Thousand Treasures Pavillion - 10.2

On their way to the Thousand Treasures Pavillion, the carriage that Fan Hui Zhong and Fan Zhu Xia unexpectedly halted in its tracks due to an elegant-looking, distinguished man with handsome features atop a Horse Wind Drake, a type of spirit beast that resembles a mighty stallion, usually used by the various powers elite force; had suddenly gotten in their way and came to a stop in front of their carriage, waiting for them to fully come to a rest before making his way to the side and knocking lightly on the carriage door.

Ignoring the anticipation in the crowd's faces, the man patiently waited for someone to acknowledge his presence while the crowd waited on baited breath on what was going to happen.

Murmurs could be heard as people whispered to each other as they speculated on what's about to happen.

"That man on top of that mount-type spirit beast, Isn't that-?"

"It is, it is! Only a blind man wouldn't know who that person is!"

"Then why are the people inside that carriage keeping him waiting?"

"Keep quiet you fool! Do you not recognize the symbol engraved at the carriage door?!"

"Not really, this may even be the first time I've seen it."

"You idiot! Has your head been filled with water that you could not recognize the crest of the one and only Lei Wangye?!"

"Yes you old fool, it belongs to no other than Lei Wangye!"

Despite hearing the agitated murmurings of the crowd, the man atop the Horse Wind Drake still had a carefree expression on his face.

Finally, there was movement a slight movement visible inside the carriage before the curtains on the carriage window was pulled back before a man with strong, sharp features looked out to see the one who knocked.

This man was precisely the Lei Wangye; Fan Hui Zhong!

Recognizing Fan Hui Zhong, this inadvertently threw those who recognized him into a shocked frenzy, completely surprised at his reappearance in the imperial capital but contrary to them, the man atop the Horse Wind Drake had a smile grace his lips which made some of the ladies who were watching the scene involuntarily blush and sigh at the sight.

Truly this man was a feast for the eyes!

With an elegant and distinguished bearing, coupled with his strong yet gentle scholarly appearance, he really drew the attention but despite of this, the man completely ignored the crowd and instead warmly greeted Fan Hui Zhong with a respectful voice.

"Lei Wangye, it is a pleasure to see you again after all these years."

Glancing at the man who spoke, Fan Hui Zhong's eyes narrowed slightly before recognition flashed in his eyes.

"Wu Zhang He? Is that you?"

"En. I didn't think that Lei Wangye would recognize me."

"Of course I'd recognize you! You were a very promising and talented general even back then."

With a slightly sheepish smile, Wu Zhang He brushed off Fan Hui Zhong's compliment with a laugh as he replied, "Please Lei Wangye, you jest! This lowly one is nothing compared to you."

"Nonsense! Don't think that I don't know how much you've improved over the years."

"It would be all thanks to the guidance that Lei Wangye has shown us back then."

"Think nothing of it! I just gave you a couple of tips back then, that is not enough for me to get cresit for guiding you."

"Nevertheless, I, Wu Zhang He would like to show my gratitude on behalf of my Imperial Sister for all that you've done for our kingdom."

Hearing Wu Zhang He say that, Fan Hui Zhong had a wry smile on his face as he was put on the spot. He knew that Wu Zhang He meant nothing else but sincere thanks with his words but who doesn't know his background? After all, he even mentioned that he wanted to express his gratitude on behalf of his Imperial Sister, the current empress of Thunder Vale Country; Empress Wu Li Hua.

Caught in a dilemma, Fan Hui Zhong wanted to refuse and say that he was going to accompany his daughter today and just as he opened his mouth to respectfully decline Wu Zhang He's invitation, he felt a small, delicate hand touch his arm, drawing his gaze back inside the carriage.

Seeing Fan Hui Zhong look back inside the carriage, a lot of people including Wu Zhang He was struck with curiosity as to who may be privileged enough to be riding alongside the infamous Lei Wangye.

Before their curiosity could get any higher, they heard a soft, melodious voice speak out and say, "Father, you should go ahead and accept Lord Wu's invitation. It would be very impolite if you do not."

"Are you sure? Father did promise to accompany you today."

"Xia'er is sure. No need to worry about me. After all, Father and I can meet up later after your business is done."

Looking at Fan Zhu Xia's smiling face, Fan Hui Zhong couldn help but sigh and give her an appreciative glance before replying, "Very well. Then Father will take his leave first, you go and enjoy yourself and I shall come and find you later."

"En."

With another smile, Fan Hui Zhong patted Fan Zhu Xia's hand gently before opening the carriage door and directly disembarking, just barely giving everyone a glimpse of the elegant silhouette that was still sitting calmly inside before Fan Hui Zhong closed the carriage door himself.

Seeing him go down, Min Sheng quickly ordered one of their escorts to disembark from their horse and personally led it towards Fan Hui Zhong and handed him the reins.

Everyone there has barely recovered from their shock and even Wu Zhang He was just able to barely compose himself when they heard Fan Hui Zhong strictly give out orders.

"Min Sheng, you are in charge of my daughter's safety while I'm not around, do you understand?"

"Of course my liege. Min Sheng will make sure nothing happens to the Young Miss."

"Good. " Fan Hui Zhong nodded before turning to the escorts who all straightened their bodies a tad bit more before the moment Fan Hui Zhong's eyes landed on them.

"This Wangye assumes everyone knows what to do?"

As if it was practiced just for today, all of the escorts who were all top fighters in the Lei Sha Di Army gave him a solemn smile before simultaenously giving words of acknowledgement.

"Good. Now go on ahead and accompany my daughter to the Thousand Treasures Pavillion and make sure to keep her safe."

"Yes, Lei Wangye!"