Chapter 124: Hui Ya

Daliushu Village.

The school was empty, without a single student in sight.

Xia Xunyan sat on the platform, motionless, for an entire morning.

Standing beside her, Xinghua watched with deep concern and urged, “Teacher, it has been three days, and no one has come. You should go to the backyard and rest.”

Xia Xunyan remained silent for a long time before speaking slowly, “No one is coming. It seems they no longer wish to see me as their teacher. The village chief is already looking for a new schoolmaster. I shouldn’t linger here any longer. You don’t have to follow me anymore either—go home. I will pack up and leave tomorrow.”

Hearing this, tears welled up in Xinghua’s eyes.

“Where will you go, Teacher?”

At this question, a rare trace of confusion flickered in Xia Xunyan’s gaze. Where could she go? She was already married. Even though her husband had passed away, she was still considered an outsider to her natal family. Returning to the Xia family would surely lead to rejection.

Not to mention her younger half-siblings—none of them were easy to deal with.

“There will always be a place to go.”

Xinghua wiped her tears and said, “If you don’t want to stay at the school, then come to my home.”

Xia Xunyan shook her head. Mingyue had been taken away, and it was still unclear whether those who came for her were under the command of the Eldest Princess. Even the villagers sensed something was wrong, looking at her with suspicion and rejection.

Dagen’s family deeply respected Dong Yun—how could they possibly treat her kindly?

Now, only Xinghua was still willing to stand by her. But she was just a twelve-year-old girl—what could she possibly do?

If she stayed any longer, she would only drag the girl down with her.

“There’s no need. I will leave tomorrow. Don’t worry, for now, Mister Murong and his men are sweeping through Jinyang County, eliminating bandits and vagrants. The outside may not be too chaotic.”

To a place where no one knows me, let’s see if I can find another teaching job and at least make a living for myself.

I don’t even know if people there will accept a woman as a teacher.

Maybe some wealthy families would be willing.

But being alone, even in a peaceful era, how could I guarantee my safety?

Still, with things as they are, there’s no other choice.

Xia Xunyan made up her mind and got up to head to the backyard.

After several days, her already frail body appeared even thinner. A gust of wind could almost knock her over.

Xinghua watched her with a heart full of pain, sniffling and unwilling to part, but she couldn’t go against her teacher’s wishes and reluctantly helped pack her belongings.

There was pitifully little to pack.

Two pieces of clothing and a few books, nothing else of value.

Xia Xunyan glanced at the small bundle indifferently, unbothered, and said to Xinghua, “I’ve taught you for a few months, let you follow me, and in the end, brought shame upon you. I’m truly sorry.”

Hearing this, Xinghua grew even more upset. She shook her head tearfully, unable to say a word, and finally wiped her eyes, saying, “Teacher, there’s still a piece of clothing drying in the yard. I’ll go get it.”

Covering her mouth, she ran out.

Xia Xunyan watched her retreating figure and sighed softly.

In the yard, Xinghua gathered the clothing, her back to the doorway. She pulled out a few small silver coins from her pocket, carefully tucked them into the clothing, folded it neatly, and held it tightly to her chest.

These coins were what she had secretly saved—her older sister was generous, and her mother occasionally gave her some as well. Now, she gave it all to her teacher, hoping it might ease her hardships a little.

Just as she was about to return inside, she heard a commotion at the entrance. Turning to look, she saw Murong Jin entering the courtyard.

She quickly called out, “Sister Murong.”

“Where is your teacher?”

Xinghua pointed to the room.

Xia Xunyan stood by the window, staring at the glaring sunlight outside, but her heart felt cold.

Hearing footsteps, she assumed it was Xinghua and said casually, “Just put the clothes in the bundle.”

When there was no response, she turned around to see Murong Jin standing there.

Recalling the day Murong Jin stormed in angrily with a letter in hand, demanding answers, and imagining that she might have learned from the villagers about Bai Choushen’s departing words to her, Xia Xunyan couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“Are you here to settle scores? Or to claim the favor you mentioned before?”

She didn’t dodge or avoid it, speaking calmly.

Murong Jin ignored her words, her gaze sweeping over the open bundle on the bed before meeting her eyes. “When my elder sister returns, I’ll plead on your behalf.”

Her opening words already confirmed it was she who leaked the news, yet the tone also implied she intended to help. Xia Xunyan was momentarily speechless.

