Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play

Chapter 835 - 813: Paternal Order

Midnight has passed, the moon hanging atop the willow, Fang Chuning lightly rests, hearing the varied calls of birds. He opens his eyes, his brows slightly furrowed, recognizing this as the secret signal of Marshal Fang’s spies unique to Sannan.

Since arriving in Sannan, he hasn’t sought them out; Xie Jue’s Shadow Guards have extraordinary investigative abilities, allowing him to avoid utilizing Jiangnan’s spies. What business seeks him in the dead of night? Fang Chuning glances at the sleeping Xie Jue, exhausted with slight dark circles under his eyes, sleeping soundly. Due to the hot weather, he’s covered only with a thin blanket pulled to his waist. Watching his peaceful face, Fang Chuning slightly raises his lips, finding it strange that just looking at him, he feels relaxed and joyful.

Not far off, the bird calls come again. Fang Chuning rises, pulls the thin blanket over him, gets dressed, and leaves. The Shadow Guards rotate shifts, with only Ying San present, seeing Fang Chuning but staying silent. After midnight, the post-house is quiet, with only a few energetic soldiers who aren’t on duty tomorrow remaining playful. Fang Chuning exits through the back door.

At the back door, a spy left a mark. Fang Chuning arrives at the appointed pavilion, where two spies wait for him, kneeling upon his arrival.

Fang Chuning raises a hand, "Rise now!"

"Yes!"

One spy is familiar to Fang Chuning, being Zhou Buyan’s cousin, bearing a resemblance. Zhou Buyan has accompanied Fang Chuning for over ten years so he easily recognizes him. Zhou Buyan’s cousin, surnamed Chen, named Chen Yesheng, has served under the Marshal for eight years, recently assigned to work in Sannan constantly.

"Why seek me?"

Chen Yesheng easily recognizes Fang Chuning from their frequent encounters when young; aside from height and temperament, he hasn’t changed much over the past ten years.

Chen Yesheng feels conflicted, saying solemnly, "The Marshal commands, asking you to immediately depart for Bin City at the border; he awaits there."

Fang Chuning’s heart sinks, despite vague premonitions, the command sends chills down his spine. Moonlight falls like water outside the pavilion, with the nearby lake shimmering, willow trees floating—a solitary, cold atmosphere surrounds the inside and out. Fang Chuning stands poised, hands clasped behind tightly, asking, "Did Father say what it’s about?"

"The Marshal hasn’t disclosed, only commanded us to escort you to Bin City." Chen Yesheng thinks, what could it be, you know well, rumors of you and the Prince have spread everywhere in Sannan, we wouldn’t dare conceal from the Marshal.

With letters swiftly traveling between Bin City and Mudan City within two-three days, the Marshal will inevitably hear Sannan’s rumors. Fang Chuning smiles ambiguously at Chen Yesheng, estimating how many are ambushed nearby, "What if I don’t wish to?"

Chen Yesheng seems prepared, "Young master, don’t make it difficult for us; the Marshal’s letter stated, by all means necessary, we intend no harm."

Although these spies belong to the Jiangnan garrison, they remain loyal to the Marshal, naturally respecting Fang Chuning, hesitant to make a move.

"Little Yesheng, it’s been ten years since we last met; how’s your skill now? I’m curious for a lesson, call everyone forth, come all at once—defeat me, and fulfill Father’s order; fail, stay away!" Fang Chuning comes barehanded, knowing more are nearby, still brave to fight. These spies primarily gather intel, unlike Fang Chuning adept in combat, yet arriving alone, struggles against many.

"Young master, you’re pressing us hard." Chen Yesheng says, "Xiao Si and I came to avoid escalating, no spies are ambushed nearby, only us."

"Well then, let’s go!"

"You’re the young master, we dare not disrespect." Chen Yesheng says, "You and the Prince stirred waves in Sannan; the Marshal would naturally request your return home."

"I am on imperial mission; Xie Xun is in Mudan City, must ensure his protection. Father’s order to meet in Bin City supersedes the emperor’s mandate?" Fang Chuning brings up Xie Xun.

Chen Yesheng, "..."

A nearby spy says, "Young master, the envoy has General Lin Xiao and General Zhang Boxin; many Shadow Guards also protect the Prince, without concern for safety."

"Is that so? Can you guarantee his safe departure from Mudan City? I dare not, Han Ziqi dares not, King of Sannan himself hesitates; what assures your confidence?" Fang Chuning’s gaze toward them is particularly cold, "I know you come by command, no fault upon you, go ahead!"

"If so, young master, pardon us!" Chen Yesheng signals, his companion lunging swiftly at Fang Chuning.

Xie Xun suddenly awakens in the middle of the night, instinctively reaching for the person beside, finding emptiness. Slowly waking fully, waiting awhile without Fang Chuning’s return, Xie Xun too feels sleepless, getting up to search.

Ying San sees, needlessly waiting for inquiry, "Mr. Fang left shortly after midnight, I heard two bird signal calls from Jiangnan, likely their spies."

"How long ago?"

"An hour and a half." With Ying San stationed in the latter half, knowing Xie Xun would ask, he pays close attention; Xie Xun presses lips, nodding slightly, "Understood."

He returns to sit by the window, closing eyes to rest.

Jiangnan’s spies seek him late at night, for what? Fang Chuning mentioned before departure, the Marshal provided Jiangnan’s spy contacts; these spies entrenched in Jiangnan for years, deeply hidden, some marrying and settling in Sannan, prepared to assist the envoy’s evacuation if trouble arises, this being Jiangnan’s safety channel.

Beside this, if the Marshal entrusted him other tasks, Xie Xun didn’t inquire, supposedly no extra tasks, especially as Fang Chuning wasn’t initially in the envoy list, the Marshal’s affairs unlikely needing Fang Chuning.

Jiangnan’s spies search for him, possibly for...Xie Xun’s heart suddenly races, previously a tacit secret, now abruptly publicized; Xie Xun’s anxiety ensues, restless unease.

He’s the Marshal, Fang Chuning’s father! Unyielding and stern, knowing him, unlikely to spare punishment, Xie Xun disquiet, considering Shadow Guards to fetch Fang Chuning, should situations arise ensuring response. Yet, between father and son, he hesitates to interfere; Fang Chuning departing alone without alerting him signals a preference to avoid intervention.

Would he leave with Jiangnan’s spies?

No!

He wouldn’t depart without farewell, if leaving, he’d come to bid goodbye. What thoughts harbor within him? Xie Xun introspects if he desires Fang Chuning’s departure?