Young Master Du Er followed the guard to the gate at the city wall.

The guard pointed and said, “Captain Du, it’s that one over there, the tallest one.”

Young Master Du Er glanced over and widened his eyes.

He exclaimed in surprise, “What a fine horse… This really is a fine horse.” But could this person be Tao Shan’s friend?

Tao Shan was just a bodyguard.

Could he really have a friend riding such a magnificent steed?

Others might not recognize the value of this horse, but as someone who, in modern times, would be a second-generation wealthy heir, Du Er couldn’t fail to recognize a luxury vehicle—comparing horses to cars.

With doubt in his heart, he approached Qin Fang.

Qin Fang had been watching the gate already.

Although he didn’t know what Young Master Du Er looked like, when he saw the guard he had spoken to earlier bringing down a young man, he guessed that this must be him.

Qin Fang didn’t walk over but waited for Du Er to approach.

When Du Er got closer, he raised his eyebrows and asked, “Are you Tao Shan’s friend? What did Tao Shan ask you to bring me?” His tone carried suspicion.

Qin Fang lowered his voice and said, “Young Master, I will show you my travel permit and documents, but after you see them, please don’t say anything, and then listen to what I have to say.”

Hearing this, Du Er immediately knew something was off about this person.

However, it was broad daylight, and the city gate was bustling with people, so he wasn’t worried.

He nodded.

Qin Fang took out his identity papers. “Please take a look.”

Du Er accepted the documents, and when he saw clearly that it was Qin Fang, he froze for a moment, surprised.

He hadn’t expected his father’s only student to appear here.

Once he realized this man was his father’s only student, he also understood who Qin Fang really was—the general defending Yunxiang County.

His eyes widened in shock, and he quickly pulled Qin Fang aside to a secluded spot.

In a low voice, he asked, “Are you Qin Fang? My father’s student?”

He had never met Qin Fang, nor had his father described him, but the identity papers were correct.

And if this was Qin Fang, it made sense, because Tao Shan would never have a friend who rode such a fine horse.

This man also knew about Tao Shan and Du Er’s affairs, so it was likely indeed Qin Fang.

Qin Fang replied, “Yes, I am Qin Fang. I’ve secretly come to the capital and must not reveal my identity. Young Master, is there any way you could arrange for me to meet the Emperor?”

Du Er’s face darkened at this. “Are you crazy? You’re the general of a county’s defenses! A general can’t leave his post without an imperial decree, just like military commanders can’t come to the capital without a royal edict.

And now you want to see the Emperor? Are you trying to get yourself killed? You need to go back immediately, or if something happens to you, my father will get dragged into this mess, and that would be terrible.”

Although Du Er’s words sounded harsh and concerned about getting implicated, there was also a tone of genuine care.

Qin Fang was somewhat moved.

He calmly said, “Young Master, you need not worry. Although I left the county without permission, I have my reasons, and I can explain them to the Emperor. Something happened to me, which my teacher also knows about, so there’s no need to worry.”

Du Er didn’t trust Qin Fang, but he trusted his father.

Since his father had accepted Qin Fang as a student, Qin Fang must be exceptional in some way.

Hearing Qin Fang speak so calmly, Du Er had no choice but to agree.

Could he refuse? Of course not. “Fine, I’ll take you to see the Emperor. You… can pretend to be one of my subordinates.”

Qin Fang nodded, “Thank you, Young Master.”

Du Er quickly responded, “No need for that. You’re my father’s student, like a brother to me. Oh, by the way, how old are you?”

Qin Fang found Du Er’s straightforwardness amusing, especially since his personality was nothing like his teacher’s.

It made him wonder how such a strict and disciplined teacher had raised such a carefree son. “I’m twenty-two this year. How about you?”

Du Er said, “I’m twenty. Since you’re older than me, I’ll call you Brother Qin from now on.”

Given that Qin Fang held the rank of fifth-grade official while Du Er was only a seventh-grade one, calling him “Brother” felt appropriate. “Oh, by the way, do you know my name? I’m Du Xingran.”

Qin Fang smiled, “I see, Brother Ran.”

Du Xingran twitched slightly. “Well, I also have an older brother, Du Xingfei, who’s twenty-five. If he were here, calling me ‘Brother’ wouldn’t sound right.”

