"We made it." From the side, a voice of relief was heard.
Lu Fengmian turned to Tang Qingshan. Riding a white horse, Lu Fengmian grasped the reins in his hand with a light smile on as they traveled on the grounds of Mo Nation, having stepped down from the mountain just one week prior. Tang Qingshan was riding on a large, black war horse, with his gallant figure sitting straight and tall.
By their sides, Jiang Nianzhen and Lu Yingyue were also riding on a horse too, having spent the last few days to get use to it, they now were able to travel without many burdens.
The amount of soldiers that Tang Qingshan had brought was small, only a minor chunk from the large and loyal soldiers he had trained.
One week ago, Lu Fengmian had offered a plan to help out Tang Qingshan. It didn't take a lot of convincing before Tang Qingshan agreed and they began setting out as fast as they could. With their plans now going, Tang Qingshan had sent out news of his return to Emperor Mo Chou beforehand.
As Lu Fengmian held the reins in his hand, his other hand reached to gently comb through Bai's hair. Tang Qingshan had gifted this horse to him before they had set out. Bai was very beautiful, his whole being pale like the snow. Bai was very gentle, which was why Tang Qingshan felt that the horse suited Lu Fengmian. Being given the horse, Lu Fengmian gave him a name, Bai. It was very simple, but Lu Fengmian felt that the simple name suited this beautiful creature.
"At this rate, it seems that we will reach your cavalry soon, General." Lu Fengmian glanced towards Tang Qingshan, a light smile on his lips with fleeting eyes of light.
Tang Qingshan smiled as he heard Lu Fengmian's words and he nodded his head. "The soldiers that I've trained are situated in Wuwei. It won't take long, at the rate that we're going, even if we go slower, we should be there in two days. I only hope that we will be able to stop everything before it gets out of hand." Saying this, his hand on the reins got tighter.
"General, there is no need to worry. After all, by this time, Fan Zhongwei, your uncle, should have already received your letter. I am sure that he will be trying his best to calm the situation before your return." Lu Fengmian could tell that though Tang Qingshan didn't show much, the man was truly worried for his country and the citizens. Without knowing why, his eyes felt a sting. Was this how Xu Yongheng had felt towards his own country? Lu Fengmian blinked away the redness in his eyes as his smile got even gentler.
Tang Qingshan could tell that Lu Fengmian was trying to help him, or at least, help control the thoughts within his head. It was becoming a normal routine now. Without Lu Fengmian, Tang Qingshan didn't know what he would currently be doing or what other madness he would try to think of.
From the corner of Lu Yingyue's eyes, she watched Lu Fengmian who was chuckling, eyes switching from the chuckles of Lu Fengmian to the smiling Tang Qingshan. Her eyes clouded over, narrowing ever so lightly. The small pair of pale hands tightened around the reins of a spotted horse. She wasn't going to stop Lu Fengmian, she wasn't going to destroy what feelings her brother had. How could she possibly do that to her kind and gentle brother, the boy that she had saved and raised all these years? If anything, she would help him.
Thinking this, Lu Yingyue suddenly smiled. The image of them together was very soothing to her heart, as if they were made for one another. They suited each other, Lu Yingyue couldn't ignore this.
"You smiled." From her side, Jiang Nianzhen stared at the smile laced on her lips, lighting up her face, making her even more stunning.
Lu Yingyue glanced at Jiang Nianzhen as he said this, the smile still on her lips as she replied in turn, "This isn't the first time you've seen me smile." She tilted her head a bit, her bright eyes staring right into Jiang Nianzhen's.
Jiang Nianzhen couldn't help the smile that blossomed on his lips. Eyes darting back and forth, in a tone of warmth, he said, "It isn't, but this time, your smile feels different. It feels true and honest."
Hearing this, Lu Yingyue didn't know what to say when she saw his eyes that were filled with adoration. She opened her mouth, closing it before she finally whispered, "You must be jesting with me. If what you have said is correct, then what about you, Young Master Jiang?"
