The next day, the first thing Fu Xi Yan did upon waking was crouch beside the bed and inspect the soap and formula in the basket. Only after confirming that Just a Dream had merely played because he had stumbled into a Na Ying concert in his sleep—and was not the background music to his own storyline—did he finally relax.
He set out while yawning. Upon learning that Fu Xuan had already left the residence, Fu Xi Yan assumed his uncle had gone ahead to arrange his shift transfer and inwardly sighed over how dependable Second Uncle truly was.
When he reported for duty, everyone was indeed somewhat surprised to see him.
Because Zhu Qiao and Zhu Yu Da shared the same surname, they had a good relationship, and Zhu Qiao would occasionally exchange a few words with Fu Xi Yan as well. He approached curiously. “Why are you here? Could General Fu have received the news in advance?”
Fu Xi Yan found the question strange. Naturally, Fu Xuan would know in advance if he were arranging Fu Xi Yan’s transfer—unless Fu Xuan was not the one behind it. His heart pounding, he asked, “Who has made a move against me this time?”
Seeing the words too exhausted to love anymore written all over Fu Xi Yan’s plump face, Zhu Qiao could not help feeling a little sympathy. “General Chu arrived early this morning and called out a group of names, saying he had other arrangements for them. Both Yu Da and you were on the list.”
…
Chu Guang was blatantly stirring up trouble!
Fu Xi Yan wished he could use the Nine Yin White Bone Claw to drag Chu Guang before him and interrogate him. He was a respectable man with a nephew of his own, so why was he coveting someone else’s? What, did muscle not smell as enticing as fat?
Seeing him panting heavily, Zhu Qiao consoled him quietly, “Don’t get angry. General Fu will certainly think of something.”
“I’m not angry.”
“Then why are you huffing like that?”
“I’m summoning my uncle.”
Zhu Qiao: “…”
At that moment, however, Fu Xuan’s mood was certainly no better than his nephew’s.
Early that morning, he had received a secret letter from Eunuch Zhang informing him that the emperor had summoned Chu Guang. Although he rushed over as quickly as possible, he was still one step too late and encountered only Chu Guang emerging from Yanying Hall.
One look at Chu Guang’s smug, triumphant expression told Fu Xuan that something had gone terribly wrong.
Sure enough, all of Chu Guang’s earlier dejection had vanished. He smiled broadly at Fu Xuan. “General Fu has held sole control of the Yulin Guard these past few days. Have you managed all that work without becoming overwhelmed?”
Suppressing the unease in his heart, Fu Xuan smiled. “Rumor has it that General Chu, though nearly fifty, has recently experienced an old tree blooming anew. No wonder you look so invigorated by happy news.”
Chu Guang’s smile faded slightly. “General Fu truly possesses remarkable powers. His Majesty only conceived the idea this morning, yet the news has already reached your ears?”
Fu Xuan raised his brows in surprise. “His Majesty’s idea? What, has General Chu received an imperial decree ordering you to inspect the brothels?”
After losing the duel, Chu Guang had been spotted drinking away his sorrows in a brothel by one of Fu Xuan’s men, and the incident had become a favorite joke among the Fu faction.
Chu Guang’s skin was a thousand feet thick. “General Fu jests. By His Majesty’s favor, a new Brocade Guard is being established, and I have been appointed its Commander. Some of its personnel will be selected from the Yulin Guard. I have long heard that your esteemed nephew possesses outstanding talent and reached the True Origin Stage at a young age. Since he and Shao Yang are evenly matched, I naturally could not overlook such talent.”
The smile had vanished entirely from Fu Xuan’s face. “Must Brother Chu truly take matters this far?”
Chu Guang chuckled at him for a while. Only when Fu Xuan’s face had grown as dark as though a torrential storm might break at any moment did he lower his voice and say, “Yesterday, your esteemed nephew used a slingshot to leave Shao Yang in a miserable state. But where would one find a slingshot inside the imperial palace? Does General Fu know where it came from?”
Fu Xuan’s heart jolted.
Having made his point, Chu Guang stopped there. “An apparent advantage may not represent one’s true chances of victory. Luoyang will be the future capital. Who can say that following me there will not prove fortunate for your esteemed nephew? General Fu would do well to look farther ahead.”
Fu Xuan’s heart bled with hatred, but he still forced out a smile. “Every word of General Chu’s instruction today is a pearl of wisdom. I will remember it.”
