VOLUME TWO: ROAD TO A POWERFUL COUNTRY
From the carriage window, Yan Ge saw the tall city wall and the mighty characters “Great Han” above the city gate. He stretched his arm out and smiled at Huangfu Yuchen. “Finally, we’re home.”
A hint of a smile appeared in Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes. The word “home” warmed his heart. He reached out and pulled Yan Ge’s arm back from outside the window. “Be careful not to catch a cold.”
It was drizzling outside. The rain had been falling for two days and only subsided as they approached the capital.
“It’s alright. The sun will come out soon,” Yan Ge glanced at the sky. Due to the rain, the sun appeared hazy, but it was foreseeable that the weather would clear up soon.
The carriage slowly entered the city gate, and a street vendor holding an umbrella ran over. “Do the distinguished guests want a beautiful map of the capital? I can offer a special price to the young masters!”
Gao Feng chuckled and said, “Thank you. We are residents of the capital.”
The vendor smiled and returned to his stall.
Huangfu Yuchen hooked his lips and asked, “Do you feel a sense of accomplishment?”
“Indeed,” Yan Ge pulled back the corner of the carriage curtain and saw Yan Xiaojing walking on the street with his hands behind his back, nodding to the commoners who greeted him.
“Father! Father…” he called softly.
Yan Xiaojing thought he must be hallucinating, otherwise how could he hear his son’s voice? He looked around and caught a glimpse of a smiling face peeking out from the corner of a carriage window. A barely noticeable joy flickered across his face and he walked over, intending to have a quiet conversation with Yan Ge. But when he saw Huangfu Yuchen next to Yan Ge, he glared at Yan Ge, blaming him for recklessly greeting him and causing him to neither salute nor not acknowledge His Majesty.
Yan Ge looked innocent. What’s wrong? Can’t I say hello to my father on the street?
Huangfu Yuchen smiled gently. “Master Yan, there’s no need to make it difficult for Yan Guiren. We will go back to the palace first, and he will come to your residence later.”
“Yes, your Majesty,” Yan Xiaojing agreed and discreetly retreated, so as not to draw attention to the unusual carriage. Emperors of every dynasty may encounter assassins, so it was better to be cautious.
“Was that intentional?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at Yan Ge with amusement.
Yan Ge laughed. “Don’t you think it’s amusing to see my father, who is usually so imposing, acting flustered?”
Huangfu Yuchen shook his head helplessly. Yan Ge dared to tease anyone.
Jun Xiang returned to the palace ahead of them and instructed the eunuchs to prepare hot water, hot meals, and so on.
The carriage directly entered the palace gate and returned to Tenglong Palace. Yan Ge headed straight for the spacious dragon bed, kicked off his shoes, and rolled on it with nostalgia.
Huangfu Yuchen’s heart started racing. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at Yan Ge with a smile. He murmured with a hint of ambiguity, “Baby, if you keep doing that, I’ll really think you’re seducing me.”
“You’re being narcissistic,” Yan Ge lay back on the bed, raised his foot and kicked his thigh. “I just feel that during these months outside, there was no bed more comfortable than this one. That’s all.”
Huangfu Yuchen lowered his head and pecked his lips. “Alright, it’s my narcissism then. You can lie down for a while, and we can take a bath later.”
“Mmm,” Yan Ge closed his eyes to rest.
“Your Majesty, I’m going to see the young prince,” Yan Jin said. He was holding his little bag, eager to deliver the gift he bought for the young prince.
“Alright.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked to a corner and called for the shadow guards, whispering in a low voice, “Immediately dispatch all available undercover agents to gather information on a person named Meng Xiaohun, the leader of Centipede. His appearance is uncertain, perhaps he can change his appearance, and his name may not be real. But it’s evident that he lost both arms about a month ago. If you find him, execute him without mercy.”
“Yes!”
“Also, gather information on a woman, the vice leader of Centipede. She was disfigured a few months ago. You have the same instructions, execute her without mercy.”
“Yes!”
After giving these orders, Huangfu Yuchen walked to the table and sat down, asking Xiao Changzi, “Has anything happened in the palace during this time?”
Xiao Changzi was Deng Mande’s apprentice. He was trained by him, so although he still lacked experience, he often worked with Deng Mande so he was familiar with everything in the palace. In Deng Mande’s absence, he and the Deputy Chief of the Department of Internal Affairs managed the inner court.