"I am the same as you. Whatever you feel, it is how I also feel in turn." It was words layered with confusion, hiding the true intent of his words. Jiang Nianzhen glanced at the woman who no longer wore her cloak, wearing a white dress that made it easier for her to move. Her rosy cheeks brought about a tender feeling in his heart as they rode side by side.
Lu Yingyue knew that Jiang Nianzhen wasn't going to say anything so she didn't make him. Yet, her smile seemed to be getting even brighter under the eyes of Jiang Nianzhen.
The sun was starting to set. At most, they would be able to make it into a near forest by Zhangye. Since there weren't many people who lived out in such deserted areas, Tang Qingshan didn't have to worry about disturbing anyone.
The sun was quickly setting. Lu Fengmian stared as they finally entered a forest, deep and filled with many trees. Although, it seemed like many soldiers had made their way through this particular forest as there were many human and horse prints.
"We will settle here for the night. There is also a small waterfall near here and some fruits in this forest. Hou Li, lead some soldiers to try and capture some animals. the rest of the soldiers will begin to make a fire and set up a place to sleep." Tang Qingshan jumped off his horse, and gave out orders right away. Under his orders, by the time the sun completely set and the darkness came, everything was already ready.
Fires had been set, sleeping places were arranged, and Hou Li and the other soldiers had returned with their meal for the night.
Without further information, Lu Yingyue had took off her dagger and began cutting the boar that had been brought back. Lu Fengmian took out the arrow and handed it back to Hou Li before returning to help Lu Yingyue.
As the moon began to show clearly, the fires were all set. The smell of barbecue drifted in the air as the noises of chattering were heard in the deep forest.
As everyone ate, the soldiers were all rowdy with their clear day of rest. For the past days, they had been traveling with barely any rest. Now, they were finally able to rest.
Lu Fengmian had finished eating. While watching everyone, he gently combed through Bai's mane, gently petting the horse. Bai leaned into his hand, and Lu Fengmian smiled gently. Actually, he had always wanted a horse in his world, but as he was so busy then, he decided against it. Now, that wish was fulfilled by Tang Qingshan.
Lu Fengmian stared at Tang Qingshan who sat with Jiang Nianzhen, Hou Li, and Qi Yue as they spoke about the war. Lu Yingyue was also there, but she sat quietly observing them, waiting to input some minor details.
Lu Fengmian knew that this discussion was not going to be finished soon so he grabbed his bag of clothes. He needed to clean himself, riding under the sun was making him feel dirty. Tang Qingshan had said that there was a small waterfall near here, so while everyone was still busy, Lu Fengmian decided to sneak away for a bit.
Grabbing his bag, Lu Fengmian turned away into the forest. He could hear the sound of the waterfall and so he had a guess of where it was. Walking into the forest, although it was night now, the light from the moon helped him make his way towards the waterfall. It also helped that his senses were also raised as a fox demon.
Lu Fengmian reached the waterfall in less then five minutes and he scanned around to make sure that no one was near. As soon as he was sure that it was just him, he put his bag down onto a near flat rock by the water. After this, he began taking off the dark robe that he wore, folding it as he put it back onto the box. Lu Fengmian debated if he should leave the thin inner robe that he had on, but after thinking that it was still dirty, he slowly took it off.
With his bare body in the open, Lu Fengmian felt the wind brush against his skin. Slowly, he began stepping into the clean water, his long hair dripping into the water fully as he dunked himself in. In this time, there wasn't any soap or such, hence, the only thing Lu Fengmian could do was wash his body with water.
From far away, Lu Fengmian looked like a fairy bathing. After all, his facial features were too outstanding, beautiful and ethereal, he could rival the beauty of a goddess'.
It was exactly this image that Tang Qingshan saw as he walked out of the forest. Seeing Lu Fengmian like this, he was at a lost for words, almost feeling like he shouldn't be seeing this. He was a bit startled, but Tang Qingshan didn't think much of it, not hiding his presence.
Lu Fengmian looked up at once, feeling a familiar presence. Seeing who it was, he calmed at once as he smiled and said, "General, have you already finished your conversation?"
