of the wind outside the hall. The charcoal fire in the bronze beast furnace crackled, releasing its last warmth.
One stood with his sword stained with blood, and the other knelt with his back straight.
Liu Che looked at Huo Qubing's bloodied hands, his stubborn eyes, his straight back, the unmistakable determination in his eyes, which merged with Huo Yan's. His Qubing had changed, and he couldn't understand if it was Huo Yan who had changed him, or if it was Huo Yan himself who had changed him. He felt nothing but an intense, utterly disgusting sense of loss of control. His two most proud and sharpest falcons, having heard his call, ultimately chose completely different paths, even resorting to clashing their claws.
In the end, the immense anger of being disobeyed completely overwhelmed all his complex emotions. He threw away the bloody sword, picked up his own sword, and used the blade's spine to lash out fiercely on Huo Qubing's straight back!
"Rebellious son! You are destroying my heart! Rebellious son!"
The sound of heavy blows echoed in the hall.
Huo Qubing's body shook violently, but he remained motionless, enduring it, pursing his lips tightly and saying nothing.
There is nothing wrong, why admit it!
Another heavy sword fell!
"Unfilial son, admit your mistake to me!"
Liu Che's eyes were slightly red.
Huo Qubing felt a sweetness in his throat, and a fishy smell surged up, but he swallowed it back abruptly, only to let out a very suppressed groan. He swallowed the blood and said, "No mistake, I don't admit it!"
His stubborn and silent resistance reminded Liu Che of Huo Yan instantly, and his anger grew even more intense!
"Rebellious son, if I say you are wrong, then you are wrong!"
Another sword!
The cold wind also blew to the Huo Mansion in the east of Chang'an City.
The moon was above the willows, and the cold moonlight sprinkled on the bare pear trees in the courtyard. The rugged branches swayed in the wind, making a humming sound, like a cat in heat.
In the study, several exquisite bronze charcoal basins burned brightly. The dry, crisp aroma of fine pine charcoal dispelled the winter night's chill. Huo Yan's interest had faded after being reprimanded today. After a few instructions, he headed straight home. He had changed out of his court robes, stained with field mud, and donned a plain, long-sleeved casual attire. He reclined on a bed covered in thick brocade, before a massive black lacquer table with a gold-painted cloud pattern.
What was spread out on the desk were not ordinary documents, but a thick stack of agricultural book summaries compiled and copied by students, as well as several large volumes of briefings sent by Sang Hongyang, recording the expenditures of the salt and iron official revenue.
The tallow lamp on the candlestick flickered with a steady glow, illuminating his slightly pale face and the faint shadows under his eyes. His slender fingers moved rapidly on the abacus, making a crisp, crackling sound, while his eyes wandered over the densely packed numbers on the briefing. He picked up his pen and lightly sketched on the edge of the bamboo slips. The next step was to implement the new salt and iron regulations in the Guanzhong region.
The power of those vassal states had long been reduced to remnants by the Enfeoffment Order. He picked up his pen and wrote down the names of a few remaining stubborn forces, intending to let his brother Huo Qubing go out for a stroll occasionally.
The wind blew open the window, and the servant hurriedly closed it. He still coughed lightly a few times, which sounded particularly clear in the silent study, but the abacus in his hand never stopped for a moment.
[Baby, take a break~]
[Yeah, have a good rest~]
[Dealing with Tetsuko is exhausting.]
…
[Hey, Yanyan baby, you need to get more rest. I'll help you calculate it.]
Another line of text floated by.
A barely perceptible smile played at the corner of Huo Yan's mouth. The beads in his hand finally stopped moving, and he looked up into space, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing, "You haven't taken advantage of me enough, Xiao Mu. Forget about those people, what should you call me?"
The words that were calculated seemed to flash like garbled characters.
Fortunately, at this moment, the door of the study was gently pushed open, and Jiacheng walked in hurriedly with a worried look on his face.
"My Lord," the Household Secretary lowered his voice and bowed, "Eunuch Feng in the palace has just quietly passed on the news. His Majesty is furious and has sent for you to come to the palace urgently!"
Huo Yan paused with his fingers, the beads clicking softly. The curve of his lips deepened slightly, revealing a calmness that came from a clear understanding.
"I understand. Brother will handle it himself."
The voice was calm and peaceful.
The housekeeper was even more anxious, "My Lord! Eunuch Feng said...he heard the wind outside the palace, and His Majesty might be whipping you!"
