"Ruyan, come here." When the middle-aged man saw Yu Ruyan, his furrowed brows immediately relaxed. A gentle smile appeared on his face, and the love in his eyes was clear. He reached out and hugged his beloved wife, letting her sit on his lap. Breathing in her familiar fragrance, the middle-aged man's heart calmed down.
"What's wrong? From the looks of it, it doesn't seem to be going well! Did His Majesty not approve your request for military funds? "Yu Ruyan's eyes revealed a trace of worry.
The middle-aged man shook his head and said, "How could that be? His Majesty has never had any objections to my requests for military funds. However, so what if the funds were approved? Right now, most of the southern regions of the empire are in a state of famine. If this continues, there will be unforeseen events. As the saying goes, when the people are rich, the country will be rich. I alone am not enough for the empire. Auland is so big, but there isn't a single person who can help His Majesty govern the empire. You also know that those despicable people in the court only know how to flatter him. If this continues, the empire will be no more! "
Yu Ruyan sighed softly and said, "Forget it. Lan Yu, no matter how much you worry, it's useless. The empire's drawbacks aren't formed in a day or two. You have to take care of your body and don't overwork yourself."
Lan Yu took a deep breath and said, "I also want to rest, but can I rest? After this battle, three thousand of the Silver Feather Knights will never see their loved ones again. The entire Silver Feather Knights only have ten thousand people. If the Huarong Empire is ruthless enough to send the Order of the Flaming Lion, I'm afraid that even I won't be able to withstand it. Although the Ice Moon Empire is on good terms with our empire, they won't sincerely help us. As time passes, if our empire still doesn't undergo any qualitative changes, I'm afraid … "
Yu Ruyan hugged her husband's neck and said, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Be happy. Oh, right, it's not all bad news recently. The Silver Feather Knights that I'm in charge of now have five thousand men. Two thousand of them can go to the battlefield. Although their strength can't compare to your subordinates who have gone through countless trials of iron and blood. However, I believe that as long as they train more, they will be able to make up for this loss. In fact, the empire has no lack of knowledgeable people. A young brother and sister came a few days ago. The elder brother is an expert fighter. I think they can join the Silver Feather Knights. "
Lan Yu smiled and said, "I'm at ease with you. Forget it, let's not talk about this. I've only been back for a few days and haven't spent time with you. "
Just as Yu Ruyan was about to say something, a respectful voice suddenly came from outside, "Reporting."
Yu Ruyan frowned and asked, "What is it?"
"Reporting to Madam, there is a young man outside the manor, saying that he is looking for Miss."
Yu Ruyan and Lan Yu looked at each other in surprise. Yu Ruyan said, "Looking for Chen Chen? . what....... what?
.....................
Yu Ruyan stood up from Lan Yu's lap and said, "Bring him in. Come here to see me and the Duke."
"Yes."
... Nian Bing stood at the entrance of the Duke's mansion. The sixteen Silver Feather Knights stared at him with thirty-two pairs of eyes. It was an uncomfortable feeling. He had already shown them the bead given to him by Luo Rou, but the knights didn't let him in. Instead, they reported back to the mansion and sent someone to pass the message.
The enormous vermillion door opened, and a servant in green clothes walked out. He glanced at Nian Bing and said, "Please come with me."
Nian Bing heaved a sigh of relief. As long as he could deliver the letter, his mission would be considered complete. He then followed the servant into the Grand Duke's mansion under the watchful eyes of the sixteen Silver Feather Knights who were in charge of guarding the mansion.
The first thing Nian Bing saw when he entered was a spacious square. To be more accurate, it was a training ground. It occupied an area of about two thousand square meters. In the center, there were more than ten people fighting with each other. There were several weapon racks neatly placed next to the training ground. Dou Qi filled the area. From the looks of it, all of them were at least Great Swordmasters. As expected of the Ottoman Empire's number one military family! Although the way these warriors attacked was simple, their momentum was extremely strong. The fighting techniques they used were the most suitable for the battlefield.
