And the next one to rise—
Just thinking about this made her feel a bit more relaxed, yet within that relaxation, there was an indescribable tension slowly lingering in the depths of her heart.
Yet no one spoke further; they quietly ate their als, and once dinner was finished, the sky had completely darkened. Everybody quickly rested. With only two days’ journey ahead, they didn’t bring tents, rely laying waterproof mats on the ground and lying down still in their clothes. Shang Ruyi seldom slept so exposed, but she didn’t complain. Instead, the chirp of insects in the surrounding grass lulled her to sleep.
As she lay with her head tilted back, her blurry vision gazing at the magnificent stars above, she was almost asleep when a light suddenly flashed across her eyes, like a teor streaking through her mind.
"...Hmm?"
Shang Ruyi suddenly opened her eyes, looking upwards.
Among the pitch-black skies, countless brilliant stars continued to twinkle, and that flash of light seed to be a re illusion, leaving no trace in the starry sky.
Yet it left a mysterious doubt in her mind—
Were those villagers really fleeing due to the chaos of war?
|
No matter the thoughts, the night quietly passed by.
The next morning, they all rose early to pack up their camp, had a simple breakfast, and continued along the road eastward. By noon, as the sun shone brightly, they finally saw the vast silhouette of Daxing City outlined by the sunlight far on the horizon.
Upon seeing the shadow of the city gate, Shang Ruyi felt a mix of relief and unease surging up within her.
Before she could say anything, a cheer sounded from behind—
"Wow, we’re back!"
Turning around, she saw it was Shantong’er, grinning widely and waving constantly toward the majestic city gates ahead. Beside him stood Shen Tu Tai, much larger than Shantong’er, also smiling. Yet on his fierce, tiger-like face, he now showed a hint of bewildernt.
Shang Ruyi rembered that Shen Tu Tai once served in Daxing City.
Unable to tolerate his superior’s corruption, he accidentally killed him before becoming a bandit. Now, having co full circle, he returned to his original place; the absurdity and helplessness of it all must be felt by anyone.
But isn’t life just such an absurd yet helpless circle?
Thinking this, Shang Ruyi let out a long sigh.
Imdiately, Yu Wenye’s voice sounded beside her: "Why are you sighing?"
Shang Ruyi turned to look at him and smiled: "Who’s sighing? I just feel relieved."
"Relieved? Relieved about what?"
"Did you forget what Father said when we set out this ti?"
"...?"
Yu Wenye paused, clearly unable to recall. Shang Ruyi imdiately laughed and said, "The day before we left, Father said he entrusted Fufeng to you but entrusted you to ."
"..."
"Now, the two of us can be considered to have returned triumphantly."
"..."
"I finally didn’t break my promise to Father."
She spoke happily, her smile radiant under the sun, more cheerful than ever. Yet, Yu Wenye looked at her, and a faint shadow suddenly crossed his eyes.
He paused, saying, "Yes, you are still Duke Sheng’s—good daughter-in-law."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi was startled, looking at him.
Yu Wenye’s words, why are they so indifferent?
Just as she turned to look at Yu Wenye in surprise, hoping to discern sothing from his expressionless face, Yu Wenye suddenly frowned, craning his neck to look ahead as if intently focused on sothing far away.
Shang Ruyi instinctively asked, "What’s wrong?"
Yu Wenye replied, "Who’s up ahead?"
"Uh?"
Shang Ruyi following his gaze, saw that this road no longer twisted among the surrounding woods and grass but stretched straight toward the horizon where Daxing City lay like a giant reclining lion. Nearing the city gate, due to a roadside pavilion offering rest, the straight path curved slightly.
And at that curve stood two figures.
Though distant, even from afar, one could sense their elegance and uprightness. Looking at them, it seed they were also peering, as if watching them.
Could it be that soone was there to greet them?
Though the news of their return from Fufeng to the capital should have reached Daxing City, the court’s welco was likely within the gates, and the presence of only two people seed to be for a personal reception.
They instinctively urged their horses, speed increasing with each mont. After what seed like the ti taken to burn an incense stick, they were nearing closer, and as the other figures also eagerly took steps forward, Shang Ruyi suddenly widened her eyes in surprise and exclaid, "Brother!"
"...!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenye’s brow furrowed.
By this ti, he too vaguely recognized the tall, graceful figure standing on the left, exuding a refined air even in silhouette—none other than Shang Ruyi’s cousin—Shen Wuzheng!
During their expedition, without deliberate intent, they hadn’t notified him, especially since Shen Wuzheng held no official title, making it impossible for him to have followed them to Fufeng.
Yet upon their imdiate return, he was already outside the city waiting.
Just catching sight of him, finding joy even from afar, Shang Ruyi cheerfully said, "Wonderful! I didn’t expect my brother to co pick up."
Yu Wenye softly uttered, "Uh."
But in the next mont, his brows furrowed even tighter.
Because he saw beside Shen Wuzheng, the familiar silhouette of another tall, graceful figure, presenting an outline he knew all too well under the sunlight.
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