Mountain and River Festival

Chapter 419 Old Case
Huo Zhang also appeared out of nowhere at this moment, dressed in disheveled clothes, and secretly groaned at the sight.

You two can have fun, but why are you showing off in front of Huo Qi and Huo Heng? Isn't that ridiculous?
Now that they've caught me in the act, what am I supposed to do? And this will drag me into it too...wait, what?

But Huo Xingyuan, without changing his expression, asked him, "Where did you go?"

Huo Zhang hurriedly replied, "I just relieved myself."

Huo Xingyuan nodded, then looked at Lu Xingzhou and asked directly, "Xingzhou has taken a liking to Miss Jiang?"

Lu Xingzhou said openly and honestly, "Yes, we hit it off immediately."

Huo Xingyuan looked at Jiang Duxu: "What do you think, Mr. Jiang?"

The Huo brothers were all dumbfounded. What was going on? Dad, you've been cheated on! Why are you acting like this? You should have said so earlier if you had this kind of fetish.

Jiang Duxu smiled calmly: "According to His Majesty's wishes, our marriage partner can only be the Huo family."

Huo Xingyuan nodded, then asked Lu Xingzhou, "Xingzhou, what do you think?"

Lu Xingzhou finally said, "What can I do but deal with the Huo family? It's not like I don't have the Huo surname."

Huo Xingyuan revealed a hint of joy: "Then it's not that we can't talk about it."

The Huo brothers paled, finally realizing their father wasn't a cuckold, but rather willing to pay this price for Lu Xingzhou's right to be recognized as a member of the family. Compared to this outcome, what did a mere woman matter? Hadn't he already anticipated this outcome when he sent Huo Zhang to take the two of them out?

Jiang Duxu was not surprised, but said, "Although we are also surnamed Huo, some issues here are not so simple... Otherwise, we could have discussed the Third Young Master back then."

That's for sure. Huo Heng can't act as a bridge between the Jiang family and Gu Zhanting; only Huo Xingyuan can do it. But can Lu Xingzhou do it? No, he can't either.

He wasn't even one of Gu Zhanting's men, but rather one of the Imperial Advisor's men.

However, it doesn't matter to Jiang Duxu whether Gu Zhanting is one of his people; he only needs a suitable collaborator. Gu Zhanting and Tianyao Holy Land treat him the same way, but he simply didn't have the opportunity to connect with Tianyao Holy Land before. Lu Xingzhou's appearance provided an option.

Huo Xingyuan understood this principle as well, but he believed that as long as Lu Xingzhou acknowledged his ancestors and returned to his clan, he might become Gu Zhanting's man.

Since Lu Xingzhou's true marriage partner is Gu Zhanting's daughter, Shen Tang, what kind of conflict could there be between father-in-law and son-in-law? The so-called Imperial Advisor is, in reality, just a disciple, and it's even said that he's not even the Imperial Advisor's own disciple.

In a sense, that also made Jiang Duxu and Gu Zhanting a family, unexpectedly achieving the Jiang family's initial goal.

"Mr. Jiang, please calm down. This matter is a bit complicated, and there are some subtle details involved." Huo Xingyuan stroked his beard and said, "I will first speak with His Majesty about this matter and see what His Majesty's considerations are. We will discuss it another day."

Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly: "Then we'll wait for your message, Marquis. I'll take my leave now."

As he spoke, he shrugged at Huo Qi and Huo Heng, his face clearly saying, "I'm just being affectionate with your mother, is there any problem?"

The Huo brothers remained standing there dumbfounded, including Huo Zhang, their minds blank for a long time.

Lu Xingzhou patted Huo Zhang on the shoulder again: "What we said before still applies. If Second Brother is in charge of foreign trade, we will consider making exceptions for some things. You can come to the Main and Guest Office when you have time, and we can talk in detail."

Huo Zhang was overjoyed: "No problem, no problem."

Lu Xingzhou, who openly flirted with his future mistress at the Huo residence, left without any consequences. All the subordinates and servants nearby who knew the details were dumbfounded and couldn't believe it.

Jiang Duxu also bid farewell to the dazed Jiang Yuan, saying, "Then we'll go back and wait for the Marquis's news."

The two left the Huo residence, and Lu Xingzhou was no longer in sight. Jiang Duxu led Jiang Yuan around a corner, his sharp eyes fixed on his granddaughter's eyes: "There must be some unspoken understanding between you and Lu Xingzhou. Tell me, what exactly happened when you went to the Lu residence last night?"

