A gentleman is unparalleled in the world, while strangers are as precious as jade.
As Guo Sunxun in white clothes approached them, neither Ye Xiao nor Huo Ling needed to support his head, and Huo Ling stood up straight on his own.
"Your Highness, hello."
Standing in front of Huo Ling, Guo Sunxun bowed to him.
Huo Ling ignored Guo Sunxun, tiptoed and reached out to pull Ye Xiao's shoulder, whispering to him as if in a low voice which he thought couldn't be heard by Guo Sunxun on the opposite side, "Is he also coming with us?" He felt like he was from a different world and didn't know how to get along with him.
Removing Huo Ling's hand from his shoulder, Ye Xiao straightened his collar while discreetly touching Huo Ling's soft face – Huo Ling was completely unaware even as Ye Xiao's fingers touched him. Ye Xiao maintained a poker face, the same cold, indifferent tone as usual, "It's His Majesty's decision."
Instinctively, Huo Ling turned to look at Guo Sunxun, who just smiled at him.
- Alright.
Just to give his dear father, His Majesty, some face.
Realizing that he couldn't change the fact that he would be accompanying him, Huo Ling accepted it quite quickly. He greeted Guo Sunxun amiably and directly got onto the carriage without waiting for an opportunity for Guo Sunxun to talk to him or try to probe him again.
Beside them, Ye Xiao nodded slightly at Guo Sunxun, then mounted his horse and rode alongside the carriage where Huo Ling was seated.
The sun had already risen, and the warm yet not glaring sunlight soothed their bodies, having passed through the chilly night, while also blurring their figures.
Bathed in the morning light, Guo Sunxun, in his white attire, looked elegant and ethereal like an exiled deity.
Guo Sunxun stood in place, quietly smiling.
When Huo Ling took a leave to listen to the stories of Imperial Consort Ye at the Jade Shu Palace yesterday, Guo Sunxun didn't confront the Grand Tutor Wang Ancheng in the study hall as Huo Ling had anticipated. The Emperor granted the Grand Tutor Wang Ancheng a day off for his meritorious service, and when the tutor, who was free from class, was preparing to leave the palace, the Emperor Hwo Jian summoned him.
Even though Guo Sunxun had witnessed the interaction between Emperor Hwo Jian and Huo Ling, in the face of the Emperor's imposing aura, his untamed soul still trembled with awe at the supreme authority that held power over life and death.
Living beings attached to the ground carry a fear of the heavens within their souls.
It was only when Guo Sunxun truly faced the Emperor Hwo Jian, who was not angry yet carried a majestic air, that he finally understood why Huo Ling was Huo Ling.
In this world, there was no other Huo Ling.
Bowing deeply, Guo Sunxun expressed his submission to the Emperor Hwo Jian.
Granting Guo Sunxun a show of strength, the Emperor Hwo Jian, who remained seated behind the desk, did not ask him to rise. He gazed down at the reverent Guo Sunxun and asked in a mild voice, "What kind of person do you think Huo Ling is?"
"Don't just pay lip service, I want to hear the truth, so you had better think carefully before speaking."
After a long silence, Guo Sunxun eventually chose to speak his true thoughts to the Emperor Hwo Jian, "An interesting person."
Having lived for so many years, Guo Sunxun had never encountered someone who made him feel awkward, until he became Huo Ling's companion. He could guess what the inscrutable Emperor Hwo Jian was thinking, but he had always been unable to fathom Huo Ling's true thoughts. Whenever he made a judgment based on the other's previous reactions, Huo Ling always easily refuted his judgment. However, upon careful reflection, he found that this was completely in line with what Huo Ling would do, and not a deliberate attempt to undermine him.
Unpredictable and inscrutable.
For Guo Sunxun, who always liked to have everything under his control, this was both dangerous and prompted him to keep his distance, yet when Huo Ling appeared before him, Guo Sunxun couldn't help but try to figure out Huo Ling like a cat that, despite knowing the water is hot, still extends its paw to test the temperature, time and time again.
However, Guo Sunxun's desire to understand Huo Ling did not mean he was willing to submit to him.
Hwo Jian rose and walked down to face Guo Sunxun, "Raise your head."
Following the Emperor Hwo Jian's request, Guo Sunxun calmly lifted his head.
