Chapter 2033: The Gradually Advancing Conspiracy

The merchant ships no longer need to detour around the cape; they can go straight through the new waterway, saving half a month's time.

The shaping of this world's terrain still relies mainly on the power of nature.

"The weather has been favorable; a sea voyage of over a month is not long." He Chunhua then asked, "Regarding the Yangshan Islands, what else do you know?"

"Located southwest of Mou State's coast, opposite Daofeng Harbor. I heard it was originally an uninhabited barren island, later bought and developed by someone, now it's an important stop on the Golden Route, with thriving trade. Many merchant ships coming from the east pass through the Yangshan Islands."

He Chunhua asked a few more questions; the more he learned, the more alarmed he became. These years he has been diligent in governance, never wasting a moment, yet he did not expect He Lingchuan's achievements to far surpass his own.

This really is, alas!

He composed himself and began preparing the selection of envoys.

After the court session ended and the officials dispersed, he suddenly recalled something:

Should he tell these news to his lady and He Yue?

The last time, in the Panlong Illusion, father and son turned against each other, He Lingchuan departed without a trace. He Chunhua assumed they would never meet again, so upon returning home he only said the eldest son had unfortunately died.

He Yue fell into depression for over two months, and Ying Chan also wept constantly.

Now how should he say it? The eldest son is not dead but overseas, making a big name for himself, having gained a formidable reputation?

Will the lady scold him to death?

Since He Lingchuan is not dead, why did he flee ten thousand miles away? And how should he explain this to his younger son?

The eldest son has always been a thorn in his side, causing him endless worries, alas!

Just thinking about it makes him want to scratch his head.

With his hands clasped behind his back, he sighed inwardly; as he walked through the corridor, a few palace attendants hurriedly bowed.

Until the ruler's silhouette disappeared, they then whispered: "His Majesty smiles so happily—must there be some good news in the palace?"

……

These days, Nan Ronghe and several of his sons have been following the Nine Abysses Great Emperor, suppressing stubborn strongmen elsewhere.

Just the Nan Rong family alone has eliminated two bands of powerful foes and reclaimed a major city, truly remarkable military achievements, for which they were publicly honored.

Nan Ronghe's several sons, together with Luo Xie and Wanqi Xing and other core members, fought side by side and became well acquainted.

The Nan Rong troops were integrated into the Dragon God Army, training around the clock.

The Nan Rong family quickly merged into the Dragon God Army, just like the Luo Dian people and the Pei Guo people, adapting well.

Environment and atmosphere can influence people. The atmosphere of the Dragon God Army is purer than any army they have seen before.

Nan Ronghe personally witnessed the Dragon God Army's training methods, logistical support, and duty efficiency; deeply shocked, he also felt fortunate about his correct choice.

No wonder Luo Dian, the allied forces, and the Chixia were defeated one after another. Before this already smoothly operating war machine, even if the Nan Rong family resisted stubbornly, they would have no chance at all.

Moreover, the Nine Abysses Great Emperor also directly told him that the Dragon God Army's training would soon be completed. At that time, the 400,000-strong army would march toward Yao State, sweeping like autumn winds to defeat Bai Tan and destroy the strongest minion of the Heavenly Demon stationed on the Jinjin Plains!

400,000 troops!

Besides the Jinjin Empire a thousand years ago and Yao State before the palace coup, Nan Ronghe had never heard of any force in Jinjin capable of fielding such a number of troops.

With such an army, who would they not crush?

After another battle ended, and being close to home, Nan Ronghe conveniently returned for a visit.

But as soon as he stepped through the gate, attendants rushed over:

"Grandmother Wang requests your presence; the Young Lady has had a persistent high fever since last night, and several doses of medicine have had no effect."

Nan Ronghe has six sons but only one daughter, whom he dotes on doubly, as evidenced by her name "Ying'an."

"High fever since last night? Why wasn't it reported sooner?" Though Nan Ronghe was full of worries, he hastily prepared his carriage and rushed to Huanxi.

Fortunately, the journey was not far; he arrived in an hour and a half.

Huanxi is the most beautiful flower stream in Nan Rong's territory, with blossoms uninterrupted from spring to autumn, and ice flowers in winter, offering beauty in all four seasons.

This season is the perfect time for pear blossoms to bloom in full; jade trees and spring snow fill the flower valley, with a subtle fragrance drifting onto sleeves.

Nan Ronghe had no mind to admire the scenery; he spurred his horse into the Huanxi cottage.

The mountain villa's guards all bowed to him; Grandmother Wang rushed out to greet him: "Master."

"How did the Young Lady fall ill?"

Nan Ronghe knew his daughter was constitutionally weak, so he always carried talismans and medicines for dispelling illness, eliminating disasters, and curing plagues.

"She went to play by the stream yesterday, returned and developed a fever, often muttering."

"Did she go into the water?"

"She only washed her feet in the stream, not for long, just a quarter of an hour." Grandmother Wang dared not breathe heavily, blaming herself for negligence in caring for the Young Lady, "She just woke up, got up, and drank some porridge."

Latest⊥release⊥at⊥⊥⊥first⊥release!

"I'll go see."

The spring wind was cool; the daughter's chambers had doors and windows tightly shut. Grandmother Wang knocked and said the master had arrived; from inside came a voice: "Come in."

Nan Ronghe entered; the room was filled with faint fragrance, a bean-sized lamp before the bed casting light on the shadow behind the gauze curtain.

Nan Rong Ying'an first spoke, saying "Father," her voice sweet and soft.

"How did you get sick?" Nan Ronghe sat on the chair beside the bed, "Extend your hand."

"I feel dizzy." The daughter extended her hand; he lightly took her pulse.

The pulse was sluggish, like ordinary wind-cold invasion, but with occasional jumps, as if there were some blockage.

"Was there anything abnormal in the stream yesterday?"

"No." Nan Rong Ying'an countered him, "Father, why do you frown?"

Nan Ronghe casually replied, "Nothing."

"I heard Grandmother Wang and the servants say you have submitted to the Dragon God?"

"……" When did Grandmother Wang become so talkative? "What does this have to do with you? Rest and recover."

"How is it unrelated?" Nan Rong Ying'an sat upright, "If the Dragon God comes, perhaps he won't allow me to monopolize Huanxi, but will drive me out."

"You are my Nánróng Hé's daughter—who would dare to harm you?" Nánróng Hé laughed, "Besides, why would the Dragon God specifically make things difficult for a little girl like you? I saw the Dragon God today—his appearance is remarkably handsome and talented! In a few years, who knows..."

Nánróng Yíng'ān added: "I heard that the Dragon God does not allow lords and nobles who have surrendered to remain in their original homes; they must relocate elsewhere."

Nánróng Hé found it strange: "And who told you that?"

Your daughter has been raised in the inner chambers, never hearing outside affairs—where did she learn these details from?

"My maternal uncle said that Chén Xiānhé and his family, the lords of Qū'ān City, moved away two months ago. That's the reason." The daughter pressed on: "Is this really true?"

Nánróng Hé did not answer directly: "You've lived in Huànxī for many years—aren't you tired of the scenery? There are countless beautiful places in the world; let me find you another lovely landscape of mountains and waters."

He was coaxing a child, but he also silently accepted her words.

Nánróng Yíng'ān murmured softly: "My head feels dizzy. Come to think of it, I suddenly remembered—yesterday, while playing in the water, my palm felt as if it had been pricked by something."