Qin Fang chuckled and quickly corrected himself, “Then I’ll call you Ran.”

With a twitching smile, Du Xingran waved his hand. “Alright, let’s go. Oh, by the way, do you have any watermelons from your region? Watermelons are so delicious.”

Qin Fang replied, “There are no more watermelons, but I have some watermelon seeds. I’m just not sure if anyone in the capital knows how to grow them. If not, you can come to Yunxiang County next year, and I’ll make sure you enjoy them to your heart’s content.”

Du Xingran grinned, “I think I’ll come to Yunxiang County, then. Growing them here in the capital? Better not.

They’re so rare and valuable that they’d fetch a high price. Why let someone else profit for free? By the way, did you like the things I sent through Tao Shan? Didn’t your wife just give birth?”

Qin Fang thanked him, “Yes, thank you, Brother Ran. My wife really liked them. It was very thoughtful of you.”

Du Xingran waved dismissively, “No need to thank me. As long as she liked them. My wife prepared them.”

As they spoke, they reached the city gates, and Du Xingran called over one of his subordinates. “Come here. Take care of my brother’s horse. He’s been traveling, and his clothes are soaked with sweat. He needs to change or he’ll get sick.”

Du Xingran’s quick excuse was fitting since, even though it was September and not too hot, Qin Fang had indeed been sweating heavily from traveling overnight.

The subordinate replied, “Yes, sir.”

Du Xingran took Qin Fang to a guard’s rest room. “Go take a bath. I’ll get you some guard clothes to wear. Ah, with your size, I’ll have to find something larger.”

Qin Fang bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Brother Ran.”

Grand Eunuch Chi laughed and said, “You’re too humble, too humble. How did Young Master Du come to the palace? Did Lord Du send you on some errand?”

Du Xingran replied, “I am here at someone’s request, but it’s not my father. I ask Chief Steward Chi to report to His Majesty that I, Du Xingran, have matters to discuss.”

This was the first time in his twenty years of life that he had formally entered the palace to meet the emperor.

Grand Eunuch Chi said, “The emperor is waiting for you; please come in quickly.”

Du Xingran followed Chief Steward Chi into the Imperial Study.

As he stepped across the threshold, his heart fluttered.

Today, for Brother Qin, he was risking it all.

He hoped his father’s judgment of people was not wrong.

If Old Du knew that he was being doubted, he would probably break his legs.

As soon as Du Xingran entered the Imperial Study, he bowed and said, “I, Du Xingran, pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

The emperor smiled, “Get up. Young Master Du, why have you come to the palace? Is there something urgent?”

Du Xingran stood up and took something out from his pocket. “Your Majesty, the owner of this item wishes to see you. He is currently outside the palace gates, dressed in the uniform of a city guard. He says his identity must not be revealed, which is why he entrusted me.”

Upon hearing this, the emperor’s smile immediately faded, and he became serious.

Qin Fang was the city guard general of Yunxiang County; how could he have left Yunxiang County without permission?

That was a crime.

If things went wrong, it could lead to serious consequences.

However, Qin Fang was not someone who lacked discretion, so… something must have happened?

“Quickly, bring him in.”

Qin Fang was soon brought into the palace.

Grand Eunuch Chi waited for him at the entrance to the Imperial Study.

When he saw Qin Fang, his eyes lit up.

However, there were spies everywhere in the palace, so he didn’t greet him but said with a smile, “You’re here?”

Qin Fang bowed and said, “Grand Eunuch Chi, I didn’t expect to see you so soon again.”

Eunuch Chi replied, “Indeed! I even enjoyed the watermelon you specially sent. The emperor is waiting for you inside.”

He could tell that Qin Fang’s expression wasn’t good; perhaps something serious had happened.

Upon hearing this from Chief Steward Chi, Qin Fang felt inexplicably nervous.

He tugged at his clothes and asked, “Grand Eunuch Chi, is it alright for me to meet the emperor like this?”

Whether young or old, everyone revered the emperor as if he were a deity, so Grand Eunuch Chi understood his nervousness.

He smiled and said, “It’s fine, go on in.”

The more flustered he appeared, the better; at least it might elicit some sympathy.

Otherwise, the accusation of the city guard general leaving the county without permission was no small matter.

Hearing this, Qin Fang still didn’t feel reassured, but he followed him inside.