The two parted on unhappy terms.
Fu Xuan’s heart was heavy.
Northern Zhou possessed eight Capital Guards, each with its own distinct responsibilities and clearly defined jurisdiction. Among them, the Yulin Guard defended the imperial city and handled palace security, the imperial escort, and ceremonial duties. Now that a Brocade Guard had appeared out of nowhere, it would inevitably seize portions of authority from the other Capital Guards.
Since Chu Guang came from the Yulin Guard, it would undoubtedly bear the brunt of the losses.
Yet that was not the most frightening part.
The most frightening part was the emperor’s intention behind it all.
The Beginning of Summer was approaching, and the weather was hot and oppressive. Yet as Fu Xuan stood beneath the sunlight, a bone-deep chill spread outward from within him.
The slingshot…
A slingshot from inside the imperial palace?
⸻
Fu Xi Yan mingled with the formation and leisurely strolled along on patrol.
Before and behind him were valiant men of similar height, all broad-shouldered and well-proportioned. Fu Xi Yan alone protruded noticeably from both sides of the formation, making him exceptionally easy to spot. Fu Xuan found him without the slightest effort.
Fu Xi Yan exclaimed happily, “Uncle, did you hear my summons? Uncle, did you know—”
Fu Xuan interrupted him coldly. “I do not.”
Fu Xi Yan: “?”
Fu Xuan asked a question of his own. “Do you know where Zhu Yu Da obtained the slingshot he gave you?”
Fu Xi Yan looked completely bewildered. “I don’t know. He took it away as soon as I finished using it.”
“What did the slingshot look like?”
Fu Xi Yan thought back. “It felt smooth and warm, almost like jade. I think it had carved patterns on it, and the band had excellent tension. In any case, it was much better than the ones my father bought me.”
Fu Xuan’s expression darkened.
Within the imperial palace, whose household possessions could surpass those used by the son of a count’s estate? The answer was self-evident.
“Was using a slingshot something you decided upon at the last moment?”
“Yes. I had no idea Chu Shao Yang would cause trouble yesterday.” Fu Xi Yan finally sensed something was wrong. “Is there a problem with the slingshot?”
Fu Xuan did not answer. He turned and walked away, but not before reprimanding him, “Your colleagues have already gone far ahead. Why aren’t you hurrying after them?”
Fu Xi Yan stared after him in astonishment. “…”
Was that an appropriate attitude for a man to show his own nephew?
He had discovered the truth. Ever since he began working, he was no longer the family’s precious chubby baby! No wonder some people would rather shamelessly live off their parents and remain giant infants. The adult world was truly heartbreaking.
While lamenting, he found a shady spot and stood there at his leisure, waiting for his colleagues to finish their circuit and pass him again.
His colleagues: “…”
Zhu Qiao had barely pulled Fu Xi Yan into the position ahead of him when a member of the Chu faction sidled over and asked with malicious curiosity, “What did General Fu want with you?”
The already quiet formation became even quieter.
Fu Xi Yan said, “He asked me what comes after, ‘A sudden breeze ruffles a pond of spring water.’”
The Chu faction member looked puzzled. “What?”
Fu Xi Yan smiled. “What business is it of yours?”
The Chu faction member: “…”
The Fu faction had originally been curious as well, but they immediately adopted expressions suggesting they heard nothing beyond the window and cared for nothing outside their own affairs.
The disturbance caused by Chu Guang that morning temporarily subsided. However, Fu Xi Yan knew perfectly well that when the wind filled the tower, a mountain storm was approaching. The calm at that moment merely heralded a greater tempest.
But with that tempest brewing, why had Fu Xuan brought up the slingshot?
Fu Xi Yan instinctively felt uneasy.
That unease remained with him until his shift ended and he returned home. The servants had already prepared dinner and were merely waiting for the masters of the household to take their seats one after another.
Because the family was small, the Fu household had always eaten together in the same hall, though at separate tables.
The men occupied one table and the women another.
After taking his seat and noticing that Fu Fu’s and Fu Xuan’s places remained empty while Fu Li An was already preparing to begin the meal, Fu Xi Yan asked curiously, “Where are Father and Uncle?”
Fu Li An replied, “They are discussing business in the study. We will eat first.”
Fu Xi Yan blinked. “Discussing what?”
Fu Li An gave him a meaningful look, then lowered his head and drank his soup.
