Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The young man inside the room looked up at him.

The youth was strikingly handsome and very refined. His figure still retained some of the frailty of adolescence.

Surprised by the stranger, he looked at him with a puzzled expression: "Young man, who is this...?"

They were not the two from the north of Xuan Mountain that day.

The young man on the bed appeared barely alive, his face completely unfamiliar. Half his body was wrapped in cloth, likely the victim of a vicious wolf attack.

He offered a polite smile: "I am Feng by surname, serving as the military advisor in Dingfeng Fort."

The young man promptly bowed: "An honor to meet you, Mr. Feng. My surname is Qu, with the given name Mu. This is my elder brother, Qu Wu."

Feng Wenhua narrowed his eyes.

Xiao Jin said that the one Xue Hongwen called "Ah Ru" must certainly be the good-for-nothing heir of the Xue royal house.

The youth before him seemed frail, but he lacked the pampered noble air one born into royalty like the prince would possess; he truly appeared as an impoverished, delicate scholar.

Could it be that he had thought too much into it?

Waving his fan lightly, he said, "The two young masters should rest well here in the fort. To retrieve a life from the wolves is no small feat; a brush with death often precedes future blessings."

"We receive your auspicious words with thanks."

After Feng Wenhua left, Xue Fuguang returned to sit by the bedside, carefully feeding Mu Jian Shu his medicine.

When Zhou Minshan was sent with a message the other day, Xue had already considered this scenario, instructing him to procure the materials for disguise from Mu Jian Shu's covert contacts.

He hadn't expected to need them so soon.

Mu Jian Shu's eyelashes trembled, and his eyes slowly opened.

His voice was hoarse and weak: "My lord, let me do it."

With eyes downturned, Xue Fuguang said softly, "Open your mouth."

When Mu Jian Shu was well and able, he had to listen to Xue Fuguang; not to mention now, in this compliant state.

He could only obediently open his mouth.

When he had awakened the night before, Xue Fuguang had been by his bedside, his brows furrowed with worry even in sleep.

This was probably the most disheveled he had ever seen Xue Fuguang.

In coarse clothes, with disheveled hair and bearing injuries, his complexion wasn't any better than that of Mu Jian Shu.

Mu Jian Shu lifted a finger and gently touched his hair, which startled him awake.

Then he looked at him with eyes still brimming with the remnants of panic.

Like a treasure meant to be cherished and held in the palm of one’s hand, erroneously dropped into the mud, causing vexation and heartache, perhaps even more so.

Mu Jian Shu thought, even if his master didn't trust him, it seemed not to matter.

Thus, Xue Fuguang and he settled down temporarily in Dingfeng Fort.

Aside from Ya'er and Zhou Minshan, no one had seen their true faces.

Zhou Minshan spoke of considering their options, but in truth, he had decided that very night to pledge his allegiance to Xue Fuguang.

Following a prince without troops or power, speaking of rebellion seemed a joke.

But upon closer thought, one could see Xue Fuguang’s cunning in safely navigating from the crown prince’s grasp to this city of Dingzhou. If he plotted rebellion, it would be with careful strategy, striking fatally when all was in place.

Moreover, though he had no military power, his elder brother commanded the strongest cavalry in the Kingdom of Jing.

And the lineage of Prince Gong was not only founders of the nation but now the sole surviving non-royal kings.

If their father could conquer half of Jing's territories, it stood to reason that his sons could rise to rule.

Should they succeed, they would transform from mountain bandits to the emperor's close ministers. Not second to one, but above ten thousand. How exhilarating that would be!

Xue Fuguang was not one to stand on ceremony.

Once under his command, they were his subordinates.

Upon waking, Mu Jian Shu directed Zhou Minshan to join forces with his own men to investigate the crown prince's network and secret agents in Dingzhou, subsequently handing the list to Xue Hongwen.

Xue Hongwen would handle the overt actions, and those beyond his reach would be dealt with by bandits in the shadows.

Over time, with more deaths in Dingzhou, a sense of danger hung over everyone.

Several civil officials who came with the amnesty convoy no longer dared to speak out, especially after witnessing Xue Hongwen return to the provincial governor with a severed head and a blood-dripping knife, shaking in terror, never again suggesting to persuade Du Ru'an to speak.

Du Ru'an, however, seemed to grasp the situation.

Xue Hongwen didn't immediately attack Dingfeng Fort, but instead, he began a killing spree within Dingzhou City. It seemed that Xue Fuguang's peril, and its connection to Dingfeng Fort, was secondary.

Furthermore, Xue Hongwen must have confirmed that Xue Fuguang was alive before he refrained from hastily storming Dingfeng Fort to conduct a search.

Being alive is good.

Even in death, he would wait until he found Xiu Jin.

Conveniently, most of those whom Xue Hongwen killed were partisans of the Crown Prince, suggesting the Crown Prince was holding Xue Fuguang captive.

