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After calming down a bit, Guo Wei pulled his son to sit down.

Guo Zhong, the commander of the guards, tactfully served hot tea, then retreated to the outer room with Feng Dao to wait, leaving the father and son alone.

Guo Wei held his son's hand tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, his son would disappear again.

His gaze swept greedily over his son's face, feeling both heartache for his obvious thinness and haggardness and relief at the unwavering determination and clarity in his eyes that far exceeded his years.

"Xin'er, tell your father properly, how...how did you survive? How have you been these past few days?" Guo Wei's voice was still a little hoarse, but he had regained most of his composure.

Su Ning nodded and began to recount her mother Zhang's final arrangements.

“That day, the Imperial Guards suddenly surrounded the mansion. My mother sensed something was wrong and immediately had her personal nanny take me to the backyard.” His tone was calm, but heavy with memories. “My mother gave me a small porcelain bottle, saying it could make people fall into a deep sleep. She told me not to come out no matter what noise I heard. Then… then she and the nanny hid me in a hole in the wall of the dry well in the backyard and blocked it with stones.”

As Guo Wei listened, his eyes reddened again, and he gripped his son's hand even tighter.

“I don’t know how long I was unconscious in the cave. When I woke up, there was no sound from above. I heard soldiers coming down to check. They dropped their torches, but they didn’t find me. I only dared to climb out after they left. The mansion… was empty. I escaped through the back door, not daring to take the main road, and only chose the alleys.”

"And then what?" Guo Wei pressed.

“I knew the city was definitely searching for those who had escaped, so I didn’t dare reveal my identity. I dirtied my face, tore my clothes, and mingled with the refugees in the outer city, disguising myself as a little beggar,” Su Ning continued. “There, I met an old beggar, everyone called him Old Cripple, because his left leg was weak. He… he saw that I was young and alone, so he often shared some food with me and taught me how to hide in the chaos of the world.”

He glanced at his father and added, "Before my mother left, she whispered to me that if I managed to escape, I must not go directly to find my father's old subordinates, as there might be unpredictable dangers. She said that if I was really desperate, or if it was difficult to find someone I could trust, I could try... to find Master Feng."

Upon hearing this, Guo Wei was startled. He looked at Feng Dao's indistinct figure outside, his gaze complex, filled with gratitude and deep thought.

His wife, Zhang, came from a scholarly family and was very insightful. At the last moment, she thought of seeking refuge with Feng Dao, a seemingly neutral figure who could actually mediate between various parties. This was indeed the safest and perhaps only option at the time.

This probably explains why the son appeared at Feng Dao's residence.

"So, you kept a close eye on things all along and finally managed to meet with Prime Minister Feng?" Guo Wei asked.

"Yes. I observed for several days and confirmed that the security at Lord Feng's residence was relatively lax, and Lord Feng himself... seemed detached from worldly affairs and had no deep connection with the uncles and elders in the army. That's why I risked sneaking in to see Lord Feng." Su Ning answered truthfully, while also subtly expressing his concerns about the generals under Guo Wei.

Guo Wei, being a man of great stature, immediately understood the hidden meaning in his son's words.

He felt a pang of sorrow in his heart...

My son, at such a young age, is already so perceptive of people's hearts and wary of potential backstabbing from "his own people"; I feel both gratified and comforted...

Having gone through great hardship, the son has clearly matured, learning to assess situations and understand the advantages and disadvantages.

“You did the right thing, Yi-ge’er. Your mother… was very thoughtful. Prime Minister Feng…” Guo Wei paused, “is indeed a suitable candidate.”

He paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "You just said that old beggar... was called Old Cripple? And that he'd been protecting you?"

“Yes.” Su Ning nodded. “Father, if it weren’t for the old cripple taking me in and protecting me, and teaching me how to hide among the refugees and how to escape the chaos of war, I would probably have been found by the patrolling soldiers long ago, or starved or died of disease. He is not related to me, but he was able to lend a helping hand in this chaotic world. I will never forget this kindness.”

Looking at his son's serious expression, Guo Wei asked, "How do you plan to repay him?"

Su Ning stood up and bowed solemnly to his father. “Father, I wish to recognize the old cripple as my godfather. I hope he can live out his remaining years in peace. Based on my observation and conversations with him, I deduced that his accent has a Youyan flavor, and he occasionally mentions military strategy. The old wound on his leg also appears to be from a knife or arrow, so he is very likely a retired veteran who fled from the Youzhou area in his early years. Such a loyal and righteous man, who has saved my life, deserves my care.”

Upon hearing this, Guo Wei did not answer immediately, but instead looked carefully into his son's eyes.

What he saw was genuine gratitude, not impulsive pity.

His son knows how to remember kindness and how to repay it when he is able. This kind of character makes him, as a father, very happy.

"Good!" Guo Wei slapped his thigh. "Knowing how to repay kindness is the greatest virtue! So be it! Since he saved your life, he has also saved my life! It is only right that I, Guo Wei, take him as my godfather and support him in his old age!"

He then called out loudly, "Guo Zhong!"

