Kiyomi Tsuki and His Fox

Chapter 21

The Lu family's caravan seemed startled, abandoning their gold and silver and fleeing in their carriages. No one gave chase; looting their treasure was their only objective. Tong Sen watched as Cai Bo'an's entourage disappeared at the end of the road, the dark cloud hanging over his heart growing heavier.

No, Cai Bo'an couldn't possibly have abandoned the overturned carriage and his valuables and fled without even putting up a fight. This must have been premeditated.

Tong Sen roared, "Retreat immediately!"

With a whoosh, a rocket shot into the sky and exploded. Instantly, gongs and drums resounded, and over a hundred brothers from Lujiabao and the ranch, occupying the high ground, unleashed a hail of arrows like a rain of locusts, killing and wounding the survivors. The desperate men who had been looting treasure just moments before scrambled to their feet in terror, running and crashing about like headless flies, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. Tong Sen shouted orders, but in the chaos, no one could hear his roar. In their desperate escape, they seized horses, pushing and shoving on the narrow, rugged roads, many falling from their horses and being trampled to death.

Amidst the deafening shouts of battle, Lei Yongxiang, leading Zhou Jie and the ranch brothers, charged out, cutting through enemy lines like butter. Seeing that all was lost, Tong Sen, protected by a few trusted men, fought his way out with a bloody path. They escaped the rugged mountain trails of the Black Forest, and a wide official road wound its way up a high slope.

White clouds drifted in the sky, green grass carpeted the ground, wildflowers bloomed in profusion, and sweet and sour fruits ripened everywhere. But to Tong Sen, this beautiful scene was like hell. On the high hillside, the Lu Family Fort's cavalry stood in a line, displaying an air of long-awaited power. Cai Bo'an sat majestically on his steed, with Cai Zhonghe staring at him with disdain on his left, and Qing Jianyue sitting on Feiyun's back with a smile on her right, holding a white fox in her arms.

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves came from behind; the pursuers were coming. Tong Sen's trusted followers scattered in panic, running around aimlessly like headless flies.

Cai Bo'an shouted, "Tong Sen, dismount and surrender!"

"Cai Bo'an, get out of here. Qing Jianyue, get out here right now."

Tong Sen's eyes flashed with a blood-red light. With a fierce roar, he spurred his horse and charged straight at Qing Jianyue with lightning speed. Qing Jianyue chuckled, and his mount, Feiyun, galloped off like a cloud, heading straight for Tong Sen. Just as the two horses passed each other, Tong Sen raised his broadsword and slashed fiercely. Qing Jianyue nimbly dodged, and the instant Tong Sen's blade missed its mark, a silver light shot towards him. As the silver light passed, drops of blood shot into the sky. With a shrill scream, Tong Sen fell from his horse, clutching his eyes and rolling on the grass.

At this moment, Qingjian Yue reined in his horse and turned around. The white fox appeared and disappeared in the grass, waiting for another chance to pounce. Cai Bo'an and Cai Zhonghe rode over, and Lei Yongxiang and Zhou Jie arrived with more than a dozen ranch brothers. Tong Sen's confidants had lost all loyalty and immediately knelt down to surrender, begging for their lives.

"What should we do with Tong Sen?" Cai Zhonghe asked.

Cai Bo'an said, "First, take him to the ranch and keep him under guard, then ask the fortress lord for a decision."

After meticulous planning, under Lei Yongxiang's command, they not only won a brilliant battle without suffering any casualties, but also captured Tong Sen alive. Cai Bo'an immediately wrote a letter and sent Qing Jianyue back to the fortress to deliver it to Lu Qingcheng. Three days later, Qing Jianyue returned to Lu Family Fortress. As soon as he entered the gates of Lu Family Fortress, Qing Jianyue sensed that the atmosphere had changed. Guards were tight everywhere, and even he was stopped outside, awaiting an audience.

Goodness, the defenses are so tight, not even a fly could find a crack to fly in. Qing Jian Yue cautiously observed her surroundings, thinking: All unfamiliar faces. What happened inside the fortress? Could something have happened to the fortress lord?

Thinking of this, his heart was pounding with anxiety, and he longed to see Lu Qingcheng immediately. A white fox darted out of the forest like lightning, leaping and bounding joyfully around Qing Jianyue. Suddenly, a girl's delicate voice abruptly broke through.

"Senior brother, look! It's a white fox, so beautiful!"

Kiyoshi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a girl of about sixteen or seventeen years old. She was petite and delicate, wearing a bright red dress and two buns with pearl chains hanging down her back, looking like a beautifully carved doll. The only thing that didn't quite match was the long, thin whip she was wielding. Although it wasn't very cute, it still had a certain imposing presence.

Beside her was a man, about twenty-six years old, who appeared spirited and charismatic. His bronze skin, dignified appearance, and composed demeanor all exuded a mature and admirable masculine charm.

Their eyes met, and Kiyomi Tsuki keenly sensed the disdain in the man's gaze. "Let's go." No matter how reluctant the girl was to part with the white fox, the man still embraced her and left.

Watching them leave, Kiyomi Tsuki thought to herself: Who are they? Are they newcomers? Judging from the direction they went, they were heading towards the council hall, a place that ordinary people can't enter. They must have some status.

At this moment, Zhang Zhichun came out and said with a smile, "Jianyue, you're back."