The more ferocious the struggle between the Xue family and the Crown Prince, the more enthralling the spectacle.

Then the Crown Prince would have no energy to compete with him for Xiu Jin.

……

Life inside the fort for Xue Fuguang was relatively leisurely.

There were many women and children in the fort, all simple and friendly.

Xue Fuguang went to the kitchen to fetch medicine and meals, encountering several young ladies on the way.

They were about the same age as Xue Fuguang, shyly gathered around him.

“Young Master Qu, how is your brother feeling now?”

“Young Master Qu, you are injured too. If there's anything we can help with, please let us know.”

“That's right.”

The corners of Xue Fuguang’s lips lifted slightly in a gentle and restrained smile, his scholarly demeanor courteous: “My elder brother has recovered a lot, thanks to all the kind ladies. This injury is nothing serious.”

His smile alone dazzled everyone around, inspiring them to offer clothes and shoes, and the bolder ones even considered gifting him sachets.

Xue Fuguang spoke softly with them, gradually learning about their fathers and brothers from the conversations.

One girl said, “My father and brother have been arguing constantly these days, one insisting the chief is best, the other claiming our fort's prosperity is all thanks to Mr. Feng. I don't see what there is to argue about. I've been avoiding going home for days now.”

“Lian'er, why don't you come to my place? My mother can make us braised rabbit heads!”

"My father and uncle had a quarrel a few days ago, even threatening to split the household."

Xue Fuguang spoke with a soothing tone, "If Zhou is the rightful chieftain, how could Mr. Feng act without his consent? A momentary argument is to be expected. They will likely come to their senses, no need for concern."

"Exactly, the stronghold is the chieftain’s creation, after all. Even though Mr. Feng is formidable, it is the chieftain who truly commands authority."

After bidding them farewell, Xue Fuguang carried the food container back to the courtyard.

Mu Jianshu could now get out of bed.

He leaned on the edge of the table, wanting to assist Xue Fuguang but was brushed off: "Sit down."

Mu Jianshu felt somewhat constrained, his lips moving slightly as he called out in a low voice, "Master..."

"There is no master here, only a scholar who is your younger brother. Call me by my name."

His assumed name took the surname from Mu Jianshu's pseudonym, and the given name from Mu Jianshu's real surname.

"Qu Mu" felt foreign and awkward as it tumbled across his lips.

Mu Jianshu tried to imitate the way Xue Hongwen called him, "Ah Mu."

Xue Fuguang acknowledged with a simple, "Hmm."

He stuffed the bowl and chopsticks into Mu Jianshu’s hands, "Just keep calling me that while we’re in the stronghold."

After swallowing a few bites of food, Mu Jianshu couldn’t help but ask in a low voice, "Master... Ah Mu, when did you learn this name?"

His real name was one that no one in the state of Jing should know.

Xue Fuguang replied casually, "You told me yourself, during a time when you were delirious and unconscious."

Really?

Mu Jianshu was not certain.

The training he had undergone should have precluded such a slip.

But if the one asking was Xue Fuguang, then all the training was for naught.

Another day greeted them with a gentle and pleasant spring breeze.

Xue Fuguang supported Mu Jianshu on a leisurely walk around the fortress.

The inhabitants of the fortress were quite accustomed to this sight, greeting the pair as if they were brothers.

The young women, in particular, showed the greatest reaction.

Previously, Feng Wenhua was considered the most handsome man within the fortress, but now, suddenly, there were two young men of distinct yet comparable charm, stirring the hearts of many a maiden.

After a while, Xue Fuguang helped Mu Jianshu sit down to rest by a stream.

On both sides of the stream, maidens washing clothes chatted merrily with Xue Fuguang.

Watching Xue Fuguang converse with the women in a tender manner, Mu Jianshu’s lips tightened.

"I heard from my father that a troop has arrived in Dingzhou City to eliminate bandits. These days, the chieftain is so busy that he's hardly been seen."

Xue Fuguang, curious, said, "Mr. Feng, as the fortress's military strategist, must have a solution, right?"

The girl looked pale, "Not at all, Mr. Feng hasn't shown up for a long time. It’s said he picked up someone from the foot of the mountain and has been taking care of him every day."

"Oh? A woman?"

"A man."

With a slight droop in his eyebrows, Xue Fuguang said softly, "Perhaps he's not accustomed to life in the mountains. How about I visit tomorrow? I might find out what’s going on."

"That would be great! We'll go together!"

"Then I’ll take care of Brother Qu tomorrow!"

Xue Fuguang, planning to meet with Xiu Jin, naturally didn't intend to encounter Feng Wenhua.

Hence, the next day, Feng Wenhua was called away by Zhou Minshan to discuss important matters.

