113 The Beauty Who Cures Diseases
◎Huo Yan: I bet you won’t be able to bear to hit me.◎
In the courtyard, several tall sycamore trees had lost most of their leaves. The remaining withered, yellow fronds swirled in the biting north wind, rustling and adding to the desolate atmosphere. A fine layer of white frost clung to the bluestone pavement. Since the beginning of autumn, Chang'an had grown increasingly cold.
Huo Yan was immersed in the warmth, lying on the edge of the bed. Even when Huo Qubing reached out to move him, he just hummed vaguely twice and didn't move at all.
Huo Qubing, his own wounds still unhealed, gritted his teeth and forced himself to sit up in bed. Every movement sent a ripping pain through his back, where the sword had struck him. Cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead. He endured it, silently staring at the half of his chest exposed. He tried to adjust the ties, but the more he tried, the more tangled they became. He had no choice but to reach out and move his brother, who was sleeping soundly on the edge of the bed.
"Ayan, wake up...it's time to go to court."
Huo Yan finally moved and slowly opened his eyes. His usually bright eyes now contained the confusion of just waking up and a hint of deep fatigue.
He watched expressionlessly as his brother moved to the bedside with a grin on his face. Seeing that he was awake, he lowered his shirt and waited for him to pull it up.
"Brother," Huo Yan's voice was hoarse from waking up. He sat up and reached out to pull Huo Qubing's collar. "I'm not going."
Huo Qubing said nothing, looking at his brother in confusion. If he were a donkey, then his younger brother would have taken on the role of the grain-collecting captain, acting like an ox, going to bed late and getting up early, diligent and hardworking. His brother wasn't going to court today?
"Then you should take leave first. It's not good for both of us to be idle."
The sun had not yet risen, and there were only a few lights in the room. Most of his face was submerged in the light. He tilted his head slightly, and then raised his eyes. His almond-shaped eyes were sharp, as if they were electrified, and filled with a coldness.
However, the scattered hair was messy on his cheeks, and the pale face due to blood loss dissipated the solemnity in the moment his whole face was revealed.
"There's no need to let me affect you." He seemed to hesitate, paused, and then said, "His Majesty is just angry. Normally, he wouldn't be willing to hit me. Don't be impulsive."
Watching the beauty under the lamp, she is gorgeous and beautiful.
Huo Yan had always been a soft-hearted person, not someone who would tolerate harsh treatment, and he also had a certain protective nature that was unwavering. His gaze softened immediately, and he lowered his forward lean, raised his hand, clasped his fingers together, and gently smoothed Huo Qubing's hair.
My depressed heart inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief, as if the daylight had suddenly appeared, and I rolled around on the grass, feeling free and happy.
"A beautiful lady who has gone through illness!"
He was in a good mood. He brushed Huo Qubing's hair back and said in a light and playful voice, "What does it have to do with him? I carried you yesterday and got hit again. Am I not tired?"
Having nothing to do this morning, he simply rested his chin on the edge of the bed and looked at his brother carefully. The corners of his tense mouth finally couldn't help but bend upwards, revealing a smile.
"You don't feel sorry for me."
Everyone says that he is handsome, but no one has ever dared to say what his brother looks like. After all, the cavalry general's ring-handled sword is merciless.
But Huo Yan blinked his almond-shaped eyes, he was used to acting like a spoiled child, and now he felt even more aggrieved.
"I stayed by your side all night, and you still asked me to go to court. Brother, you have no heart."
Huo Qubing felt that A Yan was like a pitiful little animal, throwing himself into his arms and acting coquettishly, licking him wetly. He looked at the tired Huo Yan, and his heart was filled with pity and an indescribable annoyance.
Finally, he decided to follow his heart, resting his chin on Huo Yan's shoulder and speaking in a serious tone.
"Your Majesty, I was also wrong in beating me. Please promise me not to do anything too extreme."
"It's too late." Huo Yan chuckled lightly, his tone relaxed, but his eyes held an unquestionable meaning, "I hit you, and I hit you."
The low laughter was particularly clear in the quiet room. He stood up, carefully helped Huo Qubing lie down, and tucked in the corners of the quilt for him. Then he leaned forward slightly, smiling slightly. He rarely faced Huo Qubing in such an oppressive posture.
"You should recover from your injuries and rest. You said you would be good."
After that, he didn't bother wearing the elaborate court robes anymore, so he just put on a thick outer robe and called for a soft couch covered with thick fur to be brought in. He placed it not far from Huo Qubing's bed. He lay down comfortably on it, folded his hands on his lower abdomen, and smiled. "Good brother, don't make me sad, okay?"
Huo Qubing felt the endless pain in his back, and then thought about the chaos in the court and the eunuchs who might be waiting outside the door, and looked back at him without hesitation.
"Then you answer me."
Huo Yan's face was expressionless, his lips tightly pursed, "It's too late."
Huo Qubing wanted to get up, but Huo Yan got out of bed and held him down, not daring to use any strength. Huo Qubing could only look at him helplessly and stopped.
The two of them have no temper towards each other.
The only sounds in the air were the whistling wind outside the window and each other's gentle breathing.
Finally, Huo Yan stood up and bowed his head first.
"Be good, I'll be gentle and won't hurt him, don't worry."
I'll just kill him.
Huo Qubing finally felt relieved. He blinked sleepily, feeling somewhat annoyed with his own body, but also like silently indulging his younger brother.
As long as His Majesty is not killed, Ayan can go and play.
