It snowed the entire night. When they woke up the next morning, the courtyard was covered in a layer of silver frost.
Qing Mei woke up early to make porridge. Before cooking, she took a look to see if there was anyone in He Yan's room. Seeing that He Yan was putting on his clothes, she asked curiously, "Miss, why are you up so early? It's cold, why don't you sleep a little longer? "
"It's fine." He Yan stretched, "I'm used to it."
In the Liang Province Guards, he had to wake up early every day. After returning to the capital, it was not easy to change this habit. While Qing Mei was cooking porridge, He Yan picked up the broom in the corner of the courtyard to sweep the snow.
"Miss, put it down. How can you do this? This servant can do it. "Qing Mei said in a panic.
He Yan smiled, "You still want to cook porridge. How can one person do two things? Forget it, it's just sweeping the snow. I did much more difficult things than this when I was in the guard station. Don't worry about it. "
Qing Mei was very insistent, "No, Miss. Take the stove and sit in the room. This servant can do it."
"It's really fine."
Chi Wu, who was squatting in the corner, suddenly felt very uncomfortable. Although he was ordered to protect He Yan, the He Family was very poor. They only had one servant, Qing Mei. Now that the young miss and the servant girl were fighting to sweep the snow, it was very difficult for a man like him to pretend that he did not see.
After hesitating for a moment, Chi Wu stood up and said, "I'll do it."
Before He Yan could say anything, Qing Mei's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled and stuffed the broom into Chi Wu's hands. "Then I'll have to thank Guard Chi Wu!"
Chi Wu, "… …" He suspected that this servant girl was waiting for him here.
He Yan was a bit embarrassed. Chi Wu was a talent in the Nine Banners Camp. He usually followed Xiao Jue around, so he probably had never done something like sweeping. If a sword-wielding Imperial Bodyguard was a servant, it would seem that the He Family was bullying him. He Yan said, "Forget it, let me do it."
"It's fine." Qing Mei giggled, "Imperial Bodyguard Chi Wu is very good and strong. Miss, your body is not good, so you'll be fine after some rest."
Chi Wu thought to himself, 'This servant girl probably didn't see how our Young Miss lifted a hundred-pound boulder by herself in the Liang Province Guard.'
However, since there were two women here, it was better for him to do the work of sweeping the snow. ................................... if it, in... of the corners................................ ...............
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After Chi Wu finished sweeping the snow and Qing Mei finished cooking the porridge, the three of them ate together at the table. He Sui and He Yunsheng had left early. Qing Mei had made pancakes the night before for them to take with them. After eating, He Yan sat in the room in a daze.
She wanted to go to the Xu Family to find Fu Wang, but when she opened the drawer, there was not a single banknote inside. She couldn't help but feel sad. If she had known earlier, she would have borrowed the stack of banknotes from Xiao Jue when she was in the Xiao family. But now, with her status, she was embarrassed to borrow it. How about … she go find Lin Shuanghe?
While she was worrying about the banknotes, a grey-feathered pigeon flew into Chi Wu's storage room. It stopped on the beam and looked at him with its beady eyes. Chi Wu opened his hand and the pigeon flew into it. There was a small copper pipe tied to the pigeon's leg. Chi Wu untied the copper pipe and took out a piece of paper from it.
After he finished reading the paper, there was a puzzled expression in his eyes. After a while, he sorted out the paper and released the pigeon. He walked to He Yan's room and knocked on the door.
He Yan opened the door and saw Chi Wu. He asked, "What's wrong?"
"The scabbard of Young Master's Autumn Drinking Sword cracked when he fought the Wutong people in Jiyang." Chi Wu said, "The Autumn Drinking Sword was forged by the master swordsmith, Lu Daichuan. The Autumn Drinking Sword is now being forged by Master Lu."
He Yan nodded. He didn't understand what Chi Wu's words had to do with her.
