The Ninth Record, "Solitary Shadow, Sorrowful Thoughts".

Mrs. Huo looked at her with a faint expression and briefly said, "Ziqian escaped, alarming the Fu family and causing Old Fu to change his mind temporarily and send people to intercept. Fortunately, Xu Zheng went to pick him up and didn't let Ziqian fall into their hands. With many eyes and ears at the station, Old Fu dared not detain me forcibly, only sending people to say that Ziqian had an accident and trying to deceive me into staying... Now that we are leaving forcibly, we are also tearing our faces with the Fu family. He will not be willing to let go of the hostage he has captured and will definitely secretly obstruct us along the way." Fortunately, Xu Zheng went to pick him up and didn't let Ziqian fall into their hands. With many eyes and ears at the station, Old Fu dared not detain me forcibly, only sending people to say that Ziqian had an accident and trying to deceive me into staying... Now that we are leaving forcibly, we are also tearing our faces with the Fu family. He will not be willing to let go of the hostage he has captured and will definitely secretly obstruct us along the way.

Oh, that sister. Hui Shu immediately remembered the pitiful woman who was publicly abandoned by her fiancé. If the older sister is so beautiful, the younger sister should also be a beauty. Why did she encounter such misfortune? Hui Shu sighed and, as they were speaking, the two of them had already arrived outside Lady Huo's living compartment. Xu Zheng stopped talking, nodded to her, and gestured for her to go in.

Bombing, assassination, death, these things sound so distant, but he talks about them as casually as daily meals. These are all unheard-of things for Huishu, even imagining them is very difficult. The Grand Marshal's wife, Huo Shen Nianqing, has a special train for her travels, accompanied by attendants, and even the Prime Minister's residence shows her great respect. ... The days she lives should have been splendid and luxurious... However, imagining the loneliness and isolation, Huishu feels uncomfortable and blurts out, "What about her family, does she not even have friends?" The days she lives should have been splendid and luxurious... However, imagining the loneliness and isolation, Huishu feels uncomfortable and blurts out, "What about her family, does she not even have friends?"

Xu Zheng gritted his teeth, "The rest of you, stay behind and hold the line."

"Why didn't you run away this time? Aren't you good at escaping?" She scrutinized Huo Ziqian's disheveled appearance, her tone cold and mocking. His coat slipped off his shoulders, and Huo Ziqian, dressed only in a light gray student uniform, looked unusually thin. The bones on his bound hands protruded slightly, and his half-lowered face was covered in deep, thick shadows from his eyelashes. His gaze was also hidden in the shadows and indistinguishable. He neither answered nor looked at her, allowing her gaze to pierce his face, only avoiding her deeply. His coat slipped off his shoulders, and Huo Ziqian, dressed only in a light gray student uniform, looked unusually thin. The bones on his bound hands protruded slightly, and his half-lowered face was covered in deep, thick shadows from his eyelashes. His gaze was also hidden in the shadows and indistinguishable. He neither answered nor looked at her, allowing her gaze to pierce his face, only avoiding her deeply."

Xu Zheng hurriedly stood between the two and said, "Madam, please calm down. The young master has suffered a lot in Beiping and is currently ill. Let him rest for now."

Huo Ziqian slowly raised his eyes and met the gaze of Lady Huo. A self-deprecating smile appeared in the depths of his eyes. "Father? You never mentioned it, I almost forgot that I still have a father."

Xu Zheng quickly called out to her, "Madam!" She turned around expressionlessly.

The desk lamp cast a slanted light, and Mrs. Hough sat at the table, diligently writing. "Madam," Huishu called out, but she seemed too absorbed and did not hear.

Huishu was crouching under the window, holding a pen and doodling in her diary. She sketched a graceful woman in a cheongsam, but left the face blank, unsure of whom to draw. After a while, she sighed and crumpled up the page. She decided to write something instead. Since coming to the north, she had encountered all sorts of unexpected events and changes, leaving her with no time or energy to write in her diary. She flipped through the previous pages, which were filled with disappointment towards Yan Shize, dissatisfaction with her future marriage, envy towards Bei'er, and unreserved admiration for Fourth Young Master. Looking at her own words, Huishu blushed.

