"I will take responsibility for the Mei Village incident. We’ll say Mei Village was colluding with the barbarian tribes, and it was I who had you notify the North Border Army to eliminate such traitors."
"If something happens in the future, you can come to me directly."
Zheng Fan nodded vigorously again.
"You’ve now revealed your connection to the North Border Army. Previously, everyone was merely speculating. If I were to allocate more provisions, armaments, or men to you now, it would draw too much attention.
However, that’s of no consequence. If it truly comes to that, if the situation deteriorates to such a degree, and the Young Miss sends word that she desires Hutou City, you may inform me directly. I, Hui Wenzu, will personally open the city gates and offer Hutou City to her!"
Zheng Fan continued to nod emphatically.
The Earl of North Border’s Residence is getting exactly what it deserves from the Emperor of Yan State right now; they absolutely have it coming.
"Alright, you cannot remain here for too long. We have a mutual understanding. Unless it’s something truly important, avoid excessive contact on ordinary days.
Furthermore, rest at home for the next few days. Lie low and avoid the attention of those people outside. Before you make any moves, don’t put yourself in the eye of the storm."
"This subordinate understands."
"Alright, you may leave."
"This subordinate takes his leave."
Outside the Recruitment Envoy’s hall, fully armored, Zheng Fan strode out with the pompous air of a suddenly successful soldier, even adopting a swagger so arrogant he wouldn’t recognize his own kin!
Behind him, the portly Recruitment Envoy, one hand clutching his chest and the other brandishing a longsword, chased after him.
He roared at Zheng Fan’s retreating figure, "Insolent! Utterly insolent! Unacceptable, completely unacceptable! This is outrageous, truly outrageous!
The North Border Army, daring to be so arrogant and domineering! I shall report this to the Imperial Court! I will impeach you and the Earl of North Border! North Border Army, Earl of North Border, I am irreconcilably opposed to you!"
Zheng Fan strode out of the government office and retrieved his horse from the porter. After mounting, he turned, angling his body forty-five degrees to look at the government office’s plaque.
He spat contemptuously.
Afterward, the whip cracked. His horse bolted forward. No one dared to reproach him for galloping wildly within the city.
He maintained this domineering and arrogant demeanor all the way to his doorstep. After dismounting and tossing the reins to the porter, Zheng Fan quickly entered the rear courtyard. Once inside his room, Zheng Fan began to strip off his armor and clothes. His body was already drenched in cold sweat, and he felt utterly miserable.
By the time Siniang hurried over, having heard the commotion, Zheng Fan had already submerged himself in the bathing pool. The water, left from the previous day, was cold—a welcome relief.
Zheng Fan had also tossed the stone into the pool to soak in the cold water with him.
"Where is Mei Village located?" Zheng Fan asked Siniang the moment she entered.
"Reporting to My lord, it’s situated between Tuman City and our Hutou City."
"Blind Bei... It must be that damned Blind Bei!"
After three consecutive sneezes, tears welled up in Blind Bei’s eyes.
Xue Three teased, "Well, well, which young lady is missing you so?"
Riding beside him, Xiao Yibo immediately interjected, "Naturally, it is my wife who is thinking of Mr. Bei."
Damn... Xue Three thought, a flicker of admiration for Xiao Yibo sparking within him.
Blind Bei paid no mind to the two beside him. He pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, wiped his nose, and then lifted his head. Feigning sight, he stared at the towering city wall before them. A grand, imposing plaque hung upon it, bearing the characters: Tuman City.