But Murong Jin seemed certain that Mingyue would return safely, which offered Xia Xunyan a faint sense of reassurance.

“How can you be so sure she’ll come back?”

Murong Jin replied, “Pear Blossom has been gone for days without a word. She must have found my elder sister. If nothing goes wrong, they should be trying to escape by now.”

“You seem very confident in Pear Blossom.” Xia Xunyan found her reaction surprising, as she had unconsciously believed the same—that Pear Blossom could bring Mingyue back.

“Call it intuition. She’s never failed to accomplish something.” Murong Jin’s tone was firm. She glanced again at the bundle on the bed. “Since you’ve packed, let’s go.”

“Go where?” Xia Xunyan was stunned.

“To my other residence. Do you really think anyone in this village will welcome you?”

Xia Xunyan shook her head. “We have no ties. Why should I go with you?”

“Do you think you have better options? Although the bandits are gone, the situation hasn’t fully stabilized. Refugees are scattered everywhere, and there are still rogue bandits roaming around. Even without them, do you think those idle men in the village would leave a lone, beautiful woman like you alone? You’d be taken within a few miles—believe it or not!”

Seeing her silence, Murong Jin stepped forward, bundled her belongings without waiting for permission, and slung the bundle over her back.

“Let’s go.”

Xia Xunyan hesitated, but in the next moment, Murong Jin grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the house forcefully.

Outside, Xinghua saw them emerge with the bundle. She quickly called out, “Sister Murong, Teacher still has a piece of clothing here.”

Murong Jin stopped and tossed the bundle to her.

With her back to them, Xinghua tucked the clothing into the bundle, secured it tightly, and handed it back to Murong Jin. “Sister Murong, please take good care of Teacher.”

Murong Jin paused briefly and nodded.

Xinghua watched the two board a carriage and stood at the doorway for a long time, reluctant to leave.

…

After bidding farewell to Zhang Xiaoshi’s group, Pear Blossom and Dong Yun mounted their horses and galloped back along their path.

Because of a murder in the nearby town the day before, Pear Blossom chose to avoid the surrounding areas and took an alternate route with Dong Yun.

The two rode through the night without rest, covering more than ten miles until the sky began to brighten. They finally slowed their horses.

Pear Blossom, physically resilient herself, noticed that Dong Yun, unaccustomed to such exertion, was struggling. Out of concern, she suggested they find a farmhouse to rest before continuing.

Dong Yun readily agreed.

But as soon as they spoke, the wind picked up, and dark clouds gathered in the sky. It was clear rain was imminent.

Pear Blossom quickly had the system search for nearby farms, only to discover that there were none within ten miles.

The system prompted: “Host, there is a small hunter’s cabin on the hill two miles ahead where you can temporarily shelter from the rain.”

The wind grew stronger. Pear Blossom didn’t hesitate, whipping her horse and galloping in the direction indicated by the system. Dong Yun closely followed behind.

As they approached their destination, the final stretch of terrain became steep, making it impossible for the horses to continue.

Pear Blossom and Dong Yun had no choice but to dismount, tying their horses to a nearby tree and climbing on foot.

They hadn’t gone far when rain started falling in large, heavy drops. Without delay, Pear Blossom quickly slung her bag over her back, scooped Dong Yun into her arms, and sprinted toward the cabin with all her strength.

As soon as they entered, the rain poured down in torrents, accompanied by deafening thunder and flashes of lightning.

Having risked everything to escape the rain, Pear Blossom leaned against the doorframe, her chest heaving as she wiped away the rain and sweat from her forehead. She muttered, “What kind of weather is this? Heavy rain so early in the day. If we’d been any slower, we’d have been drenched.”

Dong Yun, who hadn’t exerted herself, was quite relaxed. Sitting under the eaves and watching the rain, she felt at ease.

She chuckled, “So what if we got wet? It’s not like it would kill us.”

“What if you got sick?” Pear Blossom retorted, opening the window to let in some air before carefully surveying the cabin.

Though small, the cabin was well-equipped with a low bed and stove, sufficient for their current predicament.

Dong Yun stepped inside, glanced around, and said, “It looks like someone was here a month or two ago. It’s not too run-down.”

“I’ll tidy up. Move to the side so you don’t dirty your clothes,” Pear Blossom said as she began cleaning.

