Chapter 17: Zhang Jianmei falls in love with Li Erhu, Xiao Xiangyue meets Ye Dongliang on the 29th
At the Hanchang Municipal Government Hotel, Xiao Xiangyue lay sprawled on the bed, script in hand, lost in thought, then rising to pluck the strings of her zither, jotting down a few passages. These days, Luo Guyun was worried that staying up late would strain his nerves and weaken his immune system, so he stopped writing music for him at night. He spent more time composing during the day.
Luo Guoyun was packing his luggage. His own affairs were taken care of by his aide-de-camp, secretary, and personal guards. However, Yue'er took care of all her things herself, without any help from others.
Xiao Xiangyue loved shopping wherever he went, filling several large boxes with all sorts of gadgets. Catching a glimpse of him stuffing a glass lamp into a box, Luo Guyun laid on the bed and said loudly, "Brother Yun, this lamp is for Bandeng. I've already told Brother Erhu I'll send it back to Lizhuang the next day, so there's no need to put it in a box. And... those fashionable magazines are for Ajin... and that imported hair oil is for Aunt Chun... you don't need to take them..." Luo Guyun shook his head as he began to put things back in order. In the past few months, whenever Xiao Xiangyue saw something new and interesting somewhere, she would buy a bunch and send it back to Lizhuang, so everyone could have something. Yue'er was loyal, straightforward, and nostalgic, so Luo Guyun let him be, sometimes even giving him advice and helping him pick things out. He just felt that Yue'er was always so honest and sincere, and if he met a cunning person, he would inevitably get hurt. The world outside was complex, and he had to help him navigate it.
Qin Xiao came to the door, holding a stewing pot and said with a smile, "I'll go to the kitchen to make some medicine and bring Yue'er some Korean ginseng soup." Korean ginseng nourishes the spleen and lungs, and Xiao Xiangyue has been drinking it for a long time. Recently, Sun Mu has added astragalus and angelica to it to enhance immunity. He told him to drink a cup every morning and evening.
Luo Guoyun took it and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Xiao Qin."
Xiao Qin smiled and said, "I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. I still have to go to the refugee camp to take care of some things, so I'll be leaving now."
Xiao Xiangyue said hurriedly, "Wait a minute... I met a kid at the refugee camp that day and promised to give him a bamboo flute. But I never had the chance to go again. Why don't you bring it to him for me?"
Xiao Qin was puzzled. "There are hundreds of children in the refugee camp. What's the name of the child you're talking about? What does he look like?"
Xiao Xiangyue was stunned. That day, when he visited the refugee camp, he saw a little boy of six or seven squatting on the ground crying. He approached him to talk and whistled a little tune to comfort him. The child said the tune was beautiful. He said he didn't have his flute with him today, and it would sound better if he played it on the flute. The child then asked what a flute was, and Xiao Xiangyue promised to give him a bamboo flute another day. Later, Luo Guoyun hurriedly took him away, without even having time to ask the boy's name.
Xiao Xiangyue was speechless for a moment and didn't know what to do. Thinking that the promise to give the flute might not be fulfilled, and wondering if the child would be disappointed, her expression became a little gloomy. Luo Guyun hated to see him like this the most, and suggested: "This is easy. There are only about a hundred children in the refugee camp. Why not give each of them a bamboo flute?" Xiao Xiangyue was delighted: "Brother Yun still has a solution! I will go to Mei later to buy a batch of flutes and send them over tomorrow!" Luo Guyun coaxed: "Well, drink the ginseng soup first." He scooped up a spoonful, tested the temperature, and handed it to his lips.
"Brother Luo, Yue'er." Zhang Jianmei appeared at the door of the mansion.
"Meimei!" Xiao Xiangyue swallowed the ginseng soup, pushed away Luo Guyun who wanted to feed him another mouthful, and walked forward. "I was just about to look for you. Come in and sit down."
Zhang Jianmei sat down, feeling a little awkward, wanting to speak but hesitant. Luo Guoyun said, "Jianmei, do you have anything to say? Feel free to say it." Jianmei blushed and said, "Jianmei... I've admired heroes like Brother Luo since I was a child. I'll graduate from the normal school next year, and when a girl grows up, she should get married..."