“Your Majesty, the Empress has managed the harem very well, and there haven’t been any major incidents. However, something happened to Prince Dai recently,” Xiao Changzi said.
“What?” Huangfu Yuchen was surprised. “What happened to Prince Dai?”
Yan Ge, who was listening on the bed, also felt surprised and sat up.
“Recently, Prince Dai went hunting in the mountains with his men and accidentally fell off a cliff. Few people go to that mountain, the forest is dense and full of thorns. The officials and soldiers searched for him on the cliff for seven or eight days before finding him. Prince Dai’s life is not in danger, but he injured his left arm when he fell off the mountain. Due to delayed treatment, the imperial physicians said that Prince Dai’s arm…” Xiao Changzi suddenly knelt on the ground, bowing his head so low that it almost touched the ground, unable to continue speaking.
“Why didn’t we know about this?” Huangfu Yuchen slammed the table in anger.
Xiao Changzi hurriedly said, “The servants intended to report this to Your Majesty, but Prince Dai said that Your Majesty was already busy with the Southern Inspection and didn’t want to trouble you even more by letting us inform you. He firmly refused to let us tell you. Please forgive us, Your Majesty!”
Yan Ge walked to Huangfu Yuchen’s side and hugged his shoulders. “Yuchen, getting angry won’t help. Let’s go and see together.”
Deng Mande also advised, “Yes, Your Majesty, don’t worry for now. Yan Guiren has excellent medical skills and may have a solution.”
“We’ve been on the road for the past few days, and you’re tired too. Stay in the palace and rest.” Huangfu said as he calmed down. “It’s been a while, and there’s no rush for this day. I’ll go and see what’s going on, and we’ll talk later.”
“Alright,” Yan Ge nodded.
“You don’t have to wait for me to have dinner,” Without even changing his clothes, Huangfu Yuchen hurriedly left the palace. Yan Ge took a bath and changed into fresh clothes, and the imperial kitchen sent over the meal.
Two people entered the hall.
“We pay our respects to the young master!” Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi entered, walking briskly, and knelt before Yan Ge.
“Why have you returned?” Yan Ge was delighted to see them. “Get up.”
Xiao Chuanzi said, “Ever since the young master left the palace, we have been very worried about you. As soon as we heard the news, we dropped everything and rushed over. Please forgive us, young master.”
Yan Ge smiled and said, “There’s no need for forgiveness. Get up quickly.”
“Young master, I can see that you have lost a lot of weight,” Wan Xiang’s eyes reddened.
“How could that be?” Yan Ge asked. He asked Xiao Changzi to open the large boxes on the side. “These are the gifts I brought back. Choose what you like first, pick two each.”
“Thank you, young master!”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi’s worries subsided. They each chose two gifts and stood aside, waiting to serve Yan Ge’s meal.
“How is everything going with the company?” Yan Ge asked.
“Don’t worry, young master. Everything is going smoothly. We have received the letters you wrote to us, and we are following your instructions from before you left,” Wan Xiang replied.
“Good,” Yan Ge expressed satisfaction. “Reward all the managers and supervisors generously.”
Upon receiving his praise, Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were very happy.
“Thank you, young master!”
“Has Fei Yun arrived?” Yan Ge asked again. Before leaving Lujiang County, he had left the address of the medicine shop where Fei Yun worked and sent a letter to the capital for someone to pick him up.
“He arrived seven or eight days ago. Manager Wei found him clever, so he temporarily arranged for him to help out at the winery. He learns quickly,” Wan Xiang replied.
“Very good,” Yan Ge said.
Xiao Chuanzi said, “Young master, there was an incident recently. Prince Dai…”
Yan Ge waved his hand and interrupted, “I already know about that. Wan Xiang, go to the storeroom later and see if there are any suitable gifts to send to Prince Dai.”
“Yes.”
Meanwhile, Huangfu Yuchen had arrived at Prince Dai’s residence. He stopped the person who was about to report and went directly to the main courtyard where Huangfu Yuhu resided. From afar, he saw Huangfu Yuhu sitting in the corridor, staring blankly at the raindrops falling from the eaves, his left arm hanging weakly. Huangfu Yuchen paused in his footsteps.
“Has he been like this recently?”
Princess Dai spoke softly with a worried expression, “To the emperor’s inquiry, yes.”
“Leave us,” Huangfu Yuchen instructed. He had his attendants stay in place and walked over alone.
“Didn’t this king say he didn’t want to see anyone?” Huangfu Yuhu didn’t even turn his head, speaking gloomily.
