Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 141 You Have a Father
Gu Zhanting looked meaningfully at Pei Qingyan, who was dressed like a good father.

They're all ancient fox spirits, what's the point of acting out these stories?

Political struggles are inherently life-or-death; whoever gains power, what good can the other possibly do? The idea of ​​a fight to the death has long been established, whether it's said or not makes no difference. It's just that people in their positions value their status and won't say it so openly.

The greatest significance of speaking out was to win Lu Xingzhou's favor, responding to Lu Xingzhou's earlier comment, "You haven't thought it through yet," implying that he was making a decision now. Speaking out in front of the emperor would make him appear upright, demonstrating that their relationship was based on mutual gratitude, not on forming a private faction.

Of course, this isn't just empty talk; it does have some practical effect.

The conflict between Pei and Huo is still within the bounds of propriety and is unlikely to escalate into a full-blown war. However, given his words, if something were to happen to Lu Xingzhou, the Pei family would be ridiculed if they remained silent. Therefore, if the Huo family truly intends to kill Lu Xingzhou, they must either do it cleanly or be prepared for a full-scale war with the Pei family—a decision that is not easy to make.

While it can't really be considered a protective charm, it certainly provides more protection and greatly elevates Lu Xingzhou's status.

There were also side effects. From then on, Lu Xingzhou was deeply marked by the Pei family. In this sense, Lu Xingzhou was forced to take sides, and even if he didn't want to, it was too late.

Gu Zhanting remained silent for a moment, wondering how Lu Xingzhou would handle the situation.

Most young people would be flattered to receive such a gesture of goodwill from the Pei family... Would Lu Xingzhou be?

Lu Xingzhou greeted him warmly with a cupped-hand salute: "Prime Minister Pei, you are too kind... I have been separated from my family since childhood, and I cannot bear to see such things. Helping your daughter find her relatives is also to accumulate good fortune for myself. If Prime Minister Pei can truly secure an official title for your daughter, I am happy for Miss Pei. As for anything else... With His Majesty's approval, I will not let a commoner suffer any loss. Of course, I am very grateful for Prime Minister Pei's protection."

Pei Qingyan was stunned for a moment, and everyone present felt a slight jolt in their hearts, thinking to themselves that this was interesting.

Gu Zhanting thought to himself, "That's interesting!" He had to admit that Lu Xingzhou's comment was extremely flattering. And indeed, with Gu Zhanting in charge, what did the Huo family have to worry about? Who was it to ask Pei Qingyan to care?
Gu Zhanting was in a good mood and finally laughed heartily: "I know of Prime Minister Pei's deep love for his daughter. Hmm... what is your daughter's name?"

Pei Qingyan recovered from her surprise at Lu Xingzhou and respectfully replied, "My name is Chu Yun."

Pei Chuyun had just debuted, and her name wasn't even known among her peers. Even the Underworld had to investigate to find out, and the outside world was basically unaware of her. Even if someone had heard of her, they could say it was just a coincidence of names. No one dared to imagine that the Pei family of Hedong would actually take a Hehuan demoness home. Pei Qingyan was full of confidence; she didn't even need to change her name.

Gu Zhanting smiled and said, "Alright, let him first be granted admission to the Imperial Academy by imperial grace, and then we'll discuss his future rewards based on his performance there. What do you think?"

In this world, women can become officials, and Gua Mei has been an official for many years. Entering the Imperial Academy is basically a prerequisite for becoming a civil official, which is a great favor for someone who is "wandering in the world," and it basically guarantees her an official position.

As for fantasies like directly bestowing the title of county princess upon female-oriented characters, just think about it and forget about it.

Pei Qingyan was quite satisfied: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"When will the ceremony for recognizing one's ancestors be held?" Gu Zhanting smiled and said, "If I have time, I might be able to attend the ceremony."

Pei Qingyan was a little embarrassed by the question: "I still need to discuss this with my daughter. She may not be willing to make too much of a fuss."

"Haha, such a doting fatherly remark is really unlike the Prime Minister Pei I know." Gu Zhanting didn't mind and left his seat in a good mood: "Let's leave it at that for now."

The crowd respectfully saw the emperor off. Pei Qingyan glanced at Lu Xingzhou, hesitated, then finally shook his head with a wry smile and turned to leave.

Lu Xingzhou smiled and looked at the Huo family father and son, who were also looking at him.

Both of them had complex and unreadable expressions in their eyes.

But in the end, he didn't say anything. Lu Xingzhou withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Yuan Yao, let's go."

Sheng Yuanyao waved to her father sitting on the seat, and with a happy expression that looked like she had just eaten too much gossip, she pushed Lu Xingzhou away.

Sheng Qingfeng's face darkened. Do you know what you're behaving like? Like a silly, grinning maid!

However, today Lu Xingzhou is truly going to become famous throughout the capital... His performance exceeded everyone's expectations, and most importantly, he left a particularly good impression on His Majesty!

That's really strange, is he really the same age as Yuan Yao?
…………

"Are you really the same age as me?" Sheng Yuanyao couldn't help but stop on the way to escort Lu Xingzhou back to the inn. She walked around to his front and pinched his face, trying to examine whether he had a human skin mask. "You're not some old monster in disguise, are you? Can a young man say those things on the spot when dealing with Prime Minister Pei?"

Lu Xingzhou let her pull him, and mumbled, "Don't tease me."

Sheng Yuanyao ignored him. She had been pinching his face with one hand, but she ended up using both hands to rub it for a while. Finally, she complained, "Not as easy to rub as Anuo. You really are an old rascal."

Lu Xingzhou was both amused and exasperated.

