Chapter 22: A Father Scams His Son

“It was originally only thirty percent, but now it has increased to at least fifty percent.” State Preceptor Sun cast a glance toward the Panlong Desert. “If the anomalies in the desert do not exceed the intelligence I possess.”

He Chunhua walked back, his expression gradually turning resolute. “Fine, I will go!”

The eyes of the soldiers below the stage instantly filled with even greater respect.

The He brothers were shocked. “Father, there is no need to go this far!”

They moved to step forward, but He Chunhua barked a command, forcing them back.

The Prefect grew slightly angry. “What kind of decorum is this, pulling and pushing at each other? Do you not see how many people are watching!” Having said that, he turned to command Zeng Feixiong, “Depart!”

A troop of nearly three hundred men set off northward along the official highway.

Only then did He Chunhua let out a sigh and say to his sons, “I have wasted twenty years at the frontier, but you are young; you must not be allowed to wither away. If this mission succeeds, your starting point will be the Great Capital!”

Twenty years of personal experience had taught him that in a remote, desolate land, even those with extraordinary talent had no way to exert it. Taking a risk could return the He family to the Great Capital; it was, in fact, a very worthwhile bargain.

“The country is in turmoil, but this place is actually a paradise,” He Lingchuan could not help but interject. “Old man, there is nothing wrong with Blackwater City. A vague, ethereal treasure hunt is not worth risking your life!”

Truly, it was quite nice here. He liked it immensely. Although the wind and sand were a bit heavy, the food a bit coarse, and the meat of cattle and sheep a bit greasy after too much consumption... hey, can we please not cause unnecessary trouble?

If the Prefect died, who would take over? Who would hold the fort? The family's good life would come to an end.

“To devote oneself to the country is only natural. You will understand when you are older.” In truth, with the State Preceptor here and the Royal Decree in hand, there was simply no way to refuse. *This child, sixteen years old and still so senseless!* He Chunhua patted his eldest son's shoulder and turned to He Yue. “While I am away, the prefectural affairs will be managed by Yue'er as my assistant. You have always been steady and resourceful; if I do not return, you must take care of the He family and take care of your mother.”

He Lingchuan could not help but turn to Sun Fuping. “Can we not wait a little longer? We can find another team to lead!”

“We could wait, but every official we bring in would have to undergo this test.” Sun Fuping pointed to the large water vat. “An army must strike with momentum; repeated delays lead to exhaustion. If that happens, we will be unable to contend with the Panlong Desert.”

Morale was at its peak right now. If they tested it repeatedly, the soldiers would grow weary.

Besides, the troops had already mobilized. There is no turning back once the arrow is shot.

He Yue’s eyes reddened. He grabbed his father’s hand and walked to the side, lowering his voice. “Father, this is a trap they have set!”

“How could I not know?” He Chunhua shook his head slightly. He looked at the approaching He Lingchuan, hesitated, and finally said, “Chuan'er, you will accompany me.”

These words struck like a thunderclap, making He Lingchuan’s head ring

“What? Father, I...” *I don't want to go!*

Why did he have to join this life-or-death adventure?

Didn't He Chunhua dote on his eldest son? Why was he calling him along to face death?

“Since the day you were born, the Great Shaman said you were a lucky star, that even in times of peril, fortune would follow,” He Chunhua seemed to find it difficult to speak, but he continued nonetheless. “For over ten years, the rising prosperity of the He family has proven those words true. This journey to Panlong is unpredictable in both fortune and disaster; that is why I... why I need your good luck! Besides, your martial skills are exceptional. With family guarding you by my side, only then can I be at ease.”

He grabbed He Lingchuan’s arm and subconsciously glanced at Sun Fuping, whispering, “I always feel that this is also a great opportunity for the He family. Chuan'er, I am counting on you for my safety!”

He Lingchuan felt as if bitterness were bubbling up in his mouth. He wanted to say no, but could he?

Since the founding of the Great Yuan, the empire had been desperately instilling the ethics of ruler-subject and father-son into its people, just like any other regime. Was it not perfectly normal for He Chunhua to worry about his safety and have his eldest son accompany him?

The Governor of Xunzhou was even more extreme, sending his son directly to take risks. Compared to that, what He Chunhua was doing was nothing.

Furthermore, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, could He Lingchuan really open his mouth and say, "I won't"?

He could.

“Father, I won't—”

He Lingchuan was about to employ the unreasonable stubbornness of his original host, but unfortunately, He Chunhua knew his son too well. He gave him no chance to consider, struggle, or refuse, instead preemptively raising his voice to Sun Fuping: “State Preceptor, Chuan'er will accompany me!”

His voice was extremely loud, causing the vanguard to look over.

Well, it was settled.

It also choked back He Lingchuan's final refusal.

He Chunhua patted his eldest son's shoulder and said with emotion, “Good boy!”

He Yue watched from the side, dumbfounded. Although father-son soldiers were not uncommon these days, hadn't his father always favored the eldest brother? Why did he insist on bringing him along for such a great danger?

The eldest brother's face was clearly written with refusal.

Nian Songyu heard it as well and waved at He Lingchuan. “Excellent, we shall grow closer on the road.”

What else could He Lingchuan say? Looking at Nian Songyu's cheerful smile, his mouth felt dry and bitter. “Fine, I'll go prepare some supplies.”

This farewell, which was supposed to be for the expedition, turned into a farewell for his father, and finally turned into a farewell for himself.

One could only say that surprises in life are everywhere.

His second brother, who was supposed to be telling someone to be careful on the road with red eyes, had instead become the one being told.

He Yue grabbed his arm and suddenly lowered his voice. “Watch out for those two.”

“Do I really need you to tell me that?” He Lingchuan rolled his eyes. “Uncle Hao, I'll leave the safety of the second brother to you.”

Uncle Hao nodded.

He had a grievance with Nian Songyu, so He Chunhua had decisively decided not to let him join this journey into the Panlong Desert to avoid any trouble.

He Lingchuan was extremely envious of his ability to stay out of it, but at this moment, he could only manage a dry smile and wave goodbye.

Glancing at He Chunhua once more, a thought suddenly popped into his mind

Was it possible that this father's affection for his eldest son was not as deep as the original He Lingchuan had thought?

Recalling the original host's memories, this father was thorough in his planning but also brave in taking risks, rarely hesitating; he was indeed a man meant for great things. However!

If there had to be a "however," it was that whenever his father took a risk, the eldest son seemed to be by his side.

Was his identity as a "lucky star" actually verified?

...

The Panlong Desert had not yet entered the season of raging sands, so the Red Cliff Road was crowded.

With at most ten days left until the deadline, everyone was in a hurry.

Before departing, He Lingchuan had already changed his mount and loaded his supplies. Now, draped in a white robe, he only lacked a face covering.

As the sun rose, the interior of the desert became terrifyingly hot. After walking uncovered for fifteen minutes, He Lingchuan's entire body felt scalding; he suspected that if he poured water on himself, it would turn to steam.

In fact, they had not yet entered the true desert. Small sandthorn, sea buckthorn, and stipa grass were frequently visible, along with scattered tamarisk and purple willow.

As the mandatory route for entering and exiting Blackwater City, the sides of the road held everything: broken crates, fabrics, and bottles, half-rotted carcasses of jackals. He Lingchuan even saw a small tuft of black hair fluttering in the wind on a patch of stipa grass, looking suspiciously like human hair.

(End of Chapter)