Chapter 404 - 246: Returning to Yujing City (2)

Chapter 404: Chapter 246: Returning to Yujing City (2)

After they entered the private courtyard, Zhu Linlang immediately arranged for the servants to prepare a clean guest room for Fang Yue.

The guest room was decorated simply yet comfortably, and a faint, pleasant fragrance filled the air, calming the spirit.

"You should rest here for now," Zhu Linlang said softly. "I’ll have someone bring you medicinal herbs and food. You need to properly recuperate."

Fang Yue nodded and looked at Zhu Linlang gratefully. "Thank you, Lin Lang."

Zhu Linlang gave a faint smile and said no more.

She knew that what Fang Yue needed now was peace and quiet to recover, not excessive disturbances. She turned, walked out of the room, and gently closed the door.

As the door closed, Fang Yue finally let out a sigh of relief.

He knew his current situation was very dangerous, but here in Zhu Linlang’s private courtyard, he could at least rest and recuperate in peace for a while.

He walked over to the bed, lay down, closed his eyes, and began to meditate and circulate his internal energy to heal his wounds.

After leaving Fang Yue’s room, Zhu Linlang did not immediately depart from the private courtyard.

She went to a small pavilion in the courtyard and sat there quietly, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Fang Yue.

She felt both surprised and delighted by his appearance.

Although their past was complex and delicate, she could never forget the man with whom she had once shared an intimate connection.

Now, he had appeared before her again, and in grave danger at that. She couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

Zhu Linlang sat in the pavilion as a gentle breeze caressed her cheek, bringing with it a refreshing coolness. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart.

"Commandery Princess, I fear bringing that Fang Yue back will cause you trouble," a serving girl beside her whispered to Zhu Linlang at that moment.

A hint of worry was in her eyes; she clearly did not understand Zhu Linlang’s decision.

Zhu Linlang opened her eyes, glanced at the serving girl, and said coolly:

"I know what you’re worried about, but this is my decision."

Zhu Linlang’s tone was firm, exuding an undeniable authority. She knew her actions might cause some trouble, but she didn’t regret them.

The serving girl lowered her head, not daring to say more. She knew Zhu Linlang’s personality; once she made a decision, it was nearly impossible to change her mind.

Zhu Linlang closed her eyes again and took another deep breath. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, but she forced herself to calm down.

She knew she needed to think calmly about her next steps. Fang Yue’s identity was exposed, and he had nowhere to go in Yujing City. For now, he could only hide in her private courtyard.

But this was not a long-term solution. She had to find a way to help Fang Yue out of his predicament, or they would both be in danger.

Zhu Linlang sat in the pavilion for a long time, only rising slowly when night fell. She decided to discuss the matter with her father to see if they could find a solution.

She knew her father held considerable influence within the dynasty; perhaps he could help Fang Yue escape his plight.

Zhu Linlang walked out of the pavilion and headed for the study.

She was going to write a letter to her father, hoping he would understand her decision and offer his help.

At this time, Fang Yue was in his room, meditating and circulating his internal energy to heal his wounds.

Although his injuries were severe, after five days of recuperation, he had recovered a great deal.

He knew he couldn’t stay here for too long, or he would bring trouble to Zhu Linlang.

He had to find a way to leave this place as soon as possible and find another safe place to hide for a while.

Fang Yue opened his eyes and sat up in bed.

He assessed his physical condition and found that he had almost fully recovered.

’Thankfully, I ran into Zhu Linlang,’ he thought. ’Otherwise, just getting into Yujing City would have been a huge hassle.’

Fang Yue got out of bed, dressed, and walked out of his room. He saw that the private courtyard was serene and peaceful, like a secluded paradise.

’I pretty much took advantage of her,’ he mused. ’But now she’s actually helping me. The world truly works in mysterious ways.’

He walked into the courtyard and, in the distance, saw Zhu Linlang in the pavilion by the lake.