Jiang Yuan thought blankly for a moment and said, "I've been taken advantage of by a pig."

Jiang Duxu: "???"

"You've already been... you know... by him?" Jiang Duxu stamped his foot. "Even though he's good-looking and capable, is it really necessary? You've only met him once! How could you be so unable to control yourself! Could it be that he forced himself on you?"

Jiang Yuan seemed to wake from a dream, looking at her frantic grandfather with a strange expression: "I really was taken advantage of by a pig."

"No need to emphasize! Damn it!" Jiang Duxu hadn't sworn in years: "I underestimated this kid; he actually managed to force the issue!"

Jiang Yuan pinched her head: "What are you men thinking? I'm talking about a little white pig, a real pig!"

"You're the real pig! I asked you what happened, did I ask you to talk about your conspiracy with Lu Xingzhou, did I ask you to talk about a pig?" Jiang Duxu choked on a mouthful of blood, not knowing whether to be furious or relieved.

Anyway, it's good that I wasn't taken advantage of...

"What kind of conspiracy could there be? I just don't want to marry Huo Xingyuan, so what? I'm almost as old as you, aren't you ashamed!"

"So you want to marry Lu Xingzhou?"

"I don't want to either."

"Have you thought about how to handle this situation now?"

Jiang Yuan said, "Once this matter is over, and Huo Xingyuan remarries, it won't concern me anymore. Then let Lu Xingzhou say he doesn't want me anymore either, and that'll be the end of it, right?"

"You're thinking too simply," Jiang Duxu sneered. "Putting everything else aside, Huo Xingyuan most likely won't remarry. As for Lu Xingzhou, are you sure he'll let go of the meat that's practically in his mouth?"

Jiang Yuan hesitated for a moment, then realized that what Lu Xingzhou really wanted was not these things: "I think he's willing."

Jiang Duxu: "..." He looked up and thought for a while, then said in a low voice, "This person is very calculating and meticulous. You are no match for him, so don't make wild guesses. When Gu Zhanting appointed him as the Director of the Bureau of Receptions, he probably didn't expect him to achieve this in just a few days. Not only has he amassed influence and attracted attention in the capital, but he has also used this opportunity to get involved in the Huo family's internal affairs, shaking up the struggle for the heir apparent and causing trouble in the marriage proposal. In my opinion, he has other intentions as well..."

Jiang Yuan thought to herself, "Of course I know he has other intentions. I'm getting involved myself!"
Jiang Duxu glanced at her, a little annoyed: "Go back first. From today onwards, you are not allowed to see Lu Xingzhou alone anymore. I suspect that with your character, you might actually be the one being taken advantage of and still be helping him count the money."

Jiang Yuan pouted, clearly unconvinced. She felt she had managed to get Lu Xingzhou on her side today... At least now she knew some of Lu Xingzhou's little secrets, so getting him to exchange that tattered cloth for her wouldn't be a problem.

If Jiang Yuan knew that Lu Xingzhou's final intention had already reached the point of getting Gu Zhanting to bestow a marriage upon Shen Tang, I wonder if she, as a pawn and tool, would still be so happy.

Previously, Pei Chuyun had subtly probed Lu Xingzhou about marriage, but he hadn't responded yet, waiting to see how things would turn out.

There's no reason to keep Shen Tang hidden and left hanging without first discussing her as a secondary wife. What do you take her for? If you're going to discuss it, then put it all out in the open.

This was Lu Xingzhou's explanation to Shen Tang.

Shen Tang had once felt incredibly frustrated by her lack of qualifications; she couldn't return home, acknowledge her identity, or even announce her boyfriend. Now, by a twist of fate, taking advantage of the delicate situation and Gu Zhanting's yearning for the ancient realm's methods, she could finally put Old Deng in a difficult position and see what kind of answer he would give.

Beyond the romantic aspect, it's also politically important. Getting Gu Zhanting to publicly acknowledge Shen Tang as Princess Chaohuang at this moment would be difficult, but the supposedly "missing" Princess Chaohuang is still alive; to avoid people thinking she's dead, this step is necessary. The situation is currently turbulent, and things could change at any moment. If circumstances change and Shen Tang suddenly appears claiming to be Princess Chaohuang, those with ulterior motives can simply deny it.

Laying a solid foundation is more important than anything else.

Lu Xingzhou pondered for a moment before returning home, where he sat down at the table and poured himself a drink.

A gentle breeze stirs.

