Chapter 160: Journey to the Lunar Valley
Seeing the two women whispering to each other, Lin Tianlu casually took a bite of fruit.
It seemed wise to stay silent for now.
“Tianlu, cherish these women.”
Yun Yue jumped onto his shoulder, her voice lazy as she curled up. “They truly care for you. Don’t take their feelings for granted.”
“I understand.”
Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly. “I’m fortunate to have their love and support. I won’t mistreat them.”
Yun Yue smiled faintly and closed her eyes…
…drifting off to sleep again.
…
The next morning…
Hua Shuya was ready to depart, her backpack and sword strapped on as she waited in the courtyard, helping Lin Tianlu carry the gifts.
Although Mao Ruoyu insisted that there was no need for such formalities, they were going to the Lunar Valley, the place where she had been raised.
In Lin Tianlu’s opinion, it was important to show respect and courtesy, especially in this ancient and tradition-bound era. He had gone shopping the previous day and carefully wrapped up some precious herbs, fabrics, and jewelry as gifts.
…
Mao Ruoyu and Cheng Yishi were talking quietly outside the courtyard.
“Miss Cheng, I apologize for dragging Sir into my personal matters.”
“I would complain, but this concerns your health, Madam. It can’t be delayed.”
Cheng Yishi sighed softly. “I’m not a child who throws tantrums. Waiting for you for a few weeks is no problem.”
Mao Ruoyu felt a pang of guilt and was about to offer some words of comfort when Cheng Yishi suddenly fixed her gaze on her ample bosom, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Although I can’t see anything wrong with your… assets, they seem perfectly fine to me.”
“I-it’s my internal…”
“Hmph~ Could it be that you’re too greedy and indulgent?”
Seeing her blushing face, Cheng Yishi poked her playfully. “Miss Hua is coming with us. Don’t be too obvious with your… affections, Madam. It might make her uncomfortable.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed furiously and grabbed Cheng Yishi’s hand. “I understand, Miss Cheng. Miss Hua is pure and innocent. I wouldn’t do anything inappropriate.
And after our trip to the Lunar Valley, we’ll return to Changling immediately. Sir can spend some quality time with you.”
“Th-there’s no need for special treatment.”
Cheng Yishi coughed lightly, trying to maintain her composure. “You should be more concerned about how to take care of Lin Lang during this trip. If something dangerous happens…”
She took a deep breath, her gaze serious. “All three of you must return safely.”
Mao Ruoyu was taken aback, then she smiled gently and took Cheng Yishi’s hands. “You’re truly kind, Miss Cheng.”
“…I wouldn’t mind if you suffered a little during the trip.”
Cheng Yishi rolled her eyes.
Mao Ruoyu chuckled, her eyes sparkling with joy.
Her relationship with Cheng Yishi had improved significantly. She could sense that Cheng Yishi was gradually letting go of her reservations and hostility.
Although they still bickered occasionally, it was nice to be able to talk to her like a sister.
“Alright, we’re ready.”
Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya emerged from the courtyard.
Cheng Yishi curtsied gracefully. “Have a safe journey, Sir. Take care of yourself.”
“You too, Yishi.”
Lin Tianlu sighed softly and embraced her, whispering, “When we return, we’ll celebrate properly.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Cheng Yishi blushed, her voice soft. “But for now, Sir, please focus on Madam Mao. She’s a bit reserved, but she’s quite… passionate. She might not say it, but you need to satisfy her, don’t neglect her.”
“Yishi…”
“I might be jealous, but I’m also very patient.”
She stood on tiptoe and whispered with a mischievous smile, “Make her cry and beg for mercy a few times, and I’ll be satisfied~”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly.
This girl was quite “wicked.”
“But as for that fox hiding in the carriage—”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes sparkled with a strange light. “Lin Lang, you need to control yourself.”
Lin Tianlu froze.
Seeing his awkward expression, Cheng Yishi giggled, her beautiful red eyes gleaming. She nibbled his ear playfully. “If you can keep her in check, then I might be willing to… hehe~”
She smiled mysteriously, her intentions unclear.
…
After exchanging farewells, Lin Tianlu and the others boarded the carriage.
Cheng Yishi waved goodbye, watching as the carriage disappeared into the distance. She chuckled self-deprecatingly.
She had stood here, bidding farewell, so many times now.
“All the women involved with Sir have extraordinary backgrounds. There’s always trouble.”
She turned to look at the empty courtyard, then glanced towards a nearby street corner.
“—Who’s there?!”
She shouted coldly, her red eyes flashing with a menacing light.
But to her surprise…
A woman holding an umbrella emerged from the shadows. Her loose robe, revealing her shoulders, swayed gently in the breeze, her face hidden behind a veil. Her aura was mysterious and alluring.
“Who are you?”
“My name is Yang Chanzhen.”
The woman with the umbrella said softly, “I’m here for Lin Tianlu.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes narrowed. “What’s your purpose?”
“I wanted to talk to him, but I’m not ready yet. So I’m staying here for now.”
Yang Chanzhen took a step forward, her movements graceful. “He’s away on business today, so I’m here to protect you.”
“Protect… me?”
Cheng Yishi was surprised, but her expression remained cold.
“Changling County is becoming quite famous. It might attract unwanted attention.” Yang Chanzhen said calmly. “And you are Lin Tianlu’s wife. It’s my duty to ensure your safety.”
“Why?”
Cheng Yishi was confused, and she discreetly placed her hand behind her back, ready to defend herself.
“Why… ?”
But Yang Chanzhen seemed confused as well.
She shook her head. “I don’t know why. I just felt compelled to do this, so I came to see you.”
—This was truly strange.
“What’s your relationship with Master Lin?”
“We don’t have a relationship. We’ve only met a few times.”
“…Alright!”
Seeing Yang Chanzhen approaching, Cheng Yishi’s eyes flashed. She reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Yang Chanzhen was surprised, but she didn’t resist.
“Hmm?”
Cheng Yishi pulled her into the courtyard.
Yang Chanzhen murmured, “Miss Cheng, why are you…”
“You don’t have any malicious intent?”
Cheng Yishi looked at the locust tree, her expression surprised.
The locust sword trembled slightly, as if in response.
During her stay here, she had learned, like Mao Ruoyu, that the sword possessed a strange power. It would unsheath itself and attack anyone with ill intentions. But now, it remained sheathed.
Yang Chanzhen looked at the locust sword curiously.
She could sense its power, but…
Her eyes flickered, and she looked at the hand holding her wrist, her expression filled with shock.
“This aura… It’s you?!”
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