Chapter 371: Sleeping Four in a Bed, Keeping Promises p2
…
“Hmph!”
Hearing the faint gossip from the roadside, a handsome young man, dressed in fine clothes, couldn’t help but snort coldly, crossing his arms.
And the tanned young man following beside him scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly: “Third Brother, I just returned from the military camp, I haven’t met that Lin Tianlu yet. But there’s no need for you to be so angry with such an insignificant person. Sixth Sister’s personality is usually quite cold and indifferent, and now that she’s found someone she likes, it’s a good thing, better than marrying some noble or official.”
“You don’t understand anything!”
The handsome young man glared at him.
The tanned young man quickly slapped his own mouth: “Please forgive me, Third Brother, I misspoke. That Lin Tianlu must have used some underhanded tricks to deceive Sixth Sister and fool Grandfather. I’ll help you expose his true face this time, Third Brother, and make him a pariah, driven out of Qingcheng—”
Thump!
Before he could finish speaking, he was kicked and stumbled.
The guards at the gate of the Hua Mansion looked surprised.
What was going on?
Had Seventh Young Master and Third Young Master started fighting?
The tanned young man rubbed his buttocks in confusion: “Th-Third Brother?”
“Who told you to talk nonsense?!” The handsome young man said in a deep voice: “That man is far more outstanding than we imagined. Be more respectful next time you see him, don’t disgrace our Hua family!”
“…Huh?”
“We’ve already embarrassed ourselves once, don’t go looking for trouble again.”
The handsome young man’s expression was serious as he explained: “Not only does Grandfather approve of him, but even our two Grandmothers do as well. Even our uncles are full of praise. Be careful what you say, someone might hear you!”
“Th-This…”
The tanned young man was dumbfounded.
In just a few days, what incredible changes had occurred in the Hua Mansion for everyone to be so convinced by a commoner with no status, fame, or fortune?
Everyone in the family knew that Grandfather had always doted on Shuya, so it was understandable that he would agree to the marriage. But those two Grandmothers were formidable and not known for their kindness, how could— “Third Young Master, look!”
A servant’s sudden reminder made the handsome young man quickly turn his head and look towards the street.
Then, his eyes widened, and he hurriedly cupped his hands, a respectful and serious look on his face, even making the Seventh Young Master beside him stunned.
He followed his gaze, and two figures quickly came into view.
One was his younger sister, Hua Shuya, although her appearance had changed drastically since last year, becoming even more beautiful, he could still recognize her.
And the other, a gentle and refined scholar, who was he?
Wait, could it be Lin Tianlu?
“Master Lin, Sixth Sister, I didn’t expect you to come to the mansion from the villa.”
The handsome young man hurriedly bowed: “Please come in, I’ll take care of you—”
“Third Brother, we’re just here to say goodbye to Grandfather.” Hua Shuya said softly: “And also to wish everyone a happy New Year.”
Lin Tianlu smiled gently and cupped his hands in return: “It’s been a while, Third Brother.”
“You… are leaving Qingcheng?”
“Yes.” Lin Tianlu smiled and nodded: “We have to return to Xima Prefecture for the New Year, it’s a long journey, so we have to leave early.”
The handsome young man nodded thoughtfully: “I see. Then please go and talk to Grandfather, Master Lin and Sixth Sister, I won’t disturb you any longer.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands: “I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year, Third Brother, and good fortune in your official career.”
“I’ll gladly accept your blessings, Master Lin, and I also wish you and your new wife a happy and fruitful marriage.” The handsome young man smiled warmly: “Grandfather will be overjoyed if he can hold a chubby great-grandchild next year.”
After exchanging greetings and well wishes, Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya quickly entered the mansion.
Watching them leave, led by a servant, the handsome young man’s eyes flickered, sighing inwardly.
If they were to stay in Qingcheng for a few months, he might be able to find a way to get closer to such an extraordinary talent, it would be incredibly beneficial!
“Seventh Brother, did you see that man?” He turned to the tanned young man behind him: “Remember his face, don’t… hmm?”
Before he could finish speaking, a surprised look appeared on his face:
“Seventh Brother, why do you have that expression?”
His younger brother, who had just returned from the battlefield, now had a solemn and serious expression.
“There’s no need for you to remind me, Third Brother, I can see it myself.”
The tanned young man scratched his head and said in a low voice: “Although this Lin Tianlu looks ordinary, just a refined scholar, I observed him carefully just now… he has no weaknesses at all! His aura is even more unfathomable than Grandfather’s!”
He clenched his slightly trembling right hand and swallowed hard: “If I rashly tried to test him, I might lose my head.”
…
On the path within the mansion grounds.
Lin Tianlu lowered his voice and whispered: “That Seventh Brother just now, he must be a military officer stationed at the border?”
Although he looked simple and honest, his baleful aura was quite strong.