Lu Xingzhou said calmly, "Since Mr. Yang is here, why not show yourself?"

Edward Yang appeared beside him, somewhat amazed as he watched Lu Xingzhou sitting upright and making tea.

It was clear from the beginning that this "Seventh Young Master" was no ordinary person, but no one could have imagined that he could achieve this level in less than a year.

"Please sit down." Lu Xingzhou gestured with his hand and smiled, "There are some things I still need to thank Mr. Yang for."

Yang Dechang accepted the tea that was personally handed to him, feeling somewhat flattered. He quickly said, "In the situation just now, I think even if you were discovered, you would have had a contingency plan."

“That’s true… It can also make Huo Xingyuan feel that Gu Zhanting doesn’t trust him…” Lu Xingzhou smiled: “But there are advantages to not being discovered. Huo Xingyuan and Gu Zhanting’s relationship is still somewhat useful to me in the short term, so I still have to thank Mr. Yang. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”

Yang Dechang hesitated and asked, "That's... Huo Lu's matter?"

Lu Xingzhou clapped his hands: "I thought Yang Gongfeng had forgotten."

It was Yang Dechang who leaked Huo Lu's whereabouts to Menggui City to Lu Xingzhou, which led to Lu Xingzhou's trip to Menggui City and the capture of the little demoness.

For Yang Dechang, it was just a secret bet, a way to make a good connection, nothing more. Besides, almost a year had passed, and he thought Lu Xingzhou had forgotten, but he didn't expect Lu Xingzhou to still remember it. Yang Dechang was a little excited for a moment: "How could such a small favor be of any importance to Seventh Young Master?"

"There's another reason why Mr. Lu remembers it so well."

"What does the young master mean..."

"You delivered Huo Lu's death warrant to me. But does Mr. Yang know who ultimately sent him to meet the King of Hell?"

Huo Lu was assassinated at the villa, just after Lu Xingzhou returned to the capital and told Huo Zhang that he was ready to show Huo Zhang his strength by killing someone. Lu Xingzhou was interrogated as a result, but due to the biased and evasive actions of various parties, the matter was ultimately left unresolved.

When Lu Xingzhou saw Yang Dechang, he couldn't help but think of Huo Lu, and the incident resurfaced in his mind.

Yang Dechang pursed his lips, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and then lowered his voice: "Based on my judgment, it's highly likely that the eldest young master was behind this."

“Huo Qi?” Lu Xingzhou frowned. “I feel that Huo Zhang is more like the person who can do this kind of thing. Huo Qi… doesn’t seem quite right.”

"I don't know the specific reasons... but I was one of the two guards protecting the villa at the time. Because of this, I suffered a great loss. I was originally a fairly powerful leader, but now I've been sent to the backyard to be under the command of the Grand Guardian. They say my rank remains the same, but in reality, I've become a nobody."

Lu Xingzhou nodded. This time, Yang Dechang's intention to pledge allegiance was much more obvious than when he was secretly betting on Yang Dechang before. It was almost to the point of wanting to directly acknowledge him as his master. It turned out that he was very unhappy living in the Huo family.

Yang Dechang's eyes darkened as he spoke: "I'm not convinced! Who the hell tricked me... So I investigated secretly for a long time and finally determined that none of the other young masters had the opportunity to commit the crime that night, only the eldest young master did..."

"Could it be that an outsider did it?"

"That's the theory, but you and I both know that this matter either involves the Second Young Master or the Eldest Young Master; it can't be anyone else. Could it be you?"

Lu Xingzhou was amused by this: "Okay... The specific motive was probably that he caught me and Huo Zhang having a secret meeting that night and thought he could frame me with this trick, but it was easily defused... Regardless of the motive, it proves that this person is extremely vicious and not as mediocre as he appears on the outside."

“That’s right, he killed more than one of his own brothers, didn’t he?” Edward Yang blinked.

Lu Xingzhou smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and pondered to himself.

If that's the case, Huo Qi's temperament can still be exploited... If we continue to promote Huo Zhang until he feels the pressure is too much, what will he do? What if someone else tries to instigate him?

Edward Yang asked cautiously, "Young Master?"

"Oh, it's nothing." Lu Xingzhou snapped out of his reverie and chuckled, "Who is the Grand Elder? He has quite the intuition."

"I don't know. This person is very mysterious. I always suspect that he doesn't seem to be a Daqian person. He is more likely to be a demon or monster."

(End of this chapter)