Many people probably don't remember who Hu Shuanzi is, even Jiang Wang, if they suddenly hear this name, they may not have an impression.
This is how most ordinary people in the world are.
When Hu Laogen was still alive, or when someone remembered Hu Shuanzi, this simple young man, but after Hu Laogen died, he became even more silent.
As the saying goes, when one person becomes immortal, even the chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Hu Laogen, the former head of the pavilion, had no children, so he arranged a job for Hu Shuanzi, who had some distant relatives, in the town hall, as a way of taking care of him.
In fact, during this time, Hu Shuanzi did a lot of things. Maintaining order, transporting supplies, and promoting the prevention and control of the plague... In short, he did everything he could.
He even took the initiative to ask the warriors who used to guard the mine (now incorporated into the Qingyang Town Hall) to teach him martial arts, and he practiced diligently every day.
Although Jiang Wang gave Dugu a little power, she had to win it for herself.
For any command from Dugu, Hu Shuanzi was the most resolute executor. It was only under his influence that others gradually began to accept Dugu's command.
But that's all. He wanted to do more, but his strength was limited.
He naturally noticed the changes in Dugu's mood.Intentionally or unintentionally, he passed by Dugu several times before finally mustering the courage to ask, "Dugu, are you happy today?"
Dugu raised her head and smiled at him, "Yes, Shuanzi ge."
That's it. She didn't explain why she was happy, and she didn't intend to share her joy with him.
Of course, she knew Shuanzi's feelings, but what needed to be said had already been said.
In a world where transcendent powers reign, ordinary people have no future.
She used to think that she had no future either.
So she had to keep up with Jiang Wang's footsteps at all costs, and do her best to show her own value, all because of a lack of security and the uncertainty of the future.
She was afraid that if she was a little slow, she would be abandoned without hesitation, and fall back into that gray world.
And now, having received Jiang Wang's promise, she had even begun to look forward to the future excessively.
In that world that might be colorful, there was naturally no place for Hu Shuanzi.
She was willing to show a little more closeness to Hu Shuanzi, just to show her gratitude for his kindness, and to make others respect Hu Shuanzi more, which she considered a fair return.
No more, no less.
Seeing that Dugu had no intention of saying more, Hu Shuanzi smiled foolishly and said, "Then you're busy."
For him, this smile was enough.
In fact, Dugu rarely smiled. Most of the time, she had a cold face, which made her look more mature.
Others may not know or care.
But he knew, and he cared.
Leaving the town hall, crossing the courtyard, and walking past Xiang Qian, who was sunbathing in a chair—after the hard work of the past period, the plague was brought under control, and the person quickly reverted to his old ways. If he could sit, he wouldn't stand, and if he could lie down, he wouldn't sit.
"It's useless." When Hu Shuanzi walked by, Xiang Qian suddenly said.
Hu Shuanzi didn't dare to be negligent, stopped and turned back, respectfully asking, "Xiang Ye, are you talking to me?"
Xiang Qian didn't even lift his eyelids, but obviously there was no one else there. "Give up, you're not in the same world, you can't reach it even if you tiptoe. It was like this before, and it will be even more so in the future."
Hu Shuanzi probably understood, but he didn't say anything.
"The road is long and far..." Xiang Qian sighed, "Shuanzi, why not just give up."
"I don't know if the road is long or far, Xiang Ye. I just want to take a look, that's all." Shuanzi said with his unique seriousness. "Just looking is enough."
The sunlight was really good, making the world seem bright.
"Since you've made up your mind, then work hard, I mean really work hard, not just wandering around like a headless fly as you are now."
Xiang Qian lay back, opened his eyes and looked at the cloudless sky, with a vague feeling that the whole sky was about to collapse. "After you've really worked hard, you'll understand... that hard work is useless."
"Okay, Xiang Ye."
Hu Shuanzi seemed to understand, but he left inexplicably.
Everyone sees the world differently.
Xiang Qian could bask in the sun leisurely, but Hu Shuanzi just felt... it was really hot.
...
...
Hengyang County is the head of the three counties of Yangguo, and the capital naturally falls within this county.
The capital of Yangguo is called "Zhaoheng"—the original name was "Tianxiong", which was changed to "Zhaoheng" after the state of Qi bowed down, and that was many years ago.
At this moment, in the palace of Zhaoheng City, a young man with an ordinary face was sitting in a side hall waiting.
Not only did he look ordinary, but his temperament was also very ordinary. Even though he was dressed in luxury at the moment, he still looked out of place. In short, he didn't exude any noble air.
If Jiang Wang were here, he would recognize the man as the one he met at the Tianxia Building in Cangfeng City, the self-proclaimed number one assassin in the Eastern Region, Ace.
To be able to hang the sign of an assassin organization in a big city, and make it more lively than an ordinary tavern, the Tianxia Building was naturally not simple. At least it had some official connections in the local area.
But perhaps Jiang Wang couldn't have imagined that Ace was so extraordinary that he could come and go in the royal palace at will.