Looking into Guo Sunxun's eyes, Hwo Jian saw through those eyes, praised by the people of the capital as "I get drunk with just one glance," and saw the unyielding soul beneath
Even the most exquisite warmth cannot conceal the ambition and desire.
He had only chosen him as Huo Ling's companion due to his reputation, not expecting him to be a tough nut to crack. He didn't know if his silly son, who always managed to give people "surprises," could handle it. With a mind to enjoy the show, the Emperor Hwo Jian patted Guo Sunxun's shoulder with a smile, "In that case, you should go with Huo Ling."
"Take a good look and see if he's the one you want."
Full of youthful spirit, unwilling to be mediocre, choose an illustrious master, continue the lost knowledge for future generations, and bring everlasting peace to the world.
Take a good look and see if Huo Ling is the choice you want.
"Lord Guo Sun?"
The sudden voice of Xiao Anzi brought Guo Sunxun back to reality. As the sunlight penetrated his eyes, it obscured his intricate thoughts. When he turned to look at the newcomer, it was the elegant Xiao Anzi, "Lord An?"
"Lord Guo Sun, we should set off."
"Alright."
Thanking Xiao Anzi for the reminder, Guo Sunxun glanced at the carriage where Huo Ling was and, with a meaningful smile, got on the carriage assigned to him.
On the other side, when Huo Ling entered the carriage, he had already forgotten about Guo Sunxun and was in an excited state.
Opening the curtain, Huo Ling saw his family’s well-groomed mastiff - Great General - which Ye Xiao had taken care of with a shiny coat.
"Great General!"
Huo Ling did not deny that he was afraid of death. Ye Xiao, with his strong martial arts skills and abilities, provided him with a sense of security, and the mastiff, Great General, who stood taller than him, added even more security. He regretted not having time to take "Great General" with him, but he didn't expect that Ye Xiao had already brought the dog into the carriage.
- His cousin was really reliable!
Like finally meeting a long-lost brother, Huo Ling directly pounced on the large dog inside the carriage, very excited to see him. Besides avoiding the tongue that came licking towards him, he also didn't forget to thank Ye Xiao outside the carriage, "As expected, cousin, you understand me the best. Love you!"
"At your age, this is inappropriate behavior." Ye Xiao, who was being "confessed" to, did not look at Huo Ling, and reprimanded him with a cold voice to be mindful of the surroundings, although his flushed ears betrayed him.
Fortunately, Huo Ling didn't see it in the carriage, otherwise his habitual teasing would have felt the "affectionate care" from his infuriated cousin.
The vast procession left the capital, heading southward.
Huo Ling initially wanted to open the curtain to see the scenery outside, but the wind brought up by their movement raised the yellow dust, nearly hitting Huo Ling in the face. Huo Ling, who had only been to the outskirts of the city before, suddenly lost his excitement about leaving the city and obediently stayed in the swaying carriage. Fortunately, he had "General" keeping him company, so Huo Ling didn't feel bored at all.
However, to his surprise, his imposing "General" actually got motion sickness in the carriage! As Huo Ling was feeling drowsy from the swaying carriage, the "General" started to vomit like a dead dog.
Huo Ling, feeling guilty, deliberated initially about whether he had gone too far by kicking the "General" off the carriage. However, when he opened the curtain later, he saw the excited "General" running alongside Yexiao's horse, not even looking back at his calls. Huo Ling, expressionless, pulled the curtain shut.
Feeling guilty and tired, Huo Ling wiped his dusty face, laid back, and closed his eyes comfortably, vowing not to let the "stupid dog" back onto his carriage.
Due to Huo Ling's disdain, the "General" was taken in by Yexiao, and Huo Ling got to have a spacious carriage free from dog vomit. Throughout the journey, Huo Ling, who had heard about the story of "one person fighting hundreds of bandits" from the Imperial Concubine, hoped to encounter bandits willing to pay tribute, but only brainless and reckless bandits would think of targeting their convoy. Bored without the company of the "General," Huo Ling could only kill time in the carriage by sleeping and eating.
Going with the flow, Huo Ling ended up sleeping all the way to Yanchi County. When the carriage arrived at the county yamen, Huo Ling felt like he was still swaying with the carriage. With Yexiao's help, he walked inside, barely noticing the various courtesies offered by the county magistrate.