Commander Guo Zhong immediately pushed open the door and entered, "General!"

"Take a team of absolutely reliable men to the abandoned temple and refugee camp outside the city and find an old beggar nicknamed 'Old Cripple.' Remember, be polite and respectful. Tell him that an old friend of his is grateful for his life and has sent someone to take him to enjoy a life of luxury. Do not frighten him, and do not let the news leak out, especially do not let anyone know that he is related to Yi-ge'er! After you get him, settle him in the secluded villa under my name in the west of the city, and assign a few honest and reliable servants to serve him. All his food and expenses should be in accordance with the standards of the stewards in the manor, no, even higher! In a couple of days, I will send word to pay him a visit in person."

Guo Zhong accepted the order, saying, "This subordinate understands! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

Guo Wei then said to Su Ning, "Yi-ge'er, settle down at the headquarters for now and don't show your face. I will announce to the public that you are seriously ill and need to rest. Once I have taken care of some matters, I will let you make your official appearance. As for your godfather, I will make proper arrangements, so you don't need to worry."

Su Ning bowed again, "Thank you, Father!"

With the arrangements made, a huge weight was lifted from Guo Wei's heart, and the joy of regaining what he had lost filled his chest.

Looking at his son, who was thin but had a determined look in his eyes, he seemed to see the hope for the future of the Guo family.

Suning breathed a sigh of relief.

Returning to his father's side was only the first step. Settling the old cripple in his new life would not only repay a debt of gratitude but also bring him greater peace of mind.

Next, he needs to carefully survive in the center of this power vortex and use his knowledge of history and experience in the real world to plan a more stable future for himself, his father, and his family.

In the chaos of war, he survived, rising from the bottom of a well to a beggar's den, and finally to the center of power. He finally took his first step and gained a foothold.

But the road ahead is still full of thorns.

……

Guo Wei temporarily settled his son in the safest inner room of the camp and strictly ordered those who knew about the matter to keep quiet before returning to the outer living room to solemnly thank Feng Dao.

"Prime Minister Feng," Guo Wei said to Feng Dao with utmost solemnity, clasping his hands in a deep bow, "my son was able to escape this great calamity and return safely, entirely thanks to Prime Minister Feng's thorough protection. I will never forget this kindness and virtue!"

Feng Dao quickly stepped aside and offered a hand to help him up. "Lord Guo, you flatter me! I merely happened to be there and did my bit of help. The Third Young Master is a lucky man, intelligent and decisive. He was able to find a way out of the desperate situation and find me. This is the will of Heaven and Lord Guo's great fortune. How could I dare to take credit?"

Although he spoke humbly and tactfully, Feng Dao was also quite moved.

He truly hadn't expected that the Guo family's third young master, who was rumored to have been murdered, would not only survive but also accurately judge that he might be the safest "bridge" in such a complex and dangerous situation.

This level of mental fortitude is extraordinary.

For him, this was both an unexpected "investment in personal relationships" and a new assessment of the Guo family's future.

Guo Wei insisted, “Prime Minister Feng, there is no need for such modesty. If it weren’t for Prime Minister Feng’s usual prudence and fairness, my son might not have dared to rashly join us. I will remember this kindness. If there is any need in the future, as long as it does not violate the greater good, I will do my best.”

This is a very heavy commitment.

Feng Dao understood immediately, knowing that Guo Wei had formally included him in the category of "trustworthy," at least in this family matter. He stroked his beard and smiled, "You're too kind, Master Guo. Now that the Third Young Master has returned safely, your family can finally be reunited, which is truly a joyous occasion. I'll take my leave now. Master Guo and his son must have much to say to each other after such a long separation."

Guo Wei personally escorted Feng Dao to the door of the quiet room, and whispered a few words such as "keep it a secret for now".

Feng Dao naturally understood and nodded in agreement before quietly leaving in that inconspicuous little car.

After seeing Feng Dao off, Guo Wei immediately summoned Guo Zhong, the commander of the guards, and once again instructed him to ensure that the search for and resettlement of the old cripple was carried out properly and discreetly.

Guo Zhong accepted the order and personally selected five of his trusted and reliable old subordinates. They all changed into civilian clothes and, taking advantage of the afternoon, went to the refugee camp next to the abandoned temple in the outer city.

The refugee camp was even more desolate than it had been a few days earlier. The great battle had just ended, people were filled with anxiety, food was scarce, and many looked listless and weak.

Guo Zhong and his companions split up, pretending to be searching for relatives and friends, and quietly inquired about the whereabouts of "Old Cripple".

Soon, they found the old cripple curled up on a broken wooden plank in a familiar corner of the abandoned temple.

The old man looked even more haggard. Ever since "Suning" went to find food but never returned, he had been living in constant fear, feeling both worried and disappointed.

"Old man, are you the old cripple?" Guo Zhong stepped forward and asked politely in a low voice.

The old cripple raised his head alertly, looking at the group of men in front of him who, though dressed plainly, were full of energy and had sharp eyes. His heart skipped a beat. "Who...who are you? What do you want with an old beggar like me?"

