Chapter 196: Departure

Li Jiancheng went again twice, still didn't see Yu Lin, and because he had to handle Li Shimin's affairs, he could only leave in disappointment.

It has only been a few years since the two brothers completely fell out and Blade and Troops met.

A month after his departure, nothing happened.

Yu Lin, a few days later, went to give Sun Wukong some food, or went out with Lord Dragon and Qilin to stroll and see the customs of early Tang.

He befriended some famous people such as Sun Simiao and others.

Zhong Kui stayed at home studying, benefiting from the classics Du Ping occasionally brought, and from scholars who visited to discuss scholarship; his knowledge grew by leaps and bounds.

Until today.

Zhong Xiao Mei got up early and packed Zhong Kui's travel clothes.

Du Ping, who had stayed overnight here yesterday, quietly came over, slipped a silver coin into Zhong Xiao Mei's palm, and whispered, "For this long journey, I'm afraid his funds won't be enough."

"Hide it in the clothes so he won't refuse it."

"This is my heartfelt gesture as a friend."

Zhong Xiao Mei heard this, didn't make a fuss, just nodded and replied, "Hmm, thank you, Brother Du."

Her voice was soft, completely different from the usual enthusiasm.

Du Ping waved his hand, about to say something, when Zhong Kui came in from outside, saw the two standing close, and couldn't help but smile:

"Little sister, Brother Du, what secret conversation are you having?"

Du Ping immediately turned, put some distance between himself and Zhong Xiao Mei, walked toward Zhong Kui, and laughed:

"Nothing, just asking a few questions."

"Zhong brother, take care on this trip; you might encounter bandits and robbers… uh, I forgot, Zhong brother, you're also a cultivator now."

"It's not you who should fear those bandits, but they should fear you!"

Zhong Kui waved his hand: "Eh, I've only skimmed the surface."

"But self‑protection shouldn't be a problem."

Then his expression grew serious, and he bowed to Du Ping: "Brother Du, I would like to ask you for a favor."

Du Ping, seeing this, returned the salute and said immediately, "What is it? Feel free to tell me."

Zhong Kui pointed at Zhong Xiao Mei nearby: "This journey, even at a minimum, will last several months."

"Yu brother went on a cloud‑travel around the world a few days ago; we don't know when he'll return."

"Now that I'm leaving, there is no male in the house to look after… therefore, I want to ask Brother Du to look after my little sister."

Hearing this, Du Ping immediately laughed, "So that's the reason."

"It's a trivial matter; Zhong brother, just rest assured."

Zhong Kui, seeing his agreement, solemnly clasped his hands and thanked, "Thank you, Brother Du."

Then he approached Zhong Xiao Mei, saw her head bowed, hair covering her face.

Zhong Kui crouched, looked up, and saw the little sister pursing her lips, eyes reddened, tears swirling in her eyes but stubbornly refusing to fall.

"What? Can't bear big brother leaving?" Zhong Kui asked softly, his thumb gently brushing her corner of the eye.

"I'm a bit reluctant… but big brother is going to accomplish great deeds, I should be happy for you."

"Now… I'm sorry, big brother."

Seeing her holding back tears, Zhong Kui spread his arms and, like in childhood, embraced her.

He gently patted her back, his voice gentle: "No need for apologies; between brother and sister we don't say such formalities."

He released his hold, lifted her face and laughed: "When big brother earns money later, I'll take you to live in the county town, buy you new clothes every day, buy rouge, buy… whatever you want!"

"Big brother!" Zhong Xiao Mei burst into laughter through tears: "I'm not a child anymore."

Zhong Kui ruffled her hair: "Alright."

He said seriously: "During this time, obey Brother Du and don't wander off.

"Maybe Yu brother will cloud‑travel back sometime, you know?"

Zhong Xiao Mei sniffed and nodded lightly.

Zhong Kui stood, went to the Travel Pack that Zhong Xiao Mei had prepared, and slung it onto his back:

"Alright, I'm leaving."

Outside, the villagers of Zhongjia Village had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing Zhong Kui emerge, the crowd followed him, escorting him to the village entrance.

The dawn light was faint, stretching everyone's shadows long.

Zhong Xiao Mei stood at the front of the crowd and suddenly shouted:

"Brother! I'll wait for you to return!"

Her voice was a little hoarse.

"Failing the exam is fine, not shameful!"

Zhong Kui turned, waved vigorously at her: "Your big brother will definitely pass the exam!"

The sunlight fell on his resolute face, and the eyes that always looked fierce were now full of tenderness.

"Go back, I'm leaving!"

Having said that, he resolutely turned and strode forward.

The morning wind lifted his robes, and the Travel Pack on his back swayed lightly with his steps.

The villagers silently saw him off until the tall figure vanished into the Snow Forest.

Zhong Xiao Mei stood at the village entrance for a long time, until Zhong Kui's figure was completely out of sight, then she withdrew her gaze.

He was indeed not seen.

Behind, Du Ping looked at her completely changed appearance and was startled.

Those eyes that usually carried a steadfast gleam were now veiled with a layer of mist; the corners of his lips curled slightly downward, revealing a rare softness.

His chest tightened inexplicably, and his breathing faltered for a few beats.

Until Zhong Xiao Mei turned around, walked to his front, and raised her hand, gently waving it before his eyes:

"Brother Du, Brother Du? My elder brother has already left."

Her voice still carried a hint of nasality, yet she was already straining to restore her usual tone.

Du Ping only then snapped back to himself, hurriedly steadied his mind, and said warmly, "Hmm, let's go back."

"Rest assured, I will definitely look after you for your brother."

Zhong Xiao Mei nodded, then cast a final glance at the distant empty official road, and only then walked toward the village with Du Ping.

Meanwhile, Zhong Kui was not going alone this time.

He needed to first rendezvous at the Chongyun County Office.

There were also two Scholars heading to the Jing Cheng imperial examinations there, who would be escorted together by several Official Messengers.

Revenge of former County Magistrate Li Yuan?

Since Li Jiancheng arrived here, the county magistrate has been replaced.

The Li Yuan family all moved elsewhere; whatever happens in the future... better not mention it.

After a short walk, Zhong Kui arrived at Chongyun County and walked straight into the office.

Inside, a clerk immediately stepped forward and laughed:

"Mr. Zhong, you have arrived."