The county magistrate, wanting to show his loyalty to Huo Ling, presented a welcome banquet, but Huo Ling, feeling mentally and physically tired, just wanted to eat and rest.
As the center of attention, Huo Ling took the lead and headed to the banquet hall, followed by the others. There were fine wines, delicacies, beauties, and a group of people eagerly waiting for his speech.
Looking around, Huo Ling couldn't help but feel as if he had returned to the capital rather than being in a disaster-stricken area, given the muddy roads, damaged crops, and collapsed houses that seemed unrelated to the well-dressed people trying to impress him.
Under the county magistrate's explanation, Huo Ling learned that some guests were absent, with others busy overseeing the repairing of the embankment. The county magistrate, not only inviting female companions to the banquet but also showcasing his daughters, displayed a level of ostentation that surprised Huo Ling.
The coquettish daughters, brought forward by the county magistrate, seemed unfazed by their father's actions, presenting themselves beautifully and demi- bashfully. Huo Ling sighed deeply, wanting to simply enjoy his meal.
To divert attention, Huo Ling made a jest on the similarities between him and a certain Mr. Li, claiming closeness in relation to the county magistrate. The bemused county magistrate, flattered by the attention, was taken off guard by Huo Ling's sudden suggestion for disaster relief efforts, and was only too happy to comply.
Huo Ling then signaled Yexiao, who promptly arranged for the county magistrate to be escorted away.
There are still a few dazed prefects who try to show their presence, but all their courage disappears abruptly when they touch the embroidered spring knife. It is only then that he remembers that His Highness the Crown Prince has also brought a lot of Jinyiwei with him.
Prefect Li, who has no idea what he did wrong, was "accompanied" by the Jinyiwei, gradually moving away from the sight of Huo Ling.
"After" seeing off Prefect Li, Huo Ling turned his head to the perplexed people in the hall, "Oh, I almost forgot about you. As the relatives and friends of Prefect Li, I'm sure you must feel the same concern for the country and the people as Prefect Li. Why not...?" Throughout, like his study model An De, Huo Ling's mouth remained unchanged.
Before Huo Ling could finish saying "Why not", the people in front of him suddenly knelt to the ground, the continuous plea for mercy making Huo Ling feel a headache again.
Huo Ling's smile gradually disappeared: "You guys, this isn't fun at all."
He still wanted to continue playing, why did each of them back off?
Behind Huo Ling, Ye Xiao cleared his throat, timely halting Huo Ling's sudden "childishness", making Huo Ling remember in time that he was still a prince. He touched his face, pretending that nothing had happened, walked through the kneeling people, and sat very consciously in the main seat. He waved to Ye Xiao and the others, "Let's eat."
There's nothing wrong with good food, but as for these people... let them kneel, but don't expect him to have any "tender feelings."
Ye Xiao, who always supports Huo Ling, was the first to go to Huo Ling while others were still hesitating. Along the way, intentionally or unintentionally, he stepped on the hand of a beauty trying to touch his thigh, causing her great pain, wiping away her previous charm.
Taking in everything, Gongsun Xun concealed the complex emotions in his eyes, lightly raising his lips to Gongsun Xun beside him, gesturing, "Master Li, please go ahead."
"Prince Gongsun, you are too polite."
After the modesty between Gongsun Xun and Master Li, the two of them finally walked towards Huo Ling side by side.
...
Ye Xiao is not only an intimate cousin, but also a dedicated Jinyiwei. On the way to Yanchi County, he not only gave Huo Ling the prepared materials, but also provided him with a lot of advice based on his own knowledge.
Unfortunately, Huo Ling failed to appreciate Ye Xiao's efforts. He either slept or ate on the way, or he was daydreaming.
Read materials? Headache.
Listen to advice? Want to sleep.
By the time they arrived at Yanchi County, the distracted Huo Ling had already forgotten the information that Ye Xiao had forcefully put into his mind.
But-
While playing with the wine glass in his hand, Ye Xiao glanced at Huo Ling, who was indulging in food and occasionally using his chopsticks to make comments, and couldn't help but wonder - is his cousin Huo Ling just accidentally clever or is he actually very shrewd?
