Chapter 90 The Young General Carries Lu Zhaoruo
At three quarters past 7 PM, the banquet finally came to an end.
Lu Zhaoruo took out the money to pay the bill, but An Linglong stepped forward quickly and insisted on refusing.
She held Lu Zhaoruo's hand and said sincerely, "Yesterday, Madam Lu smashed that chastity arch, which helped someone like me who is trapped by empty fame. I admire you and would never accept your money."
As she spoke, her eyes flickered slightly, glancing at Xiao Yeming several times, seemingly casually.
After several refusals, Lu Zhaoruo finally had to take back the money, smiling and bowing, "Since that's the case, I will definitely send a few exquisite pieces of brocade to Madam An another day. I hope you won't refuse again."
We walked out of Anle Building.
Gu Xian, already seven or eight parts drunk, smiled and waved as he boarded a luxurious carriage and left.
Ban Ling, his face flushed from drinking, croaked as he tried to pull Xiao Yeming back to the naval camp.
Xiao Yeming paused slightly and said in a low voice, "You go back first. I need to escort Madam Lu home."
Ban Ling patted his chest and said, "Then let Biao go and deliver it to Lady Lu!"
Xiao Yeming did not respond, but instead instructed his personal guard Wang Wu: "Send the deputy general back to camp."
Wang Wu responded, picked up Banling, and left.
Banling yelled, "What are you doing! I'm taking Lady Lu home..."
Lu Zhaoruo stood on the steps, the night breeze ruffling the stray hairs at her temples, her beautiful face flushed slightly.
She initially wanted to decline, but the thought of him risking his life to go out to sea that night to raid the thieves' den made her swallow her words back.
not to mention--
He had done her a favor.
For a mere merchant like herself to be able to meet a fifth-rank military officer of the imperial court was a rare and fortunate opportunity.
And more importantly—
He is destined to become a Marquis of the Seas.
The long street was quiet, but the sound of the night watchman's drum gradually rose.
The two walked one after the other on the bluestone path, the lamplight stretching and overlapping their shadows.
After walking silently for more than ten steps, Lu Zhaoruo finally spoke first: "General Xiao... what time do you plan to set off?"
"Yin hour".
His answer was concise.
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaoruo's eyelashes fluttered slightly.
She gazed at the dark sea in the distance and said softly, "Tomorrow is the full moon, and the high tide will start, which will be perfect for pushing the boat forward. It will be fast and effortless. At the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), it will be the darkest time of day, when the moon and stars will be invisible. The sea and sky will be pitch black, making it the best time to hide our tracks."
She understood everything in her heart.
He chose to set off tonight, partly because he had wasted time helping her yesterday, and partly because he wanted to take advantage of the high tide tomorrow to travel downstream and reach the Japanese pirates' lair as soon as possible.
Choosing to leave at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM) would allow them to catch the early morning high tide and quietly leave port under the cover of darkness, thus avoiding the eyes and ears of the Maritime Trade Office, which was secretly colluding with the Japanese pirates.
He was truly a thoughtful and astute general who made good use of the opportune moment.
Xiao Yeming followed five steps behind her, his gaze sweeping over her elegant back, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes.
His voice was low and hoarse: "Lady Lu is actually so knowledgeable about maritime affairs."
Lu Zhaoruo smiled and said, "I was merely weighing the pros and cons of the situation with the mindset of a merchant. It is your profound foresight, General, that is truly admirable."
Xiao Yeming did not respond.
He really is a man of few words.
Lu Zhaoruo wondered why Xiao Yeming, who was clearly still young and a year younger than her, always had a voice like that of an old man, with a hoarse and deep quality, as if worn down. Was it due to his constant exposure to the sea breeze and his worries day and night?
Then, both of them fell silent.
Lu Zhaoruo felt the atmosphere was a little awkward. She regretted not letting Dongrou send Abao back first.
Sudden.
Her foot stepped into a pit.
"ah……"
She gasped softly, lost her balance, and fell to the side.
In an instant, an arm swiftly wrapped around her waist and pulled her back steadily.
