Chapter 2

"But the report said that the survivor of the attack was Dongfang Ruo Cheng." Lan Zhi Xuan said confusedly. "I can't write and read so all such matters were written by Li Tao. So if Li Tao lied to me then I wouldn't know." Dongfang Qingyuan explained flatly.

"You can't read? Are you kidding me? Dongfang Ruo Cheng can be considered a person..." Lan Zhi Xuan's words were cut off. "I am not Dongfang Ruo Cheng and also not part of this Dongfang family." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

Lan Zhi Xuan looked at Dongfang Qingyuan confusedly. "Get out and stop eavesdropping." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly. Someone came out and went inside. Lan Zhi Xuan looked at the person and fell silent.

"Lord Yue, why did you come here?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked confusedly. "You are the person who was poisoned by Dongfang Ruo Cheng." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly. "Are you disappointed that I didn't die after being poisoned by your brother?" Xue Zhengming asked, Lord Yue was joking.

"I don't feel disappointed or anything. I don't even know you. I also know the reason why Dongfang Ruo Cheng went to the border so I and him can be considered strangers." Dongfang Qingyuan said. Xue Zhengming and Lan Zhi Xuan were quite surprised.

Both of them knew this after investigating many things. It was true that Dongfang Ruo Cheng was expelled from the capital because of Xue Zhengming's poisoning but there was another reason, namely the previous King wanted to take control of the Light Army.

"Did Ruo Cheng tell you?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked seriously. "Does he need to tell me? His actions have already told me. Do you think I would want to have a relationship with someone like that?" Dongfang Qingyuan asked back. The two of them were silent.

"Young master, it's time for Li Tao to return. Do you want me to go?" Ruiwen asked. "Tomorrow, you watch Li Tao." Dongfang Qingyuan said looking at Ruiwen. Ruiwen nodded. "You two better go home and pretend I haven't woken up yet." Dongfang Qingyuan said, chasing Xue Zhengming and Lan Zhi Xuan away.

After the three of them left, Dongfang Qingyuan sat quietly for a while before lying down again and fixing the wrinkles on the bed. Li Tao went inside before going out.

---Lord Yue Residence---

@garden

"What do you think Dongfang Qingyuan means?" Lord Yue asked looking at Lord Hua, Xue Xingrui. Xue Xingrui was the nephew of Lord Yue and Emperor Xue. But he was adopted by Emperor Xue. Three years after his parents died.

"I think he's just being honest with us. Besides, why would he pretend to be his younger brother. I once read in the royal library that Marquis Dongfang married Princess Xue Lian and their son who refused to be his successor was crossed out from the family register. The legitimate successor of Marquis Dongfang now is only Dongfang Qingyuan." Xue Xingrui explained, Lord Hua.

"So he chose his grandson over his son. That's why Dongfang Qingyuan said that there was no connection." Xue Zhengming said nodding in understanding.

"The Dongfang family has a written rule that they will not enter politics and will continue to serve in the military. But Dongfang Ming broke that rule. So Dongfang Huanzhe crossed out Dongfang Ming's name from his successor. Dongfang Qingyuan can become the successor because Great-Grandfather recalled Dongfang Huanzhe and ordered Dongfang Huanzhe to take the son of Dongfang Ming as his successor." Xue Xingrui was clear.

"That year, Dongfang Huanzhe returned just as Li Yue gave birth to her first son. Dongfang Qingyuan, this name was given by Emperor Xue Junhui, the previous Emperor. With that, the infant Dongfang Qingyuan was given an imperial decree to be the son of Dongfang Huanzhe and Princess Xue Lian." Dongfang Ruo Cheng said as he entered.

Dongfang Ruo Cheng wore a mask on his face. The mask covered the upper half of his face. "Your brother seems to dislike you." Xue Zhengming said with a grin. "At first, he did dislike me but it wasn't obvious enough. Until he found out that I was going to take over the Light Army from him. The best part, he just trusted me." Dongfang Ruo Cheng explained.

"Didn't anything strange happen at that time?" Xue Xingrui asked. "At that time, I remember I planned not to take over the Light Army again. But suddenly Li Tao said there was an order to immediately take over the Light Army from the palace." Dongfang Ruo Cheng explained.

"You were trapped by your good guard." Xue Zhengming said coldly. "Li Tao?" Dongfang Ruo Cheng asked confusedly. "Your brother is also investigating Li Tao. It seems that your brother is being framed by Li Tao. Li Tao wrote a false report to the palace and said that you survived the border." Xue Zhengming said.

Anger appeared on Dongfang Ruo Cheng's face. "I will kill him." Dongfang Ruo Cheng said angrily. "You can't. I'm sure Dongfang Qingyuan can handle it. You are now a ghost if you interfere then the Mastermind of your case will be alert." Xue Xingrui explained.

Although he didn't accept it, Xue Xingrui's words were true so Dongfang Ruo Cheng only tried to hold back his exploding emotions. "Why are you so confident in Dongfang Qingyuan's abilities?" Xue Zhengming asked suddenly.

