Yan Ge saw Huangfu Yuchen looking angrily at Meng Xiaohun and walked over to him, using voice transmission to ask, “Yuchen, what’s going on?”
“He looks exactly like the Meng Xiaohun we’ve seen before,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “but I can be sure that he is not Yuhu.”
Yan Ge was puzzled, “Are you saying that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun?”
Huangfu Yuchen paused for a moment, “I didn’t say that.”
Yan Ge became confused, “What do you mean?”
Huangfu Yuchen patted Meng Xiaohun, “This person is not Huangfu Yuhu, but that doesn’t mean Huangfu Yuhu is not him.”
Yan Ge seemed to understand and asked aloud, “What do we do now?”
“We search his soul,” Huangfu Yuchen said firmly.
Yan Ge nodded. The soul-searching technique caused immense harm to the target, ranging from severe injuries to death. Since Huangfu Yuchen was certain that this Meng Xiaohun was not Huangfu Yuhu, using the soul-searching technique on him was of no concern. They had used it on Si Qianqian once, and she ended up exploding.
Meng Xiaohun’s face showed a hint of shock, “Soul-searching technique?”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen ignored him.
Suddenly, Meng Xiaohun’s lips moved rapidly.
“Yuchen, be careful of his incantation!” Yan Ge warned.
Huangfu Yuchen reacted quickly, placing his right palm firmly on Meng Xiaohun’s head and using the soul-searching technique.
Meng Xiaohun stopped his incantation halfway, coughed up blood, and died on the spot.
Yan Ge reached out to check his breath and confirmed that he was dead. He looked dazed, feeling a mixture of excitement and disappointment, just like someone who won a lottery ticket but realized it was from the previous draw.
Huangfu Yuchen frowned and withdrew his hand, “I only used eighty percent of my strength so it wouldn’t kill him. It might be related to the incantation he was chanting just now.”
Yan Ge didn’t know what to say.
Huangfu Yuchen pondered for a moment, “Let’s discuss it in Yongzhou.”
Jiang Gan, Wei Hao, and the others couldn’t comprehend what had happened, but they noticed the animosity between Huangfu Yuchen, Yan Ge, and the leader of the black clad men. When they heard Huangfu Yuchen’s words, they quickly invited him and Yan Ge to the carriage.
Yan Jin revealed himself at this moment, pretending to have been hiding behind a tree all along.
Jiang Gan widened his eyes, “Jin’er, you’re here too?” It was cold so he didn’t expect the Emperor and Yan Guiqing to bring Yan Jin along.
“I missed Father.” Jin’er happily pounced into his arms.
Jiang Gan was overjoyed, hugging him, “Father missed you too.”
The Zhantian vine slipped into the carriage unnoticed.
The bodies of the black-clothed men had to be left behind temporarily, while Meng Xiaohun’s body was wrapped up by Wei Hao and placed in a separate carriage. Although Meng Xiaohun was dead, there were still many unanswered questions. If the people from the Centipede Organization tried to reclaim Meng Xiaohun’s body, it might provide more clues.
Inside the carriage, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen remained silent. Both of them were smart men—one a businessman and the other an emperor. Even though Meng Xiaohun was dead, based on the information they had gathered in the past few days, they couldn’t rule out the suspicion around Huangfu Yuhu. They had just started tracking Meng Xiaohun when he suddenly appeared before them. It seemed too coincidental.
Yan Ge’s mood was not good at all. Ever since Meng Xiaohun appeared in the paddock, he felt that his and Huangfu Yuchen’s lives had been thrown into chaos. When he saw Yuchen occasionally distracted, he couldn’t help but feel resentful, and even harbored an evil thought: Even if they prove that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun, he hoped Huangfu Yuhu would leave Yuchen’s life so his beloved would have peace.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed Yan Ge’s silence, and he embraced him apologetically, “My love, I’m sorry for ignoring you.”
Yan Ge shook his head, looking serious, “Yuchen, let me ask you this. If it turns out that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun, can you treat him as before?”
Huangfu Yuchen gently caressed Yan Ge’s cheek and shook his head slowly, “All the doubts about him before can’t be mere coincidences. Even if it’s proven that he is not Meng Xiaohun, the actions of the Centipede Organization are undoubtedly linked to him. I cannot face him without any resentment.”
