Chapter 567

Dawn arrived in stillness, light streamed through the lattice, driving away this chaotic and tumultuous night. Xu Mitian opened her eyes to find herself still lying in Hu Xiaotian's arms; this rascal was still sound asleep, a smug smile still curling his lips, looking smug and triumphant, as if a general returning victorious from battle.

Xu Mitian sat up quietly, her pretty face flushing redder than the dawn glow. She bit her cherry lips, then raised her pink fist and smashed it toward Hu Xiaotian's sun‑lit handsome face, as if she wanted to shatter that visage with one punch—but her fist halted mid‑air. She wrinkled her nose, an unprecedented bashful expression appearing on her face. Tiptoeing barefoot, she slipped off the bed, picked up the tattered clothes from the floor and put them on, quickly tidied her appearance, came to the door, and gently pulled it open, her steps so light they seemed afraid to crush the morning dew. Before leaving, she turned back to look at Hu Xiaotian, her eyes holding a complex mix of emotions. Finally she gently closed the door; a cool morning breeze blew in, dispelling her drowsiness and also blowing away the lingering tenderness on her face. Xu Mitian's gaze turned cold and grim once more. The golden sunlight did not soften her expression; she picked up a branch from the ground and, before the hut, swiftly sketched four large characters on the earth, then turned and left without looking back.

Hu Xiaotian slept unusually sweetly; only when the sun rose high did he wake from his dream, feeling his head a bit heavy and dazed. He inhaled, and a faint fragrance lingered in the room—somewhat like Xu Mitian's body scent—but after breathing it in he felt a little dizzy. Only then did he realize Xu Mitian had already left the bed empty; logically he shouldn't have been completely unaware. He thought it over: most likely the pervasive scent in the room was responsible—Xu Mitian must have scattered some kind of drug here, which is why he slept so deeply.

Hu Xiaotian rose and opened the door, letting the cold outside wind blow in. After breathing the fresh air, his mind quickly cleared. He had no idea what turmoil Wumu City would undergo that night, nor how many people would be worried because of him.

Hu Xiaotian lowered his head and saw the four flamboyant characters on the ground—'Until we meet again!' He stared, then Xu Mitian's beautiful face, bright as dawn, appeared before his eyes. Were these words a farewell to him? 'Until we meet again'—did it mean she would never see him again? Hu Xiaotian shook his head, picked up a branch from the ground, and wrote beside it: 'We shall meet again someday.'

His clothes were in tatters; rummaging through the nearby rooms, he finally found a set of old cotton garments. After putting them on, he went to the washbasin and took a look. His face was still pitch‑black, and with this outfit he resembled a plain old farmer—truly, the Buddha needs gold, a man needs clothes. No matter how good his innate talents were, this attire could only keep his brilliance restrained, restrained to a dusty air all over, though it did make him look much more plain. Hu Xiaotian washed up briefly, then quietly headed for Wumu City. Having had the narrow escape yesterday from being burned to death by Dong Tieshan and his gang, he would be far more cautious today.

Arriving outside Wumu City, he happened to meet Xiong Tianba leading a party out to search for him. After confirming his identity, Hu Xiaotian revealed himself.

Xiong Tianba was overjoyed. He hurriedly jumped off his horse, grabbed Hu Xiaotian's arm and examined him closely, convinced that Hu Xiaotian truly stood alive before him, then burst out laughing: 'Uncle Hu, you scared us to death! From last night till now we've searched every corner of Wumu City inside and out. They said you might be in Qing Sha Marsh, so nearly everyone has been sent there to look for you; I just brought them back from the east gate.'

Hu Xiaotian said: 'I've made everyone worry about me.'

Xiong Tianba said: 'The princess issued a death order—if we don't find you, she won't go to Da Yong.'

Thinking of Long Xi Yue, Hu Xiaotian felt a twinge of guilt—on this journey he had made her worry and fear for him; this girl already lacked a sense of security deep inside, and perhaps this would leave her with an indelible psychological scar.

Xiong Tianba sent people to Qing Sha Marsh with a message, letting those still searching there return, then led the remaining warriors to escort Hu Xiaotian back to the city.

Hu Xiaotian asked about last night's situation; Xiong Tianba replied: 'All in all it's a chaotic mess—all sorts of people are saying things, but there's really nothing good to say; better not mention it.'

Hu Xiaotian burst out laughing.

Xiong Tianba said: 'Uncle Hu, you look refreshed and spirited today—as if you had a good night last night.'

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: 'You kid do have some perceptiveness—last night was indeed thrilling, but I really was fine, refreshed and comfortable all over. Thinking of having fiercely revenged myself on Xu Mitian, that fellow grinned with delight. To say Xu Mitian has lately become more and more versed in amorous arts—'Until we meet again'? I don't believe you could really cut ties with me once and for all. Maybe after a taste you'll find it hard to stay away, and in a couple of days you'll be itching again, coming to find me under the pretext of practicing cultivation.'

Xiong Tianba said: 'Right, the men my father sent to contact Qinglong Bay have also returned, saying they got the notice long ago; the two ships prepared to escort the princess across the river are ready, and Navy Commander Zhao Dengyun specially dispatched his nephew Zhao Wusheng over.'

