Chapter 9: Marriage Fate

Gao Huan awkwardly stepped back, standing in place at a loss. Lou Mingchun also shot a glare at Hongyu in anger, to which Hongyu pretended to be innocent, sticking out her tongue and smiling cheerfully, saying, "Alright, alright, I know I'm in the way, I'll just go out. You all have a good chat." Before leaving, she didn't forget to pout and glare at Gao Huan, implying that he better behave himself.

"How have you been lately, young master?" Lou Mingchun asked casually while pouring tea.

It is quite strange that Gao Huan (Cheng Lu) never referred to himself by his courtesy name He Liuhun, and even his siblings and colleagues only called him Brother Huan, while his parents often called him Little Liuzi

Ah, isn't this Sister Yu'er? Who are you waiting for here?

Sigh, this learning is hardly worth mentioning, and I have no other skills; my life has been all about fighting. " After saying this, he turned to Gao Huan and said seriously, "However, if Brother Huan truly wants to learn the real skills of military strategy and warfare, there is nothing to learn from an old man like me, who comes from a humble background.

Hong Yu cast him a glance and said softly, "Young Master, you are now enjoying boundless glory in front of others, I fear you have long forgotten our young lady, haven't you?"

"Stop! You beast in human skin, what have you done to our young lady?" Hongyu rushed in anxiously, loudly scolding Gao Huan, while turning around to comfort Lou Mingchun with concern: "Young lady, are you alright? What happened to you?"

"Zhaojun, do not cry anymore. Today, I will go to propose to your father-in-law and set a date for our marriage. This way, you will officially become a member of the Gao family, and we need not fear the gossip of others," Gao Huan said solemnly and loudly to Lou Zhaojun.

Gao Huan arrived at the entrance of the elegant room on the second floor, adjusted his clothes, tidied his hair, and then lifted the door curtain to enter the room. He saw Lou Mingchun hurriedly rise to greet him, bowing gracefully to Gao Huan, gazing at him with deep affection, and softly said: "I have the honor to meet you, young master"

Gao Huan and Duan Chang exchanged a smile upon hearing this conversation. If these people knew that the great hero in their hearts was none other than this ragged and tattered ordinary person before them, they would surely be at a loss for words.

At this moment, Lou Mingchun dared not look him in the eye, her face flushed as she turned away, murmuring, "Young master, you must not do this, there are still many people here, your actions are tarnishing my reputation, young master..."

It is entirely my fault for treating her like a sister and being lax in discipline, which has caused you to be amused, my lord!" Lou Mingchun said as she stepped aside, "Please, my lord, this way.

"Miss, how could you say such a thing? Yu'er was merely joking without any intention. How could I take it seriously?" Gao Huan looked at the enchanting person he had been longing for day and night, feeling an indescribable joy in his heart

What you said is true. My current situation is also thanks to Miss's support. Moreover, my feelings for Miss are genuine; how could I ever forget Miss Mingchun? I am not Chen Shimei

Gao Huan stood awkwardly to the side, indeed at a loss for words. In ancient times, if one were to take liberties with a young lady and tarnish her reputation, one would be held accountable. In less severe cases, one would have to marry the woman and take her as a wife; in more serious cases, one could be captured and subjected to family punishment or even thrown into a pig cage. This is in stark contrast to the present day, where societal morals have declined, and casual touches or playful kisses are treated as inconsequential.

Liu Mingchun, who had just regained her composure, suddenly looked at Gao Huan with tear-filled eyes and said angrily: "You frivolous scoundrel! How can I continue to live after your actions today? My reputation has been ruined in an instant." After saying this, she began to sob softly.

Gao Huan seemed to realize that he had caused a great disaster and that he should not act recklessly. However, he was, after all, a grown young man, not an old abbot in a temple. Once things had developed to that point, who could control it? A young man must dare to act and take responsibility. Suddenly, he recalled the lesson his mother had taught him after he broke a window while playing football as a child

Gao Huan's forces entered Pingcheng in an orderly manner to prepare for the command and dispatch of Yuan Yu. Of course, the troops entering the city were only a small portion, as the majority were stationed outside the city on standby. There was not enough space in the city to accommodate nearly 20,000 troops (including the remnants from Huaishuo, Wuchuan, and the three towns of Woye).

The overall situation in the battlefield was still quite favorable for the rebel forces, as the imperial reinforcements failed to arrive in time. Yang Jun, stationed in Huai Shuo, ordered the powerful He family of Wuchuan, led by He Ba Yue, to command his sons He Ba Sheng and He Ba Du, along with eight thousand main forces, to resist Wei Ke Gu's hundred thousand troops. Unfortunately, He Ba Yue and his sons were all defeated and captured. This does not imply that He Ba Yue was inferior to Gao Huan; it is important to note that two thousand against ten thousand is incomparable to eight thousand against one hundred thousand. The tactic of overwhelming numbers can be terrifying when magnified; it cannot be reversed by a few hundred people attempting a surprise attack. Moreover, even heroes can find themselves in dire straits. Future generations should recognize that He Ba Sheng and He Ba Du were renowned generals of Northern Wei, and their strength is certainly not to be underestimated. At this moment, they, like our protagonist Gao Huan, were yet to rise as heroes, trapped like a dragon in shallow waters.

