Why does Ho Ling's days seem to be getting more leisurely? Because he has already finished what he should do (?)—ignoring the questionable elements, in short, the prince who has been away from the capital for nearly half a year should return.
When Ho Ling tried to find his presence, Ye Xiao was receiving an imperial envoy sent by the court, indicating that the prince Ho Ling, who had completed his mission, could now retire.
"Is it true?" All of Ho Ling's depression suddenly disappeared, replaced by pure excitement, "Can we go back?"
Seeing Ho Ling's emotions suddenly restored, Ye Xiao felt that the prince was more likable this way. Thinking so, he calmly nodded, "Yes."
After getting Ye Xiao’s confirmation again, Ho Ling, filled with excitement, rushed towards him, "That's great." Compared to the days when he could get greetings and even thanks from people everywhere in the salt marsh county, he felt that causing trouble in the capital would suit him better.
Not avoiding Ho Ling's pounce, but catching and steadying him, Ye Xiao then turned cold, clearing his throat, "Behave, what is that about standing properly?"
"heehee."
Ho Ling obediently stood still, his smile not diminishing at all.
---- My cousin is super awesome!
During their eye contact, it was ultimately Ye Xiao who managed to control his expression first, and with a helpless look, he lightly pursed his lips.
Ye Xiao made it clear that their departure the next day would not be postponed, and as the morning light poured over the earth, returning the warmth lost throughout the night, Ho Ling and the others set off on their journey.
Unlike their impressive arrival, Ho Ling did not leave with the same people. Li Gongming and the water management talents he brought stayed behind until the Yellow River became the true "mother river," at which point they would start their journey back.
At first, Li Gongming thought he had made a foolish decision to recommend the prince. However, after getting accustomed to the roaring sound of the Yellow River, he felt that it was a wise choice to recommend the prince.
If he hadn't recommended the prince, he wouldn't have been remembered by the prince. If he hadn't been remembered, he wouldn’t have been brought to the salt marsh county. If he hadn't been brought there, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to participate in this matter that would be remembered for eternity. Maybe his name would be recorded in the history books in bold and vivid ink. Thinking of this, Li Gongming could imagine his arch-rival Palace Yi stamping his feet in fury.
Sorry, I cannot fulfill that request.
Huo Bor deeply took a breath, gritted his teeth, and said, "Come down!"
As if not noticing that Huo Hong's sanity was on the verge of collapse, Huo Ling not only maintained his posture as an elder, but also tapped the person's bottom with a small hammer and said, "You need to behave."
Huo Hong: "!!!"
Thinking that the small hammer in his hand was particularly useful, Huo Ling couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and ask the person beneath him, "Are you going to behave?" Patiently, he waited for Huo Hong's response, while playing with the small hammer.
Huo Hong blushed.
Tapping Huo Hong's bottom with the small hammer again, Huo Ling asked, "Are you going to behave?"
Why was his uncle so unexpected? Where was the demeanor that should be possessed by a crown prince?
Blushing, Huo Hong tightly bit his lip and reluctantly murmured "hmph" from between his lips. When Huo Ling got off him, Huo Hong moved his body, directly shrinking into the farthest corner from Huo Ling.
Before Huo Ling subconsciously followed him, Huo Hong preemptively stopped him and even said a rare long sentence, "Don't come over, just keep this distance, or else I won't talk to you."
"Oh."
Not understanding why both nephews seemed to disdain him, Huo Ling didn't mind. He simply sat back behind the table, holding the small hammer and tapping walnuts, starting a conversation with the Huo Hong who had turned his face away and shrunk into the corner.
Perhaps realizing Huo Ling's unyielding nature, Huo Hong, although resistant, still answered Huo Ling's questions. As for the questions he didn't want to answer, no matter how he was teased by Huo Ling, he stayed silent.
Huo Ling actually felt happy about Huo Hong's behavior, after all, his journey back wouldn't be boring.
Curious about how much he would be able to find out from the other person before returning to the capital, Huo Ling's grip on the hammer for cracking walnuts became increasingly forceful.
When the carriage entered the capital, Huo Ling almost guessed the truth.
If he had the ability to understand the signs, Huo Ling would have asked his long-buried third brother, "Are you bored?"