novelWill o' Wisp Lu Finally Appears!
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Chapter 27 - Will o' Wisp Lu Finally Appears!
Wu Xingzi woke up late. It was already past 9am when he was awaken. Someone, either Mint or Osmanthus, was knocking on his door, calling him.
"Mister! Mister! Are you up yet?" Opening his eyes blearily, Wu Xingzi zoned out for quite some time. Hearing the girls outside the door discussing anxiously whether they should break the door down, he answered in a fluster, "I'm up! I'm up!"
"Mister is up!" This voice sounded like it belonged to Osmanthus. She delightedly exhaled in relief."Mister, the general has sent someone to invite you over."
"The general?" Wu Xingzi's brain had yet to fully awaken. Pulling an outer robe on, he stumbled to open the door. Probably because he had slept for too long, his bones ached a little.
"Yes, the general is inviting you over." Mint could see that Wu Xingzi was still in a daze. He was staring blankly at them, and she could not help but burst out laughing as she shook her head."Mister, you should quickly go and wash up. Today, you must fully capture the general!"
"Fully capture the general?" No, he could not do that! He still had to go back home and pay respects to his ancestors.
At last, he woke up completely. Wu Xingzi smiled awkwardly at the two girls, keeping quiet. He took the water basin from Mint and turned to head back into his room.
Long used to how Wu Xingzi handled everything by himself, the girls freely opened the wardrobe and took out a dark green silky robe, and picked out a peony-red belt that was woven with glinting threads. With light blue inner clothes, and its collar embroidered with a bird pattern, his clothes looked simple, yet exquisite.
Osmanthus found a few accessories, and both of them compared those accessories on Wu Xingzi's belt, looking doubtful.
Done with washing up, Wu Xingzi was about to comb and tie up his hair in a bun. However, Mint quickly came over and took his comb away from him. Pushing him towards the dressing table and sitting him down, she deftly applied a hair oil with the scent of osmanthus on his hair, skilfully combing his hair for him.
Uhh... Wu Xingzi was shocked silly. The smell of the osmanthus hair oil was a little thick, and he could not help but sneeze a few times. A slightly wry expression appeared on his face when he made a vague guess about the reason behind the girls' actions.
"Hey, I'm not..." seeking any affections, I just want to go home to spend the New Year, that's all... Wu Xingzi was unable to say that aloud, and it was highly likely that the two girls would not listen as well. Wu Xingzi sighed, resignedly letting them do whatever they wanted. He only hoped that Guan Shanjin would not misunderstand anything.
"It had been arranged that you would be having lunch together, but the general now has invited you over so early. There must be something going on." Osmanthus was scenting the clothes next to them. The fragrance was very nice, a refreshing green scent that made Wu Xingzi feel at ease.
"Maybe he has some military matters to deal with." The two girls snorted heavily hearing this.
"More like he's worried about delaying Mr. Lu's meal time." Mint cleverly twisted his hair into a bun, inserting a warm, jade-coloured hair clasp. The style was neat and simple, and there was no extraneous ornamentation.
"That definitely is the case." Osmanthus pouted, feeling unreconciled."Didn't Mr. Lu fall and break his leg? His hands are not broken as well, why does he need the general to feed him every meal?!"
"I heard Physician Tu say that Mr. Lu has some internal injuries. The general is probably even more worried due to this." Mint glared at her younger sister in warning. There were some things that they should not speculate as servants.
Osmanthus stuck her tongue out. She obediently carried the clothes that had been scented over, and dressed the entirely stiff Wu Xingzi properly.
"Mister, you too look like an outstanding talent, and a delicate beauty." Mint looked at Wu Xingzi in satisfaction. After some dressing up, the originally gentle but ordinary looking middle-aged man now vaguely had a sort of aura that was similar to the Banished Immortal, Li Bo. He had lost a touch of his friendliness, but there were additional traces of elegance.
Wu Xingzi could only give a wry smile.
This had far exceeded resignation alone. No matter how sincere and straightforward he was, he could guess that he was in for some trouble this time.
The person Guan Shanjin had sent over was waiting in the parlour outside. He was very patient, and never hurried or urged them at all. By the time the two girls dragged Wu Xingzi out, nearly one hour had passed.
"Ah, Fang He, it's Commander Fang..." Wu Xingzi recognised him immediately. He was one of the four people who had escorted him to Bastion City, and that huge beard was still extremely conspicuous.
"Adviser Wu." Fang He cupped his hands at him, "The general has invited you over. Please follow me."
"I've troubled you, troubled you." Wu Xingzi quickly walked forward."I've made Commander Fang wait for too long."
"No, no, it's nothing." Fang He waved him off politely, before turning and leading the way.
Walking this path, Wu Xingzi stumbled quite a few times. Fang He's footsteps were quick, and the path to the general's manor was full of twists and turns. With a bit of carelessness, he could easily lose track of Fang He. Wu Xingzi truly had to expend all his efforts before he was able to keep up, four steps behind Fang He. There were a few times where he nearly tripped and fell. When they finally reached the garden where Guan Shanjin was, Wu Xingzi was gasping in exertion and looking a little haggard.
