nagpurpolice Chapter 92 Freshmen
Chapter 92 Freshmen
The cold moon shines silently, and there is no sound between the ridges.
The heavy footsteps approached from afar, and a dark mass of people surged forward, carrying torches as they hurried along the ridges of the fields.
At the very end of the border lies a village.
"Faster! Speed up your pace!"
The wind carrying dust and smoke whipped up the falling grass blades along the roadside, while a thin mist swirled around, creating ripples in the air.
Before long, the long procession disappeared into the mist. Only the countless leaves drifted into the depths of the forest.
Two gleaming horses emerged slowly from the ground. Fang Hongxuan examined the leaves, then turned his gaze to the distant, indistinct village.
"Benefactor Fang, shall we rest here tonight?"
The novice monk stroked the groaning belly of the wheel, his heart filled with sorrow, yet his face remained impassive.
The two had been walking for three days. After leaving Shiliang Village, the surrounding fifty miles were all deserted mountains.
If Fang Hongxuan hadn't been highly skilled in martial arts and possessed a sharp weapon, the wild beasts they encountered along the way would likely have caused them considerable trouble.
In contrast to Dao Yuan's empty stomach, Fang Hongxuan was full and even tasted some yellow wine with impurities.
If you ask why, it's simply because there are very few wild fruits in the mountains that can fill one's stomach, and Daoyuan refuses to eat any meat other than the "three pure meats" (meat from animals that are not killed for their own sake), which is why he has endured this long.
"Since so many people haven't rested, let's go and see them, and while we're at it, we'll get you a bowl of vegetarian food and find you a place to rest for the time being."
Seeing the novice monk's cheerful expression, Fang Hongxuan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. After several inquiries, the monk knew nothing, only that he needed to go to Daruo Temple to find Zongdu.
Suddenly
Mist swirled among the ridges of the fields, and from its depths emanated faint Buddhist chants and the indescribable scent of sandalwood.
First, a boy and a girl wearing bibs and carrying bamboo baskets jumped out excitedly.
In the bamboo basket held aloft by the boy, one could vaguely see red carp leaping about, while in the girl's basket were lotus blossoms and lotus pods.
Following behind the doll was a group of nuns dressed in cassocks, with delicate features and well-proportioned figures. As they chanted Buddhist scriptures, they also played musical instruments such as singing bowls, wooden fish, gongs, and ningxia.
Then, eight large, burly men laboriously carried the palanquin out. On the palanquin was a lotus platform completely covered in gold leaf.
Lotus Platform
A woman dressed in a plain silk robe, with her hair tied in a coiled dragon bun, holding a clean bottle in one hand and a willow branch in the other, emerged from the thin mist.
Behind him followed several monks carrying ceremonial staffs, holding up plaques with expressions of piety and fervor.
The long procession reappeared on the ridge of the field, and Fang Hongxuan stared intently at the woman on the lotus platform.
Unexpectedly, the woman suddenly turned her face and met Fang Hongxuan's gaze. A slight smile appeared on her compassionate and pitying face.
Even with his strong willpower, Fang Hongxuan couldn't help but rein in his horse and take a step back.
When Fang Hongxuan looked back again, he found that there was no longer any honor guard in front of him, and even the thin mist was about to dissipate.
...
"Did you see the spectacle just now?"
"Amitabha Buddha, this humble monk has not seen any movement, but I know that it will be dawn in about half an hour."
Fang Hongxuan remained silent, only urging his horse forward. Seeing this, Daoyuan quickly followed. Before long, the two men and two horses crossed the muddy field ridge and headed towards the village.
...
"We gave birth...we have a son and a daughter!"
Exciting sounds came from the old, fenced courtyard. A midwife wrapped the baby in swaddling clothes, then knocked on the door and handed the baby to the anxious man waiting outside.
On the bed
The woman, her face showing both weakness and relief, had tears in her eyes, as if she had accomplished something long ago, or perhaps she was worried about something else.
The quiet village was awakened by the dull footsteps, and every household hurriedly lit oil lamps and looked out through the cracks in the windows.
Almost murmured conversations echoed in each house and courtyard, yet no one dared to step outside. If bandits were to raid the village, it would be too late to realize what was happening; if they encountered a family seeking revenge, the houses would be the best refuge.
"What happened... why are these people all heading towards Lu Yong's house?"
"But I've never heard of Lu Yong committing any crimes. He works hard every day just so that his adopted wife can have a better life..."
"Indeed, if Lu Yong hadn't already found a home, I imagine there would be several families in the village who would want to marry their daughters to him."
In Shili Village, men who are hardworking, diligent in farming, and loving towards their wives are highly sought-after.
"According to that midwife, today is the joyous day of the addition of a new member to their family. I wonder which mountain king he has offended this time."
"Shh..."
Shadows thronged the window frame, and torches flashed by. Suddenly, a blurry face pressed against the flickering light.
Those dark, beaded eyes stared intently at the couple conversing on the bed inside the room, which terrified the already miserable couple.
They cried out in alarm, then huddled together helplessly on the edge of the bed. The piercing screams, however, woke the infant beside them.
The crying and screaming mixed together were simply annoying.
"This is none of your business, so shut up! If you keep making a sound, we'll break down the door and drag you out!"
A deep voice crept into the house through the crack, and the two people who heard it immediately fell silent. The woman even hurriedly got off the bed and coaxed the baby to calm down.
...
Wow...wow...
Loud cries echoed in front of Lu Yong's courtyard, as Lu Yong was happily gazing at his two children. The heavy footsteps outside the door, however, made him instinctively look up towards the fenced yard.
Upon seeing the infant, the panicked crowd seemed to shed a burden, and the oppressive atmosphere immediately eased.
A middle-aged man with graying temples stepped out from the crowd. He was dressed in brocade, wearing a brocade hat, and a jade thumb ring on his hand.
Despite his bulky figure, he was extremely nimble in his hands and feet.
"Where is Madam Li! Summon her to see me!"
"And who are you? What is your purpose in sending men to surround my house?"
After handing the baby back to the midwife, Lu Yong pushed and shoved her back into the house.
He grabbed the farm tools from the wall, gripped them tightly with both hands, and stared intently at the middle-aged man who hadn't stepped over the fence.
Every time he took a step, Lu Yong would strike him on the head with a hoe.
"You had an affair with my daughter, and even your father-in-law didn't know!"
The middle-aged man's voice was booming, and his face betrayed his anger.
That single sentence completely stunned Lu Yong. The worry in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by lingering doubt.
"What...what on earth is going on?!"
Despite his many doubts, Lu Yong did not voice them.
"It's not that I don't trust you, father-in-law, but this matter is of great importance. Let me go back to the house and confirm with my wife. If it really is you, father-in-law, I will definitely welcome you with open arms."
To everyone's surprise, the middle-aged man smiled sneer and didn't respond. He just stared coldly at the windowsill, as if trying to see right through it.
"If you've had enough of this, come back with me!"