Chapter 1271: Rule 35 for Raising a Loyal Dog

The day after Jin Chen set out, Dahu in Yang Prefecture counted the days, finally reaching the fifteenth day.

Young Master had said earlier that by now he had already captured Prince Cheng, and could go to the capital.

Dahu couldn't wait and had the steward summon both the lord and his lady.

"Ah, little Highness, you finally came out of the Idle Summer Pavilion."

The steward also felt puzzled, having heard that Yajiu was off on a mission, and thought the young master was pining for someone in the Idle Summer Pavilion, but the servant who brought meals each day only said the Highness simply refused to see anyone, and was otherwise fine.

Seeing that half a month had passed since returning to the manor, he finally was willing to come out for a stroll.

"Don't waste time, hurry and summon someone."

Dahu pushed the old steward out, then stood where he was and thought.

Not good; to protect his own life, he still had the cousin young master come over, so he could later plead on his behalf.

Speaking of that cousin young master, Dahu simply didn't want to mention him.

Since that day when the method was spoken, the next day they moved up the wedding, and on the third day they were married.

This kept the Xu household busy inside and out, and the folk of Wanling City thought Xu Huaiyu had had a change of heart, letting go of past grudges, and joyfully tied the knot.

But that night they announced they would first do the bridal chamber, then the wedding ceremony the next day—originally improper—yet both the Xu and Zhou households were very pleased; the Zhou elder brothers, fearing their younger brother might run off, literally dragged him into the bridal chamber.

This matter spread throughout Wanling City, becoming tea-time gossip for a while.

But no one knew how Zhou Zhihong erupted in furious scolding during the bridal chamber.

He had been tormented day after day by the 'Grand Master's Exorcism' these past days, let alone developing any lofty ambitions; merely staying alive was difficult.

He had thought surviving this tribulation would usher in the road to success, but who would have guessed Xu Huaiyu still hadn't given up on killing him.

The dagger struck straight at the heart, without the slightest deviation.

Zhou Zhihong again felt the anguish of being near death, and then it was as if his soul floated up, wandering in all directions yet unable to return to his body.

But he saw that Zhou Zhihong's soul had actually returned; it turned out Zhou Zhihong had never disappeared at all.

Xu Huaiyu endured and waited a while, finally feeling his body regain breath.

Zhou Zhihong strained to lift his hand, making the agreed-upon signal gesture.

The cousin's method works! Xu Huaiyu burst into tears and hurriedly had the manor physician come to treat him.

Everyone was very happy.

Except Dahu.

During those few days, the Zhou household sent people every day to thank the young master; Dahu initially dealt with it nervously, but eventually just gave up, shut himself in and saw no one, to avoid worrying about slipping up.

Half an hour later, Xu Huaiyu and Zhou Zhihong hurried over, only to run into Jin Xuanqi and Xu Wangyue.

The four stared at each other, and Xu Wangyue wondered, 'Why do you look like this today? Are you feeling guilty about some wrongdoing?'

Xu Huaiyu gave an embarrassed laugh, 'You… will find out shortly.'

Jin Xuanqi had already decided how to punish Jin Chen when he personally saw Dahu remove his mask.

Upon hearing Dahu explain that the Lord of Wuyou was none other than Jin Chen, he began to feel a bit worried.

Finally, Dahu said, 'The young master said the deadline was half a month; he should already be on the road to the capital.'

Jin Xuanqi: '……'

He began to doubt his own comprehension.

'You mean, Chen'er plotted all this just to avoid becoming heir apparent, even killing so many corrupt officials?'

'Even the reactions of this prince and his consort are part of his scheme.'

Although Dahu really didn't want to admit it, the lord's authority was too intimidating, so he quickly nodded, 'Yes… that's what it means.'

Jin Xuanqi then asked Xu Huaiyu and Zhou Zhihong, 'You also know his plan and have given him aid.'

Startled, Xu Huaiyu hurriedly shook his head, 'We don't know anything at all.'

'In other words, Chen'er accomplished all this entirely on his own……'

Jin Xuanqi chuckled, 'This child, if he weren't unwilling himself, would hardly need any training.'

This is the heaven-chosen heir apparent.

Xu Wangyue took a deep breath, still able to hold on, 'Steward! Prepare the horses, get ready to go to the capital.'

Dahu's eyes rolled about, 'And what about me…?'

Jin Xuanqi glanced at him, 'You've been following Chen'er since childhood; you've indeed learned quite well.'

'Dock your pay for three months, and stay on guard at the manor.'

Dahu sighed.

That'll do; at least I've kept my life.

——

Inside the Imperial Palace of the capital.

Now that winter has arrived, the Imperial Study is filled with warmth; the draped windows hang with azure-and-crimson flowered curtains, and even when the wind blows in there is no chill.

Jin Xuan zhang was reviewing memorials when he heard the eunuch announce that Lord Wuyou wished to enter the palace for an audience.

'Lord Wuyou…'

That name has recently become quite renowned.

If it weren't for him, they'd probably still need quite a while to catch those remnants; Jin Xuan zhang hasn't hesitated to use that name to berate the so-called 'capable officials' who eat the state's salary yet do nothing worthwhile.

'Let him wait in the side hall.'

'Yes, Your Majesty.'

After Jin Xuan zhang had reviewed a few more memorials, he went to the side hall but saw no sign of Lord Wuyou.

'Chen'er?'

Jin Chen changed into dark-red robes, rose, and bowed, 'Greetings, Imperial Uncle.'

Jin Xuan Zhang looked at him doubtfully, glanced a few more times toward the back; only Yajiu, who was following beside Jin Chen, was there.

「How is it you? I thought Lord Wuyou wanted to see me。」

「Hehe, I am Lord Wuyou。」

Jin Chen smiled slyly, 「Imperial Uncle, aren't you delighted! 」

Jin Xuan Zhang: ……

He rubbed his forehead, for a moment doubting whether he had been overworked while reviewing memorials.

Otherwise, how could he have heard such an absurd thing.

「You say you are Lord Wuyou, the renowned martial artist who slaughtered all the remnants of Prince Cheng。」

Jin Chen nodded, 「Yes. 」