Han Zhengqing wasn’t with the Tartars—at least he couldn’t be with them now. Right now he still needed to rely on the Tartars’ wanton slaughter in Datong City to prove just how foolish the court’s decision to recall him had been. He couldn’t be associated with the Tartars himself.

Although the upper echelons knew he wasn’t a good person, the common people didn’t know! What the common people knew was only what he wanted them to know. The common people would only think that Three Borders Supreme Commander Lord Cui had accused him, this Loyal and Martial General, and that the Emperor in his muddle-headed incompetence, because the Cui family was powerful and the Cui family was sycophantic, had believed the Cui family’s slander and wanted to replace him, this Loyal and Martial General, right in the midst of battle. After he, this Loyal and Martial General, expressed his determination to protect the people, he was forcibly taken away by the court’s people.

The suffering they endured was all the fault of the court and Cui Shaoting. It was the court and Cui Shaoting who made them homeless, who made them live in constant peril.

He sat comfortably leaning against soft cushions, with two beautiful young women behind him massaging his shoulders and back. The girls had clear, delicate features. One was spirited and radiant—when she smiled, she was dazzlingly bright, but when she didn’t smile, she had a somewhat frightening sharpness. The other was gentle and serene, yet somehow, even when she smiled, a trace of sorrow remained between her brows.

His other surviving illegitimate son, Han Yu, walked in. His eyes swept over the two of them and he frowned imperceptibly—his father really had outdone himself. One resembled Elder Madam Fan, the other resembled Younger Madam Fan. Now that both Elder and Younger Madam Fan had returned to dust, he had found two substitutes.

Han Yu didn’t think his father’s devotion was anything worth praising or being moved by. Although his father was loyally devoted to Elder Madam Fan like a tail-wagging, fawning dog, he had also been infatuated with Younger Madam Fan, and there had never been a shortage of other women either.

His mother was one of the pitiful ones. Because her features somewhat resembled Elder Madam Fan’s, she had been forcibly taken from her father who served as a County Magistrate to become his concubine. After he tired of her, he cast her aside to fend for herself.

He often felt his father had no conscience. He loved no one—neither his legitimate wife Younger Madam Fan in the household, nor his legitimate son Han Zhi had ever received any special regard from him.

In his heart, probably no one was more important than himself. Han Yu lowered his head and heard Han Zhengqing ask him: “How did it go?”

He had been dispatched to gather news about Hubei and was now here to report. Hearing Han Zhengqing’s question, he composed his emotions, lowered his voice, and replied expressionlessly: “No news.” Seeing that Han Zhengqing had already sat up straight, he showed no fear: “Second Uncle hasn’t sent back any news. The people I sent to inquire also learned that Uncle Jiang’s side hasn’t sent back any news either.”

Something had definitely gone wrong in Hubei. The excitement Han Zhengqing had felt earlier when the Tartars had crossed the border as agreed instantly vanished. Obvious irritation flashed across his brow, and he waved impatiently at Han Yu.

This couldn’t continue. Cui Yingshu was indeed Cui Shaoting’s brother—these two were equally cunning and difficult to deal with. It was truly both vexing and infuriating.

Han Cheng must have been discovered by Cui Yingshu. Unfortunately, Han Cheng was far from being Cui Yingshu’s match. If Cui Yingshu had captured Han Cheng, the outcome wouldn’t be pleasant to contemplate. He didn’t care about this illegitimate brother’s life—what he cared about was his son, Prince Dongping.

If Han Cheng had fallen into Cui Yingshu’s hands, what would happen to Prince Dongping? Han Cheng had always been one to fear death above all. That old fox Cui Yingshu would certainly be able to extract everything from him.

Then Dongping would be in danger!

The young woman who greatly resembled Elder Madam Fan brought over a cup of fine wine. This was actually grape wine from the Western Regions, held in a luminous cup—it was simply exquisite. And the beauty before his eyes was so similar to his youthful lover. These two young women made his already irritated heart even more irritated. Through the young woman’s eyes, it was as if he could see Elder Madam Fan’s eyes like autumn waters. These eyes seemed to be accusing him, questioning why he couldn’t even protect his own son.

His expression became somewhat dazed. He pushed the cup away in one motion. His dry lips were bitten bloody by his own teeth. He couldn’t sit by and watch Dongping suffer.

“Go inquire again!” He looked at his illegitimate son Han Yu with vicious eyes. Seeing his son stunned, he impatiently repeated: “You go yourself! Make a trip to Hubei and see whether your Second Uncle and Uncle Jiang are truly trapped in Hubei.”

In Han Yu’s view, this didn’t even need thinking about! Uncle Jiang had said before leaving that Hubei had been silent for so long, something must have happened. If he also sent back no news, there was no need to look for him.

Yet his father still wanted him to go. Han Yu’s eyes dimmed as he looked at Han Zhengqing without speaking.

Han Zhengqing had already begun giving instructions: “Even if it costs your own life, you must get this matter done for me. Find out clearly whether Prince Dongping is still in Hubei or not. If not, where is he. I must know.”

Han Yu was even more stunned. He had always known his father was doing things for the Crown Prince, but when news of the Crown Prince’s incident reached their ears, he hadn’t seen his father this anxious and worried. Why was he so concerned about a Prince Dongping instead?

He was very puzzled, but Han Zhengqing’s gaze looked as if it could devour someone. Not allowing him to react, he had already kicked at him: “Did you hear what I said?!”

Han Yu had always known that he and his only remaining brother Han Yang held no weight in their father’s heart. Having been kicked so heavily, he didn’t feel wronged. He stood up straight in silence and numbly nodded: “Your son understands.”

Han Zhengqing dismissed him expressionlessly, then instructed further: “Depart tonight. No matter what news you have, send it back immediately!”

Han Yu nodded again. After leaving, he first went to his mother to tell her he was going on a long journey.

His mother was only thirty years old, yet she had already been worn down beyond recognition, looking as haggard and aged as a woman of forty. Seeing him, she hurriedly came forward trembling, preparing to have someone prepare food for him.

His father had said that even if it cost his life, this task must be accomplished—otherwise, returning would also mean death. Looking at his mother, he suddenly felt somewhat afraid. He wasn’t afraid for himself—he was afraid of his mother having no one to care for her.

When Datong City fell and his father retreated, he hadn’t been willing to bring along his mother or Han Yang’s mother. In his father’s view, these people were already old and completely useless.

“No need to busy yourself.” Han Yu said dryly. Seeing his mother look at him in alarm, he lowered his head somewhat sadly: “I… I have to handle affairs for Father. I’m going on a long journey.”