Chapter 27

As the sun rose in the east, the city gates remained closed, and the houses were silent. Only a few candles burned in the inn's lobby, and a few drunkards lay scattered on the steps.

Luo Yan stepped out with her left foot, then silently withdrew it, waiting for the night watchmen to move a few feet and clear the way.

Zhu Yun, however, was unrestrained, trampling anyone who blocked her way, with howls rising and falling in waves.

She couldn't bear to look at him and sighed, "Ah Yun, you look just like a villain, you know?"

He pulled Luo Yan into his arms, leaped down from the high wall, and landed steadily before saying with a mocking tone, "Do you think righteous people never kill or rob, and always help those in need?"

In the world of "The Legend of Wu Yang," martial arts families have committed many unsavory acts. Luo Yan had no way to refute him, and in anger, she bit his earlobe until she left a shallow tooth mark before she could barely feel relieved.

Zhu Yun's eyelashes fluttered, and a smile appeared in her dark pupils.

The setting sun descended silently, gilding everything with a luxurious golden edge. The warm light dispelled the cold arrogance between Zhu Yun's brows, making his handsome face appear like a compassionate Buddha statue.

Luo Yan praised without reservation: "I'm sure my young master will have the title of 'Number One Handsome Man' in the capital."

He turned a deaf ear, but in his heart he wondered if he had mistreated Luo Yan, which was why she kept only mentioning her appearance.

As darkness fell, the river wind suddenly picked up.

The two returned along the same route. Leaving aside the fact that Luo Yan was a modern person at heart, and had never been forced to kneel before someone of low status, she was immediately jolted awake, took the contraceptive soup, drank it all in one gulp, and gestured for the servant to rise.

Xiangming brought over a plate of candied dates at just the right moment: "Would you like to try some, Mistress Yan?"

Mistress Yan?

Zhu Yun dismounted nimbly and reached out to hug Luo Yan. Seeing that both the attendant and the maidservant had lowered their heads in tacit agreement, she wrapped her legs around his strong waist and whispered, "Young master, carry me back to the carriage."

He gave her a deep look, and was about to speak when Luo Yan interrupted, "You have no manners and no sense of propriety."

She even imitated Zhu Yun's usual tone of voice.

Zhu Yun rubbed his cheeks, making a face as if he had a toothache, but in the end he said nothing and carried the emboldened young woman into the carriage.

He took out a sandalwood box from a hidden compartment and handed it to Luo Yan. With heavy thoughts weighing on her mind, Luo Yan pursed her lips and stepped somewhat reservedly into the courtyard with its green railings and red windows.

Although no one stopped her, the attendants, who were half-hidden in the shadows, were all imposing and carried long swords at their waists, their oppressive presence ever-present.

Zhu Yun seemed to have anticipated Luo Yan's arrival, and patted the cushion beside him: "Come here."

Seeing that he was in good spirits, Luo Yan felt relieved and obediently sat down beside him, their knees touching, revealing a long-lost intimacy.

The familiar warmth emboldened Luo Yan. She tilted her head slightly, buried her face in Zhu Yun's neck, and sniffed. Not smelling any feminine perfume, she smiled.

"Has the young master been seeing other women?" she asked, knowing the answer already.

Zhu Yun could easily see through it.

But she always preferred to be straightforward, which was much more endearing than resorting to underhanded tricks. So Zhu Yun smiled and said, "Did you think I came all the way to Jinzhou just for this?"

Luo Yan pressed a kiss to his throat, her flushed face showing a hint of grievance: "I thought you had forgotten me, young master."

Her teasing caused Zhu Yun's eyes to darken. She raised her finger to trace her delicate, arched eyebrows, then across her nose, finally landing on her full, naturally red lips.

He inserted his fingertips, feeling the two lips naturally sucking on him.

Luo Yan's almond-shaped eyes, filled with affection, were already red, carrying a genuine shyness that made her exceptionally beautiful, causing Zhu Yun's throat to tighten.

"Ahem." He withdrew his hand, feigning nonchalance. "What brings you to Qingfeng Academy?"

Luo Yan glanced down at the impressive figure, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she pretended to be nonchalant and said, "An old acquaintance came to the manor looking for me, saying he wanted me to plead with you, young master. Young master, please teach me how to handle such a situation?"