He lay back on the bed, still looking at Huo Yan, and then gently pulled the corner of Huo Yan's clothes.
"Ayan has me. My elder brother is like a father to me. It is not like I am without a king or a father. Don't feel sad for yourself."
Huo Yan thought he couldn't let go of Liu Che, but unexpectedly he couldn't let go of him. Perhaps his brother was still worried about Liu Che's words, so he got up so early.
He sighed, "Huo Qubing, I hate you so much!"
Become a Buddha instantly.
His voice was too soft for Huo Qubing to hear clearly. He looked at Huo Yan and asked in confusion.
Huo Yan told him to go to sleep and then left angrily.
He took two steps, then turned back, gave his attendants a few instructions, and then strode forward.
[Ah Yan, you kid, you actually changed the pill!]
[No, Ah Yan was about to use Shao Weng to poison Liu Che, but now he's changed his elixir!]
[Stupid ruler! Huo Xiaoyan, you were trapped by a honey trap behind my back. Did you know?]
[We are ready to fight to the death, why did you surrender first?]
[Ke Qubing is so cute, he even calls his brother.]
[Huo Xiaoyan, a vicious woman who is infinitely tolerant of her brother.]
[Ayan: If you dare, I'll kill you. To Qubing: Huo Qubing! Then give in.]
[A tyrant! A mere honey trap!]
[But that was Huo Qubing!!! And the beautiful and charming Huo Qubing!!! How could you be so cruel!]
[I! How could you bear it! Damn it!]
…
[It's human nature to faint.]
The barrage of comments formed a united front against the outside world amidst the fierce quarrel.
[Qubing is good, Liu Che is bad.]
Huo Yan looked at their obsession with his brother and almost yawned, expressing a strange sense of approval.
He looked at the sky outside, wrote quickly, and then sealed a memorial and handed it to his attendant.
"Send this to Mr. Sang, the Minister of Agriculture. I am taking leave today."
The servant agreed, and he slowly walked towards the gate.
Standing outside the door were the doctors and eunuchs sent by Liu Che. They had been forced to rest in the Huo Mansion for a day and eat breakfast yesterday, without even seeing Marquis Guanjun. After eating their fill, they were obediently "driven" out. Now they stood dutifully at the door, taking turns knocking.
He was quite polite and didn't shout, but just knocked on the big iron ring on the door.
Huo Yan tilted his head and said to Cangtou, "Send them some more cakes later. They're tired of knocking all over the place."
Cangtou nodded.
He then went back. The morning mist had not yet dissipated and there were still some stars in the sky.
He thought about going back to sleep.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he came back, he saw Huo Guang.
Huo Guang did not sleep all night. Seeing that it was time for his second brother to go to court, he hurried over, holding Huo Xian, who could already babble, and followed by a white tiger named "Bai Baishao" which was getting bigger and bigger.
I just waited outside the door for a long time but there was no movement. I was very worried, thinking that my brother's injury had worsened, and I was very panicked.
Huo Guang didn't breathe a sigh of relief until he heard Huo Yan calling him.
The two of them washed up briefly, and Huo Yan carefully checked the injury on Huo Qubing's back. Only after confirming that there was no fracture or bleeding did he ask someone to serve breakfast.
In the dining room, a charcoal brazier burned brightly, dispelling the late autumn chill. Three men and a tiger sat facing each other. Huo Xian, held by her wet nurse, devoured the meat paste with relish. Bai Baishao, meanwhile, monopolized a large steak, chewing it with delight.
Huo Guang looked at the table full of exquisite dishes in front of him, but he had no appetite.
He didn't know the inside story, but he was worried for no reason.
My eyes kept drifting towards the closed door. Outside, there was not only a cold wind, but also countless people knocking on the door.
Is it really going to stay closed like this forever?
He cautiously glanced at Huo Yan who was sitting in the main seat.
Huo Yanzheng slowly picked up a piece of steamed yellow croaker. The fish was white and fragrant. He took a bite and nodded inwardly. Xi Niang was still so reliable.
Noticing Huo Guang's gaze, Huo Yan didn't even raise his eyelids, but simply asked calmly, "Not to your liking?"
Huo Guang immediately lowered his head like a frightened rabbit and took a few mouthfuls of rice: "No, no, brother Zhong, it's delicious."
How could he dare to mention what happened outside the door?
Because of Huo Yan's financial resources, the Huo Mansion's meals were considered top-notch even among the elite nobles in Chang'an. Three meals a day, along with a constant stream of snacks, were meticulously prepared.
When Huo Guang first arrived, he was worried about living under someone else's roof, but later he was just amazed and eating.
Today's dishes are relatively light.
Tofu skin buns, pine nut cakes with various flowers, shrimp dumplings, and Hu pancakes. A few dishes of stir-fried vegetables: mustard greens, stir-fried vegetables, air-dried shredded duck, assorted shrimp, and shredded kelp salad.
The main course was the porridge made from the green glutinous rice that Liu Che had given me last time, accompanied by a bowl of warming pork rib soup. There was also a dish of steamed yellow croaker, which was rare and delicious.
Huo Guang noticed the yellow croaker and couldn't help but ask in a low voice: "Brother Zhong, can Brother Qubing... eat fish?" He remembered that the book said that irritating foods should be avoided when healing wounds.
Huo Yan heard this and smiled knowingly, "Just eat it all."
"Otherwise, if he knew that you didn't let him eat," he said with a teasing tone, "he would throw you out of the house with the bed, believe it or not?"