Huo Shen Nianqing. Hui Shu wrote down this name stroke by stroke on paper. "I often wonder, who is Nianqing? Who does she think of in her heart? If even someone as passionate as him cannot move her, then who could be the one in her heart... Could it be that mysterious general? I am truly curious, for the first time curious about another woman."

Mrs. Hough's face darkened, "What's the matter?"

Miss Qi, I am delighted to have you as my companion on this journey.She personally took a porcelain cup and poured tea for Hui Shu. Her elegant and friendly demeanor was like a hostess entertaining guests at home. The tense scene just now seemed to have never happened. Hui Shu smiled as she lifted the tea cup, wondering whether she should ask what had happened. But she saw Lady Huo sitting on the opposite sofa, rubbing her forehead with her hand, seeming a bit distressed.

Madam, rest assured, this military station has been abandoned for several years, and there is usually no one coming and going. The attendant, with sharp eyes, suddenly saw someone getting off the carriage, "Look, isn't that the young master, and also Lieutenant Xu!"

Beautiful. She must be happy. However, for some unknown reason, another thin and lonely figure swept through her heart. Hui Shu couldn't help but think of Huo Ziqian. If every child is an angel, then what about him? Under the radiance of his stepmother and stepsister, is he still his father's angel?

Huo Ziqian's face turned pale, he remained silent for a moment, and then said again: "I'm sorry."

Xu Zheng remained silent, seemingly unwilling to discuss the matter further, and simply said, "My wife has a younger sister who is not here."

The voice of the attendant came from outside the door, "Report to the lady, the young master's condition is not very good!"

Xu Zheng's face also relaxed, "How could it be? Madam is very kind."

Huishu feels that she is not happy. Does her general not love her? Or is it because she has hidden too many secrets and carries too much burden?

Have I disturbed you? Huishu smiled apologetically, seeming to be focused on writing something.

Her words were interrupted by an urgent knocking on the door before she could finish speaking. It was unclear who was outside, but they knocked heavily and urgently.

Huishu busily shook her head, "No, no, it's me who has caused you trouble."

Why isn't there a maid accompanying? Hui Shu asked strangely, "Could it be that she is always alone?"

Huishu deliberately dawdled for a while before opening the door.

There was a woman named Guijie by the former lady's side. Xu Zheng hesitated for a moment and said, "She was the housekeeper who had been following her and had a close relationship with the former lady. Half a year ago, when the former lady's car was bombed by radical militants, she happened to get off the car temporarily and Guijie was the only one inside, so she suffered. After that, the former lady felt very guilty and no longer got close to the new housekeeper. The only old servant left was a woman named Ping, who was busy taking care of the young lady on weekdays and was not often by the former lady's side."

"Huo Ziqian!" Lady Huo's face suddenly changed, her right hand clenched tightly, as if she was trying hard to restrain her anger.

Madam Hua turned around and glanced at Hui Shu, then looked at Xu Zheng, revealing a slight smile. "Miss Qi will accompany us on the journey south. Take good care of her along the way."

Oh. Hui Shu was momentarily stunned as she watched Lady Huo fold the letter neatly and slip it into a book on the table. However, Lady Huo accidentally dropped a thin piece of something from the book without noticing. Hui Shu, with her sharp eyes, saw it and hurriedly picked it up, saying, "You dropped something."

Okay, I'll go now.Huishu nodded, turned back to the table to put away her diary, and stretched lazily. She had been sitting for too long and felt sluggish. Xu Zheng, however, thought that she was reluctant to accompany the lady. Seeing Xu Zheng standing at the door staring at her, Huishu felt embarrassed to continue stretching her lazy waist halfway.

Miss Hui Shu raised her hand to knock on the door. She was startled and looked up, revealing a gentle smile. "Miss Qi, please come in."

This journey has been smooth, and we will be able to enter the safe zone tomorrow night at the latest, and arrive in Pingcheng by the evening of the day after tomorrow. Lady Hua poured tea for her and sat down in the chair. "Originally, I planned to take the route from Pingcheng to Yinggang and send you by sea to Hong Kong. That is the fastest way. But just now I received a telegram that Lao Fu and Tong Shuai started fighting early, and both sides have opened fire. Now Beijing has turned upside down."