But before thinking about this issue, Ye Xiao gave Huo Ling a glare. "Eat well, don't play with the chopsticks."
Huo Ling gulped, "Oh."
The suggestions made by Ye Xiao, who usually relies on intuition, had no effect on Huo Ling, yet he broke the situation as soon as he intervened.
He had imagined many situations, but he had never thought it would come to what it was now. He glanced at the others and noticed the small movements of those who were still kneeling and exchanging glances, then turned his attention away, finishing the drink in his cup.
Whether it was a coincidence or an accident, his cousin was really good.
With a filter of his own, Ye Xiao picked up his chopsticks, eating and at the same time, also peeled the shrimp for Huo Ling on the side.
On this side, everyone was enjoying the feast and the atmosphere was harmonious.
On the other side, no one dared to make a move among those who didn't dare to get up.
After being full and satiated, Huo Ling just wanted to slump in the chair, but under the cold gaze of Ye Xiao, he could only sit up straight and subconsciously pull in his slightly bulging belly caused by overeating.
"Cough." Taking a sip of tea, Huo Ling turned his gaze, only to discover that the people who were still kneeling, "Huh? Why are you still kneeling?"
Although it was the first time that Huo Ling habitually put on a "huh", these people were all feeling the deep malice from Huo Ling, just like the people who were previously at the mercy of Huo Ling's "huh", and who were all scalp-numbing or soul-quaking.
Huo Ling, who didn't think he had any malice, didn't think his attitude was particularly good. Even if someone wet themselves during the kneeling process due to their own speculation, Huo Ling didn't blame them for disturbing his appetite. He just asked the Jinyiwei on the side to take them away, and by the way, asked what they had been thinking about. He had actually scared himself with his own imagination.
The people who dared not get up: ... became even more terrifying, didn't they?
"Your Highness, I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!"
"It's really not my business, everything was instructed by County Prefect! I'm just a little henchman, don't kill me!"
Watching the county magistrate being taken away by the Jinyiwei, the county lieutenant, who was equally startled by his own speculations, couldn't handle it anymore. At this moment, the county lieutenant, who is usually arrogant, crawled out from the crowd, kowtowing to Huo Ling, while crying and telling everything he knew.
Having to listen to Huo Ling without having done anything yet, "…?" Had he acquired the ability to make people confess after just a smile?
"Shut up! You're talking nonsense! Your Highness, don't listen to his nonsense!"
When the county lieutenant mentioned that the body of the previous county magistrate was buried in the backyard of the county office, the wife of the county prefect suddenly rushed over and bumped into the county lieutenant, whether she wanted to kill him to silence him or she wanted to do something else, but the Jinyiwei on the side wasn't someone to be trifled with. The Embroidered Spring Knife forced the county prefect's wife back, and the county lieutenant, who was hesitating, took cover behind the Jinyiwei, and his confession flowed even more smoothly.
Listening to this, Huo Ling's expression gradually became serious, and he unconsciously turned to Ye Xiao on the side. "Did I... catch a big fish?" Wait, did he "catch" them?
"You didn't 'catch a big fish', you just did what you had to do," Ye Xiao poured a cup of tea for Huo Ling, "Don't doubt yourself, let's continue to listen to what he has to say."
"Oh."
On the other hand, Gongsun Xun and Li Gongming, who could not figure out what Huo Ling had done, looked at each other and fell into the same perplexity.
How did things develop to this point, after all?
When Huo Ling and others hurried to Yanchi County, the county magistrate Li was busy eradicating all evidence that could ruin his reputation. Then, based on the information he obtained, he deliberately arranged a reception that would cater to the usual extravagant mindset, even going as far as letting his own daughters appear at the banquet, striving to achieve a mutual understanding of "if you're happy, I'm happy, everyone's happy."
Never did they expect that Huo Ling was no ordinary extravagant person.
The county magistrate, who would arrogantly treat even a person's death as trivial, was also not an ordinary person. In the time it took to finish a meal, he entirely exposed the county magistrate.
What the county magistrate did was not particularly notable; he simply embezzled some money, engaged in affairs with respectable women, and extorted wealth from the people while ensuring those who opposed him understood the reason behind his power. One of the former deputy magistrates, buried in the county office's backyard, was used as fertilizer.