Huo Guang imagined the scene, shuddered silently, and immediately buried his head in eating, not daring to say anything more.
Huo Yan picked up a piece of kelp with chopsticks, thinking about Jiaodong.
The Jiaodong seafood industry chain is almost complete, and the dried apricots can be distributed to the people in the Guanzhong area. It just happens to be paired with the salt and iron state-run business, so he can use this to kill a few tyrants and then have money.
He thought of Jiaodong. At that moment, in the Jiaodong County Magistrate's office on the coast, a salty, damp sea breeze streamed in through the open windows, carrying a distinct fishy aroma. Sima Qian, awake all night, was scribbling furiously at his desk, piled high with documents and account books. He had recently collected taxes, and with the county's criminal and civil cases, a myriad of matters, he was constantly busy. Yet, his face was free of sorrow, instead carrying a faint hint of satisfied fatigue.
Since following Huo Yan's instructions and utilizing Jiaodong's abundant marine resources to dry sea salt on a large scale and sell kelp and other seafood, living off the sea, the situation has become clearer.
He hadn't imagined that this humble seaweed would be durable when dried, and substantial when soaked, with a naturally salty flavor. Coupled with Ayan's prosperous trade routes, the price was so low that a single copper coin could buy a large piece, enough for a poor family to eat for a long time, saving them money on salt. This was truly a way of life bestowed upon the people of the world by God.
Now, the Huo's Trading Company and its affiliated Liquor Industry Division quickly took over distribution, leveraging their extensive network to sell Jiaodong kelp throughout much of the Han Dynasty. Although Ah Yan took a three-tenths profit, even after deducting the imperial tax revenue from the seven-tenths profit on seafood, he still had money left to invest in local construction and improving people's livelihoods. Furthermore, Du Zhou gradually eliminated the corrupt officials, and Huo Yan's new leased farm tools and newly established Changping Warehouse sold grain at low prices, collected surplus grain at reasonable prices, and also received low-cost payments.
Under Sima Qian's rule, Jiaodong County became a rare prosperous place this year. The treasury was full, and even the arable land in the barren areas had long been planted with millet, and there were more smiles on the faces of the people.
Sima Qian felt that he had done nothing wrong, yet Ah Yan led him astray. Ah Yan even paid a fine for him.
"Ayan is so nice."
Today was the third time he'd wanted to write Ah Yan's biography. What he hadn't told Huo Yan was that he'd done something veiled in disobedience: Ah Yan had asked him to guarantee a loan in the name of the county governor. He did, but the people in the more remote areas didn't trust him. So he used Du Zhou's idea and guaranteed the loan in the name of Huo Gong, the Yellow River tamer. Once the people heard it was Huo Gong, they went.
He rubbed his eyes, took out a piece of paper, and in the midst of his busy schedule, wrote another biography for his Ah Yan, and then crossed it out after he finished writing.
“Not perfect.”
As the prefect was writing his masterpiece, Zhao Xiniang was inventorying a new batch of seafood destined for Chang'an. Besides the usual salted fish, there was an even greater selection of fresh seafood: giant crabs, lively prawns, plump oysters, and precious scallops. These needed to be transported in specially crafted wooden crates, lined with saltpeter ice, by relay boats, ensuring they remained fresh by the time they reached Chang'an.
When Zhao Xiniang heard that her young father, the Marquis of Guanjun, and the general had all returned to Chang'an, she thought that she must eat something good to replenish her body, so she was particularly careful in her selection this time.
"Sir, the ship carrying farm tools has arrived again, along with a letter from the master."
A subordinate respectfully presented a sealed bamboo tube.
Zhao Xiniang took the bamboo tube and removed the wax seal. Inside was Huo Yan's casual handwriting. Besides greetings, the letter mentioned the situation in Chang'an, how he had paid Sima Qian's fine, and urged him and Du Zhou to kill fewer powerful tyrants. Finally, he reiterated the importance of promoting seafood for the benefit of the people.
Looking at the words in the letter, "The safety of the people depends on their foothold; a prosperous country means the safety of the people. The food and clothing of the people of Jiaodong are entrusted to Xi Niang. I feel very relieved. Xi Niang is a beautiful woman with a red crown. I am secretly proud of her."
Privately, I always regard my bridesmaid as my pride.
Zhao Xiniang's heart warmed, and she picked up her pen to write a reply. In addition to reporting the booming sales of kelp, she also specifically mentioned.
"This year's catch is also plentiful. Xiniang has specially selected a number of crabs, prawns, oysters, and scallops for my lord to enjoy. The weather in Chang'an is cold, so my lord and I need to put on more clothes and eat more. May my lord and I be well, and Jiaodong may be well. I will do my utmost to help with Jiaodong's affairs and will not let you down."
After writing the letter, she looked out the window at the busy dock, where people from Jiaodong were loading kelp, and everyone was smiling.
She laughed too.
She thought that with the master around, the prosperity of the East China Sea would sooner or later become the same as that of the entire Han Dynasty.
Xi Niang is fortunate to be born in this world.
Huo Mansion.
I have almost finished my breakfast.
Huo Yan put down his silver chopsticks and said to Huo Guang, "Sima Qian brought a lot of dried goods last time, including the best dried scallops and shrimp. Take the expensive ones for Ju'er and the others to try. Since your brother Qubing and I are staying at home, you can help him find some big customers among the nobles in Chang'an."
