“Daren, did you agree to help Hu Zongxian?”
She hadn’t had the time to knock on the door, but had immediately rushed inside his room to ask him.
Lu Yi finished changing, tilted his head and asked, “What makes you think that?”
“Well, he’s letting you enter his battlefield, which means you agreed to help him. Otherwise, he would never allow you if you didn’t say you were going to help him.” Jinxia furrowed her eyebrows, “This morning, he invited you to his residence, did he force you to go? Or…”
Lu Yi laughed softly, “You can stop guessing. It’s not like that, he didn’t force me at all. I wanted to understand his situation better.”
Jinxia looked at him with suspicion, “Brother, you’re not investigating his relationship with the pirates anymore?”
“My main goal is that. I want to see what he had planned for the country once he was able to control the pirates and Wang Zhi, because, according to Wang Zhi’s final words, his death can cause chaos for the two provinces. I want to understand what he meant.”
“Understand?” Jinxia was smart, she instantly understood the meaning behind his words, “He confessed that he used a ruse?”
Lu Yi nodded his head.
“That scheming wolf.” Jinxia said loudly, “He tried to kill you before and he couldn’t stop us from investigating his case, maybe he’s trying to trap you. Brother, don’t fall for it!”
Lu Yi laughed: “Earlier, didn’t you also figure out that Wang Zhi used a ruse?”
“I did, but… Don’t forget, last night he sent people here to kill you, yet this morning he confessed everything to you, don’t you find it strange? Plus, on the battlefield, all the people there are his people. One command from him can endanger your life, this is very risky.”
“I can trust him. Now that the back of the mountain has fallen, the Yan Family has become unreliable, his only hope left is me, therefore he can’t do anything to me.” Lu Yi pinched her cheek, laughing and said, “You don’t need to worry about me. Tomorrow, you guys will travel to Xinhe City, you must be careful. Luckily, you still can’t walk properly, so you won’t be causing any trouble. I’m not too worried.”
Jinxia smiled and said proudly, “My aunt said, my injury will be fully healed in two days, then I can move as usual.”
“Mrs. Shen’s skill isn’t like everyone else’s.”
“That’s right, your aunt treats you the best.” As soon as she recalled the event this morning, Jinxia’s heart immediately felt warm, “My uncle said she went out to buy fabrics to make new clothes for me. There’s more, earlier, when she saw the mosquito bite marks, she was so worried that she cried, don’t you find it weird? My mother doesn’t love me to that extent.”
Upon hearing her words, Lu Yi felt really strange, “Do you think she has some special feelings toward you?”
“I’m not sure, but I know that I don’t deserve it.”
Jinxia sighed for a moment.
When Mrs. Shen had suddenly wanted to stay, Lu Yi had already felt that it was strange. Right now, for no reason, he realized that she was treating Jinxia too well, making him suspicious. He carefully thought about it, “Maybe it’s because you both invited her to stay and eat, what did you two talk about with her during dinner?”
“We talked about pancakes, then Fujian…” Jinxia struggled to remember, “Da Yang said Master likes to eat it. That’s right, when she heard my master’s name, she said she had an old friend in the Capital, who shared a similar name, but with a different character. I said I could help find her friend, then… Her expressions changed.”
“Is it related to Superior Yang?”
“Could my master be that possible old friend? But maybe because of her situation, she didn’t want to say it.” Jinxia tried to guess, “Seeing that I am her friend’s disciple, she treats me well.”
“In that case, shouldn’t she be good with YangYue?” Lu Yi asked, “How does she treat YangYue?”
“She always praises his cooking skills… Other than that, everything else seems normal.”
Lu Yi tilted his head to look at her, pretending to observe her, “Then it could be that she likes your cheerful, intelligent and playful behaviour.”
Hearing this, Jinxia immediately felt happy, laughing to the point she couldn’t close her mouth, “Of course.”
***
In the evening, when Mrs. Shen was about to boil the medicine, YangYue happened to be in the same room kneading flour dough.
“You haven’t eaten?” She asked.