The Duke's mansion was very large. Going back and forth was like walking through a maze. The servant in green had a calm expression. He didn't say a word to Nian Bing and only led the way. After passing through three courtyards, the green-clothed servant brought Nian Bing to a row of houses and stopped. He said to Nian Bing, "Please wait for a moment." With that, he turned to the door and said, "Reporting to the Duke, I've brought him here."
A deep and vigorous voice sounded, "Let him in."
"Yes." The servant in green nodded and stepped aside to let him in. Nianbing gestured for him to enter.
Nian Bing didn't stand on ceremony and pushed open the door. Just as he stepped into the room, he saw Yu Ruyan standing beside the desk.
Nian Bing's blood rushed to his head. His originally calm eyes were filled with emotion. He took a few steps to stand in front of Yu Ruyan. His body was slightly trembling.
Yu Ruyan saw Nian Bing quickly walking towards her. A trace of vigilance rose in her heart. Her eyes flashed with a cold light as she shouted, "Stop." Nearly eight years had passed and she hadn't changed much. However, Nian Bing had changed a lot. Eight years ago, Nian Bing was only a child. Eight years later, he had become a handsome young man. Adding on the changes in his figure, how could Yu Ruyan recognize him after eight years?
"Auntie, don't you recognize me?" Nian Bing knelt down on one knee and respectfully bowed to Yu Ruyan. His voice was trembling as tears flowed down his face. He never thought that he would be able to see the auntie he had been yearning for day and night.
Yu Ruyan and Nian Bing looked at each other before turning to look at Nianbing. She felt a sense of familiarity from Nian Bing's handsome face. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "You are?"
"Mother, I once called you mother!" As he spoke, Nian Bing pulled open the front of his shirt and pulled out the Hua Tian card.
Yu Ruyan's body trembled. Her eyes were filled with surprise. She stepped forward and pulled Nian Bing up. Nian Bing was now half a head taller than her. She carefully looked at the handsome young man and said in surprise, "Are you that little Fatso from the Ice Moon Empire seven years ago? You, you are … "
"I'm Nian Bing! Auntie. You haven't changed at all, you're still as beautiful as ever. "Nian Bing held Yu Ruyan's hand, his voice full of emotion.
Aside from her own husband, any other man who wants to touch her would only have one result, death. But now that Yu Ruyan's hand was held by Nian Bing, her heart was filled with love. She didn't feel the slightest bit of blasphemy. The pure love in Nian Bing's eyes deeply infected her.
A cough sounded. If the Duke of Bluefeather had a weakness, it would be jealousy. After all, he had such a beautiful wife. If it were anyone else, they wouldn't allow another man to get close to their wife. Even if this handsome young man was less than half his wife's age. Still, the Duke's heart was filled with jealousy. "Ruyan, aren't you going to introduce me?"
Nian Bing finally noticed that there was another person sitting next to her. The Duke of Bluefeather stood up. His height was about the same as Nian Bing's. Judging from his aura, Nian Bing immediately made a judgment. Retracting the emotions in her eyes, she respectfully said: "You must be the Duke of Bluefeather. Nice to meet you, I'm Nian Bing. "
Yu Ruyan took the initiative to hold Nian Bing's hand: "Bluefeather, do you remember seven years ago when I gave the Hua Tian token to Chen Chen on the way back from seeing her teacher? This is Nian Bing! I didn't expect that after seven years, Nian Bing would come looking for me. When he first saw me, he called me mother. I didn't expect him to be such a handsome young man. "
Bluefeather suddenly realized: "He's the little Fatso you spoke of? Nian Bing, since you came looking for Ruyan, why do you have Chen Chen's token? "
Nian Bing wiped away the tears on her face and smiled: "I didn't know auntie was here. I was asked by a friend to deliver a letter to your daughter. You and auntie Yu are … "
Yu Ruyan smiled faintly and said, "Silly boy, he's my master! The Duke's daughter you want to see is our daughter! Didn't you see Chen Chen back then? "
Nian Bing finally understood and couldn't help but praise the Duke of Bluefeather's good fortune. "So that's how it is! Auntie, is Miss Chen Chen here? A friend of mine asked me to deliver this letter to her. "The Space Ring on her hand emitted a faint silver light and the letter Luo Rou gave her appeared out of thin air.