Liu Ju's ability to sell goods is obvious to all. The last time he casually mentioned the apricots from Jiaodong, it immediately attracted the nobles in Chang'an to rush to buy them, making Sima Qian and Huo Yan earn a lot of money.
"Oh, right," Huo Yan said casually, as if he had just remembered something, "If I don't take up my position as an official, then your job as the Crown Prince's tutor will also be in jeopardy."
Huo Guang nodded, thinking that it should be so, but the young boy looked calm, without any resentment at all, "Yeah, it should be so."
After he finished speaking, he became concerned that Huo Yan might insist on going to court because of him. He quickly grabbed Huo Yan's hand and gave him a gentle, reassuring smile. "Don't force yourself, second brother. If I gain something, I'm lucky. If I lose something, I'm doomed. Now everything is fine. Second brother, please be happy. Eldest brother, please be happy. There's nothing we can't overcome."
Seeing him acting like a little adult, Huo Yan chuckled with a bit of nonchalant arrogance, "Why accept your fate? Just remember, you have a very good life."
Huo Guang nodded obediently.
"After all, you have me as your brother. How lucky you are!" Huo Yan said flatteringly, then suddenly thought, "You know your fate is determined by you, not by God. If God wants to stop you..."
He paused, and lightly scratched the table with his fingertips. "Then take a detour."
After saying this, he made himself laugh.
Huo Guang: ...
The second brother has a unique sense of humor that only the eldest brother can understand.
"Guang'er," Huo Yan said, smiling enough, and then changed the subject. "There's a job as an assistant accountant in Jiaodong. Do you want to go?"
Huo Guang was stunned, a trace of surprise and confusion flashed in his eyes. He was only a little over ten years old, was he going to leave home and travel far away?
"I...can I do this?"
He is still a child after all.
Huo Yan looked at him with a gentle smile.
"I didn't refuse, I just wanted to go."
Huo Guang looked into his second brother's eyes, and there was a power in them that made him feel at ease.
He wanted to be an official, to do something, to prove that he was not just a child living under someone else's roof. He nodded vigorously, his eyes firm.
"think!"
Huo Yan clapped his hands in satisfaction and laughed, "Very good. Then pack your bags and set off tomorrow."
Huo Guang: Ah?
This is too fast! But seeing Huo Yan's unquestionable expression, he swallowed his doubts, stood up and saluted, "Here! Go and prepare now."
After saying that, he hurriedly retreated.
[Sent into exile!]
[Xiaoguang went on a government internship!]
[Child labor confirmed! Xiaoyan has a cruel heart!]
[So cute Oudoudou.]
Huo Yan ignored them and teased the babbling Huo Xian for a while before returning to the inner room.
Huo Qubing was frowning as he sipped the dark medicinal liquid in small sips, a dish of bitter-relief cloud cake beside him. Seeing Huo Yan come in, he ignored him, swallowed the medicine, rinsed his mouth, and took another big bite of the cloud cake to suppress the medicinal taste. Then, with a hint of grievance, he complained, "Ayan, did you eat the fish? Sima Qian sent it to you!" He had been very sharp-eyed and had a keen nose since he was a child, and he could already smell the scent of yellow croaker on Huo Yan. "How could I not have eaten it! You ate it all by yourself! You wouldn't let me go out, and you wouldn't even let me taste the fish? Just one bite?"
Huo Yan suppressed his laughter and ignored him. He walked straight to the desk and sat down, starting to deal with the pile of documents, not only his own, but also the one that was forcibly "pushed" to him by Huo Qubing.
He picked up the brush and dipped it in ink, his expression focused, as if the troubles in the outside world had nothing to do with him.
Huo Qubing knew that he was escaping, but he felt at ease as long as he didn't go out to deal with Liu Che.
[Is it so bland?]
[The Qubing's book is getting more and more complicated. Is this "The Little Earring's Repaying Gratitude"?]
[Also known as "I Was Petted Like a Cat by the First Emperor in the Qin Dynasty" and "Those Years I Was a Little Brother in the Qin Dynasty"]
[This is a masterpiece. Sima Qian must have the guts to write a second volume!]
[Ayan likes to write outlines, and Sima Qian writes for him. You all know how he treats Ayan, hahahaha.]
[Qu Bing really loves reading. The last time he read it was Dongfang Shuo's "The Tyrant General Loves Me Hard."]
[Help, is he the protagonist?]
[No, it's his uncle.]
…
[Ayan is in quarantine, just like I am. Working from home.]
[Brother, are we going to keep the dead pig for the New Year?]
You are really passionate about your work.
Huo Yan ignored the clamor and reviewed documents with remarkable efficiency, his pen fluent and flowing. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to the commotion he had caused in Weiyang Palace.
Xuanshi Hall of Weiyang Palace
The atmosphere at today's grand court meeting was terribly depressing from the very beginning.
Wei Qing was summoned to the palace overnight yesterday and listened to His Majesty's incoherent complaints for most of the night. Although the details were not clearly stated, Wei Qing already had a vague foreboding premonition in his heart. He stayed awake all night and forced himself to go to court.
As soon as he stood still in the hall, Sang Hongyang came over quietly, with an unusual solemnity on his face, and stuffed a sealed booklet into Wei Qing's hand, "General, I dare not take over Ah Yan's resignation letter on my own, nor do I dare to give it to Your Majesty." I'm afraid Your Majesty will drag me out and kill me.
He cried, "Can you pass it on for me?"
