123 It only takes two caring parents to control a madman
Huo Yan: Born in a family like this, I feel peaceful every moment.
The summer heat was finally dispelled by a few refreshing autumn rains, and Chang'an welcomed the season of clear skies and clear skies. The bronze bells beneath the eaves of the Huo Mansion tinkled in the cool breeze. The leaves of the tall locust trees lining the palace path, now tinged with golden flecks, swirled and fell. The air was filled with the scent of dry earth and the fragrance of peppers and orchids burned in the distant palace gardens to dispel moisture.
It's autumn again.
Du Zhou had already been appreciated by Emperor Wu of Han in Jiaodong for his strict and profound style, as well as his ability to understand his superiors' intentions. In addition, with Huo Qubing's recommendation that "this man's methods are like a whetstone that can sharpen dull tools", Du Zhou was successfully promoted to the position of Tingwei Ping, the deputy of the Tingwei among the Nine Ministers. He had just taken charge of the imperial prison, and for a while, all the jailers in Chang'an were in danger.
Too harsh and too obvious, combined with Zhang Tang, it is really a nightmare.
Huo Yan thought it was a good idea. If law enforcement is not clear, what is the point of having laws?
It was just that Du Zhou was too good at aligning himself with the emperor's wishes. This didn't just apply to Liu Che, but also to him. Du Zhou treated him with even more care than he had treated Liu Che. The list of evidence he provided was filled with every crime he had, as if with just a single order from Huo Yan, Du Zhou would help him kill all those who opposed him in the court.
The comment section advised Huo Yan, "Your Majesty, please stay away from flatterers and be kind to the wise! This kid Du Zhou is too flattering."
Huo Yan took the evidence but kept it in his pocket. He didn't seem angry, but just smiled gently.
"A Zhou, I accept your sincere heart. Now Zhang Tang wants to be promoted to Imperial Censor, but you have little foundation yet. You don't have to rush to seek it for me." Du Zhou was stunned for a moment, clenching his hands tightly. He wanted to express his loyalty to Huo Yan.
Want to climb up!
But is Marquis Huo dissatisfied with him?
Huo Yan understood his intentions and said, "Ah Zhou, you're relying on me. My clean record is clear to all. Why bother trying to be so competitive? I know you think you're talented and think Zhang Tang is capable, so are you. It's easy for you to cater to the superiors. But have you ever considered that I trust you like a disciple and pave the way for you, just so you can be a yes-man?"
"Walking here is like climbing a mountain. If you're not careful, you'll plummet into an abyss." His eyes were clear and gentle, as if he could see through Du Zhou's heart. "Zhang Tang's rise was rapid thanks to Your Majesty, but Your Majesty's grace was like a thread, suspending him. He could only hold on to that thread and climb upward. He couldn't turn back. If there was someone better than him, the thread would break, and he would be doomed. But look at Ji An."
Du Zhou curled his lips and didn't like the diehards like Ji An at all.
He trusts Huo Yan very much, and this action is really cute.
Huo Yan laughed.
"You look down on him, a stinking old man, stubborn and unrepentant," Du Zhou pursed his lips. Huo Yan continued, "But he has angered Your Majesty several times and is still alive and well. Would Zhang Tang dare to do that?"
Du Zhou seemed to understand something.
Huo Yan took a leisurely sip of tea. "You think His Majesty is so easy to please? In his mind, everyone in the court has a position, and he bestows rewards and power based on that position. Zhang Tang is like a knife; if broken, he can be replaced. Your Majesty actually wants to crush Ji An to death, but Ji An's reputation is too good. He has the support of the people. If Your Majesty kills him, you will lose the people's support. So, even though Your Majesty hates him to death, you will not touch him."
"The emperor's favor allows you to move quickly, and with the support of the people, you can move steadily."
Du Zhou understood. He looked up and said, "That's why you walk fast and steady."
The people loved Mr. Huo, who was good at treating the Yellow River, and could not kill him.
The emperor loves Ruozi's little Huo Lang, and Huo Yan, who can make money and revitalize the economy, is even more of a favorite of the emperor.
But he couldn't do what Lord Huo did.
Du Zhou subconsciously bent down and lowered his head, "Student is stupid."
Huo Yan put down his tea. "Zhang Tang is still here, he's there to support us. He's jealous by nature, and if you try to please him, it'll be like dogs fighting over meat and bones. How can he tolerate you? If he makes trouble, you'll have to suffer. The Supreme Court has been out of touch with the people for too long. Do what he can't do. Don't agree with him, don't fight with him. Build a reputation among the people as a caring official, a person who enforces the law strictly but exercises moderation. That will benefit you."
The court judges are all cruel officials, but they lack a good guy who can play the villain.
Look up and make up for what you are lacking. In this way, you, who are irreplaceable, can rise steadily.
His words were truly encouraging and enlightening.
Du Zhou knew that his pledge of allegiance was correct.
Marquis Huo regarded him as his own, so he was willing to say these heartfelt words.
No one has ever taught him how to behave with the attitude of a teacher or the care of a father.
Du Zhou was extremely grateful to Zhang Tang for transferring him to the Liquor Industry Department. Without him, he would never have met Huo Yan. For a moment, he no longer had the desire to challenge Zhang Tang or to trip him up.
"My Lord," he said, his expression rarely touched, tears wetting his eyelashes. "I have no means of repaying your kindness."
Huo Yan was somewhat helpless. He advised his younger brother to recognize his own future and protect Zhang Tang. Wasn't this what a leader of a party should do?
Why are you crying? He didn't say anything harsh.
Alas, it must be that the atmosphere in the Han Wu Dynasty was too bad. These children were under too much pressure. It had nothing to do with him.
Even though he thought so, he was still very polite and helped Du Zhou up personally. He softened his voice and said, "No need to repay me. You and I have been friends for many years, and you have guarded Jiaodong for me. Sima Qian has such a temper that if it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't even be able to find a trace of him. I privately treat you as my own brother, so I naturally hope that you will be more peaceful and more peaceful."
After a heart-to-heart talk, Du Zhou didn't expect Huo Yan to think this way, and for a moment, tears rolled down his cheeks again.
Lord Huo treats me like a brother, and I should repay him.
