Chapter 6

Even with dependence, respect, and even admiration, there remains a barrier.

How could I have abandoned such a comfortable and leisurely life in the governor's residence? I actually just threw it away! I feel like giving myself a couple of hard slaps. Xiaoxiang, tell me, what exactly are you doing this for? Selfless dedication, sacrificing for love, is that really you? What is the point of pursuing nobility, what is the value of integrity? Are those things meant for you to touch? Is it, is it, is it?

"Well done, two cents." The vendor wrapped the white buns in oiled paper and handed them to me. I took out my money pouch, opened it, and as soon as I did, my face turned as green as if I had swallowed a toad, with only a couple of broken silver coins and three cents left.

He then slightly loosened his grip, forcibly suppressing the panic in his heart as he said to me: "I do not despise Yunxiang; I just feel that Yunxiang should know this, I..." He did not know how to continue explaining, his ears drooping, and with a hint of surrender, he pressed his face against me, reaching out to hold me tightly, as if clutching a life-saving buoy. "In the future, I will definitely accompany Yunxiang back home. Yunxiang need not be afraid."

The two guards at the gate merely cast a sideways glance at me, showing no further interest as they continued to stand upright, resembling two immovable gate deities

Faced with my bewildered inquiry, Lu Haikong was also taken aback: "Yunxiang... you left with me without knowing anything?" I pinched the bun in my hand, pouted, and said: "Well, yes, I am just so naïve and ignorant of the world. I truly apologize for knowing nothing. The scenery along the way is quite nice; once I have escorted you back, I will just leave."

This little brat pretends to be all proper during the day, but at night, his true self is revealed. No matter how strong he tries to be, he cannot erase the nightmares from his mind

Bowing my head to meet the gaze of land, sea, and air, I see the haze in his right eye. In an instant, all the regret and anger in my heart transform into a helpless smile. I am simply too kind-hearted.

Uncle patted his head and said, "I know"

This is the first time he has shed tears in front of others since the incident occurred

My savings! My capital! ... The money has just flowed away like this as I head north ... . ... My heart and lungs ache so much that I wish I could dig them out and stomp on them a few times.

Life and death hinge on the thoughts of the other party, with land, sea, and air all at stake, wagering their lives for a slim chance of survival

He held a sword in one hand and a helmet in the other, with sweat on his face mingling with dust, as if he had just rushed out after a duel with someone

I raised my eyebrows, thinking that this Uncle Lu Haikong has some skills, having trained the guards at the gate so well. I was about to speak, but was stopped by Lu Haikong. He took out something wrapped in blue cloth, tore off the cloth, and in an instant, the dazzling golden light made my eyes hurt. I then heard Lu Haikong's youthful voice, maintaining a steady demeanor, say: "The Grand Marshal of the World’s Armies has issued a military order, and to see the order is to obey it. I want to see your protector."

I must say, this child, at such a young age, certainly possesses some remarkable skills in observing others

For a moment, I felt a sense of loss in my heart, not because he had found another person to rely on, but because I suddenly realized that after Song's father had schemed against the general's family, Lu Haikong could no longer treat Song Yunxiang with the same sincerity as he did in their childhood.

It is cold in the late night, but the bed is warm

With a sigh, I reluctantly took out two coins and exchanged them for four steamed buns filled with white flour

My sarcastic remark is still too heavy for him

I hurriedly detained him: "You don't mean to tell me that after running so far, you came here to surrender, right? Do you think you can still step into the court's institutions? Are you looking to end your life?"

I was still pondering how long to stand in front of this chilly door when I heard the sound of hurried footsteps coming from within the gate. The sound resembled that of someone wearing armor. Before long, the guard who had entered earlier came out, followed by a man dressed in light iron-gray armor. He was handsome, bearing a resemblance to Lu Haikong's father in his youth. I suppose this must be the 'uncle' that Lu Haikong mentioned.

I do not know what kind of role I have played in the hearts of land, sea, and air at this moment, but I know that this child is not as calm as he has appeared throughout this journey. As long as the right place is found, a single word can shatter all his defenses and strength.

These two slaps startled me, fearing that Lu, Hai, and Kong would be beaten to the point of spitting blood

I focused intently on Lu Haikong's expression, not expecting that his eyes had turned a deep red, with bright tears swirling in them, refusing to fall easily. He almost gritted his teeth and said: "Not tired. It's just that my father... my parents..."

Just like the way he looked when he was awkwardly stuck that night

The guard at the gate changed his expression upon seeing the general's order, and the two exchanged a glance. One of them quickly stepped into the residence, while the other clasped his fists and knelt on one knee: "I have met the general. I beg your pardon for my negligence."

This child is strong yet fragile, intelligent yet extremely sensitive

After escaping the capital, Lu Haikong was never at ease while sleeping, often kicking about wildly as if having a fit. I held his legs down, only releasing my grip slightly once he stopped struggling desperately. The moonlight streamed through the inn's window, and in the bright glow, I saw layers of cold sweat on Lu Haikong's forehead

I turned my head to look at Lu Haikong, and I realized that the reason you cover your chest while sleeping every day is because of this! ... Speaking of which ... ... Is he afraid that I would go crazy with poverty and take this gold medal to pawn it since he didn't tell me he was hiding such an important thing on him ... ...

