Stronger by Killing

Chapter 432: Chapter 289: Even If 10,000 Die, What Does It Have to Do with Me_3

Xiang Donglai stood up and cupped his hands in salute: "With Shishu’s words, I am relieved. Then, taking this opportunity, Yunxi should also establish a new order!"

...

As Yunxi stirred once more,

Yundong also experienced a great upheaval.

Originally, after winter started, the White Lotus Sect and the Yundong Army had ceased hostilities, which was exactly the same as the situation in the past two years.

Located in the northern regions, Yunzhou was quite cold, and after winter set in, it was unsuitable for warfare. Thus, winter was almost universally regarded as a time for rest.

Unexpectedly, this winter, the White Lotus Sect, which had been quiet for only a few days, suddenly launched an assault again, and it was during the time of heavy snow.

The Yundong battlefield was once again engulfed in turmoil.

After over two years of fighting, Yundong now appeared somewhat desolate, and as battles erupted during this Spring Festival, Yundong was shrouded in an ominous silence, especially the dozen or so cities along the battle line centered around Celestial Decree Pass.

In the midst of the escalating conflicts,

Linjiang City, one of the major battlegrounds, had reached an extreme level of desolation.

On this morning, an old carriage slowly made its way into Linjiang City.

The long street was eerily quiet, with few open shops and passersby. Even the rare open inns had a cold and deserted feel.

The carriage went straight to the Prefecture Government.

A young man in a scholar’s robe slowly stepped out of the carriage, instructed the driver with a few words, and then headed towards the entrance of the Prefecture Government.

Upon reaching the entrance, the young man took a token from his sleeve and handed it to the gatekeeper, who respectfully invited the young man inside.

After a short while, the young man was led to a drawing room.

Before long, a figure appeared at the door, it was Prefect of Linjiang Yang Yuzhi.

"Mr. Rong, it’s been a long time."

Yang Yuzhi, hair white and slightly stooped, entered the drawing room with a gentle smile.

The young man hurriedly stood up, straightened his clothes, and respectfully greeted, "Student Rong Yichu, greets Lord Yang. After two years apart, I hope you are well, Lord Yang!"

This young man was Rong Yichu, who had left Linjiang City two years ago to study in the Capital City.

Yang Yuzhi held Rong Yichu’s hand and said, "Mr. Rong, now being a gentleman of the academy, I do not deserve such a grand gesture from you."

Rong Yichu still bowed and said, "In today’s world, aside from my Lord, only Lord Yang is deserving of such respect. Please accept this bow from me!"

Yang Yuzhi smiled slightly and did not stop him, allowing Rong Yichu to bow, and said softly, "It’s rare to receive such sentiment from you, Mr. Rong. Please have a seat."

"Thank you, Lord Yang."

Rong Yichu slowly sat down.

Yang Yuzhi poured Rong Yichu a cup of tea and asked, "What brings you back this time, Mr. Rong?"

Rong Yichu replied slowly, "I haven’t been back for a while, and I wanted to return to take a look. My heart aches for my homeland, and it’s hard to leave it behind."

Yang Yuzhi shook his head slightly, and said, "Linjiang City, in its current dilapidated state, may disappoint you."

Rong Yichu said, "It is fortunate to have Lord Yang here. I have passed through many places in Yundong, and even those untouched by war can’t compare to Linjiang City. Having you here is a blessing for the people of Linjiang."

Yang Yuzhi sighed and said, "I only hope for no more wars in the world. In all wars, it is the common people who suffer the most."

Rong Yichu remained silent.

Yang Yuzhi also lapsed into silence for a moment before saying, "If Mr. Rong wishes to revisit old places, I will arrange for someone to accompany you. In the two years you have been away, Linjiang City has changed a lot. As for the Rong Family members, some have gone to the battlefield, and some have been sent to Yunxi, where they are well cared for by Gu Zhan. They are doing well there, so you need not worry."

"I know," Rong Yichu nodded and said, "I received letters from my clan while in the Capital City. The Rong Clan members, benefitting from my Lord’s grace, are faring better than they would in a hundred years of development."

Yang Yuzhi nodded and said, "Mr. Rong, upon returning from the Capital City, do you intend to head to Yunxi?"

Rong Yichu took a sip of tea, saying, "Yes, I initially ventured to the Capital City across mountains and waters to learn in the hope of easing the burdens of my Lord one day. Although I dare not claim any great achievements, I have gained some small knowledge and hope to assist my Lord in building a prosperous future."

Yang Yuzhi chuckled, "If the Seventeenth Master at the academy considers that mere small knowledge, then scholars of this world might find little reason to study."

"It’s merely luck, earning an undeserved reputation," Rong Yichu waved his hand dismissively.

Yang Yuzhi smiled gently, refraining from further comment, and instead asked, "Did you have other matters when you came this time, Mr. Rong?"

Rong Yichu carefully set down his teacup and said, "I also wish to pay a visit to Qin You, Director Qin."

Yang Yuzhi squinted slightly and said, "If you wish to visit my teacher, you should have gone to the city of Yunzhou, why did you come...."

Upon reaching this point, Yang Yuzhi smiled and said, "I forgot that Mr. Rong has been praised by the Great Scholar Mr. Qingyu as a national treasure, a talent fit to assist kings, forgive me for trying to play tricks in front of you."

After speaking, Yang Yuzhi glanced outside and said softly, "Teacher, Mr. Rong has realized you are here, please meet with him!"

As soon as he finished speaking,

a faint ripple of primordial qi emerged in the drawing room, a figure slowly appeared, it was Qin You, Director of the Astronomical Bureau of Yunzhou.

Rong Yichu stood up, cupped his hands in salute and said, "Late learner Rong Yichu, greets Lord Qin."

Qin You waved his hand and said, "Mr. Rong, after parting in the Capital City, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. What important matter do you wish to discuss with me?"