"Dongfang Qingyuan once slaughtered the entire enemy army and even dared to burn the enemy kingdom's General alive when Dongfang Ruo Cheng was confirmed dead. Do you think after he found out Li Tao betrayed him? He would just keep quiet. No, he would make his life worse than death." Xue Xingrui smiled calmly.

"I think he killed them because he told me before going to Plumeria Village. That I should die by his hands, not by the enemy. He probably didn't think that the enemy he meant was not an outsider but his own person." Dongfang Ruo Cheng looked sad.

#the next day

As soon as he woke up last night, Dongfang Qingyuan insisted on moving to an inn and didn't want to stay in the Dongfang family mansion so Li Tao had no choice but to obey.

---inn---

@Dongfang Qingyuan's room

"Why did you come again?" Asked Dongfang Qingyuan looking at Lan Zhi Xuan seriously. "What do you mean by you are different from Dongfang Ruo Cheng?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked seriously.

"If Dongfang Ruo Cheng was not crossed out of the Marquis Dongfang family then I would be his uncle." Said Dongfang Qingyuan. "What? You're so young and became his uncle." Lan Zhi Xuan said in disbelief. "You can ask the previous Emperor, Emperor Xue Junhui. You could say my royal uncle." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"I understand. So what are you going to do? Your Marquis title has been revoked by the previous Emperor, Xue Qing." Lan Zhi Xuan asked. "I have no intention of getting my father's title back. I just want to return to the border after this matter is over. I don't want to stay in this dirty place any longer." Dongfang Qingyuan said calmly.

"You are just like the rumors. A general who only cares about fighting." Lan Zhi Xuan said happily. "What kind of rumors are those?" Dongfang Qingyuan asked, frowning in displeasure. "There are also rumors that you are someone with a big and rough body. Your face is full of scars." Lan Zhi Xuan added happily.

"Who made such a ridiculous rumor?" Asked Dongfang Qingyuan. "Granduncle" said someone barging in and immediately closing the door. Dongfang Qingyuan was speechless hearing that voice.

The only person who knew that he was Dongfang Qingyuan and still stood by his side to defend him. That person was Xue Lingyuan, the seventh prince.

"Are you following me again?" Asked Lan Zhi Xuan sighing. "I'm bored in the palace. Besides, I can meet Granduncle in person, it's interesting." Xue Lingyuan said smiling sweetly.

Dongfang Qingyuan smiled sadly. Xue Lingyuan who always smiled in front of him became a corpse because of Bian Jun and Li Tao's actions. He would make them both pay a heavy price for their actions.

A knock was heard on the door. "Ruiwen, come in." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly. His sad smile disappeared in an instant. Qiu Ruiwen went inside before closing the door.

"Did he meet someone?" Asked Dongfang Qingyuan flatly. "He went to Moon Restaurant." Qiu Ruiwen explained. "Then I didn't dare to get too close and thought of reporting to you." Qiu Ruiwen added calmly.

"I know. You can rest." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly. "But..." Qiu Ruiwen's words were interrupted. "This is an order. Make sure you copy the book neatly." Dongfang Qingyuan said calmly. Qiu Ruiwen fell silent and nodded.

After Qiu Ruiwen left, Lan Zhi Xuan looked at Dongfang Qingyuan. "What book is that?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked curiously. "You'll know later. I need your help to read the decree." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"Yes, you can't read." Lan Zhi Xuan said. "I can help." Xue Lingyuan said. "Lingyuan, I need you to guard the door and make sure no one comes." Dongfang Qingyuan said seriously.

Xue Lingyuan fell silent before smiling and getting up and going out. Xue Lingyuan's face after going out became serious. One thing that Dongfang Qingyuan never knew even though he lived his second life.

Xue Lingyuan was not as simple as he looked. Xue Lingyuan only showed himself cheerful and kind in front of Dongfang Qingyuan. The real reason Xue Lingyuan was arrested was because he investigated the case of Dongfang Qingyuan being framed by Ruan Shuye. Xue Lingyuan believed that there was someone else behind Ruan Shuye. No matter who it was, he would tear them out.

As he got closer to the truth. He was arrested on charges of selling military information and betraying the kingdom. Even Lan Zhi Xuan who cooperated with him could not escape punishment.

@Dongfang Qingyuan's room

"This is the decree about you being appointed as the son of Marquis Dongfang Huanzhe and Princess Xue Lian." Lan Zhi Xuan said giving it to Dongfang Qingyuan. Dongfang Qingyuan tied a red ribbon on the decree.

"This is the decree about you not being allowed to marry anyone in the future." Lan Zhi Xuan was clearly a little confused. Dongfang Qingyuan tied a yellow ribbon.