Her clear eyes revealed affection and dependence, which Zhu Yun found very pleasing, and he pulled her onto his lap.

"You've got some ideas." If she really had to serve these people, she'd rather just kill herself here.

Luo Yan snapped out of her daze with lingering fear and gently tugged at his collar. Young Master Hou lowered his head with the force of the pull, a barely perceptible hint of drunkenness in his eyes.

She laughed and said, "Lord Wang has brought out his most treasured wine from beyond the Great Wall tonight. It's quite strong. Are you drunk, young master?"

Young Master Hou was in a bad mood and raised his hand to push her down again, but Luo Yan quickly took the green grape into her mouth and fed the flesh to him.

The sweet and slightly bitter flavors intertwine in the mouth.

He swallowed hard, and as Luo Yan pulled away slightly, he locked her head and kissed her.

If what had just been a fleeting touch was merely a dragonfly skimming the water, now it was as if a storm was brewing. The young man deftly pried open her teeth, instinctively seizing her territory amidst the sweet fragrance. Luo Yan's body went numb from the kisses, her hands unconsciously tugging at his luxurious robes.

Fireworks lit up outside the wall with a loud "bang," bringing the two of them back to their senses for a moment.

He stopped what he was doing, his expression growing increasingly somber, with a hint of doubt in it.

Before Luo Yan could speak, Young Master Hou picked her up in his arms, and cheers erupted behind him, but no one dared to step forward and disturb them.

He led Luo Yan straight out of the mansion, where a golden-roofed carriage was already waiting at the foot of the steps.

Looking at the heavy, intricately carved gate, she couldn't even remember the last time she had stepped out of this place. Her heart surged with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes.

After boarding the carriage, Young Master Hou's expression returned to normal, as if he were not the one who had been radiating heat just moments before.

Seeing Luo Yan's eyes gleaming, he threatened, "If you dare to cry, I'll throw you down."

Zhu Yun's breathing grew heavier. He tightened his grip on her waist with one hand and pulled off the peony hairpin that was in the way with the other. His tone, however, remained calm and steady. "You want me to help you come up with a plan to deal with me? Hmm?"

Luo Yan unconsciously wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her face showing a mixture of pain and pleasure, and said with difficulty, "Young Master values ​​rules, how could Yan Yan dare to knowingly break them? After thinking it over, discussing it with Young Master is the safest course of action."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yun curled the corners of her lips: "Dare not knowingly commit a wrong? Then who is it that disregards etiquette and throws themselves at me all day long?"

"What is this?" Luo Yan fumbled to open it and saw a bluish-white jade hairpin carved with plum blossom patterns lying inside. The carving was exquisite and the jade was of superior quality, clearly not a common item from Jinzhou.

Zhu Yun said, "I had it brought from the capital; it suits you perfectly."

She was stunned by the sudden windfall, carefully put it away, and hooked her finger on Zhu Yun's knee, saying with half sincerity, "Thank you, young master. Today is the happiest day I've had in the past sixteen years."

He didn't stand on ceremony, pulling her into his arms and kissing her tenderly, including the kisses from the way they came, quickly bringing tears to Luo Yan's eyes.

They whispered sweet nothings, their lips entwined. The window was not closed, and wisps of evening breeze drifted in, flickering the candlelight and illuminating two intertwined figures.

Perhaps it was because their parting was imminent, but the two tacitly pressed their lips together, turning their ethereal and hazy feelings into a sweat that burned until the wee hours of the morning.

Luo Yan leaned against the cool desk to receive his passionate kiss. Her tongue tingled from his kiss, the sweetness spreading to her heart like honey, sending waves of sensation through her.

Zhu Yun was consciously lost in her scent, forgetting all manners and rules, with only one thought remaining—

Fine, I'll continue to indulge her. Her smile froze slightly, thinking to herself, "Are you a parrot?" But she didn't show it on her face. "There's something else."

Based on Luo Yan's experience of watching no less than twenty palace dramas, catering to someone's preferences is extremely important. However, she knew nothing about Zhu Yun, and the servants in the mansion were tight-lipped. It was truly a case of a clever woman having no rice to cook.

She answered truthfully, "What does the young master usually like to do? Does he prefer spicy or sweet food? What time does he go to bed and when does he leave the manor? And..."