Yu Ruyan took the letter and said in surprise: "Nian Bing, you're a magician?"
Nian Bing smiled and nodded: "Yes!"
Yu Ruyan didn't open the letter and smiled: "That's good! Our Auland Empire is currently lacking in mages. Is your teacher that old man from back then? But I don't feel any magic fluctuations from him! Chen Chen isn't here. She's studying with her teacher and doesn't come back even once a year. I'll give this letter to her when she comes back this year. "
Nian Bing said: "He's not the teacher who taught me magic. Auntie, this letter is quite urgent. It's related to my friend's marriage. The sooner it's resolved, the better. "
Yu Ruyan frowned: "But this letter is for Chen Chen. I can't open it. Who asked you to deliver the letter?"
Nian Bing said: "It's the daughter of Ice Snow City's treasurer, Luo Rou."
Yu Ruyan suddenly said: "It's that girl! I haven't seen her in a few years. "When Chenchen met Luo Rou, it was the same year I met you. When we passed by Ice Snow City, we were treated with hospitality. Chenchen and Rourou hit it off at first sight and became good sisters. They even exchanged tokens with each other. Do you know why Rou Rou is here this time? "
Nian Bing nodded and said: "I heard from Luo Rou that she's here because …" Then, he recounted everything that Luo Rou told him in detail.
After listening to Nian Bing's explanation, Yu Ruyan smiled and said: "If that's the case, I understand Rou Rou's meaning."
Duke Bluefeather said: "Our Ottoman Empire is facing internal and external troubles. Your Auntie and I are very busy. This Miss Luo Rou is also married to the Ice Moon Empire's royal family. This matter is not easy to handle! After all, our energy is limited. " What he said was the truth. He was already busy with national affairs, how could he care about these personal matters?
Nian Bing had already expected Duke Bluefeather's answer and didn't mind it. After all, he was just a messenger. Although he had a good impression of Luo Rou, they were just ordinary friends. He believed that with Luo Rou's intelligence, even without the help of Duke Bluefeather's family, she wouldn't compromise so easily.
At this time, Yu Ruyan suddenly smiled and looked at Bluefeather: "This letter came at the right time. The problem you mentioned just now can be solved with this letter."
Bluefeather's heart trembled. He was an expert in war. In terms of war, there were not many people in the continent who could compare. However, in terms of intelligence, he had always admired his wife. "Ruyan, what do you mean?"
Yu Ruyan smiled faintly and said, "Brother Yu, have you forgotten about this Lady Rourou that I mentioned to you before? When she first met our daughter, she was already quite famous in Ice Snow City. She was known for her intelligence. To a certain extent, her father's position today is mostly due to her efforts. This girl's intelligence is far above mine, especially when it comes to handling various affairs. She is an expert. Although her father is much weaker, he has a good understanding of financial matters. He is also a good person. "
After his wife's words, Bluefeather immediately understood and said happily: "If we secretly bring them to Auland and change their surnames for our use, …"
Yu Ruyan smiled and said: "It's good that you understand. What you need to do is to persuade His Majesty to put Rou Rou in an important position. In these years, although I rarely go to the Ice Moon Empire, I am still familiar with Rou Rou's situation. I can guarantee that if she helps His Majesty manage the various affairs of the empire, it won't be long before the empire shows a new face. Who said that women are inferior to men? We can't let go of a talent like Rou Rou. This is a good opportunity. Actually, this is probably the reason why Rou Rou asked Nian Bing to send this letter. This girl is very smart. Since she doesn't want to marry the Prince of Ice Moon, she will naturally find a way out for herself. Their family isn't prosperous, only the father and daughter. Thus, the problem isn't difficult to solve. If it really doesn't work, I will go personally. Nian Bing, don't worry, auntie will take care of this matter. "
Nian Bing didn't know much about politics, but he was very smart. From the conversation between Yu Ruyan and her husband, he could already see some clues. He couldn't help but praise this auntie Yu Ruyan's foresight.
