Chapter 87: Fury and Exposure
Chapter 87: Fury and Exposure
Crimson Blood Horse!
Li Tiangang sat calmly atop the Dragon Lion, spotting the young man standing in the middle of the official road at the end of his line of sight.
He immediately recognized the young man's warhorse. As he looked at the youth's face, he found it strikingly handsome and clear, especially the features around the eyes, which matched the contours of his beloved, etched deep in his heart.
Li Tiangang's heart trembled.
Li Hao was also gazing at the sturdy, composed man.
The vague images in his memory seemed to become clearer at this moment, of the man who had ruffled his hair with rough hands fourteen years ago.
Despite not seeing each other for fourteen years, they recognized each other almost instantly with just that brief exchange of glances.
Whoosh!
Li Tiangang suddenly leaped from the Dragon Lion, landing in front of the young man's Crimson Blood Horse.
The young man also swiftly dismounted, knowing it was improper to speak to his father while still on horseback.
"Li Hao?"
Li Tiangang's voice was trembling slightly.
Li Hao felt the concern and deep emotion in his voice, and the initial sense of unfamiliarity quickly dissipated.
Perhaps, this was the feeling of blood ties?
"Father."
Li Hao spoke, though his voice was a bit hesitant and awkward. He knew that the man before him was his father in this life.
Li Tiangang, moved, pulled Li Hao into a tight embrace.
After fourteen years, his child had grown so much!
His emotions were surging.
The broad, strong arms and the wide chest gave Li Hao a solid sense of security.
At that moment, his heart felt at peace.
He gently wrapped his arms around his father's waist, but then a thought struck him, and he looked around. "Where is Mother?"
The moment the words left his lips, he felt the man's body tense slightly.
Li Hao's face immediately changed, and his blood seemed to freeze.
His mother, the woman with the bright, caring eyes from his memories... she was gone?
It was as if a beautiful, tender picture had shattered in the darkness.
Li Hao turned sharply to look at the returning victorious army, ignoring the admiring and concerned gazes and voices from the people lining the road. He focused only on the wounded soldiers.
But among them, there was no sign of the beautiful figure who had held him in her arms fourteen years ago.
Li Hao's face darkened. "How could this be? Mother was always with you, wasn't she? Didn't you face life and death together?"
Li Tiangang's lips moved, but no words came out.
Li Hao looked at him sharply. "When did Mother leave, and why have I never heard about it?"
"A few months ago."
Li Tiangang paused slightly. "I kept it secret, not letting it spread."
Seeing Li Hao about to say something, he patted his son's shoulder with his broad hand. "Let's go back and talk about it."
Li Hao's initial joy had turned to a state of shock and despondency.
The people on the roadside were still cheering, praising Marquis Xingwu's triumphant return and the Li Family's glorious military achievements.
Only Li Hao, who had been pulled onto the Dragon Lion's back to ride with his father, knew the truth.
On this day, he had lost his mother.
...
Upon returning to the Divine General Manor,
Madams like He Jianlan and Liu Yuerong, along with many others, had gathered in the Mountain and River Courtyard, waiting eagerly.
Li Xuanli had been pacing back and forth at the manor gate, anxiously looking around, until Li Tiangang finally appeared. Both brothers then broke into smiles.
After a deep embrace,
Li Xuanli punched Li Tiangang's chest armor lightly and then ruffled Li Hao's hair, looking around with a smile. "Where is my sister-in-law?"
Li Tiangang's expression changed, and he shook his head. "Let's talk about it back at the manor."
Li Xuanli's smile froze, and his face turned serious as he noticed that Li Hao had not moved when he ruffled his hair.
Li Xuanli's smile vanished, and he nodded, accompanying them back to the manor.
In the Mountain and River Courtyard,
the atmosphere was lively with Li Tiangang's return, but it quickly turned somber when they learned that Seventh Madam Ji Qingqing had not returned.
Li Tiangang simply said, "She's gone."
The atmosphere in the courtyard immediately turned cold.
Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sorrow and sighs, having experienced such loss many times before.
They all came forward to comfort Li Tiangang and Li Hao.
Only He Jianlan stood at a distance, sighing deeply without saying a word.
Li Wushuang, who had just been beaten by Li Hao that morning, still felt some lingering pain in her buttocks. But as she watched the lonely figure of the young man standing quietly beside his father, she felt no schadenfreude. Instead, she was shocked and moved, and her resentment suddenly disappeared.
Although she had wanted to teach Li Hao a lesson and was angry at his humiliation of her, they were still blood relatives, both members of the Li Family. She had never truly intended to harm him.
The planned celebration ended quietly, but they still had to eat. During the meal, everyone spoke in hushed tones, asking Li Tiangang about the situation in Yanbei over the years.
Although important events had been reported to the family through military dispatches, it was always difficult to provide detailed accounts. Now, after years of pent-up emotions, they could finally share more openly.
As the sun set and the Madams from the various courtyards left, Li Xuanli wanted to stay and keep Seventh Uncle company, but his own Madam pulled him away.
Gao Qingqing could tell her husband’s thoughts and, feeling annoyed, secretly pulled him aside and whispered:
"Can you really comfort him with just a few words? They haven’t seen each other for years. What are you doing here but getting in the way?"
Li Xuanli suddenly realized his mistake, grabbed his Madam’s soft hand, and silently thanked his lucky stars for having such a virtuous wife. He then bid farewell to Li Tiangang and led his wife and children back home.
The courtyard soon became quiet, with only Li Tiangang, his personal attendants from Yanbei, and the people from the courtyard, including Li Hao and Old Zhao, remaining.
During the meal, Li Hao, hearing the other Aunts’ questions, learned many things about Yanbei.
Ordinary wars usually last at most two or three years, and it’s rare for a war to drag on for seven or eight years. This time, the conflict has been ongoing for over a decade, mainly because the Holy Palace forces of the demon clans want to tear apart Yanbei, using it as a breach to gain a strategic advantage against Dayu.
Through their conversation, Li Hao also learned that although Dayu is in a golden age, this doesn’t mean the border is peaceful.
In any era, the border is always guarded because there are always invaders, the only difference being the number.
However, from this war, it’s clear that Dayu has not yet completely eliminated its external threats. Or perhaps, the territories that the early Dayu Emperor had expanded and the demons he had subdued are now, after thousands of years, making a comeback.
Dayu, like an aging lion, shows signs of decline even in its golden age.
But how long will its remaining might last?
Li Hao wanted to ask about the details of his mother’s incident, but as soon as he mentioned it, Li Tiangang’s face turned grim, and he shook his head, saying:
"Li Hao, I let your mother down. From now on, it will just be the two of us in this courtyard."
Li Hao remained silent.
He suddenly realized that the pain over his mother’s incident wasn’t his alone.
She had accompanied her husband on a rushed journey to the frontier, a clear sign of their deep love.
Over the years, Li Hao had heard many stories about his parents’ affectionate moments when they were younger.
He had only spent a short time with his mother, less than a hundred days, but his father had been with her for over a decade, and their bond was likely deeper than Li Hao’s.
After a brief silence, Li Hao asked:
"Has the person responsible for Mother’s incident been punished?"
Li Tiangang’s body trembled slightly, and he nodded: "Yes, it has been."
Li Hao let out a sigh of relief: "That’s good."
Father and son looked at each other, both speechless.
Li Hao had many things he wanted to say and many questions he wanted to ask, but during the meal, he had already learned much about what had happened in Yanbei, the hardships of the war, and so on. The lingering resentment he had harbored for years gradually dissipated.
Now, he couldn’t think of what else to say.
It seems that fathers and sons often find themselves in awkward silences.
Breaking the silence, Li Tiangang spoke softly: "Li Hao, these past years, you’ve suffered without us by your side."
Li Hao shook his head slightly and smiled: "I didn’t suffer. Old Zhao kept me company, Second Uncle taught me fishing, Fifth Master played chess with me, Mother was very kind, and Ninth Lady occasionally sent me delicious royal pastries..."
