“The purpose is simple.”

Xie Zhifei said, “I’m advising General Bu to proactively deliver Xu Nian’an to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Whether he lives or dies, don’t interfere.”

Bu Liu’s expression changed. “And then?”

Xie Zhifei continued, “Then write a memorial of self-reproach and submit it to the Emperor at tomorrow’s morning court. Whether it’s minor punishment or major penalty, accept your fate!”

Veins bulged on Bu Liu’s forehead.

“Master Xie’s so-called aftermath would send me, Bu Liu, straight to death’s door!”

“Quite the contrary.”

Xie Zhifei’s lips curved. “I want to save General Bu from death’s door.”

Bu Liu’s heart jolted, his gaze fixed on him. “What do you mean by that?”

Xie Zhifei explained, “Xu Nian’an is your adopted son. He was involved with the spy for three months. In the eyes of certain people with ulterior motives, that’s equivalent to you being involved with the spy for three months.”

Bu Liu flew into a rage.

“I, Bu Liu, have conducted myself uprightly and honestly. My loyal heart answers to Heaven above and to…”

“If that’s the case, why was General Bu in such a rush to beat the spy to death?”

Xie Zhifei smiled coldly. “To silence a witness for your adopted son’s sake, or for your own?”

“I…”

“Why not hand the person over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for thorough investigation?”

“…”

“Unable to explain yourself, correct?”

“…”

“Even jumping into the Yellow River couldn’t wash you clean, correct?”

“…”

Xie Zhifei sighed softly.

“Dead men tell no tales, but dead men also cannot clear your name. With no proof either way, whether General Bu is innocent or guilty will be left to others to decide.”

Cold sweat ran down Bu Liu’s spine.

“Do you think His Majesty would trust others, or trust you, General Bu? Tatars and our nation are on the verge of war. If I were His Majesty, at this crucial time of needing capable men, I would naturally trust you. But…”

Xie Zhifei’s peach-blossom eyes narrowed.

“As long as there’s one defeat in battle, people will question why we lost. Was it because someone leaked information in advance? And who would that person be?”

It could only be him, Bu Liu.

Bu Liu’s right thumb dug into his index finger, quickly creating several bloody marks.

“Make your decision, General Bu.”

Xie Zhifei said, “Though the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters is no place for humans and means near-certain death, I’m willing to do my utmost to help General preserve Xu Nian’an’s dog life.”

Bu Liu’s pupils suddenly contracted.

“As for you, General Bu…”

Xie Zhifei laughed lowly. “I said before—at this time of need, His Majesty will naturally trust you.”

“Why help me?” Bu Liu’s eyes remained cold.

The bureaucratic world was different from the battlefield.

On the battlefield, blades rose and heads fell—either the enemy died or you did. Clean and decisive.

In officialdom, everything was interconnected, full of scheming and manipulation. Who was enemy, who was friend—impossible to distinguish clearly.

This young man had no ties of blood or friendship with him. What was his purpose in helping?

Was there someone behind him?

If so, who?

“Does General Bu want to hear official words or private words?”

“Both.”

“The official words are…”

Xie Zhifei took a breath. “I respect that General Bu hasn’t forgotten his origins—all thirty thousand men of Bu’s Army came from Zheng’s Army.”

Bu Liu scratched his index finger again, suppressing the surging emotions in his eyes. “And the private words?”

Xie Zhifei stepped forward and slowly leaned his head close, stopping by Bu Liu’s ear.

“The Zheng residence had a Begonia Courtyard. In that courtyard was a boy named Zheng Huaizuo. This boy couldn’t leave the courtyard, so every day he’d climb the wall and throw stones at me. He’s dead now, but I still remember that grudge!”

Bu Liu’s heart gave a heavy thump. He turned to look at Xie Zhifei.

This man had beautiful eyes, with upturned corners that gave them a naturally flirtatious look. The pupils within were very black, containing a hint of tearful glimmer, yet like the sunset that had just set, they disappeared too quickly in Bu Liu’s vision.

“Otherwise, what the hell are you to me, Bu Liu?”

