She spoke softly, Feng Xie holding her tightly in his arms, sighing inwardly, hoping their master had a way to cure the cold poison.
"Let's go take a look," he would always stay by her side, forever.
"Mm," she smiled, realizing the conversation was too somber, and she released his embrace, sitting up straighter.
"Alright, let's not dwell on it; worrying won't solve anything. When we see Aunt Yun and Old Man Mo Hai later, they'll only worry more."
"En," Feng Xie nodded, his eyes deep, then reached out to embrace her again. Silence fell in the carriage, their hearts drawing close, nothing in the future could ever separate them.
The carriage traveled a distance before arriving at a simple courtyard.
A bamboo fence gate, and beyond it, the houses were faintly visible. Fruit trees and vegetables were planted before the gate, lush and green.
Feng Xie and Liu Liu disembarked from the carriage, while the others followed, leaping down. Ri Ying stepped forward and pushed open the bamboo gate, respectfully inviting their master inside.
Feng Xie led Liu Liu into the courtyard. Though small, the courtyard was evenly distributed with medicinal herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, all in vibrant colors, looking exceptionally beautiful. The air was clear and fragrant, yet they saw no sign of Old Man Mo Hai or Aunt Yun. Where had they gone?
Liu Liu and her companions looked up at Feng Xie, his eyes also filled with confusion. Standing before the house, he called out softly.
"Master, Master."
There was no response. They quickly pushed the door open and entered. The room was very simple, with only essential tables and chairs, and a bookshelf filled with many books. It seemed Old Man Mo Hai enjoyed reading.
In the middle of the room was a row of beaded curtains. Beyond them, a bed could be vaguely seen. Someone appeared to be sleeping on the bed. Liu Liu spoke quickly.
"Your Majesty, look inside quickly."
Feng Xie had already rushed in, and the others followed behind him. They saw two people sleeping on the wide bamboo bed. One was Aunt Yun, cleaned and tidied.
The other was Old Man Mo Hai, sleeping beside Aunt Yun with a kind expression. One of his hands was tightly clasped in Aunt Yun's, the two of them having died in each other's embrace.
Feng Xie was stunned. He dropped to his knees with a thud. The others, in their shock, followed their Emperor's example and knelt down.
Who would have thought that Old Man Mo Hai would choose to die with his junior sister at the last moment? Unable to share the same bridal chamber in life, they sought to share the same tomb in death. What a profoundly moving affection this was!
The word 'love' was the most difficult to bear in this world, Liu Liu prayed silently in her heart, wishing them a lifetime of holding hands and growing old together in their next life, making this life's deep affection worthwhile.
"Your Majesty, please accept my condolences," Liu Liu reached out and held Feng Xie's hand. His hand was very cold, but as she held it, warmth slowly permeated his body and soul. He slowly nodded, exhaling a breath. They had loved for a lifetime, suffered for a lifetime, and finally, in their last moments, they were together. He turned to look at Ri Ying.
"You take two people and escort them to Xue Xiu Peak, to be buried near the bamboo house."
Ri Ying respectfully accepted the order. After the Emperor and Empress left, he gestured to two men to come forward and help lift the two elders onto the waiting carriage outside.
Feng Xie and Liu Liu rode a single horse, leading the rest of the group back to the prefectural office, as he knew Liu'er was worried about Nan Gong Yue.
Upon entering the prefectural office, they saw Liu Liu's two subordinates pacing anxiously. As soon as they spotted Liu Liu, they said, "Your subordinate deserves death, please punish me, my lord. The young master is gone."
Upon hearing this, Liu Liu forgot to scold them or tell them to get up. She rushed straight into the back hall. There was no one on the bed in the room; the place was empty.
Liu Liu quickly ran back to the main hall, grabbed one of the subordinate's collars, and said coldly.
"Where is he? Weren't you ordered to guard him? How could he just disappear?"
"Replying to my lord, he left through the window. We thought he hadn't woken up, but later we couldn't help but go in to check and found the window open. He had already left,"
Seeing their lord so agitated, the two subordinates spoke cautiously. Who would have thought that Young Master Nan Gong would leave? He was poisoned, how could he escape?
Liu Liu released her grip, stunned. He had the cold poison, where did he go? Would he go to settle scores with that Nan Gong Yu? Or did he overhear their conversation from the beginning?
"Liu'er, it's alright, don't worry. He's a skilled physician and a powerful martial artist, I believe he'll be fine."
Feng Xie walked over to comfort her, pulling her close to his chest. Liu Liu remained silent, her heart aching. What could she do for him now? He was gone. She had intended to take him back to Wu Liang Mountain, but he had left unexpectedly.
Seeing Liu'er lingering there only increased her sadness, Feng Xie suggested they return to the palace.
"Let's return to the palace. We'll leave the affairs of Yue Yang to the Prime Minister," Feng Xie said in a deep voice. Liu Liu nodded, feeling utterly exhausted.
The group prepared to return to the capital, leaving Liu Ting to handle the remaining matters in Yue Yang, while the others escorted them back.
Although Yue Yang had been reclaimed, the culprits, Nan Gong Yu and Feng Luo, had escaped. Feng Xie and Liu Liu felt a heavy stone pressing down on their hearts.
As long as these two were out there, they would surely cause trouble. And would they really just watch them return to the palace?
There would likely be more trouble on the way. Feng Xie and Liu Liu clasped their hands tightly; they were determined to personally eliminate that scoundrel Nan Gong Yu.
They set off at sunset, resting at sunset.
On this day, they arrived at a county town called Bu Chuan. The small county town was peaceful and tranquil, with everyone displaying kind smiles. The poet felt as if walking on a spring breeze. Their group stayed at an inn called "Jiu Chi".
There weren't many guests at the inn, so they were accommodated in the best private rooms. From the innkeeper to the waiters, everyone wore smiles, making the guests feel comfortable.
In their inn room, Feng Xie was speaking with Liu Liu when a knock sounded at the door. Feng Xie spoke in a deep, cold voice: "Enter."
It turned out to be Yue Ying, holding a letter. "Your Majesty, someone delivered a letter."
They had never been to this place before, so who would send a letter? The two exchanged glances, filled with curiosity.
Suddenly, a bad premonition flashed through their minds. Could it be those two scoundrels, Nan Gong Yu? Feng Xie's expression turned gloomy as he quickly took the letter and opened it. As he read, his face grew increasingly grim. Finally, he raised his hand and fiercely struck the table beside him, the sound echoing with a "dong".
Seeing his reaction, Liu Liu asked with concern, "What's wrong?" She picked up the letter that had fallen to the floor and glanced at it.
It was indeed from that arrogant fellow Nan Gong Yu. He had stated directly in the letter that he wanted Feng Xie and Liu Liu to go to a specific residence to meet him alone. If they dared to bring anyone, he would begin killing the citizens of Bu Chuan.
Upon reading this, Liu Liu's face darkened, and murderous intent emanated from her. This man was too arrogant, ordering them to go meet him alone.