But Dong Yun wasn’t one to sit idle. Rolling up her sleeves, she said, “Let’s do it together.”

Hearing this, Pear Blossom was reminded of Fubao for some reason and couldn’t help but smile. Seeing Dong Yun glance up at her, she waved her hand. “Alright, let’s clean together.”

The two set to work, quickly sweeping away the dust in the cabin. It wasn’t particularly messy, so it didn’t take long. Then they went outside to the eaves to wash their hands with rainwater.

“Are you hungry?” Pear Blossom asked.

There was no rice in the cabin, only some salt. She thought of hunting for food nearby, but the heavy rain made it impossible to go out.

Dong Yun shook her head. “I could go all day without eating, but you can’t, can you?”

Pear Blossom could endure hunger too—she’d done so many times over the years. But being too hungry would leave her weak and unable to function.

“I ate a lot last night, so I’m fine for now. We didn’t sleep all night, though. It’s too windy and rainy outside to rest properly. Let’s make do with a nap first, and we’ll figure out food afterward.”

Feeling drowsy as well, Dong Yun went to shut the door.

Pear Blossom found a small blanket in the cabin, laid it on the bed, and placed a clean piece of clothing from her bag underneath. “Let’s sleep.”

Dong Yun obediently lay down.

Though it was late spring or early summer and not cold, the wind and rain outside brought a slight chill.

Still warm from her earlier sprint, Pear Blossom said softly, “If you hold me while you sleep, you won’t feel cold.”

She then draped another piece of clothing over Dong Yun.

Dong Yun accepted her care without protest. Once Pear Blossom lay down, she scooted close and wrapped her arms around her waist.

Pear Blossom naturally embraced her, kissed her forehead, and whispered, “There, all better.”

Dong Yun raised her head and sought her lips.

It had been some time since Pear Blossom and Dong Yun had shared intimacy. Seeing Dong Yun take the initiative to draw close, Pear Blossom felt a surge of joy. She opened her mouth to capture her lips.

They kissed deeply, exploring each other for a while before pulling apart. However, Dong Yun mischievously bit her lower lip, tugging on it playfully.

“You’d better stop provoking me,” Pear Blossom warned. “Otherwise, neither of us will get any sleep.”

Dong Yun chuckled lightly, letting her go but sneaking in a quick lick to her lips as a tease before turning her back to Pear Blossom.

“Goodnight.”

Pear Blossom could only laugh helplessly. But seeing Dong Yun settle down and behave, her heart gradually calmed.

She wrapped her arms around Dong Yun from behind, pulling her snugly into her embrace, feeling the closeness of their bodies. Only then did she feel as though she’d truly reclaimed her.

Resting her head against hers, she whispered, “I missed you.”

Dong Yun, eyes closed, stroked the arms wrapped around her waist and replied, “I’m right here in your arms.”

“But I still miss you.”

The journey to this point had been fraught with worry—pretending to be a mute, sneaking after the convoy, and fearing for her safety.

Even after infiltrating, she couldn’t openly show affection due to Liu Ji’s presence. Seeing Dong Yun no longer laugh carefree as she used to, Pear Blossom had to suppress her urge to embrace her time and again.

Even when close, she yearned for her.

But Dong Yun understood her feelings. Turning her head, she pressed her lips softly to Pear Blossom’s.

“I missed you too, every moment.”

…

The two fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, full of love and longing.

When they woke again, the sky was already dim. The rain had eased into a soft drizzle, light as mist.

Pear Blossom instinctively nudged Dong Yun’s foot with hers, relieved to find it warm.

Still groggy, Dong Yun felt her movement and nestled closer to the crook of her neck like a contented kitten.

Pear Blossom savored the rare moment of tranquility, holding her close and listening to the gentle patter of rain on the leaves outside.

Unfortunately, under such a perfect scenario, her stomach embarrassingly growled.

Dong Yun, who had been squinting her eyes, immediately opened them upon hearing the sound. A teasing smile crept onto her lips: “I thought it was thunder again.”

Pear Blossom, feeling awkward, defended herself: “I haven’t eaten all day, so it’s bound to happen.”

As she spoke, she began communicating with the system in her mind, looking for nearby prey.

Dong Yun didn’t continue teasing her but instead expressed concern: “I don’t know how you managed before.”