I didn't expect that Gua Mei, a martial arts practitioner who wields a knife, would have such a novice hand.

Sheng Yuanyao went back to the back to push the wheelchair and said with great interest, "Hey, judging from the attitude of the Yama King's Palace towards you, did you back down or not? Why do they seem so afraid of you? Some of them even knelt down."

“Afraid of me?” Lu Xingzhou shook his head: “Many people in the capital branch are actually from Ye Wufeng’s line. They weren’t afraid of me before… but this time Ye Wufeng was killed and dismissed… They are afraid of the King of Hell. They’re just opportunists.”

"So, the King of Hell is really good to you? Does this count as him standing up for you?"

Lu Xingzhou was silent for a moment, then said calmly, "Ye Wufeng is too eager to show off, which leads him to act without considering the consequences, which is not good for the organization. When I was there before, I had some unpleasantness with them because of this. At that time, they thought I was targeting him, but I really didn't have the leisure to target them personally. This time, Yan Jun... should be considered to have made the right choice, diverting the hatred between the Demon Suppression Division and the Huanhua Sword Sect."

"Yes, yes, yes, Judge, of course you are always impartial, and you're still impartial at the Heavenly Sword Sect~" "What are you trying to say with that sarcastic tone?"

Sheng Yuanyao hummed twice and then fell silent.

Who told you to say Shen Tang was your lover so casually?

Lu Xingzhou said, "My feelings for the Heavenly Sword Sect are mostly for the public good... Last night's battle was my personal choice."

Sheng Yuanyao immediately changed the subject: "...What are your next plans? To deal with Huo Heng?"

Lu Xingzhou scoffed, "Both bad at it and love to play."

"Stop talking nonsense." Sheng Yuanyao said angrily, "What's your next step?"

Huo Heng, the third son of the Huo family. His strength is at the lower fourth rank, which is easy to handle... The more troublesome thing is that he holds an official position in the Ministry of Works.

The second son, Huo Zhang, was serving in the army in the north, not in the capital. His strength was probably the strongest... Although many who joined the army were just bloodsuckers, Lu Xingzhou still thought that at least he had seen blood and was better than the纨绔 (playboys) in the capital.

Including the eldest son, Huo Qi, who served as Vice Minister of Revenue, these were the three remaining legitimate sons of the Huo family. Of them, only two remained in the capital…

“If things don’t go well in the short term, rushing things will only lead to trouble, and His Majesty will also have his opinions.” Lu Xingzhou said leisurely, “My next step is of course to go to school. Strengthening myself is the only way to go.”

Sheng Yuanyao said coolly, "I think it's because Pei Chuyun is going to school, and you want to join in too."

"Hey, I decided to come to Dan Academy a long time ago. Uh, wait, who is Pei Chuyun? There's something strange about your tone."

"Isn't it just that slutty Ah-Lu of yours? Do you really think I'm stupid? I'm investigating cases too!" Sheng Yuanyao said disdainfully, "I didn't expect the Pei family girl to be so promiscuous, look at her worthless appearance."

Lu Xingzhou: “…”

As they spoke, they arrived at the inn's courtyard.

The courtyard gate wasn't closed, and A'nuo was peeking inside from the side, looking rather silly. Sheng Yuanyao immediately shut up and darted behind A'nuo to peek in as well.

Pei Qingyan's voice came from inside: "By His Majesty's grace, you have been admitted to the Imperial Academy. No one will say you are illegitimate, and your family will keep quiet. Can you go home now?"

Pei Chuyun said, "I need to discuss this with Lu Xingzhou."

Pei Qingyan's voice was somewhat hesitant: "What exactly is your relationship with Lu Xingzhou?"

Pei Chuyun smiled: "Is it that important?"

Pei Qingyan was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "This boy is no ordinary person. If you are truly fond of him, I can propose marriage for you directly, but if you adhere to the sect's rules... I'm afraid you will suffer."

"Suffering a loss is nothing more than following in your mother's footsteps; you have the least right to say that."

Pei Qingyan said calmly, "No one stood up for your mother. But you are different from her; you have a father."

Lu Xingzhou blinked. Even he himself was touched by those words, and he was afraid that the literary and artistic little vixen would be devastated.

In fact, given Pei Qingyan's cultivation level, it was impossible for him to miss the fact that a bunch of people were watching the drama outside the door. He was also saying this to Lu Xingzhou. The warning was more significant than anything else.

Regardless of his considerations regarding Lu Xingzhou's matter... at least his guilt and desire to make amends to his daughter should be genuine.

Lu Xingzhou didn't listen any further and wheeled himself to the door: "Thank you for your protection, Prime Minister Pei, in court."

Pei Qingyan chuckled: "I see you're quite frightened by my 'defense'."

Lu Xingzhou laughed and said, "How could that be... maintenance is still maintenance."

"Heh..." Pei Qingyan didn't say much, and said directly, "Since Yun'er wants to discuss this with you, I won't press her. Whatever the result or what her request is, just send someone to let us know."

Watching Pei Qingyan stride away, Pei Chuyun's expression was complicated. After a long while, she asked, "What do you think?"

Lu Xingzhou smiled and said, "Go ahead. At least for now, he's sincere."

Pei Chuyun said in a low voice, "The more sincere he is, the more he will fall into my master's scheme. I... am a little hesitant."

"You're so kind, why are you acting like a vixen?" Lu Xingzhou ruffled her hair. "No matter what others do, you have desires, and that's your reason... Don't let yourself have regrets. What other people's business is none of your concern."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: It's past midnight, please vote with your monthly tickets!
(End of this chapter)