"Just say whether you like being together or not." This guy actually wants to force his way in, with one hand pressing on Lou Mingchun's waist, while the other hand releases Rouyi, gently turning Lou Mingchun's face to face him, and said affectionately: "Miss, you have long known my feelings for you. Rest assured, I will treat you well, as long as... just once is enough"

Who is this Lou Mingchun? Long before Gao Huan rose to prominence, she had secretly harbored feelings for him. At this moment, hearing the idle chatter of her maidservants, coupled with Gao Huan's delayed visit, her heart was already in turmoil, thinking that the handsome young man she had longed for was slipping away... Ahem, was her charming husband about to run off? Thus, she sent her close maid Hongyu to inquire about the situation at the Gao residence. The family informed her that Gao Huan was at the yamen fulfilling his duties, so Lou Mingchun hurriedly took a sedan chair to wait at the entrance of the yamen, and indeed, she encountered Gao Huan.

In the coming days, the tasks will primarily involve settling the family in the city, organizing and training the troops outside the city, and awaiting the redeployment and orders from General Wei, Yuan Yu, to subsequently annihilate the rebel forces

Gao Huan rode a tall horse at the front, alongside him was Duan Chang, and further ahead were Yang Jun, Yang Yu, and other town leaders. Although the troops entering the city were in tattered clothes and looked dejected, resembling a beggar's army, there were still many well-meaning citizens watching the spectacle on both sides of the official road

In the previous life, I was the one who actively pursued other girls, yet they remained indifferent, and I had to humbly approach them. However, after this reincarnation, the situation has reversed; now I am in high demand, and the young ladies from noble families are eager to be close to me. In a word: it is exhilarating!

A gentleman's word is as unyielding as a team of four horses; I, Gao Huan, speak and act with resolve! Gao Huan's assurance was as firm as iron.

Liu Zhaojun, upon hearing this, stopped her sobbing, raised her head with tear-filled eyes, and weakly asked Gao Huan: "Is what you say true?"

With a chuckle, seeing Gao Huan's foolish expression, Lou Zhaojun was amused and broke into laughter.

Hmm! The dead girl Hongyu saw Gao Huan's claws reaching towards Lou Mingchun's arm, and deliberately reminded her loudly

With the fall of Huaishuo, the other three towns among the six also rose up to respond to the call of breaking the six and Han Balin. Gao Huan and Duan Chang, after incorporating the surrendered bandits, led their troops to retreat south to the old capital, Pingcheng. Yang Jun and Yang Yu also withdrew with their remaining troops and the families of various generals to safeguard Pingcheng before the fall of Huaishuo, which naturally included Gao Huan's parents and siblings

I had almost forgotten about Lou Zhaojun amidst all the busyness of Gao Huan. On this day, Gao Huan was at the city yamen performing his official duties, and as he came out, he encountered Hongyu, the maid who was a gift for topping up phone credits, waiting by the roadside.

I apologize for troubling you, Miss. I have been preoccupied with military affairs these past few days and have not yet found the time to visit your residence. " After saying this, Gao Huan suddenly grasped the delicate hands of Lou Mingchun, who was bringing over a cup of tea, and gazed at her affectionately, saying: "You won't hold it against me, will you? To be honest, while I was out fighting, the thoughts that occupied my mind the most were not of my parents or siblings, but rather of your graceful figure and beautiful face.

It seems that Brother Huan's reputation has spread widely, to the point that even the capital is aware of you

Do you know that among the imperial troops this time, there is a man named Gao Huan who not only completely annihilated the bandits but also returned unscathed? I wonder which one of them it is

Liu Mingchun felt a rush of shyness upon hearing these words, and her hands desperately tried to break free from Gao Huan's grasp. However, Gao Huan not only did not let go, but also held Liu Mingchun's delicate waist with one hand while wrapping the other around her back, pulling her into his embrace. He leaned down and softly said: "Shh, don't speak, look into my eyes"

Gao Huan scratched his head with a silly smile and said, "I forgot, I got used to it."

"Who said that? Why am I so skeptical?" the old man questioned.