When she was smaller, it wasn’t a problem, since she didn’t consume much, but now that her legs and arms were longer, every part of her body needed energy.

Pear Blossom was about to reply when the system told her there was a herd of deer two miles away. She immediately became alert and sat up.

Dong Yun was startled by her sudden movement. “What’s wrong?”

Pear Blossom’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I heard the sound of prey moving. Stay inside, I’ll be back soon.”

“Hey, it’s raining. Can’t you wait until it stops?”

Before Dong Yun could finish, Pear Blossom had already jumped off the bed and rushed outside without hesitation.

Dong Yun helplessly shook her head, got up to tidy the bed, and then packed up her bundle. She also took out a set of Pear Blossom’s clothes to prepare for when she returned.

She couldn’t understand how Pear Blossom had such keen hearing. They had just been lying together, but she hadn’t heard anything.

However, knowing Pear Blossom, if she said there was prey, she was unlikely to come back empty-handed.

Dong Yun turned and started a fire, took out the only small pot in the house, washed it thoroughly, and prepared to cook.

By the time she finished, footsteps could be heard outside the house. Pear Blossom came back, soaking wet, dragging a deer and wearing an excited expression.

When she had gone to sleep, she had bound her chest and just put on a thin garment. Now, soaked by the rain, her newly sprouted chest was visibly outlined under her wet clothes, paired with her slightly disheveled hair and wet collarbones, causing Dong Yun’s gaze to darken and her heart to heat up.

But the moment wasn’t quite right. She quickly composed herself and smiled, “Dinner’s ready, come inside, you’re soaked. Hurry and change.”

“No need, there’s a spring nearby. I’ll handle the deer there and come back to stew it later.” Pear Blossom said, dragging the prey skillfully towards the spring.

By the time they ate, it was already dusk.

Considering the size of the deer, it couldn’t be kept for too long, and even Dong Yun with her small appetite had eaten quite a bit. Needless to say, Pear Blossom had eaten more.

The rain outside came and went. While it was stopped, Pear Blossom led the horse to a water-rich area to tie it up.

After returning, as soon as she approached the bed, Dong Yun hugged her from behind, leaning on her back like an octopus, gazing out at the dusk and rain, engaging in casual conversation.

Pear Blossom recounted the situation at Jincheng, including how she had killed the third-in-command and Ghost.

Dong Yun listened while gently touching her well-defined arm, feeling a mix of nostalgia and admiration. “When I first met you, you were just a small sprout, looking silly and being bullied. How did you grow so tall and strong so quickly, killing bandit leaders and facing someone like Zhang Xiaoshi without hesitation? What did I miss along the way?”

Pear Blossom shook her head. “Nothing, you were there every step of the way.”

Dong Yun thought for a moment and nodded in agreement, but it still felt like a miracle.

Her fingers lightly slid over Pear Blossom’s smooth shoulder, and she couldn’t help but recall how that follower of Bai Choushen, named Shunzi, had touched that very spot with dirty hands. She couldn’t help but feel angry again.

She tugged at Pear Blossom’s collar and kissed her shoulder, saying, “No one else is allowed to touch this spot.”

Pear Blossom, feeling the warmth on her shoulder, knew Dong Yun was thinking about what had happened the previous day. She smiled. “Only you can touch it.”

Dong Yun hummed softly, “It’s mine, so only I can touch it.”

Pear Blossom felt that ever since leaving Daliushu Village, Dong Yun seemed like a different person—more carefree and less restrained.

This new version of her was real and lively, and Pear Blossom certainly loved it. She turned around and hugged Dong Yun, asking, “When we go back, will we still stay in the village and live in the cave?”

Dong Yun shook her head. “No, we’re going to Jincheng.”

“Why there?” Pear Blossom asked curiously.

Dong Yun smiled. “Didn’t you just help me capture Jincheng? I’m going there to enjoy the fruits of victory.”

Pear Blossom felt a bit embarrassed. “The defense was done by the master and senior sister. I only killed a few people outside, so I didn’t really capture it.”

“But if you don’t go, Jincheng will be lost.”

…

Luckily, their journey southwest with Zhang Xiaoshi hadn’t been very far. On the way back, they were familiar with the route, and with the system guiding them, they reached Jin County in just three days.

