The Snake-Catching Plan (Part 2)

Hu Jinghui replied, "I am the Empress's nephew. Forty-five years ago, Wu Zetian framed the Empress, and every male member of the Wang clan over the age of fifteen was executed. My father and uncle were both torn apart by chariots. I had just turned one month old at the time, and Wu Zetian gave me the surname Viper and exiled my family and me to Lingnan. When I was ten, my aunt and sister died in an epidemic. From then on, I drifted through the world alone."

As Di Renjie listened to Hu Jinghui's account, he recalled the court secrets he had heard before and felt sorrow for the Empress's clan.

Hu Jinghui continued coldly, "Later, the Göktürks invaded the border, and the court began recruiting soldiers. I enlisted and changed my surname from Viper to Hu. Because I fought fiercely and repeatedly distinguished myself in battle, I rose through merit to become acting general of the Leopard Tao Guards. Later, when Wu Zetian reviewed the troops at Southern Park, she praised my exceptional courage and promoted me to Vice Commander of the Qianniu Guards."

Di Renjie nodded upon hearing this. "So that was how it happened."

Hu Jinghui asked coldly, "You say His Majesty bestowed upon me kindness as vast as heaven and earth? I would rather eat her flesh and sleep upon her skin."

Hu Jinghui paused before asking, "My lord, how did you realize I was Viper?"

Di Renjie let out a long sigh. "Do you remember that stormy night in Great Willow Tree Village?"

Hu Jinghui clearly remembered that it had been their first operation in Youzhou. He nodded.

Di Renjie recalled, "I was awakened by thunder. I reached for the bowl of water on the table to drink, and by the flash of lightning,