He recounted the fun times of the past years to his father.
However, Li Hao didn’t notice that while Li Tiangang initially smiled, his brow gradually furrowed as he listened.
"So, you didn’t really practice much after your meridians were unblocked?" Li Tiangang asked seriously.
Li Hao was taken aback and scratched his head: "I practiced, but there’s not much to say about it."
Li Tiangang looked at him for a moment, sighed inwardly, and said:
"It’s late now. You should go back and rest early."
Seeing the weariness on his father’s face, Li Hao remembered the long journey from Yanbei and the arduous travel. He didn’t say anything more, nodded, and left.
After Li Hao left, Li Tiangang called for Old Zhao.
"Where is Li Fu?"
"Li Fu is in Cangyu City. Young Master has enrolled in Tan Palace Academy, and he went there on a mission. Li Fu was secretly protecting him and got injured. He’s currently recuperating there and has already sent a letter saying he’s on his way back."
Old Zhao, who had watched this man grow into a renowned general, smiled respectfully as he spoke.
Li Tiangang’s expression changed: "Injured? Was Young Master targeted by an assassination attempt?"
"No, he just asked me to take care of Young Master and said he has good news to share when he returns", Old Zhao replied.
"Good news?" Li Tiangang was puzzled. How could there be good news if he’s injured?
He thought for a moment. Cangyu City is in the Qizhou Xia Clan’s territory, not too far or too close. With a fast horse, it would take about two days to return to the manor.
"Old Zhao, tell me about Li Hao’s situation these past years."
Li Tiangang gestured to the cushion beside him.
Old Zhao was slightly taken aback but sat down and smiled: "Master, why don’t you ask Young Master directly? After so many years apart, you two have a lot to talk about, and this would be a good time to catch up."
Li Tiangang shook his head slightly and sighed:
"From what I’ve seen, Li Hao talks freely and acts a bit carelessly, lacking some manners. I suspect he hasn’t had much discipline over the years and his nature has become a bit wild. You might as well tell me."
"Master, you're being too harsh. Young Master is a bit laid-back, but he's a good kid. He's kind-hearted and never mistreats the servants in the courtyard. He's always polite to the elders in each hall and never oversteps his bounds. In all these years, he hasn't caused any serious trouble. At most, a few years ago, he messed around in the kitchen with some strange concoctions..."
"Just tell me about his cultivation progress", Li Tiangang waved his hand, interrupting him.
Old Zhao was momentarily stunned, then thought for a moment and said, "Well..."
Seeing that Old Zhao couldn't speak, Li Tiangang's expression darkened.
"Are you saying he hasn't cultivated at all?"
"It's not exactly that..."
Seeing Old Zhao's stammering, Li Tiangang's face grew even more serious.
"Is he discouraged? With his meridians now unblocked, even if he hasn't reached the Foundation Building stage, what does it matter if he starts a bit later than others? With my immortal bloodline, he can still surpass his peers in the early stages!"
"When it's time for the Soul Succession Divine Roaming, with the Rain Listening Pavilion's cultivation techniques and the help of the Ancestral Hall's ancestors, he can even make it to the Heaven List. At the very least, he will have the strength to protect himself. How could he be so degenerate!"
Old Zhao's face was awkward. "Actually, Young Master has been quite diligent..."
"Diligent at playing, perhaps?"
Li Tiangang gave him a withering glance, a glance that still carried the stern authority of the battlefield, causing Old Zhao's heart to tremble slightly.
"It seems you've all been too indulgent with him. He's become arrogant and complacent, and that's harmful, do you understand?" Li Tiangang said sternly.
Old Zhao couldn't sit still and hurriedly stood up. "Master, it's my fault. I haven't been vigilant enough."
Li Tiangang was taken aback, suddenly realizing he had been too severe. Years of tense battlefield life had made it hard for him to relax.
Seeing the butler who had cared for him since childhood bow in apology, he felt a twinge of guilt and sighed deeply.
