Su Xingchen paced back and forth in his room, his heart filled with unease. After hesitating for a long time, he gritted his teeth and secretly climbed over the wall when no one was paying attention.
His training these past few days had not been in vain. In the past, climbing such a high wall would have required help, but now he could get out by himself. It had to be said that this was a considerable improvement.
Su Xingchen hailed a van to find Yu Qianyun. Yu Qingye was the acting city lord of Hai City, and he was sure Yu Qingye could help with this matter.
Yu Qingye shook his head gently and refused.
Yu Qingye sighed, "Achen! You're not that young anymore. You've been in Hai City for so many years, and you still don't understand our defenses? We simply don't have enough troops. Besides, they're clearly gathering allies and intend to make this the battlefield. What can I do?"
The light in Su Xingchen's eyes instantly dimmed. He struggled, "But we can't just abandon these civilians!"
"Don't worry about that. We'll send people to deliver food periodically. Just get through this difficult time. I truly can't do anything else."
"Qianyun, do you think I was too overconfident?" Su Xingchen stood by the door, his eyes downcast.
"No, it's just that sometimes there's a big gap between reality and ideals. I believe in you, and no matter what, I'll be with you."
After speaking, Yu Qianyun took his hand, their fingers intertwined.
At this moment, Xing Yuan, who had just returned, also received the news that Su Xingchen was missing.
"Mm, I understand," Xing Yuan replied softly.
He really is someone who causes trouble.
Xing Yuan sighed and reluctantly asked Yuan Yi to drive to the Yu residence.
As Xing Yuan's hurried footsteps approached, Su Xingchen seemed to sense it. He frowned slightly and pulled Yu Qianyun to hide.
"General Xing, what a surprise! You honor us with your presence. May I ask what brings you here?" Yu Qingye greeted him with a smile.
"Mr. Yu, why pretend to be confused? I'm looking for someone," Xing Yuan said calmly, sitting on a custom-made sofa.
Yu Qianyun feigned confusion, "This... how could I possibly have the person you're looking for here?"
"Su Xingchen! I believe he would come here first after leaving. Even if he's not here now, he must have been here before. I have no intention of being your enemy, so please, make things convenient for me."
"Yes, he did come. But he left with my daughter not long after, and now I truly don't know where they are," Yu Qingye said, half-truthfully, seeing that he couldn't hide it.
"Very well! Then please, Mr. Yu, convey a message for me!" Xing Yuan guessed that Su Xingchen was deliberately avoiding her and didn't press the issue further.
The monk may run, but the temple remains. He would eventually have to return, and she could generously give him some private space.
"We will be leaving in the next two days. Please tell him that he must return by tomorrow night at the latest, or don't blame me for using some special means. He's been in Hai City for quite some time and has made many friends, hasn't he!" Xing Yuan's tone was full of threat at the end. She would bring him back, even if she had to tie him up.
"General Xing is leaving? This... then what about the distribution of Hai City..." Yu Qingye's expression was surprised. She was giving up such a prize that everyone wanted a piece of?
Xing Yuan's expression was calm, "Yes! I don't see any point in staying any longer. Our Xingyu City is not close to here, and even if we obtained it, we wouldn't be able to defend it. It's better to return sooner."
"General Xing is truly magnanimous!" Yu Qingye praised. This was the first time he had seen someone so readily give up immediate benefits.
"Not really. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be going now. Remember to deliver the message," Xing Yuan said, standing up and walking towards the door. She had a lot of things to do and couldn't waste time on one person.
"You can come out now!" Yu Qingye sat down and called to the two hiding individuals.
Su Xingchen peeked out, "Uncle Yu, do you think what she just said was true?"
Yu Qingye gave Su Xingchen an exasperated look and said, "I think it's true. She has no reason to lie to you about this. She's giving you a chance to prepare, otherwise, you would have been taken back just now."
"No way! She didn't know I was here," Su Xingchen didn't believe it.
"She hinted at it openly and subtly, and looked in your direction several times." Alas, if this foolish boy were half as smart as his younger brother, he could confidently entrust his daughter to him.
"Qianyun, come here. Father has something to tell you," Yu Qingye beckoned his daughter.
Yu Qianyun sat beside Yu Qingye and softly called out, "Yes, Father!"
"Mm!" Yu Qingye held his daughter's hand, his eyes full of relief.
"Hai City will likely not be peaceful for a while. Why don't you and Achen go to Xingyu City? It's peaceful there, much safer than here."
"Father, I want to stay in Hai City and accompany you." Yu Qianyun disagreed. Her father was getting old, how could he stay here alone?
"Be obedient! Don't worry! They won't attack me now. Besides, only when you are safe can I be at ease..." Yu Qingye knew his daughter was stubborn and persuaded her earnestly.
Under her father's concern, Yu Qianyun relented, "Alright! I'll write to you often. You must reply. As soon as the war here ends, I'll come back."
"Good~ Father couldn't ask for anything more!" Yu Qingye smiled.
"However, if you have the opportunity, you can get married over there first, and then have another ceremony when you return. To share some good fortune."
The two of them instantly blushed, but their eyes involuntarily glanced at each other. Back and forth, both of them blushed even more intensely due to their own overactive imaginations. How could they openly mention such a thing?
Looking at their innocent expressions, Yu Qingye smiled with emotion. He remembered being like this himself. Time had passed, and now he saw his daughter like this.
"Perhaps you should take some of the dowry Father prepared for you. Having money gives you confidence. Although Achen comes from the main branch of the Xing family, he has been living outside for many years, and who knows how he will be received back home!" Thinking of this, Yu Qingye felt a father's worry.
His understanding of the Xing family was only superficial, and he had no idea what the internal situation was. What if it was a dragon's den, and he ended up pushing his daughter into a quagmire?
"Uncle Yu, you don't need to worry about that. If the Xing family is not a good place, I simply won't go back. I've grown up well all these years, and these relatives aren't that important to me."
Although he said that, Su Xingchen still felt a faint sadness in his heart, as he did have some expectations of them.