Chapter 240: Fortune or Peril? A Bewitching Figure Under the Moon
Tang Haifeng’s expression turned grave. He looked down at the ground, then towards the distant alleyways, his eyes dark and deep.
——It has nothing to do with that Prince Pei’s son. His existence is merely a ‘symbol’. The true trouble and danger are yet to come.
After pondering for a long time, he suddenly murmured, “Master Lin, should I trust you this once?”
Lin Tianlu smiled and said, “Soon, I will be marrying and settling down here.”
“Ah?”
Hearing this, Tang Haifeng’s face was filled with surprise. Immediately afterward, joy appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands and said, “Could it be that Master Lin is marrying Madam Mao?”
“Indeed.”
Lin Tianlu added, “And also Miss Cheng.”
“This… Two beauties entering the family, double the joy! I must offer my sincerest congratulations to Master!”
Overjoyed, Tang Haifeng repeatedly cupped his hands in congratulations. “On the day of your wedding, I will definitely come to offer my congratulations and present a generous gift! If Master is willing, I can also spread the news throughout the county and beyond, letting others—”
“There’s no need for that.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, “I prefer peace and quiet. I will only invite a few friends from the county. The other guests will mostly be relatives and close friends of the two brides. We’ve decided privately to keep the wedding simple and not make it a grand affair.”
Tang Haifeng smiled sheepishly, “It seems I’ve overstepped.”
However, an indescribable joy still resonated in his heart. For someone as unfathomably talented as Lin Tianlu to stay in Changling was a boon for him as the county magistrate.
“Hu—”
He took a deep breath and quickly regained his composure. “Master, please focus on preparing for your wedding. I will do my best to discuss this matter with other important officials. With the intelligence and dossiers provided by Master, even if we cannot convict the deceased Pei Yan of a deserving capital crime, we can certainly ensure he has no chance of redemption and that his death serves its purpose.”
Lin Tianlu’s smile faded as he returned the gesture. “I’ll trouble Magistrate Tang then.”
Tang Haifeng chuckled softly, “Perhaps, as Master said just now, this matter… is both a crisis and an opportunity.”
…
Magistrate Tang did not stay much longer. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he turned and left, content. As he had said, the news of Prince Pei’s son’s death was troublesome. Even with substantial evidence of his numerous crimes, arguments in the imperial court were inevitable. He needed to spend time carefully managing the various interests involved. This visit had alleviated his worries, allowing him to act freely.
…
As night fell, Changling County returned to its peaceful tranquility. Stars twinkled in the night sky, scattering a beautiful, faint glow.
Lin Tianlu had just finished bathing and changing, feeling refreshed as he stepped out of the bathroom. He enjoyed the cool autumn breeze against his face and sighed contentedly. The journey from Lunar Valley had taken three or four days, and although there were stops for rest, the rural paths offered little opportunity for proper washing and changing. It felt truly good to finally have a proper bath and fresh clothes.
Walking through the corridor, he suddenly let out a soft exclamation and looked towards the pavilion, which should have been empty.
A slender figure sat quietly inside, her gown and veil scattered like stardust, shimmering with magnificent colors. Her flawless body, seemingly forged by heaven, was particularly eye-catching, like a timeless piece of exquisite jade.
The silver-haired girl gazed at the night sky, her eyes distant and dreamy.
“Miss Yun, aren’t you going back to your room to rest?”
Lin Tianlu approached her with a smile, pouring himself a cup of tea.
Yun Yue’s eyes regained some focus, and she glanced at him with a cold expression. “I’m not sleepy.”
“You are truly two different extremes now compared to before.” Lin Tianlu chuckled.
In the past, she would spend the day listlessly at home, often dozing off. Now, however, she showed no sign of sleepiness, as if she were a true ‘immortal’.
“My soul was damaged before, and I needed sleep to recover. Now that my injuries have mostly healed, there’s no need for extra rest.”
Yun Yue’s reply was as calm and indifferent as ever, betraying no emotion.
Just as she finished speaking, Lin Tianlu wagged a finger in front of her.
