Chapter 4, Joy of the Past

As soon as Xiao Sanzai left, Lu Ming immediately took his leave from the three scholars. He turned around and hurried home with He Ying. For a while, neither of them spoke. After some time, while walking quickly, He Ying asked, "Lu Dage, what urgent matter do you think Father has to find me for?"

She couldn't help but feel a deep resentment towards this wicked feudal society: there are so many restrictions placed on women, with prohibitions on this and that. It is already difficult to step outside, and yet one is watched so closely. Sigh, how wonderful it would be if I were a man!

He Ying gave him a disdainful glance and said, "What nonsense is this?" Lu Ming, seeing her lightly pouting in anger, couldn't help but be captivated by her gaze. It was only when He Ying revealed that teasing, half-smiling expression again that he felt his face flush, turning his head and softly saying, "Let's go"

Having made an agreement, the two of them stealthily looked around. Lu Ming said, "I will go out through the front door and wait for you outside the east wall in a little while." This way, they would not have to trouble themselves explaining why there was an additional young man in the residence. Therefore, He Ying had been disguised as a man, and very few people knew that the young lady of their family had this interest.

Xiao Sanzai replied and said, "Young Master Lu, you must find Miss San. Otherwise, Xiao Huan will suffer physically and mentally." Lu Ming impatiently responded, "I understand, we will be back soon."

Indeed, He Yingsheng possesses a countenance that is equally suitable for both men and women. Although only fourteen years old, she is quite tall, nearly reaching 1.7 meters. Among the young men of Jiangnan, she can be considered of average height. When dressed in women's attire, she exudes a slight air of heroism, embodying a unique and charming beauty. Coupled with her consistently calm and composed demeanor, those who have encountered her unanimously describe her as a rare orchid in a secluded valley, blooming regardless of the absence of admirers. Having only made her official appearance twice, she has already become renowned as the most beautiful person in Nanling City.

Only five or six knights riding tall horses could be seen charging fiercely towards this direction. The leading knight, approximately eighteen or nineteen years old, had sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, making him quite handsome. However, his lips were very thin, and when he looked at others, there was a certain arrogance in his gaze, which unnecessarily marred his handsome face

At that moment, a man's voice came from behind: "Is that you, Brother Lu? Who is this?" The two turned around and saw that three young men had arrived, all dressed in scholar's robes and wearing square caps, holding folding fans in their hands, looking like scholars. The one who asked the question was the tall young man on the right with a square face, who, upon seeing the two holding hands, couldn't help but ask curiously.

He Ying thought: Brother Lu's blushing appearance is truly adorable. She smiled with her eyes curved, which made Lu Ming feel even more uncomfortable. He Ying knew he was shy, so she quickly turned her head away and looked into the distance

A few people rushed past, leaving a scene of chaos on the road. They disappeared around the corner. At this moment, Lu Ming called out, "Younger brother, let's go." He Ying responded with a sound of agreement and followed behind him as they walked forward.

Lu Ming looked at her with a mix of anger and amusement. After spending so many years together, he was well aware of every little action of He Ying.

Nanling City is a water town in the south, where transportation is well-developed and its economic strength is renowned throughout the world. At the same time, the mountains are enchanting and the waters are beautiful, giving rise to extraordinary individuals. It is widely known that Nanling City is home to many talented scholars and beautiful women. He Ying walks joyfully down the street, looking around curiously. However, one of her hands is tightly held by Lu Ming, making it difficult for her to run or jump.

At this moment, when they saw He Ying, their eyes lit up. The slender and handsome young man on the left said, "Lu, this young man is truly exceptionally handsome. He must be the younger brother you mentioned, right?"

A few people were walking at a slow pace, and just as they arrived at the entrance of the Cuihua Building, they heard a hurried shout from behind: "Young Master Lu, Young Master Lu!" Lu Ming and the others quickly turned around. They saw that it was none other than the young servant Sanzi from the He residence calling out to them.

He Ying immediately became excited upon hearing this, following a few people as she strode towards that direction. She had just seen Lu Ming's expression and knew that he was extremely reluctant to have her join. However, at this point, it was no longer up to him.

He Ying waited in place for several minutes before Lu Ming's figure finally appeared. Upon seeing her relaxed demeanor, Lu Ming glanced at the wall, then at her, and finally shook his head, saying: "Your wall-climbing skills improve day by day! Even my elder brother, who has practiced martial arts, probably cannot climb walls as well as you do"

Her agile skills remain unknown to the He family, and even Lu Ming believes that she is adept at climbing walls. Poor He Ying has diligently practiced the "Moon Lying Technique" for six years, yet until now, she has only managed to climb walls.

A few people were chatting and laughing as they walked forward. The tall young man on the right said, "Lu, I heard that today the beautiful Yuer from Cuihua Tower will be performing. We three came here for that. Come, let us go and take a look"

Xiao Sanzai did not recognize He Ying at that moment. He hurriedly ran in front of Lu Ming and exclaimed, "Young Master Lu, have you seen Miss San? The master is urgently looking for her!" He had a worried expression on his face, clearly a bit flustered

A few people were taken aback and looked up to see a group of riders galloping towards them. He Ying quickly moved aside with the others and murmured, "What is this! On such a busy road, they ride so arrogantly. Aren't they afraid of hurting someone!" She did not want to cause any trouble, so she only said this in a low voice.

Lu Ming was taken aback, glanced at He Ying, and immediately asked, "I know where the third young lady is. You go back first, and I will call her to come with me right away." Seeing that he still hesitated, he urged again, "Go!"

He Ying was overjoyed and immediately bowed, saying: "Alright, it's a deal. I will follow your orders without question"

He Ying's face flushed red; she never expected that this trivial matter would spread so quickly. At that moment, Lu Ming said, "My younger brother is being foolish. Please do not make fun of him, brothers."

He Ying glanced around and saw that no one was present, so she ran towards the east wall at the fastest speed. Before long, she arrived at the base of the east wall and assessed its height. He Ying smiled, took more than ten steps back, then accelerated forward a few times, and with a gentle leap, she jumped onto the top of the wall. After looking back and confirming that no one was there, she turned and jumped, landing lightly on the ground outside the wall.

He Ying certainly understood his predicament. She rolled her eyes, contemplating how to trick this kid into going out together. If all else fails, she would just go out to play by herself!

Dressed in men's clothing, he is an exceptionally handsome young man, exuding a natural air of pride. After walking outside a few times, he has attracted a host of romantic entanglements. However, it is Lu Ming who finds himself in a difficult position because of these entanglements. Therefore, whenever he hears He Ying is about to go out, he feels a bit of a headache.

She quietly made a face at Lu Ming, who helplessly turned to glance at her and shook his head. At that moment, urgent shouts came from ahead: "Make way! Quickly make way!"

Lu Ming closely followed her, observing her expression of excitement and wonder. His gaze softened to the point of almost dripping with tenderness, and he held her hand even tighter. He Ying suddenly tightened her grip, turning to look at Lu Ming. When their eyes met, Lu Ming blushed and said, "Don't get separated."

Lu Ming released He Ying's hand and performed a bow, saying: "I am Lu He, the younger brother. Little He, come, let me introduce you to the three brothers here." He Ying greeted each of the three. The short boy in the middle said: "Lu He? That's right, I seem to have heard your name before. It is said that not only are you talented, but at such a young age, you have already captured the hearts of many young ladies. Is that true?"

He Yingzheng was pondering when Lu Ming let out a sigh and said, "Very well, if you want me to go out with you, I will. However, you must stay behind me and refrain from speaking or acting too much in any situation"