The Beacon of Kyushu

After a while, he arrived at Gao Mansion.

Gao Huaide was a senior official of three dynasties and Zhao Guangyi's brother-in-law. His mansion on Junyi Street was more spacious than other generals. Whether it was the exquisite mounting and dismounting stones in front of the mansion, the doorway with the sound of heavenly drums, or the steps carved with white marble, everything was elegant and majestic.

Zhao Defang rode on the Yellow Flying Horse, galloping over like a streak of silver lightning and golden wind. The old groom who always accompanied him had amazing strength, and he followed closely behind him without being left behind by the horse. In the blink of an eye, Zhao Defang arrived at the dismounting stone, and hurriedly reined in his horse, not daring to go beyond the limit. His appearance was very outstanding, and his clothes and mount were even more eye-catching. Therefore, before he jumped off the horse, the guards in front of the Gao Mansion came to greet him, "Your Highness, Eighth Prince, are you here to see the Princess? We will report to you right away!"

"I have an urgent matter to ask my aunt to come out and see me." Zhao Defang said as he took out a few gold ingots from his arms and threw them to the guards. The guards took the gold and became more respectful, bowing their hands in thanks.

One of them took the gold quickly, turned around and ran away, secretly delighted as he ran, "We haven't done anything yet, and we already have a gold ingot. Whoever invites the princess out will get another one. I won't give this opportunity to make a fortune to those idiots!"

The other guards all reacted to the situation, and in order to get another gold ingot, they all rushed in to report, more anxious than hearing that their parents had passed away. Although Zhao Defang was depressed, he still smiled when he saw their useless appearance.

Zhao Defang didn't have to wait long before an old lady with gray hair and a kind face came walking quickly, surrounded by guards and maids. She was already quite old, and her back was a little bent. If she hadn't been leaning on a pure gold cane, it would have been difficult for her to walk so fast.

"My nephew Defang, I'm here to meet my aunt!" Zhao Defang saw the old lady and hurried forward a few steps to pay his respects. The old lady quickly stopped him and said with a smile: "Defang is here? My nephew Defang, you haven't come to visit your aunt for a long time! If you don't come again, your aunt will go to your Nanqing Palace to look for you in person!"

Zhao Defang looked ashamed and mumbled, "Aunt...Aunt, I have been a little busy lately and have not had time to pay my respects to you. I hope you can forgive me."

The princess had watched Zhao Defang grow up, so how could she not know that what he was busy with was nothing but eating, drinking and having fun. But she couldn't point it out in public, so she smiled and said, "Defang, you are so young, and you have a lot to do. But everything should be done in moderation, and don't overwork yourself, or you will be like my poor brother, who died before he reached the age of 50."

Zhao Defang sighed and said, "Alas, my father worked hard all his life, but he passed away in his prime. My nephew was still an infant when he passed away. This is my greatest regret!"

The eldest princess nodded, "Who said it wasn't... My sister-in-law Ruoyu was even more pitiful. She was only a little older than you are now when she passed away. Since she married into the Song Dynasty, she really didn't enjoy a single day of happiness. She passed away just like that. How can I not feel sad when I think about it now!"

Zhao Defang couldn't help choking up when his aunt mentioned his parents. "Aunt, I was too young when my parents died, so I don't remember them clearly. But my brother also passed away last year. I still remember his death vividly. Every time I think of it, I feel heartbroken!"

The princess hugged Zhao Defang, stroked his back, and said softly, "Defang, my poor nephew! Since your grandfather passed away, your father's family was the most prosperous, but fate has played tricks on us, and now it has fallen to this point! But the dead are gone, and you, as the only descendant of your second brother's family, must not make any more mistakes, otherwise, after your aunt passes away, how can you face your grandfather!"

Zhao Defang sobbed and said, "Aunt, I know you treat me the best. Now my parents and brother are gone, and I am also in trouble. I hope you can save me no matter what!" The princess was shocked and said hurriedly, "Defang, what's wrong with you? If you have any difficulties, just tell me. Even if the sky falls, I will support you!"

Zhao Defang hugged his aunt tightly, buried his head in her arms, and cried, "Aunt, my nephew invited two uncles to come to watch a play yesterday. My third uncle didn't want to go in person, so he asked my two cousins ​​to come. My fourth uncle was very considerate and personally brought Judge Lu Duan to show his support. At first everything went smoothly, but I drank too much last night, and when I woke up today, I found... I found that my golden mace was missing. You know, the golden mace is my nephew's lifeblood. Now that the golden mace is lost, my life is also in an instant!"

The princess was completely shocked when she heard this, and hurriedly said, "Defang, you...you mean your two uncles intend to get rid of you? If that's the case, I'm afraid that my aunt...my aunt will not be able to save your life!"

Zhao Defang nodded and said, "Aunt, to be honest, I didn't come here to make you an enemy of your two uncles and save my life. I just hope that after I leave, you can mediate a little so that your two uncles won't have a nationwide manhunt for me."

The princess said solemnly, "My nephew, don't worry about this. Even if it costs me my life, I will definitely help you do it. But Defang, you have lived in the capital for so many years and are not familiar with the places. Where are you going to take refuge?"

Zhao Defang hesitated for a moment and said, "Aunt, it's not that I don't trust you, but I really don't know where to go, so I'm sorry I can't tell you. If you have a suitable place, please tell me so that I can survive in the flood of the court."

The princess was embarrassed and said, "Defang, your aunt has always been a recluse and is not familiar with the local situation. I really don't know where you should go. Why not wait for your uncle and cousin to come back and let them find a place for you to go."

"Aunt, although my uncle is an old minister who follows my father, he is still under the command of the emperor. If the emperor is the mastermind, my nephew will be killed if he runs into my uncle, just like a mouse running into a cat!" Zhao Defang looked up at the sky and said anxiously, "Aunt, it's getting late now. I think my uncle should leave the court. I'm leaving now!"

Zhao Defang clasped his fists and was about to get on the horse when he heard a steady stream of footsteps and the sound of horses' hooves on the stone road behind him. Zhao Defang knew that Gao Huaide had returned with his men, so he led the horse and was about to run. The old groom also pulled down his felt hat, covering most of his face, as if he was afraid of being recognized by Gao Huaide.

Before the two of them could leave, Gao Huaide called out to them in a loud voice, "Is that Defang in front? General Gao Huaide greets the Eighth Prince!"

Gao Huaide first called him Defang, which showed that he regarded himself as an elder, and then called him the Eighth Prince, which showed the etiquette that a monarch and his subjects should have. This really made Zhao Defang stop. Zhao Defang turned around and bowed to Gao Huaide, saying, "My nephew Defang, I meet my uncle!"

Zhao Defang was nervous and scared at the moment. No matter how calm she pretended to be, she could not escape Gao Huaide's eyes. "Defang, what's wrong with you? Did something happen? If something really happened, tell your uncle quickly. Maybe he can help you." (End of this chapter)