Don't Ask Where People Go After Time Travel

Chapter 1687 Old Days
"Will you go on the undercover investigation in Jiangnan?" Fang Ziqin's voice sounded from behind Fang Zilan. She sat up straight again and looked up. "You already know?"

“We received news from our main family in Jiangnan that a secret envoy will be visiting Jiangnan after the New Year.” Fang Ziqin straightened her sleeves. “For me, this is not hard to guess.”

"I almost forgot, the Fang family's ancestral home is in Jiangnan." Fang Zilan's eyes darkened. "Do you want me to go?"

"Whether I want it or not, I can't stop you." Fang Ziqin laughed self-deprecatingly, while Fang Zilan turned her head away. "I'm sorry."

“It’s alright.” Fang Ziqin shook her head. “As long as you remember, the Fang family will always be here. As long as you ask, we will do everything in our power.”

"Okay, I'll remember." Fang Zilan nodded. Fang Ziqin didn't say anything more and was about to leave when she heard her voice again, "Elder sister, I used to always want to have my own place, thinking that I could live for myself. But now I think it's just wishful thinking."

Fang Ziqin stared at the person in front of her for a long time before saying, "At least you tried and lived for yourself, which is already very good. In this life, there are many things that are beyond our control. Daughters of noble families must bear the honor of their families, but so what? If you are unwilling, no one can force you."

"Life is ever-changing," Fang Zilan said softly. "How can we not force things?"

“Lan’er, even if you leave now, I and the Fang family can ensure your safe return.” Fang Ziqin reached out and supported Fang Zilan’s shoulder. “I am willing to leave you a way out.”

A way out? Fang Zilan looked up at Fang Ziqin, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Being the Empress meant that all her escape routes had been cut off, like a canary with broken wings locked in a cage. As long as her feathers looked good, blood and pain were unimportant.

However, it was precisely this Fang Ziqin who was willing to leave her a way out. Compared to the way out Li Shengxuan had told her before, for some reason she was more willing to believe Fang Ziqin.

Perhaps it was because they were all women walking on thin ice under this vast dynasty, or perhaps it was because they had all struggled desperately but could not escape their so-called fate, yet even so, they still dared to resist it...

Regardless of the reason, Fang Zilan suddenly felt relieved at this moment. She heard her own voice and said firmly, word by word, "Elder sister, if I can return safely this time, from now on, I will be your and the Fang family's backup plan."

"What did you say? The Empress Dowager is going back to the palace?" Fang Zilan was so shocked that she almost dropped the medicine bowl. Fortunately, Awan was quick-witted and caught it in time, preventing it from falling to the ground.

"This medicine is very precious, be careful!" Awan shook her fingers, which were red from the burn. "It's true, the palace servants are in an uproar, and there are rumors going around outside, they're saying..."

She lowered her voice and whispered in Fang Zilan's ear, "His Majesty's trip to Jiangnan this time is unlikely to end in his absence."

Fang Zilan's expression suddenly turned cold. "If His Majesty doesn't return, does he intend to abdicate in favor of Prince Yucheng?"

The three quickly arrived at the prefectural government office. After announcing their arrival, a man who appeared to be in charge came out and invited them in, saying, "Lord Fang, you've come at just the right time today."

"Oh, what do you mean?" Fang Zilan raised an eyebrow, looking quite interested. The steward led the way while replying, "It just so happens that General Huangfu is also here to visit my master, and he is currently speaking with my master in the front hall." "What a coincidence." Fang Zilan chuckled. She had been thinking of seeing Huangfu Lin after seeing Zhong Yao, but she hadn't expected to run into them both.

Before Fang Zilan even reached the front hall, she heard Huangfu Lin's voice, "Lord Zhong is unwell, so he should take some time to rest. The eighteen cities of Yanzhou are peaceful these days, so it shouldn't cause any problems."

Just as the steward was about to invite Fang Zilan into the front hall, she pulled him aside and made a shushing gesture. Cao, the deputy general, and Awan, who were behind her, understood and stood silently by the window outside the hall.

"General Huangfu, you are mistaken." Zhong Yao coughed twice as he spoke. Fang Zilan frowned almost imperceptibly. Was he really sick?
"Although the eighteen cities of Yanzhou appear peaceful on the surface, they are, after all, border regions. A slight mishap could lead to trouble. I dare not shirk my duties." Zhong Yao's voice was somewhat hoarse, while Huangfu Lin's tone was tinged with amusement. "Lord Zhong's dedication is truly admirable."

Huangfu Lin then changed the subject, "But if this continues, it's not a good idea to keep Lord Zhong's illness going. My nephew Huangfu Chen is intelligent and capable, so why not let him stay by Lord Zhong's side and be at his beck and call?"

Fang Zilan pursed her lips and shook her head. She knew that old fox Huangfu Lin wouldn't come unless there was a reason. Sure enough, he came to plant spies.

She straightened her sleeves, preparing to go inside, when she suddenly heard Zhong Yao's voice, tinged with suppressed anger, "General Huangfu, what are you doing? Don't you trust your humble servant?"

"Lord Zhong, what are you saying?" Huangfu Lin quickly denied. "It's just that the Shangguan family has only recently fallen from power, and Lord Fang has just taken office. It's inevitable that she'll make things difficult for the old Shangguan family members. Lord Zhong comes from humble origins, making her a perfect target for her to manipulate. That's why I'm worried..."

"What a scoundrel Huangfu Lin!" Fang Zilan clenched her fists in anger. He actually went to Zhong Yao to sow discord.

She had said long ago that if Shangguan Jiuren behaved himself, she would naturally follow suit. But now, with Huangfu Lin's meddling, the conflict between her and Shangguan Jiuren will only intensify.

Although she was furious inside, she remained calm on the surface and patiently listened to how Zhong Yao would respond.

“Lord Huangfu, you are mistaken.” Zhong Yao coughed a few more times. “The Shangguan family has shown me great kindness, and I will repay that kindness even if it means my own death.”

"Why risk your life and fortune just to repay a debt of gratitude?" Huangfu Lin sighed. "It's better to stay alive than to risk everything, Lord Zhong."

"As the prefect of Yanzhou, how can I be afraid of death? No matter what Fang Zilan does, I will not be afraid of a woman like her." Zhong Yao said the last half of his sentence with righteous indignation, but with a hint of disdain.

Fang Zilan felt an inexplicable fire burning brighter and brighter in her chest. She rushed into the front hall almost uncontrollably. Huangfu Lin and Zhong Yao in the hall did not expect her to rush in suddenly. They were stunned and stood there without even having time to bow.

"Lord Zhong, you are indeed grateful and ungrateful. Then do you know how the Shangguan family's kindness should be repaid?" Fang Zilan's lips curled up, revealing an indescribable sarcasm. Zhong Yao was taken aback by her question and subconsciously asked, "Lord Fang, what do you think this humble official should do to repay this kindness?"

(End of this chapter)