Luo Guyun heard that the conversation was not going well, and was afraid that it would cause a rift in Xiao Xiangyue's heart. She glanced at him, and fortunately, he was concentrating on choosing a gift for Jianmei and didn't hear what the two were talking about at all. He interrupted quickly: "Jianmei..." Zhang Jianmei felt a little embarrassed when she realized that her words were not expressive enough and people had misunderstood her. She put away her little girl's shyness and revealed her bold nature. She said in one breath: "Adjutant Li beside Brother Luo is a hero like Brother Luo. Jianmei likes him very much. Could Brother Luo please make the decision and help Jianmei?"
Over the past few days, Li Erhu has been helping collect gypsum and distribute medicinal herbs. His hard work and efficiency have earned him the appreciation of Mayor Zhang. He has praised Luo Guoyun for his ability to manage his subordinates, and for surrounding himself with such loyal and capable people. Zhang Jianmei, a student leader in charge of collecting medicinal herbs, has become increasingly familiar with Li Erhu, and a secret love has developed. Unfortunately, Erhu is a bit of a nerd, unresponsive to Jianmei's overt and subtle hints. Seeing that he was about to leave, he felt anxious and, despite his shyness, boldly approached Luo Guoyun.
Luo Guyun understood that Jianmei had fallen for Erhu, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled and said, "Erhu has been with me since we left our hometown. He is loyal and reliable. He is indeed a person I can entrust my life to. However, marriage is a big matter and requires the consent of both parties. Let me ask him about his opinion before making any plans. What do you think?" He added, "Jianmei is straightforward and Erhu is down-to-earth. Big brother also thinks you two are a perfect match, so I will do my best to bring you together." Xiao Xiangyue picked out the things and ran over to him. After listening carefully to a few words, she said happily, "That's great! Jianmei and Brother Erhu get married, so we can see each other often in the future! You're leaving the day after tomorrow, and Yue'er was a little reluctant to let you go. Now that's great!" Hearing him yell, Luo Guyun thought to himself, it seems that this matter will be done, whether it succeeds or not.
As soon as Mei left, Xiao Xiangyue's expression pleaded, her eyes gazing at him eagerly, hesitant to speak. Luo Guyun found it amusing. What was going on today? Everyone was hesitant. A thought flashed through his mind, trying to guess what he was asking for. He smiled, "Yue'er, do you want to go to the refugee camp again? I can't make the decision on that matter; I need to ask Brother Sun." Xiao Xiangyue asked curiously, "How could Brother Yun know what I'm thinking?" Luo Guyun just smiled and said nothing. Xiao Xiangyue grumbled, "Brother Yun is bullying Yue'er again..." Luo Guyun complained, "How could that be bullying..." Before he could finish his words, she had already thrown herself into his arms, her arms around his neck, her warm lips silencing his words. Only then did he realize he'd been tricked by Yue'er... He hugged her tightly, sighing inwardly. Yue'er's heart was truly exquisite, perceiving even the most subtle emotions, as if she had countless tentacles, not missing a single feeling. No wonder the songs he wrote seem to touch the soul and move the heart.
Xiao Xiangyue felt that even though she had given flutes to the children in the refugee camp, none of them knew how to play them, and most had never even heard one. She decided to go there herself and play a few tunes for everyone. She also wanted to give them some simple lessons. The flute is easy to learn and play, and once you master the technique, you can practice on your own.
Unable to resist his nagging and considering that the epidemic situation had eased somewhat, Sun Mu had no choice but to agree. He reminded them to keep a distance from the children and not touch anything inside.