The indifference on Huo Yan's face instantly disappeared.
He stood up suddenly, his movements so fast that his sleeves raised a gust of wind. Anger and worry burned in his eyes, and he almost squeezed out the words from between his teeth.
"My brother hasn't recovered yet! He's still covered in old injuries! Damn it, how could I bear to hit him again!"
Before he finished speaking, he rushed out without even bothering to put on his outer robe.
The housekeeper had clearly been prepared, with horses already waiting at the gate. Huo Yan grabbed the whip, nimbly mounted his horse, and sternly ordered, "Lock the gate!"
His mind raced. Huo Xian was too young and frail. If he and his brother couldn't return tonight, or if Emperor Wu of Han really angered him and confiscated their property, he couldn't disturb the child. He couldn't go to his uncle Wei Qing's place either; if they got into trouble, his uncle would be implicated as well.
Thoughts raced as he reined in the horse and whispered hurriedly to the housekeeper who was following closely behind, "If anything unexpected happens... immediately have someone secretly send A Guang and A Shan to Lord Father Yan's residence. Keep it secret!"
Jia Cheng's expression was solemn, and he bowed deeply, "Yes!"
Huo Yan made quite a commotion, and Huo Guang was also alarmed. He chased to the gate of the mansion and watched his brother's cold back as he mounted his horse. He called out anxiously, "Brother Zhong?"
Huo Yan reined in his horse and turned back, forcing a soothing smile. The night obscured the anxiety in his eyes, and his voice was the same as usual.
"A Guang, I have something urgent to do. I may not be back today. You go back first. If you have time in the evening, play with Shan'er. She is very impatient. When Brother Zhong comes back, I will bring you some freshly prepared fruits from the East Market."
Huo Guang saw the lingering solemnity between his second brother's brows and knew that something terrible must have happened. He clenched his fists, suppressed his doubts, and nodded solemnly.
He understood that all he could do at this moment was to follow Xiao Shan'er closely.
Huo Yan smiled again, telling him to relax, "It's okay, I'll be back soon."
Then he suddenly squeezed the horse's belly, and the horse neighed loudly, and rushed into the night of Chang'an City shrouded in cold wind like an arrow.
Weiyang Palace.
Huo Yan galloped along, his horse's hooves crushing the thin frost and fallen leaves on the palace path. He knew the Weiyang Palace as well as his own. He dismounted, untied his token, and obtained permission to enter. Without asking for a guide, he trudged through the palace path like a madman.
Robes fluttered, the wind whistled, bronze bells rang, and the lights in the Weiyang Palace were bright, like a vicious beast opening its eyes.
Huo Yan, however, rushed forward and pounced forward.
The faster he ran, the less pain his brother would feel.
He ran forward desperately, ignoring the obstruction of the palace guards along the way, and soon rushed to the door of Liu Che's bedroom, the Xuanshi side hall.
Before he could catch his breath, he saw Empress Wei Zifu pacing anxiously on the steps outside the palace. Her gorgeous dress swayed slightly in the cold wind, and her face looked worried.
Huo Yan stepped forward quickly and bowed to Wei Zifu. His voice carried the coolness of the night breeze. "Your servant Huo Yan pays homage to the Empress."
When Wei Zifu saw him, she was surprised and confused, but a hint of deep meaning flashed in her eyes.
"Ayan, you...why are you here so late at night?"
At this moment, a suppressed groan belonging to Huo Qubing could be heard faintly from the hall! The sound was like a thorn, piercing Huo Yan's heart and squeezing out blood.
He forced himself to remain calm, even deliberately revealing a hint of doubt. He coughed lightly and spoke with a hint of inappropriate sarcasm, "I have an important matter to report to Your Majesty immediately. Aunt, who is this person in the palace who has caused Your Majesty's anger and punishment so late at night?"
He paused, lowering his voice, his almond-shaped eyes slightly curved with a hint of mischief, "Could it be that... Your Majesty has been indulging in lust day and night, disturbing my aunt's sweet dreams?"
Wei Zifu was stunned by his bold joke, then realized it was just a coincidence and felt a little relieved. However, she was immediately worried by the noise coming from the palace. She anxiously grabbed Huo Yan's sleeve and said, "It's your brother in there! Qubing has somehow angered His Majesty, and now... now he hasn't come out yet! It sounds like he's being beaten!"
Her voice was choked with sobs.
The relaxed look on Huo Yan's face instantly disappeared, replaced by a perfectly horrified expression. "What, brother?"
