In He Lianfang’s residence, Zhao Yao sat in front of the fire basin, roasting rice cakes and chestnuts.
With a loud bang, a chestnut was ready. Zhao Yao quickly picked it up and handed it to He Lianfang.
He Lianfang took it without hesitation.
When the rice cakes were cooked, Zhao Yao quickly picked them up, blowing on them as he ate.
"Why is there no news from Father Emperor?"
He Lianfang looked up at Zhao Yao, slightly puzzled, and asked, "What news?"
"The matter of Marquis Jingyang." Zhao Yao had been waiting for follow-up on this issue, but there had been no developnts. "It’s been over a month since Marquis An Yang and his son reported to Father Emperor about Marquis Jingyang’s collusion with the Xiongnu, right? With Father Emperor’s abilities, there’s no way he hasn’t found anything in over a month." Saying this, he handed another roasted rice cake to He Lianfang.
He Lianfang took it, but didn’t eat it imdiately. Instead, he asked Zhao Yao, "Why do you think your Father Emperor hasn’t made any moves?"
Zhao Yao was taken aback by the question, blinking blankly, and after a while, he said, "Could it be that Father Emperor wants to wait until Fourth Brother and the others return before punishing Marquis Jingyang?"
He Lianfang didn’t speak.
Zhao Yao was surprised: "Is it really like that? But why? The matter of Marquis Jingyang colluding with the Xiongnu is a scandal, and Fourth Brother and the others returning victorious is a joyous event. Why put these two things together?" Sotis Father Emperor’s thought process was so peculiar, it was hard to grasp.
"You’ll have to ask your Father Emperor about that." He Lianfang had the sa thought as Zhao Yao, finding it unnecessary.
Zhao Yao pouted and said, "I won’t ask." Before finishing, he rembered sothing else, and his expression imdiately changed, becoming sowhat heavy, "I wonder if Mr. ng’s illness has improved?"
Not long ago, Mr. ng returned to Jinling, Jiangnan, but he fell ill as soon as he got back.
He Lianfang’s expression also turned heavy: "If he can get through this winter, he’ll be fine." When elderly people get sick, the greatest fear is not surviving the winter. If they make it through, they’ll be fine. If not, then there’s no saving them.
"Mr. ng should be able to get through this winter, right?" Although Zhao Yao had interacted with Mr. ng only a few tis, he held great respect for him. Mr. ng was a well-respected elder, and Zhao Yao didn’t want anything to happen to him.
He Lianfang comforted Zhao Yao, saying, "Didn’t you set up the heated bed? With that, Mr. ng will surely get through the winter smoothly."
Zhao Yao thought about it, and his worries instantly vanished. He nodded vigorously and said, "Mr. ng will definitely be fine."
At this mont, Mr. ng, whom Zhao Yao was concerned about, was leaning against the bed, chatting with Zheng Xilin.
Upon learning of Mr. ng’s illness, Zheng Xilin ca to visit him.
Zheng Xilin and Mr. ng were friends despite their age difference. Every year, Zheng Xilin would visit Jinling to see Mr. ng and keep him company.
"Even if I get through this winter, I’m afraid I won’t have much ti left." Aware of his own body, Mr. ng knew his condition.
Zheng Xilin disliked hearing such words, "How can you curse yourself like that?"
"I’m not cursing myself." Mr. ng was unconcerned about his mortality and said with great openness, "At my age, it’s about ti."
"It’s almost New Year; must you say such unlucky things?" Zheng Xilin feigned discontent, "You’re in good health; you will surely live as long as the Nanshan."
Mr. ng smiled slightly, then waved his hand, saying, "If I really lived as long as the Nanshan, wouldn’t I turn into an old turtle?"
Zheng Xilin teased, "Turtles are healthy and long-lived; there’s nothing bad about that."
Pointing at Zheng Xilin, Mr. ng laughed and scolded, "You’re cursing , you old fox."
Zheng Xilin humbly laughed, "In front of you, I dare not call myself old."
"You...you..." Mr. ng shook his head helplessly, then smiled broadly and said, "If I could live a bit longer, I would certainly be pleased."
"Then why curse yourself?"
"There are still so things I haven’t completed. If I were to die just like this, there would be so regret."
"Once your health recovers, you can continue teaching." Zheng Xilin thought Mr. ng’s regret was that he hadn’t finished teaching. "Students across the world are waiting for you to continue your lectures."
Mr. ng gently shook his head and said, "It’s not about teaching. I’ve said all that needed to be said this ti around; there are no regrets in that regard."
Hearing this, Zheng Xilin looked surprised and asked, "If not teaching, then what is it?"
Mr. ng looked at Zheng Xilin and suddenly asked, "Do you know the Tenth Prince?"
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