Upon seeing him, Qingjian Yue's burning emotions instantly cleared, and her smile shone like a crescent moon breaking through the clouds. "Brother Zhang, it's been quite a while. I heard the Fortress Master is in a meeting?"

"The Lord of the Fortress has summoned several deacons to discuss some matters." Zhang Zhichun said with a fawning smile. "The Lord of the Fortress has read the letter you submitted. He is very pleased and asked me to come out and greet you. Please."

"How could I trouble Brother Zhang to come out and pick me up in person?"

Kiyotsuki exchanged insincere pleasantries as she followed Zhang Zhichun into the council hall. After bowing to Lu Qingcheng, Kiyotsuki looked up at Lu Qingcheng, who sat high on the throne. Having not seen him for many days, Lu Qingcheng appeared even more handsome and imposing, perhaps due to his high spirits. His radiant appearance made Kiyotsuki feel happy as well.

"Jianyue, you've had a hard time this trip." Lu Qingcheng said with a smile, "Tell me, you've done such a great service, how would you like me to reward you?"

Qing Jianyue smiled and said, "Lord, I did not perform any merit. The merit belongs to your Third Lord Lei Yongxiang, as well as the Grand Enforcer and the handsome brother. I just ate and drank for free and took advantage of the situation."

Lu Qingcheng laughed loudly, "You're really modest, not taking any credit at all. Tell me, how did you manage to capture that old scoundrel Tong Sen alive?"

Qingjian Yue thought to herself: You call Tong Sen an old scoundrel, but he's your own uncle. Alas, the kinship among the wealthy is the weakest; this is absolutely true.

Then, Qing Jianyue vividly recounted how Lei Yongxiang had devised the plan, deployed the troops, and commanded them with divine skill. He also described how the Cai brothers and the Zhou family, the steward and his son, fought bravely against the enemy and captured Tong Sen alive. Of course, he didn't forget to praise himself. He exaggerated the part about Tong Sen's panicked escape and desperate cries for help a hundredfold. The hall was filled with laughter.

"How about this, we'll reward them after the Chief Enforcer, Zhong He, and Lei Yongxiang return." Lu Qingcheng pointed to the people present with a cheerful expression. "Jian Yue, you haven't met these people before, go and get to know them. You'll be working together in the future, so get closer to them."

"Yes, Lord."

Kiyomi Tsuki walked over. The person seated at the head of the table was around thirty years old, with a faint smile on his lips, exuding an indescribable charm. His innate aura was impossible to ignore, no matter where he was.

“He is Lin Feng,” Lu Qingcheng said. “Tong Sen’s betrayal of this fortress is unforgivable. Lin Feng will take over the position of Second Lord.”

Qing Jianyue suddenly understood, thinking to himself: No wonder the outside was so well-prepared, it was all done by this fellow. He cupped his hands and said, "Second Lord Lin, congratulations."

Lin Feng stood up, his physique even taller and more imposing than Lei Yongxiang's, instantly leaving Qing Jianyue speechless. He politely returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, then sat down again without saying a word.

"This is Mr. Bai Yiting." Lu Qingcheng was perhaps too happy, and introduced them to Qing Jianyue one by one. "Mr. Bai is exceptionally talented, and I went to great lengths to invite him."

"You flatter me, Lord Fortress Master." Bai Yi rose gracefully. This man was nearly fifty years old, with a refined appearance, a pair of long eyes that shone with wisdom, and a gentle, confident smile that easily made people feel at ease. "Young Master Jianyue, I have long admired you. I have already heard that you killed those three traitors, Zhong Dakun, with three strikes, and this time you have made a great contribution to the Lord Fortress Master. It is truly a blessing for our fortress to have a talent like you by its side."

Kiyoshi thought to himself: When did Zhong Dakun and the others become traitors? Of course, to kill them, one must find a plausible excuse. While his mind was racing with these thoughts, he laughed and said, "Lord Bai, you flatter me. I was able to kill those three traitors, Zhong Dakun, with three strikes, all thanks to the Lord of the Fortress."

Bai Yiting smiled and said, "What is even more admirable is that Young Master Jianyue does not take credit for anything. This virtue of humility is even more worthy of my respect."

Qing Jianyue scratched her arm and said, "Mr. Bai, please stop praising me. I can't stand being praised. It gives me goosebumps all over. I really didn't do anything. I'm telling the truth. I was just lucky and benefited from the help of the Chief Enforcer and Brother Lei."

Bai Yiting burst into laughter, "Young Master Jianyue is truly amusing. Fangwei, come over and pay your respects."

A young man stood up from his chair and walked over slowly. Unexpectedly, it was the same man he had met outside the council hall. He smiled slightly and said, "It's an honor to meet you, Young Master Yue."

Kiyoshi blinked, because he keenly sensed the irritating contempt flashing in the eyes of the elegant Du Fangwei.

“He is Mr. Bai’s beloved disciple, Du Fangwei,” Lu Qingcheng said with a smile. “He is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is a rare talent.”

Kiyoshi forced a smile and said, "Hello, Young Master Du."

"Qingjian Yue, can I borrow your fox to play with?" The little girl flew over like a bird, grabbing Qingjian Yue and calling out in a way that was both innocent and mischievous.

"Rabbit, don't be rude." Bai Yiting scolded the girl, then smiled and said, "Young Master Jianyue, this is my little rabbit. She's spoiled and has no manners. Please don't take offense."

Kiyoshi Tsuki exclaimed "Ah!" a few times, thinking to herself: So they're from the same family.