Chapter 590 - 593: Father and Son Reunion

Chapter 590: Chapter 593: Father and Son Reunion

Hua Manman’s heart couldn’t help but race.

Watching him draw closer and closer, she desperately wanted to jump out of the carriage and rush toward him.

But her hands were tied behind her back. Unable to jump, she could only strain her voice and shout at him.

She had originally intended to call out "Regent Prince."

But what slipped out was—

"Ji!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Li Ji immediately looked toward the sound.

He saw the five hundred men and horses standing on the hillside, and he also saw Hua Manman trapped in the carriage.

Li Ji immediately spurred his horse, galloping toward the carriage.

But in the next moment, a man in a black mask charged over on horseback, blocking Li Ji’s path.

Li Liao held the reins with one hand and a child in the other. His entire face was completely obscured by the mask, revealing only his eyes.

"Take the child back. We’ll be borrowing Hua Manman for a while."

With that, he tossed the child in his arms toward Li Ji.

Li Ji quickly reached out and caught him.

When he looked back at the man, he saw he had already turned his horse around, preparing to leave.

How could Li Ji possibly let him get away so easily?

He handed the child to Chen Wangbei, who had caught up, drew the sword from his waist, and spurred his horse after the masked man.

"Stop!"

’I’m keeping both the child and Manman!’

Li Liao also drew his sword. Twisting at the waist, he turned and brought his blade up horizontally, perfectly blocking Li Ji’s downward slash.

The two swords collided violently with a sharp CLANG.

Even Hua Manman, some distance away, could hear it clearly.

Her heart clenched, terrified that Li Ji would be at a disadvantage.

When the Royal Guards saw the Regent King engage, they were about to charge forward to help when they suddenly heard him shout.

"Stay back!"

As Li Ji traded blows with the man, their eyes met, and he clearly heard the voice in the other man’s mind—

’I can’t believe Ji has grown so much.’

’Only someone who knows me would call me that.’

Indeed, the man felt incredibly familiar.

But with his features hidden by the mask, Li Ji couldn’t place him right away.

Li Ji remained cautious and didn’t let his guards interfere.

Swords clashed continuously, sending sparks flying.

Li Ji gradually realized that the man’s fighting style was identical to his own.

And the man’s thoughts continued to pour into Li Ji’s mind.

’Not only have Ji’s martial arts not declined, they’ve improved a great deal. It seems he’s been practicing diligently all these years without slacking off.’

’I remember when I taught Ji martial arts as a child, he couldn’t even block a single move. Now he can go toe-to-toe with me. He’s really grown up!’

’I wonder if he’s still willing to acknowledge me as his father?’

Upon hearing the word "father," Li Ji’s longsword trembled, veering off course to stab at empty air.

Li Liao seized the opportunity to back his horse away, putting some distance between them.

Li Ji stared at him, an expression of utter disbelief on his face.

’No wonder he felt so familiar.’

’No wonder his martial arts techniques were the same as mine.’

The man’s figure gradually overlapped with the image of his father in his memory.

The rims of Li Ji’s eyes slowly reddened, and the hand gripping his sword hilt trembled slightly.

He spoke in a hoarse voice, carefully uttering the single word.

"Dad?"

It was a seemingly light word, yet it carried an incomparable weight in his heart.

Li Liao was surprised.

He hadn’t expected Li Ji to recognize him so quickly.

But since he had been recognized, he didn’t deny it. His voice was filled with gratification.

"Ji, it’s been a long time."

’That voice... it really is Father!’

Both shocked and overjoyed, Li Ji pressed him urgently.

"Weren’t you ambushed by Xiliang? Everyone said you were dead. They even brought your body back."

Li Liao said, "I was ambushed, but I didn’t die. The body they brought back wasn’t mine."

When the body of Duke Zhen was brought back, it was mangled beyond recognition. However, it was clad in the Duke’s armor and holding his customary long spear, so everyone was convinced it was him.

But now, the real Duke Zhen had appeared before Li Ji.

How could Li Ji not be overcome with emotion?

But amidst his excitement, many questions surfaced in his mind.

"Dad, why did you take Gou Dan and Manman?"

"It was people from the Yu Royal Mansion who took them. I merely intercepted them on the way."

Li Liao paused, his gaze sweeping over the child in Chen Wangbei’s arms, and said seriously,

"Gou Dan has been given Soft Bone Powder. Remember to find a doctor to examine him thoroughly."

Li Ji urged his horse a step forward. "What about Manman?"

Li Liao replied, "I need to borrow her. Once my business is done, I will naturally return her to you."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing most of the joy Li Ji felt from their reunion.

He stared into his father’s eyes and asked,

"What are you planning to use Manman for?"

Li Liao responded calmly, "Longdong County is about to descend into chaos. Someone has to clean up the mess."

Li Ji understood his intentions in an instant and grew anxious.

"Manman doesn’t know anything about this! Let her go! I’ll handle the trouble in Longdong County. I can solve it!"

Li Liao spoke unhurriedly.

"I know you’ve been training your troops recently. With your power, crushing Longdong County would be no problem.

But war consumes vast amounts of soldiers, money, and provisions.

If the Heir of Prince Yu steps forward, this conflict can be resolved without shedding a single drop of blood or losing a single soldier.

I trust you can do the math."

Li Ji naturally knew that doing so would minimize the cost of war.

Whether for him or for the court, it was all benefit and no harm.

But that would put Manman in danger.

The slightest misstep could cost her her life.

He had lost her once already; he couldn’t bear to lose her again.

Li Ji lowered his voice, his tone almost pleading.

"Let her go. Don’t drag her into this."

Li Liao’s gaze remained calm, completely unmoved.

"As the commander-in-chief of the army and the Regent King who holds great power, you should prioritize the safety of the soldiers and the common people. Romantic entanglements will only hold you back."

After saying this, he turned his horse, preparing to leave.

Li Ji moved to give chase.

But in the next instant, he heard Li Liao say coldly,

"If you dare to follow, I’ll take her life right now!"

As if to prove his words, Ai Yi, who had been sitting on the carriage’s shaft, jumped down, drew his sabre, and placed the blade against Hua Manman’s neck.

With just a little pressure, Hua Manman would be killed on the spot.

Li Ji was forced to stop.

He watched helplessly as his father’s back grew more and more distant, and couldn’t stop himself from crying out.

"Dad!"

But Li Liao didn’t look back.

Just like eleven years ago, when they were surrounded by enemy troops.

Li Liao had thrown Li Ji onto a horse, forcing him to flee.

Back then, Li Ji had also been screaming for his father until his voice was raw.

"Dad, I won’t go! I want to stay!"

But it was useless.

Li Liao had turned away ruthlessly, never once looking back at him.