Huo Yan wiped the child's tears.
I thought to myself, I made another person cry.
Another person brought to tears was Zhu Maichen, who had been struggling for half his life. Because of his unique insights into the Spring and Autumn Annals and Huo Yan's recommendation, Emperor Wu of Han had exceptionally promoted him to the rank of Doctor, placing him among the ranks of academic officials. While not a high rank, it marked his official entry into the inner circle of the imperial civil service. His brand-new black tuxedo, with a cross-collar, right-front lapels, wide sleeves, and a waistband, accentuated his gaunt features with a touch of elegance and dignity. Yet, as he walked through the Imperial College, a subtle caution and restraint still lingered in his steps.
There was no way. He had little influence and could not have a say at all, let alone help Marquis Huo to clean up the Imperial Academy.
While reporting the movements of the doctors at the Imperial College, he cried and said that he had let the king down.
Huo Yan skillfully took out his handkerchief and looked through his information.
He didn't blame him. No matter how good the magic weapon was, it was just a kitchen knife without an owner. He knew that.
It was all Liu Che's fault. His doctors and ministers were like stones in the sea, and no imperial edict was received for a long time.
On the carriage from Jiaodong to Chang'an, Liu Che leaned against the carriage wall covered with white tiger skin. Beside him sat Wei Qing and Jin Midi, who had been very favored recently. His fingertips unconsciously pointed at Jin Midi. In his hand was the petition proposed by Huo Qubing to appoint Huo Yan as the Doctor and the Minister of Justice. His attitude seemed quite playful, and even had a hint of perfunctoryness that was hard to detect.
"Zhongqing," Liu Che said in a voice lazily characteristic of an emperor. "Ayan is confused. Please help me persuade him. The Imperial College is merely a signpost to show the world that I value culture and education. Its existence or failure, its prosperity or failure, has nothing to do with my country and its people." He took a sip of warm Lansheng wine from Jin Midi's hand, his gaze fixed on the clear autumn sky outside the palace. "A true talent, having mastered both civil and military skills, will do everything in his power to come before me and offer his talents and strategies."
He paused and said no more.
Wei Qing understood what he meant.
The Ministry of Agriculture is different! That's Liu Che's money bag, the lifeblood that supports the operation of the country! Without Huo Yan and Sang Hongyang there to carefully calculate for him, increase revenue and reduce expenditure, it would be like fighting a war without Wei Qing and you, Huo Qubing! That's like a fish out of water, a tree without roots! There will be a big mess!
No one knows the position of court officials better than the emperor.
Generals and money bags are his foundation.
He picked up a long-written silk document and gestured to the eunuch beside him to pass it to the messenger standing beside him. The handwriting on the paper was strong and powerful, and the purpose of the handwritten order was clear and unmistakable.
Ah Yan, the titles of Imperial College Doctor and Deputy Minister are mere empty titles, unworthy of you. The position of Minister of Agriculture is a heavy and complex one, bearing upon the very foundation of the state. Your talents are truly valuable. Hurry and pack your bags. Your uncle has found you the seal and ribbon of the Minister of Agriculture. Stop wasting time by procrastinating and wasting time. Take up your post.
Listen to your dad, dear boy.
The last sentence, "Listen to your uncle, dear child," was written in a slightly sloppy and casual handwriting, with the emperor's half-intimate and half-joking teasing, but also revealed an irresistible will.
Wei Qing sighed and pleaded, "The child wants to go, Your Majesty, why don't you let him go? Ah Yan has been a well-behaved child since he was young, and rarely asks for anything. Your Majesty, why don't you let him go."
Liu Che shook his head.
His good Ah Yan and his precious purse could not be buried in the Imperial College.
When the handwritten note arrived at the Huo residence, Huo Yan was sitting by the window in his study. Outside, several tall osmanthus trees in the courtyard were in full bloom, their rich, sweet fragrance drifting in on the breeze. Huo Xian was picking flowers, smiling at Huo Yan, who was peeking at her.
Huo Yan smiled back at him, then unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the familiar handwriting until they finally stopped at the words, "Listen to your uncle, ah, my child." His handsome face remained expressionless. He slowly stood up and walked to the three-legged charcoal basin in the corner of his study. In the basin, fine charcoal mixed with animal ashes burned with an orange-red flame.
As soon as Huo Yan loosened his fingers, the flames gently licked the edge of the letter, quickly devouring it, turning into a wisp of green smoke and a few fleeting sparks, leaving only a faint smell of burning in the air, which was soon covered by the rich fragrance of osmanthus.
Huo Xian brought a large bunch of flowers. Huo Yan knew he loved playing with them, so he made him a small cloth bag to carry on his back. The back of the bag was filled with sweet-scented osmanthus flowers that the servants had put in for the young master. Huo Xian followed his example and threw sweet-scented osmanthus flowers in, muttering as he did so, "Flowers, fragrant flowers, for Zhongfu."
Huo Yan sighed and said, "Burn it for your uncle!"
[The great filial piety in the hall! ]
[Ah-Han has been smart since she was young.]
[Listen to my uncle... Pfft, I can smell his dad's scent even through the screen! Ah Yan: Burn it, burn it, bad luck!]
The firelight illuminated Huo Yan's handsome profile, flickering. He forcibly carried Huo Shan away as well. Huo Shan, like his father, was a truly generous child. He wasn't angry when Huo Yan carried him away. Instead, he hugged him back and shyly gave Huo Yan a bag of flowers before happily running out.
I ran to the door, but still looked back worriedly.
"Mr. Zhong, I'm happy."
Huo Yan pinched a flower from the bag of flowers that Huo Xian gave him and smiled at him.
"Xian'er is happy too."
The child then ran away happily.
Huo Yan felt soft in his heart, and he just tapped lightly with his fingertips on the hard rosewood table, making a regular light sound.
"Think of an idea."
His voice was not high-pitched, without any of the clipping sound from before.
[Hate it~, can't you just give me a pinch?]
[Alright~, we're done~ Brainstorming! Goal: Make His Majesty willingly send Ah Yan back to the Imperial Academy to retire (bushi)!]
[Go, go, go! Time to brainstorm!]
