Chapter 7

On this day, I returned to the Protectorate as usual, only after the sun had set in the west. However, as soon as I approached the main gate, I was taken aback. Although there were no unnecessary items displayed in front of the Protectorate, the continuous flow of people reminded me that today was indeed an extraordinary day

Lan Xiang only said: "If you want wine, go to the cellar and fetch it yourself"

That night, Lu Haikong and his uncle Lu Lan talked by candlelight in the house for the entire night. I returned to my room and carefully groomed myself, enjoying the most restful sleep I had experienced in recent days

I was feeling quite troubled, and upon hearing these words, I became immediately enraged: "If you forcibly take me back today, I will tell my father that you have violated me, that you torment me daily and humiliate me. As long as I remain conscious for even a single day, I will ensure that you will not have a moment of peace!"

I am still clear-headed, aware that Lan Xiang is angrily hitting me, yet my body is not entirely under my control. I suddenly miss that immortal body with a few hundred years of minor cultivation, how useful it was to have a physique that could withstand a thousand cups without getting drunk

Lu Haikong was taken aback, turning his head in shock: "Yunxiang ... ... "

When I arrived at the tavern, Lanxiang was closing up. Seeing me return, she curiously asked, "Why are you back again?"

These two friends, one a scholar and the other a warrior, have long been under the patronage of Master Song, serving as his guests for many years. The martial one, Hei Wu, is responsible for handling practical matters for Master Song, while the scholarly one, Qingshanzi, with a cunning mind, devises strategies for Master Song and eliminates political rivals. It is quite possible that five years ago, when the Lu, Hai, and Kong families were eradicated, he also contributed significantly to that effort

I fell in love with a tavern named Chenxiang in the city of Luliang. The tavern keeper, a beautiful widow named Lanxiang, possesses a pair of magical hands. The wine she brews is more delicious than any I have purchased in the heavenly realm. Of course, it may also be because I had too little silver at that time, which prevented me from buying the fine wines of the heavenly realm

On the second day, Lu Lan, the uncle of Lu Haikong, placed the military supervisor sent by the court under house arrest, proclaiming the slogan of "Eliminate the traitors and restore the rightful ruler," and publicly raised the banner against the new emperor, garnering followers in the south as well. From that moment on, Lu Haikong devoted himself entirely to the cause of revenge, the little child lost his smile, spending his days with a serious expression studying and practicing martial arts, following closely behind his uncle.

Qingshanzi sighed and said: "Miss has been away for a long time, and I am unaware of the situation of the Prime Minister. Due to the Miss's departure, the Prime Minister has been questioned by the Emperor many times. Now that war is about to break out, the Emperor has no choice but to place the power of guarding the capital in the hands of the Prime Minister. However, because of the Miss... The current Emperor is very suspicious; if there is any slight deviation at this moment, the fate of the Prime Minister's residence will not be better than that of the General's residence. As a child of the family, I urge you to consider the Prime Minister's position more carefully. Returning to the capital now to marry the Third Prince... The current Emperor is very suspicious; if there is any slight deviation at this moment, the fate of the Prime Minister's residence will not be better than that of the General's residence. As a child of the family, I urge you to consider the Prime Minister's position more carefully. Returning to the capital now to marry the Third Prince..."

Virtue! It's getting late, I will make you some tea, and you are not allowed to drink alcohol.

I do not know how long I had been drowsily resting on the table when suddenly, a voice filled with both panic and trembling called out beside me: "Yunxiang!"

Straining to open one eye, I saw Lu Haikong hastily approaching me through the tavern door: "Oh?" I sat up straight in a daze, "The little rascal has come looking for me."

I initially wanted to say to take the wine pot with me, but upon reflection, it seems that today’s land, sea, and air may not have the time to chat with me. I sighed with some emotion: "The child I raised has gone off with someone else, and I can't help but feel that fate is so ruthless that it makes me want to curse the streets"

Later on, there was not much that followed.

I spend longer hours each day at the Orchid Tavern, always returning home in a daze after drinking to the point of semi-intoxication before going to sleep

Heibing's face immediately turned pale, which reminds me that my title of "Heavenly Demon King" back in the day was not earned without reason. Qingshanzi said with a smile, "Miss, please do not be angry. We have no intention of forcing you. I hope you will think carefully and weigh the pros and cons. Regardless, the Lord is still your father who raises and protects you"

Even though I was unwilling to listen, these words still seeped into my ears. I widened my eyes in disbelief: "The third son of the usurper Duke is still alive? Isn't he an idiot! My father actually wants me to marry him? Moreover, I was betrothed to Lu Haikong..." I shook my head, "My father... he no longer loves me."

The land, sea, and air are busy day and night, with no sign of anyone.