YangYue laughed, “We’re going to Xinhe City tomorrow morning, so I want to make some pancakes for the trip.”
“Why didn’t you just ask the kitchen to do it?”
“The dough requires a lot of work. After all, Jinxia likes it when I make it.” While kneading, YangYue continued to say, “Usually, whenever we go out of town for work, I always make this for her.”
“You’re really kind to Jinxia.”
As she talked, her hands moved to drop the medicinal ingredients into the pot. Mrs. Shen slowly tasted the medicine while looking at him.
YangYue laughed, “We’re practically family because we grew up together, she’s like a younger sister to me.”
“According to Jinxia, your father is very fond of her.”
“Yes, he treats her as his own daughter.” YangYue thought about it, “If we have good food, we always share it with her family.”
“You guys are neighbors?” Mrs. Shen asked, slowly stirring the medicine.
YangYue happily answered her, “Yes, I remember when I first moved there, I had a fight with Jinxia. Even though she was very small, she was strong. My father liked her a lot, he even told me to buy some cakes and share them with her.”
“How old were you then?”
“Maybe, about 6 years old…” YangYue saw her boiling the medicine, he knew it was going to take a while. He turned and said warmly, “Senior, just go to rest. I will take care of it for you. Later, when it’s cooked, I will call you.”
Mrs. Shen replied, “Then, cook it until the water is fully boiled.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
When Mrs. Shen walked out of the kitchen, in the corner of the room, a robe was slightly seen pulling away. Lu Yi, who didn’t look surprised, smiled at the beggar uncle as he walked closer to him, then acted as if nothing happened and walked back to his room.
***
The next morning, everyone’s luggage was packed and ready in the carriage.
Jinxia sat in one of the carriages, tilted her head and saw Lu Yi, who was giving orders to Cen Shou not far away from her. He then stopped at Chun Yumin’s carriage and said a few words, after that it was the turn of the beggar uncle and Mrs. Shen’s…
She impatiently waited for him to walk toward their carriage. YangYue noticed the carriage in front of them starting to move and slowly lifted up the horse rope walking behind the front carriage.
Jinxia panicked, “Da Yang, wait a bit… Maybe, Lu Daren will have something to say to us.”
YangYue couldn’t help but stop his movements.
Lu Yi walked closer to their carriage and briefly said to YangYue, “Be careful on the road.”
Jinxia watched him and continued to wait for him to turn but he never looked at her once. Without realizing that she was upset, she continued to stare at him…
The carriage slowly moved forward. As soon as it passed Lu Yi, he put on a smile and his lips moved, mouthing a few words to her without making any sounds.
‘Wait for me.’
Jinxia was able to understand his mouth movements. Suddenly, a tight feeling sprang up in her heart, making her feel nervous and happy at the same time. Jinxia continued to stick her head out to look at him for a while. Looking at his tall and well-fitted figure, at his handsome face, her heart started to race and she couldn’t stop but think about his words, that he wanted to marry her.
Lu Yi kept his gaze on Jinxia until her carriage took a turn at the corner. At this time, Cen Fu walked over with a soldier leading the horse.
Lu Yi took the horse from Cen Fu, jumped on it, then whipped the horse and said, “Let’s go.”
His horse started to gallop, two other horses followed from behind, all three headed toward the exit of the city and going forward to Cengang.
Yesterday, before leaving for Cengang, Cen Fu had handed over Yu Dayou’s information to Lu Yi to inspect.
After reading it, Lu Yi warned him, “This General Yu is an honest man who got promoted for his work in the battlefield. It seems to me, a man that relies on his family’s name to get attention isn’t an easy person. Remember this, once we arrive at the military headquarters, we must act according to their rules, don’t be arrogant, your tone of voice must be respectful, and don’t talk over other people.”
Cen Fu laughed, “Young Master, you’ve misjudged me. Since when have I ever used your name to act arrogantly?”
“This General Yu also has an army under the Yu’s family and all of them were personally trained by him. Once we arrive there, it means we are under his control, therefore we must be careful when investigating.”
