Xie Jiayan rushed to the post station overnight and unexpectedly encountered Lu Jingxing being assassinated. He also recognized that the attackers' skills came from imperial guards.
"You are no match for me. Do you wish to stay and die or return to report, I will count to ten." Xie Jiayan said coldly.
He did not intend to make things difficult for them, and still hoped they would retreat.
Xie Jiayan had only counted to seven when the men quickly retreated and disappeared.
"Lu thought he would lose his life here tonight, but I didn't expect you to save me again." Lu Jingxing was still accustomed to his military title.
He thought Xie Jiayan only knew some martial arts for physical fitness. Tonight, he saw that his skills were even superior to his, making him feel this person was more unfathomable.
A talent like him should be strategizing and winning battles from afar in the imperial court; it was a great pity.
"General, you are too kind. You are severely injured. I will treat your wounds first." Xie Jiayan said.
His injuries showed that the attackers had intended to kill him. The wound on his shoulder looked serious, the blade almost reaching the bone. If not treated promptly, it might leave a hidden ailment.
Few could mobilize the imperial guards, and the person who wanted Lu Jingxing dead...
Could it be...
"I trouble you!" Lu Jingxing no longer stood on ceremony.
He was destined to owe a life-saving debt, so he might as well owe it completely.
"I didn't expect you to understand the art of healing, which truly shocks me," Lu Jingxing exclaimed.
"I traveled with my father since childhood and once accompanied a physician. I only know a little," Xie Jiayan smiled.
Xie Jiayan had learned many means of livelihood since childhood. His father wanted him to live a stable life as an ordinary person, until one day he learned of his true identity.
It had been two years since they parted in the capital, and he had not seen his father. He wondered if his father was well in their hometown in Jiangdong, and if he would ever have the chance to show filial piety.
"You have a good father."
Xie Jiayan nodded with a smile, a hint of pride in his voice: "Indeed, he is excellent."
Xie Jiayan had always been humble. His sudden expression surprised Lu Jingxing, who then chuckled.
The Xie father and son had stayed with the Gu family for a period after arriving in the capital. However, Lu Jingxing was not in the capital at the time and had not met them.
Later, with the many changes in the capital, he had never interacted with them. He envied their father-son bond.
"You are an upright person, so Jingxing will be direct. I have known Yu Liuniang for many years and understand her character best. Once she has set her heart on you, she will not waver. When the Qinghe rebellion occurred, you single-handedly cleared the Cui family. It seems you are also loyal and righteous towards her. Why have you not proposed marriage to the Yu family? And why did the Sage suddenly dismiss you from your post?" Lu Jingxing looked at Xie Jiayan calmly. Although he was asking questions, he did not seem aggressive.
Lu Jingxing was also skilled in strategy, otherwise, he would not have endured humiliation at the Gu family for so many years. However, he could never understand Xie Jiayan's identity.
At first, he suspected Xie Jiayan might be an orphan of the Crown Prince's household, but it didn't feel right. If Xie Jiayan were truly an orphan of the Crown Prince's household, his official post would not have been merely dismissed.
Most importantly, Xie Jiayan cared about the world and its people, and had no trace of malevolence. He was certainly not someone whose heart was dark from dwelling in an abyss.
"You were ordered by the emperor to establish local academies. Now the Jiangzhou Academy is renowned, and you have achieved great merit. What wrong have you committed? Even if you had erred, the Sage's punishment is too severe. Although I am not on good terms with Yu Liuniang, I must say that the Yu family are not sycophants. Both father and son are loyal and brave. If you were to propose marriage, with your talent and appearance, they would surely agree. Do you have some other difficulty?"