Xu Ling's family was poor, and he disdained kneeling and worshipping the nobles, he did not associate with businessmen either. Although he was a child prodigy with outstanding talent, how many times did he have to make way for those who traded money for power? The great talent of that year now had to spend years wasted in the court — how could he not harbor disdain?

Previously, there were rumors in the court that the last time Yan Wang adjusted the canal coast, it seemed to be harsh, but in fact, it only gave the big families a chance to place their own people inside. This time, Xu Ling went along with Yan Wang, he knew that the local officials in Jiangbei had a deep foundation and their forces were intertwined. It was not that he did not feel anxious, but he was afraid that investigating until the end, he would not know who he was making a wedding robe for.

*This phrase is a reference to the last line of the classical poem Poor Girl by Qin Taoyu [NOTE]

Only now could he somewhat feel that Yan Wang truly wanted to act against them. With his heart surging, he responded with a loud voice: "Eating royal salary, how could I dare to retreat in the face of danger? Your Highness, please!"

That year, when Gu Yun flew from the Northwest to Jiangnan with an Eagle Armor, it only took about two or three days. This air combat vehicle was larger, it would still be slower than the Black Eagle. However, it was not slower by much either. It took two and a half days from the capital to the front line of Jiangbei. At this time, the news of Yan Wang's departure had not yet even reached those with ill intentions.

Right after they left, some people in the capital also began to make their move.

Emperor Long An favored hard work and thriftiness. Since the war came to a critical stage, the air in the whole capital was very tense. Compared to a national funeral, it was even quieter. All singing and dancing entertainment was stopped. Nobody wanted to touch the moulds of Emperor Long An at this time. More than a dozen public pavilions were closed; even a place for fooling around was hard to find.

With Gu Yun gone, Shen Yi had one less place to drink and chat every day. Having nowhere to go, he wished he could just stay for longer in the barracks.

At first, it truly was peaceful. Who knew that after two days of hiding, the Shen family had sent people to take him back.

Shen Yi had no choice but to go with the servants and return home like going to the execution ground. Before he could enter, the parrot that Old Shen hung at the door opened its mouth and said to him, "The two-legged animal is back, the two-legged animal is back!"