Page 1281

Due to the Emperor’s arrival, the atmosphere among the male guests had somewhat changed. Xia Zheng and Su Tianrui were among the younger generation and did not hold any official position in court, so they were quickly sent out by Xia Yuan.

The two burst into laughter as soon as they stepped out the door, recalling Xia Yuan’s restrained demeanor, which was like that of a young maiden.

Where was there a trace of the ferocity of a war demon on the battlefield?

Not to mention shocking the enemy, even the Xia Family Army’s foot soldiers would have surely been astounded to see it.

Thinking that his younger sister must also be arriving soon, Su Tianrui felt a bit anxious and thought about going to see her. Knowing that Xia Zheng would definitely not accompany him, he didn’t bother to invite him further.

Watching Su Tianrui’s slightly forlorn figure, Zhao Hongde, who followed out of the room shortly after, let out a soft sigh, "Tian Rui, he doesn’t have it easy either."

Indeed, it was not easy—on one hand was his childhood friend and on the other was his dearly cherished younger sister. This situation fit the old saying: ’He loves both sides, the palm and the back of his hand’. But the palm and back couldn’t be together; how could he not be distressed?

Xia Zheng frowned slightly and averted his gaze, "He’s a smart man; there are some things that don’t need to be said aloud."

After composing himself and turning back to Zhao Hongde, Xia Zheng noticed that in just half a month, the Little White Rabbit, who used to be as blank as a sheet of paper, now seemed older and his eyes weary, showing the scholarly examination had taken its toll on him.

Xia Zheng felt a slight stir in his heart, but was also glad he wasn’t born into the royal family. He turned away his gaze and hummed, "You still have the energy to meddle in other people’s business? I think you’d better pay more attention to the grass around your rabbit den first!"

Zhao Hongde blinked, somewhat puzzled.

Seeing Zhao Hongde’s silly and slightly foolish look, Xia Zheng almost wished he could slap him awake.

After looking around, Xia Zheng spoke in a low voice, warning him, "Don’t say I don’t treat you as a brother.

I’ve heard that Second Brother has been busy these days schmoozing the scholar-candidates expected to become officials this year, endlessly sending them money and women.

Humph, you’d better keep your eyes peeled and not bust your guts for nothing, only to end up benefiting someone else.

Zhao Hongde also knew some of these matters but had never taken them to heart. If those people could so easily be bought, then even if they stayed by his side, it wouldn’t be safe.

After all, Zhao Hongde was born into the royal family. Even if he had no interest in getting involved in such dirty affairs, having been immersed in it for years, he couldn’t help but be aware.

With Xia Zheng offering this counsel, he felt more at ease.

However, Zhao Hongde clearly didn’t want Xia Zheng to feel at ease.

He raised an eyebrow and gave him a sidelong glance, saying, "I heard that a few days ago, the Crown Prince of Xiliang boasted loudly about seizing a cart of Glaze on the frontier, claiming it to be enemy spoils of war. Hey, weren’t those your doing? "

Xia Zheng’s eyes shifted, cursing the ’dead fox’ in his heart, but he feigned indifference and huffed, "I think this Xiliang fox must be so idle, lacking any achievements, having to make a big deal out of a cart of Glaze, even thinking about it makes me tired on his behalf."

"Don’t beat around the bush; answer my question directly," Zhao Hongde wouldn’t be so easily fooled.

Xia Zheng raised an eyebrow, secretly thinking that the Little White Rabbit had grown into a clever rabbit, then shook his head in mild resignation, saying, "Ah, this can’t be blamed on me. It’s all because of your dear sister."

Hmm? Zhao Hongde’s eyebrows twitched with interest, knowing it had to do with Lin Yuan.

"Your dear sister, upon hearing me talk about how Xiliang has been coveting our territory and how our valiant Xia Family Army men have suffered, came up with a brilliant method to outwit the enemy.

However, to make this fine thing, we needed Glaze.

So, I had to risk my life to go to the Western Region and get her two large carts of Glaze.

Ah, speaking of which, I am quite pitiful—spending a great sum on a cart of Glaze, only to have one stolen by that Xiliang fox.

Hmm, I suspect that the Xiliang fox must have discerned my intentions and deliberately took the good stuff away! "

Xia Zheng spoke with righteous indignation and force, leaving Zhao Hongde stunned, his thoughts led astray by Xia Zheng, "Glaze can outwit the enemy? What exactly is that fine thing?"

Cheered internally, Xia Zheng put on a mysterious front, "Ah, that’s a state secret, not something you should inquire about at your tender age.

Cough cough, but since I’ve mentioned it, I might as well tell you—the thing is no longer with me anyway; I’ve already sent it to the Xia Family Barracks.

If you’re really curious, feel free to go and have a look. "