Chapter 443: Chapter 427: Sudden Change
Zhongzhou, New Year’s Eve!
Fang Lingjun traveled to Zhongzhou to spend New Year’s Eve with Fang Chuning, unwilling to stay in the Capital City. Fang Chuning accompanied her to see the lanterns in town. The lanterns here were no less spectacular compared to those in the Capital City—snow falling from the sky, lanterns filling the streets. Despite the heavy snow, it did not dampen the town’s festive spirit for the New Year. Fang Lingjun stood on the city wall, gazing in the direction of the twelve regions.
Across the river lay Jiaozhou, so close, yet separated by an impassable chasm.
Fang Chuning sat on the city wall, playing the flute. He wore a deep blue winter coat embroidered with golden threads, his green hairband fluttering. The sound of the flute stretched long and far, carrying both longing and heartfelt expression. Fang Lingjun’s eyes reddened as snowflakes quietly fell upon her shoulders.
The flute’s melody ceased, and fireworks erupted in the distance beyond the city tower.
"Brother, your music has reached new heights."
"Do you like it here?"
"I do. Because you’re here."
"Then stay. If you don’t want to marry, I’ll shield you."
Fang Lingjun had arrived in Zhongzhou alone last night. This morning, a letter from her mother followed. Fang Lingjun had fled to Zhongzhou to escape her arranged marriage—a marriage bestowed by imperial decree one year ago by the Empress Dowager. Fang Chuning had asked her during his return to the Capital City for official duties whether she was willing to marry, and if not, he would find a way to reject the arrangement. Over the past two years, the palace had consistently sought to finalize Fang Chuning’s own marriage, but he had always refused. Fang Lingjun, reluctant to bring trouble to the family, had accepted the marriage. But as the wedding day drew near, she fled to Zhongzhou, especially since the date had been moved up by two months—indicating some unforeseen event. Yet she remained tight-lipped about it.
"Can I truly not marry?" Fang Lingjun asked anxiously, "After all, it is a palace decree. What if... what if they come to Zhongzhou for me?"
"With me here, you don’t have to force yourself if you don’t want to marry."
"Alright!"
Fang Chuning chuckled softly, rubbing her head. "Silly girl, don’t worry. Cheer up."
Ever since returning from Yangzhou, his sister had been in low spirits.
"Brother, I don’t wish to stay in Zhongzhou for too long either."
Staying in Zhongzhou would eventually cause trouble for her brother. The Capital City would surely send people searching, and their father would be enraged. With her brother already busy with military affairs, she did not want to add more complications.
"Where do you want to go?"
"I want to travel, to see the world," Fang Lingjun said. "I’ve always traveled back and forth between the Capital City and Jiangnan, but I’ve never had the chance to wander freely. Now, with my burdens lifted, it seems the perfect time to explore."
"You wish to go to West State to find Fengyu?"
"Is that alright?"
Fang Chuning chuckled softly, "Sure!"
Who wouldn’t want to cross this river?
What he could not accomplish, at least his sister could.
The sound of hooves rose from beneath the city wall. Zhou Buyan rode in on horseback, shouting, "Master, an urgent letter from the Commander!"
"Brother..." Fang Lingjun grasped his arm nervously.
Fang Chuning smiled gently. "Don’t worry."
Zhou Buyan ascended the stairs with the letter. Both Fang Chuning and Fang Lingjun had assumed it pertained to Fang Lingjun’s betrothal. However, the envelope bore a distinctive seal of wax. Fang Chuning’s face changed drastically. He first reassured Fang Lingjun, "Junjun, it’s official business."
He took the letter, stepped away from his sister, and opened it. After reading it swiftly, he stood stunned for a long moment before going through its contents once more. Without lifting his head, he asked Zhou Buyan, "Did you bring the fire starter?"
Zhou Buyan handed him the fire starter. Fang Chuning struck the spark, igniting the letter. Fang Lingjun wanted to ask but held back, ultimately choosing silence.
Fang Chuning smiled faintly and asked, "Junjun, do you want to go to West State? Brother will take you."
"Can we go?" Fang Lingjun’s eyes lit up.
Fang Chuning nodded. "Pack up. We leave tonight."
"That’s wonderful!" Fang Lingjun said joyfully, throwing herself into his arms. "Brother, I can go find Ayu."
Fang Chuning embraced her, though his eyes carried no trace of joy.