Luo Guyun accompanied him personally as if he was facing a great enemy. A team of guards was also arranged to maintain order at the scene. The children of the refugee camp crowded in the open space, their dirty faces full of excitement and anticipation. Xiao Xiangyue wore a simple coarse cloth dress and stood behind a specially separated table. Because of the lack of close contact, the idea of teaching had to be abandoned. After playing more than ten songs in a row, the children were still not satisfied and cheered loudly, clapping their hands red. Playing the flute is very tiring, and in the end his breathing was a little uneven. Luo Guyun was worried that he was too tired and was about to leave. Suddenly, a child of six or seven years old rushed out of the crowd and grabbed the corner of his clothes. Luo Guyun was about to explode, and he shouted in surprise: "It's you?" It was the little boy who was crying alone in the corner that day. The boy looked at him with bright eyes and said with all his courage: "Brother, the music you play is very nice. Dongdong wants to learn it too." Xiao Xiangyue squatted down and asked: "What's your name? Where are your parents?" The child said timidly: "My name is Ye Dongliang. Everyone calls me Dongdong. My parents are dead. I came here with my grandmother. She also got sick. She was gone the day I met my brother..." It turned out that he was an orphan. Xiao Xiangyue held the child's hand, reluctant to let go.
Luo Guyun sighed, pulled him away, and took the boy's hand himself. He instructed his adjutant, "Have Mayor Zhang check the situation of the children in the refugee camp. If there are any unattended children, register them and assign someone to take care of them." He then said to Xiao Xiangyue, "Let the guards take care of this child for now. We'll arrange for him to attend a school in the city. Let Jianmei help take care of him on a regular basis. Is that okay?"
Seeing how well Luo Guyun knew her, Xiao Xiangyue was deeply moved and looked at him intently, her eyes flickering. Luo Guyun was moved by his gaze and calmed himself down: "Mayor Zhang is hosting a banquet for us tonight. It's getting late, let's go back."
Luo Guyun found some time to talk to Li Erhu about Zhang Jianmei's affairs. Erhu said that as long as she could always be by his side, it didn't matter who she married. Luo Guyun knew he would do this. So he said, "Jianmei is a good girl, I will help you decide. Let's arrange the marriage first. When she graduates from the normal school next year, you can get married. After the marriage, she can naturally continue to be by my side. If Jianmei is willing to work, I will arrange a suitable position for her. If she doesn't want to work, it would be nice for her to live a simple life together."
Hotel banquet hall.
Mayor Zhang led Hanchang city officials in greeting the crowd. Xiao Xiangyue and Zhang Jianmei sat on Luo Guyun's left and right. Yishui, Sun Mu, Erhu, Xiaoqin, Heizhu, Afeng, and dozens of others gathered around several tables, creating a lively atmosphere.
Mayor Zhang raised his glass and said, "Commander-in-Chief Luo shares the people's concerns and their difficulties. On behalf of all the people of Hanchang City, I thank the Commander-in-Chief for his unwavering support. I offer a toast to General Luo."
Luo Guoyun smiled heartily and said in a loud voice, "It is our duty to save the people from danger. Why don't we all drink this cup together and wish for peace and prosperity for the country and the people."
Everyone stood up and responded enthusiastically, draining their glasses. Xiao Xiangyue also raised her glass, but just as it touched her lips, Luo Guyun took it and drank it all in one gulp. He then put the glass down as if nothing had happened and continued chatting and laughing.
Mayor Zhang added, "When we first met in Yishun County, I knew Mr. Luo was no ordinary man. Now, with internal and external troubles, the people are suffering. If we want to see the light and revive the country, we must have a pillar like the general..."
Luo Guyun smiled and said, "Mayor Zhang, you're too kind. Speaking of those days, if it weren't for Yue'er, I would have died at the hands of pursuers, or fallen off a cliff, or died of poverty and starvation on the streets... I'm afraid my body would have been gone long ago..." Turning his head, he said to Xiao Xiangyue half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Yue'er, I never formally thanked you for what happened back then. Today, in front of all these old friends, I solemnly thank you."
Xiao Xiangyue hadn't expected him to do this so suddenly, and her face turned red. She felt a little embarrassed and didn't know what to say.