"General, Adviser Wu is here."
"G-general... this servant greets the general..." Panting and feeling a stitch, Wu Xingzi's legs were a little weak. In the middle of winter, his body was sweating heavily.
"Haiwang." Guan Shanjin's tone was cold. He was standing several steps away, and looking up at the peach tree covered with buds."Leave us now. Without my command, no one is allowed to enter." This was directed at Fang He.
"Understood." Fang He obeyed and left. When he walked past Wu Xingzi, he glanced at him expressionlessly.
Wu Xingzi happened to be wiping his sweat with his sleeve, and was still trying his best to calm his breathing. As such, he completely failed to notice that meaningful look.
In an instant, there was no sound from anyone else in the garden. There was only the rustling sound of the wind blowing through the plants and trees, mixed with the gradually steadying breaths of Adviser Wu.
"You have something that you want to tell me?" The one who could not wait any longer was still Guan Shanjin.
"Hmm? Ah! Yes yes yes, I have something that I would like to tell you." Without any outsiders around, Wu Xingzi's voice too relaxed. Despite having not seen Guan Shanjin for a month, the previous warmth did not fade away so easily.
"Go on." Guan Shanjin glanced over at him. When he noticed his clothes, there was a vague joy in his expression.
"Yes, yes. Uhh, umm..." Somehow Wu Xingzi found it difficult to say what he wanted, and he rubbed at his nose cautiously.
"Just speak your mind, there's no need to hem and haw." Guan Shanjin's attention had long been drawn away from the peach tree. His hands, hidden inside his sleeves, tightened slightly, and for some reason, they were a little sweaty.
He waited for Wu Xingzi's words. Maybe he would say that he missed him, maybe it would be a complaint, or maybe he would whine... Guan Shanjin had spent the entire night guessing what this person in front of him would say. He had been unable to sleep, and while having breakfast in the morning with Mr. Lu, he was somewhat distracted. If he had to wait till noon before he could see Wu Xingzi, he definitely could not endure for so long.
And so, he anxiously pushed forward their meeting time.
"I-it'll be the New Year in a few more days. I was thinking, maybe..." Before Wu Xingzi could finish, Guan Shanjin suddenly raised his hand, implying for him to stop talking. Guan Shanjin's brows were creased slightly, and he looked a little unhappy.
Uhh... But he had yet to even say anything!
"Someone's here." Just as he finished speaking, Fang He sped over, looking anxious. With his head bowed, he cupped his hands towards Guan Shanjin.
"General, Mr. Lu wants to see you."
"Why is Mr. Lu here? Quick, let him in." Guan Shanjin shot past Wu Xingzi and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Wu Xingzi remained where he was foolishly, as he and Fang He stared at each other.
Looking at him, Fang He sighed."Adviser Wu, please don't be bothered. The general is only worried about Mr. Lu's leg."
"I understand, I understand." Wu Xingzi was not bothered at all by Mr. Lu. Instead, he was bothered by how Fang He was looking at him. Was there some pity in his eyes? Could it be that Fang He too thought that there was some unspeakable secret affection between him and Guan Shanjin?
Before he could explain, he heard a mess of footsteps coming from behind him. Unconsciously, Wu Xingzi turned towards the direction of the sound.
The sight was too amazing. Adviser Wu who had grown up in Qingcheng County, a barren land, was fully entranced by what he saw.
There were about seven or eight people heading towards him, attending to Guan Shanjin as well as a man dressed in white, who was in Guan Shanjin's arms. That man must be the famous Mr. Lu!
Wu Xingzi could not be blamed for getting captivated by the sight. Other than Guan Shanjin, Mr. Lu was the best-looking person he had ever seen. Even the owner of House of Taotie, Su Yang, would seem somewhat dimmer in front of Mr. Lu.
If he had to describe Guan Shanjin's beauty, it was the sort of charming, alluring, seductive look that could be called demonic. Just looking at someone, his coquetry could even melt their bones. As for Mr. Lu, he was like the moonlight, like the river. He had the benign and clean appearance of an immortal, firm and unyielding.
Mr. Lu too finally saw Wu Xingzi. He struggled slightly in Guan Shanjin's arms, only to be held even tighter. It was as though Guan Shanjin was worried that the treasure in his arms would fall and shatter.
"Put me down." Mr. Lu lowered his eyelids, his elegant voice even more pleasant sounding than that of an orchestra.
"When they've arranged the chairs, I'll naturally put laoshi1 down." Guan Shanjin raised his chin slightly. The servants behind them immediately set up a chaise lounge in the shadow of the peach tree, along with a coffee table and some other items, making the seat warm and comfortable.
Only then did Guan Shanjin gently place the man down on the lounge, arranging the cushions for him. He, himself, sat down on one corner of the lounge as well, shifting Mr. Lu's injured leg onto his own leg, warming it up with a hot water bottle.