Cen Fu said in surprise, “With a status like yours, who would dare to suppress you?”
Lu Yi laughed softly, “Who knows.”
They quickly picked up speed, and within half a day, they arrived at Zhoushan. Yu Dayou and his entire family were there. Before arriving at the headquarters, they had already witnessed various injured soldiers along the way….
“Young Master?” Cen Fu noticed Lu Yi was getting off his horse. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but he also got off his horse at once.
Without a word, Lu Yi quickly mounted one of the heavily injured soldiers onto his horse. Cen Fu didn’t dare to delay his movements with his questions, also helping one of the soldiers up his own horse. The soldiers noticed Lu Yi and recognized right away his noble status. Of course, it was impossible for them to ride the horse and make Lu Yi walk.
Under the scorching rays of the sun, Lu Yi and the injured soldiers walked together towards the headquarters, which was located on the west of Zhoushan, to the side of the mountain cliff. The way there would require them to pass a narrowed and uneven road. The roads were closed due to the pirates’ attacks. The Ming Army had been probably defeated because of the pirates’ sneak attack, aiming at their front and ending point, that’s why a lot of them were injured and half of the troops had been nearly killed.
Lu Yi’s eyebrows furrowed, the pirates could easily attack their army, then why bother continuing to fight?
After walking for a long period of time, they finally arrived at the headquarters. They proceeded to report their arrivals to General Yu, but it seemed like he had not returned to the headquarters yet, therefore they had to wait outside the tent.
They waited exactly one hour. At this time, a towering man with curly beards was seen walking toward the headquarters, wearing a soldier uniform. To his side, he was supporting an injured man. Then someone walked toward them and helped the injured off the big man’s back, then he continued to walk toward the tent.
“General!” A soldier who was standing in front of the tent rushed over and greeted him.
Yu Dayou replied with a nod, then he directed his gaze at Lu Yi and Cen Fu. His face looked confused. At this time, a soldier who came with Lu Yi quickly stepped up and explained the situation, took out a letter from his pocket and gave it to Yu Dayou.
It was a letter written by Hu Zongxian himself. Lu Yi noticed Yu Dayou tightening his eyebrows after reading the letter, then he raised his head to look at him.
“Lu Daren… You must be hungry. Xiang Zi, please take them to the dining hall, then find a place for them to rest.” He gave orders to his people, then looked back at Lu Yi, “After finishing up here, I will come to Lu Daren’s place.” He said casually, then walked inside the tent.
Seeing how Yu Dayou was being cold towards Lu Yi, the soldier accompanying them immediately explained his behaviour, “He just came back from a battle, it seems that General Yu is a little tired. Lu Daren, please understand the situation… I have to hurry up and report to General Hu, please excuse me.”
Lu Yi nodded his head.
Just as he was about to walk away, suddenly the curtains of the tent were lifted by someone from inside. Yu Dayou stepped out, and in a flash, he quickly grabbed the soldier.
“General… General…What’s wrong?” The soldier’s collar was pulled tightly, to the point that breathing was difficult. He quickly begged for mercy.
“You useless trash, you appear just yet and you already want to run?” Yu Dayou’s face looked angry, “When is General Hu going to send troops to strengthen the defense?”
“General, I do not know anything about this. A few days ago, Taizhou faced a critical situation when General Qi had just arrived there. They’re waiting for the situation to be resolved first, afterward, General Hu will definitely send troops to Cengang. General, please loosen your hands, I can’t breathe.”
Yu Dayou angrily released his grasp, “These words… I’ve been hearing them for almost a year, where are the troops?”
“Every night, General Hu always hopes that Cengang will bring home victory, but General Hu is suffering, please be understanding of his situation.” The soldier fixed his clothes, then raised his hands and bowed down, “Beizhe will resign first.”
Yu Dayou’s eyebrows were tightened, wrinkled like an iron griddle. He didn’t bother to look at Lu Yi, but quickly turned and walked back into his tent.