Wei Qing's heart skipped a beat as he took the scroll. When he unfolded it, Huo Yan's familiar handwriting caught his eye. Every word was like a red-hot iron, searing his heart.
When it comes to speaking with piercing words, no one is better than Huo Yan.
Every word is heart-wrenching.
"Your Majesty, I bow my head and pay my respects to you, Your Majesty.
My brother returned home after recovering from his illness, vomiting blood, his old wounds burst, his spine was shaken, and his internal organs were damaged.
This injury is too severe to heal overnight. It will take years of rest and recuperation. I am afraid I will no longer be able to ride a horse and serve Your Majesty."
Seeing this, Wei Qing's hand trembled violently!
"When my brother was unconscious, he kept mumbling, calling out for Your Majesty. It breaks my heart! All I have ever wished for Your Majesty is for His Majesty's rule to be forever secure and for the people to be safe and healthy. Now that my body is so crippled, I can no longer bear the heavy burden of being the Grand Marshal and General of the Cavalry. I fear this will be a loss to the military and the country. I beg Your Majesty to consider his humble service and allow him to retire and rest in peace."
He almost cursed Liu Che in court, calling you a bastard, who the hell are you doing justice to? My brother thinks about this in his dreams, so please let him go while he can still move!
Wei Qing's eyes instantly turned red. He thought of how Huo Qubing looked like when he was a child in the mansion, and his heroic appearance on the battlefield, and his heart was in trance as if it was being cut by a knife.
He felt like dying from the pain, and waves of fishy and sweet sensations rose in his throat.
Huo Yanyou felt it was not enough, so he attacked again.
"I beg Your Majesty to allow me to serve my brother during his illness. When he dies, I will also depart, fulfilling my lifelong debt to him. Upon my death, I wish to donate all the profits from the farms and workshops owned by you and me to Your Majesty's treasury. This money, or perhaps Lord Sang Hongyang, will be used to provide relief to the orphans of fallen soldiers, resettle disabled frontier soldiers, and promote new agricultural tools for the benefit of the people. This is the long-cherished wish of you and me, and it will alleviate some of the guilt I feel."
I only hope Your Majesty takes good care of your health and does not worry about my brothers."
You bastard, stop making excuses. It was you who killed me and my brother!
How could this be a request for leave? It was a tearful, heartbreaking accusation and a farewell letter! Especially the words, "vomiting blood," "I can no longer ride a horse," and "I am leaving," were like a poisoned dagger, piercing Wei Qing's heart. Finally, Wei Qing fully understood what had happened last night.
His nephew, Qubing, whom he treated as his own son, his pride, his child.
The truth was like a heavy hammer, hitting Wei Qing's heart hard, causing his internal organs to bleed.
He suddenly looked up at Liu Che who had just sat down, his eyes filled with incredible pain and questioning!
Liu Che's eyes were dark, evidently from a sleepless night. He was listless, weighed down by guilt and unease. He kept glancing toward the palace gate, anticipating the appearance of those two familiar figures. He thought it would be helpful if only Ah Yan came to ask for leave. He could then find a chance to speak with his children, visit the Huo residence, and personally apologize to Qubing. Yet, he dreaded the closed door and the potential for dire news. He tossed and turned the previous night, his mind preoccupied with the tragic scene of Huo Qubing vomiting blood and Huo Yan's icy eyes.
He didn't ask, but he was in great torment.
"His Majesty!"
Wei Qing spoke, his voice trembling with uncontrollable force. He strode out of the procession, holding high the scroll in his hand, and gazed intently at the pale-faced Emperor Liu Che sitting on the dragon throne. "Captain Huo Yan, the Grain-Searching Commander, has requested leave today! This is Huo Yan's petition, please review it, Your Majesty!"
He must let His Majesty see with his own eyes, hear with his own ears, and feel this heart-wrenching pain.
His disease is gone.
Liu Che was startled by Wei Qing's sudden action and indignant tone. Amidst the skeptical gazes of the entire court, the eunuch trembled as he presented the scroll. Liu Che unfolded it with a sense of foreboding.
As soon as he saw the first line of words, his fingertips began to tingle.
"Vomiting blood"
He seemed to see again the glaring scarlet on Qubing's body last night, and his heart was in turmoil.
"The spine is shaken and the internal organs are damaged"
The feel of his sword grip seemed to still be there, and the child's muffled voice echoed in his ears.
“It’s hard to ride a horse anymore”
Liu Che's eyes went dark, as if the figure of the young general galloping on his horse with high spirits shattered in an instant.
His cure, his sharp sword, were broken by his own hands?
An almost icy despair gripped his heart, as if it wanted to tear it apart.
"They kept talking incessantly, all calling out to Your Majesty."
Liu Che could hardly breathe.
Qubing was still thinking about him while he was in a coma, and what did he do?
Is he going to kill him?
He forced himself to read on until he saw the words "I am leaving too"...
"puff--!"
These two children, whom he had poured countless efforts into and cherished like treasures, left him.
Unable to suppress the sweet, fishy liquid any longer, it suddenly spurted out of Liu Che's mouth. Bright red blood droplets splattered onto the snow-white paper, landing on the words "Your Majesty, take care of yourself," a shocking sight!
One drop, two drops... In the silent hall, the sound of blood dripping can be clearly heard.
I regret it.
"Your Majesty!" The entire court was horrified, and exclamations rang out one after another! Sang Hongyang, Zhufu Yan and others were even more pale!
