Chapter 302: Human Skin Mask

One could see his eyes were narrow and long like a phoenix's, the slightly upturned corners revealing a trace of seductive charm. His high nose bridge made his facial contours even more distinct, while those thin lips, with clear lines and slightly upturned corners, seemed to carry a faint, barely perceptible smile, giving one the feeling he was somewhat heartless.

Originally ordinary and unremarkable features, in this instant seemed as if endowed with life, becoming three-dimensional and exquisite.

Because he wore a Human Skin Mask, his skin looked exceptionally fair, like sheep-fat white jade, delicate and smooth.

With such an appearance, if he walked down the main street, he would surely attract the gazes of many young ladies; who knows, perhaps many would even throw their handkerchiefs at him to express their admiration.

Even Qianqian, who was used to seeing her own father, Second Brother, and Fourth Brother's handsome looks, couldn't help but be slightly stunned upon seeing him.

However, Qianqian soon recovered, smiling as she said: "Mm, this look is quite good-looking, but don't wear the Human Skin Mask anymore, it's bad for your face." Wangchen replied softly: "Yes."

Then, Qianqian instructed further: "If there's nothing else, go with Shiyi." Wangchen nodded to show he understood, then turned and left together with Shiyi. Watching their gradually receding figures, Qianqian couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

She secretly pondered, why did he have to wear a Human Skin Mask? And, judging by this appearance alone, he really didn't look like what an assassin should look like.

She felt something was off, but as to where exactly the strangeness lay, Qianqian couldn't figure it out for a moment. She racked her brains for a while, but ultimately still found it incomprehensible, so she simply stopped thinking about it, temporarily shelving this question in the bottom of her heart.

In the afternoon, the sun was bright. Liu Jincheng, dressed in a plain-colored long robe, hurried toward An Wangfu. His heart was uneasy, because this visit was to apologize in person, to make amends to An Wang for the previous matter.

However, when he reached the front gate of An Wangfu, he was informed by the gatekeeper that An Wang was not at home. Liu Jincheng felt a slight disappointment, but still politely asked if he could leave the gift behind to express his regret.

The gatekeeper smiled and replied: "An Wangfei said she won't accept this gift, she doesn't want to bring up the past matter again, and asks Lord Liu to please return."

Hearing this, Liu Jincheng immediately understood An Wangfei's meaning. Although An Wang had previously dug a pit for him, this matter seemed to have passed just like that. He felt somewhat relieved, so he thanked the gatekeeper and turned to leave.

After returning to Hubu, Liu Jincheng calmed his mind and began to devote himself wholeheartedly to the census work. Time flew like a white colt through a crevice; in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

On this day, Liu Jincheng was busily organizing the census data when he suddenly heard a piece of news.

At the morning court, the Emperor looked at the memorial presented by the Minister of War Ai Jiao, and couldn't help but furrow his brows. After finishing reading it, the Emperor slowly said: "We are already aware of this matter. After court, Minister of War and An Wang shall come to Yudi together."

Ai Sheng and An Wang, hearing this, both stepped forward and replied in unison: "Your subject (your younger brother) obeys the decree."

The morning court continued; a few others raised several unimportant issues, and then today's morning court ended.

After the morning court ended, Ai Sheng walked steadily to An Wang's side and said softly: "An Wang, let's go together." An Wang, hearing this, curled his lips slightly, revealing a faint smile, and replied: "Good."

The two walked side by side; neither spoke much along the way. In truth, An Wang had long since understood what the Emperor spoke of at today's morning court, because just two days prior, he had already received a secret report from the borderlands.

This secret report detailed the situation of Nanliang Guo's harassment of the border regions, as well as the possible threat it posed to Yu Zhou.

Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of Yudi. The guards, seeing them arrive, hurried forward to report. After obtaining the Emperor's permission, the two entered Yudi together and saluted the Emperor with bowed bodies.

The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, his gaze like a torch sweeping over the two, and said slowly: "Presumably you both already know of this matter?" Ai Sheng and An Wang glanced at each other and nodded in unison.

The Emperor knew full well; An Wang's intelligence had always been well-informed, plus the border defense had always been An Wang's responsibility, so regarding this matter, An Wang was certainly clearer than anyone.

Therefore, the Emperor did not elaborate further, but asked directly: "Grand Councilor, what do you think this matter should be handled?"

Ai Sheng pondered slightly, then said in a deep voice: "Replying to the Emperor, this is not the first time Nanliang Guo has harassed our dynasty's border people.

If we continue to turn a blind eye to their behavior, they will inevitably become even more unscrupulous, pushing their luck. Over time, Yu Zhou might well fall into their hands.

Therefore, this old minister believes we should take decisive action, give them a harsh lesson, and let them know our dynasty's might!"

The Emperor, hearing Ai Sheng's words, nodded slightly in agreement. Then, he turned his gaze to An Wang and asked: "Old Seven, what is your opinion?"

An Wang wore a faint smile and said slowly: "Imperial Brother, recently Dachang Kingdom has had favorable weather and peace, the country prosperous and the people safe, and has not experienced the baptism of war for a long time. Such a stable situation has instead aroused covetousness in other nations, making them restless and eager to move.

In this younger brother's view, we should indeed give them a profound lesson, so they know that while our Dachang Kingdom has no intention of provoking trouble, we absolutely do not fear them. Moreover, during this period the army has also been actively recruiting, and has not slackened in the slightest because of this prosperous peace; now is precisely a good opportunity for the soldiers to display their abilities."

The Emperor, hearing this, gazed at An Wang thoughtfully, and after a moment said slowly: "Oh? From your words, could it be you already have a suitable candidate in mind?"

An Wang smiled and nodded, replying: "Reporting to Imperial Brother, there is indeed such a person."

The Emperor, seeing this, pressed: "Who exactly is it?"

An Wang hesitated slightly, then answered: "It is precisely this younger brother's fourth son, Yan Wang."

The Emperor, hearing this, pondered for a moment, recalling Yan Wang's various performances, and said slowly: "Wang'er has been in the military camp for a period of time, and has presumably accumulated quite a bit of experience. Moreover, with a father like you, he certainly won't be bad. Since that's the case, might as well let him go try."

An Wang, hearing the Emperor's consent, rejoiced in his heart and hurriedly said: "Imperial Brother rest assured, this younger brother will secretly dispatch reliable people to keep an eye on him, and absolutely won't let him make any mistakes."

The Emperor smiled slightly and reassured: "Toward you, We have always been at ease. Since that's the case, this matter is settled. After We draft the edict later, you may take it back to the residence."

Then, the Emperor's gaze fell on Ai Sheng, and he, wearing a smile, asked softly: "Wonder what Grand Councilor thinks of this matter?"

Ai Sheng replied without hesitation: "Replying to the Emperor, this subject believes An Wang's proposal is naturally excellent!"