Lu Bing listened to Sun Busan and Sun Busi’s incoherent chatter, his face expressionless, merely letting out a cold snort.
Beside them, Sun Bu’er seemed to realize that the man standing nearby was the very officer from the Jinyiwei that Sun Busan had mentioned. He cautiously stepped back, glancing at Lu Bing before turning to Sun Busan and asking, “Busan, is this ‘Lord Lu’ you spoke of really an official from the Jinyiwei?”
Sun Busan nodded repeatedly, his bald head gleaming with each shake. “Precisely, precisely! This is indeed Lu Bing, the esteemed commander of the Jinyiwei. My younger brother and I have long served under him.” He added, glancing at Lu Bing, “Lord Lu has always been very considerate of us. We learned about Liu Xing’s whereabouts this time because…”
“I am Lu Bing,” the commander stated coldly, his face like stone, “and while I wouldn’t say I’ve been particularly considerate, I have certainly not mistreated either of you. However, I wonder what you two call it to use confidential Jinyiwei intelligence as a favor and leak it to outsiders?”
Sun Busan and Sun Busi stammered, unable to reply.
From the earlier conversation between Sun Bu’er, Busan, and Busi, both Lu Bing and Mei Qing had figured out the situation. These two had originally been with Sun Bu’er. Presumably, Sun Bu’er had fallen in love with Liu Xing, but Liu had returned to Anlu and disappeared. To please their elder sister, the two had joined the Jinyiwei to gather information. However, back then, Liu Xing was still known as Liu Shuxing and was not well known, so the Jinyiwei had not paid him much attention, leaving Sun Busan and Sun Busi with little to work with.
It was only this time, by sheer coincidence, that they learned of Liu Xing’s whereabouts and uncovered some of his past. Lu Bing had hurried to Anlu and dispatched his men accordingly. This time, Busan and Busi had learned of the information and quickly relayed it to Sun Bu’er.
The Jinyiwei was known for its strict secrecy, and now, in front of Mei Qing, a case of internal betrayal had been exposed. Naturally, Lu Bing felt humiliated, and his gaze toward Busan and Busi was far from kind.
Seeing this, Sun Bu’er stepped forward, blocking Lu Bing’s view, and said, “It turns out to be Lord Lu. My two wayward brothers have been under your command for years, and I must thank you for your kindness toward them. However, they did not join the imperial court for fame or fortune. Although they may be a bit dull-witted, they are generally decent men, as you surely know. If they have indeed violated the Jinyiwei’s rules, it was only for my sake. If you have anything to say, feel free to address me directly.”
Lu Bing stared coldly at Sun Bu’er, who met his gaze without flinching. Lu Bing snorted and said, “This matter has nothing to do with the cultivation world. Since your brothers joined the Jinyiwei, they should abide by the court’s rules. If they wish to leave, I will not stop them. But to remain in the ranks while engaging in inappropriate conduct—how do you intend to explain that, Master Sun?”
Sun Bu’er paused for a moment before asking, “And according to the court’s rules, how should this be addressed?”
Lu Bing’s eyes flashed coldly. “The Jinyiwei has never tolerated those who leak secrets.”
Sun Bu’er hesitated, understanding Lu Bing’s meaning—that without a proper explanation, this matter would not be resolved easily. Seeing Sun Bu’er stepping forward to defend them, Busan and Busi were both ashamed and anxious. Busan suddenly blurted out, “Lord Lu… it was all our fault, please don’t involve our elder sister. If you wish to kill or punish me, do so.”
“Silence!” Sun Bu’er snapped angrily, her brows furrowed. Busan immediately fell silent, his large eyes darting nervously but making no further sound.
“Father-in-law, Master Sun,” Mei Qing interjected, seeing the tension rise. “Perhaps we should discuss this calmly. After all, we are guests at Master Liu’s residence. Matters of official business can be postponed until we return to the capital. What do you think?”
Mei Qing’s words were clearly an attempt to smooth things over. Now that Sun Bu’er had found Busan and Busi, and their mission to locate Liu Shuxing was complete, there was no reason for them to return to the Jinyiwei. Mei Qing’s suggestion to “return to the capital” was merely a polite excuse—no matter how hard they tried, Busan and Busi would never go back.
Lu Bing, a seasoned official, understood that Sun Bu’er’s insistence on an explanation was merely a matter of pride. Deep down, he knew that forcing the issue now would not only create internal conflict but also risk alienating Liu Xing, whose stance was uncertain. With greater threats looming, it was unwise to escalate the situation. Moreover, Mei Qing was Lu Bing’s beloved son-in-law, and as such, his words carried weight. Thus, Lu Bing merely grunted, turned his sleeve, and said no more.