Liu Che seemed oblivious to the crowd's voices. He stared intently at the bloodstained words on the paper, his body trembling violently. He raised his head, blood still lingering at the corner of his mouth. His red eyes looked across the panicked crowd at Wei Qing, who was also looking grief-stricken and tearful below him. His voice was hoarse and broken, like the wail of someone desperate.
"Zhongqing, you, you blame me too!"
Wei Qing looked at the glaring blood at the corner of His Majesty's mouth and the deep pain in his eyes. The anger in his heart was replaced by a huge sadness. He fell to his knees with a plop, and crawled to Liu Che's side step by step on his knees. His voice was choked with sobs, but every word was clear.
"I have no complaints, I am just in pain." He raised his head, tears in his eyes. Wei Qing had never cried in front of Liu Che. He was as open-minded as the wind and as gentle as water, as if nothing could make him angry or furious, let alone pain. But now he thought of Huo Qubing and Huo Yan who were about to die, as if all the tears in his life would be shed at this moment.
"I know Your Majesty is doing this for the country and the people, for the overall situation! But, but Qubing has just reached adulthood! He is so young, Your Majesty, he has a stubborn temper, but those injuries, last night, last night Your Majesty..." Wei Qing's voice choked, he took a deep breath, as if he had used up all his strength, and then he said the heartbreaking words, "You beat him! You made him so tired! I watched him grow up, he is my child, and now he will not live long, I feel like my heart is burning." He pounded his chest, "Why didn't you let me go first! I don't blame Your Majesty, Your Majesty is suffering, I only blame the heaven for being so cold! How could Qubing and Ayan go before me!"
"puff--!"
Liu Che could no longer suppress the pent-up anger in his chest, and another mouthful of blood gushed out, even more than before. A violent cough tore at his chest, and tears finally burst out uncontrollably. Every word Wei Qing said was like a whip lashing at his rotten heart.
Regret, fear, heartache, panic...
All kinds of emotions were like huge waves, completely drowning him.
"I regret my mistake, Zhongqing."
Liu Che clenched Wei Qing's hand, then stood up suddenly, staggering down the steps, as if trying to grab something. "Zhongqing! Quick! Come with me... Go see Qubing! Go see them!"
At this moment, all the imperial dignity and court etiquette were thrown out of his mind. He just wanted to see the two children immediately and confirm that they were still alive.
Wei Qing hurriedly stood up and stepped forward to support the staggering Liu Che.
The emperor and his minister supported each other and stumbled out of the Xuanshi Hall under the horrified gazes of all the civil and military officials in the court, heading straight for the Huo Mansion.
In front of the Huo Mansion
However, what awaited them was the tightly closed vermilion lacquered gate of the Huo Mansion and a suffocating silence in front of the gate.
There wasn't even a bird. Only the imperial physician Liu Che had sent last night, a few eunuchs, and Eunuch Feng were anxiously guarding the outside. Eunuch Feng was still banging on the heavy door in vain.
Seeing the emperor and the general in a mess, supporting each other, and the huge group of court officials following behind them, the chief physician and the eunuchs were so scared that they fell to their knees.
"Your Majesty! General!" Eunuch Feng reported in a tearful voice, "Your Majesty! Young Master Huo still won't open the door! Young Master Huo only asked the servants to pass on a message..."
"What?!" Liu Che's voice was hoarse and urgent.
Eunuch Feng fell to the ground, his body shaking like a sieve. "Young Master Huo said that Marquis Guanjun is seriously injured and his life or death is uncertain. The Huo Mansion is closed to visitors. Last night, he told the servants to prepare two coffins."
He almost cried out the last few words.
"boom--!"
Wei Qing felt a black screen before his eyes, as if the world was spinning, his tall body swayed a few times, and he could hardly stand.
"Prepare two coffins..."
These words exploded like thunder in his ears, and last night's uneasy premonition became the cruelest reality. The immense grief instantly overwhelmed him, and tears rolled down his face, unable to be held back any longer.
"Ayan! Open the door! Let uncle in!"
He rushed to the door, no longer caring about his manners, and smashed his fist hard into the heavy door panel, making a dull loud noise!
"Open the door! Ah Yan! I'm your uncle! Let me see Qu Bing! Let me see you!"
His voice was filled with unprecedented panic and pleading.
There was silence inside the door for a moment. Just when Wei Qing was about to despair, an old and helpless voice came through the door. It was the old man who was guarding the Huo Mansion.
"General, calm down! The prince...he has been unconscious since he came back last night, his breathing is weak. The master stayed by his side all night without closing his eyes. The water was a frightening red! He changed handkerchiefs one after another. Please don't make things difficult for the master." The old man's voice was choked with sobs, as if he was trying to calm down. "Although he didn't cry, I saw him spit blood. General, please go back! What kind two lords are."
This sigh, filled with endless sadness, is like a blunt knife, repeatedly cutting the hearts of those outside the door.
Wei Qing was horrified.
"Vomiting blood? Ah Yan vomited too!"
He froze in his attempt to bang on the door, a huge fear gripping him.
Ah Yan was a very strong and patient child. He didn't cry, let alone vomit blood in front of outsiders. How desperate and sad that must have been.
"Open the door and let me take a look! Just one look!"
Wei Qing's voice was already filled with tears, and he knocked on the door again.
Lao Cang didn't dare to move, but there were light footsteps coming from inside the door.
Then, the tightly closed door creaked and slowly opened a crack.