“That’s right,” Yan Ge lightly kissed his lips, “From now on, treat Huangfu Yuhu as if he were Meng Xiaohun. When it is confirmed, you won’t feel so uneasy.”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled wryly, “Baby, you have a unique way of comforting people.”
He paused and let Yan Ge lean against him, “The thing I can’t accept the most is that he repeatedly targeted you. Baby, I must give you and myself an explanation. Let’s not talk about him now. This is your first time going north. Take a look at the scenery outside.”
Xiao Ge’s smile was charming, but in the past few days, he hadn’t smiled much, as he was always worried about him.
Yan Ge also wanted Huangfu Yuchen to feel better, so he followed his lead and looked out of the carriage window.
Huangfu Yuchen hugged him from behind as they both watched the sky slowly fill with small snowflakes. They didn’t speak but quietly savored the warmth of being together with their loved one.
On the journey, nothing else happened, and the group safely arrived in Yongzhou.
From what they saw along the way, it could be concluded that the disaster in Yongzhou was indeed severe, with many towns suffering from severe frost damage, and the common people living in miserable conditions.
“Your Majesty, we are currently in Hexian County. At our current speed, we will reach Yong city in three days,” Wei Hao approached the carriage and reported.
Huangfu Yuchen spoke calmly, “No need to rush to Yong city. Let’s temporarily stay in Hexian County. Prime Minister Wen, General Wei, immediately lead people to investigate the severity of the disaster in Yongzhou.”
Wei Hao was secretly surprised but didn’t reveal it on his face, “Yes!”
Jiang Gan said, “To investigate the real situation, the most effective way is to immerse ourselves among the disaster-stricken people. Your Majesty, please rest assured; General Wei and I will report back as soon as possible.”
“Go ahead,” Huangfu Yuchen waved his hand.
Jiang Gan was indeed capable. He and Wei Hao pretended to be refugees and only took one day to thoroughly investigate the situation.
“Report to Your Majesty, General Wei and I have found out that the most severe disaster in Yongzhou is mainly in the northern areas. The common people there have been living in extremely dire conditions. However…” Jiang Gan hesitated slightly. He now knew Yan Guiqing had named him, asking him to come to Yongzhou as well.
“Speak freely,” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him.
Jiang Gan said, “The most severe situation is in Yong City and three other counties. In my estimation, it would require about five hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand taels of silver for disaster relief.”
Yan Ge frowned.
The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Jiang Gan and Wei Hao were oppressed by Huangfu Yuchen’s imperial aura, not daring to breathe. They both understood that it was not surprising for Huangfu Yuchen to be angry; in the urgent report, Prince Dai had stated that two million taels of silver were needed for disaster relief. Why did Prince Dai lie about the figures? Whatever his reasons were, it was an act of deceiving the emperor!
Both of them thought Huangfu Yuchen would erupt in anger, but they heard him speak calmly, “Set off for Yong City in half an hour.”
“Yes!”
In Yong City, inside the Prefectural Government Office, Prince Dai sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of blood, but his lips curled into a smile.
“Meng Xiaohun” was dead; he was safe now.
He waved his hand gently, and the bloodstains on the floor disappeared without a trace. He reviewed all his plans, confirming that there were no loopholes before setting his mind at ease.
“My lord, why didn’t you go out today? Are you okay?” Song Ruhao pushed the door and entered, showing concern. This man was truly gentle towards him, caring for him, and even brought him along on official business trips. Perhaps, one day, he could truly forget about Huangfu Yuchen and start a new life, even though Princess Dai was quite bothersome.
“It’s nothing. It’s so cold outside; why not rest in the room?” Huangfu Yuhu hugged him close, gently caressing his back. However, his eyes were cold and devoid of any emotions. How could he ever have feelings for Song Ruhao? No matter how beautiful he was, he was still a man. If it weren’t to win over Song Chaobang, he would never have put so much effort into getting Song Ruhao. Unfortunately, Song Chaobang cherished his daughter too much and refused to let her become a concubine.
“My lord?” Someone knocked on the door from outside.
“Is it *Liu Wei? Come in,” Huangfu Yuhu patted Song Ruhao’s back.
*Not to be confused with “Luo Wei”, the Prime Minister of WarSong Ruhao obediently stood up, “ I’ll leave first.”
“Hmm, go ahead. I’ll come see you later,” Huangfu Yuhu looked at him gently.