Lu Haikong, still a bit younger, immediately panicked upon hearing my words. He hurriedly embraced my arm, holding it tightly in his embrace, nervously staring at me, his lips trembling, yet he could not utter a single word

Lu Haikong fixed his gaze on the light-armored man on the steps of the Protectorate, his eyes filled with heaviness. I was puzzled; having come to seek refuge with relatives, why did he not rush forward to embrace his kin and act a little spoiled?

The future life is settled, I thought with relief, and I walked confidently towards the front gate. Lu, Hai, and Kong tried to pull me back but failed, so they hurriedly rummaged through their pockets. I stood at the door, hands on my hips, striking a pose like a young lady of the mansion, and said: "Hey, I called you all out."

"Uncle." Lu Haikong called out just once and then fell silent. I only felt a tightness in my sleeve; when I looked down, I saw that Lu Haikong was gripping my sleeve tightly, so nervous that he didn't even dare to move a bit.

The next morning, when I woke up, Lu, Hai, and Kong were already awake in my arms, looking at me. I yawned and said, "Why didn't you wake me up?"

It turns out that he came to seek refuge with a relative! Moreover, this relative holds a significant position, being the Protector-General of the Great West, governing a region on his own, with the entire northwest under his jurisdiction

Now he is to meet an uncle he has never seen before, knowing nothing about the other party, yet he must rely entirely on this person for his future fate. If the uncle were to casually say, "Arrest him," we would have no choice but to obediently wait to be sent back to the capital.

Holding my two small hands slightly stiffened, he buried his face deeper into my embrace: "Yes, Yunxiang will live a life free from worries about food and clothing, no longer having to wander aimlessly. It will be soon."

As the land, sea, and air close their eyes, tears inevitably stream down the cheeks in a steady flow.

The air had been silent for a long time, until it was finally broken by my uncle: "Land, sea, and air." His deep voice called out, carrying a huskiness and maturity not found among the young masters of the capital, infused with the manly spirit that made my ears perk up and my eyes brighten...

It has been reported.

I had tossed myself back and forth in my inner world hundreds of times, only to come to my senses at the sound of the vendor's inquiry: "Miss, two cents."

"If the heart is as vast as the sea, let the gaze reach the boundless sky. Your elder brother has given you a good name." Uncle laughed heartily, strode down the steps, embraced Lu Haikong with one hand, and patted his back vigorously: "Good child, you must be exhausted from this journey"

Luhai Kong felt helpless: "Yunxiang, my uncle is here."

As soon as he said this, I immediately felt a sense of melancholy...! ... After all, I was living that kind of life!

As Lu, Hai, and Kong walked along while munching on steamed buns, I asked, "Kid, we are almost in the territory of the northern region, where are we heading north to?"

He replied softly: "If you do not sleep well at night, I want you to sleep a little longer during the day"

I opened my mouth wide, slightly stiffening, unable to finish the half yawn that remained. This child knows better than anyone else.

Upon careful consideration, it is likely that the news of our escape from the capital has already spread throughout the vast lands of the south and north. Although the court does not speak of it openly, they must certainly be seeking to apprehend the two of us in secret, especially here in the northern frontier, as the officials of the court can surely anticipate that Lu Haikong will head north. Lu Haikong must also be aware of his predicament, yet he cannot refrain from coming, for this is the only place he can come to

I was awakened by a kick from land, sea, and air. Looking at the people around me who were struggling incessantly, I sighed, "Here it comes again..."

The inexplicable discomfort in his heart resurfaced, a choice between life and death, seeking a glimmer of hope in the crevice. He exhausted all his current wisdom and courage to gamble for a tomorrow. I held his tightly clenched fist and silently gazed at the man on the steps with him

In order to ensure a good night's sleep in the early hours of the morning, I held him in my arms, gently stroking his head, repeatedly whispering comforting words in his ear like a lullaby: "It's alright, it's alright"

You foolish boy, I have never been afraid from the heavenly realm to the underworld and then to the human world, so why should I fear this little journey? It is too easy to deceive. I muttered to myself, reaching out to push away Lu Haikong's head: "Don't rub your greasy mouth all over me after eating the bun, you'll get oil all over me. It's cold in the northern regions, and cotton clothes are expensive; where are we going to change them?"

At the street vendor, I said, "Give me four buns"

Three days later, we arrived at the largest town on the frontier, Luliang City, which is also the largest military fortress in the region. After entering the city, as usual, I was about to look for an inn to stay, but Lu Haikong was pulling my hand, asking people along the way, and we found the Great Western Protectorate in the city.

After looking at him for a while, I reached out with my other hand and touched his head: "Just kidding, it's so far from the northern border, I would be scared to go back alone."

Where is the protector?