"I never would have thought that in less than a month, suddenly, Brother Hong, you have already become a First Grade Martial Artist, surpassing even my own realm."

Astonished to the point of being almost dumbfounded, Huangfu Hao’s expression changed for a while before he finally said this.

"No matter how things change, the brotherly bond between us will not change. Come, big brother, cheers."

Though they had sworn brotherhood despite not being blood-related, they had little conversation and the bond wasn’t deep; if they didn’t spend time together now that he was back, this brotherhood would eventually turn into estrangement.

Huangfu Hao got along with him well, so Chen Mo still wanted to preserve the relationship and said these few words to him.

"That’s right, Brother Hong, I like to hear words like that, come, cheers."

Their wine cups clashed together, each drinking in one go.

"Tsk, good wine." Huangfu Hao personally poured another glass for Chen Mo and then continued, "From now on, Brother Hong, you are also a prominent official. What plans do you have once you get over there?"

"I haven’t decided yet, I’ll take it one step at a time." Chen Mo’s gaze was fixed on the wine cup, as if the brew contained his thoughts.

Although Huangfu Hao was ten years older than Chen Mo, he never appeared aged; for an Innate Martial Artist, he was actually very young. Yet at this moment, he appeared somewhat weathered, he picked up the cup and sniffed, softly lamenting:

"Since the first year of the Xuanhe era, the world has not been peaceful, disasters arise, rebellions don’t cease, people are displaced; worse, corrupt officials seize this opportunity to line their pockets with the people’s wealth, the people’s cries resonate throughout the land..."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Chen Mo, and said, "Brother Hong, do you know why there are so many Yellow Turban Army in Western Shu? Do you know why it’s in chaos?"

Chen Mo did not speak, but listened attentively.

"It’s all driven by the local officials, Western Shu was known as the granary of the world, but now, the people of Western Shu can’t even fill their stomachs. When they can’t endure the hunger, they eat Guanyin Earth, sell their children and daughters.

And what are the local officials doing? Taking concubines, acquiring lands.

And these concubines, they bought them at low prices when the people were selling their children and daughters. The lands were all taken under the pretext of taxation. Yet even so, the people’s taxes remain unpaid. When someone can’t survive, what would you do, Brother Hong?"

Chen Mo opened his mouth as if to say something, but still said nothing.

Whether due to drunkenness or something else, Huangfu Hao suddenly shouted: "Revolt, only revolt. Not revolting is death, but revolting offers a way to survive. That’s why the Yellow Turban Army in Western Shu keeps increasing with each suppression, never-ending, whilst the soldiers under command lose their will to fight..."

At this point, Huangfu Hao raised his hand as if to toast Chen Mo, saying, "I hope, Brother Hong, that when you reach Nanyang, you can allow the people of Nanyang to have a full meal, and protect them from the ravages of war. Compared to Western Shu, the people of Nanyang suffer even more..."

First, there were the disasters, followed by two Yellow Turban rebellions.

Also, the persecution of the Eighteen Lords’ armies.

War had never ceased in Nanyang County.

Huangfu Hao hoped for this from Chen Mo.

Because once Chen Mo became the State Governor of Nanyang County, all military and political affairs in Nanyang County would be in his hands, with the authority to reduce or raise taxes at will.

Rather than, like some corrupt officials, imposing trumped-up charges in the name of fighting bandits, colluding with influential families, and collecting taxes and donations upon assuming office.

Chen Mo, sitting in front, sighed softly, intending to say a few words, but didn’t know how to start.

In the end, he could only raise his glass, swallow the wine in one gulp, and leave everything unspoken in the drink.

As for what Huangfu Hao had mentioned, Chen Mo couldn’t guarantee he could accomplish it, but he would strive to do so.

Huangfu Hao glanced up at Chen Mo, "Off you go, when the Desolate Kingdom invades, us brothers will have a chance to meet again."

"Be well, big brother." Chen Mo rose and cupped his fists.

"Go on, go on." Huangfu Hao waved his hand, "Find a few more sisters-in-law for your big brother."

"..."

Chen Mo coughed lightly, instructing those at Hongfu Tavern to take good care of Huangfu Hao, then mounted the Snow Dragon Steed in the stable and galloped outside the city.

Just as he was about to leave the city, Chen Mo suddenly saw Xiao Qing’Er at the gate.

"Whoa..." Chen Mo dismounted, leading the Snow Dragon Steed over to Xiao Qing’Er, and said, "Qing’Er, what are you doing... here?"

Having shared an intimate moment with her, Chen Mo certainly couldn’t treat her the same as everyone else, so his tone softened quite a bit.

Xiao Qing’Er’s gaze was evasive, her cold face flushed upon seeing Chen Mo, and she quickly handed the bundle in her hands to him: "This is... from the Empress Dowager."

Chen Mo opened it for a glance, finding it to be a winter coat.

Chen Mo was taken aback.

"The Empress Dowager also asked me to pass on a message, reminding you that as the weather turns cold, to keep warm," Xiao Qing’Er said.

Chen Mo: "..."

Even though as a First Grade Martial Artist, he was unafraid of the harsh cold, hearing these words warmed his heart.

"Now that I’ve delivered the items and the message, I’ll... I’ll be going." Seeing that Chen Mo placed the bundle on the horse with a look of leaving, Xiao Qing’Er felt a moment of disappointment and prepared to leave as well.

Chen Mo stopped her: "Wait."

Just as Xiao Qing’Er turned back, she was caught by the hand and pulled into his embrace.

"You... let go of me." Xiao Qing’Er patted Chen Mo’s shoulder.

Suddenly, her body went stiff, for Chen Mo had placed his hand on her hip, touching it, and her cheeks immediately turned red: "You... what are you... hmmph hmmph..."

Before she finished speaking, her words were cut off as her mouth was covered by Chen Mo’s kiss, only when she was at a breathless point did he release her.

Chen Mo looked into Xiao Qing’Er’s eyes: "And you, don’t you have anything to say to me?"

"Say... what?"

"Words of concern, or that you miss me."

"No, I don’t." Avoiding eye contact, Xiao Qing’Er was the first to avert her eyes.

Chen Mo pretended to sigh in disappointment, "Sigh, so heartbroken. Oh well, if you don’t, I do."

"Huh?"

"During the time I’m away, eat well and keep healthy, I hope next time we meet you have put on some weight." Without waiting for Xiao Qing’Er to react, Chen Mo mounted his horse, "Hyah."

"See you next time."

After Chen Mo disappeared from view, Xiao Qing’Er finally realized what he meant, stomped her foot angrily, and cursed him as a lecher.

However, thereafter, Xiao Qing’Er looked in the direction of Chen Mo’s departure and spoke words even she couldn’t hear clearly: "Take care."

...

Meanwhile, at the Xiao Mansion.

"Master, he left, but before he did, he met with Huangfu Hao once." The steward reported to Xiao Yunqi: "Also, the Empress Dowager sent Miss Qing’er to meet him. Miss Qing’Er’s relationship with him is... it’s not simple."

ps: Yesterday’s long Chapter was released, a section was deleted.