Chapter 65: Embarking on a Journey
Just as Lin Tianlu was about to decline the proposals, everyone at the gate suddenly clutched their stomachs, their faces contorting in pain as a chorus of rumbling sounds filled the air.
“…”
The once boisterous crowd fell silent.
Their expressions turned pale, and after a moment of awkward silence, they apologized profusely.
Before Lin Tianlu could even respond, they fled in panic, their speed rivaling that of Olympic sprinters. Even the seemingly delicate young ladies ran with surprising agility.
The street, which had been crowded just moments ago, was now deserted.
Lin Tianlu stared after them, dumbfounded.
Especially that frail-looking woman who had just sprinted away like a champion…
“Appearances can be deceiving.”
Meanwhile, Mao Ruoyu arrived at the gate, glancing at the retreating figures with a frown.
Lin Tianlu turned to her, a chuckle escaping his lips.
“Was that your doing, Madam Mao?”
“Forgive me, Sir. I didn’t mention before…”
“I know you’re skilled in Yin techniques, Madam. But are they alright?”
“They were disturbing your peace, Sir. I just gave them a little lesson. They’ll recover soon.”
Mao Ruoyu looked around the courtyard curiously. “Miss Hua isn’t practicing her swordsmanship today?”
If Hua Shuya had been present, those people wouldn’t have been so bold as to come here with their marriage proposals.
“She heard that we’re leaving today, so she went to the market to buy supplies.”
Mao Ruoyu’s expression faltered.
She lowered her eyes and sighed softly. “So you’re really going to Fuyang Prefecture?”
“I’ll be back soon.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “Your cooking has spoiled me, Madam Mao. I wouldn’t be able to handle a month away from it.”
“You flatter me, Sir.” Mao Ruoyu blushed. “Have you told Miss Cheng?”
“Miss Cheng knew about it a long time ago.”
Lin Tianlu nodded slightly. “She even arranged the carriage for us.”
Mao Ruoyu was surprised, but she quickly chuckled softly. “Miss Cheng will probably regret letting you slip away for half a month, Sir.
Well, I’ll go and get something for you as a farewell gift. It’s just a simple embroidered pouch I made, but it might be useful on your journey.”
…
It was noon.
Lin Tianlu had packed his bags and was waiting outside with Mao Ruoyu.
At that moment, three carriages arrived at the gate. A young girl with braided hair and a delicate, youthful face, about fourteen or fifteen years old, stepped out.
Lin Tianlu recognized her.
He had met this girl when he dropped Cheng Yishi off at the Cheng residence a few mornings ago. She was Cheng Yishi’s personal maid, attending to her needs.
The girl’s eyes lit up as she hurried towards Lin Tianlu and bowed.
“Master, the carriages are ready.”
“…”
Mao Ruoyu’s expression turned strange.
“Ah! Forgive my slip of the tongue, Sir.” The maid quickly covered her mouth. “Mr. Lin, please allow me to carry your luggage to the carriage.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly and handed her his bags.
Watching the girl rush back to the carriage, Mao Ruoyu teased, “That Cheng girl is quite clever.”
“She must be close to Miss Cheng.”
Lin Tianlu turned and called out towards the house,
“Miss Hua, are you ready?”
“Coming!”
Hua Shuya emerged from the house, carrying her sword and a bag, her hair slightly disheveled as she adjusted it.
She was now dressed in her traveling attire, the same outfit she had worn when they first met, her appearance heroic and capable.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Senior. I was just…”
“It’s alright. It takes time for a woman to prepare.”
Lin Tianlu looked at the empty courtyard, a hint of melancholy in his voice.
“I’ve grown attached to this place after living here for half a month.”
He glanced at the familiar courtyard, his eyes lingering on the locust tree.
“Remember to watch over the house. Don’t let any thieves steal anything.”
The Locust Sword within the tree trembled slightly, as if understanding his words.
Lin Tianlu smiled in satisfaction and closed the gate, handing the key to Mao Ruoyu.
“Take care of yourself, Madam Mao. I’ll see you in half a month.”
Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya boarded the carriage and waved goodbye. “I’ll bring you back some gifts.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “Have a safe journey.”
She stood at the gate, watching as the carriage disappeared into the distance.
When it was out of sight, she clutched the key tightly, a soft smile on her lips. “May the wind be at your back.”
…
The carriage journeyed smoothly, attracting no attention.
People on the streets continued with their lives, vendors hawking their wares, customers haggling in shops, a tapestry of everyday life unfolding before them.
Lin Tianlu looked out the window and noticed a familiar child with braided hair diligently wiping tables inside a medicine shop.
An elderly man was smiling and talking to him, handing him a cup of tea.
Suddenly, as if sensing something, the boy turned his head and looked towards the street.
