The generals accepted the orders and left, and the study quickly returned to calm.
After arranging the city's defenses, Lu Yan went to the courtyard alone.
The full moon hangs high, the night breeze is gentle, and the shadows of the trees sway, just like a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Holding a flute in my hand, I looked up at the starry night sky, but my thoughts wandered elsewhere.
It seems that the officialdom of the Great Tong Dynasty is more complicated than I imagined; one careless move and you could fall into a trap.
Liu An, you old fox! It seems you won't give up until you're completely cornered.
Meanwhile, Chen Qingwan was browsing through books in her study.
She attempted to find some good strategies for governing the country in ancient books.
Suddenly, a melodious flute tune drifted into my ears, breaking the silence of the night.
She put down the book in her hand, walked to the window, and looked in the direction of the sound.
Lu Yan was sitting on a stone bench in the courtyard, bathed in moonlight, playing a bamboo flute.
The flute's melody was melodious and lingering, sometimes soaring and passionate, sometimes plaintive and sorrowful.
It seemed as if it were confiding some secret, or telling a legendary story.
The moonlight shone on him, giving him a silvery glow and making him appear even more handsome and extraordinary.
Chen Qingwan was completely mesmerized...
She had never seen Lu Yan so affectionate; he was usually always joking and laughing.
He's sharp-tongued and witty, as if nothing can make him take things seriously.
But at this moment, he seemed like a completely different person.
His melancholy and profound nature made her want to explore the secrets hidden deep within his heart.
When the music ended, Lu Yan put down the flute and let out a long sigh of relief.
"Lord Lu," Chen Qingwan couldn't help but call out.
Lu Yan turned his head upon hearing the sound and saw Chen Qingwan by the window.
He paused for a moment, then smiled and said:
"Miss Chen, why aren't you asleep so late?"
"Hearing the flute music, I couldn't resist coming out to see,"
Chen Qingwan walked into the courtyard and said with a light laugh.
"I never expected Lord Lu to have such abilities."
Lu Yan smiled and said modestly:
"It's just a trivial skill, I'm afraid it'll make you laugh, Miss Chen."
"Lord Lu is too modest,"
Chen Qingwan walked to the stone bench next to him and sat down.
"Qingwan felt that the adults' flute playing was full of stories."
Lu Yan's eyes darkened, and he remained silent.
Seeing this, Chen Qingwan wisely refrained from pressing the matter further and instead said:
"The moon is so beautiful tonight."
“Yes,” Lu Yan echoed.
"Unfortunately, even the most beautiful moon is ultimately an illusion."
Chen Qingwan looked at him, puzzled.
"What makes you say that, Lord Lu?"
Lu Yan turned to look at her, his eyes filled with a complex emotion, and slowly said:
"Some things look wonderful, but ultimately you can't hold onto them."
Chen Qingwan's heart sank suddenly. She felt that Lu Yan's words had a hidden meaning, as if he was hinting at something.
She opened her mouth, wanting to ask something, but didn't know how to begin.
Lu Yan paused, then suddenly changed the subject:
"By the way, the muskets have been manufactured and will be shipped to the capital tomorrow."
Chen Qingwan was deeply moved upon hearing this and quickly expressed her gratitude:
"Thank you, Lord Lu! With these muskets, the strength of our Great Tong Dynasty's army will be greatly enhanced!"
Lu Yan waved his hand, pretending to be relaxed, and said:
“It’s nothing, Miss Chen, you don’t need to be so polite.”
"However, this musket is extremely powerful, so please use it with caution and do not harm the innocent."
Chen Qingwan nodded solemnly.
"Don't worry, Lord Lu, Qingwan understands."
After chatting for a few more minutes, Chen Qingwan got up to say goodbye.
Lu Yan watched her leave, a barely perceptible bitterness flashing in his eyes.
He picked up the flute and gently stroked it, as if caressing an old friend.
Chen Qingwan returned to the house, and an indescribable excitement welled up in her heart.
The imminent arrival of muskets in the capital is undoubtedly a significant boost for the army of the Datong Dynasty.
She immediately summoned her personal maid, Qiao'er.
"Qiao'er, quick, help me grind the ink, I need to write a letter."
Qiao'er quickly stepped forward, spread out the Xuan paper, and handed the brush to Chen Qingwan.
Chen Qingwan picked up her pen, her thoughts flowing like a spring.
The pen flew across the paper, and before long, a letter was written.
The few words on the secret letter were sharp and cold, each one like lead:
He ordered Li Mu to immediately assemble a musket team, and a batch of muskets would soon be sent to the capital.
This matter must be handled with utmost care; we must not let the news leak out, and we must not allow it to be discovered by officials in the court.
"Qiao'er, immediately send this letter to the capital and give it to General Li Mu of the Imperial Guard."
"Remember, you must hand it to him personally, without any mistakes."
Chen Qingwan sealed the letter and solemnly handed it to Qiao'er.
"Miss, what did the letter say? Why is it so urgent?"
Qiao'er asked curiously.
Chen Qingwan smiled slightly.
"This is of great importance and cannot be disclosed."
"You only need to deliver the letter to General Li. Remember, this matter must be kept secret."
Seeing how serious Chen Qingwan was, Qiao'er didn't dare to ask any more questions.
He quickly took the letter and carefully tucked it into his pocket.
"Don't worry, Miss, I will deliver the letter safely."
After saying that, he left in a hurry.
Chen Qingwan watched Qiao'er's departing figure and silently prayed in her heart:
I hope everything goes smoothly and the muskets can be successfully delivered to the capital.
This adds a layer of protection to the safety of the Datong Dynasty.
She walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, her mind filled with countless thoughts.
Lu Yan's flute music still lingered in my ears.
His words and his gaze were both unfathomable to her.
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