Chapter 18: Cleaning Up

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“She is a bit strict, hoping we'll achieve success and return to the capital to make a name for ourselves.”

He Lingchuan burst out laughing: “Oh, please. She just wants you to excel in your studies, return to the capital, and become a prominent figure. What does that have to do with me?”

His words were full of resentment, and He Yue was displeased: “Brother, why do you belittle yourself? Have you ever considered what you’ll do after returning to the capital?”

“Return to the capital?” He Lingchuan stroked his chin. “Nope!”

The original owner had never thought that far ahead, and of course, he had no plans either.

To outsiders, Qiansong County was a desolate and harsh land, but both he and the original owner actually found it quite good. The He family here was like a local chieftain, accustomed to wielding power and living comfortably. But in the capital of the Yuan Kingdom, they would be nothing.

In terms of heritage, financial resources, connections, or even spending power, the He family wasn't fit to tie the shoelaces of those powerful aristocratic families.

So why go? Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.

He Yue reminded him: “This is Father’s long-cherished wish, and we must fulfill it with all our might; we swore an oath during the family ancestral rites. As the saying goes, 'He who gives no thought to the future will soon find sorrow at his door.' With your attitude, Big Brother, it's a wonder Mother likes you at all.”

“I know,” He Lingchuan said, patting his shoulder nonchalantly. “You study literature, I practice martial arts. Together, we’ll be skilled in both. One day, when we return to the capital, if anyone gives you trouble, I’ll just secretly cripple them.”

“Big Brother, you really are…” Faced with such unreasonable antics, He Yue was speechless.

But looking on the bright side, his brother's revelry in Blackwater City was always out in the open. At least he knew that if they returned to the capital, he'd have to cause trouble discreetly. That was a kind of progress.

I suppose so.

On the way, they met Uncle Hao, who winked at He Lingchuan and followed him.

What new mishap had occurred?

Upon reaching the side hall, the two sat down. Uncle Hao went outside to stand guard, ensuring no one came within five *zhang* of the area.

He Yue picked out a tea set, feeling the cold teacups: “Are the Imperial Preceptor and the Governor of Xunzhou here to cause trouble?”

He Lingchuan yawned, looking listless: “They’re not even the most troublesome ones. The mastermind behind it all is the Emperor's father-in-law.”

“The Grand Minister of War?” He Yue’s expression changed dramatically. “You’re not talking about... Dong Haoming, are you?”

“Mmhmm. Otherwise, how many other imperial fathers-in-law do we have?” He Lingchuan considered. Father had only said not to tell Madam Ying, but hadn't mentioned keeping it from He Yue.

This kid had been helping with county affairs since he was nine. Perhaps there was no need to hide this major issue from him now. Anyway, in a few days, when He Chunhua sent people into the desert, He Yue would definitely find out.

So, he readily explained the purpose of Imperial Preceptor Sun and the other man's visit, from beginning to end.

He Yue listened carefully, occasionally interjecting with a question or two, but mostly busy boiling water for tea.

His brother was too lazy, so he had to do it himself.

By the time he had boiled the water and brewed the tea, He Lingchuan was parched from talking. He picked up the hot tea and took two large gulps.

“Second Brother, what do you think?”

“The Grand Minister of War wants to use us as his pawns, but Father will most likely agree, so our objections would be useless,” He Yue analyzed. “Given Father’s age and experience, he still has great potential if he returns to the royal capital.”

His two sons were nearly adults, but He Chunhua himself wasn't yet thirty-five, still in his prime, strong and energetic. He had spent the best twenty years of his life in a barren land; how could he tolerate being ignored and buried there any longer?

“Fortunately, the whereabouts of Zhong Shengguang’s token are unknown. If they search for dozens more days without success, they won’t be able to enter the Panlong Desert.”

He Lingchuan cleared his throat: “Actually, the token has already been found.”

“What? Where?” He Yue was startled, and his gaze toward his brother grew increasingly suspicious. “How—how do you know?”

“Right here with me.” He Lingchuan patted his chest, slowly saying, “Actually, this goes back to when I was seriously injured over a month ago...”

This time, he tried to make a long story short.

“Nian Songyu only said he was looking for the leopard demon, but he didn't mention wiping out its entire clan and lair.” He Yue frowned deeply. “And what exactly did the Governor of Xunzhou send him here to do?”

“He’s supposedly here to assist Imperial Preceptor Sun.” He Lingchuan stroked his chin. “It looks like Father will be asking me for the sand leopard’s remains soon.”

He Yue reminded him: “The Hongbai Sect is still holding two guards from Donglai Manor. Now that you know their purpose, how do you plan to deal with them?”

“How else would I deal with them? Of course, I’ll release them.”

“Release them?” He Yue was somewhat surprised. “I thought you wanted to destroy the bodies and leave no trace.”

The best way not to offend Donglai Manor is to ensure they never know they were offended.

“No need, right?” He Lingchuan scratched his head. “They’re just two second-class guards. What do they matter to Donglai Manor?”

“Hmm, you’re right.” He Yue thought to himself, the whereabouts of these two men remaining a mystery would eventually cause trouble. What if the Hongbai Sect revealed a flaw again? If Father decided to help them seize the Grand Square Flask, it would be best to show some sincerity now, so as not to be undermined when merits are eventually distributed. After all, they were just two guards, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Donglai Manor needed them, so they probably wouldn't make a big deal out of this.

He Lingchuan muttered, feeling uneasy under He Yue’s gaze: “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Compared to before, his brother seemed to have changed, yet not entirely. He Yue pulled his thoughts back: “This matter has many suspicious points. Entering the Panlong Desert is a near-certain death, even with the token. Just let them take the risk; you and Father cannot get involved in this mess.”

“Got it.”

Just then, Uncle Hao reported that someone from the Hongbai Sect had arrived.

He Lingchuan met the person in the garden.

Through the window, He Yue saw his brother sit down on a garden bench, crossing his legs and saying, “Are those two still alive?”

“Yes, they are.” This was the same Hongbai Sect member who had brought him news last time. “What are your instructions, Young Master?”

“Get them out of the prison and clean them up.”

“Clean up?” The man understood, interpreting it as “dispose of.” “Do you want them burned to ashes or dissolved in water?”

“I said clean them up, not kill them!” What were these guys thinking? “Their patrons have arrived. They’ll probably have to be released in the next day or two, released alive!”

The sect member exclaimed, “Released?”

“What, are some of their parts missing?” He Lingchuan frowned. That would be bad. If the people from Donglai Manor were returned missing limbs, it wouldn’t be a gesture of goodwill but an act of creating enmity.

“Complete, complete, and even a little extra.” The man coughed. “We all thought these two were dead for sure, so Old Chen Qi played around with one of them. You know his hobbies are quite unique.”

“I know? How could I know?” He Lingchuan glared. “I thought they just ate too much spoiled food and got a few extra bedbug bites. If this gets out, it won’t be their butts that get hurt, but Donglai Manor’s reputation!”

In the study, He Yue heard this and covered his face. Was it a delusion earlier? Big Brother hadn’t changed at all.

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