After the Immortals disappeared

"She's strict because she hopes we'll achieve great things in the capital," He Yue said earnestly.

He Lingchuan burst into laughter. "Oh, spare me! She just wants you to return to the capital and bask in glory. What does that have to do with me?"

His words dripped with bitterness, and He Yue frowned. "Why belittle yourself, Brother? Have you ever considered what you'd do if we returned to the capital?"

"Go back to the capital?" He Lingchuan rubbed his chin. "Nope, never."

The original He Lingchuan had never planned that far ahead, and the current one certainly hadn't either.

To outsiders, Qiansong County was a harsh and desolate place. But both He Lingchuan and his predecessor found it quite pleasant. The He family reigned here like kings of their domain, enjoying unchallenged power and comfort. Back in Yuan's capital, they would be nobodies.

In terms of heritage, wealth, connections, or even sheer extravagance, the He family couldn't hold a candle to the capital's noble houses.

So why bother? Better to be a big fish in a small pond than a minnow in the ocean.

He Yue reminded him, "It's Father's lifelong ambition. We swore at the family shrine to make it happen, no matter the cost."

"I know," He Lingchuan replied, clapping his brother's shoulder. "You'll handle the scholarly stuff, and I'll take care of the martial side. One day, if we return to the capital and someone causes trouble for you, I'll break their legs in secret. Problem solved."

"You're impossible," He Yue muttered, exasperated.

Still, he found solace in the fact that his elder brother's troublemaking was mostly out in the open. At least He Lingchuan understood that covert mischief would be necessary in the capital. It was… progress, of sorts.

Maybe.

On their way to the side hall, Uncle Hao intercepted them with a meaningful glance at He Lingchuan, signaling him to follow.

What now?

Once inside the side hall, Uncle Hao stationed himself at the door to ensure no one approached within fifty feet.

Meanwhile, He Yue selected a tea set and inspected the cold cups. "Are the National Preceptor and the Commandant here to stir up trouble?"

He Lingchuan yawned, slouching into his chair. "Those two aren't even the real problem. The mastermind is the emperor's father-in-law."

"The Grand Marshal?" He Yue's expression darkened. "You mean Dong Haoming?"

"Who else? How many royal in-laws do we have?" He Lingchuan replied lazily.

He debated whether to keep the details from his brother but decided against it. He Yue had been handling county affairs since he was nine; there was no point in hiding something he would inevitably learn in a few days.

And so, He Lingchuan recounted everything: the National Preceptor's mission, the search for the Dafang Jar, and their plans to enter the Panlong Desert.

He Yue listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions while tending to the tea.

By the time he had boiled the water and brewed the tea, He Lingchuan's throat was dry, and he grabbed a cup to gulp it down.

"What do you think, Yue?"

"The Grand Marshal wants to use us as pawns, but Father will likely agree. Our objections won't change anything," He Yue said. "At Father's age and with his experience, he still has a chance to return to the capital and make his mark."

He Chunhua was not yet 35—still in his prime. He had spent the best years of his life in this barren land and would not accept being overlooked or forgotten forever.

"Fortunately, the whereabouts of Zhong Shengguang's relic are still unclear. If the search drags on for another month or two, they might have to abandon their plans to enter the desert."

He Lingchuan coughed. "Actually, they've already found it."

"What?" He Yue's eyes widened. "Where is it? How do you know?"

"It's with me," He Lingchuan said, patting his chest. "It's a long story, but it started when I got injured a little over a month ago…"

This time, he kept it short and to the point.

"Of course, Nian Songyu conveniently left out the part where they wiped out the sand leopards' den," He Yue said, frowning. "And what exactly is the Xun Prefecture Governor's purpose in sending him here?"

"Officially, to assist the National Preceptor," He Lingchuan replied, rubbing his chin. "Looks like Father will be asking me for the sand leopard's relic soon."

He Yue gave him a sharp look. "Red-White Path still holds two Eastern Commandery guards in custody. Now that you know why they're here, how do you plan to deal with them?"

"What else? Let them go."

"Release them?" He Yue raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd consider silencing them."

The best way to avoid offending Eastern Commandery was to ensure the guards didn't even realize they'd been mistreated.

"No need," He Lingchuan said, scratching his head. "They're just second-tier guards. Do you think Eastern Commandery cares about them?"

"True." He Yue nodded. The guards' disappearance could still cause trouble, especially if Red-White Path slipped up. If Father decided to help retrieve the Dafang Jar, showing goodwill now could prevent future complications. After all, Eastern Commandery would need them for this mission.

He Lingchuan noticed his brother's scrutinizing gaze and frowned. "What's that look for?"

He Yue shook his head, bringing his thoughts back into focus. "This whole situation is riddled with uncertainty. Entering the Panlong Desert is a death trap, even with the relic. Let them take the risks. You and Father should steer clear of this mess."

"Got it."

Just then, Uncle Hao entered to report, "A messenger from Red-White Path is here."

He Lingchuan decided to meet the visitor in the garden.

Through the window, He Yue watched his brother stride to a bench, sit down, and prop his feet up. "Are those two still alive?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Alive and well," the messenger confirmed.

"Any instructions, Young Master?"

"Get them out of the cell and clean them up."

"Clean them up?" The messenger hesitated. "You mean… dispose of them?"

"I said clean them up, not kill them!" He Lingchuan rolled his eyes. "Their reinforcements are here. We'll probably have to release them in the next day or two—alive."

The messenger was visibly confused. "Release them?"

"What, are they missing any limbs?" He Lingchuan's voice turned icy. If the guards were returned to Eastern Commandery maimed, it would turn a gesture of goodwill into an insult.

"No, they're intact. But…"

"But what?"

The messenger coughed awkwardly. "One of them tried to escape yesterday, and during the recapture, Chen Lao Qi accidentally took off half his—uh—rear end. You know how heavy-handed he can be."

"I know?" He Lingchuan snapped, his voice rising. "I was under the impression their only injuries were from bad food or bug bites! If this gets out, it won't just be their rear ends that are damaged—it'll be Eastern Commandery's pride!"

In the study, He Yue covered his face with his hands. I was wrong. He hasn't changed at all.