"This is?" It was only now when the crowd finally shifted their attention onto Wu Xingzi. He had nearly been crowded out of the garden by them. At this moment, he was staring at Mr. Lu. Enchanted by the beauty, there was a slight flush on his face.
"This is the person Shu'er had mentioned to you a few days ago, Adviser Wu from Qingcheng County." Hua Shu responded with some amusement, standing behind the chaise lounge on the right. He was currently placing some snacks and tea on the coffee table for Mr. Lu.
"Adviser Wu." Mr. Lu smiled gently at Wu Xingzi."I've always heard Haiwang talking about you."
"Oh, really?" Adviser Wu blinked, feeling incredulous."Why would he talk about me?" This was not good! He had thought that Guan Shanjin had already forgotten all about him, and he had already decided to head home today after thanking him and borrowing his horse!
"He definitely must have been thinking of you." Mr. Lu's tone was very gentle. He seemed to have thought of something interesting, tapping on Guan Shanjin's shoulder and laughing lightly."Last night, he told me that he would be seeing you today, and even his eyes were shining brightly, just like a child. This morning, as we were having breakfast, he was completely distracted, and this is truly my first time seeing him regard someone so importantly."
"He's very meticulous towards Mr. Lu still! Previously, in Goose City, he was thinking about Mr. Lu as well, and wanted to bring you to House of Taotie! When he heard that you were injured, he also rushed back immediately. Right, is your injury better now?" The expressions of the crowd were a little strange. Mr. Lu was the only one who did not have a change in his expression, and was still smiling gently.
"Haiwang is just filial. He sees this teacher of his as an adoptive father, and so, naturally takes care of me more. Adviser Wu, don't think too much about it, it's not the same."
"That's what I mean too. It's always good to respect your teachers."
"Don't talk so much." Guan Shanjin could not hold himself back, and he reproached Wu Xingzi unhappily."If you have something to say, quickly say it. Mr. Lu has yet to recover, and he cannot stay out in the wind for long."
Guan Shanjin was very aware that every word Wu Xingzi spoke was sincere and earnest. Wu Xingzi had no intentions of any hidden insults, but why did Guan Shanjin's chest feel so tight?
"It's my negligence!" Wu Xingzi hurriedly cupped his hands and apologised."I actually also only wanted to thank the general, and borrow a horse to go back home."
"Go home?" The temperature of Guan Shanjin's voice cooled. He glared at Wu Xingzi, and asked dangerously, "You said that you're going back home?"
"Yes yes yes. I've already lazed about in the general's estate for a month. The year is about to end, and I'm the only one left in my family. I have to go home and pay respects to my ancestors!"
"Wu Xingzi!" General Guan could no longer care that Mr. Lu was right by his side. Gritting his teeth, he was about to spew flames! "Damn you, Wu Xingzi! You've lived here for a month, and the first thing you say is that you want to leave? Good, very good!"
Guan Shanjin's vision darkened, as his blood rushed through his body, and his chest hurt. His mind was buzzing, and he tasted iron at the back of his throat. Someone next to him shouted in alarm, and everyone was now in chaos.
"Haiwang!" Mr. Lu's worried call sobered him up a little.
Dizzily, Guan Shanjin opened his eyes. He discovered something trickling out from the corner of his lips. Standing a distance away, Wu Xingzi looked as though he had been shocked silly, and was staring at him in a panic.
Guan Shanjin wiped away the fluid from his mouth, and calmed down. Pulling a handkerchief out from his chest, he cleaned the blood from his fingers. He spoke in a low voice to Mr. Lu, "Laoshi, I have something to say to Adviser Wu. Today, I won't accompany you for now. I'll let the servants bring you back."
"Are you fine?" Mr. Lu reached out and caught his hand. He took that bloodstained handkerchief, gently wiping away the traces of blood from the corner of his lips.
"I'm fine, Laoshi, you don't have to worry." Guan Shanjin moved Mr. Lu's injured leg away, then gave his instructions."You all must be careful, don't cause any pain to Mr. Lu."
"Yes."
Guan Shanjin then walked over to Wu Xingzi, gritting his teeth."You, follow me."
"Uh... Oh..." Wu Xingzi dared not refuse, obediently following Guan Shanjin.
Only when the two people had gone far away, did Hua Shu lean over, and he whispered into Mr. Lu's ear."Mr. Lu, what sort of background do you think this Adviser Wu has? He actually made the general..."
"Even a toy can be frustrating when it isn't obedient." Mr. Lu calmly glanced at Hua Shu.
"Ah, yes..." Hua Shu's face paled. He looked down, his voice a little glum."Mr. Lu, let's head back!"
"Mn." Mr. Lu placed a hand on Hua Shu's shoulder and slowly stood up. A servant pushed a wheelchair over and helped him take a seat."Thirty minutes later, go tell Haiwang that my chest is uncomfortable and I can't drink my medicine. Let him know that you came secretly, and that I didn't allow you to tell him."
"Shu'er understands."
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