"Young Master went out of the city to retrieve the sword today. Young Master went out of the city and I also have to go out, so I can't go and retrieve the sword. Master Lu has a rule. He won't wait for people who are late. If he misses this day, he will have to wait for a hundred days before he can come out again. Besides the sword owner, only the person closest to him will go to retrieve the sword. "
"Ah?" He Yan was speechless. "That's a bit too strict."
However, all capable craftsmen in the world more or less had their own temperament. Since Lu Daichuan could forge a precious weapon like the Autumn Drinking Sword, it was understandable that he had such a quirk.
"Miss He." Chi Wu looked at her and said, "You are now the Governor's fiancée. Master Lu will agree to let you retrieve the sword. Therefore, Miss He, can you do Young Master a favor and retrieve the sword from Master Lu? "
He Yan said, "It's not difficult. But how can I prove that I am the Governor's … cough, fiancée?"
"Don't you have Young Master's snake-patterned black jade?" Chi Wu answered, "You can use that."
He Yan untied the black jade from her waist. "Can this prove your Young Master's identity?"
Chi Wu said, "Yes."
"Then if I use this to go to the bank, can I get some money?"
Chi Wu said, "… Miss He, if you lack money, you can tell me. Young Master won't stand by and do nothing."
He Yan laughed and said, "I'm just joking." However, she secretly understood that this black jade could be used anywhere. It shouldn't be difficult to exchange it for some money.
She simply said, "Okay, it's not a big deal. Give me Master Lu's residence. I'll go there in a moment."
"Master Lu lives in the mountains north of the city. It's a bit far away," Chi Wu said, "I will prepare a carriage and bodyguards for Miss He to avoid danger on the way."
He Yan said, "Forget it. Your bodyguards can't even beat me. If we really encounter danger, it's hard to say who will save who. Just give me his residence. It's broad daylight, so it won't be a problem. Moreover, after the assassin incident, the number of guards in the city has doubled. It won't be a problem. "
She was stubborn. Chi Wu couldn't win against her and had to give up in the end.
Chi Wu seemed to have something important to do. After writing down Lu Daichuan's residence for He Yan, she hurried out of the mansion. He Yan comforted Qing Mei and led Xiang Xiang out the door. Although Lu Daichuan's residence was far away, it wasn't difficult to find. It was winter in the mountains north of the city. The snow was thicker than the snow in the city. Everywhere was silvery white. If the carriage traveled in the mountains, it would take a day and a night. He Yan was glad that he didn't listen to Chi Wu's advice to take a carriage. Instead, he rode a horse. At least he could catch up with Master Lu before sunset.
Lu Daichuan was also a wonderful person. He Yan had thought that since he lived in the mountains, he must be a sage-like master. Who knew that this man had built a palace-like residence in the mountains, which was extremely gorgeous? As soon as He Yan entered, two giant tigers ran over and growled at her.
Xiang Xiang jumped in fright and almost threw He Yan off. He Yan held onto the reins and comforted Xiang Xiang. When he got off the horse to take a look, he found that the two tigers were actually made of wood. Their eyes were black gems with green light, shining brightly in the dark. At first glance, they looked exactly the same as the real thing.
He Yan was surprised. This was probably Lu Daichuan's work. He was indeed a skilled craftsman.
The door wasn't closed. The two giant tigers were still growling at He Yan, but they didn't do anything else. He Yan thought for a while and pushed the door open to enter. As soon as he entered, he felt that this place was like a smaller version of Da Wei.
In the courtyard of the Northern Lands, there was a small canal that looked like a river town in Jiangnan. Inside the canal, there was a small boat that could only fit one person. There was even a gauze curtain on the boat, and moving music could be heard from it. Upon closer inspection, there was no one in the boat, only a wooden box.
