 |
| Rebirth: Back to Zero Author: 祎庭沫瞳 (Yi Ting Mo Tong) |
Chapter 26 The Eerie Purple (Part 2/3)
While Jun Liche celebrated his promotion, Count Wangyang Mansion was not idle. Ling Hongzhi returned home in triumph and received a lot of rewards from the palace. Count Wangyang especially invited relatives and friends to celebrate and welcome his son home for this victorious return.
However,
Jun Lixuan and Ling Qiyang were not among those invited. After all, it was
inappropriate for a Prince to celebrate the accomplishments of a lieutenant. Hence,
even if Ling Qiyang wanted to head down, he could not. However, Ling Hongzhi
was thoughtful and visited His Royal Highness Ling Manor the next day.
"Greetings,
Your Highness." Ling Hongzhi saluted when he saw Jun Lixuan.
"Have
a seat." Seeing how Ling Hongzhi treated Ling Qiyang with care and
concern, Jun Lixuan did not treat the latter with animosity. "Qiyang is
making some medicine now. He will come after he gets changed."
"I
see." Ling Hongzhi answered politely.
After
some tea, Ling Qiyang walked in.
Ling
Hongzhi got up and greet, "Greetings, Prince Consort."
"Big
brother, you don't have to be polite with me. Sit down." Ling Qiyang
smiled. Although they were at home, etiquette must be met strictly. However,
Ling Hongzhi was his eldest brother. There was no need to enforce a full
curtsey. A half curtsey to superficially obey the rules was sufficient.
Ling
Qiyang took his seat next to Jun Lixuan. Then, he said, "Did Brother get
injured during this expedition?"
"Just
a small injury. It's alright, I did some treatment with your medicine." In
a war, injuries were inevitable. The sword had no eyes and would simply slash
through any flesh, be it friend or foe. It was either "you die" or
"I die".
"That's
good. Congratulations on the victorious return, Brother." Ling Qiyang
smiled and raised his teacup. "It was difficult to talk at the palace
banquet that day. Today, let me have a toast to your victory with tea instead
of wine. Congratulations, big brother."
"Thank
you." Ling Hongzhi raised the cup and toasted with Ling Qiyang. After the
tea, Ling Hongzhi said, "I came here today because I have something to
tell you."
"What's
the matter?" Ling Qiyang asked.
"During
the turmoil in Hanguan city, we captured many enemy soldiers who murdered and
robbed in the city that day. During the interrogation, they said that they
received an order to rob money and food. Their chief had explicitly instructed
that there should be no murder lest the consequences blow up. If they faced
resistance, inflicting some pain as threats were sufficient. However, death
still occurred." Ling Hongzhi said, "Later, we interrogated the enemy
soldiers again. We learnt that the people's resistance mysteriously caused
anger surging within them. In the fit of rage, they lost control and killed
people."
Jun
Lixuan frowned slightly. People who often fought battles were more prone to
murderous intentions. He could understand their viewpoint. Seeing death often
had psychological impacts. But no matter what, the soldiers must obey the
military orders. If they were not acting on an order from the Tarmar Chief,
their actions were bold insubordination.
"Originally,
I brushed it off as excuses of the enemy soldiers for their murders. But
yesterday I heard about the peculiar events in His Royal Highness Yi's army and
found some strange similarities. So, I decided to consult you." Ling
Hongzhi explained further, "But those soldiers have been executed in
Hanguan City, leaving no way to confirm my suspicions."
Ling
Qiyang's brows furrowed. Eldest brother did not mention any signs of fatigue,
and the soldiers were alive when they were captured. Most likely, this was not
related to parasitic infections.
"I
will pay attention to this matter. Judging from your report, it is similar to
the army's situation, but it is not the same. There is no way to judge."
Ling Qiyang said truthfully.
"Well,
I just think it's weird. As long as you are aware of it, it's fine." Ling
Hongzhi nodded.
After,
Ling Qiyang and Ling Hongzhi chatted for a while as Jun Lixuan sat by the
sides. He did not interject much, just silently accompanying Ling Qiyang. Ling
Hongzhi stayed for lunch together with the couple. After the meal, Jun Lixuan
gave him some gifts for Aunt Zhou. After which, Ling Hongzhi thanked him and
left.
"What
do you think?" Jun Lixuan asked after Ling Hongzhi left.
"It's
hard to say. Even if they were controlled by someone, it might be just a poison
that makes people's temperament suddenly irritable and violent. It might not be
a parasite." Ling Qiyang analyzed.
"Well,
tomorrow I will tell Third Brother and let him pay attention." Jun Lixuan
patted Ling Qiyang on his forehead.
"Yeah."
Ling Qiyang nodded.
Early the next morning, before dawn broke, Ming Li whispered
anxiously outside the door, "Your Highness, are you awake? Your
Highness?" Although his voice was soft, he knew that Jun Lixuan could hear
it.
i'm gonna read it!!! hahahaha thank u for the chapter~
ReplyDelete