70 Days Before The Imperial Banquet - 24.2

With the help of Fan Yong Rui, the group were able to safely return back to the Fan estate and after sending Five away to investigate the source of those assassins who set up the ambush, Fan Yong Rui went with Ying Xiao Dan to Fan Song Xue's courtyard while the rest went and followed Luo Yang's lead and went to the their quarters where one of the physicians of the Lei Sha Di Army will come to treat their wounds.

Once they arrived, the herbs were inmediately taken away by Ru Wen Cheng and Ying Xiao Dan was then led away by his younger twin sister; Ying Xiao Li so that his injuries will be treated as well.

Left alone, Fan Yong Rui made his way to a bathing room he knew was in the courtyard where he quickly cleaned himself up and changed robes before he made his way to his grandfather's room where he heard voices coming from there.

Giving the door three sharp knocks, he then pushed it open and entered, drawing the attention of all the people inside.

"Yong Rui!"

A female voice exclaimed in surprise before he felt a strong force barrel into him as he reflexively hugged the small, soft body in his arms as he caught a whiff of a familiar scent along with it.

"Mother!"

"Yong Rui! You unfillial child, where have you been? So many things has already happened here at home and not even a trace of your shadow could be found here! Do you even know how worried I was?! There were assassins, Yong Rui! Assassins!" Wei Rou Xiang cried out as she squeezed her son to her as if worried that he'll disappear into a puff of smoke any second.

Feeling helpless, Fan Yong Rui just rubbed his mother's back gently while comforting her and reassured her in a soft voice.

"Mother, I'm fine! Really! I actually came home yesterday and heard about the assassination attempt on Grandfather. I just went out to help track some leads on who might be responsible for it. Blame this unfillial son of yours for not dropping by and letting you know..."

Seeing the expression on his wife's face, Fan Hui Liang stepped in and pulled Wei Rou Xiang to his side who reluctantly let go of Fan Yong Rui before directing an accusing look towards her husband.

Sighing, Fan Hui Liang said, "Little Rou, now isn't the time. It was Brother and I who told him to go and make haste."

Knowing that it truly wasn't the time to make a fuss, Wei Rou Xiang just let it go and sighed as she said, "Fine."

Looking over to his son, Fan Hui Liang then turned serious and asked, "Did you find anything?"

"Some but I'm still having it doubled checked to see if the information we got was indeed credible. Aside from that, when I ran into Ying Xiao Dan earlier, there was a group of people that were attacking them and from what we saw and what they told me, they were ambushed on their way back."

"Was it from the same group?"

"Of that, I'm not sure although I think it's highly unlikely." Fan Yong Rui answered solemnly in reply after some thought.

Hearing that, Fan Song Xue who had remained silent until now finally spoke up in a strong, authoritative manner.

"If that's the case, all of you must go and make some preparations while also limiting the number of servants who go out... Liang'er, I'm sure you know what to do regarding this matter. As for your brother, tell Zhong'er to step up. Both of you must do what needs to be done, immediately! Am I understood?"

"Yes, Father! Please leave it to us."

Waving his hand, Fan Song Xue dismissed all of them and as they were leaving, Ying Xiao Li came in to give a medicinal drought to Fan Song Xue before excusing herself once more and upon seeing that after drinking the medicine, Fan Song Xue seemed a bit out of it, Fan Hui Liang just told him to have a good rest before ushering his family out.

As they exited the room, they saw Fan Hui Zhong just outside, staring quietly at the water that was falling softly from the roof's edges, not moving a muscle. It was almost as if he was frozen in time like a hard and stoic-looking statue.

"Brother..."

Hearing the familiar voice, Fan Hui Zhong was jolted from his reverie as he turned to look at the direction where the voice came from and seeing his younger twin brother making his way towards him.

"Liang'er, how is Father?"

"He's alright now, Brother. He is just currently resting."

"Is that so? That's good to hear."

Seeing that his brother seemed to be a bit absent-minded, Fan Hui Liang felt powerless to help him and even felt some guilt in what he has to ask of him.

Noticing the torn look on Fan Hui Liang's face, Fan Hui Zhong just shook his head as he let out a deep, weary breath.

"No need to say anything, Liang'er. I know what to do."

"Brother..."

Shooting him a wry smile, Fan Hui Zhong waved him off and said, "Go on first. I'll be taking care of the Lei Sha Di Army and will be busy making several changes with Lei Palace. I'll let Min Sheng tell you if there is anything that I need your assistance with, after all, I know that you also have your hands full."

"It's okay, Brother. I understand."

Nodding his head, Fan Hui Zhong no longer spoke and taking it as a sign, Fan Hui Liang led everyone away.

Sinking into his thoughts, Fan Hui Zhong thought of all the things he needed to do and just stood there unmoving like a block of ice until he felt someone's presence approaching him.

"Master."

Recognizing the owner of the voice, Fan Hui Zhong didn't even turn around and just spoke in a low voice.

"Min Sheng, are you already finished with the tasks that I gave you?"

"Yes, Master. All that awaits is your further instructions before we start moving and making all the necessary preparations." Min Sheng replied.

"Good. Let us go then."

After that, despite the dreary weather, a lot of activity could be seen inside the entire estate.

From numerous groups of soldiers patrolling and keeping strict security to countless servants and laborers who were setting up an inner perimeter by laying down foundation to form a tall inner wall to divide the estate to an outer court for guests, servants, workshops and places for social events as well as the inner court where the members of the family who had courtyards that were placed more to the front where transferring to more suitable courtyards which were also being refurbished to suit their tastes.

While Wei Rou Xiang was in charge of overseeing the repairs and moving of courtyards, Fan Li Jie overlooked the matters of the estate while Fan Yong Rui kept an eye on the estate's security and leaving Fan Xian Liang to oversee the building of the inner wall to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Everything was being rearranged and tightened inside, making all the masters of the house quite busy yet despite of this, Fan Hui Zhong decided to come with his brother; Fan Hui Liang and accompany him to attend the morning court.

Surprised with his decision, Fan Hui Liang couldn't help but ask what made Fan Hui Zhong decide the moment they climbed inside his carriage.

"Brother, can you tell me what you're plans are?" Fan Hui Liang asked in a probing manner.

Smiling wryly, Fan Hui Zhong casually replied and said, "It's quite simple really... I plan to announce that I'm back and will be staying. As such, I'd like to express my goodwill and express my willingness to once again serve as a sword and shield to our kingdom."

Hearing those words, Fan Hui Liang's eyes noticeably widened as he stared at his older brother with his mouth agape.

"Y-You're serious?!"

"Of course I'm serious! Why on earth would I joke about something as serious as that?"

"B-But you've retired and...and you said that you would rather live like a hermit than be back in the limelight! Are you sure about this?"

"En. It's true that I would rather leave a quiet and peaceful life but ever since coming back here to the capital, the things that have happened... I realized that just because I want to do something doesn't mean that it's the right thing to do."

Feeling guilty, Fan Hui Liang bleakly murmured, "I'm sorry, Brother..."

Shaking his head, Fan Hui Zhong clasped Fan Hui Liang's shoulder and gave a reasssuring squeeze.

"No, Liang'er... I'm sorry. I know that it's been hard for you this past few years."

"Well it hasn't really been easy for you as well."

With their gazes meeting, both smiled wryly at each other, dispelling the dark and sombre mood that they've fallen into when they heard the voice of the carriage driver echo from the outside.

"Patriarch, Lei Wangye. We have arrived."