Chapter 00015: Cleaning Up
# Cleaning Up
Chapter 15
Novel: After the Immortals Disappeared
Chapter 15: Cleaning Up
"She's strict, hoping that once we succeed, we can return to the capital and make something of ourselves."
He Lingchuan laughed heartily: "Come on, she just wants you to go back to the capital and shine. What does that have to do with me?"
The resentment in his words was palpable, and He Yue frowned: "Big brother, why put yourself down like that? Have you thought about what you'll do when we return to the capital?"
"Return to the capital?" He Lingchuan stroked his chin, "Nope!"
The original owner of this body hadn't thought that far ahead, and neither had he made any plans.
To outsiders, Qiansong County might seem like a harsh and desolate place, but both he and the original owner found it quite agreeable.
The He family ruled here like petty kings, used to having their way and living comfortably.
But in the capital of Yuanguo, they would be nothing.
In terms of heritage, wealth, connections, or even the ability to spend money, the He family couldn't hold a candle to the great clans there.
So why bother going? Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.
He Yue reminded him: "This is our father's lifelong wish. We must do everything we can to fulfill it. We swore an oath during the family sacrifice."
He added, "If you don't plan for the future, you'll have troubles close at hand. With your attitude, no wonder mother isn't pleased."
"I know," He Lingchuan patted his shoulder, nonchalant, "You study the arts, I train in martial skills. Together, we're the complete package. When we return to the capital one day, if anyone gives you trouble, I'll secretly cripple them."
"Big brother, you really..."
Faced with such stubbornness, He Yue could only sigh.
But looking on the bright side, at least his brother's carefree attitude in Blackwater City was out in the open.
At least he knew that when they returned to the capital, he'd have to cause trouble in secret.
That was some kind of progress.
Sort of.
On their way, they ran into Uncle Hao, who gave He Lingchuan a meaningful look and followed them.
What had happened now?
They reached the side hall and sat down.
Uncle Hao went to stand guard outside, ensuring no one came within a five-zhang radius.
He Yue picked out a tea set and felt the cold cups: "Are the State Preceptor and the Governor of Xunzhou here to cause trouble?"
He Lingchuan yawned, listless: "They're not the real problem. The mastermind behind them is the emperor's father-in-law."
"The Grand Marshal?" He Yue's expression changed drastically, "You don't mean... Dong Haoming?"
"Exactly. How many imperial fathers-in-law do we have?" He Lingchuan thought for a moment.
Their father had only said not to tell Lady Ying, but he hadn't mentioned keeping it from He Yue.
This kid had been helping with county affairs since he was nine.
This big matter probably didn't need to be hidden from him.
In a few days, when He Chunhua sent people into the desert, He Yue would find out anyway.
So he quickly explained the intentions of State Preceptor Sun and the others, from start to finish.
He Yue listened carefully, occasionally asking a question or two, but mostly focusing on boiling water.
His brother was too lazy, so he had to do it himself.
By the time the water was boiled and the tea was brewed, He Lingchuan had talked himself hoarse and casually grabbed the hot tea, taking a couple of big gulps.
"Second brother, what do you think?"
"The Grand Marshal wants to use us as his weapons, but Father will likely agree. Our objections won't matter," He Yue analyzed.
"Given Father's age and experience, he still has much to achieve if he returns to the capital."
Both sons were nearly adults, but He Chunhua himself was not yet thirty-five, still in the prime of his life, strong and full of energy.
He had already spent the best twenty years of his life in this barren land.
How could he tolerate being ignored and buried any longer?
"Fortunately, the token from Zhong Shengguang is still missing. Even if they search for dozens of days without finding it, they won't be able to go to the Panlong Desert."
He Lingchuan coughed lightly: "Actually, the token has been found."
"What? Where?" He Yue was shocked, his gaze at his brother growing more suspicious.
"How do you know?"
"It's with me," He Lingchuan patted his chest, speaking slowly.
"Actually, this goes back to when I was severely injured over a month ago..."
This time, he tried to keep it brief.
"Nian Songyu only mentioned going after the leopard demon, but he didn't say anything about wiping out its entire family," He Yue frowned.
"And what exactly did the Governor of Xunzhou send him here for?"
"Supposedly to assist State Preceptor Sun," He Lingchuan stroked his chin.
"Looks like Father will be asking me for the sand leopard's remains soon."
He Yue reminded him: "The Red-White Sect is still holding two guards from the Donglai Mansion. Now that you know their intentions, how do you plan to handle them?"
"What else can we do? Let them go, of course."
"Let them go?" He Yue was a bit surprised.
"I thought you'd want to destroy the evidence."
The best way to avoid offending the Donglai Mansion was to not let them know they had been slighted.
"Is that necessary?" He Lingchuan scratched his head.
"They're just two second-rate guards. To the Donglai Mansion, they're nothing."
"You're right," He Yue thought.
The disappearance of these two was still a problem.
What if the Red-White Sect slipped up again? If Father decided to help them seize the Great Square Pot, it would be best to show some goodwill now to avoid being stabbed in the back when rewards were handed out later.
After all, they were just two guards—hardly worth a mention.
The Donglai Mansion needed us, so they probably wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
He Lingchuan felt uneasy under his brother's gaze: "What's with that look?"
Compared to before, his brother seemed to have changed, but not entirely.
He Yue pulled his thoughts back: "There are many suspicious points in this matter. Entering the Panlong Desert is a life-and-death gamble, even with the token in hand. Let them take the risk. You and Father shouldn't get involved."
"Got it."
At that moment, Uncle Hao came to report that someone from the Red-White Sect had arrived.
He Lingchuan met the person in the garden.
Through the window, He Yue saw his brother sit on a garden bench, legs crossed: "Are those two still alive?"
"Alive and kicking," the man replied.
He was the same Red-White Sect member who had brought the news last time.
"Any instructions, Young Master?"
"Get them out of the cell, clean them up."
"Clean them up?" The man understood, "Burn them to ashes or dissolve them in acid?"
"I said clean them up, not kill them!" What was wrong with these people? "Their backers are here. We'll probably have to release them in a day or two—alive!"
The sect member let out an "Ah": "Release them?"
"What, are they missing any parts?" He Lingchuan frowned.
That would be bad.
Returning guards from the Donglai Mansion with missing limbs wouldn't be a gesture of goodwill—it would be an act of hostility.
"All parts are intact, but, well..."
He Lingchuan's heart sank.
These guys were trouble: "But what?"
The man coughed: "One of them tried to escape yesterday. When we caught him, we accidentally sliced off half his butt. You know how Old Chen Seven can be a bit heavy-handed."
"I know? How would I know?" He Lingchuan glared.
"I thought they just ate some spoiled food and got a few extra bug bites. If this gets out, it won't just be their butts that are hurt—it'll be the Donglai Mansion's reputation!"
In the study, He Yue covered his face with his hand.
Was it just an illusion earlier? His brother hadn't changed after all.
(End of Chapter)