The young Monarch's enthusiasm surprised General Huo

The fleet set sail again, and Cheng Shan came to seek an audience outside the cabin.

"Greetings, General Huo. I am Cheng Shan, the steward of the Dongbin Royal Palace. The route to the Tong family's village passes through the northeast of Zebei Town, and all ships here must turn back at Rebo Bay, controlled by Zebei Town. Therefore, the Lord requests that you lead the fleet directly to Zebei Town for convenience."

"Well, we were originally planning to disembark from Dongbin and take a carriage to Zebei Town after paying respects to the Dongbin King. Thank you for the Lord's arrangement; it will indeed be much more convenient this way. However, this means we will have to postpone our visit to the Lord for another day."

"The Lord usually resides in Zebei. He should be there now. The waterway has been cleared for you today, and the journey by boat will take only half an hour. Miss Huo has arranged for her family to meet you in town."

"Thank you very much for your assistance. Please convey my gratitude to the Lord on behalf of Miss Huo." Huo Changfeng was not entirely pleased with his sister's insistence on returning to this remote place.

What good could come from a rustic husband who took advantage of her during her memory loss? Even if she refused to marry anyone else, as the legitimate daughter of the Huo family, she would still have a better life at home than in these mountains.

Nevertheless, after searching for her for over a decade and finally finding her alive and well, he decided to let her have her way. After all, she had her elder brother and the support of the Huo family. He hoped she wouldn't disappoint too much. "Sigh..." Huo Changfeng gazed at the distant mountains outside the cabin. What kind of life had his sister been living all these years?

Before he could dwell on it for too long, the ship arrived at Zebei Town and docked alongside the long wharf on the southeast side of Fu Hai Lou. Alright, he needed to compose himself. Regardless of his emotions, he needed to put on a friendly face. The ones coming to meet him must be his sister's family, and he would have to rely on them to take good care of her in the future. Huo Changfeng descended the gangway with a gentle expression, ready to receive the visitors. However, as soon as he looked up, he felt the urge to kneel down.

The person opposite him wore a five-bead crown and a silver robe, with a smiling face. This was clearly the Monarch of Dongbin.

Huo Changfeng was about to address him as "General Changfeng pays respects to the Monarch of Dongbin" and kneel down, but the young Duke quickly stepped forward, firmly grasped his arm as he was about to bend his knee, and warmly said, "Please, no need for such formality, General. You've had a long journey. Please come to Fu Hai Pavilion first for some tea and rest. The members of the Tong family will arrive shortly."

Was this the same young monarch he had seen in the Yunmeng Palace, who seldom smiled and always had a cold demeanor?

The last time they met was two years ago when he formally received the royal seal to govern the frontier. He barely showed any emotion, not even a hint of a smile, to the many people who came to pay their respects, including old ministers like Chancellor Yuwen and his own father. It was said that he had been sent to his maternal grandfather's house in the southern borderlands after the Empress's passing, where he developed this aloof and solitary temperament. He didn't even spare a glance at the young Monarch back then, but now, what was with this warm and welcoming smile? With the short distance of the wharf, he didn't have much time to ponder. A group of people had already been ushered into Fu Hai Pavilion and seated.

"Today, in honor of the General's arrival, Fu Hai Pavilion is closed to other guests.

The people coming down from the mountain will be here soon, but we're not sure how many there are. So, please rest in the hall for now.

The carriage can only go halfway up the mountain, and then you'll need to switch to horseback.

The Tong family has prepared a courtyard in town a few days ago. Although it hasn't been officially occupied yet, it's fully furnished. The General can sort out the necessary lightweight luggage to bring into the mountains and carry it on horseback, while the rest of the luggage can be stored in this courtyard." Cheng Mo naturally explained the itinerary.

Huo Changfeng looked up and saw that his subordinates had already arranged for the accompanying members of the Huo family who had come down from the ship to be seated. Various teas and pastries were served enthusiastically, leaving him feeling puzzled.

The high and aloof monarch continued his explanation, "If not all of the General's entourage needs to go up the mountain, they can stay at the Fu Hai Inn in Zebei Town. The guest rooms in the Fu Hai Pavilion in Zebei Town and Dongbin County will be closed to the public in the coming days. As long as you show your affiliation with the Huo family, all rooms will be available for you at any time. I have ordered a dedicated boat to be prepared, which can be used by the General to travel between the Rebo Bay in Zebei Town and the Dongbin Wharf."