As Huo Yan's mind moved, countless words quickly scrolled across the translucent screen that only he could see:
[Looking for Mr. Jiang to take the blame]
[No, no! Old man Jiang is more stubborn than a donkey. He's knowledgeable, but will he listen to our Ah Yan? He's almost like inviting a wolf into the house!]
[Let Dong Zhongshu come back?]
[Letting the Wolf In Plus! Dong Daru has returned. Does Ah Yan still have a place in the Imperial College? He's definitely going to seize power!]
[Alas, our Ah Yan’s circle of friends…none of them are useful. They’re either after money, or they’re into military affairs, law, or scheming. There’s not a single clean one! They’re all a cancer.]
[Pfft, the above comment is brilliant! They're all old foxes. Finding someone with good character, high knowledge, who can overpower the old doctor, and who also has to be obedient...it's harder than finding a cat that doesn't steal!]
The comments were full of discussion, with no consensus. Huo Yan paused tapping the table, his eyes deep, as if he was clearing away layers of fog.
"Don't look for anyone else." He uttered these four words lightly.
[??? If not an outsider? Then who should we ask? My Lord, we've been rejected!]
The screen was instantly flooded with new comments, and all kinds of "brilliant ideas" came one after another:
[Ming Gong! I have a plan that can restore order to the situation! Doesn't His Majesty still have some fatherly affection for you (ugh)? Then use that affection to make him feel guilty! Make him feel sorry for you!]
[Yes, yes, yes! Your Majesty, I've got an idea! Here's another plan: kill someone with a borrowed knife! Let's not dirty our hands!]
[Ah Yan! Think about it, who are you most annoyed with lately? Who is the most cheerful?]
[Do I need to think about it? Embroidered Envoy Jiang Chong! This guy made his fortune by informing on others, and he's been acting so recklessly lately. He was just given a car, and he even wants Ah Yan to give him the right of way! Damn it, your car was given by the emperor! Luckily Ah Yan just beat him up!]
[In my past and present lives, it's this mad dog! Get him out and purge the court of corrupt officials!!!]
[Yanzi, doesn't Jiang Chong love to be flattered and drink too much to make mistakes? Find a reason to make him get carried away, preferably make him commit a crime of disrespect in public.]
A faint smile slowly spread across Huo Yan's lips. He said nothing more, merely nodding imperceptibly at the rapidly scrolling screen of light. His eyes seemed to commend a group of useful "subordinates" who had finally come to their senses.
"Well done."
[The King nodded! The plan works!]
[Your Majesty~, it is your honor~]
[It's autumn now, time to kill this year's river cicadas, hehehe.]
…
A few days later, Emperor Liu Che concluded his tour and returned to Chang'an in a grand procession. Banners and banners darkened the sky, and the dazzling array of armor drew the breathless gazes of the people kneeling along the road. Huo Qubing, Grand Marshal and General of Cavalry, led all the civil and military officials to greet him outside the north gate of the Weiyang Palace.
Liu Che stepped down from the golden sedan chair and personally helped Huo Qubing, who was saluting, to his feet. He patted the child's shoulder vigorously and said with a hearty laugh, "Thank you for your hard work, Qubing! I'm in Jiaodong, and my heart is thinking of Chang'an, and even more so of you and the others!"
He then kindly inquired about the health of several important officials, including Huo Yan, Sang Hongyang, and Gongsun He, with his words full of concern. The officials who were mentioned bowed their heads in thanks, and the atmosphere was harmonious and warm.
Huo Yan, wearing the Marquis's Xuanduan court robe, followed Sang Hongyang and Wei Qing quietly, step by step, with lowered eyebrows and submissive eyes, perfectly playing the role of a submissive subject.
However, his keen senses were taking in everything around him. A rich scent of agarwood wafted from the front, and he curled the corners of his lips.
His eyes swept towards the slender figure in the back row.
Then he quickly looked away, suddenly noticing a striking figure behind Liu Che—a tall man with deep eyes, a high nose, and short hair. He was a Xiongnu. This man was standing very close to the imperial carriage, shoulder to shoulder with the embroidered envoy, Jiang Chong, who was dressed in gorgeous, dazzling embroidery and had a haughty expression! This clearly showed how much he enjoyed favor.
Huo Yan had no impression of this man, but out of curiosity, his gaze lingered on him for a moment. Unexpectedly, the Hun-looking man turned as pale as a venomous snake, his face turning pale, a fine layer of cold sweat oozing from his forehead. His body trembled imperceptibly, and he quickly lowered his head, not daring to look at Huo Yan again.
[Jin Midi, the Xiongnu prince who was sent to perform a dance! Unexpectedly, he still won the favor of Emperor Liu Che. This guy is not bad, right?]
[Hahaha! King~, were you trying to scare the kids with that look just now? You have such a mean heart!]
[What he feared wasn't Ah Yan, but Qu Bing! The reputation of the Champion Marquis would make even the crying Hun children stop!]
[Ayan: It's a pity that I sold you to Liu Che. You're not my type now, don't worry.]
[Our king has no interest in dealing with the Xiongnu for now (disdainful face).]
Seeing how scared the boy was, Huo Yan felt a pang of mischief. A gentle, polite, and perfect smile curved his lips, and he nodded slightly at Jin Midi.
This smile made Jin Midi even more frightened than the scrutinizing look just now. His face turned pale and almost transparent, and he lowered his head even lower.
Changshengtian! The evil ghost is laughing at him! Is he going to be killed too?
When General Wei Qing returned home, as expected, the door was practically broken down by members of the Wei clan's collateral branches who came to complain. Their complaints were remarkably consistent: they accused Huo Qubing and Huo Yan of being arrogant, domineering, and heartless, of beating and killing their own people and disregarding family ties.
Wei Qing sat at the head of the main hall, dressed casually, his face serene as he listened to the wailing accusations. After everyone had finished talking, he slowly spoke, his tone calm and almost matter-of-fact. "Didn't you all just say that Ah Yan is now in charge of family affairs?" His gaze swept across the faces below, some indignant, some guilty. "If that's the case, then even as his uncle, I have to listen to him. There's no point in coming to me!"
He spread his hands, his expression natural and genuine.
The side branches were confused by his god-like logic.
