OFTLHFRO C64

Chapter 64: The Third Prince’s Recruitment

Luo Mingchen readily accepted the gold, and the Third Young Master said nothing. After all, he wasn’t lacking money, and he had given it sincerely.

While Luo Mingchen basked in his good fortune, the Third Young Master’s gaze turned toward the quiet and reserved Huo Yan.

Was this man really someone who could assist him?

Just as he was about to ask about those men who had been taken to the county yamen a few days ago, Luo Mingchen noticed the Third Young Master staring intently at Huo Yan.

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he felt that the Young Master’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny.

Speaking of which, someone like the Third Young Master, who could casually hand over two hundred gold taels, why would he suddenly come to such a small town?

If it was to see Master Ming, why had he purposely brought along a Ghost Orchid that wouldn’t bloom?

And if it was just for the sake of getting it to bloom…

Did he really have that much free time?

Before Luo Mingchen could think it through, the Third Young Master said, “Those men you brought to the county office the other day were not official constables. The one leading them was actually the brother-in-law of a head constable. They often band together to extort small-town merchants for money. The reason they came was that the overseer responsible for stall rentals, along with a woman he fancied, grew jealous of your business. They wanted to take your formula and scam you out of more silver.”

Hearing this, Luo Mingchen wasn’t surprised. It was more or less what they had already guessed. “Then thank you, Young Master, for helping us uncover the truth.”

“No need for thanks. Such vermin should be eradicated quickly, lest they bring unjust suffering upon the people and weaken the nation’s foundation.”

The raised sense of indignation in the Young Master’s words gave Luo Mingchen the odd feeling of watching termites gnaw away at the beams of a house…

He wasn’t sure why that analogy came to mind, but he did feel the Young Master’s reaction was a bit excessive.

At that point, there wasn’t much left to say.

Seeing that they still showed no signs of leaving, Luo Mingchen tentatively asked, “Why don’t the two of you stay for a simple meal?”

The Third Young Master was about to refuse, but then recalled his teacher’s advice. Glancing at Huo Yan, he said, “Then I’ll impose.”

“…It’s fine.”

Luo Mingchen felt helpless. The man couldn’t even recognize polite words for what they were.

Still, he had given two hundred gold. Providing one meal was not too much of a burden.

After asking about their dietary preferences, Luo Mingchen went to the shop to deliver vegetables to Wen Liuyun and Chen Xiuyue, at the same time instructing Wen Liuyun not to cook rice for them at noon. He also left the prepared milk tea, soy milk, and pastries at the shop.

But what Luo Mingchen didn’t know was that, after he left, Huo Yan spoke first. “Does Young Master have some matter?”

Seeing Huo Yan take initiative, the Third Young Master said, “Does Huo Gongzi truly wish to spend his whole life in this small town?”

“And why not?”

At that, the Young Master pressed further. “The border is on the verge of falling, bandits and rebels rampage unchecked, and the people suffer bitterly. I’ve heard Huo Gongzi’s martial skills are excellent. Why not join the army to serve the nation? With your ability, you are certain to make a career.”

Huo Yan looked at him and asked, “Does the Young Master speak as a prince, commanding me, or as an observer, offering suggestion?”

At these words, the Third Young Master froze. “You know?”

“The jade at your waist is of extraordinary quality, and your clothes are made of Moonlight Cloud Brocade. That particular brocade is reserved only for the imperial family. The jade is carved in the form of a qilin, with three beads upon it. I’ve heard that His Majesty bestowed such qilin jades upon his sons, and the number of beads represents rank. Coupled with the brocade, this commoner dares to guess that you are the Third Prince.”

The Third Young Master gave a helpless smile. “Since you already know, I won’t conceal it. I came here partly to visit my teacher, and partly for you.”

Huo Yan pressed his lips together in thought. “If His Highness’s interest lies with the Huo Army, wouldn’t my two younger brothers be more suitable?”

“No, I am interested in both you and the Huo Army. To be blunt, your two brothers are truly incompetent. And I do not wish to merely bring the Huo Army under my banner—I intend to find a capable general to truly command it.”

The Third Prince knew Huo Yan’s circumstances, but also knew his ability.

Despite being brilliant from youth, he had never received favor from his father, but his deeds were widely known and respected.

Among his generation, few could compare, and most sons of generals were nothing but useless wastrels.

After a moment of silence, Huo Yan stood and bowed. “This humble one cannot shoulder such a weight. I must ask Your Highness to choose another worthy man.”

At such a flat rejection, the Young Prince frowned and turned to his teacher, unsure how to continue persuading him.

Master Ming said, “Did you not once wish to join the army? Did you not, on the court’s behalf, wipe out countless bandits? Now that the chance stands before you, why do you refuse?”

“In the past, I only wished to avenge my uncle’s family. Now my vengeance is complete, and I have a spouse and children to accompany me. Military service is no longer my desire.”

Hearing this, Master Ming could only sigh in resignation.

The Third Prince tried once more. “But if the nation falls into peril, how can your small household remain safe?”

“There are men of talent everywhere in our dynasty. With or without me, it will make no difference.”

Finding him impervious to persuasion, the Third Prince exhaled in frustration, truly helpless.

When Luo Mingchen returned, sensing tension in the air of the main hall, he said quickly, “I’ll go cook. The two of you wait a bit. Huo Yan, come help me with the fire.”

“Alright.”

Successfully drawing Huo Yan away, Luo Mingchen let out a quiet sigh of relief and asked him, “What were you talking about?”

“The Third Young Master wants me to return and take command of the Huo Army.”

Luo Mingchen froze. “Huh?! Your father sent him to persuade you?”

“No, not that.”

Hearing this much reassured Luo Mingchen a little. Then Huo Yan continued, “The Third Young Master is in fact the Third Prince. He wants me to command the Huo Army under his service.”

“What?!”

Luo Mingchen halted in his tracks.

Huo Yan mimicked his tone with a soft laugh. “What?”

“No… but how does he know you could even do it? What if you weren’t capable?”

Then, thinking it through, Luo Mingchen frowned. “Wait—if you weren’t capable, that would make you easier for him to control, wouldn’t it?”

“Not so. They’ve investigated me thoroughly and determined that I am able.”

“Oh…”

“So what did you say?” asked Luo Mingchen.

Huo Yan answered truthfully, “I refused.”

“Good.”

Feeling much relieved, Luo Mingchen pulled him toward the kitchen. “Let’s just focus on ourselves.”

People shouldn’t be overly selfish, true—but when the time calls for it, selfishness is necessary.

There were so many powerful nobles in the capital. Why should Huo Yan be the one to fight? There were plenty others with ability.

Surely the nation wouldn’t collapse just because he refused.

Huo Yan only smiled.

Together the two of them prepared a large table of dishes in the kitchen. Huo Xinyue had already been sent by Luo Mingchen to the shop, with Chen Xiuyue keeping an eye on her.

After all, a child so young didn’t understand matters, and in the midst of political talk, accidents were best avoided.

And who could know—after seeing that “ghostly” mutated orchid—if the Third Prince might order his guards to act?

So, better to be cautious. Keeping the child out of it was wiser, and besides, Huo Xinyue liked Chen Xiuyue, so leaving her there posed no problem.