Fengcheng Flying General

Chapter 42

Zhao Manqing asked, "Husband, what's the situation? And what officials are those two?"

"It's the Emperor and Wang Jun."

Mo Feiyan was startled: "The Emperor has come to test the truth?"

Junyu nodded.

The two were in a panic: "What should we do now?"

Junyu laughed and said in a low voice, "Fortunately, the two ladies were jealous of each other earlier. Soon, we can set off back to Phoenix Village."

Zhao Manqing asked happily, "You successfully resigned from your official post?"

Junyu thought for a moment before saying, "I guess so."

※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※

Zhu Yu sat at his desk, intently flipping through the exquisitely bound book, "Playing the Five Strings with Hands".

It's clear that the owner of this book took great care of it, which is why, after more than 20 years, the thin book is still preserved in perfect condition.

He looked around; the various weapons and sword manuals in the study silently testified to how obsessed the owner of this house had been with martial arts. However, this martial arts fanatic was defeated by the world's number one, Lanxi Si. From then on, his admiration for Lanxi Si turned into love, and in the end, he died of lovesickness before he was 25 years old.

He suddenly felt a sense of closeness to this older brother he had never met.

He glanced at the sword manual on the table again, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

The study door was pushed open, and the gloomy weather outside seemed like it was about to rain.

Prime Minister Zhu looked at his son's smiling face, seemingly oblivious to his arrival. He had never seen his son like this before, and couldn't help but cough heavily: "What are you doing in your elder brother's study?"

The smile on her face vanished instantly, and Zhu Yu said lazily, "Just looking around."

Prime Minister Zhu sat down opposite his son: "I received news that the tyrannical emperor not only bestowed generous rewards upon Junyu, but also visited Junyu's residence incognito yesterday. It seems that he still harbors deep suspicions about Junyu."

"So what? What can he do to Junyu?"

"Why did you deliberately stage that impeachment that day, only to displease the tyrant? Did you know that if Junyu's true identity as a woman were revealed, not only would she be unable to hold military power, but given her appearance and character, how could the tyrant allow her to leave the capital again? The tyrant is always suspicious, and Meng Yuanjing would also be suspected of deceiving the emperor. What was originally a win-win situation was ruined by you..."

Prime Minister Zhu sneered, "From Lan Xisi to Junyu, what I hate most is their so-called 'uprightness' and their damned intelligence. Women all yearn for wealth and glory, but they don't even give them a second glance. A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent, but they are restless and insist on causing chaos."

"But what I admire about her is her integrity and intelligence."

"A woman like Junyu, with such lofty ambitions and a belief that she can get away with anything through her own abilities and wisdom, would be more miserable than death if she entered the harem and spent her days scheming and vying for the emperor's favor with those ordinary women..."

Zhu Yu laughed: "You underestimate Junyu too much. Even if it really comes to that, she has no ties and is capable of leaving on her own. So, I advise you to give up this idea as soon as possible."

Prime Minister Zhu stared at his son: "You do so much, do you really think she'll appreciate it?"

Zhu Yu remained silent.

"Even if Tuosang is 'Bokdo,' don't forget about Meng Yuanjing, her childhood sweetheart. And you, you're already married. With Junyu's personality, why would she even glance at you? Why are you still indulging in wishful thinking?"

Zhu Yu remained silent, recalling the broken jade pendant, each scar etched into her heart, becoming the deepest despair.

He glanced at the gloomy weather outside and said in a deep voice, "I can help you with whatever you want to do, but I can't help you with dealing with Junyu."

Prime Minister Zhu laughed loudly: "Son, if you really had the ability to get Junyu to marry you, I would feel incredibly honored and wouldn't have to hold a grudge anymore because my two sons are both so useless. But, son, do you have that ability?"

Zhu Yu had never heard his father speak with such contempt and disdain before. He felt his blood rush to his head and shouted, "Just you wait!"

***************************************************************************

Chapter 118: Farewell

The morning court session took place in the Golden Palace.

Junyu stood at the forefront of the military officers. She had only attended the morning court a few times before, but she still felt lingering fear about this last one. Meng Yuanjing in another row glanced at her, and Junyu glanced back. Looking up, she saw that the emperor had granted Junyu a year's leave and had also bestowed upon her a great deal of gold, silver, jewels, and several beautiful women.

The officials looked at each other in bewilderment. No one had expected that Junyu's decision to "stay in the capital to await further instructions" would result in a year-long leave. They all secretly speculated whether the emperor had the idea of "releasing military power over a cup of wine."

Even Prime Minister Zhu was quite surprised. He suddenly met his son's ecstatic gaze, as if to say, "She has now retired from the military and is no longer a threat to you. You don't need to target her anymore, right?"

The sky outside the palace gates was clear and crisp in autumn.

After traversing the bustling streets and alleys of the capital, the unfamiliar Marshal's Mansion came into view in the distance.

Since they are just passing through, the guests will soon be taking their leave.

Junyu looked at the trees and flowers on both sides of the road and felt more relaxed and happy than ever before.

Meng Yuanjing had never seen her smile so brightly before. He stood there for a while before taking a deep breath and asking, "Junyu, what are your plans for the future?"

Junyu smiled without changing her expression: "Of course, we should leave the capital as soon as possible, the sooner the better. I don't like this place at all."

Meng Yuanjing nodded. The secret letter from the Shi sisters also mentioned that the emperor suspected Junyu's identity. Now, the best course of action is indeed to leave as soon as possible.

When do you plan to set off?

"It will take at least three to five days to pack up. If I leave tomorrow, won't that arouse suspicion from the emperor and his officials?"

“My mother heard the fourth prince’s grandmother and mothers praising you and she really wants to meet you.”

"Great! I should have visited your aunt sooner. I'm so ashamed. I'll go tomorrow, okay?"