Hu Xiaotian stared for a moment—had they not notified the navy before? How did Commander Zhao Dengyun find out? Upon reflection, his silence didn't mean others weren't speaking; perhaps Wen Boyuan and Wu Shanshan had already leaked the news, and it was fine that the navy was prepared.

A group of people escorted Hu Xiaotian into the gate of Wumu City; just as they entered, they saw a detachment coming toward them. Hu Xiaotian looked up and saw that the troops wore bright armor and the soldiers were spirited— their whole bearing was completely different from that of Wumu's garrison.

The leading officer wore silver helmet and armor, rode a pure white horse without a single stray hair, and sat upon it with heroic vigor, imposing in all directions.

Hu Xiaotian couldn't help but inwardly praise: 'This young man is quite handsome, almost catching up to me.' However, his current state was not great—he wore a dull, ragged cotton jacket and trousers, which at first glance were quite unremarkable.

Xiong Tianba said: 'That's Zhao Wusheng!'

Zhao Wusheng reined in his horse, gestured for his men to halt, and called out: 'Are you General Xiong? We were just about to leave the city to look for Lord Hu's whereabouts.'

Xiong Tianba shouted: 'No need to look—my Uncle Hu has returned safe and sound!'

Hearing this, Zhao Wusheng blinked, eased his horse's pace toward the approaching troop; although Hu Xiaotian was a eunuch, he was nonetheless the emperor‑appointed envoy for the marriage mission, an imperial envoy, so Zhao Wusheng had to observe proper etiquette.

Hu Xiaotian rode the temporary reddish‑brown horse given to him and came before Zhao Wusheng.

Zhao Wusheng clasped his hands in salute: 'Lord Hu, I am Zhao Wusheng; with armor on I cannot perform the full ceremony, so I hope Lord Hu will forgive me.'

Hu Xiaotian returned the salute, smiling: 'General Zhao! First meeting, no need for excessive courtesy—if you get the chance, please ask the commander my regards.' By saying this he effectively told Zhao Wusheng that he already knew his background.

Zhao Wusheng gave a slight smile: 'Thank you, sir!' He reined in his horse, turned its head, made way for Hu Xiaotian, then shouted: 'Brothers, Lord Hu has returned—escort Lord Hu back to the garrison.'

Zhao Wusheng caught up to Hu Xiaotian's pace and rode alongside him, then suddenly said: 'I think Lord Hu looks somewhat familiar—have we met somewhere before?'

Hu Xiaotian thought to himself: 'This guy is actually trying to get chummy with me,' and chuckled: 'Really? I don't recall.'

Zhao Wusheng wore a look of deep thought, pondered a moment, then said: 'Ah, I think we once rode a boat together on the Tongtian River.'

Hu Xiaotian was about to deny it—he had never been to Da Yong, let alone the Tongtian River—when he suddenly recalled Ji Feihua's instruction for him to act on the Tongtian River; his heart jolted. Looking at Zhao Wusheng's expression, which was intriguing, he faintly realized: could Zhao Wusheng be someone Ji Feihua had planted here to cooperate with him in striking?

Zhao Wusheng said: 'Lord Hu, you're a person of high status who forgets things—on that occasion we almost capsized the boat.'

Hu Xiaotian forcibly suppressed his inner shock—Ji Feihua really had her eyes everywhere, even planting people here in advance—but he didn't know Zhao Wusheng well enough to judge whether he was trustworthy; everything still required caution. He smiled and said: 'You put it that way, and I do seem to have a vague impression.'

The news of Hu Xiaotian's safe return spread instantly throughout Wumu City; Princess Anping, who had been anxiously waiting at the county headquarters, heard it and her eye rims turned red with emotion—if anyone in the world could make her worry so much, it could only be Hu Xiaotian.

After receiving the news, Long Xi Yue stood outside the tent, craning her neck in anticipation; although she longed to rush out to meet him, her status held her back.

Zhou Mo stood silently behind Long Xi Yue; Hu Xiaotian had entrusted him with the important task of protecting Long Xi Yue, which he must fulfill. Though he too cared for Hu Xiaotian deep down, he firmly believed that with Hu Xiaotian's intelligence he would not encounter serious trouble—and indeed events proved it. Zhou Mo whispered: 'Her Highness the Princess hasn't rested all night; now that we've confirmed Lord Hu is safe and sound, why not take this opportunity to rest awhile?'

Long Xi Yue's cheeks flushed slightly; she knew that Zhou Mo observed every of her moves. Although Hu Xiaotian's sworn elder brother rarely spoke, he understood things clearly in his heart—perhaps he too had sensed the feelings between her and Hu Xiaotian. Long Xi Yue whispered: 'I won't be at ease until I see him return.'

Zhou Mo's lips curled into a faint smile; Princess Anping is gentle and kind, her feelings for her younger brother sincere, and she hopes that the lovers will eventually be united. Thinking of soon leaving Da Yong and entering Da Yong territory, it is as if he were personally handing Princess Anping over to another's hands, and Zhou Mo could not help but secretly feel anxious about the young couple's future.

Looking ahead everything is in plain sight, looking behind the tail is on fire—this month's monthly ticket ranking is really nail‑biting, only forty‑odd votes shy of fourth place. Hey, everyone, help me push into fourth tonight, and I'll release two extra chapters? (To be continued~^~)