“Come on,” Fu Shen scoffed. “Have we just met? Brother Yan, I thought we were beyond such pretenses.”
He spoke softly: “The Tatar barbarians are still ambitious, the Zhe tribe is eyeing us covetously, and many in the court have been blinded by these years of peace. If I leave now, who will take over the North Yan Cavalry? Who will continue to invest in border defense?
When the enemy arrives at the city gates, it’s the innocent people who will suffer…”
“What does that have to do with you?”
Fu Shen suddenly looked up.
Yan Xiaohan coldly said: “The Emperor is wary of you, court officials suspect you, and those foolish people only follow the crowd. Have you done all this, and will anyone remember your kindness? You’re losing your place, yet you still care about the world – isn’t that ironic, General Fu?”
These words were cold, but unexpectedly, Fu Shen did not retort.
Yan Xiaohan looked at his lowered side profile, suddenly aware that the sharp edge Fu Shen once had was gradually dimming.
Worn down by illness, wind and dust, or something else…
They were separated by a distance, but their attitude was more honest than when they were close before. There were indeed differences between Yan Xiaohan and Fu Shen, but far from the rumors of being sworn enemies. They had known each other since youth, and the “deadly rivals” were just a misunderstanding. One held military power, the other was the Emperor’s confidant – being too close would invite suspicion.
Their superficial relationship avoided many troubles.
Correction Report
Yan Xiaohan, skilled in intrigue and unscrupulous, had climbed to his current position by stepping on countless others, unable to understand these “righteous gentlemen” who gained nothing and nearly sacrificed themselves.
They were ultimately not on the same path, each perhaps aware in their hearts that the divergence would come unexpectedly and at such a great cost.
Chapter 5: Plotting
Ying Guo Gong’s Residence.
The autumn wind was cool, but the room was warm and fragrant. Near the window, a low red lacquer table was set with snacks and fruits. A teenage boy was lounging, pretending to study a scroll but not turning a page for a long time. Numerous maidservants stood below, occasionally exchanging glances and gestures. Just as the boy was becoming restless, a young maid ran in, chirping: “Madam is here!”
