Chapter 714

Chapter 714: The Night of the Obscured Star (Thanks to the Constellation Altair’s Patron)

“Who is this young lady?” Prefect Tu Hao’ang looked at Lolan Hill by his side.

“This is Representative Jialan from the Scorching Sun Xiangyu Sect,” Bu Moxin raised her status to enhance her persuasiveness.

“Is that so?” Tu Hao’ang paused for a moment, while his aide whispered something into his ear.

“I have heard of Immortal Zijian from the Xiangyu Sect, but I haven’t heard of this young lady’s name. Perhaps I am ignorant,” his voice was deep and unaffected by the girl’s appearance.

This prefect seemed extremely pragmatic and realistic, Moxin thought to herself. Even when she was surprised by Jialan’s face under the mask, he remained unperturbed and even questioned Lolan Hill’s identity.

“I am indeed a disciple of the Xiangyu Sect, but my identity is quite ordinary, and it’s normal that the great man doesn’t know me,” Lolan shook her head. She never intended to rely on her sect’s reputation.

Seeing the girl’s frankness, Tu Hao’ang felt a bit more favorably disposed towards her. He preferred practical and intelligent people over those who were rigid and stubborn.

“Although Envoy Bu has his own ideas and suggestions, sending troops to the Twilight Mountains is not a small matter. If mishandled, it could lead to accusations of unauthorized military power, reckless ambition, and wasting resources,” the prefect explained with patience.

“But can this compare to the lives of tens of thousands of people? If we ignore it, how many more will die in the turmoil?” Bu Moxin couldn’t help but criticize the prefect.

This time, Tu Hao’ang didn’t even respond, letting Bu Moxin speak as he calmly drank tea.

Seeing the prefect’s dismissive attitude, Bu Moxin’s anger flared up.

“Tu Hao’ang, do you realize your grave mistake?” Her tone turned cold, and she directly addressed him by name.

“What is it?” This time, the prefect raised his gaze, his eyes cold.

“You knew about the Twilight Mountains incident but chose to remain silent, allowing your personal guards to spread rumors and drive civilians away to avoid responsibility.”

“Such actions of deceiving the emperor and neglecting duty—if known to the emperor, would you dare to take the blame?”

“Oh, does Envoy Bu have evidence? If you falsely accuse a loyal minister, not only will you be dismissed and exiled, but your Bu family will also suffer. Have you considered this well?”

“I naturally have evidence.”

Bu Moxin quickly recalled the information she had obtained from Li Yincen before visiting the shrine. She finally focused on a Black Leopard Cavalry captain she had met in the small town of Youcen.

When she left Youcen, she had specifically asked the captain about the Twilight Mountains, and he claimed nothing was wrong, only occasional disturbances by wild spirits that were being patrolled and driven away.

But in reality, anyone who visited the Twilight Mountains would know what was happening. Clearly, the captain was lying to her.

“I saw in the border town ‘Youcen’,” Bu Moxin began.

The Black Leopard Cavalry were the prefect’s personal guards, and saying their actions were beyond his control was insulting. Hearing this, Tu Hao’ang frowned slightly.

“For this, I recorded the conversation,” Bu Moxin took out the golden pendant hanging from her waist. The intricate patterns and the lamp column in the middle reflected faint golden light.

As a member of the supervisory agency, she naturally kept records of information and evidence. The token issued by the Xuanhua Mansion also had a recording function. It was said that if magic power was input, it could record images as well.

While this issue wasn’t significant enough to topple the prefect, the situation was different now. Many enemies were watching Tu Hao’ang. If handled improperly, his reputation in court would plummet, making it difficult to return to Luo Capital or advance further. He might be trapped in this border state forever.

Tu Hao’ang closed his eyes, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table. Opposite him, Bu Moxin showed a slight smile, thinking she had found the prefect’s weakness.

After a long while, Tu Hao’ang opened his eyes, gestured for his aide to come closer, and gave some instructions before turning to the two.

“I reviewed the schedule of recent rotations. The captain Envoy Bu mentioned might be here today. I already instructed the butler to inquire, and he should be back soon.” He opened the teapot lid, took another sip, then closed his eyes, unwilling to speak further.

Lolan Hill, seeing the tense atmosphere in the hall, shook her head silently. She didn’t want to criticize Bu Moxin, as priorities were clear. She simply picked up her tea and waited.