Then, the eldest son, Wei Kang, who was standing by, gave a signal to the guards in the palace. Several burly, expressionless guards immediately stepped forward and "invited" the still-wailing members of the clan to leave without explanation.
The hall suddenly became quiet.
Wei Qing then turned to his son, Wei Kang, with approval in his eyes. Then, as if remembering something, he added, "Listen to your brothers from now on."
Upon hearing this, Wei Kang pointed at his nose, looking innocent and aggrieved: "Father! Don't I listen to my two brothers?"
His greatest strength is that he is obedient!
When Wei was being bullied by Brother Ayan, he and Uncle Guang supported her!
He puffed out his chest, a little proudly, "When Brother Yan dealt with those disobedient clansmen, Uncle Guang and I gave him our full support! It was a clear stance! Not only did we support him, I even personally went to persuade Grandmother and Auntie to stay out of the way!"
He always sided with his relatives and not with others, and he, Brother Ayan, and Brother Qubing were blood brothers. Anyway, he didn't understand what was going on, but he was obedient. When his father was not around, the family listened to Brother Qubing. Brother Ayan's meaning was Brother Qubing's meaning. If Brother Ayan gave an order, then he had to help shout it out, no one else could stop him!
Wei Qing looked at his son, who was looking for praise, and his smile deepened, clearly very satisfied. "Well, good boy. Go and invite your two brothers to dinner later."
When Huo Qubing and Huo Yan received Wei Qing's invitation to a family dinner, they both felt a rare moment of guilt. It wasn't because they were afraid, but because they remembered Wei Shaoer's slap and Wei Junru's cold, disappointed look. They felt that they had become inferior and didn't want to face their elders.
However, upon entering the familiar and warm hall of the Wei Mansion, they weren't greeted with the expected reprimand. Wei Kang and young Wei Deng, like two cheerful puppies, pounced on them from left and right. Wei Kang even grabbed Huo Yan's sleeve and tugged him inside. "Brother Yan, come quickly! Father has specially ordered the kitchen to make your favorite roasted venison!"
Huo Yan was dragged away, and Huo Qubing had no choice but to follow with a smile.
The two brothers sat on pins and needles awaiting trial, but Wei Qing, far from questioning them, instead showered them with praise, his words filled with heartache. He even felt that letting Huo Yan take over the mess was a sign of his own inadequacy, causing the two children to bear undue pressure.
"How can I put all my affairs on your shoulders?" Wei Qing's tone was filled with rare anger and deep self-blame. "It's my uncle's incompetence that has let you bear the stigma and suffer those grievances! I, your uncle, apologize to you on behalf of His Majesty!"
As he spoke, this great general, who was at the highest position and had great power throughout the world, actually bowed slightly.
"You are all good children. As long as you are here, your uncle has nothing to regret."
He praised sincerely and with appreciation, as if there was a trace of something in his eyes.
"Good kids. They're all good kids."
[Defense is broken! Uncle is the eternal God!]
[Woo woo woo, this is Ayan’s father!]
This completely shattered the defenses Huo Qubing and Huo Yan had maintained. They had been questioned and cursed by everyone, beaten by Wei Shao'er, and looked on with the coldest gaze by Wei Junru, yet they hadn't cried. But now, like children who had suffered a great injustice, their eyes reddened. They simultaneously stepped forward, one on each side hugging Wei Qing's arms, burying their heads in his strong shoulders, and sobbing as they began to complain, like two children who hadn't grown up.
"Uncle, you don't know how hard mother slapped me..."
Huo Qubing said in a muffled voice.
"Ayan blushed."
Huo Yan's voice was filled with suppressed tears.
"My aunt looks at me like an enemy..."
Wei Qing was so distressed that he gently patted his two nephews on the back with his broad hands and cursed in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what you did was... so unkind!"
His tone was full of dissatisfaction with Liu Che's decision and protection of his children.
"Uncle knows he's been wronged. Can I go talk to Mom and the others?"
Huo Yan and Huo Qubing said together, "No!"
Wei Qing looked at them with a smile, "You want to be the boss, but you feel wronged, but you won't say anything about your grievances. Just like before."
After this incident, Wei Qing organized another family dinner, but did not let his two children attend.
Wei Qing's goal was to unite the Wei and Huo families. No one was allowed to disrespect Huo Yan and Huo Qubing in public. The future of the Wei family depended entirely on these two children, so no one could afford to neglect them.
It was rare for him to speak with a cold face, so Wei Shaoer didn't dare to say much.
Wei Changjun was the nominal head of the family, but Wei Qing was the actual soul.
He is angry.
There are some things that Huo Yan and his friends, as juniors, cannot say, but Wei Qing has no such concerns.
He said directly, "Your Majesty asked Ah Yan to handle it. If it weren't for Ah Yan and Qu Bing, you would have been dragged into this situation by Gongsun Jingsheng and killed."
Huo Qubing and Huo Yan didn't know what Wei Qing said, but they just accepted the autumn clothes prepared by their elders as usual.
But Huo Yan didn’t like to wear it anymore, and neither did Huo Qubing.
Marquis Guanjun and Marquis Tai'an were the trendsetters of Chang'an. Huo Yan had many beautiful new clothes made for his family, including Xiaoguang's and Shan'er's. Since there were only a few people in the family, even Bai Baishao was not left out.
New Year, wear new clothes.
The barrage was still eagerly waiting to see how Huo Yan would carry out the plan to "kill Jiang Chong", but they didn't expect that his next step would be to go to Pingyang Marquis' Mansion in a low-key manner to visit the seriously ill Princess Yangshi.
Upon returning to Chang'an, Yang Shi heard the news that Gongsun Jingsheng had died of a serious illness. She and Gongsun Jingsheng had been deeply in love, but upon hearing the news of his death, she became so distraught that she fell ill and could not get back to health. There were even rumors that she was going to follow him.
Liu Che, already displeased with his daughter's involvement with Gongsun Jingsheng, was further disgusted by hearing of her "deep affection," ordering only a routine consultation with the palace physician. Wei Zifu, heartbroken for his daughter, and Wei Chang, likewise, arranged with their mother to have the seriously ill Yang Shi brought to their home for recuperation. Knowing the depth of his sister's affection, Wei Chang feared ordinary doctors would be unable to cure her. So, under the name of her husband, Cao Xiang, Marquis of Pingyang, he hosted a small banquet and specially invited Huo Yan to his residence.