Luo Rou's reputation as a wise woman wasn't easily obtained. If she were a man, she would've been put in an important position by the Ice Moon Empire. If Bluefeather led Luo Rou to the Ottoman Empire, as long as she didn't look down on her because she was a woman, it wasn't impossible to improve the current situation of the Ottoman Empire. After all, the most important thing to the Ottoman Empire was talent.
"Auntie, then I will leave this matter to you." Nian Bing respectfully said.
Yu Ruyan combed her dark green hair, looking very beautiful. "Nian Bing, you came all the way here to deliver a letter to a friend. Why don't you stay here for a while? Oh, right, you still haven't told me who taught you magic. "
Nian Bing said: "My teacher is Archmage Long Zhi of the Ice Moon Empire's Magician Guild."
Bluefeather said: "So it's Long Zhi! I know him. His level of magic is very high. Unfortunately, the Ice Moon Empire has the Ice God Tower and doesn't care much about the Guild. Since you are his disciple, your magic must be quite good. Nian Bing, do you have any family in the Ice Moon Empire? "
Nian Bing's heart trembled. After a while, he shook his head and said: "I don't have any family anymore."
Bluefeather smiled: "Since you don't have anything to worry about and you are fated with Ruyan, why don't you stay in Auland City? The Guild here is in need of people. I have been discussing with the Empire's Magician Guild to see if we can form a team of knights like the Flaming Lion. "
Nian Bing said: "Your Grace, I'm afraid it won't be that easy. According to what I know, the members of the Order of the Flaming Lion are all proficient in fire magic. Even if they join the Guild directly, they will need a long time to train together to perfect their fusion. Otherwise, it will be easy to accidentally injure their own troops. I respect Aunty Yu very much, but I still have a lot of things to do. So, I can't stay. "
Bluefeather didn't mind Nian Bing's rejection and smiled: "Then forget it. However, if you don't have a good time outside, or if the Ice Moon Empire's Magician Guild doesn't accept you. I welcome you to Auland City at any time. Since you have come from afar, stay with us for a few days and let us play host to you. "
Nian Bing shook his head and said: "I still have friends waiting for me. I'm afraid I can't stay in Auland City any longer. Duke month, Aunty Yu, I have a request that I hope you can agree to. "
Yu Ruyan smiled gently and said, "If you have any requests, just tell me. Aunty will do her best to satisfy you. "
Nian Bing's eyes were filled with emotion as she looked deeply at Yu Ruyan and said: "Aunty, in my heart, I see you as my mother. Back then, when we met for the first time and weren't familiar with each other, you gave me the precious Heavenly Flower Token. What happened next was the Heavenly Flower Token in the process of my magic training. It used its gentle aura to pull me back from the danger of going berserk. You can say that you are my savior. I hope that you can give me a chance to repay you. One day, please give me one day to prepare. After one day, I hope to cook a meal for you, okay? "
Bluefeather and Yu Ruyan were stunned. Yu Ruyan thought she heard wrongly, "Cook? Nian Bing, Aunty doesn't understand what you mean. "
Nian Bing smiled confidently and said: "Aunty, you will understand tomorrow. I will go back first and come back tomorrow. When the time comes, I can show the Heavenly Flower Token and enter, right?"
Yu Ruyan nodded and said: "Of course, but aren't you a magician? How did you become a chef? "
Nian Bing smiled and said: "Aunty, I have always been a chef! Do you still remember the old man who was with me when we first met? He is the teacher who taught me cooking. To me, cooking and magic are equally important. Duke, Aunty Yu, farewell. "Finished speaking, she bowed respectfully to the two and turned to leave.
