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The people of the southwest suffered immensely. Many sent petitions to the capital, only to die of exposure or be murdered en route.

It wasn't until this year that the top scholar of the imperial examinations detailed the tragedies he witnessed in the southwest. Volunteering to investigate, he finally brought the corrupt officials to justice.

Solving cases wasn't Fu Yicen's forte. Back then, during a period of idle boredom, he had led troops to assist the top scholar. He did, however, hear rumors that the influential figure behind the corrupt official was Prime Minister Zhou.

He had searched for evidence, hoping to bring down Premier Zhou in the process, but the cunning old fox left no trace of wrongdoing.

Now, this young lad arrives just in the nick of time!

In this lifetime, he is determined to strike before Premier Zhou makes his move, catching him completely off guard.

"I beg for your justice, General!"

His pleas grew fainter as he bowed deeply.

From the carriage, Zhou Rendong couldn't bear the sight and mustered the courage to speak, "Let's save him first; his injuries look grave."

With Zhou Rendong's plea, Fu Yicen certainly wouldn't stand by and watch someone die, especially when the boy could be of use.

Chu Yu stepped out of the carriage, lifting the injured lad inside. The group then turned back to the General's residence.

Fu Yicen held Zhou Rendong's hand, apologetically saying, "I promised you a leisurely outing."

Zhou Rendong shook his head, whispering, "Saving a life comes first."

He knew how painful such injuries could be. The boy was so young; a good Samaritan's help could ease his suffering.

As Zhou Rendong intently watched Chu Yu tending to the injured, Fu Yicen remained deep in thought.

Now that he's saved the boy, he pondered on how to utilize this situation to peel off Premier Zhou's façade and avenge Zhou Rendong...

As the carriage sped away, a man dressed in white and an elderly servant emerged from the shadows.

The servant unfolded a portrait of a young woman, showcasing it to the man in white.

Upon closer inspection, the woman's features and expression bore a resemblance to Zhou Rendong.

A sly smile crept upon the man's face, "The resemblance is uncanny. The old fox Zhou Heng probably has no idea about his son's connection to the Fei Kingdom."

"Premier Zhou is clueless!"

The white-clad man smirked, "Indeed. Once I've claimed the treasures of the Fei Kingdom, I'll have him by my side, a pretty little plaything."

The servant shuddered, asking, "Your Majesty, shall we summon him to the palace?"

The man coldly smiled, "No need. Fu Yicen will bring him to the palace on New Year's Eve for the banquet."

"Understood."

"That worthless Fu Rushuang... she's truly useless."

The man gestured for the portrait to be put away, "I suspect Fu Yicen no longer trusts her. Time to discard that pawn."

Chapter 14: Making Life Difficult for Zhou Rendong.

Upon hearing that Fu Yicen not only took Zhou Rendong out but also brought back a young boy, Fu Rushuang angrily clenched her handkerchief, knocking over the meal served by her maid.

"Summon Master Rong."

Since the day he was snubbed by Fu Yicen, Master Rong hasn't had a chance to speak to him. Even though Fu Yicen hadn't sought him out for any misgivings, guilt had made Master Rong constantly uneasy.

"Miss Fu, do you think the General has discovered that I'm an imposter, with no real medical knowledge?"

Fu Rushuang glared at him and snapped, "Nonsense! You are a divine healer."

"Yes, yes, of course," Master Rong hurriedly replied, "So... what should we do next?"

"Come with me to see this boy the General has brought back." Fu Rushuang tossed him a silver ingot, "I've heard he's severely injured."

"Understood." Master Rong greedily pocketed the silver, "Whatever you ask, I shall do."

"Prepare some poison. If the boy is handsome, it might be best to just kill him," Fu Rushuang caressed the two scars on her face, "I don't like the General having too many beauties around him."

Even if she disliked Fu Yicen, she wouldn't allow it!

Being handsome is a death sentence.

Master Rong shuddered internally, thinking how fortunate he was to be unattractive.

"Also," Fu Rushuang added with a sly smile, "Prepare some for Zhou Rendong as well. Don't kill him, just make him suffer a bit. The Emperor has plans for him."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, Chu Yu had settled the boy in a guest room. After examining the wounds, which weren't grave, he concluded the fainting was due to exhaustion and excessive blood loss.

With Chu Yu's permission, Zhou Rendong observed his medication and acupuncture techniques.

"General, Miss Fu and Master Rong are here to see you."

Zhou Rendong blinked, glanced at Fu Yicen, and lowered his head in fear.

So much had happened that day. The General had been unusually kind to him. He had nearly forgotten his place.

He had the audacity to learn medicine and even persuaded the General to save someone.

What if...

Once she reconciles with Fu Yicen, she would surely come after him. What then?

He was already afraid.

Fu Yicen massaged his temples, feeling the onset of a headache.

Just when Zhou Rendong had begun to overcome his fear, along came Fu Rushuang, ever ready to remind him.

It seems he'd have to deal with her sooner than planned; otherwise, Zhou Rendong would never find peace in the General's residence.

"Don't be afraid," Fu Yicen reassured, caressing his cheek, "Feel free to learn from Chu Yu here."

As he spoke, Fu Rushuang, defying those trying to restrain her, stormed in with Master Rong in tow.

"Brother Yicen, I heard you brought back a patient. I had Master Rong come to see..."

"Enough of this ruckus!" The moment she entered, shouting, Chu Yu's needle-wielding hand halted mid-motion. He turned and glared at her.

Fu Rushuang scoffed, pushing Zhou Rendong aside from Fu Yicen and coquettishly wrapped her arm around his, "I just wanted to help you."

"It's not necessary," Fu Yicen replied, removing her hand and eyeing Master Rong coldly, "Go back and focus on your alchemy."

Glancing at the boy lying on the bed, Fu Rushuang noted his pale complexion. Even with his eyes closed, his long eyelashes and delicate features were evident. He looked like a seductive fox spirit, arousing an inexplicable rage in her heart.