Whether it was Yang Shi's own request, or perhaps some attempt by Cao Xiang and his wife to test or bring them together, the visit was arranged with extreme privacy. In a dimly lit, elegantly decorated warm room, where calming incense burned, thick, embroidered curtains obscured the inner chamber. Huo Yan was led by a maid to a soft mat outside the curtains.
Huo Yan sat upright, not actively requesting a pulse check. Behind the curtains, there was also complete silence, save for the faint, stifled sound of coughing.
After a long time, the sound of Yang Shi getting up was heard from behind the curtain.
Huo Yan heard this and a faint smile appeared on his lips. His voice remained gentle, "You've been pretending to be a love saint for so long that you even believe it yourself?"
This one sentence exposed Yang Shi's disguise.
The coughing within the curtains suddenly ceased. A moment later, a pale, slender hand, painted with bright red cardamom, slowly parted the heavy brocade curtain. Princess Yangshi leaned against a soft pillow, covered by a brocade quilt. Her face was indeed as pale as paper, and her lips had lost their color. But the eyes she gazed at Huo Yan were unusually bright, clear, and even a hint of provocation. How could she possibly look terminally ill?
"My love is profound, and everyone knows it. How can a heart as hard as yours, brother, understand?"
Yang Shi's voice still sounded sickly weak, but his eyes were sharp and bold.
Huo Yan glanced at her and said slowly, "You know exactly who killed him."
This "who" refers to him and also to her.
Yang Shi covered his lips and let out a suppressed chuckle, which made his pale cheeks flush a sickly red. His eyes became more gentle and more dangerous. "Brother is willing to come today. Yang Shi's heart is finally... a little settled."
Her words had a hidden meaning, implying that Huo Yan's arrival meant that he was willing to join the game.
Huo Yan chuckled softly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, which held a cold scrutiny. "Seeing that you still have the energy to act with me here, my heart... can't calm down at all."
[Bullet screen: A clash of masters! Every move is fatal!]
[Bullet screen: Translation: Yang Shi: Brother, you're here, which means you're willing to cooperate in the trade. A Yan: You still have the energy to cause trouble. I'm very uneasy (I want to kill you).]
Yang Shi seemed not to hear the coldness in his words. Instead, she smiled softly, with a bit of girlish innocence, which formed a strange contrast with her paleness and the calculation in her eyes.
"Brother, you should thank me for this illness. If not, wouldn't you have been spared the trouble of marrying a sickly woman like me in the future?"
Huo Yan pulled the corner of his mouth with a forced smile, and said sarcastically, "Why don't you just let him go? Wouldn't that make you look even more infatuated and unrepentant? And it would also save me from a hundred lifetimes of worry."
This is almost harsh.
Yang Shi was not annoyed by such a rebuttal. Instead, her smile became more genuine, as if Huo Yan's harshness was just what she wanted. "Brother, calm down. Yang Shi didn't mean to argue with you."
She leaned forward slightly and pulled out a scroll of old books tied with silk rope from beside her pillow. Slowly unfolding a corner, she revealed dense handwriting and some strange herbal drawings. It was the manuscript Huo Yan had left in his bookcase! Among them were chapters on toxicology and rare herbal combinations. "I just wanted to ask for advice, brother."
She emphasized the word "brother" and stared at Huo Yan with a burning gaze. "I've long been fed up with the noisy summer river cicadas. Use the recipe in this letter to kill them. What do you think, brother?"
This was a naked threat, but also a token of surrender—she had the leverage over Huo Yan, and was willing to be the murderous knife.
Jiang Chong spoke ill of her to Liu Che again yesterday, so she cannot be kept.
She wanted to leave the palace and get a fief.
This cicada is in the way.
[Holy crap! Princess Yangshi is so awesome! How dare she threaten Ah Yan! !]
[That notebook! Ah Yan put it in her bookcase!]
Yang Shi: Brother, if you don't help me, I will show this knife to Father!
…
Huo Yan looked at the familiar scroll and let out an ambiguous tut, as if disapproving of her poorly thought-out idea. "Why use a butcher knife to kill a cicada?" he said with disdain. "It's too slow, and leaves too much of a mark. Why go to all this trouble to deal with this kind of thing?"
Yang Shi's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly, whispering eagerly and respectfully, "Teacher, teach me!"
At this moment, she seemed to have turned back into the little girl in the palace, looking up to her knowledgeable and talented brother.
Huo Yan took a sip of the honey water the maid had offered him, speaking as calmly as if discussing the weather. "People who love to hear flattery tend to lose their minds when drunk and excited, and do things... that are unbecoming, or even presumptuous." He paused, looking at Yang Shi with a deep gaze. "For example, if someone, drunk and alarming the emperor, rides into the palace... what do you think the punishment would be?"
Yang Shi instantly understood, her eyes gleaming with a startling brilliance. The sickly pallor on her face seemed to be slightly diluted by the flush of excitement. But she quickly regained her composure, and with a hint of inquiry and a final hint of doubt, she softly asked, "Brother... why are you helping me?"
She needed to confirm Huo Yan's true purpose and position before finalizing the subsequent transaction.
Huo Yan put down the cup, and a very sincere, even brilliant smile slowly spread across his face. He looked directly into Yang Shi's eyes and spoke every word clearly.
"Different paths, same destination."
"Yang Shi, I've already boarded the prince's ship."
[Straight! Showdown! For Juer!]
[Huo Yan, a core member of the Princelings! Yang Shi also supports Juer! Their goals are the same!]
[I always find it strange. Ah Yan seems to dislike Yang Shi~]
The warm room fell into a brief silence, with only the smoke curling from the incense burner. Their eyes met, and no more words were needed; everything was said without words.
After a long time, Yang Shi suddenly smiled. That smile had some of the brightness of a young girl, but also a hint of imperceptible madness, and she said something shocking.
"Brother, how about... I marry you? I want to fulfill my responsibilities and govern the local area. Liu Che is not capable of that. I just want to help my son ascend the throne. You want that too, don't you?"