Zhu Linlang was sitting in the lakeside pavilion, a brush in her hand, writing something with intense focus. Her brow was furrowed, as if she were carefully considering her words.

Fang Yue walked slowly to the side of the pavilion and let out a soft cough, breaking the surrounding tranquility.

Zhu Linlang looked up. Seeing Fang Yue standing outside the pavilion, a flash of joy crossed her eyes. "How are your injuries?"

Fang Yue smiled faintly. "Much better, thanks to your care. But I have to go. I can’t stay here any longer. You’ve helped me this time. If you ever need anything in the future, you can come straight to me."

Hearing Fang Yue say he was leaving, Zhu Linlang nodded slightly and didn’t try to make him stay.

She knew his departure was inevitable. He had his own business to attend to and couldn’t hide here forever.

"Since you’re leaving, I won’t keep you."

Zhu Linlang said softly, "But you must be careful. Don’t get yourself killed out there. It’s not that I care about you, but if you die, there’ll be no one left to repay the debt you owe me."

"Don’t worry, I’ll be careful," Fang Yue said solemnly.

With that, he turned and left the private courtyard.

After leaving the courtyard, Fang Yue headed straight for Hui Hengwu’s residence.

Fang Yue walked through the bustling streets of Yujing City, his mind a whirl of thoughts.

Zhu Linlang’s help had gotten him out of immediate danger, but he knew he was still at the heart of the storm.

He had to find Hui Hengwu as soon as possible. Only this old friend could provide him with real protection and assistance.

Before long, Fang Yue arrived in front of Hui Hengwu’s mansion.

The mansion was not ostentatious, but it exuded an air of stability and authority.

Fang Yue knew that Hui Hengwu held a transcendent status in the dynasty, so his mansion was naturally heavily guarded.

Fang Yue walked up and knocked lightly on the door. After a moment, the door opened, and a household servant poked his head out, looking at Fang Yue with confusion. "Who are you? What is it?"

Fang Yue smiled faintly and said, "I am Fang Yue. I’m here to see Lord Hui."

Hearing Fang Yue’s name, a flash of surprise appeared in the household servant’s eyes.

He knew Fang Yue was a major criminal wanted by the dynasty, but he never expected the man would dare to come here directly.

However, he didn’t show it, merely saying coolly, "Please wait a moment. I’ll go inform him."

With that, the household servant closed the door and turned to walk toward the inner courtyard. Fang Yue stood outside the door, waiting patiently. He was certain Hui Hengwu would see him.

A short while later, the household servant returned, opened the door, and said respectfully, "Young Master Fang, please come in. The master has agreed to see you."

Fang Yue nodded and stepped into the mansion.

He followed the household servant through a series of corridors and arrived before a quiet study.

The household servant knocked lightly on the door, then pushed it open and gestured for Fang Yue to enter.

Fang Yue walked into the study and saw Hui Hengwu sitting at a desk, a book in hand, reading with concentration.

Hearing someone enter, he looked up. Seeing Fang Yue, a slight smile appeared on his face. "You’re here."

Fang Yue stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Steward Hui."

Hui Hengwu waved his hand, motioning for Fang Yue to sit.

He put down his book and looked at Fang Yue. "I’ve already heard about what happened. You’ve got some real nerve, daring to kill a Tributor from the Sacrificial Department right outside Yujing City. You’ve really gotten capable!"

Fang Yue’s expression didn’t change much upon hearing Hui Hengwu’s words. He knew Hui Hengwu was a straightforward man who never minced words.

Besides, he was well aware that he had truly gotten himself into big trouble this time.

"Steward Hui, I know my actions this time were somewhat rash, but I was forced into it."

Fang Yue said in a low voice, "Zhou Tiande tried to have me killed time and time again. If I hadn’t fought back, I’m afraid I would have been dead at his hands long ago."

Hui Hengwu nodded slightly at his words, showing his understanding.

He knew Fang Yue wasn’t the type to stir up trouble. This time, Zhou Tiande had indeed gone too far.