Ah, in any case, regardless of who Chen Shimei is, our young lady is currently in the private room on the second floor of the teahouse at the corner of the street across from here, and she has something to say to you. Please come with me quickly

Pingcheng, the ancient capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, gradually fell into decline after Emperor Xiaowen moved the capital to Luoyang. Nevertheless, Pingcheng, as a strategic stronghold in the north, has never lost its military and political influence. The stationed troops in Pingcheng number thirty thousand, and with the additional eighty thousand reinforcements led by Yuan Yu, there are a total of one hundred and ten thousand regular troops. This should pose no significant problem in dealing with the three hundred thousand civilian bandits from the Six Towns. Of course, this is not the author's perspective; it is the thought of our protagonist, Gao Huan. (The author shifts the blame first)

Walking at the very front of the line, Yang Jun found it quite beneficial, yet he did not reveal the slightest hint of it on his face

Who is Chen Shimei? Hongyu looked at Gao Huan in confusion. It must be said that Gao Huan, dressed in a clean long gown, with neatly tied hair, complemented by his fair skin and handsome face, truly qualifies as a great handsome man. Moreover, being young, he is even more like a fresh youth, attracting the affection of young ladies and married women alike. Many young ladies from the families of high officials and wealthy merchants in the city, upon learning about Gao Huan and his affairs, secretly urged matchmakers to take the initiative.

"Where is it? I have heard that Gao Huan is exceptionally handsome and charismatic, a true dragon among men and phoenix among women." A girl in her teens or early twenties also joined in the conversation

The three individuals gazed at her with infatuation, too lazy to engage in conversation

After an intense and passionate kiss between the two, Gao Huan released the enchanting figure in his arms, and Lou Mingchun finally broke free, sitting on the chair with a flushed face, gasping for breath.

I heard that Gao Huan is nine feet tall, has a massive build, a face full of beard, and can run while carrying two horses on his back

What are you shouting about! Aren't you embarrassed enough? If you keep making noise, do you believe I will throw you out onto the street? This little girl, Hongyu, is not afraid at all of this man who might soon become her master

Gao Huan looked at Lou Mingchun with a serious expression. The close proximity of their gaze, combined with his masculine and passionate aura, left Lou Mingchun utterly captivated, her mind a blank and her head spinning. She felt an inexplicable heat surging from within her body, making it impossible to utter a word. Seeing this, Gao Huan took the opportunity to lean down and tenderly press his lips against hers. Lou Mingchun let out soft whimpers, and her hands, which had initially resisted, gradually lost their strength to fight back.

Duan Chang and Gao Huan exchanged an awkward smile, remaining silent.

Yang Yu turned around and scolded, "What are you all chattering about? Do you think this is your Fuyang Garrison? Everyone, be quiet!"

Gao Huan was still savoring the girl's kiss, blissfully lost in thought, when he wondered why this woman suddenly started crying. What was going on? Looking at Lou Mingchun with tear-filled eyes, Gao Huan felt a deep sense of regret. He realized he had been too frivolous; how could he treat someone he cared for in such a manner?

North Gate of Pingcheng

"Why do you speak like this, old general?" Gao Huan felt somewhat displeased. "Did you not say that you wanted to be brothers with me and form a friendship across generations? Why are you now keeping me at arm's length?"

Old Duan, you know what you are saying; if others are unclear, how could you not be? You are just teasing your younger brother again. Now, when Gao Huan talks about ancient sayings and jokes, he does it with great flair. It is said that the old general has remarkable military achievements and extensive experience. In the future, I must learn more from the old general about the art of military deployment.

"Hmph, this is what my husband said, believe it or not." The woman, feeling a sense of embarrassment from being exposed, retorted with annoyance

"Zhaojun, please do not cry. Do you not understand my feelings? I will definitely take responsibility for you. Rest assured, I will go to the residence soon to propose to Lord Shangshu and bring you home as my wife. What do you think?" Gao Huan looked at Lou Mingchun with a pained expression, wanting to step forward and embrace her slender waist to comfort her. Just as he was about to reach out, a sharp shout was heard at the door.

Gao Huan felt a bit flattered and surprised, as Lou Mingchun truly lived up to the vow made on the day of their parting. Not only did he take the initiative to come looking for him, but he also reserved a private room at the teahouse to meet with him... Thinking of this, Gao Huan felt a mix of shyness and excitement, and hurriedly followed Hongyu into the teahouse.

Gao Huan hurriedly stepped forward to offer support, repeatedly saying, "Miss, you must not do this, you must not do this."

"Alas, it is not that I am unwilling to befriend Brother Huan," the section chief also noticed Gao Huan's dissatisfaction and continued, "How can my meager skills amount to anything significant? Individuals like Master Yang (Yang Jun) and General He Ba are truly capable people. If you genuinely wish to learn, you should get closer to them.

This young man actually took advantage of the girl, truly a fine example of our new generation of youth. His years of experience in courting women are no exaggeration, as he has mastered the timing and nuances to perfection