Seeing Nian Bing's back, Bluefeather frowned: "Ruyan, what do you think of this young man? Are you sure he is the child you met at that time? "
Yu Ruyan nodded, and said, "It can't be wrong. Not only does he have the Heavenly Splendor Token, he can also accurately recount the events of when we first met. Most importantly, the emotions in his eyes are the same as back then, without the slightest change. However, this child has already grown up, and is much more rational than back then. Brother Yu, I still think this child is extraordinary and will have great achievements in the future. But I don't understand why he wants to be a chef. "
Bluefeather smiled: "Ruyan, don't look down on any profession, even if it is a chef. Let's wait and see what kind of surprise he will bring us tomorrow. From his confident appearance, it is clear he is confident in his cooking skills. If he is really a talent, I hope you can use his feelings for you to keep him. Right now, our Empire is lacking talents! "
Yu Ruyan frowned slightly and said, "Brother Yu, how can you let me take advantage of Nianbing's innocent feelings? If he is willing to stay, then that is good. If not, then let's not force him, okay? "
Bluefeather laughed: "It is my fault, I misspoke. Let's do as you say. However, I can also feel that he is not ordinary. Especially his eyes, they are filled with wisdom! "
After leaving the Duke's Mansion, Nian Bing did not return to the inn. Instead, he ran to the nearby magic shop and sold the nine scrolls he had made. If he had not met Yu Ruyan, perhaps he would have only sold three or four scrolls. But now, it was different. He wanted to let Yu Ruyan taste the delicacies he made. Therefore, he now needed more money to buy various precious ingredients.
Out of the nine magic scrolls, Nian Bing tested one on the spot and immediately sold the other eight at a price of 250 gold coins each. After all, these magic scrolls that could protect one's life did not require any magic to activate. They were something that everyone wanted, especially nobles. Therefore, even though they were only Tier 4 magic scrolls, it was inevitable that they would be sold at a high price.
From the magic shop, Nian Bing found out about the busiest area in Auland City. He took the 200 gold coins he got from selling the scrolls and bought a large amount of ingredients, as well as various seasonings and ingredients for cooking. The reason why he took a day to prepare was because seasonings were the most important in cooking. Seasonings could not only enhance the taste of the food, but also bring out the original taste of the food as long as they were used well. Truly good seasonings required a combination of different types of seasonings. This was a secret.
After returning to the inn, Nian Bing carefully opened the door. Garamandis' dragon snoring showed no signs of weakening. Dragons were not only the strongest creatures on the continent, they were also the creatures that could sleep the best. She heaved a sigh of relief. Nian Bing secretly prayed that Garamandis would sleep until she finished cooking for Yu Ruyan tomorrow.
She took out bags of seasonings from her space ring. She then took out the porcelain bottles she had just bought and marked them. She then began to skillfully mix the various seasonings. To Nian Bing, there were only two things that could make him fully immerse himself in. One was the cultivation of magic, and the other. The other was cooking.
Cooking for Garamandis could be said to be a form of torture. It was completely not something he was willing to do. In that state, although Nian Bing could still make delicious food, the quality of the food was much worse than his. Ever since leaving the peach blossom forest, Nian Bing had never wanted to make a perfect meal as much as he did now. He was so focused on mixing the seasonings that he did not notice at all. Behind him, Garamandis was snoring as he opened his eyes to look at him. A strange smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, and a few drops of dragon saliva dripped down.
Mixing the seasonings took Nian Bing a full two hours. Looking at the nearly thirty porcelain bottles in front of him, Nian Bing put them one by one into his space ring. He used his magic to activate them. He tried to take out one porcelain bottle after another according to his purpose. He accurately grasped the position of the porcelain bottle in the space ring, as well as the mark on each porcelain bottle. He nodded in satisfaction.
