Chapter 387: Longing for Return

Chapter 387: Longing for Return

Chapter 387: Longing for Return

As evening approaches, the last rays of sunset in the sky quietly disappear behind the thick clouds.

The city of Kunming was quickly pulled into deep darkness.

Lanterns lit up one by one on both sides of the street.

The dim halo swayed in the night wind, adding a touch of warmth to the quiet night.

The pedestrians walked hurriedly and their figures gradually lengthened.

Taihua Street, Lu Mansion.

The tall gatehouse looks solemn and mysterious under the dim light.

In front of the mansion, a pair of stone lions stand majestically.

Not far from the gate, a woman in a light and elegant long dress stood quietly.

The figure looks particularly soft under the dim light.

Her hair was gently blown by the night breeze.
It's a bit unintentional and messy, but it makes it more charming.

The woman's eyes penetrated through the layers of night.

Staring intently into the distance, looking towards the end of Taihua Street.

Her hands were gently folded in front of her, stroking the corners of her clothes from time to time, revealing a barely perceptible nervousness and anticipation.

The world around me seemed to slow down.

Only the occasional sound of drums in the distance and the rustling of leaves nearby could be heard.

A group of maids stood obediently in the shadow of the door behind them.
With his head lowered, he also looked expectant.

Not far away, the skinny and old Wang Bo stood there quietly.

His hunched body looked weak in the candlelight.

His face was full of wrinkles and had a faint smile on it.

Suddenly, at the end of Taihua Street,

The sound of horse hooves coming from far away broke the silence of the night.

The sound was crisp and rhythmic, beating like a war drum.

In the dim darkness ahead, several tall and handsome horses suddenly appeared.
The leader, Lu Yunyi, was wearing black armor and riding a majestic black horse. He passed the corner of the street and slowly came into sight.

Every collision of horse hooves with the stone road caused waves of echoes.

The woman in front of the Lu Mansion originally stood still like a sculpture.
But when he heard the familiar and long-awaited sound of horse hooves, he instantly came back to life.

There was a gleam of disbelief in her eyes, which was then replaced by ecstasy.

It's like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminating everything around it.

Her hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

My heart was beating so fast that it almost jumped out of my chest.

Her gaze penetrated the veil of night, as if it could penetrate time and space.

Looking at the heroic figure approaching in front of him, a smile bloomed on the corner of his mouth without any concealment!
Lu Yunyi's figure gradually became clear in the night.

He was wearing armor, his face was dusty and weathered, but his eyes were full of tenderness and apology.

He stopped in front of the Lu Mansion and gently tightened the reins.

Let the horse slowly stop, then dismount.

He walked towards Mu Chuting, and a smile also began to bloom on his face.
Slowly opening his arms, his voice soft and low:
"I am back."

Mu Chuting threw herself into Lu Yunyi's arms, crying with joy.

She nodded slightly, with a hint of sob in her voice:
"Husband, you win."

The two hugged each other tightly, and all the waiting and worries turned into warmth and happiness at this moment.

The maid Xiaohong, who was not far away, was watching the scene.
His eyes widened, his cheeks flushed, and he rubbed his hands together in excitement.

Wang Bo quickly called for his guards.

"Hurry, hurry, take the warhorse and welcome the master into the mansion."

Lu Yunyi patted Mu Chuting's back gently and said softly:

"I just returned today. I was busy with military affairs. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time."

Mu Chuting seemed to have thought of something.
She crawled out of his arms, her eyes were red, and she looked very sad and beautiful.

"My dear, I was very worried when I heard that you were assassinated. Fortunately, you are fine."

"Don't worry, even a huge army can't kill me.
What can some mice hiding in the dark do to me?"

Mu Chuting stared at Lu Yunyi in a daze, her eyes full of light:

"Husband, come quickly, you have killed many people on the battlefield and have been infected with a lot of evil spirits.

Today, my mother heard that you were coming back.

I specially invited the great monk from the temple to perform the ritual and also left some talisman water.”

Lu Yunyi looked over and saw a group of servants standing there.
They held mugwort, peach branches and clean water.

Mu Chuting explained:

"This is a Kunming tradition, used to sweep away the bad luck and fatigue of those returning from battle, so as to welcome the heroes back."

When she said this, the admiration in Mu Chuting's eyes almost overflowed.

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded, then slowly walked to the door of the mansion.

Seeing this, the servants acted quickly.
They first lit the mugwort, letting the faint smoke linger around Lu Yunyi.
The aroma of mugwort carries a hint of freshness and tranquility, as if it can dispel all ominousness.

Then, they used peach branches to gently tap Lu Yunyi's armor and horse.
Peach branches symbolize good luck and protection from evil, implying keeping all bad luck out.

Finally, the servants sprinkled clean water on Lu Yunyi.
It is a baptism and purification, allowing the returning heroes to wash away the dust and fatigue of the journey and welcome the warmth and peace of home.