The person who appeared behind the crack in the door was Huo Yan.
He wore a white robe as pure as snow, his long, dark hair untied, draped loosely over his shoulders, making his face appear even paler, like fine porcelain, fragile and brittle at the slightest touch. A thick, dark blue hue stained his eyes, betraying extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
He stood there quietly, his thin figure looking extremely lonely in the cold wind of late autumn, like a lifeless jade sculpture, silently blocking the door and separating the two worlds.
Wei Qing felt a pang of pain in his heart as he looked at his nephew. All his words were stuck in his throat. He subconsciously wanted to rush in and hug the child who looked like he would collapse at any moment.
"Ayan," his tears were so hot, "my child, don't die, don't die, be good, be good."
"Uncle," Huo Yan took a deep breath and cursed Sang Hongyang in his heart. Didn't he ask him to hide it from his uncle?
"Don't go in."
He smiled slightly and moved sideways to block Wei Qing's sight, but his gaze passed over Wei Qing's shoulder and fell directly on Liu Che, who was supported by eunuch Feng and looked equally embarrassed.
His heart hardened again.
Now that we are here, we have to do it even if we have to.
His eyes were empty. There was no hatred in them, only a sense of complete alienation and indifference, as if he was looking at a stranger.
"Your Majesty," Huo Yan's lips seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly, forming a cold, almost sarcastic arc, "I greet Your Majesty."
"I congratulate you on getting what you wished for." His voice remained calm, but every word struck Liu Che's heart clearly. "You don't have to worry anymore."
Your Majesty no longer has to worry about how to balance and how to check and balance.
He is so calm.
Meeting the king with loose white clothes is like being in mourning, which is extremely disrespectful.
However, at this moment, Liu Che had no time to care about these things.
He looked at Huo Yan and felt his blood freeze. He stretched out his hand tremblingly and said in a hoarse voice, "Ayan, come here, come to your uncle."
Light and shadow intertwined through the crack of the door. On one side was the young man's silent refusal, and on the other side was the emperor's request. The air seemed to have solidified into ice.
Huo Yan's gaze lingered on Liu Che's outstretched hand for a moment, his expression complex and difficult to interpret. Finally, he turned his head away from Liu Che and turned to Wei Qing. His voice remained calm, yet it carried an unquestionable determination. "Uncle, please go back. I will be back to court soon."
After saying that, he curled his lips and took a step back without giving anyone time to react.
"Bang--!"
A loud bang so heavy that it made one's heart stop.
The vermilion lacquered door of the Huo Mansion was slammed shut by Huo Yan himself, resolutely and heavily, right under Liu Che's eyes, in front of Wei Qing's outstretched hand, and in the horrified gaze of all the court officials.
Completely isolate yourself from all the noise and pain.
The moment the door closed, Huo Yan's tense back seemed to relax imperceptibly for a moment before straightening up again. He handed a heavy purse to the old man beside him without saying a word.
In the courtyard, the cold wind blew up the last fallen leaves, chasing the corners of his clothes, making a whimpering sound.
[Ayan, isn't that a bit too harsh?]
[Why don’t you tell your uncle? He’s in so much pain.]
[What's the difference between that and talking to Liu Che?]
The loud bang of the door closing was like a death knell, striking Liu Che's heart fiercely! He looked at the tightly closed door, as if he saw the chasm between him, Huo Qubing, and Huo Yan that could never be crossed.
All of this intertwined to form a huge net called "loss", which wrapped him tightly and made it impossible for him to breathe!
"My child, my Qubing, Ah Yan..."
Liu Che muttered, his eyes unfocused. The immense pain in his heart pierced his heart repeatedly like a sharp blade. He seemed unable to withstand the crushing blow. His head was buzzing, and everything in sight began to spin and blur. He clutched his chest, where a piercing pain shot through his chest.
A short and painful groan escaped from his throat.
"His Majesty!"
Amid the horrified cries of Wei Qing, Eunuch Feng, and all the courtiers, Liu Che's body seemed to have been pulled out of all its bones, and he fell straight back, completely losing consciousness.
The loud noise of the door closing and the noise outside also reached the inner room.
Huo Qubing sat up straight abruptly! The severe pain from the wound made his face pale, but he didn't care.
"Is that my uncle's voice outside? And His Majesty?" Huo Qubing struggled to get out of bed, "A Guang, get out of the way! I want to go out and take a look!"
Huo Guang remembered Huo Yan's instructions, with a stern face, standing in front of the bed like a small stone wall.
Although he is young, he is calm and stubborn.
"Brother Qubing! Brother Zhong has issued a strict order that you must not leave your bed! Brother Zhong will take care of the situation outside!"
Huo Qubing looked at his usually docile and sensible brother, who was now stubborn, and was anxious and angry. He glared at him fiercely. Huo Guang's heart trembled at his look, but he still held his neck stiff.
Huo Qubing ignored him. He plodded to his knees beside the bed, admitting his mistake with a very polite attitude, but refusing to budge. "Brother, calm down! Your injuries are too severe. If you move again, what will happen if the wound ruptures? When my second brother comes back, he will definitely punish me! My second brother is outside!"
He didn't dare say that he was worried about Huo Qubing's health, so he could only move Huo Yan out.
Huo Qubing was so anxious that he could not listen at all and reached out to push Huo Guang away. At this moment, Huo Yan's voice came from the door.
"Huo Qubing! Lie back down!"
