Yan Xiaohan replied, “Otherwise, does my lord think he has any other options?”
Fu Shen’s smile faded: “You want to confine me?”
Yan Xiaohan shook his head and said, “Let’s talk privately,” taking Fu Shen to a more remote location, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
Fu Shen listened silently for a moment before turning to Xiao Chun: “Did you see all of that?”
Xiao Chun blankly nodded.
Fu Shen said, “Then it’ll be like this.”
“What? General…” Xiao Chun was bewildered.
Fu Shen impatiently said, “You saw it. Yan Qin, the investigating envoy, is coveting my beauty and forcibly detaining me in his mansion, not allowing me to leave. So if anyone looks for me during this time, just say I’m recuperating at his residence.”
Xiao Chun glanced at Yan Xiaohan.
Yan Xiaohan was struck by the sudden accusation but managed a teeth-gritting smile: “As the lord says.”
Xiao Chun suddenly understood why Yan Xiaohan had such a bad reputation in the court; it was said that every time he argued with Fu Shen, regardless of the outcome, the next day’s narrative would be “The court’s running dog is oppressing the loyal again.”
After seeing Xiao Chun off, they returned to the bedroom.
Fu Shen said: “Explain what you meant just now. You dare let Xiao Chun go without understanding?”
Yan Xiaohan narrowed his eyes, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll really confine you?”
Fu Shen wanted to kick him: “Stop talking nonsense.”
Yan Xiaohan: “Stay here with me during this time, and I’ll help you get a chance to return to Yanzhou. I’ve made myself very clear.”
“I’m not asking about that, Yan Xiaohan,” Fu Shen said word by word, “I’m asking which side you’re really on.”
You are the emperor’s most favored subject, the most trusted confidant, just a step away from the pinnacle of power. Why would you help someone who is naturally your political enemy?
Yan Xiaohan still had narrowed eyes, but the previous gentle mockery had disappeared. He seemed to instantly don an impenetrable armor, saying casually: “Since there are officials who are not absolutely loyal, of course there are those with divided loyalties.”
Fu Shen: “You don’t need to belittle yourself…”
