Chapter 1513 - 1508: Returning to the Village
As if he knew what Wen Nantian was thinking, Cheng Dagang’s expression suddenly became serious.
"Nan, matters of the heart cannot be forced! Such a large military camp is not solely reliant on that young man; others can also do the job!"
Wen Nantian was stunned, a trace of embarrassment flickered in his eyes.
But he promptly regained his composure.
"Uncle, rest assured! I know my limits. If that young man doesn’t like my Ya’er, I won’t let Ya’er suffer with him!" Wen Nantian said.
With Wen Nantian’s assurance, Cheng Dagang reluctantly relaxed!
"Nan, this time as I leave, who knows when I will return to Xing City! But remember, no matter when, we are family!
Besides, I got word that in the near future, soldiers from the Wei Dynasty might invade, you must remain highly vigilant and brace for this tough battle, understand?"
"I understand, Uncle, you can leave without worries! We will meet again one day!"
Cheng Dagang left the General Mansion and headed straight to Mu Shuangshuang’s residence in Xing City.
He recounted the situation to Lu Yuanfeng, Xing Beichen, and Mu Shuangshuang.
"Fengzi, you and Beichen should go to the Nantian Army tomorrow, he will reassign your duties there!
Besides, Nantian has assured me that nothing will happen between Ya’er and Fengzi! So you can focus on your own endeavors!
You must hold Xing City, do not disgrace our Da Ning Dynasty soldiers!"
With these final words, Cheng Dagang’s spirit was soaring!
Lu Yuanfeng and Xing Beichen were also roused, they shouted in unison: "Rest assured, senior, we will do our utmost to protect the land and the nation! We will not let the Wei Kingdom take even half a cup of our soil!"
Mu Shuangshuang stood aside watching, feeling a bit emotional herself.
Though she had never been a soldier, she had been a policewoman for a few years.
She deeply understood the sense of responsibility, and how it filled one with excitement, tension, and thrill when shouldered.
"Good, good, good!"
Cheng Dagang said good three times in a row, enough to show how moved he was deep down.
"You two young men, one day, you will achieve your goals!" Cheng Dagang said.
The night was already late, the north wind howled as it blew.
This year, for some reason, it hadn’t snowed yet, but the weather was extremely cold.
With their departure set for tomorrow, both Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng were unable to sleep.
The two of them were nestled in the room, without even putting a fire basin.
They looked at each other!
It was Mu Shuangshuang who broke the silence, "Silly boy, are you reluctant to leave?"
Lu Yuanfeng was silent for a moment before he said, "Shuangshuang is at the rear, for the safety of those behind, I will absolutely not retreat!"
"You silly boy, if you’re reluctant, just say it, I won’t laugh at you!" Mu Shuangshuang quipped.
Lu Yuanfeng’s eyes instantly reddened.
Before Mu Shuangshuang could react, he suddenly reached out and fiercely embraced her.
"Let me hold you, just for a moment!"
Mu Shuangshuang felt somewhat uncomfortable.
The last time she and Fengzi parted was several months ago.
This time, how long would it be?
Lu Yuanfeng held on for half an hour, leaving Mu Shuangshuang’s limbs numbed.
Lu Yuanfeng wasn’t much better off, yet he was reluctant to let go.
But both knew they each had their own duties!
...
Early the next morning, having packed all their belongings, Mu Shuangshuang, Wang Guilan, Cheng Ying, and Cheng Le made a final check of the household items.
Once confirmed nothing was left behind, they began to prepare breakfast.
After breakfast, the five would head out and leave Xing City!
The atmosphere at the dining table was good, everyone was laughing and joking, as if they weren’t about to part ways.
It wasn’t until two carriages arrived that Cheng Ying and Cheng Le, the two youngsters, couldn’t hold back and started crying!
Crying so hard that their faces were covered in tears and snot.
Perhaps they realized that returning to this place might not happen for a long time!
Wang Guilan softly comforted the two children.
Having talked all night the previous night, Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng seemed less emotionally charged today.
Though reluctant, they believed they would meet again!
Lu Yuanfeng and Xing Beichen accompanied Mu Shuangshuang and her group to the city gate, watching as Mu Shuangshuang and Cheng Dagang each took a carriage, disappearing along the official road.
Only then did they turn back to head home.
"Fengzi, are you... reluctant?" On the way, Xing Beichen asked.
Lu Yuanfeng remained silent, but the answer was self-evident!
"Alright, we both have goals and loved ones at home! Don’t worry, as your brother, I’ll always be by your side!
Together, we’ll conquer the land, earn glory, and repay the court!"
Lu Yuanfeng nodded firmly, "Alright!"
...
Mu Shuangshuang and Cheng Dagang traveled southward for two days.
On the third day, they unexpectedly met people from the Zhenyuan Escort Agency who were en route to Xing City.
Mu Shuangshuang initially wanted to pretend not to recognize them and leave.
But she felt that since Xing City might already be in the throes of battle, letting them proceed was tantamount to sending them to their deaths!
Thus, that night, Mu Shuangshuang disguised herself and posed as Lu Daniu once again.
She had discussed with Cheng Dagang beforehand and planned to pose as Lu Daniu early in the morning, faking a long journey while having breakfast at the inn.
Then she would pretend to run into the Zhenyuan Escort Agency people by chance.
Just as Mu Shuangshuang anticipated, early in the morning, as she appeared in the inn, Zhao Erbiao immediately recognized her.
"Daniu, why... are you here?" Zhao Erbiao asked.
"Chief, that place, Xing City, it’s not worth going to! Right now, the Wei Dynasty is about to go to war with our Da Ning, if you head to Xing City, you might run into trouble!" Mu Shuangshuang said.
Upon hearing Mu Shuangshuang’s words, Zhao Erbiao was silent for a moment before speaking: "Daniu, let’s not discuss this now, you must be hungry after such an early journey, let’s eat first!"
Zhao Erbiao called the waiter to cut two pounds of beef, got some wine, and prepared two large bowls of noodles, as he and Mu Shuangshuang began to talk.
What was asked were naturally the experiences in Xing City over the days.
Mu Shuangshuang spoke lightly and said everything was alright!
Listening to her words, Zhao Erbiao nodded repeatedly.
"Daniu, this time, I want to go alone!"
"What?" Mu Shuangshuang was stunned.
"Just like you said, with the war in Xing City, ordinary civilians should avoid it!
But, as an escort leader, as long as I’m not dead, I must deliver the goods to their destination and earn the payment!
Yet, I don’t want these brothers to die with me, so I must trouble you to take them back to the county!
Until the war is over, don’t take any journeys toward the Northwest!"
After speaking, Zhao Erbiao took a hearty gulp of white wine.
Zhao Erbiao was a man, a true man of steel.
Knowing there are tigers in the mountain, yet proceeding to the mountain despite it.