Chapter 1053

Xu Lingkong did not answer Hu Xiaotian's question, he turned and walked away, leaving Hu Xiaotian a desolate and forlorn back view.

Hu Xiaotian called out from behind him: "Senior!"

Xu Lingkong did not turn back.

"Grandfather! Take care!"

Xu Lingkong's steps paused slightly, he nodded, and said in a low voice: "I'll give you a piece of advice: stay away from Hong Beimo."

Yang Lingqi's surgery was very successful, but he still could not use his hands for a few days. Hu Xiaotian let him temporarily stay at Fengyi Shan Zhuang to recuperate. Yang Lingqi clearly felt uneasy; Hu Xiaotian's return to Kangdu this time would likely face pressure from all sides. Although he could not move his hands, his mind was still sharp and could help Hu Xiaotian analyze the situation and offer ideas.

Hu Xiaotian understood Yang Lingqi's thoughts, smiled and comforted him: "This time I'm returning not to take office, nor to seek revenge, just to visit home; I left in too much haste, leaving many things behind."

Yang Lingqi said: "May I ask, Sir, will you take over the Divine Strategy Manor this time?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "The Divine Strategy Manor is merely a title; now only Elder Brother Zhou is in charge there. Although the Yongyang Princess is ambitious and wants to recruit talent, given Dakang's current situation, who with ability would still come, who would still be willing to aid a dynasty on the verge of collapse?" The Divine Strategy Manor has existed for a while, but its organization is far from ideal. Initially it was divided into five divisions—Wind, Rain, Thunder, Lightning, Star—but its core strength remained these people, and they never recruited truly capable individuals.

Yang Lingqi said: "The Yongyang Princess wants you to return so that you can assist her and continue the unfinished great undertaking of the past."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Although her ambition is not small, after all she is a girl, her perspective ultimately lacks some breadth; looking back now, it was not wise to have opposed Hong Beimo initially."

Yang Lingqi said: "Sir, you might consider my suggestion."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled. Yang Lingqi had repeatedly urged him to marry Qiqi and quickly solidify his status as prince consort. Hu Xiaotian said: "If I bring this up now, not only will the Emperor think I have ulterior motives, but the Princess will also look down on me, Brother Lingqi. Just focus on your recovery; this time I return to Kangdu won't be long, and I will handle everything carefully, never involving myself in palace intrigues."

Hu Xiaotian this time returned to Kangdu bringing only Weisa and Liang Yinghao; the journey from Fengyi Shan Zhuang to Kangdu takes a full half day. Upon arriving in Kangdu, Hu Xiaotian did not rush to see Qiqi, but first returned to the Secretary's Residence. Arriving at the Bo Xuan Pavilion where his father usually resided, he had Liang Yinghao carefully investigate whether there were any abnormalities inside the Bo Xuan Pavilion. Hu Xiaotian believed that since his father had made plans early, he must have left some clues at home. Xu Lingkong had clearly told him that Hu Wuwei had gone to Heavenly Fragrance State, and besides that had not revealed much more information; why his father chose Heavenly Fragrance State. Since he chose Heavenly Fragrance State as his refuge, he must have previously been in contact with the powerful figures of Heavenly Fragrance State.

Hu Xiaotian suddenly thought of Long Xi Yue. Remembering that after she left Haizhou without farewell, his elder brother Zhou Mo had once analyzed that she likely went to Heavenly Fragrance State to seek refuge with her aunt, the Heavenly Fragrance State's Empress Dowager Long Xuanjiao. Hu Xiaotian was once heartbroken over this news. He never imagined that someone as gentle and kind as Long Xi Yue would betray him, but now recalling, her silent departure raises many doubts. A frail woman actually used an incapacitating drug to subdue Zhou Mo and Zhan Peng, these martial arts experts.

Zhan Peng and Zhou Mo are brothers who have shared life-and-death experiences. Initially Zhan Peng, to save me, did not hesitate to risk beheading. Zhou Mo is my sworn brother; he and Xiao Tianmu swore brotherhood with me in Azure Cloud, traveling all the way from Xichuan to Kangdu to rescue me, and then accompanied me to Da Yong.

During the month or so of mourning for his mother, Hu Xiaotian almost every day recalled the past events bit by bit. He realized that from the very beginning he had overlooked one thing: he did not know the origins of his sworn brothers Zhou Mo and Xiao Tianmu; all he knew came from them, and their sworn brotherhood from the start was for mutual benefit. Hu Xiaotian began to wonder: why, when he first arrived at Azure Cloud, did they seek him out? With Zhou Mo's martial skill, he once led two hundred brave soldiers of the Tiger Head Battalion, yet why did they suffer such a crushing defeat at the hands of the Tianlang Mountain bandits? Why did Zhou Mo infer that Long Xi Yue fled to Heavenly Fragrance State? Why did Xiao Tianmu volunteer to accompany Hu Wuwei to Luosong to develop the sea route? These questions formed doubts, and Hu Xiaotian's heart had already been shaken.

Weisa knocked on the door, interrupting Hu Xiaotian's reverie, and she said softly: "Master, the food and drink are ready; Liang Da Zhuang has gone to invite Zhou Ye, they should arrive shortly."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "Weisa!"