[Green Sea Blue] (Exquisite Golden Grade): A superior tea tree from a southern island (Golden Grade), processed through special methods. It was a tribute to the dynasty and often given as rewards to officials. It has a calming effect and helps relieve anxiety, providing moderate assistance to cultivation. (Acquired the effect of Calming the Mind Lv.3, lasting two hours.)

Seeing the information displayed, Lolan Hill became slightly interested, slowly sipping her tea and considering whether to cultivate some tea trees in the future.

During the wait, the sky outside gradually darkened. Under the butler’s orders, attendants brought tall bronze candle stands into the hall, illuminating it brightly as if it were daytime.

Suddenly, urgent footsteps and the sound of armor clashing echoed outside the hall.

Soon after, a military officer with a mustache entered. He wore black and yellow armor with leopard heads on both shoulders, the standard uniform of the captain. His cultivation reached the War Sequence 4, or Lübing Fourth Rank.

“Humble servant greets Prefect,” he knelt down immediately after entering, his greeting short and powerful.

“Stand up. Envoy Bu mentioned meeting you,” Tu Hao’ang did not open his eyes but gestured.

At this moment, the burly officer turned to look at the two.

“Which one is Envoy Bu?” His tone was neither humble nor arrogant.

“It’s me,” Bu Moxin replied.

“That day in the small town of Youcen, I asked you about the Twilight Mountains. Do you remember?”

“I remember,” the officer’s expression was complicated as he struggled internally.

“Then would you dare to repeat it?”

“I… I dare not,” he lowered his head.

Bang—a loud noise startled everyone.

“What’s there to fear!” Tu Hao’ang opened his eyes, his brows furrowed fiercely. The teacup in front of him shattered, leaving broken pieces and scattered leaves on the floor.

“Yes,” the officer trembled all over, lifting his head to look at Bu Moxin. His pupils were dull, as if lifeless.

“It was my greed for small benefits, fearing someone else would claim credit, that led me to deliberately hide the truth, causing this great disaster. I am guilty,” he knelt down, repeatedly knocking his head against the ground, making a thudding sound and leaving bloodstains.

Tu Hao’ang took a deep breath to calm himself before asking.

“What punishment does this warrant?”

His aide bowed and answered.

“Falsifying military intelligence, according to the law, should result in execution. As the commander-in-chief’s personal guard, the sentence is doubled. His family should be demoted and their property confiscated.”

Hearing this, the officer’s head knocked even faster, blood pooling on the ground.

“Your servant was wrong. Please forgive me, spare my wife and children,” he muttered frantically.

In response, Tu Hao’ang slowly closed his eyes, refusing to answer.

Seeing this, Bu Moxin was momentarily at a loss, confused.

But seeing Tu Hao’ang’s silence, the officer’s words started to carry a sob. Finally, he suddenly lifted his head, drew his sword, and pointed it at his neck.

“Please forgive me, Prefect,” he said, blood splattering as he fell to the side, motionless, his face already bloody and disfigured.

At this point, Tu Hao’ang’s throat moved slightly as he slowly opened his eyes, looking at Bu Moxin.

“Are you satisfied now?” His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hollow.

“Hmph,” Bu Moxin stood up, trembling uncontrollably. She no longer spoke, leading the way out of the hall.

Seeing this, Lolan Hill sighed, bowed briefly, and followed Bu Moxin.

Inside the hall, the silence returned, as Tu Hao’ang sat amidst the flowing blood, staring at the dead body for a long time. His aide remained silent, bowing his head.

“Did I make a mistake?” His voice quivered slightly.

“The lord made no mistake. To achieve great things, one must be resolute and do what others cannot, hiding their intentions for the greater good.”

“Perhaps,” he sighed deeply, standing up, and gently lifting the dead officer, covering his eyes with his hand.

“Bring his wife and children to my residence for care. Also, tell his family that he died heroically in battle at the border.”

“Yes, sir,” the aide replied, stepping back, leaving Tu Hao’ang alone in the hall.

In the empty hall, Tu Hao’ang took out two wine glasses, pouring clear, fine wine. He poured one glass onto the floor and held the other, walking out into the night.

“Stars obscured, ghosts lurking. When will the moon shine again, bringing light back?”

The cold wine burned as it went down.

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(End of Chapter)