When Xue Fuguang saw Xiu Jin, he was sitting alone in the courtyard, hugging his knees and staring into space.

He looked as if he had been bullied, with a pale face and a despondent expression.

Startled by the sudden appearance of a stranger, he jumped in alarm!

Xue Fuguang inquired with a gentle voice, “My name is Qu Mu. How may I address the young master?”

Xiu Jin stuttered, “I-I am called Xiu Jin. In Feng Wenhua’s absence, if you have matters to discuss, you’ll have to wait for his return.”

Xue Fuguang stepped forward, pulling him to his feet, “Young Master Xiu Jin, why not join me for a stroll? Mr. Feng and the chieftain are busy with discussions. It worries one to see you here alone.”

Xue Fuguang was exceedingly gentle in his demeanor.

Besides, the companions who had come with him were all young maidens, and indeed, Xiu Jin had had his fill of staying in the courtyard. After a brief contemplation, he nodded and left with the group.

No sooner had they stepped out of the courtyard than the eager maidens started bombarding him with questions, without any need for Xue Fuguang to prompt them.

Xiu Jin, following their questions, soon found himself engaged in conversation.

Just yesterday, these maidens had seemed quite hostile towards Xiu Jin.

Xue Fuguang watched coldly, occasionally interjecting with harmless questions as Xiu Jin spoke.

With company to talk to, Xiu Jin smiled and said joyfully, “If only this place weren’t a den of bandits.”

The faces of the maidens beside him changed abruptly.

“What are you saying? Aren’t the clothes you wear and food you eat all provided by bandits?”

“Exactly! The bandits didn’t rob your money!”

“My father has always robbed the rich to help the poor. What right do you have to look down on bandits!?”

They surged forward, looking ready to start a fight.

“Stop!” A cold shout halted the chaos.

Feng Wenhua strode forward, pulling Xiu Jin into his embrace with an unprecedented icy gaze, silencing the maidens of the fortress as they stared, dumbfounded.

Xue Fuguang quickly interceded, “Mr. Feng, there has been a misunderstanding.”

Feng Wenhua asked coldly, “What misunderstanding? And who are you to meddle in the affairs of my fortress?”

Having said that, he looked down at Xiu Jin cradled in his arms, his demeanor shifting instantaneously to extreme tenderness, “Are you hurt? Did they say anything unpleasant to you? They were raised in the wilds and inevitably lack manners. Don’t take it to heart. Let me take you back.”

Xiu Jin dared not linger, nodding repeatedly.

Feng Wenhua left them with a final word: “Return home. I shall see to it that your fathers confine you to three days of seclusion.”

When had these maidens ever suffered such an indignity?

The more hot-tempered ones were on the verge of tears.

That Feng Wenhua would treat them so, just for an outsider!

……

By nightfall, Zhou Mingshan had received a letter from Xue Fuguang and dispatched a messenger to send it into Dingzhou City posthaste.

Xue Hongwen marshaled his troops for an assault on the mountain.

Dingfeng Fortress was caught unawares, its warning whistles sounding too late; the soldiers tasked with suppressing the bandits had already ascended midway up the mountain, cutting off their escape.

The crowd panicked, but under Zhou Mingshan's command, they retreated in an orderly fashion.

One group forged ahead, another covered the rear, while a third ensured the safety of women and children.

However, Feng Wenhua was nowhere to be seen.

Zhou Mingshan, with a grim face, sent several people to Feng Wenhua's residence for a rescue.

Before even pushing open the main door, they overheard someone inside saying, “This operation went so smoothly thanks to Mr. Feng’s defense plans. Otherwise, we would have expended much more effort.”

“Wait, there seems to be some noise outside the door.”

The individuals inside made a grim escape.

It was all in vain that they had thought to return for Feng Wenhua's rescue; it turned out they owed their current plight to his machinations!

Inside the dwelling.

At their words, Feng Wenhua was momentarily stunned.

Before him stood a man with an austere expression – none other than the now imposing Xue Hongwen.

“My Lord, when have I ever provided you with defense plans?”

With an impassive face, Xue Hongwen stated, "Mr. Feng's strategies are remarkable. I would like to invite Mr. Feng to come out of retirement to lend his strength in the campaign against the Xiu family. It would not be in vain to serve the people as a loyal subject of the Jing State."

Feng Wenhua scoffed coldly.

Xue Hongwen gestured dismissively, "Take him away."

Feng Wenhua remained standing.

There was another who was carried out.

It was Xiu Jin who had been knocked unconscious and bound.

At the other end, Zhou Minshan was fiercely engaged in battle.

Upon receiving news of Feng Wenhua's betrayal, he cursed loudly in fury, "The traitor!"

Anger took hold of him, and he began to fight fiercely, suddenly reversing the earlier tide of defeat and pressing the attackers into a retreat.