The flowers and plants on the wall were fake, but they were lifelike. Even though it was winter, it was lively and bustling. Some colorful stones were scattered on the ground. They shouldn't be gems, but they were shining and attracting people's attention. He Yan felt as if she had entered the legendary Dragon Palace. It was as if she had entered a fairyland. She couldn't help but sigh in admiration. This person was such a skilled craftsman. No wonder he could forge a sword like Autumn Wine.
She had just walked to the main hall when the door opened with a crash. He Yan walked in and saw a man in a white robe sitting in the large hall. This man was cutting a bamboo dragonfly. He was probably at the last step. He Yan watched as he pulled the tail of the dragonfly and the dragonfly flew up on its own with a "weng weng weng" sound.
She couldn't help but cry out in surprise. The man turned his head, and He Yan saw his face clearly.
In fact, this man was dressed like an immortal. She didn't know what material his white robe was made of. It was especially light and elegant. Just by looking at his appearance, he looked like a hermit from the previous dynasty. However, his appearance was completely different. This person was very round. It wasn't an exaggeration to say that he was like a round ball. When he looked over with a smile, he looked like a Maitreya Buddha. He didn't have the air of a "high scholar."
This was somewhat beyond He Yan's expectation. She thought she would see a cold, arrogant, and eccentric old man with a white beard. She didn't expect to see such a kind fat man. Moreover, this person looked very young, probably in his twenties. It was a young fat man.
"We have a guest." The man smiled.
"Are you Master Lu?" He Yan took off the jade pendant from her waist and showed it to him. "I'm here to get the sword for Military Governor Xiao."
"Eh?" Lu Daichuan saw He Yan's jade pendant and was stunned. "Why do you have Xiao Huaijin's sword? Are you Xiao Jue's fiancée? "
He Yan was caught off guard by the question and didn't know how to answer for a moment. After a while, she nodded. "That's right."
"So you are Huaijin's fiancée." Lu Daichuan nodded and looked at He Yan again. "Not bad, not bad."
He Yan felt inexplicably uncomfortable. She thought for a while and asked, "Master Lu seems to have a good personal relationship with Military Governor Xiao?" This person looked amiable. He wasn't as unreasonable as Chi Wu said.
"It's not good, but it's also not bad." Lu Daichuan shook his head with a smile and clapped his hands. With a creak, He Yan looked in the direction of the sound and found a small wooden figure standing in the hall. It was only one foot tall and made into a beautiful woman. It walked into the hall. She didn't know what it was going to do.
"This … is all made by Master Lu?"
"Just some puppets." Lu Daichuan smiled. "There are no living people in my villa. There are only puppets who help me work."
It sounded a little scary, but He Yan didn't feel scared. She said, "Why don't you ask some craftsmen to help you? Or just go down the mountain. "
"That won't do." Lu Daichuan said, "I have lived on the mountain for more than 30 years. The life below the mountain doesn't suit me."
He Yan asked, "Master, how old are you this year?"
This person looked like he was in his twenties. How could he have lived on the mountain for more than 30 years?
"Guess?"
He Yan couldn't guess. She simply said, "Master, you look like you are in your early twenties."
Her words seemed to please Lu Daichuan. He held his stomach and laughed. "Child, your mouth is as sweet as honey. No wonder Xiao Huaijin likes you. You are so likable. "
He Yan: "…"
Just as she was wondering why this master swordsmith looked so frivolous, the wooden figure that had just entered the room ran out again with a "da da da" sound. He held a long box in his hands and placed it in front of He Yan.
He Yan opened the box and saw a long sword lying in it. The blade was as white as snow. It was Autumn Wine.
"It's already fixed?" He Yan said in surprise. There were no traces of cracks on the scabbard.
"It's just a sword. It won't take long." Lu Daichuan looked at He Yan and smiled kindly. "You are Xiao Huaijin's fiancée. For Xiao Huaijin's sake, I can also make a weapon or treasure for you. What do you want?"
He Yan joked, "Master, can you also make a sword like Autumn Wine for me?"