Huo Yan appeared at the door, his face even paler than before, his eyes piercing as he glared at his brother, who was trying to get out of bed. His eyes held an irresistible command and a deep sense of worry.
Huo Guang, as if granted amnesty, immediately thrust the farewell letter he had already written to Crown Prince Liu Ju into Huo Yan's arms, "Brother Zhong! The letter!"
Then he slipped away quickly like a frightened little rabbit.
Huo Qubing looked at his brother's cold face and glared back at him, but his eyes were still looking anxiously towards the door. He heard the cry of "Your Majesty" outside, and his heart was hanging high.
"Help me!"
Huo Yan said nothing more, walked to the bedside, and casually placed the letter on the table. He looked at Huo Qubing's anxious expression, and his tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, but he didn't explain anything, just rubbed his eyebrows tiredly.
Then light the incense.
Huo Qubing held his breath and struggled to get up. Huo Yan had no choice but to say, "If you want to be used as a pawn to check and balance your uncle for the rest of your life, then go!"
Huo Qubing fell silent.
Huo Yan tidied his clothes, checked his injuries, and helped him lie down.
"Without destruction, there is no construction. I guess my brother is not lacking in this kind of ruthlessness."
Huo Qubing turned his head to look at him, then pinched Huo Yan's face with his good hand.
Pinch very lightly.
"If it wasn't you standing here today, I would definitely kill you for Ru'er."
Huo Yan was fearless. He pulled out a knife and placed it in his hand, then leaned forward.
"You can kill me now, because it's you who's here, so I'm willing to let you do whatever you want."
Huo Qubing removed the knife and sheathed it. He pinched Huo Yan's face again and said slowly, "I will always protect my little Ah Yan, but you are going too far." He paused slightly, thought for a long time, and then said with a hint of indulgence, "I will definitely break your calf."
Huo Yan felt relieved.
He sat at the foot of the bed, holding his chin and looking at Huo Qubing, "Just as my uncle said, my brother, my beautiful Qubing."
He smiled slightly, his almond-shaped eyes slightly curved. Those eyes were so beautiful that they concealed all his evil intentions and only revealed a disguised innocence.
"You are even more reluctant to hit me than my uncle."
He said.
Huo Yan was lawless because Huo Qubing indulged him.
With Huo Qubing's understanding of him, it would be easy for him to control him. He could just threaten him with death, but how could he bear that?
Huo Qubing really liked little Ayan, so he couldn't bear to see him sad.
In the end, even if Huo Yan was helpless, he would be in trouble.
After a long moment, he sighed softly, "I'll be cruel and give you a beating and lock you up for a while."
Then I'll sort things out for you.
Huo Yan laughed even louder.
"You can't even bear to slap me."
Huo Qubing wanted to kick this damn kid out. He threw a storybook on Huo Yan and ordered him viciously, "Read it to me."
Huo Yan laughed so hard that he fell backwards.
【Author’s words】
Pay attention, this is foreshadowing.
A Yan's revenge did change because of Qu Bing's words. He was such a tyrant.
The method of using emotion to gain cooperation is not clever enough, and A Yan has a backup plan.
But I think there will be a little bit of sadness later on, and then there will be no more sadness.
All sweet.
There are also sweet extras, and I am also planning to add a free extra of the rules and strange stories. Hehe, my extras are guaranteed to be sweet.
My friend said that they look alike, so why does Ayan always think Qubing is super handsome.
A Yan loves to praise Qu Bing.
Me: Who said that! He clearly loves the atmosphere. Sometimes he thinks he's ugly, and sometimes he thinks he's so good-looking he's bubbling. He's the type who wears a flashy pink shirt and dyes his tail red when he feels like it!
Youyou: So, he eats sickly beauties?
Me: He just likes to protect others, but he will never tolerate Qubing's weakness! You know, he just likes others to be sweet and say soft words. He used to like Liu Che pretending to be fragile, but now, he hehe. Xiuying and his uncle are the ones he has always liked, as are Xia Hou and Xiniang, but to varying degrees. He is extremely protective of Qubing. As long as Qubing says a soft word, fine, if Qubing doesn't say anything, he will glare at him. Sometimes he even thinks Qubing is being spoiled and arrogant. He now hates Liu Che more than A Zheng. Even if Liu Che's leg is broken, he will step on it. I won't kill you, but I want you to feel pain. Now it's a psychological pain.
In fact, I have thought about whitewashing the situation and not writing about the conflict, but Liu Che is just that kind of person, and Qubing Ayan is just that kind of person!
The relationship between the monarch and his subjects is definitely not as good as that between A Zheng and baby Xiuying. There's no reason. A Zheng and Xiuying are one and the same. They are inseparable brothers (laughing and crying). But there were signs of fighting between Liu Che and A Yan since the separation of the Wei and Huo families.
In fact, I just wanted the witchcraft disaster to come earlier so that Liu Che could experience it and prevent him from going crazy again.
People must learn to control their temper, otherwise, what is the point of being a human being?
You say that Liu Che should be killed off. Oh my God, it’s not impossible, but there’s no need. Liu Che is still too young. He hasn’t seen the world, or any living being. It will take him a long time to become a leader who truly cares for the people. There’s no need to rush.
Ah Yan must go back to work, he has a lot to do. If he doesn't work, how can the people of Dahan improve their quality of life?
Liu Che cannot affect his work!!!
I don't care, Ah Yan is the spring and harmony of the world!!!
It was the people of the Han Dynasty who asked him to come! (Oops, spoiler alert!)
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