Cao Mingzhi turns to Henwell and says, “Henwell, you mentioned you used to do business out west. If you want to expand in the capital, Huo Hao can be a big help. I’ll have him introduce you to some district leaders. Wherever you want to open a shop, he’ll get it done for you. I can’t promise everything, but I guarantee no lowlifes or troublemakers will come after you.”

  Henwell, being tactful, stands and raises his gss to Huo Hao. “I actually do have that pn! Looks like I’m going to need some help dealing with troubles in the future.”

  Huo Hao ughs heartily. “No problem! You saved Mingzhi’s life, so your affairs are on me from now on. Whatever business you want to do, I’ll have someone take you to register everything. Licenses, shop deeds, it’s all straightforward and will be delivered to you the same day!”

  After Henwell thanks him, Huo Hao sighs. “If I hadn’t had something to do that day and joined my brothers for drinks, those bandits wouldn’t have dared act so recklessly. Ah, it’s a shame about Pang Kuai and the others. I never thought that st parting would be a final farewell.”

  Everyone offers their condolences, and the mood turns somber for a moment.

  Henwell can tell that Huo Hao is already a Second Rank Martial Warrior.

  If he had been there that day, maybe things could have turned out differently, but probably not by much.

  After all, the attack was sudden. Even if Huo Hao had reacted quickly, Henwell himself might have still been in danger.

  They chat a bit more before suddenly hearing a commotion from the guards outside. It sounds like someone is trying to barge in.

  Huo Hao frowns. “Who’s so careless as to ruin our fun?”

  A voice replies from the doorway, “It’s me, the careless one, ruining your fun.”

  The door opens, and a tall, striking woman strides in with a mocking look aimed at Huo Hao.

  Huo Hao smiles awkwardly. “Little sister, what are you doing here? Aren’t you on duty today?”

  Everyone stands to greet her.

  Cao Mingzhi pulls out a seat. “It’s Huo Xi! Come, come! Just the right time to have a few drinks with the brothers. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a proper drink.”

  The woman is Huo Xi.

  Huo Xi greets everyone and then tells Cao Mingzhi, “I’m on duty today, so I can’t drink. Brothers, come to my pce another day, and I’ll make sure we have a good time!”

  Duan Yuhui asks curiously, “Huo Xi, what brings you to Yan Jun Mansion? Any special assignment? Arresting people here might cause some trouble.”

  Huo Xi waves her hand. “Nothing serious! Just a routine patrol.”

  Huo Hao adds, “Little sister, you see everyone here are familiar faces. What’s there to patrol?”

  Huo Xi scans the room, her gaze finally settling on Henwell. “And who might this be?”

  Cao Mingzhi quickly jumps in. “Huo Xi, let me introduce you. You know, about a month ago, I was targeted in an assassination attempt. If it weren’t for this Henwell stepping in, I’d probably be dead by now.”

  Huo Xi scrutinizes Henwell. “So you’re the righteous man who intervened! May I ask your name, pce of origin, why you came to the capital, why you were at the scene that day, where you went afterward, and where you’re staying now?”

  Huo Hao’s expression darkens. “Huo Xi! He’s our friend, the one who saved Mingzhi’s life. We’re hosting this banquet especially for him. Your line of questioning makes it sound like you’re treating Henwell as a suspect!”

  Ignoring the others, Huo Xi fixes her eyes on Henwell. “I’m asking you.”

  Henwell snaps his fingers, and his butler outside promptly brings over his identification papers.

  Henwell hands them to Huo Xi. “Miss Huo, here’s my identification. On that day, I was drinking at the Drunken Dream Tower outside the city. I had just arrived in the capital and, drawn by the bustling city, was heading home along the Fengyue River, when I happened upon the assassination.”

  ”Since I’m new here, I thought it best to y low at home for a while. I live in the southern suburb, District Seven, at an estate called Qingdu Elegant Garden. Mingzhi can vouch for me.”

  Cao Mingzhi quickly backs him up. “That’s all true. Give me some credit, Henwell is innocent!”

  Huo Xi remains noncommittal. After examining the ID, she eyes Henwell suspiciously.

  “Mr. Henwell, why do you wear a mask? Is there something you’re hiding?”

  “Exactly! My features are unusual, and I don’t want to disturb others, so I wear a mask. That’s not illegal, right?”

  Huo Xi replies, “Of course it’s not illegal. But saying you wear a mask because your appearance is ‘unusual’ and might disturb others sounds a bit far-fetched. Could it be that you’re hiding something? Perhaps you’re a wanted criminal, and that’s why you conceal your face?”

  Everyone’s faces darken at her insinuation.

  Henwell calmly responds, “Miss Huo, do you have any proof? Or are you just making accusations based on suspicion?”

  “Since you say that, I suppose you have nothing to hide. But why not remove your mask and prove your innocence to everyone?”

  Henwell shakes his head. “I simply don’t like to take off my mask.”

  Huo Xi narrows her eyes. “Then I insist on seeing your face!”

  “Little sister…”

  The others try to intervene, but Huo Xi raises her hand to stop them and pulls out a bck badge.

  “This is the Imperial Evil-Catcher Department. I’m Chief Huo Xi, and I’m ordering you to remove your mask for inspection.”

  Henwell looks up calmly at Huo Xi.

  The butler and guards already have their hands on their sword hilts, awaiting Henwell’s command.

  The other guests at the banquet also feel the tension thickening in the air.

  Huo Hao has his concealed weapon ready at his waist, prepared to act at any moment.

  Huo Xi and her team from the Evil-Catcher Department stand alert, fully prepared for whatever might happen next.

  Just as everyone braces for a fight, a voice suddenly rings out from outside.

  “How dare you! This is a key area of the capital. You’re being questioned by the Evil-Catcher Department and yet you’re preparing to resist the w!”

  Before the voice fades, a young man dressed in a dragon-embroidered robe steps inside, fnked by several guards.

  He’s just over twenty, tall and striking, with an imposing presence that commands respect without a word.

  Upon seeing him, everyone immediately bows. “Your Highness!”

  The young man nods slightly in return, then turns his gaze to Henwell, a trace of annoyance in his eyes. “Just now, I thought your men were about to use force to resist the w. Now I’m curious, what kind of face hides beneath that mask? Is it that of a notorious outw, or something truly terrifying?”

  Henwell remains silent for a moment before slowly removing his mask.

  When everyone sees his face clearly, gasps ripple through the room.

  Even the prince stares at Henwell in surprise, and Huo Xi is frozen in pce.

  Henwell smiles and addresses the group. “I come from the Western Frontier Kingdom. My features differ somewhat from those of the Eastern nds. As you can see, I’m rather tall and imposing, so I wear a mask to avoid unnecessary trouble.”