Guanyan returned to the familiar orphanage with firm steps, an unprecedented determination on his face.
Seeing Steward Li busy sorting out the affairs of the courtyard, he walked over, took a deep breath, and then said, "Steward Li, I've decided. I want to join the army."
Upon hearing this, Manager Li stopped the work in his hands, raised his head, and his eyes met Guan Yan's.
In those eyes that had experienced many vicissitudes of life, Guan Yan saw worry, but more of it was understanding and support.
Manager Li nodded slowly and said, "Guan Yan, you are a promising child. Since you have made up your mind, then go ahead. But remember, no matter where you go, you must protect yourself and stay safe."
Guan Yan nodded heavily, his eyes gleaming with determination. He said, "I will, Manager Li, don't worry."
When the aunts and grandmas in the orphanage heard the news, they all gathered around.
Their faces were filled with reluctance, as if they had already foreseen the scene of separation.
A child took Guanyan's hand and asked innocently, "Brother Guanyan, are you going to become a great general? Will you come back to see us?"
Guan Yan squatted down, gently stroked the child's head, and said with a smile: "Of course, this will always be my home. No matter where I go, I will miss you."
Manager Li looked at this heartwarming scene, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. He waved his hand and said, "Alright, don't be sad, everyone. Guanyan is going to pursue his dreams, and we should be happy for him. Tonight, let's give him a good send-off. I'll buy the meat and vermicelli, and we'll use the cabbage grown by our orphanage, so we can all have a reunion dinner together."
The aunts and grandmas all expressed their willingness to help prepare dinner, while Manager Li was busy arranging people to go to the town to buy meat and vegetables. The orphanage was filled with a different atmosphere, which was filled with sadness of parting but also blessings for Guanyan's future.
As night fell, a bonfire was lit in the yard of the orphanage. The firelight shone on everyone's face, making it seem particularly warm.
Steward Li offered tea instead of wine and said loudly, "Today, we bid farewell to Guan Yan. May he have smooth sailing and a bright future in the days ahead!"
In front of the orphanage, two officers stood there solemnly. Their arrival broke the laughter and joy in the orphanage.
Guan Yan hurried over and saw the official. He had a premonition in his heart, but he still couldn't help being nervous.
"Brother Guan." One of the officers spoke, his tone carrying a certain official indifference.
Guan Yan nodded, trying to remain calm: "Brother officer, what do you want from me?"
The officer pulled out a scroll of documents from his pocket, unfolded it, and handed it to Guan Yan: "This document from the Imperial Household Department in the capital has concluded the case of Meng Liang."
Guan Yan took the document, glanced at it, and his heart sank. It clearly stated that Meng Liang had colluded with the Western Rong and was severely punished according to the law, sentenced to death by beheading.
"The county magistrate has sentenced him to death according to the law," the official continued. "He will be beheaded tomorrow at Caishikou. We have come to inform you."
Guan Yan felt a wave of sadness in his heart. He and Meng Liang grew up together. Although Meng Liang had gone astray, this affection was still hard for him to let go.
He took a deep breath and looked up at the officer: "Brother officer, since he will be executed tomorrow, can I go and see him off tonight?"
Upon hearing this, the officer frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Not tonight. Prisons have their own rules, and besides, you'll be taken to Caishikou early tomorrow morning, so we can't disturb you tonight."
Although Guan Yan was disappointed, he also understood the officer's difficulties. He nodded sadly and was about to turn and leave when the officer stopped him.
"Brother Guan, wait a minute," the officer said. "Although it's not possible tonight, you can go to the prison to see him off before he's taken to Caishikou tomorrow. I'll greet the jailer."
Guan Yan's eyes flashed with gratitude when he heard this. He turned and bowed deeply to the officer: "Thank you, officer!"
The officer waved his hand, signaling him not to be polite. "Go ahead, Brother Guan. I'll meet you at the prison gate tomorrow morning."
Guan Yan watched the official leave with mixed feelings in his heart. He looked back at the orphanage, where the lights were brightly on and laughter was still there, but it could no longer calm the waves in his heart.
The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Guan Yan got up early, went to the kitchen to prepare some food, and warmed up a pot of wine, intending to let Meng Liang have a full meal before setting off.
Arriving at the gate of the county jail, the officer was already waiting there. Seeing Guan Yan, he nodded and motioned for him to follow him into the cell.
The cell was dark and damp, and the air was filled with a suffocating smell. Guan Yan followed the official, passed through a series of iron gates, and finally arrived in front of Meng Liang's cell.
Meng Liang sat dejectedly on the ground, his hair disheveled and his face haggard. He looked up at Guan Yan, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.
"Guanyan, you're here." Meng Liang's voice was hoarse and low.
Guan Yan nodded, squatted down and looked at Meng Liang at eye level: "I'll see you off for the last time."
Meng Liang smiled bitterly: "I never thought that the last person I would see would be you."
The light in the cell was dim, and Meng Liang's face looked even more haggard in the shadows. His voice trembled imperceptibly. He tried his best to calm himself down, not wanting to make the sad atmosphere even heavier.
Guanyan placed the steamed cakes and stewed meat in the food box one by one. The steamed cakes gave off a faint sweet fragrance, while the aroma of the stewed meat was even richer, evoking Meng Liang's memories of the past.
"Aunt Li knows you like to eat these, so she prepared them specially for you." Guan Yan said softly, his eyes full of reluctance.
Meng Liang looked at the food in front of him, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.
Guan Yan picked up the wine glass and said, "Take a sip, it's still warm."
Meng Liang took it and drank it all in one gulp. The warm liquid flowed down his throat, bringing a brief sense of comfort.
"Guanyan, thank Aunt Li for me," he said. Although his voice was hoarse, it was full of determination and hope. "Tell her that I, Meng Liang, will never forget this kindness."
"I don't regret doing this. I can only say that I chose the wrong person. In my next life, I will carve out a place for myself." Although his voice was low, it revealed an indomitable strength.
Guan Yan sighed inwardly when he heard this. Meng Liang had already reached a dead end, unable to turn back, but he hadn't expected the other party to remain stubborn.
Meng Liang seemed to see Guan Yan's thoughts. He sneered and continued, "Do you think joining the army can change your fate? The swords on the battlefield are merciless. One day, you might end up like me, with your head and body torn apart."
Time passed by minute by minute, and the air in the cell seemed to be frozen, making it suffocating. Finally, footsteps and the sound of unlocking were heard outside the cell door. The officer walked in and signaled Guanyan that it was time to leave.
Guan Yan stood up, looked at Meng Liang deeply, then turned around and followed the officer out of the cell, but heard Meng Liang's angry roar behind him.
"Don't think you can stay out of this if I die. Your situation may not be much better than mine!"
"I will take your secrets into my coffin!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
