Chapter 10 Huang Furo
Outside the inn on the main street, Huangfu Rou walked shoulder to shoulder with Shen Qing.
After parting with Prefecture Chief Dou Wenxi and County Supervisor Yan Xushou, Huangfu Rou could no longer contain the worries in her heart and whispered to Shen Qing, "You were a bit impulsive just now. Those words, actually, didn't need to be said."
Her tone carried a hint of reproach, yet it also discreetly harbored a scarcely noticeable concern.
Shen Qing gave a bitter smile and said, "I was just telling the truth; I didn't expect Eunuch Cui to react so vehemently."
A breeze brushed through Huangfu Rou's hair as she shook her head lightly and sighed, "You, you're too honest. In the complex and ever-changing world between Jianghu and the court, being too candid often hurts both others and oneself."
Upon hearing the word "honest," Shen Qing almost burst into incredulous laughter.
If he remembered correctly, Huangfu Rou had been present when he killed several old fogies from the Zhou Family and two Great Demons.
No matter how he thought about it, he felt completely unrelated to the word "honest."
Not to mention, Xue Yan was indeed killed by him, using Martial Arts from the Huangfu family.
He truly didn't know how the normally clear-headed Huangfu Rou seemed somewhat thoughtless at this moment.
Shen Qing didn't bother to explain any further. After a moment of silence, he nodded and said, "Lord Huangfu is right; I lacked consideration." Your journey continues with empire
Seeing Shen Qing's acquiescence, Huangfu Rou felt an inexplicable touch of pride for some reason.
She then pondered deeply, "As for this matter, since the imperial envoys are focused on Dou Wenxi and Yan Xushou, let them deal with the headache. We should not get too involved. In my view, these people aren't united, and this case might just end up as an unclear account."
"I understand."
"Hmm."
The two continued to walk side by side along the streets of Yongzhou, in silence.
...
Inside the Huangfu Mansion.
The night had grown late, yet the main hall was still brightly lit.
After a busy day, Huangfu Rou returned home from the Military Department Office.
She gently pushed open the door, greeted by a warm and familiar scent.
Suddenly, she frowned slightly upon seeing servants moving in and out of the main hall, and even the whale-oil candles, rarely used, were lit. To her surprise, she wondered, why were there still visitors in the house?
Entering the main hall, she saw her father, Huangfu Chuan, sitting upright with decorum, with a middle-aged man in luxurious official attire beside him—it was the Imperial Eunuch, Cui Jin.
Cui Jin's face bore a serious expression mixed with a hint of a smile, clearly there to discuss important matters.
Seeing her return, Huangfu Chuan's tone conveyed an imperceptible sense of relief as he said, "Daughter, you're back."
Huangfu Rou nodded, her gaze lingering momentarily on Cui Jin before she asked in confusion, "Eunuch Cui, for what important matter have you visited so late at night?"
Cui Jin smiled slightly, stood up, and after scanning Huangfu Rou from head to toe, said, "Miss Huangfu, His Majesty has decreed, summoning you to the capital soon, to join the Mountain Sea Department in gathering the world's Spirit Mechanisms for His Majesty."
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Rou's heart gave a jolt.
She was all too aware of what the Mountain Sea Department implied.
The Mountain Sea Department controlled the Imperial Armory, mastered intelligence, and was also responsible for collecting Martial Mechanisms for Your Majesty, having had a very close relationship with their Huangfu family in the past.
Huangfu Chuan gently patted his daughter on the shoulder, signaling her to relax, then turned to Cui Jin, "Eunuch Cui, this matter is no trifle. May we take a moment to discuss this between father and daughter?"
Cui Jin smiled and nodded, "Of course, Huangfu Family Patriarch, please proceed as you wish."
Huangfu Furo and her father stepped aside to converse in a low voice.
"Father, it's been some years since our Huangfu family has left the court, and I know nothing of the affairs within it. At this time, His Majesty suddenly summons us to the capital, and I..." Huangfu Furo's voice carried a hint of hesitation, feeling uncertain in her heart.
Huangfu Chuan sighed, his gaze profound, "Daughter, I understand what you mean. But the Huangfu family is now in decline, and the old acquaintances in the court are also fading away. This opportunity is too important for us at this moment. If we seize it, we might be able to restore our family's honor. Besides, from a young age, you have been exceptionally intelligent and possessed abilities beyond ordinary people. Joining the Mountain Sea Department might not be a bad thing."
Huangfu Furo fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in her heart.
Indeed, the Huangfu family had been dwindling in recent years, and taking this opportunity could be a turning point—an excellent chance for the Huangfu family.
Moreover, deep down, she also aspired to ascend higher.
If she had the chance to enter the Imperial Armory, or to gain the support of some of the Ji Family's Martial Mechanisms, her cultivation might even reach further heights.
"Father, I understand," Huangfu Furo finally nodded, her gaze becoming resolute after some deliberation.
The two returned to Cui Jin, and Huangfu Chuan bowed, "Eunuch Cui, my daughter and I have come to an agreement. We will comply with His Majesty's decree and allow my youngest daughter to join the Mountain Sea Department."
Upon hearing this, Cui Jin's face showed a satisfied smile, "Good, Lord Huangfu knows the greater good. His Majesty will surely be delighted. Miss Huangfu, after the affairs in Yongzhou are concluded in a few days, you will accompany me to the palace to meet His Majesty."
Huangfu Furo nodded slightly, "Alright."
As night deepened, Cui Jin did not linger too long and took his leave directly.
Huangfu Furo looked at her father's aged face, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Turning her head to Shen Qing, she noticed he was intently gazing ahead, his eyes deep, seemingly contemplating something.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but unable to find the words, ultimately returning to silence.
Huangfu Furo and her father stepped aside to converse in a low voice.
"Father, it's been some years since our Huangfu family has left the court, and I know nothing of the affairs within it. At this time, His Majesty suddenly summons us to the capital, and I..." Huangfu Furo's voice carried a hint of hesitation, feeling uncertain in her heart.
Huangfu Chuan sighed, his gaze profound, "Daughter, I understand what you mean. But the Huangfu family is now in decline, and the old acquaintances in the court are also fading away. This opportunity is too important for us at this moment. If we seize it, we might be able to restore our family's honor. Besides, from a young age, you have been exceptionally intelligent and possessed abilities beyond ordinary people. Joining the Mountain Sea Department might not be a bad thing."
Huangfu Furo fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in her heart.
Indeed, the Huangfu family had been dwindling in recent years, and taking this opportunity could be a turning point—an excellent chance for the Huangfu family.
Moreover, deep down, she also aspired to ascend higher.
If she had the chance to enter the Imperial Armory, or to gain the support of some of the Ji Family's Martial Mechanisms, her cultivation might even reach further heights.
"Father, I understand," Huangfu Furo finally nodded, her gaze becoming resolute after some deliberation.
The two returned to Cui Jin, and Huangfu Chuan bowed, "Eunuch Cui, my daughter and I have come to an agreement. We will comply with His Majesty's decree and allow my youngest daughter to join the Mountain Sea Department."
Upon hearing this, Cui Jin's face showed a satisfied smile, "Good, Lord Huangfu knows the greater good. His Majesty will surely be delighted. Miss Huangfu, after the affairs in Yongzhou are concluded in a few days, you will accompany me to the palace to meet His Majesty."
Huangfu Furo nodded slightly, "Alright."
As night deepened, Cui Jin did not linger too long and took his leave directly.