Lu Daichuan looked at her and smiled. "No."
"Why?" He Yan asked with a smile. "Master, do you think I don't deserve your sword?"
"You already have a sword. You don't need another one."
He Yan's smile suddenly froze. She looked at Lu Daichuan.
How did this man know she had a sword?
"Master, I don't have a sword." He Yan said, "I don't even have a good weapon."
"You will." Lu Daichuan shook his head. The smile in his eyes seemed to see through her. "Your sword will come back to you again."
He Yan stared at Lu Daichuan, trying to find any flaws on his face. Unfortunately, he could not see anything other than the amiable and consistent smile on this person's face.
He Yan hugged the box containing Autumn Wine and stood up. "Grandmaster, it's getting late. I came here today to retrieve the sword. Now that I have the sword, I should go back. "She bowed to Lu Daichuan." Thank you, Master. "
"You're welcome." Lu Daichuan also stood up. It was not easy for him to stand up because he was fat. It took him a lot of strength to stand firmly like a ball. He clasped his hands and sent He Yan to the door. Beside him were the two colorful tigers and the wooden figure. He looked like a weird king hiding in the mountains. "Let's go."
He Yan got on his horse and turned around to leave. However, from the view of his back, it seemed as if he was fleeing in panic.
The sound of the horse's hooves gradually faded away. Lu Daichuan made a "tut" sound and looked down at the wooden figure that only reached his calf. "Jade, do you think I scared the little girl?"
The wooden figure hung on his leg and didn't say anything.
"Forget it." Lu Daichuan shook his head again. He turned around and walked back. As he walked, he said to himself, "Huaijin, Huaijin, this is all I can do for you."
It was getting dark on the mountain.
When He Yan came, the sun hadn't set yet. She didn't stay long in Master Lu's "Bieyuan". But when she came out, it was already dark.
Fortunately, the moonlight was bright tonight. It shone on the snowy mountain, making it brighter than usual. She remembered the way. She rode Xiangxiang down the mountain. But she kept thinking about what she had just said to Master Lu.
How did Master Lu know that she already had a treasured sword? Did he already know something? Or was this person really some kind of otherworldly expert who could see the truth of her reincarnation in someone else's body?
But she was alone now and knew nothing about Lu Daichuan. She had to wait until she met Xiao Jue and asked him who Lu Daichuan was. Then she would make a decision.
He Yan sighed in his heart. He had just solved the problem of "Lady He" who had disguised herself as a man and joined the Liangzhou Guards. Now there was another problem. These days, it seemed like he was solving one problem after another.
He Yan's gaze fell on the wooden box in front of him. Fortunately, he had finally retrieved the Autumn Drinking Sword. She didn't know where He Rufei had put her Qinglang. Given He Rufei's cautiousness, he wouldn't show anyone the Qinglang unless he had no other choice. If her Qinglang was still by her side, she would definitely clean it every day.
The horse galloped through the mountain. The cold wind that blew against her face cut painfully. She exhaled, and her breath immediately turned into white mist under the night sky. It was extremely cold in the mountain.
Suddenly, something flew toward him from behind. The horse under him was startled and stood up abruptly. He Yan pulled on the reins. In the next moment, someone flew from behind him and aimed the tip of a sword at his back.
An assassin!
He Yan dodged to the side and landed on the ground. Before he could see who the person was, the person had already made a comeback. He threw himself in front of He Yan and pointed the sword at He Yan's heart. He wanted He Yan's life without saying anything.
In this desolate mountain range, there wasn't a single person. Even if he shouted, it would be impossible to call the city guards. And she was unarmed, so it was very troublesome. She had no choice but to use her hand to split open the wooden box that she had clamped under her armpit. With a "dong" sound, the wooden box shattered and the Autumn Drinking Sword fell into He Yan's hand.
Although she had seen and touched it in her previous life, this was the first time she had used it. As soon as she touched it, she felt that the sword was really cold. It was as sharp as the owner of the sword.