"This isn't your fault. Li Hao has been too pampered."
Old Zhao kept his head down, not daring to respond.
Li Tiangang suddenly lost interest and waved his hand. "You can go rest now."
Old Zhao hesitated for a moment, then bowed and left.
...
...
The next day.
Li Hao slept in.
With his father back, he naturally wanted to spend more time with him. These two days, he didn't need to go to Tan Palace Academy, where he usually just painted by the Cold Pool or played chess and drank with Old Shen.
Perhaps because of his thoughts before bed, in his dreams, Li Hao vaguely saw those eyes, gently cradling him to sleep, but suddenly, a swarm of demons surrounded him.
"Young Master!"
A soft voice startled him awake. Li Hao opened his eyes to see a young man standing by his bed.
"When did you come in?" Li Hao couldn't help but ask.
He recognized the young man as one of his father's personal attendants from the battle yesterday. He looked to be in his late twenties, with a slender build and sharp eyes.
"Young Master, Master sent me to call you. It's time to practice in the front courtyard", the young man said with a smile.
The young man was named Yu Xuan. Li Hao sighed inwardly, realizing his days of leisure were over.
Thinking of the dream that had been interrupted, he frowned. "From now on, don't enter my room without my permission."
Yu Xuan nodded. "Understood."
Li Hao reluctantly sat up and called for Qingzhi to help him change into clean clothes.
Seeing Li Hao's air of a wealthy young master, Yu Xuan stood silently by, his expression unchanged.
However, Li Hao's movements were even slower than he had expected. He stood there, letting the maid dress him slowly, and Yu Xuan couldn't help but remind him, "Young Master, Master is waiting for you."
Li Hao was startled and quickly dressed himself. "Let's go."
The two left the room and headed towards the front courtyard.
As they passed the main house, Li Hao glanced inside and suddenly froze, his face turning pale. He rushed into the room.
All the paintings and calligraphy he had accumulated over the years were gone.
"Old Zhao!"
Li Hao called out urgently.
Old Zhao hurried from the front courtyard. "Young Master."
"Where are my paintings!"
Li Hao's face showed a rare display of anger.
Old Zhao's expression changed, hesitating. "Master saw these paintings this morning and had them all moved."
"Where did he move them?"
"To the Firewood Shed..."
Li Hao's anger surged. The Firewood Shed? Was his father planning to burn all his paintings?
If they were just any other paintings, it wouldn't matter, but among them were sketches of his mother, whose memory had already faded.
"Bring them back now, all of them. From now on, no one is to touch my paintings!" Li Hao said through gritted teeth.
Old Zhao, who had never seen Li Hao this angry in years, was taken aback. He quickly responded, "Young Master, don't worry, I'll go right away."
But just as he was about to leave, a hand stopped him.
Yu Xuan blocked Old Zhao, his face still calm. "Young Master, these paintings were moved on Marshal's orders. You should come with me to practice."
Li Hao had guessed as much. No one else in the courtyard would dare touch his paintings except for his father, who had just returned yesterday.
Hearing it said aloud, however, his anger flared up uncontrollably.
"Get out of my way!" Li Hao glared at him angrily.
Yu Xuan calmly met Li Hao’s gaze, but his arm remained unmoving. In the military, he only followed orders from Li Tiangang.
It was the same here in the Mountain and River Courtyard.
Because Li Tiangang was the master of this place.
Li Hao clenched his fists and stared at him intently. "I said, get out of my way!"
"Who do you want to get out of your way?" Suddenly, a voice came from the side, and Li Tiangang walked over. His expression, however, was rather grim.
Yu Xuan lowered his arm and bowed respectfully.
"Father, those paintings—"
Seeing his father approach, Li Hao quickly said.
Before he could finish, Li Tiangang shook his head and said coldly, "Apologize to Uncle Yu Xuan!"
Li Hao was taken aback, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Old Zhao’s face also changed, and he hurriedly interjected, "Master, Young Master was just worried about the paintings. They are the result of years of hard work, and he lost his temper in the moment—"
"Silence!"