Knock knock. The knocking on the door was heavy, and Xu Zheng's stiff voice came through, "Miss Qi?"

"What about the others?" Lady Hoo's expression changed slightly.

The servant stood up straight.

Madam Hough raised her hand to signal her calmness. "As soon as Tong Shuai makes a move, he will gain the upper hand. The Fourth Young Master should be fine. However, I'm afraid your itinerary will have to change again. With the war going on, I worry that the Japanese who support Old Fu will intervene, and traveling by sea will not be peaceful."

Huishu was stunned, completely unaware that Master Huo was actually brought here tied up. Madam Huo finally took a good look at this Master Huo.

Lady Hough folded a sheet of paper at random and said, "No, I'm just writing a letter."

Madame Huo lowered her gaze and smiled, "No, I'm writing a letter to my younger sister."

I have no unwillingness. Huishu smiled and thought for a moment, then whispered, "Madam treats me very kindly, but for some reason, I'm a little afraid of her."

The muddy road has come to an end, and the car stops not far away. At the same time, the door of the carriage behind slides open, and Lady Hough, with a worried expression, hurriedly walks out. She ties up her hair, takes off her black fur coat, and changes into a simple and light outfit, exuding a unique elegance. She looks out of the car window, frowning, "Why is there only one car arriving... Send someone down to pick them up and be mindful of the nearby safety."

Mrs. Hoffmann completely ignored him. Most of the time, she locked herself in the carriage, except for talking with Xu Zheng and occasionally chatting with Hui Shu about women's topics. She spoke elegantly, reacted quickly, and spoke English fluently without any trace of vulgarity. She had a kind of unrestrained frankness and feminine charm, which was different from ordinary young ladies. But most of the time, she was a quiet and indifferent person, always reading alone.

It's okay, I can take another route. Huishu hurriedly replied, "As long as it's faster!"

Mrs. Huo's face stiffened slightly, still maintaining a cold and indifferent demeanor: "You are being too harsh."

Hui Shu stood on the side, very close to him, and could clearly see his expression. This Lord Huo, is completely different from the rumors outside. The rumors heard in the past are exactly the opposite of what is seen now— it was said that three years ago Lord Huo caused a scene at the wedding, holding a grudge against his stepmother, but the haggard young man in front of him does not seem like a domineering person at all, instead Lady Huo appears fierce. Huo Ziqian turned his face to the side and coughed softly twice. The long scarf slipped down, revealing his bloodless lips.

The accompanying doctor hurried over, but Xu Zheng refused to let him examine his own injury, insisting that he first go and check on Master Huo's cold.

Is this what growing up is all about? Starting with this line, Hui Shu paused and didn't know what to write next. "There are too many things happening in Beiping, and I don't know where to start. The old questions have not been answered, and new mysteries have emerged. It seems that everyone is hiding secrets. Lily has secrets, Si Shao has secrets, and everything about the Huo family is also a mystery... How can people live with so many burdens? It would be so painful. It seems that everyone is hiding secrets. Lily has secrets, Si Shao has secrets, and everything about the Huo family is also a mystery... People without secrets are happier. I don't want to have secrets, nor do I want to become like her."

Where is the Fourth Young Master? Huishu jumped up from her chair in surprise and asked, "Is he still in Beiping?"

"So adorable." Hui Shu sincerely exclaimed, her gaze firmly attracted by the little girl, reluctant to hand back the photo.

Madam Huo remained silent with anger, nodded coldly, and ordered the attendant to take Huo Ziqian away.

Does Madam have a headache? Huishu remembered that she had not slept all night and had been worried for half a day... Lady Huo smiled, sighed softly, and said, "I apologize for the inconvenience earlier, and for making you laugh."

Lady Huo looked at her and said, "Miss Qi, there have been some changes in the situation in Beiping. This journey may not be very peaceful. Jinming asked you to follow me south for your safety, but now it may cause you to worry and fear. I'm really sorry."