"Former deputy magistrate?" As a diligent Jin Yiwei, Ye Xiao tilted his head and recalled the relevant records, "I remember his reason for leaving office was reported as a natural death." Although the deputy magistrate was a small official, his situation was documented because he was a government official.
Hearing Ye Xiao's words, the county magistrate, remembering something that filled him with dread, could hardly keep his voice steady as he said, "The former deputy magistrate was buried alive."
"I saw it with my own eyes - the county magistrate personally laughed as he buried the deputy magistrate who had shouted at him loudly."
"I didn't want to follow the county magistrate, but I'm just a small person. If a superior orders you to do something, you can't refuse, right? What could I do?"
Even in his fearful state, the county magistrate, despite betraying Li, still instinctively referred to him as a superior, showing Li's control over him. If not for the Jin Yiwei, whose mere existence could terrify people more than Li, and Huo Ling's unexpected actions, those present would not have had the opportunity to hear the county magistrate's confused speech.
"Buried alive?"
Huo Ling initially intended to hear the county magistrate confess his crimes as if listening to a story, but at this moment, he found himself unable to eat the snack in his hand. Yet, this snack was handed to him by Ye Xiao, so Huo Ling was in a dilemma, unsure whether to disappoint his cousin.
Different from the arrogant but inexperienced Huo Ling, Ye Xiao's expression remained unchanged from start to finish. He instructed someone to take the limp county magistrate to the backyard of the county office to identify the burial site, and also took the snack from Huo Ling, exchanging it for a cup of hot tea.
The tea's rising fragrance made Huo Ling subconsciously take a sniff, and even his emotions were eased. The warm sensation, through the contact of his fingers on the cup, spread throughout his body, soothing the inexplicable unease that had arisen in him.
Subconsciously giving Ye Xiao a smile, Huo Ling obediently picked up the tea and handed over the power of investigation and evidence gathering to Ye Xiao.
—In delegating tasks to those adept at them, he only needed to make the final push.
With this thought in mind, Huo Ling, feeling no guilt about being lax, leisurely drank his tea.
The county magistrate's lackeys knew little, the deputy magistrate taken in by the Jin Yiwei knew little, and most people present had scant knowledge in advance. However, Jin Yiwei commander Ye Xiao was a professional, and based on their accounts, he pieced together the misdeeds Li had committed over the years.
"You're talking nonsense! My lord is a good man who acts in the people's best interests!"
"Your Highness, don't believe him!"
The county magistrate's wife, disheveled and in a sorry state, no longer displayed her initial dignity and composure. Upon regaining consciousness, she wanted to kneel before Huo Ling and seek justice, but her path was blocked by the embroidered spring knife, leaving her no choice but to pull her daughter in close and call out to Huo Ling from a distance.
No one present gave the county magistrate's wife a second glance.
Seeing that the county magistrate's wife was becoming too noisy, Huo Ling had not yet raised his brow, but a very well-behaved Jin Yiwei stepped forward to tear off a piece of the county magistrate's wife's clothing and forcefully stuff it into her mouth. This action not only tore the corners of her mouth but also succeeded in teaching her the common sense of not interrupting others while they speak.
"Ugh, ugh..."
The consequence of her frantic struggle was not only broken nails, but also the wind she stirred caused the embroidered spring knife to cut off her hair.
Now, the county magistrate's wife was truly quiet.
The smoothly curved embroidered spring knife would occasionally pass by the trembling group of people still kneeling, terrifying them to the point they huddled together, not even caring who they were embracing - a man or a woman.
Li, the county magistrate, had been under investigation for only half an hour before Ye Xiao discerned the things he had been doing all these years, just as if he had witnessed them with his own eyes.
If Huo Ling hadn't been sure that Ye Xiao had come to Yanchi County with him, he would have thought that his cousin had spent some time with the county magistrate. Different from experiencing Ye Xiao's abilities with either fear or contemplation, Huo Ling simply thought that his cousin was amazing, as long as he didn't constantly try to micromanage his daily life.
Just as Huo Ling was about to relax his spine, he caught a glance from Ye Xiao and had to straighten up again. He continued to drink his tea and casually pointed out the most critical point, "Do you have evidence?"