[Bullet screen: ??? Princess, you're distracted!]
[Comment: Is this a test or is it true? This is too sudden!]
Huo Yan raised his eyes, his expression instantly becoming extremely serious, even with a hint of absurdity as if to say, "What nonsense are you talking about?" He responded in a decisive tone.
"Liu Yan, I never taught you to repay kindness with enmity."
[Hahahaha! Great reply! Repaying kindness with hatred!]
[Ayan: Refuse bundled sales!]
[Yang Shi: Tsk, boring.]
[Final Translation of Dialogue: Yang Shi: Brother, if you don't come up with an idea to help me and my brother kill Jiang Chong, I'll reveal that you once taught me to harm Emperor Wu! Ah Yan: Okay, I'll give you the method (drunk and breaking into the palace), but don't try to blame me!]
[Yang Shi is still a bit clueless. Facing Ah Yan, you revealed your trump card so early.]
[I don't know, but the little princess and Ah Yan look very friendly together.]
Huo Yan knew very well that Yang Shi's style of doing things was exactly the same as his - fast, accurate, and ruthless.
So when he received a tip-off that Jiang Chong, drunk by a few flatterers, was being driven through the streets, he knew the time had come. He meticulously prepared the exceptionally sharp dagger Huo Qubing had given him, along with a horse-drowsy powder. Then, suppressing his intense revulsion, he carefully smeared a distinctive scent, taken from a mare's estrus secretion, on the side of his shoe in a secluded corner. He needed this scent to stimulate Jiang Chong's horses at the crucial moment.
After doing all this, he pretended to take a leisurely stroll and headed towards the long corridor near the west gate of the Weiyang Palace, which Jiang Chong had to pass through on his way home. He had only one thought in mind: take advantage of the chaos to kill Jiang Chong, who had lost control after being startled by his horse. At most, he would be accused of "excessive fright" or "excessive self-defense", and he could use this opportunity to return to the Imperial College under the guise of "resting"!
Jiang Chong, you will definitely die today!
By evening, the palace corridors were silent, with only the footsteps of patrolling guards echoing in the distance. Huo Yan estimated the time.
Unexpectedly, at this moment.
Around the corner of the corridor, two figures emerged side by side! They were none other than General Wei Qing and Grand Marshal Huo Qubing, uncle and nephew. They were carrying a food box, chatting and laughing in low voices as they walked. Huo Qubing even licked the corner of his mouth, seeming to be unsatisfied.
The uncle and nephew met each other unexpectedly, and the same panic was instantly written on their faces!
Huo Qubing reacted extremely quickly, quickly stuffing the food box into his wide sleeves as if hiding stolen goods! Wei Qing was also a veteran in the world. He cleared his throat and quickly stuffed a small jade wine pot into his arms!
The two men immediately stood up straight, with innocent expressions on their faces as if to say "we are good" and "we didn't do anything", and glanced guiltily at Huo Yan, whose face suddenly darkened.
[Large-scale car rollover scene! Caught red-handed!]
[Ayan: I’m so pissed off!]
[Wei Qing: Awkward yet polite smile.JPG Huo Qubing: I am not, I don’t have it.JPG]
Huo Yan looked at the two innocent generals and cursed Liu Che in his heart.
Fuck! Damn it! Why can't you take them out to satisfy their cravings sometime? Why does it have to be today?
Damn it! I'm not keeping a tight rein on this anymore!
Die, you bastard!
He suppressed his anger and was about to wave his hand to tell the two to leave quickly, but forget it, he had something urgent to do now, so he would talk about it tonight.
Just as he was about to wave his hand!
“Sh ...
A sharp and violent horse neighing sounded like thunder!
Along with the guards' screams and the sound of weapons falling to the ground, a black angry horse with red eyes and foaming mouth, pulling a gorgeously decorated carriage, ran out of control and knocked away the palace guards who tried to stop it, and rushed straight into the palace gate!
The driver was Jiang Chong, who was drunk, red-faced, and dancing!
He laughed wildly, seemingly still enjoying the thrill of "breaking into the palace." The carriage rushed towards Huo Yan and the other two at the foot of the corridor at a terrifying speed!
Yang Shi’s calculations were exactly right, except for three more variables.
Looking at the two top military commanders of the empire beside him, Huo Yan felt his scalp tingling and his plans were in chaos!
He could only bite the bullet, quickly drawing the dagger from his waist, and growling at Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, "Uncle! Brother! You go first! I can handle it!"
He tried to push the two men apart.
Unexpectedly, after seeing the mad horse charging towards them and the drunk Jiang Chong, Huo Qubing and Wei Qing not only did not leave, but instead breathed a sigh of relief.
Dealing with a drunk guy scaring a horse is a hundred times easier than dealing with Ah Yan catching someone stealing food!
A fierce look flashed in Huo Qubing's eyes, and he pushed Huo Yan into Wei Qing's arms. Then he moved like an arrow, taking two steps at a time, and stepped onto the shaft of the carriage. At the same time, the sword at his waist was unsheathed with a "clang", and the cold sword edge was instantly placed on the neck of the drunken Jiang Chong.
"How dare you! Stop it!"
Huo Qubing looked up and shouted, which made Jiang Chong tremble all over and sober up instantly!
He saw the fierce-looking Huo Qubing and the sword that had cut his neck with blood. He was terrified and kowtowed profusely, tears streaming down his face. "Grand Marshal, spare me! Spare me! Your humble servant...your humble servant was drunk! It was an unintentional mistake! It was an unintentional mistake!"
Huo Qubing was about to bend over and kick the limp Jiang Chong off when he reined in his horse.
Unexpectedly, the horse, already on the verge of madness, stimulated by the scent of Huo Yan's shoes and whipped by Jiang Chong, erupted in ferocity after losing its rider's control. It let out another deafening neigh, its hooves leaping into the air, and recklessly charged towards Huo Yan, who was holding onto the wall and trying to get away. The distance was only a dozen meters, and in an instant, it was at his side.
"Ayan, be careful!"
In a split second, Wei Qing's body's instincts trumped all thought. He whipped out the sword from his waist and leaped in front of Huo Yan, using his body to form a solid barrier, protecting Huo Yan firmly behind him.
