Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 1075 - 701: Go Ahead and Do It!
Autumn night, with heavy dew and chill in the air.
On the peak of the Ninth Mountain, the clinking of armor echoed with the flickering of fire torches, patrolling around the Colonel Palace, dispelling the chill and darkness of late autumn.
In the backyard, a closed room with bright lights emanated sounds of clinking cups and cheerful laughter.
At that moment, footsteps sounded under the corridor outside, and the passing soldiers on guard lowered their heads, puffed out their chests, and stood straighter.
When the footsteps stopped outside the room, the noise within also ceased.
The newcomer pushed open the door, and a warm, bright light flooded out, accompanied by the enticing aroma of strong liquor.
Chen Yuan, wearing a blue robe, stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the room.
There was a round table inside, filled with food and drinks, surrounded by familiar faces.
Miss Qin, Sect Leader An, Taoist Li, the Yun Family Patriarch...
Upon seeing him, they all stood up, smiles slightly reserved, and saluted Chen Yuan.
"Brother Chen!"
"General Chen"
"....."
Chen Yuan did not stand on ceremony, returned the salute with a gentle look, and said in a warm voice:
"I was delayed by official duties and came late, please forgive me!"
Saying this, he put down his hand, walked to the head of the table, lifted his robe and sat down. Glancing around, he saw everyone still standing, especially Ji Wuming, the disciple of Qing Yangzi, standing stiffly, trying hard to conceal his nervousness, which made Chen Yuan smile. He looked at him and said:
"Ji Shaohua, why so tense? Relax a little."
He continued, "Everyone, sit down. Don’t be so formal; tonight is just an informal gathering of old friends."
"Ah, look at General Chen’s magnanimity; my boy still puts on airs with his father." The current Yun Family Patriarch, Yun Chuxiong, chimed in timely with a joke, easing the atmosphere and drawing them all closer.
After all, his son Yun Tiansheng served under Chen Yuan and was highly valued, making the Yun Family staunch supporters of Chen Yuan.
"Then I shall have a word with Tiansheng later." Chen Yuan jested, acting quite differently from earlier in the hall.
He then looked over at Ji Wuming, his voice softening, "Ji Shaohua, how is your master’s injury now?"
Upon hearing the question, Ji Wuming straightened, a hint of solemn melancholy on his face, "Since the incident, my master’s cultivation has been lost, and his body is weak, recuperating in the mountains."
With that, he stood up, his expression serious, and bowed deeply toward Chen Yuan, extending his hands forward in a straight grip,
"I left in haste last time, without a chance to thank General Chen. Had it not been for your rescue, my master would not have survived."
"This deep gratitude, Wuming shall never forget."
"Ah."
Chen Yuan raised a hand, "No need for such words, my relationship with your master and everyone present here was forged in life-and-death situations from years past."
As he spoke, he looked around, his expression tinged with nostalgia,
"Friend Yuan Kun suffered a catastrophe, and also Qing Yangzi was affected. It’s a pity that with all my skills, I did not detect it in time." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
Qin Rushuang and others listened, their expressions subtly changing, remaining silently thoughtful.
Ji Wuming straightened, his expression earnest, his tone carrying a hint of emotion,
"You bear a heavy responsibility as a General and have done more than enough; my master often speaks of your deep bond and kindness. Upon hearing you have regained control, he sent me immediately to join the seniors in discussing how we could help ease your burdens."
"Should there be any tasks, Wuming will not shirk the responsibility!"
Though sounding like mere courtesy, these words were the heartfelt sentiment of this Shu Mountain disciple. After all, he had followed his master Qing Yangzi in campaign across the Ninth Mountain in earlier years.
Chen Yuan nodded, pressing his hand down lightly, "I appreciate the goodwill; we will discuss this matter later. For now, sit."
Having said that, he picked up a wine jug from the table and poured himself a cup, then raised it towards the others, saying:
"Mr. Gongsun has already informed me of your intentions. Here, let me first toast to all of you!"
"Cheers!"
Qin Rushuang and others raised their cups, following Chen Yuan’s lead, and drained them in one go.
As the wine was consumed, the slightly awkward atmosphere at the gathering began to dissipate.
"Clink"
Chen Yuan set down his cup and began to inquire about everyone’s recent circumstances, considering how rare it was for old friends to be reunited, and revisiting old times was well worth it.
"Miss Qin, why isn’t Miss Dugu from Marquis Jingyuan Mansion here?"
Qin Rushuang sat quietly at the table, listening to Chen Yuan, vastly different from her former battlefield demeanor; she had changed a great deal.
"With the ever-changing situation, Sister Du Gu was taken back to Divine Capital by her father, the Divine Marquis, who cherishes his only daughter dearly and had someone bring her back." Qin Rushuang answered softly.
"Does Grand Tutor Qin then not worry about his granddaughter staying in Shu now?" Chen Yuan recalled that moment in the court when the old man threw a shoe at Fang La’s face and couldn’t help but laugh.
"My family indeed sent messages urging me to return, but even though Jian Nan doesn’t particularly need a woman like me, having experienced early battles, Rushuang always thought if there might be something more to contribute."
"Afterward, my grandfather gave tacit approval and didn’t urge Rushuang to return anymore." As she spoke, Miss Qin’s eyes shone brightly.
Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan nodded,
"A heroine who doesn’t yield to men, Miss Qin, let me toast to you."
After exchanging toasts, the conversation at the table was truly opened up.
"General Chen, since the rumor of you reassuming command of The Overseers spread, we have gathered, all eager and hoping to offer whatever little help we can to support you."
