Xun Zu encountered no incidents on the road. Things went smoothly—excessively so.

Zeng Yue brought two hundred soldiers to escort Xun Zu, while he personally protected Xun Zu closely—practically inseparable, even sleeping next to Xun Zu at night.

Not only could outsiders not harm Xun Zu, even Xun Zu himself couldn’t harm himself.

However, Xun Zu also didn’t have the courage to use his own life to frame Zhao Hanzhang.

Yuan Li and Zhao Shen escorted Yu Hong and protected Xun Fan on their return journey. The two groups met halfway.

Xun Zu first saw Yu Hong locked in a prison cart, looking wretched. Before he could be shocked, he rushed straight to the carriage to check on Xun Fan—he had to confirm his brother was still alive.

The imperial physician had arrived two days before Xun Zu. It was only after he arrived that Xun Fan and his group began their journey. At this moment, he was in the same carriage with Xun Fan.

Seeing Xun Zu rush in and grip Xun Fan’s hand in grief, he couldn’t help but speak: “Censor Xun, although Grand Tutor Xun’s injuries are severe, as long as he recuperates well, he’ll be fine.”

The physician Yuan Li and the others had found was reliable. Xun Fan’s biggest problems were excessive blood loss and his age. The physician happened to have a secret acupuncture technique to stop bleeding. After stopping the blood and prescribing blood-replenishing medicine, he barely kept Xun Fan alive.

Once the imperial physician arrived, he immediately gave Xun Fan a blood transfusion and used premium medicinal materials to adjust his condition. At this point, there was no danger—his wounds had even begun healing.

The physician truly didn’t understand what Xun Zu was crying about.

Xun Zu’s heart was filled with complicated feelings—relief, lingering fear, and some emotions he couldn’t quite identify.

Xun Fan found an excuse to dismiss the imperial physician, then learned from Xun Zu about what had happened in the capital.

Xun Fan had already realized what Zhao Hanzhang wanted to do. Looking at his brother, who was still crying and clearly hadn’t grasped Zhao Hanzhang’s intentions, he couldn’t help but sigh: “From several decades of chaos, we can see that the realm should prioritize virtue. Governing the nation with virtue is the path to lasting peace.”

Xun Zu looked up in a daze, his face covered in tears: “Brother, why do you suddenly bring this up?”

Xun Fan shook his head, not explaining to Xun Zu. Instead, he asked: “Is His Majesty well?”

Xun Zu perked up and quickly said: “Yes, only he lives in constant fear. This isn’t a long-term solution. After I left the capital, I don’t know if Zhao Hanzhang has made things difficult for His Majesty.”

Xun Fan shook his head slightly. Since Zhao Hanzhang wanted to reforge national morality, she wouldn’t make things difficult for the Emperor at this time.

Xun Fan said: “Don’t delay any longer. Let’s return to the capital quickly.”

Xun Zu agreed.

Outside, Yuan Li was also surprised by Zeng Yue’s arrival. His expression wasn’t good: “Why did the General send you to escort Xun Fan? And bring Xun Zu along?”

Zeng Yue: “I only follow orders.”

Yuan Li: “But you’re the General’s deputy commander. You should stay by the General’s side at all times.”

Zeng Yue frowned slightly, warning him: “Yuan Li, you’ve overstepped. How the General acts is the General’s business. We only need to obey orders.”

Zhao Shen also wandered over, praising Zeng Yue: “Deputy Commander Zeng is truly understanding.”

Zeng Yue bowed to Zhao Shen.

Zhao Shen quickly returned the courtesy.

Zeng Yue’s official position was higher than Zhao Shen’s, but Zhao Shen bore the Zhao surname, while Zeng Yue had once been a Zhao family retainer. Yuan Li refused to submit to Zhao Shen, but Zeng Yue had always given the Zhao family descendants a slight deference.

However, Zhao Shen didn’t dare truly treat them as family retainers. They followed Zhao Hanzhang’s orders, not the Zhao family’s.

Yuan Li’s gaze was dark and heavy as he remained silent.