He was actually the fifth son of the current king of Yangguo, and also the youngest son. His surname was Yang, and his name was Xuanze.
It is said that "the heavenly family loves the eldest son, and the common people love the youngest son."
I don't know if there's any truth to it, but in any case, Yang Xuanze was not very favored.The Yang Kingdom was only so large, and by the time he was born, everything that could be divided or occupied had been nearly all taken by his older brothers. He couldn't even get a share of the leftovers, so he simply gave up on any thoughts of the court.
Being an idle prince would have been fine, but he had to go and start some assassin organization, proclaiming himself the number one assassin in the Eastern Region. He paid a bunch of idlers to hang around the organization all day, pretending it was booming with business—when in fact, it was continuously losing money.
Such a minor prince, unpleasing in his actions, unpleasing in appearance, and even more so in his birth.
His mother was just a lowly palace maid. His birth was the result of a drunken impulse of the great sovereign.
That poor maid died under mysterious circumstances shortly after giving birth to Yang Xuance. To this day, there has been no explanation.
Some say it was the Empress Dowager, who was still alive at the time, who took displeasure. Others say it was the Empress... It's unclear, a tangled mess.
In any case, it was a chaotic affair.
Jiang Wang had left behind a letter, which he opened without hesitation. After all, Tianxia Tower was not a place known for its integrity.
It was supposed to be just an amusing matter, but after reading it, he immediately went to Zhaoheng City.
Even if he was criticized for being ignorant, he understood the severity of the rat plague that was ravaging the Yang Kingdom. If the White Bone Path had further moves to make, it was only right for the Yang Kingdom to be on high alert.
He didn't like Zhaoheng City, not one bit. The streets, the air, everything here suffocated him with its indifference. That's why he preferred to hide away in Cangfeng City, running his unsuccessful assassin business.
But no matter what, his home was still here. He was born here, raised here.
What he didn't expect was that, after finally returning to the palace, he spent several hours nursing a cup of tea, reheating it over and over, only for it to cool again, without even catching a glimpse of his father.
The sovereign was truly busy! Yang Xuance thought boredly.
The Crown Prince could see the sovereign at any time, but as his son, he had to make repeated requests just to see him.
He was tempted to leave then and there, but then he thought of the letter...
"When will I be able to see him?" he couldn't help but tap his teacup impatiently.
The little eunuch serving him replied with downcast eyes, "This servant... truly does not know..."
"What do you know, then?"
"This servant is guilty, this servant deserves death." The little eunuch was panicking, kneeling and begging for mercy.
"It's always the same thing," Yang Xuance was indeed a bit angry, but he held back, "Go ask Eunuch Liu how much longer my father will be busy. I have urgent matters to discuss with him!"
The little eunuch hurriedly knelt down, "This servant will go and ask right away."
He left and never returned.
Tea, tea, tea—the person hadn't even left, and the tea had already gone cold.
He was of the imperial bloodline! Was he some poor relative trying to cling to nobility?
Even though Yang Xuance was used to being ignored, being disregarded to this extent, so thoroughly, was still unbearable.
Not to fight, not to snatch. But that doesn't mean one should forgo the most basic respect!
He stood up decisively, ignoring the prohibitions and the palace maids' attempts to stop him, and walked straight out of the side hall, his robes billowing as he headed directly to the Yangsheng Hall, where the sovereign of the Yang Kingdom dealt with state affairs.
Let's see who dares to stop me! he sneered inwardly.
Just as he reached the outside of the Yangsheng Hall, a kind-faced, beardless old man appeared silently before him.
"Where does Your Highness wish to go?"
This person was Liu Huai, the chief eunuch, who was most trusted by the sovereign and often served by his side.
Even the Crown Prince of the Yang Kingdom wouldn't dare to slight him.
Seeing that it was him, Yang Xuance had to suppress his anger, "I'm here to see my father."
After saying that, he felt humiliated and added, "It's urgent!"
"Is that so..." Liu Huai acted as if he had just learned of this, smiling attentively, "Your Highness has worked hard."
"For state affairs, why speak of hardship?" Yang Xuance replied with a platitude, then reminded him, "Is my father in the hall now?"
"Ah, His Majesty is there."
"Then please inform His Majesty for me," said Yang Xuance.
"The nation is facing a difficult time, and His Majesty is busy with countless matters. Once he is finished with this period, I will definitely convey Your Highness's message."
Liu Huai said respectfully, "The sun is scorching, Your Highness might as well have another cup of tea."
Tea... again with the tea.
Again with the waiting.
All this respect on the face, all this contempt in the heart.
"Smash!"
Yang Xuance could no longer restrain himself, tore off the jade ornament at his waist, and smashed it in front of the man.
He shouted fiercely, "Liu Huai! Are you trying to prevent a father and son of the imperial family from meeting, to sever the human relations of the Yang family?"
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ps: Although Leader Chen said that the rewards are not for urging updates, but just for liking the story, the author still has to show some appreciation. Three updates are too much to handle, but I must squeeze out at least one. Heartfelt thanks~
Joyful Literature