Guo Zhong smiled kindly, moved closer, and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, “Old man, don’t be alarmed. We are here to pick you up on behalf of your ‘old friend.’ The young master is doing well, but he is not able to come in person for the time being. He is grateful for your life-saving grace and specially sent us to pick you up so you can enjoy a comfortable old age.”

The old cripple's cloudy eyes suddenly widened, and his heart began to pound.

"Old friend?"

"Young Master?"

A debt of gratitude for saving his life? He immediately thought of the missing "Su Ning"!
Could it be that the child... that the child really has a distinguished background?
And... and he really hasn't forgotten about himself, the old beggar?
A wave of shock and fear washed over him, but having weathered many storms, he forced himself to suppress his emotions and asked in a low voice, "You mean... Gousheng? My... my son?"

"That's right." Guo Zhong nodded, his tone even more respectful. "Your son is safe and sound, but given the current situation, it's not appropriate for him to appear in public. He is very concerned about you and has specifically instructed us to make sure you are properly taken care of."

Upon hearing that "Gousheng" was truly safe and sound, the old cripple's tense nerves relaxed, and his eyes even felt a little hot.

He struggled to stand up, and Guo Zhong quickly reached out to help him.

"Good...good...it's good that the child is alright...it's good that he's alright..." the old cripple murmured, then, remembering something, asked anxiously, "Then...where is he now? Is he safe?"

"Don't worry, sir, the young master is perfectly safe in a secure place. Please come with us and we'll find out soon enough," Guo Zhong reassured him.

The old cripple nodded and asked no more questions.

He knew he might be involved in an event far beyond his wildest imagination.

But when he thought of the clear and determined look in the eyes of the boy "Suning," he chose to believe.

Then, escorted by Guo Zhong and others, the old cripple left the refugee camp and boarded a carriage that had been waiting outside.

Instead of heading to the bustling inner city, the car took a winding route and arrived at a quiet but secluded courtyard in the west of the city.

This is clearly the villa of some important person. There are not many servants, but they are all well-behaved and dutiful.

The old cripple was placed in a spacious, bright, and elegantly furnished room. Hot water was immediately provided for his bath, clean and comfortable new clothes were provided for him to change into, and hot, exquisite, and delicious meals were served to him.

All of this was like heaven and earth compared to his life as a beggar for the past month or so.

After bathing and changing his clothes, Guo Zhong came to pay his respects again.

Although the old cripple was still thin, after washing away the dirt and changing into clean clothes, one could vaguely see some of his former military bearing.

Guo Zhong became even more respectful, serving hot tea before tactfully asking, "Sir, my master is deeply grateful for your kindness and wishes to arrange a proper identity and home for you. May I ask where you are originally from? Do you still have relatives? What are your plans? My master said that everything will be done according to your wishes."

The old cripple held his teacup and remained silent for a moment.

He knew this question was about his very foundation.

He glanced at Guo Zhong, then remembered that Suning had asked him a similar question before, which he had vaguely brushed off at the time.

just now……

The old cripple took a deep breath and slowly spoke, "I... am originally from Youzhou."

Youzhou! That was the land of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, which had been occupied by the Khitans for many years!
Guo Zhong's eyes narrowed, but he did not interrupt.

“In my early years… I managed to earn a living in the army,” the old cripple continued, his tone flat, as if he were talking about someone else. “Later… Youzhou was lost and became the territory of the Khitans. I didn’t want to be a slave to a conquered country and live under the barbarians, so I found an opportunity to escape back to the Central Plains. I wandered all the way and finally ended up in Kaifeng. The injury on my leg is from my early years.”

He omitted details such as which army, what rank, and how they escaped, but this information was already shocking enough.

An old soldier who escaped from the occupied area chose to live as a refugee and beggar rather than serve the captives. His integrity is truly moving.

"As for the name..." The old cripple paused, then, remembering the child's self-proclaimed name "Su Ning," a thought struck him, and he said, "After years of wandering, I no longer use my real name. Since that child calls me 'Father' and uses the false name 'Su Ning'... I will take his surname, Su. You can call me Old Su, or Old Man Su, either is fine."

He concealed his real surname, partly to avoid implicating his relatives who might still be in the north, and partly to go with the flow and completely bind himself to his new identity as "Su Ning".

Guo Zhong wrote down everything the old cripple said, and he already understood.

An old soldier with integrity who escaped from Youzhou sheltered his third son during his wanderings. This kindness, coupled with his family background, makes him even more worthy of respect and kindness.

However, Guo Zhong also sensed that the old cripple was hiding something in his words, but he understood that it was not convenient to investigate further at the moment, so he did not ask any further questions.

“Old Master Su is truly virtuous, and I admire him greatly,” Guo Zhong said solemnly. “Please stay here in peace and do as you please. Just tell the servants what you need. In a couple of days, my master and young master will come to express their gratitude in person.”

The old cripple nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

He knew that his fate was now inextricably linked to that child named "Su Ning".

In chaotic times, to have such a place to belong, to be able to see that child safe and well, makes his life worthwhile.

...(End of this chapter)