Tang Qingshan nodded his head at Lu Fengmian's words, beginning to undo his robe. Truthfully, he had left a bit earlier because he was beginning to get a headache. He had wanted to come take a bath and clean himself, but had chanced upon Lu Fengmian here too.
Lu Fengmian watched as Tang Qingshan took off his robe, but unlike him, Tang Qingshan kept his inner wear on and stepped right into the water.
Lu Fengmian didn't say anything even as he saw how Tang Qingshan's wet robe stuck to his body.
"General, are you still feeling any pain from your wound?" Lu Fengmian brought up as Tang Qingshan neared him. He watched as the man turned towards him, his features hard under the moonlight.
"I haven't been feeling any pain. I don't think anything will happen, it feels like the medicine you've given me is enough already. In fact, because of you, I healed faster than normal." Saying this, Tang Qingshan looked up to see Lu Fengmian's gentle smile, his heart suddenly wavering.
Lu Fengmian paused for a moment before he suddenly said, "General, I hope that you won't be too worried about everything at the moment. Although there is unrest, the Mo Nation will not crumble so easily."
Hearing this, Tang Qingshan's eyes that were beginning to look away returned. He looked at the earnest expression on Lu Fengmian's face before asking, "Fengmian, why do you still keep addressing me as General?"
Hearing this, Lu Fengmian showed a bit of surprise on his face that glossed his eyes. He bit his lips, not knowing what to say but as Tang Qingshan continued to stare, he finally let out a small whisper, "General, no matter what, you are still a high-ranking official. Even the Emperor treats you with respect. Others may misunderstand if I address you without your due respect."
Hearing this, Tang Qingshan tilted his head, a bit confused. While he had known that Lu Fengmian was rather strict with himself, even if it was over something as simple as this, he hadn't thought that the man had such deep thoughts. Unable to help it, his lips curved into a smile unlike his demeanor. "Fengmian, please don't worry about such things. Simply address me by my name."
Lu Fengmian's smile got bigger as he nodded his head. "Then, I shall address you as Qingshan from now on."
Tang Qingshan nodded his head with Lu Fengmian's words, seeing that the man had finally agreed to his words. Seeing that it was rather late now, Tang Qingshan began walking out, his wet robe sticking to his body.
Lu Fengmian, who saw this, kept his face neutral. But then, he slowly stood up too, following behind Tang Qingshan. Well, it wasn't like he had anything to be shy about.
Tang Qingshan couldn't help but stare at Lu Fengmian as the man walked past him with a graceful walk. The man didn't seem to care, he simply grabbed his robes and dressed himself quickly. Tang Qingshan also did the same.
Lu Fengmian, who had finished dressing himself, grabbed his bag as he turned around. On his face, a small smile was evident, his eyes softly glowing as the moon shone on his face. "Well then, Qingshan, let's go back."
Tang Qingshan let out a small chuckle, a deep sound vibrating from his throat. "En, alright."
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"At this point, Zhu Luishui already thinks that everything is Baicheng's fault. Even Fei Shang doesn't know that we had intervened. After all, in their eyes, Baicheng has done everything. Even if we push Fei Qianchi into killing himself, no one will ever know. They will all simply blame Baicheng. In their eyes, everything is Baicheng's doing."
"Fei Qianchi! You've already killed everyone. To atone for your sins, what will you give up now?"
"Well, Zhu Luishui won't care no matter what I say. Xue Lu, there is no need to tell anyone. Since I've already killed his brother, I might as will carry the weight of killing Qianchi too."
"The one we need to kill is Xue Lu. He is the one following Baicheng's orders faithfully."
"I've gotten revenge, I've took back everything that was mine. I've killed those who I thought needed to be ridden of. Yet, why is it that I am still not at peace?"
"Luishui, I come in peace. Baicheng wants to make a deal with you."
"Isn't it funny? They're all at each other's throat, fighting and killing one another. At this point, they're too blinded to even seek the truth. This is why they're like little puppets under my control. Humans are such creatures. Compared to me, they will always lose..."
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