According to Dong Yun’s plan, they went straight to Jincheng.

Along the way, although there were still scattered refugees, they were no longer as hostile as before.

With Murong Jiutian’s people patrolling the area, the refugees didn’t dare to approach the two women as they traveled.

Soon, they arrived at the gates of Jincheng, and to their surprise, Xiao Ba was still there.

Upon seeing Pear Blossom, he excitedly rushed over.

“Miss Pear Blossom, Mr. Murong said to take you directly to the government office when you arrive.”

Pear Blossom listened to the words and exchanged a glance with Dong Yun before heading towards the yamen.

Though Jincheng had now regained order, the aftermath of the massacre still lingered. Although the bloodshed had been halted in time, there were still significant casualties. Some shops had yet to reopen, and a faint scent of blood still seemed to hang in the air.

The area around the yamen was filled with Murong Jiutian’s people. Upon seeing Pear Blossom, they went to report.

Soon, Murong Jiutian himself personally came to greet them.

His eyes brightened upon seeing Dong Yun. He bowed and led her into the inner hall, then knelt to pay his respects.

“Please, no need for formalities, sir,” Dong Yun gently stopped him, “It is thanks to your efforts that Jincheng has been able to hold out.”

“Your Highness is too kind,” Murong Jiutian hastened to say, “It is thanks to support from all sides that we avoided disaster. These past few days, we have all been hoping you would return soon to take charge. Today, we finally have you here.”

Dong Yun nodded. “Have you sent the memorial?”

“It has already been sent,” Murong Jiutian replied, “I’ve also informed my brother. As you instructed before, we’ve requested the appointment of a city lord for Jincheng and the establishment of assistant officials to manage the county… I expect we’ll receive a reply within the next two days. Regardless of the outcome, Jincheng is now yours, Your Highness.”

Asking for the appointment of a city lord to govern was not unprecedented in the court, but it came at a cost—mainly the burden of heavier taxes and other obligations.

It was just money, after all.

These were matters that had been discussed and found acceptable by the group beforehand.

“Thank you,” Dong Yun nodded slightly. “By the way, are there still officials at the yamen?”

Murong Jiutian shook his head. “After you instructed Jin’er to notify them for preparations, the last remaining clerk at the yamen fled that very night with his valuables. The other guards scattered and hid, leaving the yamen completely empty.”

“Where did the soldiers guarding the city come from?” Dong Yun asked further.

“They were gathered from my own bodyguards and some merchant families’ servants,” Murong Jiutian answered, “We also recruited a few commoners, managing to scrape together a few hundred men. It wasn’t easy.”

Dong Yun sneered. “An empty yamen is fine; at least I won’t have to clear it out. Were the people who participated in the city defense registered?”

“We promised to provide grain to the defenders, so they were all recorded,” Murong Jiutian replied.

Just then, a report came from outside, saying an imperial edict had arrived.

After reading the imperial decree, everything proceeded according to the original plan.

The Beijing had learned that the banditry in Jinyang County was rampant, and the city was in grave danger. All the court officials had fled, unwilling to get involved in this unstable and chaotic county. Yuwen Jing was at his wit’s end.

Even those with wealth and a desire for official positions shook their heads and avoided Jinyang at all costs when they heard it was a place teeming with refugees and bandits.

Murong Jiutian, having earned credit for defending the city, volunteered to take on this heavy responsibility. With Murong Qingshan’s help lobbying in the court, Yuwen Jing was only too happy to agree to the request for appointing a city lord. Murong Jiutian was put in charge of military and administrative affairs, with the power to select assistant officials and manage their salaries, though they would not be part of the imperial bureaucracy.

The matter of increasing taxes was to be dealt with separately.

Murong Jiutian said to Dong Yun, “For now, I will hold the title of city lord. As for the affairs of Jinyang County, I am just a rough man, and I will follow the Princess’s arrangements.”

This was exactly what Dong Yun had hoped for.

Soon, a notice was posted at the yamen, announcing the establishment of a City Lord’s Office, while the original yamen continued to serve as the central administrative body.

The new assistant official was appointed to be Dong Yun herself, with the official title of a talented female member of Murong Jiutian’s clan, named Murong Yue.

Beneath the assistant official, six departments were established—Personnel, Household, Ritual, Military, Criminal, and Works—to jointly govern the various affairs of the county.