Meanwhile, Huo Qubing, aboard the carriage, was furious! Without a second thought, he kicked Jiang Chong away, clutching the reins, which were stretched to a halt by the mad horse's drag. His arm muscles flexed, and he pulled back with all his might. The galloping horse was halted by the sudden force, its speed drastically reduced, and it neighed in pain. Wei Qing seized this fleeting opportunity and hurled his sword, piercing the side of the mad horse's neck with uncanny precision!
Blood gushed out like a fountain!
The horse did not fall down immediately despite the severe pain, but instead struggled forward even more violently!
Huo Qubing staggered in the carriage. He said nothing, but steadied himself. While the horse was weak, he controlled it with one hand and drew his sword with the other. He followed the wound stabbed by Wei Qing and stabbed it hard, twisting it hard!
Deeper! More brutal!
The hot horse blood with a strong fishy smell splashed on Wei Qing and Huo Qubing's faces and bodies like heavy rain!
Their clothes were dyed dark red, and their original appearance could not be seen.
Huo Yan, who was a little far away and was protected by Wei Qing behind him, still felt a few drops of warm liquid splashing on the back of his hand.
Huo Yan started sprinkling medicine powder the moment the crazy horse rushed over, but was blocked by Wei Qing and could not move. He was already extremely anxious, and now the hot blood splattered on the faces and bodies of his two dearest relatives, which was exactly the same fear he felt in his dreams at midnight.
All sense of security was instantly shattered by overwhelming self-blame and overwhelming anger.
He felt a chill rushing from his feet straight to his head, his vision went dark, and all his strength seemed to be drained away in an instant! He barely managed to hold on to the cold palace wall with his hands, preventing himself from collapsing on the spot.
It was me, it was me who didn’t let them run away!
Liu Che should be killed!
And there's Jiang Chong, who let him drive the horse!
He didn't say anything, not even an exclamation. Those eyes, usually filled with laughter, were now ignited with a murderous intent bordering on insanity! Like a thoroughly enraged beast, he let out a suppressed, inhuman growl and rushed at an alarming speed towards Jiang Chong, who was lying on the ground, groaning like mud after being kicked away by Huo Qubing.
Jiang Chong's loud shout tore through the silence of the palace.
Huo Yan covered his mouth, holding tightly in his hand the sharp dagger given to him by Huo Qubing for self-defense. With a flash of cold light, he stabbed it into Jiang Chong's heart without hesitation!
“Puff!”
The dull sound of the sharp blade entering the flesh makes one's teeth ache.
But this was far from enough! Jiang Chong's face, twisted with pain and fear, became the source of all the tragedies in Huo Yan's past and present lives! It was this person's slander!
Damn it, damn it, damn it!
One knife for my brother, one knife for my uncle!
One knife for Juer, one knife for Yangshi! One knife for Wei Chang! One knife for Zhuyi! One knife for my aunt!
He wants to make amends for the dead!
"Go to hell!"
Huo Yan had gone completely mad! He rode on Jiang Chong, his eyes bloodshot, and roared like a beast. He drew out the dagger in his hand and stabbed it down frantically with all his strength.
One! Two! Three!
Completely ignoring the blood splattering all over his face and body, he seemed to want to stab the body beneath him into a pool of flesh! Every knife was filled with long-suppressed anger, fear, and the fear of losing a loved one!
[Yanyan, stop, you're scaring people.]
[Baby, don't be afraid! We are all still alive!]
…
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"
Huo Yan's hoarse roar echoed in the blood.
The guards were stunned by the bloody and violent scene. They surrounded the scene holding their spears, but no one dared to step forward to stop the Marquis of Tai'an, who was like a Shura descending from the earth!
"Ayan! Ayan! Stop it! It's okay! It's okay!"
Wei Qing was the first to react. He forced himself to endure the sticky blood on his face, rushed forward, and with all his strength, hugged Huo Yan from behind, who had fallen into a frenzy! His arms were like iron hoops, holding him tightly in his arms. His voice was filled with unprecedented panic and heartache, "Baby, it's okay! It's okay!"
"You have blood! Lots of blood!" Huo Yan struggled violently in Wei Qing's arms, like a fish out of water, gasping for breath, his eyes vacant and frantic, the dagger still tightly grasped in his hand. "Let me go! Kill him, and it won't hurt!"
Huo Qubing was exhausted from trying so hard to control and kill the horse. He looked at Huo Yan. He didn't say much, but just picked up the bloody sword, took two steps forward, and cut off Jiang Chong's head.
"You are too weak. I have to do it."
Huo Yan stopped struggling.
Brother, we are killing Jiang Chong.
My brother will always protect me.
"Ayan, are you still in pain?"
Wei Qing put Huo Yan down and patted his back very gently with his calloused hands, as if comforting a frightened child. His voice had never been so gentle: "Don't be afraid, Ah Yan, don't be afraid, it's okay, it's okay..."
Huo Qubing walked up to Huo Yan, touched his forehead, then forcibly pried open Huo Yan's fingers that were tightly gripping the dagger, and kicked the bloody weapon away.
"It's dirty. Get a better one next time." He seemed to be somewhat disgusted with the dagger. "The Hun's things are no good. They can't even kill people properly. They've ruined your new clothes."
He didn't care at all, as if Huo Yan was just doing an ordinary thing, and his clothes were stained because of his bad knife.
Huo Qubing's voice was deep and powerful.
"Ayan needs to exercise more."
Huo Yan's nerves, which had been stretched to the limit, finally returned to normal. He stopped moving, but his body continued to tremble uncontrollably. "I'm in this state, and you still call me weak!"
He is really wronged.
"You gave me the broken dagger, so make me a new one!"
Huo Yan calmed down and the three of them sat opposite each other. At this moment, an extremely inappropriate and even absurd scene appeared.
Huo Qubing and Wei Qing, almost simultaneously and without prior agreement, reached for the food box they had forgotten on the ground! Huo Qubing grabbed the largest piece of warm braised duck meat from it, while Wei Qing accurately picked up a piece of shiny roasted venison.
The two men completely ignored the blood around them, the corpses on the ground, and the bloodstains on their faces, and stuffed the meat into Huo Yan's mouth very naturally!
