Chapter 1268: Rule 32 for Raising a Loyal Dog

Along thought the young master's secret had finally brought himself along to play, and he ran over in quick steps.

Young master! Any orders?

He actually didn't recognize him!

Dahu secretly delighted, his playfulness getting the better of him.

I heard there are rabbits nearby; go catch two to roast and eat, and meanwhile pick some good fruit.

Ah……?

Along instinctively looked around, not knowing where the young master had heard that; they'd stayed on this mountain three days without seeing a rabbit, where could he find one?

But the young master's order is sure to be correct.

All right, young master, wait here; I'll go look now.

Along bent down, picked up the side sword beside the carriage, swiftly leapt down the slope, and disappeared into the underbrush to look for wild rabbits.

He didn't realize it was already nearing early winter; how could there be wild fruit on these desolate hills?

What an idiot.

Dahu secretly laughed, his shoulders shaking nonstop.

Jin Chen and Yajiu, at the side curtain, took in the whole scene: "They didn't notice, which shows the disguise is pretty good."

Yajiu tilted his head, fingertips brushing Jin Chen's brow, "I can tell them apart."

"Why?" Jin Chen took his hand, brought it to his lips for a light kiss, teasing: "Could it be because Xiao Jiu is smarter?"

Yajiu's eyes were earnest, he lifted his head and said: "Because my heart holds only you, so I can tell them apart."

Jin Chen's flirtatious remark got stuck in his throat.

He had intended to tease the little guard, but didn't expect Yajiu's words to flirt back.

He couldn't suppress the corners of his mouth, hugging Yajiu and kissing him fiercely several times: "Good, good, good, you're getting more eloquent by the day; this heir apparent can hardly keep up."

Yajiu accepted the kiss, also feeling pleased, and a smile slipped out from his eyes.

Yajiu thought, it's not that he's eloquent; it's just that the master is so good, letting him dare to speak his heart.

Inside the carriage, breath suddenly drew near, warm air mingling together.

Outside the carriage, Dahu was still laughing.

The guard beside the carriage wondered, what's wrong with the young heir?

He poked his head out, glancing again and again: "Young master, are you… feeling unwell?"

No… hahahahaha…

Guard: ……

Jin Chen lifted the curtain; if he didn't show authority, it would be gone.

Dahu, and you all, come over and listen to this operation plan.

"Coming, coming." Dahu cheerfully ran over, not standing properly, and gave himself away in a second.

Jin Chen picked up a stick, drew a line on the yellow earth, with Yajiu squatting beside him.

Now Crown Prince Cheng already suspects me; to avoid affecting Father King and subsequent actions, Dahu disguises himself as me, bringing everyone back to the prince's residence, pretending it's just a leisurely outing.

I'll take Xiao Jiu into Five Plains County; the target is minor and not easy to spot.

Dahu was a bit worried: "But… what if you encounter danger—what should we do?"

Yajiu turned to look at him, earnest and calm: "With me here, the master will come to no harm."

Dahu: "…That's true enough."

But I can fool them; the king and queen will surely notice I'm not the young master.

Jin Chen brushed off the dust on his hands, casually said: "Go find Huaiyu; he'll surely help you bluff your way through."

Oh.

Dahu let out a deep, worried sigh, then after self‑encouragement raised his fist: "Young master, rest assured, I will definitely get this done for you!"

Jin Chen nodded: "Set the deadline at half a month; once the task is done, I and Yajiu will go straight to the capital; then you can reveal your identity to the Father King and bring them to meet in the capital."

Yes!

——

A few days later.

Outside Wanling City's prince's residence, the gateboy saw the retinue and carriage, both startled and delighted, hurried inside to report.

Prince!! The young heir has returned!

The residence bustled again.

Dahu lifted the door curtain, saw a huge crowd kneeling in a mass; previously he hadn't noticed when following the young master, but now every look made his legs feel weak.

He silently recited Amitabha in his heart, holding his composure as he dismounted.

Father King, Mother.

Dahu performed the salute, a painful expression masked by his sleeves.

It's good that you're back.

Xu Wangyue's heart‑stone settled completely; she chided, "These days everyone's been spreading the rumor that you're the Lord of Nothingness, but now that you're back, the rumor collapses on its own."

Dahu nodded, thoroughly putting into practice the young master's saying "if you don't know how to respond, just nod".

Chen'er, why aren't you speaking?

Xu Wangyue wondered, "You also heard those rumors on the road, didn't you? No need to take them to heart."

Jin Xuanqi embraced her, soothing: "Maybe you're just tired."

Hurry back to the courtyard to rest.

Jin Xuanqi thought a moment, summoned the steward: "Spread the word; make sure anyone lurking in Wanling knows that Chen'er has returned to the residence."

"Yes, Prince."

The next day after returning to the Prince's residence, Da Hu immediately went to Xu Manor to find Xu Huaiyu.

However, he noticed that Xu Manor was somewhat gloomy and miserable, as if everyone was not very happy.

Da Hu, puzzled, walked in and saw Xu Huaiyu running over eagerly.

"Cousin!"

Xu Huaiyu's eyes held Hot Tears, as if seeing hope, "You finally came back!"

"Brother Chen, you're truly immoral, and you didn't even tell me how to return to the body, just running off to wander the four seas carefree."

Zhou Zhihong followed Xu Huaiyu in performing the salute, after a slight complaint he asked again.

"You previously said that only with an opportunity could one return to the body; so much time has passed, yet that demon cannot be killed—what should we do?"

"Right! I heard that outside you were rumored to be the Lord of Nothingness; don't say it, according to my understanding of you, there really is some possibility, but as long as you're unharmed, that's fine."

Zhou Zhihong chattered on and on, but no one responded.

He and Xu Huaiyu both stared, their eyes meeting.

Zhou Zhihong sighed alas, "Brother Chen can't see me!"

"That shouldn't be..."

Xu Huaiyu's expression changed suddenly, "You're not my cousin! You are…"

"Shush!" Da Hu hurriedly made him lower his voice, speaking softly: "Young Master, I am Da Hu, this is not a place to talk."

Xu Huaiyu's heart stirred, "I understand, follow me!"

After hearing the full story, Xu Huaiyu remained filled with admiration, "My cousin actually truly is the Lord of Nothingness, he's really amazing!"

"Da Hu, rest assured, since my cousin trusts me so much, I will certainly not let him down."

Da Hu: "Right, the young master also said that a few days later, on your wedding day, if that demon still hasn't left, then you should stab him in the heart."

Zhou Zhihong covered his heart in fear, his face turning pale.

Xu Huaiyu frowned, "I haven't not thought of it, but… after all, that is Brother Zhihong's body."

Da Hu continued to recount Jin Chen's words, "If we don't do this, Young Master Zhou may end up as a wandering soul for life."

Zhou Zhihong instantly calmed down.

Still, it should be killed; enduring a bit of pain is better than being a ghost for life.

The struggle in Xu Huaiyu's eyes gradually faded, "Alright, I trust my cousin."

After watching the monitor screen, Jin Chen withdrew his consciousness, feeling guilty as he lightly touched his nose.

Still, don't be too trusting.

This method… frankly speaking, has no basis; it's purely following the original plot—only when the body is killed can Zhou Zhihong return.

As for whether it will succeed now, it entirely depends on the protagonist's fortune; anyway, if it fails, Zhou Zhihong will still remain a ghost.