Before he finished speaking, he did not delay any longer, and suddenly broke free from Wei Zifu's hand. Regardless of the guards in front of the palace trying to stop him, he rushed in like a beast protecting its cubs.
Wei Zifu exclaimed and quickly lifted her skirt to follow in.
Inside the side hall of Xuanshi.
When Huo Yan rushed through the outer hall and broke into the inner room, the scene before him made his blood run cold.
Huo Qubing knelt upright, his back stained with blood, the dark fabric of his clothes soaking through. Under the light, the dark crimson marks were glaring. Liu Che's face was ashen, and he gripped the spine of the emperor's sword tightly in his hand, raising it high.
Did Liu Che acknowledge his mistakes in every word he said?
Huo Qubing said nothing, but just stood straight.
Another heavy blow was about to fall.
"stop!"
Huo Yan's mind went blank, with only one thought: protect his brother. He completely ignored the incoming sword and the horrified looks of the others, and pounced on Huo Qubing like a cat protecting its cubs, using his frail back to block the heavy blow for him!
“Hmm!”
The heavy blow made Huo Yan groan in pain, but he wrapped his arms tightly around Huo Qubing's neck and shoulders, protecting him firmly under him.
Liu Che was so shocked by this sudden change that he paused. Seeing who had rushed in, he shouted, "Huo Yan! How dare you trespass into the Forbidden Palace!"
Before Huo Yan could reply, Wei Zifu, who had followed closely behind, hurriedly bowed and cried, "Your Majesty, please calm down! It was...it was because I saw that Your Majesty was furious and worried about your illness that I urgently summoned Ah Yan to the palace!"
She took the responsibility upon herself.
Liu Che's eyes swept over Wei Zifu and the Huo brothers, his chest heaving. Finally, he snorted coldly and slammed the sword in his hand heavily on the ground, making a dull sound.
"Qubing!" Liu Che's eyes locked onto Huo Qubing, who was being protected by Huo Yan. He also saw the blood on Huo Qubing's body, and his voice trembled, "Do you know your mistake?"
Huo Qubing pursed his lips tightly, the corners of his lips were dry, and he still said nothing. He just tilted his head slightly and signaled Huo Yan with his eyes not to be impulsive.
Huo Yan felt the wet and sticky touch of his brother's back, and the myriad thoughts in his mind were instantly drowned out by immense anger and self-blame.
What kind of brother am I?! He took all these injuries because of me! It was obviously me! I've been a burden to him my whole life!
He suddenly raised his head, his face no longer showing his usual calm calculation, but only a look of near-mad determination and indignation. He stared directly at Liu Che and whispered, "Your Majesty, it was I who disobeyed the Holy Will! It was I who arbitrarily implemented agricultural policies! It was I who tricked my brother into covering up for me! All the blame lies solely with me!"
"Ayan! Shut up!" Huo Qubing growled and struggled to cover his mouth.
Unfortunately, he had been hit more than a dozen times, and his old wounds had ruptured, leaving him completely exhausted. Otherwise, he would not have been able to control Huo Yan. Huo Yan finally couldn't hold back his tears. For the first time, he let himself cry so uncontrollably and embarrassedly.
"Your Majesty, are you going to kill him?"
His voice was very soft, as soft as a sigh.
Then, regardless of Huo Qubing's attempts to stop him, he used his trembling hands to roughly strip off Huo Qubing's torn inner garment.
Huo Qubing sighed weakly, "Take it off when you get home."
Huo Yan stuffed a pill into his mouth, then immediately checked the wound, tore off his clothes, and bandaged him temporarily.
When the crisscrossing scars - new, old, arrow wounds, knife marks, and flesh torn from old wounds caused by sword hits - were exposed without any cover to the bright candlelight and the eyes of the emperor and empress, the air in the entire inner hall froze!
Wei Zifu covered her mouth, let out a short sob, and tears instantly flowed out.
Huo Yan pointed at those hideous scars, his fingers trembling.
Anger and grief nearly made him hoarse as he counted the scars all over his body one by one. "This one was left when he was eighteen. He was chasing the Huns and was shot by three arrows without bandaging. When he came back he had a fever, so I had him bandage for a long time. As soon as he recovered, he went to fight again, and I followed him. He led the charge for thousands of miles, and I followed him... I saw him lead the troops with my own eyes, arrows raining down on me. I was only hit by a few arrows, but the pain kept me awake at night! But what about my brother? When he was shot, he gritted his teeth and asked me to pull it out, without even a frown. If you want to fight, he still has to get up. It was me, I who prevented the fight, and he blamed me for it." He pointed to the wound on his back that almost went through his left shoulder. "I worked so hard to patch him back up, and now he's on the march again! Another thousand-mile charge!"