Huo Ling asked succinctly, and Ye Xiao replied just as straightforwardly, "No."
It was already clear what Li had been doing all these years, but there was no concrete evidence to prove it. Just as the long-silent Gongsun Xun let out a light cough, ready to share his thoughts, Huo Ling set down his teacup and carelessly said, "No evidence?" Huo Ling answered his own question, "No problem."
Gongsun Xun: "…?"
Looking puzzled, Gongsun Xun glanced at Li Gongming, only to find that he was not the only one feeling suspicious. Relieved that he wasn't the only one unable to keep up with the logic of the Crown Prince, Gongsun Xun chose to remain silent, curious to see what Huo Ling planned to do next.
By the time Li, the county magistrate, returned from the task arranged by Huo Ling, Gongsun Xun also had the privilege of witnessing what Huo Ling meant by "no problem," which was completely unexpected.
Without giving Li a chance to react, Huo Ling gestured for someone to remove the county magistrate's hat.
When Li, still dazed, knelt before Huo Ling, he was a bit befuddled, "Your Highness?"
"If officials do not act in the people's best interests, wouldn't they be better off feeding the fish? Mr. Li, what do you think of this statement?"
This "Mr. Li" caused the county magistrate to stiffen noticeably while the other Li, not far from Huo Ling, once again diminished his presence.
Kneeling on the ground, Li, the county magistrate, seemed somewhat at a loss. He recognized Huo Ling could not find evidence to incriminate him. Confidently, he lifted his head, "Your Highness, I am wronged!"
"Ask anyone out there, who does not praise me? And I don't even know what I've done wrong. As soon as you arrived, you made me confess. What exactly should I confess to?"
The innocent look on Li, the county magistrate's face, as he argued his case with evidence, made Huo Ling misunderstand him. But having literally just dug up human bones in the courtyard of the county office, Huo Ling was entirely unaffected, "Why are you bringing up confessing or not confessing when I'm asking you about your thoughts on 'if officials do not act in the people's best interests, wouldn't they be better off feeding the fish?' Your manner makes it difficult for me…"
Each "you know" in succession left Li, the county magistrate, uncertain how to react, and made the other Li involuntarily twitch his eyebrows - why did this county magistrate share his surname?
"Your Highness?"
Although Li, the county magistrate, didn't quite understand Huo Ling's intention, he perceived Huo Ling's easy-going nature and brightened. While trying to free himself from the Jin Yiwei holding him down and persuade Huo Ling to let him stand up, hoping they could continue their story of "everyone being happy," the realization that it could be better if he took a step back also seemed to cross his mind.
However, Li, the county magistrate, once again underestimated Huo Ling.
Taking full advantage of Li's goodwill, Huo Ling, with an "if you're being reasonable, then I should too" expression, looked at Li, making it seem like everything had gone smoothly. When Li thought everything had ended there, Huo Ling smiled and said, "Since Mr. Li, you have demonstrated your thoughts by actions, then I can't help but oblige."
"I hope there are still fish in the Yellow River at this time, otherwise, it would be quite pitiful for someone without fish to feed on."
After a moment of confusion, Li, the county magistrate, struggled even more vigorously, "Your Highness, you can't do this!"
Huo Ling, who was unmoved, calmly asked, "Why can't I do this?"
"I have someone above me!" Yes, he had someone above him. The prince couldn't act so recklessly and punish him without fear of offending the person above.
As a prince, Huo Ling was unwavering, "You have someone above you, so what?"
Huo Ling turned his head, just as he was about to discuss with Ye Xiao where to throw County Magistrate Li into the Yellow River, the terrified County Magistrate Li blurted out, "You have no evidence!"
"No evidence. You can't treat an official of the court like this! And even if I am guilty, you can't just arbitrarily let me...feed the fish."
The clever County Magistrate Li regained his righteous courage and repeated, "You have no evidence!"
Huo Ling turned back, quietly looked at the terrified County Magistrate Li, who was constantly reminding him that there was no evidence, and smiled, "You're right, I have no evidence."
"But, do you know who I am?"
Standing up, Huo Ling walked directly to the County Magistrate Li and squatted down, looking directly at the currently disheveled figure and said arrogantly and matter-of-factly, "I am the prince."
"As a prince, do I need evidence to punish you?"