After cursing, Xie Zhifei turned and walked away.

Bu Liu watched his retreating figure and suddenly burst into wild laughter.

Laughter that was both bold and carefree.

He even laughed until tears came.

So there was still someone in this world who held grudges just like him.

How wonderful!

How fucking wonderful!

He shouted loudly, “Brother Xie, I’ll find you for drinks later—we won’t go home until we’re drunk!”

“Piss off—”

…

Northern City Gate.

Young Master Pei felt like his neck had stretched three inches longer.

Little bastard, why isn’t he here yet? Any longer and your sister-in-law will freeze to death.

Because of their hasty departure, the cloak had been left at the Zhu residence. In this bitter cold, standing at the windiest spot by the city gate, Zhu Weixi was trembling with cold.

Fine, I’ll make the sacrifice.

Young Master Pei took off his fur-lined cloak and draped it over Zhu Weixi’s shoulders, though his own hands were shaking.

Zhu Weixi turned to look at him. He cleared his throat. “Sister-in-law, don’t misunderstand—this is just respecting the elderly and caring for the young.”

Zhu Weixi saw Young Master Pei every few days, mainly because he came to the Xie household so frequently. But this was the first time seeing him at such close range.

In terms of looks, he couldn’t compare to Third Brother;

In terms of composure, he couldn’t compare to Xie Erli;

In terms of capability, he couldn’t even touch the edges of Xie Buhuo’s abilities.

But the fact that Yan Sanhe felt comfortable entrusting matters to him showed this person had exceptional qualities. Zhu Weixi smiled gratefully.

She might as well not have smiled—it looked even worse than crying.

These married women—not a single one compared to Hero Li. If Hero Li encountered this situation, she would most likely…

Eh?

Young Master Pei’s expression stiffened.

Am I insane, thinking about Hero Li for no reason?

No, wait!

It seems I’ve been thinking about her quite frequently lately.

Amitabha Buddha!

It must be because I’ve maintained this virgin body too long, causing my liver fire to be too strong, my heart fire too intense, making my brain somewhat confused.

Lost in these random thoughts, his ears suddenly caught the sound of hoofbeats in the distance.

His face lit up. “Xie Fifty is back.”

Zhu Weixi stood on tiptoe to look. In the night, she saw two horses galloping toward them. Who else but Xie Zhifei could be on those horses?

…

Spring Breeze Pavilion.

Second floor private room.

Yan Sanhe took a sip of tea and frowned slightly as she set it down.

Li Buyan noticed her expression. “Not good?”

“Doesn’t taste as good as what the Zhu family has.”

“That’s it, Yan Sanhe.”

Li Buyan deliberately teased her. “You’re starting to despise poverty and love wealth too.”

Yan Sanhe absentmindedly made a sound of agreement, set down the teacup, and collapsed on the table. “I’ll sleep for a bit. Wake me when they arrive.”

“All right!”

Only after Li Buyan saw her close her eyes did her expression turn serious.

Usually during spirit resolution work, this person had boundless energy, able to go three days and nights on horseback without sleep.

Now look—drowsy at noon, drowsy again now. Could it be the result of losing those two drops of blood?

Li Buyan stared blankly at Yan Sanhe for a while, then walked out of the private room and ordered a server to prepare over a dozen dishes in one breath.

Returning to the room, Yan Sanhe was still sleeping, completely unaware she had left and returned.

Just as she was feeling anxious, the door was pushed open from outside. Young Master Pei breezed in energetically, with no one behind him.

“Where’s Third Master?”

Li Buyan asked, “Where’s Zhu Weixi?”

“Xie Fifty needs to stop by the Military Commission first. Sister-in-law returned to the Xie residence. She asked me to thank Yan Sanhe for her kindness, but she has matters on her mind and can’t eat—didn’t want to dampen everyone’s spirits.”

Young Master Pei stretched his hands over the charcoal brazier to warm them. “Xie Fifty said if things go smoothly, he should be able to find Geng Songsheng in about half a month.”

“Too slow.”

Yan Sanhe straightened up and rubbed her face with her hands.

“Is there a faster way?”