The prospect of victory exhilarated everyone, not only bringing great joy but also boosting morale!

The campaign against the bandits ultimately ended in failure for the officials.

The people of Dingfeng Stronghold were all utterly exhausted, yet they had to muster the strength to deal with the aftermath.

When they counted their numbers, they found that half of their brothers had perished, their expressions grim.

"Right, why haven't we seen Mr. Feng at all? Could it be, he too was killed by those dog-bred soldiers?"

At the mention of Feng Wenhua, someone sneered immediately, "Kill him? They wouldn’t dare. They're too busy treating him like a VIP!"

"What do you mean by that!?"

"What do I mean? Perhaps you should consider how, after so many years of our stronghold being tightly secured, the enemy managed to bypass our watchpoints and defenses so easily yesterday and strike right at our doorstep!"

"Indeed! Just yesterday, our leader was worried that the bookish Mr. Feng would not escape in time and sent us to rescue him. Who would have thought we’d encounter the officials actually thanking him for providing the defense plans, solving a major problem for them, and treating him as an honored guest!"

"Damn it! We were blind to elevate such a scoundrel to the position of deputy leader!"

"Such a traitor!"

"I recall in the recent discussions, while our leader was in a frenzy, this cur spent his days locked away in his estate, not stepping out, and even punished Old Cheng's daughters by confining them. It turns out he had long since stopped considering himself one of Dingfeng Stronghold’s own!"

"Deputy leader, my foot! To hell with that! Who was it the other day arguing with me, claiming that Dingfeng Stronghold owes its success to Feng Wenhua? Nonsense!"

Zhou Minshan's headache intensified with their bickering, and he gestured downward with his hand, "Quiet down!"

He sighed, "We could've won yesterday, could've protected our kin within the stronghold, if not for the help of the two Qu brothers."

"Feng Wenhua turned out to be even less useful than those who've been here for less than a month."

"Why even mention such a petty person? Heartless and ungrateful, a true scoundrel!"

"We must properly express our gratitude to the Qu brothers!"

Zhou Minshan, with a voice of fatigue, said, "I saw many things clearly yesterday. If none of you object, I propose the Qu brothers take over the role of deputy leader."

"Isn't that too hasty? After all, it's been less than a month since we've known them."

"What's the use of knowing someone for a long time? What matters is if they can be relied upon at crucial moments. Otherwise, no matter how long you've known them, you can't be sure they won't turn out to be another Feng Wenhua!"

"Well said!"

"I have no objections!"

"But how can two brothers share the role? Take turns?"

Zhou Minshan shook his head, "The younger Qu brother is a scholar, intending to sit for the imperial examinations. How could he take on this role? Naturally, it will be his elder brother."

Zhou Minshan added, "Before coming to the council hall, I had a detailed discussion with the two brothers. Since Feng Wenhua has sided with the officials, perhaps we should also align ourselves with the government."

His words fell like a bomb, leaving everyone in the room disoriented.

"Submit to the imperial court!?"

"Feng Wenhua has submitted, but why should we?"

"What's the difference between submitting to the court and the defeat we suffered yesterday?"

"I refuse! Even in death, I would never submit to the imperial court!"

Zhou Minshan struggled to keep his voice down over the din.

"Silence!"

"Feng Wenhua schemed and betrayed his own brothers, all to curry favor with the authorities for a life of luxury. If we turn to officialdom, we'll have the chance to deal with him later. That's one point."

"Secondly, if we surrender, it will infuriate Feng Wenhua to no end, and the imperial court will surely settle us properly, especially after yesterday's victory. Use your heads, think about it—whom did we defeat yesterday?"

"Xue Hongwen."

"The War God of the Jing State!"

"With such a feat, the court will have to regard us with respect and treat us well."

"And our children, our kin—do you have the heart to watch them live forever in these mountains, always fearing an assault from the government troops, risking being sent to the executioner's block? Go and see how many were frightened yesterday, your wives, your children. Can you bear it?"

"We took to the hills out of desperation during the famine. Now, for the sake of our families, coming down and surrendering to the imperial authority is no disgrace."

The crowd was visibly moved.

They themselves had little to lose.

But what about their wives, their children, and the generations to follow—were they all destined to be bandits?

Zhou Minshan knew he had swayed them considerably and added, "All these years, I've never led you astray. Just trust me this once."

Indeed.

Which among them could claim they didn't owe Zhou Minshan their lives several times over?

Just yesterday, it was Zhou Minshan who had led them to defend the stronghold and preserve their lives.

Although Feng Wenhua was a treacherous cur, their leader would surely not lead them astray.

"Alright, I agree to surrender!"

"I agree as well!"

……

As the representative of Dingfeng Stronghold, Qu Mu went down the mountain with a letter to Xue Hongwen.

That day, the government sent envoys up the mountain, temporarily incorporated the count of the people, and led the bandits down the hill.