"This is the decree that the Light Army will forever belong to the Dongfang family. No one is allowed to touch the Dongfang Family's army unless the Dongfang Family decides the successor themselves. If anyone tries to seize the Light Army, no matter what position the person is, they will be beheaded on the spot." Said Lan Zhi Xuan was clearly horrified. Dongfang Qingyuan tied the color white.

"Thank you." Dongfang Qingyuan said smiling. "I saw the imperial seal on the decree. It was the old imperial seal of Emperor Xue Junhui. Since Emperor Xue Qing, the imperial seal has disappeared. It is said that the imperial seal burned down along with the Sun Palace. 49 days after Emperor Xue Junhui's death." Lan Zhi Xuan explained.

"I know. This decree was given to Father by Emperor Xue Junhui himself. I heard from Father that these three decrees were the last imperial decrees of Emperor Xue Junhui. Even the decree of Xue Qing ascending to the throne no longer used this imperial seal." Dongfang Qingyuan explained flatly.

"After your birth, two months later Emperor Xue Junhui died. Replaced by Emperor Xue Qing ruled. But even then he only ruled for 16 years. And replaced by Xue Feng Ning. I remember after exiling your younger brother, a month later he died." Lan Zhi Xuan added as if remembering.

"Two years later, Dongfang Ruo Cheng died massacred by enemy troops. His body was burned to the point of being incorporeal. The sword in his hand was proof that he was Dongfang Ruo Cheng. Four years later I was recalled to the capital." Dongfang Qingyuan said flatly.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Emperor is ten years older than you two. How come they are close?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked suddenly. "According to the information, it's because Dongfang Ruo Cheng said something amazing when he was 5 years old. And the Emperor now hears his idea and puts it into practice. The people are very grateful to Emperor because of that." Dongfang Qingyuan explained flatly.

Lan Zhi Xuan nodded in understanding. "In a week, it's Emperor Xue Junhui's death anniversary. Are you going?" Lan Zhi Xuan asked. "Are they holding a memorial service?" Dongfang Qingyuan asked.

"Since last year, they have canceled the ceremony." Lan Zhi Xuan explained. "I will attend it." Dongfang Qingyuan said with a faint smile. "I thought so." Lan Zhi Xuan said happily.

"Do you know the place? I will take you there." Lan Zhi Xuan asked excitedly. "No need. I know the place. That place is not a place where you can come as you please." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"I know. There is a deadly trap there. A eunuch once broke into the tomb and died tragically." Lan Zhi Xuan explained. "I also heard that the tomb was designed a long time ago, before Emperor Xue Junhui's death, even when he was not yet Emperor." Lan Zhi Xuan added.

"The tomb was designed by my father. Back then, my uncle was still a prince. At that time, my father was already married to my mother. My uncle said he didn't want his tomb to be dismantled when he died. So my father offered to build an underground tomb. My uncle agreed to that." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"Emperor Xue Junhui's tomb is indeed not in the royal cemetery but on a mountain near the border of Rosemary Capital and Lily of Valley City. The mountain is called White Mountain." Lan Zhi Xuan said.

"That's the mountain where the Dongfang family is buried." Xue Lingyuan said coming in. "That's right, from the entrance it was full of deadly traps. So the eunuch didn't go in at all, he was only in front of the tomb door and died before being thrown out by the trap itself." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"I've heard that the Dongfang family's cemetery is even more mysterious than other families and no one knows for sure." Lan Zhi Xuan said. "The ancestors of the Dongfang family used to be people from Jianghu. Before my grandfather entered the military to help the people overcome the war that occurred until my father. Because of that, there is a rule that the Dongfang family is not allowed to participate in politics unless forced." Dongfang Qingyuan explained.

"By forced you mean, could it be an imperial decree?" Xue Lingyuan asked, to which Dongfang Qingyuan nodded. "What if the imperial decree is detrimental to you?" Xue Zhengming asked coming in.

"What do you mean?" Asked Dongfang Qingyuan looking at Xue Zhengming who closed the door. "Anything that is against your wishes." Xue Zhengming explained. "Lord Yue, who are you running away from?" Asked Dongfang Qingyuan seriously.

"You don't need to know." Xue Zhengming said awkwardly. "Running away from Princess Xue Mingyue?" Xue Lingyuan asked flatly. "My sweet nephew, can you take care of your sister?" Xue Zhengming asked.

"She is not my sister. Xue Yanzhong and Xue Mingyue are also not related." Xue Lingyuan said flatly. "Let me take care of it." Lan Zhi Xuan said displeased. Lan Zhi Xuan left the room. Not long after the commotion was heard before the commotion slowly subsided.

Lan Zhi Xuan returned. "She wants you to take her to the Dongfang residence." Lan Zhi Xuan said. "What does she want to go there for?" Xue Lingyuan asked coldly. Dongfang Qingyuan was silent seeing Xue Lingyuan's other nature.

"For what else? To find something." Xue Zhengming said flatly. "The design of the Dongfang family tomb." Dongfang Qingyuan said coldly making the three people stare at him in shock.

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