The words were silenced by Zhu Yun's two fingers.

He gently pinched Luo Yan's face, the sensation intriguing him. Her rosy lips were forced to pucker, resembling a delicate flower bud about to bloom in spring, shy and demure, making one yearn to kiss her.

Zhu Yun, used to being spoiled, was too lazy to endure it any longer and lowered her eyes to press her gaze heavily on him.

He held Luo Yan's soft lips in his mouth, sucking on them tirelessly, and teasing her small tongue to capture her sweet scent.

Luo Yan, though inexperienced, knew how to enjoy herself. She draped her slender hands over Zhu Yun's broad shoulders, pressing her weight onto him to help her catch her breath.

"Knock knock—"

There was a knock on the door, and the two smelled the delicious aroma of soup noodles.

Zhu Yun's dark eyes cleared instantly, but Luo Yan's eyes and lips were covered with suspicious water stains, like peaches covered with morning dew, making even someone who didn't like sweets feel a little intoxicated.

His swift withdrawal infuriated Luo Yan. Driven by her competitive spirit, she exerted slight force with her arms, attempting to press Zhu Yun towards her.

"I want more."

It is melodious and captivating, with a melodious ending.

Zhu Yun was in a rare good mood, so he kissed her flushed cheek, then ruthlessly pushed her away and said to the door, "Come in."

The maid brought over a bowl of light beef noodles, looked straight ahead, and quickly and respectfully withdrew.

Luo Yan was indeed hungry, but out of consideration for her status, she politely asked, "Would the young master like to try some?"

"No need." Zhu Yun sat down beside her, straightened his clothes which had been wrinkled by her, and picked up the book he hadn't finished reading.

As the ancients said, beauty is a feast for the eyes.

Looking at his handsome face, Luo Yan suddenly felt as if the noodles were made with honey, sweet from her taste buds to the very tip of her heart.

She ate very quietly, chewing slowly and not saying much, which gave her the air of a noble lady from the capital.

It seems that Wang Caifu spent a lot of money to cultivate these women.

Zhu Yun belatedly withdrew his gaze, thinking to himself that beauty really could bewitch people, making it impossible for him to even concentrate on his studies. So he said in a slightly harsher tone, "Go back after you finish eating. I have other things to attend to."

Luo Yan casually asked, "What are you busy with?"

He snorted, a veiled threat in his voice: "Do you know that in my household, anyone who inquires about the master's whereabouts without permission will be punished with twenty strokes of the cane?"

But then Luo Yan's eyes lit up: "So, does that mean I'm already a member of the young master's household?"

Zhu Yun said nonchalantly, "I specifically chose this person; they can't hear me."

Suddenly, his thick eyelashes closed, and his fingertips tapped on the carriage wall, as if trying to discern any movement in the distance. After a short while, he regained his usual gentle demeanor and reassured, "It's just birds flying by."

Luo Yan believed it without a doubt, and peeked out from behind a corner of the felt curtain, only to be met with the bleak scene of early winter.

There's nothing there.

He chuckled and pinched Luo Yan's cheek: "Do you think I've been practicing martial arts for over ten years for nothing? It's still far from us, so it's normal that we can't see it."

As she began reading the storybook, Zhu Yun lowered his head to wipe the scabbard, a fierce glint in his eyes.

Two tails followed behind him again. He thought for a moment and realized they couldn't be from Lan Yue Lou.

Zhu Yun patrolled the mountain every three days, confident that he would clean up all traces. The location for retrieving medicine, which he had agreed upon with the divine physician, was also changed every month. Initially, Meng Jing naturally sent people to follow him, but they were all killed by him. Later, she learned her lesson and stopped bothering him, only appearing at the lantern shop when he needed information or money.

That must be Cui Wuyang's man.

He knew that the other party had arranged for eight people to stay in Hanmei Town for a long time. Later, some left, leaving two or three people who rented houses in the back alley of the clinic.

The reason they were spared was to avoid attracting attention. If news of their deaths reached the capital, it would eventually reach Luo Yan's ears through letters. She was timid and soft-hearted, and would be angry if she heard it.

But now Luo Yan has written a letter of severance, severing all ties with Cui Wuyang, and this place is no longer Hanmei Town...

Zhu Yun silently curled her lips into a radiant smile.