Chapter 76 - I'm His Brother

General Lofey and General Hester stood far back from their camp, watching the smoking ashes with the stench of burnt flesh entering their nostrils from their dead comrades' corpse, including Lieutenant General Gerd Hollies' body. 

"We burned them last night," General Lofey explained.

General Hester was silent and shook his head looking at the ashes. "Life is so short, eh? Who would have thought he'll die in this expedition?" Although everyone knew Sir Gerd was a pain in the butt, a headache with his endless complaints, not a skillful fighter but... he was still their comrade. But this was the reality for the men in the army.

"But I don't understand why did you come back right away? You didn't even let your men rest but flew here overnight," asked General Lofey.

General Hester's eyes narrowed. "Are you playing with me? It was your personal stamp on the message. Don't tell me..."

The two looked at each other and realized the weirdness of it all. General Lofey gave him a summary of what occurred in the previous days, specifying what Mafan did. As a result, the younger general gathered his men and check their napes and found three with implants. Right there, he pulled it out from them. 

"What is this thing?" General Hester stared at the black thin glasslike thing.

"No idea." General Lofey took it and threw it to a basin with the rest.

After the last 'surgery' , the two generals' minds traveled back to the capital city and onto the man with the highest authority of their land, the king. They were thinking the same thing, the king could be in danger .

"I think, my men and I have to go back to Flamefort City as soon as possible," said General Hester. "I respect your decisions concerning the treaty but I'm afraid of the criticisms and punishment if you don't have enough proof in your hands when you go back...

"I don't want you to retire soon because of your unwarranted speculations. If your suspicions are true, Fengfu City could be an asset to our country. But why didn't you take the city than signing a treaty? Goding country and this city will benefit much if it's ours."

"I was thinking of taking over at first but changed my mind after Mafan attacked me and Tyriece… Even the governor said that deaths could have been avoided if we did it the other way around. In other words, he will open the city for us for trade and other things. So why the need to attack? To kill senselessly? No… I believe there's something Mafan didn't tell us and that's what I will find out.

"I'm also doubting the true intention of the king. That is... it was really the king and not Mafan who gave the orders. Why didn't he let you take Ninpu City? Why only stop the Youshi general? Isn't that an obvious problem? Why not take the rich Ninpu instead of this poor Fengfu? Isn't that sounds odd?"

"I doubted too but we need to obey the king." General Hester shrugged and patted the old man's shoulder. "I leave this to you. Just bring home a solid proof," said General Hester.

"I will but I suggest you rest first, even just for a day. I don't think Mafan would dare something stupid as implanting a black stone in the king. Your mounts need some rest too."

"I hope you have a prophet's tongue."

They parted ways. The younger one went to his tent. The older general prepared himself for the city tour.

---- o ----

In the village where Mafan and his men hid, those bitten by the fire ants couldn't move at all and were suffering from hallucinations. While the last two able men disguised themselves as common soldiers in the Goding camp.

They walked around the camp's perimeter and buried a Wag stone and a yellow stone on some specific points. When they reached the kitchen, one of them dug a hole and buried the same items. After covering the hole, they moved further from the place and counted one to ten. 

When they reached the last number, a low humming sound spread in the camp. Commotion took place. Gaspings resounded. The two generals and everyone in the camp suddenly found themselves back in Flamefort City, in the comfort of their own homes. However, in reality, they were still inside the camp. They were now inside an illusion trap.

---- o ----

In Fengfu City, people began leaving to head back to their villages. Ming had the four city gates opened for the people to leave but still vigilant for those coming in. Zang Wei deployed all the city guards to handle the traffic at the gates.

Chen Mafan handed over the sacks of vegetables to the city officials in the storehouse. He walked around with his bag in hand and found an abandoned shop and went inside. He thumbed his jawline and pulled a transparent layer from his face. The skin underneath was smooth like a lady's. It was Mafan, Goding's royal adviser.

---- o ----

Qinfen left his mother after an hour of lessons about herbs. He went to the city's business district, seeking a good empty store and a spacious one. He didn't dare go to the black market while the city was at war, heeding his inner warnings.

Now that it's over, he hoped to set up his beauty shop and pharmacy while the businessmen had left weeks ago. He wanted a headstart while there were still good spaces available and while the rental was cheap. So that when the wealthy families went back, the shop would be there to cater for the wives and concubines.

At this moment, Mafan came out of the shop and Qinfen saw him. The latter gave the former a once over and approached him. 

"Hi, are you new here?" Qinfen asked.

"How do you know?" Mafan replied.

"Your face and dusty feet. I also know all the handsome men in the city. They are all my drinking buddies. So I can tell you're new here."

"Really? So you're also acquainted with the new governor?"

"Of course, I'm actually his brother," Qinfen said proudly.

Mafan gave a smug smile. Oh, the heavens are kind to me.

While Ming and Xinyi were on their way where Mafan and Qinfen were standing.