The bandits who had plagued Dingzhou for years, causing the Jing State imperial court endless headaches, were thus neutralized.

Minister Li and several colleagues, watching the long line being tallied, wore expressions of perplexity: "Tell me, how did we manage to pacify them so successfully?"

His colleagues were even more baffled: "I have no idea. Just last night, I dreamt I had returned to the imperial city, only to be arrested and beheaded by His Majesty for failing."

They discussed it in circles but came to no conclusion.

They finally agreed unanimously that Du Ru'an must have perceived the Marquis' intentions early on to remain so composed.

No wonder he held such a high rank at a young age.

When Xue Fuguang returned to Dingzhou, he was first made to find a physician to be examined from head to toe once again.

Only after confirming that besides the unhealed saber wound on his arm, there were no other issues, did Xue Hongwen allow the physicians to leave.

Shaojing was beside himself with tears, clutching at Xue Fuguang's leg, unwilling to let go.

"Young Master! Shaojing thought you would never return! Wuuu, Young Master! You mustn't venture into such peril again, never again!"

Xue Fuguang, helpless, patted his head: "I know, I won't take such risks anymore. This was just a necessary one-time action."

Xue Hongwen said in a grave tone: "Remember what you have promised today."

Xue Fuguang replied with an apologetic smile: "Big brother, I truly realize my mistake."

After a pause, he inquired, "By the way, where's Xiu Jin?"

Xue Hongwen's gaze turned icy: "Locked in prison."

Xue Fuguang: "Hand him over to me, I'll take him back to the capital. Let's not let Du Ru'an see him now."

Xue Hongwen restrained himself, but his voice still carried a tinge of anger: "What? He hasn't injured you enough yet?"

Xue Fuguang looked up, with the innocent demeanor of his youth: "Brother, trust me. He's dangerous, but he won't injure me again."

Xue Hongwen's eyes dropped, scrutinizing his younger brother's seemingly docile and clever guise. His jawline tightened and, after a moment, he turned and strode away.

Xue Fuguang successfully gained an audience with Xiu Jin.

Xiu Jin was in charge of the surveillance.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but Xiu Jin's "protagonist's halo" seemed to have diminished considerably.

Originally, at Dingfeng Fort, his plans did not proceed as smoothly as anticipated, considering that some were beguiled by the protagonist's halo.

However, the progress was much smoother than he had imagined.

*

Xue Hongwen and Xue Fuguang took separate paths.

No one in Dingzhou knew of Xue Fuguang's arrival; as long as he kept out of sight, the commotion caused by Xue Hongwen would be of no consequence.

Even if the Emperor were to find out, he wouldn't reprimand Xue Hongwen over such matters.

He left a small squad of personal guards responsible for escorting Xue Fuguang home.

Xue Fuguang had yet to depart, waiting for Mu Jianshu's injuries to heal further before boarding the carriage to return to the capital.

Meanwhile, he took the opportunity to consolidate control over the Dingzhou City power structures, securing them firmly in his grasp.

Before leaving, he unapologetically sent a message to the Sixth Prince, instructing him to prepare men for support.

The Crown Prince would not give up so easily; one couldn't be certain what assassinations might occur outside Dingzhou City's walls.

Instead of using the guards left by his elder brother, it was better to further exploit the residual value of the Sixth Prince.

Passing through Qunzhou, the carriage paused for a rest.

Xue Fuguang stepped out and sat down in a roadside tea shelter.

After eating a few bites of noodles, he suddenly noticed a few beggars lying on the ground not far away.

They lay under the shade of trees, listless, incessantly scratching the backs of their hands or their necks.

One could vaguely discern the traces of festering wounds.

Xue Fuguang's pupils constricted.

It was an epidemic.

In his past life, Xue Fuguang was at this moment confined to his home, reeling from his elder brother’s recent death, leaving the entire Xue residence in disarray.

Meanwhile, Xiu Jin and the Crown Prince were sweetly entwined, their affection deepening day by day.

Back then, he had no real sense of the epidemic, only learning of its severity posthumously through writings.

The common folk fled to the outskirts of the imperial city, only to be halted by its walls, none permitted entry.

Should anyone within the city show symptoms of the epidemic, they were promptly cast out to await death alongside the refugees outside the walls.

Ultimately, it was Xiu Jin, the protagonist, who, like a deity descending, serendipitously discovered a herb that miraculously cured the disease.

It was this very act that etched Xiu Jin’s name in the hearts of the emperor and the people, paving the way for his successful union with the Crown Prince.

The so-called epidemic was nothing more than a stepping stone to a neatly concluded love story.

Setting down his chopsticks, Xue Fuguang spoke in a calm tone, "Have the collectors of Tengen herb expedite their efforts."