Upon hearing this, Hui Shu was shocked, never expecting that the situation just now was so dangerous. However, who would dare to intercept the special train of Lady Huo, the wife of the governor? Lady Huo seemed to have seen through her doubts and sighed softly, "At the several stations we must pass through on our way south, there are small warlords in control. Although they have not dared to offend the governor's wife in the past, if there is turmoil in Beiping, people's hearts may turn unpredictable... For the sake of caution, I plan to change our route to the east, first meeting with the governor in Pingcheng, and then escorting you south."

Huishu's gaze had long been firmly attracted by that person. Despite wearing a coat, with the collar and long scarf covering half of his face, one could still see the neat and handsome contours under his messy black hair, with thick eyelashes. This person was tall, and surrounded by the left and right guards, he appeared even thinner. His hair seemed to have not been trimmed for a long time, scattered on his shoulders, revealing a bit of decadence. He also looked at Lady Huo without saying a word, but his gaze showed melancholy. His hair seemed to have not been trimmed for a long time, scattered on his shoulders, revealing a bit of decadence. He also looked at Lady Huo without saying a word, but his gaze showed melancholy. In her heart, she already vaguely knew who this person was, but Huishu dared not believe that this young man was the son of the Grand Marshal Huo Zhongheng? Is he the arrogant and domineering Huo Ziqian who made Lady Huo lose face according to rumors?

Master Huo has been locking himself in the carriage, living and resting inside, and never showing up. The doctor said he caught a cold and needed rest. Apart from delivering meals and medicine, very few attendants disturb him.

Every child is an angel. Lady Hoffmann also smiled. In the photo, Lady Hoffmann had a light and natural makeup, leaning against that dignified man, with a gentle smile like a blooming lotus.

"What's the point of being stubborn? If you want to look, then look." Lady Hoff scolded Xu Zheng, but her expression was concerned, "Why learn anything from the Governor, and end up with such a stubborn temper!" Xu Zheng chuckled and had to obediently stretch out his arm. Suddenly, he turned around and saw Hui Shu behind the lady, blurting out, "Why is she here?"

It was already dusk, the sky was gloomy, and the lights in the carriage were lit early. The orange light shone from the side of him, softening his determined features, and in those big, bright eyes, there was a childlike earnestness.

The weak are most likely to evoke sympathy. Huishu saw it in her eyes, and in her heart, she felt a hint of reluctance towards Huo Ziqian. Lady Huo frowned, but said nothing, only nodding towards Xu Zheng. Xu Zheng understood, and stepped forward to untie Huo Ziqian's bound hands.

Xu Zheng awkwardly paused for a moment, and had to lift up the coat on Huo Ziqian's body, revealing his bound hands.

Four people got out of the car, the driver being Xu Zheng, while the other two attendants flanked one person each and hurriedly walked towards here. A team of guards got off the train and quickly approached them.

She has grown up a bit now," Lady Howe said with a gentle smile, her eyebrows and eyes full of tenderness. "She is a mischievous child, and if you really see her, you will surely have a headache."

Inside the carriage, there was a frozen silence. After a long time, Lady Hoff's gaze shifted from Xu Zheng's face to his blood-stained arm, then to the withered grass outside the window. She murmured, "More bad luck than good." Xu Zheng raised his head to say something, but Lady Hoff took a deep breath and decisively said, "Drive, tell the driver to go at full speed."

The scenery outside the car window is monotonous, with a flat plain, white snow, black soil, and twisted yellow branches. The long journey itself is already boring, but what is even more unbearable is the oppression, restraint, and indescribable strange atmosphere. In this fast and enclosed special train, Lady Hoffmann's silence, Young Master Hoffmann's gloom, the seriousness of the attendants, and Xu Zheng's unfriendliness all blend together, making the air so stifling that it is difficult to breathe. No one speaks loudly, even footsteps must be light, and every move is cautious as if in the stillness of the night. In this fast and enclosed special train, Lady Hoffmann's silence, Young Master Hoffmann's gloom, the seriousness of the attendants, and Xu Zheng's unfriendliness all blend together, making the air so stifling that it is difficult to breathe. No one speaks loudly, even footsteps must be light, and every move is cautious as if in the stillness of the night. Each living compartment is independent, once the door is closed, others do not know what you are doing, and you do not know what others are doing, as if the whole world has only one prisoner left. There are guards at the door and in the train corridor, attendants ready to be summoned, they are like invisible shadows, yet everywhere, always paying attention to your every move. This feeling is too uncomfortable, clearly in a warm compartment, but it makes one's limbs stiff. There are guards at the door and in the train corridor, attendants ready to be summoned, they are like invisible shadows, yet everywhere, always paying attention to your every move. This feeling is too uncomfortable, clearly in a warm compartment, but it makes one's limbs stiff.