On the return journey, Zeng Yue’s men replaced Yuan Li and Zhao Shen’s troops surrounding the Xun brothers. Zeng Yue traveled with Xun Zu, the imperial physician, and Xun Fan, never leaving their side whether camping in the wild or staying at post stations.

Zhao Shen watched in amazement, unable to help asking: “Who is he guarding against?”

Yuan Li was somewhat irritable, worried Zhao Hanzhang would blame him for acting on his own initiative. He also suspected Zeng Yue was guarding against him—no, he was fairly guarding against everyone.

Yuan Li sneered: “He’s always been like this—single-minded. The Lady definitely told him to protect Xun Fan and Xun Zu well, and this is the method he came up with.”

Just like when they were young and the Master said his horsemanship wasn’t good—that he’d fall off when forcefully swinging his blade while mounted—the intention was for him to find techniques, develop control, or stop being cavalry. But he single-mindedly practiced swinging his blade on horseback, constantly falling off and climbing back on until the Master couldn’t bear to watch and let him remain in the cavalry.

This method was clumsy but effective.

Xun Fan and Xun Zu returned safely to Luoyang.

Before entering the city, Zhao Shen invited Xun Zu to ride with him.

Xun Zu wanted to refuse, but Xun Fan said: “Go. Let me relax a bit. Four people in one carriage—I’m truly exhausted.”

Xun Zu: … He didn’t want to sit together either, but Zeng Yue insisted on watching over them both simultaneously, and wanted the imperial physician nearby in case of emergency. What could he do?

This fool didn’t consider that with all four in one carriage, if someone wanted to cause trouble, wouldn’t it be easy to take them all out at once?

But the peaceful journey showed that no one dared cause trouble.

The old ministers who supported the Emperor were the leaders in the carriage. Unless they could unanimously agree to kill both Xun Fan and Xun Zu simultaneously, they wouldn’t act.

As for Zhao’s faction, with Yuan Li providing escort and Zeng Yue present, no one dared overstep their bounds.

As for Yuan Li—at this moment, he didn’t dare either.

He touched the scar on his face, behaving with utmost propriety.

Xun Zu mounted his horse and rode into the city alongside Zhao Shen, Yuan Li, and the others.

Today was a rest day. Court officials, calculating their arrival in these two days, personally waited at the city gate. In the distance, seeing Xun Zu’s face appear, an official in a restaurant happily slapped the table: “He’s back, he’s back! Look quickly—Xun Zu has returned completely whole!”

His colleague across from him happily stroked his beard: “The General has the virtue of regency after all. Naturally she wouldn’t deceive us.”

Bah! That day in court, that wasn’t what you said. If you trusted Zhao Hanzhang, would you be squatting here watching with eager eyes?

However, everyone tactfully didn’t expose this, and began examining the five-hundred-plus-person procession: “There’s no coffin. Does that mean Grand Tutor Xun has passed the danger? That carriage is especially large—is he inside?”

“Zeng Yue isn’t visible. Most likely he’s in that carriage. That’s… Yu Hong?”

The two exchanged glances and frowned: “How did he become so wretched?”

“What crime did Yu Hong actually commit?”

“Only by asking Grand Tutor Xun will we know. Let’s go, let’s go. We’ll wait at the Xun residence first.”

At the same moment, many people emerged from restaurants and wine shops on both sides of the main road. Upon meeting, they were either colleagues or colleagues’ children and attendants.

Everyone nodded to each other tactfully, then quickly took shortcuts toward the Xun residence.

Yuan Li and his group were numerous and traveled the main road. With many pedestrians on the road requiring them to give way, they had to slow down, so their speed was far slower than those nimble court officials.

In the palace, Zhao Hanzhang was teaching the young Emperor archery. Hearing the report, her arrow whooshed through the air and pierced straight through the target. She nodded: “Not bad.”

The young Emperor at her side trembled.

Zhao Hanzhang looked at him: “Your Majesty should accompany me out of the palace to visit Grand Tutor Xun, to set his mind at ease.”