Zhang Jianmei spoke frankly, recounting the story of how they had begged on the streets to raise money for Luo Guyun's medical treatment, and how they had been kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Jianmei spoke eloquently, as if telling a legendary story, and everyone was amazed, frowned, and sighed in admiration. Luo Guyun told her that the pursuers were approaching, and the two of them rolled down the cliff together, relying on each other for protection. Xiao Xiangyue performed along the way, earned money, and escaped all the way, telling everyone about her experience as a funny story. At the end, she laughed and said, "You all never thought that even the dignified Commander-in-Chief Luo would have to beg for a living one day..."
Sun Mu was shocked and heartbroken after hearing this. He took Xiao Xiangyue's hand and said, "I didn't know Yue'er had to endure so much pain. I'm really sorry..."
Yi Shui raised the wine in his glass and said to him, "Yue'er saved my third brother, which is equivalent to saving me, Yi Shui, and all the soldiers in the army. It's a pity that my third brother never mentioned it before, which caused many misunderstandings for me as his eldest brother. I am really ashamed. Big brother, please drink a glass of wine as punishment to apologize to Yue'er." After that, he drank the wine in the glass.
Xiao Xiangyue was even more embarrassed. In a hurry, she reached out and picked up the wine glass in front of Luo Guyun. She stood up and said with a red face: "Brother, what are you talking about! Yue'er... Yue'er will drink with you." Before anyone could react, she tilted her head back and drank it all in one gulp. The strong liquor went down her throat and her face turned red. Luo Guyun was shocked and called out: "Yue'er!"
Yi Shui knew that Xiao Xiangyue never drank alcohol, but today she was willing to make an exception for him as her elder brother, which showed her respect for him and touched his heart.
Mayor Zhang raised his glass and stood up, saying to Xiao Xiangyue, "If it weren't for Mr. Xiao, we father and daughter would not have been able to meet again. Today, the anti-epidemic song composed by Mr. Xiao is a household name, and even children can sing it, making great contributions to defeating the epidemic. I cannot express my gratitude enough. On behalf of the people of Hanchang City, I would like to offer a glass to Mr. Xiao." After saying that, he drank the wine in the glass. Xiao Xiangyue felt dizzy and wanted to stand up again. Luo Guoyun was not willing to let him drink anymore. He quickly held him down and said to Mayor Zhang, "Yue'er is weak and can't handle the alcohol. Guoyun will drink three glasses for her."
Hanchang officials initially viewed the handsome young man sitting next to Commander-in-Chief Luo as a playboy or some kind of prostitute, and held him in contempt. However, upon hearing that he was an old acquaintance of both the Commander-in-Chief and the mayor, and had done them a great favor, they discovered that this young man had composed the popular anti-epidemic song. Seeing everyone's support for Xiao Xiangyue, officials, accustomed to adapting to the situation, joined in the fun, raising their glasses to toast him.
Luo Guyun had just noticed these people's frivolous glances at Yue'er, and he felt unhappy, but couldn't say it out loud, so he deliberately brought up these topics. Seeing that the effect was achieved, he blocked all the wine and gave Yi Shui a look. Yi Shui understood and said, "Currently, we are surrounded by foreign powers and the country is in turmoil. War is imminent. The army is short of weapons and ammunition. Our army is considering selecting an arsenal. I wonder if Mayor Zhang has any suggestions on this matter?"
Hanchang is rich in iron ore resources and located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, offering convenient transportation by land and water, making it an ideal location for an arsenal. Luo Guyun and Yi Shui's original purpose for staying in Hanchang was to survey the local iron ore reserves and discuss cooperation with the local government. While Luo Guyun and Sun Mu were assisting with the epidemic, Yi Shui had been negotiating with a local mining giant, and the talks were almost complete, lacking only government approval.
Mayor Zhang said, "I'm an outsider when it comes to planning and building an arsenal, so I can't offer any good advice. But if Commander-in-Chief Luo is interested in this piece of land in Hanchang, I will fully support him and put all resources at his disposal. I will be happy to serve you."
Luo Guyun smiled and said, "Thank you in advance. The factory construction is a complicated matter. Adjutant Li has been with me for many years and is reliable. I will leave him in Hanchang to assist in handling related matters. I also ask the mayor to take good care of him."