“Yes.”
Hua Shuya nodded: “All the children in our Hua family practice martial arts since childhood, and the boys join the army after they reach adulthood, experiencing the hardships of the battlefield. According to Grandfather, the men of the Hua family must be courageous and skilled in battle to live up to the name of our ancestors.”
“But I saw some young boys in the mansion…”
“Grandfather has become more lenient in recent years.”
Hua Shuya chuckled: “Perhaps he couldn’t stand the constant nagging and complaints from the women in the family. Although my uncles are all skilled in martial arts, only a few have served in the army for years, and even fewer among my generation. But the tradition of strict martial arts training since childhood hasn’t changed.”
“I see.” Lin Tianlu suddenly understood.
Regardless of their military achievements, to willingly join the army and defend their country was commendable, the Hua family truly lived up to their name, “Zhengyang” (righteous yang).
“Eek?!”
A sharp scream suddenly echoed.
Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya quickly looked towards the sound and saw a young girl backing away with a pale face, until she collapsed weakly to the ground.
“Who is this…”
Before he could finish asking, the young girl scrambled to her feet and ran away.
A subtle expression appeared on Lin Tianlu’s face.
He pointed at himself and murmured: “Has my face become so scary that a little girl would flee in terror just from looking at me?”
Hua Shuya coughed lightly: “Don’t mind her, Master, she’s probably… still frightened by what happened a few days ago. She’ll forget about it eventually.”
“Uh, but I didn’t hurt her that badly.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned strange, and he scratched his head: “Well, let’s go and greet the old Prince first. I’ll get to know your siblings better when I have the chance.”
It would be strange if he scared them every time he visited.
If others saw it, they might misunderstand and think he had done something terrible.
“They’ll see your kindness and gentleness eventually, Master.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly: “And Grandfather already admires you, that’s enough for now.”
…
Upon arriving at the old Prince’s courtyard.
Lin Tianlu quickly sensed a movement and was about to react when a figure suddenly appeared before him, waving its sleeve and forcibly repelling the attacker.
“Grandfather!”
Hua Shuya glared at the old man, her eyes filled with reproach: “I brought Master back to wish you a happy New Year, and you attacked him without a word? What if you hurt him?!”
“Ah, haha… I was just joking with Lin boy.”
Landing back on the ground, the old Prince Hua forced a smile, his face slightly embarrassed.
But he quickly clenched his right hand, his brow furrowing slightly, and exclaimed in surprise: “But your cultivation, Shuya, how…”
“M-Master guided me, and I had a breakthrough.”
Hua Shuya’s face was serious: “You can’t be so reckless in the future, Grandfather.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t be so reckless again.” The old Prince quickly reassured her, chuckling awkwardly.
He hadn’t expected his granddaughter’s cultivation to increase so dramatically in just a few days, reaching the Grandmaster Realm!
He looked at Lin Tianlu with even more admiration.
This grandson-in-law… was truly a treasure!
Although Lin Tianlu was smiling, he felt goosebumps all over under the old Prince’s gaze.
His expression was a bit… strange.
…
A while later, in the pavilion by the lake.
Prince Hua, hearing about their plans to leave, paused slightly, the smile on his face fading.
But it wasn’t because they weren’t staying longer, instead, he asked in a deep voice:
“Lin boy, are you aware of the recent events in the outside world?”
Lin Tianlu raised an eyebrow and nodded: “I know a little, I heard about the conflict in Fengtai County.”
“Indeed.”
Prince Hua’s tone turned serious: “Although I’m just a mortal, thanks to the advice of my old friends, I know that the current situation is incredibly dangerous. It might not be apparent here in Qingcheng, but once you leave, the outside world is far more treacherous than before.”
Hua Shuya, standing beside him, looked slightly apprehensive.
On their way to the mansion, even she had overheard some gossip about strange and sinister incidents involving demons and ghosts.
“I won’t stop you from leaving.”
Hua Yanxing’s gaze was deep and serious, and he said slowly: “But chaotic times are coming, you must promise me that you will protect Shuya, no matter what.”
Lin Tianlu cupped his hands seriously: “Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will do my best to protect Shuya!”
“…Good!”
Hua Yanxing stroked his beard and said in a low voice: “I believe that a talented young man like you will keep his promise. I didn’t go against everyone’s wishes and let Shuya marry you for nothing. However—”
He suddenly changed the subject and smiled kindly again: “If you encounter any danger, let Shuya handle it herself. There are no cowards in the Hua family, she can’t rely on you for everything.”
“This…”
“Master, Grandfather is right.”
Hua Shuya’s face was serious, her posture upright, and she said firmly: “I will continue to cultivate diligently and improve my swordsmanship, striving for greater heights. If any danger arises in the future, I will help you protect our family, Master, I won’t back down!”