When he stepped into the Imperial Study, he was even more nervous than Du Xingran.

He kept his head down, barely managing to coordinate his limbs.

Once inside, he caught a glimpse of the emperor’s desk and immediately knelt down to pay his respects. “I, Qin Fang, pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Although he didn’t even see the emperor’s figure.

The emperor was also surprised to see Qin Fang.

Before meeting him, he hadn’t imagined what Qin Fang would look like.

However, when Du Xingran said Qin Fang was outside the palace gates, he had fantasized about his appearance.

The young man before him was tall, and his demeanor was somewhat awkward.

Excluding his looks and height, the stiffness of his movements seemed somewhat at odds with the energetic and bold Qin Fang described in his memorials.

“Raise your head so I can see you,” the emperor said.

Qin Fang raised his head.

His features were strong, which made him look quite stern because of his nervousness.

Those who didn’t know him would think he was glaring at a mortal enemy.

In reality, all his stiffness vanished, and he didn’t dare to move.

“Ha ha ha…” The emperor laughed heartily. “Get up, sit.” He then said to Chief Steward Chi and Du Xingran, “You two may leave.”

Grand Eunuch Chi and Du Xingran withdrew, but Qin Fang did not get up.

The emperor raised an eyebrow, “What’s the matter? Do you enjoy kneeling?”

Qin Fang quickly shook his head. “Your Majesty, I… my legs cramped, I can’t get up.”

After saying this, he crawled up from the ground, using his hands for support, and then limped over to sit down.

“Ha ha ha…” The emperor’s laughter grew louder.

He had never felt so carefree before.

This Qin Fang… was so simple that he was quite likable.

Hearing the emperor’s laughter, Qin Fang felt a bit embarrassed; he had made a fool of himself.

However, he was not a fool; he could see that the emperor was in a good mood.

The emperor laughed for a moment but soon became serious. “Qin Fang, do you know your crime?”

With a thud, Qin Fang knelt down again, and his voice was heavy enough to make the emperor wince, yet he maintained a stern expression. “The city guard general leaves the county without permission; even if your crime isn’t punishable by death, how can I trust you to be my general again? How is this different from fleeing in the face of the enemy?”

Qin Fang swallowed hard and nervously said, “Your Majesty, I have my reasons for this, and there are two reasons.”

The emperor raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Go on.”

Qin Fang said, “The first reason concerns what Your Majesty mentioned about raising horses and vegetable and fruit seeds.

I have a detailed plan, which is hard to articulate in writing, so I planned to come personally to meet you.

Of course, I knew beforehand that I should first write a memorial to report.

Originally, that was my plan, but recently I don’t know who I’ve offended, as someone has been targeting me from behind.

I thought perhaps I’m not suited for an official position, and I wish to resign.”

“Is that so?” The emperor narrowed his eyes, staring at Qin Fang.

He was curious about the horse-raising plan, but he was more skeptical about what Qin Fang had just said.

He scrutinized Qin Fang, trying to discern his intentions.

However, Qin Fang’s eyes were open and honest, showing no signs of deception.

The emperor pondered; Qin Fang was a student of Du Ke, and Du Ke was someone he had personally appointed.

Who could possibly target him? “Speak up, what’s going on?”

It seemed the situation was serious enough that this young man wanted to resign.

Qin Fang was anxious.

He was retreating to advance; he knew his only advantage was having no powerful backing.

Although Du Ke was his teacher, in front of the emperor, he was nothing.

In front of the emperor, he could only appear pitiful, which was most fitting.

Qin Fang stood up, first rubbing his knees; he had pushed himself too hard earlier, and it hurt.

As the emperor looked on, he couldn’t help but recall Qin Fang’s earlier tone, and his expression softened a bit.

Qin Fang slowly said, “A few days ago, my sister’s cook, Aunt Fan, returned…”

He explained the situation regarding Aunt Fan. “Aunt Fan said that the magistrate of Laiwang County, Magistrate Cheng, exploited her son-in-law’s gambling addiction, leading him to owe a huge debt he couldn’t repay.

He then pressured her son-in-law to persuade her, asking Aunt Fan to convince us to make the grain supplier of Laiwang County do business with Magistrate Cheng’s family.

Of course, I didn’t believe this; who is Magistrate Cheng? How could he do such a thing?