The young Emperor immediately said: “With the General caring for me in the palace, the Grand Tutor can be most at ease.”

Zhao Hanzhang’s lips curved slightly: “Then let it be to set Your Majesty’s mind at ease. After all, the Grand Tutor was injured for state affairs, and he’s Your Majesty’s relative. How can you not visit?”

She had someone lead the young Emperor to change clothes. They would leave the palace immediately.

Hearing this, the young Emperor stopped refusing. He was indeed somewhat worried about his second uncle.

When Zhao Hanzhang brought the young Emperor to the Xun residence, quite a few people had already gathered around Xun Fan.

Yuan Li’s gaze swept over those people without lingering much. He sneered once and left.

The first to visit Xun Fan were mostly from the old ministers’ faction, or officials supporting the young Emperor, or neutral parties. Only Ji Yuan was an exception.

In Ji Yuan’s presence, the old ministers couldn’t ask many questions directly. They could only ask Xun Fan: “Who was so bold as to harm the Grand Tutor?”

Xun Fan sighed: “Yu Hong’s brother-in-law, Zheng Zhi.”

The old ministers were stunned and quickly asked: “Why did Yu Hong do this? What crime did he commit?”

The case had been thoroughly investigated and evidence obtained. Xun Fan had nothing to hide, so he began explaining from how Yu Hong connived with Zheng Zhi to inflate grain prices.

Hearing that Yu Hong had also poisoned Xun Fan and Yuan Li, wanting to murder them, Xun Zu’s supporter Qiu Zhi couldn’t help stamping his foot: “He was foolish! Inflating grain prices—he should have just confessed and accepted punishment. Why murder the imperial envoys? A small offense has become a great crime. I fear his entire clan will be hard to preserve.”

Xun Zu said resentfully: “Brother was his good friend, yet he plotted against Brother’s life. He deserves this.”

Qiu Zhi said: “The Grand Tutor shouldn’t have asked Yuan Li to investigate this matter. Yu Hong was too frightened, which is why he made this mistake.”

Xun Zu frowned: “What do you mean by that? Are you blaming my brother?”

Qiu Zhi shook his head: “Forgive where one can forgive. The Grand Tutor could clearly have submitted a memorial of impeachment and had the court send another censor to investigate. Why involve Yuan Li?”

“That Yuan Li is vicious. Since he began investigating disaster relief, everyone he’s found guilty of inflating grain prices has been killed or had their property confiscated. The General especially hates officials colluding with grain merchants. Anyone found guilty is executed without exception. No wonder Yu Hong panicked.”

After finishing, Qiu Zhi looked at Ji Yuan, who was sitting to the side quietly drinking tea, and raised his hand: “Chamberlain Ji, this subordinate has long had objections. Since the flood, the General’s use of law has been too severe.”

Ji Yuan set down his teacup: “In chaotic times, use severe punishments—otherwise it’s difficult to deter evil hearts. Does Grand Tutor Xun also feel the General’s use of law is too severe?”

Xun Fan shook his head and looked at Qiu Zhi: “You haven’t gone to see those disaster victims. You don’t know how much they’ve suffered. Yu Hong… for officials like them, no law is too severe. If the General still allowed them to exploit the people at this time, this realm would be beyond saving.”

Qiu Zhi hadn’t expected Xun Fan to side with Zhao Hanzhang. He couldn’t help frowning: “Grand Tutor, you…”

“Enough.” Xun Zu interrupted their argument. “Brother is still recovering. He’s been traveling and is exhausted. Let him rest more.”

Ji Yuan had come to see with his own eyes whether the Xun brothers were alive and well. Having now seen them, he naturally wouldn’t stay long. He immediately rose to take his leave.

The other court officials also tactfully stood to withdraw. Just as they were about to leave, suddenly a servant came running in: “Master, the General and His Majesty have come to visit. They’ve already reached the gate…”

Hearing this, Xun Fan immediately tried to rise. Ji Yuan reacted and quickly pressed him down: “Your leg is injured. Just stay put. We’ll go greet them.”