Once Song Ruhao left, his gentle expression immediately disappeared, “What is it?”
Liu Wei said, “Reporting to Your Lordship, the spies have returned with news that the relief convoy will arrive in three days. However, something said by one of the subordinates caught our attention.”
“Oh?” Huangfu Yuhu’s pupils contracted slightly, “What was said?”
Liu Wei continued, “Official Qiu mentioned that based on the appearance of the carriages, it seems that the amount of silver they carry is less than two million taels—”
“What!” Huangfu Yuhu’s expression remained unchanged, but his mind was racing. He hadn’t been informed of this important detail by the men he sent to rob the relief money! They had overlooked such a crucial matter! He had requested two million taels, but Huangfu Yuchen didn’t fully provide it. Could it be that Huangfu Yuchen already doubted him? The more he thought about It, the more anxious Huangfu Yuhu became. After years of Huangfu Yuchen’s unwavering trust in him, he dared to take the risk of asking for an additional one hundred and fifty thousand taels of relief silver. If Huangfu Yuchen was already suspicious, he would surely send a second envoy. Once they discovered that he falsified the amount of relief silver, all his efforts over the years would be in vain.
“Your Lordship?” Liu Wei looked at him with confusion.
Huangfu Yuhu sat down slowly and waved his hand, “You may leave for now.”
Three days later, the convoy escorting the relief silver arrived in Yong City.
Yongzhou’s magistrate, Qiu Yongcheng, led officials of all sizes to greet them.
Upon seeing the officials’ attire, Wei Hao’s face darkened, and he shouted loudly, “How dare you! His Majesty and Yan have arrived, yet you’re dressed in mourning attire. You deserve death!”
Qiu Yongcheng was taken aback, then hurriedly rushed to the carriage that was protected in the center, crying bitterly, “Your Majesty… Yan Guiqing…this humble subject is guilty, Prince Dai has passed away… I’m guilty, Your Majesty!”
The curtain of the carriage was suddenly lifted, revealing a cold and dignified face. Huangfu Yuchen stared at Qiu Yongcheng, asking in a cold voice, “What did you say?”
Yan Ge saw Huangfu Yuchen looking angrily at Meng Xiaohun and walked over to him, using voice transmission to ask, “Yuchen, what’s going on?”
“He looks exactly like the Meng Xiaohun we’ve seen before,” Huangfu Yuchen said, “but I can be sure that he is not Yuhu.”
Yan Ge was puzzled, “Are you saying that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun?”
Huangfu Yuchen paused for a moment, “I didn’t say that.”
Yan Ge became confused, “What do you mean?”
Huangfu Yuchen patted Meng Xiaohun, “This person is not Huangfu Yuhu, but that doesn’t mean Huangfu Yuhu is not him.”
Yan Ge seemed to understand and asked aloud, “What do we do now?”
“We search his soul,” Huangfu Yuchen said firmly.
Yan Ge nodded. The soul-searching technique caused immense harm to the target, ranging from severe injuries to death. Since Huangfu Yuchen was certain that this Meng Xiaohun was not Huangfu Yuhu, using the soul-searching technique on him was of no concern. They had used it on Si Qianqian once, and she ended up exploding.
Meng Xiaohun’s face showed a hint of shock, “Soul-searching technique?”
Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen ignored him.
Suddenly, Meng Xiaohun’s lips moved rapidly.
“Yuchen, be careful of his incantation!” Yan Ge warned.
Huangfu Yuchen reacted quickly, placing his right palm firmly on Meng Xiaohun’s head and using the soul-searching technique.
Meng Xiaohun stopped his incantation halfway, coughed up blood, and died on the spot.
Yan Ge reached out to check his breath and confirmed that he was dead. He looked dazed, feeling a mixture of excitement and disappointment, just like someone who won a lottery ticket but realized it was from the previous draw.
Huangfu Yuchen frowned and withdrew his hand, “I only used eighty percent of my strength so it wouldn’t kill him. It might be related to the incantation he was chanting just now.”
Yan Ge didn’t know what to say.
Huangfu Yuchen pondered for a moment, “Let’s discuss it in Yongzhou.”
Jiang Gan, Wei Hao, and the others couldn’t comprehend what had happened, but they noticed the animosity between Huangfu Yuchen, Yan Ge, and the leader of the black clad men. When they heard Huangfu Yuchen’s words, they quickly invited him and Yan Ge to the carriage.
