Chapter 279:

“Originally, when I secretly gathered these people, I was prepared for the worst,” Fei Yanchen explained. “But now, as long as we can return to the Western region, I am confident that I can reclaim our former influence from the Cheng family.”

“As for the people on the mountain, I plan to leave them here. I will make arrangements, and they will follow your orders.”

With that, Fei Yanchen turned to Shen Yu’an and said, “You should keep that jade pendant safe. To see the jade is to see the person.”

Shen Yu’an nodded and took out the jade pendant to show him.

Fei Yanchen withdrew his gaze, which had been nearly glued to Shen Yu’an. He couldn’t help but think about the fact that they might not see each other for a long time after he left.

Although he had an answer in his heart, Fei Yanchen couldn’t resist asking, “Even though the news of our acquaintance hasn’t spread widely yet, it’s inevitable that someone with ill intentions may find out. Longxian Village has quite a few people who have seen me. I’m afraid that if the news reaches the wrong ears, it could be detrimental to all of you.”

Fei Yanchen gazed at Shen Yu’an and asked earnestly, “Are you willing to… go to the Western region with me?”

Shen Yu’an saw the hopeful expression on Fei Yanchen’s face after he posed this question. However, she didn’t immediately provide a definite answer.

Instead, she replied, “I can’t decide on this by myself. Let me discuss it with the others first before giving you an answer, okay?”

Fei Yanchen nodded and said, “Alright, but no matter what, you don’t need to worry. If you’re willing to come with me to the Western region, I will protect all of you well. And even if you decide not to leave, no one will be able to harm you.”

Shen Yu’an smiled and said, “Ah’Chen, you’re the best.”

“Is your elder brother participating in the county examination these days?” she asked.

Shen Yu’an followed Fei Yanchen into the room in the camp. The room that originally belonged to Fei Yanchen was now implicitly considered hers. On the table inside, there was a vase with wildflowers.

“Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, I think he’ll be back today,” Shen Yu’an replied, pulling a chair out for Fei Yanchen and going to a cabinet to get some disguises.

“I’ll help you with a simple disguise so that you can move around freely without worrying about being recognized,” Shen Yu’an said.

As Shen Yu’an went to fetch the items, Fei Yanchen obediently sat in the chair. His eyes kept moving, taking in the room’s furnishings.

During this time, Shen Yu’an had been the one primarily in this room, and it was filled with her presence. The room’s decor had also changed a lot.

It wasn’t until Shen Yu’an’s hand touched his cheek and turned his head that Fei Yanchen snapped out of his reverie.

Seeing the unfamiliar items Shen Yu’an was holding, which he had never seen in Great Wei, Fei Yanchen thought about the grain shops Shen Yu’an had opened in various places using his name not too long ago.

He spoke softly, “An’An, I know you have many secrets. I can wait until you’re ready to open up to me, but remember, never let outsiders know.”

Even though he was confident in his ability to protect Shen Yu’an, he didn’t want her unique abilities to become known, as it would attract the covetous attention of countless people.

Shen Yu’an smiled and kept her lips sealed. She had done many things without hiding them from Fei Yanchen, so it wasn’t surprising that he had figured some of it out.

She nodded with a smile.

Once she had successfully disguised him, Shen Yu’an led him down the mountain openly, knowing that even if someone saw them, they wouldn’t recognize him.

As Fei Xi rushed back upon hearing of Fei Yanchen’s return, they coincidentally met Shen Yu’an and Fei Yanchen on their way down the mountain.

“Master.”

“Brother Chen!”

Even more excited than Fei Xi was Shen Sanlang, who had grown considerably more composed over time. When he saw Fei Yanchen, his eyes lit up.

Fei Yanchen looked at Shen Sanlang and commented, “You’ve become more composed. That’s progress.”

Hearing Fei Yanchen’s praise, Shen Sanlang felt all his fatigue dissipate.

Upon learning that Shen Yu’an was taking Fei Yanchen down the mountain, they decided to accompany them as well.