His warning sounded as if I had already spoken. I blinked my eyes to indicate that I would be very cooperative

Heihou got up from the ground, tightly gripping my shoulder. Qingshanzi smiled and said, "The Lord said that you have played enough outside and it is time to return home. The Emperor has arranged a marriage for you, and it is with the Third Prince"

This statement struck a nerve with me. Although Song Dad has done many wrongs to others, he has never treated me poorly. I pressed my lips together and said impatiently: "Three days from now, if I wish to return with you, I will wait for you at the southern city gate. If I do not go anywhere that day, then do not wait for me; just go back and tell my father that I am unfilial."

I immediately guarded my wallet and said: "Just these two pieces, nothing more."

I must also protect you well," Lu Haikong said with a hint of pride, "I am now certain that I can protect you properly.

On the day when the first snow fell in the northern region, I went to the tavern as usual. What was strange that day was that Lanxiang refused to serve me any alcohol, which made me quite unhappy. I slammed all the loose silver coins from my pocket onto the table and exclaimed, "I have money! Look at how much money I have! Give me some alcohol!"

I do not know whether I am dreaming or if there truly is someone feeling such guilt and sorrow.

I pouted and let out a cold snort as I walked straight through the door and into the hall: "Oh, it is most difficult to compare two women in terms of good and bad. Why not bring that 'adopted daughter' out and place her beside me so we can openly compare and see who is superior?"

After the birthday of Lu Hai Kong, the atmosphere in the Celestial Empire suddenly became tense. The court could no longer turn a blind eye to the increasingly expanding northern army. It is said that the emperor has begun to mobilize troops in preparation for a northern expedition. Song Dad, as the prime minister, is guarding the capital.

I often lament: "Had I known I would encounter such a gentle and soft woman like Lanxiang, I should have resolutely chosen to be born as a man at that time."

I returned to the Protectorate early, and the guards at the gate were somewhat surprised. I said I wanted to see Lu Haikong, and the guards were even more astonished, as I rarely took the initiative to seek anyone out. However, despite their surprise, they did not casually inform me of Lu Haikong's whereabouts. I thought that the child was engaged in some confidential matter again, but as I walked into the hall, I unexpectedly heard Lu Lan's hearty laughter: "Haikong, do you see how capable my adopted daughter is, both in literature and martial arts? Do you think she is a good match for you? How does she compare to the daughter of the Prime Minister?"

Lu, Hai, and Kong remained silent for a long time after hearing this. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I vaguely heard someone say:

An inexplicable emotion surged from the depths of my heart, holding back my feet that were about to withdraw.

Lan Xiang did not ask much, only smiling lightly as she said: "In life, there are eight or nine things that do not go as one wishes. Would you like to come in and sit for a while?"

The land, sea, and air naturally would not refuse, obediently responding with a "good" before carrying me on their back. As we were about to leave, I suddenly remembered something and said to the dazed Lanxiang in the shop: "Xiaoxiang, we need money to go to the Daxi Protectorate. There are wealthy patrons there."

Looking at the gifts held by those entering the mansion, I suddenly realized that today is actually Lu Haikong's fifteenth birthday. I glanced at my empty hands, scratched my head, and turned to walk towards the Orchid Fragrance Tavern.

Seeing my attitude was indeed proper, the man released his grip and, with a sweep of his robe, knelt down before me. He lowered his head and respectfully said, "Miss, please forgive my rudeness." Hearing this long-lost title, I understood that he was someone sent by Father Song

I immediately pounced on Lanxiang: "You are still my little Xiangxiang, so understanding and considerate, with your own lips."

Lu Haikong is now half a head taller than me. He walked over to my side, crouched down, and without paying any attention to my questions, he held my hand tightly for quite a while. Only after calming his emotions did he softly say: "Today, I originally only told my uncle, and I did not expect those people to come as well. I know you do not like crowds. The guards in the residence said you had not returned, but the gatekeeper said you had come back and then left again. I thought you were angry..." I know you do not like crowds. The guards in the residence said you had not returned, but the gatekeeper said you had come back and then left again. I thought you were angry..."

Although he is young, there are times when he handles matters no less competently than his uncle. However, today, with just a few explanatory words, he spoke in a disordered and illogical manner. I chuckled and waved my hand, saying, "What are you so nervous about? I certainly won't hit you now"

"The wine is delightful, and there is no unhappiness." I asked and answered honestly, "I am reflecting on life, as time flies and the years change us." Lu Haikong paused his steps, and I nuzzled against his shoulder, finding a comfortable position to sleep: "I miss the days of the past." Those days in the heavenly realm, so completely carefree and blissful, are no wonder envied by mortals

Lu Hai Kong stared blankly at the two pieces of broken silver, blinking and asking me: "Is this a gift for me?"

I blocked my ears and turned to leave: "Don't say anything, I won't listen."

Taking advantage of Lanxiang's time in the kitchen boiling water, I stole a few jars of liquor from her counter and took a big gulp. The strong liquor made me squint my eyes. By the time Lanxiang brought out the brewed tea, I was already slumped over the table.