Sun Bu’er understood that Mei Qing had intervened on behalf of Busan and Busi, and her opinion of him improved. Though she would not openly thank him in front of Lu Bing, her gaze toward Mei Qing softened noticeably.
Seeing that the two had fallen silent, Mei Qing turned to Busan and Busi with a smile. “Master Busan, Master Busi, it’s been a long time.”
Busan and Busi were somewhat awkward, embarrassed that Mei Qing had witnessed their cowering before Sun Bu’er. They exchanged glances before Busi finally murmured, “Ah… young master, long time no see.”
Mei Qing smiled warmly. “I never expected to meet you two here. When I saw your elder sister earlier, I almost didn’t recognize her without knowing her name.”
Busan rolled his eyes. “What, surprised our sister looks younger than us two? If you’re better than me, I’ll call you ‘sister’ too.”
Mei Qing chuckled, then turned to his companions. “Since we’re here, we shouldn’t just stand at the gate chatting. Why don’t we all go in together and visit the host?”
Sun Bu’er was taken aback, then muttered angrily, “Speak of it, he’s definitely hiding in there and won’t come out. ‘Where there are honored guests, the host must welcome them.’ Where is the courtesy in keeping us waiting?”
With that, she called out loudly toward the courtyard. “Master Liu, are you in? A guest has come to visit—please open the door and greet us.”
A moment later, Liu Xing’s voice came from within. “It is my honor to receive such distinguished guests. Unfortunately, I feel unworthy to meet you face to face. Sometimes, not meeting is better than meeting. Perhaps we can meet another day.”
“Liu Shuxing!” The previously calm Sun Bu’er suddenly exploded with fury. “You can hide today, but not forever! If you won’t come out, I won’t leave! I’ve waited for you for over a decade—don’t you believe me? I even cut my hair and became a nun for you—don’t you believe me? I changed my name to ‘Bu’er’ to show my unwavering devotion to you—still, you won’t believe me? If you don’t give me an explanation, I’ll die right at your doorstep!”
“A’Rou,” Liu Xing’s voice was filled with regret. “I’ve told you before, I have no doubt in you. But fate is a matter of destiny, not of human will. We were never meant to be together—why do you insist so strongly?”
“I don’t believe you!” Sun Bu’er snapped through gritted teeth. “If you were truly so heartless, you wouldn’t dare hide from me! Don’t talk to me about fate—you’re just doubting me!”
Mei Qing silently marveled at Sun Bu’er’s determination. She was truly something else—pursuing a man with such passion and persistence. In all of Ming Dynasty, it would be hard to find another like her. He recalled how Busan and Busi had once told him that their sister’s name “Bu’er” meant “unwavering,” but now it was clear that it meant “faithful to only one—Liu Xing.”
Thinking this, Mei Qing turned to Busan and Busi, who looked quite strange. Busan was clenching his teeth, glaring at the gate with fury at Liu Xing’s coldness. Busi, however, was gazing at Sun Bu’er with tenderness and affection.
Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Lu Bing feared this would delay their important mission and quickly spoke out. “Master Liu, I am Lu Bing, here with Mei Qing. We have urgent matters to discuss. Please open the door and receive us, lest we miss a greater danger.”
“I understand the matter Lord Lu wishes to discuss,” Liu Xing replied solemnly. “But this danger concerns only me, and I dare not involve my friends. If I have offended you, please allow me to apologize later.”
Mei Qing shook his head. This Master Liu was indeed stubborn. Did he really think that by avoiding Sun Bu’er, the problem would resolve itself? And would the villain Duan Chaoyong only come after him? Back then, Mei Qing’s mother had once said…
Hearing this, Sun Bu’er’s eyes softened, her tone gradually gentler. “It’s been so long, and you’re still as stubborn as ever. Don’t worry, Shuxing. No matter what evil comes after you, I’ll stand by your side.”
As the situation grew increasingly chaotic, Mei Qing decided to stop speaking further. Instead, he extended his hands from within his sleeves, revealing two small talismans. With a flick of his fingers, the talismans flew into the air. Mei Qing began chanting, “Heaven one, Earth two, Ji!” The talismans ignited without any wind, and as a breeze passed by, the misty estate before them trembled and suddenly became clear.
Sun Bu’er was startled. Although she had noticed the young man standing beside Lu Bing with an air of nobility, she had not expected Mei Qing’s cultivation skills to be so formidable that he could easily dispel the formation that had long eluded her.
What Sun Bu’er did not know was that inside the estate, Liu Xing was even more astonished. He had expected Mei Qing to be extraordinary when he learned of his cultivation, but even so, he was still amazed. With a sigh, he murmured, “Ah, Mei Qing, why must you insist on this?”
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