The cuckoo cries blood, and every word is sad.
Huo Qubing wanted to stop him and tell him to stop talking, but Huo Yan suddenly shook his hand away and questioned him almost in a roar.
"Why, why do you treat my brother like this! Do you know that every thousand-mile expedition consumes his blood and sweat? Do you know that every serious injury he sustains shortens his lifespan? Do you know how much effort I put in to keep him safe and sound, alive and well?"
After he finished speaking, he sneered.
The body that I had worked so hard to maintain for half a year was drained away.
"Do you really think your title of Champion Marquis and your general are made of iron?"
Hot tears fell on the cold floor tiles. The corners of Huo Yan's eyes were red and his voice was distorted by extreme pain and anger.
"I don't know if you've ever heard of the term 'exhaustion of heart and blood.' If I can't mend his ways, and let him continue like this, within two years! Two years at most! He'll be seriously ill and unable to mount a warhorse again! He'll die! He'll die before me, Your Majesty!"
He suddenly lowered his head, his forehead resting heavily on Huo Qubing's blood-stained back. His shoulders twitched violently and he let out a desperate and suppressed sob.
"I'm incompetent. I'm dragging you down. I'm dragging you down."
The last few words were sobbing.
Liu Che was struck by lightning! He staggered back, staring intently at the scars on Huo Qubing's back and Huo Yan's broken, sobbing form. The color drained from his face, and he seemed to have aged ten years in an instant. The emperor's raging rage was replaced by a deeper, more acute feeling of horror, regret, and immense powerlessness. That feeling, like the howling cold wind outside the palace, instantly filled his every limb.
Wei Zifu had already burst into tears and collapsed under the support of the palace maids.
Huo Qubing pursed his pale lips, his eyes filled with shock. He had always thought he'd just been a bit weak over the past six months, easily fatigued, and not eating as much as before. Ah Yan always watched him take his medicine, forcing him to drink it with his uncle. He'd thought Ah Yan had come up with some new tonic formula, but the medicine was so bitter it was almost fatal. But Ah Yan said his uncle had already drunk it all, so he pinched his nose and gulped it down.
So, it turned out that his body was on the verge of exhaustion? Was Ah Yan trying to prolong his life?
After a brief moment of confusion, a sense of relief passed through my heart.
Alas, God is jealous of talented people.
But who is immortal? He lived a carefree and free life, and even had Ah Yan to whom he could confide everything. It wasn't that bad.
However, he paused, not dying on the battlefield, dying in front of Ayan and the others, for Ayan and the others, it would be too painful. Especially Ayan.
Then he must live!
He struggled, using his uninjured hand to gently tug at the sleeve of Huo Yan, who was weeping bitterly against his back. Huo Yan was shaking with tears, his face streaked with tears, even his ears red from sobbing. Huo Qubing forced a weak, yet still bright, smile. He tilted his head and gently touched Huo Yan's burning cheek with his fingertips, his voice a husky whisper of soothing.
"Ayan, don't cry. I'm not dead yet. If you don't believe me, touch me and feel warm."
He tried to turn Huo Yan's head over.
Huo Yan hated his reckless tone, and hated him even more for still holding on. He turned his head away and focused on tearing the lining of his clean robe, trying to treat the bleeding wound on his back.
Huo Qubing gave a low laugh, no longer forcing himself. He looked back at Liu Che, whose face was ashen and whose strength seemed to have been drained from him in an instant, and smiled. "Your Majesty, since I have not much time left, please allow me to return home first."
The words "not long to live" struck Liu Che's heart like a heavy hammer. His pupils constricted, his throat churned violently, and a fishy-sweet taste surged up, which he swallowed back with all his might. His temples throbbed, and a huge panic gripped him. Almost subconsciously, he took a step forward, extended his hand, and said, his voice trembling unconsciously, "Cure the disease..."
Don’t die, my child, my child. How can I die when I am so well and can cure my illness?
Huo Yan didn't give him a chance to get closer. He suddenly raised his head, tears still stained on his face. Without glancing at Liu Che again, he used all his strength to carry Huo Qubing, who was much taller and stronger than he was, firmly on his back. He stood up, his body swaying slightly, but then he straightened his spine. He carried Huo Qubing on his back, step by step, as if he were carrying his entire world. He held the sword stained with Huo Qubing's blood, refused help, and walked out with difficulty but determination. Tears continued to fall silently, hitting the cold tile floor.
