"She is indeed strict, harboring hopes that we would return to the capital and make significant contributions.
He Lingshan laughed heartily: "Let's be real, she merely wishes for you to return to the capital adorned in glory. What does that have to do with me?"
His words were filled with resentment, which displeased He Yue: "Big brother, why belittle yourself? Have you ever considered what you would do after returning to the capital?"
"Return to the capital?" He Lingshan stroked his chin, "No, I haven't."
The original body had never thought that far ahead, and naturally, he had no plans either.
While Qiansong Prefecture might seem desolate to outsiders, both he and his predecessor found it quite satisfactory. Here, the He family reigned supreme, accustomed to authority and comfort, whether standing or lying down. To move to the bustling capital would reduce them to insignificance.
Compared to the highborn families in terms of heritage, wealth, contacts, and even the art of extravagance, the He family wouldn't even qualify to hold their belts.
So, why bother going? Better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a vast ocean.
He Yue reminded him, "This is our father's lifelong wish. We must do everything within our power to fulfill it, as we have sworn during the family rituals." Without foresight, one is plagued with immediate troubles. With your current attitude, it's no wonder mother favors me.
"I know," He Lingshan patted his shoulder nonchalantly, "You pursue academics, and I practice martial arts. Together, we embody both scholarly and martial virtues. Should anyone trouble you upon our return to the capital, I shall deal with them in the shadows."
"Big brother, you really are…" Faced with such obstinance, He Yue could only remain speechless.
However, thinking positively, his brother's actions in Heishui City were always upfront. At least he knew to act covertly upon their return to the capital, which could be considered progress.
Encountering their trusted aide, Hao Shu, he signaled He Lingshan with a glance and followed them.
What unexpected event had occurred this time?
Seated in the side hall with Hao Shu standing guard outside, ensuring no one approached within a five-meter radius, He Yue brewed tea, asking, "Did the national preceptor and the son of the Qunzhou Marquis come to cause trouble?"
He Lingshan yawned listlessly, "They're not even the biggest problem. The real troublemaker is the emperor's father-in-law."
"The Grand Marshal?" He Yue's expression darkened, "You don't mean... Dong Haoming?"
"Indeed, who else could be our national father-in-law?" He Lingshan thought for a moment. Their father had instructed not to inform their mother but didn't mention keeping it from He Yue.
Considering the gravity of the situation and knowing that He Yue would inevitably learn of their father's decision to venture into the desert, He Lingshan candidly explained the purpose of the national preceptor's visit from start to finish. He Yue listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions, but mostly he busied himself with boiling water and brewing tea. His brother was too lazy, so he had to take action himself.
After preparing the tea and quenching his thirst, He Lingshan inquired, "What do you think?"
"The Grand Marshal intends to use us as pawns, but father will likely agree, and our opposition would be futile," He Yue analyzed. "Given father's age and experience, there's still much he can achieve upon returning to the capital."
Indeed, both sons were nearing adulthood, while He Chunjian himself was not yet thirty-five, still in the prime of his life. Having spent the best twenty years in this desolate land, how could he tolerate being overlooked and buried in obscurity?
"Fortunately, the whereabouts of Zhong Shengguang's relic remain unknown. If their search continues fruitlessly for several more days, they won't be able to enter the Panlong Desert."
He Lingshan coughed lightly, "Actually, the relic has been found."
"What? Where?" He Yue was shocked, looking at his brother with growing suspicion. "How do you know?"
"It's with me," He Lingshan tapped his chest, speaking slowly, "In fact, this story begins over a month ago when I was severely injured..."
He opted for a brief recounting of events.
"Nian Songyu mentioned seeking out the sand leopard but omitted the fact that they eradicated its clan," He Yue frowned deeply. "What exactly did the Qunzhou Marquis send him to do?"
"Supposedly, to