Yan Jin revealed himself at this moment, pretending to have been hiding behind a tree all along.
Jiang Gan widened his eyes, “Jin’er, you’re here too?” It was cold so he didn’t expect the Emperor and Yan Guiqing to bring Yan Jin along.
“I missed Father.” Jin’er happily pounced into his arms.
Jiang Gan was overjoyed, hugging him, “Father missed you too.”
The Zhantian vine slipped into the carriage unnoticed.
The bodies of the black-clothed men had to be left behind temporarily, while Meng Xiaohun’s body was wrapped up by Wei Hao and placed in a separate carriage. Although Meng Xiaohun was dead, there were still many unanswered questions. If the people from the Centipede Organization tried to reclaim Meng Xiaohun’s body, it might provide more clues.
Inside the carriage, Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen remained silent. Both of them were smart men—one a businessman and the other an emperor. Even though Meng Xiaohun was dead, based on the information they had gathered in the past few days, they couldn’t rule out the suspicion around Huangfu Yuhu. They had just started tracking Meng Xiaohun when he suddenly appeared before them. It seemed too coincidental.
Yan Ge’s mood was not good at all. Ever since Meng Xiaohun appeared in the paddock, he felt that his and Huangfu Yuchen’s lives had been thrown into chaos. When he saw Yuchen occasionally distracted, he couldn’t help but feel resentful, and even harbored an evil thought: Even if they prove that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun, he hoped Huangfu Yuhu would leave Yuchen’s life so his beloved would have peace.
Huangfu Yuchen noticed Yan Ge’s silence, and he embraced him apologetically, “My love, I’m sorry for ignoring you.”
Yan Ge shook his head, looking serious, “Yuchen, let me ask you this. If it turns out that Huangfu Yuhu is not Meng Xiaohun, can you treat him as before?”
Huangfu Yuchen gently caressed Yan Ge’s cheek and shook his head slowly, “All the doubts about him before can’t be mere coincidences. Even if it’s proven that he is not Meng Xiaohun, the actions of the Centipede Organization are undoubtedly linked to him. I cannot face him without any resentment.”
“That’s right,” Yan Ge lightly kissed his lips, “From now on, treat Huangfu Yuhu as if he were Meng Xiaohun. When it is confirmed, you won’t feel so uneasy.”
Huangfu Yuchen smiled wryly, “Baby, you have a unique way of comforting people.”
He paused and let Yan Ge lean against him, “The thing I can’t accept the most is that he repeatedly targeted you. Baby, I must give you and myself an explanation. Let’s not talk about him now. This is your first time going north. Take a look at the scenery outside.”
Xiao Ge’s smile was charming, but in the past few days, he hadn’t smiled much, as he was always worried about him.
Yan Ge also wanted Huangfu Yuchen to feel better, so he followed his lead and looked out of the carriage window.
Huangfu Yuchen hugged him from behind as they both watched the sky slowly fill with small snowflakes. They didn’t speak but quietly savored the warmth of being together with their loved one.
On the journey, nothing else happened, and the group safely arrived in Yongzhou.
From what they saw along the way, it could be concluded that the disaster in Yongzhou was indeed severe, with many towns suffering from severe frost damage, and the common people living in miserable conditions.
“Your Majesty, we are currently in Hexian County. At our current speed, we will reach Yong city in three days,” Wei Hao approached the carriage and reported.
Huangfu Yuchen spoke calmly, “No need to rush to Yong city. Let’s temporarily stay in Hexian County. Prime Minister Wen, General Wei, immediately lead people to investigate the severity of the disaster in Yongzhou.”
Wei Hao was secretly surprised but didn’t reveal it on his face, “Yes!”
Jiang Gan said, “To investigate the real situation, the most effective way is to immerse ourselves among the disaster-stricken people. Your Majesty, please rest assured; General Wei and I will report back as soon as possible.”
“Go ahead,” Huangfu Yuchen waved his hand.
Jiang Gan was indeed capable. He and Wei Hao pretended to be refugees and only took one day to thoroughly investigate the situation.
“Report to Your Majesty, General Wei and I have found out that the most severe disaster in Yongzhou is mainly in the northern areas. The common people there have been living in extremely dire conditions. However…” Jiang Gan hesitated slightly. He now knew Yan Guiqing had named him, asking him to come to Yongzhou as well.