“That kind of thinking won’t do.”
Yun Yue tilted her head, blinking her beautiful eyes. “Why?”
“Whether you sleep or not has nothing to do with how strong you are. It only depends on whether you need to ‘relax’.” Lin Tianlu stroked his chin and gave an example. “Simply put, it depends on whether you can adapt to your current environment, and see this place as a haven for your heart, a peaceful home. If you can sleep peacefully in this house, it would be a great comfort to me.”
“Haven…”
Yun Yue murmured the word, her eyes still emotionless.
Looking at her thoughtful expression, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle. “Have you forgotten the little details of our life together?”
“I… I remember.”
Yun Yue replied softly, “I remember those things. I haven’t forgotten a single bit. But now I…”
She pursed her lips, a hint of helplessness appearing on her pretty face, but ultimately, she didn’t know how to express herself.
Pat.
A large hand suddenly rested on her head, causing Yun Yue’s expression to shift slightly.
Looking up, she saw Lin Tianlu standing beside her, and a cute, bewildered expression appeared on her face.
“Tianlu, what are you—”
“Miss Yun, although you find it difficult to express your feelings now, this bewildered look of yours has a unique charm.” Lin Tianlu smiled brightly and continued, “I couldn’t resist the urge to rub your little head and see what other unexpected reactions you might show.”
Yun Yue remained silent for a moment.
Then, she lowered her eyes and whispered, “Tianlu is deliberately teasing me.”
“This isn’t teasing, just a little affectionate jest.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled, his fingers continuing to gently stroke her silky hair, massaging the acupuncture points on her scalp.
Yun Yue narrowed her eyes slightly, letting out a soft hum, a hint of laziness appearing between her brows.
Although she didn’t say anything more, she unconsciously leaned closer, allowing her head to be massaged more easily.
“Miss Yun, you look so languid now, quite similar to before.”
“It’s very comfortable.”
Yun Yue’s eyes seemed to glisten with moisture, and she murmured softly, “Don’t… stop.”
Her coquettish murmurs, like those of a small animal, were enough to evoke a man’s protective instincts. This unconscious display of charm was incredibly potent.
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh. As expected of a fox demon, her charm was truly boundless.
However, he didn’t lose his composure. He simply smiled and continued, “Since we have some free time today, Miss Yun, would you like to chat with me?”
“What does Tianlu want to… talk about?”
“When I first brought you back to Changling, I heard some news from the neighbors. They said there was a mysterious woman in a white dress wandering among the villages, helping many poor families and even saving several lives.”
Lin Tianlu lowered his voice. “Although Miss Yun always seemed languid, as if you hadn’t done anything, I knew at the time that it must have been you.”
Yun Yue’s eyes flickered, and she remained silent.
“Miss Yun truly repented and had kind intentions, hoping to cleanse your sins with your own hands and help more unfortunate people with your own power.” Lin Tianlu’s tone became serious. “I think this act can be considered a great kindness.”
“And now, I’m quite curious… as a manifestation of Yin energy, Miss Yun, what are your thoughts?”
“I don’t know.”
“Oh?”
“I…”
Seeing her hesitate, looking conflicted, Lin Tianlu softened his tone and gently guided her, “Just say it. Whatever worries or unhappiness you have, I will naturally share the burden and help you solve them.”
Yun Yue gradually lowered her head, subconsciously clenching her hands. After a long silence, she whispered, “I don’t know what to do. Now I can only empty my mind. Once I think about those things… I can’t help but recall my life in the Netherworld.”
As expected, it was still due to the 900 years of imprisonment.
Lin Tianlu sighed inwardly.
Nine hundred years seemed like a mere number on paper.
But for a ‘person’, 900 years was incredibly long, long enough to make one despair.
This deep imprint of 900 years, perhaps no different from the most terrifying obsession, had been deeply engraved into Yun Yue’s soul, difficult to erase. Even though she had escaped from that dark and gloomy cage, it had inevitably left an indelible mark on her life.