Xun Zu also pressed him down: “Yes, Brother. Your leg wound must be careful. If it reopens, it could be fatal. We’ll go greet them.”

Ji Yuan led everyone out to greet them. Xun Zu quickly tried to follow but was pulled aside by Qiu Zhi.

He couldn’t help but slow his steps and moved aside with Qiu Zhi to speak: “What is it that can’t wait until later?”

“It will be too late later. His Majesty rarely comes here. Shouldn’t we make some preparations?”

Xun Zu was startled and whispered: “Have you gone mad? Zhao Hanzhang travels with personal guards, and with her skills, even if the guards don’t come close, we can’t beat her.”

“Aiya, that’s not what I meant. Who said anything about that? If one Zhao Hanzhang dies, the Zhao family army and Zhao clan are still here. How would I kill her? I meant we should prepare some things for His Majesty to take into the palace.”

Xun Zu relaxed and asked: “What things?”

Qiu Zhi pulled a dagger from his sleeve.

Xun Zu’s eyes widened as he pushed his hand back: “You’ve gone mad!”

Qiu Zhi: “Just in case. Haven’t you always wanted to get things to His Majesty but couldn’t? A short blade not only allows self-defense but can also kill enemies. We all have to be searched when entering the palace, but no one dares search His Majesty when he enters or exits. His Majesty rarely leaves the palace once. This may be the only chance.”

Xun Zu lowered his eyes in thought.

Don’t think that just because the young Emperor practiced archery in the palace and learned swordsmanship from Zhao Hanzhang or Zeng Yue, he could actually get his hands on any weapons.

The entire palace, from inside to out, was filled with Zhao Hanzhang’s people.

The former court army had all been broken up and incorporated into the Zhao family army. Those selected to be Imperial Guards in the capital were all Zhao family army core members.

Those selected into the palace were the most loyal.

In the Emperor’s palace, even if a bowl broke, all the shards had to be collected and confirmed to form a complete bowl before being swept up and recorded. So the young Emperor had nothing that could protect himself or harm others.

A handy weapon—Xun Zu had long wanted to get one to the young Emperor, but he couldn’t get it into the palace.

But the Emperor leaving the palace was different. The Zhao family army guarding the palace gates would search everyone entering, but they absolutely wouldn’t search the young Emperor.

After thinking, Xun Zu took the dagger and tucked it into his sleeve, whispering: “You can’t give it like this. Get a cloth bag, wrap it, and put in something else too. Quickly think—what else does His Majesty lack?”

“Money!” Qiu Zhi whispered: “If His Majesty had enough money, he might be able to bribe people around him. We’ll work gradually, moving a little at a time. One day we’ll be able to shake this great mountain that is Zhao Hanzhang.”

Xun Zu thought this made sense. Glancing toward the main gate, he hurried back to the room, grabbed a handful of pearls and some gold beans to put inside, tied the cloth bag tightly, tucked it in his sleeve, and rushed to greet them.

The two hurried toward the front courtyard. Before arriving, they ran into the approaching Zhao Hanzhang and young Emperor. Ji Yuan had received them at the main gate, so he returned quickly.

Zhao Hanzhang stopped and looked Xun Zu up and down: “What happened to Censor Xun? You’re covered in sweat.”

Xun Zu wiped the sweat from his forehead: “It’s hot. I was just about to go out to greet His Majesty and the General when I suddenly remembered the medicine I told servants to brew for Brother should be ready. If Brother takes medicine now, wouldn’t that be disrespectful to His Majesty and the General?”

Zhao Hanzhang: “Recovery is important. Neither His Majesty nor I mind such formalities.”

The young Emperor also nodded: “The Grand Tutor’s illness is important.”

Zhao Hanzhang lifted her foot to go inside, saying casually: “Have someone bring the medicine up. And invite the imperial physician to report. His Majesty is very concerned about the Grand Tutor and wants to inquire about his condition in detail.”

Xun Zu agreed and quickly had someone fetch the brewed medicine and invite the imperial physician.

—