BLHO Chapter 63

Chapter 63: Does this place like me?

He staggered to his feet, not saying he would take He Yuncheng anywhere.

But no matter where he went, He Yuncheng would only follow him; there was no other possibility.

So, in front of everyone, once again, he took He Yuncheng away, without a word of explanation.

This time, he didn’t return to the military tent. He pulled He Yuncheng from the lighted area to the dark, left the military camp, and walked very far, until they reached the desolate woods.

The moon hung high, its drunken eyes swaying. Lin Shuangxu was a bit impatient, using his bare hands to push aside the waist-high withered grass in front of him, stepping onto a small path and walking forward.

He was extremely dizzy, his body swaying as if he would fall at any moment.

“Be careful.”

The dead branches were sharp. He Yuncheng was afraid he would hurt himself, so he pulled him back and hugged him.

His back pressed against He Yuncheng’s chest, Lin Shuangxu drooped his head listlessly, breathing heavily.

He didn’t know what hurt, it was as if his whole body was uncomfortable, and he emitted intermittent, heavy moans between his breaths.

After a moment, he opened his mouth to He Yuncheng in a hoarse voice, “Don’t go…”

Don’t go to die.

He Yuncheng didn’t know what to say to him, he could only hold him tighter.

He didn’t agree to his request.

Grievance grew, Lin Shuangxu couldn’t control it, nor did he want to control it. He turned around and grabbed He Yuncheng’s collar.

His stubborn eyes were filled with starlight, shimmering and about to fall.

Not fierce, but heartbreaking.

He leaned in to touch He Yuncheng’s lips, his head too dizzy, his movements a bit clumsy, not understanding how to give a kiss.

Fragmented kisses landed on He Yuncheng’s nose, cheeks, and throat.

While kissing him, scalding tears streamed from the corners of his eyes.

He asked He Yuncheng, “Do you want me?”

He Yuncheng restrained himself, yet he was also surging with desire. He couldn’t lie to him, honestly answering, “I do.”

“I’ll give you…” Almost in a pleading tone, Lin Shuangxu said, “I’ll give you whatever you want, come away with me, okay…”

–

He Yuncheng didn’t return to the military camp until dawn was breaking.

Lin Shuangxu was held horizontally in his arms, his eyes tightly closed, unconscious.

His hair was messy. Besides his own clothes, he was wrapped in He Yuncheng’s cloak. His pale face hadn’t lost its blush and looked extremely weak.

Outside the military tent, Guo Yao had been waiting for a long time. Seeing the two return in such a state, he was momentarily surprised and asked worriedly, “Is the young master alright?”

He Yuncheng looked at the person in his arms, said nothing, and carried him into the tent.

Guo Yao tactfully waited outside.

The bedding on the cot was soft, and Lin Shuangxu felt much more comfortable lying on it.

He Yuncheng covered him with the quilt and turned to leave the tent.

“What do you need me for?” he asked Guo Yao.

Guo Yao said, “Not long after the general left last night, someone came from the palace, saying the Emperor summoned the general to the palace for an audience to discuss the expedition.”

The morning light gradually brightened, reflecting in He Yuncheng’s dark eyes.

The last time someone came from the palace, it was Li Yuliang falsely conveying an imperial decree, setting a trap for them.

This time, how could they be sure it really was an imperial decree?

Seeing that his expression was not good, Guo Yao cautiously asked, “Does the general have any concerns?”

After thinking it over, He Yuncheng shook his head, “It’s nothing. Prepare the horses.”

They galloped all the way.

By the time they reached the imperial palace, it was already broad daylight.

The palace was as usual, silent and lifeless.

The eunuch waiting outside the palace gate led He Yuncheng to the Golden Luan Hall.

For some reason, even though there was no one around, it was unbearably oppressive.

The doors of the hall opened with a creak, as if they had been decaying for a long time.

He Yuncheng stepped inside, and the stench of blood that assailed him made him frown involuntarily.

With a “smack,” there was the sound of a whip lashing against flesh.

In the center of the dimly lit hall, a person knelt on the ground, their back already torn open and bleeding from the whipping. They were on the verge of death, unable to stand up straight.

The executing guards didn’t intend to stop. Another whip was raised, about to strike down, when someone ordered, “Stop!”

The one who gave the order was Gu Huan.

He had seen He Yuncheng arrive, so he told the guards to stop.

Ignoring the sinner on the ground, he quickly went to greet He Yuncheng, “General is here!”