It’s their first time being apart from each other, I’m sad already
“Daren, did you agree to help Hu Zongxian?”
She hadn’t had the time to knock on the door, but had immediately rushed inside his room to ask him.
Lu Yi finished changing, tilted his head and asked, “What makes you think that?”
“Well, he’s letting you enter his battlefield, which means you agreed to help him. Otherwise, he would never allow you if you didn’t say you were going to help him.” Jinxia furrowed her eyebrows, “This morning, he invited you to his residence, did he force you to go? Or…”
Lu Yi laughed softly, “You can stop guessing. It’s not like that, he didn’t force me at all. I wanted to understand his situation better.”
Jinxia looked at him with suspicion, “Brother, you’re not investigating his relationship with the pirates anymore?”
“My main goal is that. I want to see what he had planned for the country once he was able to control the pirates and Wang Zhi, because, according to Wang Zhi’s final words, his death can cause chaos for the two provinces. I want to understand what he meant.”
“Understand?” Jinxia was smart, she instantly understood the meaning behind his words, “He confessed that he used a ruse?”
Lu Yi nodded his head.
“That scheming wolf.” Jinxia said loudly, “He tried to kill you before and he couldn’t stop us from investigating his case, maybe he’s trying to trap you. Brother, don’t fall for it!”
Lu Yi laughed: “Earlier, didn’t you also figure out that Wang Zhi used a ruse?”
“I did, but… Don’t forget, last night he sent people here to kill you, yet this morning he confessed everything to you, don’t you find it strange? Plus, on the battlefield, all the people there are his people. One command from him can endanger your life, this is very risky.”
“I can trust him. Now that the back of the mountain has fallen, the Yan Family has become unreliable, his only hope left is me, therefore he can’t do anything to me.” Lu Yi pinched her cheek, laughing and said, “You don’t need to worry about me. Tomorrow, you guys will travel to Xinhe City, you must be careful. Luckily, you still can’t walk properly, so you won’t be causing any trouble. I’m not too worried.”
Jinxia smiled and said proudly, “My aunt said, my injury will be fully healed in two days, then I can move as usual.”
“Mrs. Shen’s skill isn’t like everyone else’s.”
“That’s right, your aunt treats you the best.” As soon as she recalled the event this morning, Jinxia’s heart immediately felt warm, “My uncle said she went out to buy fabrics to make new clothes for me. There’s more, earlier, when she saw the mosquito bite marks, she was so worried that she cried, don’t you find it weird? My mother doesn’t love me to that extent.”
Upon hearing her words, Lu Yi felt really strange, “Do you think she has some special feelings toward you?”
“I’m not sure, but I know that I don’t deserve it.”
Jinxia sighed for a moment.
When Mrs. Shen had suddenly wanted to stay, Lu Yi had already felt that it was strange. Right now, for no reason, he realized that she was treating Jinxia too well, making him suspicious. He carefully thought about it, “Maybe it’s because you both invited her to stay and eat, what did you two talk about with her during dinner?”
“We talked about pancakes, then Fujian…” Jinxia struggled to remember, “Da Yang said Master likes to eat it. That’s right, when she heard my master’s name, she said she had an old friend in the Capital, who shared a similar name, but with a different character. I said I could help find her friend, then… Her expressions changed.”
“Is it related to Superior Yang?”
“Could my master be that possible old friend? But maybe because of her situation, she didn’t want to say it.” Jinxia tried to guess, “Seeing that I am her friend’s disciple, she treats me well.”
“In that case, shouldn’t she be good with YangYue?” Lu Yi asked, “How does she treat YangYue?”
“She always praises his cooking skills… Other than that, everything else seems normal.”
Lu Yi tilted his head to look at her, pretending to observe her, “Then it could be that she likes your cheerful, intelligent and playful behaviour.”
Hearing this, Jinxia immediately felt happy, laughing to the point she couldn’t close her mouth, “Of course.”
***
In the evening, when Mrs. Shen was about to boil the medicine, YangYue happened to be in the same room kneading flour dough.
“You haven’t eaten?” She asked.