This kind of psychological ‘old wound’ couldn’t be healed overnight with just a few words.
However…
“If you feel lonely or afraid, you can hold my hand or Ruoyu’s.”
Lin Tianlu leaned slightly closer to her cheek and murmured, “No one will abandon you again, and no one will hurt you again. And correspondingly, you also have to slowly learn to express your kindness and help those who can be helped.”
Staring blankly at the familiar face beside her, Yun Yue’s expression changed several times. She stammered, word by word, “Hold… your hands?”
“Yes. As a family, we should rely on each other.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently. “It’s okay to relax and rest occasionally when you’re with your family.”
“…”
Yun Yue didn’t say anything more.
But she silently pressed down on the hand on her head, her expression softening slightly.
Seeing her mood improve a bit, Lin Tianlu was also satisfied.
The current Miss Yun was like a blank sheet of paper. Although she had emotional wounds, as long as he guided and communicated with her patiently, he believed he could bring about many positive changes in her.
Moreover, Yun Yue herself was very sensible. This sudden change in personality hadn’t affected her judgment. She knew clearly what she should and shouldn’t listen to.
Thinking of this, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle. “My clumsy attempts at comforting you still require Miss Yun’s cooperation. I’m truly ashamed.”
“Talking to Tianlu… makes me feel at ease.”
Yun Yue gradually returned to her usual calm and indifferent demeanor, but a subtle gentleness flickered in her crimson eyes.
She held Lin Tianlu’s hand and gently pressed it against her chest, her lips parting slightly. “If Tianlu needs any guidance in the future, just press on my chest. The heartbeat of this body… won’t lie to you.”
Lin Tianlu was slightly taken aback.
He could indeed feel a very gentle heartbeat in his palm, indicating her current tranquility.
But…
His five fingers were now sinking deep into something soft and supple, a faint coolness spreading to his palm, bringing an incredibly wonderful sensation. Especially with Yun Yue’s thin gauze clothing barely concealing her beautiful figure, the touch was almost as if there were no barrier at all, every inch of her skin and curves within his grasp.
“Cough, cough, Miss Yun… this gesture is a bit too… tempting.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but cough awkwardly, explaining, “It’s easy to cause misunderstandings.”
A ripple appeared in Yun Yue’s eyes, and her crescent-shaped eyelashes fluttered slightly. “I know.”
“Then why are you still…”
“Tianlu might like it.”
As Yun Yue spoke, she pressed his hand tighter, murmuring, “And it allows you to know my current mood.”
The awkwardness on Lin Tianlu’s face dissipated somewhat, and he chuckled softly, “As long as Miss Yun likes it.”
“… I only do this kind of thing with family.”
She suddenly added in a low voice, “Or… only with Tianlu.”
“It seems I… should thank you then.”
Lin Tianlu smiled indulgently, reaching out to adjust her slightly disheveled clothes. “But since the weather is nice, why don’t I play a tune for you? If you feel comfortable and peaceful, you can have a good sleep.”
Yun Yue nodded slightly, sitting up obediently.
But with a glance from the corner of his eye, Lin Tianlu gasped and quickly pulled down the thin gauze skirt that had fallen to the side to cover her. “Miss Yun, you really need to be more careful with this outfit.”
The soft flesh of her thighs, overflowing as she crossed her legs, was white and delicate, and the stockings and skirt accentuated the exquisite curves and soft indentations. Especially the outline of her round, perky buttocks visible beneath the slit in her skirt was truly captivating.
Yun Yue remained calm. “Ruoyu has already discussed this matter with me. I will only wear this attire at home and in front of Tianlu and the others.”
“Uh…”
Lin Tianlu didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh. He could only pretend to be calm as he took out his jade flute from his bosom and sat beside her.
“Then I’ll try my best to play some gentle tunes for Miss Yun. If you feel sleepy, just tell me.”
“I will.”
“Hu—” Lin Tianlu took a deep breath, quickly focusing his mind and bringing the flute to his lips.
A melodious flute tune slowly filled the pavilion.