Huo Yan: …???
[????????????, Is this the general’s habit?]
[What the hell??? Feeding meat next to a corpse??? And Yan ate it!!! What are these three uncles and nephews thinking???]
[Although…this operation is too cool!!!]
[Comment: Wei Qing & Huo Qubing: There's no shock that a piece of meat can't resolve! If there is, use two pieces!]
[It only takes two of the most caring parents to deal with a madman.]
[I didn't think the child was the problem at all, I just wanted a piece of meat!]
Huo Yan was completely stunned. His mouth was stuffed full, and he chewed aimlessly, completely confused as to what the traditional art of eating meat after a murder was. He only thought the meat tasted... quite fragrant.
Liu Che was quite good at coaxing his uncle and brother.
"It's delicious," Huo Qubing knelt on one knee in front of Huo Yan and grabbed a large piece of meat for himself and Wei Qing respectively. He stuffed it into his mouth and chewed it vigorously. While chewing, he said to Huo Yan incoherently, "Ayan, eat more! You are too thin."
Wei Qing also squatted down, his face still stained with blood, but he agreed seriously, "Yes, eat more to replenish your strength. Roast the horses later. Although horse meat is not tasty, it will be enough to feed the leopards and tigers at His Majesty's place."
As he said that, he stuffed another piece of venison into Huo Yan's mouth.
The child is frightened, just eat some meat.
Look how well behaved Ayan is.
The two generals looked at Huo Yan eating meat with loving eyes.
Thus, an extremely strange yet inexplicably harmonious scene appeared under the corridor inside the west gate of Weiyang Palace.
The three most powerful people in the empire, except Liu Che, were covered in blood, their faces covered in blood. They squatted on the ground around a stabbed corpse and a dead horse, chewing silently and hard, revealing a clear sense of stupidity.
[I am torn, my heart is too big.]
[This scene… is too beautiful to look at… but is it inexplicably touching?]
This is "Us Three"
…
When Liu Che received the urgent news that "Jiang Chong broke into the palace, a frightened horse injured someone, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing and Huo Yan were all in danger at the palace gate", he was so scared that he didn't even have time to put on his crown. He led a large group of guards and medical officers and almost crawled to the scene. What he saw was such a scene that made his blood pressure soar and he was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
He didn't know whether to be angry at the carelessness of the uncle and nephew, or to laugh at their absurdity. In the end, all his emotions turned into a long, helpless sigh.
He suppressed his anger and concern and ordered a thorough investigation. The results quickly emerged: Jiang Chong, drunk, had ridden his horse through the palace gate, causing the horse to lose control and startle the emperor. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, in an effort to protect Huo Yan, killed the frightened horse. In the chaos, the frightened Huo Yan overreacted and accidentally stabbed Jiang Chong to death. Both the guards and the damaged palace gate were found.
Liu Che looked at the report and thought about Jiang Chong's usual actions, and a surge of anger rushed to his head.
This bastard not only sought death himself but also nearly killed his three beloved treasures!
In a rage, Liu Che immediately ordered: Yijiang will be executed along with all three clans!
The matter ended like this. A few days later, the newly appointed leader of the Embroidered Uniform Envoys chose an "honest man" who was slightly less capable than Jiang Chong, but who was better at observing people's words and expressions and knowing who could be offended and who could not be offended.
It seems like Jiang Chong never existed.
Huo Yan announced to the public that he was extremely frightened, in a trance and needed to rest.
Given his "crazy" behavior at the palace gate, no one doubted him. Liu Che was even more worried, with a gloomy brow, fearing that the child would suffer from a heart disease.
One day at the court meeting, the master's father Yan, who was wily and scheming, tried to figure out what he wanted to do and went out to make a speech.
"Your Majesty, the Marquis of Tai'an has been frightened and mentally exhausted. I've heard that books can cure ignorance and cultivate character. The Imperial Academy is a place of tranquility and learning, immersed in the fragrance of books, which is the best way to nourish people. Why not let the Marquis of Tai'an teach at the Imperial Academy? On the one hand, he can calm his mind and cultivate his character, and on the other hand, he can use his talent and knowledge to educate the students. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"
When Liu Che heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up!
This is a good idea! The Imperial College is a quiet and safe place, perfect for putting Ah Yan there to recuperate and get rid of the root of his illness.
But fearing that the child might be wronged, Liu Che thought for a moment and made a bold decision: In addition to the title of "Doctor Pushe", he would also appoint another title of "Doctor Jijiu"! With a rank of 2,000 stones, he would be in charge of all affairs of the Imperial Academy.
In this way, the rank is high enough, the power is great enough, and the face is given enough, so the child should be satisfied, right?
The imperial edict reached the Huo residence. Huo Yan received the order and, looking at the seal that symbolized the highest authority of the Imperial College, his face, which had been rosy for a long time, became visibly redder, and his condition seemed to be getting better day by day.
Not long after, he almost recovered and took up his post in high spirits, becoming the first powerful doctoral student at the Imperial Academy of the Han Dynasty.
Huo Qubing watched his brother put on new clothes and prepare to go to "rectify" the Imperial College with high spirits. He saw through his brother's situation but did not say anything. He just patted his brother on the shoulder with a doting and indulgent smile in his eyes.
"Go ahead, have some fun."
[Congratulations to Ayan on becoming the principal of Taixue!]
[Doctors of the Imperial College: Danger!]
[Qubing: I understand you, I support you, go Pikachu!]
[Jiang Chong offers sacrifices to the heavens, his magical powers are boundless!]
【Author’s words】
Qubing: My brother is not good at killing people, alas.
Uncle: The child is scared, eat meat.
The general is not afraid of blood at all, hahahaha.
The threshold for getting rid of the diseased uncle is quite high.
I never expected that the version I originally wrote to appease Ah Yan would not feel right, and then Ah Yan said something about it.
Please, no one really thinks that being a general means killing horses.
In addition, A Yan said that he and Yang Shi could be scolded, and it didn’t matter if they scolded him a few more times.
He doesn't care.
Yang Shi, he doesn't care.
But Yang Shi said that she could just curse alone, she didn't like being with Huo Yan.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