YangYue laughed, “We’re going to Xinhe City tomorrow morning, so I want to make some pancakes for the trip.”
“Why didn’t you just ask the kitchen to do it?”
“The dough requires a lot of work. After all, Jinxia likes it when I make it.” While kneading, YangYue continued to say, “Usually, whenever we go out of town for work, I always make this for her.”
“You’re really kind to Jinxia.”
As she talked, her hands moved to drop the medicinal ingredients into the pot. Mrs. Shen slowly tasted the medicine while looking at him.
YangYue laughed, “We’re practically family because we grew up together, she’s like a younger sister to me.”
“According to Jinxia, your father is very fond of her.”
“Yes, he treats her as his own daughter.” YangYue thought about it, “If we have good food, we always share it with her family.”
“You guys are neighbors?” Mrs. Shen asked, slowly stirring the medicine.
YangYue happily answered her, “Yes, I remember when I first moved there, I had a fight with Jinxia. Even though she was very small, she was strong. My father liked her a lot, he even told me to buy some cakes and share them with her.”
“How old were you then?”
“Maybe, about 6 years old…” YangYue saw her boiling the medicine, he knew it was going to take a while. He turned and said warmly, “Senior, just go to rest. I will take care of it for you. Later, when it’s cooked, I will call you.”
Mrs. Shen replied, “Then, cook it until the water is fully boiled.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
When Mrs. Shen walked out of the kitchen, in the corner of the room, a robe was slightly seen pulling away. Lu Yi, who didn’t look surprised, smiled at the beggar uncle as he walked closer to him, then acted as if nothing happened and walked back to his room.
***
The next morning, everyone’s luggage was packed and ready in the carriage.
Jinxia sat in one of the carriages, tilted her head and saw Lu Yi, who was giving orders to Cen Shou not far away from her. He then stopped at Chun Yumin’s carriage and said a few words, after that it was the turn of the beggar uncle and Mrs. Shen’s…
She impatiently waited for him to walk toward their carriage. YangYue noticed the carriage in front of them starting to move and slowly lifted up the horse rope walking behind the front carriage.
Jinxia panicked, “Da Yang, wait a bit… Maybe, Lu Daren will have something to say to us.”
YangYue couldn’t help but stop his movements.
Lu Yi walked closer to their carriage and briefly said to YangYue, “Be careful on the road.”
Jinxia watched him and continued to wait for him to turn but he never looked at her once. Without realizing that she was upset, she continued to stare at him…
The carriage slowly moved forward. As soon as it passed Lu Yi, he put on a smile and his lips moved, mouthing a few words to her without making any sounds.
‘Wait for me.’
Jinxia was able to understand his mouth movements. Suddenly, a tight feeling sprang up in her heart, making her feel nervous and happy at the same time. Jinxia continued to stick her head out to look at him for a while. Looking at his tall and well-fitted figure, at his handsome face, her heart started to race and she couldn’t stop but think about his words, that he wanted to marry her.
Lu Yi kept his gaze on Jinxia until her carriage took a turn at the corner. At this time, Cen Fu walked over with a soldier leading the horse.
Lu Yi took the horse from Cen Fu, jumped on it, then whipped the horse and said, “Let’s go.”
His horse started to gallop, two other horses followed from behind, all three headed toward the exit of the city and going forward to Cengang.
Yesterday, before leaving for Cengang, Cen Fu had handed over Yu Dayou’s information to Lu Yi to inspect.
After reading it, Lu Yi warned him, “This General Yu is an honest man who got promoted for his work in the battlefield. It seems to me, a man that relies on his family’s name to get attention isn’t an easy person. Remember this, once we arrive at the military headquarters, we must act according to their rules, don’t be arrogant, your tone of voice must be respectful, and don’t talk over other people.”
Cen Fu laughed, “Young Master, you’ve misjudged me. Since when have I ever used your name to act arrogantly?”
“This General Yu also has an army under the Yu’s family and all of them were personally trained by him. Once we arrive there, it means we are under his control, therefore we must be careful when investigating.”