Lu Yunyi stood quietly.

Let the servants perform these ancient rituals.

Returning home after the battle, these seemingly simple actions carry his family's deep love for him.

His eyes were a little bit empty.

I thought of Gyeongju, the place farthest from Kunming at the moment.

It has been nearly two years since we last saw each other, and I don’t know how my parents are doing.

Even though we exchanged letters, we always reported good news but not bad news.

Lu Yunyi would not write about the hardships of being a soldier in the letter.
Parents will also not write about the unhappiness at home.

When the ceremony was over, Lu Yunyi nodded slightly to express his gratitude to the servants.

Then he looked at Wang Bo who was standing not far away with a smile on his face, and said:

"Uncle Wang, we have returned victorious this time, and everyone in the mansion should celebrate together. Give each person one or two taels of silver to supplement the family income."

Wang Bo stood there, bowing slightly:
"Yes, sir."

Then, Lu Yunyi strode towards the mansion.
Mu Chuting followed beside him, followed by a group of guards and maids.

At the door, Wang Bo looked at the many guards in black armor and walked forward with a smile:

"Generals, are you going back to the camp or into the palace?"

Feng Yunfang smiled and said, "Uncle Wang, I will enter the mansion later."

As he was speaking, orderly footsteps sounded from the end of Taihua Street.
A team of 200 black-armored cavalrymen rushed into Taihua Street.
His figure stood out in the darkness, looking particularly murderous, and he soon arrived at the gate of Lu's mansion.

The leader of this trip was the general Qin Yuanfang. He looked at Feng Yunfang and nodded vigorously!
Feng Yunfang nodded in response, and then looked at Uncle Wang who was shocked:

"Uncle Wang, the general was assassinated on the road.

To ensure safety, we will be in charge of the defense of the Lu Mansion from today onwards."

Wang Bo nodded repeatedly: "Of course, of course."

"As for the original guards and maids, we will keep them under strict supervision.

Before the general left Yunnan,

They are not allowed to leave the palace, so as not to reveal the defense of the palace!"

"This..." Wang Bo looked embarrassed and explained:
"General, you may not know that there are many matters that need to be dealt with in the palace every day.
They have to take care of everything that comes and goes."

Feng Yunfang's face was solemn:
"Uncle Wang, we will take care of this matter from now on. If you need anything, just let us know."

Wang Bo heaved a sigh of relief and nodded:
"That's fine, Master's safety is the most important.

General, please come into the mansion. I will arrange accommodation for you.
Please don't mind, General. It might be a little crowded."

Feng Yunfang's expression eased a little:

"Uncle Wang, we only need to arrange accommodation for 100 people. The rest of the brothers will have their own place to stay." Feng Yunfang waved his hand.

One team of more than a hundred people quickly dispersed and headed towards the two houses next to the Lu Mansion!
The door that was originally tightly closed suddenly opened.

The soldiers quickly entered and disappeared.

When Wang Bo saw this scene, his eyes widened.

"These two houses belong to Mr. Li in the city and Mr. Liu in the government office.

What, what about you?"

Feng Yunfang smiled:

"Lord Chen, the commander in charge of Kunming City's defense, has already made arrangements. Uncle Wang, don't worry."

"Okay, okay, that's good, General, please follow me in.

It just so happens that some arrangements in the mansion have not been completed yet. Please come and see how to arrange them.

Madam has explained it today.
It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t look good, safety is the most important thing.”

"it is good."

At the end of Taihua Street,
A cavalry unit numbering more than a thousand men was stationed in the darkness near the wall, unable to hide.

Watching the Lu Mansion not far away gradually returning to calm,
Liu Heiying's serious face gradually relaxed, and a hint of regret flashed in his eyes.

The assassin did not appear again.
In fact, there was no one following him along the way.

This made his plan of catching the cicada fail.

At the front of the team, Chen Shuhan, who was also wearing armor, was a little uneasy.
Looking back at the many cavalrymen hiding in the darkness, fear flashed in his eyes.

He walked closer, looked at the ferocious-looking, very young General Liu, and said softly:

"General Liu, when shall we return to the camp?
More than a thousand cavalrymen left the camp without permission. If someone accuses them of this, it would be a serious crime of treason."

Liu Heiying glanced sideways.
Compared to the last time I saw him, Chen Shuhan looked much less scholarly.
The whole thing looks heroic and extraordinary.
It's just that the fear on his face at this moment really spoils the mood.

Liu Heiying smiled:

"Don't worry, no one will pursue this matter.

Anyone who dares to provoke us now is seeking death."

Having said that, Chen Shuhan was still a little worried.

Liu Heiying waited there quietly, ready to wait another quarter of an hour.

He took in Chen Shuhan's uneasy expression, felt somewhat timid about his cowardice, and said with a smile:
"Duke Cao has already been assassinated, why are you still worrying so much?"

