Don't ask where people go

Chapter 1994 Sinking
“Miss Zhen, you deserve this.” Zhou Lang remained motionless in the bowing posture, like a stone statue, and said in a deep voice, “Your journey has been extremely difficult, yet you have not forgotten your country and the world. This sentiment alone is enough to inspire admiration, not to mention that you have put it into practice without the slightest slackening.”

His words ignited a raging fire within Lin Jian, his heart burning with intense fervor. It was as if the fire in Lin Family Village had reignited, only now it was even fiercer.

Even though he was unwilling, he knew that not everyone could be a hero, and at least he didn't have the ability to be one.

However, at this moment, looking at Fang Zilan, who had no power or influence but somehow acquired the name of the Zhen family of Qianjinfang and was mediating between mountain bandits and high-ranking officials, he suddenly understood—a hero does not necessarily have to have great skills to be a hero.

While most people choose to mind their own business, a very few choose to stand up, and thus they become heroes.

They may lose everything, and in the end only have a name on a piece of paper left, or even that name may not be left, but they will still move forward without regret or resentment.

This time, Lin Jian can also be that kind of person. How fortunate he is! Even if it only happens once in a lifetime, it is enough.

"Since you two understand my heart, then I entrust everything to you." Fang Zilan poured three cups of tea and lined them up on the table. Then she picked up her teacup with both hands. "I offer this tea in place of wine to you both. May our country and the world be peaceful and prosperous from now on."

Zhou Lang and Lin Jian also picked up their teacups and toasted Fang Zilan, saying, "May our country and the world be peaceful from now on."

Li Shengxuan, who had remained outside the door the whole time, couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat when he saw this scene.

It turns out that he wasn't truly alone.

He is not the only one in the world willing to fight for a prosperous and peaceful world.

The four words "My path is not lonely" suddenly appeared in Li Shengxuan's mind, and he felt a comfort he had never felt before. It was as if all the bitterness and pain before had vanished with these words.

"Sir?" Awan moved closer to Li Shengxuan, but her eyes couldn't help glancing into the room as she asked, "What are you looking at?"

"You're so emotional, you'll suffer for it sooner or later." Fang Zilan sighed helplessly. "Alright, it's not a big deal. You can leave the person here, and I'll send them away later."

Awan tugged at her sleeve, "It's getting late today, why don't we talk about it tomorrow?"

Fang Zilan didn't say anything, just nodded, then got up and left.

She walked into the courtyard, leaned back in a chair, looked up at the vast night, felt a tightness in her chest, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

The sudden lifting of her confinement at the manor felt like an unreal illusion. At times, she felt that Li Shengxuan was actually quite easy to understand, while at other times she felt that Li Shengxuan was a man of deep thoughts. The ancient saying that serving a ruler is like serving a tiger is indeed true.

She was thinking in a daze, and before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep. When she woke up again, it was already bright daylight. There was a thin brocade quilt covering her, which was undoubtedly Cong Rong.

She carried the quilt back to her room to wash up, only to find Awan sitting at the table yawning. Upon seeing her return, Awan suddenly stood up and said, "When did you develop the habit of sleeping outside at night? You'll suffer if you catch a chill."

Fang Zilan gave a faint "hmm," then suddenly seemed to remember something and asked, "What would happen if I accidentally ate saffron?" "For you, it would be similar to being chilled by cold; you'd feel dizzy, drowsy, and weak in your limbs," Awan said irritably. "Why did you suddenly ask that?"

"Cong Rong accidentally ate saffron..." Fang Zilan had barely opened her mouth when Awan gasped, "Oh my god, then what about the child in her belly...?"

Fang Zilan nodded slightly, "The child is gone, on the very day we left the manor."

“No wonder you were so dizzy that day, and your pulse was so strange. It all makes sense now.” Awan casually took her pulse. “But I remember you said you drank Cong Rong’s tea? Obviously, the saffron was put in the tea. How can this be considered accidental ingestion? It’s clearly poisoned on purpose.”

Fang Zilan relayed the steward's account to Awan, who frowned upon hearing it and said, "I did indeed have someone in the manor buy saffron; the steward wasn't lying about that. But how could he not have noticed the problem with the tea?"

“I also think the steward is suspicious.” Fang Zilan instructed, “From now on, you must be careful and wary of the steward while you are at the manor. We will investigate Cong Rong’s matter slowly when we have time.”

"Okay," Awan agreed, then urged her to wash up as soon as possible. After they were ready, the two went to the front hall for breakfast.

Besides Vice General Cao, Mo Bin and his son Mo Han were also waiting in the front hall early in the morning. When they saw Fang Zilan and A Wan arrive, they were about to greet them when Fang Zilan only greeted Vice General Cao and walked in as if she hadn't seen them.

Awan, who was following behind Fang Zilan, coughed lightly and smiled somewhat awkwardly.

Each of them was preoccupied with their own thoughts, and they ate breakfast absentmindedly. It wasn't until after breakfast was over that Fang Zilan broke the silence, "General Mo, are you taking Mo Han back to Mushan Pass today? I have a favor to ask of you, and I wonder if General Mo would be willing to help?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Bin quickly replied, "Lord Fang, please speak freely. I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

“There’s no need for me to go through fire and water. I just have something I’d like to ask General Mo to pass on to Miss Yun Qinghan at the Yun Family Medical Clinic.” Fang Zilan said, placing the brocade box in front of Mo Bin. “Also, please tell Miss Yun that she must always wear the item in the brocade box with her and be careful in all things.”

Mo Bin pressed further, "Is Lord Fang referring to Elder Yun's daughter?"

"Indeed, you know her?" A hint of surprise flashed in Fang Zilan's eyes. Mo Bin nodded and said, "Who in the Southeast doesn't know that Princess Rong'an helped Elder Yun make medicine at the Yun Family Medical Hall? Please rest assured, Lord Fang, I will not fail in my mission."

"Thank you." Fang Zilan clasped her hands in a salute and instructed Deputy General Cao, "Old Cao, please see General Mo and Mo Han off for me."

Deputy General Cao gestured for him to follow, and Mo Bin descended the steps in front of the hall. However, Mo Han did not move, so he impatiently called out, "Han'er?"

Upon hearing the sound, Mo Han walked up to Mo Bin, knelt down, and kowtowed deeply. "Your unfilial son will not be able to serve you, my father and mother. I hope you will forgive me."

"Mo Han, you..." Fang Zilan was furious and about to explode when she was interrupted by a soft voice, "It seems I came at the wrong time."

Fang Zilan looked up and saw the butler, with a stiff smile, leading Zhuge Yu over. She composed herself and said calmly, "Ayu, what brings you here?"