I'm sorry, Xiao Jue. She secretly said in her heart, I'll borrow your sword for now.
He Yan suddenly pulled out the Autumn Drinking Sword and looked at the person in front of him. He shouted, "Who are you?"
Under the moonlight, He Yan was able to clearly see that the other party's entire body was wrapped in a black cloak. The curtained hat covered most of his face, only revealing a little bit of his chin. In the dim light of the night, it seemed as clear as green jade. She wanted to look again, but the other person was already impatiently holding his sword and sweeping it towards He Yan's neck.
He actually started to fight without saying anything? He Yan was startled, but the murderous aura in front of her made it clear that the other person wanted to kill her.
It seemed that he only wanted to take her life. He Yan frowned. Could it be that He Rufei sent someone again? But last time there was a group of people. Why was there only one this time?
But soon, He Yan understood why there was only one person this time. Compared to the assassins last time, this person's skills were much better. Even He Yan couldn't help but be surprised when she fought with him. His sword technique was exquisite. It looked as calm as water, but it was full of murderous aura. It was actually on par with hers.
She was surprised. Where did this person come from? Even in Shuo capital, there weren't many people with such skills. He Rufei actually had such a powerful person under his command?
She didn't have time to think about it. The long swords danced and made a clanging sound. He Yan dodged the person's sword and bent her elbow towards the other person's abdomen. That person seemed to have expected her sneak attack and dodged to the side. Instead, he flashed behind He Yan and stabbed with his sword. He Yan couldn't dodge in time. She could only turn her back to that person and stab back. The two swords collided. With a "peng" sound, both of them took a few steps back.
He Yan was startled for a moment. She didn't know why, but a familiar feeling welled up in her heart. She didn't know where this familiar feeling came from, but before she could figure it out, that person had already stabbed with his sword again.
The other person's movements were extremely fast. After each exchange, there wasn't any time to rest as he continued to attack again. The sword moves were like a storm, fine and dense. He Yan's Autumn Drinking Sword was nimble and sharp. She had long been used to it. Thus, she didn't hide the flaws and habits of "General Feihong".
The snowflakes danced in the wind. In the darkness of the night, the bamboo forest seemed to have the sound of wind echoing, leisurely burying the killing intent.
He Yan's foot lightly tapped the ground. The Autumn Drinking Sword in her hand seemed to have a telepathic connection with her. She finally caught a glimpse of a flaw in the other person's sword moves. Without hesitation, her figure was as fast as lightning as she stabbed towards the other person.
At the same time, that person also stabbed towards He Yan.
The two swords made a crisp sound as they collided in the air. The moment they passed each other, a "pa" sound rang out. A cold light broke into two. The sword in the black clothed person's hand had been cut in two by the Autumn Drinking Sword. He Yan suddenly turned around and stabbed towards the back of that person who hadn't yet turned around.
The tip of the sword was just a hair away from piercing his back.
But at this tiny hair, it stopped.
The surroundings were strangely quiet. There was only the sound of falling snow and the clear cry of wild cranes in the distant valley. He Yan looked at the other person's back and seemed to feel something. The hand holding the sword slightly trembled.
The other person didn't move. She slowly opened her mouth with a hoarse voice: "Who are you?"
In an instant, the mountain and the moon broke through the dark clouds. Thousands of peaks piled up like jade and thousands of valleys paved with silver. That person slowly turned around and took off his veiled hat, revealing a familiar face.
"Xiao Jue …" He Yan murmured.
The black cloak was slightly blown by the wind in the snowy night. The youth's facial features were unbelievably handsome like a jade carving. There seemed to be an indescribable emotion in his limpid black eyes. His gaze focused on her, as if from the past to the present, and perhaps the future.
"Your swordsmanship has improved a lot."
He hooked his lips: "Long time no see, General He."
End of Book Five
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