"How stupid, Huo Qubing, you are so stupid, why don't you hide!"
Huo Qubing leaned against his brother's narrow but remarkably firm back, feeling his slight trembling and suppressed sobs, his heart aching with both pain and warmth. He hugged Huo Yan's neck, clumsily wiping away his seemingly endless tears with his uninjured hand, "Ah Yan, don't cry. I'll go back. I'll take the medicine, a big bowl. I'll be obedient, and then I'll be fine. Don't be afraid..."
Huo Yan's tears flowed even more violently, and his vision became blurred.
"You are very naughty. I can't protect you. What should I do?"
"There won't be anyone that Ah Yan can't protect," Huo Qubing gently rested his head on Huo Yan's back, like a big bird seeking shelter, his voice carrying a strange sense of ease, "I just suddenly thought of this, if one day I really die, who should I entrust to..."
He paused, feeling Huo Yan's body tense up instantly, and gently nuzzled his brother's neck, with complete trust and entrustment: "The first person I thought of was Ah Yan. I feel particularly at ease when I think of Ah Yan being there for me. Ah Yan, you are my support!"
A Yan is the person he can trust with himself and all his younger brothers.
What burden? He, as the elder brother, was the one who had to rely on his younger brother's efforts, money and energy to support him.
Huo Qubing lay on Huo Yan's back, feeling the warmth and reassuring breath coming from his brother, and his heart became strangely calm. Even when he was stopped and questioned by the guards patrolling outside the palace in confusion, he forced a soothing smile and was mistaken for Huo Yan.
Huo Yan carried him on his back, passing through palace gates one after another, down the long corridors and imperial avenues, illuminated by palace lanterns as bright as daylight but chillingly cold. He said nothing the entire way. Only suppressed sobs and heavy footsteps echoed in the silent palace.
It was not until they were about to walk out of the last gate of Weiyang Palace and the biting cold wind blew in their faces that Huo Yan finally spoke. His voice was hoarse and low, with a heart-pounding coldness.
"I can't do it for you. For your uncle and your cousin, you have to live well."
He tilted his head slightly and lowered his voice.
"Without you to hold me back, I'd always take my anger out on others. I couldn't help but want to kill anyone who might threaten me, and help the young master ascend to the throne. I'd want to hold power firmly in my own hands."
"You can guess that once you die, your uncle will be disheartened. Even if he doesn't allow me to do anything wrong, there will be no one who can truly control me. I don't even dare to imagine what I can do."
The mask of gentleness and consideration was torn off, like a ferocious beast gasping for breath.
He will do anything to achieve his goals and has a strong desire for destruction.
Huo Qubing suddenly tightened his arms around him, "Then you have to treat me well! Ah Yan! Now that I'm in front of you, you won't be afraid of your uncle beating you."
Ayan is so cute, like a big cat, always likes to act coquettishly.
Brother, you must live well, and Yan, you must work hard.
Huo Yan was easily soothed by Huo Qubing, just as before. He gently placed him on the carriage that had been waiting outside the palace gates and carefully wrapped him tightly in a thick blanket. He smiled again, as cheerful as the little cub Bingbing had been back then.
"Ayan and I are the best in the world. I trust Ayan the most."
He whispered, closing his eyes.
The carriage slowly moved through the quiet streets of Chang'an, its wheels squeaking through the thin frost. Huo Yan sat beside him, carefully avoiding his wound. He remained silent upon hearing this, only whispering, "Get some sleep."
The violence in his heart dissipated and he covered Huo Qubing with the corner of his robe.
Huo Qubing was a big spoiled brat.
With his token, no one dared to stop the carriage. It creaked across the bluestone pavement of Chang'an City, finally stopping in front of the closed red lacquer gate of the Huo Mansion. The mansion was brightly lit, clearly having received the news. Huo Guang, accompanied by his housekeeper and several trusted servants, stood anxiously guarding the gate. When they saw the carriage stop, they immediately approached.
"Second brother! Big brother!" Huo Guang's voice was filled with a hint of panic.
Huo Yan jumped off the carriage first. He smiled at Huo Guang. The housekeeper said, "Master, hot water, medicine, strong liquor, and a clean towel! Everything is ready!"