Weisa said: "Master, do you have any other orders?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Later, when I drink with my elder brother, could you play the flute to liven things up for us?"

Weisa lowered her head a bit embarrassed: "As long as you like it, I am certainly willing; I don't know what tune you prefer."

Hu Xiaotian clasped his hands behind his back, turned around, and said softly: "It's not for me to hear; I want you to play for my elder brother, a piece you are best at—a soul‑entrancing melody."

Weisa blinked her ice‑blue eyes, her gaze full of disbelief; in her impression Hu Xiaotian and Zhou Mo were brothers who shared life and death, yet she did not know why Hu Xiaotian would use such a method on his sworn elder brother—could their friendship have gone awry?

Hu Xiaotian said: "I suspect he is hiding something from me, so I want you to help me verify it."

Weisa said: "Zhou Ye's character is loyal and honest; it should……"

Hu Xiaotian calmly said: "I once thought my father was the person who cared for me most in this world, but the facts gave me a resounding slap."

Weisa said: "Master's affairs are my affairs; I will do my best to handle this."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Weisa, you must bring out your utmost skill, striving to control his mind and spirit; just for a moment will do."

Weisa nodded.

Hu Xiaotian silently thought to himself: "I hope you are wrong!"

After receiving Liang Da Zhuang's report, Zhou Mo immediately followed him to the Secretary's Residence. Hu Xiaotian had set up a banquet in the back garden; the back garden was filled with chrysanthemums in full bloom, and as the autumn wind blew, the ground was covered in gold.

Zhou Mo strode across the golden petals to Hu Xiaotian's front, stretched out his arms and patted Hu Xiaotian's broad shoulders, pursed his lips and said: "Third Brother! You've finally returned!"

Hu Xiaotian smiled: "Although Mother has gone, I still must go on living; I cannot let you brothers worry about me."

Zhou Mo relieved said: "Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease; you should also shave your beard—you grow even more luxuriantly than I do. If we two brothers walked out like this, no one would know who is the elder brother."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled, but his smile quickly faded: "I wonder how Second Brother is doing these days."

Zhou Mo also let out a sigh.

Hu Xiaotian said: "Let's not talk about that for now, Elder Brother; it's been a long time since we drank together. I've prepared some food and drink; let's have a few good cups today."

Zhou Mo nodded, the two brothers sat in the pavilion, Hu Xiaotian picked up the wine jug and filled their wine bowls; Zhou Mo could hold his liquor, and when drinking with him they always used large bowls. Hu Xiaotian raised his bowl and said: "Bottoms up!"

Zhou Mo lifted his bowl and drained it in one gulp; Hu Xiaotian also raised his head and drank the wine. He couldn't help recalling how Zhou Mo had accompanied him to Da Yong, repeatedly sharing life‑and‑death trials; a complex, indescribable feeling welled up, and the fragrant, mellow wine turned bitter and hard to swallow.

Zhou Mo set down his bowl and hurriedly poured more wine: "Third Brother, what are your plans? Are you preparing to return and take charge of the Divine Strategy Manor?"

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "I have heard nothing from my father so far; Second Brother and Feiyan are still on the ship, and those fifty warships have vanished without a trace."

Zhou Mo said: "During this period I have carefully studied the nautical charts; based on the information gathered so far, perhaps the fleet turned back toward the waters of Heavenly Fragrance State."

Hu Xiaotian said: "My father would never do that!"

Zhou Mo said: "Don't forget, Third Brother, aside from Uncle Hu and our own people, the ship carries ten thousand elite marines; on the vast ocean, they are the ones who play the crucial role."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "So much time has passed, yet there is still not a hint of news."

Zhou Mo said: "I intend to go personally to Heavenly Fragrance State to see what actually happened."

A chilly wind blew, bringing the scent of chrysanthemums; Hu Xiaotian gazed quietly at the garden's chrysanthemums and softly recited: "When autumn comes on the ninth day of the ninth month, my flowers bloom after all others have withered!"

Zhou Mo praised: "Fine poem; though I, your humble brother, lack learning, this poem sounds heroic and lofty, very satisfying."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Let's set these matters aside for now; tonight let's relax our minds, drink, drink!"

Zhou Mo said: "Not bad; it's time to relax our minds. As long as Third Brother is willing, I, your humble brother, will risk my life to accompany you as a gentleman and drink with you until we are drunk."

Hu Xiaotian said: "That's natural, but drinking bowl after bowl would be too monotonous; why don't I have Weisa play a tune to liven our drinking?"

Zhou Mo laughed: "Brother, don't bother the young lady; I don't understand music, so even if you summon her it would be playing the lute to an ox."

Hu Xiaotian had already raised his voice calling Weisa.

Not long after, Weisa approached holding a jade flute and bowed to the two.

Hu Xiaotian had her sit to the side, smiling: "I told my elder brother that your flute playing is exceptional; please come over and play a piece to enliven our drinking."

Weisa's ice‑blue eyes gazed at Zhou Mo: "I don't know what tune you would like to hear, Sir Zhou."

Zhou Mo gave a wry smile: "I really don't understand music; let my brother decide."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Then play a local tune from your homeland."

Weisa said: "Then I will play the 'Great Desert Autumn Longing' piece for you to hear."

Second update delivered, please vote for Monthly Ticket! (To be continued~^~)