Cen Fu said in surprise, “With a status like yours, who would dare to suppress you?”
Lu Yi laughed softly, “Who knows.”
They quickly picked up speed, and within half a day, they arrived at Zhoushan. Yu Dayou and his entire family were there. Before arriving at the headquarters, they had already witnessed various injured soldiers along the way….
“Young Master?” Cen Fu noticed Lu Yi was getting off his horse. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do but he also got off his horse at once.
Without a word, Lu Yi quickly mounted one of the heavily injured soldiers onto his horse. Cen Fu didn’t dare to delay his movements with his questions, also helping one of the soldiers up his own horse. The soldiers noticed Lu Yi and recognized right away his noble status. Of course, it was impossible for them to ride the horse and make Lu Yi walk.
Under the scorching rays of the sun, Lu Yi and the injured soldiers walked together towards the headquarters, which was located on the west of Zhoushan, to the side of the mountain cliff. The way there would require them to pass a narrowed and uneven road. The roads were closed due to the pirates’ attacks. The Ming Army had been probably defeated because of the pirates’ sneak attack, aiming at their front and ending point, that’s why a lot of them were injured and half of the troops had been nearly killed.
Lu Yi’s eyebrows furrowed, the pirates could easily attack their army, then why bother continuing to fight?
After walking for a long period of time, they finally arrived at the headquarters. They proceeded to report their arrivals to General Yu, but it seemed like he had not returned to the headquarters yet, therefore they had to wait outside the tent.
They waited exactly one hour. At this time, a towering man with curly beards was seen walking toward the headquarters, wearing a soldier uniform. To his side, he was supporting an injured man. Then someone walked toward them and helped the injured off the big man’s back, then he continued to walk toward the tent.
“General!” A soldier who was standing in front of the tent rushed over and greeted him.
Yu Dayou replied with a nod, then he directed his gaze at Lu Yi and Cen Fu. His face looked confused. At this time, a soldier who came with Lu Yi quickly stepped up and explained the situation, took out a letter from his pocket and gave it to Yu Dayou.
It was a letter written by Hu Zongxian himself. Lu Yi noticed Yu Dayou tightening his eyebrows after reading the letter, then he raised his head to look at him.
“Lu Daren… You must be hungry. Xiang Zi, please take them to the dining hall, then find a place for them to rest.” He gave orders to his people, then looked back at Lu Yi, “After finishing up here, I will come to Lu Daren’s place.” He said casually, then walked inside the tent.
Seeing how Yu Dayou was being cold towards Lu Yi, the soldier accompanying them immediately explained his behaviour, “He just came back from a battle, it seems that General Yu is a little tired. Lu Daren, please understand the situation… I have to hurry up and report to General Hu, please excuse me.”
Lu Yi nodded his head.
Just as he was about to walk away, suddenly the curtains of the tent were lifted by someone from inside. Yu Dayou stepped out, and in a flash, he quickly grabbed the soldier.
“General… General…What’s wrong?” The soldier’s collar was pulled tightly, to the point that breathing was difficult. He quickly begged for mercy.
“You useless trash, you appear just yet and you already want to run?” Yu Dayou’s face looked angry, “When is General Hu going to send troops to strengthen the defense?”
“General, I do not know anything about this. A few days ago, Taizhou faced a critical situation when General Qi had just arrived there. They’re waiting for the situation to be resolved first, afterward, General Hu will definitely send troops to Cengang. General, please loosen your hands, I can’t breathe.”
Yu Dayou angrily released his grasp, “These words… I’ve been hearing them for almost a year, where are the troops?”
“Every night, General Hu always hopes that Cengang will bring home victory, but General Hu is suffering, please be understanding of his situation.” The soldier fixed his clothes, then raised his hands and bowed down, “Beizhe will resign first.”
Yu Dayou’s eyebrows were tightened, wrinkled like an iron griddle. He didn’t bother to look at Lu Yi, but quickly turned and walked back into his tent.
It’s their first time being apart from each other, I’m sad already