Fu Xi Yan: “…” No, Eldest Brother, it isn’t as though we’re competing for the Hundred Flowers and Golden Statue Awards. Who exactly are you directing that masterful, meaningful glance toward?
Fu Xi Yan watched him for a while. When Fu Li An continued ignoring him, he turned toward Fu Dong Wen instead.
Without raising his head, Fu Dong Wen said, “Do not speak while eating or converse while sleeping.”
Fu Xi Yan: “-_-||” What, are emoticons forbidden too?
The entire meal was flavorless. The moment Fu Li An put down his chopsticks, Fu Xi Yan shot away like a wild horse freed from its reins. Fu Dong Wen frowned and turned toward Fu Li An. “Brother…”
Fu Li An slowly wiped his mouth, then lowered his head and instructed Fu Chen Xing, “One should not run immediately after eating. Food, clothing, shelter, and travel must all be approached in an orderly manner, without improper conduct. As evidence to the contrary, simply observe your fourth brother’s physique.”
Fu Chen Xing nodded his little head. “Chen Xing understands.”
Fu Xi Yan had no idea that, in the minds of his eldest brother and fifth brother, he was a textbook capable of providing negative examples at any time and in any place. At that moment, he was advancing at full speed!
He believed that as long as he moved quickly enough, he could catch up with the sound waves carrying his father and uncle’s secret conversation!
Ten meters.
Five meters.
Two meters.
One meter!
The door opened.
Fu Xuan raised a hand and gently pushed the forehead of the charging Fu Xi Yan. Fu Xi Yan’s enormous body immediately flew backward and upward like a kite with its string cut, his limbs spread wide in the shape of the character “大.” After rising level with the eaves, he plummeted rapidly, stopped abruptly half a meter above the ground, and then descended gently.
Lying on the ground, Fu Xi Yan sighed with both bitterness and envy.
Being highly skilled in martial arts was wonderful!
“Get up! Lying on the ground in front of your elders—what kind of behavior is that?” Fu Fu reprimanded him unhappily.
Fu Xi Yan supported his waist as he sat up. His fair, tender face scrunched together as he struggled to produce a ferocious expression. “There is something I absolutely must say today!”
Fu Fu said, “Say it.”
Fu Xi Yan declared, “If you refuse to let me say it, then I’ll… eh?”
Fu Xuan said, “There is no aunt here, only your father and uncle. Go ahead and speak.”
Fu Xi Yan dusted off his backside, stood up, and thrust one arm into the air. “I don’t want to remain in the Yulin Guard! I resign!”
Fu Xuan and Fu Fu exchanged a look.
Fu Xuan said, “Very well. Come here.”
Fu Xi Yan: “?”
Seeing him refuse to move, Fu Fu grew angry and sneered. “What, you lack even the courage to walk these few steps? In that case, you should remain where you are and continue serving in the Yulin Guard!”
Fu Xi Yan knew perfectly well that this was provocation, but the bait of resignation was simply too plump and tempting. He cautiously shuffled forward two steps.
Fu Xuan suddenly drew a dagger from his sleeve.
“What the hell!” Startled, Fu Xi Yan leaped backward.
Fu Xuan extended the dagger toward him. “The journey to Luoyang is long, and neither your father nor I will be at your side. You will have to rely upon yourself in all things. This dagger is called Wind Chime. It is a Mystic-grade spiritual weapon. If someone reveals killing intent toward you, it will vibrate and warn you. Nurture it carefully, and perhaps one day it may advance to a higher grade.”
Fu Xi Yan looked at the dagger, then at him, and repeated blankly, “Going to Luoyang?”
Fu Xuan said calmly, “His Majesty has established the Brocade Guard and appointed Chu Guang as its Commander. It will escort the Third Prince to Luoyang to supervise construction of the new palace and will depart shortly. You and Yu Da are both on the roster.” Although the news had reached him one step too late, he had now learned everything that needed to be known.
“The Brocade Guard?!” Fu Xi Yan’s mind immediately filled with “Flying Fish robes, Embroidered Spring sabers, handsome, wealthy, tall Ming-dynasty male models.” He stammered, “W-would someone with my figure be allowed?”
Fu Fu said unhappily from the side, “What sort of question is that? Since they selected you, naturally you are suitable.”
Fu Xi Yan shook his head frantically.
No, no, no! I am not suitable!
Put one enormous fat man among the Brocade Guard, and even the beauty filter would shatter across the floor!
Futile Devices Scans 
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