He Yuncheng’s gaze swept over the person being punished on the ground. Although he found it unbelievable, that back view was indeed Li Yuliang.

He didn’t say much, kneeling to salute Gu Huan, “Your subject pays respects to the Emperor.”

“Quickly, please rise!” Gu Huan helped him up, cutting to the chase, saying, “The reason I summoned the general here today is to restore justice to the He family.”

He Yuncheng stood cautiously, not responding to his words.

Gu Huan continued, “I have investigated the truth. The case of the imperial sister was orchestrated by this treacherous villain, deliberately framing the He family with the aim of eliminating dissidents and monopolizing power in the court. Sir, I was negligent before and wronged you.”

During the joint trial by the Three Departments, He Yuncheng had pointed out that Li Yuliang was responsible. The Emperor hadn’t believed it then, so why did he believe it now?

Seeing his cold expression, Gu Huan pointed back at Li Yuliang, saying with anger, “This person is audacious, not only plotting against the princess, but also being inextricably linked to the death of the Empress Dowager. I am ordering people to investigate. Once the truth is revealed, I will not spare his life!”

Gu Huan’s eyes were sincere and timid, afraid that He Yuncheng would hold a grudge against him. He added, “Sir, I was wrong to doubt the He family’s loyalty, putting you in a difficult position. The Yan and Zhao barbarians are invading, and Bei Sheng is about to send troops. These treacherous parties collude with each other, trying to seize military power. They deserve to die… But I am in the court, my real power being hollowed out, and I have been walking on thin ice. If, for the sake of the He family, these followers are uprooted, I’m afraid the upheaval will be too great, and the world will not be at peace…”

His words were earnest. After a long silence, He Yuncheng finally spoke.

“The military power, I can relinquish.”

Last night, he made a promise to someone. Whether it was right or wrong, he would fulfill it.

He said to Gu Huan, “Han Mao is greedy for power and has an evil mind. He is definitely not a suitable candidate to lead the armies of the world. I ask that Your Majesty seek out another good general. I will definitely consider the overall situation and relinquish the military power.”

Hearing this, Gu Huan widened his eyes in panic, “No, no, no, that’s not what I meant…”

He Yuncheng looked at him in confusion.

Then he heard him say, “The He family’s military power must remain in the general’s hands. If anyone tries to take it away, I will be the first to disagree!”

He paused, sighing in annoyance, “But now, the Ministry of War is not under my control, and they are holding onto the military pay and refusing to release it. I am also helpless. The reason I called the general here today is to discuss a compromise. If Han Mao wants military power, then give him a nominal title. You will still lead this expedition, with Han Mao accompanying you as a supervising officer. The two of you will cooperate in battle. How does that sound to you?”

Afraid that He Yuncheng would not agree, Gu Huan nervously clasped his hands while speaking.

He Yuncheng responded with more silence.

Gu Huan didn’t know he was hesitating because of an agreement with someone. Growing impatient, he turned his head and pointed at the guard, “Who told you to stop? Continue the punishment!”

The thick whip landed on Li Yuliang again, and he vomited blood, but he didn’t utter a word of begging for mercy.

He Yuncheng pondered, walking over to the figure, looking down to confirm the face that was on the verge of death.

It was indeed Li Yuliang.

“He can’t be killed yet.” Gu Huan stepped forward, saying to him, “The Director of Ceremonial’s influence is too deep. Once it is shaken, the followers below will panic, and they are bound to resort to desperate measures. If they are forced to rebel, the court may be difficult to deal with.”

He Yuncheng didn’t want to participate in court disputes unless absolutely necessary.

Gu Huan said in a low voice, “Now Bei Sheng is plagued with internal and external troubles. It is really difficult for me to be Emperor. General, please take pity on me, and before I am driven from this dragon throne, do not let the territory on the border be lost in my hands.”

“The military pay will be prepared within three days.” He Yuncheng said in a deep voice, finally responding.

Gu Huan’s eyes lit up, “Rest assured, General!”

“Han Mao as supervisor cannot participate in commanding. The strategy and deployment of troops will be decided solely by me.”

“Of course!”

“Good. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first.”

“Alright, General, please!”

He Yuncheng looked at Li Yuliang one last time, turned around, and left the palace.

Gu Huan stood there, watching his back, the smile on his face gradually fading.

When he had completely walked away, he paced back to Li Yuliang, squatted down, and looked at him with pity.

“Does it hurt?”