Chapter 681: The Treasure Hideaway
Under the support of He Hentian, Gao Fei began to undertake drastic reforms in Heavenly Water City.
Rectifying the bad practices in the government, suppressing the unruly powerful elites, elevating the status of the common people...
In Gao Fei's words, "Anything unreasonable must be completely eliminated!"
Every day, a large number of people would come to seek He Hentian's help, crying and hoping he would stop Gao Fei, or even better, drive him out of Heavenly Water City. Would He Hentian agree? The answer was no. Initially, He Hentian would try to appease those who came with grievances, but later on, he simply closed his doors and refused to meet anyone at all.
Under Gao Fei's rectification, the situation in Heavenly Water City improved by the day. To put it in plain language: Heavenly Water City had completely transformed! It became carefree and peaceful!
More than a month ago, Heavenly Water City was bleak and oppressive, but now the atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and joy. The change was truly immense.
As long as someone sincerely repented, Gao Fei gave them a chance to reform; for those obstinate and unrepentant, he had them expelled from Heavenly Water City, and those with the worst conduct were beheaded.
Save those who should be saved, kill those who should be killed!
Gao Fei walked the streets, watching the people live and work in peace and contentment, their faces brimming with happiness, and he felt extremely pleased: "This is what I wanted to see."
...
Inside the Imperial Palace Hall.
Emperor Dugu Jingtian sat on the dragon throne, looking very surprised, "What did you say? He Hentian and Gao Fei have become friends?"
"Yes," the guard nodded.
"That's unexpected," Dugu Jingtian exclaimed in admiration, "Gao Fei really is talented."
"Your Majesty, here's a letter that was sent from Heavenly Water City," the guard took out a letter from his bosom and approached to hand it to Dugu Jingtian.
Written on the envelope were the words "To be opened by the Emperor himself." For some reason, Dugu Jingtian became excited upon seeing those words. He broke the seal and glanced at the letter, then stood utterly stunned for a long time before he came back to his senses, "This is written by He Hentian; he's actually calling me 'Grandfather'? Am I dreaming?" Dugu Jingtian pinched himself, feeling the pain. This wasn't a dream. It was real!
The letter was written by He Hentian. Although the content was brief, it had a profound impact on Dugu Jingtian.
In the letter, He Hentian not only addressed Dugu Jingtian as "Grandfather" but also expressed many caring words, such as to take care of his health, not to overwork, to rest well... It was these simple words that deeply moved Dugu Jingtian.
He had longed for this letter for a long time...
At the end of the letter was written: In a few days, I will personally go to the Imperial City to celebrate Grandfather's birthday!
"You cheeky brat, still remembering my birthday," Dugu Jingtian chuckled and cursed, "After all these years of waiting, I've finally seen the light of dawn! I'm too curious, how did Gao Fei achieve this? Hmm, I must ask him in person when I get the chance." Dugu Jingtian could have never dreamed that his beloved grandson He Hentian's memory had been altered.
Dugu Jingtian wrote a reply, urging He Hentian to come to the Imperial City sooner so they could have a proper talk.
After finishing the reply, he asked the guard to deliver it to Heavenly Water City with utmost speed.
...
That afternoon, He Hentian went to the City Lord's Mansion to find Gao Fei.
"Here you go, the old guy's reply," He Hentian stuffed a letter into Gao Fei's hand, "It's so mushy! I broke out in goosebumps all over after reading it."
"Mushy is good," Gao Fei opened the letter and took a quick glance before laughing, "The mushier it is, the more it shows the Emperor's care for you."
"Cut it out," He Hentian pursed his lips, "I don't need his care."
"You, my friend, do not realize the blessing you're living in," Gao Fei returned the letter to He Hentian, "Here's a piece of advice for you: Cherish the happiness that is before you! Don't wait until it's gone to feel regret."
"All right, enough about him," He Hentian waved his hand dismissively. "I came to you today because there's something very important I need to discuss."
"What is it?"
"I've discovered a treasure location. Are you interested in going there with me?"
"A treasure location?" Gao Fei's eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you for real? You can't joke about this sort of thing!"
"Who's joking with you? I'm serious," He Hentian said earnestly. "If you're not interested, forget it. I'll go alone." He Hentian made as if to leave.
"Hey, don't go," Gao Fei quickly grabbed hold of He Hentian, plastering a smile on his face. "Sit down and take your time talking. Here, have a cup of tea, moisten your throat." Gao Fei courteously picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for He Hentian.
He Hentian picked up the tea cup, took a leisurely sip, and then smacked his lips. "What kind of tea is this? It's awful!"
"Awful?" Gao Fei blinked. "But the tea leaves were a gift from you. You told me they were picked from the Western Regions, extraordinarily valuable, and that ordinary people wouldn't even have the chance to taste them."
"Hm? Did I say that?"
"Yes!" Gao Fei nodded earnestly. "You definitely did!"
"Cough cough cough..." He Hentian didn't want to dwell on the matter and decided to change the subject. "So, what do you think? Have you decided? Are you coming with me to hunt for treasure or not? If it were anyone else, I wouldn't bother asking them."
"Can you give me more details?" Gao Fei asked. "What kind of treasure location is it? Where is it? How did you find it? Is there any danger?"
"You sure have a lot of questions," He Hentian pursed his lips. "I found this treasure location many years ago, but because it was surrounded by a Formation, I couldn't get in. I've been trying to break through the Formation for years, and finally, as of yesterday, the Formation broke. After getting the news, I came to find you first. I'm pretty good to you, huh?"
"We're good friends, after all," Gao Fei laughed, showing a row of teeth, "Good friends should share fortunes."
"You've got a thick skin, alright," He Hentian huffed lightly. "This treasure location is inside Heavenly Water City. If we leave now, we can reach it instantly."
"Inside Heavenly Water City?" Gao Fei was surprised. "You haven't told me, what exactly is this treasure location like?"
He Hentian smiled mysteriously, "Please allow me to keep a little mystery! Because this treasure location is very... special, you'll definitely be surprised when you see it! Alright, enough dawdling, let's get going." He Hentian stood up and pulled Gao Fei towards the outside.
"Wait, I need to change my clothes."
"Your clothes look good, no need to change."
"The problem is they're dirty."
"Dirty? They look clean to me?"
"... Stop pulling on me, I can walk by myself."
And so, Gao Fei was dragged away by He Hentian.
By the time Chen San and Liu Qing got the news and chased after them, He Hentian and Gao Fei were long gone.
"Could the boss be in danger?" Chen San asked worriedly.
"Probably not," Liu Qing said with a hesitant expression.
"Up to now, I still can't wrap my head around it," Chen San frowned. "How did the boss become friends with He Hentian?"
Liu Qing gave a wry smile. "Don't say you can't understand it. Even I can't fathom it."
NOVEL NEXT