Witnessing the marks of the epidemic, Xue Fuguang lost the desire to linger on his journey, hastening back to the imperial city at a gallop.

The main troop had set off before them.

Upon entering the city, Zhou Mingshan sent a message to him.

As expected, the emperor had not assigned them to Xue Hongwen's Iron Cavalry, but to the imperial guards under the royal command.

For this, the bandits voiced their great displeasure.

They had thought to be fighting enemies at the border, only to find themselves confined to the imperial city, guarding the emperor’s household.

Xue Fuguang wrote a letter and had it delivered to Zhou Mingshan, then did not immediately return home.

First, he visited an inn, removed his disguise, and redressed as the noble heir of the Wang residence before arranging to meet Du Ru'an at a tavern.

Du Ru'an arrived promptly.

Entering the private room, he could hardly wait to ask, "You said you'd hand Xiu Jin over to me, where is he?"

Leaning by the window, Xue Fuguang leisurely sipped his hot tea and replied, "In the secret chamber of the Du residence, take a left, and you shall see."

He closed the tea lid with a faint voice, "Don't say I didn't warn you. After you go back, keep a close watch on him. Don't let him escape. Otherwise, if you have to find him again, whether or not he'll still be yours is uncertain. Right now, the whole imperial city is looking for him."

Du Ru'an was of course aware of this.

He took a breath and replied softly, "If that's the case, I thank Your Highness."

Xue Fuguang propped his chin, his phoenix eyes half-lowered, "No need for thanks. There might be an opportunity to call upon you for help in the future. Just remember, having someone in your grasp doesn’t mean you can rest easy."

Du Ru'an said coldly, "Of course I know that. I must take my leave first."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than he hurried back to his residence.

Xue Fuguang turned his head and asked Mu Jian Shu, "Do you know who is more astute between Feng Wen Hua and Du Ru'an?"

Mu Jian Shu looked at Xue Fuguang, unable to shift his gaze, "My lord is the most astute."

Xue Fuguang smiled, pleased, "Indeed, I am the most astute."

After finishing his business, Xue Fuguang finally returned home.

Upon his entrance, the steward immediately sent the servants to inform the two masters of the house.

And as the side door closed, he wiped his tears, "Your Highness, you've finally returned! This old servant has been so worried!"

Shao Jing quickly shouted, "Uncle, please don't cry!"

The steward, wiping away tears, urged, "Please go in quickly, my lord. Your father and the princess have been waiting."

After speaking, he didn't forget to add, "Your Highness, just admit your fault later. The princess will surely stand up for you against our lord, don't worry."

Xue Fuguang began to smile.

A smile from the heart.

Back at home, he completely relaxed, no longer worried about someone suddenly appearing to consign him to his doom.

He headed straight for the floral hall.

As expected, both his sister and father were there waiting for him.

Prince Gong was originally angry, but as he watched Xue Fuguang approach him with a beaming smile, all his anger dissipated.

Yet he felt compelled to maintain his dignity, to teach this impudent young man a lesson, to make him understand the gravity of his actions.

However, Xue Wanxi had no desire to put on such airs.

She hurried forward, her eyes rimming with red, embracing Xue Fuguang and looking him up and down, "Ah Ru, Ah Ru, what on earth did you go out for? You've lost so much weight, and you're injured too."

Xue Wanxi's fingertips traced a small scar on the temple of Xue Fuguang.

It was left when he tumbled down the cliff.

It was actually quite minor, hardly noticeable to most, but Xue Wanxi spotted it at first glance.

A twinge of regret surged in Xue Fuguang, and he hugged his older sister tightly in return, "Sister, it doesn't hurt, it won't happen again."

This was the last time; he had to personally intervene to secure the power he needed.

After this, all he needed to do was stay in the imperial city and watch as they fought among themselves.

Xue Wanxi was restrained; she didn't cry, quickly composed herself, and stepped out of her brother's embrace, speaking gently, "All right, are you hungry? I've had the kitchen prepare dishes, we can eat soon. They're all your favorites."

Prince Gong scolded in a low voice, "Eat? Does he even deserve to eat?"

Xue Fuguang embraced Prince Gong and spoke the same words, "Father, I was wrong, it won't happen again."

Prince Gong's face reddened but he didn’t push him away, "How old are you, acting like this, and you a Crown Prince? What would people think?!"

Xue Fuguang just smiled.

After that, he was sent back by his father to his own courtyard to wash up and change into clean clothes before coming out to dine with the family.

Xue Fuguang asked, "Where is elder brother?"

Prince Gong replied, "He’s dealing with the bandits we brought back from Dingzhou."

As he spoke, he snorted through his nostrils, "Your elder brother said you fell down a cliff in Dingzhou because of these ruffians? When the opportunity arises..."

Xue Fuguang interjected, "Father, they are my men."

Prince Gong was taken aback.