So, I asked Lord Liu, the governor of Heding Prefecture, to intervene. However, Lord Liu sent me this reply. Your Majesty, please take a look.”

He stood up and walked to the emperor’s desk, handing over the letter.

The emperor received the letter and opened it.

When he read its contents, his face darkened.

General Qin:

I am powerless to help. I’ve inquired about Magistrate Cheng’s attitude, and this matter is aimed at you. The other party is not afraid of Deputy Minister Du. I hope you understand.

The emperor stared at the letter.

He didn’t doubt its authenticity; Qin Fang wouldn’t dare to present a forged letter to him.

The letter had to be genuine, as a forgery would be easily exposed.

Thus, the letter was indeed genuine.

If it was genuine, then the words in it were worth pondering.

Targeting Qin Fang, and not fearing Du Ke, the implications of this letter were intriguing.

Du Ke was his man, and Qin Fang was Du Ke’s student.

Or rather, Qin Fang had been cultivated to be Du Ke’s student by him.

In other words, Qin Fang was someone he wanted to nurture.

So, who would dare to target Qin Fang?

Of course, the emperor didn’t ponder this question.

What he wanted to know was, what was the purpose behind targeting Qin Fang?

Seeing that the emperor was silent, Qin Fang felt nervous.

If he weren’t strong-willed, he might have trembled in silence. “What are your thoughts on this matter?”

After a long while, the emperor finally spoke.

Qin Fang honestly shook his head, “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble servant cannot think of a reason. There is nothing valuable about me, so why would anyone target me? My family? We have no money. If I were a young lady, perhaps they would be after my looks, but I’m a man…”

“Stop,” the Emperor interrupted him.

The atmosphere was serious, but for some reason, the Emperor felt the urge to laugh—just like when he read Qin Fang’s memorials, which always amused him.

Thinking about it now, Qin Fang’s personality was quite like his memorials: long-winded and rambling.

Qin Fang stopped talking and looked at the Emperor with a puzzled expression, as if saying, “Weren’t you the one who asked me to speak?”

The Emperor massaged his temples. “Just continue… but sit over there while you talk.”

Qin Fang was sitting so close that it was hard for him to suppress his laughter.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Qin Fang moved back to his seat. “So, they are not after my family’s wealth, nor are they targeting me personally. It must be something related to the interests I represent. Your Majesty, do you agree?”

The Emperor didn’t answer the question and instead said, “Go on.”

In his heart, he thought, “This foolish boy actually has some sense.”

Qin Fang continued, “If they are after my interests, then I have only five.”

“Oh? Which five?” The Emperor was curious because he couldn’t think of five, so how had Qin Fang come up with them?

Qin Fang held up one finger, “First, my position as the General guarding Yunxiang County. But before I was transferred there, Yunxiang was very poor. If anyone cared about that position, it wouldn’t have fallen to me. So, I don’t think that’s the interest at stake.”

The Emperor asked, “What’s the second?” But as he spoke, his gaze fell on Qin Fang’s hands.

His fingers were bright red, and the wounds looked fresh, suggesting they were recent.

No, it seemed more like the wounds had been repeatedly aggravated over the past few days.

Observing his tired appearance, the Emperor quickly realized it was from holding the reins during a hurried journey.

This made the Emperor ask, “How many days did it take you to travel from Yunxiang County to the capital?”

“Huh?” Qin Fang didn’t understand why the Emperor suddenly asked this, but he answered truthfully, “It took me two days and one night. I left Yunxiang early yesterday morning and arrived this afternoon.”

Strictly speaking, it was one night and a day and a half.

The Emperor was shocked. “When Tao Shan came before, I asked him, and even though he traveled quickly, it took him three days and three nights. How did you manage to cover the distance so fast? Even a warhorse couldn’t move at that speed.” It was no wonder his hands were so red.

The Emperor, thinking of this, felt a twinge of sympathy.

At this moment, the image of Qin Fang in the Emperor’s mind was that of a simple, country boy—poor background, not much experience, no cunning, very honest.

But still, he wasn’t a fool.

Qin Fang smiled. “Your Majesty, I have a prized horse named Wu Shuai. My wife gave it that name. She said since the horse is completely black, she used ‘Wu’ for the first character, and because she hoped it would become the leader of all horses, she called it ‘Shuai.'”