Li Tiangang rarely scolded him, but this time he did.
Old Zhao was stunned.
Li Tiangang’s face was filled with anger. Last night, he had already been somewhat displeased, and this morning, seeing the room filled with paintings and calligraphy, chessboards, and fishing rods scattered about, he was immediately infuriated.
Just by looking at these things, it was clear that Li Hao was not only neglecting his cultivation but had also lost his way in trivial pursuits!
But, strangely, everyone in the manor doted on him.
Li Hao was his son, the Young Master, and with his noble status, Old Zhao and the others dared not defy him.
His eldest sister and her husband likely found it difficult to discipline him strictly.
But now that he was back, he had to change all of this and guide Li Hao back onto the right path, to cultivate properly!
"Apologize to Uncle Yu Xuan immediately!"
Li Tiangang turned to Li Hao, his expression stern.
Li Hao stared at him, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity and disbelief, as if he were meeting him for the first time.
Just yesterday...
Suddenly, he felt a hint of amusement.
Indeed, just yesterday they had met, so how much did he really know about this father?
And how much did this father know about him?
He looked at the man in front of him and said, "Is it because you think I haven’t been cultivating? What if I told you that I have been cultivating, and I’m at a high realm?"
Li Tiangang’s expression did not change, and he said seriously and coldly, "I don’t care how capable you are. Uncle Yu Xuan has fought by my side through countless battles. Do you know how many demons he has slain? Do you know how many people he has saved?"
"He is at the Tianren Realm, he is a Grandmaster!"
Li Tiangang said each word with emphasis: "A Grandmaster must be respected, and even if you are my son, you must apologize today!"
Hearing this, Li Hao couldn’t help but laugh, but his laughter was tinged with sorrow.
"Respect a Grandmaster, indeed. But do you know what those paintings of mine contain?"
Before he could finish, a figure rushed into the courtyard, and upon seeing Li Tiangang and Li Hao, he immediately called out excitedly:
"Marquis, Young Master!!"
Both turned to see Li Fu, his face full of excitement and agitation.
Li Fu had rushed back from Cangyu City and had just reached the official road outside Qingzhou City when he overheard travelers at a roadside tea stall discussing Li Family Marquis Xingwu’s return.
Hearing this news, Li Fu was overjoyed and immediately sped back.
"Li Fu."
Li Tiangang’s expression softened slightly upon seeing Li Fu, but then he noticed that Li Fu had rushed in without any decorum, which was unlike his usually disciplined and composed self.
Years had passed, and it seemed he had lost his manners.
Li Hao, seeing Uncle Fu, didn’t show much change in his expression, after all, it had only been a short while since they last met.
"Years have passed, and now you have no discipline at all", Li Tiangang said with a slight frown.
Li Fu was taken aback, quickly realizing his mistake, and hurriedly bowed.
Then he looked at Li Hao, his face beaming with joy. "Marquis, I sent you a letter. Did you receive it?"
"Letter?"
Li Tiangang said, "Did you send it to Yanbei? When did you send it? I didn’t receive it."
Li Fu suddenly understood. It seemed that when he sent the letter, the Marquis had already set out for home.
During his recovery, he had inquired about the details of the Cangyu City battle and was initially incredulous.
He later confirmed the information with City Governor Yue Shuhong, who verified the details, leaving no doubt in his mind.
Upon learning this, he didn’t send the news back to the manor first but to Yanbei.
After all, such astonishing good news should be shared with Li Hao’s parents first, the people most deserving of his trust.
As for the manor, that was secondary. He planned to return and tell Second Uncle and the others in person, and also ask if they already knew about Li Hao’s situation.
"It doesn’t matter if you didn’t receive it. Since you’re back, I’ll tell you in person."
Li Fu’s face was full of smiles as he looked at Li Hao, his voice trembling with excitement. "Young Master is already at the Fifteenth Li Realm!"
(End of Chapter)
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