Although both he and his eldest son were aware of what the younger son was secretly up to, it was the first time they straightforwardly heard from his own mouth which powers belonged to him.

Xue Fuguang continued, "The ones responsible for my fall aren't from the same group. Those people, I have already dealt with completely. The ones remaining are all useful."

"Oh..." Prince Gong stuffed rice into his mouth and responded slowly, "Alright."

Xue Wanxi showed no sign of unease either and accepted the situation quite well.

After all, they were cut from the same cloth.

After finishing his meal, Xue Fuguang returned to the courtyard for a good sleep.

Perfectly peaceful.

Mu Jianshu, holding a knife, stood by the window, pushing open a slit to gaze at the person on the bed.

Shao Jing, with a pile of treasures obtained from the prince and the princess, spotted Mu Jianshu by the window the moment he walked into the courtyard.

This time, he didn't call for Mu Jianshu to help carry things; instead, he and another servant brought the items into the storage room of the small courtyard, neatly recorded them, and then quietly asked by the window, "Didn't the heir say that you've been gravely injured and need not stay by his side for the next few days?"

Mu Jianshu shook his head: "I've mostly recovered, it's not a big deal."

Shao Jing pulled at the corner of his mouth with a look of disbelief, "The heir said you had been shot through the chest and fell off a cliff. Surviving that is a stroke of sheer luck. It takes a hundred days to recover from bone and muscle injuries; it’s a wonder you're healing so quickly."

Mu Jianshu remained silent, turning his head away.

Shao Jing had no choice but to purse his lips and walk away.

It wasn't that he couldn't accept the heir’s favoritism towards this person.

After all, he had saved the heir's life. Just for that, Shao Jing decided from that day on not to deliberately target Qu Wu anymore.

When Xue Fuguang woke up, it was already the next day's early morning.

The daylight was bright.

His trip to Dingzhou took him from the late spring of the imperial city to the height of summer.

Xue Fuguang sat blankly on the bed for a while until Shao Jing entered the room and called out to him, which brought him back to his senses. He then washed his face and changed his clothes.

Shao Jing asked, "Heir, are we still going to the Imperial College?"

Xue Fuguang: "No need. I shall play the idler at home, living off the family wealth. My father can well afford it."

Shao Jing chuckled, "Of course, he can."

Upon Xue Hongwen's return, the family dined together, and afterward, Xue Fuguang began reading books back in the courtyard.

For several days, he did not attend the Imperial College, leaving those who were waiting to see him there disappointed.

Before long, an invitation was delivered to the gatehouse.

Holding the invitation, Shao Jing said to Xue Fuguang: "Heir, it's from the Sixth Prince. He's inviting you out for tea, and the Twelfth Prince wishes to see you."

Xue Fuguang indifferently said, "No meeting." While his brush danced on the rice paper, he instructed, "Wrap up the inkstick that father gave me the day before yesterday and send it to the Twelfth Prince. Tell him I'm presently indisposed and ask for his understanding."

Shao Jing scratched the back of his ear: "Should we not send something to the Sixth Prince too?"

Xue Fuguang smiled: "He is the one seeking a favor from me, why should I send him gifts?"

"Is that so? Alright then!" Shao Jing happily went off to the storeroom to wrap the inkstick.

As usual, Mu Jianshu stood guard beside Xue Fuguang.

After writing a few characters, Xue Fuguang commanded: "Grind some ink for me."

Mu Jianshu set the knife aside, gripped the inkstick firmly, and started to grind it with deliberate movements of his wrist.

The table was low; he had to bend slightly, his gaze fixed solely on Xue Fuguang’s hand holding the brush and the trail of ink it left on the paper.

That hand, once comparable to fine white jade, flawless in its translucency, now bore several blemishes extending from the fingers to the back of the hand.

Undoubtedly, they were scars from the incident in Dingzhou.

Mu Jianshu felt a compulsion to touch those scars.

With his eyelids lowered, he put down the inkstick after a moment and continued to stand by Xue Fuguang's side.

Yet his gaze found it hard to stray from his hand.

Xue Fuguang suddenly spoke up, "Mu Jianshu."

Mu Jianshu felt a tingling rush up his spine straight into his brain, his ears swiftly reddening, with no chance to restrain himself.

For the first time, he realized how pleasant his own real name could sound when spoken by someone else.

Xue Fuguang did not look up to see Mu Jianshu's reaction, thus missing his current embarrassed state: "In the State of Ying, do they call you by this name, or do you have another alias?"

Mu Jianshu spoke softly, "In the State of Ying, I only had a code name; no one used my real name."

Xue Fuguang laughed, "If no one calls you by it, what's the difference between your real name and a fake one?"

But now, isn't there someone who calls it?

Mu Jianshu did not respond.

Xue Fuguang spoke in a calm tone, "There's another question."

He put down his brush.