Luo Guoyun had discussed this with Li Erhu beforehand. Although Erhu was determined to follow him, the Arsenal's business was crucial, and the time was short; he could leave once everything was on track, so he had no choice but to agree. Zhang Jianmei was delighted, feeling that Brother Luo understood her feelings, and she felt even more grateful.
Seeing that the discussion was almost over, Luo Guoyun said, "Yue'er is a little tired. I'll take him back to his room to rest. Please do as you please." Everyone stood up and saw him off. Sun Mu said to Qin Xiao, "Go tell the kitchen to make some water chestnut and pear soup to sober up and nourish Yue'er before bed."
For the first time in his life, Xiao Xiangyue drank a full cup of wine. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes were watery, and he was already dizzy. He didn't hear what everyone said. Luo Guyun half supported and half carried him out of the hall. He asked curiously: "Brother Yun, is there a carpet on the road? Why does it feel so soft when I step on it?" Luo Guyun almost laughed out loud. He simply picked him up and said as they walked: "It seems that Yue'er gets drunk after one glass of wine. Don't drink like this in the future."
Xiao Xiangyue hooked her arms around his neck and said unwillingly, "The wine tastes good... No wonder Brother Yun likes to drink, Yue'er wants to drink too!" He has always been patient and restrained, but after drinking some wine, he became willful.
Luo Guoyun found it very amusing and teased him again: "Brother is an adult, Yue'er is a child. Children can't drink alcohol."
Xiao Xiangyue was drunk and shouted angrily, "Who said Yue'er is a child? Yue'er is not a child!"
The more excited Luo Guyun saw him, the more adorable he felt this baby was, and he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Brother Yun is bullying Yue'er again!" Xiao Xiangyue yelled, her face flushing. She let go of her arms and struggled to get down to the ground, where there was a pond next to her. Her body swayed. Luo Guyun quickly hugged her, and with a wicked smile, he coaxed her, "Okay... I'll know if Yue'er is a child after checking her out." He reached into his pants, reached down, and held little Yue'er. He cried out in surprise at the sudden attack, his body softened, and he fell backward. Luo Guyun turned around, and the two of them tumbled to the lawn.
Xiao Xiangyue lay in Luo Guyun's arms, her cheeks flushed and her eyes blurred. Luo Guyun held his head with one hand and clasped his chin with the other, covering his lips with his. He sucked hard as if he were tasting a glass of mellow wine, exploring every corner with the tip of his tongue. Xiao Xiangyue was half drunk and half awake, and was breathless from the kiss. She twisted her body and made an indistinct whimper. Luo Guyun was so excited that he felt a raging fire burning in his lower abdomen. Considering that there were many people coming and going in the hotel, he picked him up and rushed to the house in a hurry.
Just after putting the person to bed, Xiao Qin knocked on the door, holding a clay pot in his hand. "I asked the kitchen to make more hangover soup. Keep it warm. Let Master Xiangyue drink some before breakfast tomorrow morning to ease his stomach." Luo Guoyun agreed and took it. He closed the door impatiently and rushed back to the bedroom. He saw the person on the bed with closed eyes, thick black eyelashes casting a faint silhouette on the handsome and flawless face. His lips, red from kisses, were slightly parted, his sleeping face was peaceful and soft, and his breathing was long and even. He was already asleep.
Looking at the man sleeping as sweetly as a kitten, Luo Guyun suppressed his burning desire. He pulled the quilt over him, gently covering him. He felt annoyed, and he had to put out the fire he had started. He went to the bathroom and took a cold shower, which finally calmed his turbulent body.
Just as they were about to turn off the lights, Xiao Xiangyue stirred, mumbling, "Thirsty..." Seeing that he hadn't woken up at all, Luo Guyun half-carried him, scooped up some hangover soup, and pried open his lips and teeth with the tip of his tongue, passing it to him mouthful by mouthful. Xiao Xiangyue, drowsy, swallowed it down a bit, his throat feeling a little better, and he rolled over and fell into a deep sleep. Luo Guyun turned off the lights and went to bed, thinking, this babe will definitely not admit to having drunk the hangover soup tonight.
