Chapter 256 - 256 Why Are You Here?

256 Why Are You Here?

The citizens of Xiangtai City gathered on both sides of the street. Many of them were disabled veterans who had retreated from the front line and had followed General Tang through life and death.

They ran after the funeral procession and cried as they shouted for General Tang.

Old Sun was also here.

His legs were inconvenient, so he limped, but he still followed the procession for a long time.

It was not until the funeral procession left the city that he was stopped by his family.

Tang Pei was buried on a high mountain.

Tang Guixi kowtowed three times to her father’s tombstone.

When she looked up again, her eyes were red.

“Dad, you’ve worked hard for so many years. Rest well here from now on. This is the place I specially chose for you. From here, you can see the border between our Liaodong County and the Chen Nation. You can watch over us carefully from now on.”

“I will take over your position and continue to protect this land.”

The wind rustled the leaves, and a leaf happened to brush past the wet corners of Tang Guixi’s eyes.

It was as if her father was helping her wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Tang Guixi reached out and caught the leaf.

Then, Yu Niaoniao, Xiao Juan, and Prince Min also went forward to bow and offer incense to Tang Pei to bid farewell.

On the way back, it suddenly snowed.

White snowflakes fell one after another, and soon, a thin layer of snow accumulated on the ground.

The hooves trampled across the snow, leaving clear hoofprints. However, they were quickly covered by snow.

Yu Niaoniao returned to the Octagon Pavilion and sat by the stove with Xiao Juan and Prince Min.

Shen Xu had grown up in the Imperial Capital and had rarely seen such heavy snow.

He said excitedly, “Shall we go out for a snowball fight later?”

Yu Niaoniao was not interested. “Go ahead and play. I don’t want to go.”

Xiao Juan held her small hand and asked in a low voice.

“Why are you unhappy?”

Yu Niaoniao said, “I’m thinking about the people who lost their land. How can they survive the winter?”

For people who didn’t have to worry about food and clothing, snow was an interesting thing. However, for those who could not eat or wear warm clothes, the snow became a death wish.

Xiao Juan comforted her. “Don’t worry, leave this to me.”

Three days later, Yu Niaoniao and Xiao Juan returned to Xingning in the carriage.

Prince Min, Lu Yaoguang, and Tang Guixi returned with them.

They set off in the morning and arrived at Xingning at noon.

Lu Yaoguang invited everyone to his house for dinner.

Xiao Juan happened to have something to discuss with Lu Yaoguang, so he agreed.

Since he wanted to go, Yu Niaoniao naturally had to go.

Tang Guixi had come to Xing Ning to discuss the engagement with the Lu family, so she accepted Lu Yaoguang’s invitation.

Shen Xu liked to join in the fun. Seeing that everyone had gone, he wanted to follow them.

Therefore, a large group of people went to the county governor’s residence.

The wife of the county governor, Madam Shu, was still worried about her son. When she suddenly heard that Master had returned and brought back many important guests, she hurriedly washed up and got someone to inform Lu Yao to prepare in advance.

Having dressed up,Madam Shu came out and greeted them happily.

Lu Yaoguang introduced Prince Min and his son, as well as Prince Lang and his wife.

Madam Shu greeted them one by one.

When it was Tang Guixi’s turn, Madam Shu was stunned on the spot, her face revealing an intense surprise.

“Guixi, didn’t you leave Liaodong County? When did you come back?”

Tang Guixi said, “I just came back.”

Madam Shu was a little unhappy to see that she was wearing a plain-colored dress and no jewelry. There was no makeup on her face.

Madam Shu was from a famous family in the west of the river. Her cousin was a favored consort by the emperor.

Her ideal daughter-in-law should also be from a prestigious family. She had to be gentle and generous, knowledgeable, and good at managing family matters. She had to be able to become her son’s virtuous wife.

However, Tang Guixi was far from her expectations. She had been raised by Tang Pei like a boy since she was young. She liked to ride horses and shoot arrows and practiced good martial arts. She spent all her time in the military camp and never knew what it meant to be obedient.

However, she was Tang Pei’s only daughter.

The Lu and Tang families were old friends. This marriage had been decided long ago, and Lu Yaoguang needed Tang Pei’s support.

Tang Pei was in charge of the 100,000-strong Eastern Expedition Army. As long as the two families could become in-laws, with the power in Lu Yaoguang’s hands and the deterrence of the Eastern Expedition Army, Lu Yaoguang would be able to hold his own in Liaodong County in the future and would no longer have to listen to those local powerhouses.

Therefore, no matter how much Madam Shu disliked Tang Guixi, she had to let her son marry her.

Madam Shu took the initiative to hold Tang Guixi’s hand and said gently.

“Why is there gauze wrapped around your head? Are you injured? Do you want a doctor to take a look at you?”

Tang Guixi said that she was fine. It was just a superficial wound and had been treated.

Lu Yaoguang said to Madam Shu, “Get someone to prepare more good wine and dishes. I want to treat all the distinguished guests well today.”

Madam Shu agreed.

She wanted to take the opportunity to nurture Tang Guixi’s ability to do housework, so she said to her.

“Guixi, do you want to walk around the kitchen with me?”

Tang Guixi nodded. “Okay.”

Yu Niaoniao hurriedly raised her hand. “I want to go too.”

Her favorite place was the kitchen. She wondered what delicious food there was in the county governor’s residence’s kitchen.

Since the County Princess had spoken, Madam Shu naturally did not dare to disagree and hurriedly said.

“Then let’s go together.”

The three of them were about to leave when Lu Yaoguang suddenly stopped Madam Shu and asked.

“Where’s Yun Zhong? I just heard from the concierge that he’s back. Why don’t I see him?”

Lu Yaoguang had a legitimate son and two from his concubine. Usually, he treated his three sons equally, but on such an important occasion, the first thing he thought of was still the legitimate son.

Madam Shu naturally thought of this and could not help but feel a little happy.

She smiled and said, “Yun Zhong hasn’t been feeling well for the past two days. I asked him to rest well in the house. I’ve already sent someone to inform him just now. I think he should be here soon.”

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, the servant walked in and reported.

“Master, Madam, Eldest Young Master is here.”

Lu Yaoguang smiled and said, “Let him in quickly.”

After not seeing him for many years, he missed his eldest son very much. He wondered how this child had grown up.

When Lu Yao walked in, everyone in the room focused on him.

Lu Yao bowed respectfully to Lu Yaoguang.

“Greetings, Father.”

Lu Yaoguang realized that his son had grown much taller than him, but he was too thin. His heart couldn’t help but ache.

“Yunchong, haven’t you been eating well recently? Why have you lost so much weight?”

Lu Yao straightened his upper body and was about to answer when his gaze froze when he saw Tang Guixi.

His eyes widened slowly as he asked in disbelief.

“Dang Gui, why are you here?”