"The jar of Purple Mark Salve I gave you—you keep it hidden in your sleeve without using it. What's the meaning of this?"

Xue Fuguang looked up, his dark eyes fixing on Mu Jianshu.

There were essentially two implications to this.

The first is that he dares not use it, fearing to give himself away, so he simply carries it with him as a show of his regard for his master.

The other possibility is that he is too reluctant to use it, keeping it close as something truly cherished.

If this were a few months earlier, upon discovering such behavior from Mu Jianshu, Xue Fuguang would not hesitate to lean towards the first possibility, seeking a way to remove Mu Jianshu from his side.

But now, after all, it is no longer those past few months.

Mu Jianshu's level of obedience had exceeded Xue Fuguang’s expectations, even willing to offer his life without a second thought.

Xue Fuguang needed to know the answer.

At Dingfeng Fortress, he was preoccupied with dealing with Feng Wenhua and cleaning up the Crown Prince’s forces in Dingzhou, with no time to ponder.

But the time since returning from Dingzhou has been sufficient.

Enough for him to comb through all of Mu Jianshu's behaviors in front of him from beginning to end and to arrive at the most significant possibility.

Sunlight sketched along the window lattice, spilling into the room.

It cast upon Xue Fuguang.

Like his name implied—supporting the light against the encroaching dusk, the joy after a feast is bound to cease—the light seemed to favor him above all others.

His thick lashes cast faint grey shadows in the interplay of light, settling in his tranquil pupils like the calm, unruffled surface of a pool reflecting the silhouettes of trees, shimmering with dappled orange hues of the sunlight.

Mu Jianshu felt an urge to confess his own covetous desires.

But that would paint all his actions with a tint of ulterior motive.

More importantly, didn’t Xue Fuguang harbor an extreme aversion to the Crown Prince and Xiu Jin?

Mu Jianshu knew his place was akin to the mud; unworthy of aspiring for the sun. Yet, he couldn’t help but cling to the greedy wish to stay by his side, if only to behold him.

In a hushed tone, he said, “I cherish...”

Suddenly, Xue Fuguang kicked him!

Caught off guard, Mu Jianshu staggered back several steps from Xue Fuguang’s kick, then half-knelt before him.

The inkstone was overturned, and Mu Jianshu’s collar came undone, revealing a piece of cloth.

Xue Fuguang’s gaze sharpened on the object that had fallen to the ground.

It was a silk stocking.

Xue Fuguang furiously scattered the papers and writing brushes from the table onto Mu Jianshu, "If you’re going to lie, at least lie convincingly, covering all your bases, not with such amateurish execution! For a leader of spies, if your deceit is as pitiful as this, you might as well crawl back to the State of Ying.”

A coldness gathered in his eyes.

Xue Fuguang admitted to himself that he was a ruthless man.

Apart from his family, no one could expect even a sliver of leniency from him.

He had given Mu Jianshu a chance to come clean, prepared for whatever the truth might be.

But if Mu Jianshu chose to lie, then he would forever regard him as nothing more than a sharp blade to use against enemies, never again to grant him even an extraneous glance.

The iciness in his gaze settled too swiftly, causing an abrupt pang in Mu Jian Shu's heart; his complexion nearly shifted with it.

“I…” he uttered barely a word, his lips turning a shade paler, “harbor covetous feelings towards my master.”

The two had only recently survived a brush with death together, their guards now lowered.

Now one stood and one kneeled amidst the chaos, a secretly stashed silk stocking falling out to reveal itself.

In such a situation, he laid bare a segment of his innermost feelings.

Xue Fu Guang clenched his jaw tightly.

He loathed the likes of the Crown Prince and Xiu Jin to the extreme; never had he imagined he'd fall into the midst of an affair akin to the passion of Long Yang or the cut-sleeve.

For a moment, he rapidly revisited every interaction with Mu Jian Shu that had occurred between them.

He couldn’t comprehend when he had given Mu Jian Shu the chance to foster such sentiments.

At the beginning, wasn't he completely intent on using Mu Jian Shu, treating him as a weapon to be discarded once its purpose was served?

Merely casting a glance at the ink-stained silk stocking, he felt a burning in his chest, a desire to kick Mu Jian Shu to death right there and then.

Could it be that, by wanting to kill Xiu Jin, the world sought to retaliate by turning him into a person just like Xiu Jin?

Xue Fu Guang's eyes reddened, he squatted down to grasp Mu Jian Shu’s collar: “Tell me, when did you start harboring these thoughts towards me?”

Seeing the reddened eyes of Xue Fu Guang, Mu Jian Shu suddenly felt as if his own pain was trivial.

Compared to these, he found Xue Fu Guang’s tears even harder to bear.

Author’s Note: I’ll post another update tomorrow, so it will be a bit late as well.

Big kisses to everyone～