CHAPTER 82: CHAPTER 82: XIAOLU OF THE YI FAMILY

In a small courtyard at the back of the Yi Family residence.

A young girl is swinging on a swing.

The girl is at the age of holding a hairpin ceremony, dressed in a light green waist-length gown, draped in a white fox fur, with twin-eye tail hairstyle, skin as smooth as cream, resembling warm jade, bright-eyed and spirited, with well-shaped brows and nose.

As the swing soared, her oval-shaped face briefly showed dimples, radiating bright eyes and white teeth, fresh and endearing.

This girl’s name is Yi Shiyin, affectionately called Xiaolu, and she is the daughter of Yi Qianchi.

Being the only daughter and clever since childhood, she is deeply cherished by Yi Qianchi.

"Father, swing higher."

The maiden of the boudoir, indeed a young lady from the noble family, never stepping out of the doorstep, Yi Shiyin has not yet experienced the dangers of the world and retains a child’s innocence, her smile capable of healing the heart.

With the swing’s movement, the ribbons tied on her twin ponytails flutter continuously.

"Going to fly now."

Yi Shiyin released her grip on the swing ropes, stretched her arms wide, her laughter like silver bells.

Standing by the swing, Yi Qianchi kept watchful eyes to prevent Yi Shiyin from falling, speaking, "Xiaolu, steady, don’t fall."

"Father, don’t worry, there won’t be..."

Before the words were finished, as the swing reached its highest point, Yi Shiyin’s back left the swing, flying out without holding the ropes.

Yi Qianchi was startled, about to catch her when Yi Shiyin quickly grabbed the swing ropes as she flew out, then jumped down, landing steadily.

"Xiaolu, you..."

"Hehe, father, got you fooled, didn’t I?" Yi Shiyin ran in front of Yi Qianchi, clung to his arm, gently swaying.

Seeing his daughter’s adorable expression, even the greatest anger cannot erupt, Yi Qianchi raised his hand, gently rubbing Yi Shiyin’s head, "You, always making trouble."

After speaking, he sighed, the more his daughter acted like this, combined with having no son, the less he wished to marry her off.

But speaking of marriage proposals, local noble clans and committed scholars with status were unwilling, for marrying into another family was indeed a disgraceful thing.

Those willing, he found unsatisfactory, not needing to be of wealthy households or martial artists but must have a clear family background, at least from the lower class.

After all, she is the legitimate daughter of Yi Family, should she marry a useless, low-status husband, it would invite ridicule from other noble clans and diminish the noble stature.

Therefore, concerning his daughter’s marriage, he has been quite troubled.

At this moment, a maid ran through the arched gate, briskly entering the courtyard, whispering beside Yi Qianchi’s ear.

"What?" Yi Qianchi’s eyebrow shot up, roaring, "Bold rogue, even daring to touch my people, do you know that rogue’s identity?"

"Master, according to the message from the government office, it seems that person’s name is Chen Mo, from Fu Ze Village, has gathered deserters outside the city and rebelled." The maid whispered.

"What did you say?"

Yi Qianchi was shocked.

"Reporting to master, it’s Chen Mo." The maid repeated.

"Chen Mo, from Fu Ze Village, it’s him..." Yi Qianchi’s expression briefly dazed.

"Father, what’s wrong?"

Yi Shiyin opened her big eyes, curiously looking at Yi Qianchi.

Yi Qianchi patted his chest, exhaling relievedly, "Xiaolu, fortunately, escaped a disaster, father almost threw you into a pit of fire."

Upon hearing, Yi Shiyin grew even more confused.

...

In a courtyard before a certain pavilion.

The sound of the zither lingered melodiously, the tunes graceful and soothing.

Under a peach tree, on a cloth mat, sat a woman in white, holding a pipa, her fingers slender as bamboo shoots after rain, constantly plucking the strings.

In front of her, a woman in black danced with a sword, the woman’s appearance extraordinarily beautiful, paired with her superb sword technique, making the whole sword dance not only aesthetically pleasing but also infused with a burst of power.

The two women cooperated seamlessly, almost as if one person simultaneously accomplished two tasks.

Not long after, a guard appeared in the view of the two women.

The sound of the pipa abruptly ceased.

The sword dance also stopped.

Xia Zhining wiped the sweat from her forehead, sheathing her sword, frowning lightly, "Guard Liu, what’s the matter?"

The man known as Guard Liu politely cupped his hands before the two women, "Young lady, second lady, there’s trouble, rebels have arisen outside, currently, Pingting County allows entry but not exit."

"What?" Xia Zhiqing’s face first shook with shock, exclaiming, "Has the Celestial Master Army attacked?"

"No, according to the government office’s message, it seems the deserters headed to Fengxian City have rebelled, killing two hundred defense soldiers who departed the city this morning, even Chief Peng, was killed by a leading youth named Chen Mo?" Guard Liu said.

"Youth?" Xia Zhining interrupted, knowing the local government office’s chief constable was an eighth-grade martial artist, how could he be killed by a youth?

"Guard Liu, are you certain it’s a youth?"

Guard Liu nodded, "According to the government office’s message, it is so, and that youth is only seventeen."

"Seventeen, killed an eighth-grade martial artist..." Xia Zhining raised her eyebrows, the Great Song Dynasty is not devoid of seventeen-year-olds killing eighth-grade martial artists, even more talented ones exist, but those individuals come from noble families or large clans, how could such a person appear in this small Pingting County?"

Xia Zhining expressed doubt.

...

The sun sets to the west, dusk descends.

Fu Ze Village.

In the village, a group of women are collecting the cleaned and dried armors.

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves arose, a chestnut-colored fine steed passed by them, stopping outside Chen Family Courtyard, Han Anniang from inside the house came out.

Chen Mo was in a good mood at this time, having spent half the afternoon, he finally learned to ride a horse, albeit not yet proficient, but basic operations posed no problem.

The quick learning attributed to his own cultivation, allowing him to well control the horse beneath him.

The only regret Chen Mo had.

These two horses were not those from the battlefield, not even considered excellent steeds, but the most ordinary horses.

Tying the horse in the courtyard, the other passed to the patrol team, ensuring the sentry could return with a message quickly.

Seeing his sister-in-law’s somewhat unpleased expression, Chen Mo asked, "Sister-in-law, what’s wrong?"

"Uncle, Min’Er’s father drowned, discovered by Fusheng’s mother in the river." Han Anniang replied.

"Oh, is that so, has the body been buried?"

Chen Mo asked nonchalantly, knowing very well how Liu Shu actually died.

"Villagers helped with the burial." Han Anniang replied.

Chen Mo nodded, "And Min’Er?"

"She’s inside, cried herself tired, just fell asleep." Han Anniang replied.

"Hm, when Min’Er wakes up, comfort her well." Chen Mo’s expression remained calm, his eyes showing no hint of emotion, then he said, "Sister-in-law, come inside with me, I have something to discuss with you."

ps: Two more Chapters to come, wait for me to write them.