HHYL Fanfic chapter 7
Anhui Province was one of Datong's flourishing Provinces. Located across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, Anhui served as Datong's borderline of the Eastern Region. For the sake of Conquering the East Expedition, Mu Yue set his stronghold in Anhui, as the transit area for the troops before crossing the border into the enemy territory.
Though it was part of Datong, nonetheless, given its strategic position, there were many threats from the surrounding countries. Mu Yue was obviously displeased to have Jing in this dangerous place. If word ever went out, about Datong's Emperor being in this kind of place, surely other kingdoms would dispatch their most skilled assassins. But Jing was not the kind of Emperor that would obediently listen to his subjects' advice. Once his mind was set, even a typhoon could never sway him.
A month prior, Jing and Ding Peng arrived at Anhui to join Mu Yue's troops who claimed that they had gotten a clue about Lu Cang's possible hideout. A teahouse owner by the roadside claimed that Lu Cang had stopped at his place last summer. He could remember him because Lu Cang left a very deep impression on him. His description matched with Lu Cang's profile perfectly. --- An outstanding handsome face, tall with a perfectly proportioned figure. Calm and courteous with a hint of arrogance between the brows. But what stood out the most was the Emperor's golden emblem hanging on his waist.
According to this old man, Lu Cang and Xiao Sang were heading south. Southern of Anhui was the Yangtze River, which meant, Lu Cang was heading to the outmost borderline. Jing could only think of one country, Xiang. Summoning Captain Wang who was currently on duty in Xiang's Country, Jing questioned him about Lu Cang's visitation to Xiang's Country. Unfortunately, Captain Wang couldn't give them any good news. Lu Cang had never reached Xiang's Country. The borderline soldiers also confirmed it. They saw no one crossing the borderline for this past year.
Once again, the thin thread of hope seemingly was about to vanish.
Standing regally with his all majestic-personage, Jing gazed at the faraway mountain, drowned in his own thoughts. All the while, his white as snow robes fluttered in the autumn breeze. Playing in the wind with a kind of careless grace.
While his face might be the reflection of a clear and calm blue sky, his heart was in turmoil. Each passing day served as a stimulant for his distress, growing more of his impatience and anxiety. He had been diligently pressing down his restless heartbeat as it pounded against his chest with painful anticipation. Waiting and waiting. For the day he could be with the one he had chosen to be with.
He still couldn't believe that Lu Cang would leave him over such a trivial thing. They had been through so much more trials before reaching to this point. He still couldn't accept that Lu Cang would walk out of his life after all of the barriers that had been passed. It must have been something more. Something that had been weighing on Jing's mind all this while. The actual reason he wanted Lu Cang to move into his Royal Quarter was solely to keep him close, to avoid this kind of situation.
From the corner of his eyes, he could see Ding Peng approaching. He couldn't help but twitch and mentally prepare for whatever news Ding Peng might bring forth.
"Your Majesty, we have caught him." Bowing, Ding Peng delivered his report.
"Bring him here!" Without looking back, Jing rigidly voiced out his order.
Two days ago, another light of hope was shining. In the city of Anhui, a gang of scoundrels had flaunted the Emperor's Emblem. Taking whatever they wanted by using the Emperor's name. Of course, the officials of Anhui, knowing that there were higher figures coming from the Capital, hurriedly reported to Mu Yue. Allowing Mu Yue to act fast to capture those scoundrels in no time.