“Do We count as ‘anyone’?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Huangfu Yuhu was taken aback and turned his head with surprise. “Brother Emperor? You’re back?”
Huangfu Yuchen could tell that he was forcing a smile. He walked over and reached out his hand towards Huangfu Yuhu’s left arm.
Huangfu Yuhu sidestepped, avoiding his hand.
Huangfu Yuchen tapped his brothers forehead with a loud smack. “I am your brother!”
“If you are my brother, shouldn’t you show concern for me instead of hitting me when I’m injured?” Huangfu Yuhu muttered, no longer evading.
Huangfu Yuchen grabbed his sleeve and saw several visible scars on his arm caused by thorns. He frowned and gently pinched his arm.
Huangfu Yuhu smiled bitterly. “Brother Emperor, there’s no need to try anymore. The royal physicians have said…”
He couldn’t continue his words.
Huangfu Yuchen let go of his sleeve. “Never mind what they say. I’ll have Xiao Ge come and examine you. Perhaps he has a solution.”
“Perhaps,” Huangfu Yuhu shook his head resolutely. “No need. Even if I consider myself strong enough, I don’t want to be filled with hope only to be disappointed again and again.”
“Yuhu!” Huangfu Yuchen looked at him disapprovingly.
Huangfu Yuhu interrupted his words. “Brother Emperor!”
Huangfu Yuchen thought that Yan Ge might not have a real solution, so he decided he’ll first talk to him before saying anything further. He stopped questioning Huangfu Yuhu and patted his shoulder. “Alright, I won’t force you. But you must promise me to stay strong. We can only think positively for now. At least your right hand is still intact, capable of holding a brush and a sword.”
Huangfu Yuhu nodded. “That’s what I’m thinking too. Let’s not talk about this anymore, Brother Emperor. Has everything gone smoothly this time?”
“Very smoothly,” Huangfu Yuchen replied.
“Anything interesting happen?” Huangfu Yuhu asked curiously.
“There is,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “There was this one time when Xiao Ge…”
Princess Dai saw the two brothers talking and laughing from a distance and was relieved. She instructed the maidservant, “Go prepare the meal.”
“Yes.”
VOLUME TWO: ROAD TO A POWERFUL COUNTRY
From the carriage window, Yan Ge saw the tall city wall and the mighty characters “Great Han” above the city gate. He stretched his arm out and smiled at Huangfu Yuchen. “Finally, we’re home.”
A hint of a smile appeared in Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes. The word “home” warmed his heart. He reached out and pulled Yan Ge’s arm back from outside the window. “Be careful not to catch a cold.”
It was drizzling outside. The rain had been falling for two days and only subsided as they approached the capital.
“It’s alright. The sun will come out soon,” Yan Ge glanced at the sky. Due to the rain, the sun appeared hazy, but it was foreseeable that the weather would clear up soon.
The carriage slowly entered the city gate, and a street vendor holding an umbrella ran over. “Do the distinguished guests want a beautiful map of the capital? I can offer a special price to the young masters!”
Gao Feng chuckled and said, “Thank you. We are residents of the capital.”
The vendor smiled and returned to his stall.
Huangfu Yuchen hooked his lips and asked, “Do you feel a sense of accomplishment?”
“Indeed,” Yan Ge pulled back the corner of the carriage curtain and saw Yan Xiaojing walking on the street with his hands behind his back, nodding to the commoners who greeted him.
“Father! Father…” he called softly.
Yan Xiaojing thought he must be hallucinating, otherwise how could he hear his son’s voice? He looked around and caught a glimpse of a smiling face peeking out from the corner of a carriage window. A barely noticeable joy flickered across his face and he walked over, intending to have a quiet conversation with Yan Ge. But when he saw Huangfu Yuchen next to Yan Ge, he glared at Yan Ge, blaming him for recklessly greeting him and causing him to neither salute nor not acknowledge His Majesty.
Yan Ge looked innocent. What’s wrong? Can’t I say hello to my father on the street?
Huangfu Yuchen smiled gently. “Master Yan, there’s no need to make it difficult for Yan Guiren. We will go back to the palace first, and he will come to your residence later.”
“Yes, your Majesty,” Yan Xiaojing agreed and discreetly retreated, so as not to draw attention to the unusual carriage. Emperors of every dynasty may encounter assassins, so it was better to be cautious.
“Was that intentional?” Huangfu Yuchen looked at Yan Ge with amusement.