He fetched a basin of clear water and bought a clean towel from the inn. He took out his four peerless blades and wiped them clean little by little. He did not want to make a single mistake when he cooked for Yu Ruyan tomorrow. After finishing everything, Nian Bing sat cross-legged on the bed. Finally, he touched the warm Heavenly Flower Tablet on his chest and entered a state of meditation.
After evolving, he no longer needed to carefully restrain the absorbed magic elements. Relying on the coordination of ice and fire, the two magic elements were absorbed at a faster speed than before. His mental strength was completely released. Very quickly, Nian Bing who had abandoned all distracting thoughts entered a state of deep meditation. His magic was advancing bit by bit.
From the afternoon until the next morning, when the sunlight shone into the room, Nian Bing opened his eyes. At this time, even he did not notice that one of his azure blue eyes had become a scorching red, while the other was as clear as the blue sky. His magic moved with a thought, instantly flowing through his body. His whole body was filled with the aura of magic. It was so comfortable. Stretching his body, his gaze fell on Garamandis who was beside him. Garamandis was still sleeping soundly. Everything was as beautiful as he had imagined.
He quietly got out of bed. Although this inn was a bit simple, there was still a bathroom. Nian Bing happily took a bath. Getting rid of the last trace of irritation in his body, he took out the clothes that Xuejing had given him from the space ring.
The white robe and silver coins were embroidered with a dragon pattern. There was not much embroidery, but it played the role of a finishing touch, making the whole set of clothes luxurious and elegant. The belt at the waist was very simple. It was also white, with a wide silver line on both sides. In the center of the belt, there was a milky white jade. Stroking the soft white clothes, Nian Bing could not help but think of Xuejing who he had driven away. Jing 'er, are you okay now? I hope you don't blame me, I also had no choice. Although your temper is a bit big, it does not affect that you are a good girl. I hope you can find your other half and live a happy life.
Putting on this silver dragon white robe, coupled with Nian Bing's originally handsome appearance, his high school temperament was even more obvious. His blonde hair and white robe outlined his slender figure, and a pair of deep blue eyes like the ocean faintly shone. Taking a deep breath, Nian Bing strode out and left the inn.
Just as Nian Bing walked out of the inn, Garamandis who had been sleeping in the room sat up from the bed. "Good boy, you actually went to make walnut cakes for others without calling me. Hmph, I'll also go and have a meal. Nian Bing, oh Nian Bing, do you think the spiritual imprint I left on you only knows your location? Hehe …. "
Walking on the streets, Nian Bing felt more and more awkward because the passersby would take a few careful glances at him, especially the young girls. Those looks made him feel uneasy. Is the Ottoman Empire so open? It seemed that he should have worn coarse cotton clothes! What can he do in this situation? He could only quicken his pace and arrive at the Duke's mansion as soon as possible.
Showing the Sky Token, the Silver Feather Knights at the gate happily let him in. Under the guidance of a servant, he walked towards the Duke's study. Usually, when the Duke was not in court, he would take care of his affairs in the study.
Arriving at the door, he could hear a clear conversation from inside.
"Duke, this is the news we sisters have received for the past half a year. Do you have any other instructions? "
Duke Bluefeather replied: "Hmm, it has been hard on you these past few days. There is no need to go back this time, I still need you to carry out other tasks. Rest in the mansion for now. "
Upon hearing this, the servant who had brought Nian Bing into the residence had already stepped forward to report. He shouted from outside the door, "Duke, Sir Nian Bing is here."
"Oh, let him in."
Hearing the conversation from before, Nian Bing felt that the female voice was very familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before, but it was not Yu Ruyan's voice. While he was puzzled, the servant gestured for him to enter. Pushing the door open, he saw the Duke of Bluefeather sitting behind the desk like he did yesterday. Yu Ruyan was standing beside him with a smile on her face. Two other women were standing respectfully in front of the desk. When they heard him enter, the two women subconsciously turned around to look at him.
Nian Bing's eyes widened in surprise: "Ah! Why are you here? "
At the same time, they exclaimed: "Why are you here?"
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