"what?"

Chen Shuhan's eyes suddenly widened, his face full of shock.

This time Liu Heiying was stunned.
Not far away, the murderous Wu Fuliu also turned his head and looked Chen Shuhan up and down with a strange expression.

Now it seems that this person is not too timid, but too timid.

Liu Heiying couldn't help laughing:

"Master Chen, you don't know anything, yet you dare to let us go out on the street like this?"

"I... Duke Cao ordered this, how dare I disobey?

I...I didn't know about Duke Cao being assassinated."

Chen Shuhan stuttered. He was over thirty years old.
But he had never heard of the assassination of the Duke, which made his head feel heavy and he couldn't breathe.

He couldn't imagine how such a big thing could happen in the peaceful and prosperous Ming Dynasty!
Liu Heiying smiled. Although this person's official position was higher than his,

But perhaps he doesn't understand the current chaos as well as he does.

Pursing his lips, Liu Heiying smiled and said:

"It's better not to know, so you can worry less.
Alright, Master Chen, thank you for your help tonight. I will go back to the camp now."

Strangely, Chen Shuhan, who had always advocated going back early, shook his head again and again:

"No, no, no, let's stay here for a while longer.
If something happens to General Lu, it will be a disaster.”

Wu Fuliu turned his head again, his expression became even weirder, and he smiled and shook his head.

"Then wait a little longer."

Liu Heiying did not object:

"Row."

Wusheng Street, adjacent to Taihua Street, is also a gathering place for the city's dignitaries.

But most of the houses here are owned by merchants and gentry in the city.

No. 6 Wusheng Street is one of the most famous brothels in the city and the residence of Miao Hong, the owner of Qingyuan Pavilion.

At this moment, a figure stood on the highest roof of No. 6, holding a telescope, looking over the many buildings in the city and looking towards Taihua Street not far away.

Until the sound of horse hooves sounded softly,
The figure flashed and disappeared on the roof.

At No. 6 Wusheng Street, at the deepest part of the courtyard, there is a clear pool like a mirror.
It quietly reflects the stars in the night sky and is surrounded by green plants, full of vitality.

Not far away, a quaint and elegant pavilion stands leisurely, with flying eaves, pointed corners, carved beams and painted buildings.

Next to the courtyard wall, a small and exquisite house stands quietly, flickering with dim candlelight.

Following the sound of hurried footsteps,

A figure quickly passed through the courtyard, his figure was light and graceful.

It almost blended into the night and disappeared behind the half-open wooden door in the blink of an eye.

Inside the house, the light becomes dimmer.
There was only a tall figure sitting on the wide armchair at the top.

He was dressed in a green robe, the sleeves of which swayed gently in the wind, giving him a sense of elegance and unruliness.

However, its cheeks are hidden deep in darkness,
It seems as if it is deliberately embraced by the night, making it impossible to see its true appearance.

The flickering candlelight cast mottled shadows, adding a touch of mystery and uneasiness to the room.

The air in the room seemed to freeze, with only the occasional crackling of candlelight.
Breaking the silence, making people's heart beat faster involuntarily.

The figure quickly walked to the armchair, knelt on one knee, and said in a low voice:
"My lord, the defense is so tight that we can't attack."

"Got it." A clear and somewhat low voice came from above.

The figure's head drooped even lower.

"Sir, I will send someone to investigate tomorrow, and I will definitely find an opportunity."

The room fell into silence. After an unknown amount of time, a voice was heard again:

"Miao Hong, one should not be carried away by success.

Even if you run a brothel, don't underestimate the people in the world.

Don't send any more people, and don't arrange for anyone to monitor him, just let him be."

"Yes!"

Miao Hong's eyes flashed with reluctance, and he gritted his teeth fiercely:

"Sir, the Dali Prefecture has suffered heavy losses. I would be ungentlemanly if I don't take revenge!"

"enough!"

The figure on the armchair suddenly burst into aura, and his breathing became a little rapid:

"I am more heartbroken than anyone else about their death.

But... the situation was such that they had to give up, and they did a good job.

You must comfort their families and don't be stingy with the money.

Those in their family who are officials should prepare for promotion."

Miao Hong's breathing became a little rapid, and he lowered his head:
"Yes!"

"Okay, release all the women you found.
When you come into contact with them, don't show your true colors, and don't be afraid to use some clichéd tactics."

"Yes, please rest assured,
I have already prepared ten beauties from all over the world.

They are all virgins, and have been trained for many years just for today. For you, I will do anything for you!"

"Haha, good, you will not be missing out on wealth and glory."

　Thank you all for your support!

　　I have a good news for you all. The author is getting married soon and may be busy with wedding matters recently.

　　I will rush home tomorrow and update one chapter first.

　　As for the follow-up, I will go back and study it in depth. It's my first marriage, so I have some inexperience.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)