IDWBE -Chapter 317 Cherishing Old Bonds

When had he ever been tasked with such trivial matters? Though he thought this in his heart, Lin Yi decided it was time to give Xiao Xizi a lesson. If he let him continue behaving like this, it would be utter lawlessness.

At this moment, he even began to understand his emperor father’s mindset—how he could tolerate a treacherous scoundrel like He Jin.

It was somewhat like someone criticizing you for walking a pit bull without a leash, and you still confidently insisting, “My dog doesn’t bite.”

The fishing float moved again. As Lin Yi lifted the rod, a hand reached out, pulling the line and helping to unhook the perch, placing it directly into the wooden bucket.

Just as Lin Yi was pleased that Xiao Guizi was finally showing signs of understanding, he turned and saw He Hong, head bowed, washing his hands in the river.

“Your Highness,” He Hong cupped his hands. “I’ve gathered information about the Hu family.”

Lin Yi took the teapot He Hong handed him, sipped, and asked, “What did you find out?”

He Hong said, “Your Highness, the Hu family fled from Yuezhou to Nanzhou two years ago. Seeing their wealth, Wu Lin and Mei Jingzhi tried to extort over 400,000 taels of silver. The Hu family, being weaker, dared to be angry but not speak out. Others, seeing how timid and gullible they were, tricked them into business partnerships. They claimed that if the family wanted to settle in Nanzhou, they couldn’t just live off past wealth—they needed a source of income. Believing these people, the Hu family lost another 200,000 taels, and the ventures never materialized. Later, when Han Hui entered Nanzhou, the Hu family fled to Yong’an, not staying a moment, and eventually ended up in Jinling City.”

Lin Yi curiously asked, “I thought Qi Peng said they were heading north to Ankang City? Why did they stop here?”

He Hong smiled. “That’s thanks to Peng Guishou. He and Xue Yiduo played their roles—one red-faced, one white-faced—squeezing out another 300,000 taels. By then, Hu Zhen’s pockets were basically empty. Even if he weren’t stupid, he would understand not to continue north. Now they rent a house on Ansheng Street. Though their wealth is diminished, they are used to extravagance and bad at managing a business. Soon, the Hu family will likely have to survive by pawning their belongings.”

Lin Yi snorted. “These bastards have some nerve—knowing he’s my father-in-law and still trying to cheat him. The worst part? Not even sharing any of it with me.”

That was over a million taels of silver!

He couldn’t help thinking: if a single county prince had this much wealth, how much would there be if he confiscated all the estates of the imperial family? The thought alone stirred some excitement.

He Hong suppressed a smile. “How shall we proceed, Your Highness?”

Lin Yi replied calmly, “No need to act yet. The Hu family still has money. Didn’t you see yesterday? The Hu girl rode a priceless steed, and even her two maids wore jade pendants. You tell me they’re poor—I won’t believe it.”

He Hong smiled in agreement. “Your Highness is correct.”

Lin Yi continued, “Ansheng Street… I recall the Xue family lived there. Truly a place with good feng shui. Who owns the house they’re renting now?”

He Hong said, “Your Highness, they originally rented from the Xue family. After the Xue family was confiscated, the house became government property, and the rent goes straight to the offices.”

Lin Yi laughed. “Tell that old Peng Guishou to keep a close eye on the Hu family. Any news must come to me immediately.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As He Hong prepared to leave, he noticed Tao Yingyi kneeling behind Lin Yi and said after some hesitation, “Your Highness, Captain Tao is here.”

“I deserve this! Please punish me, Your Highness!”

Tao Yingyi banged his head repeatedly.

“Releasing Tian Shiyou unlawfully is a clear case of dereliction of duty—you know the charges, don’t you?”

Without even turning his head, Lin Yi said, “If you have nothing to say, go to Hong An to face your punishment. Handle it properly. No need to bother me here.”

“Your Highness, I was truly wronged,” Though Tao Yingyi had been temporarily assigned from the army to the court as a constable, he was very familiar with Sanhe’s laws. Even if the ruler erred, he would not act unjustly. “Tian Shiyou didn’t deliberately start a fight. He was chasing pirates from the sea and had notified the administration before acting. Xiao Xizi, unaware of the situation, misinterpreted it.”

“So you actually did some good?”

Lin Yi suddenly turned his head.

“I dare not claim credit,” Tao Yingyi replied, “All of this was under the orders of General He. How could I take credit?”

He had nearly forgotten the matter entirely. Who would have expected that Xiao Xizi would bring it up midway, dragging him into trouble as well?

Too many tears in recounting it!

“I understand. You may leave now.”

Lin Yi waved his hand.

“I take my leave.”

Tao Yingyi got up cautiously and turned to exit the grove.

Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned back to see He Hong and said, cupping his hands, “Do you think I’ve been cursed? This matter happened ages ago, yet he’s been holding a grudge and is only now seeking revenge.”

He and He Hong were true hometown friends, naturally speaking without restraint.

He Hong didn’t even glance at Tao Yingyi, walking on. “Be careful what you say—some people you cannot offend.”

“Damn it, who knew his ears were so sharp?”

Tao Yingyi felt wronged. He had only muttered one word about a eunuch, and Xiao Xizi happened to hear it!

He Hong snorted. “You two are now bound by this grudge. From now on, good luck with that.”

“Brother, what do you mean by that?”

Tao Yingyi asked proudly. “Without the Prince, can he still deal with me?”

He Hong shook his head. “You don’t understand the Prince. He cannot do without Xiao Xizi. His anger is temporary, not permanent. Our Prince values old bonds the most.”

“Should I go apologize to Xiao Xizi now?”

Tao Yingyi laughed awkwardly. “Too late for that, isn’t it?”

The master-disciple relationship between Xiao Xizi and Hong Ying was not something he feared—Hong Ying was predictable and would not seek personal revenge as long as he remained useful to the Prince.

The real danger was Xiao Xizi returning to the Prince. A casual word from him could accomplish more than anything else—while not killing, it could still create immense annoyance.

He Hong smiled. “Then your fate is in your own hands.”

They reached the official road, took the reins from a nearby guard, and rode off.