Yan Ge laughed. “Don’t you think it’s amusing to see my father, who is usually so imposing, acting flustered?”
Huangfu Yuchen shook his head helplessly. Yan Ge dared to tease anyone.
Jun Xiang returned to the palace ahead of them and instructed the eunuchs to prepare hot water, hot meals, and so on.
The carriage directly entered the palace gate and returned to Tenglong Palace. Yan Ge headed straight for the spacious dragon bed, kicked off his shoes, and rolled on it with nostalgia.
Huangfu Yuchen’s heart started racing. He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at Yan Ge with a smile. He murmured with a hint of ambiguity, “Baby, if you keep doing that, I’ll really think you’re seducing me.”
“You’re being narcissistic,” Yan Ge lay back on the bed, raised his foot and kicked his thigh. “I just feel that during these months outside, there was no bed more comfortable than this one. That’s all.”
Huangfu Yuchen lowered his head and pecked his lips. “Alright, it’s my narcissism then. You can lie down for a while, and we can take a bath later.”
“Mmm,” Yan Ge closed his eyes to rest.
“Your Majesty, I’m going to see the young prince,” Yan Jin said. He was holding his little bag, eager to deliver the gift he bought for the young prince.
“Alright.”
Huangfu Yuchen walked to a corner and called for the shadow guards, whispering in a low voice, “Immediately dispatch all available undercover agents to gather information on a person named Meng Xiaohun, the leader of Centipede. His appearance is uncertain, perhaps he can change his appearance, and his name may not be real. But it’s evident that he lost both arms about a month ago. If you find him, execute him without mercy.”
“Yes!”
“Also, gather information on a woman, the vice leader of Centipede. She was disfigured a few months ago. You have the same instructions, execute her without mercy.”
“Yes!”
After giving these orders, Huangfu Yuchen walked to the table and sat down, asking Xiao Changzi, “Has anything happened in the palace during this time?”
Xiao Changzi was Deng Mande’s apprentice. He was trained by him, so although he still lacked experience, he often worked with Deng Mande so he was familiar with everything in the palace. In Deng Mande’s absence, he and the Deputy Chief of the Department of Internal Affairs managed the inner court.
“Your Majesty, the Empress has managed the harem very well, and there haven’t been any major incidents. However, something happened to Prince Dai recently,” Xiao Changzi said.
“What?” Huangfu Yuchen was surprised. “What happened to Prince Dai?”
Yan Ge, who was listening on the bed, also felt surprised and sat up.
“Recently, Prince Dai went hunting in the mountains with his men and accidentally fell off a cliff. Few people go to that mountain, the forest is dense and full of thorns. The officials and soldiers searched for him on the cliff for seven or eight days before finding him. Prince Dai’s life is not in danger, but he injured his left arm when he fell off the mountain. Due to delayed treatment, the imperial physicians said that Prince Dai’s arm…” Xiao Changzi suddenly knelt on the ground, bowing his head so low that it almost touched the ground, unable to continue speaking.
“Why didn’t we know about this?” Huangfu Yuchen slammed the table in anger.
Xiao Changzi hurriedly said, “The servants intended to report this to Your Majesty, but Prince Dai said that Your Majesty was already busy with the Southern Inspection and didn’t want to trouble you even more by letting us inform you. He firmly refused to let us tell you. Please forgive us, Your Majesty!”
Yan Ge walked to Huangfu Yuchen’s side and hugged his shoulders. “Yuchen, getting angry won’t help. Let’s go and see together.”
Deng Mande also advised, “Yes, Your Majesty, don’t worry for now. Yan Guiren has excellent medical skills and may have a solution.”
“We’ve been on the road for the past few days, and you’re tired too. Stay in the palace and rest.” Huangfu said as he calmed down. “It’s been a while, and there’s no rush for this day. I’ll go and see what’s going on, and we’ll talk later.”
“Alright,” Yan Ge nodded.
“You don’t have to wait for me to have dinner,” Without even changing his clothes, Huangfu Yuchen hurriedly left the palace. Yan Ge took a bath and changed into fresh clothes, and the imperial kitchen sent over the meal.
Two people entered the hall.
“We pay our respects to the young master!” Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi entered, walking briskly, and knelt before Yan Ge.
“Why have you returned?” Yan Ge was delighted to see them. “Get up.”
Xiao Chuanzi said, “Ever since the young master left the palace, we have been very worried about you. As soon as we heard the news, we dropped everything and rushed over. Please forgive us, young master.”