Behind the man in black stood a scholar in green attire, holding an extremely ostentatious folding fan in his hand despite the frigid weather of the northern frontier. I scoffed and pouted, saying: "Oh, so it's you two, Qingshanzi and Heiwu. Long time no see."

That was when you didn't remember while I was teasing you. I no longer wished to continue discussing this topic with him, so I reached into my pocket and felt around, but I couldn't find anything decent. Out of frustration, I took out two pieces of broken silver and said: "Here, happy birthday. As for anything else, I truly don't know what to give."

I immediately realized that this was a heart-wrenching statement, and I decisively covered my mouth, but the damage was already done. Looking at Lu Haikong's pale face and his eyes filled with suppressed grievances, I felt a complex mix of emotions in my heart, causing a painful cramp in my stomach. However, in such a situation, I couldn't bring myself to apologize; I could only slap my own face hard twice and then, in frustration, ran out while grabbing my hair.

If I were to take on a male identity, King Li certainly couldn't force me to engage in a homosexual relationship with that guy Chukong... I was suddenly enlightened and secretly noted down this method

Today, both of these two have arrived in the northern region, which suggests that my father is determined to take me back. Indeed, Qingshanzi, shaking his folding fan, smiled and said: "It is truly an honor for the young lady to remember us both. We have come today, in fact, to deliver a message to the governor."

I am sorry, Yunxiang

I recalled that moment of his silence, which stirred a surge of blood and anger within me, and I wanted to strike him. However, upon seeing his dull gray right eye, I could not bring myself to act. Instead, I could only stomp the floor fiercely a few times and angrily exclaimed, "Shut up! How dare you imply that I am inferior to other women!" In my fury, I shouted, "Get away from me, you ingrate! Don't let me see you again!"

Heihwu wanted to speak but was held down by Qingshanzi, who smiled and said: "Three days later, the two of us will be waiting for the young lady at the South City Gate."

I stood up without hesitation, tucked the silver away, turned around, and entered the back courtyard of the tavern, heading straight for the underground wine cellar. However, as soon as I stepped into the cellar, a large hand immediately covered my mouth. A man's hoarse voice sounded in my ear: "Do not make a sound"

I did not speak again; along the way, only the steady footsteps of Lu, Hai, and Kong could be heard. After a while, Lu Hai Kong asked, "Why has Yun Xiang drunk so much today? Are you unhappy?"

Heihei, feeling impatient, immediately frowned and said, "We don't have time to waste"

"Enough, don't say anymore." I said, feeling a bit irritated as I ran my fingers through my hair, "Allow me a few more days to think."

I turned around and exited the wine cellar, where I saw Lan Xiang, who wore a hint of guilt on her face. I said, "You are merely watching over me on behalf of my father, and you have also kept things from me on his behalf. Over the years, you have indeed taken care of me quite a bit, so there is no need for you to feel guilty."

I do not enjoy the tense and guarded life within the Protectorate. Every morning, as soon as I wake up, I rush to the tavern to sit, have a drink, observe the patrons coming and going, and after becoming familiar with the owner, Lanxiang, I occasionally indulge in her tofu. Lanxiang often laughs at me, saying: "If you were a man, I would have long since thrown you out as a lecher."

I leaned my head on his shoulder and said: "Courtesy demands reciprocity, carry me back, I don't want to walk anymore. I'm so tired."

He was taken aback for a moment, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry as he accepted the two pieces of broken silver. With a hint of pity in his voice, he said, "Yunxiang, you are quite stingy." Yet, after saying this, he obediently placed the two pieces of silver close to his heart.

Lu Haikong looked at me for a moment and said with a light laugh, "Yunxiang has never been rough with me."

The color of blood on Lu, Hai, and Kong's faces vanished in that instant

At the age of twenty, Lu Haikong was still preoccupied with revenge, and the power of the northern army was growing stronger. I increasingly disliked staying in the Protectorate and would wander outside until evening before returning.

I cannot clearly articulate how Lu Haikong perceives me, nor do I know how I view Lu Haikong. In my eyes, he has never seemed like a truly existing person; he is merely a fleeting presence of a celestial being in the mortal realm. Once he has consumed the next bowl of Meng Po soup, the person of Lu Haikong will cease to exist.

When Lu Lan asked this question, the "adopted daughter" was naturally no longer here. The two of them were so engrossed in their conversation that neither of them noticed me. I stood upright outside the hall, looking down at the floor tiles, and after waiting for a long time, I still did not receive an answer from Lu Haikong.

After leaving the tavern, I realized that Lu Haikong had come alone. Given his current status, it is indeed too dangerous for him to travel alone at night. My head weakly rested on his shoulder, swaying with his movements as I said, "You must first protect yourself before you can do anything else"

The hand of the black-clad man tightened on my shoulder: "Miss, be cautious in your words and actions"