“Speak freely,” Huangfu Yuchen glanced at him.
Jiang Gan said, “The most severe situation is in Yong City and three other counties. In my estimation, it would require about five hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand taels of silver for disaster relief.”
Yan Ge frowned.
The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Jiang Gan and Wei Hao were oppressed by Huangfu Yuchen’s imperial aura, not daring to breathe. They both understood that it was not surprising for Huangfu Yuchen to be angry; in the urgent report, Prince Dai had stated that two million taels of silver were needed for disaster relief. Why did Prince Dai lie about the figures? Whatever his reasons were, it was an act of deceiving the emperor!
Both of them thought Huangfu Yuchen would erupt in anger, but they heard him speak calmly, “Set off for Yong City in half an hour.”
“Yes!”
In Yong City, inside the Prefectural Government Office, Prince Dai sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of blood, but his lips curled into a smile.
“Meng Xiaohun” was dead; he was safe now.
He waved his hand gently, and the bloodstains on the floor disappeared without a trace. He reviewed all his plans, confirming that there were no loopholes before setting his mind at ease.
“My lord, why didn’t you go out today? Are you okay?” Song Ruhao pushed the door and entered, showing concern. This man was truly gentle towards him, caring for him, and even brought him along on official business trips. Perhaps, one day, he could truly forget about Huangfu Yuchen and start a new life, even though Princess Dai was quite bothersome.
“It’s nothing. It’s so cold outside; why not rest in the room?” Huangfu Yuhu hugged him close, gently caressing his back. However, his eyes were cold and devoid of any emotions. How could he ever have feelings for Song Ruhao? No matter how beautiful he was, he was still a man. If it weren’t to win over Song Chaobang, he would never have put so much effort into getting Song Ruhao. Unfortunately, Song Chaobang cherished his daughter too much and refused to let her become a concubine.
“My lord?” Someone knocked on the door from outside.
“Is it *Liu Wei? Come in,” Huangfu Yuhu patted Song Ruhao’s back.
*Not to be confused with “Luo Wei”, the Prime Minister of WarSong Ruhao obediently stood up, “ I’ll leave first.”
“Hmm, go ahead. I’ll come see you later,” Huangfu Yuhu looked at him gently.
Once Song Ruhao left, his gentle expression immediately disappeared, “What is it?”
Liu Wei said, “Reporting to Your Lordship, the spies have returned with news that the relief convoy will arrive in three days. However, something said by one of the subordinates caught our attention.”
“Oh?” Huangfu Yuhu’s pupils contracted slightly, “What was said?”
Liu Wei continued, “Official Qiu mentioned that based on the appearance of the carriages, it seems that the amount of silver they carry is less than two million taels—”
“What!” Huangfu Yuhu’s expression remained unchanged, but his mind was racing. He hadn’t been informed of this important detail by the men he sent to rob the relief money! They had overlooked such a crucial matter! He had requested two million taels, but Huangfu Yuchen didn’t fully provide it. Could it be that Huangfu Yuchen already doubted him? The more he thought about It, the more anxious Huangfu Yuhu became. After years of Huangfu Yuchen’s unwavering trust in him, he dared to take the risk of asking for an additional one hundred and fifty thousand taels of relief silver. If Huangfu Yuchen was already suspicious, he would surely send a second envoy. Once they discovered that he falsified the amount of relief silver, all his efforts over the years would be in vain.
“Your Lordship?” Liu Wei looked at him with confusion.
Huangfu Yuhu sat down slowly and waved his hand, “You may leave for now.”
Three days later, the convoy escorting the relief silver arrived in Yong City.
Yongzhou’s magistrate, Qiu Yongcheng, led officials of all sizes to greet them.
Upon seeing the officials’ attire, Wei Hao’s face darkened, and he shouted loudly, “How dare you! His Majesty and Yan have arrived, yet you’re dressed in mourning attire. You deserve death!”
Qiu Yongcheng was taken aback, then hurriedly rushed to the carriage that was protected in the center, crying bitterly, “Your Majesty… Yan Guiqing…this humble subject is guilty, Prince Dai has passed away… I’m guilty, Your Majesty!”
The curtain of the carriage was suddenly lifted, revealing a cold and dignified face. Huangfu Yuchen stared at Qiu Yongcheng, asking in a cold voice, “What did you say?”