Unexpectedly, he woke up after only a short nap, clamoring to get up and write music, humming a little tune. Luo Guyun quickly restrained him, feeling both amused and helpless. Yue'er was so drunk... Xiao Xiangyue was confused and unhappy about being held so tightly. She rolled over and straddled him, her delicate face filled with bewilderment, her tongue tangled. "Yun... Brother Yun, why don't you... forbid Yue'er to write music?" Her elastic hips pressed against Luo Guyun's penis, fueling the lust that had just subsided.
Xiao Xiangyue slept until the sun was high in the sky. When she opened her eyes, she remembered that today was the day she was leaving Hanchang. She sat up and asked in panic, "Brother Yun, are we already on the boat?" Luo Guyun came over, sat on the edge of the bed, and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Yue'er. Aren't we still at the hotel? Eat something before you leave."
They were supposed to set off early this morning, but Xiao Xiangyue was still sleeping. Luo Guyun was in a dilemma. If he wrapped her up and carried her away like he did when he came, when Yue'er woke up, she would realize that she had missed saying goodbye to Jianmei and the others. She would be so upset. He wanted to wake him up, but he was reluctant to do so. He decided to postpone the departure time and wait until he woke up. Xiao Xiangyue glared at him and said, "Brother Yun, you are stupid! How can you let everyone wait for Yue'er?" She turned over and got out of bed, only to feel her waist and legs sore and she stumbled. Luo Guyun hurried to support her and said with concern, "Yue'er's waist hurts again, right? It's all your fault..." He pressed his palm on her waist, exerted a little force, and kneaded it slowly.
Ever since Sun Mu's Hehuan Dew arrived, Xiao Xiangyue no longer felt the same pain no matter how hard she tried, and Luo Guyun had unknowingly indulged himself a bit. However, even after all this reckless activity, he woke up the next day with back pain and weak legs. Luo Guyun thought, I need to ask Brother Sun for some advice on how to protect my waist.
Hanchang Wharf.
Mayor Zhang led a group of officials, with Erhu and Jianmei holding Dongdong's hand, to see them off. Dongdong was affectionate with Xiao Xiangyue, tugging at his clothes and refusing to let go. Xiao Xiangyue coaxed him, "Dongdong, be good and study hard. When Sister Jianmei graduates from the normal school next year, I'll bring you to Jinling to find me. Then I'll teach you how to play the flute."
After seeing off Luo Guoyun and his group, Yi Shui continued on the land route. He looked at Xiao Xiangyue and asked worriedly, "Is Yue'er okay after drinking last night? Why does she look a little unwell?" Luo Guoyun said, "Don't worry, big brother. Yue'er just didn't sleep well last night. She'll be fine after a good sleep on board."
The large ship slowly sailed out. Just like last time at the Qingyi River wharf, Xiao Xiangyue stood at the bow and waved frantically even after the boat had sailed far away.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Sun Mu said to Luo Guyun, "Yue'er has some dark circles under her eyelids, which should be caused by kidney deficiency. My dear brother... you'd better be more restrained." He smiled awkwardly and said, "Big brother is really perceptive. Yue'er has been feeling back pain, and Guyun was just thinking of asking you for advice..." Sun Mu shook his head and said, "I have prepared a prescription using several Chinese herbs such as cinnamon twig and tougucao. I made it into a medicine bag. I heat it up and apply it to Yue'er. It should relieve the pain. But... Yue'er is weak after all, so my dear brother should still be kind and protective of her..."
Xiao Xiangyue came over from the bow and heard the latter part of the sentence. She took Luo Guyun's arm and pouted, "Brother Sun is absolutely right. Brother Yun is just too concerned about Yue'er. He made everyone wait until noon to set off just for Yue'er to sleep alone. It's really wrong. Brother, you have to keep a close eye on him and never do this again."
Sun Mu was speechless. Luo Guyun chuckled.
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