Huo Yan nodded, turned around, and carefully carried Huo Qubing, who was already somewhat unconscious due to severe pain and blood loss, out of the carriage. Seeing this, Huo Guang hurried forward with another strong servant to help support him.
"Don't touch his back!"
Huo Yan's voice was filled with unquestionable pressure. Even if he tried to appear gentle at this moment, it was all fake. His eyes were unnaturally cold.
Huo Guang's hands froze in mid-air, and he could only watch as his second brother used all his strength to support his elder brother's tall and heavy frame, step by step, extremely slowly but with unwavering determination, towards the inner courtyard. Huo Qubing's head rested weakly on Huo Yan's thin shoulder, and every slight bump made him groan in pain, and cold sweat soaked Huo Yan's shoulders.
"Ayan, you can't even hold me. I hold you without shaking."
The inner room had long been warmed by the charcoal fire. Huo Yan carefully placed Huo Qubing on his stomach on a couch covered with a thick brocade mattress, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a rare treasure. Then, relieved, he heard the words and retorted, "You are so brave, just go on your own."
Huo Qubing stopped talking and just looked at him with a chuckle.
His body, no, his willpower was terrifyingly strong. After all, he was stabbed by someone, but he was like Huo Qubing, who chased the person for two miles without feeling any pain.
Huo Yan felt that Erlidi underestimated him.
When he carefully cut open the blood-stained and dust-stained inner garment with scissors and completely peeled off, his back, which was covered with new and old scars, and now had large areas of horrific bruises and several sword-shaped wounds with the skin torn and the bones visible, was exposed under the bright light.
Even though Huo Guang was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but gasp, and his eyes turned red instantly.
"Guang'er, go to sleep." Huo Yan finally noticed him, slowly turned his head, and chuckled, "Go back quickly, it's getting late, don't you still have to study with the prince tomorrow?"
Huo Guang did not dare to disobey him and had to leave.
The light cast a deep shadow on half of Huo Yan's face. He said, "Without my permission, no one is allowed to set foot in the Huo Mansion, including those sent by the Queen. Violators will be punished according to family law."
The housekeeper was frightened by that look, cold sweat dripping down his face. He didn't dare to say anything more, bowed and retreated, closing the door tightly.
Only the two brothers were left in the room. Huo Qubing turned his head and said, "Ayan, you scared the child."
Huo Yan didn't answer. He picked up the liquor and poured it onto his hands and a clean white cloth without hesitation. The pungent smell of alcohol filled the air. He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing all the emotion in his eyes. "Hold on, brother," he said in a low, steady voice.
The next moment, the white cloth soaked in strong liquor, with great determination and unspeakable heartache, was pressed hard on the most hideous and bleeding wound on Huo Qubing's back.
"He's very courageous."
Huo Qubing's body suddenly arched up, severe pain instantly swept through his body, veins bulged on his forehead, and beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down.
"Um."
Huo Yan's movements were swift and precise. He cleaned the wound with strong liquor, scraped away the rotting flesh and blood, sewed the ripped flesh with golden needles, applied cold bone-healing ointment and a secret medicine to stop bleeding and regenerate tissue, and finally, carefully wrapped a clean bandage around the wound. Throughout the entire process, Huo Qubing was drenched in pain, his teeth clenching, yet no loud sound emanated.
When the last piece of cloth was tied, Huo Qubing seemed to have been drained of all his strength. He lay on the couch, gasping for breath like a fish out of water.
"Indeed, your character is excellent."
Huo Yan then slowly straightened up, looking at his hands, also stained red with blood and medicine, and at his brother's pale face on the couch. He walked to the basin, washed the blood from his hands, and sat down beside him. "Go to sleep, I'll watch over you. Everything will be fine."
Huo Qubing rested his forehead against his hand and said, "You are going to complain to His Majesty tomorrow."
Huo Yan brushed his hair aside and nodded, "How can we just let this go like this?"
He's determined to cause chaos, no! Please!
No! No! No!
Huo Qubing smiled under his angry gaze.
If he hadn't begged for mercy, he would have died.
"I'm taking a rest. Ask someone to make me some of the freshly made cloud cakes."
Huo Yan: ..., eat, eat, eat, you know how to eat and don’t know how to hide, just stand there stupidly.
Before he finished scolding, Huo Qubing fell asleep.
Huo Yan wrote a petition overnight and then asked someone to prepare cloud cakes.
His brother loves to eat it.
【Author’s words】
This isn't considered abuse.
I don't really care about getting rid of diseases.
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