Madam, please have Miss Qi come over. Xu Zheng stood upright, with his gaze lowered to the ground.

I will do my best to arrange. Lady Hough pondered for a moment, "At present, the situation is unclear in all aspects. I hope we must be cautious and prudent..."

Huishu exclaimed, "She really looks like an Angel."

Miss Qi, come with me.Madame Huo nodded towards Hui Shu. She held her hand like an elder sister, with a soft palm and slightly cool fingertips. This feeling made Hui Shu both calm and nervous. Madame Huo's living compartment was spacious and comfortable, with a simple layout like a small study. The floor was covered with soft carpets, and once the door was closed, it was very quiet, with only the faint sound of the tracks.

The lady likes you very much. Would you have time to accompany her for a chat? After all, you are alone. Xu Zheng's mouth twitched, forcing a forced smile. Hui Shu was puzzled, not understanding what he meant by suddenly saying this. Xu Zheng was somewhat hesitant, seemingly afraid that she would misunderstand, and explained again, "This is not the lady's intention. I just want to say... What I mean is, you don't have to be unwilling to accompany her. The lady is actually very kind..."

Let the accompanying doctor come and take a look. Vice Admiral Xu is seriously injured. Lady Hoff approached Xu Zheng to check his injuries, but she never paid attention to the person behind Xu Zheng from beginning to end, as if she had never seen such a person standing in front of her.

It seems that he is actually afraid of her.

At that time, the worries, joys, and troubles were just these. Unexpectedly, in a short time, everything has changed, and that state of mind can never be returned to.

Just as Xu Zheng was untying him, Huo Ziqian suddenly whispered, "I'm sorry, I didn't know it would involve so many people."

Madame Huo turned around and walked towards her own carriage without looking back.

Stopping her pen, Hui Shu saw the flawless and stunning face of Huo Shen Nian Qing in front of her. It seemed that he had two faces, one cold and one warm, one bright and one dark. If he wanted to be good to you, it was like a spring breeze on your face; if he disliked you, it was like the freezing cold of the coldest winter. What kind of grudges made her so indifferent to Huo Zi Qian, to the point that even when they were on the same train, she neither heard, asked nor saw him?

You are overestimating it. Huishu hesitated for a moment, and still asked about her worries, "What exactly happened in Beiping?"

It is a photograph. A dignified and upright man in military uniform, exuding an air of majesty, wearing a Marshal's sword and sash. Sitting beside him is Lady Huo, with a graceful demeanor, dressed in an elaborately embroidered cheongsam. She holds a child in her arms, who looks like a foreign doll, with big round eyes fixed on the camera, and a thumb still in their mouth. Such three individuals, such a peaceful and beautiful scene.

Xu Zheng glared at Hui Shu, giving her a strange look that seemed to be a mix of anger and amusement. Hui Shu snorted, not wanting to deal with this rude and annoying person. Lady Hoff, who had originally looked gloomy, couldn't help but show a hint of warmth in her eyes when she saw the expressions of the two.

You don't need to apologize. Lady Hough's gaze was complex. After looking at him for a long time, she finally said lightly, "There is nothing for you to ask for my forgiveness. If there is anything, it is only a debt to your father. The only person you owe an apology to is your father."

许铮受伤了! 霍夫人语声一紧。蕙殊惊愕望去, 见许铮捂着胳膊, 半边袖子染红, 不由大惊失色。片刻后只听得靴声橐橐, 许铮当先一步跨进来, 叩靴道: "报告夫人, 属下完成任务!"

Huishu suddenly had a mischievous idea, tilted her head and smiled, saying: "Is it a letter for the commanding general?"