She was caught off guard and fell into his arms, her cheek pressed against his slightly cool fabric.
The night wind seemed to suddenly stop, and in the complete silence, only the sound of his heart pounding heavily in his chest could be heard, one thud after another, rapid and deep, making her ears tingle.
She could even feel the warmth coming from beneath the fabric.
Xiao Yeming froze, as if her impact had made him lose his breathing.
Only when the person in his arms stirred slightly did he abruptly release his grip, taking two steps back to create distance, his palm still lingering on the soft touch of her waist...
His ears burned bright red, and his words trembled as he stammered, "My apologies... Madam Lu, did you twist something?"
Lu Zhaoruo tried to shift her weight onto her ankle, and a sharp pain shot through her. She hissed softly and swayed slightly.
"It looks like he twisted it."
She frowned and whispered.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yeming did not hesitate at all, and immediately knelt on one knee in front of her.
"I'm sorry for the offense."
His voice was deep.
Then, I carefully supported her ankle with one hand and massaged it with moderate pressure with the other.
His fingertips carried the unique heat of a martial artist, their inner strength subtly absorbing and soothing the congestion and pain in the sprained area through his skin.
Lu Zhaoruo felt a warm current envelop her wound, and the stinging pain quickly subsided, but her ankle was still sore and weak, making it impossible for her to walk.
"Thank you, General. The pain is much better, but..."
Before she could finish speaking, she saw Xiao Yeming stand up and lean slightly forward with his back to her.
"In urgent situations, expediency is necessary. Please forgive my presumption, Mr. Xiao."
His voice was low and steady, but his back conveyed an air of unyielding authority: "It's late, and we can't delay any longer. Please allow me to carry your wife for a while."
The long street was deserted, and the lights were dim.
Lu Zhaoruo hesitated for only a moment before gently resting her head on his back.
Although he had a slender build, his shoulders and back were surprisingly strong and reliable.
A gentle warmth seeped through his clothes, and beneath his slender frame lay an undeniable strength.
Just as he stood up steadily and lifted her up a little, Lu Zhaoruo's gaze inadvertently fell on the right side of his neck, where a small, dark plaster was tightly attached, emitting a faint medicinal smell that was bitter and pungent.
I wonder how he got injured here?
Xiao Yeming walked forward steadily.
The two were silent for a moment, with only the distant sound of the night watchman's drum and the clearly audible sound of each other's breathing.
Lu Zhaoruo suddenly thought of Shen Rongzhi. In her memory, he seemed to have never carried her on his back, and even holding hands was very rare.
She smiled bitterly, pursing her lips.
Perhaps it was the lingering effects of the alcohol, or perhaps it was the comfort of her back, but she unconsciously closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Xiao Yeming noticed that the breathing on his shoulder had become softer and longer. He turned his head and saw that her eyelashes were drooping and she was fast asleep.
The corners of his lips unconsciously lifted slightly, and the usual coldness in his eyes dissipated, revealing a rare youthful spirit.
He immediately slowed his pace, walking steadily and gently, afraid of waking her.
Anle Tower wasn't too far from Lu's Embroidery Tower, but he walked there for a very long time.
It wasn't until the wind picked up behind them that they quickened their pace, fearing the person on their back might catch a cold.
Lu Ji Embroidery Building.
Dongrou had been anxiously waiting at the door. Upon seeing the situation, she hurriedly came forward and whispered, "My lady, what happened?"
This sound startled Lu Zhaoruo from her light sleep.
She was slightly taken aback before realizing that she had arrived at the embroidered tower.
Xiao Yeming carefully put her down and turned to leave.
Lu Zhaoruo suddenly called out softly, "General Xiao..."
Xiao Yeming paused, turned around, and the night made his features appear even more striking.
Lu Zhaoruo's eyes were calm and gentle as she said softly, "I am here, awaiting good news."
He felt as if something had gently struck his heart, and a warm feeling spread silently. He softened his voice and said, "If this wish is truly fulfilled, I will return and immediately... report to Lady Lu."
His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he bowed respectfully and said, "Farewell."
With that, he turned around deftly, his figure quickly disappearing into the deep night.
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