Chapter 366: Chapter 366: Finally Home
"Huff—"
Bai Ting’er let out a long breath, patting her not-so-small chest.
"Imperial edict and the Anomaly Suppression Bureau, I’m almost scared to death."
The few women of Five Beauties Manor had lived on the outskirts of Yingshan Town for years, rarely even going to the county town. When had they ever experienced such scenes?
Especially Bai Ting’er, whose courage was the smallest. If not for her successful cultivation and having Lu Zheng by her side, she would have wet herself out of fear.
"What are you afraid of?" Lu Zheng seemed unconcerned, "We’re helping the Great Jing Dynasty stabilize the populace; what can they do to us? Speaking of which, I think Emperor Jing is a bit stingy—just gave us a plaque, didn’t even mention anything like spiritual pills or fruits."
"Mundane matters remain mundane," Liu Qingyan laughed, "I was rewarded as a physician, so naturally, Emperor Jing won’t gift me cultivation items."
"I know, I’m just saying," Lu Zheng nodded, "Anyway, with this plaque in hand, let’s see if anyone dares to come demon-hunting again."
Liu Qingyan chuckled, "I’m doing good by treating and saving people, why would anyone want to hunt me?"
"That’s why I say the story script is all wrong."
Lu Zheng had always been waiting to see if a monk would come and tell him that humans and demons are different and try to subdue Liu Qingyan under Leifeng Pagoda.
In the end, he just encountered Guangyue, who merely wanted to drag him along. Now, due to an oath, he’s planning to live out his days in Jiming Temple.
Lu Zheng rubbed his chin, wondering if the Light of Fortune he grasped from Guangyue back then was meant to be returned to the Heavenly Dao.
Sins, sins...
Du Yueyao hadn’t returned home for several months. This time, she was kept back by Madam Du, who told her to stay for a few extra days, which was expected.
Thus, it was just Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan, as well as Hua Yixing and the other four women, who set off on the road. They chatted and laughed on their way home, and upon reaching the banks of the Lushui River, they saw Zhu Yushan and Li Hanyu waiting at the ferry crossing.
"Brother Lu!"
"Little Sister Qingyan!"
"My father-in-law has set up a family banquet at the River God’s Mansion. Stay for the night!" Zhu Yushan greeted them with a smile.
"Respect without reciprocity is not our way!" Lu Zheng pulled Liu Qingyan forward for a meet-up.
They were familiar with Hua Yixing and the other women, so there was no need for formalities. Leading the way, they performed the Water Avoidance Technique, parting the water as they advanced.
...
After spending a night at the River God’s Mansion, they arrived at Tonglin County early the next morning.
Hua Yixing and the other four women did not enter the town with Lu Zheng but instead bid farewell.
Over the past two months, they had shared quite a bit of Merit Golden Light. Besides disaster relief, when they gathered, they discussed cultivation, and Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan freely gave them pointers.
One must know that Lu Zheng was the head of the Daoist Sect and also practiced various techniques, and after consuming the Light of Fortune, his understanding of cultivation was profound.
Liu Qingyan, being a demon, was also taught the "Moonlight Scripture" and "Celestial Demon Nine Transformations Blood Refining Technique" techniques by Hu Yijun. Although she couldn’t teach them to the five women, guiding them through cultivation hurdles was no problem.
So rather than saying Hua Yixing and the others helped for two months, it’s more accurate to say they had a two-month study abroad journey, gaining much in the process.
Now that everything was done, they had also consumed the essence of the Vermilion Fruit, perfect for going home to digest, possibly even advancing after a month of seclusion.
Indeed, not knowing the name of the fruit, Lu Zheng decided to name it Vermilion Fruit, given that the name is quite prestigious in Hua Country.
However, Liu Qingyan and the others had some strange expressions when looking at Lu Zheng.
Vermilion Fruit... a red fruit?
But since it’s Lu Zheng’s prize, and he named it Vermilion Fruit with such a sacred expression, it managed to awe everyone for a moment.
Thus... the fruit was called Vermilion Fruit.
With Hua Yixing and the others gone, only Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan were left.
They exchanged smiles and naturally held hands.
"These past two months have been hard. Let’s rest at home for a few days," Lu Zheng suggested.
Liu Qingyan nodded.
Although with her cultivation and facing no difficult cases, she wasn’t tired, she wasn’t foolish enough to rebuff her husband’s concern.
They strolled leisurely, entering the town.
By now, the season had turned to summer. The town was shaded by green trees, and pedestrians hurried about, while the northern refugees from around the town had long returned home.
Everything in the town was as before. The officials in Tonglin County were too small in rank, and though the County Magistrate knew Lady Qingyi was Liu Qingyan, he didn’t know they were returning today, so there was no welcome.
Enjoying the simple, ordinary street scenes, the two got to go home easily.
"Sister! Brother-in-law!"
"Qingyan, Lu Lang."
Elder Liu was diagnosing at Renxin Hall, leaving only Liu Qingquan, Madam Liu, and two old servants at home.
"Sister, you’re finally back! Is it true that the Lady Qingyi people are talking about outside is you?" Liu Qingquan dashed in front of them.
"It’s me." Liu Qingyan nodded.
"Sister is amazing!" Liu Qingquan clapped her hands with joy, then turned to Lu Zheng, "Why doesn’t brother-in-law have a title? Like Lord Qingyi?"
What’s with you calling me ’Lord’!
"Thunk!" A finger flicked her forehead.
"Ouch!"
"Brother-in-law, why did you hit me!" Liu Qingquan held her head, teary-eyed.
"It’s nothing." Lu Zheng said casually, "My medical skills are far inferior to Qingyan, isn’t it normal for me not to have a title?"
Liu Qingyan tugged on Lu Zheng’s arm and said, "Lu Lang, why talk yourself down? Without the extraordinary medical books you gave to me, how could I have come up with the Little Star Hu Four Spirits Antimalarial Soup?"
"Exactly, exactly!"
Liu Qingquan nodded repeatedly, "Therefore, brother-in-law surely deserves to be Lord Qingyi... Ouch!"
Lu Zheng slowly retracted his hand, "I have no interest in being called ’Lord’ at all."
"Why?" Liu Qingquan asked.
Isn’t it obvious?
Madam Liu swiftly pushed Liu Qingquan aside, ushering the two in, and said to Liu Qingquan, "Go find your father and tell him Lu Lang and Qingyan are back, so he should come home for lunch."
"Okay, got it." Liu Qingquan left in a huff.
...
After chatting with Madam Liu, Lu Zheng returned to his own home.
He calmed the excited Uncle Li and Aunt Liu, telling them he’d be having lunch at the Liu Family so they didn’t need to prepare, then Lu Zheng made a trip to the modern times to buy some fruits and snacks.
No need to buy alcohol; besides the many bottles of Wuliangye always ready in Lu Zheng’s gourd, he also had dozens of jars of loose Wuliangye stored in his courtyard’s wine cellar.
Carrying his purchases to the Liu Family, Elder Liu hurried back at noon for lunch together.
On one side, Liu Qingyan discussed the conditions of patients on their journey with Elder Liu.
On the other side, under Liu Qingquan’s curious questioning, Lu Zheng recounted some adventures of demon-slaying and exorcism, leaving Liu Qingquan’s eyes sparkling.
...
In the afternoon, Lu Zheng intended for Liu Qingyan to rest at home, but she insisted on going to Peach Blossom Plain with him.
After being away for two months, they could finally relax a bit.
Though perhaps this would make them more tired?