Yan Ge smiled and said, “There’s no need for forgiveness. Get up quickly.”
“Young master, I can see that you have lost a lot of weight,” Wan Xiang’s eyes reddened.
“How could that be?” Yan Ge asked. He asked Xiao Changzi to open the large boxes on the side. “These are the gifts I brought back. Choose what you like first, pick two each.”
“Thank you, young master!”
Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi’s worries subsided. They each chose two gifts and stood aside, waiting to serve Yan Ge’s meal.
“How is everything going with the company?” Yan Ge asked.
“Don’t worry, young master. Everything is going smoothly. We have received the letters you wrote to us, and we are following your instructions from before you left,” Wan Xiang replied.
“Good,” Yan Ge expressed satisfaction. “Reward all the managers and supervisors generously.”
Upon receiving his praise, Wan Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi were very happy.
“Thank you, young master!”
“Has Fei Yun arrived?” Yan Ge asked again. Before leaving Lujiang County, he had left the address of the medicine shop where Fei Yun worked and sent a letter to the capital for someone to pick him up.
“He arrived seven or eight days ago. Manager Wei found him clever, so he temporarily arranged for him to help out at the winery. He learns quickly,” Wan Xiang replied.
“Very good,” Yan Ge said.
Xiao Chuanzi said, “Young master, there was an incident recently. Prince Dai…”
Yan Ge waved his hand and interrupted, “I already know about that. Wan Xiang, go to the storeroom later and see if there are any suitable gifts to send to Prince Dai.”
“Yes.”
Meanwhile, Huangfu Yuchen had arrived at Prince Dai’s residence. He stopped the person who was about to report and went directly to the main courtyard where Huangfu Yuhu resided. From afar, he saw Huangfu Yuhu sitting in the corridor, staring blankly at the raindrops falling from the eaves, his left arm hanging weakly. Huangfu Yuchen paused in his footsteps.
“Has he been like this recently?”
Princess Dai spoke softly with a worried expression, “To the emperor’s inquiry, yes.”
“Leave us,” Huangfu Yuchen instructed. He had his attendants stay in place and walked over alone.
“Didn’t this king say he didn’t want to see anyone?” Huangfu Yuhu didn’t even turn his head, speaking gloomily.
“Do We count as ‘anyone’?” Huangfu Yuchen asked.
Huangfu Yuhu was taken aback and turned his head with surprise. “Brother Emperor? You’re back?”
Huangfu Yuchen could tell that he was forcing a smile. He walked over and reached out his hand towards Huangfu Yuhu’s left arm.
Huangfu Yuhu sidestepped, avoiding his hand.
Huangfu Yuchen tapped his brothers forehead with a loud smack. “I am your brother!”
“If you are my brother, shouldn’t you show concern for me instead of hitting me when I’m injured?” Huangfu Yuhu muttered, no longer evading.
Huangfu Yuchen grabbed his sleeve and saw several visible scars on his arm caused by thorns. He frowned and gently pinched his arm.
Huangfu Yuhu smiled bitterly. “Brother Emperor, there’s no need to try anymore. The royal physicians have said…”
He couldn’t continue his words.
Huangfu Yuchen let go of his sleeve. “Never mind what they say. I’ll have Xiao Ge come and examine you. Perhaps he has a solution.”
“Perhaps,” Huangfu Yuhu shook his head resolutely. “No need. Even if I consider myself strong enough, I don’t want to be filled with hope only to be disappointed again and again.”
“Yuhu!” Huangfu Yuchen looked at him disapprovingly.
Huangfu Yuhu interrupted his words. “Brother Emperor!”
Huangfu Yuchen thought that Yan Ge might not have a real solution, so he decided he’ll first talk to him before saying anything further. He stopped questioning Huangfu Yuhu and patted his shoulder. “Alright, I won’t force you. But you must promise me to stay strong. We can only think positively for now. At least your right hand is still intact, capable of holding a brush and a sword.”
Huangfu Yuhu nodded. “That’s what I’m thinking too. Let’s not talk about this anymore, Brother Emperor. Has everything gone smoothly this time?”
“Very smoothly,” Huangfu Yuchen replied.
“Anything interesting happen?” Huangfu Yuhu asked curiously.
“There is,” Huangfu Yuchen said. “There was this one time when Xiao Ge…”
Princess Dai saw the two brothers talking and laughing from a distance and was relieved. She instructed the maidservant, “Go prepare the meal.”
“Yes.”
