Sensing Huang Ying’s warmth and comfort, Feng Xiaoyue breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Huang Ying, the sect leader, also came forward and hugged Feng Xiaoyue. The group presented a harmonious front. Just then, La Erduo and Yang Zhi greeted them. Upon seeing Chen Xiaobei, La Erduo burst into laughter.
“Brother, I didn’t expect us to meet again so soon!” he said, coming forward to warmly clasp Chen Xiaobei’s arm. He then turned to his brother, La Mu, saying, “La Mu, come here, let me introduce you. This is the brother Xiaobei I’ve been telling you about.”
“Brother Xiaobei, this is La Mu, my own brother, and now your elder brother. From now on, if you come to Wannian City, come to him. He’ll take care of your food and lodging.”
Chen Xiaobei stepped forward and politely greeted La Mu. Then, after a moment’s thought, he removed the thumb ring La Erduo had given him from his finger.
“Leader, since I’ve already met Brother La Mu, I’ll return this thumb ring to you.”
To his surprise, La Erduo glared at him. “How can this be? There’s no reason to take back something that has been given away. Besides, it’s only my brother La Mu who recognizes you. Many of his subordinates don’t. If they see this, they will obey your commands.”
Yang Zhi chimed in with encouragement, “Yes, Brother Xiaobei, please keep it. It will be more convenient for you to travel in the capital with this.”
Alright, good people couldn't resist three entreaties, so he would keep it for now. Su Dan Novel Network.
Seeing Chen Xiaobei agree to stay, La Erduo became even happier. He stepped forward and clapped him on the shoulder. “You’ve arrived just in time. We were about to have a drink.”
With laughter and conversation, they entered the restaurant, added bowls and chopsticks, and sat down as honored guests.
Watching Chen Xiaobei seated between Feng Xiaoyue and Huang Ying, Yang Zhi and the others were filled with envy.
Of course, the warm greetings and lively atmosphere were temporary. Once the conversation turned serious, the mood instantly became heavy.
Feng Xiaoyue, her face etched with worry, looked at Chen Xiaobei. “Brother Xiaobei, Sister Liu Rumei has been arrested by the Emperor, and Prime Minister Fang has also been dismissed by the Emperor.”
Chen Xiaobei nodded. “I met Liu Kai before I came. I know about all of this.”
“Xiaoyue, rescuing Liu Rumei and the others is likely not something that can be accomplished in a day or two. If Prime Minister Fang is not recalled, are there any others who know that your father was framed?”
Feng Xiaoyue shook her head and sighed again. “To be honest, I’ve visited several of my father’s former colleagues these past two days. But upon hearing my name, many people were too afraid to even see me.”
Chen Xiaobei could understand this. It was expected. After all, people drift apart when they fall from favor. Feng Pengju had been banished to the border for several years. Anyone who would stand up for him now would be considered a success.
With this thought, he spoke to comfort her, “This is only human nature. But at least there’s the old Prime Minister. We should still think of a way.”
“In my opinion, whether it’s Liu Xiangnan or Fang Zheng, these two were likely apprehended for the same reason by the Emperor.”
Upon hearing this, they all looked at Chen Xiaobei with surprise, their eyes wide.
“Brother Xiaobei, why do you say that? Liu Xiangnan was clearly harmed by rumors, but there’s not a single word of gossip about Prime Minister Fang.”
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself that whether it was spoken or unspoken, the effect was the same. He recalled how someone, years ago, had almost annihilated his veteran officials by burning down the Celebration Tower.
The Emperor, in his twilight years, was paving the way for his son. Therefore, it was inevitable that he would start dealing with these old ministers.
Such examples were common throughout history in his past life, even commonplace.
It was just that in this Great Cang Kingdom, many common people had not read such histories, and thus lacked a comprehensive understanding of these matters.
Chen Xiaobei’s only concern now was how resolute the Emperor was.
Would he stop only after seeing a few heads roll?
Just as they were eating, someone outside the back door shouted, “Quick, come see the celestial dog eating the moon!”
Hearing the shout, everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks and rushed outside. Chen Xiaobei, however, was unfazed. A celestial dog eating the moon? That’s just a lunar eclipse, what’s so special about it?
Huang Ying, however, found it novel. She tugged at Chen Xiaobei’s arm and said with a hint of playfulness, “Brother Xiaobei, will you come with me to see? My master said this only happens once every few years.”
“Yes, Master also said that when the celestial dog eats the moon, there will be disaster in the human world. We don’t know where misfortune will strike,” sighed the Lotus Sect Leader with a helpless expression, sounding remarkably patriotic.
Chen Xiaobei wanted to laugh but couldn't. With the current level of technology, people lacked a correct understanding of these natural phenomena, which was normal.
The solar eclipse proceeded quickly. It was over in just the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, and the moon’s clear radiance once again shone upon the world.
When the moon reappeared, the crowd let out cheers, as if they had experienced a significant moment or achieved a great victory. Yet, in reality, they had done nothing, not even spoken a word, but had merely witnessed a normal celestial event.
Returning indoors, the group’s spirits had evidently dampened considerably. They hastily drank a few cups of wine, and the dinner concluded.
It was evident that even a normal celestial event had had an impact on them.
Chen Xiaobei didn’t mind. Since they weren't drinking anymore, he decided to head back and sleep.
Chen Xiaobei and the others were arranged in an inn very close to the market.
They were even thoughtfully booked a room with a large bed for Chen Xiaobei. Of course, there was no such thing as a “large bed room” back then, but it could be called a “couple’s room.”
As Chen Xiaobei and Huang Ying entered the room, the maidservant Du Juan came forward to help tidy the bedding. “Miss, you said that when the celestial dog eats the moon, disaster will surely befall somewhere. This disaster…”
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly, about to offer an explanation, when with a clang, the door was pushed open. The Lotus Sect Leader entered slowly, hands clasped behind her back.
Chen Xiaobei was about to stand up to greet her when he saw her solemn expression, her gaze fixed intently on him.
What was going on? He didn’t recall offending her. Chen Xiaobei’s confused gaze flickered towards Huang Ying.
Huang Ying also looked at the Lotus Sect Leader with a hint of surprise, appearing somewhat flustered.
The Lotus Sect Leader approached Chen Xiaobei, peered intently at him for a moment, then turned her head to glance at Huang Ying before finally speaking, “Chen Xiaobei, you will sleep in my room tonight. I will stay here with Junior Sister Huang Ying.”
Hearing this, Xiaobei felt like cursing. The order of the words was crucial. She started by saying he should go to her room. Without the latter half, no matter how much he tried, he wouldn’t be able to clear his name.
Huang Ying listened, somewhat stunned. After all, back in Hetou Village, Chen Xiaobei was busy, and not always at home. Even when he was home, he had to share his time with Cui Hongyu. Now that they had finally come to the capital, and were about to have a few days of blissful togetherness, this Tang Saihua had inserted herself in between them.