"Welcome!"

Meng Yuanjing tossed and turned all night, finally managing to drift off to sleep just before dawn. But he dreamt that Junyu had left without saying goodbye and quietly departed from the capital. Startled, he broke out in a cold sweat and immediately got out of bed.

When Meng Yuanjing arrived at the gate, he found it tightly closed; it was only just dawn.

The servants of the Minister's residence have been getting up and busy cleaning the courtyard and preparing a feast of fruits and vegetables to welcome the Minister's friends.

A little while later, Meng's mother also got up, but couldn't find her son anywhere. Accompanied by two maids, she came to the courtyard and suddenly saw her son standing at the gate looking around again and again. She couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Yuanjing, what are you looking at?"

"Oh, I wonder if Junyu has come yet."

"Why is he here so early?"

“Mother, Junyu is not familiar with the capital and may not be able to find his way. I will go to the Marshal’s Mansion to pick him up.”

Mencius' mother looked at her son strangely: "The Minister's residence isn't some back alley or back alley, how come he can't find it?"

Meng Yuanjing nodded, seemingly a little more awake.

Seeing her son's distraught appearance, Mencius' mother couldn't help but laugh and say, "Yuanjing, you don't look like you're waiting for a friend, but rather for a woman you admire."

Meng Yuanjing was suddenly startled, but forced a smile and said, "How could that be? I was just worried that Junyu wouldn't be able to find his way."

As the sun rose above the first treetop in the garden, the servants at the gate were about to announce the arrival of a guest when they saw their Minister rushing out to greet him, saying with delight, "Junyu, you've arrived!"

Junyu nodded. Behind him, a guard presented a gift box, which was the bushel of pearls bestowed by the emperor: "This is a small token of my respect as I first meet you, Aunt."

Meng Yuanjing had no interest in looking at the gifts and immediately welcomed Junyu into the hall.

Junyu bowed deeply and smiled, saying, "Junyu greets Auntie."

Mencius' mother stood up from her seat, her eyes wide, and after a long while, she laughed and said, "There is such a young man in the world. Wang Jun's grandmother is not exaggerating. I have seen a god today."

Junyu bowed deeply again: "Auntie, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise."

Overjoyed, Meng Yuanjing said, "Junyu, don't stand, sit down."

Junyu sat down, and Meng's mother looked at those dark, jade-like eyes, which seemed so familiar. She sighed inwardly, but did not bring up the past. She only said, "From childhood to adulthood, Yuanjing has often mentioned you. I have long regarded you as my son. In the future, you should come to visit more often."

Meng Yuanjing thought that Junyu would soon be leaving the capital, and it would be very difficult to see him again, let alone "come to visit often".

Junyu smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Auntie. I will definitely come often when I have the chance."

After lunch, the three of them went to the large garden of the Minister's residence.

Meng's mother looked at her son, then at Junyu, and said with a smile, "I heard that Junyu already has two wives, while Yuanjing is still single. Junyu is such a person, his taste must be first-rate. I have a lot of paintings here, Junyu, why don't you help Yuanjing choose one?"

Meng Yuanjing said anxiously, "Mother, what are you saying?"

Junyu laughed and said, "Yuanjing, men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age. What's there to be ashamed of?"

Mother Meng said happily, "Junyu is indeed insightful. Yuanjing, take Junyu to the study to see those paintings. Since you can't make up your mind anyway, it's good to have him help you choose."

Junyu had already stood up, and Meng Yuanjing had no choice but to stand up as well and walk ahead.

In the study, the large desk was piled high with scrolls.

Junyu spread out the paintings one by one. The women in the paintings were all different, some lightly sketched, some heavily painted, and some meticulously detailed. After looking at them for a while, her eyes became a little blurry.

Looking at the other paintings nearby, these were the candidates that Mencius' mother had already selected as her favorites. Junyu carefully examined a painting marked in red. The woman in the painting had ethereal eyes and a delicate expression, wearing a green phoenix-tail dress that flowed like a fairy, seemingly frail and delicate. She took the painting and smiled, "Yuanjing, what do you think of this one?"

Meng Yuanjing's heart felt as if it had been frozen, and he said indifferently, "Is that so? You think it's good?"

Junyu's smile froze slightly, and she picked up another painting: "Oh... well, let's look at this one too, this one..."

Meng Yuanjing's voice was even colder: "In your opinion, they are all good, aren't they?"

Junyu's smile froze completely, and her hand awkwardly stopped in mid-air.

These past few days, Junyu had been deeply worried about what to do upon returning to the capital, and even her smiles betrayed a hidden bitterness. Meng Yuanjing had finally seen her smile so brightly, and now that smile had frozen again. He sighed, suddenly feeling a pang of pity, and forced a smile, saying, "Junyu, the thought of you leaving has made my heart very unsettled."

Junyu paused for a moment, then said, "You will always be my best friend. We will meet again, no matter how far apart we are."

"But I don't want to be separated by thousands of miles just to see you once."

“You and I are different. You have a mother to support, an aunt and a cousin to take care of. Everyone has their own unavoidable difficulties. You are not free to do what you want, unlike me who is carefree.”

"Are you truly without any attachments?"

Junyu felt a sudden pang of pain in her heart as she thought of Tuosang. Even if she cared, what could she do?

Meng Yuanjing stared at her for a long time: "Wherever you are, you must let me know."

Junyu nodded: "Wherever I go, I will let you know."

"No matter where you are, I will come to find you."

Junyu was stunned for a moment.

Meng Yuanjing said in a deep voice, "Junyu, no matter where you are, I will come to find you."

Junyu looked at him and said firmly, "Yuanjing, you don't need to look for me."

"Why?"

Junyu remained silent.

"Because of Tosang?"