He rushed outside, but he could only watch as the carriage disappeared into the distance, a look of disappointment on his face. “Sir…”
“Xueshan, was there someone you knew in that carriage?”
“…Yes.”
The child, Xueshan, nodded softly. “That man saved me. He’s my benefactor.”
The old doctor chuckled and stroked his beard. “Then you must learn your skills well, so you can repay his kindness someday.
The most important thing in life is these precious connections. If you don’t even know gratitude, you’re no different from a heartless beast. No matter how much wealth or status you have, the stain of ingratitude will follow you forever.”
“I understand!”
Xueshan clenched his fists, his spirits lifted.
…
At the gate of Changling County…
The carriage came to a stop. The Cheng family maid turned to Lin Tianlu and said, “Sir, there’s someone here to see you.”
“To see me?”
Lin Tianlu quickly stepped out of the carriage and saw a dignified middle-aged man standing before him. He approached and bowed. “May I ask who you are, Sir?”
“I am Tang Haifeng, the county magistrate of Changling. Greetings, Master Lin.”
Tang Haifeng bowed deeply.
The county magistrate?
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
“Why are you here, Magistrate?”
“I heard that Miss Hua was leaving on urgent business, so I assumed you might be leaving the county as well, Master Lin.”
Tang Haifeng bowed respectfully. “On behalf of the people of Changling County, I would like to thank you for your contributions these past few days. Especially your heroic act of slaying the demon last night. I’m truly impressed!”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “There’s no need for such praise, Magistrate Tang. I was just doing my duty.”
“You’re too kind, Sir.” Tang Haifeng hesitated for a moment. “I’ve prepared some silver and silk…”
“Please give it to Madam Mao, my neighbor. She can use it.”
“Don’t worry, Master Lin. We’ll make sure that Madam Mao is well taken care of in Changling County.”
…
After exchanging a few pleasantries, they said goodbye.
As he watched the carriage depart, Tang Haifeng’s face was filled with admiration.
“I was intimidated by his aura when I visited his residence before. I thought he would be a stern and unapproachable man. But Master Lin is so humble and polite. I was truly worried for nothing.”
“It’s a pity that he’s leaving now…”
The officer beside him whispered, “Miss Hua said she’ll be back in half a month, Sir.”
“Really?!”
Tang Haifeng’s face lit up with joy.
“That’s wonderful! When Master Lin returns, I must visit him and ask for his guidance!”
…
The carriage slowly left the county. As night fell, they arrived at a small town.
After having dinner at an inn, Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya went upstairs to rest. They would leave Changling County tomorrow.
Naturally, they were staying in separate rooms. After saying goodnight, Lin Tianlu entered his room and unpacked his bag.
The room was dark.
A chilling aura lingered in the air.
“This isn’t even a remote area. Surely there won’t be any ghosts trying to scare me.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, shaking his head. He took off his robe and was about to light the candles.
Then, he saw a figure sitting on the bed.
“…”
Bang!
The door slammed shut, as if pushed by an unseen force.
“Giggle~”
A soft, seductive chuckle echoed in his ear, and a cold body pressed against him from behind.
Was this… The Ring?
“Mr. Lin, I’ve been waiting for you.”
Hearing the familiar voice, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle.
So it was A Chinese Ghost Story.
“Miss Cheng, what are you doing here?”
He turned around and saw Cheng Yishi standing behind him, dressed in a light-colored ruqun that accentuated her slender figure.
“I won’t be able to express my feelings for half a month, so I came to see you.”
Cheng Yishi smiled gently, her hands clasped behind her back. “I was on my way to handle some business and happened to be passing through. So I decided to visit you, Sir…”
Her eyes flashed with a red light. “And spend some quality time with you.”
As she spoke, she loosened her sash, her already loose robe slipping down her arm, revealing her delicate shoulder and collarbone. She leaned in, her face filled with a seductive charm.
But…
Lin Tianlu quickly grabbed the falling fabric and pulled it back up, adjusting her robe.
He even smoothed her hair.
“Eh?”
Cheng Yishi blinked her eyes, a puzzled look on her face.
“You were crying your eyes out, begging for mercy just a couple of days ago. Perhaps you should take better care of yourself.”
Lin Tianlu guided her to the bed and pulled a small table over, taking out a few books from his bag with a cheerful smile.
“Tonight, we’re having a book club!”
“…”
Cheng Yishi sat down, a dazed look on her face, then a blush crept onto her cheeks as she recalled the exhilarating experience from two nights ago.
“W-well, if that’s what you want, Sir… I’ll join you.”
She leaned against him shyly, her heart pounding.
Although her eyes were on the book, her mind was racing, filled with romantic fantasies.
She bit her lip and rested her head on his shoulder.
Lin Tianlu was startled, but he didn’t push her away. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and they began discussing the book, their voices filled with laughter.
They were having a great time finding plot holes and inconsistencies in the story.
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